Is it true that the printing industry is dying...? <\/strong><\/p>

      As the era transitions and digital technology plays a significant role in lifestyle changes, one undeniable fact is the slowdown in print media. Although this situation has impacted the global printing industry, the overall printing sector shows a strong and continuous growth trend. This is driven by the shift in printing technology usage from producing newspapers and magazines to new forms of production, particularly in the packaging sector, and there is a positive adaptation visible among stakeholders in the global industry chain.<\/p>

           Ms. Beatrice J. Ho, Project Director of "Pack Print International 2019" by Messe Düsseldorf Asia (MDA), stated that the printing industry is not dead and continues to generate substantial value. Despite being affected by the slowdown in print businesses like newspapers and magazines, when considering the production chain of the industry, it is continuously transitioning to other sectors, especially in the core packaging industry, which relies on printing technology throughout the production cycle. On a global macro level, three supporting factors are identified that will keep the printing industry vibrant and foster long-term growth. <\/span><\/p>

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Digital Packaging and Growth Opportunities in the Printing Industry<\/strong><\/p>

Digital disruption influences every industry, including printing and packaging. Currently, the trend of digital packaging is in high demand in the global packaging market. To achieve such production, potential printing technology is crucial. According to a report by Smithers Pira on digital printing trends for packaging, the digital packaging market is rapidly expanding, with a projected growth rate of 13% per year, expected to reach a value of approximately 700 billion Thai Baht (22 billion USD) by 2022. The materials with the highest growth potential include corrugated paper, flexible packaging, direct-to-shape packaging, and metal, reflecting growth opportunities for upstream industries like printing through the use of modern technology.<\/p>

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Investment in Printing Technology for Production<\/strong><\/p>

A report on the investment situation in printing technology from Drupa, the global printing technology fair held last April, found that manufacturers worldwide are increasingly prioritizing investment in technology to meet changing market demands and to create new production capabilities that will increase in 2019. For example, in packaging (27% for sheet-fed offset printers and 25% for flexo printers), advertising (29% for digital toner printers with cutting capabilities and 19% for wide-format inkjet printers with cutting and rolling), and specialty printing (27% for digital toner printers with cutting capabilities and 23% for wide-format inkjet printers with cutting and rolling). This indicates a bright investment outlook in the printing industry that remains dynamic.<\/p>

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Trends in Value Addition through Technology and Innovation<\/strong><\/p>

The demand for packaging among consumers is becoming increasingly diverse, whether it be beautiful, innovative, easy-to-use, or durable packaging and labels. Innovation and solutions in printing and packaging are therefore key factors that manufacturers continue to prioritize to better meet market demands, including faster production times, improved quality, and new production processes that are more accessible. Recently, it was found that digital embossing has been increasingly applied in label printing, rising by 11.9% in 2017, along with other printing methods being adopted for modern production.<\/p>

Online spending behavior is another factor contributing to the continued growth of the printing and packaging industry. Whether it’s food and beverage products or everyday items that consumers expect to be delivered to their door, all require packaging. Currently, the Asia-Pacific region is the largest packaging printing market, accounting for 42% of revenue, with a projected demand for packaging expected to reach 40% by 2022. According to the latest data from the Thai Printing Association and the Thai Packaging Association, the value of the Thai printing and packaging industry in 2018 was approximately 300 billion Baht, with the printing industry valued at 120 billion Baht and packaging at 180 billion Baht, showing a growth trend of 2% in the printing market and 10-20% in the packaging market.<\/p>

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           However, innovation and modern technology will pose challenges that create competition within the industry. Messe Düsseldorf Asia is collaborating with the Thai Printing Association and the Thai Packaging Association to prepare for "Pack Print International 2019," an exhibition showcasing technology for the printing and packaging industry, gathering over 300 organizations from 25 leading countries worldwide to accelerate access to innovations and advanced technologies that Thailand is seeking. The event will feature matchmaking services and consultations between related business partners, which will help provide advantages to small operators and the Thai industry to keep pace with the world, create attractive production outcomes, reduce costs, and ensure sustainability in a highly competitive global market.<\/p>

For those interested, the event will take place from September 18-21, 2019, at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangna. For more details, visit www.pack-print.de or the Facebook fan page PackPrintInternational.<\/p>