Packaged to the year to come

The new year is bringing more than the usual number of new beginnings. Some people are moving for the same reasons they may have moved in an ordinary year while others are responding to the current conditions. And many more would like to move but are trapped by circumstances.

These circumstances are starting to have their impact on the industry’s suppliers. A number have already responded to depleted order books and a gloomy outlook, selling off non core activities and combining others in preparation for a long year ahead. 

That said there are reasons for some optimism. There is the forthcoming floatation of Moonpig, to demonstrate that a print dependent business can be a tech unicorn. And the amount of activity among packaging suppliers – Bobst, Flint, Esko for starters – points to a need to be sharper, to be fitter and to be ready for whatever the year might bring.

Gareth Ward