From the way we do business to our personal lives, the digital age has fundamentally changed things. The fabric of our information, our memories, and economy all captured in 0 and 1’s. Industries have become more streamlined and efficient, many having to develop and adapt. The printing industry is not immune to digitization and has had to progress alongside other industries. Some have said that print is dead due to these advancements, but this is not the case. In fact the digital printing market is set to grow to $187 billion by 2018, growing at an annual rate of over 7%.
Digital Printing and The Future
Digital printing has ushered in a new era in the the print industry and has started shifting from traditional offset printing to digital inkjet and laser. By offering short and variable runs with quick turn-around, digital printing has proven that it’s the future of the industry. I.T. Strategies, a print industry research firm, has observed a 3.5 increase in commercial print shipping which is the highest rise in 19 years. Textile inkjet printing, personalized direct mailing, and packaging, are major sections the print market set for growth in the coming years.
Offset Printing is Still Viable
Digital offers many advantages, but offset printing is not out of the game yet. Offset printing still delivers high quality prints and is more cost effective when it comes to bigger runs. Offset can offer more variety in stock choices. It can also print on other substances such as wood, plastic , and metal.
Whatever way you look at it, the print medium has been and will be a viable medium. From the first scrolls written on papyrus, some form of print has been our preferred method of relaying information. Traditional print may be shifting towards digital methods, but print in general is here to stay.
