FuturePrint@ETH

Due to a steady decline in the demand for printed materials, the decision was made to operate the Hönggerberg printing centre only until the end of 2024. What does this mean for you? Here you will find answers to your most important questions.

The reasons for the decision

Advancements in digital technology and the changes in regulations have led to a shift in customer preferences and needs at ETH Zurich, resulting in a decline in the demand for printed media.
Despite price adjustments, economic profitability cannot be ensured in the medium term.
Pending investments, including those for the update of the print web shop and production machinery, are exacerbating the already difficult situation.

“This decision, which was certainly a tough one for us, is a necessary step to ensure that Campus Services and the Domain of Infrastructure (VPIN) are fit for the future.”
Stephanie Braunwalder, Abteilungsleiterin Campus Services

Latest news

Public tenders published on simap.ch

Status 23.04.2024

After intensive examination and preparatory work by the project team, two separate tenders were published on external pagesimap.ch on 23 April 2024. The first tender relates to the standard range, the second to examination printing. No tenders are currently required for the other product ranges (diploma printing, PLOD, lettershop).

Project group prepares public tender

Status 27/02/2024

The aim of the tender is to find one or more printing partners to continue the existing print services externally from 2025. The tender will be launched in the coming months.

Details of the tender

The tender covers the standard offer as well as the product ranges plot on demand, security printing (e.g. examinations, diplomas) and lettershop.
Potential partners are not required to take over the existing printing centre in order to increase the chances of success of the tender.
If the printing services are continued externally, the rooms of the printing centre on the Hönggerberg could be used for teaching and research again in future.
Should it prove possible to find several external printing partners, this would minimise potential risks of failure and create attractive options for ETH members.

Project group evaluates possible scenarios

Status 11.01.2024

In order to be able to continue offering print services to ETH members, suitable partners are to be found by the end of 2024. The aim is to take over the existing infrastructure and retain our employees.

In October 2023, the FuturePrint@ETH project group was formed for this task. Commissioned by the Head of Campus Services, the group’s mission is to evaluate possible scenarios and coordinate the transition phase. This phase will span from our current standard operation to the start of a possible follow-up operation beginning in 2025. The Print and Publish section will remain unchanged in 2024.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

The print offering from Print and Publish (print web shop and plot on demand) is expected to be available until the end of 2024.

It is planned to continue the print offering unchanged and without restrictions until the end of 2024.

The prices for print products offered via the Print and Publish section’s print web shop will remain unchanged in 2024.

Yes, in the coming months we will be looking for one or more printing partners to continue the ETH internal print services externally from 2025.

Yes, the existing regulations will apply.

All special solutions remain valid until the end of 2024. Once it is determined to what extent print services will be offered beyond 2024, proactive information will be provided.

Several employees have already found further employment within the Campus Services department and will move to other sections during the course of the year. Employees for whom no solution has yet been found will continue to receive support from the department and HR counselling.

No. The decision is not linked to ETH Zurich’s cost-cutting measures. It was taken against the background of falling demand and a lack of economic profitability.

In the course of the ongoing digitalisation of university operations, the requirements of the departments, e.g. for the submission of papers, have changed. Students now almost only submit these digitally and no longer in printed form.

For legal reasons, no discussions on this topic may currently be held with external providers. As soon as the WTO tender is published, we will inform potential interested parties accordingly.

These devices are not affected by the decision. The small-format printers are managed by the IT Services department.

The decision does not affect the Publish group. The media design service and the Campus Channels will remain available as usual.

Contact

FuturePrint@ETH

Project group