The show this year offered “the biggest and most comprehensive showcase” of innovations in wide-format, textile printing, and sign-making technology, software, substrates, and consumables since 2019, “providing a vital springboard to the sector’s recovery and long-term growth”.

Last year’s show in Amsterdam in October – the first to be held since the pandemic started – was a pared back affair in terms of exhibitors and features, although the feedback about the event was very positive overall.

This year’s show covered eight halls. All had a clear emphasis on production efficiency, applications flexibility, and sustainability, Fespa said.

Speaking at the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, Christophe Aussenac, who was appointed as Fespa’s 18th president last year and is the founding director of Lyon-based ATC (Autorise Toute Creativité), said, “As a printer myself, I know the value that lies behind this ribbon. This is a place to discover innovation and be inspired by new ideas and possibilities and connect with the experts who can help make your business ambition a reality. The fact that you are here shows that you are ready to invest in your future despite the setbacks of the last two years.”

He added, ““And with our mind on the future we must also think of future generations, and focus on how to run our businesses with increased respect for the planet. You’ll see many references to sustainability on exhibitors’ stands throughout the show and our visitor programme this year includes our first Sustainability Spotlight conference.”

The Sustainability Spotlight feature delivered insights on a range of topics geared towards helping businesses operate in an environmentally responsible way.

Fespa launches global census

Fespa has launched its third global Print Census, with the first surveys completed by the visitors to this year’s Global Print Expo in Berlin.

Funded through Fespa’s Profit for Purpose reinvestment programme, its objective is to provide fresh insight into industry trends, and recognise the challenges and opportunities faced by printers and signmakers post-pandemic.

The areas the research will delve further into are: market optimism, changing customer demands, the evolving wide-format product mix, the importance of digital technology investment, the rise of textile printing, and environmental pressures.

The survey is available to complete online at www.fespa.com/printcensus/survey in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. 

(Courtesy PrintWeek.com)