Poland: A High-Growth Hub Powering the Future of the Imaging Industry

As the global imaging industry continues to evolve, all eyes are turning toward Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), with Poland emerging as one of the region’s most dynamic and promising markets.

In June 2026, the RT VIP Imaging Expo will make its European debut in Warsaw, bringing together leading global suppliers, industry professionals, and innovative solution providers. As the first event of its kind in Poland, it marks a significant milestone for the region’s print and office supplies sector. Today, the organizer is pleased to share valuable market insights from its local partner in Poland, Tomasz Tubas.

A Market Defined by Stability and Growth

Poland’s economic performance continues to stand out within the European Union. With projected GDP growth of 3.5% in 2026, among the highest in the EU, the country offers a resilient and stable environment for long-term investment.

Now ranked among the world’s top 20 economies with a nominal GDP approaching USD 1 trillion, Poland combines strong domestic demand, an expanding middle class, and a robust industrial base. For international businesses, this translates into a market that is not only growing, but consistently delivering.

Beyond Poland, the broader CEE region shares similar strengths. Over the past two decades, many CEE economies have outperformed their Western European counterparts, offering higher growth rates and faster recovery from global disruptions.

Strategic Location, Competitive Advantage

Geographically, Poland serves as a vital bridge between Western Europe and emerging Eastern markets. Its proximity to Germany and well-developed logistics infrastructure make it a key hub for supply chains and distribution networks.

As global companies seek to reduce risk and shorten supply chains, many are shifting operations closer to Europe, placing CEE – and Poland in particular – at the center of this transformation.

At the same time, businesses benefit from a highly skilled workforce with strong engineering and technical expertise, combined with competitive labor costs. This unique balance has positioned the region as a growing center for R&D, shared services, and technology development.

EU Integration Driving Modernization

Poland’s EU membership further enhances its attractiveness. Transparent regulations, investor protections, and access to substantial EU funding have accelerated the development of infrastructure, innovation, and green transformation initiatives.

Compared to Western Europe, companies can achieve similar operational quality at significantly lower costs, making Poland a preferred destination for scaling business operations efficiently.

Digital Acceleration: E-commerce and Print-on-Demand

One of the most exciting developments in Poland’s imaging market is the rapid growth of e-commerce and print-on-demand (POD).

Driven by changing consumer behavior and an increasingly sophisticated digital infrastructure, online retail has become a powerful sales channel for printers, copiers, and consumables. Major platforms such as Allegro, Amazon Poland, and other leading marketplaces dominate traffic and sales, while specialized online stores continue to expand their offerings.

At the same time, POD services are gaining momentum across both corporate and SME segments. Businesses are increasingly turning to customized printing solutions, from marketing materials to textiles and promotional products, fueling demand for high-performance, flexible printing technologies.

This shift is creating new opportunities for manufacturers and suppliers, particularly those offering high-resolution, high-speed, and cost-efficient solutions tailored for on-demand production.

Market Overview: Poland’s Printer Industry in Transition

The Polish hardcopy peripherals (HCP) market reflects a mix of challenges and opportunities.

*Data from IDC Poland

In 2025, total shipments exceeded 1.14 million units, with overall growth of 8.8%. However, value growth remained more modest at 3.4%, indicating increasing price competition and market maturity.

Inkjet Segment: Strong Momentum

Inkjet devices, especially refillable tank models, are seeing strong growth.

*Data from IDC Poland

Multifunction printers (MFPs) lead the category, reflecting demand for versatile, cost-efficient solutions in both home and office environments.

Laser Segment: Stable but Evolving

The laser printer market remains stable, with multifunction devices continuing to dominate.

*Data from IDC Poland

While A4 devices lead in volume, A3 machines contribute a larger share of revenue, highlighting demand from enterprise users.

Industry Shift: Diversification and New Business Models

Facing changing demand, companies across Poland and CEE are actively diversifying:

Expanding into IT products and accessories
Offering digital and specialty printing services
Exploring new materials such as textiles and plastics

This transformation is helping businesses stabilize revenues and unlock new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving market.

Looking Ahead

Poland and the wider CEE region are no longer emerging markets; they are strategic growth engines for the global imaging industry.

With strong economic fundamentals, a favorable investment climate, and accelerating digital transformation, the region offers significant opportunities for companies ready to innovate and expand.

The upcoming RT VIP Imaging Expo in Warsaw will serve as a key platform to explore these opportunities, connecting global players with one of Europe’s most vibrant and fast-evolving markets.