Page 27 - PWM2025_January EBook

NEW YEAR 2025 NEWS

New year predictions: Ricoh UK

Tim Carter, commercial ing advancements in inkjet point underscoring the piv-
print director, Ricoh UK technology, enhancing effi- otal role of print media in
Graphic Communications, ciency in critical communi- the wider communication
is anticipating further cation domains, and
rationalisation and consoli- expanding the potential for ecosystem.
dation occurring throughout offset migration. What are Ricoh’s own
the industry as we move into The greatest opportuni- hopes and aims for 2025?
2025 and beyond. ties lie in print organisa- Can you tell us about any-
What do you feel were the tions’ ability to embrace thing exciting in the pipe-
main trends and key indus- digital alternatives and line?
try developments in 2024? champion print as an essen-
In 2024, our industry cen- tial component of the com- Ricoh is fully committed
tred around three key areas. munication mix. This to innovation and develop-
Firstly, the continued con- Carter: Suppliers must strive to become trusted advisors harmonious approach will ment in this sector, the
solidation as the sector automation to minimise printers in 2025? highlight print media’s recent addition of the Pro
evolved and right-sized itself touchpoints across produc- As we step into 2025, we unique worth – its tactile Z75 and VC80000 is a true
for future demands. Then quality, permanence, and
the positive impact of tion processes. Additionally, anticipate the ongoing evo- profound impact. testament to this. The intro-
Drupa, where strong attend- the evolution of inkjet plat- lution of the trends that Print organisations should duction of the VC40000
ance and engagement from forms remained a critical emerged and thrived in actively stress these assets, and the launch of a mono-
key stakeholders drove focus, driving efficiency and 2024, with likely further even as they acknowledge only version extend the
future investment plans and innovation throughout the rationalisation and consoli- the role of digital-only meth- product portfolio to support
decisions. And, thirdly, year. dation occurring throughout ods. Providing robust, inde- future requirements in criti-
addressing ongoing chal- What do you expect to be the industry.We expect the pendent data and statistics
lenges, including attracting the main trends, key indus- HID [Hunkeler for validation becomes cal communications, book
skilled talent from younger try developments, and big- Innovationdays] platform essential in this context, production, and graphic arts
generations and advancing gest opportunities for will be pivotal in highlight- serving as a sturdy proof applications.

New year predictions: HP Industrial Print

Haim Levit, SVP and divi- ments in automation and trol, predictive workflow
sion president of HP digital printing equipment. maintenance, and fully
Industrial Print, says the Investments in intelligent automated workflows.
manufacturer’s vision for automation accelerated, These technologies have
2025 centres on pioneering with over 80% of print busi- accelerated the develop-
new technologies that
enhance productivity, sus- nesses worldwide automat- ment of new industry stand-
tainability, and profitability ing their production ards within productivity,
for its customers. processes in order to unparallelled versatility in
What do you feel were the enhance efficiencies and B2 digital printing and
main trends and key indus- keep the pace of a rapidly expanded print operating
try developments in 2024? evolving market. But auto- software systems. Artificial
2024 marked a pivotal Levit: Digital tech has reduced environmental impact this year mation isn’t a quick fix. It’s a intelligence is about improv-
year for the printing indus- journey, and every business ing production efficiency,
try driven by transformative on-demand and short-run tent creation, making it is at a different stage of that which is why HP introduced
trends and digital innova- production, as well as cus- accessible to everyone. journey. Over the last 12 new digital print innovations
tions. The demand for digi- tomised direct mail and Coupled with ongoing
tal print was accelerated, packaging experienced labour challenges, these months, artificial intelli- including the HP Indigo
driven by shorter runs and remarkable growth. The rise trends created a pivotal gence, digitisation and auto- 120K and HP Indigo 18K
faster turnaround. High- of e-commerce and mation have been critical showcasing its advance-
value commercial applica- AI-driven design-to-print moment for the industry, enablers of new technolo- ments in automated produc-
tions, photo merchandise, tools has revolutionised con- driving significant invest- gies, powering quality con- tion floors.

www.printweekmena.com January 2025 PrintWeek MENA 25