PRINT-SECTOR VISIONARIES SHED LIGHT ON LATEST TRENDS

Ahead of FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 (6–9 May, Berlin, Germany), visionaries illuminated current trends shaping the speciality print sector. What is shaping this sector? How can businesses embrace change, adapt and ensure they stay ahead of the curve?

In many ways, printing makes the world go round. It permeates all sectors, facilitates communication and drives economies by supporting sectors such as packaging, manufacturing, publishing and advertising. Beyond offering commercial value, print is vital for education, creating books and learning materials. 

Daniel Sunderland, Vice-President of Canagraf (La Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Artes Gráficas), FESPA’s National Association in Mexico, says, “Printing is a transversal industry. It services, provides for and facilitates a multitude of other industries. That being said, it needs to continuously adapt to best serve the requirements of our ever-changing world.”

Despite a shift towards digital-printing technologies, hard print remains an essential medium, as it offers tactile engagement, unmatched by digital alternatives.

Ken Hanulec, Vice-President of Worldwide Marketing at EFI, comments, “We expect to see the analogue to digital transformation – which is already well underway – to continue. Ultimately, minimising or even eliminating the need for less-efficient and less-sustainable analogue solutions.” He adds, “We also expect to see ongoing innovation from suppliers to the industry to facilitate this transformation. This will allow print providers to push the boundaries even further to improve their market share, profitability and benefit to their customers.”

Mathew Faulkner, Director of Marketing and Innovation (Wide Format Printing Group) at Canon EMEA, notes, “Print’s superpower is that it invites interaction. It stops consumers in their tracks. For example, tempting them to open a sample, touch and try a product or experience a demo. In a complex marketing environment – where attention is increasingly elusive – print is a potent ‘gateway’. Print starts valuable chain reactions that drive people across multiple channels, sprinkling data as they go and exposing them to other branded experiences in the real and virtual worlds. There’s a brilliant outlook for print if we bring marketers and printers together. This can be achieved by blending on-demand digital technology, customer insight and creative print to advance marketing’s effectiveness, sensitivity and sustainability.”

“Visionaries are always looking for solutions to existing problems”

Over time, the printing industry has become more sustainable. One reason for this is print-technology providers developing greener materials – such as water-based inks and recyclable substrates – as well as development in hardware. They reduce waste and energy output, due to features such as automation. Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) also support print on demand (POD) and personalisation.

These trends are apparent and will continue, as Martin Borley, Executive Managing Director at STAHLS’ UK and Europe, explains, “I envision a future where sustainability and digital integration become the cornerstones of the print industry. My hope is that advancements in eco-friendly materials and processes will significantly reduce the environmental impact of print. Meanwhile, the increasing adoption of smart technologies and automation will enable greater efficiency and customisation. These appropriations will ensure that print continues to meet the evolving demands of customers.”

Christian Harder, Vice-President of Sales, Durst Group AG, adds, “I envision a print industry where innovation and sustainability work hand-in-hand. I hope to see even greater adoption of environmentally friendly practices. At the same time, automation will play a key role, helping businesses to operate more efficiently and address labour shortages.”

Arnaud Calleja, Vice-President at Digital Printing Solutions at Agfa, shares a similar sentiment, “The print industry will certainly be smarter, greener and even more versatile. Automation and connectivity will streamline workflows, and sustainability will be a given. In addition, digital printing will continue to break barriers in packaging and in industrial applications.”

“The print industry will certainly be smarter, greener and even more versatile”

Giuseppe Gallucci, CEO of Elitron Robotic Cutting Intelligence, also comments, “Print industry Visionaries have been driving the industry for the adoption of automation for years. I expect this trend will continue to be prominent in years to come. The widespread use of eco-friendly print and materials will also continue and, with a particular reference to cutting and finishing, systems will become even more sustainable because of reduced energy consumption.”

Christophe Aussenac, Founder and Director of ATC Groupe, says, “We’re always on the lookout for new technological developments that feature speed, quality and automation. Yet for me, the differentiating factor is creativity and today’s new techniques allow us to express ourselves without limits.”

Folker Stachetzki, Head of Marketing at Brother Industrial, explains, “Visionaries are always looking for solutions to existing problems. They are currently transforming textile printing with sustainable processes, POD solutions and automation. By utilising environmentally friendly technologies, reducing waste and researching smart textiles, they are driving innovation and creating a greener, more efficient future for the industry. This transformation can only be achieved by Visionaries who understand how to harmonise the industry’s requirements with the expectations of end customers.”

