Print-on-Demand Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Print-on-Demand Market was valued at USD 8.03 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a market size of USD 42.11 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024-2030, the market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 26.71%. 

Print-on-demand is a technology and business method in which book copies (or other documents) are not made until the company receives an order, permitting single or small-batch printing. While other industries updated the build-to-order business model, "print on demand" could not exist until the advent of digital printing because it was budget-friendly to create single copies applying traditional printing technologies like letterpress and offset printing. Print-on-demand is a framework for precisely and optimally controlling and optimizing printing machines and procedures. It assists businesses in reducing printing costs by letting them track, control, and manage their entire printer fleet from a single application interface. Mailing and delivery, as well as fast and offset printing, are all possible with print management software. Due to its unified control, this program can also manage duplicates, scanners, and desktop printers. Print management software is accessible in standalone and embedded forms within controlled print facilities.

Key Market Insights:

• Kornit Digital, a leading service provider of digital printing technologies, launched the Atlas MAX and Avalanche MAX, two new direct-to-garment printing systems that facilitate on-demand production of high-quality apparel.

• Print-on-demand aids local businesses develop their marketing plans with the help of built-in templates. The software permits users to make necessary changes using personalized images and graphics. Print-on-demand software offers remote access to documents.

Print-on-Demand Market Drivers:

Widening Internet Penetration and Growing Smartphone Adoption

The preference for unique products and fashion apparel, as well as rising internet usage and smartphone use, are all factors propelling the demand for print-on-demand services. Online retail sales growth is one of many forces assisting the sector's expansion. The limitation imposed by COVID-19 led to an increase in online shopping, which raised the ask for goods that were printed on demand.

Print-on-demand Systems provide customers with Printing options

The people working from home and residing in their homes have risen sales in the product category known as home decor. It is estimated that this element will be a driving attribute behind the expansion of the market for print-on-demand services. Print-on-demand platforms offer consumers printing solutions customized to their specifications. Depending on the platform, artists and merchants running a print-on-demand business and wanting to sell their designs online can link their existing online store or build a new one. The service providers will print the customers' orders and send the products to the customers, completing the end-to-end fulfillment service.

Print-on-Demand Market Restraints and Challenges:

Lack of Power and Integrity for Artists and Makers

One of the most fundamental market restrictions is the absence of transparency or control for those responsible for producing works of art or materials. This situation comes up because the artists have no control over the final product's quality, and not all of them approach the client list. Furthermore, the artists are not paid for their work until the final product is ready, which could cause the clients to feel unsatisfied. In this case, they might investigate the many options available to them at their disposal.

Print-on-Demand Market Opportunities:

Leveraging eco-friendliness in the Print-on-Demand Market

Sustainability in print-on-demand parallels with environmental awareness and can boost corporate growth. Businesses can lower their environmental effect, attract eco-conscious customers, and follow regulations by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. This aids the environment, saves money, and establishes a unique brand. This possibility permits print-on-demand enterprises to succeed in an environmentally conscious market through audits, investments, certifications, and honest communication.

Growing smartphone adoption and increasing internet penetration

The demand for print-on-demand services is increasing as a result of consumer choices for original goods and fashionable clothing, as well as rising internet and smartphone utilization. One of many forces supporting the sector's development is the increase in online shopping sales. COVID-19's limitations heightened internet purchasing, which in turn increased the demand for products that were printed on demand.

The growing adoption of smartphones and increasing internet penetration have contributed to the development of the print-on-demand market. With more people having approachability to the internet and using their smartphones to shop online, the demand for print-on-demand products has increased. This is because print-on-demand services typically provide a convenient and affordable way for customers to order personalized or custom-made products, such as t-shirts, phone cases, and other merchandise.

Moreover, the growth of social media platforms has also played a significant role in the growth of the print-on-demand market. Social media has become a major marketing tool for print-on-demand services, as it permits them to reach a larger audience and promote their products directly to consumers. Furthermore, social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook offer an avenue for creators and designers to showcase their work and connect with potential customers.

PRINT-ON-DEMAND MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Print-on-Demand Market Segmentation: By Platform

• Software

• Service

The service segment dominates the market and is expected to develop during the forecast period. This is owing to increased service providers offering drop shipping and end-to-end fulfillment. Other services provided by the service providers include marketing and branding services, such as bespoke packaging and creative services. These platforms give print-on-demand merchants and artists ease and options. The software segment accounted for the most crucial revenue share, which is expected to persist during the forecast period. The expansion of the software segment can be connected to the rise in technology investments made by print-on-demand service providers. Service providers provide software solutions like Application Programming Interface (API) and design-creation instruments. The API ensures the integration of an existing online store with a print-on-demand platform for the merchants.

Print-on-Demand Market Segmentation: By-Products

• Apparel

• Home Decor

• Drinkware

• Accessories

The home decor is expected to grow during the forecast period. Due to the development of remote working, a rising number of people worldwide have been staying at home and looking for ways to upgrade their living spaces since the Covid. The expanding availability of a wide range of goods falling under the home and lifestyle category gives customers more alternatives, which boosts sales. Mats, pillows, and posters are a few instances of such items. The apparel segment is responsible for the most crucial revenue share, and it is anticipated to hold this position during the estimated period. This is mainly owing to the rapid penetration of internet retail into the fashion arena, the increasing interest among younger consumers in bespoke and one-of-a-kind items, and the consciousness of fashion clothes.

