Rotogravure Printing Machine in United States Trends and Forecast
The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in United States 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 United States 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 United States
The United States’ rotogravure printing machine market is evolving rapidly as demand surges for high-volume, high-quality flexible packaging. The shift toward smart manufacturing, advanced materials, and eco-conscious production is reshaping industry dynamics. Manufacturers are adopting intelligent automation, integrated data platforms, and substrate-flexible technologies to enhance output, precision, and sustainability. The U.S. packaging sector’s emphasis on compliance, customization, and innovation is pushing gravure press capabilities to new heights. Below are five emerging trends that demonstrate how U.S. converters are modernizing gravure printing to meet the shifting needs of retail, food, pharma, and logistics industries.
• Rise of Modular Gravure Architecture: U.S. converters are transitioning to modular rotogravure systems that allow easy addition or reconfiguration of stations. These machines offer better scalability, reduce future capital investments, and allow rapid adaptation to changing production needs. It supports flexible business models, shortens downtime for upgrades, and enhances compatibility with hybrid printing solutions.
• Shift to Non-Toluene Ink Systems: Driven by regulatory pressure and safety concerns, many U.S. gravure printers are adopting non-toluene solvent and water-based ink systems. These alternatives lower VOC emissions and enhance workplace safety. Updated gravure presses now feature improved ink drying and solvent recovery modules tailored to these eco-friendly formulations, ensuring compliance and cleaner operations.
• Implementation of Closed-Loop Color Control: Closed-loop color management systems are gaining ground in U.S. facilities to ensure precise, repeatable color output across long runs. Using spectrophotometers and real-time software, these systems adjust ink density and hue dynamically. This ensures consistency while reducing reprints and ink waste, particularly important for brand-critical packaging.
• Adoption of Gravure for RFID & Printed Electronics: U.S. gravure printers are expanding into high-tech segments like printed electronics and RFID. Gravure’s fine resolution and uniform ink deposition make it suitable for conductive inks used in smart packaging. Specialized gravure units are being introduced for these precision applications, supporting IoT-linked packaging and interactive consumer experiences.
• Growth in Contract Packaging with Gravure Capabilities: Contract packaging firms in the U.S. are investing in gravure to meet OEM and private-label client demands for high-volume and high-quality print consistency. The shift reflects rising demand for flexible outsourcing with fast turnarounds. Gravure offers a competitive edge due to its durability, cost efficiency, and detail at scale.
The U.S. rotogravure printing machine market is embracing modularity, non-toxic inks, digital integration, and new application areas to stay relevant in a fast-evolving packaging landscape. These trends underscore the shift toward precision, flexibility, and sustainability. As gravure adapts to emerging technology and compliance standards, it is regaining strategic importance in North American packaging operations.
Recent Developments in the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States
The rotogravure printing machine market in the United States has witnessed notable developments, reflecting its response to operational demands, regulatory updates, and shifts in customer expectations. Recent efforts focus on upgrading legacy systems, optimizing sustainability practices, and improving production flexibility. As converters modernize, many are embracing digital tools and customization capabilities while maintaining gravure’s strengths in speed and quality. Below are five key developments that mark the latest transformation in the U.S. gravure market landscape.
• Integration of Smart Operator Assistance Systems: New gravure presses in the U.S. are being equipped with intelligent user assistance features such as guided start-up routines, on-screen diagnostics, and AR-based maintenance aids. These systems help reduce operator training time, increase machine uptime, and improve safety. The development addresses skill shortages and supports smooth handovers across shifts.
• Expansion of Flexible Packaging Converting Clusters: Several U.S. regions, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast, are seeing the emergence of converting clusters equipped with modern gravure presses. These clusters benefit from shared logistics, skilled labor, and vendor proximity. The regional concentration helps companies reduce lead times and build resilience in domestic packaging supply chains.
• Introduction of Recycled Substrate Handling Enhancements: U.S. presses are now incorporating specialized tension and web-handling systems to support printing on recycled films and paper. These substrates often pose print instability, and the new press upgrades ensure smooth ink transfer and defect-free registration. This shift supports rising demand for recycled content in packaging.
• Deployment of Integrated Gravure-Curing Units: To speed up production and enhance ink performance, gravure lines in the U.S. are integrating inline UV and thermal curing modules. These systems reduce drying times and improve adhesion on coated films. The development is critical for food-safe and high-gloss applications, especially in health, beauty, and specialty food packaging.
• Retrofit Programs for Enhanced Compliance and Efficiency: Many U.S. converters are investing in retrofit programs that upgrade control systems, ink chambers, and drying units on older gravure presses. These modifications enhance energy efficiency, reduce solvent emissions, and align machines with OSHA and EPA regulations. It extends equipment life while meeting evolving production standards.
