Digital marketing moves fast, gets measured in clicks, and disappears in a day. Print does the opposite, and that tension sits at the heart of our conversation with Kierian Cameron, the founding editor of Brand Cult, the UK’s first print-only business newspaper for entrepreneurs and founders.

Kierian shares her unconventional path into publishing and brand building, then unpacks why Brand Cult stays intentionally offline. We talk about premium print media as a physical experience that changes perception: the feel of real newspaper stock, the way weight signals credibility, and why “just uploading a PDF” misses the point. If you care about print technology, print marketing, or how founders actually learn to scale and grow, you will hear how a well-made newspaper can become a tool for focus rather than another stream of noise.

We also dig into the craft of building a brand world. Brand Cult arrives wrapped in tissue, sealed with a hand-poured wax stamp, and even carries a bespoke scent. Kierian explains how sensory details create recognition and emotional connection, and how that thinking extends to bold brand activation, including a travelling confession booth turned photo booth where founders share business sins and client horror stories at major UK business events.

To close, we get practical about storytelling and strategy: why most brands make themselves the hero, how to flip the script so the customer is the main character, and why print forces you to be intentional because you cannot delete it 24 hours later. Subscribe, share this with a founder who feels stuck in the content treadmill, and leave us a review with your favourite print memory.

Kierian has kindly given listeners a chance to sign up to receive Brand Cult at a discounted price using the code: FUTUREPRINTCULT which can be redeemed at brandcult.uk

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

A corrugated box looks simple until you try to print something different on every single one, at speed, with the same reliability you expect from industrial production. We’re joined by Charles Tonna, CEO at Buskro, and Christophe Merlier, VP of Research and Innovation, to explain how their 50-year heritage in mailing and high-throughput variable data is powering a new push into direct-to-box inkjet printing for packaging, pharma and food applications. 

We talk about what customers are really asking for right now: shorter runs, fast changeovers, start-stop capability, and less day-to-day printhead fuss. From there we get into the Argo platform and the idea of a modular printer that can scale as your needs grow, plus the practical value of being a fully integrated OEM that designs the transport, electronics, software, ink delivery and controls in-house. That approach matters when you want one accountable supplier for a complete print solution rather than a chain of vendors. 

You’ll also hear the story behind Buskro iconic Blue Door, and why it represents more than a colour. We explore modern printhead capability, real trade-offs around speed, and a show-floor “shoebox printer” demo that makes personalisation feel tangible. Finally, we look at RFID printing and encoding workflows that link a unique tag to a unique box, opening the door to better tracking, inventory accuracy and customer experience. 

If you care about industrial inkjet, water-based printing, variable data, corrugated packaging and end-of-line personalisation, this conversation is built to spark ideas. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave us a review with your take: where should packaging print go next?

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Mark Stephenson about the launch of his new venture, The Spark Organisation, and why storytelling has become one of the most powerful differentiators in the print and technology industries.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience at Fujifilm, Mark reflects on the shift from traditional corporate communications toward more human, intuitive and emotionally resonant storytelling. In a world filled with “another grey box”, technical specifications alone are rarely enough to inspire confidence, build trust or create lasting customer relationships.

The conversation explores why people remember how brands make them feel rather than simply what they say, and how authentic storytelling can help companies stand out in increasingly competitive and uncertain markets. Marcus and Mark discuss the importance of trust in B2B sales, the growing role of video and podcasts, the challenges of getting technical experts comfortable on camera, and why over-rehearsed corporate messaging often loses its emotional impact.

They also examine how lockdown accelerated digital communities across print, the role of organisations such as IPIA, and why content should ultimately serve the audience rather than internal stakeholders.

This episode is a thoughtful and often humorous discussion about communication, creativity, vulnerability, and the growing need for the print industry to connect through stories, not just specifications.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Natalie Thrall, Marketing Manager at Nazdar, about the changing role of marketing, storytelling and communication in industrial print.

Operating in a highly technical world of ink chemistry, performance data and application expertise, Nazdar faces the challenge of translating complex innovation into clear, engaging and commercially relevant stories. Natalie explains why the most effective communication starts not with the product, but with the customer - what they need, what will help their business, and what will make complex technology easier to understand.

The conversation explores how B2B buying behaviour is becoming more like B2C, with customers researching, validating and forming opinions long before direct engagement. Natalie shares how Nazdar is responding through a more focused content strategy built around R&D capability, sustainability leadership, new technologies and partnerships.

She also discusses the growing importance of short-form video, visual proof, customer success stories and authentic brand voice. From high viscosity ink demonstrations to solar panels at Nazdar’s California facility and inks used on NFL helmet decals, the episode highlights how technical performance can be made tangible and relatable.

Natalie also reflects on the balance between storytelling and confidentiality, particularly in OEM work, and explains how internal alignment across R&D, sales and leadership helps create a stronger external message.

A thoughtful discussion on how industrial brands can simplify complexity, build trust and communicate innovation with greater human relevance.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Matteo Conte, Marketing Manager at Polytype, to explore the evolving role of marketing and storytelling in industrial print.

While the sector has traditionally focused on technical specifications and performance metrics, Matteo argues that a shift is underway - from B2B to what he calls “B2H” (business-to-human). As digital transformation and global uncertainty reshape buying behaviours, industrial marketers are increasingly recognising the importance of trust, emotion, and human connection in decision-making.

Matteo shares insights from his first year at Polytype, where he has focused on elevating the company’s visibility and communicating its rich heritage, innovation, and global impact. He highlights the importance of authentic storytelling - grounded in reality rather than exaggeration - as a way to build credibility and differentiate in a crowded market.

The conversation also explores how industrial companies can learn from B2C practices without losing sight of the unique dynamics of B2B, particularly when it comes to long-term investment decisions and multi-stakeholder buying processes.

Finally, Matteo discusses Polytype’s latest innovations, including DigiCan for beverage can printing and the hybrid “Prime Offset” solution, both of which reflect changing market demands and the growing role of digital technologies.

A thoughtful and timely discussion on how industrial brands can communicate more effectively in a rapidly changing world.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Steve Williamson, CEO of Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), about leadership, technology, market change and the future direction of industrial inkjet.

Steve reflects on his four years at GIS, having joined the business from outside the inkjet sector after a career in RF, defence and security. He shares how his initial assumptions about the market changed as he came to understand the complexity of industrial inkjet and the engineering challenges behind print quality, reliability and integration.

The conversation explores the role of GIS as an enabling technology partner, providing drive electronics, ink systems and software for a wide range of applications, from textiles, ceramics and labels to additive manufacturing, aerospace and complex direct-to-shape printing.

Steve also discusses his leadership style, the importance of building a strong senior team, and the need for commercial discipline, profitability and portfolio clarity. He explains how GIS is strengthening product management, improving testing and stability, and diversifying across regions and applications to build resilience.

Looking ahead, the discussion turns to partnerships, collaboration and the need for the inkjet sector to work more effectively across the value chain. Steve highlights growing interest in robotics, complex 3D shapes and applications beyond conventional print.

With GIS approaching its 20th anniversary, this is a thoughtful conversation about the hard engineering, teamwork and strategic focus required to move inkjet forward.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Edgar Llop and Aliasgar Eranpurwala about printhead performance, recovery, and the launch of a new diagnostic technology set to change how the industry measures print quality.

The conversation centres on the introduction of ANA (Automatic Nozzle Test Analyser), developed by People & Technology and launched at Interpack. Designed to provide a detailed, data-driven assessment of printhead condition, ANA analyses printed patterns to identify missing nozzles, droplet deviations, clustering, and other factors that impact overall print quality.

Edgar explains how the system moves beyond traditional visual checks, offering a precise “map” of printhead performance. This enables manufacturers, developers, and operators to better understand how printheads behave in real production environments, and to take a more predictive approach to maintenance and quality control.

Aliasgar provides context from the Seiko Instruments perspective, highlighting the increasing demands placed on coding and marking applications. As the industry shifts towards more complex QR codes and higher data density, even minor defects can render codes unusable, making consistent print quality critical.

The discussion also explores the realities of industrial inkjet environments, where dust, vibration, ink chemistry, and operator handling all influence performance over time. Together, these factors reinforce the need for both robust printhead design and effective maintenance strategies.

A key theme throughout is collaboration. By combining Seiko’s expertise in printhead development with People & Technology’s capabilities in diagnostics and recovery, the partnership aims to extend printhead lifespan, improve reliability, and reduce total cost of ownership for end users.

A timely and practical discussion on why measuring, maintaining, and understanding print quality is becoming just as important as achieving it in the first place.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Dr Simon Daplyn and Phil Jackman of Sun Chemical about the fast-evolving world of metal decoration, direct-to-shape printing and the growing role of inkjet in can production.

The discussion begins by defining metal decoration, including the difference between three-piece and two-piece cans, and why each presents different production and decoration challenges. Phil explains how two-piece beverage cans are now becoming an important area for direct-to-shape inkjet, while three-piece applications continue to require specific ink and chemistry solutions.

Simon and Phil explore why the market is changing now. Consumer behaviour, SKU proliferation, craft beverages, functional drinks, limited editions, regional campaigns and shorter product life cycles are all creating new pressure on packaging supply chains. Digital print enables brands to reduce minimum order quantities, avoid excess inventory, respond quickly to trends and decorate cans much closer to the point of demand.

The episode also considers sustainability. With metal packaging gaining renewed attention because of its recyclability and circular potential, digital decoration offers further benefits by reducing waste, make-ready and obsolete stock.

Finally, Phil discusses Sun Chemical’s latest developments, including UV, low-migration UV and emerging aqueous ink technologies for metal decoration. These advances are designed to support a broader range of applications, including areas where traditional UV inkjet has limitations.

A timely conversation on why metal decoration may now be entering a new phase of digital growth.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Christophe Imbert from Lubrizol about how digital printing is evolving in response to changing market conditions, and the growing role of chemistry in enabling that shift.

Drawing on nearly two decades at Lubrizol, Christophe shares a perspective that connects materials science with real-world print performance.

A central theme throughout the conversation is how global uncertainty is reshaping investment decisions across the print industry. While large capital investments are often being delayed, Christophe highlights how digital printing is continuing to gain traction as a more flexible, efficient alternative. Its ability to support shorter runs, reduce waste, and minimise energy and water consumption makes it particularly well-suited to a market that increasingly values adaptability.

Sustainability is a key driver behind this shift. As Christophe explains, industries such as textiles are moving towards digital processes not only for flexibility, but also to significantly reduce resource consumption. The conversation explores how this is accelerating the adoption of water-based ink systems and more sustainable production methods, with digital printing positioned as a long-term solution rather than a short-term trend.

The discussion also touches on regional differences, particularly the pace of change in China. Christophe notes the speed at which innovation is adopted and scaled, as well as the strong alignment between industry and long-term strategic investment. This dynamic is not only driving rapid growth in digital print, but also increasing competition, as Chinese companies become more responsive to global market requirements.

From an application perspective, textiles remain a major area of growth, with a shift from dye sublimation towards water-based pigment inks across both small-scale and industrial systems. In packaging, the conversation reflects a more cautious market, with growing interest in smaller, more flexible print solutions alongside continued development in labels.

