While we still anticipate that the sector will remain vulnerable to the impact of economic uncertainty, we’re also looking at how customer behaviour is changing, and how print and digital practices will continue to converge.
The security print market remains robust, developing technologies to meet the needs of consumers, businesses, and local authorities. We are looking forward to accelerated growth in 2023 and here we’ve rounded up the trends making waves in the security print industry.
Voter ID from May 2023
This year is the first year that individuals will be required to show photographic identification when voting in polling stations in some elections. While this has been welcomed by many, the new requirement also puts pressure on local authorities that will need to process last-minute voter registrations.
For those without the approved documentation, the free electoral identity document will be provided in physical A4 format only, with no digital copy or mobile phone app provided for. Whilst this may be due to legitimate security concerns, the move may disproportionately impact younger people generally more reliant on electronic devices.
Digital artwork
Twenty twenty-two saw growth in the art and collectibles market, particularly with the rise in popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital artwork. NFTs are one-of-a-kind assets in the digital world that can be bought and sold like any other piece of property, but which have no tangible form of their own. The digital tokens can be thought of as certificates of ownership for virtual or physical assets.
While NFTs are digital assets with blockchain technology allowing the ownership to be recorded and made publicly accessible, there are examples of NFTs being sold with physical attributes. For example, famed digital artist, Beeple, has provided physical tokens connected to his artworks which includes a signed certificate of authenticity.
As we see a rise in NFTs, we anticipate growth in the authenticated certificate market and by using a combination of overt, covert and forensic security features, we can incorporate multiple features into document design to ensure it is fully protected and resistant to counterfeit or misuse.
The race to net zero
As sustainability continues to be a leading priority for businesses, vendors’ environmental credentials will play a growing part in customers’ supplier selection process. For the print sector, this has a huge impact as we look to adopt new processes. There has been a significant shift to use more paper-based products, and with our personalisation – fulfilment and mailing solutions, we are seeing a rise in companies switching over to out-sourced transactional mail solutions to send invoices and mailshots, for environmental and financial advantages.
As a company, we are also continuing our work to reduce our carbon footprint. We work relentlessly to review our processes and introduce new ways to improve on what we print and how we print, whilst balancing operational needs with sustainable practices. More information can be found here.
Zunoma has a team of experts who are at the forefront of the market and have the capacity to constantly review the needs of our customers. Whether you’re concerned about the security of physical documents, GDPR, and the management of personal identifiable information, or you’re a local authority preparing for this year’s election period, we can deliver a secure, time and cost-effective service.