This article first appeared in the February 2025 issue of ProPack.pro, authored by Jet Technologies director Jack Malki
2024 was a year filled with opportunities, amid rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Jet Technologies not only weathered these complexities, but thrived.
By forging new partnerships with industry leading companies for the market adoption of pioneering technologies, such as our recent affiliation with ACTEGA in 2024, we continued to add significant value to our customers’ businesses and the broader industry in 2024.
As the Australian printing industry faces evolving consumer expectations, rising costs, and increasing environmental pressures, the following three key trends will shape the path towards a smarter and more sustainable future:
Precision, efficiency, and opportunity with print-on-demand (POD):
POD will become more prominent in the local printing industry in 2025, offering businesses the ability to produce materials in exact quantities as required. This approach eliminates the inefficiencies of overproduction, reduces storage costs, and significantly minimises waste – addressing both environmental concerns and bottom-line pressures.
The need for custom, on-demand solutions are escalating as businesses work to minimise overproduction and deliver on the growing consumer expectation for personalisation. At the same time, challenges like labour shortages and rising costs are pushing the industry toward smarter solutions, such as POD, which emphasises waste-free production, eco-friendly materials, and automated workflows to unlock new growth in a competitive marketplace.
The rise of POD is particularly impactful in the packaging sector, where short-run production and rapid turnaround times are critical. For example, beverage companies using POD can create tailored, region-specific packaging for limited- edition products tailored towards local events. This strategy can help move stock and create lasting impressions with consumers and help build brand loyalty.
POD also offers businesses new ways to connect with customers through integration with cross-media marketing campaigns.
This capability allows businesses to print and distribute personalised marketing collateral – such as QR code-enabled flyers – on a just-in-time basis for limited offers, creating a seamless bridge between physical and digital customer interactions.
Automation transforming workflows:
Automation is changing every phase of the printing process, driving efficiency and improving margins in an increasingly competitive market. From automated job submissions and scheduling to AI-driven quality control, businesses are leveraging technology to reduce manual intervention and error rates while optimising output. Automation is critical in addressing the dual pressures of labour shortages and escalating operational costs. By streamlining processes, it empowers printing businesses to deliver superior results faster, with greater accuracy, and at a lower cost – transforming the way the industry operates and meets customer expectations.
For instance, a printer could integrate automated binding and trimming systems, enabling shorter turnaround times for high-volume book production, while maintaining impeccable quality standards.
Additionally, cloud-based workflow management systems are allowing businesses to operate seamlessly across multiple locations. These platforms provide real-time visibility into job status, inventory levels, and maintenance schedules, empowering teams to make informed decisions and address potential issues proactively.
Sustainability as a core strategy:
Sustainability has evolved from an industry buzzword to an operational necessity. In 2025, printing businesses will lean into eco-conscious innovations such as recyclable, biodegradable, and non-plastic materials. At the same time, energy-efficient technologies, like LED UV curing, are reducing resource consumption without compromising on quality.
In 2025, we expect an even stronger emphasis on sustainability, with environmental, social, and governance (ESGs) and sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiatives becoming central to printing and management practices.
Print manufacturers and their partners have a unique opportunity to lead in sustainability, helping businesses reduce emissions while ensuring operational excellence. Australian printers who embrace water-based inks and carbon-neutral production processes are strategically positioning themselves to forge partnerships with environmentally conscious retail brands. This approach not only reduces their carbon footprint but also enhances their appeal as a preferred vendor for clients prioritising ESG alignment.
Further innovation is occurring in material reuse, with advancements in circular economy models enabling used packaging materials to be repurposed into new products. This trend is fostering collaborations between the printing and recycling industries, creating a closed- loop system that benefits both the planet and profitability.
As the printing industry moves into 2025, trends such as POD, automation, and sustainability are key factors shaping its future. With these innovations at the forefront, Australian printing businesses are uniquely positioned to meet evolving demands, improve efficiency, and lead in environmental responsibility.
