Web-to-print is the commercial printing of products ordered through a specialist e-commerce platform
In 2023 the market for web-to-print will total almost $25.1 billion, up from $21.4 billion in 2018
The sector has grown significantly faster than the overall print and packaging markets and this trend will continue to 2028 with an average CAGR of 5.6% in value, and 7.1% in print volume.
The web-to-print sector encompasses a broad product range, with many successful print companies developing their routes to market, enabling consumers to purchase high-quality printed items at low cost. There is traditional business-to-business printing, way beyond efficient business card production. As digital workflows developed to handle artwork for these jobs the manufacturers changed traditional print production to increase efficiency. They automated prepress and ganged multiple jobs to share make-ready costs, significantly reducing costs for short to medium run jobs. To grow their businesses the pioneers offered trade printing services to other print providers and print management companies, making standard products very effectively.
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Web-to-print is the only route to market for some companies, and is used by many others looking to improve the levels of service they offer to their customers without increasing their administrative staffing costs
As the technology has matured the make or buy decision for many print service providers has become a difficult strategic choice
A growing number of companies are choosing to use trade print suppliers, focusing on the customer relationship rather than print manufacture.
What will you discover?
Many of the leading suppliers are broadening their product mix, and players from other sectors are offering print services
Beyond graphical print there is personalised and short-run printing of clothing, notably T-shirts; wallpaper and décor; and various promotional or miscellaneous items, including gifting applications
Another key sector is in packaging and labels. In 2023 more packaging converters are offering new artisan brands the capability of specifying and ordering high-quality labels, boxes, pouches, bags, and cans in a more efficient process than that offered by traditional packaging converters.
The Smithers methodology
This report is based on extensive primary and secondary research. Primary research consisted of targeted interviews with material suppliers, converters and experts drawn from key markets. This was supported by secondary research in the form of extensive literature analysis of published data, official government statistics, domestic and international trade organisation data, company websites, industry reports, trade press articles, presentations, and attendance at trade events.
Who should buy this report?
Equipment suppliers
Printing companies
Packaging converters
Brand owners and retailers
Industry consultants and analysts
About the author
Sean Smyth has spent more than 25 years in senior technology and management positions for print businesses across the supply chain. Sean has extensive experience in digital printing. In his time with Smithers, Sean has authored many off-the-shelf market studies and has provided strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.
Table of Contents
Executive summary
Introduction & methodology
Introduction
Methodology
Scope & definitions
Exchange rates
The top-line
Market overview
Drivers and trends
e-Commerce developments
Consumer and micro businesses
Gifting
Web-to-Print supply chain developments
Make or buy through web-to-print
Changing business models
Future opportunities for web-to- print
Technology developments for web-to-print
The development of web-to-print technologies
Web-to-print software
MIS
Workflow
Print-for-profit markets for web-to-print by application
Photobooks and photo products
Books
Magazines
Catalogues
Commercial print
Advertising Print
Business ID
Direct mail
Display PoS
Other Graphics
Labels
Packaging
Print-for-profit markets for web-to-print by print process
Sheetfed litho
Web offset
Gravure
Flexo
Screen
Other analogue and pad printing (industrial applications)