Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa

Rotogravure Printing Machine in South Africa Trends and Forecast

The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa 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 South Africa 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 South Africa

The rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa is undergoing a gradual transformation driven by shifts in consumer packaging demands, industrial localization, and sustainability goals. As the country expands its food processing, agricultural exports, and retail sectors, rotogravure printing plays an increasingly vital role in supporting high-quality and high-volume packaging. Manufacturers are modernizing with energy-efficient, digitally enabled systems and seeking cost-effective solutions suited to local conditions. The following trends highlight South Africa’s pursuit of modernization, technical flexibility, and sustainability in its evolving packaging and printing landscape.

• Focus on Cost-Optimized Hybrid Presses: South African converters are turning to hybrid presses that combine gravure with flexo or digital units, offering cost-effective production for short to mid-volume runs. These machines allow companies to adjust to fluctuating print demand and reduce overhead without compromising print quality. Hybrid designs support diversification, particularly for converters handling both commodity packaging and premium retail applications, and help improve capital utilization across shifting order volumes.
• Growth in Renewable Energy Integration in Printing Facilities: With energy costs and supply instability affecting production, several South African rotogravure facilities are integrating solar and backup energy systems. This trend aligns with the national energy transition and ensures consistent output even during power disruptions. It enhances the reliability of operations while contributing to ESG targets and long-term sustainability in production planning.
• Expansion of Eco-Friendly Film Compatibility: There’s rising interest in gravure systems that can process biodegradable films, recycled substrates, and compostable laminates. As South African retailers and exporters adopt greener packaging policies, printers are adapting to substrates with unique ink absorption and tension characteristics. This shift is helping manufacturers meet global eco-labeling requirements, especially in exports to Europe and other regulated markets.
• Rise of Mobile Maintenance and Remote Support Services: Local OEM representatives and service providers are introducing mobile maintenance units and remote diagnostics to reduce downtime and improve technical support for rotogravure presses. These solutions are essential for geographically dispersed manufacturing hubs and help bridge the gap caused by limited technical expertise in rural or secondary industrial zones.
• Increased Demand for Decorative and Specialty Finishes: With local brands investing in packaging aesthetics to compete with imports, rotogravure printers are adding capabilities such as matte/gloss varnishes, tactile coatings, and metallic effects. These enhancements are made possible through improved cylinder engraving and ink transfer technologies. The focus on visual appeal is helping South African firms differentiate their packaging and improve product shelf impact.

Emerging trends in South Africa’s rotogravure printing machine market reflect a shift toward cost efficiency, operational resilience, and environmentally responsible packaging. With hybrid machines, renewable energy, and specialty finishes leading the way, local manufacturers are embracing more versatile and sustainable solutions. These advancements are setting the foundation for a competitive and adaptive print packaging sector that aligns with South Africa’s industrial and ecological goals.

Recent Developments in the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa

South Africa’s rotogravure printing machine market is experiencing key developments as converters respond to rising packaging demand across food, agriculture, personal care, and retail sectors. Driven by modernization, energy constraints, and regional export potential, firms are investing in scalable, efficient, and adaptable printing systems. These initiatives are boosting productivity and aligning local manufacturing capabilities with international standards. The following developments showcase how South Africa is enhancing rotogravure performance through automation, localized support, and sustainable operations.

• Installation of Entry-Level Multi-Color Gravure Units for SMEs: To support small and mid-scale printers, affordable multi-color machines with simplified controls and compact designs have been launched. These presses offer excellent registration accuracy and accommodate basic to mid-range packaging needs. Their low energy use and simplified maintenance make them ideal for emerging players seeking to expand services without extensive capital investment.
• Launch of Centralized Ink Mixing and Recovery Stations: New centralized ink stations are being installed at major rotogravure sites to streamline color formulation and enable solvent recovery. These systems reduce ink wastage, standardize batch consistency, and improve compliance with local emissions regulations. The move enhances operational efficiency while supporting environmental safety across printing processes.
• Deployment of Semi-Automatic Cylinder Mounting Systems: South African converters are incorporating semi-automated cylinder handling systems to reduce operator fatigue, improve changeover times, and enhance press safety. These systems ensure better alignment during setup, which boosts overall print quality. Their adoption supports productivity while making the pressroom more ergonomic and technician-friendly.
• Expansion of Refurbished Equipment Market: There is a growing secondary market for refurbished rotogravure presses imported from Europe and Asia. These machines are retrofitted locally with modern components to serve cost-sensitive segments. This approach allows firms to gain access to advanced technology affordably while extending machine life. It also supports industrial inclusion and geographic expansion of packaging services.
• Development of Skills Incubation Partnerships: Technical training programs in partnership with universities and OEMs are now focused on building gravure-specific skills. These initiatives aim to prepare young technicians in prepress, machine handling, and process calibration. It supports the long-term sustainability of the workforce and ensures knowledge transfer within the printing sector.

