This article appeared in the March 2025 issue of Australian Printer, authored by Bright Print Group’s Debbie Burgess
Every year has its challenges and opportunities, and 2024 was no different. In retrospect, 2024 was about finding new ground and developing new benchmarks. Comparison to previous years leads to ambiguity given the drastically different trading conditions from the past. Financial and operating budgets have all had to be re-written. In some respect, it was a year where flexibility, vigilance, and patience were key for many industries.
We also came into the year with supply constraints and inflation ramping up.
Power prices and freight costs continued to create pressure on profitability, along with a shrinking pool of potential print employees and retiring engineers.
Many of the same challenges will remain in 2025. An ageing workforce will also mean some segments of the industry will likely have to close because they simply cannot staff their operations, or the financial returns for that particular segment no longer justifies the risk in investment.
There will be more offshoring of products and services due to rising local labour and input costs. The demand for traditional print products continues to wane as well. The ability to pivot into new revenue streams and services is essential for the sustainability of many older print companies, who have traditionally invested in heavy metal.
There are opportunities for packaging and digital printing – particularly with new technologies now emerging. Packaging, particularly sustainable and recyclable packaging which can eliminate plastic waste, will continue to be sought out by food and product manufacturers.
Being able to invest in R&D for paper- based product development will reap rewards environmentally and economically, as the evolution from plastics to paper will continue to drive opportunities for the wider print industry.
The forced slow-down in manufacturing and product development during COVID has now abated and we will see a flurry of advancement taking place. The ability to incorporate greater efficiencies into workflows and to have the skills to take advantage of AI will be the hallmark of industry leaders.
The rampant rise of AI will have an impact on a lot of industries and likely in ways that are yet to become apparent. Efficiency of operations and the use of AI for automation will also be key to product development.
Lifecycle consideration will also be high with vendors paying closer attention to not only the lifecycle of the product but also the longevity of machinery and parts.
In a world where non-recyclable waste streams continue to grow at alarming rates, and redundant technology piles up unabated and with reckless abandon, ethical manufacturers need to take greater responsibility for their products and their lifetime footprint.
As for BPG, we’ve had ISO14001 accreditation since 2008. Our commitment to sustainability and environmental policy is well documented and recognised.
Our environmental plan is continuously monitored for opportunities as new products are released to market. We will continue to look for products and inputs that reduce our environmental footprint and allow better recycling options. Continual operational improvements driving efficiency and less waste is always sought.
Our industry has a part to play in ensuring responsible manufacturing in this country and an ability to accept the opportunity for smarter, greener packaging and product. We can make a difference with continued investment and commitment to ensure our industry continues to strive for greater sustainability and environmental responsibility. Flexibility, innovation, and vigilance to emerging trends and technologies are crucial.
In times of uncertainty and quickly changing markets, the key is to also stay close to your clients. The ability to work in partnership with key accounts is critical to your own stability, but also the operational stability of your clients.
Understanding the importance your products play in their operations; whether it’s to enable the unhindered flow of packing lines, the marketability of their product, or as a support to administration and operations, it is vital to maintaining strong relationships but also in identifying other areas where your knowledge and expertise can assist.
The key pillars of any organisation remain as the focus points for BPG in 2025: employees, clients, and cashflow. Each needs to be nurtured.
For more than 60 years, BPG has ensured it conducts its operations in the best interests of all stakeholders and in a manner that ensures long-term sustainability. We shall continue to keep a close eye on the health and welfare of our employees, our clients, and our financial stability.
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