Inkjet set for strong growth in Europe to 2022

Inkjet press installations will grow at a higher year-over-year rate than toner-based systems, according to figures from industry association Finat.

In the study, conducted by LPC on behalf of Finat, converters were asked to define the challenges they are experiencing with their current digital presses

In its Digital Label Market Study 2017, Finat reported that, of the 2,000 digital label presses currently installed in Europe, 76 percent are toner-based systems and 24 percent are inkjet/hybrid machines. However, the growth curve to 2022 shows inkjet press installation growth expanding at a higher year-over-year rate than toner-based press systems.

In the study, conducted by LPC on behalf of Finat, converters were asked to define the challenges they are experiencing with their current digital presses. Cost of ownership was ranked first, followed by press downtime due to service issues, then the challenge of finding enough business to fill available digital capacity. In addition, printing high opacity whites was noted by those running toner-based presses, and finishing requirements and color matching were noted by inkjet press owners.

The study also found end users are not specifying toner or inkjet, or, indeed, digital label print, although some do request combination-printed labels. However, end users are now increasingly insisting that their label converters take advantage of the opportunities presented by digital print technology.

As a percentage of the European printed label market in 2016, the study showed digital represented 9.7 percent of market value – a percentage higher than the overall global figure. While this is a small percentage of the European printed label industry’s total value – in excess of 16 billion EUR – Finat said it is evidence of significant acceptance of the robust and innovative technological capabilities of digital print.

Finat managing director Jules Lejeune said: ‘In common with other packaging formats, labels are already enjoying greater flexibility in the pressroom; wider customer interaction; and a much-enhanced portfolio of product offerings to attract brand owners around the world.’

The Digital Label Market Study 2017 was presented at this year’s Finat European Label Forum. Read a review of the event in L&L issue 4, 2017, and here.

Related content