Recent developments in the U.S. rotogravure printing machine market reflect a commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and strategic localization. From smart assistance to recycled substrates and compliance retrofits, converters are modernizing infrastructure while preserving gravure’s print quality edge. These innovations are ensuring gravure remains a vital tool for U.S. packaging excellence.
Strategic Growth Opportunities for Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States
The United States rotogravure printing machine market is expanding as demand surges in packaging, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and e‑commerce sectors. The need for high‑volume, consistent, eco‑friendly, and aesthetically appealing packaging aligns well with rotogravure strengths. Major growth drivers include automation, substrate variety, and sustainability trends. Rotogravure machines offer precision, speed, and cost‑efficiency for long runs, making them ideal for sectors seeking scalable production and premium branding. As U.S. manufacturers adopt advanced packaging strategies, rotogravure systems are set to play a central role across key applications.
• Food and Beverage Flexible Packaging: The flexible packaging segment in the United States is experiencing robust growth due to increasing demand for durable and attractive packaging formats. Rotogravure printing enables high-quality visuals on materials like PET, PE, and BOPP films, meeting brand and compliance standards. Its suitability for long, continuous runs enhances cost-effectiveness for large-scale snack and beverage production. As consumer focus on shelf appeal grows, manufacturers leverage rotogravure to maintain branding consistency and regulatory labeling across mass production lines.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Packaging: Rotogravure machines are essential in pharmaceutical packaging due to their ability to deliver detailed prints on blister packs, foils, and medical labels. The system ensures readability for batch numbers, dosage instructions, and compliance data, critical in regulated industries. It supports aluminum and multilayer laminates, preserving product integrity. The expansion of contract manufacturing and generics in the United States elevates the need for precise, large-volume printing solutions that meet safety standards and ensure traceability across distribution channels.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Packaging: Cosmetics and personal care products rely heavily on visual branding and premium packaging finishes. Rotogravure printing enables fine detailing, metallic effects, and vivid coloration on tubes, sachets, and flexible containers. The process ensures consistent print quality across high-volume runs, supporting brand image across retail and online channels. With growing private-label product lines and demand for upscale presentation, rotogravure helps manufacturers differentiate products while meeting sustainability and cost-efficiency requirements in large-scale production.
• Industrial and Chemical Labeling: For industrial and chemical products, rotogravure printing ensures clarity, chemical resistance, and durability on tough substrates like PVC and laminated films. It meets the needs for multilingual warnings, safety data, and compliance icons, all printed with precision and longevity. As regulations become stricter and global distribution expands, manufacturers depend on rotogravure for consistent, high-volume label production that maintains legibility and adherence to international standards throughout storage and transport cycles.
• E‑commerce and Retail Fulfilment Packaging: E-commerce expansion in the United States has led to greater use of branded shipping bags, reclosable pouches, and protective wraps. Rotogravure offers the speed and scale required for printing consistent, high-quality designs on recyclable substrates, enhancing the unboxing experience and brand loyalty. This aligns with the sustainability goals of retailers and logistics companies. As direct-to-consumer brands focus on memorable packaging and reduced environmental impact, rotogravure becomes a key enabler of efficient and scalable visual communication.
Growth opportunities in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial, and e-commerce packaging are driving rotogravure adoption across the United States. The process delivers premium print quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance, helping companies meet production and branding objectives. As industries evolve toward automation and eco-conscious practices, rotogravure’s role in mass, high-quality packaging continues to grow.
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Driver and Challenges
The United States rotogravure printing machine market is influenced by a combination of technology evolution, environmental pressures, and operational demands. Increasing needs for premium quality, packaging compliance, and sustainability are among the leading drivers. At the same time, cost barriers, labor shortages, and alternative printing technologies challenge broader adoption. Understanding these forces is crucial for stakeholders aiming to scale or optimize rotogravure investments in a changing manufacturing and packaging landscape.
The factors responsible for driving the rotogravure printing machine market in United States include:
• Surging Demand in Flexible Packaging: Flexible packaging applications, particularly in food and beverage, are expanding across the United States. Rotogravure enables durable, high-resolution prints on diverse materials that comply with safety regulations. Its long-run efficiency makes it ideal for companies producing millions of units. The format’s popularity is driven by convenience, branding, and shelf appeal. As demand continues for lightweight and functional packaging, rotogravure offers consistent quality, vibrant graphics, and cost-efficient scalability to support major production runs across fast-moving consumer goods.
