Report Code : CVMI2501262 | Published Date : March 3, 2025

1 | Market Overview

Photopolymer letterpress plates are light-sensitive printing plates utilized in letterpress printing processes, providing high precision, consistent ink transfer, and rapid processing times. These plates are primarily employed in label printing, packaging, decorative stamping, security printing, and specialty fine art applications. Photopolymer plates are produced by exposing a photosensitive polymer sheet to UV light through a film negative or digital mask, followed by washing and post-curing.

While traditional letterpress has declined, photopolymer technology has modernized the process, enabling high-resolution, flexible plates compatible with digital workflows. The market is supported by growing demand for short-run custom packaging, sustainable labeling, and craft-level artisanal prints.

 

2 | Market Size and Forecast

Year

Market Value (USD Million)

Notes

2019

280

Used in packaging and label printing

2024

375

CAGR 6.0% (2019–2024)

2031

725

Projected CAGR 10.0% (2024–2031)

 

3 | Primary Market Drivers

  • Rise in demand for premium and sustainable labels
  • Growth in craft packaging, cosmetics, and boutique food brands
  • Flexibility in short-run printing and variable data handling
  • Compatibility with UV-curable inks and water-based printing

 

4 | Market Challenges

  • Competition from flexographic and digital printing technologies
  • Environmental impact of plate washout solvents and waste
  • Need for skilled setup and precise exposure systems
  • Limitations in long-run durability compared to metal plates

 

5 | Competitive Landscape

Company

Est. 2024 Share

Competitive Strengths

Recent Move

Toyobo Co., Ltd.

21%

Pioneer in water-wash photopolymer plates

Released solvent-free washout plate series

Asahi Photoproducts

19%

Pinning top dot technology for clean print

Expanded plate portfolio for sustainable label converters

Flint Group

15%

Strong in packaging prepress systems

Launched digital LAMs photopolymer plates

Anderson & Vreeland

11%

Supplier to mid-sized converters and artists

Introduced small-format plate kits for artisan use

Others

34%

Regional and niche printing plate providers

Focused on custom stamping, craft printing, and flexo hybrid

 

6 | Market Segmentation

By Plate Type

  • Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
  • Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
  • Thermal Processable Plates

 

By Application

  • Label and Tag Printing – 38%
  • Flexible Packaging – XX%
  • Security and Specialty Printing – XX%
  • Fine Art and Decorative Printing – XX%
  • Others – XX%

 

7 | Regional Analysis

  • Asia-Pacific (38%) – Rapid adoption in cosmetic and specialty food packaging
  • Europe (27%) – Eco-label demand and art print revival support growth
  • North America (22%) – Craft label producers, boutique food, and small packaging firms
  • Latin America (7%) – Growing artisanal product markets
  • Middle East & Africa (6%) – Adoption in decorative packaging and paper goods

 

8 | Technology and Innovation

  • Water-wash and solvent-free plate development
  • Digital mask imaging (LAMS) for faster exposure
  • Hybrid plates compatible with letterpress and flexo machines
  • Prepress software integration for seamless digital workflows
  • Photopolymer blends for higher ink transfer and plate longevity

 

9 | Regulatory Environment

Photopolymer plates are subject to waste handling and chemical exposure standards. Water-wash and low-VOC systems help ensure compliance with REACH, EPA, and ISO 14001. Labeling applications may necessitate FDA or EU food contact material approvals.

 

10 | Recent Developments (Q4 2023 – Q2 2025)

  • Q4 2023 – Toyobo launched solvent-free plate with enhanced surface hardness
  • Q1 2024 – Asahi expanded pinning plate line to support high-speed UV presses
  • Q4 2024 – Flint Group introduced dual-processable digital plates for short-run packaging
  • Q2 2025 – Anderson & Vreeland released small-batch starter kits for fine artists

 

11 | Strategic Outlook

The market is anticipated to gain from premium labeling, eco-packaging mandates, and growth in artisan brands. Manufacturers should align with trends in digital prepress and support converter flexibility. Sustainable processing, high-resolution fidelity, and craft compatibility are crucial competitive areas.

