The signs are pointing to transformation
The future of the printing industry is hybrid, innovative, and sustainable. We work with you to develop digital business models, a connected process landscape, and innovative products and solutions, while ensuring sustainability in your operations. We turn technological change into your strategic advantage for a secure future.
Initial situation
Most companies in our industry have a strategy. Sometimes, however, it exists only in the minds of a few, is not clearly articulated, is not fully communicated, or is not consistently put into practice by everyone. As a result, the desired change often fails to materialize.
Our Expertise
Strategy development at GC is not a theoretical ivory-tower process. We know that a strategy is only as good as its feasibility in the harsh reality of the printing and packaging industry. We analyze your current market positioning, identify untapped potential, and assess the risks of ongoing market consolidation. In doing so, we look beyond the horizon: Which trends in consumer behavior will influence your order structure tomorrow? Where are new niches emerging, for example in the area of specialized packaging solutions or on-demand print media? Our approach is participatory. We actively involve your leadership team to ensure that the new vision is supported by everyone. We define clear milestones and KPIs so that the strategy doesn’t get shelved but delivers measurable results. In doing so, you benefit from our decades of experience—we have navigated many market cycles and know which business models prove effective in practice. We help you sharpen your core competencies while building the agility needed to respond to unpredictable market changes. A good strategy gives your team confidence and provides your customers with a clear promise. We guide you from the initial analysis through to successful implementation, turning visions into real market success.
Initial situation
The digital transformation of the printing industry is taking place on two levels: in the efficiency of internal processes and in the way you interact with the market. However, there is often a lack of momentum to start using modern digital tools. Many companies feel overwhelmed at this stage.
Our Expertise
We support you in implementing end-to-end digital connectivity. The goal is the “Smart Shop Floor,” where data flows in real time and automates planning. This reduces sources of error and drastically lowers administrative costs per order. We analyze your existing IT landscape and identify the appropriate interfaces between ERP, MIS, and production. At the same time, we work with you to develop digital business models. How can you automate your services via portals? How can “mass customization” be implemented profitably? We help you break down the barriers between you and your customers. This involves not only technology but also data strategy. We show you how to use the data you’ve gathered to predict customer needs and proactively make offers. For us, digitalization is a tool to increase your profitability and tap into new revenue streams that were previously impossible to achieve with your existing staff. We support your employees through this technological leap, alleviate fears, and foster digital competence within your organization. This transforms IT from a cost factor into a decisive competitive advantage.
Initial situation
The printing and packaging industry is under close scrutiny from regulators and end consumers. Sustainability has moved beyond being a niche concern and has become a key factor in decision-making when awarding contracts.
Our Expertise
We support you in developing and implementing an ecologically and economically sound sustainability strategy. In doing so, we are guided by the concept of twin transformation—that is, the symbiosis of digital transformation and sustainability transformation. This begins with optimizing energy consumption in production (e.g., artificial intelligence to increase energy efficiency) and extends to the complete circularity of products (Cradle-to-Cradle). In addition, we specifically prepare you for the requirements of the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and CSRD reporting obligations. For us, this is not about “greenwashing,” but about genuine operational improvements. We analyze your supply chains and help you create CO2 footprints for your products that provide real added value to your customers. Sustainability offers enormous opportunities for customer loyalty: Those who can help their customers achieve their own climate goals become indispensable partners. We’ll show you how to simultaneously reduce costs and improve your environmental footprint through waste prevention and efficient resource use. Our consultants are well-versed in industry certifications and standards and will guide you safely through the regulatory jungle. This is how we future-proof your business and position you as a responsible pioneer in a green printing industry.
Initial situation
In a cutthroat competitive market, it is not the cheapest but the most innovative who wins. In today’s printing industry, innovation means rethinking functions. It involves smart packaging that communicates with consumers, or novel finishing techniques that create tactile experiences.
Our Expertise
We foster a culture of innovation within your company. Together with your teams, we identify trends in materials science and printing technology that are relevant to your target audiences. We support you throughout the entire innovation process—from initial brainstorming through prototyping to market launch. In doing so, we always keep technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness in mind. For us, innovation also means process innovation: How can we shorten the time-to-market for your customers? We connect you with technology partners and leverage our network to stay ahead of trends. The goal is for your customers to perceive you not just as a supplier, but as an innovation partner. This secures long-term contracts for you and protects your margins from purely price-based comparisons. We help you unlock the creative potential of your workforce and establish structures where new ideas can be evaluated and implemented quickly and professionally.