Reflecting on PRINTING United Expo and an Exciting Fall on the Horizon

It has now been five years since the debut of PRINTING United Expo in 2019, and since the show’s launch it has been very fulfilling to see its expansion into the label and packaging segments continue to grow. The package printing industry is in a unique position in the world of print, with several expos and conferences throughout the year dedicated to specific application segments and print technologies. And while those events serve a great purpose in furthering the industry, it is always very refreshing to me to see labels and packaging represented at PRINTING United and to see the growing interest in packaging from attendees across the print industry.

PRINTING United Expo 2024 | Credit: PRINTING United Alliance

At this year’s show, I spent much of my time on stages and behind podiums, presenting the latest data and insights on the packaging industry from NAPCO Research. Whether it was the sessions in the various education rooms, the casual conversations in the Knowledge Center, or to the packed room at the annual Packaging Impressions Forum, it was great to connect with so many package printers, as well as commercial and wide-format printers looking to expand their packaging capabilities. The three-day event in Las Vegas was packed with so much to see and learn, but I wanted to share a few highlights from the show.

1. AI is at the Forefront of the Industry

Click to Enlarge | Credit: NAPCO Research

The rise of artificial intelligence in the print industry is impacting all segments, including packaging. The combined PRINTING United Alliance and NAPCO Research teams collaborated on a report that was launched at PRINTING United Expo, Artificial Intelligence in the Printing Industry: The Journey Begins. While this report spans the entirety of the print world, there are interesting and applicable takeaways for the packaging audience. In addition to insights from a package printer that has currently implemented AI tools, key data points can be applied to packaging. For example, data reveals that print providers currently primarily use AI in content creation, but plan to expand their use of AI to support key processes including data analytics, analyzing customer feedback and client interactions, and trend analysis and forecasting.

2. Brands Continue to Push Package Printing Trends

Click to Enlarge | Credit: NAPCO Research

At PRINTING United Expo, providing brand owner insights helped attendees, whether they were experienced in packaging or just getting started, to understand the key trends impacting the industry. For example, in the 2023 NAPCO Research Study Digital Packaging: Opportunities to Thrive, brands were asked to select their top five packaging challenges. Among the top answer choices were designing packaging that influences purchasing, improving supply chain efficiency and responsiveness, meeting sustainability/environmental goals, and managing many product versions. In the package printing segment, the continued rise of digital print and production technologies and an increased push for sustainability in packaging are at the forefront of industry trends. With brands seeking creative ways to connect with consumers, increase their efficiency, and manage an influx of package versions, the importance of digital printing cannot be overshadowed. Meanwhile, in addition to their own sustainability objectives, brand owners are facing legislative pressure, consumer driven pressure, and retailer mandates driving increased sustainability in packaging.

3. Label and Folding Carton Segments Top Convergence Targets

Click to Enlarge | Credit: NAPCO Research

Part of the allure of the PRINTING United Expo is that it provides an ideal platform for printers to explore convergence opportunities. The convergence trend was a driving factor for the launch of PRINTING United, as print service providers both expressed interest in and acted on expanding their print offerings into new application segments. For those seeking to expand into packaging, the label and folding carton segments have become the top targets, largely due to the lowered barriers to entry, prevalence of digital printing equipment, and less complexity in production compared to other segments such as flexible packaging and corrugated. On the show floor, a variety of digital solutions for label printing, as well as sheetfed equipment that can be used for folding cartons was on display, allowing attendees to see the latest equipment available that can aid their convergence objectives into the packaging segments.

Digital Packaging Summit Next Up

The exciting fall presses on throughout the months of October and November, with PRINTING United Alliance hosting the annual Digital Packaging Summit in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, from November 12-14. NAPCO Research will be on site to present the results of a study on digital packaging, which is currently in the works. This year marks the 10th edition of the Digital Packaging Summit, which since its inception, has helped package printers, OEMs, and brand owners connect and learn about the latest advancements in digital label and packaging production. Click here for more information about this year’s event.

With labels and packaging among the strongest and most stable segments of print, interest in the latest production technologies is expected to continue to increase. For those seeking to learn more about the technologies and opportunities across all segments, PRINTING United Expo has quickly become the go-to destination for education and insights into all areas of print, with packaging continuing to be a growing segment of the show.