Association of Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry (AEPPI)
The Association of Estonian Printing and Packaging Industry (AEPPI) represents entrepreneurs in the printing and packaging industry who are committed to maintaining a favorable business environment and promoting business growth and collaboration.
Core activities of the Association:
- Representing and protecting the interests of industry entrepreneurs
- Engaging with government and participating in policy development
- Supporting the growth of Estonia’s printing and packaging business environment
- Promoting skills-based vocational education and training
- Providing information and capacity-building opportunities for members
- Resolving disputes through the Association’s board of experts
Membership benefits:
AEPPI provides its members with a strong voice in shaping Estonia’s economic and industrial policy, along with access to a range of practical advantages.
- Regular updates and relevant information about the sector
- Access to annual training programs at discounted rates
- Information on international cooperation opportunities and inquiries
- Industry statistics from both Estonia and international markets
- Exchange of job postings, internship opportunities, and vocational trainee placements
Printing Industry in Estonia
The Estonian printing sector is a technology-driven industry, characterized by a high level of digitalization, automation, and the integration of smart energy solutions in everyday operations.
As one of the oldest industries in Estonia, printing has a long and continuous history dating back to 1631, when the first printing shop opened in Tartu. Nearly 400 years later, Estonia is home to more than 450 printing companies that operate in a highly competitive global market.
Europe has over 117,000 printing companies employing more than 637,000 people, with a combined industry turnover of €85 billion. In comparison, Estonia’s printing and printed packaging sector has a turnover of approximately €400 million and employs around 4,000 people (as of 2019).
Despite its small size, Estonia stands out for its strong export focus — over 50% of production in printing shops and 75% of printed packaging products are exported. The main export destinations are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Latvia.
Estonian companies no longer compete primarily on cost. Instead, they focus on resource-efficient production, automation, product innovation, and quality improvement. By offering environmentally friendly and high-quality production using innovative materials, the Estonian printing industry serves a wide range of partners across diverse sectors.
A Stable Market for Books and Periodicals
Trends in the Estonian printing industry closely follow those seen across Europe. Book printing remains a stable segment. While the overall volume of printed copies is decreasing, the number of unique titles is steadily increasing. This reflects the rise of self-publishing, especially in Scandinavia, where more individuals are choosing to publish their own books.
Smaller print runs have become more common, driving the growth of digital printing and print-on-demand services. New technologies are making high-quality, short-run printing more affordable and accessible.
Although the printing of magazines and newspapers is gradually declining, the demand for printed catalogues and promotional materials remains stable. These formats continue to serve as valuable tools in marketing and communication.
Innovation Driven by Labels and Packaging
The label and packaging segment is one of the most innovative and fastest-growing areas of the Estonian printing industry. Demand continues to rise, driven by new materials and production technologies that reduce waste while maintaining functionality and durability.
The industry is also moving towards smart solutions — such as intelligent labels, interactive packaging, and printed electronics. While these technologies are currently costly, their adoption is expected to grow as they become more accessible and scalable.
Labels and packaging play a vital role across many industries, and Estonian companies are well-positioned to deliver modern, sustainable, and custom solutions to both domestic and international clients.