Business | Diversification


DIVERSIFICATION 2026: PACKAGING


INTRODUCING A NEW SERIES FOR THIS


YEAR – DIVERSIFICATION 2026 – WHICH WILL HIGHLIGHT DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY AND HOW


THAT CAN BENEFIT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS. STARTING OFF,


ASSISTANT EDITOR ANA LAMBERT DELVES INTO PACKAGING PRINTING AND HOW YOUR


COMPANY COULD ADAPT


At the heart packaging, is the flawless printer and professionals behind it. However, diversifying into something other than wide-format printing, can be daunting especially for those comfortable in their trade and knowledge. Last issue Image Reports showcased how


diversification is shaping 2026 – the topics touched upon were personalisation, putting the customer-first and the use of textiles.


This feature will touch on how branching out into packaging doesn’t have to be scary or not making use of what you potentially have available to you.


AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PACKAGING INDUSTRY The packaging industry is changing rapidly and is poised for growth, presenting an opportunity for those using wide-format solutions to diversify into this sector. Testing, consulting, information, and compliance


services company, Smithers, produced a report called ‘The future of Digital Print for Packaging to 2030’, noted the digital packaging and label sector is estimated to be worth $22bn as of 2025. This represents 4.1% of all printed packaging – which highlights the growing market. David Preskett, VP EMEA and APAC for Kongsberg


PCS, said: “This echoes what we’ve been seeing with our own customers and prospects. “Particularly across Europe and APAC over the last


22 | April/May 2026


Printed packaging is a way for PSPs to expand their services


few years, forward-looking businesses are investing in smarter finishing technologies to combat growing external pressures and provide opportunities to diversify their applications. “And while material flexibility tops the list of requirements, pressures for enhanced efficiency, reduced waste and maintained quality output over time are also driving converters and packaging producers to adapt.”


While the packaging industry is adapting to its own changes and growth, so too can PSPs in their offerings to customers. Those that are investing in new technologies, substrates and solutions could also be thinking about how to implement these into their wide-format printing businesses. David added: “The right digital cutting solution and partner can help providers to meet all these requirements. That’s why, at Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (PCS), we are dedicated to providing innovative cutting technologies and expert support that empower customers to shape the future of their business.”


Integrating these solutions needed for packaging doesn’t need to be complicated nor scary, as Oliver Mills from Fujifilm mentions below.


INTEGRATING TO PACKAGING Diversification allows print service providers to increase their services with existing customers while strengthening and adding value to long-term relationships. Technology from Fujifilm, EFI and Durst are just some of the manufacturers supplying the wide-format industry that can cross over into packaging. For instance, Fujifilm’s HS6000 signage printer is actually a rebranded Berbaran JetMaster packaging machine.


The difference between the two is mostly down to the feeders that are used, but that is mainly a factor of the markets that vendors are targeting. Oliver Mills, single pass marketing manager for Fujifilm, said that diversifying can attract customers as you can help with not only just singular part of their needs, but most if not all. He added: “By expanding beyond a single application, PSPs can position themselves as strategic partners rather than transactional suppliers, supporting a broader range of campaign needs. In an increasingly competitive market, this becomes a powerful differentiator. “However, diversification must be underpinned by the right infrastructure. Investing in flexible hardware and adaptable ink technologies is essential to ensure quality and efficiency are maintained across applications.


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