 

12 | Methodology

Forecasts based on plate material shipments, label converter interviews, and over 70 surveys of packaging design firms, craft printers, and art studios. Growth modeling adjusted for the impact of digital printing and short-run packaging economics.





Reasons To Buy

Image



Scope

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Key Players

  • DuPont
  • Flint Group
  • Asahi Photoproducts (Asahi Kasei)
  • Eastman Kodak
  • Fujifilm
  • Toray Industries
  • MacDermid Graphics Solutions
  • Toyobo
  • AGFA (Agfa-Gevaert)
  • Sumei Chemical
  • Lucky Huaguang
  • Strong State
  • Huafeng
  • Anderson & Vreeland Inc.
  • Van Son Holland Ink Corporation of America

Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Report

 

  1. 1. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report
    1. 1.1 Study Objectives
    2. 1.2 Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market - Overview
    3. 1.3 Reason to Read This Report
    4. 1.4 Methodology and Forecast Analysis
  2. 2. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Preface
    1. 2.1 Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
      1. 2.1.1 By Plate Type
      2. 2.1.2 By Application
      3. 2.1.3 By Region
  3. 3. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Dynamics
    1. 3.1. Drivers - Macro-Economic Based, Supply Side, and Demand Side Drivers
    2. 3.2. Restraints – By Plate Type, By Application, By Country
    3. 3.3. Opportunities – By Plate Type, By Application, By Country
    4. 3.4. Trends – By Plate Type, By Application, By Country
    5. 3.5. PEST Analysis
    6. 3.6. Porters Five Rule Analysis
    7. 3.7. Company’s Share Analysis (CSA) by Region or By Country
    8. 3.8. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report – DROTs Impact Analysis
    1. 4. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report, Historic Data 2019 - 2023 and Forecast Analysis Data 2024 - 2031
    2. 4.1. Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 4.2. Annual Market Trend Assessment – Year-on-Year (YoY) Growth Analysis (%)
    4. 4.3. Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031
    5. 4.4. Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
  1. 5. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market, By Plate Type, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 5.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
    2. 5.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 5.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    4. 5.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    5. 5.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. 5.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
    7. 5.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    8. 5.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    9. 5.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    10. 5.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    11. 5.3 Thermal Processable Plates
    12. 5.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    13. 5.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    14. 5.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    15. 5.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market, By Application, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 6.1 Label and Tag Printing
    2. 6.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 6.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    4. 6.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    5. 6.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. 6.2 Flexible Packaging
    7. 6.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    8. 6.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    9. 6.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    10. 6.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    11. 6.3 Security and Specialty Printing
    12. 6.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    13. 6.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    14. 6.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    15. 6.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    16. 6.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
    17. 6.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    18. 6.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    19. 6.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    20. 6.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    21. 6.5 Others
    22. 6.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    23. 6.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    24. 6.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    25. 6.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
  1. 7. Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Forecast, By Region, 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 7.1 North America
      1. 7.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.2 Europe
      1. 7.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.3 Asia-Pacific
      1. 7.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.4 Latin America
      1. 7.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.5 Middle East and Africa
      1. 7.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.6 Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market - Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Region, 2024 - 2031
  1. 8. North America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 8.1 By Plate Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.1.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
      2. 8.1.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
      3. 8.1.3 Thermal Processable Plates
      8.2 By Application Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.2.1 Label and Tag Printing
