Succeeding in today’s print business: “and” is the magic word

Drupa 2024 provided a fascinating glimpse into the future of the print industry, with a strong emphasis on digital print technologies, particularly inkjet. Among the numerous innovations showcased, Kodak’s KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press stood out as a highlight.

Visitors were captivated by the stunning quality that this press can deliver even at its maximum speed. The machine’s performance underscored the growing importance of inkjet technology in production printing, a trend that continues to gain momentum.

While inkjet printing is rapidly advancing and becoming a crucial part of the print industry, it is important to note that offset printing remains dominant. In fact, offset still accounts for over 90% of pages printed globally.

This dominance is driven by the substantial investments—billions of dollars—that have been made in offset printing equipment, much of which will continue to be in use for many years to come. Moreover, offset technology itself is evolving, with improvements in automation and workflow efficiency ensuring its relevance for the foreseeable future.

The reality is that offset printing isn’t disappearing anytime soon, even as digital technologies continue to evolve. For forward-thinking print businesses, the question isn’t whether to choose between traditional offset or digital inkjet printing. Instead, smart printers recognize the need for both technologies to meet the changing demands of the market. This blend of traditional and digital capabilities is essential to achieving ongoing success in the modern printing landscape.

This mindset was echoed during a customer roundtable discussion hosted by Kodak on the opening day of drupa 2024. I had the opportunity to engage in a lively conversation with four prominent representatives from leading printing companies in Europe and the United States. The insights shared by these industry leaders highlighted the importance of embracing what we now call the “and” era of print—where both traditional and digital production technologies play vital roles in driving success.

In today’s printing world, success lies in understanding the complementary roles that both traditional offset and digital printing can play in maximizing profitability and uncovering new business opportunities. Kodak, with its deep expertise across the entire print production ecosystem, is uniquely positioned to guide printers through this transformative period.

We understand that the future of print isn’t about choosing one technology over another, but rather about using the right mix of both to stay competitive and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.

A Comprehensive Range of Solutions for the “And” Era

At Kodak, we offer a complete portfolio of solutions designed for the “and” era of print, where both traditional and digital production methods coexist and complement one another. Our offerings include some of the fastest computer-to-plate (CTP) technologies in the market, equipped with unparalleled automation capabilities. This allows printers to achieve high throughput and operational efficiency. We also provide the most advanced process-free plates, which simplify production processes and reduce environmental impact while delivering outstanding print quality.

One of our standout products is the KODAK PROSPER continuous inkjet press, a machine engineered to break the traditional speed and quality barriers associated with inkjet printing. The PROSPER press is built for longevity and reliability, ensuring that printers can keep up with high-volume production demands without compromising on quality. This combination of speed, durability, and print excellence makes it an invaluable asset for any print shop looking to expand its capabilities in digital production.

Another key offering is Kodak’s PRINERGY workflow solution, which seamlessly integrates production across both traditional and digital print environments. The PRINERGY platform allows printers to consolidate their operations, manage jobs efficiently, and reduce downtime, thereby increasing overall productivity and profitability. Whether you’re handling offset, digital, or a combination of both, PRINERGY ensures that your workflow is optimized for the best possible performance.

Guiding Printers Through a Transformative Time

Kodak’s extensive experience in the printing industry spans more than a century, making us well-equipped to help print businesses navigate this transformative period. We understand the complexities of running a print shop, from managing costs and production schedules to ensuring top-notch quality on every job. Because of this deep knowledge, we can offer tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each print operation—whether it’s optimizing offset production, embracing digital inkjet technology, or integrating both into a cohesive production strategy.

We are committed to helping printers stay productive and profitable during this exciting time of transition. The combination of our CTP technology, process-free plates, PROSPER inkjet presses, and PRINERGY workflow solutions ensures that print businesses have the tools they need to succeed in the “and” era of print. Our goal is to empower printers with the right technologies, at the right time, to meet the diverse demands of their customers while staying ahead of the competition.

In conclusion, the shift to digital inkjet printing is undoubtedly accelerating, but offset printing remains a cornerstone of the industry. As we move further into the “and” era, printers must recognize that having both traditional and digital capabilities is key to remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Kodak, with its comprehensive range of solutions and deep industry expertise, is well-positioned to help printers embrace this dual approach, ensuring their continued success in the years to come.

Drupa 2024 showcased just how exciting the future of print can be, and Kodak is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey.