The Inkjet Transformation: Trends, forecast, and drivers

In the ever-evolving world of digital print, inkjet technology is at the forefront of transformation. With digital print, especially inkjet, growing at double-digit rates, it's clear the industry is at a tipping point, with growth projected to reach 48% by 2028.* This surge is driven by several key trends that continue to accelerate the adoption of inkjet technology.

Automation and efficiency are significant drivers for inkjet growth. As print runs shrink and digital technology improves, the need for streamlined processes becomes more critical. The demand for high-value variable data work is increasing, pushing more print shops to adopt inkjet technology. And with traditional hardware vendors discontinuing offset equipment projects and pivoting to packaging, print shops will have fewer choices for offset equipment.

The growth of continuous feed inkjet is evident across various applications.

• General commercial printing is experiencing rapid growth driven by improved quality and paper flexibility of new presses, with a projected CAGR of 19% from 2025 to 2030.
• The book sector is seeing an increase in short runs and onshoring of time-sensitive titles, driving inkjet growth with a projected CAGR of 7% from 2025 to 2030.
• Direct mail’s inkjet growth is fueled by rising costs of paper and postage, pushing offset campaigns to inkjet for more targeted marketing, with a projected CAGR of 11% for the same period.

These applications are expected to see significant growth in worldwide page volume by 2030, with direct mail and books accounting for 67% of all pages printed on continuous feed inkjet presses.

Inkjet technology offers several advantages over traditional print methods. It eliminates the need for multiple plates and complex finishing, saving time, labor, and materials. This streamlined process lowers working capital and inventory, allowing companies to get cash flow faster.

Because inkjet printing systems place ink directly on the substrate vs. offset which requires four plates to print a process color image, inkjet eliminates the need for plates and reduces print quality fluctuations associated with offset, such as ink and water balance, dot gain, and plate wear. Kodak's continuous inkjet technology ensures precise targeting of ink, resulting in consistent quality throughout the print run. Due to their lower setup and maintenance requirements and digital nature, inkjet presses are easier to operate and require less-skilled employees, making it easier to train new operators.

Kodak stands out in the inkjet market with its unique perspective and innovative technology. Unlike competitors, Kodak understands the entire print shop, both traditional and digital. Today you need both and Kodak supports both. This holistic view allows Kodak to provide objective advice and ensure that customers get the right solution for their unique challenges.

Kodak's commitment to innovation and quality makes it the ideal choice for print shops adopting inkjet technology. The KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press, and the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press are industry game-changers, offering unmatched speed, quality, and productivity.

The PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press delivers offset-like quality in heavy-coverage applications at true production speeds, thanks to Kodak's ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology, which ensures precise targeting of ink and consistent quality throughout the print run. Meanwhile, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press is the world's fastest inkjet press, capable of printing up to 410 meters per minute. This incredible speed translates to up to 200 million pages printed per month, making it ideal for high-volume applications. The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press features Kodak's Stream Inkjet Technology, delivering high-quality prints with a color gamut that rivals offset.

The inkjet transformation is here, and Kodak is leading the way. With our innovative solutions, print shops can achieve higher profitability, greater efficiency, and improved sustainability, staying ahead of the curve and capitalizing on the growing demand for digital print.

_{*I.T. Strategies. "The Continuous Feed Ink Jet Production Market – 2025." February 2025. Research on Emerging Print Markets.}