GLOBAL PRINTING ASSOCIATIONS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
At the recent meeting of WPCF, members from across the globe exchanged insights on the future of the printing industry and opportunities for international cooperation. Cooperation possibilities lie in supporting members’ trade of print products and to attract suppliers. Initiatives such as student exchanges, deeper knowledge-sharing on automation, and fostering cooperation among packaging printers serving global brands could expand the activities of WPCF. Large international gatherings are a great opportunity to exchange knowledge across border. The Korean President Kim announced that the next WPCF Conference will take place in Korea in 2026, with a strong effort to attract international guests.
Members discussed challenges such as tariffs, declining membership, and changing market dynamics. The Hong Kong and Japanese representatives expressed concern about economic slowdowns and the European representative raised the issue of a lack of staff in the printing industry.
The meeting concluded with Industry reports:
- Korea: 18,000 companies face labour shortages, low birthrates, and consolidation, with growing investment in eco-friendly printing.
- India: 250,000 companies, largely small businesses, with packaging experiencing 10–15% annual growth.
- China: 108,600 companies with strong digital transformation and green initiatives; major industry fair All in Print China scheduled for 2026.
Europe: 110,000 companies employing 550,000 people; packaging and book printing show the strongest growth prospects.