Both solutions will be showcased at Fujifilm’s European Print Experience Centres in Germany and Belgium, and will be a major focus at Fujifilm’s Peak Performance Print event in January 2024. 

The partnership will enable customers to see real examples of an end-to-end workflow, from job onboarding via a web-to-print system, to registering the job in an MIS and the full management of a print job to organise, impose, gang print and finish. This will allow customers to consider which elements of their workflow could be updated to add value to their business.

Fujifilm will also have a team of workflow experts at both Print Experience Centres to work with customers to create a ‘next-generation’ workflow that will maximise profitability from their new digital press investment.

John Davies, product group manager for workflow systems at Fujifilm Europe, said, ‘This partnership with EPS showcases our dedication to working with market-leading suppliers in order to create a complete print solution offering for our customers. The growth forecast for digital printing is healthy, but this means there is increasing pressure to manage more print jobs, in order to provide quicker turnaround times, and this is only possible by also implementing smarter automation. We are excited that our complete digital print solution, in partnership with EPS, will deliver the levels of end-to-end workflow automation that our customers require.’

John Morley, global channel partner sales director, EPS, commented, ‘EPS is delighted to extend our reseller agreement with Fujifilm into EMEA, following the success we have seen in Asia Pacific, and we are excited by the opportunity to partner and integrate with Fujifilm solutions.  Customer success is at the heart of what both EPS and Fujifilm do, and this is another example of how working together with industry market leaders offers huge value and opportunities for customers.  I am confident that this partnership will bring fantastic opportunities to automate, optimise and drive efficiencies and we are excited for what the future holds as we continue to work together.’

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Connect is the former user event of EFI, which took place each January at The Wynn in Las Vegas. When EPS went on its own in late 2021, Connect went with it as a software-centric gathering. In January 2023, the event was opened up to more of the supply chain in line with EPS’s broadened remit as an independent company.

To further the evolution of the event, EPS has now opted to relocate Connect to The Venetian and change the dates from late January to 20-22 August 2024.

On the change of venue, EPS stated, ‘The Venetian is a luxurious venue that offers a wide range of activities, entertainment and price points that make it easier on company budgets.’

Regarding the new date, the company said, ‘Our mission has always been to empower all EPS customers, regardless of size or location. Due to the cyclical nature of our industry, late summer offers more opportunities for people from around the world to join us for a week of learning and networking.’

Registration is now open for Connect 2024 with a super early bird discounted rate available until 30 September 2023.

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Fiery, separated from longtime parent EFI at the beginning of 2023, will demonstrate how its Fiery JobFlow solution streamlines and speeds up printing tasks through a single interface. Mark Boulter, sales development manager at Fiery, commented, ‘This is the perfect opportunity to learn how using Fiery JobFlow in conjunction with Konica Minolta’s print solutions can streamline print jobs with unified print room management.’

EPS will showcase its print and packaging software MIS/ERP solutions. John Morley, global channel partner sales sirector at EPS said, ‘Our team will be on hand to give visitors an insight into how our integrated, automated and purpose-built software technology solutions drive revenue and growth, reduce the cost of sales and manufacturing, and empower successful transformation of print and packaging companies through powerful business and production workflow automation.’

Solimar Systems will be present following the announcement earlier this year that the two companies have expanded their strategic partnership to include UK operations as well as those in the USA. Workflow-enhancing solutions from the Solimar Chemistry platform are now available to Konica Minolta’s UK customers, and support the migration of print to KM output devices in data-driven print environments.

Jamie Walsh, sales manager for EMEA and APAC, Solimar Systems, commented, ‘We are excited to be leveraging our new UK partnership with Konica Minolta and joining the stand, to discuss the opportunities for combining Solimar workflow solutions with existing and potential customers of the Accurio range of output devices.’

Konica Minolta itself will run demonstrations of the new flagship AccurioPress C14000e high-volume toner press, AccurioShine 3600 digital embellishment press with iFoilOne and TU-510 innovative four-edge trimmer and creaser, showing how it is now possible to complete entire jobs on a single production line.

