Digital Printing for Tableware Market Size & Share and Trends

Updated on : Oct 22, 2024

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Size & Share

The global digital printing for tableware market size is projected to reach USD 452 million by 2029 from USD 326 million in 2024; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2029.

The Digital Printing for Tableware market is being propelled by several key factors, including increased demand for sustainable printing, growing demand from the foodservice industry, rapid technological advancement in digital printers, and rapid prototyping and testing of new designs.

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Forecast to 2028

To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Trends

Driver: Rapid technological advancements in digital printers

Rapid advancements in digital printing technology are making it more efficient and cost-effective and offer higher quality printing options for tableware. This is driving the growth of the digital printing for tableware market. Specifically, new printer technologies can print on a wider range of substrates, including ceramics and glass.

This allows for more diversified tableware products. New inkjet inks are more durable and resistant to fading, making digital prints last longer on tableware. New printing software makes it easier to design and print complex tableware designs, enabling businesses to create more customized and personalized products for their customers.

As these advancements continue, digital printing becomes a more attractive option for tableware manufacturers. It offers advantages over traditional printing methods, such as screen printing and decaling, including efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and higher-quality prints. As a result, the digital printing for tableware industry is expected to continue to grow. Businesses that adopt new digital printing technologies will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growth. Overall, rapid technological advancements in digital printing are making it more attractive for tableware manufacturers, leading to growth in the digital printing for tableware market.

Restraint: High initial investment costs

The initial investment cost of digital printers is quite high. Moreover, installation and maintenance also incur higher costs. One of the main factors responsible for this high cost is the complexity of the design of digital printers. The requirement of an inkjet varies according to applications. Moreover, the cost of ink used in the inkjet technology is very high. Thus, all these factors lead to the increased overall investment cost of digital printers. Digital printing equipment can be expensive, costing tens of thousands of dollars or more.

This can be a significant investment for small businesses and startups, which may not have the capital to purchase their own equipment. The high upfront cost of digital printing equipment can also make it difficult for businesses to scale their operations. If a business wants to increase its production capacity, it will need to invest in additional equipment. This can be a challenge for businesses that are operating on a tight budget. The high initial cost of digital printing equipment can also make it difficult for businesses to experiment with new designs and technologies. Businesses may be hesitant to invest in new equipment if they are not sure if it will be profitable. As a result of the high initial cost of digital printing equipment, the digital printing for tableware market is dominated by large businesses with deep pockets. This can make it difficult for small businesses and startups to compete.

Opportunity: Increasing demand from the in-plant market

An in-plant refers to an internal document reproduction unit that caters to the requirements of its parent entity, whether it be a corporation, government agency, university, or another sector. The in-plant printing sector offers a diverse range of printing and associated services. While its primary role is to meet the needs of the parent organization, over 50% of in-plants also take on external print projects to generate funds for acquiring equipment.

Due to intense competition within the printing industry and the rising demands from their parent organizations, in-plant printing departments are compelled to broaden their range of services. There is a notable market demand for printing various items, including tableware, from customers within the in-plant industry. As a result, the in-plant market presents substantial opportunities for the expansion of the digital printer market.

Challenge: Compatibility with limited materials

A notable challenge in the digital printing for tableware market is the limited compatibility of materials. The inherent characteristics of digital printing technologies mean that not all tableware materials can effectively serve as substrates for printing. This limitation significantly restricts the range of products that can be manufactured through digital printing methods.

For businesses striving to present a diverse and comprehensive tableware catalog, this constraint becomes a significant hurdle. It necessitates manufacturers to meticulously choose the materials they work with, potentially excluding certain popular or unique tableware materials from their offerings. Consequently, this limitation can impede their ability to cater to a broad customer base with diverse preferences and needs. Thus, it becomes crucial for companies to strike a balance between material choices and design possibilities in this competitive market.

Digital printing for tableware Market Ecosystem

The prominent market players in the Digital printing for tableware market include SACMI (Italy), Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (US), Inkcups Now (US), and Mimaki Engineering Co., ltd. (Japan), Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. (US), PROJECTA ENGINEERING S.R.L. (Italy), Engineered Printing Solutions (US), INX International Ink Co. (US), KERAjet (Spain), Dip-Tech Digital Printing Technologies Ltd. (Israel).

