The advent of digitalisation and online working was expected to have a big adverse effect on printer use and sales.
But the numbers tell a different story: yes, growth has slowed since the heyday of printer sales in the 1990s and early 2000s, but it’s still going forward.
Indeed, the global printer market size is tipped to grow at a compound annual growth rate of close to 5% until 2030, reaching a healthy $52,13-billion.
Much of this growth will be driven by production and multi-function printers, while standalone devices are set to stay pretty flat.
Grand View Research posits that an increasing requirement for printed advertising material and personalised packaging could be driving at least some of this the growth.
In terms of technology, advancements in inkjet and laser technologies are moving forward.
Indeed, high-resolution inkjet printing is now capable of producing vibrant colours and fine details so it’s finding a home in consumer and industrial applications.
Laser printers, are becoming entrenched in office and high-volume environments, delivered improvements in speed and efficiency.
Remote and hybrid working has pushed the demand for wireless and cloud printing solutions up, with new printers giving users the ability to print from anywhere.
Meanwhile, security is being continuously enhanced to make sure data is protected and unauthorised access protected against.
Large scale printers are not enjoying the same level of growth as their commercial counterparts, as the appetite for printed mass media continues to struggle against digital and online platforms.
Greg Griffith
Greg Griffith, product marketing team lead at Kyocera Document Solutions South Africa, agrees that digital transformation is changing the way we engage with printers.
“The primary trend in the printing and output markets revolve around digital transformation,” he says. “As businesses increasingly embrace digital documents and cloud storage, there is a noticeable decline in print volumes, particularly in sectors where digital communication and collaboration tools have become the norm.
“Hybrid working models have further reduced the reliance on paper, as employees now depend more on digital methods to share and manage information.”
However, he is quick to point out that this doesn’t mean the death of printing.
“Instead, the industry is witnessing a shift towards more strategic printing, supported by advanced technologies like AI and automation. These solutions optimise print workflows, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of equipment through predictive maintenance, which is increasingly replacing the older model of preventative maintenance.”
Kyocera has identified the most prevalent trends include the continued impact of digital transformation on print volumes and the opportunities this presents for businesses to optimise their print environments.
The company is also seeing broader adoption of MPS, not just among large corporations with extensive fleets, but also among SMEs, which represent a significant portion of the South African market.
Sustainability initiatives and environmental awareness are becoming more ingrained in business practices, with companies increasingly selecting products that align with their green goals.
Additionally, there is a growing need for MFPs to incorporate advanced data protection and secure document handling features to safeguard against cyber threats.
Another trend that Kyocera has seen is the growing emphasis on mobile printing and cloud integration. “As businesses strive for greater flexibility, multifunction printers (MFPs) are evolving to become the starting point of many business processes, particularly those that were traditionally paper-intensive.
“MFPs now need to integrate seamlessly into document management and intelligent content management systems, making them indispensable in the modern office.”
The demand for MFPs will continue to rise – but with a twist, Griffith says. “These devices must now come equipped with advanced features such as mobile printing, cloud integration, and enhanced security capabilities.
“The notion of a ‘less paper’ office is gaining traction, driven by the adoption of document management systems that minimise the need for paper.
“However, as much as we strive towards digitalisation, the concept of a completely paperless office is as elusive as the idea of a paperless toilet – necessary, but not entirely realistic.”
Environmental sustainability will also play a critical role in the future of the printing market, Griffith adds. “Businesses are under increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, and printing equipment providers must ensure their devices are compliant with these sustainability initiatives.
“This includes offering products with lower power consumption, using environmentally friendly inks, and providing options for recycling and waste management.”
The subscription pay-per-use is another trend to look out for, he says. “These models are becoming more attractive, particularly to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that might not have traditionally considered managed print services (MPS).
“The integration of printing services with SaaS platforms, such as Microsoft’s Universal Print, which is part of certain Microsoft 365 subscriptions, is an excellent example of where the market is heading.”
As the printing market changes, so too does the consumables landscape – partly in response to the demand for cost-effective solutions, which is driving businesses towards third-party or remanufactured cartridges, as well as refillable cartridges.
“However, this trend presents a paradox,” Griffith says. “While businesses seek to reduce costs, they also face pressure to align with sustainability goals. Many third-party suppliers do not participate in recycling programs, leading to concerns about these cartridges ending up in landfills.”