Recent developments in South Africa’s rotogravure printing market emphasize local empowerment, cost-conscious innovation, and operational scalability. Through entry-level machines, localized ink systems, refurbished technology, and training efforts, the market is equipping itself to meet growing regional and international packaging demands. These changes are strengthening the industry’s foundation for sustainable growth and broader market reach.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa

South Africa’s rotogravure printing machine market is showing promise as the country strengthens its manufacturing and retail sectors. Growth in packaged foods, healthcare, and personal care products is driving demand for high-volume, quality printing solutions. With increased urbanization, retail expansion, and environmental awareness, businesses are seeking durable and visually impactful packaging. Rotogravure machines, known for speed, precision, and consistency, are being adopted across industries to meet domestic and regional market requirements, making them crucial in advancing South Africa’s packaging and production capabilities.

• Food Packaging and Distribution Solutions: South Africa’s expanding food processing sector requires reliable, efficient packaging systems. Rotogravure machines allow high-quality prints on flexible materials like BOPP and PET, suitable for dry goods, snacks, and ready meals. These machines enable consistent branding, nutritional labeling, and extended shelf life features. As supermarkets and convenience outlets increase, food brands seek uniform, attractive packaging to gain consumer trust. This demand is boosting investments in rotogravure systems that handle large production volumes while meeting hygiene and aesthetic standards.
• Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Applications: With growth in South Africa’s pharmaceutical production and public health initiatives, packaging accuracy and safety are critical. Rotogravure machines deliver precise, legible text and serialized coding for blister packs, foil wraps, and sterile packaging. These systems help pharmaceutical companies meet regulatory labeling requirements while ensuring consumer safety. As healthcare access expands and local production rises, rotogravure is becoming a vital solution for maintaining consistency, readability, and traceability in pharmaceutical packaging operations.
• Retail and Personal Care Product Packaging: Demand for stylish, brand-focused packaging is rising in South Africa’s personal care and retail markets. Rotogravure machines create metallic tones, sharp images, and fine textures on flexible tubes and cartons. They support creative packaging for lotions, haircare, and cosmetics. As lifestyle trends evolve, businesses seek visually appealing designs that reflect product identity. Rotogravure technology is helping manufacturers meet this demand with durable, visually rich packaging formats that enhance customer experience and shelf appeal.
• Agricultural and Industrial Labeling: South Africa’s agricultural and chemical sectors require robust labels for seeds, pesticides, and industrial supplies. Rotogravure machines print on substrates that withstand moisture, UV exposure, and handling stress. They provide permanent adhesion and clear text, meeting both safety and regulatory needs. With exports of agricultural products increasing, durable labeling ensures traceability and product integrity. Rotogravure systems are becoming essential for companies that require consistent, high-output label printing with enhanced resistance properties.
• Flexible Packaging for Regional Export: South African firms are expanding exports to other African countries, requiring packaging that meets international quality standards. Rotogravure machines offer high-volume, consistent printing for regional distribution. They enable detailed design reproduction on multilayer films used in snacks, dry goods, and household items. As packaging plays a role in brand positioning across borders, rotogravure helps exporters deliver professional and compliant presentation, making it a valuable investment for firms targeting growth beyond domestic markets.

Rotogravure printing machines in South Africa are gaining momentum due to their ability to meet the packaging demands of food, pharma, personal care, industrial, and export sectors. As businesses focus on product safety, branding, and regional competitiveness, rotogravure systems provide a scalable, efficient, and high-quality solution. These opportunities are helping manufacturers enhance operational output, meet compliance, and strengthen market presence across southern Africa.

Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Driver and Challenges

South Africa’s rotogravure printing market is shaped by changing consumer needs, industrial growth, and regulatory evolution. Technology upgrades and the need for reliable packaging across multiple sectors are encouraging investment. Government initiatives to support local manufacturing, combined with a growing retail sector, create fertile ground for machine deployment. However, high costs, power instability, and competition from other printing technologies present notable obstacles. For sustained progress, businesses must align with market trends, modernize operations, and manage risks tied to infrastructure and skill gaps.

