The Punch Newspaper : Stakeholders Chart Path to Sustainable Printing Industry

Source: The Punch Newspaper – By Divine Yusuf
Date: 31st July 2025

Stakeholders Chart Path to Sustainable Printing Industry

Stakeholders have called for a strategic shift towards sustainable and cost-effective technologies to reposition Nigeria’s printing and packaging sector for future growth.

This was the focus at the 2025 Executive Seminar on Flexographic Printing and Packaging, themed “Unlocking Profitability and Sustainability through Flexo,” organised by Randomsoft Limited, in collaboration with Dantex Group, VIP Systems Group and Mark Anoy in Lagos.

In his address, Technical Director of Randomsoft, Kunle Ogunjobi, said the event was designed to bridge knowledge gaps in packaging, while addressing the balance between sustainability and profitability.

He unveiled his company’s new advanced analogue flexo plate-making solution, describing it as a water-based, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional solvent-based systems.

According to him, the innovation offers a more affordable option for local printers, at about 60 per cent of the cost of computer-to-plate (CTP) systems for offset printing, while reducing environmental impact.

“As a company with roots in the UK and Nigeria, we are committed to supporting local businesses to adopt technologies that deliver profit and sustainability hand in hand,” he said.

Managing Director of FAE Limited, Princess Funmilayo Bakare-Okeowo, stressed the need for Nigerian printers to embrace modern technologies to cut costs and remain competitive.

Comparing flexo to conventional offset printing, she noted that flexo’s rubber-based process offers faster plate production, lower operational costs, and greater environmental benefits.

“With plates ready in under 20 minutes and recyclable materials, flexo printing offers a lifeline for businesses seeking efficiency and sustainability,” she said.

Representing the Lagos State government, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor, underscored the role of innovation in mainstreaming sustainability across the state’s economic landscape.

She highlighted Lagos’ circular economy initiatives, youth-inclusive programmes and public-private partnerships as avenues for the printing industry to align with global green standards.

For the Managing Director of Academy Press Plc, Gbenga Ladipo, the relevance of flexographic printing lies in its strong ties to packaging, which he described as “the future of print” amid the decline of traditional newspaper and book volumes.

“Flexo printing is a survival strategy; it will thrive as the industry pivots to packaging,” he said.

International partners also weighed in. Emmanuel Mougenot, Flexo Manager of UK-based Dantex Group, showcased the company’s water-washable plates, which he said could cut production time dramatically and improve operators’ safety by eliminating harsh solvents.

On his part, Guenter Franz, CEO of VIP Systems Group, emphasised the need for innovative packaging designs to attract younger demographics, while noting the challenges of local paper quality and the global dominance of large paper manufacturers.

The gathering unanimously called for collaboration among the government, the private sector and technology providers to drive the country’s printing industry towards a more sustainable and profitable future.