Top 5 challenges facing the print & graphics industry today
The print and graphics industry are evolving rapidly. Shifting customer demands, tighter deadlines and the push toward sustainability are reshaping how businesses operate. While these challenges are significant, they also open doors for innovation and smarter workflows.
Shorter turnaround times
Clients expect faster delivery without compromising on quality. With many clients now ordering online, businesses are having to re prioritise their workload on a hourly basis to accommodate and react to jobs within strict dispatch time frames. This makes it essential to streamline workflows, reduce bottlenecks, and leverage automation wherever possible.
Rising costs
From materials to energy and labour, costs are climbing across the board. It is now more important than ever that businesses rethink their workflows to maximise on productivity from their digital printers and finishing equipment. Efficiency and waste reduction are also critical to staying competitive in today’s climate.
Sustainability demands
Sustainability is no longer optional. Customers and brands are seeking ecofriendly substrates, waste reduction practices and energy-efficient operations. Companies that can prove their commitment to greener practices will stand out.
Skilled labour shortages
Finding and retaining experienced operators is a growing challenge. More companies are relying on smart, user-friendly technologies that make onboarding easier and reduce reliance on specialised skill sets.
Need for flexibility
Clients expect providers to handle a wide variety of jobs and materials. Graphics and signage producers are now working with a variety of materials, including textiles for soft signage. This requires versatile equipment and workflows that can adapt seamlessly to different substrates, run lengths, and finishing requirements.
At Zünd, we understand the pressures SME’s face—especially when skilled labour is hard to find and training time is limited. That’s why our digital cutting systems come with adaptable software interfaces, allowing operators to start with simple play/pause controls and scale up to full editing capabilities as they gain experience. This means faster onboarding, fewer errors, and more time spent on growing your business. Whether you're looking to reduce waste, increase efficiency, or stay agile in a competitive market, Zünd helps you do more with less.