Generative AI is revolutionizing the packaging and printing industry, bringing about changes that were unimaginable just a few years ago. This technology has rapidly advanced over the last 20 months, dwarfing the progress made in the previous 25 years. From enhancing the overall efficiency of the printing process to creating artwork for labels, bags, pouches, and point-of-purchase displays, generative AI is a game-changer. It combines decades of human expertise with cutting-edge technology to produce superior results, ensuring that designs are not only innovative but also press-ready.
To delve deeper into this transformative technology, Packaging Impressions turned to Hector Garcia, who will be sharing his insights at PRINTING United Expo 2024. His session, “How Generative AI is Redefining Packaging Creation,” promises to provide valuable knowledge and practical tips for industry professionals.
Garcia, founder and brand guardian of MBN Creative, has been at the forefront of this AI revolution. With a career spanning more than 25 years in the printing industry, Garcia has seen firsthand the transformative power of generative AI. Garcia’s extensive experience in the printing, marketing, and branding industries combined with his pioneering role in integrating AI into creative and business processes make him a leading voice in the industry.
With such a wealth of experience, Garcia understands the critical importance of efficiency in the industry. This brings us to one of the most significant advantages of generative AI: its ability to drastically reduce time to market.
Speed to Market and Competitive Edge
One of the most significant advantages of generative AI is the time savings it offers. In an industry where speed to market is crucial, AI can drastically reduce the time required to prepare files and create artwork. Garcia explains that tasks that once took 18 to 20 hours can now be completed in a fraction of the time. This efficiency allows brands to get their products on the shelves faster than their competitors, providing a critical competitive edge. Garcia advises printers to embrace AI to avoid being outpaced by those who do.
Beyond just speed, generative AI is transforming the very nature of how artwork is created and prepared for print.
The Transformative Impact of Generative AI
Generative AI has revolutionized the creation of artwork for various printing formats. Whether it’s artwork for folding cartons, labels, bags, pouches, or displays, AI has become an indispensable tool. Garcia highlights that the combination of human expertise and AI results in superior outcomes. The decades of experience that professionals bring to the table are enhanced by AI, he explains in this video interview, ensuring that designs are not only creative but also technically sound and press ready. This synergy between human intelligence and AI is reminiscent of the desktop publishing revolution, where new tools transformed the industry while still relying on the expertise of seasoned professionals.
However, the true value of generative AI is best realized when combined with the deep experience and knowledge of industry professionals.
The Value of Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of generative AI. Garcia emphasizes the importance of preparing files correctly and how AI can enhance this process. By combining decades of human knowledge with advanced technology, AI ensures that designs are press-ready and meet the highest standards. This is particularly important in an industry where precision and attention to detail are paramount. Garcia draws parallels to the desktop publishing revolution, where the introduction of new tools required a deep understanding of traditional techniques to achieve the best results.
Attending Garcia’s session at PRINTING United Expo 2024 can help label and packaging printers and converters gain a deeper understanding of how generative AI can be leveraged in their businesses. The session will take place on Wed., Sept.11th at 2 p.m. in room S-230 of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Garcia will delve deeper into the benefits of AI, sharing insights and practical tips on how to leverage this technology to stay competitive in the market. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge that can help them enhance their processes and achieve superior results. Look for the session titled “How Generative AI is Redefining Packaging Creation” in the education section of the printingunited.com site to register the session.
And if you haven’t done so already, register for PRINTING United Expo 2024 at printingunited.com to gain valuable knowledge and insights from experts such as Garcia. The 2024 edition will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Sept. 10-12. Looking ahead, the 2025 edition will take place in Orlando, Florida, from Oct. 22-24.
