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U.S. Inkjet Media Overview: Specialty Media on the Rise

Inkjet Stats
 
Inkjet is a marvelously adaptable technology that is used for standalone printers, copiers, and fax machines as well as multifunctional devices. In principle, inkjet technology can image anything that is placed in front of the cartridge. The object may be flat or curved. It can be used for single-function printers, copiers, and fax machines, as well as their multifunctional equivalents with the appropriate modifications and connections. Of the total hardware installed base in 2007, 65% of devices will be based on inkjet technology. 

In fact, nearly 80 million inkjet devices were installed last year making it the dominant printer technology in the desktop arena.  The number of inkjet multifunctional imaging devices installed in the U.S. is growing very quickly due to customers’ desire for increased functionality within a single product. This increased desire has been a major enabler of the specialty media market.

Inkjet Fueling Specialty Media Growth

Out of the 116 billion prints produced on paper-based media by inkjet products in 2004, specialty media was used for nearly 30 billion of these prints. Commodity and specialty media are expected to experience steady growth between 2002 and 2007. During that same timeframe, inkjet media will continue to show signs of growth and will increase at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 3.5%.

Figure 1: All Inkjet Media Demand (Millions of Prints)

Inkjet Media Money Makers

Total inkjet media revenue was over $3.2 billion in 2004. Uncoated papers used in inkjet printers accounted for almost $1.7 billion, and specialty inkjet paper accounted for $1.5 billion. In terms of revenue, desktop inkjet media will experience a CAGR of 2.4% between 2002 and 2007. Uncoated papers account for only about a third of all the revenue generated by inkjet imaging devices. Photo paper is also seeing a spike in growth as the installed base of digital cameras and photo printers continues to increase.

Figure 2: All U.S. Desktop Inkjet Print Revenue ($Millions)

As the installed base of inkjet equipment continues to grow, the flexibility and adaptability of the technology will continue to drive new applications, as well as demand for inkjet papers, films, and fabrics.

The preceding is an excerpt from InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ research report entitled U.S. Narrow Format Inkjet Media Report for 2004. The complete document is available immediately. To learn more about the report or to make a purchase, please contact Alison Hipp at , ext. 126 or .