RTM World Q2 2025: Trends & Triumphs Shaping the Market

Market Trends and Highlights—Q2, 2025

As June comes to a close, let’s take a look at the key trends and highlights that shaped the imaging and printing industry in the second quarter of 2025. From the growing demand for eco-friendly printers to strategic investments in AI and advancements in printing technology, Q2 was marked by significant developments.

Market Trends

1. Ink Tank Models in High Demand Globally
   According to IDC, ink tank printers continued to gain traction globally, marking their fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth. These printers are increasingly popular due to their eco-friendly, refillable design, which reduces cartridge waste and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers across most regions.

2. Strong Adoption of Thermal Receipt Printers
   The rapid expansion of e-commerce has fueled the adoption of thermal receipt printers, particularly in the retail sector. As reported by the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute, these printers are favored for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly attributes. They are widely used in mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems, especially those based on tablets.

3. Global Large-Format Printer Sales Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
   IDC reported that global sales of large-format printers reached $190 million in 2024, a 1.4% year-on-year decline due to the sluggish global economy. This figure represents only 70% of the pre-pandemic level in 2019, signaling a slow recovery in this segment.

Equipment Highlights

1. Epson’s Direct-to-Film Printer
   In April, Epson launched its first wide-format SureColor G6070 direct-to-film (DTF) printer. Designed for garment decorators, it offers reliability, low maintenance, and consistent print quality, making it ideal for printing on oversized graphics and a variety of materials.

2. Ricoh’s Garment Printer
   Ricoh introduced the RICOH Ri 4000 garment printer in Japan, featuring its proprietary enhancer system. This printer supports direct printing on fabrics like polyester, cotton, and blends without manual pre-treatment, as well as direct-to-film (DTF) printing for greater flexibility.

3. Canon’s Large-Format Desktop Printers
   Canon’s imagePROGRAF TC-21 and TC-21M are compact, four-color (CMYK) large-format desktop printers targeting professionals in architecture, engineering, design, and education. The TC-21M includes an A4 scanner and supports A1+ printing.

4. HP’s Water-Based Latex Printers
   HP unveiled the HP Latex 730 and 830 Printer Series at PacPrint 2025. These water-based large-format printers cater to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with high-impact print quality, improved productivity, and sustainability benefits.

5. Roland DG’s Direct-to-Object Printers
   Roland DG’s VersaOBJECT LO-640/300 series enables high-precision direct printing on 3D objects made from nearly any material, a task previously limited to pad or screen printing.

6. G&G’s Portable Label Printer
   G&G released the GG-D110, a compact, half-inch portable label printer designed for simplicity and mobility, catering to a new generation of users.

Other Highlights

1. Strategic Investment in AI

   • Kyocera signed a licensing agreement with Quadric for its Chimaera General-Purpose Neural Processing Unit (GPNPU) technology, aiming to integrate advanced AI capabilities into its printing solutions.
   • Canon launched the imageFORCE C5100 and 6100 MFPs powered by its machine-learning imageFORCE platform, enhancing workflow efficiency and enabling digital transformation.
   • Kyocera America introduced Kyocera Cloud Capture (KCC), a cloud-based document capture solution, and launched a series of 10 cloud-ready A3 MFPs.
2. Adoption of Chinese Technology
   • Deli launched printers featuring chips and processors developed by Loongson, improving productivity and data security.
   • Canon (China) had 31 printer models certified for HarmonyOS NEXT, strengthening its partnership with Huawei and supporting the HarmonyOS ecosystem.

Opinions

• GreenForest Solutions GmbH: “Recycling alone can’t solve the global waste crisis. The real solution is Circularity + Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).”
• Geoffrey Wilbur, IDC: “In the U.S. laser MFP market, A4 is gaining share from A3, and the shift from monochrome to color will continue. A4 color laser MFPs offer the greatest growth opportunity.”
• Koichi Yoshizuka, QRIE Ltd.: “Japan Post’s Digital Address system could set a global benchmark for smart logistics, digital identity, and environmental efficiency.”

Conclusion

Q2 2025 was a dynamic period for the imaging and printing industry, with significant advancements in technology, a focus on sustainability, and strategic investments in AI. Key developments included the growing popularity of ink tank and thermal receipt printers, innovative product launches by major brands, and the integration of AI and cloud-based solutions into printing systems. As the industry continues to evolve, these trends highlight the importance of adaptability and innovation in meeting changing market demands.

For a detailed overview, download the PPT version of the Q2, 2025 market trends and highlights. Stay tuned for more updates as the industry progresses into the second half of the year.

What trends have you observed in your region? Share your insights in the comments below.

.
.
.
#MarketTrends2025 #InkTankPrinters #ThermalPrinters #LargeFormatPrinters #EpsonDTF #RicohRi4000 #CanonImagePROGRAF #HPLatex #RolandDG #GGD110 #AIInPrinting #KyoceraAI #DeliPrinters #HarmonyOSNext #CircularEconomy