In 2023, Apenberg & Partner asked managers about their assessment of the development of their industry. 221 companies took part in the survey. With 158 companies, the “traditional” printing industry traditionally forms the largest group of participants, followed by packaging printing, which is slightly ahead of the graphic supply industry with 33 participants.
In November 2023, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry was slightly more positive following the previous month’s loss. While the business outlook for the next six months continued to rise, assessments of the current business situation fell. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation gained 0.4 per cent compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 87.0 points, the index in November was around 2.1 per cent below the previous year’s level and roughly equalled the value from August of this year.
The former Chairman of the Board of Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies, Jan te Neues, passed away on 19 November at the age of 84. His loss leaves a deep void, as te Neues maintained close contact with Fogra even 20 years after his departure as CEO.
The current annual report of the German government’s National Regulatory Control Council (NRK) shows that compliance costs (the cost of complying with legal regulations and obligations) have reached an all-time high. The bvdm therefore supports the specific proposals of the NKR for a broader approach and a more efficient organisation of laws as well as the reduction of bureaucratic burdens.
With the reduction in electricity tax and the stabilisation of grid fees, the electricity price package recently passed by the German government contains urgently needed relief for companies and is a first step in the right direction, according to the BCDM.
In October 2023, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry fell again. While the business outlook for the next six months rose slightly, assessments of the current business situation collapsed. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation fell by 2.8 per cent compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 86.4 points, the index was around 1.8 per cent above the previous year’s level, but reached a new low for the year. Companies’ business situation continues to be burdened by persistently weak demand and below-average capacity utilisation.
Durst has announced the strategic acquisition of Aleph to expand its range of sustainable digital textiles and décor solutions. This will strengthen Durst’s position in water-based and sustainable printing technologies.
Fogra’s Colour Management Symposium will take place for the ninth time on 21 and 22 February 2024. The international colour management event in Munich is a firm fixture in the community. The presentations by users are particularly interesting. Eight speakers from printing companies, brand manufacturers and the decor sector have confirmed their attendance.
FESPA has published the key findings of its Print Census 2023, conducted in collaboration with InfoTrends, a division of Keypoint Intelligence. According to the findings, sustainability requirements are increasing and customer demands are changing in terms of business models and investment plans.