Jon Hiscock, head of Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) stated, ‘We are looking forward to The Print Show and working with our partners from Fiery, eProductivity Software, and Solimar Systems. This is a major event for anyone involved in the UK print industry and there is plenty to explore on our stand. With Konica Minolta celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, it is very fitting that we are being joined by these partners to show the very latest in print and our continuing commitment to igniting print possibilities.’

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Charlotte Tueckmantel, GM/VP, Global eCommerce, Publication & Enterprise Print, outlined the generic benefits of web-to-print, namely winning new business, fuelling overall growth and growing share of spend within existing customer accounts, also noting that customers generally want to work with fewer vendors, thus  simplifying their supply chains.

Reiterating the ‘platform’ nature of the MarketDirect suite , comprising the StoreFront, PackCentral, Cross Media and Fulfilment modules, Ms Tueckmantel outlined changes being rolled out in version 14 of StoreFront through 2023 and beyond. An improved buyer experience, particularly on mobile devices, is key to this, aiming to have the ‘fewest clicks to check out’. The incorporation of touch controls is also seen as something to engage both e-commerce customers and development staff within print companies.

SmartCanvas  tools are being rolled out across the suite components to facilitate easier site design and development, enabling updating of user interfaces and improving compatibility with mobile devices. These will also enable customers to personalise products for themselves. StoreFront already has integration with the Picscart image generation tools announced at Connect in January 2023 and these are expected to help solve the ‘content problem’ via ‘Moonpig-style’ templated designs for corporate or academic users who don’t want to tie up in-house graphic design resources; contextual online help and tutorials will also be available to help.

Coming in the autumn 2023 release of SmartStore will be increased SEO optimisation and a unified experience across desktop, tablet and phone implementations, while the Fulfilment module will gain support for trade show services and products. Another development will be SmartMatrix, a way of handling products that come in multiple versions or variants: a T-shirt offered in a choices of four sizes and five colours could mean 20 separate products to set up and manage, but they can all be administered as one product, for example. Plans for 2024 include the ability to include additional HTML pages within the StoreFront structure rather than linking to separate sites, more dashboard facilities and more intuitive workflows.

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The acquisition will see the addition and application of ePS’s scale and resources to the ongoing development of Tharstern’s cloud-based MIS product, including features such as ePS’s MarketDirect StoreFront web to print, auto scheduling and Auto-Count 4D shop floor production intelligence. Both companies said there will be no impact on support for Tharstern’s customers.

Guy Amos, VP of corporate development and strategy at EPS, said Tharstern was a ‘remarkable company, going back over almost 40 years, with a great amount of talent, recognised by the industry and customers’. It has a substantial market presence in the UK, with more than 550 customers, and Mr Amos said direct feedback from these customers had been very positive.

‘Talking to these customers, they speak very highly of Tharstern, both the team and the product, and we were very happy to hear that.’

Tharstern managing director Keith McMurtrie said the company had set out with three objectives in 2014, following a management buy-out: the three ‘Ps’ of people, product and position. He continued: ‘We definitely achieved the people objective: we wanted to create a real start-up culture in the company, a place where people love to come to work. With the product, we have continued to enhance and add value to our desktop MIS product, while also creating a class-leading cloud product.’

The third objective of position has been harder, although Tharstern has expanded from its UK base to gain some traction in North America, Australia and South Africa. ‘With EPS we will have an organisation around us that helps to achieve that objective,’ said Mr McMurtrie.

EPS has strategies for organic and inorganic business growth, and said Tharstern was ‘high up’ on its list for building its business through inorganic activity.    

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Sign & Digital UK was one of the first shows to resume its normal schedule after the interruptions of the pandemic years, with a respectable showing in March 2022, and is back this year with increasing confidence as the industry continues to recover from the lockdown periods of interrupted business.

Industry names already confirmed include Roland DG, EFI, eProductivity Software, Epson UK, Morgana, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint. According to organisers Faversham House, there will also be a host of familiar – and maybe not so familiar – exhibitors ready and waiting to welcome visitors from across the sign and large-format digital printing world.

