Smithers Market Intelligence, a multinational provider of testing, consulting, information, and compliance services, with laboratories and operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, has released another expert industry report, this time on The Future of Printer Demographics to 2031.
Produced by subject matter expert, Jon Harper Smith, the report highlights that falling demand across print segments has led to the steady closure of many printing facilities over the last decade and this is a trend that is likely to continue over the next five years.
Whilst the report cites that the printing industry is under pressure, with reduced demand for physical print and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty shrinking the number of establishments and employees across the sector, it does serve to cut through the complexity, offering useful market intelligence, whether you’re a press manufacturer, supplier, printer, or investor.
Drawing on comprehensive data analysis and expert insight, the insight report quantifies production printer volumes by type and geography, maps the competitive landscape, and models how printing technologies and business models are likely to evolve through 2031.
• 3.4 million staff employed in 2024, a reduction of 12.7% from 3.9 million in 2019
• 353,707 facilities operating in 2024; down 7.9% from 384,102 in 2019
• Falling demand across print segments has led to the closure of many printing facilities
The printing industry is under pressure. Reduced demand for physical print and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty have shrunk the number of establishments and employees across the sector; and the pace of change shows no sign of slowing.
This report cuts through the complexity. Drawing on comprehensive data analysis and expert insight, it quantifies production printer volumes by type and geography, maps the competitive landscape, and models how printing technologies and business models are likely to evolve through 2031.
Whether you’re a press manufacturer, supplier, printer, or investor, this is the intelligence you need to plan with confidence: granular segmentation, regional breakdowns, and clear strategic scenarios in one authoritative source.
Key questions answered within the new report
• What are the main trends and impacts negatively impacting establishment and employee numbers?
• How is the printing industry leveraging AI and automation to address the skilled labour shortage?
• What shifts and pressures will the print industry face in the years ahead?
• Which regions are most affected by the changes within the print industry?
Know the expert behind the report
Jon Harper Smith is a leading authority on the global printing industry with over 40 years’ experience spanning ink chemistry, business strategy, and market analysis. As a subject matter expert for Smithers, he contributes to research reports, consultancy projects, and industry events, with a particular focus on graphics, publication, packaging, and industrial & functional print markets. Before joining Smithers, Jon held senior leadership roles at Fujifilm, most recently as Head of Strategy, where he played a central role in developing its inkjet ink and systems business. Log on to: www.smithers.com to find out more about the new report format or request for a demo.
