The results in the 7th drupa Global Trends Report, from a survey conducted before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the postponement of drupa 2020 to April 2021, show a global industry that remained positive but reflected more challenging global economic conditions. Packaging and functional market sectors are better placed than publishing and commercial. North America remains dynamic, while confidence tends to decline in Europe and all other regions. Developing regions are held back by concerns about political instability and corruption, while developed regions are nervous about an inevitable cyclical economic downturn. There is constant pressure on margins but increasingly the better-positioned companies counter this by continual innovation. Investment plans remain strong, as printers and suppliers all recognize the need to remain competitive.
The results come from the 7th major annual survey, which was answered by the drupa Expert Panel in November 2019. The panel consists of drupa 2016 exhibitors and visitors with decision-making authority. The survey was conducted by Printfuture (UK) and Wissler & Partner (CH). Almost 600 printers and 200 suppliers from all over the world participated, providing a representative picture of all regions. Globally, 17 percent more printers described their company’s economic condition as ‘good’ compared with those who described it as ‘bad’. For several years, printers have responded to the constant pressure on margins by increasing turnover and keeping costs to a minimum. Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa and Global Head Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, said that increasingly the industry is seeing clear evidence that while cost reducing steps will continue, printers are recognizing the need to innovate – by launching new products and services in their existing markets or by entering new markets.
