This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer, authored by ADS Australia’s Dean Wright
The print industry is at a pivotal moment, with technological advancements and sustainability taking centre stage.
2024 was shaped by a continued shift towards digitalisation and sustainability. Highlights included the growing adoption of automation and AI in printing processes, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. There was also a surge in demand for personalised print products, with consumers seeking unique, tailored items, particularly in packaging and marketing materials.
However, the year also faced challenges, including rising raw material costs – especially paper and ink, supply chain disruptions, and environmental regulations pushing for greener practices. The ongoing pressure for cost reduction, alongside the necessity of investing in new technologies, presented both opportunities and hurdles for businesses aiming to stay competitive. These, alongside the need to ensure employees have the necessary skills to operate new technologies and adapt to changes in production processes, will be an ongoing challenge.
To maintain relevance in 2024, our business embraced digital transformation by integrating smart technologies into our operations. For instance, we installed the Canon Colorado M5W and since then, we’ve seen significant improvements in efficiency and productivity. The advanced features of the Colorado have allowed us to take on more complex projects while reducing turnaround times. Additionally, the versatility of the machine has enabled us to expand our service offerings.
Additionally, we invested in sustainable practices by shifting to eco-friendly materials and reducing waste, in line with both regulatory requirements and market demand for environmentally responsible products. We also prioritised staff upskilling, ensuring our workforce was proficient in the latest printing technologies and innovations to stay ahead of the curve.
As we enter 2025, the industry needs to embrace innovation, invest in greener practices, and stay agile in an increasingly digital world. By doing so, we not only ensure our relevance but also contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
I foresee a more digitally integrated print landscape in 2025. With advances in digital printing, providing customised, personalised products will be a significant growth area, particularly in packaging, textiles, and promotional materials.
In addition, the line between traditional print and digital media will continue to blur, especially with the rise of hybrid printing technologies. The rise of hybrid print technologies will provide businesses with more versatility, combining the strengths of both traditional and digital printing.
Automation will play a larger role, not only in production but in supply chain management as well, allowing businesses to respond faster to market demands. Advances in automation will make production faster and more cost- effective. Plus, the boom in e-commerce will present opportunities in packaging, with companies needing more efficient and creative solutions for shipping and branding. It has made packaging a crucial point of focus, especially sustainable packaging solutions, which will see increased demand in the coming years.
Interactive and smart packaging that incorporates QR codes, near-field communication (NFC), and Augmented Reality (AR) will capture the spotlight, redefining consumer engagement and offering new marketing opportunities. Collaborating with technology and design companies to integrate innovative solutions like AR and smart packaging will help businesses stay competitive.
In addition, sustainability will influence everything from materials to production processes. Focusing on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient production will be key. Sustainability innovations, such as new eco-friendly inks, biodegradable substrates, and energy- efficient printers, will take centre stage.
As such, for 2025, our company will be focused on three key priorities:
- Innovation: We plan to invest further in automation and AI to optimise production, reduce human error, and enhance operational efficiency.
- Customer experience: We are committed to improving customer engagement by offering more personalised print solutions, leveraging data analytics to better understand and meet consumer needs.
- Sustainability: We aim to introduce more environmentally friendly materials and reduce our carbon footprint across all operations.
We are also committed to reducing our carbon footprint by 20 per cent through energy-efficient operations and switching to renewable energy sources. We also plan for at least 50 per cent of our raw materials to be recyclable or biodegradable. Additionally, we aim to improve our waste management practices, striving for zero waste to landfill.
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