Print to see major lift from screen and inkjet by 2025: Smithers
New Smithers data highlights the growing impact of screen and digital printing across industrial and functional markets, driven by advances in inkjet and resilient demand for high-precision screen processes
14 Nov 2025 | 230 Views | By Treya Sinha
Screen and inkjet printing are set to deliver USD 81.7-billion in industrial print value in 2025, according to Smithers’ new market study, The Future of Screen vs Digital Printing to 2030. Together, the two processes will account for 58.8% of global value and more than 75% of total print volume.
While screen is in decline across graphics, packaging and labels, Smithers reports renewed growth in textiles, printed electronics, automotive components and promotional items, where its ability to lay down controlled volumes of complex fluids remains a major advantage. Screen’s value is forecast to rise from USD 63.8 billion in 2025 to USD 79.3 billion in 2030.
Digital print, led by inkjet, is poised for faster expansion as OEMs focus on automation, higher throughput and reduced operating costs. Overall digital value in industrial and conventional markets is projected to climb from USD 194.3 billion in 2025 to USD 244.6 billion in 2030.
Inkjet continues to displace screen in areas such as ceramics and direct-to-garment printing, supported by new printheads capable of jetting a wider range of fluids. Smithers identifies emerging opportunities in EV battery components, biomedical output and automotive applications, which are on track for the strongest growth through 2030.
Digital print in packaging, labels and graphics worth USD 166.9 billion in 2025 is also set to expand, reaching USD 204.8 billion by 2030.