According to a new forecast from InfoTrends, total U.S. print volume produced by color devices will increase from 307.63B to 763.59B impressions from 2006 to 2011. On the other hand, print volume produced by monochrome devices is projected to drop from 1453.01B in 2006 to 1045.14B in 2011. This shift toward color printing is not surprising, as many companies are increasing their use of color in marketing materials and other highly visible documents. In addition, the acquisition costs of color devices are decreasing, which is catalyzing more purchases of this type of equipment.

InfoTrends has released a series of documents that provide forecasts from 2006-2011 for inkjet and laser printers, copiers, fax machines, and MFPs, along with their supplies. These forecasts, which are presented as excel tables, reveal trends and provide valuable information pertaining to each of these markets.

One such forecast, entitled, “U.S. Marking Supplies Forecast Summary: 2006-2011,” offers retail value consumables by machine segment as well as summaries for the value of toner, developer, photoreceptors, inkjet ink and cartridges, thermal transfer, and impact ribbons. This report reveals that the retail value of full color electrophotographic marking supplies will increase from $4474.72M in 2006 to reach $13,242.06M in 2011. The retail value of comsumables used in monochrome laser printers, on the other hand, will decrease from $10,252.47M to $7,334.01 over the same time period. Similarly, the retail value of color marking supplies for copiers will achieve significant growth during the forecast period, while monochrome marking supplies for copiers will decline. The most notable growth will occur in the higher color speed segments. MFP supplies will also achieve notable growth, once again due to increases in color marking supplies, while monochrome supplies for these devices will experience a decline over the forecast period.

Distribution figures for this market are included in “U.S. Marking Supplies Distribution Forecast: 2006-2011,” and are presented by group, copier toner, production color supplies, impact ribbons by channel, and color thermal transfer ribbons. According to this forecast, the internet specialist channel is expected to achieve the most growth of all channels in terms of revenue, increasing at a CAGR of 18% over the forecast period. The hardware vendor direct channel will also experience significant growth with a CAGR of 10%, while the printer dealer channel will decline at a rate of 15%. Growth of the aforementioned channels will also come at the expense of computer superstores and warehouse clubs, which are expected to see declines of 7% and 6%, respectively.

InfoTrends has also released detailed forecasts for each supply type, including toner and developer, photoreceptors, inkjet cartridges, and thermal transfer and impact ribbons.

These documents are available immediately to clients of InfoTrends’ Communication Supplies Consulting Service. For more information about these forecasts or to make a purchase, visit our online store or contact Scott Phinney at 781-616-2100 x123 or scott_phinney@infotrends.com. 

InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.

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