Widthwise 2025


Following this year’s Widthwise Survey we posed a few follow-up questions to a selection of manufacturers to get their insight into the findings. Here are their responses.


Shaun Holdom


Global business development director, 


I would find that a little difficult to understand, given that the climate right now, and investment across the board, has stalled, with larger commercial jobs on hold. In addition to serious cost increases across the supply chain and the global tariff issue, I would have thought there would be a squeeze across all of the supply chain, rather than an increase in profitability.


Virginia Becerra Julian Mennell


 production NPI manager, HP


This is an encouraging and expected development. Since 2024, the industry has undergone a strong rebound and transformation, driven by economic recovery, technological advancements, and evolving customer demands.


Profitability among PSPs has been bolstered by the diversification of applications. More businesses are expanding beyond traditional signage into high-margin segments. Automation and workflow optimisation have also played a pivotal role in driving efficiency.


This increase in PSP profitability isn’t just a post-pandemic rebound, it’s a reflection of strategic investments delivering tangible financial benefits. We expect this positive momentum to continue.


Price will always be a key factor as marketing budgets continue to shrink. Sustainability is more of a concern but as such options command a higher price, most will choose price, unless its specific sustainability requirements by a customer.


Also, with so much greenwashing in the market, there’s still a lot of confusion around what sustainability truly means in print.


Price sensitivity has long been a key driver in print services. It’s not surprising to see price slightly outpacing quality here – especially in markets where margins are thin, and turnaround times are critical. However, price isn’t everything, and we’re seeing a more nuanced, evolving picture.


Quality remains a non-negotiable foundation, particularly as brands become more discerning and campaigns increasingly rely on high-impact, visually engaging print. While sustainability currently ranks lower in client priorities, we believe it’s on an upward trajectory – and it’s not optional in the long run. Forward-thinking PSPs increasingly view sustainability not as a cost burden, but as a differentiator and a business growth opportunity.


So, to answer directly: price will remain important, but it won’t always dominate the conversation. As value becomes more multidimensional, we expect to see sustainability play a growing role in client decision-making.


National hardware sales manager, InkTec


It is so encouraging to see such a strong rebound in profitability across the sector. We’re seeing a clear shift towards greater investment, which probably reflects a combination of post-pandemic recovery, improved operational efficiencies and increased demand for high-value print services.


As PSPs continue to innovate and diversify their offerings, they’re also streamlining costs, embracing automation, RIP software advancements, and opting for eco-conscious materials to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. This momentum is resulting in clients being able to invest in more premium and specialised print solutions.


Arjen Evertse


Director sales, Mimaki Europe


While it’s hard to tie specifics to this data, it’s pleasing to see that a good number of companies are reporting healthier profits in recent months.


Developments in Mimaki technology are very much focused on enabling customers to create high value products that can subsequently sold at a premium price. Furthermore, Mimaki continues to innovate with a wide range of cost savings technologies built into the DNA of the brand’s latest technology. An excellent example is the new JV330 production solvent printer which, by using a simple feature in the Mimaki RIP software that’s supplied with the printer, automatically optimises ink consumption, helping users cut consumable costs by around 30% without affecting discernible print quality.


Realistically, price remains a key driver. But from our experience, it is not the only factor that PSPs are considering and so not surprising to see that quality is also important. Particularly as those that only compete on price are at risk of eroding their margins. While it is sad to see that sustainability is still low on the priority list, it is gaining traction. We are in a transitional stage here, where PSPs are viewing sustainability different ways. The first looking at environmental responsibility and making more sustainable choices for the long-term health of the industry and the planet. The second centring on sustainability being a powerful marketing message, especially as customers become increasingly discerning.


So, sustainability will become a bigger differentiator in the next few years, especially as more businesses align with ESG goals. From our perspective we are keen to build our portfolio of cost-effective, quality solutions while also providing sustainable options to future-proof our clients’ businesses.


It’s understandable that price is a driving factor for many print businesses’ clients – that’s unlikely to change any time soon – however sustainability is more than just a buzz word. Many considerations, such as low power consumption and reduced consumable costs, shape a sustainable approach to how PSPs operate their business and can help deliver a more profitable result in the long-term. With many industries facing brand or regulatory pressures, these outside factors will also encourage customers to invest in more environmentally friendly work technologies to future proof their business.


Regarding quality, we firmly believe again, that it should ‘come as standard’. Quality hardware should deliver the right results, first time, every time. This approach minimises waste, maximises uptime and optimises ink, media and energy use. By operating like this, we’re promoting a sustainable process, and by intertwining sustainability with both price and quality; businesses, their clients and ultimately, the environment all benefit.


www.imagereportsmag.co.uk | Widthwise 2025 | 23


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