Rotogravure Printing Machine in Italy Trends and Forecast
The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy looks promising with opportunities in the packaging, commercial, and publication markets. The global rotogravure printing machine market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.6% from 2025 to 2031. The rotogravure printing machine market in Italy is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the increasing need for flexible packaging, the growing interest in printed packaging, and the rising demand for printing of superior quality.
• Lucintel forecasts that, within the substrate type category, plastic will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its resilience to moisture and robustness.
• Within the end use category, packaging is expected to witness the highest growth due to its ability to print on the substrate‘s two sides.
Emerging Trends in the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy
Italy’s rotogravure printing machine market is evolving as the country leverages its legacy in precision engineering and sustainable manufacturing. The market is adapting to changing packaging needs in sectors such as food, luxury goods, and pharmaceuticals. Italian manufacturers are integrating advanced automation, eco-focused solutions, and customizable systems to meet both domestic and international demand. With strong exports and regulatory compliance standards, Italy is aligning rotogravure with next-gen technologies and sustainability goals, ensuring the market remains competitive and innovative in a rapidly shifting global packaging environment.
• Customization in Modular Press Design: Italian rotogravure machine manufacturers are increasingly offering modular designs that allow converters to tailor machines to specific substrates, run lengths, and applications. These customizable systems help printers handle varied packaging demands, from boutique food brands to pharmaceutical labeling. The trend supports scalability and lifecycle optimization, enabling businesses to upgrade components without full machine replacement. It enhances capital efficiency and extends machine relevance in dynamic production settings.
• Advancement in Closed-Chamber Doctor Blade Systems: To reduce ink waste and improve print precision, Italy’s press makers are adopting advanced closed-chamber doctor blade systems. These systems ensure even ink distribution and reduce operator exposure to solvents. This trend enhances color consistency and improves safety in compliance with EU workplace standards. It’s particularly impactful in the high-end packaging segment where detailed print quality is essential.
• Expansion of Multi-Color Print Capabilities: Italian converters are investing in rotogravure presses with expanded color configurations—often 9 to 11 units—to meet growing demand for vivid, high-resolution packaging. This is critical for premium consumer goods and export packaging where shelf appeal matters. The trend allows simultaneous application of protective coatings or special effects, reducing the need for multiple passes and boosting production efficiency while enhancing design possibilities.
• Rise in Low-Noise Machine Engineering: Manufacturers in Italy are focusing on acoustic optimization to reduce noise in high-speed printing lines. Newer machines feature vibration dampers, enclosed gear drives, and precision-engineered housings. This trend aligns with Italy’s commitment to operator well-being and regulatory compliance in industrial environments. Lower noise levels contribute to improved working conditions and long-term productivity in continuous operation settings.
• Adoption of Ink Recovery and Recycling Systems: Italian rotogravure operations are increasingly adopting ink recovery units to recycle unused ink during print runs. These systems filter and reintroduce ink into the process, cutting waste and saving costs. The trend supports Italy’s strong environmental performance goals and adds value in sectors where specialty inks are costly. It also improves material usage efficiency, especially for short runs or frequent color changes.
Italy’s rotogravure printing machine market is embracing high customization, operational safety, and eco-conscious innovation. Trends like modular press design, advanced ink handling, and acoustic optimization reflect Italy’s leadership in precision and sustainable engineering. These advancements are positioning Italian converters and machinery manufacturers to lead in quality-driven and environmentally responsible packaging production.
Recent Developments in the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy
Recent developments in Italy’s rotogravure printing machine market highlight a move toward localized production upgrades, cross-border innovation, and high-tech component integration. Italian machinery manufacturers are enhancing system intelligence, launching sustainability-focused partnerships, and improving operator usability. As global clients demand faster, greener, and higher-quality packaging solutions, Italy is reinforcing its leadership in gravure press excellence. These strategic moves ensure both operational continuity and global competitiveness in flexible packaging.
• Launch of AI-Integrated Print Inspection Modules: Italian rotogravure machines are now equipped with AI-powered visual inspection systems that detect print defects in real time. These modules use machine learning to improve over time, reducing waste and rework. The development boosts quality control, especially for high-end applications like cosmetic or pharmaceutical packaging. It supports zero-defect production targets and streamlines finishing operations, improving customer satisfaction and lowering returns.
• Partnerships with Recyclable Film Manufacturers: Italian rotogravure equipment suppliers have partnered with recyclable film producers to develop machines that perform optimally on mono-material substrates. This enables compliance with circular economy regulations while maintaining print quality. The collaboration helps reduce plastic waste and positions Italy as a key player in the sustainable packaging supply chain. It also aligns gravure presses with next-generation packaging trends.
• Digital Retrofit Programs for Legacy Machines: To extend the lifespan of existing press infrastructure, Italian OEMs have introduced digital retrofit packages. These include updated control systems, new drives, and digital dashboards. The development allows legacy machines to function like modern units, saving capital investment while improving performance. It’s particularly useful for converters aiming to modernize without full machine replacement.
