Are Printing Industry Giants Falling While Post-Press Innovation Thrives?

The printing world shook when Landa Digital Printing filed for court protection. Major companies struggle while smart manufacturers pivot to post-press solutions.

When industry leaders like Landa face £376 million debt and massive layoffs, it signals deeper market shifts. 0 Post-press machinery manufacturers who adapt to packaging demands are finding new growth opportunities in this challenging landscape.

I’ve watched this industry for over two decades through my work at Kylin Machinery. The current crisis isn’t just about one company. It reveals fundamental changes in how we think about printing and packaging.

What’s Really Behind the Printing Industry Crisis?

The numbers tell a stark story. Landa’s court protection came after customers "reined back their plans" due to geopolitical turmoil. 0

Traditional printing companies face cash flow crises while the global printing machinery market grows to $25.66 billion in 2024. 1 The disconnect shows companies must evolve beyond basic printing to survive.

At Kylin Machinery, we’ve seen this shift firsthand. Our customers in the graphic arts and bookbindery industries aren’t just printing anymore. They’re creating complete packaging solutions. The rigid box making machines we manufacture serve companies that understand this evolution.

The Three Critical Factors Destroying Traditional Printing

First, digital transformation demands have outpaced traditional capabilities. Companies like Landa invested heavily in nanography technology but couldn’t scale fast enough. 0

Second, packaging demands have exploded. The corrugated box making machine market alone reached $2.6 billion in 2023, growing at 4.4% CAGR. 5 E-commerce drives this growth, but traditional printers missed the opportunity.

Third, automation requirements have become non-negotiable. Our robotic spotter systems and hybrid machines represent this shift. Companies need equipment that reduces labor costs while improving precision.

Challenge	Traditional Response	Successful Response
Digital Demand	Expensive press upgrades	Flexible post-press solutions
Packaging Growth	Ignore market shift	Invest in collapsible box machines
Labor Costs	Maintain manual processes	Implement automatic rigid box machines

How Are Smart Manufacturers Thriving Despite Industry Turmoil?

While Landa struggles, post-press machinery manufacturers see unprecedented growth. The press machine market expects to reach $58.06 billion by 2034. 4

Companies focusing on packaging automation and sustainable solutions capture market share from traditional printing firms. The key lies in understanding that modern printing means complete packaging solutions, not just ink on paper.

I’ve built Kylin Machinery around this principle. Our round box machines and book cover making equipment serve customers who’ve moved beyond basic printing. They create premium packaging that commands higher margins.

The Five Strategies That Separate Winners from Losers

Successful manufacturers focus on automation first. Our customers using semi-automatic rigid box machines report 40% labor cost reductions. They invest in flexibility rather than single-purpose equipment.

Second, they embrace sustainable packaging trends. Multi-layer corrugated boxes dominate 81% of the market because they’re recyclable and reusable. 5 Our eco-friendly box making solutions align with these demands.

Third, they target high-growth sectors. E-commerce packaging drives massive demand increases. Companies using our luxury box making machines serve premium brands that pay premium prices.

Fourth, they invest in training and support. At Kylin Machinery, we provide comprehensive operator training because advanced equipment requires skilled workers. This investment pays dividends in productivity and quality.

Fifth, they build global distribution networks. We serve over 2,500 customers in more than 20 countries through strategic partnerships. Local support matters when equipment downtime costs thousands per hour.

Success Factor	Implementation	Kylin Solution
Automation	Reduce manual labor	Robotic positioning systems
Sustainability	Eco-friendly materials	Green packaging equipment
Market Focus	Target growth sectors	Premium packaging solutions
Training	Skilled operators	Comprehensive support programs
Distribution	Global reach	Worldwide dealer network

What Does This Mean for Your Packaging Business?

The printing industry crisis creates opportunities for prepared companies. Traditional printers exit the market, leaving space for innovative packaging manufacturers.

Smart business owners invest in post-press automation now, before competition intensifies. The window for capturing market share from struggling traditional printers won’t stay open forever.

From my experience building Kylin Machinery from a small factory to serving thousands of customers globally, timing matters. We started focusing on rigid box automation when others still relied on manual processes. That early investment created our competitive advantage.

Three Immediate Actions for Packaging Manufacturers

First, evaluate your current equipment capabilities. Can you handle the packaging complexity that modern brands demand? Our equipment assessment service helps identify gaps.

Second, invest in operator training before installing new equipment. The most advanced hard book cover machines won’t improve productivity without skilled operators.

Third, develop relationships with struggling traditional printers. They have customer relationships but lack modern equipment. Partnership opportunities abound for companies with advanced packaging machinery solutions.

Action	Timeline	Expected Result
Equipment evaluation	30 days	Identify upgrade needs
Training investment	60 days	Improved productivity
Partnership development	90 days	New customer acquisition

Conclusion

The printing industry’s crisis signals transformation, not destruction. Companies that embrace post-press innovation and packaging automation will thrive while traditional players struggle.

My Role

About me: I’m Jacob from Kylin Machinery, where we’ve specialized in post-press packaging equipment since 2003. Based in Dongguan, China, we serve the graphic arts, paper converting, and bookbindery industries with advanced rigid box making solutions and book cover packaging equipment. Our 5,000 square meter factory produces robotic spotters, hybrid machines, and automated packaging systems for over 2,500 customers in more than 20 countries.