Thermal printing refers to printing technology that prints by heating coated thermochromic paper or plastic using a thermal print head. Thermal printing has several advantages as compared to other printing technologies such as inkjet or laser printing. Thermal printing does not require ink which makes it environment friendly and low maintenance. Moreover, thermal printing provides high printing speed, supports barcodes and graphics and the printed output can withstand tearing, humidity and rubbing.
Thermal printing finds application in receipt printers, barcode printers, labeling systems, tickets and ATM printer. Thermal printers are mainly used by retail sector for printing receipts at point-of-sale. The rising adoption of card payments and growth of organized retail is driving the demand for thermal receipt printers globally. Other key applications include shipping/logistics, healthcare and manufacturing.
The Global Thermal Printing Market Demand is estimated to be valued at US$ 54.31 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10% over the forecast period 2024 to 2030.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the thermal printing market are PharmaZell, ABIL CHEMPHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED, ICE, Grindeks, Suzhou Tianlu Bio-pharmaceutical Co.,Ltd, ARCELOR CHEMICALS PRIVATE LIMITED, Dipharma Francis S.r.l. PharmaZell is a leading thermal printers manufacturing company with diversified product portfolio. ABIL CHEMPHARMA PRIVATE LIMITED specializes in thermal printers for barcode and label applications.
Increasing deployment of POS terminals and logistics services across regions presents significant growth opportunities in thermal printing market. PharmaZell has announced plans to expand its manufacturing facility in North America to cater to growing demand. ICE and Grindeks have opened new sales and aftermarket support centers in Asia Pacific and Europe respectively to strengthen their global footprint.
Market Drivers
Rise in organized retail: The growing retail sector globally and adoption of POS systems has significantly driven the demand for thermal receipt printers. Retailers adopt thermal printers for printing invoices, bills and receipts at checkout counters.
Cost effectiveness: Thermal printing solutions offer lower maintenance and operational costs as compared to other printing technologies such as inkjet or laser. Thermal printers have no ink cartridges and ribbon needs replacement less frequently.
Market Restraints
Environmental concerns: Thermal paper used in printers contains Bisphenol-A (BPA) and other chemicals that can harm the environment. Thermal paper smog created during printing adversely impacts air quality.
Technological changes: Advancements in printing technologies such as inkjet and digital may reduce the market share of thermal printing over the long term. New technologies offer better print quality and support advanced features.
Segment Analysis
Thermal printing market is segmented into direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. Direct thermal printing dominates the thermal printing market as it requires no ribbon or external toner and provides cost-effective solutions. It has wide applicability across warehouse labels, POS receipts and healthcare asset tracking labels and finds acceptance among small businesses with low volume printing needs. However, the printed images by direct thermal printing are prone to fading and smearing overtime limiting long term usage.
Thermal transfer printing where images are transferred to media using heat activated ribbons is gaining market share. It produces high resolution logos, barcodes and images suitable for product packaging. Food & beverage industry widely adopts thermal transfer printing for packaging labels that require durable and long-lasting prints. Innovation of ribbon technologies increasing printhead lifespan and reduction in ribbon costs is boosting adoption of thermal transfer printing across industries requiring premium print quality.
Global Analysis
Asia Pacific dominates the global thermal printing market owing to presence of leading manufacturers in China and growing packaging industry in India. Rapid industrialization and increasing middle class population driving demand for home appliances and consumer goods further spurs thermal printing adoption across retail warehouses and manufacturing floors. North America remains the second largest thermal printing market supported by retail behemoths such as Walmart mandating thermal labelling across supply chain. Europe is the fastest growing regional market on account of strict regulatory norms mandating serialization and traceability of pharmaceuticals promoting thermal printing adoption in pharma supply chains across Germany, France and UK.
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