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Industry leaders are focusing on key trends that promise to redefine how businesses operate, connect, and succeed in the digital age. There are six that are set to be especially impactful:

1. Harnessing Industry 5.0 and AI 

Industry 5.0 underscores the symbiotic relationship between human creativity and technological prowess. In this new era of artificial intelligence (AI) and ‘smart factory’ new opportunities are opening up to optimise companies’ workflows, automate routine tasks, as highlighted in the drupa
Print Horizons Report.  

Employees can work alongside advanced technology and artificial intelligence-powered by
robots and cobots (a collaborative robot that works with humans in a shared workspace) to enhance workplace processes and focus on more profit-generating activities. They can shift focus from repetitive tasks to high-value activities that drive profitability and innovation. They can foster creativity and fully navigate the complexities of digital transformation to unlock the full potential of Industry 5.0. 

2. Driving automation for growth 

Automation remains a cornerstone of transformation in printing. With labor shortages continuing to challenge industries, businesses are increasingly turning to automated solutions to fill gaps, improve efficiency and innovative end-to-end ecosystems. 

The interest in Konica Minolta’s collaboration with MGI (MGI Digital Printing Systems) at drupa 2024 affirms this. Companies both large and small were keen to explore increased connectivity. They wanted to see how separate processes such as foiling, varnishing, printing, folding, and drying can be combined into one fully integrated production line. MGI’s
AlphaJet showcased the benefits of a complete single-pass factor. 

Framing discussions surrounding the challenges of finding, and retaining, skilled employees, something explored
here, is the increased integration of automation. Young people entering the workforce regard digital print machines as more hi-tech than analog. This is a view backed by
Smithers, which adds that digital print offers “greater opportunities for career development and job satisfaction”. This helps with staff retention and attracting new employees. 

3. The digital shift 

Driving print production evolution too, is the unstoppable shift from analog printing to digital printing and its ability to offer flexibility, customization, and environmental benefits. According to Smithers, digital inkjet and toner markets will continue to increase, with new
sales of digital toner systems set to overtake analog for the first time in 2026. Inkjet printing was said to be the “most dynamic process used in graphical print, labels and packaging”. In 2024, total inkjet volume was the equivalent of over 1.06 trillion A4 prints, a market worth $91.3 billion in constant 2022 dollar values. By 2029, inkjet print volumes are expected to reach 1.73 trillion A4 pages, representing a market worth $91.3 billion.  

4. Adding value with digital embellishments 

Reshaping the value proposition of print is the rise of digital embellishments. With buyers willing to pay premiums for enhanced packaging and displays, the ability to seamlessly deliver embellishments such as foiling and varnishing has become a game-changer. It is an opportunity to add real value as for
NAPCO Research found. “The highest premiums, on average, were paid by respondents influencing product packaging and displays,” says the report. One area embellishments perform well in is
labels. 

5. Prioritizing sustainability 

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments will continue to be defining by driving efforts toward sustainability.
Global companies are continuing to work towards zero waste targets for 2050 but many are finding it challenging. Digital
print technologies play a pivotal role in minimizing environmental impact by enabling just-in-time production and reducing waste. Konica Minolta research1 shows that the use of digital print has already increased by up to 150% since Covid, a trajectory that is set to continue throughout 2025. Konica Minolta has pledged to use more than 90% of circulated resources for products by 2050. With that goal in mind, it aims to enable the reuse and recycling of materials as many times as possible to minimise waste and the consumption of natural resources. 

6. Cloud connectivity 

Cloud-hosted digital workflows are streamlining operations and reducing costs for print businesses. These systems enhance security, minimize IT burdens, and cut expenses by eliminating manual processes. Konica Minolta’s
Ecovision strategy exemplifies this shift, emphasizing resource efficiency and waste reduction. 

Collaboration: the key to overcoming challenges 

In an era marked by economic, social, and environmental challenges, collaboration is more critical than ever. By working with trusted partners, printing companies can navigate complexities, foster innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. Working together clear steps can be defined, and improvements delivered, that positively shape healthy growth. 

In 2025, as Konica Minolta marks its 20th anniversary in commercial print, it will continue to build on two decades of innovation, passion, pride and commitment inspired by customer needs. We look forward to sharing our exciting plans to commemorate this journey throughout the year. 

We also look forward to helping customers embrace the trends outlined above to unlock unprecedented opportunities and build a resilient future. 

For more insights on how Konica Minolta is helping the transformation of the future of commercial production speak to our experts.

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