• Introduction of Remote Diagnostic Service Tools: New diagnostic platforms now allow Italian rotogravure machines to be monitored and troubleshooted remotely via cloud-based tools. These services reduce downtime and improve service response in remote facilities. The development enhances operational resilience and reduces reliance on on-site technical personnel. It’s especially relevant in export markets or facilities with limited engineering resources.
• Energy Optimization Using Predictive Algorithms: Some Italian press manufacturers have begun implementing predictive energy optimization software that adjusts motor speed, drying parameters, and tension based on workload. This innovation minimizes power consumption without compromising output quality. The development supports Italy’s decarbonization goals and helps clients control operational costs, particularly in high-energy packaging production settings.
Recent developments in Italy’s rotogravure printing market reveal a strategic fusion of smart automation, eco-alignment, and infrastructure renewal. From AI quality systems to digital retrofits and energy optimization, the country is transforming its machinery ecosystem to support future-ready packaging production. These initiatives ensure Italy remains a global benchmark for innovation and sustainability in gravure printing.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy
Italy‘s rotogravure printing machine market is evolving due to rising demand for advanced packaging, especially in sectors like food, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable consumer products. Italian manufacturers are known for quality and precision, making them key adopters of high-performance printing technology. With a strong export market and increasing focus on packaging innovation, rotogravure machines are supporting efficiency, consistency, and design excellence. These developments are opening targeted growth paths across several application areas aligned with industrial trends and consumer preferences.
• Premium Food and Beverage Packaging: Italy‘s globally recognized food and beverage sector demands packaging that matches brand value, especially for pasta, wine, olive oil, and gourmet products. Rotogravure machines enable rich color reproduction and tactile finishes on flexible substrates. These qualities enhance shelf presence and appeal to both domestic and export markets. As artisanal and organic food exports grow, packaging becomes a key marketing tool. High-volume producers benefit from rotogravure‘s speed and efficiency, making this segment a strong driver of machine demand.
• Luxury Goods and Cosmetic Product Packaging: Italy is home to several luxury and beauty brands requiring high-end packaging that aligns with their image. Rotogravure machines produce metallic effects, fine details, and precise registration essential for premium cosmetic and fragrance packaging. With consumer expectations for elegance and sustainability, brands prefer materials that are both beautiful and recyclable. This application supports long-run consistency and high-end branding for globally distributed goods, boosting investment in advanced rotogravure solutions tailored for the luxury segment.
• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Labeling: Italy‘s pharmaceutical industry is a key contributor to European exports, requiring tamper-evident and regulation-compliant packaging. Rotogravure machines offer the accuracy and clarity needed for printing batch numbers, usage instructions, and dosage information. Their ability to print on foil and medical-grade laminates supports hygiene and compliance. As regulatory scrutiny increases, pharmaceutical packaging must balance safety, cost, and consistency, making rotogravure an efficient and compliant solution for this application area.
• Eco-Friendly Packaging for Sustainable Brands: Sustainability is a growing priority in Italy, especially for organic food and ethical brands. Rotogravure machines compatible with biodegradable materials and water-based inks help companies reduce environmental impact while maintaining print quality. These machines allow eco-conscious businesses to adopt recyclable and compostable packaging without design compromise. As EU sustainability goals tighten, this application is gaining traction among converters aligning with regulatory and consumer expectations for responsible packaging.
• Decorative Films and Industrial Laminates: Interior design and industrial sectors in Italy use decorative laminates for furniture, flooring, and wall finishes. Rotogravure printing offers high-definition, repeatable patterns including woodgrain, marble, and metallic textures. Manufacturers benefit from visual consistency and high-speed production across multiple surface types. As home remodeling and commercial infrastructure projects expand, this non-packaging application offers substantial growth potential for rotogravure machines used in decorative and architectural industries.
Italy‘s rotogravure printing machine market is advancing through strategic applications in premium packaging, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, sustainability, and decorative films. Each sector demands precision, consistency, and production efficiency. The flexibility of rotogravure technology supports Italy‘s high-quality manufacturing goals, driving investment and innovation. These opportunities are not only strengthening machine adoption domestically but also enhancing Italy‘s global competitiveness in design-driven, regulation-ready packaging solutions.
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Driver and Challenges
Italy‘s rotogravure printing machine market is driven by a blend of quality-focused manufacturing, growing demand for high-end packaging, and alignment with EU environmental regulations. Industries ranging from food to luxury rely on sophisticated printing systems to ensure visual excellence and compliance. However, the market faces cost pressures, regulatory complexity, and challenges in raw material supply. Understanding these forces is essential for aligning strategies and technology investments to sustain growth in a competitive environment.
The factors responsible for driving the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy include:
• Strong Demand for Premium Packaging Quality: Italian industries prioritize aesthetics, especially in food, fashion, and beauty sectors. Rotogravure machines support vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and superior finishing on varied substrates. This ability to produce high-quality packaging strengthens brand identity and consumer loyalty. As competition intensifies across premium segments, companies are investing in advanced machines that offer both creative and technical excellence. This demand for packaging that reflects Italian craftsmanship is a consistent growth driver.