Print-on-Demand Market Segmentation: By Technology

• Digital Printing

• Offset Printing

• Flexographic Printing

• Screen Printing

Digital Printing dominates the print-on-demand business owing to its versatility and affordability. Digital printing offers fast turnaround, high-quality printing, and customized print runs. It's suitable for on-demand book printing, promotional materials, and sportswear. Offset printing remains significant, especially for large print runs, despite digital competition. Its outstanding print quality makes it perfect for high-volume print jobs including periodicals, newspapers, and packaging. Offset printing is useful in print-on-demand because it keeps up quality over long print runs.

Flexible printing is perfect for labels, packaging, and other items that require continuous, high-speed printing on many surfaces. Flexographic printing is a crucial player in the print-on-demand market for labels, tags, and packaging alteration due to its sufficiency and versatility. Screen printing offers unique pigment thickness and vibrancy. This material is utilized for custom clothes, promotions, and signage. It may not be as unique as digital printing, but its ability to make tactile and visually appealing prints has made it famous in print-on-demand, especially for creative designs.

   Print-on-Demand Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channel

• Online

• Offline

Increased internet usage and e-commerce platforms have pushed the online distribution channel in recent years. Online marketplaces, websites, and e-commerce platforms offering print-on-demand services constitute this segment. Customers can easily customize garments, home decor, and promotional items through multiple internet outlets. The simplicity of exploring and ordering customized products from home has driven online growth. This market involves Printful, Printify, PrintAura, and Amazon, Shopify, and Etsy, which host various print-on-demand businesses.

The offline distribution channel has transformed gradually yet remains relevant. Retail outlets, print shops, and bespoke item booths sat events and local markets are involved. Despite digital issues, this category continues to service a niche market, especially for clients who prefer in-person encounters or need customized products quickly. Many traditional printing companies now provide online and offline services to bridge the digital divide. Additionally, some print-on-demand suppliers offer physical locations where clients may order online and pick up their customized products.

Print-on-Demand Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

North America is the dominant shareholder in the global print-on-demand market due to various factors, involving technological infrastructure and production facilities for print-on-demand items, healthy economies, and consistent economic growth. For example, the world's most lucrative print-on-demand companies, such as Printful, Inc., Printify, Inc., and Zazzle, Inc., have their headquarters in the United States. Companies with global HQs, like the Australian company Redbubble Ltd. and the Norwegian company Gelato, both have fulfillment centers in North America.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to develop during the forecast period. The presence of significant market competitors can be credited with contributing to the rise. It is expected that technological advancements and the presence of numerous sizeable textile facilities will help in the market's growth.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Print-On-Demand Market:

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, there has been a major disturbance in most industries worldwide. Industries were majorly affected in three ways: suppression of profitability, directly affecting production and demand, and drying up financial reserves and cash flows. The result of the pandemic remained negative in the short term due to disturbance in the global supply chain, impacting the production and distribution of raw materials such as plain apparel, standard products, inks, printing equipment, etc., needed by the POD service providers.

The delays owing to the temporary lockdowns in factories, restricted workforce measures, and temporary border closures led to a longer time for the fulfillment of orders, thereby disrupting the supply and demand chain. However, on the other hand, COVID-19 led to modifications in consumer preferences with a focus on well-being, health, and self-expression. This resulted in an opportunity for print-on-demand businesses and entrepreneurs to offer customized products such as face masks, protective gear, and workout apparel to cater to evolving consumer demands. The home decor product category witnessed a growth in sales as people adapted to remote working and staying at home.

Latest Trends:

E-Commerce Growth:

The demand for print-on-demand services is being directed by the explosive development of e-commerce platforms. Online markets offer businesses and people a practical and effective way to sell customized goods without the requirement for inventory control or an initial investment in manufacturing tools. Additionally, the increasing presence of several e-commerce platforms provides an easy approach to a wide network of print-on-demand suppliers in customers’ preferred locations. This in turn propels the demand for print-on-demand products. In addition, such platforms are offering discounts, coupons, and premium enterprise plans for a wide variety of print-on-demand products, which augments the development of the e-commerce industry and POD market.

Such E-Commerce platforms also advertise and adopt versatile strategies to attract website visitors. They also offer information about starting a POD business at a very low cost.  Furthermore, the customization option provided by them permits customers to easily get the product they desire. Extensive variety of products including apparel, accessories, and housewares which in turn generates demand and thrives the growth of this market.

Key Players:

1. Amplifier

2. Apliiq

3. CustomCat

4. Gelato

5. Gooten

6. JetPrint

7. Printed Mint

8. Printful Inc.

9. Printify Inc.

10. Printsome,

11. Prodigi Group

12. Redbubble Group,

Recent Developments

• In June 2022, Gooten made it public about its partnership with Fujifilm to scale print-on-demand production to businesses of all sizes. Their partnership will offer print-on-demand solutions to online merchants, small businesses, and retailers.

• In December 2021, Gooten made it official that Tech Pioneers Fund, together with ff Venture Capital and KEC Ventures, has offered Gooten an aggregate of $15 million of capital.