The flexibility of digital technology, in particular inkjet printing, still has vast potential for the packaging market, the report states.

"The future of digital printing for packaging and labelling will be driven by the need to produce short print runs economically, on-demand printing, versioning and personalisation trends, as well as rapid response of short runs - as packaging buyers continue to search for ways to engage with customers," Visiongain said in a statement.

The report predicts that in the next few years there will be a convergence of analogue and digital label printing manufacturers enhancing the capability of their presses, as brand owners respond to opportunities derived from fast-evolving retail market trends.

This, says Visiongain, is likely to spark the development towards more complete digital solutions to generate greater production efficiencies and cost savings.