Priyatosh Kumar, Associate Director and Head of Graphic Communication & Device Technology, FUJIFILM India, shares his viewpont.
Advancements in digital print technology have made it possible to achieve outstanding quality even for complex graphics, opening up new possibilities for packaging, photo books, and publishing.
India’s commercial printing sector is at an inflection point. While offset printing has long been the industry’s backbone – revered for its cost-effectiveness in high-volume production and consistent image quality – digital printing is rapidly reshaping the rules of engagement. The shift is being driven by changing consumer behaviour, demand for personalization, sustainability goals, and evolving business models that prioritize speed and flexibility.
Charting the shift: A market in transition
Smithers reports the global digital print market is worth $167.5 billion in 2025, projecting growth to $251.1 billion by 2035. In India, this trajectory is mirrored by increased adoption across sectors such as packaging, retail, and publishing. The push toward short-run, just-in-time production has only accelerated in the post-pandemic economy, as businesses seek to reduce inventory costs and improve time-to-market through print-on-demand strategies.
While offset printing continues to be big and very much one of the mainstay – particularly for long-run applications that demand uniformity and low per-unit cost, but it cannot keep up with the increasing need for rapid turnaround, customization, and minimal setup. In contrast, digital presses offer near-zero setup time, variable data capabilities, and high-definition output across substrates, which is essential for brands looking to deliver targeted communication and localized campaigns. Moreover, advancements in digital print technology have made it possible to achieve outstanding quality even for complex graphics, opening up new possibilities for packaging, photo books, and publishing.
Another key driver is sustainability. Digital printing eliminates the need for plates and chemicals, reduces paper wastage through short runs, and consumes less energy compared to traditional methods. This aligns with the growing ESG mandates across sectors, especially for companies looking to decarbonize their supply chains. The ability to print only what is needed not only helps in waste reduction but also supports environmental stewardship, an increasingly important consideration for print buyers.
The rise of intelligent, digital-first workflows
From a technological standpoint, the commercial print industry is seeing rapid adoption of cloud-based workflows, AI-driven colour calibration, and integrated finishing solutions, all of which are native to modern digital printing ecosystems. These technologies simplify operations, reduce manual intervention, and improve turnaround time – benefits that are critical in a highly competitive market.
In India, we are witnessing an uptick in digital press installations across both metro and Tier-II cities. Industries such as pharma, education, and logistics are increasingly relying on digital print for their labelling, documentation, and transactional needs. As personalization becomes a key differentiator, be it through customized packaging or one-to-one marketing, digital printing is no longer an alternative; it is becoming the standard.
While offset will continue to be the mainstay for specific applications, the commercial print industry is broadly being redefined by digital. It is faster, cleaner, more efficient, and ready for the next era of content consumption. Printers who embrace this transition will not only stay competitive but also unlock new value in a world that demands both scale and specificity.