3 drupa trends impacting flexo
drupa 2024 was all about what can make printing better now but also what the next four years could hold. Here's three trends we spotted on the exhibition floor that could define the flexographic future...
Automating what?
In hall 15 at drupa 2024, surrounded by press manufacturers, every stand was talking about new automated features and visitors were looking at automation to find new value today and in the future. That means significant investments are being made to automate press functions.
But any value in print automation can only be realized if the process being automated is consistent and predictable enough to not require frequent human intervention.
It’s clear that automation needs to be paired with standardization. It relies on a consistent print process and consistent, reliable results. By taking a modern flexo approach – that moves away from ‘craft’ processes on press – printers can start automating steps in their production, harnessing the potential efficiencies on offer.
“But what was also clear was the twin pressures printers were focused on, driving efficiency in how they operate, while becoming more sustainable.”
Striving for sustainability
Sustainable print was a hot topic at drupa. Visitors to our stand were discussing the growing demands to meet what brands, consumers and regulators are asking for.
But what was also clear was the twin pressures printers were focused on, driving efficiency in how they operate, while becoming more sustainable. This trend is set in and a fast-moving space.
It was great to be able to talk about the potential of modern flexo printing technology to reduce costs and operate more efficiently while printing in a more sustainable way – two for one. And a chance to explore how we can continue to help customers benchmark their environmental impact and meet the regulations they’re facing.
“The flow of partnership announcements was steady, reflecting a key strategy the industry is adopting to solve the complex challenges it’s facing.”
Alliances to achieve
Forging success through strategic partnerships and alliances left the dramatic TV-world of Game of Thrones – or reality challenge of Survivor – and well and truly landed on the exhibition floor at drupa.
The flow of partnership announcements was steady, reflecting a key strategy the industry is adopting to solve the complex challenges it’s facing: from the continued skills shortages to sustainability step-changes.
It’s an approach we’re familiar with, our work with partners across the flexo value chain is critical in the move to modern flexo.
Visitors to drupa saw our plates in action at 12 stands around the exhibition hall: in press (and press-related equipment) demonstrations, and as the plate used for challenging print samples, a strong reflection of the close alliances we’ve been forging.
With so many industry players and visitors in the same place at the same time, drupa was once again a great place to take the temperature of the industry and look at what the flexographic future could hold.