• Expanding Export-Oriented Manufacturing: Italy‘s role as an exporter of food: pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods creates need for packaging that meets international quality and labeling standards. Rotogravure machines support large print volumes and ensure compliance with global regulations. Exporters value rotogravure for its durability, speed, and print integrity across long runs. As Italy expands trade with non-EU markets, packaging becomes critical in maintaining product integrity and brand presentation, supporting increased machine adoption.
• Shift Toward Sustainable Packaging Standards: The EU Green Deal and Italy‘s own environmental regulations are encouraging adoption of biodegradable and recyclable materials. Rotogravure machines that work with sustainable films and water-based inks help companies meet eco-targets. As green branding becomes central to consumer trust, manufacturers are adopting machines that allow visual appeal without environmental compromise. This shift is not only regulatory but also brand-driven, pushing the market toward eco-aligned equipment investments.
• Rise of Small-Batch and Regional Brands: Smaller Italian brands are gaining ground in niche markets. These producers seek packaging that is cost-effective and visually competitive. Rotogravure‘s efficiency in mid- to large-run jobs makes it appealing to regional brands scaling production. Flexible machinery helps meet packaging needs of seasonal, artisanal, or limited-edition products. This expansion supports decentralized demand for rotogravure machines and drives machine use beyond major metropolitan manufacturing hubs.
• Automation and Digital Integration in Production: Smart manufacturing is being adopted across Italy, and rotogravure machines with integrated automation, quick-change systems, and real-time quality monitoring are in demand. These features help reduce setup time and improve output precision. Automation supports labor efficiency, reduces errors, and increases uptime, especially important in export-heavy operations. As plants modernize, rotogravure technology aligns with Industry 4.0 objectives and long-term productivity goals.
Challenges in the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy are:
• High Equipment and Cylinder Costs: Rotogravure machines have high initial investment costs, including expenses for cylinder engraving and maintenance. This limits accessibility for small converters or startups. Without subsidies or shared infrastructure, many companies delay upgrades. Although return on investment is strong for large volumes, capital cost remains a significant barrier for market entry or scale-up efforts.
• Regulatory and Certification Burdens: Italy‘s alignment with EU directives means strict certification requirements for packaging materials, especially in food and pharma. Converters must adapt quickly to updated labeling, safety, and recyclability standards. Rotogravure machines offer compliance features, but staying ahead of new rules requires frequent upgrades and documentation, which can burden smaller manufacturers with limited resources or outdated systems.
• Supply Chain Fluctuations for Substrates and Inks: Italy depends on imported films, specialty inks, and certain spare parts for rotogravure operations. Global disruptions, price shifts, and material shortages affect production planning and cost management. Delays in delivery or quality inconsistency in substrates can cause operational inefficiencies. Strengthening local supplier networks or developing alternatives remains a key need to reduce this vulnerability.
Italy‘s rotogravure printing machine market benefits from strong demand for premium packaging, growing exports, and alignment with sustainability goals. The technology meets high aesthetic and regulatory standards, making it ideal for leading Italian sectors. However, adoption is tempered by capital constraints, evolving rules, and supply issues. Addressing these challenges will help maintain Italy‘s reputation for quality packaging and support continued growth in machine investments and industrial capability.
List of Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Companies
Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, rotogravure printing machine companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the rotogravure printing machine companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5
• Company 6
• Company 7
• Company 8
• Company 9
• Company 10
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy by substrate type, ink type, and end use.
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy by Substrate Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Plastic
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Others
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy by Ink Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Water-Based ink
• Solvent-Based ink
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Packaging
• Commercial
• Publication
• Others
Features of the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy
Market Size Estimates: Rotogravure printing machine in Italy market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Rotogravure printing machine in Italy market size by substrate type, ink type, and end use in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different substrate type, ink type, and end use for the rotogravure printing machine in Italy.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the rotogravure printing machine in Italy.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.
If you are looking to expand your business in this or adjacent markets, then contact us. We have done hundreds of strategic consulting projects in market entry, opportunity screening, due diligence, supply chain analysis, M & A, and more.
FAQ
Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the increasing need for flexible packaging, the growing interest in printed packaging, and the rising demand for printing of superior quality.
Q2. What are the major segments for rotogravure printing machine market in Italy?
Answer: The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy looks promising with opportunities in the packaging, commercial, and publication markets.
Q3. Which rotogravure printing machine market segment in Italy will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that plastic will remain the largest segment over the forecast period due to its resilience to moisture and robustness.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.
This report answers following 10 key questions:
Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the rotogravure printing machine market in Italy by substrate type (plastic, paper & paperboard, metal, and others), ink type (water-based ink and solvent-based ink), and end use (packaging, commercial, publication, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Size, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Growth, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Analysis, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Report, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Share, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Trends, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in Italy Forecast, Rotogravure Printing Machine Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.