Meanwhile, Greenguard-certified inks open the door to the interior design community, where curtains, pillows, rugs, wallcoverings, doors, ceiling tiles, flooring and furniture can all now be printed. Using water-based latex or ultraviolet-curable (UV-curable) inks, for example, signmakers can print graphics for installation in sensitive environments, including hospitals, school classrooms and children’s bedrooms.
Print service providers (PSPs) are capitalizing on new digital systems that can handle a wide range of substrates, including fabrics.
These interior design applications represent a major opportunity for new work, given they are printed today with analogue devices—or not printed at all!
Divide and conquer
In 2011, there was also a polarization of PSPs into two groups. One comprises high-volume graphic producers with highly specialized niche markets. The other category comprises more versatile shops that not only print graphics, but also offer multi-channel marketing services.
As each of these groups finds its place in the new communications landscape, they will both be able to thrive, with the right mix of technology and strategy.
Transitioning for tomorrow
Building on 2011’s growth and transitions, 2012 has been another dynamic year for large-format printing.
‘Cloud computing,’ in particular, is changing how many PSPs do business, as has been witnessed in many other industries, too. Customers are connecting more directly to the digital printing of their graphics, while printer manufacturers are using new workflow software to help optimize productivity and efficiency.
Growth opportunities continue to abound, but especially for signmakers and other PSPs who are willing to increase their offerings and make the most of today’s printing technologies.
Xavier Garcia is general manager (GM) of Scitex, part of HP’s Imaging and Printing Group (IPG), and Kevin McKay is a marketing manager for HP Canada. For more information, visit www.hp.ca/signage.
