Key Takeaways
• Ricoh’s partnership with LogoJET positions it to capitalize on rapid growth in direct-to-object printing, helping customers meet rising demand for customization, shorter runs and faster turnaround.
• The collaboration enables traditional print providers to expand into new high-margin applications with integrated technology, aligning with industry trends toward diversification and lower barriers to entry.
Ricoh USA announced this week that it has formed a strategic partnership with LogoJET for small-format direct-to-object UV printing solutions.
The new partnership comes as Ricoh projects continued growth of the direct-to-object print sector, estimating a 9.5% compound annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030 as print customers are increasingly asking for shorter runs and faster turnaround times, while at the same time expecting more customization and control over other variables in the print process.
“DTO represents a natural extension of digital production for customers looking to diversify and grow,” said Andrew Vecci, director of product and portfolio management for Ricoh North America. “By combining LogoJET’s DTO platforms with Ricoh’s expertise in production print integration, customers gain a scalable way to add new applications while fitting DTO seamlessly into their existing production environments.”
Direct-to-object printing capability would allow for traditional print businesses whose primary work is done on flat surfaces like paper to expand into promotional products and other hard goods of varying shapes, like drinkware, or parts incorporated into larger branded campaigns.
“Direct-to-object printing is one of the fastest ways for print providers to expand into high-margin applications, from signage to promotional products,” said Susan Cox, LogoJET founder and CEO. “Through our partnership with Ricoh, we’re extending this capability across their vast network, with aligned support and a shared customer-first culture. We’re excited and proud to take this step beyond our direct sales model, and Ricoh was a very intentional choice.”
With this new partnership, Ricoh customers can incorporate direct-to-object printing alongside existing print machinery for processes like wide-format, inkjet and finishing while continuing to work with a single equipment and support supplier.
Ricoh’s partnership with LogoJET aligns with printing industry trends. At the 2025 PRINTING United Expo in Orlando, Alliance Insights’ Nathan Safran and Lisa Cross reported that 62% of surveyed printers said they were likely to expand into a new print segment over the next two years, with greater technology allowing for a lower barrier to entry being one of the reasons. Cross cited one example, FolgerGraphics, which had expanded its services to include promotional products, wide-format printing and membership cards, and reported a 17% increase in year-over-year sales for fiscal year 2024.
