Digitalization will have massive impact on the future of the commercial and package printing sectors, according to some of the biggest names in the industry attending the Gulf Print and Pack event in Dubai. "Flexo and digital are the new market trends. Packaging printers are looking for digital options to cope with short runs. Digital packaging technologies are still developing and new technologies will come soon," said Roger Nicodeme, general manager-sales of Heidelberg, a well-known global player in the printing industry who is keen on developing their digital business in the next two years. Many industry stakeholders have noted a major shift in the Middle East at both customer and service provider levels. "We have seen more technology acquisitions in the past 4 years than ever before. The change to digitalization ratio is large and there is a lot of space that needs to be filled. Short run concept is no more limited to production print, it is rather building a need in the label and packaging industry and value added print market. We hope and will surely see an aggressive digitalization drive in the Middle East," explained Nayyar Ansari, business development manager, Konica Minolta. Customised printing and value additions will also be a key trend in the coming years, according to Giffin Graphics' Alexandre Najem, machinery division manager; while G. Jayaprakash, general manager for sales and marketing of Ali Alhashemi Trading, says that 3D will continue to be an exciting printing and packaging trend with wide-format and massive scale applications. Globally, the commercial and package printing industries are changing at a rapid pace, and the Middle East is no exception. "Some of the developments include decreasing print run lengths. Conventional printers have all moved to digitized technologies. This era offers more in the field of value-added finishing, where the printers can really rake in the money," added Vinay Krishnan, general manager, Afra who also said that 3d/textured UV varnishing on different substances is the latest technology that is reshaping the industry landscape. Gulf Print and Pack 2017 is still ongoing with more than 200 exhibitors showcasing the very latest solutions for the commercial and package printing industry through live product demonstrations. Aimed at printers, brand owners and designers and for local businesses seeking to adopt the latest innovations from leading global suppliers, it will run until March 29, 2017 at the Za'abeel Halls of the Dubai World Trade Centre. Entry to the fair is free and visitors can pre-register by visiting www.gulfprintpack.com. — SG
