TH INK Q2 2024 Your Guide to Print Marketing Trends + Insights BEYOND
Trending in Marketing Sustainability Trending in Print Buying & Processes Trending in Industries Education Trending in Products Stamps Looking forward and anticipating your customers’ future needs is vital. Being aware of current trends not only keeps you competitive but also establishes you as an expert. Explore what’s currently popular to discover new business opportunities and meet emerging demands. Ready to distinguish yourself from your competition with forward-thinking ideas? Read on. SPILLING THE INK
Print Trends WHO IS BUYING WHAT IN Q2? Spot Gloss Spot gloss is the application of a UV coating to accentuate certain elements of a design. The clear gloss is raised off the paper and creates an eye-catching effect. Spot gloss is especially effective on Business Cards, Postcards, and Packaging. Letterpress Letterpress printing is a traditional method of printing. A plate is pressed into paper, leaving the lettering and design behind. This elegant and timeless printing technique is often used for formal Event Invitations and Personal Stationery. Embossing Embossing is a printing technique used to create raised or recessed relief patterns or designs on paper and other materials. Embossing is an excellent choice for adding depth and dynamic appeal to Packaging, Stationery, Greeting Cards, and more. Foil Stamping Foil stamping is also known as hot stamping. This printing technique involves a metallic or pigmented foil pressed to paper using heat. Foil stamping is stunning and perfect for drawing attention to Fine Stationery, Labels, and more. Raised Foil Raised foil is a digital print finishing process where liquid polymer is applied to achieve the raised foil finish for a luminous look. The tactile experience and brilliant shine makes this process ideal for Business Stationery, Invitations, and Packaging. PRINT PROCESS TRENDS We’re seeing a surge in traditional print methods with captivating characteristics. We highly recommend exploring these trending processes and incorporating them into custom print pieces for your customers. TOP SELLING TOP SELLING TOP SELLING TOP SELLING Labels Promo Products Signs Custom Print Door Hangers Rack Cards Folders Memo Pads Brochures Tote Bags Mugs Pens Durable Banners Yard Signs Pennant Banners TOP SELLING Stamps and Badges Designer Self-Inking Stamps Monogram Stamps Shaped Name Badges Outdoor Labels Window Decals Spot Color Shaped Labels Top Selling Verticals Education, Government/Political, Finance, Real Estate Visit our Content Calendar Page for fresh new content including booklets, flyers, and videos. Trending in PRINT
Trending in MARKETING SUSTAINABILITY Embracing sustainability is no longer optional for businesses. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW More consumers than ever are looking for companies whose values around sustainability align with their own. In addition, many state and local governments are approaching the topic through legislation, which is driving companies to reduce their environmental impact and require the same from their vendors and suppliers. WHY IT MATTERS Consumers (especially younger generations) want to support businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to the environment, and they’re willing to pay more for products and services from those businesses. Businesses that take steps to reduce their environmental impact and communicate their efforts effectively are positioned to reap the rewards through increased consumer loyalty and more sales. Top Industries Leading the Charge Retail – Retailers are improving their environmental footprint in a variety of ways, such as reducing packaging waste. Hospitality – Many hotels are offering eco-friendly amenities and encouraging guests to conserve water by reusing towels. Education – Schools are moving beyond teaching environmental issues to embracing sustainable practices like composting. Healthcare – Many hospitals are adopting green building standards and reducing medical waste. Event Planning – Sustainable measures like energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction are now priority. Nonprofit – Many nonprofits are adopting green office practices and advocating for policy changes. Government/Public Sector – Government regulations and incentives are encouraging businesses to reduce their environmental impact. Technology continues to drive efficiency, which means less material is wasted. Modern print production methods have resulted in reduced energy consumption, better waste disposal, fewer harmful chemicals, and the introduction of recyclable printing plates. The Business of Sustainability study by PDI Technologies reported that 78% of consumers want to buy from environmentally friendly companies but don’t know how to identify them. Source: National Retail Federation Look for options containing pre-consumer (manufacturing) or postconsumer waste (PCW). According to the EPA, each ton of recycled paper can power the average American home for six months, save 7,000 gallons of water, and save 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space! Printed products used multiple times can be more eco-friendly than single-use products. For example, the average reusable bag has a lifespan equal to that of more than 700 disposable plastic bags. Encourage customers to choose recyclable products, and to recycle paper, cardboard, and plastic whenever possible. Research recycling and upcycling programs in your local community that could be useful for you and your customers. Look for third-party certifications that indicate responsible forest management practices. You will often find these certifications listed in a company’s sustainability statement or in product/ service descriptions. Thinking beyond recycled paper. Read more Going Greener - Printing Cleaner Navitor Booklet 5 SIMPLE STEPS businesses can take to support sustainable printing practices Divert Waste from Landfills Look for Recycled Content Making a Statement Research Print Methods Find Sustainably Sourced Options Keep Thinking Reusable
