Screen and digital inkjet printing continue to dominate the industrial print landscape, with
new research from Smithers projecting a combined market value of $81.7 billion in 2025.
Together, these technologies will represent 58.8% of global print value and more than 75%
of total print volume, underscoring their central role in industrial and functional applications.
According to Smithers’ report, The Future of Screen vs Digital Printing to 2030, screen
printing is experiencing a decline in traditional applications such as graphics, packaging, and
labels. However, it remains a powerful technology in areas where precise fluid deposition is
essential, particularly textiles, printed electronics, automotive components, and promotional
items. These segments are helping sustain screen printing’s growth, with market value
expected to rise from $63.8 billion in 2025 to $79.3 billion in 2030, at a 4.4% CAGR.
Screen printing’s technical maturity and versatility continue to make it indispensable in
industrial production. Its ability to handle high-viscosity and specialty fluids will support
further growth at a strong 5.5% CAGR. The process will also retain a niche role in packaging
for opaque coatings and premium embellishments. Innovations such as digital screen
exposure are improving productivity and reducing dependence on skilled labour, while R&D
focuses on expanding compatibility with advanced materials.
Digital printing, especially inkjet, remains on an accelerated upward trajectory. Valued at
$194.3 billion in 2025, the digital print market is forecast to reach $244.6 billion by 2030,
growing at a 4.7% CAGR. OEMs across the print industry are investing heavily in inkjet to
boost automation, reduce operating costs, and enhance throughput. Inkjet technology is
already widely used for ceramics and is becoming an attractive alternative to screen in
direct-to-garment printing. Its ability to jet diverse functional fluids is also driving adoption in
fast-growing sectors such as EV battery components, biomedical applications, and
advanced automotive manufacturing.
Packaging, labels, and graphics remain major markets for digital print, collectively valued at
$166.9 billion in 2025. With a projected 4.2% CAGR, these segments are set to reach
$204.8 billion by 2030, led by strong growth in packaging and labels.
Screen and inkjet technologies, each with unique strengths, are jointly shaping the next era
of industrial printing.
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