PrintWeek-HP webinar looks at print opportunities

The 100 minutes of the PrintWeek-HP webinar saw three speakers presenting on various topics that touched upon exploring new business opportunities, using speciality applications, and identifying critical areas of the print production system.

The session were moderated by Ramu Ramanathan, editor at PrintWeek and WhatPackaging?. Citing the Smithers market report, he said the print volumes on digital will rise over the same period from 1.66 trillion A4 prints in 2022 to 2.91 trillion in 2034 (forecast period), which is equivalent to 4.7% CAGR.

Inkjet and electrophotography (toner) systems are continuing to redefine the market for publication, commercial, advertising, packaging and label print through to 2032. The pandemic has only emphasised the advantage of the versatility of digital print to multiple segments, and its market continues to grow.

The demand for these technologies will remain strong with value increasing at a 5.7% CAGR to 2027.

Ashok Pahwa, commercial business manager, HP Indigo Digital Press India and Sri Lanka said that the share of short runs has tripled in the last decade. His two mantras: do things differently; and diversification is important for a future-proof business.

Pahwa talked about the label market, which has a total retail value of USD 62.6 billion. He informed the 200 delegates how consumer trends are changing brands and how brands are changing packaging. He also highlighted how D2C brands are eating the share of giants.

“There has never been a better time for smaller innovative brands to penetrate the market,” Pahwa said.

Meanwhile, E Murali Krishnan, national sales manager, Avery Dennison focused on PS labels and shared the demand trajectory for PS labels in India.

Avery Dennison has announced the launch of AD Stretch, a labels and packaging industry programme to partner with potential start-ups to solve sustainability challenges.

Krishnan stated how there were 12-15% machine installations YoY even during the Covid period. He pointed out that the sheetfed offset market still contributes to 25% of the PS label segment in India.

“But this is changing,” he added. "In the past three years, the digital sheet market is growing at 25% CAGR."

Krishnan spoke about innovations such as the luminescent labels and tamper-proof labels. He also explained how Avery is fulfilling a legislation in Europe called European Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD).

Anup Verma, head of marketing and sales, Sona Fine Corporation explained how a business owner can produce customised designs in smaller batches for special campaigns around holidays or other special events or launch special designs and promotions for drinking products, such as on selected airlines.

Verma told the delegates that the digital printing process allows them to test a new package design in a small market and with a limited number of products. He said, “In premium categories, a strong, captivating print piece shall help build stronger connections with your target.”