Printing Business

Printing is a process for reproducing texts and images on paper using ink. The earliest printing technique was woodblock printing used in china dating to 200 BC. The next development in printing technology was movable type printing, followed by the rotary printing press which was invented in 1847 by Richard March hoe. The most widely used technique in modern times is offset printing using the offset printing press.

In 2005 over 45 trillion pages were printed around the world. In America alone there are more than 30000 printing companies generating turnover of 112 billion dollars. Most of the pages printed are in the form of books, magazines and newspapers. The printing business is therefore a huge and profitable industry.

However in recent years there has been a decline in the printed medium with increasing use of the internet and personal computers. Many companies now run paper free offices as this is seen to be cheaper and environmentally friendly. Many people now do their banking and other business online reducing the need for printed statements. New technologies invented in recent years is further reducing the amount of paper used. The E-Book is an electronic device that can store 100’s of books on a device the size of a paperback.

Although these new technologies and working practices have so far only had a small impact on the printing industry their effects will grow as we move further into the digital age.