The print industry, which has seen steady decline in traditional segments such as newspapers, magazines and brochures, is now finding renewed purpose in packaging.
Experts say this shift—fueled by e‑commerce and brand-driven demand—is transforming the sector.
Packaging printing growth outpaces legacy print
Commercial print output is shrinking at around 5% globally each year, according to Kamal Mohan Chopra, chairman of the World Print Communication Forum.
At the same time, packaging printing is expanding by 9–11%, with India’s growth reaching approximately 15% annually.
The rise of online shopping and increasing emphasis on brand presentation have turned packaging into a major growth area, effectively rescuing many print operations.
Advanced technology reshapes printing workflows
The industry is undergoing a technological overhaul. Letterpress and offset printing have given way to digital and nanographic systems, which offer faster, more cost-effective production, especially for multicoloured corrugated boxes.
At a recent trade event in China, firms demonstrated multicolour corrugated box printing—a significant advancement from single-colour processes.
Artificial intelligence is also making headway, enabling optimisation of print production and automating design tasks, helping firms raise output and accuracy.
Challenges for small print businesses
Despite the positive trend, not all firms are benefitting. Smaller print houses face growing pressure. Equipment costs and raw‑material quality standards have risen, pushing many to upgrade or exit.
Aneel Singh, owner of a local print firm, notes that advanced machines and premium materials are now essential, making it difficult for traditional operations to remain competitive.
As regulations tighten—especially in pharmaceuticals and food packaging—and e‑commerce continues its expansion, the link between packaging printing and packaging growth is set to strengthen.
The print sector is not disappearing; instead, it’s evolving. Packaging is now its lifeline and future.
