This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer, authored by Printgraphics Printgreen’s Nigel Quirk
Printgraphics Printgreen experienced a mix of highlights and challenges in 2024. It was a historical year for us, with our long serving managing director Mark Terrill stepping away from the business.
Mark’s ability to focus on clear structures, set specific goals, and implement a system of checks and balances has left Printgraphics in a great position for the future.
One significant highlight of 2024 was the resilience of publications post-COVID. In my last Print Leaders Forum address in 2022, I discussed how businesses in print were in a transition phase and had to adapt following the flow-on effects of COVID. How things have changed in just a matter of a few years.
The industry has remained steadfast and has evolved to meet customers’ requirements, showing that disruption enables flexibility and entrepreneurship.
Sustainability also remained a key focus in 2024, including the rising use of eco-friendly materials and processes to meet consumer demand for greener practices. I once mentioned that the growth opportunity that a green economy portends could be substantial, and this still stands true for today.
However, we still experienced challenges such as supply chain disruptions, rising costs of raw materials, and labour shortages.
But, overall, the industry showed resilience, adapting to market changes while exploring innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
This year, Printgraphics Printgreen’s focus will be on key areas such as customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and operational efficiency, with a greater focus on sustainability and innovation to help drive long-term growth and adaptability.
At Printgraphics Printgreen, we continue to support our industry in the best way we can, which is to ensure the livelihoods associated with it remains strong and relevant. We have been and will always continue to advocate for the advantages of print.
Looking more broadly, I think the industry will continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic this year, with growth driven by technological advancements and sustainability initiatives.
Job markets may see improvements as industries adapt to newer working models. However, challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate change, and potential economic disparities could also impact overall growth.
Additionally, the shift towards digitalisation and remote work may reshape industries and consumer behaviours significantly.
The challenges are also highly evident with a decline in traditional print demand as the need for digital alternatives surge. Unfortunately, the continued shift to digital media and marketing has reduced the demand for traditional print products such as newspapers, magazines, and brochures.
We also face a rising cost of raw materials, as well as skill gaps and labour challenges, including an ageing workforce.
In order to stay relevant in today’s environment, businesses need to be customer-centric and laser focused on meeting the needs of our customers.
This involves gathering feedback through direct communication, analysing customer behaviour, and tailoring products and services accordingly.
Additionally, effective communication and collaboration within teams is crucial to ensure that all employees are working towards common objectives.
Leveraging technology also helps track customer interactions and preferences, ensuring a more personalised experience.
Artificial intelligence and automation are the obvious picks when it comes to areas that businesses should be looking more closely at this year. The capabilities of AI and automation will continue to expand, offering new solutions and efficiencies.
Secondly, sustainability and green technologies will be crucial as consumers demand more environmentally friendly products and practices.
Opportunities for the industry will be in sustainable and eco-friendly printing, increasing demand for biodegradable inks and sustainable substrates, digital printing advancements, and hybrid printing (combining digital and traditional techniques for enhanced cost-effectiveness and creativity).
I also see growth in niche publishing, including growth of self-publishing and independent media.
The innovations we can expect to see at industry trade shows later this year will be largely focused on the emerging technologies that are set to redefine the printing landscape – such as AI capabilities in printers and tools for the industry that can offer faster production times, sustainable solutions, and greater customisation to meet the evolving needs of consumers and industries alike.
Finally, to not only keep relevant but ahead of the curve, businesses should be monitoring market trends and adapting strategies accordingly. This should remain a constant priority to stay competitive.
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