Event director Jenny Matthew says, ‘Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait.’

In addition to the array of exhibitors on the show floor, there are other features at the show, designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. One of these is the UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by Hexis, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a chance to see the very best practitioners of the vehicle wrapping trade as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

Meanwhile, the Sign Studio aims to have something for everyone in vinyl signage, from novices to veterans. Running every day, this features live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and other uses for the material.

‘I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,’ says Mr Hughes.

Explanations forthcoming

Complementing these are the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature, the Sign Surgery, both hosted by the International Sign Association UK (ISA–UK). Throughout the show, there will be daily presentations and panel sessions covering the big issues affecting sign-makers and wide-format print providers. The topics covered in these will include sustainability, overcoming the skills shortage challenge and how to grow your business.

Building on last year’s outing, the Explains Lounge will host a comprehensive programme of presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there is no requirement to pre-register.

Event Director Jenny Matthew explains, ‘We have invited experienced experts in their field to explain how to make your sign business more successful. They will look at various important topics, such as when it’s right to outsource or take work in-house, how to win more tenders, and how sign-makers can work together to build their businesses.’

Panel beating

Daily panel sessions bring a range of industry experts together to discuss the big issues affecting the signage industry. On Tuesday 28 March, a group of experts from BPIF and POPAI will examine the danger of ‘sustainability satigue’. They will discuss how to reinvigorate the market to keep sustainability in focus and benefit themselves, their customers and the planet.

Wednesday’s panel session (29 March) will be hosted by Women in Sign-Making, focusing on the role of men in supporting women in sign-making. On Thursday 30 March, the panel will examine the skills shortage affecting sign-makers up and down the country. They will discuss the pain points for the sign industry, and highlight the key actions companies can take to overcome them.

Successful surgery

A new feature for 2023, the Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, ‘The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers.’

Ms Matthew concludes, ‘The Explains Lounge will be based in the heart of the show and we have put together a schedule that should have something of interest and value for everyone attending the show. Whether you are a small start-up looking to gain vital knowledge and advice from experienced industry experts, or a more seasoned professional wanting to keep up to speed with the latest developments, we have something for you on the Explains Lounge.’

Exhibitor highlights

Materials from Drytac for the large-format print and signage applications will appear on a variety of stand across Hall 2 at the NEC, where they will feature in product demonstrations from Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services. Experts from Drytac will also be in attendance to answer any questions.

Workflow and MIS specialist eProductivity Software (EPS) eProductivity Software is promising an exclusive first look at what it touts as ‘a revolutionary new mobile app that will change the way you approach installations, invoicing and delivery’. The rest of the company’s Productivity Suites and other modular solutions will be in action, with opportunities to speak with experts, about improving workflow, increasing efficiency, or expanding capabilities. Specific technology areas covered by EPS include web-to-print, imposition and print MIS/ERP solutions, backed by live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, plus expert consultations and advice.

Visitors to Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services’ stand will be able to view the new direct-to-film (DtF) TxF 150-75 printer that also made its debut appearance at Printwear & Promotion Live in late February. The Mimaki DTF works on cotton, polyester and polyester blended materials, and the print can be applied to both light and dark coloured fabrics. DtF offers a simpler workflow compared to other garment printing methods, and the inks are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified.

Also present on Hybrid’s stand will be the dye sublimation TS330-1600 and the other models in the 330 series of printers, the solvent print-only JV330-160 and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. All three models share a common 1.6m platform, claiming high performance and productivity, coupled with ease of use. On the flatbed UV side, printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the JFX200-2513EX 8 x 4-ft model. Both offer direct to substrate printing on a wide range of materials and items.