The rise of MPS is helping to address these issues by enabling better consumables management. Through predictive analytics, businesses can anticipate when consumables need to be replaced, ensuring timely reordering and minimising downtime. “This not only improves operational efficiency, but also supports sustainability by reducing waste,” according to Griffith.
Amid these changes, the role of the channel remains undiminished.
“In this evolving landscape, the channel is crucial, particularly in educating and supporting customers as they embark on their digital transformation journeys,” Griffith says. “Many customers are aware that they need to start their transformation, but often don’t know where to begin.
“This is where the channel can provide the necessary guidance, offering a more consultative approach rather than merely focusing on selling products.
“As providers of the very tools that customers need to take their first steps towards digitalisation, the channel has a unique opportunity to reposition itself as a key partner in this journey. By helping customers navigate the complexities of the modern print environment, the channel can ensure long-term success for both the customers and themselves.”
Timothy Thomas
While the role of printers is evolving, they are still significant for many sectors, says Timothy Thomas, country manager at Epson SA. “More people are looking for technology that is seamless, sustainable, and can be easily integrated into their digital world.”
There’s also far more to printing than just ink on a page, he points out. “There are multiple factors making it increasingly vital to organisations around the globe.
“For instance, with the pressure on the boost sustainability goals, careful technology selection can have a major impact when it comes to office printing.”
Indeed, in the last few years, commercial inkjet products have gained traction as they use up to 90% less energy and create less waste than equivalent laser printers.
“An example is Epson inkjet printers that use heat-free technology, which means heat is not required in the ink ejection process reducing energy consumption and Co2 emissions.
Electricity supply is a big issue in South Africa, but around the world there’s a focus on sustainable energy.
“As energy consumption accelerates around the world, everyone is making small everyday adjustments which amount to a big change,” Thomas says. “At Epson, we’re focusing on changing the way our printers consume electricity. Switching to heat-free printing technology is a step in the right direction.”
Analyst IDC says global printer sales are starting to show a recovery, and this is also true for the South African market, Thomas adds.
“This rebound can be attributed to several factors, such as economic stabilisation. As the economy recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and currency destabilisation in country, businesses are increasingly investing in office infrastructure and technology, including printers.”
He adds that the government, corporate and education verticals are recovering faster than any others.
“Due to the return of people to their offices and students to physical classrooms, there is a renewed need for printing resources in the office and classroom.
“Meanwhile, the retail and manufacturing sectors are experiencing slower recovery due to the shift towards automation and digitalisation in production processes as per global trends.”
Looking to future growth, Thomas believes the current trends will prevail.
“Growth in the printer market always begins in education, then healthcare and corporate sectors. These sectors will lead the growth in the printing industry, due to the importance of physical printing in offices and for their internal workflow.
“What’s more, according to IDC, a major trend in the future will be upgrading from single printers to multifunction printers (MFPs) and advanced printing solutions to integrate with digital workflows.”
Alet Pelser
Alet Pelser, Brother product manager at Mustek, agrees that hybrid working is changing how we work with printers but not their underlying usefulness.
“The role of printers is evolving from simple document printing to supporting hybrid work environments. Despite the rise in digital solutions, printers remain essential for physical documentation in sectors like legal, healthcare, and education.”
She adds that, in the South African market, where digital divides exist, printers also serve as critical tools for education and small businesses.
Pelser outlines some key trends and changes within the printing environment:
- Digital Integration: Printers are increasingly integrated with digital technologies. This includes cloud printing and mobile printing options that allow users to print directly from their devices without needing a physical connection.
- On-Demand Printing: The ability to print on demand has become more prevalent, reducing the need for large print runs. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses and individuals who require shorter print jobs without the excess cost of traditional printing.
- Sustainability: As environmental concerns rise, there is a greater emphasis on sustainable printing practices. This includes using eco-friendly materials, producing less waste, and utilizing recyclable or biodegradable products.
- Declining Traditional Usage: With the rise of digitisation, many industries are printing less than before. Paper usage is decreasing, particularly for items like books, newspapers, and standard office documentation, as more people opt for digital formats.
- Hybrid Models: Many organisations are adopting hybrid models that combine digital and print. For instance, businesses might use online platforms for distribution but still require printed materials for presentations, marketing, or customer engagement events.
- Print Security: As data breaches become a concern, secure printing solutions are gaining importance. Organizations are implementing measures to ensure that printed documents are kept secure and confidential.
