|
PRESS RELEASE
23rd
June 2005
New Report puts the
thermal versus visible CtP debate into perspective.
Despite all the hoo-ha a year ago from industry pundits predicting that violet
CtP would become the dominant address system for CtP, a new report from printing
industry analysts Vantage Strategic Marketing gives the lie to that speculation.
The latest ‘Market Opportunities for Direct-to Technologies 2004-9’ study
reveals that although Drupa’04 provided a boost to violet platesetters, thermal
address is still the preferred system for the majority of printers. The report,
based on confidential sales returns from CtP suppliers, highlights
-
Worldwide sales of platesetters shot up 19% to
some 5,400 in ’04. While violet sales increased by 12%, sales of thermal
machines continued to power ahead with sales up 23% to 3,600.
-
While there are great expectations for the 4pp
violet market, thermal 4pp machines outsold those of visible by a factor of
almost two to one in ‘04.
-
In fact, 8pp platesetters continue to be the
preferred format for many printers, accounting for 45% of all sales last year
– with thermal machines outselling those of visible by three to one.
-
Europe accounted for 44% of worldwide sales
while US sales fell back to 25% as CtP adoption starts to approach market
saturation.
-
Within Europe, the UK took the lead over
Germany as being the leading investor in CtP last year. VSM put this down to
strong economic performance and business confidence.
-
CtP sales to the Asia Pacific Region rose by
almost 50%, but still account for less than one-third of total worldwide
sales. The China market has yet to take off.
-
Unsurprisingly, thermal CtP plates continue to
dominate worldwide demand, accounting for almost 70% of CtP plate consumption
in ‘04.
-
CtP plates now account for 40% or so of the
world’s 500 M2 million offset plates and are set to break the 50% barrier
within the next couple of years says the report.
Reporting on prospects for printing plates, film, CtP, CtF, digital proofing and
DI presses, the annual publication is intended as a strategy planning document
for worldwide manufacturers and vendors of machines and consumables. It covers
the global markets of North and South America, Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific Rim
and China and provides forecasts for the next five years.
Further information about this and other reports published by Vantage Strategic
Marketing can be obtained from Barry Happé at
bhappe@vsm.uk.com or from their website
www.vsm.uk.com
|