• Technological Advancements and Smart Integration: Rotogravure machines are evolving with digital automation, predictive maintenance, and process optimization tools. Modern systems reduce setup time, minimize material waste, and ensure precise registration. These improvements support lean manufacturing goals and reduce operational costs. As U.S. companies adopt Industry 4.0 frameworks, rotogravure presses that integrate seamlessly into digital workflows become more attractive. This helps boost productivity and allows real-time monitoring, essential for maintaining high-quality standards and reducing downtime across large-scale production environments.
• Sustainability and Eco‑friendly Packaging Shift: Consumer and regulatory pressure to reduce plastic waste and emissions is accelerating the transition to sustainable packaging solutions. Rotogravure printers now support water-based and low-VOC inks, as well as recyclable and biodegradable substrates. These capabilities help brands align with environmental commitments without compromising quality. Companies are redesigning packaging to comply with eco-labeling mandates while enhancing visual appeal. Rotogravure printing systems offer a viable path toward achieving these goals with high efficiency, making them a preferred choice for green packaging initiatives.
• Expansion of E‑commerce and Direct‑to‑Consumer Channels: The rise of e-commerce has created new packaging demands emphasizing branding, protection, and sustainability. Rotogravure provides scalable, cost-effective solutions for printing durable graphics on shipping bags, flexible mailers, and promotional wraps. These materials must convey brand identity while enduring handling and transit. Rotogravure systems allow for mass customization and efficient high-volume production, supporting rapid fulfillment cycles. Direct-to-consumer brands leverage this to enhance customer experience, reinforce brand recognition, and align with eco-friendly packaging trends.
• Growth in Pharmaceutical and Contract Filling: The growth of generic drugs, contract manufacturing, and regulatory stringency has increased the demand for high-precision pharmaceutical packaging. Rotogravure machines enable clear printing of critical information, barcodes, and anti-counterfeit features on sensitive substrates like foils and laminated films. These systems meet the rigorous quality and hygiene requirements of the pharmaceutical sector. As production scales, rotogravure offers a reliable solution for large-volume, regulatory-compliant packaging that maintains consistency and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Challenges in the rotogravure printing machine market in United States are:
• High Capital and Operating Costs: Rotogravure machines involve substantial capital investment, especially for cylinder engraving and press installation. Operational expenses also include energy-intensive drying and ink systems. These costs can deter small to mid-sized enterprises from adopting the technology. Without sufficient volume to justify the investment, many businesses may opt for alternative solutions. Financial barriers limit flexibility and prevent smaller players from accessing the advantages of rotogravure, slowing broader market penetration despite its technical strengths.
• Competition from Digital and Flexo Printing: Digital and flexographic printing technologies are gaining popularity due to their lower setup costs, ease of customization, and shorter lead times. These alternatives are well-suited for small to medium production runs and rapidly changing product lines. As brands pursue agility and on-demand packaging, rotogravure’s longer setup times and cost structure make it less competitive in some segments. This competition challenges traditional rotogravure providers to innovate or adapt with hybrid and modular press solutions.
• Skilled Labor Shortages: Operating and maintaining rotogravure presses requires experienced technicians with specific skills in calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The aging U.S. manufacturing workforce and a lack of new talent are creating a skills gap that affects productivity. Downtime, quality issues, and safety concerns can arise without adequately trained staff. Investing in workforce development, training programs, and intuitive machine interfaces is necessary to overcome this challenge and sustain efficient rotogravure operations in the long term.
The rotogravure printing market in the United States is advancing through opportunities in flexible packaging, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and eco-conscious product design. However, capital constraints, labor shortages, and competing technologies present obstacles to full adoption. Manufacturers who modernize infrastructure, invest in training, and align with sustainability goals will be best positioned to maximize the value of rotogravure systems in a competitive, fast-evolving environment.
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List of Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States 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 United States by Segment
The study includes a forecast for the rotogravure printing machine market in United States by substrate type, ink type, and end use.
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States by Substrate Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Plastic
• Paper & Paperboard
• Metal
• Others
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States by Ink Type [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Water-Based ink
• Solvent-Based ink
Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States by End Use [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:
• Packaging
• Commercial
• Publication
• Others
Features of the Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States
Market Size Estimates: Rotogravure printing machine in United States market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Rotogravure printing machine in United States market size by substrate type, ink type, and end use in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different substrate type, ink type, and end use for the rotogravure printing machine in United States.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the rotogravure printing machine in United States.
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 United States?
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 United States?
Answer: The future of the rotogravure printing machine market in United States looks promising with opportunities in the packaging, commercial, and publication markets.
Q3. Which rotogravure printing machine market segment in United States 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 United States 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 United States, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Size, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Growth, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Analysis, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Report, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Share, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Trends, Rotogravure Printing Machine Market in United States Forecast, Rotogravure Printing Machine Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.