Printing firms write new path to profit to counter falling margins

Printing businesses in Guangdong province have been investing in digital printing, one-stop service, industrial parks, electronic applications and environmental certification, to counter shrinking margins.

The profit margin in Guangdong's printing industry, the nation's largest, has been squeezed as an economic slowdown has cut domestic and overseas demand and labor, paper and ink prices rise, said Kong Huanji, executive vice chairman of the Guangdong Printing and Replicating Industrial Association.

National policies are also affecting the industry - for example, a ban imposed last October on the use of public funds for printed gifts, such as calendars and cards. And earlier this month, the government of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, joined other cities in banning excessive packaging of products commonly given as gifts such as moon cakes, tea, liquor and cosmetics.