DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GRAPHIC ARTS INDUSTRY AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES FOR THE PAPER

Market profile and technology driven changes in the graphic arts industries are both very valid aspects. The consequent technology trends are identified and seven relevant trends are discussed in more detail. Some of them have direct relevance to paper requirements. The role and importance of printing paper varies from one product to another since it may be a marginal or principal cost factor or a key factor in quality. Future investments in printing-by the main processes-and consequent changes in consumption and grades of paper are depending on changes in media market. The technology provides a tool to support the product, production and print quality. Improvements in paper quality and more specific end-user needs seem to be important trends in both coldset and heatset web-offset as well as sheet-fed offset.