Global Inkjet Coder Market by Type (Continuous Inkjet Coder, Drop On Demand Inkjet Coder, Thermal Inkjet Coder, and Others), End User (Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Wires, Cables, and Pipes, Automobile Industry, Packing Industry, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Inkjet Coder Overview

Inkjet coders are devices used to apply various types of codes, marks, or information on products or packaging. These codes can include dates, batch numbers, barcodes, logos, graphics, or other variable data. Inkjet coders utilize inkjet printing technology, which involves the ejection of tiny droplets of ink onto a substrate to create the desired code or marking. There are different types of inkjet coding technologies, such as Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), and Drop-on-Demand (DOD), each with its own unique characteristics and applications. For marking purposes, inkjet coders are also used in the automotive, personal care, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and electronics industries. In contrast to laser coders, which are expensive but have low maintenance costs, inkjet coders are very inexpensive but have high maintenance costs. For affordable color printing, inkjet coders are highly recommended because of their cost-effectiveness. These inkjet coders can be replaced by laser coders. The various chambers that make up inkjet coders each contain a different color of ink.

Global Inkjet Coder Market Analysis

The global inkjet coder market size was $1,951.30 million in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 5.4%, by generating a revenue of $3,297.00 million by 2032.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

COVID-19 Impact on Global Inkjet Coder Market

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the market for inkjet coder. Demand for inkjet coders was temporarily slowed as countries adopted severe lockdown measures and firms suffered operating issues. Many industries that rely heavily on inkjet coders, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and packaging, have been impacted by supply chain disruptions, reduced production capacity, and changing customer behavior. The demand for inkjet coders had dropped because of the COVID-19 outbreak slowing production activities.. However, the market is recovering as demand for well-packaged food & beverage products, cosmetics, and personal care commodities rises. Also, the significant rise in the food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and protective equipment industries is driving the inkjet coders market growth.. As a result of the expansion of sectors such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and others, there is a greater demand for coding and marking systems around the globe.

Growing Demand for Ink Coders in the Pharmaceutical and Food Packaging Industries to Drive the Market Growth

In the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries, high-resolution coding is essential for meeting regulatory compliance criteria related to coding and code traceability. Thermal inkjet printers deliver high-quality prints directly on the packaging substrate and have a print resolution of up to 600 dpi and 99.9% uptime. They are the preferred and ideal solution for printing batch codes, variable data, 2D matrix codes, and QR codes in the pharmaceutical industry. Thermal inkjet printers are cartridge-based systems with a print head and ink system. Each time the cartridge is replaced, a new print head and ink system are used. It is a non-contact printer that prints specified data and codes on the package surface using heat and surface movement. This unique solution reduces downtime, increases efficiency, is highly cost-effective, and operates within budget. The thermal inkjet printer creates prints at an incredible speed and with great adhesion as printing 2D codes and QR codes is becoming increasingly important. The thermal inkjet printer provides the improved clarity, serialization, and identification necessary at the press of a button. It features a configurable web interface and an innovative communication mechanism for smooth system integration. Thermal inkjet printers are highly recommended for the pharmaceutical and food packaging industries as they provide 1 to 5 lines of text printing, automated date and time, linear barcodes, data matrix codes, graphics & logos, QR codes, GS1 data matrix barcodes, and real time printing. Blisters, flat packaging, mono cartons, shipper cartons, labels, skillets, wrappers, and shelf-ready packaging are all easily printed on with the TIJ printer. These factors are projected to boost the market growth during the forecast period.

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High Cost of Inkjet Coder Machine Installation and Maintenance to Restrain the Market Growth

Inkjet coders can involve a significant upfront investment, especially for high-quality and technologically advanced systems. The cost of purchasing the equipment, installation, training, and maintenance expenses can pose a barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses with limited budgets. Inkjet coders require consumables such as ink cartridges or fluids, cleaning solutions, and replacement parts. The ongoing cost of these consumables can add up over time, especially for high-volume coding applications. The cost of specialized inks for specific substrates or compliance with regulatory requirements can further increase operational expenses. This factor is estimated to hamper the inkjet coder market growth.

Advancements in Technology to Drive Excellent Opportunities

The primary factors anticipated to boost the growth of the inkjet coders market during the forecast period are the rise in demand for minimizing solvent evaporation and reducing the mixing of air with ink. Inkjet coders have the potential to expand their capabilities beyond traditional coding and marking. For example, advancements in ink formulations and print head technologies can enable the printing of complex barcodes, high-resolution graphics, and even functional coatings on products. Exploring and developing new applications and features can differentiate inkjet coders and open up new market opportunities. Reduced downtime helps customers increase their capacity for both visual and functional coding, which is a significant factor that influences the demand for inkjet coders. Currently, a rising number of manufacturers are looking for high-performance printing and coding tools, which is resulting in significant growth and investment opportunities for participants in the inkjet coder market. For coding applications, the packaging industry uses three different ink-jet technologies: continuous inkjet (CIJ), drop-on-demand (DOD), and thermal inkjet (TIJ).

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Global Inkjet Coder Market Size, by Type, 2022

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The continuous inkjet coder sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The continuous inkjet (CIJ) coding has been a prominent and established technology in the inkjet coding market for several years. CIJ coders use a continuous stream of ink droplets to create characters and code on various substrate codes. Despite the emergence of other coding technologies, CIJ coders continue to hold a significant share of the market. CIJ coders are versatile and suitable for a wide range of industries and applications. They can code on various substrates, including paper, plastic, glass, metal, and others. CIJ technology is commonly used for date coding, batch numbering, product identification, and variable data printing. The broad application range of CIJ coders contributes to their sustained growth and market presence.

Global Inkjet Coder Market Share, by End User, 2022

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The food industry sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The rise of online food retailers, including grocery delivery and meal kit services, has significantly increased the demand for efficient and accurate coding solutions. Inkjet coders that can integrate with automated packaging lines, offer high-speed printing, and provide seamless variable data capabilities catering to the specific requirements of online food retailers. The growth of this sector presents opportunities for inkjet coder manufacturers to meet the evolving needs of online food packaging. Inkjet coders help maintain food safety by enabling clear and legible printing of allergen information, nutritional facts, and proper handling instructions on food packaging. The ability of inkjet coders to print high-quality and durable codes on various packaging materials contributes to ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Global Inkjet Coder Market Size & Forecast, by Region, 2022-2032 ($Million)

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The Europe inkjet coder market generated the highest revenue in 2022. The inkjet coder market in Europe has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. Europe is a mature market with established industries and stringent regulations, which drive the demand for inkjet coding and marking solutions. Europe has strict regulations pertaining to product traceability, identification, and labeling across various industries. Regulations such as the European Union's Food Information to Consumers (FIC) Regulation and the European Medicines Agency's requirements for pharmaceutical labeling create a strong demand for reliable and accurate coding solutions. Inkjet coders play a crucial role in meeting these regulatory requirements, contributing to regional market growth.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Inkjet Coder Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. On April 25, 2023, the 9750+ continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer has been introduced by Markem-Imaje, a division of Dover and a leading producer of industrial marking and coding systems and end-to-end supply chain solutions worldwide. The ground-breaking product is the first CIJ printer in the market to support both pigment and dye inks for coding and marking. The printer will assist Markem-Imaje's clients in lowering expenses and stock requirements.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

Some of the leading inkjet coder market players are ANSER CODING INC., Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co.,Ltd., Markem-Imaje S.A, Videojet Technologies Inc, Domino Printing Sciences Plc, Control Print Limited, Shanghai Rottweil Handyware Printing Technology Co., Ltd, Xaar Plc, MapleJet, and Linx Printing Technologies.