Throughout the episode, Christophe emphasises the importance of looking beyond the hardware. Ink performance, dispersions, and the interaction between materials are critical to achieving consistent, high-quality results across different substrates and applications. As sustainability requirements increase, this level of technical understanding becomes even more important — particularly in areas such as recyclability and de-inking.

Looking ahead, the message is clear: digital printing is not just an alternative production method, but an enabler of a more flexible, sustainable, and responsive industry. As market conditions continue to evolve, those able to align technology, materials, and application needs will be best positioned to move forward.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Clay Oliff, President and CEO of Polytype America Corporation, to explore how the beverage can market is being reshaped by changing consumer behaviour, brand fragmentation, and the rise of digital direct-to-shape printing.

Once defined by high-volume, standardised production, the beverage can industry is now evolving rapidly. Consumers are demanding more variety, faster product cycles, and more personalised experiences, driving the growth of microbrands, ready-to-drink beverages, and niche segments such as canned wine and functional drinks.

Clay explains how traditional dry offset printing - built for scale and consistency - struggles to meet these new demands. In contrast, digital direct-to-shape printing enables rapid design changes, short runs, and even mass customisation, dramatically reducing time from concept to shelf.

The conversation also explores how packaging is becoming a dynamic marketing tool, with brands using cans for localised messaging, personalised campaigns, and variable data such as unique QR codes.

Sustainability is another key theme. Digital printing supports recyclability by eliminating labels and enabling direct decoration, while new ink technologies and processes continue to evolve in response to regulatory and environmental pressures.

While still in an emerging phase, digital can printing is gaining traction, particularly among agile brands experimenting with new formats and marketing strategies.

Looking ahead, Clay outlines how Polytype is investing in digital technology and positioning itself for a future where flexibility, speed, and innovation define success in the beverage packaging landscape.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Marc Graindourze from Agfa about the evolving role of inkjet in packaging printing, and how the technology is beginning to find its place in one of the most demanding areas of the print industry.

Marc outlines the ongoing challenges that continue to define packaging print — from complex substrates and high production requirements to the constant pressure on cost. While these fundamentals haven’t changed, the conversation highlights where inkjet is now gaining real traction, also for fibre-based packaging such as corrugated and folding carton.

A key theme throughout the discussion is the relationship between packaging and the end consumer. Whether on a supermarket shelf or delivered through e-commerce, packaging plays a critical role in shaping perception and influencing buying decisions. As Marc explains, this is driving a shift towards more flexible, application-led print strategies — from globally consistent branding through to more localised, targeted production.

The conversation also explores how this shift is impacting production models. Alongside high-output, centralised systems, there is growing interest in more compact, lower-investment inkjet solutions that can operate closer to the point of production. These approaches enable faster turnaround times, greater flexibility, and new opportunities for regional branding and short-run applications.

From a technical perspective, Marc emphasises the importance of starting with the business case rather than the technology itself. The success of any inkjet solution depends on how well it aligns with the application — whether that’s single-use transit packaging, high-quality branding, or functional requirements such as track and trace. In this context, utilisation becomes critical to achieving a viable total cost of ownership.

The discussion focuses in particular on single-pass inkjet systems using water-based consumables, which are increasingly seen as a strong fit for packaging applications due to their productivity, compliance with food packaging requirements, and sustainability advantages. Marc also highlights the importance of consumables within the system — including primers, inks, and varnishes — and how their interaction ultimately defines print quality, consistency, and durability.

Looking more broadly, the conversation reinforces that there is no single solution for packaging print. Instead, the modular nature of inkjet allows systems to be tailored to specific applications, from lower-cost, localised corrugated printing through to high-end, full-colour production for sectors such as FMCG, pharma, and luxury goods.

Marc’s central message is clear: success in inkjet packaging depends on collaboration. Aligning print systems, consumables, and application requirements — and continuously refining that relationship — is key to unlocking the full potential of the technology.

A practical and insightful discussion for anyone looking to understand where inkjet fits within the future of packaging printing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

You can feel how close we are to a world where your “digital agent” can take the meeting for you. The unsettling part is not the tech, it is the question it forces: what is left for humans when a bot can summarise, persuade, and perform?

Sitting face to face with Dave Erasmus, we dig into the piece that still resists automation: the messy, emergent creativity that happens when two people actually share time, pay attention, and build trust.

Dave’s story is a masterclass in interdisciplinary learning. He has ridden major technology waves, stepped away to live off-grid in the woods, built global community through online video, and now finds his purpose reshaped by his daughter Mila’s life on dialysis and her upcoming kidney removal. That personal reality grounds our conversation about AI, thought leadership, and what “good work” looks like when the future feels less predictable.

We unpack Dave’s three paradigms of knowledge: Britannica as gatekept knowledge, Wikipedia as crowdsourced knowledge, and a new AI-generated layer where machine-written pages like “Grocopedia” can end up cited as sources. From there we tackle trust, polarisation, and why we may all need a cognitive gym to protect our thinking. We also bring it back to the future of print technology, manufacturing innovation, and how “stumble-along” breakthroughs can jump fields when the right people share stories.

Subscribe, share this with someone building in tech or print, and leave a review if it sparks a new way of thinking about learning, trust, and the AI era.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Single-pass inkjet is no longer just “printing faster”, it is changing how manufacturers mark, identify and customise products on the line. We sit down with Ruud Oderkerken and Sven Bongartz from Bergstein in the Netherlands to unpack what’s driving the shift to direct-to-object digital printing as production runs fragment, labour costs rise and sustainability targets tighten.

We get specific about where industrial inkjet delivers real value: replacing labels with durable printing onto parts, adding variable data like QR codes and barcodes for traceability, and keeping output stable even when jobs change constantly. Ruud explains how a modern single-pass platform combines surface treatment, primers, colour capability and optional vision systems to protect adhesion and print quality across different substrates, while staying modular so customers can add capabilities as their needs grow.

Software becomes the through-line of the conversation. We explore why Bergstein builds key tools in-house and what its Print Manager means for the factory floor, from connecting ERP to the printer to managing workflow, multi-printer control and remote servicing. We also talk ROI with a concrete business case and preview the Digi1, a compact tabletop-style system aimed at making the jump from pad printing to digital far easier, backed by an expanding partner network across Europe and the Americas.

If you want more on industrial inkjet, single-pass digital printing and direct-to-object manufacturing workflows, subscribe, share the show with a colleague, and leave a review with your biggest question about going digital.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Stefano Rogora, Marketing Manager EMEA at INX Europe, about the evolving role of ink in a rapidly changing print and packaging landscape.

Stefano outlines three major shifts reshaping the industry: the structural move towards packaging, the growing impact of regulation - particularly in Europe - and the increasing complexity of applications. Together, these forces are driving a transition from a product-led market to a solution-led one, where technical expertise and application knowledge are more important than ever.

The conversation explores why ink is far more complex than many assume, particularly in packaging applications where performance depends on substrate, process conditions, and even the contents of the pack itself. Stefano also introduces INX’s three-stage framework - upstream, operational, and downstream - to explain how the company approaches the full lifecycle of packaging, from raw materials through to recycling.

Key themes include the role of regulation as a driver of innovation, the shift towards monomaterials and paper-based packaging, and the convergence of flexo, gravure, and digital technologies. The discussion also highlights the importance of global scale combined with local expertise, and why people and application knowledge remain critical differentiators.

Looking ahead, Stefano makes it clear: sustainability is no longer just a trend - it is the central force shaping the future of packaging and print.

A practical, insightful discussion for anyone navigating the increasing complexity of modern print production.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson welcomes back Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group, for a timely and far-reaching conversation about the structural changes reshaping print, packaging and the wider industrial economy.

Two years ago on this podcast, Dario predicted that the market was not simply going through a temporary downturn, but entering a more fundamental reset. In this follow-up discussion, he explains why he still believes that this is happening now - and why the old pre-2019 model of global stability, easy growth and predictable supply chains is not coming back.

The conversation explores the long-term macro forces behind this reset, including demographic decline, labour shortages, geopolitical fragmentation, inflation, supply chain disruption and the end of the old globalised operating model. Dario explains why these are not cyclical challenges, but structural ones, and what that means for converters and label printers trying to plan for the future.

Marcus and Dario also discuss what the most successful print businesses are doing differently, why mindset matters as much as machinery, and how technology must now be viewed not only as a productivity tool, but as a resilience tool. Key themes include modularity, smart connected printing, workflow, total cost of ownership, operational flexibility and long-term investment security.

Dario also reflects on the thinking behind Gallus’s System to Compose strategy and why modular production environments may be increasingly important in a more volatile world.

A thoughtful, realistic and ultimately optimistic conversation about what print businesses need to do now to adapt, invest and grow.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

If you’ve ever admired a huge billboard or a flawless event backdrop and wondered what it costs the planet to make it, this conversation goes straight to the uncomfortable bit the print industry often skips.  Speaking to Nova Abbott from Kavalan, the PVC-free materials brand known for “Be Clean Print Green”, one point came through clearly. The real test is not whether sustainability is mentioned at the end of a project, but whether it has shaped the thinking behind it. 

We unpack the Kavalan Green Leaders Awards and why they exist in the first place: to celebrate real-world print projects that combine creativity with delivered environmental responsibility. Nova shares what changed in year two, why clearer criteria matter, and what the judges are truly looking for, not just visual wow, but intent, execution and impact. We also dig into the new Green Spark Award and why getting students and early career creatives thinking about sustainable design at the concept stage can reshape the whole market over time. 

The discussion widens to the reality of events and short-lifespan graphics through the Clean Slate rethinking events documentary, built around a simple question: how much waste are we generating, and are we being honest about it? We also tackle common misconceptions about PVC-free banner materials, including performance, durability, cost and suitability, and where adoption is accelerating across regions. If you work in wide format print, signage, display graphics, brand marketing or event production, you’ll leave with practical ways to think about sustainable materials, measurable impact and collaboration across the supply chain. 

Clean Slate | Rethinking Events

Kavalan Green Leaders Awards

Subscribe for more Future Print Podcast conversations, share this with a colleague who needs a nudge, and leave us a review with your biggest question about sustainable printing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson reconnects with Paul Jenkins, Founder of ThePackHub, for a deep dive into the evolving world of packaging innovation.

Drawing on insights from ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone - which tracks over 11,000 packaging innovations globally - Paul outlines how sustainability has become the dominant force shaping the industry. Today, around 90% of packaging innovation is driven by environmental objectives, with three key trends leading the way: paperisation, recycling and recycled content, and material reduction.

The conversation explores how regulation is increasingly dictating innovation, shifting the role of brands from creative experimentation to compliance-led development. While this has narrowed the scope for more speculative innovation, it has also accelerated meaningful progress in sustainable packaging.

Paul also shares perspectives on emerging areas such as connected packaging, the evolving role of QR codes, and the growing importance of digital printing for localisation, short-run production, and market testing.

The episode highlights the challenges facing new material technologies, including biomaterials and refill systems, which continue to struggle with scalability and cost despite strong interest.

