InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ new forecast entitled  World Toner Report: 2003-2008 provides an outlook for world toner in terms of pounds and millions of dollars at retail pricing through 2008. The market is presented from a number of different angles, including device type, monochrome vs. color, and monocomponent vs. dual-component. The report examines regional demand by engine manufacturer, demand for OEM vs. aftermarket products, and production trends. 

Key findings from the report include:

• Color is a key growth area across all segments and many parts of the printer market. By 2008, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures expects full color toner to account for 25% of all demand.
• One of the most important enablers for the color market to grow as expected is the continued use and improvement of toner. This is particularly the case for chemically produced toner, which is expected to offer better quality, lower usage costs, and higher machine reliability.
• Captive OEM manufacturers continue to accumulate market share at the expense of independent suppliers. Worldwide production of toner is strongly trending toward lower-cost areas, largely China.

“Overall, toner consumption continues to grow on a worldwide basis, with the U.S. retaining about half of world demand,” commented John Shane, Director at InfoTrends/CAP Ventures. “The Rest of World remains relatively small but is experiencing the greatest amount of growth, while the Western European region is currently demonstrating the most sluggish growth.”

The forecast is available immediately to clients of InfoTrends/CAP Ventures’ North American Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information about the report or to make a purchase, please click here to visit our online store or contact Alison Hipp at , ext. 126 or .