Direct Thermal Ticket Paper Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Up to 70 GSM, 70 GSM to 90 GSM, 90 GSM to 120 GSM, Above 120 GSM), By Application (Transport Tickets, Admission/Event Tickets, Lottery Tickets, Bill Tickets, Valet Parking, Barcode Tickets, Baggage Counter Tickets, Custom Tickets, Others), and Regional Forecast to 2032

Updated On: 10 June 2024

Direct Thermal Ticket Paper Market Report Overview

The global direct thermal ticket paper market size was USD 366 million in 2019, and it is expected to reach USD 566.83 million by the end of 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period.

The market is witnessing substantial growth, primarily driven by rising demand from various industries. Direct thermal paper is extensively utilized in retail sectors for printing receipts and labels, in transportation for ticketing systems, and in the entertainment industry for printing event tickets. Additionally, the market experiences a boost from the growing e-commerce sector, where direct thermal paper is essential for generating shipping labels, facilitating efficient order fulfillment and delivery tracking.

COVID-19 Impact: Demand Declined Due to Reduced Event Attendance

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Pandemic-induced restrictions and safety concerns resulted in reduced event attendance, leading to cancellations or limited participation in major events such as concerts, sports, and theater performances. This downturn significantly affected the demand for event tickets. Additionally, the decline in travel for tourism and business resulted in fewer transportation ticket sales, impacting segments like airline boarding passes and public transport tickets.

Latest Trends

"Expansion of Customization Options to Enable Businesses to Enhance their Brand Visibility"

The market is witnessing an expansion in customization options for direct thermal ticket paper, catering to diverse application needs and branding requirements. Manufacturers are offering a wide range of paper sizes, colors, and finishing options to meet the specific preferences of businesses. Additionally, advancements in printing technology enable high-resolution graphics and variable data printing, allowing for personalized ticketing solutions with unique designs and promotional messages. This trend enables businesses to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement through customized ticketing solutions, driving innovation in the market.

Direct Thermal Ticket Paper Market Segmentation

•  By Type Analysis

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into up to 70 GSM, 70 GSM to 90 GSM, 90 GSM to 120 GSM, and above 120 GSM.

Up to 70 GSM: This category offers lightweight and economical direct thermal ticket paper, making it ideal for short-term applications such as receipts and lottery tickets.

70 GSM to 90 GSM: Falling within this range, direct thermal ticket paper strikes a balanced blend of affordability and durability, making it suitable for general-purpose tickets and labels.

90 GSM to 120 GSM: With increased thickness, this segment provides enhanced tear resistance and moisture protection, making it well-suited for applications like transportation tickets and event passes.

Above 120 GSM: Representing the premium category, direct thermal ticket paper above 120 GSM offers superior strength and longevity, making it ideal for high-security applications such as ID badges and luggage tags.

• By Application Analysis

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into transport tickets, admission/event tickets, lottery tickets, bill tickets, valet parking, barcode tickets, baggage counter tickets, custom tickets, and others.

Transport Tickets: This segment includes direct thermal ticket paper used for printing tickets related to transportation services, such as bus, train, and subway tickets, facilitating seamless travel experiences for passengers.

Admission/Event Tickets: Products in this segment are designed for printing admission and event tickets, ensuring efficient entry management and crowd control at various venues and events.

Lottery Tickets: The direct thermal ticket paper in this segment is specifically tailored for printing lottery tickets, providing clear and legible prints for accurate ticket validation and draw participation.

Bill Tickets: This segment comprises direct thermal ticket paper utilized for printing bills and receipts in the retail and hospitality sectors, facilitating smooth transactions and customer interactions.

Valet Parking: Products in this segment are used for printing valet parking tickets, enabling organized vehicle parking and retrieval services at hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.

Barcode Tickets: Direct thermal ticket paper in this segment is equipped for printing barcode tickets, facilitating efficient inventory management and tracking processes across various industries.

Baggage Counter Tickets: This segment includes direct thermal ticket paper used for printing baggage counter tickets at airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs, ensuring accurate luggage handling and tracking.

