The final quarter of the year is always a busy one, not just from a productivity perspective but also because we need to start to prepare for the year ahead. With 2025 looming, the Q Print team have started to prepare for next year’s print planning cycle and talking with our clients this is something that is very much at the forefront of their minds. As with any planning cycle, it is important to start by reflecting, not just on what printed items you have in stock, what things made a difference this year but in line with your overarching marketing strategy, consider what printed items you might need for next year.
For example, if attending some industry conferences and events is part of your strategy, what do you need to make this a success? We work with our clients to help them prepare their banners, leaflets, branded clothing and give-aways, so it is something we help our clients to plan.
It is important to consider your overarching print strategy as it can enable you to not only get organised but also ensure you make the most of economies of scale. With this in mind, we wanted to share some of the key changes we have seen in the print industry this year, which will then help us to better prepare for the year ahead.
1. Articifial Intelligence (AI) and Automation
Considering some platforms like Chat GBT have only been around for about two years, the evolution of AI is advancing at a tremendous pace. Each year AI-powered systems become further integrated into our daily lives and print is no different. AI-powered systems can automate print operations from pre-press to post-press, ensuring a faster production cycle, providing optimal print quality. AI algorithms have the potential to self-detect and correct errors, automate repetitive tasks, provide reduced turnaround times and enhance efficiency. As with everything we need to be sure we are matching our client projects to the right print solution, we are seeing AI becoming a greater part of our print process.
2. Sustainability
It’s safe to say that the print industry is undergoing a green revolution. With climate change concerns rising, printing businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental footprint. In 2024 some key changes included:
- Implementing energy-efficient printing processes and equipment to reduce carbon emissions.
- Utilising recycled paper and materials to minimise waste and conserve natural resources.
- Using water-based inks for a safer alternative to traditional solvent-based inks and decreasing harmful emissions.
- Making the most of eco-friendly soy-based inks to reduce the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment. Used from the renewable energy source of soybeans, this ink is biodegradable and degrades four times faster than petroleum-based inks.
- Investing in sustainable alternatives for branded merchandise such as bamboo travel mugs and natural cotton tote bags.
3. Multi-channel marketing
In today’s digital world, we are bombarded with hundreds of messages daily. By taking a multi-channel approach to your marketing strategy can help organisations to achieve that cut-through. In response to this, we are seeing businesses increasingly combine print and digital media as a way of connecting with their ideal clients, so it is important to understand the technical aspects of each medium. For example, CMYK colour profiles are best for print campaigns whereas designs created for digital channels usually require RGB colours.
4. Personalisation
This year personalisation has continued to play a big role in our client’s marketing strategy. Adding elements of personalisation to your print helps businesses connect with customers on a personal level and stand out from the competition. It involves using digital printing technologies to customise print materials for each recipient. This can include changing the text, images and graphics on each printed piece.
5. New product lines
With change advancing at a huge rate we are seeing many new products coming into the print market place, here are a couple of our popular ones:
Stretched Fabric Poseur Table – The folding poseur table with branded stretch fabric cover is perfect for use at almost any exhibition or event. It comes complete with a full colour, stretch fabric graphic that simply pulls over the table and hooks around the feet.
Honeycomb Monolith – Entirely honeycomb-board-constructed, and fully-recyclable alternative to a roller banner or stretch fabric stand.
Pillow Boxes – A perfect solution to presenting gifts with that special finishing touch.
Table Runners – Printed table runners are the must haves for any exhibition shows, and go great with our tablecloths for a double impact.
In summary
So, as we start to work on our 2025 marketing strategies and plans, it is important not to forget to consider how the print might form a part of this for your business. We work with our clients through our print management service to help our clients get organised. If your business is looking to take its print to the next level in 2025 and gain from economies of scale, the Q Print team is here to help. Get in touch to book your free no-obligation discovery call today and let us help you get organised for 2025.