      2. 8.2.2 Flexible Packaging
      3. 8.2.3 Security and Specialty Printing
      4. 8.2.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
      5. 8.2.5 Others
      8.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.3.1 United States
      2. 8.3.2 Canada
    2. 8.4 North America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 8.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 8.6 North America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 8.6.1 Company 1 (United States)
      2. 8.6.2 Company 2 (Canada)
      3. 8.6.3 Company 3 (Canada)
    9. Europe Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 9.1 By Plate Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.1.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
      2. 9.1.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
      3. 9.1.3 Thermal Processable Plates
      9.2 By Application Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.2.1 Label and Tag Printing
      2. 9.2.2 Flexible Packaging
      3. 9.2.3 Security and Specialty Printing
      4. 9.2.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
      5. 9.2.5 Others
      9.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.3.1 Germany
      2. 9.3.2 United Kingdom
      3. 9.3.3 France
      4. 9.3.4 Spain
      5. 9.3.5 Italy
      6. 9.3.6 Russia
    2. 9.4 Europe Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 9.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 9.6 Europe Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 9.6.1 Company 1 (Germany)
      2. 9.6.2 Company 2 (United Kingdom)
      3. 9.6.3 Company 3 (United Kingdom)
    10. Asia-Pacific Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 10.1 By Plate Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.1.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
      2. 10.1.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
      3. 10.1.3 Thermal Processable Plates
      10.2 By Application Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.2.1 Label and Tag Printing
      2. 10.2.2 Flexible Packaging
      3. 10.2.3 Security and Specialty Printing
      4. 10.2.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
      5. 10.2.5 Others
      10.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.3.1 China
      2. 10.3.2 Japan
      3. 10.3.3 India
      4. 10.3.4 South Korea
      5. 10.3.5 Australia & New Zealand
      6. 10.3.6 ASEAN
    2. 10.4 Asia-Pacific Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 10.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 10.6 Asia-Pacific Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 10.6.1 Company 1 (China)
      2. 10.6.2 Company 2 (Japan)
      3. 10.6.3 Company 3 (Japan)
    11. Latin America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 11.1 By Plate Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.1.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
      2. 11.1.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
      3. 11.1.3 Thermal Processable Plates
      11.2 By Application Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.2.1 Label and Tag Printing
      2. 11.2.2 Flexible Packaging
      3. 11.2.3 Security and Specialty Printing
      4. 11.2.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
      5. 11.2.5 Others
      11.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.3.1 Brazil
      2. 11.3.2 Mexico
      3. 11.3.3 Argentina
      4. 11.3.4 Peru
      5. 11.3.5 Colombia
      6. 11.3.6 Rest of Latin America
    2. 11.4 Latin America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 11.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 11.6 Latin America Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 11.6.1 Company 1 (Brazil)
      2. 11.6.2 Company 2 (Mexico)
      3. 11.6.3 Company 3 (Mexico)
    12. Middle East and Africa Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 12.1 By Plate Type Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.1.1 Solvent-wash Photopolymer Plates
      2. 12.1.2 Water-wash Photopolymer Plates
      3. 12.1.3 Thermal Processable Plates
      12.2 By Application Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.2.1 Label and Tag Printing
      2. 12.2.2 Flexible Packaging
      3. 12.2.3 Security and Specialty Printing
      4. 12.2.4 Fine Art and Decorative Printing
      5. 12.2.5 Others
      12.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.3.1 Saudi Arabia
      2. 12.3.2 UAE
      3. 12.3.3 South Africa
      4. 12.3.4 Egypt
      5. 12.3.5 Israel
      6. 12.3.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    2. 12.4 Middle East and Africa Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Plate Type, By Application, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 12.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 12.6 Middle East and Africa Photopolymer Letterpress Plate Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 12.6.1 Company 1 (Saudi Arabia)
      2. 12.6.2 Company 2 (UAE)
      3. 12.6.3 Company 3 (UAE)
    13. Competition Landscape
    1. 13.1 Strategic Dashboard of Top Market Players
    2. 13.2 Company Profiles (Introduction, Financial Assessments, Portfolio of Offerings, Milestones and Achievements, Strategic Initiative, and SWOT Analysis)
      1. 13.2.1 DuPont
      2. 13.2.2 Flint Group
      3. 13.2.3 Asahi Photoproducts
      4. 13.2.4 Eastman Kodak
      5. 13.2.5 Fujifilm
      6. 13.2.6 Toray Industries
      7. 13.2.7 MacDermid Graphics Solutions
      8. 13.2.8 Toyobo
      9. 13.2.9 AGFA
      10. 13.2.10 Sumei Chemical
      11. 13.2.11 Lucky Huaguang
      12. 13.2.12 Strong State
      13. 13.2.13 Huafeng
      14. 13.2.14 Anderson & Vreeland Inc.
      15. 13.2.15 Van Son Holland Ink Corporation of America.
  1. 14. Data Collection Method and Research Approach
  2. 15. Principal Presumptions and Acronyms