Tips for Success in the Future of Printing

Last week, Nortec Humidity sponsored a Printing Impressions webinar focused on the future of printing manufacturing, highlighting five specific trends that could contribute to a company's success. The webinar titled, "5 Trends Shaping the Future of Printing Manufacturing," featured experts Dr. Harvey R. Levenson, Professor Emeritus, Cal Poly; Carl Joachim, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, ePac, LLC; and Stephen Zenger, President, Zenger Group.

Dr. Levenson began the discussion by explaining that packaging is one of the only growth segments in the printing industry and that it hasn't been negatively affected by the internet. Levenson pointed specifically to the opportunity that digital packaging provides.

According to a report from Smithers Pira, digital print for packaging accounts for $13.2 billion in 2017 and is expected to rise to $23.2 billion in 2022, a significant increase. Markets and Markets estimates the global package printing to rise from $120.02 billion in 2016 to $192.75 billion by 2026 and the Printing Industries of America predict that the packaging industry will experience the greatest rate of growth in the industry, seeing more than 12% growth from 2016 to 2024. What this tells us, Levenson explained, is that market analysts agree that packaging, both digital and conventional, represent a growing field and a space of opportunity.

Taking a look at the flexible packaging side of the industry and the driving factors behind its trends and opportunities, Joachim explained that SKU proliferation is a driving factor behind short runs and a faster time to market. Digital flexible packaging, he said, could be the solution to these packaging trends because of its quicker turnaround times, minimal waste and print-on-demand capabilities, as well as other benefits.

He continued by further outlining the benefits of digital and what it can offer brands, as well as the various options available for entrance into the market for companies interested in making the transition.

Dr. Levenson complemented Joachim's point by describing five key ways to enter the field and finished by explaining how printed electronics will play a growing role in the future of packaging.

Zenger rounded out the discussion with a look at how commercial printers can use air and water to reduce waste and improve downtime. Zenger described his company's implementation of a humidification system to help deliver consistent and high-quality results.

To learn more about trends shaping the future and how to implement new technology, listen to the full webinar here. To explore other great educational webinars available from Printing Impressions, check out our webinar page.