Ever since it arrived in print at Ipex in 1993, HP Indigo has been at the forefront of digital printing technology, enabling print businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive market.
As industries continue to evolve, HP Indigo has remained a key player by adapting to shifting market trends, incorporating advanced technologies, and responding to the evolving needs of customers. The company’s strategic approach is shaped by its commitment to innovation, automation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions.
HP Indigo’s experience is shaping its strategies in the context of current market trends, challenges, and opportunities. Assessing the current situation HP’s Asia Pacific general manager Arnon Goldman says, “HP Indigo is addressing pain points in the print industry, enhancing productivity through automation, integrating AI, promoting sustainability, and preparing for the future of print.”
Market landscape
It is clear that the print industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Economic pressures, technological advancements, and changing consumer demands are reshaping the way print businesses operate. Goldman says that HP Indigo, as a leading player in the digital print sector, is “keenly aware of these challenges and opportunities”.
He says, “In markets like Australia and New Zealand, where print businesses are often small yet highly developed, consolidation is a clear trend. Businesses in these regions are increasingly merging, with larger players acquiring smaller but high-performing companies.
“This trend reflects the broader economic challenges facing the print industry, particularly the rising cost of labour, and the scarcity of skilled workers, which all print businesses in Australia and New Zealand are facing. As businesses strive to stay competitive, they are turning to automation to reduce reliance on human labour and improve efficiency.
“The growing demand for shorter print runs, for personalised products, and for faster turnaround times, is another driving force behind digital printing innovation. HP Indigo’s portfolio has evolved to meet these demands, offering solutions that enable print businesses to diversify their offerings, such as labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging. This diversification allows print providers to tap into new markets and reduce their vulnerability to fluctuations in specific segments.”
Print buying market
In the print buying market, brands and retailers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. Consumers today are more discerning than ever, and personalisation has become a key factor in attracting and retaining customers. This demand for tailored products is reflected in the growing trend of shorter print runs, and for more versions of the same product.
For Goldman, and HP, these trends align perfectly with the HP Indigo platform. He says, “HP Indigo’s advanced digital printing technologies make it possible to meet these demands. The company’s portfolio is designed to help brands create unique products that capture the consumer’s attention. The iconic Coca-Cola “Share a Coke” campaign, which featured bottles with personalised names, serves as a prime example of how digital print can drive engagement and brand loyalty. HP Indigo’s technology allows for similar mass personalisation, making it possible to produce individual prints on a large scale.
“Moreover, with logistics and supply chain disruptions a key concern for businesses, print buyers are increasingly prioritising just-in-time production. As a result, print businesses are under pressure to deliver products faster and with more flexibility. This has led to the growing demand for digital print solutions that offer speed, cost-effectiveness, and customisation.”
Print pain points
While the print industry has seen significant technological advancements, there are still significant pain points for print businesses to address. The most pressing issue is the challenge of labour – both in terms of cost, and of availability. As labour costs rise, many businesses are struggling to find qualified workers who are excited to enter the print industry. Attracting the next generation of workers, particularly those with an interest in technology and innovation, has become a key priority for the ANZ print world, and there are multiple efforts underway, in particular from the trade associations, to address the situation.
Goldman says HP Indigo recognises this challenge and is committed to making the print industry more attractive to younger generations by emphasising the technological and creative aspects of digital printing. He says, “Many younger workers are drawn to high-tech fields, digital printing offers a dynamic and innovative high tech environment that can excite the next generation of talent.”
Another significant pain point in print is the demand for faster production cycles. As print buyers demand quicker turnaround times, businesses are under pressure to deliver faster results without compromising on quality. In some regions, print businesses are being asked to produce jobs in just a few days, Officeworks has just laid down the gauntlet in Australia by offering same day print, and not for orders pre-9am, you can order anytime before 2pm and they will print before the stores close – it is a challenge that can put considerable strain on traditional printing methods.
Goldman says, “To meet these demands, HP Indigo is doubling down on automation and digital solutions. Automation reduces the reliance on manual labour, streamlines workflows, and improves the efficiency of the entire production process. As print businesses strive to stay competitive, investing in automated solutions that can handle more work with less effort is critical for long-term success.”
AI in print
One of the most talked about technological developments right now is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation into the printing process. AI is already playing a significant role in streamlining design, pre-press work, and the printing process itself. Goldman says HP Indigo has embraced this shift, by incorporating AI and machine learning into its products and workflow solutions.
He points to HP’s PrintOS app and web-based operating system, and says AI is used on the platform to optimise workflows, improve print quality, and reduce waste. “For example”, he says, “AI can automatically adjust the settings of a press to ensure consistent quality throughout the print run. Additionally, AI is being used in design tools, such as automatic random design generation, to create personalised products. The introduction of mosaic printing technology, which allows for the creation of highly personalised products at scale, exemplifies how AI can be leveraged to push the boundaries of digital print.”
In HP Indigo, AI is also enhancing automation in areas such as press operation, reducing the need for human intervention, improving efficiency, and helping print businesses operate more safely and with fewer errors. Goldman says, “As print businesses continue to embrace automation, they will be able to handle more jobs with fewer resources, ultimately reducing costs and improving profitability.”
Sustainability
Goldman, and all other HP execs, cite sustainability as a core value for HP Indigo, and say the company is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations and products. As consumers become increasingly concerned about environmental issues, brands are under pressure to improve their sustainability credentials. According to Goldman, HP Indigo is helping print businesses meet these demands by offering eco-friendly solutions that reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimise carbon emissions.
He says, “One of the key areas where HP Indigo is making a difference is in its manufacturing process. The company has taken steps to ensure that its presses are CO2 neutral, and it uses sustainable materials in the production of both presses and consumables. HP Indigo also offers a take-back programme for used supplies and spare parts, allowing for the recycling and repurposing of materials.
“In terms of operational efficiency, HP Indigo’s presses are designed to minimise waste. Digital printing inherently reduces waste compared to traditional offset printing, but HP has taken this a step further by optimising energy consumption and reducing the weight of the presses. Additionally, HP Indigo has developed inks that are more sustainable and has introduced certified materials for flexible packaging that are compostable and recyclable.”
Intelligent factories
Looking to the future, HP Indigo is exploring the concept of “intelligent factories” and automation to further streamline the production process. Goldman’s view is that while the idea of a completely automated “dark factory” may still be some years away, the company is making significant strides towards more intelligent, self-operating production lines. Through partnerships with robotics companies, HP Indigo is exploring ways to automate tasks such as loading substrates and moving materials between different parts of the production process.
What was clear to everyone at drupa last year was that end-to-end solutions are becoming increasingly important in the print industry. HP Indigo has embraced this trend by offering a full suite of solutions that integrate with partners’ technologies to create seamless workflows. Whether through PrintOS, certified finishing partners, or automated press operations, HP Indigo’s ecosystem allows print businesses to offer a complete end-to-end solution to their customers.
Goldman says, “HP’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing market demands, while remaining committed to its core values of quality, sustainability, and customer success, will ensure its continued leadership in the digital print sector. As the industry evolves, HP Indigo’s strategy of embracing automation, AI, and sustainable practices positions it well for future growth and success.”
HP Indigo’s strategic approach to the evolving print industry combines technology, customer-focused solutions, and a commitment to sustainability. By leveraging AI, automation, and intelligent workflows, the company is aiming to help print businesses overcome current challenges and capitalise on new opportunities. Goldman says, “As the industry moves toward more personalised, faster, and more sustainable solutions, HP Indigo is well-positioned to lead the charge in shaping the future of digital print.”