Looking ahead, Paul discusses the potential impact of AI, digital product passports, and regulatory shifts, while emphasising the critical role startups play in driving bold, early-stage innovation.

A thoughtful and insightful discussion on where packaging innovation is today - and where it’s heading next.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Julien Bianchi, CEO of Polytype, to explore the remarkable evolution of a company whose roots stretch back more than a century.

Originally emerging from Switzerland’s precision engineering tradition and the newspaper press industry, Polytype has transformed itself into a global leader in direct-to-shape packaging decoration. Julien explains how the pivotal founding of Polytype in 1962 marked the moment the company shifted its focus toward packaging, applying high-speed printing expertise to aluminium tubes, plastic packaging and other complex three-dimensional surfaces.

The conversation explores why Polytype deliberately chose the technically challenging path of direct-to-shape printing, and how that decision has shaped the company’s engineering philosophy and competitive advantage over decades.

Marcus and Julien also discuss how Polytype balances its long-standing expertise in dry-offset analogue printing with the growing opportunities of digital inkjet. Rather than viewing the technologies as competitors, Polytype sees them as complementary tools within a broader decoration toolbox.

The episode also delves into Polytype’s digital ecosystem strategy, including the development of its proprietary CALMAR inkjet platform, its open approach to ink supply, and the company’s partnerships with research institutions such as the iPrint Institute in Fribourg.

Finally, Julien shares insights into Polytype’s global footprint, the importance of service and long-term customer relationships, and how the company is preparing for the future through investments in automation, sustainability, and digital manufacturing.

A fascinating discussion on innovation, leadership, adaptability, engineering culture, and the evolving future of packaging decoration.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

A violent highway pileup changed how a CEO leads—and what he believes about safety, risk, and time. Marcus sits down with Javier Quesada of Kento Digital Printing to unpack how a near-fatal crash became a turning point for his leadership and why he now treats inaction as the most dangerous strategy of all. The conversation moves from personal recovery and gratitude to hard-nosed choices facing corrugated packaging: do you pause and wait out the cycle, or invest in capabilities that create speed, flexibility, and differentiation when the market tightens?

We explore why the corrugated industry’s current downturn is a cycle, not a cliff, and how long-term demand is buoyed by the shift from plastic to paper-based packaging. Javier makes a clear case for digital printing and digital converting as practical tools—shorter runs, rapid changeovers, data-driven workflows—that help plants specialise and stand out when competition is toughest. He shares how to de-risk adoption with small pilots, align teams around purpose, and turn fear into movement. Along the way, we touch on timeless wisdom from Baltasar Gracián: time is the only thing we truly own, so spend it building.

You’ll hear a grounded outlook toward 2026, a fresh take on resilience that avoids empty slogans, and concrete steps leaders can take now: map bottlenecks, integrate MIS with scheduling, tidy prepress, set clear quality gates, and invest in people. If you work in print, packaging, or manufacturing strategy, this story-driven chat will help you weigh caution against momentum and reframe uncertainty as a lever for progress.

Subscribe for more candid conversations on print technology, leadership, and the future of packaging, and share this episode with a colleague who needs a nudge toward action. Your review helps more people find the show—what’s one move you’ll make this week?

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Thousands of parts per minute, each one different. That’s the new reality for direct-to-object printing, and it changes how brands think about cost, speed, and flexibility. We sit down with Ken Stack, Executive Chairman of Engineered Printing Solutions, to unpack why single pass inkjet and smart automation have pushed DTO past the tipping point and what it actually takes to run true production on real-world objects.

Ken brings three decades across industrial inkjet, M&A, and strategy, and he explains how EPS moved from pad printing heritage to leading high-speed, direct-to-object systems. We dig into the big drivers: shrinking run lengths, soaring labour costs, and the need to print on plastics, powder-coated metals, and glass with reliable adhesion. You’ll hear what separates multi pass promotional rigs from single pass production cells, why the printer is often just 20% of the total system cost, and how picking, pre-treatment, inline inspection, and sorting deliver the ROI that CFOs want. From golf balls and helmets to beverage and pharma caps, the examples are concrete, and the numbers are blunt.

We also map the global picture. North America is charging ahead on automation and reshoring, supported by accessible capital and the pressure to localise. Asia and Latin America show strong momentum, while Europe remains more cautious despite high-value short-run needs across many languages. Ken is candid about the hard parts: training vision systems to inspect 2,000 caps per minute, handling odd geometries at micron-level accuracy, and choosing heads and inks that balance gap, viscosity, and durability. The future focus is clear—make automation cheaper and easier, expand surface compatibility, and standardise core print platforms with vertical-specific handling.

If you care about packaging agility, versioned products, or cutting setup fees and downtime from your lines, this conversation lays out a practical path. Subscribe for more deep dives, share this episode with your ops team, and leave a quick review to tell us which object you want to print next.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, we are joined by Fredric Petit and Franko Vrhovac from Emerald Technology Ventures and we discover more about investment into new print and packaging technology. 

Emerald is not a traditional fund. It operates at the intersection of venture capital and open innovation, acting as a matchmaker between startups and more than 50 global corporates seeking new technologies and solutions across industrial innovation. With over 25 years of experience and more than $1bn in assets under management and advisory, Emerald helps corporates identify promising startups - and invests when commercial traction is proven.

The conversation unpacks why packaging became a priority for investors six to seven years ago - driven by shifting waste economics, rising consumer pressure, corporate 2030 targets and tightening regulation. It also explains why printing is now emerging as a key lever for change, from sustainable marking and reduced consumables to improved uptime and fewer SKUs.

Crucially, the episode clarifies what investors look for: clear differentiation, a focused value proposition, a credible team, and evidence of market pull. Sustainability matters, but it must come with a compelling business case.

Finally, Fredric and Franko share how Emerald’s “Sprint” programmes connect corporates and startups to accelerate pilots and real-world adoption - turning interest into implementation.

A practical listen for founders, innovators, converters, brands, and anyone navigating the future of print, packaging, and industrial sustainability.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

This episode is 2 of 2 and is an interview with keynote speaker Güneri Tugcu 

Following the themes of 'When Packaging Talks Back', we ask 'Will Print Listen'?

What if the most valuable thing you print isn’t colour or coverage, but credibility? We explore how connected packaging turns labels and care tags into living product identities, and why printers who embrace this shift can move from commodity supplier to trusted strategic partner.

We dive into the rise of digital product passports in fashion and beyond, where serialized QR codes and NFC bring traceability, compliance, and authentication to the front line. That task sits squarely in print’s wheelhouse—if we evolve. We talk through the real blocker (culture, not hardware), and show how hiring for curiosity and consultative skills can complement world‑class engineering. Instead of chasing the same specs as ten competitors, bring brands a clear outcome: compliance readiness, anti‑counterfeit protection, first‑party data, and consumer engagement powered by the codes you print.

Compensation models often sink good ideas, so we unpack how capital‑equipment sales incentives clash with recurring software and analytics. The answer isn’t a full rebuild. Start small with a blended pilot team—press veterans, product thinkers, and sustainability voices—tasked to run workshops, shape simple offers, and co‑sell with marketing, legal, and procurement in the room. We share practical steps to reposition as a partner: frame connected packaging as the foundation of data, trust, and long‑term brand value; measure learning speed, not just revenue; and invite diverse minds to pressure‑test solutions before they hit the line.

By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to stand out in tenders on more than price, earn a seat at higher‑level conversations, and future‑proof your business as regulations tighten and buyers demand richer product experiences. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with your team, and leave a review telling us the first pilot you’ll run.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

This episode is 1 of 2. 'When Packaging Talks Back' is followed directly after for episode 2 by 'When Packaging Talks Back: Will Print Listen'?

Packaging used to be a dead end for brand relationships. Now it’s becoming the front door. We sit down with keynote speaker Güneri Tugcu in the first of a 2 part podcast, to unpack how connected packaging turns every product into a digital touchpoint that delivers utility, trust and measurable outcomes long after checkout. From post‑COVID shifts in shopper behaviour to the rise of QR‑powered journeys, we get practical on what scales, what fails and how to build value that keeps customers scanning.

We dig into the standards making this real: GS1 Digital Link and Project Sunrise 2027, which aim to replace the traditional barcode with a single “master code” that serves retailers and consumers alike. That change unlocks Digital Product Passports, granular traceability, anti‑counterfeit checks that feel like service rather than suspicion, and dynamic content shaped by context. Gunnary shares hard‑won lessons from SGK, Digimarc and Amazon, showing how convenience, not copy, sets expectations—and why serialisation and identity are now the backbone of loyalty, warranty, resale and recycling.

The conversation also tackles ownership and design. Retailers still control the aisle, but brands can earn parallel, permission‑based relationships by respecting privacy, offering clear benefits and making tasks effortless—think instant warranty registration instead of hunting for old receipts. In textiles and fashion, looming regulations will force item‑level IDs across the board, pushing converters, brands, platforms and retailers to orchestrate together. The dividing line ahead is clear: campaign thinking that spikes and fades versus infrastructure thinking that compounds insight and lifetime value.

Ready to turn print into a persistent, digital channel? Listen now, share with a colleague who needs to hear it, and subscribe for future conversations. If this helped you rethink packaging, leave a quick review—it helps more people discover the show.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

What if a single set of shared principles could align printers, brands, material suppliers, and recyclers on a faster path to low‑carbon, circular print? We sit with HP’s Carlos Lahoz to map a practical route from belief to measurable change, grounded in a nine‑principle Sustainable Print Manifesto that is already reshaping how companies brief suppliers, plan R&D, and report progress.

Carlos explains why the industry needed a common language instead of another compliance badge, and how principles create clarity without constraining innovation across publishing, large format, labels, and packaging. We break down what “sustainable print” actually means to different stakeholders—consumers seeking recyclability, brands asking for compostability, suppliers focused on certified fibre—and why carbon footprint and circularity must sit at the core. Then we move into phase two, where smaller working groups turn the manifesto into playbooks: decision guides for material choices, data fields for job‑level carbon accounting, and workflow tweaks that slash waste while protecting throughput and quality.

You’ll hear how collaboration between nominal competitors can lower costs for better materials, standardise measurement, and bring carbon transparency into prepress and MIS. We talk about scaling pledges to build momentum, the value of using the principles in RFPs and customer conversations, and early adopters who already frame corporate reporting around the manifesto. The aim is simple and bold: decarbonise print and improve circularity without sacrificing margins, using shared tools, shared data, and shared ambition.

Ready to help set the standard for sustainable print? Read the principles at Manifesto for Sustainable Print, sign the pledge, share it with your network, and if you have deep expertise—from fibre science to recycling logistics—join a working group to shape the next wave of practical guidance. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us which principle you want to action first.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Nova Abbott, Claire Goodchild, and Sarah Goodchild – the creators of the documentary Clean Slate: Rethinking Events.

Drawing on decades of experience across global exhibitions, brand events, and live experiences, the trio explore a hard truth about the events industry: while events are temporary by design, their environmental impact is anything but.

