Electrophotography is driving demand surge in pharma, food safety, personalisation

According to a report published by Future Market Insights (FMI), electrophotography printing, also known as digital or laser printing, is redefining the value proposition of printing in the packaging sector. Driven by advancements in imaging systems and toner formulations, this versatile technique is enabling customised, high-quality prints with swift turnaround times, addressing the evolving demands of both small and large firms. 
 
As per FMI, the packaging industry in India is experiencing a shift towards personalisation and premium finishing, and electrophotography is proving to be a key enabler. Its ability to facilitate short-run outputs and rapid design alterations allows brands to meet consumer preferences for individualised packaging and targeted branding. This not only enhances visual appeal but also reduces the overproduction of labels, leading to significant cost savings.

The recent report by FMI highlights the growth potential of this market. Valued at USD 26.5-billion in 2025, the global electrophotography printing for packaging market is projected to reach nearly USD-57.1 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of approximately 8%. This growth is underpinned by electrophotography's seamless printing capabilities on diverse packaging substances, including substrates, paperboard, and labels, along with its outstanding colour combination, easy installation, and high-resolution output.

Recent innovations and strategic moves in the industry underscore this trend. HP Indigo has unveiled a new digital printing technique for flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, and labels, aimed at improving efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile, Konica Minolta launched the AccurioPress 14010S at PrintPack and showcased its comprehensive digital printing solution portfolio for the packaging and label sectors. Additionally, strategic acquisitions, such as Xerox Holdings Corporation's acquisition of Lexmark International in July 2025, are poised to shape the expansion of both the printing and packaging sectors.

As per FMI, the integration of real-time data processing and AI-based printing has further amplified the capabilities of variable data printing, propelling the use of electrophotography in packaging. This aligns perfectly with ongoing promotional trends like precision marketing and security printing. Furthermore, the Industry 4.0 revolution has created a paradigm shift in on-demand printing, allowing organisations to produce high-quality brochures, books, and catalogs with reduced turnaround times, a benefit that extends to flexible packaging and folded cartons.

The rapidly changing packaging landscape, influenced by eCommerce activities and an increasing demand for tiny batch sizes, finds an ideal solution in electrophotography. This technology offers cost-effective short-run solutions, supporting sample-sized product packaging, real-time packaging, and seasonal campaigns. The growing adoption of 3D printing in packaging is also expected to further proliferate the electrophotography printing for the packaging business.

Beyond its aesthetic and efficiency benefits, electrophotography printing also contributes to sustainability efforts. It aids in reducing chemical wastage, promotes reprocessing, and facilitates closed-loop printing and recycling workflows. The need for real-time monitoring of printing processes and their automation with AI tools further accelerates the demand for these technologies.

As retail and eCommerce segments continue to flourish, the impact of electrophotography printing on consumer goods firms is set to be substantial. By enabling visually appealing, high-resolution prints and finishes, it helps attract more customers and enhances operational efficiency, directly influencing profitability.

In conclusion, electrophotography printing is undeniably a game-changer for the packaging segment. Its unique combination of high printing speed, flexibility, improved sustainability, and data variability is driving new growth dimensions, particularly in the packaging of food and beverages, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, as well as in industrial packaging applications. As packaging continues to be a crucial tool for product branding and customer engagement, the demand for electrophotography printing is poised for exponential growth in the years to come.

FMI is a leading intelligence partner to Fortune 1000 firms, with 15,000+ global publications across 11 industries.