Identification of Future Printing Industry Trends FINAL REPORT

A survey of digital print providers in the U.S was conducted to identify constraints and potential solutions for improved performance and quality of digitally printed papers. In printers’ decisions about which paper to purchase, the key factors were identified as runnability and print quality. The leading paper characteristics considered when making a purchase were found to be toner/ink adhesion, accurate sheet dimensions, dimensional stability, and moisture level. Performanceand runnability-related factors were found to be more important than appearancerelated factors. Overall, the price of papers charged by manufacturers to print producers was not a leading factor in the paper selection process; in particular, a company (printer) that makes the paper purchase decision together with the customer (print purchaser) is less likely to put high emphasis on price. Digital print providers are most interested in an extended product range, with more sizes, finishes, and basis weights available for their digital presses.