During this year’s events, Fespa collected data from more than 1,400 respondents that answered this detailed survey. The respondents were surveyed from more than 100 countries, representing a 59% broader geographical reach than the 2015 research.
Now, Fespa has outlined the headline findings of the survey:
The data was collected from a wide range of printers that defined their business focus as: digital printing (17%); screen (15%); commercial print and reprographics (13%); graphic arts and creative (11%); textile fabric and direct-to-garment (10%); sign and display (10%); packaging (4%); and other (20%).
A lot of printers reported that many clients are looking for fast results. 72% reported increasing demand for fast turnaround, 61% reported a growing requirement for short runs, and 59% noted rising expectations of just-in-time delivery.
Also, environmental investments are heavily influenced by customer expectations for sustainable manufacturing and materials. 76% of respondents said customer demand for environmentally responsible products is influencing their business strategy and future investments.
Revenue from UV, latex and direct and dye-sublimation was found to be growing, while the use of solvent, aqueous and analogue technologies is declining. 56% of printers focused on textile have made digital investments, and 19% plan to do so in the near future.
Perhaps the most encouraging finding is that 83% of respondents stated that they are optimistic for the future of their business, up from 80% in the previous survey.
Fespa executive director Sean Holt said: “The picture in 2018 is a very positive one – we see a diverse community of thriving businesses enjoying sustained growth, responding to evolving customer expectations and taking advantage of technology developments to expand and innovate their product and service offerings.”
Consider these findings when you are planning your print business strategy and you will undoubtedly increase your revenue in no time.