The conversation unpacks how time pressure, habit, and “last-minute thinking” drive unnecessary waste - particularly in areas like graphics, signage, carpets, and event builds. The film features some eye-opening research tracking what actually happens to event waste after breakdown, revealing that even “recyclable” materials often end up incinerated or in landfill. Together they reflect on the professional and personal tension of learning about the environmental impact of events, while continuing to working inside a fast-moving, dynamic and creative industry.

Crucially, this is not a preachy sustainability discussion. The film, and this conversation, focuses on systems, not blame. The creators explain why real change starts at the very beginning of the event planning process, and why sustainability only becomes expensive when it is treated as an afterthought.

From the importance of the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) to building confidence to challenge “business as usual”, this episode is a thoughtful, practical call to rethink how events are designed, delivered, and dismantled.

A must-listen for anyone involved in events, exhibitions, marketing, or live experiences – and anyone who attends them.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this FuturePrint Podcast episode of 2026, Marcus Timson is joined by Dr Simon Daplyn, Product and Marketing Manager at Sun Chemical, to take stock of where industrial inkjet is heading - and why the next phase is less about “print” and more about manufacturing outcomes.

Simon reflects on 2025 as a year where momentum began to translate into implementation, particularly in packaging, with renewed interest in hybrid approaches that combine digital inkjet with analogue techniques (especially flexo) to hit the metrics that matter: speed, reliability, and commercial viability. But the bigger story, he argues, is inkjet’s expanding footprint beyond familiar territory - from direct-to-shape and metal decoration to functional deposition in emerging industrial markets.

The conversation rewinds to the early InPrint years, when integrators and component specialists helped manufacturers explore what might be possible. Fast forward a decade and the shift is clear: the ecosystem - printheads, software, robotics, ink delivery, and materials science - has matured into tangible, production-ready solutions.

Simon also challenges a persistent mistake: trying to replicate analogue workflows with digital. Inkjet’s advantage is not simply cost-per-litre or a like-for-like replacement of gravure, flexo or screen. It is agility, reduced waste, inventory efficiency, faster time-to-market, and the ability to deposit expensive functional materials only where they are needed.

With FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich as the backdrop, Simon outlines why 2026 could be a breakout year for direct-to-shape, metal, flexible packaging, and new industrial applications - powered by collaboration across a growing ecosystem of specialists.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Oliver Beck of Thieme, one of Germany’s most established family-owned manufacturers of high-end industrial screen and digital printing systems. Based in the Black Forest region, Thieme has long been recognised for its deep engineering expertise and close collaboration with industrial customers.

Oliver explains why Thieme has re-engaged strongly with digital printing – not as a general-purpose solution, but as a highly targeted tool for demanding industrial applications. He outlines the company’s three core digital pillars: a specialist digital coin-printing system with automatic alignment for high-value collector coins; modular digital print engines designed to be integrated directly into existing production lines; and fully bespoke digital printers built for 24/7 industrial operation with up to 95% machine availability.

The discussion highlights Thieme’s process-led approach. Rather than starting with a predefined machine, projects begin with customer requirements – from ink chemistry and printhead selection to single-pass or multi-pass architecture – often progressing through prototype development before full-scale production. Real-world examples include inline digital printing on saw guide bars and saw blades, operating at industrial speeds and volumes, as well as applications ranging from metal components to glass and functional coatings.

Oliver also explains why Thieme chose to support the new FuturePrint Industrial Print event in Munich, drawing parallels with the original InPrint show and praising the focused, single-hall format and strong technical conference programme.

This episode offers a clear, grounded view of where industrial digital print delivers real value today – not as a replacement for analogue, but as a precisely engineered solution for advanced manufacturing challenges.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Franziska Valerie Hagenauer, founder of FVH Lab, a nature-inspired design specialist working at the intersection of biomimicry, AI, computational design and digital fabrication. Franziska will be speaking at the forthcoming FuturePrint AI for Industrial Print Conference, Jan 22, which is a part of FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich 21-22 January. 

Franziska explains how she helps sustainable technology innovators translate complex technical advantages into intuitive, emotionally resonant physical demonstrators. Rather than relying on data sheets and specifications alone, her work uses forms inspired by nature to communicate performance, efficiency and sustainability in a way that is instantly understood.

The conversation explores the role of biomimicry as both a design and storytelling tool. Natural structures are universally recognisable, emotionally engaging and effective at differentiating technologies on crowded trade show floors. Franziska outlines her process, starting with a discovery workshop to identify key technical strengths, followed by research into biological analogues that visually express those attributes.

AI plays a critical role in this workflow, particularly in the early concept phase. Franziska describes how AI tools accelerate research, support idea generation and help visualise concepts through high-quality renderings that combine sketches with natural patterns. Computational design and parametric modelling then allow these concepts to be translated into producible 3D forms.

Importantly, Franziska challenges the idea that AI simply needs more data. Instead, she emphasises the importance of high-quality, reliable input and human creativity. Looking ahead, she shares her perspective on how AI, when combined with nature-inspired thinking, could help industry address sustainability challenges rather than simply optimise efficiency.

This episode offers a refreshing and thought-provoking perspective on how AI and biomimicry can reshape industrial design, manufacturing communication and sustainable innovation.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson catches up with Joanna Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing, to explore how packaging, consumers and print are changing – fast.

With nearly 30 years’ experience across Dow Chemical, Sun Chemical, LINPAC and now her own specialist agency, Joanna shares a rare, 360-degree view of the packaging value chain – from R&D and compliance to brand strategy and marketing execution.

Joanna explains why:

• Marketing must be treated as a growth engine, not a cost line
• Sustainability has moved far beyond “trend” status and is now a licence to operate
• New regulations (EPR, PPWR, Scope 3) will radically change what brands demand from their suppliers
• Generational shifts – from Gen X to Millennials and Gen Alpha – are reshaping how and what people buy
• Connected packaging and GS1’s move to QR codes create huge opportunities for printers as enablers of digital experiences
• AI and continuous learning will separate strategic partners from commodity providers

If you’re a printer, converter, supplier or brand-side packaging leader trying to make sense of sustainability, regulation, connected packaging and AI – and what they really mean for your business – this conversation with Jo is packed with insight, challenge and practical direction.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this FuturePrint Podcast episode, we speak with Rainer Stricker (WeldTone) and Mikael Boedler (Inkatronic) about a fast-emerging application for industrial inkjet: UV insulation coatings for EV battery and electronics components.

Rainer explains Weldtone’s background in functional adhesives and insulation coatings, and why the next generation of EV architectures (including cell-to-pack and cell-to-chassis) is increasing the performance requirements placed on insulation layers - especially as insulation must coexist with high-strength structural bonding processes.

Mikael shares how Inkatronic’s application centre model - combining in-house engineering, CNC capability, automation and PLC programming - enables rapid iteration and upscaling trials. Together, Weldtone and Inkatronic are developing inkjet-based insulation processes that deliver selective deposition, tight thickness control, and fast UV curing.

The discussion compares inkjet with traditional insulation approaches such as PET film wrapping, powder coating, and spray coating. Inkjet’s key advantage is its digital selectivity: coating only where needed, reducing waste and post-processing, and enabling reliable insulation on more complex 3D-shaped parts (connectors, housings, cooling elements), not just flat surfaces or simple geometries.

Both guests also address adoption dynamics: mass production is already underway in China for certain applications, while Europe is in a rapid evaluation phase - with the main bottleneck being access to validated demonstration equipment for sample generation, qualification, and process-window development.

Rainer and Mikael will present and demonstrate the process at FuturePrint Industrial Print, Motorworld Munich, 21-22 January, including live printing and curing on representative 3D customer parts.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Alexander Hinterkopf, Managing Director of Hinterkopf, one of the world’s leading suppliers of printing and forming technologies for cylindrical packaging.

Founded in 1962 and based near Stuttgart, Hinterkopf has built its reputation at the intersection of printing and container manufacturing - supplying systems for aluminium tubes, plastic squeeze tubes, and monoblock aerosol containers used across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and consumer goods.

In the conversation, Hinterkopf explains how a period of disruption following the 2008 financial crisis became the catalyst for the company’s move into digital inkjet. What began as an attempt to replace analogue offset printing evolved into something more powerful: digital post-decoration - printing finished containers on demand, at the very end of the manufacturing process.

We explore why printing on the round is technically challenging, how Hinterkopf solved registration and precision issues, and why variable data and late-stage customisation are inherent strengths of digital inkjet in cylindrical packaging.

The discussion also looks at who is driving adoption. Rather than large incumbents, early growth has come from entrepreneurial service providers and startups, particularly in the US, offering brands speed, flexibility, and short-run capability that traditional workflows cannot match.

Sustainability is another key theme - not as marketing rhetoric, but as manufacturing efficiency. Reduced waste, elimination of labels, and support for monomaterial packaging all position digital post-decoration as a practical response to regulatory and environmental pressures.

Finally, Hinterkopf shares his view on where the market is heading, and why digital inkjet is becoming a permanent, complementary force in industrial packaging.

Alexander Hinterkopf will be speaking at FuturePrint Industrial Print, 21-22 January in Munich.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we explore an exciting new collaboration reshaping the future of industrial inkjet. Fabio Tallarico of Seiko Instruments GmbH and Jan Janhsen of Fraunhofer IPA join us to discuss how their organisations are working together to advance functional printing, high-viscosity jetting, and inkjet-based manufacturing.

Following the closure of Seiko’s in-house lab, the company sought a new approach to R&D — one that could provide scientific depth, hands-on experimentation, and access to advanced facilities. Fraunhofer IPA, one of Europe’s leading applied research institutes, became the ideal partner.

Together, the teams now collaborate on:

• waveform development and drop analysis
• print testing across varied substrates and ink types
• evaluating high-viscosity, conductive, UV, and water-based inks
• exploring jetting limits and application-specific performance
• investigating new functional applications including adhesives, coatings, and 3D structures

For Fraunhofer, the partnership ensures its research remains grounded in real industrial challenges. For Seiko, it broadens access to cutting-edge measurement tools, material expertise, and scientific knowledge — accelerating development of the next-generation RC2560 printhead.

The conversation also highlights wider trends shaping industrial inkjet:
 the shift toward sustainable materials, increasing demand for functional layers, advances in additive manufacturing, and the future potential of AI in waveform optimisation and process control.

This collaboration demonstrates how innovation grows faster when companies work together — sharing knowledge, testing boundaries, and combining scientific insight with practical engineering.

A must-listen for anyone interested in industrial inkjet, functional printing, advanced manufacturing, or collaborative R&D.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, Marcus Timson is joined by Nathan Safran, Vice President of Research at PRINTING United Alliance, for an in-depth exploration of the biggest forces reshaping the global print industry.

Safran shares findings from the Alliance’s latest research—covering AI adoption, automation, convergence, economic signals, and where PSPs are creating new value.

