Predictions for the Printing and Converting Industries [2023]
The printing and converting industries continue to change as businesses respond to new production technologies, sustainability requirements, changing customer expectations, and pressure to work more efficiently.
Some developments are changing how printed products are produced, while others are influencing what customers expect from their suppliers. Digital production, automation, personalised output, more efficient workflows, and sustainable material choices are shaping the industry’s direction.
For print businesses, staying aware of these developments can help with equipment decisions, production planning, material selection, and customer service.
Here are some of the key trends shaping the printing and converting industries.
How Is Digital Technology Changing Printing?
Digital production has changed how businesses approach short-run and customised work. Unlike traditional processes that can become more economical at larger volumes, digital systems can make shorter runs and variable output more practical.
This is particularly useful for:
- Short-run marketing materials
- Personalised direct mail
- On-demand production
- Variable data printing
- Small batches
- Custom packaging and promotional products
Digital workflows can also reduce the need for some physical setup steps, making it easier to move from approved artwork to production.
The role of digital technology is likely to keep expanding as businesses seek greater flexibility without producing more inventory than they need.
Is Automation Becoming More Important?
Automation is increasingly relevant across the production workflow, from file preparation and scheduling to finishing and quality control.
Automated processes can help reduce repetitive manual tasks and improve consistency. They can also make it easier for production teams to manage multiple jobs with different specifications.
Areas where automation can be useful include:
- Prepress and file checking
- Job scheduling
- Workflow management
- Colour management
- Cutting and finishing
- Inventory tracking
- Production monitoring
Automation does not remove the need for skilled operators. Instead, it lets teams spend more time on work that requires technical judgement and problem-solving.
What Role Will Personalisation Play?
Customers increasingly expect printed materials to be relevant to their audience rather than identical for everyone.
Variable data printing makes it possible to change selected elements from one printed piece to another while keeping the overall design consistent. Names, addresses, promotional offers, images, QR codes, and other information can be varied according to the recipient.
This can support applications such as:
- Direct mail campaigns
- Event invitations
- Promotional offers
- Customer communications
- Marketing campaigns
- Personalised packaging
For businesses, this means print can remain part of a targeted marketing strategy rather than functioning only as a mass-distribution medium.
How Is Sustainability Affecting the Industry?
Environmental considerations are influencing material selection, production decisions, packaging, and customer expectations.
Businesses may look at several areas when evaluating the environmental impact of a print project, including:
- Recycled or responsibly sourced paper
- Material usage
- Ink and coating choices
- Production waste
- Packaging
- Energy consumption
- Transportation
- Product durability and end-of-life considerations
There is no single material or process that makes every project automatically sustainable. A practical approach is to consider the complete application and select materials and production methods that meet the project’s functional requirements while reducing unnecessary waste.
For example, producing only what’s needed can help avoid unused inventory, while choosing the right stock can prevent over-engineering a temporary application.
What Does On-Demand Production Mean for Print Businesses?
On-demand production lets businesses produce materials closer to when they’re needed.
This can help companies that regularly update marketing materials, run seasonal campaigns, or need different versions for different locations.
Instead of storing large quantities of a single version, businesses can produce smaller quantities as requirements change.
This approach can help reduce:
- Obsolete inventory
- Storage requirements
- Waste from outdated materials
- Large upfront production runs
Digital production is particularly well suited to this type of workflow, although the most appropriate process still depends on the product, quantity, materials, and finishing requirements.
How Are Customer Expectations Changing?
Customers are evaluating more than just the final printed product. They are also paying attention to turnaround times, communication, consistency, flexibility, and the overall ordering experience.
Businesses may increasingly expect their print suppliers to handle more of the workflow, from file preparation and production to finishing and delivery.
This creates demand for suppliers that can provide:
- Clear specifications
- Reliable communication
- Consistent output
- Flexible quantities
- Multiple finishing options
- Efficient turnaround
- Support with material selection
For print companies, service and production expertise therefore remain important alongside equipment and technology.
What About New Regulations and Industry Requirements?
Regulations can affect materials, packaging, environmental claims, workplace practices, and other parts of the production process.
Specific requirements depend on the product, location, materials, and intended market, so businesses should verify applicable requirements rather than rely on general assumptions.
Print suppliers also need to keep track of changes that may affect the materials or production processes they use.
For customers, working with a supplier that can clearly explain material specifications and production considerations can make projects easier to plan.
Can New Technology Help Control Printing Costs?
Technology can help control costs, but buying newer equipment does not automatically make every project cheaper.
Cost depends on factors such as:
- Quantity
- Production method
- Material
- Setup requirements
- Labour
- Finishing
- Waste
- Turnaround time
- Shipping and delivery
For some short-run or customised jobs, digital production may reduce setup requirements. For larger quantities, other production methods may remain more economical.
The most useful approach is to match the production method to the job rather than choosing equipment or technology based solely on its newest features.
What Should Printing Businesses Prepare For?
The industry is unlikely to move toward one single production method. Instead, businesses will continue to use different technologies for different applications.
Print companies can prepare by focusing on:
Flexible Production
The ability to handle different quantities, formats, and levels of customisation can help businesses respond to changing customer requirements.
Efficient Workflows
Reducing unnecessary manual steps can improve consistency and make production easier to manage.
Material Knowledge
Understanding paper, substrates, coatings, inks, and finishing options allows suppliers to recommend solutions based on the application rather than simply the equipment available.
Sustainability
Businesses can evaluate waste, material sourcing, production quantities, and product life when making environmental decisions.
Digital Integration
Connected workflows can help move jobs more efficiently from artwork approval through production and finishing.
What Do These Trends Mean for Customers?
Industry changes can give customers more flexibility in how they produce printed materials.
Shorter runs, personalised output, on-demand production, and a wider range of materials can make it easier to create projects tailored to a specific audience or application.
At the same time, more choices can make the production process more complicated. The right material, process, finish, and quantity still depend on the specific project.
Working with an experienced print provider can help businesses compare those options before committing to a production method.
Conclusion
The printing and converting industries are evolving through digital production, automation, personalisation, on-demand workflows, material innovation, and greater attention to resource use.
These trends do not point to one universal replacement for existing production methods. Instead, they are expanding the options available to print businesses and their customers.
For NYC businesses, choosing the right process starts with understanding the project itself: what needs to be produced, how much is required, where it will be used, and how it needs to perform. Triboro Printing provides professional printing services in NYC and can help businesses determine the appropriate approach for their printed materials.