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Ecosystem

In the ink type segment, the UV ink sub-segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

The utilization of UV ink in digital printing for the tableware market is propelled by its distinctive characteristics and advantages that align with the specific requirements of embellishing and personalizing a variety of tableware items, such as ceramics and porcelain. UV ink incorporates photoinitiators that, when subjected to ultraviolet light, trigger a rapid curing or drying process.

This swift curing period is critical for maintaining high-speed production in digital printing for tableware. UV inks demonstrate robust adhesion properties, guaranteeing that the ink adheres firmly to the surface of ceramic and porcelain materials. This adhesion results in durable and long-lasting prints that can endure washing and everyday use.

In application segment, the Ceramic and porcelain segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

Ceramics and porcelain are two of the most popular substrates for digital printing in the tableware market. These materials are known for their durability, scratch resistance, and ability to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use in food service applications.

Additionally, ceramic and porcelain have a smooth, glossy surface that provides excellent printability, allowing for high-quality, detailed designs to be printed. Digital printing for ceramic and porcelain tableware empowers manufacturers to adorn their products with intricate, high-quality designs using cutting-edge printing technology.

This modern printing method has gained substantial traction in the tableware industry due to its ability to deliver customization, detailed graphics, and streamlined production processes. Leveraging inkjet printing technology, digital printing for ceramic and porcelain tableware enables the precise and meticulous transfer of images directly onto the surface of the tableware items. Specially formulated inks, often UV-curable, are employed in the digital printing process. These inks exhibit rapid curing properties when exposed to ultraviolet light, ensuring efficiency throughout the production line.

Asia Pacific region to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The Asia Pacific region harbors significant growth potential within the digital printing for tableware market. This anticipated expansion is fueled by a confluence of factors, including burgeoning industrialization, a rising population with increasing disposable income, and a growing appreciation for customized and aesthetically pleasing tableware. Countries like China, Japan, India, and South Korea are experiencing heightened adoption of digital printing technologies across various industries, including tableware production.

Moreover, the region's robust manufacturing infrastructure and technological advancements position it favorably for further innovation and adoption of digital printing methods. The cultural significance of tableware in Asia Pacific societies, combined with the demand for unique and personalized designs, fuels the market's growth prospects. Additionally, the region's focus on eco-friendly practices aligns well with the sustainable aspects often associated with digital printing technologies. This convergence of factors suggests a promising trajectory for the Asia Pacific digital printing for tableware market, presenting opportunities for manufacturers and stakeholders to capitalize on this burgeoning market segment.

Digital Printing for Tableware Market by Region

To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure

Top Digital Printing for Tableware Companies - Key Market Players

• SACMI (Italy),
• Electronics for Imaging, Inc. (US),
• Inkcups Now (US),
• Mimaki Engineering Co., ltd. (Japan),
• Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. (US),
• PROJECTA ENGINEERING S.R.L. (Italy),
• Engineered Printing Solutions (US),
• INX International Ink Co. (US),
• KERAjet (Spain),
• Dip-Tech Digital Printing Technologies Ltd. (Israel).  are some of the key players in the global digital printing for tableware companies.

These players increasingly undertake product launches and development strategies, expansions, partnerships, contracts, and acquisitions to increase their market share.

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Report Scope

Digital Printing for Tableware Market Highlights

In this report, the digital printing for the tableware market has been segmented into the following categories:

Recent Developments in Digital Printing for Tableware Industry

• In April 2023, Inkcups Now launched the Helix ONE benchtop digital cylinder printer for cylinder printer printing with full CMYKW and varnish onto straight walled and tapered cylindrical objects including plastic bottles, drinkware etc.
• In February 2023, The newly designed Helix 2.0 is similar to the Helix machine but with improved features and upgrades for faster, highly superior printing. It is equipped with ColorBoost and two additional safety features. 
• In February 2022, Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Japan), which specializes in industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, announced the worldwide launch of large format inkjet printers 330 Series. The TS-330-1600 printers are used in digital printing for tableware products such as mugs.
• In September 2021, Apulum S. A.- a European tableware manufacturer purchased an isostatic press from SACMI. The product is expected to be used in the manufacturing of different types of dishes - both flatware and holloware.
• In September 2021, Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Japan), which specializes in industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, announced the worldwide launch of a new printer- UJF-7151 plus II. The printer is expected to be used in the digital printing of tableware products such as bottles and thermos.
• In February 2021, Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd. (Japan), which specializes in industrial inkjet printers, cutting plotters and 3D printers, announced the worldwide launch of a new printer- TS100-1600. The printer is expected to be used in the digital printing of tableware products such as mugs and glass coasters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst