JEDDAH — The introduction of new technological solutions in digital printing has further expanded its market share. According to the most recent market analysis and forecasts, growth in the Middle East, particularly in the packaging side, is set to be around 5%, Mike Simmonds, event manager at Gulf Print & Pack said. In an interview ahead of the Gulf Print & Pack 2015 slated on April 13-16 at the World Trade Centre (DWTC), Dubai, he noted a spike in digital printing and this is now on a level pegging with conventional printing. “This trend is also being reflected in our makeup of exhibitors as of our exhibitors who registered themselves for the 2015 show guide, 17% classified commercial presses as an area they represent, 17% digital presses and 37% package printing,” adding that “having a digital capability is good for business as it complements conventional printing.” He pointed out that growth in the Middle Eastern printing industry has been following the same pattern being seen in Asia and Latin America with demand overtaking more mature markets such as Western Europe and North America. “Technologies and their capabilities are always advancing and that is directly influencing brand owners in their product development choices and in turn consumer behavior and habits. Print processes are experiencing marked trends worldwide in how they are used with an increasing appetite for digital, flexo and inkjet technologies emerging. Increased personalization and shorter print runs are growing the production of labels, flexible packaging, active and intelligent packaging formats and photobooks. The market is moving fast, so this year's show will be even more invaluable to visitors looking to capitalize on these profitable growth areas.” Excerpts from the interview follow: • Are the present solutions addressing the environmental concerns? There is of course always more that can be done, but this subject is definitely gaining more traction in the Middle East. Many of the leading print machinery and ancillary manufacturers and suppliers are actually large international companies and have comprehensive environmental and sustainable policies that they adhere to wherever they are doing business in the world. Savings on inefficiency are just good business sense and solutions that recognize these are being adapted en masse. • Are the industry players committed to environmental education? Do they make a serious effort to educate their customers about ways to reduce their environmental footprint while still achieving their print objectives? Yes the key industry players are very much committed to environmental education and best practice. They are very active in working with and supporting their regional partners to find and adopt the best ways in which printers can be more environmentally conscious and responsible. This is being done through show days and hands on training, etc. The opportunity for education is there, but the onus is very much on the individual printer to take advantage of it. • What are the advantages of digital printing? There are many advantages to having a digital printing capacity. The quality and capabilities of digital printing is improving all of the time and it offers a lucrative return especially for short runs. Its impact on the production line is minimal except for file management and it suits the modern supply chain in that it can simplify complexity and reduce costs. Digital print is perfect for jobs governed by massive SKU proliferation, personalization, seasonality and variable data needs. However, it isn't right for every form of packaging yet such as rigid plastics or metal but it is ideal for label printing, flexible packaging and folding cartons.
• What are the challenges facing the packaging and printing industry in the Gulf? The challenges are much the same as they are anywhere else in world: retaining market share, delivering high quality as standard, being more environmentally friendly and improving business efficiency are all major challenges. With the rise in demand for short run jobs, printers can no longer sell on volume alone. The market moves very quickly but the technology being used does not necessarily keep up that is why digital printing is gaining in popularity as it minimizes waste, set up and changeover times without compromising quality. • What are the possible remedies? There are no fast fixes. Both manufacturers and printers need to continue investing financially in their businesses and in educating themselves. There needs to be a continuous program of education to provide more chances to learn and to improve. Technology is always advancing and that is why events such as Gulf Print & Pack are important as they provide the opportunity to keep up with what is going on in the wider marketplace as a whole. • Sustainability will replace cost as one of the packaging industry's major challenges within 10 years. Is there any way out? What are the alternative solutions? Cost is and always will be the major challenge for the industry and genuinely dictates what a business can and cannot do. The expectation to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly is an excellent one and something that businesses cannot ignore anymore. However, the two have to work hand in hand and by harnessing the benefits and opportunities technology offers in an affordable way is the only way forward. Securing the best price and improving business efficiency through workflow, choice of materials, etc., will all go in some way to improving financial performance. — SG
