This article appeared in the March issue of Australian Printer, authored by Currie Group’s Rob Mesaros
2024 was another year filled with contrasts and transformation for the print industry. While economic conditions remained unpredictable, businesses that stayed agile and invested in the right technology found opportunities for growth. The most successful businesses focused on adaptability.
The biggest challenge remained the cost of doing business, with rising wages, material costs, and supply chain pressures requiring smarter investment decisions.
We witnessed a strong appetite for automation and efficiency-driven solutions as companies focused on streamlining operations and improving profitability.
A real shift towards low-touch workflows also emerged, reducing manual labour and increasing efficiency.
Sustainability also became a more urgent priority, with customers demanding real action rather than just conversation.
Diversification was another major subject, with many printers expanding their offerings into adjacent markets – whether through labels and packaging, sign and display, or large format. Those who leaned into personalisation and customisation also set themselves apart, taking advantage of digital print’s flexibility. Above all, businesses that stayed relevant had one thing in common: they embraced change rather than resisting it.
2025 will be about efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The industry has started shifting towards leaner, smarter, and more connected operations. AI and automation will continue to reshape workflows, while robotics will play an even bigger role in reducing manual intervention.
Opportunities in automation and workflow optimisation will result in speed to market becoming an ever-increasing differentiator. The demand for short-run, high-value applications continues to grow, and those who embrace it will thrive.
Sustainability will no longer be an option – it will be a business imperative. We also expect more convergence between digital printing, with data- driven print campaigns becoming more personalised and interactive.
Most notably, the sign and display segment is seeing increased demand for high- impact, high-quality short-run applications, with businesses seeking versatile, durable, and cost-effective solutions – especially in interior decor applications.
Labels and packaging remains a large opportunity, especially as brands look for more sustainable and short-run solutions.
We’re seeing increasing demand for high-end embellishments and finishing, as brands invest in premium-quality print. All these opportunities and innovations will present themselves during this year’s events and tradeshows. We can expect to see major breakthroughs in robotics and AI-driven workflow automation. Print technology will continue to push boundaries in speed, quality, and sustainability, with more hybrid solutions combining analog and digital strengths.
New finishing technologies will also be a highlight, giving businesses more ways to differentiate their output. Sign and display innovations will focus on versatility, with further developments in UV printing delivering enhanced durability and sustainability benefits.
Additionally, we expect to see more consolidation in the industry, as businesses either scale up or struggle to keep pace. The biggest challenge though will be navigating rising operational costs while maintaining profitability. Labour shortages also remain an ongoing concern, driving automation as a necessity, rather than a luxury. And of course, keeping up with changing customer demands – particularly around sustainability and speed to market will be critical.
For Currie Group, 2025 is about deepening our partnerships, driving innovation, and expanding our capabilities. We’ll continue to bring the latest technology to market, helping customers unlock new revenue streams.
Investment in service remains a top priority, as we know that the best equipment is only as good as the support behind it. We’re also looking at key strategic growth areas, particularly in labels and packaging, sign and display, automation, and finishing solutions.
We are also actively working with our partners to bring more energy-efficient solutions to market, alongside materials and processes that reduce waste.
A major focus for us is our partnership with the HP Planet Partners Program and Close the Loop initiatives committed to reducing waste by recycling and repurposing printing hardware and consumables.
Beyond these efforts, we are actively supporting our customers on their own sustainability journeys, providing education and customised strategies to help them implement more responsible and efficient printing practices.
To conclude, the industry needs to embrace change to thrive. The businesses that will succeed in 2025 and beyond are those that invest in the future, stay agile, and focus on value creation. The industry is evolving at an incredible pace. AI, automation, and sustainability are no longer trends, they are business imperatives. Continue to innovate, invest for the future, and push the boundaries with trusted partners. The future is filled with opportunities.
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If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
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