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The report highlights why physical qualities of print remain valued in a digital world

Canon’s latest Future of Print report has spotlighted “print’s unique selling points” (USP) in a digital world, along with how AI and automation will transform the sector.

Released last week, this year’s insight report by Canon titled ‘Exploring the Future of Print’ seeks to understand changing consumer and brand behaviours and its impact of the print industry.

Developed with a panel of four ‘futurists’ who work on reviewing and understanding wider purchasing decisions, macro consumer trends and transformational technologies, their combined insights make up the Canon report. 

The report highlighted the importance of physical, printed material for its ability to cut through in an increasingly virtual world, as “physical objects are more appreciated”. The report stated that this provides a compelling argument for personalised print.

The panel also noted the role print plays in ‘value perception’ between brands and consumers, and the direct connection between “print’s unique physical characteristics and consumers’ desire to project identity and status”.

Additionally, the report emphasised AI’s contribution to the future of print and its potential. The panel agreed that businesses which use AI are expected to grow faster than those that don’t, but the benefits of the technology will differ from business to business.

Other key takeaways included why sustainability is a critical business priority and the role of partnerships in helping customers navigate change. 

Conclusions from the report are “encouraging” said Canon UK and Ireland’s country director, production, Duncan Smith, and establish print as a “valuable marketing medium” into the future.

Smith said: “The opportunities for print service providers (PSPs) are vast, but it’s also clear from the findings that PSPs need to continue to be curious and ask questions about AI and sustainability, and the steps they need to take to drive their business forward and keep creating value for brands.”

This is the latest research report run over the last 15 years by Canon to provide insight for printers and print buyers, focusing on the evolution of digital print and relationship to business development.

Further highlighted is an increasing emphasis on sustainable production, which the report noted will be “essential for print’s future”.

Canon has also just expanded its Red Label Zero paper range, designed for businesses looking to achieve their net zero goals.

The new Zero paper product will replace the existing Red Label Superior range, offering the same paper quality with equivalent size options and weights ranging from 80 to 160gsm.

The new range boosts the company’s sustainability offering, as the cutsheet and reel papers carry certifications by the Forest Stewardship Council, ClimatePartner, the EU Ecolabel, and Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

Further specifications of the range include 168 CIE whiteness, “superior” opacity, with sharp contract and vivid colour. It is available from A4, A3 and SRA3 and for both toner and inkjet printers.

Canon was recently awarded an EcoVadis Platinum medal and the firm’s head of corporate, Dominic Fehy, said sustainability is “a key part of our corporate philosophy”.

Fehy said: “From paper ranges through to upgradable and long-lasting print hardware, we’re committed to helping our customers to continuously lower the environmental footprint of their operations.

“Since the launch of the first Zero range in partnership with ClimatePartner in 2012, we have financially contributed to multiple climate projects which help us to take responsibility for any residual emissions from our products.

“Today, we’re proud to be able to offer sustainable manufacturing and product CO2 footprint compensation from cradle-to-customer for our papers, further enabling us to provide sustainable options for our customers and to support them with their own CO2 net zero goals.”

The Zero paper range is available now in selected regions from Canon’s national sales team.