Hundreds Take Part in Packaging Webinar for Commercial Printers

More than 500 registrants took part in the debut webinar in the “Packaging 101 for Commercial Printers” webinar series on Wednesday, presented by packagePRINTING and Printing Impressions. The presentation provided an introduction to the packaging field for commercial printers who may have an interest in entering the market.

The presentation, hosted by Kevin Karstedt, CEO of Karstedt Partners, provided an overview of the packaging industry, the growth opportunities for commercial printers in this market, and some of the challenges of adding packaging services to the list of a commercial printer’s capabilities.

“There are opportunities for commercial printers in the packaging spots,” Karstedt said during the presentation. “My advocation to those listening is that change is hard, but it’s worth doing if you do it right.”

Dale Skinkis of Graphic Edge Printing and Packaging provided a real-life example of how his commercial printing operation in Hubertus, WI began taking on packaging services.

Skinkis explained that Graphic Edge did not actively seek to enter the packaging market, but was approached by an already established customer with a request to print their packaging. The company started small, working with carton printers to make packaging for this customer, which produced disposable cameras.

As Graphic Edge gained equipment and knowledge, Skinkis says becoming a folding carton printer, in addition to its commercial services, has become an essential part of his business.

“One of the biggest things we noticed is we were local,” Skinkis said. “And how we got [customers] to start coming to us is we offered for them to come in and see their products being produced right in house right down the street.”

Another key takeaway from the webinar was that adding packaging services is becoming a trend for commercial printers. And as the line between commercial and package printers continues to blur, there could be impacts to be considered on both ends of the spectrum.

The second part in the series will be held on Wednesday, May 13. Click here to view the webinar and for information about the upcoming webinars in the series.