Fibre-based packaging is delivering innovation, opportunity, and sustainability in Australia – there is much to be optimistic about in 2025, writes Kellie Northwood, CEO, Visual Media Association.

Printers in northern Queensland have been through the wringer in the last few days, with torrential rain impacting many towns in the area, and closing print businesses. Some are still shut.

The first 2025 issue of the nation’s favourite print business media, Print21, is out, packed full of engaging content, and arriving on the desks of printshop owners and managers around Australia and New Zealand.

Digital cutting systems developer Zünd will officially open its new Australian showroom and service centre next month, with a launch party on Thursday 13 March at the new Melbourne facility.

Screen GP Australia managing director, Peter Scott, will be on the ground at Hunkeler Innovationdays in Switzerland later this month, hosting a suite of inline print solutions on the Screen stand.

Asga will have people on the ground to provide support and connection at Sign China next month, and will host a reception for Aussies at the show, which is just over the Hong Kong border.

Celebrating 175 years in business this year, the world’s biggest offset press manufacturer, Heidelberg, says it is primed for a €300m growth in sales from all its strategic initiatives, within three years.

Print’s Industry Metrics Roadshow events will run in the second half of February, the free-to-attend events to be held at Ricoh showrooms in five capital cities across the country.

Langley Holdings, owner of the Manroland Sheetfed, has underlined its commitment to the press manufacturing giant, saying it is in the business for the long term, and highlighting its financial credentials.

Pantone has introduced Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, as the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2025, launching it with a press release that doesn't hold back on the hyperbole or superlatives.

The world’s biggest offset press manufacturer, Heidelberg, will celebrate 175 years in business on 11 March, and has a series of events planned throughout the year to mark the achievement.

Jet Technologies has pinpointed what it says are the three key trends in print that are shaping the path toward a smarter and more sustainable future for 2025.

Epson has launched new printers for fabric and merchandise, including the SureColor G-Series, and its first ever wide-format printer designed exclusively for direct-to-film (DTF) – the SureColor G6060.

Brisbane print identity Leo Zwart, former owner of Zwart Print, is in the running as the person serving the longest time in print, this year racking up 57 continuous years in the industry.

The Certificate III in Sign & Graphics (CPC30216) Tafe training for sign and graphics apprentices is now fee-free in NSW, SA and Queensland, for apprentices who sign up this year.

The VMA board has elected its office bearers for 2025, with Tony Bertrand succeeding Rodney Frost as treasurer the main change to the group. Frost remains on the board, Kevin Pidgeon continues as president.