This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of ProPack.pro, authored by Kuhn Corp Print & Packaging’s Walter Kuhn

2024 was a very productive year for Kuhn Corp Print & Packaging. 2024 saw the commencement and continued improvement of production in the Ovotherm Packaging Malaysian plant, as well as the successful acquisition and inclusion of Regal Signs & Designs into the Kuhn Corp Print operation.

These achievements were coupled with the continued implementation of sustainable materials for all our production facilities.

As we enter 2025, our main priorities will be our continued growth strategy, coupled with increased efficiencies in all our manufacturing operations.

Our people also remain a key focus for us, ensuring that our Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) remains high as well as ongoing high rate of staff retention.

As more commercial printers enter the packaging area, I see an increase in supply and technological support that will be available, but also an increase of competitiveness, which will ultimately drive down the profitability of the sector.

As our population increases there will also be an increase in the marketing and packaging for retail and tourism markets. Innovative marketing incorporating print and packaging will be required to fuel the growth of income for these markets and ensuring their ongoing sustainability.

I am fairly cautious about the next 12 months and predict relatively low growth. I believe that availability of qualified staff will also remain an ongoing issue in the industry, and we will see further consolidation/rationalisation of the sector.

Globally, packaging will continue to be a growth area as we convert from wet markets to a retail environment in the developing nations. This will be driven by food safety and retail requirements and will further the need for the packaged good environment.

Australia is in a continued population growth stage, which brings with it opportunities for the industry this year and beyond. Major tourism events, such as Queensland hosting the Olympics in 2032, will continue to bring increased local and tourism spend for all sectors of the market, which the industry relies on for its growth and continued profitability.

Unfortunately, I see the lack of value we have for our manufactured products as we continue to compete on price and drive the value of our manufacturing further down as our major challenge.

Innovative packaging solutions that reduce food wastage, increase shelf life, increase attractiveness of the product, and promote the circular economy will all play a role in increasing opportunities for the packaging industry.

Sustainability will remain a key focus for our business in 2025. We will continue to promote the circular economy in all areas of print and packaging so we can save our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

My message for the packaging industry this year is this: take pride in the amazing products you produce from the design to production and the end finished products.

Do not sell yourself short in the value, functionality, and beauty of the product you produce. Let’s lift the industry profile so it is seen to be an industry that is at its heart, advanced manufacturing, innovative, sustainable, creative, fun and dare I say, sexy!