The report by US firm TrendWatch Graphic Arts (TWGA) found that the percentage of commercial printers that offer large-format services of any kind stands at just 8%. It also found that of the commercial printers with large-format capabilities, 78% offer large-format output services but 22% only use large-format output for proofing.

It also said that commercial printers are missing out on large-format print jobs to screen printers, photolabs and other digital print firms. TWGA added that large-format has become "firmly entrenched in the media mix" and that "large-format output as part of a campaign or a project has become a strategic decision".

"Interest in large-format printing will grow. It's likely printers can win significant market share," said TWGA director Vince Naselli.

According to the study, 13% of print and pre-press firms plan to invest in large-format printers.