Fujifilm Graphic Communication Namibia Roadshow – Strengthening the Print Industry Through Collaboration and Innovation
In an exciting initiative aimed at revolutionising the Namibian print industry, Fujifilm Graphic Communication, in partnership with Papercor and Printfix, collaboratively hosted a groundbreaking roadshow on September 16th, 2024. The event highlighted the immense potential of the Namibian market, showcasing a unified approach to providing complete "paper-to-press" solutions through strong collaborations. The partnership underscored how seamless solutions can transform the industry by combining the expertise of Fujifilm, Papercor, and Printfix into a single offering.
Discover the Difference: A Unified Partnership in Print
This roadshow emphasised a key message: “Discover the Difference – In Partnership.” The event focused on providing comprehensive paper-to-press solutions that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver outstanding results for the Namibian print and packaging sectors. Fujifilm, with our cutting-edge printing technology, joined forces with Papercor, a leader in paper and media products, and Printfix, an expert in parts and maintenance, to showcase the power of partnership.
This collaboration is designed to meet the complete needs of Namibian printers by providing innovative solutions under one roof. From state-of-the-art printing equipment and consumables to sustainable printing solutions, this partnership simplifies the supply chain and ensures businesses can access the tools they need to stay competitive.
Market Growth and Opportunities: Namibia’s Print Industry on the Rise
Namibia’s print industry, valued at N$450 million in 2023, is projected to grow steadily at a rate of 3.5% per year, reaching N$525 million by 2028. Wide-format printing, which is growing at a rate of 6.2% annually, represents one of the most promising sectors in the market. Additionally, packaging and commercial print remain vital components of the industry, with packaging seeing an annual growth rate of 4.5%, driven by the rise of e-commerce and demand for sustainable packaging solutions.
The roadshow provided an in-depth look at the future of the Namibian print market, addressing key opportunities for growth while emphasising the need for modernisation and digital transformation. Attendees gained insights into how advancements in digital and wide-format printing can help them meet increasing demands for personalised, eco-friendly print solutions.
Bridging the Technology Gap: Modernising Namibia’s Print Industry
A critical aspect of the roadshow was addressing the aging infrastructure in Namibia’s print industry. With 65% of printers still using equipment that is over a decade old, the need for modernisation is more urgent than ever. Fujifilm, which dominates the litho market, demonstrated its leadership in driving the conversion from traditional lithographic processes to more efficient digital printing technologies.
The event showcased information around Fujifilm’s advanced digital printing solutions, such as the Revoria Press PC1120 and Jet Press FP790, as well as their Flenex water-wash plates, which offer faster, more sustainable plate-making processes. These innovations not only reduce operating costs but also enhance sustainability, meeting the growing demand for environmentally friendly solutions in the print industry.
Sustainability and Innovation: Fujifilm Leads the Charge
Fujifilm's commitment to sustainability and innovation is at the heart of its mission. By 2030, the company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% and become carbon neutral by 2040. At the roadshow, attendees were introduced to the full scope of Fujifilm's sustainable solutions, including water-wash plate technology that eliminates harmful chemicals and energy-efficient LED UV curing systems that minimize waste.
Papercor and Printfix complemented this vision by showcasing how their paper products and parts / maintenance solutions align with Fujifilm’s innovations to create a fully integrated, eco-conscious offering. Together, the partnership emphasised the importance of reducing the environmental footprint of the print industry while maintaining high-quality output.
Namibian Print Market: A Key Contributor to GDP
The Namibian print sector contributes 0.8% to the country’s GDP, employing approximately 2,500 people across 120 printing establishments. As the industry grows, the demand for skilled workers, particularly in digital print, has become a challenge, with 72% of companies reporting difficulties in finding qualified staff. Additionally, raw material costs have risen by 18% over the past three years, putting further pressure on the industry.
The roadshow highlighted how adopting digital transformation and embracing modern equipment can help Namibian businesses navigate these challenges. Fujifilm’s digital printing solutions, combined with Papercor’s media products and Printfix’s technical expertise, provide a clear path for businesses to modernize their operations and capture emerging market opportunities.
A Collaborative Future for Namibia’s Print Industry
The Fujifilm Graphic Communication Namibia Roadshow was a pivotal event, marking a new era of collaboration and innovation in the country’s print industry. Through the combined efforts of Fujifilm, Papercor, and Printfix, the roadshow presented a vision of a stronger, more sustainable future for the Namibian print market.
By discovering the difference that this powerful partnership brings, businesses can look forward to streamlined operations, improved sustainability, and cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the market. With continued investment in technology, skills development, and sustainable practices, Namibia’s print industry is set to thrive in the years to come.
