29.10.2024

Drupa 2024: key takeaways for commercial printers

Vaughan Patterson, Strategic Business Development Graphic Communications Group Ricoh South Africa

Print service providers are facing significant challenges, with the industry becoming more competitive, customers more demanding, and the need for both efficiency and sustainability increasing. Drupa 2024, the world’s premier trade fair for printing technologies, provided an essential platform to address these challenges. 

Here are the major takeaways from the event:

A triumphant return for the print industry

After an eight-year break, Drupa 2024 was a clear demonstration of the print industry’s resilience and relevance in a digital age. Despite slightly lower attendance due to the long gap between events, the quality of attendees stood out. Major players like Ricoh saw a high number of serious buyers eager to adopt the latest innovations. This reflects a positive and forward-thinking industry mindset.

A notable shift at this year’s Drupa was the global nature of the attendees, with 40% of visitors coming from outside Europe. This growing international presence reflects the globalisation of the print industry, with emerging markets becoming increasingly significant in driving demand for advanced printing technologies.

Inkjet technology is the future of print

Inkjet technology was a central focus,  cementing its role as the future of print. Once seen as inferior to traditional methods, inkjet has now proven its ability to deliver output that rivals offset printing in quality, while offering greater versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Inkjet’s digital nature supports variable data printing, shorter print runs, and seamless integration with automated workflows, making it an ideal solution for personalised products, on-demand fulfilment, and targeted marketing materials. Print service providers are increasingly adopting inkjet due to its ability to meet the demands of high-quality, cost-efficient, and flexible printing.

Ricoh played a significant role in this innovation, and launched two groundbreaking solutions at Drupa:

  • The Ricoh Pro Z75, a B2 sheetfed inkjet press, offers high image quality and productivity, suitable for various applications from marketing collateral to direct mail.
  • The Ricoh Pro VC80000, a continuous-feed inkjet platform, provides speed and efficiency for high-volume printing, such as transactional documents and direct mail.

These solutions highlight the growing importance of inkjet technology in meeting the needs of modern print businesses.

Automation: the path to efficiency and profitability

Alongside the rise of inkjet technology, automation is becoming increasingly critical in the print industry. With tight margins, demanding deadlines, and rising operational costs, print service providers are turning to automation to streamline workflows, reduce manual tasks, and optimise resource use.

Drupa 2024 saw significant interest in automation, with many conversations focusing on workflow and software solutions. Automation tools can help businesses reduce errors, increase efficiency, and allow employees to focus on higher-value tasks like business development and customer relationship management.

Ricoh demonstrated its commitment to automation with a range of software solutions aimed at providing end-to-end visibility, data-driven decision-making, and smooth job management. These tools, which include print MIS, web-to-print platforms, and marketing automation software, were well-received by attendees looking to streamline their operations.

The benefits of automation extend beyond cost savings. By reducing manual touchpoints and improving workflow efficiency, print service providers can adapt more quickly to changing market demands, enhancing both agility and profitability.

Sustainability: a core business imperative

Sustainability is no longer a bonus feature in the print industry; it has become a core business requirement. Customers now expect their print partners to demonstrate a genuine commitment to environmentally responsible practices, and print service providers are being rigorously scrutinised for their sustainability credentials.

At Drupa 2024, sustainability was a recurring theme, with clients demanding clear evidence of vendors’ efforts to minimise their environmental footprint. Ricoh showcased its dedication to sustainability with a dedicated zone highlighting its initiatives, including efforts to reduce waste, energy consumption, and reliance on harmful chemicals.

Inkjet technology plays a significant role in supporting sustainability. Its digital nature reduces waste, energy usage, and chemical dependence compared to traditional printing methods. By adopting inkjet and integrating other environmentally friendly practices, print service providers can not only meet customer expectations but also establish themselves as leaders in the shift towards a more sustainable industry.

Looking ahead: embracing the future of print

Drupa 2024 offered a glimpse into the future of the print industry, revealing trends that will shape its development in the coming years. The rise of inkjet technology, with its versatility, exceptional quality, and environmental benefits, is redefining expectations for print production. At the same time, automation is driving more streamlined and efficient workflows, empowering businesses to remain agile and competitive in a fast-paced market.

Sustainability is now a fundamental requirement, with print service providers expected to adopt environmentally responsible practices to meet the demands of conscientious customers. Ricoh’s presence at Drupa underscored our commitment to supporting print businesses through this transformation, offering cutting-edge inkjet solutions, comprehensive automation tools, and a strong focus on sustainability.

For print service providers, embracing these trends is key to thriving in an evolving industry. The future of print is one of innovation, efficiency, and responsibility, and those who adapt to these changes will be well-positioned for success.

| About Ricoh |

Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimise business performance.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organisational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the fiscal year ended March 2023, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,134 billion yen (approx. 16.0 billion USD).

It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfilment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realise a sustainable future. 

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

Media enquiries: Simone John, Ricoh South Africa
Contact details: (011) 049-2003, simone.john@ricoh.co.za

Issued by: Michelle Oelschig, Scarlet Letter
Contact details: 083-636-1766, michelle@scarletletter.co.za