New Primir research explores wide-format inkjet printing market

As the wide-format inkjet printing market continues to evolve, new growth opportunities emerge for both print service providers (PSPs) and manufacturers. This extensive Primir study examines trends and opportunities within the North American wide format inkjet printing market, valued at over USD 20.3 billion in 2014 and projected to grow to USD 24.4 billion in 2018.

The study found that growth in wide-format inkjet printing is contingent on two major factors: the conversion of traditionally analog printed display graphics into digitally printed display graphics (typically inkjet), and the development of new applications enabled by innovative ink and media that can be digitally printed.

According to the report, the top three applications that buyers reported purchasing are banners, posters, and signs. By comparison, wide format PSPs indicated that their top five most commonly produced products are banners, signs, posters, photography, and presentation graphics. However, mainstream applications, such as posters, billboards, banners, and signs are becoming commoditised with the continued growth of wide format display graphics businesses and increased competition. As a result, PSPs are looking for new, more profitable applications, and innovations that drive down the cost of production. Newer technologies, such as Latex, UV-curable, and dye-sublimation inkjet, all are growing, as wide format PSPs seek new markets and the ability to produce at faster speeds.

Versioning and micro marketing is one of the bigger trends in the market place—there is an increasing number of display graphics, but fewer of them contain the exact same message. This plays directly into the strengths of digital wide format inkjet printing.

In addition, according to the Primir study findings, more than 40% of print buyers have used a QR code or some other interactive media element in their printed display graphics. And a large majority of those buyers reportedly plan to continue using these types of interactive elements.

The wide format inkjet printing market remains a growth business, but it is challenged by pricing pressures, buyers' quality and speed demands, and the emergence of competitive digital displays and mobile advertising. To successfully compete, all of the market players must follow the digital display market and be willing to adapt by developing new partnerships, opening new markets, and developing new higher profit applications.

This 175-page research study, "Wide Format Inkjet Printing Trends & Opportunities," was recently distributed to all Primir members, along with an informative study overview video. The video can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9oJaA1YlDs.

Primir is a global source of data, analysis and trend information about print and related communications industries. Primir research is funded by member dues as well as through support from NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies. Primir annually provides over USD 400,000 in current research studies including relevant market data and detailed information on graphic communications and related fields.