“Overall, while the prevalence of digital communication is changing how we view and use printing, there remains a niche for print in sectors where physical documents are still valued,” she says.
Over the last six- to 12-months, we have seen some notable technology developments in A4 and A3 differentiation, Pelser says.
One of the key trends we’re seeing is in company A3 printers. “Recent releases have seen the introduction of compact A3 models designed to fit in smaller workspace environments. These printers offer the capabilities of A3 printing without taking up as much space as traditional A3 units.”
Refillable ink tanks are now becoming mainstream, in both A4 and A3 formats, allowing users to benefit from high-volume printing at a lower cost-per-page, she adds.
While ink tank technology advances, laser printers are not being left behind. New A4 and A3 colour laser printers emphasise enhanced speed, efficiency, and print quality. These devices offer features like automatic duplexing (double-sided printing) and superior image quality tailored for professional documents.
In a digital world, it’s inevitable that smart printing solutions are trends.
“Smart printers with integrated connectivity like WiFi, Bluetooth and cloud printing appeal to users who prioritize mobile and remote printing capabilities,” Pelser says. “Many of these printers accommodate A4 and A3 formats, making them versatile for various printing tasks.”
Security is key to any user case, so new printers in the A4 and A3 categories are increasingly incorporating advanced security features to protect sensitive information, with options such as secure printing, user authentication, and data encryption.
Pelser says South Africa is benefiting from the global recover in printer sales, but the local environment is influenced by a number of local factors.
“The economic environment in South Africa, characterised by issues such as inflation and fluctuations in currency, has a significant impact on consumer expenditure,” she explains. “Although there is potential for a rebound in printer sales, this growth may be restricted by economic limitations that influence corporate investment in technology.
There is also an increasing local demand for multifunction printers (MFPs) that integrate printing, scanning, copying, and faxing functionalities. “Businesses in South Africa are likely to pursue models that provide economical printing solutions customised to their unique requirements.”
Meanwhile, the traditional printing leaders could start being upstaged by the emergence of local vendors.
“Vendors and resellers of printers in South Africa are starting to provide competitive printing solutions and services, potentially aiding the recovery of printer sales as companies look for local assistance,” Pelser says.
“So, while there is the suggestion of a global resurgence in printer sales, the circumstances in South Africa present a more complex picture, shaped by a range of local economic, social, and technological influences. While signs of recovery may be apparent, they are likely to be tempered by the distinct challenges faced by the country and the continuing shift towards digitalisation.”
Pelser agrees that the hybrid working, education and healthcare vertical markets are driving growth.
“With the shift toward remote and hybrid work, there has been an increase in demand for printers suitable for home office setups, including compact, all-in-one models that are easy to use and maintain.
“MFPs, which offer printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, are increasingly popular as businesses require efficiency and space-saving solutions.”
In the education sector, Pelser says schools and universities are reinvesting in printing solutions as they transition back to hybrid or in-person learning. This includes a variety of printing needs for educational materials, tests, and handouts.
Meanwhile, the healthcare industry is seeing a rise in printing for patient documentation, labels, and educational materials. Printers that support high-quality colour printing and secure data printing are particularly in demand.
Traditional office printing, low-volume printing solutions, entry-level inkjet printers and security/compliance printing solutions are all still lagging.
Going forward, Pelser believes healthcare, education, legal/financial services and the public sector are primed to drive growth.
“The healthcare sector relies heavily on printing for patient documentation, labels, prescriptions, and educational materials,” she describes. “With ongoing investments in electronic health records and the need for high-quality printing, the demand for reliable and secure printing solutions will remain strong.
“When it comes to education, schools, universities and educational institutions continue to require printing solutions for materials such as worksheets, handouts, course materials, and administrative documents. The trend toward hybrid and personalised learning environments may further boost demand for versatile, high-capacity printers.”
Law firms and financial institutions have always needed to print documentation for contracts, reports, and compliance materials – and this is going to continue. “The need for secure and efficient printing solutions that meet regulatory requirements will also contribute to growth in this area,” Pelser says.
While government presses forward with digitalisation efforts, these will require a balance of digital and print solutions, maintaining demand in this vertical, she adds.
“The future growth of printer sales will be influenced by how well these industries adapt to modern technologies, accommodate sustainability initiatives, and meet evolving consumer needs,” Pelser concludes. “Printers that offer efficiency, versatility, and eco-friendly features will be particularly well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in these sectors.”