Following the news that Global Inkjet Systems, the leading developer and supplier of application software, drive electronics and ink system components, has joined FuturePrint as a 2021 Content Partner, we caught up with Business Development Director Debbie Thorp to reflect on 2020 and take an optimistic yet pragmatic look to the future, including a teaser for what’s in-store from GIS in 2021.

Looking back on the extraordinary year that was 2020, Debbie Thorp of Global Inkjet Systems is keen to focus on the positive. She explains: “Back in March 2020 we did not know what the impact of COVID would be on the business, but we soon realised that the inkjet industry is very resilient.” The sudden ubiquity of video calls has been an unexpected advantage, offering the business increased engagement with customers when compared with standard phone calls.

Debbie also finds an optimistic stance on the absence of events in 2020, saying: “With so many events going virtual it has been a challenge for providers to create genuinely valuable content. Some have certainly done this better than others – but overall an increased virtual presence has been a positive experience and we expect to continue longer term. But we also look forward to the return of “live” events, as nothing quite matches that face to face interaction.”

With 2020 now behind us, what might we expect from 2021? Debbie predicts: “Packaging continues to develop strongly for inkjet – with embellishments and flexible packaging growing – and then there are all the more “hidden” industrial applications where inkjet is part of larger manufacturing processes. I say “hidden” because this is not a one size fits all market – systems are often customised and the relationship with numerous partner companies often requires considerable project management.”

The digital packaging space is certainly set to see continued growth in the year ahead, with the COVID pandemic ongoing and e-commerce still booming. Debbie continues: “Sean Smyth of Smithers has also talked about the acceleration of trends in digital packaging – the increase in e-commerce during COVID means more packaging is needed and some of that will be digital, plus there is the growth of the unboxing experience which also lends itself to digitally printed customisation or personalisation.”

Outside of specific market trends, the subject of sustainability is set to come even further to the fore going forward, anticipates Debbie, explaining: “Environmental issues are key. I think we have all become a lot more aware of our impact on the environment during 2020; the improvement in air quality and increase in wildlife during the long lockdown was much commented on in the press. Technology that helps us reduce our impact on the world’s resources is expected to be adopted quickly as environmental pressures will not go away and green initiatives will increase. Digital printing has a significant role to play in reducing waste and delivering more efficient manufacturing processes. One of our new product announcements in the first half of next year will focus on exactly that.”

It's no surprise that overall, Debbie Thorp and Global Inkjet Systems are optimistic about the future, despite the challenging times, but emphasises that businesses must be open to adaptability and adjustment. “Many of our markets have already recovered to pre-COVID levels so we are optimistic for 2021. Companies just needed some time to readjust to a new way of working, so once that this was worked out many markets recovered quickly. And as soon as travel is possible and trade shows start again that will be a major boost to growth too.”

Embracing change and getting creative with customer connections is vital, as Debbie concludes: “We are finding new ways of engaging with customers and that will continue to be very important in 2021 as we have several new announcements in the pipeline. There will be new software modules, support for new printheads, and more strategic partnerships. On the software front, we will be launching the Atlas Image Quality (IQ) Tool suite – details will be announced in Q1; and we are working on support for some new high resolution printheads – still confidential at the moment!”

Find out more about Global Inkjet Systems here.