The Power of Versatility in Modern Printing Systems
Growth predictions for digital print are buoyant.
By 2035 digital print will account for 22.5% of the global value of all print and printed packaging by value, states The Future of Digital Printing to 2035 from Smithers. This is the equivalent of a little over 2.83 trillion A4 prints produced, up from 1.8 trillion in 2025 – a 54.3% increase.
For many operations, interest in inkjet has grown, especially as the technology has reached a new level of maturity. At the same time, market predictions are encouraging. Smithers’ The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2029 shows that global inkjet printing sales will enjoy a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% through to 2029 lifting them from $117.7 billion in 2024 to $162.1 billion in 2029.
We had many conversations about the positives the technology offers at drupa.
However, while Print Service Providers could see how the arrival of a new generation of inkjet equipment and consumables enables new business models across multiple print segments, toner will continue to remain a core digital print production method for many we spoke to.
The latest Drupa Horizon Report confirmed sheetfed toner technology’s market dominance is far ahead of all other digital processes in all markets.
It pointed out simple conversations about the economic breakeven point between conventional and digital print have been replaced by sophisticated dialogues exploring how digital print enables printers to evolve their propositions.
It found that globally, 57% of printers reported that run lengths of more than 5,000 sheets occurred in up to only 10% of their orders (i.e. rarely). Only 23% of printers reported it occurred with more than 25% of their digital print orders.
Digital print’s responsiveness has of course contributed to relatively low order lengths and empowered increasingly shorter, highly customised, print on demand. This in turn enables the completion of a high volume of different jobs per shift. As a result, brands can explore creativity cost effectively while enjoying supply chain benefits as both stock volumes and waste are brought down. Toner based sheetfed devices are ideally suited to this demanding work mix which is why their relevance will remain for some time yet.
The U.S. and Worldwide Production Printer Forecast, 2025–2028 from industry consultancy IDC said: “As print volumes change, the demand for different types of systems emerges, and we are seeing growth for more automated systems with greater speeds and lower operating costs.”
That is exactly what Ricoh is addressing with its newest addition to its digital colour production printer portfolio – the RICOH Pro C5400 Series that enables faster operation and greater usability to drive revenue growth.
Developed to meet the diverse needs of commercial and enterprise operations, the series delivers high quality with improved image registration accuracy through enhanced paper feeding stability and more precise image adjustment functions. Various types of media are supported, including coated paper, waterproof paper, envelopes, and clear files, while long sheet printing up to 1,300 mm addresses a wide range of promotional material production possibilities.
Compared to its RICOH Pro C5300 Series predecessor, the use of recycled materials has been increased by more than five times, contributing to clients’ environmental management initiatives.
All of which helps production environments consistently, flexibly, and responsibly meet greater demand for a wider range of on demand applications. Talk to Ricoh to see how the new series can help you respond to today’s requirements for fast turnaround, versatile print.
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