Morgana and Intec are partnering to exhibit a full range of die-cutting solutions. This includes the AeroDieCut, which uses existing wood and steel dies for cutting, creasing, perforating, embossing and debossing. For a full digital approach, the highly automated new ColorCut SC6000 is said to provide an ideal entry point. Flatbed die-cutting options from the Intec stable include the creasing and cutting dual-tooled flatbed ColorCut FB775 and ColorCut FB9000 Pro models, which deliver high performance and ‘unparalleled’ media control via creasing forces of up to 1.5kg and a cutting force of up to 1.2kg. Morgana’s top-of-the-range Valiani Integra is suitable for working with thicker substrates and targeted the world of signage and packaging.

The BN-20D desktop printer marks Roland DG’s entry into the direct-to-fabric sector

Premier will be showcasing products from its extensive range of display graphic media including key brands such as Contra Vision, Neschen, Ultraboard, Ritrama and Plexiglas. The company’s team of experts will be on hand to deliver product information, demonstrations and advice on how to transform spaces with memorable, innovative retail displays and graphics.  There will also be live competitions running throughout the course of each of the three days, with some prizes up for grabs and one or two special guest appearances.

PrintiQ will be returning to the show with an increased stand presence and more demonstrators following its success at last year’s event. The MIS developer will bring its latest software, which delivers business intelligence information and builds a managed workflow solution that allows users to see accurately where they are making or losing money and provides data to underpin actions. Among the various modules to be shown are Quote Intelligence, Payment Gateways, Shipping Manager, plus rich API interfaces that connect and drive online systems to create a complete automated ordering and tracking service from ‘quote to delivery’.

A range of wide-format print solutions will be shown by QPS, including a Colorjet Verve 2513 UV flatbed printer running throughout the three-day event, using Nazdar inks., which will also be featured in their own right. QPS will also be able to discuss how DuPont Artistri textile inks, for which is a distributor, will work with ‘almost any’ printer and are suitable for multiple textile applications including apparel, fashion accessories, interior design, exterior flags and signage, soft furnishings, active wear, garment decoration and direct-to-garment printing.

Roland DG will show the new TrueVis models announced in January 2023, including its first resin printer, the AP-640 and the MG & LG series of UV print-and-cut machines. Alongside these newest machines, the VG3-640 and SG3-540/300 printer/cutters will be displayed. Roland hasn’t confirmed but it seems highly likely that the company’s baby DtF printer, the BN-20D, which was shown at Printwear & Promotion Live, will also feature.

Soyang Europe and Josero will demonstrate hardware from manufacturing partners Fujifilm, Jetrix and Mimaki, as well as display an applications wall with products created using its own wide- and super-wide format digitally printable materials. The latter will include non-PVC banner materials, textiles, wallcovering and décor media, plus self-adhesive floor coverings.

Another returning exhibitor from 2022 is SwissQprint, which will be running live demonstrations of the high quality Nyala 4 flatbed UV printer, along with the roll-fed Karibu. Information about other models, including the Kudu, the most recently introduced high-end UV flatbed model capable of over 300sqm/hr output and with 10 configurable colour channels, will also be available. Specialist applications including neon inks, texture printing and 3D effects will be shown in addition.

Show stalwart Trotec will be back too, with a range of product demonstrations, including the biggest of its large-format laser cutters, the SP3000. With laser power options up to 400W, a 3210 x 2210mm working area and a host of productivity features, the PS3000 is designed for demanding production environments and enables an optimised workflow that complements the print process. In addition, Trotec will give live demonstrations of the Speedy 400 Flexx and Q500 laser engraver and cutter systems, which both offer high-quality laser finishing for printed products. The company’s range of sheet materials, including engravable laminates, wood and acrylic, will also be on display.

Vivid Laminating Technologies will be showcasing all its major product ranges: the VeloBlade Nexus range of wide-format digital die-cutters, the Matrix systems for lamination, foiling and special effects, and the Easymount systems for wide-format lamination. Vivid staff will also demonstrate the company’s Zip Core packaging software, which is has been designed to optimise packaging design from start to finish, and the VeloTaper fully-automated flatbed taping system, a patented innovation designed and developed in-house by Vivid in the UK.

