Market Trends and Highlights—2025 Q1

Over the past three months, several key trends have shaped the industry. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments. Let’s dive in.

AI Integration

Toshiba integrated AI-powered translations into its e-BRIDGE multifunction printers, enabling instant document translation into more than 190 languages.
Lexmark introduced three new models in its 9-Series printers and enhanced Lexmark Cloud Services (LCS) with AI-driven capabilities, offering businesses more versatile printing options and advanced cloud solutions.
Some multifunction printers (MFPs) now embed digital signatures using the printer’s certificate when scanning documents to PDFs, ensuring authenticity and integrity.

Breakthrough Innovation

Ricoh unveiled an innovative addition to its RICOH Pro C7500 series: Invisible Red toner. This fifth color combines laser printing technology with color science, creating striking visual effects under ultraviolet (UV) light.

The new toner enhances security applications and creative possibilities, making it ideal for anti-counterfeiting documents, security certificates, creative packaging, and branding materials.

China-based Dingyi launched the world’s first 330mm wide-format digital sublimation imaging soft-label printer— the DTP-330.

This innovative green printing device marks a breakthrough in the industry, overcoming the limitations of traditional laser, inkjet, and offset printing technologies.

Market Trends & Data

1.) Rising Demand for Barcode Label Printing

The barcode label printer market, valued at approximately $4.2 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $6.8 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% (2025–2034).

2.) Print-on-Demand Market Expansion

The print-on-demand market continues to surge, growing from $6.59 billion in 2024 to $8.16 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 23.9%.

This growth is fueled by the rise of e-commerce platforms, increased demand for personalized products, the expansion of small businesses, and the shift toward on-demand production to minimize inventory costs.

3.) Growing Demand for DTF Printing

Epson will launch its first dedicated Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer, the SC-G6050, in April 2025, marking its entry into the fast-growing DTF segment.
xTool, known for DIY laser engraving solutions, debuted in the DTF market with its Apparel Printer on Kickstarter.

The campaign quickly gained traction, hitting its funding goal in just 1.5 hours and surpassing $1 million. To date, the printer has raised approximately $4.2 million from 742 backers, signaling strong market demand.

4.) China Printer Market Faces Continual Challenges

China’s printer market experienced a 12.5% year-on-year decline in 2024, with total shipments reaching 15.31 million units.

Despite the overall decline, demand for ink tank printers bucked the trend, especially in the latter half of the year where consistent growth in inkjet shipments was recorded.

Compliance & Sustainability

As the European office imaging market experiences economic and regulatory shifts, the European Toner and Inkjet Remanufacturers Association (ETIRA) will prioritize compliance, sustainability, and member support in 2025.
Spain has introduced stricter regulations on the classification and disposal of used toner cartridges.
In Asia-Pacific, over 25% of businesses identify Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance as their top concern for the coming year.
Epson launched the Eco-friendly PaperLab A-8100, its latest in-office paper recycling system utilizing Dry Fiber Technology to convert used office paper into new sheets without water, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Industry Professional Insights

Inkjet vs. Laser Debate: Industry consultant Ray Stasieczko predicts that the inkjet revolution will dominate, reshaping the print equipment industry worldwide.
Chipped Cartridges & Cybersecurity:Volker Kappius argues that chipped cartridges do not pose cybersecurity risks. Instead, he highlights network vulnerabilities, firmware flaws, and inadequate security protocols as the real threats to printing security.

What other trends have you noticed in your region? Let us know in the comments below.

Maggie Wang has been delivering valuable information and updates about the imaging industry through RT channels (website, magazines and social media platforms) during the past 9 years. She has also extensively covered major events such as the annual RemaxWorld Expo and VIP Imaging Expos through press releases, articles, and interview videos. She can be contacted at <Maggie.Wang@rtmworld.com>.