Evolution —Polischuk
The State of the Industry Reports compiled for this issue provide an opportunity to step back and view, as a package, many of the trends and topics that are covered throughout the year. Rarely do new trends emerge just in time for these reports, and it is more likely that many of the trends are continuing—albeit with some new twists—from year to year.
Flexible packaging still continues to lead as a dynamic packaging segment, led by growth in pouches. The label industry is continuing its steady move into the use of film substrates, which opens up doors into flexible packaging. The folding carton market is holding on to its strong position in the beverage industry, while fending off inroads from flexible packaging.
Over time, however, it is interesting to see the trends actually taking shape. Digital prepress, led by CTP technology and workflow enhancements, is firmly established as a means to improve quality. These are further augmented by color management tools and advanced screening techniques, reports Kevin Karstedt of Karstedt Associates.
Digital printing is over the initial hurdles and moving forward. Just recently, HP announced new records for its digital printing with more than 10 billion impressions printed on HP Indigo presses in 2006, a 40 percent increase over 2005.
Focus is also increasing on brand security as losses and risks continue to rise. Companies are jumping into the mix to offer solutions to this growing problem. Karstedt mentions several companies that are making investments in this sector, including MeadWestvaco, Avery Dennison, Rock-Tenn, HP, and Kodak.
Five years ago, RFID wasn’t quite in the mainstream of package printing, but it is now moving forward with a host of participants. Companies such as UPM Raflatac, Avery Dennison, Schober, and Topflight are carving out pieces of this promising pie. And this year, the reports talk about technologies beyond RFID, specifically, printed electronics. Technologies for this segment are currently being developed in laboratories around the world, but it’s not too early to be keeping an eye on where it’s headed.
It’s not your father’s printing business anymore.
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Tom Polischuk, Editor-in-Chief
