This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of ProPack.pro, authored by QLM Group’s Lindsay Nutley

2024 proved to be another challenging year, with significant transformation driven by initiatives around sustainability, technology, and the challenge of understanding an unpredictable supply chain. ‘Eco-friendly’ materials continued to be adopted by many print companies and brands, with paper, biodegradable, and recyclable solutions, at the forefront.

There was a stronger focus on sustainability through the adoption of eco-friendly inks and materials, as well as the streamlining of processes to reduce waste. Smarter companies looked to collaborations and trade partnerships to gain access to new products and take advantage of innovations within the industry.

The industry also leveraged innovations and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Looming, if somewhat uncertain, regulatory pressures continued to exert pressure on businesses to rethink their strategy to understand and also comply with sustainability goals and environmental standards, while meeting the demands of a more conscientious consumer base.

We also saw the overall number of businesses decline as companies closed or combined through merger and acquisitions.

To remain relevant, many Australian print and packaging businesses looked to digital transformation to improve workflows and efficiency. However, the reality and costs of integrating such advanced printing technologies and equipment are challenging from an ROI and implementation perspective.

Efficiency, enhanced consumer engagement, and supply chain transparency remain key focal points for businesses in 2025. The cost pressures of inputs and supply chain challenges remain one of the biggest demands on businesses and the industry.

We continue to look for ways to reduce overhead costs and streamline operations in a climate where costs are up, but the ability to pass on these costs gets ever more challenging. Rather than trying to be everything for everyone, a return to collaboration and co-operation may help future-proof businesses.

The hidden gem that seems to be resurfacing is print partnerships, where businesses look to work together to provide solutions that benefit each other in the areas they specialise in, rather than the need to invest in new areas.

In addition, looming regulatory changes have increasingly focused on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability but are somewhat struggling with balancing this in a commercial reality.

The government has implemented various policies aimed at minimising plastic waste, encouraging recycling, and mandating the use of eco-friendly materials, even with a lag in the infrastructure to support this.

These regulations compel both the print industry and brands to innovate their packaging processes and materials to comply. It is expected that non-compliance will soon look to fines and/or damage to brand reputation, making it crucial for businesses to stay informed and adapt accordingly.

The industry may benefit from increased collaboration between businesses and governments to achieve and make sense of national sustainability goals.

We can also expect a greater shift towards fully recyclable and biodegradable materials, including a significant rise in sustainable materials such as plant-based plastics and recycled content.

In 2025, packaging tradeshows will showcase innovative, sustainable packaging solutions, including biodegradable materials and how they interact with advanced recycling technologies. We will also see a stronger push for smart packaging technologies that enhance production techniques and supply chain efficiency.

Data and personalisation also continue to be hot topics, with companies leveraging data to create meaning and tailored experiences for consumers.

As for design trends, they will highlight minimalist packaging and personalised solutions, contrasting simplicity, transparency, and clarity with bold designs that get and keep attention in a very crowded and ‘same same’ market space.

This year, the QLM Group is looking to prioritise our portfolio of sustainable options to comply with changing regulations and meet the growing consumer demand for sustainable options.

We are focusing on several key areas of our sustainability targets in 2025, with initiatives focused on minimising waste and the use of recyclable or reusable packaging solutions.

We are also committed to reducing our carbon footprint by implementing more energy-efficient production processes.

QLM plans to increase the use of sustainable materials, such as bio-based and recycled content in our portfolio of products offered for labels and packaging and will continue to engage with customers to promote a stronger understanding of how to achieve sustainability goals. We are also looking to work closely with our trade partners to ensure we provide the market with trusted and valued information and products to provide to their clients.