As the year kicks off, we took a look at some of the hot topics we expect to see over the next 12 months. So, what are we expecting in 2022? Let’s take a look:

Election Year Means Election Signage

No event requires more temporary signage than an election. From yard and large commercial signs to bumper stickers to direct mailers, the campaign season offers a bevy of applications that could keep commercial printers and print service providers busy through November.

Start planning now for the upcoming election cycle. HP Self Adhesive Vinyl and HP 15 oz Prime Double-sided Blockout Banner are easy solutions for yard signs, bumper stickers, and banners any time of year.

Sustainability Efforts Continue to Dominate the Market

Manufacturers are investing more into creating solutions that don’t just appear green but genuinely are sustainable. Consumers ask PSPs to provide alternatives, from recyclable materials to media made from recycled water bottles, even at a higher cost.

To get the eco-friendly applications into the hands of the consumers, manufacturers are creating ground-breaking solutions like Elements Andes Recycled Satin Canvas SUV. Other companies continue to improve their already strict sustainable guidelines. Earlier this year, Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World listed HP for the sixth consecutive time.

As more companies implement eco-goals by decade’s end, it seems the sustainability trend won’t be going anywhere for a while.

Increased Personalization

Printing is already a personal service, with the ability to customize everything from mugs to hats to reusable grocery bags. But now, as people continue to work from home or split their time between home and the office, they are looking to personalize their at-home workspaces.

According to CraftJack.com, 41% of people working out of a home office have purchased art and décor or printed pictures to improve their backgrounds, spending an average of $195.

Whether requesting custom backdrops, installing wall graphics, or adding custom wall décor, consumers are looking for ways to create a professional workspace out of their homes.

Diversification

One of the most over-used words of 2020 was “pivot,” but it was over-used for a reason. Many companies and people had to pivot when businesses started shutting down, and in-person activities and going into the office turned into virtual trade shows and working from home.

PSPs that branch out into other print-related areas experience continued growth, success, and customer loyalty. Learning new skills and diversifying portfolios has never been more critical.

Investing in New Equipment

One of the most challenging decisions to make as a business owner is spending money on new equipment. However, with recent color trends, exploding sustainability interest, an increase in larger customized projects, and diversified portfolios on the horizon for 2022, investing in new equipment may not be such a hard decision after all.

These days, buying a new printer isn’t just about replacing an old one. It’s about improving efficiency and output, in other words, increasing speed and reducing turn times. Printer manufacturers quickly improve equipment to meet sustainability goals and help consumers save money.

“There have been significant upgrades and improvements in digital printers in the past few years, and not just minor modifications or painting new colors on the cowling,” says Timothy Mitchell, Senior Director of Print Technology. “Ink technology advances across all platforms is tangible, and the result is better color gamut, greater durability, and the addition of specialty colors like white inks and metallics.”

Mitchell stresses the importance of reliability and improvement in performance as additional reasons to consider investing in capital equipment. “There have also been meaningful advances in productivity, reliability, and cost and job tracking across all platforms—along with increased versatility of the many types of media the printers can print on,” he says. “A current printer prints faster, with higher quality, on more media types, more reliably than any printer of 5 years ago.”

Looking at repair costs and part availability is are other vital factors when considering an upgrade. “It is important to keep depreciation in mind; sometimes it makes more economic sense to trade up the old truck than it does to keep rebuilding the old one,” says Mitchell. “The cost of those parts adds up fast, and in the end, you are just restoring an outdated platform at a premium price.”

There will be some challenges ahead but exploring ways to keep costs under control is the mark of a successful business. For information on how we can help you delve into these trends, contact a LexJet sales specialist at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com today. We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

From all of us at LexJet, have a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022!