Eef de Ridder: "Adaptability will define us"

Transformation and agility

"In 2025, businesses face both challenges and opportunities amid global pressures," says de Ridder. Political instability may disrupt traditional models and trade volumes, but it’s also a catalyst for exploring new markets and diversifying portfolios. This adaptability fosters growth in emerging sectors and builds resilience, resulting in a more robust global economy.

Companies will undertake a greater shift towards capital-intensive business models, prioritising advanced machinery and automation over labour-heavy operations. This evolution improves efficiency, reduces long-term costs, and enhances scalability, albeit requiring substantial upfront investment.

"Transformation and agility will define 2025," adds de Ridder. "In graphic arts, like many other sectors, the adaptable will find ways to exploit new opportunities as they emerge." He references Ricoh’s guiding principle, HENKAKU, a Japanese term for transformational innovation. "We bring this to life through our commitment to co-innovation and collaboration with our clients and partners," he notes. For example, Ricoh’s work with Green Gift Cards showcases how digital printing enables brands to align with sustainability goals while enhancing customer experience.

"Our partnership with Green Gift Cards demonstrates how recyclable, customised solutions—achieving a 91% reduction in carbon footprint—help brands engage their customers more effectively," explains de Ridder. "Short-run card production enables businesses to deliver tailored, meaningful experiences that resonate."

The continuing consolidation of printing operations across sectors will also redefine market share, reduce competition, and achieve economies of scale. "This consolidation can create a more streamlined and competitive industry," de Ridder observes.

The competitive edge

Closer to home, digital printing is proving to be a game changer. Its faster turnaround times, cost-effective short runs, and personalisation capabilities enable print service providers (PSPs) to meet shifting client demands with agility. These advantages position digital printing as a key driver of competitive edge in a rapidly changing industry.

Offset and digital: partners in progress 

Offset and digital printing, while coexisting, require fundamentally different skillsets. "Digital systems demand integration into workflows and production processes, making full integration with offset printing less likely," notes de Ridder.

Ricoh’s expertise lies in the digital realm, particularly inkjet technology, which is poised for dominance. Smithers' report 'The Future of Inkjet Printing to 2029' forecasts global commercial inkjet printing to reach 2.29 trillion A4 prints or equivalent by 2029, with market growth averaging 6.6% CAGR.

Inkjet’s versatility—handling diverse substrates and catering to varied print volumes—reflects the growing demand for faster, high-quality, and customisable printing solutions. "The growth of inkjet technology is driven by market demands for shorter runs, less waste, and data-driven applications," de Ridder explains. He adds that technology developments, such as new media options and the availability of both sheet-fed and roll-fed systems, further support inkjet’s widespread adoption.

"We’re also seeing a hybrid approach where technologies like flexographic and digital printing combine to meet high-volume and short-run requirements, especially in packaging," says de Ridder.

AI in print: pushing boundaries

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping digital printing by enhancing efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. "AI allows PSPs to meet evolving client demands while staying competitive," explains de Ridder. For instance, Ricoh’s flagship webfed platform, the Pro VC80000, leverages AI to optimise processes and outcomes.

AI enables dynamic customisation of designs and messaging, making personalisation more precise than ever before and enhances workflow automation, streamlining production and reducing human error. "These applications, along with sustainable resource optimisation and advanced analytics, are redefining what’s possible in digital print," de Ridder notes.

Among these, predictive maintenance and the ability to tailor experiences in real time stand out as revolutionary. "It’s about using AI to stay ahead of client demands while ensuring production remains uninterrupted," he says.

The green path forward for print

Sustainability is no longer optional. Print buyers increasingly demand proof of sustainable production, and PSPs are responding by prioritising eco-friendly equipment and practices. "Sustainability isn’t just about compliance; it’s a competitive differentiator," de Ridder asserts.

The 2024 Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is driving this shift, introducing stricter ESG reporting requirements. This compels companies to adopt sustainable practices and transparently report their environmental impact. PSPs are now focusing on solutions that minimise waste, reduce energy consumption, and utilise environmentally friendly materials.

The future of engagement 

Seamlessly integrating print with digital platforms is transforming customer engagement. Technologies like personalised QR codes, augmented reality, and NFC are bridging the physical and digital worlds. "Programmatic print exemplifies this integration by linking automated print processes to customer data and marketing tools," says de Ridder.

For instance, large print volumes can be personalised using inkjet technology, ideal for direct mail and promotional campaigns. Meanwhile, toner technology caters to high-value, small-volume applications, such as luxury branding, where special finishes create tactile, visually appealing results.

 "By combining these options, businesses can deliver impactful, personalised campaigns that strengthen customer engagement and brand loyalty," de Ridder concludes.

Through innovation, sustainability, and integration, 2025 promises a dynamic evolution for the print industry. As de Ridder aptly summarises, "Adaptability will define us in this era of transformation, and Ricoh is at the forefront of enabling that change."

For more PREDICTIONS 2025 select Ian Gibbs (JICMAIL/DMA), Stéphane Bodier (ACPM), Martin Twellmeyer (Optilyz) or Magali Florens (Udecam).