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Designed to enable print-on-demand customers to ‘sell more’, the MarketDirect range has over 3000 customers and includes four modular variants: Cross-Media omnichannel campaign development and management  (developed from the DirectSmile software acquired by EFI in 2014), the StoreFront e-commerce portal, PackCentral for tags and labels and Fulfilment for non-print product picking and packing. Collectively these form part of EPS’s certified solutions offering.

Revisions to MarketDirect StoreFront will see the ‘themes’ replaced by more flexible element blocks and a framework that allow for greater visual flexibility in the design and presentation of portals, without needing to understand HTML or CSS technologies, but allowing those who are adept with such things to add their own HTML or Javascript code. Version 14.0 is due in the second quarter of 2023 and is particularly focused at quick printers and franchise operations, among others.

Also coming is integration of image editing and AI-based generation technology from Picsart. This originated as a popular smartphone app for editing and enhancing images for posting on social media; it achieved 100 million monthly users and was at one point the 19th most downloaded app, according to its developers.

This technology has been developed to scale and integrate with MarketDirect StoreFront so that its fully editable text and graphics templates can be selected and modified by users from within the StoreFront environment. In addition to typical image editing controls governing colour, brightness and details, there is an AI-based upscaling option that can effectively add back missing detail from very low resolution images, allowing larger use or solving the perennial problem of web-resolution images being used for print.

The AI-based capabilities within the Picsart technology also allow image generation from text-based descriptions, with some impressive results from apparently bizarre instructions such as ‘a surrealist image of a cowboy facing a view of the galaxy’. More practically, this has the potential to enable synthetic image generation for users who don’t have illustration capabilities of their own or access to photo libraries. It could potentially enable additional types of print materials to be generated by print shops that could not otherwise generate such material.

EPS plans to charge initially for this integrated capability on a royalty-only basis which is only paid if the customer buys the product in question. It is expected to become available within MarketDirect StoreFront from April 2023.

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Commenting on the first 390 days of the company’s independent existence, Mr Matsliach reviewed the aims he set out at the 2022 Connect event and said that the drive towards greater collaboration across the print and packaging ‘ecosystem’ was reflected in the presence of 24 other companies who were either sponsoring or exhibiting alongside EPS. These include industry heavyweights HP, EFI, Agfa and Ricoh as well as more IT-focused businesses such as Cloud services provider ISCorp and LinkedIn.

He noted that 2023 is the fourth consecutive year characterised by an unpredictable business environment and that although supply chain issues were easing, labour shortages remain a challenge, now exacerbated by rising energy costs and inflation. Despite this, many EPS customers had been able to exploit opportunities in 2022, he said, and suggested that a de-globalisation trend was a positive development.

Mr Matsliach reported that hiring new talent had been a priority for EPS and that this would continue through 2023. He also hinted at a ‘non organic’ growth path via merger and acquisition activity, promising announcements later in 2023.

In product updates covered during the first day of Connect, key modules that underpin many of the Productivity Suite offerings have been revamped to present common browser-based and configurable interfaces. This applies to iQuote, PrintFlow Scheduling and AutoCount, while the Monarch MIS that is the central component of the Enterprise Suite has been ‘modernised’.

New abilities in Monarch include forecasting work and materials requirements for tentative jobs and indicate potential shortfalls, while iQuote will support commercial printers’ diversification into signage or PoS work with direct import/export from/to customer spreadsheets detailing complex orders with large numbers of very diverse items. Integration with third-party software allows iQuote’s capabilities to accessed via web services, opening up possibilities in flexible e-commerce quoting. The software’s ability to test all possible production paths via the installed print and finishing systems can also be used to explore ‘what if’ scenarios to guide potential equipment purchases.

Another new module for Monarch is Material Director, which comes from the MarketDirect suite, and adds warehouse picking, with walk path optimisation and tracking, as well as the ability to charge clients for warehousing space based on level of stock.

New to the MidMarket Suite, which is built around the Pace MIS, is Pogo (print on the go), which uses a smartphone app to communicate PoS/display installation instructions, routing and tooling requirements, and collect job and time tracking and sign-off for immediate billing. This is currently in beta testing with customers and is expected to be officially available in the next month; all other new capabilities are promised for the second quarter of 2023.

