This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer, authored by Signarama Tuggerah’s Melissa Marshall

Over the past 12 months, Signarama Tuggerah achieved significant, award-winning sustainability milestones, catapulted by its sustainable signage project for the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

The 12-month AOC project involved designing and manufacturing world- first eco-friendly signage solutions for high-profile locations in France, including five hotels, two shipping containers, and seven sporting venues. This effort required innovative thinking and collaboration with industry leaders. As a result, Signarama Tuggerah pioneered the first ever development of recyclable, reusable, and repurposable signage materials and packaging produced with 22 per cent less carbon, based on certified carbon quotas.

This year, some of our main priorities include:

• Workforce development: The apprenticeship scheme allows us to train and develop our own skilled workforce, which is critical in an industry that requires specialised knowledge in areas like graphic design, signage installation, and advanced printing technologies.
  By building expertise internally, we can ensure a consistent pipeline of qualified workers who are well-versed in the company’s specific processes and standards.
• Fostering a culture of innovation: Young, motivated apprentices can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the business. This will help Signarama Tuggerah stay ahead of industry trends and adopt new techniques that enhance service offerings in 2025.
• Supporting business growth and capacity for larger projects: A larger, more skilled workforce will allow Signarama Tuggerah to take on bigger projects. This will be a key driver of business expansion in 2025.

To capture growth in 2025, print businesses should focus on diversifying their offerings, embracing technology, and meeting evolving consumer demands. Sustainability, customisation, and the integration of digital and print media are critical areas for innovation. Expanding into packaging, and personalised products, along with leveraging new technologies can unlock new revenue streams and ensure competitiveness in an increasingly digital and environmentally conscious market.

Some of the major trends that we expect to see in 2025 include:

• Green innovation: Companies will continue to adopt sustainable practices in response to increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services. Expect to see greater use of renewable resources, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable supply chains. Businesses will also face more regulations regarding carbon footprints and environmental impact.
• Circular economy: The shift toward a circular economy, where products are designed for reuse and recycling, will be more pronounced cutting down on waste.
• Carbon neutrality and ESG: Businesses will increasingly integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into their strategies. Many companies will commit to achieving carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions, driven by both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.
• AI-powered decision-making: AI will play a critical role in business operations, from automating routine tasks to providing deeper insights into consumer behaviour and market trends. Machine learning and AI- driven analytics will allow businesses to optimise everything from supply chains to marketing strategies.
• Increased digitalisation:

Businesses across all industries will continue to embrace digital tools for everything from remote work to e-commerce. Cloud computing and digital platforms will be essential for scalability and competitiveness.

On the other hand, some challenges this year will include:

• Rising raw material costs: This is due to global supply chain disruptions and increased demand for sustainable materials. This poses a significant challenge for print businesses that need to balance competitive pricing with rising production costs. We will need to explore cost-saving measures, such as optimising production processes, seeking alternative suppliers, or finding innovative ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Labour shortages and skills gap: Print businesses will need to invest in workforce training and development programs to upskill existing employees and attract new talent. Automation and AI-driven systems can also help address labour shortages by reducing the need for manual intervention in some processes.
  Companies will continue to invest in new equipment, software, and processes. However, smaller print businesses, in particular, may struggle to keep up with these costs.
• Consumer behaviour: The shift toward digital content consumption and increasing concerns over print’s environmental impact are altering consumer behaviour. Younger generations are less inclined to engage with printed materials, affecting the demand for traditional print products.

As we move into 2025, the print industry stands at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. The future of print is no longer just about traditional methods, but about how we adapt, evolve, and embrace new technologies to better serve our customers, communities, and planet.

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