What do you feel were the main trends and key industry developments in 2023?
In 2023 the biggest trend we’ve seen is a massive resurgence within the education sector. Schools and universities pressed the pause button throughout the pandemic while they took stock of what the post-pandemic landscape might look like. That pent-up demand is now releasing and we’ve been happy to help. Conversations about automation and energy efficiencies were key in 2023. Many companies facing the retirement of skilled staff drove hard down the automation route to deskill the finishing side of their business, which is a major strength of Duplo.

How have the continuing economic and market specific challenges affected you and your customers during 2023 – have you had to do anything differently to adapt/react?
We’ve been in the perfect position to help customers through some tough economic situations. With the automation our equipment offers, it helps printers to reposition their skilled workforce to more important and profitable areas of the business.

What do you expect to be the main trends, key industry developments, and biggest opportunities for printers in 2024?
Of course with Drupa 2024, Duplo is seeing the event as a key arena to launch not only upgrades to our already incredible range, but also some brand new machines and innovations that will strengthen Duplo’s position in our traditional market, and take us excitingly into new areas. We’ve found it’s no longer about how fast the equipment will go but what else it can offer the customer, the resilience, automation and quality of the end product. I think we’ll see some big changes to the way many manufacturers automate their equipment but also on simplifying the user experience while achieving even better results.

What are your hopes and expectations for Drupa 2024?
It’s going to be incredible. Duplo have been planning their Drupa since the last one held in Düsseldorf. That’s seven years of expectations. We’ve recently had our internal launch party to show our sales teams what will be in store and the company is buzzing!

Expect a surge in innovations like AI-driven printing, advanced automation, and eco-friendly materials. The event could spotlight the industry's resilience and adaptability, emphasising the integration of digital and traditional printing methods. With a heightened focus on environmental responsibility, Drupa 2024 will likely feature strides in circular economy practices and reduced carbon footprint. Attendees can anticipate a great show where collaboration and knowledge exchange drive the industry towards a more efficient, tech-forward, and environmentally conscious future.

AI (artificial intelligence) has been one of the hot topics of 2023 – what opportunities and threats do you think it poses for print in 2024 and beyond?
I think it is too early to start using AI in its current form, but as AI continues to advance, its applications in the print industry are likely to expand, offering new possibilities for efficiency, creativity and sustainability.

I would think there are many areas where AI can help our printers become more successful and efficient. AI algorithms could be used in predictive maintenance where data can be analysed from printing and finishing equipment to predict when maintenance is needed, reducing downtime and preventing unexpected breakdowns, workflow automation, supply chain management, and AI empowered inspection systems and error checking is where AI can really help companies save time and money. But sustainability is where I think AI can really help companies. AI can contribute to sustainability efforts by optimising resource usage, reducing waste, and facilitating the adoption of eco-friendly printing materials.

How can suppliers better help printers navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in 2024?
As suppliers to the industry we need to be nimble and change with the current climate. We also need to help the printers inspire their own customers. Most of the time the print consumer is not the expert and doesn’t know what they can achieve through print. The promotion of print and the perception of the industry in the public eye needs to change, whether by further collaborations between suppliers or with the printers themselves with public bodies and associations.

Note: This prediction is taken from a special Briefing article in the new issue of Printweek featuring insights from industry suppliers, hence it does not follow the same question template as the other predictions.