The global dye sublimation inkjet textile printing market is expected to experience growth in the coming years, according to a report from Smithers. The report suggests this will be driven by demand across several sectors including garments, household furnishings, and technical textiles. The market is projected to reach $11.8 billion (£9.1 billion) in sales by 2025.
The report, “The Future of Dye Sublimation to 2029”, predicts that by the end of 2025, global output will grow to two billion square metres of fabric and 73.6 million square metres of rigid media.
Looking ahead, Smithers forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% in volume demand over the next five years, with annual output reaching 2.9 billion square metres by 2029. Value growth is expected to grow at 6.6% CAGR, reaching $15.2 billion (£11.7 billion) by the same year.
The market’s main segments, according to Smithers, include garments, household textiles, technical textiles, displays, and rigid media, with garments accounting for the largest share at 71.9% of the market volume. Bringing production back to North America and Europe, as well as the push for more sustainable manufacturing, are key drivers in this growth.
Additionally, the widespread adoption of aqueous inkjet technology, now responsible for over 98% of dye sublimation output, and the growing demand for soft signage, particularly silicone edge graphics (SEGs), are contributing to market growth, the report stated. OEMs are responding by introducing higher-speed machines and inkjet presses, while suppliers are focusing on improving the efficiency of consumables, Smithers concluded.