Key Themes Discussed:

• AI moves mainstream:
  85% of PSPs now view AI as critical to competitiveness, with 83% saying it opens new business opportunities—not just productivity gains.
• Real-world AI applications:
  From generative design and marketing personalisation to advanced forecasting, quality inspection, and in-house software development, PSPs are adopting AI at a pace not seen before.
• The importance of data:
  AI success depends on clean, structured, reliable data. PSPs must put their “data house in order” to unlock higher-value use cases.
• Automation + AI:
  A powerful combination that is reshaping prepress, production, onboarding, and back-office functions across sales, finance, and operations.
• Convergence as a structural trend:
  Commercial into wide format, wide format into labels or packaging, and a broader shift toward multi-segment capability as buyers choose vendors who can do more.
• Growth opportunities for 2026:
  Strategic diversification, AI-led transformation, and offering adjacent digital services such as design, data management, and campaign execution.

Safran emphasises that print companies are increasingly transforming into technology-enabled service providers, and that PSPs who embrace both data and AI will have significant competitive advantage.

A fascinating, forward-looking conversation packed with insight for anyone in print, manufacturing, or related markets.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, host Frazer Chesterman speaks with Victor Perraudin, Research and Development Engineer at Ardeje Printing, a specialist developer of industrial drop-on-demand inkjet systems.

Founded in 1997, Ardeje Printing has grown alongside the digital printing revolution, focusing not on graphics but on bespoke industrial inkjet solutions where print performs a functional role. Perraudin explains how Ardeje works at the intersection of materials science, fluid dynamics and system integration, supporting customers with applications that go far beyond flat substrates and conventional inks.

The conversation explores Ardeje’s Origin D100 R&D platform, designed to bridge the gap between laboratory experimentation and production deployment. Using this system, Ardeje supports applications ranging from silver inks for printed electronics, antennas and conductive tracks, to carbon nanotube sensors, quantum dot deposition and sol-gel printing.

Perraudin discusses growing interest from sectors such as photovoltaics, batteries, EV technologies, medical devices and construction, where inkjet is increasingly seen as a precise, low-waste method for functional material deposition. He also highlights the challenges shaping the next phase of industrial inkjet, including printing on complex 3D geometries, REACH-driven reformulation of UV inks, and demand for high-viscosity, non-conventional fluids.

Looking ahead, Perraudin outlines a future where drop-on-demand inkjet evolves from decoration to integrated functional manufacturing, supported by smarter data-driven processes and deeper collaboration across the inkjet ecosystem.

Ardeje will be presenting at FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich, where functional inkjet applications will be firmly in the spotlight.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode we dive into one of the most significant – yet often misunderstood – transformations underway in global retail and packaging: the shift from traditional barcodes to next-generation QR codes powered by GS1. Our guest, Camilla Young, leads this programme for GS1 UK and has rapidly become one of the most compelling voices in the space.

With a commercial background spanning major CPG brands such as Pernod Ricard, BIC, Hasbro and Johnson & Johnson, Camilla brings a rare blend of brand insight, consumer understanding, and technical clarity to a topic that is reshaping how products are made, sold, tracked, understood, and recycled.

We explore:

• What GS1 actually does and why global standards underpin the entire retail and supply chain ecosystem.
• The forces driving change: consumer expectations, sustainability pressure, EU regulations, digital shopping, and AI.
• The difference between ordinary QR codes and GS1 Digital Link QR codes – and why next-generation barcodes can now scan at POS.
• The vast potential for connected packaging, from traceability and recalls to accessibility, authentication, and first-party consumer engagement.
• Why printers, converters, and packaging suppliers have a critical role in ensuring print quality, verification, and correct implementation.
• How this shift will enable digital product passports, carbon transparency, circularity, and smarter supply chains.

Camilla shares clear, practical explanations that demystify what is coming – and why the print and packaging sector should be fully informed and preparing now.

For more information:
 GS1 UK – gs1uk.org
Global GS1 – gs1.org

Follow Camilla on LinkedIn for updates, case studies, and live examples of next-generation barcodes being deployed around the world.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Jim Raymont, Director of Sales at EIT 2.0, and PK Swain, Chief Operating Officer, to explore the critical role UV measurement plays in modern industrial inkjet manufacturing. As EIT 2.0 prepares to exhibit at FuturePrint Industrial Print Munich, the conversation goes deep into the practical realities of curing, process control and efficiency on the production floor.

Jim explains how EIT 2.0, formed in 2022 as a specialist offshoot of the original EIT, builds on nearly four decades of UV measurement expertise. PK brings additional perspective from senior leadership roles at major UV source manufacturers, offering insight into both the technology and business impact of getting curing right - or wrong.

Together, they highlight a recurring challenge across the industry: when curing problems arise, finger-pointing often replaces diagnostics. EIT’s instruments act as a neutral communication tool, helping source suppliers, formulators and end users establish clear process windows and quickly identify issues before scrap, downtime and cost escalate.

The discussion also tackles common misconceptions around UV LED curing. While LEDs are stable and energy efficient, they still degrade over time and are vulnerable to real-world production variables - contamination, speed changes and incorrect settings. Measuring UV output is the only way to maintain control.

The episode closes with a look at sustainability, LED adoption and why UV measurement should start at process development - not when problems occur. A must-listen for anyone serious about industrial print performance.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Ed sits down with Anna Tobler, CEO of Ergosoft, ahead of her participation at the FuturePrint AI for Industrial Print Conference in Munich this January. Anna shares her journey from a career in IT and financial services to leading one of the print industry’s most respected software companies, known globally for its RIP technology across textile, décor, large format and industrial printing.

Anna outlines the shifting dynamics shaping today’s print environment – from shorter runs and rising quality expectations to increasing workflow complexity and the pressure on operators to “know everything.” With hardware becoming faster, more stable and more capable, she argues that workflow, automation and software intelligence are now the real differentiators. The conversation highlights how smart job preparation, bottleneck elimination and AI-enhanced decision-making can significantly boost productivity and reduce errors.

A major focus of the episode is Ergosoft’s development of Casey, the company’s AI agent designed to deliver instant, 24/7 multilingual support. Anna explains how Casey was trained on Ergosoft’s expert knowledge base and continuously evolves with every update, giving customers immediate access to guidance, troubleshooting and best practices. She also shares some of the surprising and amusing lessons learned while fine-tuning Casey’s behaviour – including the need to stop it from offering cooking recipes or praising competitors a little too enthusiastically.

Looking ahead, Anna discusses the accelerating pace of technological change, the growing importance of intuitive front-end experiences powered by complex back-end logic, and the challenge of using AI to empower rather than overwhelm users. It’s an insightful conversation full of practical perspective on the future of workflow, software and AI in print.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Dr Peter Brown, Chief Commercial Officer, and Jamie Jeffs, Director of Industrial Instrumentation at 42 Technology – a UK Cambridge-based consultancy that bridges bleeding edge technology and real-world manufacturing.

Together, they demystify what AI really means for industrial print and packaging, with a particular focus on edge AI: running intelligent models directly on or near machines rather than in distant data centres. Jamie explains how advances in edge silicon and neural processing units now allow complex tasks such as machine vision, anomaly detection and even small language models to run locally – delivering faster response, improved cyber security and more control over sensitive production data.

Peter brings a physicist’s pragmatism to the AI hype cycle. He argues that every project should start with a simple question – “What problem are we trying to solve?” – and a hard look at the underlying data. In many factories, institutional knowledge, paper records and patchy logging still dominate. Before any AI can add value, sensing, data capture and basic analytics must be put on a solid footing.

The discussion ranges from practical use cases – predictive maintenance, stabilising complex print processes, smarter vision systems – to the strategic threat of global competition. Both guests stress that AI is unlikely to remove humans from the loop; instead, it will augment operators, capture expertise and help mid-sized businesses compete with better-resourced rivals.

If you’re curious about how to start an AI journey in print without being overwhelmed by the hype, this episode offers a clear, sober and encouraging guide.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this FuturePrint Podcast episode, host Marcus Timson reconnects with long-time partner and industry voice Marc Graindourze of Agfa to explore where industrial inkjet really is in late 2025 – and what comes next.

Graindourze starts by defining industrial print in simple, concrete terms: print that becomes part of the product, not just a label or message. Using décor laminates as a benchmark, he explains how inkjet has successfully replaced gravure by slotting into existing impregnation and pressing lines without forcing manufacturers to re-engineer their plants.

The conversation ranges across Agfa’s core focus areas – décor, packaging and direct-to-product printing – and highlights how the economics of digital have quietly improved. Lower ink consumption, faster changeovers and better process understanding mean that, on a total cost-per-square-metre basis, inkjet can now undercut analogue in many decorative applications. Examples include high-speed preprint corrugated with unique QR codes for e-commerce and edge banding for furniture.

Timson and Graindourze also preview the new FuturePrint Industrial Print event at Motorworld Munich (21–22 January 2026). Designed as a focused, hybrid alternative to traditional trade shows, the event aims to connect the specialist inkjet ecosystem – inks, printheads, integrators, software and automation suppliers – with decision-makers in automotive, med-tech, consumer electronics and other manufacturing sectors. A dedicated day on AI for industrial print will sit alongside exhibits, talks and live application “workshop” spaces.

Throughout, Graindourze stresses that success in industrial inkjet depends on collaboration and clarity. General-purpose UV and water-based ink sets can often be adapted for new applications, but only when industrial partners are explicit about their requirements and prepared to rethink workflows to exploit digital’s strengths.

For anyone interested in how inkjet is reshaping advanced manufacturing – and why Munich could mark an important inflection point – this is an episode not to miss.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we welcome back Nils Gottfried — FuturePrint Partner, Ambassador and Sales Manager at BHS Corrugated. With more than 30 years of experience across offset, gravure, colour management, wide format and industrial inkjet, Nils offers a uniquely broad perspective on the transformation of industrial printing.

Nils shares his career journey from early offset printing to pivotal roles at GMG Color and Fujifilm before joining BHS Corrugated to help drive the development and global rollout of the Jetliner single-pass inkjet platform. He discusses the major technical shifts that have enabled inkjet to reach true industrial speeds, and he emphasises the equally important human transformation required for converters to embrace digital.

The conversation explores the realities of corrugated printing — from substrate variation and legislative pressure (PPWR) to automation, skills shortages and the sustainability advantages of digital preprint. Nils explains why brands will increasingly drive adoption and why corrugated, despite its conservative reputation, is ripe for innovation.

We also look ahead to the next five years of industrial print and what Niels believes will be a significant acceleration in digital adoption.

A must-listen for anyone interested in industrial inkjet, corrugated packaging or the future of digital manufacturing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this FuturePrint Podcast episode, Marcus Timson is joined once again by Amir Raziel, Head of Strategy at HP Industrial Print, for a wide-ranging conversation about where print is really heading as we move into 2026.

Drawing on almost 20 years at HP across operations, sales, product marketing and strategy, Amir revisits his well-known framework of five key transitions – from AI-driven automation and resilient supply chains through to sustainable production, experiences and services – and explains how each of them has accelerated over the last 12 months.

He unpacks the reality of “printflation” in 2025: rising ink and paper costs, multiple price increases, cautious capital spending and slow delivery of some post-drupa promises. At the same time, research from firms like Keypoint Intelligence shows sustainability rocketing to the number-two concern for PSPs and converters, with regulation turning ESG from a marketing angle into a business imperative.

