What do you think will be the greatest opportunity for and threat to the print industry next year?

Consolidation can be both an opportunity and a threat. The print industry must keep consolidating and adapting to changing requirements that add more value. With the digital revolution upon us, there are lots of print solutions designed to complement these new requirements. Survival next year for lots of companies in the print industry will mean keeping up with and investing in change.  

What do you believe is the most under-recognised aspect in printing that is likely to gain more prominence in 2012?
I firmly believe that innovative print-finishing can add significant value to print, but is not promoted enough. At Celloglas, we are continuously exciting end users and our printer partners with new print finishes to differentiate the end product. We are also combining such finishes with our Mirri boards and paper and using advanced prepress software to gain maximum effect that truly creates a wow factor when overprinted.

What do you hope to get out of Drupa 2012?
A better insight into the direction of print equipment – particularly digital – so that we can develop new finishes and metpol (metallised polyester) substrate finishes to complement this.

What new technology do you expect to see at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
Increasing digital print with combined finishing capability. HP seems to have an ever-bigger stand at these events; their developments will be key for the print sector going forward.

What do you think the main trends will be at Drupa 2012 in your sector?
Innovation is key in finishing and also environmental alternatives that are biodegradable or recyclable.

What trends do you think will emerge at Drupa 2012 in any other sectors?
Again, innovation and environmental issues will be key, along with continued development in digital print.

What can the industry do to increase its profile next year?
We always run case studies that promote services to our key market sectors. This has always helped us communicate directly with brands and retailers and raise our profile, together with our printer partners.

What will you do differently next year?
We always produce a spectacular Christmas card, so the pressure is on next year to continue to create that 'wow' factor. Our marketing department organise and send out thousands of cards every year. Next year we want to create it in August, so we are ahead of the game.