The Evolution of Sales in the Printing Industry: From Pure Print Products to Comprehensive Customer Solutions
The printing industry has undergone a profound transformation in recent decades, particularly when it comes to sales and the understanding of what a “product” is. For professionals and decision-makers in this industry, it is crucial to understand current developments in order to remain competitive. In the past, the “product” in the printing industry was clearly […]
How Can Printing Companies Prepare for the EUDR?
The EU Deforestation Regulation (European Union Deforestation Regulation, EUDR) introduces new requirements for companies regarding sustainability and transparency in their supply chains, particularly in relation to preventing deforestation and forest degradation. For a printing company that wants to prepare for compliance with this regulation, there are several key steps to take: 1. Conduct a Supply […]
Decline in Printing Ink Sales in Germany!
The volume of printing ink sold is on the decline. Since 2019, the sales of printing ink have dropped by 143 thousand tons (-33%). In contrast, the prices for printing inks have risen significantly since 2019. In 2023, the prices for printing ink were approximately 32% higher than the price in 2020. This trend aligns […]
Paper Sales in Germany: The Facts!
The amount of paper produced for sale by paper mills in Germany has been decreasing since 2021. This trend is evident in corrugated board paper, graphic paper, as well as papers and boards for folding boxes. The prices for paper (represented here by the value per ton of paper produced for sale) have decreased in […]
When the Bank Suddenly Cuts the Overdraft Line
In recent months, Apenberg & Partner has observed a growing trend: More and more corporate clients are having their overdraft lines terminated by their banks. This move has far-reaching consequences for many companies, particularly in economically challenging times. Background of the Development Banks are legally required to hedge both balance sheet and market risks proportionally […]
Visiting drupa with a vision
The future of the printing industry is on the brink of an exciting turning point, shaped by innovation, technology, and changing market needs. While traditional printing methods continue to play a role, digital transformation is propelling the sector into new dimensions of growth and opportunities. This shift presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses ready […]
AI in the printing industry – may remain an abstract desire for many
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a media presence in our industry comparable to the paper price situation in the past year 2022. Few opportunities are missed to present AI as the grandiose problem solution of the future. This stirs up hope and creates desire – good for all those who have an “AI solution” in their […]
European printers invest more than their German counterparts.
It is hardly surprising that over 90 percent of the printing industry’s annual investment is in machinery. That the proportion of companies that invested at the start of the Corona pandemic has only fallen by four percentage points, may in cotrast, be a little more surprising. Definitely noteworthy remains the fact that Germany, once amongst […]
Using machines instead of buying them
The Vienna University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the strategy consultants Kaufmann / Langhans, has produced a remarkable study on the mega topic of “pay-per-use”. More than 100 machine and plant manufacturers from the DACH region were surveyed. The study comes to the conclusion that “pay-per-use models” ensure additional sales of machines even or […]
Only what is measured can be systematically improved
No matter which sport you devote yourself to, one thing is inevitably noticeable: nowadays the best of the best are absolute athletes. Top performances in tennis, football or other physical sports require superhuman-looking physique. Even in chess, the world’s top players openly talk about the relevance of physical fitness. The advantage is measurable! In addition […]
„Operational Excellence“ secures the future of commercial printers
In no segment of the German printing industry is the competitive pressure felt as much as in commercial printing. Since 2015, sales of the most important product groups in the commercial sector have declined by 3.8 per cent annually, while the number of businesses has “only” decreased by 2.6 per cent. Moreover, no business sector […]
German packaging industry defies the covid crisis
The number of companies in the packaging industry is declining. The number of employees, on the other hand, has increased since 2015. This is based primarily on the development of companies with 100 to 499 employees. Compared to 2019, the sales values achieved for the products of the packaging industry increased for the most part […]