The discussion also tackles:

• How AI, workflow automation and software are shifting value away from raw hardware
• Why energy consumption and data-centre growth could soon constrain press investments
• The rise of Chinese vendors in labels and packaging – and how established players must respond
• Why trust, service and transparency are becoming critical differentiators

Amir shares practical advice for PSPs and converters on unlocking value today – from better conversations with brand customers to “non-stop digital print” and quick wins hiding in existing workflows. He closes with three strategic questions every print business should ask as it prepares for 2026.

If you’re leading a print or packaging operation and want a clear, strategic view of what’s coming next – and how to prepare – this is essential listening.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Printing clean, durable artwork on the edges of a finished book sounds like magic—until you see how the right heads, inks, and control systems make it routine. We sit down with Martin Letzner and Thomas Amrein of Matti Technology to unpack how their single pass, head-agnostic approach delivers vibrant colour on three edges at up to 4,000 books per hour, straight to pallet with no smearing. The secret? High-viscosity inks that resist capillary wicking, higher pigment loads for pop, and smart transport with cameras and real-time warping to handle imperfect spines and shifting pressure in stacked books.

We walk through the journey from lab tests to turnkey machines built to slot into existing pre- and post-press lines. Thomas explains how close collaboration with ink manufacturers leads to tailored formulations that run dryer-free, while Martin highlights the operator-friendly design: traffic-light machine health, on-the-fly adjustments, and simple, one-button operation that cuts labour costs. Shorter runs are driving the roadmap toward automated format changes and, ultimately, true book-of-one capability—where every book can vary in size and edge artwork without stopping the line.

The conversation stretches beyond books. The same principles apply to products with book-like proportions—think cigar boxes, folding cartons, and flooring packs—where edge graphics and codes can unlock new branding and security options. With extended gamut on the horizon and more ink channels in development, Maty is pushing colour and consistency while keeping energy use in check by avoiding heavy drying. It’s a clear picture of how Swiss engineering turns a tricky, manual niche into a scalable competitive advantage for printers, finishers, and packaging converters.

Enjoyed the conversation and want more like this? Subscribe, share with a colleague who loves print innovation, and leave a review telling us where you’d use edge printing next.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, FuturePrint’s Elena Knight speaks with Geert De Proost, Director of Market Intelligence & Product Partnerships at Esko, about the accelerating drive toward digital, data-led and low-waste packaging workflows — and why sustainability is now a compliance essential rather than a voluntary goal.

Geert explains Esko’s role across the packaging value chain, supporting brands, pre-media and converters with tools for structural design, colour, pre-press, palletisation, workflow automation and business process management. Their mission: drastically accelerate packaging development while reducing waste, carbon impact and complexity.

A major theme of the discussion is the regulatory shift reshaping packaging. With EPR, the EU’s PPWR and emerging global sustainability rules, brands now face direct financial consequences if packaging isn’t designed and documented correctly. That pressure is driving a need for accurate, structured digital data — something Esko’s cloud platform is built to enable.

Geert also breaks down the three Manifesto principles most aligned with Esko’s work: optimised design for purpose, improved print efficiency, and leading with data and transparency. He reveals how combining structural and palletisation intelligence avoids “shipping air”; how colour and planning tools reduce makeready waste; and why digital data is the industry’s most urgent blind spot.

The episode also explores cultural change, the evolution of the packaging ecosystem, and where the biggest sustainability wins can be achieved today — especially in conventional printing, where simple workflow improvements can significantly lower waste.

Esko joined the Sustainable Print Manifesto to help drive cross-industry collaboration, and Geert shares his vision of a future where Esko acts as the data backbone connecting brands, converters, printers and recyclers.

A must-listen for anyone involved in packaging, print workflows, sustainability or supply chain transformation.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, FuturePrint speaks with Mark Boyt, one of the print industry’s most experienced and respected analysts, now Principal Analyst at Keypoint Intelligence. With more than four decades in print across 3M, Xerox and now Keypoint, Mark brings a unique, long-view perspective on how technology, culture and economics shape the sector’s evolution.

Mark discusses the slow but accelerating adoption of automation within print, revealing new research showing that nearly half of printers have not yet begun their automation journey. He explores why: the industry’s inherently conservative mindset, caution around investment, and the complexity of integrating disparate workflows.

A major theme of the conversation is robotics — where Mark believes print is significantly behind other industries, yet exceptionally well-positioned to benefit. He explains why robots are ideal for lifting, transporting and repetitive handling tasks that continue to pressure today’s production floors. He also addresses common misconceptions, such as fears around job loss, noting instead the potential to relieve labour shortages and free staff for higher-value work.

Mark also highlights the escalating role of AI as the “turbocharger” for automation, connecting workflow islands, optimising scheduling, and enabling more predictive and intelligent production.

The discussion ultimately presents a compelling vision of the near future: highly automated, AI-orchestrated production environments where robotics integrates seamlessly into print workflows. Mark shares clear, practical advice for printers on how to begin that journey, the importance of strategic planning, and why events like FuturePrint Industrial Print Munich offer essential opportunities to learn, see technologies firsthand, and build the roadmap for the next phase of print innovation.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman is joined by Luca Rovacchi, Innovation Business Development Manager at Habasit, part of the wider Moovimenta Group. Luca shares the story behind one of the most intriguing new technologies to enter the digital print ecosystem – the Habasit Smart Printing Belt, an innovation that could fundamentally shift what precision means in industrial inkjet.

Luca begins by explaining Moovimenta’s mission – smarter, safer, more sustainable – and how its corporate accelerator works across the group to identify, develop, and scale breakthrough technologies. That innovation pathway led directly to the Smart Printing Belt, an evolution built on Habasit’s decades of leadership in belting, from synthetic belts in the 80s to Kevlar-reinforced constructions in the 90s.

The real leap, as Luca explains, comes from integrating a magnetic scale and sensor array directly inside the belt, enabling direct, real-time positional measurement with an astonishing accuracy of ±10 microns. This level of sub-pixel precision dramatically reduces banding, colour shifts, and registration errors, while improving uptime, yield, and consistency across long or repeat production runs.

Luca also discusses how the system requires no machine redesign, can be retrofitted, and is compatible with existing heat-press joining methods – opening the door for integration across textiles, corrugated, décor, ceramics, packaging films, metal packaging and more.

This is a rare genuine step-change in transport technology for digital printing – and one you’ll want to understand.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, host Ed speaks with Ulrich Buckenlei, founder of Munich-based Visoric, about how gaming technology, AI and XR are transforming industrial training and manufacturing.

Ulrich explains how his background in military helicopter simulators led to Visoric’s core mission: taking real-time 3D game engines and using them to build photorealistic “serious” simulations of machines, workflows and factories. These digital twins let operators and engineers train, experiment and make mistakes safely – long before they touch a real line.

He shares how Visoric works across screens, tablets, browsers and mixed-reality headsets, and how AI now sits alongside these tools – not as a replacement for experts, but as a power tool that speeds up design, content creation and data processing.

Ulrich gives a behind-the-scenes look at a project with Siemens Power Academy, where browser-based 3D learning environments – and future AI “virtual experts” – are reshaping how technical knowledge is delivered globally.

The conversation also touches on generative design in automotive, the link to industrial print and surface decoration, and why leaders should approach AI with curiosity rather than fear.

A must-listen for anyone interested in AI, XR, industrial print and the future of advanced manufacturing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, Marcus sits down with Bas Buser, one of the most respected voices in plasma surface treatment and global printing applications, to explore why plasma has become a critical enabler for industrial inkjet.

Bas explains the remarkable story behind Plasmatreat, founded over 30 years ago when Christian Buske pioneered Openair-Plasma, allowing plasma activation outside of vacuum chambers and directly inline with production systems. Today Plasmatreat operates worldwide, supporting automotive, electronics, medical, packaging, and now fast-growing areas of industrial print.

Listeners will discover why plasma treatment is now essential for UV and inkjet adhesion: increasing surface energy, cleaning contamination, introducing chemical functionality, and enabling inks to bond to plastics, metals, glass, and recycled materials. Bas shares real-world examples from automotive (50–70 plasma applications per vehicle), packaging (printing QR codes on varnished surfaces), electronics (conductive inks), and medical devices.

The conversation also uncovers plasma’s role in sustainability — from eliminating solvent-based primers and reducing oven energy use to increasing material choices, lowering ink consumption and minimising rejects.

Bas emphasises the importance of collaboration across printheads, inks, integrators, OEMs and converters. He previews Plasmatreat’s involvement at FuturePrint Industrial Print Munich, where the team will demo live plasma treatments and invite visitors to test their own substrates.

Whether you work in inkjet development, printing, coating, converting or advanced manufacturing, this episode offers a rare level of clarity on one of the most important enabling technologies in modern industrial print.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Martin Burns, Business Development Manager for Nazdar’s OEM Ink division, about how the company is driving innovation across the fast-evolving world of industrial inkjet.

While many in the industry know Nazdar for its global ink portfolio, the OEM division operates differently—functioning as a specialist R&D partner for equipment manufacturers, integrators and emerging industrial innovators. Martin explains how his team acts as an extension of partners’ technical groups, providing chemistry expertise, printhead insight and application knowledge that most OEMs cannot resource internally. This collaborative model accelerates development and supports more reliable and more capable inkjet systems.

A major theme of the conversation is Nazdar’s ultra-high-viscosity inkjet technology, capable of jetting at up to 100 cP. This opens a much wider formulation space, enabling new levels of stability, opacity, adhesion and performance. Martin outlines its impact across several sectors: textiles, where higher-density whites improve hand-feel and wash resistance; corrugated packaging, where better optical density can be achieved even on uncoated substrates; and coding and marking, where high-speed barcodes and QR codes benefit from sharper definition.

Water-based development remains central to Nazdar’s strategy, particularly for markets where regulatory and environmental pressures demand safer, lower-impact inks. Martin describes how Nazdar is helping OEMs overcome challenges around drying, energy consumption and substrate performance.

Finally, Martin previews Nazdar’s participation at FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich, where senior members of the OEM team—including R&D chemists—will be on site for in-depth technical discussions. Rather than a traditional sales booth, the aim is to enable meaningful collaboration and accelerate the next wave of inkjet innovation.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined once again by Rob Karsten, who leads the print business for Excelitas in Europe. Rob has been a long-standing advocate of LED curing in print, and since the acquisition of Phoseon his remit has expanded to cover the full Excelitas portfolio: UV, IR, excimer and LED technologies.

The conversation sets the scene for Rob’s upcoming talk at FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich, where he will explore how AI and sustainability can work together to transform packaging and industrial print.

Rob explains how the move from traditional mercury UV systems to digital LED curing is not only reducing energy consumption, but also generating richer process data. That data, in turn, is the fuel for AI-driven improvements in yield, scrap reduction and process stability. Sustainability, he argues, is no longer just about energy labels - it is about running smarter, more efficient factories end to end.