The factors responsible for driving the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa include:
• Growth in Consumer Packaged Goods: South Africa’s population growth and urbanization have increased demand for packaged foods, hygiene products, and household items. Rotogravure printing supports high-volume, quality output that aligns with consumer branding preferences. As supermarkets expand and lifestyle needs evolve, the need for attractive, functional packaging grows. Rotogravure machines help firms meet this need by delivering consistent, eye-catching designs that reinforce brand identity and shelf visibility across urban and rural markets.
• Government Incentives for Local Manufacturing: The South African government is promoting local production through tax relief and industrial grants. These incentives support capital investment in machinery that enhances productivity. Rotogravure machines qualify for such programs, making them more accessible to small and mid-sized firms. With policies encouraging manufacturing localization and export readiness, these incentives help companies modernize their packaging infrastructure and reduce reliance on imports, supporting national economic goals.
• Expansion in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Manufacturing: Health sector development is a national priority, with a focus on local drug and medical product manufacturing. Rotogravure machines provide secure, high-definition packaging for pharmaceuticals. They help meet stringent labeling standards, reduce errors, and enable traceability. As access to healthcare increases and more facilities open, packaging needs will rise, driving machine deployment across pharmaceutical plants and contract packaging providers.
• Demand for High-Quality Export Packaging: South Africa exports goods across Africa and to global markets. These products require packaging that protects contents and reflects quality. Rotogravure printing supports long-run, sharp printing for export-standard packaging. This helps manufacturers meet international regulations, especially in food, chemicals, and cosmetics. With packaging influencing buyer perception and compliance, demand for reliable printing systems like rotogravure is expected to increase among exporters.
• Rise of Branded Retail and E-commerce Packaging: Online retail growth and private-label products are changing packaging priorities. Consumers expect attractive and informative packaging for products purchased online or in stores. Rotogravure’s speed and graphic quality support this need, allowing businesses to personalize packaging at scale. As digital commerce expands, more companies will adopt rotogravure systems to deliver packaging that resonates with digital-age buyers and enhances brand loyalty.

Challenges in the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa are:
• High Equipment and Operating Costs: Rotogravure machines involve significant capital investment and operating expenses. Cylinder production, ink management, and energy use add to long-term costs. Smaller businesses may struggle to afford or justify such investments, limiting market penetration. Without financial support or collaborative financing models, adoption remains skewed toward large converters and multinational firms, slowing overall market development.
• Power Supply Instability: Unreliable electricity supply affects print quality and machine performance. Frequent load shedding and voltage fluctuations cause production delays and equipment wear. This deters investment in advanced machinery, as stable operation is vital for rotogravure. Companies must invest in backup systems or automation to mitigate risks, increasing operational costs further and complicating plant management.
• Competition from Digital and Flexographic Printing: Digital and flexographic printing are gaining popularity in South Africa due to their flexibility, cost-efficiency, and suitability for short runs. For businesses with diverse product lines or frequent design changes, these technologies offer quicker setup and lower waste. Rotogravure, while superior for long runs, is less agile. This limits its appeal in markets that favor rapid product variation or personalized packaging, impacting its share in dynamic segments.

South Africa’s rotogravure printing machine market is growing steadily due to demand for branded, export-quality, and regulation-compliant packaging. Supportive government policies and industrial development create strong momentum. However, high costs, power instability, and alternative technologies pose challenges. To stay competitive, firms must invest in energy resilience, technical training, and machine efficiency. Aligning with retail, pharmaceutical, and export trends ensures rotogravure remains a key player in the evolving packaging sector.

List of Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa 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 South Africa by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa by substrate type, ink type, and end use.

Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa by Substrate Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Plastic
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Others

Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa by Ink Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Water-Based ink
• Solvent-Based ink

Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Packaging
• Commercial
• Publication
• Others

Features of the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa

Market Size Estimates: Rotogravure printing machine in South Africa market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Rotogravure printing machine in South Africa market size by substrate type, ink type, and end use in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different substrate type, ink type, and end use for the rotogravure printing machine in South Africa.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the rotogravure printing machine in South Africa.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

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FAQ

Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa?
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 South Africa?
Answer: The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in South Africa looks promising with opportunities in the packaging, commercial, and publication markets.
Q3. Which rotogravure printing machine market segment in South Africa 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 South Africa 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 South Africa, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Size, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Growth, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Analysis, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Report, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Share, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Trends, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in South Africa Forecast, Rotogravure Printing Machine Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.