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 your 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 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.

“So perhaps the real question is not only what hardware platform to purchase, but how can I invest in an ink strategy that wins new business?”

Oliver then mentioned that corrugated and display led packaging applications are most suitable for printers specialising in wide-format.

He added: “Traditionally, POS graphics and packaging have operated in separate silos. Today, brand owners are increasingly looking for fully integrated campaigns, where retail displays, FSDUs and packaging are visually aligned.

“This shift allows print service providers to expand their role from a single application supplier to a multi-channel campaign partner.”

Achieving a successful integration of packaging into a wide-format printing business depends mostly on versatility. For instance using the right inks is a way to allow for the integration of other areas like packaging into a printing company.

Oliver continued: “Ink technologies such as Fujifilm’s Uvijet HS, designed for multi-substrate applications, enable printers to move across a wide
range of materials.

“Meanwhile, solutions like Fujifilm Uvijet HC, developed specifically for paper and board, allow PSPs to confidently enter the corrugated space,
delivering the flexibility, durability and colour performance required for packaging and retail display.

By choosing the right ink technology that aligns with your business growth strategy, you can facilitate vertical market supply.”

Oliver also mentioned that the super wide-format Acuity Aristo, developed in partnership with Barberan, was designed for sign making and wide-format printing but can also be used for packaging.

“As a single-pass, sheet-fed system, it delivers the speed required for longer production runs while maintaining the precision needed for packaging applications.

“Its 5 picolitre print head technology ensures fine detail reproduction, particularly important for small text and brand critical elements.”

While not a practical means for all PSPs it does show that machinery made for wide-format printing can be used for a multitude of different industries,
including packaging.

Future-proofing print service providers

Diversifying will not appeal to everyone, and it’s not a necessity for most, however as the times are changing PSPs should be aware of the opportunities that can arise from being in the industry that they are.

Packaging isn’t directly linked with wide-format printing and nor should it be, but as an industry that uses similar technology, it creates the question of ‘if I can, should I?’

So if a customer next time asks if you can print displays and graphics and even packaging, who know the answer might be yes.