He outlines the key domains where AI can make a tangible difference today, from material optimisation and packaging design through to predictive maintenance, smart energy use, logistics and inventory management. Rob also talks about the importance of prioritising: not all AI projects are equal, and businesses need to start where return on investment and environmental benefit are easiest to see and measure.

Crucially, he challenges the assumption that sustainability and profitability always conflict. When you treat sustainability as a question of yield, waste and process efficiency, AI and data become powerful tools for improving both environmental outcomes and the bottom line. At the same time, he cautions that AI itself has an energy footprint, and that the industry will need to think systemically about net impact.

Finally, Rob shares a preview of his AI for Industrial Print session in Munich, which will provide a practical roadmap for ranking AI opportunities in packaging and print, and highlight where the “big wins” really are.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this special edition of the FuturePrint Podcast, co-founders Marcus Timson and Frazer Chesterman sit down together to discuss the launch of FuturePrint Industrial Print, taking place 21–22 January 2026 at Motorworld Munich.

Drawing on more than 20 years working together across major industry events - from FESPA to the original InPrint show - Marcus and Frazer explore why now is the right moment to launch a new event specifically focused on industrial manufacturing.

They discuss how the industrial print landscape has evolved dramatically since the early 2010s. What was once an exploratory space is now home to mature, high-value applications in automotive, EV batteries, white goods, coatings, packaging, décor and additive manufacturing. Innovations in chemistry, ultra-high-viscosity fluids, functional deposition and AI-driven digital factories are creating new opportunities for manufacturers - and new demands for collaboration.

This episode dives into the core concept behind the Munich event:

• A tightly curated group of around 50 exhibitors
• A Lab environment with more than 15 live machinery demonstrations
• A hybrid format combining exhibition, technical talks, and real-world application showcases
• Four content streams covering Packaging & Labels, Functional & Additive, Décor, and AI for Industrial Print
• A venue designed for accessibility, intensity, and high-value networking

Frazer and Marcus explain how the event model differs significantly from traditional print exhibitions: smaller, more targeted, easier to navigate, and carefully designed to maximise meaningful conversations between integrators, chemists, machine builders, manufacturers and OEMs.

If you want to understand where industrial print is heading - and why the manufacturing landscape is embracing inkjet and digital deposition faster than ever - this episode is essential listening.

Register for the event at futureprint.events and if you would like to join as our special podcast listener, use this code, FPBLACKFRIDAY

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this special FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer is joined by three industry leaders who are teaming up to deliver a live 3D material jetting demonstrator at FuturePrint Industrial Print, Motorworld Munich (21–22 January 2026):

• Els Mannekens, Senior Formulation Chemist, Chemstream
• Jasmine Geerinckx, Co-Owner, IACS
• Holly Steedman, Business & Technology Development Director, IST INTECH

Together they unpack:

• Why partnerships matter: why no single supplier can deliver truly industrial inkjet alone, and how combining chemistry, print systems and curing unlocks robust solutions.
• What the Munich demonstrator will do: a compact 3D material jetting setup using a recirculating RICOH printhead, IACS InkDoc ink supplies, Chemstream’s object and water-soluble support inks, and IST INTECH’s UV LED curing – all running live on the show floor.
• Inside the chemistry: how ink formulation in 3D defines colour, mechanical strength, shrinkage, biocompatibility and even controlled release – and why multi-material printing demands carefully matched inks.
• The critical role of curing: Holly explains why curing strategy is often underestimated, how layer-by-layer UV LED control manages shrinkage and stress, and what happens when you get it wrong.
• Keeping the head healthy: Jasmine outlines how recirculating ink supply, stable pressure and temperature, and smart control interfaces keep industrial heads running reliably with minimal downtime.
• From 3D to 4D: Els shares emerging applications such as self-healing bandages and adaptive ergonomic tools, plus Holly highlights very real, right-now examples like printed dentures that address skills shortages and ageing populations.

If you’re interested in material jetting, 3D/4D printing, industrial inkjet integration or cross-vendor collaboration, this episode offers a clear, practical look at what’s possible – and a preview of what you’ll see live in Munich.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson talks to Rob Karpenko, Director of Sales, Europe at Kavalan – the PVC-free banner brand that has become synonymous with measurable sustainability in wide format.

Rob shares his journey as a long-time materials specialist and explains how Kavalan’s strategy has remained consistent: reduce water and energy use, tighten manufacturing efficiency and back every claim with independently audited data. He lifts the lid on the Kavalan Eco-Calculator, showing how printers and brands use it not only for ESG reporting but also as a powerful sales and marketing tool to quantify CO2, water and resource savings for every campaign.

The conversation explores how legislation and culture are reshaping substrate choice, from Tallinn’s decision to mandate PVC-free external advertising from 2026 to rising demand in Asian markets. Rob is frank about where the US and parts of Europe still lag – and why printers themselves, rather than end consumers, are often the ones driving the switch.

We discuss the crucial point that PVC-free no longer has to be a compromise. Rob shares case studies where Kavalan has been chosen primarily for performance – anti-curl behaviour, higher strength-to-weight ratios and better load performance – with the environmental benefits as an added bonus.

You will also hear the story behind the first Kavalan Green Awards, spotlighting standout projects from Blue Rhine, Embrace and Format Graphique, including IKEA’s flagship Oxford Circus installation. These projects demonstrate that large-scale, complex and highly creative campaigns can be delivered without defaulting to traditional PVC.

Finally, Rob talks about new products, expanding distribution, and his personal motivation for driving change – and offers a grounded, commercially realistic view of how the industry can move from “nice to have” to sustainability as standard.

If you are a wide format printer, brand, retailer or event organiser looking to cut carbon without cutting quality, this is an essential listen.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with David Rochholz, consultant at Netlight and keynote speaker at the AI for Industrial Print Conference at FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich. With a background in computer science and machine learning, Roccholz helps some of Europe’s largest organisations turn AI from a vague concept into practical business value.

David explains how the evolution of AI — from early “big data” to today’s generative tools — has created both excitement and confusion. His core message is clear: before thinking about AI technology, companies must first understand their value chain. Only by examining the specific steps that create value can organisations identify where AI can augment, automate or accelerate their workflows.

He shares real-world examples, including a case in aviation where AI dramatically improved aircraft ground-time planning. The human stayed in control, while AI acted as an “exoskeleton” that amplified human performance rather than replacing it.

For industrial print, David argues the applications are vast: job classification, production scheduling, workflow optimisation, data clean-up, error detection and more. But AI also reveals uncomfortable truths about digital maturity. If data is inconsistent or fragmented, AI will expose the flaws instantly.

He also tackles the common misconception that AI simply removes jobs. Instead, he says, AI removes repetitive tasks — freeing people to focus on creativity, innovation and problem-solving.

For those beginning their AI journey, David recommends something simple: start experimenting. Play with ChatGPT, try tools like Lovable, observe the possibilities, and then begin imagining what happens when such tools are fed your company’s data automatically.

This is a grounded, practical, and inspiring conversation that sets the stage for David’s talk in Munich — and a must-listen for anyone serious about AI’s impact on manufacturing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Raphaël Wenger, co founder of Droptimize, a Swiss engineering company bringing a data driven workflow to one of the most complex corners of industrial inkjet: waveform optimisation.

Wenger shares the origins of Droptimize, which grew out of years of hands on optimisation work at the iPrint Institute. The manual process of logging variables, testing parameters, and tracking results was slow and error prone. Droptimize was created to automate that workflow and give engineers reliable, searchable access to all waveform and jetting data. Today, the company provides both optimisation services and drop watching instruments with integrated data management.

We explore the challenges of industrial inkjet development, from the sheer number of parameters involved to the difficulty of working at high frequencies and long throw distances. Wenger discusses how Droptimize has enabled customers to unlock new performance levels, including a recent automotive printhead project where Droptimize identified a completely new waveform that is now in commercial use.

The conversation also covers broader industry trends, including the rise of data driven development, increasing interest from ink manufacturers, and the movement toward automated or self optimising workflows. Wenger gives insight into emerging applications such as robotics based direct to shape printing and the long term potential of bioprinting and tissue engineering.

Looking ahead, Raphael sees three major trends shaping the future of inkjet applications. First, direct-to-shape printing is gaining momentum and often involves long-distance jetting—a technology that needs optimized waveforms to maintain print quality over extended printing gaps. Second, high-viscous jetting is emerging, and these applications often rely on multiple pulses to shear-thin the ink until jetting is achieved. When combined with direct-to-shape, this will enable the use of inks similar to paints for decorating complex 3D objects. Finally, he sees long-term potential in biomedical applications, an emerging frontier where inkjet technology could play a transformative role in tissue engineering. The scalability of inkjet is particularly well suited for this, as it can print very fine structures—such as blood capillaries—at dimensions matching those of living tissue.

Raphael also previews his presentation at FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich, where he will demonstrate new Droptimize capabilities including misting analysis, high frequency stability testing, and the company’s nozzle navigator for rapid full head characterisation.

This is an essential listen for anyone involved in inkjet integration, ink development, waveform optimisation, or advanced industrial printing.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Peter van Steenacker, Sales Manager at Tigres, one of Europe’s leading providers of atmospheric plasma systems. Known as “Plasma Peter” after 27 years working in surface treatment technology, van Steenacker offers an accessible and insightful look into why plasma pre-treatment has become essential to the growth of industrial digital print.

Peter explains the science behind atmospheric plasma — how it modifies polymer surfaces by increasing wettability and improving adhesion, making it possible to digitally print with high quality on notoriously difficult materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene. He breaks down the two core challenges (low surface energy and crystalline structure) and illustrates how plasma introduces oxygen and heat to transform the printability of plastics.

The conversation also explores real-world applications. Tigres systems are integrated into digital printing machinery used to decorate credit cards, plastic bottles, closures, tubes, cosmetic containers, glass bottles, automotive parts and even aluminium cans coated with polymer. With the rapid expansion of digital print into 3D objects, functional components and consumer packaging, demand for reliable plasma treatment has never been greater.

Peter also discusses Tigres’ precise power-controlled plasma systems, why dose accuracy matters, and how the company works with OEMs and integrators to test materials — especially given the variability and secrecy around polymer formulations.

Looking ahead to FuturePrint Industrial Print Munich, Peter previews his conference session on the fundamentals of plasma for digital print and highlights the 12-nozzle plasma array Tigres will display at the event.

A deep but highly accessible introduction to the enabling technology behind digital print on plastics — essential listening for OEMs, integrators, materials specialists and anyone exploring industrial digital print’s next phase.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

The discussion in this episode draws on findings from io.tt’s latest Connected Experiences Report (CXR3), a global study exploring how brands, designers, converters and consumers are really using connected packaging today. The report digs into adoption trends, preferred use cases, consumer expectations, sustainability communication, GS1-driven change and the shifting role of QR and NFC across the pack lifecycle. It also includes practical viewpoints from partners such as Team Creatif and Eurostampa, with concrete implications for packaging, print and brand teams planning their next steps in connected experiences.

