How can the printing industry move toward intelligent development?

　　By implementing digital production management platforms such as ERP, the company achieved信息化 management, integrated cutting-edge digital printing technologies, established a digitized workshop, and upgraded its IT systems. Centered around digitalization, automation,信息化, and智能化, a comprehensive, company-wide plan was carefully designed and rolled out in phased implementation. Thanks to this strategic approach, Zhongrong Printing successfully transformed its production and management processes digitally, accomplishing the remarkable "elephant's turnaround."

　　As the concept of Industry 4.0 gains momentum, smart packaging is increasingly coming into the spotlight, with intelligent solutions poised to become a blue ocean for market growth. For paper-based printing and packaging companies, transitioning toward smart manufacturing is emerging as a critical industry trend that will shape the future. Documents such as the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Transformation and Development of China's Packaging Industry" and the "China Packaging Industry Development Plan (2016–2020)" clearly emphasize the industry’s goal of "enhancing the development level of smart packaging while boosting the sector’s overall信息化 (informationization), automation, and智能化 (smartification)."

　　Market Demand for Packaging and Printing

　　China's packaging industry is primarily categorized into segments such as paper and cardboard container manufacturing, plastic film manufacturing, plastic packaging box and container production, metal packaging container and material manufacturing, specialized equipment for plastics processing, glass packaging container manufacturing, and cork products along with other wood-based product manufacturing. In 2021, paper and cardboard containers accounted for 26.51% of the packaging industry, making it a key sub-sector within the broader packaging market.

　　With the policy shift toward reducing packaging materials, paper-based packaging has gained a clearer competitive edge due to its lightweight, convenience, and excellent printability. As a result, its market competitiveness is set to strengthen steadily, while its applications will continue to expand into an ever-wider range of industries.

　　"Turning the Elephant"—Where Does the Difficulty Lie?

　　The printing industry is a typical example of discrete manufacturing, a type that faces significant challenges when it comes to digital transformation. Since the printing industry doesn’t rely on the concept of production lines—and varying order demands further complicate the shift toward digitalization—it remains a tough sector for companies to navigate. Yet, some enterprises have steadily pushed forward, successfully making the transition. Zhongrong Printing is one such company.

　　By introducing digital production management platforms like ERP, the company achieved信息化 management, integrated digital printing technologies, created a digitalized workshop, and upgraded its IT systems. Centered around digitalization, automation,信息化, and智能化, a comprehensive system-wide plan was meticulously designed and implemented in phases. Thanks to this approach, Zhongrong Printing successfully transformed its production and management processes digitally, accomplishing the remarkable "elephant's turnaround."

　　Smart packaging emerges as a new blue ocean.

　　As the concept of Industry 4.0 gains momentum, smart packaging is increasingly coming into the spotlight, with intelligent solutions set to become a blue ocean for market growth. For paper-based printing and packaging companies, transitioning toward smart manufacturing is emerging as a critical industry trend shaping the future. Documents such as the "Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Transformation and Development of China's Packaging Industry" and the "China Packaging Industry Development Plan (2016–2020)" clearly emphasize the industry’s goal of "enhancing the development level of smart packaging while boosting the sector’s overall信息化 (informationization), automation, and智能化 (smartification)."

　　Digital printing is greener.

　　Digital printing technology is increasingly being adopted in paper-based printing and packaging applications. As a cutting-edge printing method that directly transfers digitized graphic and text information onto the substrate, digital printing processes rely entirely on digital streams of visual and textual data—both input and output. This innovative approach enables paper-based printing and packaging companies to deliver more comprehensive services with shorter turnaround times and reduced costs across the entire prepress, printing, and post-press workflow. Moreover, since digital printing eliminates the need for film, dampening solutions, developers, or printing plates, it significantly minimizes solvent emissions during image transfer, thereby effectively lowering its environmental impact and aligning seamlessly with the industry’s growing trend toward green, sustainable printing practices.

　　Over the next five years, China will actively enhance its public cultural services and comprehensively boost the development of the news and publishing industry. Meanwhile, as the printing industry embraces technological transformation and industry consolidation, the market size of China’s printing sector is expected to continue growing. At the same time, persistent industry challenges such as overcapacity and intense, homogeneous competition among companies are increasingly pushing traditional printing firms to accelerate their transformation and upgrade strategies.