Screen and digital printing represent opposite ends of the technological spectrum. Screen printing, while mature and relatively simple, remains versatile. In contrast, digital printing is rapidly evolving, fueled by continuous innovation aimed at expanding its range of applications.
The shift from analog to digital printing is accelerating, as new digital technologies open the door to fresh commercial opportunities. According to Smithers’ report, The Future of Screen vs Digital Printing to 2030, the global print market grew from $904 billion in 2020 to $1 trillion in 2025, with total print volume rising from 1.9 to 2.0 trillion square meters. This equates to a 2.8% CAGR in value and a 1.0% CAGR in volume over five years.
Changing Dynamics in Screen vs Digital Printing
While screen printing once dominated sectors like signage, point-of-sale displays, packaging, and ceramics, it is increasingly confined to niche areas due to competition from digital technologies. However, it continues to thrive in industrial and functional printing, where its ability to precisely deposit complex fluids remains unmatched.
In markets such as display signage, digital printing has significantly eroded screen printing’s share. Additionally, screen printing faces growing competition from flexographic and other analog methods in labels and packaging. Between 2020 and 2025, screen printing declined by 1.9% CAGR in value within these sectors, while digital printing grew by 6.2% CAGR in both value and volume.
Market Forces and Sustainability Trends
Global geopolitical disruptions have caused erratic demand patterns in recent years. While demand dropped in 2020, a rebound occurred in the following two years—partly due to supply chain constraints and price hikes. As a result, many businesses shifted from “just-in-time” inventory models to a more risk-averse “just-in-case” approach, stockpiling essential materials ahead of expected cost increases.
Beyond geopolitics, several key trends are shaping demand for screen and digital printing. Chief among them is sustainability—driven by consumer expectations, brand commitments, and government regulations, especially in the EU. The use of recycled materials is expanding across printed products, including textiles, plastic goods, and packaging.
Technological Innovation and Outlook
While screen printing technology sees limited innovation in equipment, advancements are being made in ink formulations and automation, including energy-efficient processes and digital exposure methods that boost productivity and reduce reliance on skilled labor.
Digital printing, particularly inkjet, has been the fastest-growing technology during the review period and is expected to maintain this momentum through 2030. Inkjet is surpassing electrophotography thanks to its scalability, higher production speeds, and capacity to handle wider substrates more cost-effectively.
Ongoing digital innovations aim to lower total cost of ownership, enhance automation and connectivity, and boost productivity and throughput. These improvements are key to making digital printing viable for medium- and long-run jobs, allowing it to compete more effectively with traditional analog methods.
Source: whattheythink.com