Custom Tickets: Products in this segment offer customization options for printing tickets with unique designs, logos, and information, catering to specific branding and promotional needs.

Driving Factors

"Rising Demand from Various Industries to Propel Market Growth"

The direct thermal ticket paper market experiences a significant surge in demand, driven by various industries. Retail sectors utilize this paper for printing receipts and labels, ensuring efficient transactions and product identification. In transportation, direct thermal paper finds extensive use in ticketing systems, facilitating seamless travel experiences for passengers. Moreover, the entertainment industry relies on this paper for printing event tickets and streamlining entry processes at venues. Additionally, the lottery and gaming sectors utilize direct thermal paper for printing tickets, enhancing the customer experience with convenient and easily readable tickets.

"E-commerce Growth to Act as a Prime Catalyst"

The direct thermal ticket paper market growth is fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce. As online retail continues to grow, there is an increased demand for labels used in packaging and shipping processes. Direct thermal paper serves as a crucial component in generating shipping labels, enabling efficient order fulfillment and delivery tracking in the burgeoning e-commerce sector. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of direct thermal printing make it a preferred choice for e-commerce companies seeking reliable and high-quality labeling solutions to meet the demands of online shoppers.

Restraining Factor

"Environmental Concerns Regarding Thermal Printing to Impede Market Enhancement"

One of the key restraining factors for the direct thermal ticket paper market is environmental concerns associated with thermal printing. Traditional direct thermal paper contains chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), which raises environmental and health concerns. Although efforts have been made to develop BPA-free thermal paper, the recycling and disposal of thermal paper remain challenging due to the presence of chemical residues. Additionally, thermal printing consumes significant energy compared to other printing methods, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental impacts. As businesses and consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, there is growing pressure to adopt alternative printing technologies and eco-friendly paper solutions, posing a challenge to market growth.

Direct Thermal Ticket Paper Market Regional Insights

The market is primarily segregated into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

"Asia Pacific to Lead Due to Region’s Growing Retail Sector and Supportive Government Initiatives"

Asia Pacific is poised to lead the global direct thermal ticket paper market share, driven by the region's vast industrial base and growing retail sector. Its emerging countries are witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to increased demand for direct thermal paper in various applications. The booming e-commerce sector in the region further contributes to market growth, as businesses require efficient labeling solutions for packaging and logistics. Moreover, government initiatives to improve transportation infrastructure and streamline ticketing systems create additional opportunities for market expansion in the region.

Key Industry Players

"Key Players Focus on Partnerships to Gain a Competitive Advantage"

Prominent market players are making collaborative efforts by partnering with other companies to stay ahead of the competition. Many companies are also investing in new product launches to expand their product portfolio. Mergers and acquisitions are also among the key strategies used by players to expand their product portfolios.

List of Market Players Profiled

• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Domtar Corporation (Canada)
• UPM-Kymmene Oyj (Finland)
• AhlstromMunksjö Oyj (Finland)
• Oji Holdings Corporation (Japan)
• Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Japan)
• Hansol Paper Co. Ltd. (South Korea)
• Koehler Paper (Germany)
• Henan Province JiangHe Paper Co., Ltd. (China)
• Sihl GmbH (Switzerland)
• Appvion Operations, Inc. (U.S.)
• Jujo Thermal Ltd. (Finland)
• TELE-PAPER (M) SDN. BHD. (Malaysia)
• Rotolificio Bergamasco Srl (Italy)
• Nath Paper & Pulp Mills Ltd. (India)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

March 2020: Telemark Diversified Graphics introduced THERMOpaper, a novel brand of direct thermal paper products crafted from sustainable and renewable materials. These offerings have received certifications from esteemed organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), underscoring their commitment to environmental responsibility. Moreover, THERMOpaper stands out for being free of phenol and bisphenol, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile and contributing positively to the direct thermal ticket paper market's sustainable development trajectory.

Report Coverage

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.