drupa insights

Knowledge, analysis and inspiration for the print and packaging industry

Guidance for a dynamic industry

drupa insights is the exclusive knowledge platform of drupa – the world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies. Together with leading industry experts and renowned research partners, we offer in-depth market analysis, expert knowledge and insights into the trends, technologies and innovations shaping the future of the print and packaging industry.

Our content helps companies understand market changes, identify opportunities at an early stage and make informed decisions.

Results (12)

  • The new specifications for print procurement

    Digital printing, short lead times, personalisation and omnichannel integration have long been standard for many print buyers. Find out what requirements print service providers must meet today to remain relevant as strategic partners to brands and businesses.

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  • The unboxing experience

    The unboxing experience is becoming a crucial brand touchpoint. Why Generation Z, in particular, has higher expectations regarding design, sustainability and personalisation – and what this means for print service providers and converters.

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  • From bonus to hard currency

    In the print procurement sector, sustainability has long been more than just a marketing bonus. Find out what requirements the PPWR, recyclability, PCR certification and reliable CO₂ data now place on printers and packaging manufacturers.

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  • Focus rather than a deluge of screens

    Print is regaining importance in an overloaded media mix. Why printed communication captures attention, delivers measurable results and places new demands on print service providers.

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  • The new generation of print buyers

    Millennials and Gen Z are transforming print procurement: they expect digital processes, transparent workflows and efficient version management. What print shops must now deliver to remain competitive as modern partners.

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  • Small print runs: profit killers

    Small print runs are putting pressure on margins in commercial printing. How networked software, automated workflows and web-to-print help to reduce costs and produce even small print runs profitably.

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  • End-to-end automation in packaging

    Automation is becoming a key competitive factor for packaging printers. It helps them to efficiently manage an increasing variety of product variants, shorter lead times, a shortage of skilled labour and complex production processes.

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  • Two minutes instead of four hours

    Automation is now a prerequisite for profitability. According to Lisa Cross (NAPCO Research), the market is driving a shift towards hybrid solutions: digital agility combined with scalable traditional production. This mix is becoming the industry standard. The impact is massive: instead of half a day, AI delivers cost calculations in two minutes – a head start that determines whether orders are secured. At the same time, ‘Sustainability 2.0’ is emerging: a focus on precise right-sizing and material savings rather than mere recycling. Already, 85 per cent of service providers are using AI strategically, outsourcing routine tasks and freeing up time for comprehensive consultancy. One thing is clear: those who fail to make the leap by 2026 will be left behind.

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  • Agility as a benchmark: the new key to success in the packaging industry

    The packaging industry is growing, but at the same time must cope with product variety, short lead times and sustainability requirements. Cory Francer explains why hybrid printing models, right-sizing and lightweighting are becoming crucial success factors.

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  • Robotics on the rise

    For years, robots in the printing industry were regarded as futuristic gimmicks or as expensive heavy-duty solutions that only the industry’s major players could afford. But this picture is changing rapidly. Faced with a chronic shortage of skilled workers and immense pressure to meet ever-shorter lead times, print service providers are increasingly turning to robotics and collaborative robots (cobots). This is no longer simply about replacing human labour. Rather, the aim is to take productivity to a whole new level at the crucial interface between the printing press and post-press processing.

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  • The Map of Opportunities: Four Paths to Growth in the Packaging Market

    The packaging market offers print service providers four different growth paths: labels, folding cartons, flexible packaging and corrugated board. A data-driven analysis highlights opportunities, requirements and suitable technologies.

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  • AI as a competitive advantage

    In the printing industry, AI is evolving from a pilot project into a strategic success factor. Find out how artificial intelligence makes costing, planning, quality control, production and customer engagement more efficient.

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