China Print on Demand: A New Era of Publishing

Posted by Alan Peter on April 15th, 2023

In recent years, China's print on demand (POD) industry has been booming, offering a new way for publishers and authors to produce and distribute books. With the rise of e-commerce and digital printing technology, POD has become a cost-effective and efficient way to print books on demand, reducing the need for large print runs and warehousing.

China's POD industry has grown rapidly in the past decade, with major players such as China Print, Artron, and C&C Joint Printing leading the way. In 2020, the market size of China's POD industry reached 5.4 billion yuan, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20% in the next five years.

One of the key advantages of POD is its flexibility. Publishers and authors can print as many copies as they need, without worrying about overstock or waste. This allows for a wider range of titles to be published, including niche and out-of-print books. POD also enables authors to self-publish their works, giving them more control over the production and distribution process.

Another benefit of China's POD industry is its environmental impact. By printing books on demand, the industry reduces paper waste and carbon emissions associated with traditional printing methods. This aligns with China's goal of promoting sustainable development and reducing its carbon footprint.

However, challenges still exist for China's POD industry. The quality of printed books can vary, and there is a lack of standardization in the industry. Additionally, copyright infringement is a concern, as it can be difficult to control the distribution of digital files.

Despite these challenges, China's POD industry is poised for continued growth and innovation. As more publishers and authors embrace this new model of publishing, we can expect to see a wider range of books available to readers around the world.