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It seems as if we have been living through one crisis after another – a pandemic, extreme heatwaves, drought due to climate change, inflation, political instability, war, and an energy crisis. But to panic is never good advice in any decision-making. To determine the new future of this industry, it is important to step back, reflect and look at the broader picture.

Right off the bat, eProductivity Software’s vice president of product management, Nick Benkovich, said, ‘The most obvious trend in growth areas for digital print is the emergence of digital. ‘Emergence of digital’ seems like a strange prediction, but 2023 will be for many the tipping point on digital printing and digital workflow. Multiple digital press vendors are now delivering presses that many of us only ever dreamt of. ‘Print differentiation will also continue to increase as the number of finishing options available to a buyer is at an all-time high and printers will take advantage of ‘increasing print differentiation’ through value-added services and finishing options.

These digital, paperless workflows that supports an average of 40% increase in number of jobs from five years ago, connected, automated with reduced human touch points from order acquisition to delivery to reduce cost of sales, production and billing will be the keys to profitable growth in 2023 and beyond.’ Phil McMullin, sales manager at Epson, predicts, ‘There are several global, technological and market factors that are, and will continue to be, shaping the large-format print sector in 2023 and beyond. Among them is the acceleration of digital transformation that supports hybrid and remote working while also driving greater automation in systems and solutions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, virtual and augmented reality and cloud computing are all impacting connectivity, responsivity and flexibility.

‘Digital transformation is helping address another market trend set to dominate 2023 – a shortage in skilled workers. Employers are under pressure to ensure they are providing fulfilling, attractive careers in a nice working environment with the flexibility of hybrid work.’

Affirming this view is Jamie Nelson, director of Compass Business Finance: ‘Following the Autumn Statement, it’s clear that the country is set for a recessionary period, costs will continue to rise and businesses will need to keep innovating. Some may find the right opportunity to exit the market, whilst others will take the opportunity to invest. Mergers and acquisitions, as well as MBOs continue to take place at the same elevated rate they have been for the past two years, without sign of ceasing. Businesses should be thinking about cashflow, ensuring debts are structured as favourably as possible; efficiency, to keep energy, material and labour costs low; and sustainability, to protect their long-term future.

‘The skills shortage also needs addressing. Attracting and training young people to our industry is vitally important, not only can they help get the work done but they also bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to our businesses, helping to drive us forward.’ The energy crunch There has been a huge amount of instability in 2022, with businesses across every industry facing economic pressures due to the increasing cost of living and energy prices. The print industry is no exception with labour shortages adding additional pressures for many PSPs. Stuart Rising, head of commercial print at Canon UK, says, ‘In order for PSPs to ride the wave of financial pressures, choosing technology which is future-proofed, energy efficient and built to last has become a key consideration. With the economic challenges we have seen in 2022 set to persist next year, it is important that PSPs go a step further to offer the expertise and customer service that will help build their reliability credentials and develop long-term relationships with their customers.’

Isabella Jelinek, marketing manager at HP, adds, ‘We used to buy everything we wanted outright. But today, you can even rent your car with a subscription service. This shift from a transactional to a subscription-based, ‘everything as a service’ economy, is being driven by millennials, who like things easy, flexible and based on their actual usage. And we’re seeing new business models emerge that put the customer at the centre of a multichannel service experience that gives them customised solutions, continuous updates and a trusted relationship with their service provider. Marc Artigas Roig, sales director at Roland DG, shares similar views. ‘Today, all those associated with the printing industry are hitting the same iceberg – a challenging economic climate – and the need for cost-saving measures as businesses look to survive inflation. In this stead, we will see an accelerated shift in focus towards low energy consumption printers as businesses look to sustain growth in 2023. At Roland DG, we see UV printing continuing to grow in popularity next year.’

