What do you feel were the main trends and key industry developments in 2024?
2024 has been an exciting year for the printing industry, with the first Drupa in eight years igniting energy and enthusiasm back into the market. For us at Canon, it was important that we used this event as an opportunity to drive innovation, showcasing a range of cutting-edge devices and solutions.

2024 has been about reminding people of the true value of print –  which is often merged with digital across multiple different industries. For example, we have continued to see the power of merging digital and print media and direct mail in marketing campaigns, while we have also seen growth in the gifting industry, driven by online print providers. To meet the evolving expectations of customers and their online shopping habits, we have seen increased investment in short-run inkjet for faster turnaround times and maximised flexibility.

Inkjet technology also offers sustainability benefits, which has remained high on the agenda this year as businesses look to reach their net zero targets. At Canon, sustainability is a key consideration at every stage of the product lifecycle. When it comes to inkjet presses, we prioritise the use of recycled materials, an energy-efficient manufacturing process and elimination of hazardous substances where possible.

What do you expect to be the main trends, key industry developments, and biggest opportunities for printers in 2025?
As we look to the new year, there will be a continued desire from businesses to drive more efficient processes and optimise workflows through digital transformation. For printers, digital transformation should involve seamlessly integrating with customers' existing workflows rather than replacing them. This kind of integration not only requires cutting-edge automated technology, but also for printers to build strong relationships with consultants and upskill workforces.

In 2025, we predict to see continued demand for inkjet devices that prioritise media versatility, as printers look to diversify their offering without compromising on quality, enabling them to unlock new revenue streams and accelerate growth. Next year, we also predict an increased appetite for large-format, labelling and packaging devices. At Drupa, Canon announced its new LabelStream LS2000, delivering a unique solution to the marketplace, which we expect will drive a lot of interest as it becomes available, early 2025.

What are Canon’s own hopes and aims for 2025? Can you tell us about anything exciting in the pipeline?
It is clear that customers recognise the quality of our products and services, with the installation of our 50th cutsheet inkjet printer and our 300th Colorado large-format graphics printer this year.

We at Canon are focused on building upon this momentum in 2025, gearing up businesses for the future with market-leading technology. Canon will continue to pave the way when it comes to inkjet, with the launch of our new varioPrint iX1700 at Drupa which will be available early next year. We also plan on sharing our inkjet knowledge and expertise through the growth of our service organisation.

How can suppliers better help printers navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in 2025?
As printers look to transition from offset to digital, suppliers should be thinking about how to support different parts of their business, equipping their internal stakeholders with market intelligence through business development workshops. This will continue to be a key area of discussion with all of our partners next year, increasing their awareness of different market opportunities and potential challenges.

What did you think of Drupa? Do you plan to attend the show in 2028?
Drupa is a significant event for us and one that provides us with many opportunities to meet with prospects, customers and the wider industry. With the success of our ‘Power to Move’ campaign at the event this year and the enthusiasm felt across the industry, we look forward to working with the Drupa team to plan our presence and drive momentum at the next event in 2028.