Packaging Printing Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Printing Ink (Aqueous, and UV-Based), By Printing Technology (Flexography, Gravure, Digital Printing, and Screen Printing), By Packaging Type (Plastic, Glass, Metal, Labels & Tags, and Flexible), By Application (Food & Beverages, Homecare & Cosmetics, and Pharmaceuticals), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Packaging Printing market size was valued at US$ 425.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 752.5 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2025-2031. Moreover, in the USA, the packaging printing market size was valued at US$ 128.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 216.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025-2031. The market is driven by advancements across various segments, including printing inks, printing technologies, packaging types, and applications. Aqueous and UV-based inks are at the forefront, providing durable and environmentally friendly solutions that cater to diverse industries. Printing technologies such as flexography, gravure, digital printing, and screen printing are revolutionizing the market with their ability to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and customizable packaging solutions.

Moreover, the arrival of smart packaging options comprising AI, augmented reality, scannable QR codes, RFID chips and so on along with the growing adoption of digital printing are some of the major factors driving the printed packaging market. Plateless digital printing allows multi-product, low-volume printing feasible and cheaper in a limited printing period due to which the demand for digital printing is rising. In addition, a restricted printing time allows various printing patterns, depending on individual needs, seasons, or creativeness which provides a massive opportunity to the market. However, high initial capital expenditure is projected to obstruct the growth of the market due to the rubber plate fixation in printing plates and their inapplicability for heavy goods.

By packaging type, the market encompasses plastic, glass, metal, labels & tags, and flexible packaging. Each type caters to specific industries, with flexible packaging gaining popularity for its lightweight and sustainable properties, while metal and glass remain crucial for applications requiring durability and preservation. The food and beverage sector dominates market demand, fueled by the need for visually appealing and informative packaging. Homecare and cosmetics industries leverage innovative printing for branding and consumer engagement, while pharmaceuticals rely on high-precision printing to ensure compliance and safety. The integration of digital and smart printing technologies, such as scannable QR codes and RFID tags, continues to drive growth. Sustainability initiatives across segments further reinforce the expansion of packaging printing globally.

Key Takeaways

• The global packaging industry consumed approximately 266 million tons of materials in 2024. Paperboard led with 33% of the share, followed by flexible plastics and rigid plastics.
• Flexography is the dominant printing technology, favored for its versatility and efficiency in high-volume production. It works well across materials like paperboard, plastics, and metal foils, especially in food & beverage and pharmaceutical packaging.
• Food & Beverages accounts for about 50% of total material consumption, with a focus on flexible plastics and paperboard. while the Homecare & Cosmetics represents around 25%, using premium materials like glass, metal, and quality plastics. The pharmaceuticals cover 15-20%, relying on rigid plastics and paperboard for safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Developments

• In August 2023, Mondi and Amcor made a joint venture to innovate a new global leader in sustainable packaging. The advanced company will have a shared revenue of over 15 billion and will be the world's largest producer of paper and film packaging
• In July 2023, Tetra Pak initiated a new paperboard-based packaging solution for liquid foods. These latest packaging is made from 100% renewable materials and is biodegradable.
• In June 2023, ePac Flexible Packaging, a leading US-based digital printing company was acquired by Huhtamaki. The acquisition will enable Huhtamaki to expand its digital printing capabilities and offer its customers a broader range of packaging solutions.
• In May 2023, CCL Industries made a new investment of CAD 30 million in a new digital printing facility in Canada. The new facility will be active from 2024 and will yield sustainable packaging for the food and beverage industry.

Packaging Printing Market Segmentation

Based on the printing ink

• Aqueous
• UV-Based

The aqueous ink segment in the Packaging Printing market is gaining traction due to its low environmental impact and suitability for food and beverage packaging. Known for being water-based, it minimizes volatile organic compound emissions. Offering vibrant prints and safe application, aqueous inks are ideal for sustainable and high-quality packaging solutions.

Based on the printing technology

• Flexography
• Gravure
• Digital Printing
• Screen Printing

The digital printing segment in the Packaging Printing market is revolutionizing packaging solutions with its ability to handle short-run and on-demand production. It supports vibrant, high-quality prints and personalization, making it a preferred choice for industries like food, beverages, and e-commerce. Digital printing is increasingly adopted for its eco-friendly practices, such as reduced waste and energy consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.

Based on the packaging type

• Plastic
• Glass
• Metal
• Labels & Tags
• Flexible

The flexible packaging segment in the Packaging Printing market is gaining prominence due to its lightweight, cost-effective, and versatile nature. Widely used in food, beverages, and personal care industries, it offers excellent barrier properties and design flexibility. Its adaptability to various printing technologies makes it a preferred choice for innovative packaging solutions.

Based on the application

• Food & Beverages
• Homecare & Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals

The food & beverages segment in the Packaging Printing market dominates due to rising demand for visually appealing and sustainable packaging. It emphasizes vibrant graphics and clear labelling for branding and compliance. Widely used for processed foods, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals, it ensures freshness, consumer engagement, and regulatory adherence.