The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on all aspects of our lives, with change being the only constant over the past two years. Yet one thing stays the same – the need for businesses to communicate and tell stories to their audiences. Visual cues and signposting remain relevant tools for businesses to instantly communicate their brand messages to audiences and generate leads. For instance, large-format signage solutions grab the attention of consumers to direct their attention to brands and their offerings.

Furthermore, we’ve witnessed how signages have never been more important, especially during the pandemic. Print service providers and sign-makers rose to the challenge globally to support the efforts of healthcare and frontline staff, as well as to pay homage to those who delivered essential services to the public during an incredibly challenging time.

Growth of Printed Signage Segment

Despite sluggish economic growth in APAC due to the pandemic, the retail sales of printed signages in China grew by 13% [1], which is mostly characterised by the growth in convenience stores. In Malaysia, a younger population and high per capita income is driving its retail industry, and the country is becoming a favourable destination for international retailers.

This growth in the retail industry will provide impetus to the growth of printed signage in APAC. Coupled with the advancement in film materials, finishing, and a growing automotive industry in APAC, the trend of wrapping buses, cars and other vehicles with branding and advertisements is set to take off. Estimates suggest that the global market will expand at a 15% CAGR between 2021 and 2025 [2].

We’ve also seen an evolution of out of home (OOH) advertising and printing signages. The past two years have shown us that these platforms are not just for regular business communications, but also for the display of pertinent health-related information such as social distancing messages. And as the world opens post-pandemic, we’re seeing reopening messages to welcome shoppers returning to brick-and-mortar shops.

The Latest in Innovation: Where Signage Technologies Are Today

No longer is printed signage what we traditionally know it to be. A wider variety of materials like mesh and fabric are gaining popularity; mesh allows air to flow through which results in less of a force against it and long-lasting fabric prevents glare. UV-printed material is also becoming the new norm for large-format posters and banners as it protects the substrates from the sun, allowing durability that lasts in the most adverse weather conditions.

The interior design market has also seen a growing demand for bespoke patterns on wallpapers, curtains, and other creative interior ideas. Interior designers are also seeking printing solutions that use substrates certified safe for indoor use, which is a pertinent consideration among consumers.

The market leader in large format signage printers across ASEAN for the last few years, Epson has consistently built on the capability of its large format printers to respond to its customers’ needs. The Epson SureColor S-series printers, using high-performance eco-solvents and the industry-leading PrecisionCore™ printhead technology, consistently produce flexible and vibrant, high-quality prints to win customer trust for their reliable large format output varying from billboards to vehicle wraps.

In addition, Epson’s R-series printers, the SC-R5030 and SC-R5030L, enable printing on a wider variety of media such as vinyl, banner, canvas, film, textile, paper and wall covering media. Using Water Based Resin Inks that are eco-friendly, odourless, and have quick drying properties allows for instant lamination and high scratch durability.

Versatility is the Name of the Game

Large-format printers equipped with UV LED lamps provide economic and business-generating benefits. Highly durable, environmentally friendly LEDs generate a consistent output throughout their lifespan and have a lower energy consumption than mercury bulb lamps, resulting in significant power savings. With LEDs having minimal heat output, they allow for a wider range of print applications, including promotional goods, or novelty packaging. Furthermore, businesses can test out new materials for quality a before committing to purchasing a material in bulk.

The SureColor^TM SC-V7000, Epson’s first large format LED UV Flatbed Printer, reinvents what large format printers can offer. With Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead, it prints directly on a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, acrylic, and rigid substrates [3], at 80mm max media thickness. Equipped with the Variable Ink Droplet technology, it features 10-colour UltraChrome UV ink that produces strikingly accurate prints, minimal graininess, and smooth gradations.

Along with an intuitive and user-friendly operating system, the printer improves productivity, safety, and usability. Ideal for businesses big and small, the V7000 printer produces impressive colour-consistent, high quality prints suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. In line with Epson’s focus on sustainability, the eco-friendly  UltraChrome® UV inks meet industrial standards, with international safety accreditation such as the Greenguard Gold certification, the AgBB, as well as the A+ grading for the French-VOV. Furthermore, its high-speed printing with a maximum print area of 2.5 metres by 1.25 metres enables productivity and minimises human error and wastage.

A Sign of Good Things to Come

Businesses are getting creative in how they push the boundaries of communication and telling stories to audiences. With the return of shoppers to retail centres and the urban street environment, the opportunity is ripe for large signage printers to deliver innovative designs and rich, vibrant colours that grab the attention of consumers – while integrating functional messaging like social distancing signs and safety notes.

Epson’s V-series, and S-series printers are equipped to take on the printing demands of businesses and quickly deliver based on the demands of businesses and customers. But it’s not all about efficiency; as these printers carry environmental certification for low chemical emissions, making them the preferred choice for businesses that are conscious of their impact on the environment.

In conclusion, print signages are still prevalent and will evolve with the times. Epson will continue to stay at the cutting edge of market trends and continuously innovate to meet changing demands in line with the rapidly evolving consumer segment.

[1] https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/printed-signage-market-survey-2021-with-top-countries-data-industry-size-share-future-challenges-revenue-demand-industry-growth-and-top-players-analysis-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-global-economy-2021-10-20

[2] https://www.reportlinker.com/p05227978/Global-Automotive-Wrap-Films-Market.html?utm_source=GNW

[3] Some materials will require pre-treatment, contact us to find out more.