Trending in INDUSTRIES A Focus on Sustainability The need to adopt more sustainable practices and environmental awareness is becoming imperative for educational institutions to satisfy the expectations of students, alumni, and governing bodies. AI to the Rescue Schools are looking at a variety of ways they can use Artificial Intelligence to support teachers and students. This will include advanced teacher training, personalized curriculums for students, and more. Striving to Increase Enrollment College enrollment is projected to decline by 2025, which means higher education facilities will be working hard to personalize interactions with prospects in hopes of capturing more interest. Schools are already leveraging AI to enhance learning experiences, improve educational outcomes and assist teachers with their instructional process. Source: Forbes An in-depth view of how custom print products can help educational institutions tackle change. Read more The Power of Print in Higher Education Blog | 2 Minutes AI IN K-12 TOP 5 TRENDS IN EDUCATION EDUCATION Coming to terms with long-standing problems and finding solutions. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Educational institutions are at the apex of some really tricky issues. Creative, technology-driven solutions are underway to help lighten the load on K-12 teachers and staff as well as improve outcomes for students of all ages. While K-12 focuses on improving the student experience, higher education is focusing on student recruitment efforts as college enrollment is predicted to decline in coming years. WHY IT MATTERS Standard print solutions still apply for all sectors of education and communication will be key as institutions explore and adopt new approaches to persistent problems. Informing students, parents, teachers and staff will be essential, and a variety of print materials will be vital for effective outreach. Must-Have Custom Print Products for Education Branded Apparel - Instill a sense of pride among students and staff. Banners/Flags - Create a fun, high-energy atmosphere. Signage - Help students, staff and visitors navigate campuses easily and safely. Wall Decals - Transform dull walls into vibrant spaces. Event Tickets/Invitations - Add a personalized touch to school events. Awards/Certificates - Celebrate individual and collective success! Postcards/Brochures - Create engaging materials for student recruitment. ID Cards/Lanyards - Help keep schools safe and secure. Folders - help students stay organized and protect important papers. Read more Reducing Risk of Teacher Burnout Mitigating teacher retention and burnout is high on the priority list of today’s educational facilities, which are actively looking for ways to inspire and rejuvenate teachers. Rethinking Alumni Engagement Institutions are starting to be more strategic about engaging alumni when fundraising and integrating them into new and innovative programs for mentoring, volunteering and career networking.
Trending in PRODUCTS STAMPS TOP 5 TRENDS IN STAMPS Few products have stood the test of time like stamps. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Although custom stamps have been a staple in the business world for decades, modern uses are breathing new life into this classic product category. WHY IT MATTERS Customers are finding new ways to use custom stamps in both their professional and personal lives. Technology is bringing new custom stamp options and possibilities to the table. As customers find creative ways to use these practical tools, it opens up new opportunities for custom stamp sales. Top Prospects for Stamp Sales Banks/Financial Services Notaries Architects Small Businesses Teachers/Schools Event Planners Craft/Artisan Fairs Farmers’ Markets Wineries/Distilleries Bakeries Craft Beverage Producers Read more e-mark® An electronic digital stamp that works in tandem with a mobile app. The e-mark stamp can print full color logos, signatures, QR codes, barcodes and more. See More B.B. Hill patented the self-inking stamp in 1886, a revolution in office automation that is still in use today. Source: Scrapbook.com Fabric Stamp Stamps aren’t just for paper anymore! Fabric stamps are great for labeling clothing items when sending children off to school or caring for elderly loved ones in nursing homes. 2000 PLUS Print Pro New to the market! Most housings in this new line of stamps are produced with net-zero carbon dioxide emission, and are made with over 70% postconsumer recycled content. Read more Designer Stamps Stamps have been crossing over into personal use for years. They’re a fun way to reflect one’s style on personal correspondence and creative projects. Branding Tool Stamps can be repurposed in multiple ways and reused over and over again. Logo stamps, for example, can be used on packaging, gift bags, invoices and more. Helping a customer pick the best stamp for the job is easy if you understand WHO the customer is, HOW they plan to use the stamp, and WHAT features are important to them! Read more Choosing the Right Stamp Training Guide | 2 Minutes 1886
www.navitor.com 1625 Roe Crest Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 After reading through this issue of ThINK Beyond, please take 2 minutes to provide us with your feedback: 1. On a scale of 1 to 5, how important is sustainability in print, to you as a print reseller? 2. How often are your customers asking about sustainable print options? 3. Please share any eco-friendly products or services that you rely on. 4. On a scale of 1 to 5, how relevant to your business, is the information in this guide? Take the Survey What do you thINK? Poll | 2 Minutes © 2024 Navitor, Inc.
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