Sharon Donovich, Global Marketing Director, Kornit Digital, agrees, “Visionaries are shaping the future of print by embracing sustainable practices, digital transformation and on-demand printing to meet evolving consumer demands. They are also driving innovation through advanced technologies, personalisation and integrating print with digital experiences to create new opportunities and business models.”

Visionaries in print also value partnerships because they support innovation and business growth. In addition, collaboration with suppliers ensures access to the latest materials, sustainable solutions and technologies. Strong relationships with clients also enable Visionaries to provide tailored, high-quality services.

David Preskett, Vice-President at EMEA and APAC, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, states, “Visionaries are able to evolve from supplying and supporting their customers to become partners, helping to deliver their vision and growth. That’s why we work closely with our customers, utilising our ‘Voice of the Customer’ processes to listen to them and help deliver the future-oriented solutions that they need.”

EFI’s Hanulec adds, “True Visionaries are both ideating within their companies and communities and spending valuable time with customers and other thought leaders. They listen and fold new ideas into their product-development plans.”

Canon’s Faulkner notes, “Consumer behaviours are constantly evolving and brands and their print-service providers must adapt their approach to sustain engagement and build lasting connections with customers.”

Agfa’s Calleja goes on to say, “FESPA is the perfect place to engage in meaningful discussions with customers from all over the world, as well as suppliers, experts and sometimes even competitors.”

Deborah Corn, Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse at the Print Media Centre, and President of Girls Who Print, says, “Cooler, younger heads will prevail by building upon the foundation of print with an ecosystem of products and services, encompassing the needs of any marketing, sales, education and communication initiative. If you can’t do that, someone else will.”

Looking to the future, how can Visionaries inspire new talent to work in the speciality print sector?

Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, explains, “We’re in a visual medium. We need to showcase the best parts of what we do from a print perspective. We need to show the incredible billboards that are going up that are changing people’s perception of this medium. We need to showcase what clothing and T-shirts we can make and how we can personalise them. It’s not necessarily talking about the process, it’s talking about the results. That’s what we need to showcase more.”

“Today’s new techniques allow us to express ourselves without limits”

FESPA’s Michael Ryan adds, “Young people love to be creative, so we should showcase – using platforms such as social media – how creative the print industry is, in various applications.”

Graeme Richardson-Locke, Head of Associations and Technical Lead at FESPA, comments, “Don’t assume that they have the same views and values. Encourage diversity, respect and autonomy to allow the flow of talent to flourish. People want to feel appreciated, trusted and given the opportunity to make a solid contribution.”

Durst’s Harder notes, “The best way to inspire new talent is to show them the incredible possibilities in our industry. Many people don’t realise how much of the world around them is printed. For example, when I explain to my family and friends how bathroom tiles or shop displays are created, they’re amazed. It’s a ‘wow’ moment that creates curiosity and interest.”

Preskett from Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems says, “Printing is fun and actually utilises cutting-edge technology. We need to change the perception of people outside the industry. A key way to do this is by talking about the associated technologies and processes that are involved in everyday print. For example, AI, robotics in automation, customer-relationship developments and innovations in the products being produced. It is important to highlight how it touches our everyday lives – from walls to floors to outdoors.” 

Brother’s Stachetzki adds, “Visionaries can inspire new talent in the speciality print market by demonstrating its potential for innovation, creativity and sustainability. By emphasising cutting-edge technologies – such as digital printing, smart materials and eco-friendly processes – they can appeal to those who are passionate about combining art, science and environmental sustainability in an industry that is still growing rapidly. Recognising the industry’s role in shaping future design and manufacturing trends can stimulate interest and encourage new perspectives in this area.”

Girls Who Print’s Corn highlights, “We can do this by going to where the talent is and showing off all the amazing things we can do.” She continues, “In addition, what can Visionaries do to inspire more women into the industry? According to the World Economic Forum, on average, women take five years longer than men to rise from entry-level positions to management. The industry must provide fair career advancement opportunities, compensation and visibility for women. Girls Who Print is on a mission to close these gaps.”

FESPA invites Specialist Printing Worldwide readers to attend FESPA Global Print Expo, from 6–9 May in Berlin, Germany. Using code FESM522, before 8 April 2025, registration will be provided at the early bird rate of €50. One ticket provides you with access to all three events.