Sustainability isn’t going away There is increasing pressure from government and customers for every link in the manufacturing supply chain to progress its environmental capabilities and print will play a key role in the eco transformation. Sustainability is a keyword. But what does it actually mean to be sustainable in the printing industry? Are companies who claim to be sustainable doing the work to fulfil those claims? In fact, can the print industry, which essentially uses materials and creates something, become fully sustainable soon, or in the long run? Many believe 2023 will see companies ensuring their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) processes are central to their strategy. Here are the thoughts of Kevin O’Donnell, head of marketing at Xerox UK, who says, ‘ESG and sustainability will continue to be a big play for printers as clients set higher expectation on suppliers to have clear programmes and measurements in place that manage their carbon emissions, as well as their social impact in the communities in which they operate.

‘With energy costs and costs of services also rising, we’ll likely see printers lean towards the use of technology to rebalance. With this, I’d expect to see an increase in the use of automated and integrated workflows driven by AI which will enable companies to maintain levels of service while working to reduce costs. Warren Werbitt, print consultant at The Print Whisperer, said, ‘I’ve always maintained that everything is constantly evolving in life and in our industry. So when I think about printing trends, I think about the growth of digital inkjet, colour management, automation, print embellishments, targeted direct mail using variable data, and so on. All this will make our industry better, but printers must make a concerted effort to learn the new technology. ‘As far as predictions, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I believe that print is here to stay. I see large format growing – especially wayfinding and directional signage. Digital label printing and print embellishments are also on fire.’ Predictions and trends As usual for this time of the year, our collective minds start wandering to next year and thinking about what the future will hold for our businesses and the wider industry in general.

Lews Evans, product marketing manager at Vivid Laminating Technologies, said, ‘I predict that direct mail will continue to grow. For our industry in finishings, we’re going to be moving further into the personalisation age and more into an engagement age. Printed product needs to not just hold the attention more than digital, it also needs to be interactive. So if you are receiving something printed whether it’s a scratch card foil or a link with a QR code to win a prize via direct mail, it has to be within this new engagement age. ‘In digital print I’d like to see a link to wide format print with some unique projects in direct mail and packaging. They are the two that have grown a lot this year and will continue to grow throughout 2023. I think the low profit, high quantity products don’t even need to wait till next year as it’s clear it didn’t work.’

Ms Jelinek shared HP’s thoughts, ‘Online shopping has risen dramatically in the last few years. E-commerce is now mainstream, both globally and locally. And this growth is accelerating. Right now, 21% of all global sales are online, and that number is predicted to rise to 24.5% by 2025. Our customers know that they have to get on the bandwagon before it’s too late. Being online is no longer an option, it’s a necessity.

‘In recent years, sustainability has gone from being a ‘nice to have’ to a key purchasing driver. 81% of global consumers believe that companies should help to improve the environment And 85% of people say their purchasing behaviour has become more sustainable in the last five years. So, brands are reacting to this increased demand for sustainability, as well as to investors’ sustainability concerns and new regulatory requirements.’ SOS technical support manager Omran Anwar concluded, ‘We foresee continued growth in 2023 for large format, for flexible and especially rigid media. The sign and display market continues to grow, and unlike some of the more saturated print markets, there is room for it to grow further.

‘We are seeing a trend towards diversification: the modern printer is a ‘superprinter’ who can handle several processes under one roof to reduce outwork and exploit as many market niches as they can. So many of our customers who buy flatbed machines are doing so for the first time. ‘The cost can be daunting when taking the plunge into a new market, so the emphasis is on cost effective investment. It makes sense to look beyond ‘big name, high price’ equipment, and SOS have found flatbed machines which offer high quality and performance for a relatively low price point – Gibson is positioned as a premium brand, producing a range of flatbed and hybrid LED-UV printers.’ It’s clear that while we will continue as an industry to be presented with plenty of challenges, both unpredictable and foreseen, there will also be a range of solutions and ideas to help tackle them.

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eProductivity Software (EPS) is developing the EFI Connect user conference (as was) into an event ‘targeted at the wider world of printing and packaging’.

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