The printing industry has come a long way since the invention of the printing machine in the 15th century. One example is the advent of digital printing, which involves printing a digital image or other file directly onto a media substrate without the need for a traditional printing plate. Instead, digital printing is driven by computer software that issues commands to the printer to imprint the image onto the substrate.

Inkjet printing, laser printing, solid ink printing, and dry sublimation printing emerged. The main reason for the increasing adoption of these advanced printing mechanism is the ability to reduce waste and increase productivity in the long run. Due to these advantages, digital printing is used in various fields such as textile manufacturing, consumer goods, food and beverage packaging, etc. Moreover, the increasing applicability of this technology in the electronics manufacturing industry has created countless opportunities in the sector.

The convergence of automation and sustainability has accelerated the growth rate of the industry
Over the past few decades, there has been a growing awareness about environmental sustainability and eco-friendly products. As a result, companies are now gradually turning to the use of eco-friendly water-based digital pigment/dye inks. Along with this, consumers are opting for products printed by water-based and LED-cured inks. These solutions are free of volatile organic compounds and other hazardous chemicals that are harmful to health and the environment in general.

Apart from this, the convergence of automation in digital printing technology has also created new investment opportunities for the industry. The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning has enabled companies to improve their operational workflows and monitor the printing process in real-time. The use of these technologies has helped companies automate repetitive tasks, thereby freeing up the workforce for more creative and productive tasks. Moreover, automation technology also minimizes human errors and improves the overall accuracy and precision of the printing process.

In addition, the adoption of nanotechnology to improve the quality of printed products is one of the latest trends in the industry. Nanomaterials are used to create inkjet inks with better color saturation, durability, and visual appeal. Similarly, nano-conductive inks developed from silver and copper are widely used in the production process of displays, semiconductor substrates, batteries, etc. in the consumer electronics industry.

Sustainable, high-quality digital inks create new investment opportunities

Recently, Allied Market Research released a report on the digital printing market, highlighting that the industry is expected to generate revenues of $35.71 billion by 2028. The expansion of the landscape has been facilitated by innovative products launched by major players in the industry.

In May 2024, Mimaki Engineering Co. Ltd., a leading inkjet and 3D printer manufacturer, announced the launch of its eco-friendly paper-based ink cartridges. Initially released in Japan, these cartridges are now available in the global market. Arjen Evertse, General Manager of the Sales Division, commented that the product launch is in line with the company’s commitment to develop sustainable printing solutions. The shift from plastic to paper has helped the company reduce plastic consumption by about 68%.

Similarly, in May 2024, major chemical company DuPont launched sustainable inks for Artistri® PN1000 series for commercial printing and P1600 series for packaging printing. The launch of this product is expected to expand the company’s footprint across the globe in the coming period.

In summary, the digital printing industry is expected to witness tremendous growth owing to the increasing integration of automation and nanotechnology. The transition towards sustainable development and the launch of innovative products by multinational companies are expected to open new avenues for the growth of the industry.