👉 Download the report here: https://io.tt/whitepapers/cxr3

In this episode, Marcus Timson explores the fast-evolving world of connected packaging with three guests who sit at different points in the value chain:

Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem at io.tt, the connected experiences platform behind the new Connected Experiences report

Benoit de Lavarene, Managing Director at Paris-based branding and design agency Team Creatif

Riccardo Sauvaigne, Innovation Lab lead at premium label specialist Eurostampa

Stefan explains how connected packaging has matured from a marketing novelty into a critical business tool. Powered by GS1 digital barcodes, QR codes and NFC, packs are becoming gateways to services, safety information, provenance data, loyalty and sustainability narratives. The third edition of io.tt’s global report reveals that consumers now expect this: over a third want QR codes clearly visible on the front, while 86% develop a negative view of a brand when links are broken or redundant.

Benoît brings the brand and consumer lens. For him, connected packaging finally allows the pack to live up to its role as “first media”, extending a small physical surface into an expandable storytelling canvas. He outlines how brands can use connected experiences for education, inclusivity, recycling guidance and authentic sustainability communication, while warning against one-off gimmicks and overwhelming content. Strategy and simplicity win.

Riccardo describes what all of this means in practice for printers and converters. Through Eurostampa’s Innovation Lab, brands, agencies and production teams co-create labels that combine design, embellishment and robust connected triggers. He highlights the need for new capabilities in digital print, variable QR, NFC encoding and inline verification, as well as a mindset shift from “supplier” to “solution architect”.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Touch is a language—and modern cars are finally speaking it. We sit down with Elisa Santella, managing director at Grewus and a founding member of the company, to explore how haptics moved from phone buzzes to production-ready smart surfaces that make driving safer, clearer, and more expressive.

Elisa breaks down what haptics really is—feel, not just vibration—and why the magic only happens when components become complete solutions. We get into the nuts and bolts of automotive HMI: matching actuators with plastics and ribs, picking the right sensors, driving the hardware with tight latency, and designing tactile patterns that convey confirm, warn, or block. She shares how Grewus works as a tier two supplier with tier ones, universities, and material partners to build an ecosystem capable of shipping refined touch into real cars.

We also talk brand identity you can feel. As vehicles become software-defined, haptics offers a new signature for each OEM: a distinct click for a control, a unique feedback profile for a mode change, and a multimodal experience that pairs light and sound for instant clarity. For EVs and future autonomy, haptics restores emotion without noise, adding subtle, localised sensations that bring back the thrill and reinforce safety. From gaming peripherals to wellness applications, the same electromagnetic expertise scales across markets—and it is already in mass production.

If you care about user experience, automotive design, or the future of human–machine interfaces, this conversation maps the next chapter of tactile UX: measurable, repeatable, and unmistakably branded. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review with the haptic cue you’d want in your next car.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Javier Quesada, CEO of Kento Digital Printing, about how hybrid technology is reshaping the corrugated packaging industry.

With nearly two decades in the box-making business at companies like Saica and DS Smith, Quesada brings a rare dual perspective: the pragmatism of a packaging producer and the vision of a technology innovator. He explains how this background shaped Kento’s mission to make digital printing work for the corrugated sector – not as a replacement for flexo, but as a complementary, cost-efficient tool that adds value where it matters most.

The discussion explores the three main barriers that have slowed digital adoption in corrugated – high ink costs, capital expenditure, and inline converting – and how Kento’s hybrid approach directly tackles each. By combining flexo, digital, and rotary die-cutting in one line, converters can achieve shorter runs, faster changeovers, and reduced waste. Kento’s modular system also allows companies to start small and scale up over time, opening digital transformation to independent converters that historically lacked access to high-end technology.

Looking ahead, Quesada reveals Kento’s latest innovation: a high-viscosity, water-based inkjet system designed to cut energy use, enhance colour performance, and maintain the structural integrity of corrugated fibre. It’s a practical step toward greater sustainability and lower production costs.

Throughout the conversation, Quesada’s message is clear: the future of corrugated is evolution, not disruption. Hybrid systems, modular design, and smart partnerships will drive a new era of efficient, sustainable, and achievable innovation in packaging.

This episode offers valuable insight for converters, OEMs, and brand leaders looking to balance commercial realism with technological progress.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Justin Noble, Director of Sales at Xaar, about the company’s evolution from a pioneering printhead manufacturer in graphics to a driving force in industrial and functional inkjet.

Justin’s journey from engineering to leadership mirrors Xaar’s transformation – from developing printheads for décor and ceramics to enabling digital deposition in manufacturing, electronics, and energy. The conversation explores how inkjet’s second act is unfolding not on paper or packaging, but inside factories: coating EV batteries, applying dielectrics to semiconductors, and delivering precision fluid layers that analogue processes can’t easily achieve.

Justin reflects on lessons learned from Xaar’s early dominance in ceramics, the costly but formative thin-film experiment, and the strategic refocus on high-viscosity jetting – a breakthrough that allows digital to move into industrial processes traditionally served by spraying, slot-die coating or screen printing.

They discuss the rise of hybrid manufacturing, where analogue and digital techniques combine to create new efficiencies, and the power of partnerships – with universities, innovators like Added Scientific, and global OEMs – to expand what’s possible.

This is a story of resilience, reinvention and relevance – showing how Xaar’s pragmatic engineering and open collaboration are helping re-imagine the future of industrial production.

If you’re interested in where inkjet meets manufacturing, how hybrid systems will define the next decade, and how companies can convert innovation into impact, this conversation is essential listening.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Industrial inkjet is evolving fast, and IACS is one of the companies quietly making it work at production scale. In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, co-owner Jasmine Geerinckx joins to share how this small Belgian firm has become a trusted integration partner for machine builders across multiple sectors – from pharmaceuticals and packaging to wood and logistics.

Jasmine explains how her engineering roots and early exposure to digital print at Barco Graphics shaped her understanding of both the challenges and the long-term potential of inkjet. She describes how IACS, founded by Erwin Kempeneers in 2008, has evolved from consultancy to manufacturer, developing its own modular InkDock (TM) ink supply systems – compact, reliable units that have now shipped nearly 500 times worldwide.

We explore how IACS technology is being used in real-world applications such as cargo straps, pallet marking, and folding cartons, often in harsh environments where reliability is paramount. Jasmine explains why digital printing is displacing hot stamping and flexo in many cases, and how late-stage customisation, traceability, and regulatory pressures are accelerating adoption in packaging and pharma.

The conversation also delves into collaboration – the lifeblood of industrial inkjet. IACS works closely with partners such as RISO, Chemstream, and IST, developing fully integrated, real-world solutions that connect chemistry, hardware, and production.

Whether you’re an OEM, brand owner, or manufacturer exploring digital transformation, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the practical side of industrial print. Jasmine’s grounded, open approach highlights how incremental progress, smart partnerships, and robust design are redefining what’s possible on the factory floor.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Elena Knight speaks with Mikael Boedler, Head of New Business Development at Inkatronic, about one of the most critical transitions in industrial inkjet – moving from lab-scale innovation to full factory production.

Drawing on years of experience supporting OEMs, research institutes, and manufacturers, Mikael shares real-world insights into what it takes to turn a promising lab prototype into a stable, repeatable, and profitable industrial process. From process stability and ink system design to substrate preparation, curing, and collaboration across the supply chain, he outlines the key ingredients for successful upscaling.

The discussion also features a fascinating case study in which Inkatronic helped a manufacturer replace screen printing with a digital inkjet process – achieving flexibility, precision, and mass customisation at scale.

As Mikael explains, true success lies in designing with the end in mind, validating every step under realistic conditions, and fostering tight collaboration between chemistry, hardware, and production partners.

🎧 Listen now to learn how inkjet is unlocking new manufacturing possibilities — and why the factory floor is its ultimate proving ground.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Lisa Faratro, Director of Environment and Sustainability at CPI Group, Europe’s largest book manufacturer. With over 400 million books produced annually across 14 sites in the UK and continental Europe, CPI sits at the heart of an industry often assumed to be in decline—yet books are proving more resilient and more sustainable than many imagine.

Lisa shares her journey from production management to leading sustainability strategy across CPI’s European operations. She explains how the role evolved from an add-on responsibility into a standalone leadership position, reflecting the company’s commitment to making environmental performance as central as financial performance.

The conversation explores how CPI has pioneered print-on-demand and digital workflows to slash overproduction, cut warehousing, and reduce waste—turning sustainability into an operational advantage. Lisa also discusses the complexities of materials such as paper and plastics, why trade-offs must be judged in context, and how collaboration with competitors, publishers, and industry peers is vital for real progress.

Far from being eclipsed by screens, books are enjoying a resurgence. From tactile, beautifully produced editions to efficient “book of one” models, Lisa highlights how innovation is reshaping not just production but also the cultural relevance of print. She emphasises the need to keep sustainability front-of-mind, integrated into everyday decision-making and long-term investment strategies.

As a founding partner of A Manifesto for More Sustainable Print, CPI is helping lead an industry-wide effort to define sensible baselines, encourage collaboration, and inspire change across print sectors.

This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone in print and beyond: how sustainability, when embedded deeply into strategy and operations, can drive efficiency, resilience, and cultural impact.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, which was recorded Oct 17 in webinar format, we explore the evolution—and accelerating future—of industrial inkjet technology with three experts shaping its direction across manufacturing, materials, and design.

Ken Stack, Executive Chairman of Engineered Printing Solutions, reflects on the journey from promise to production. He charts how sectors like graphics, ceramics and textiles made the digital leap, and explains why direct-to-shape printing—once limited by geometry—is now achieving true production speeds thanks to advances in robotics, automation, and ink chemistry.

Mikael Boedler, Head of New Business Development at Inkatronic, shares how inkjet is evolving from decorative to functional manufacturing. Through precision deposition of coatings and materials, inkjet now enables breakthroughs in electronics, biomedical devices, and advanced industrial coatings—transforming how materials are applied with micron-level accuracy and minimal waste.

Royce Dodds, Design and Digital Print Specialist at Wilsonart Germany, discusses how AI and digital workflows are reshaping decorative printing. From AI-generated surface designs to sustainable on-demand production, he explains how digital technology empowers creativity, reduces waste, and makes bespoke décor commercially viable.

Together, these leaders reveal a technology at a tipping point—moving from the periphery of prototyping to the heart of industrial production. Inkjet is now more than printing: it’s a core enabler of digital manufacturing where physics, chemistry, data, and design converge.

Join us to hear why industrial inkjet’s next decade promises smarter materials, agile production, and the fusion of automation and creativity.

🎧 Listen now on FuturePrint Podcasts and discover why print is no longer the end of production—but the process itself.

If you would prefer to view the recorded Webinar, please click here.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Digital is moving from promise to production in packaging. In this episode, Marc Graindourze, Business Manager for Industrial Inks at Agfa, explains how water-based consumables, process control and smart partnerships are unlocking fibre-based packaging at industrial speed.

We cover why folding carton and corrugated are “natural fits” for inkjet right now; how water-based formulations simplify indirect food-contact compliance; and why primers and varnishes matter just as much as the ink itself. Marc breaks down the roles of primer (holding pigment at the surface for sharp text and colour), ink (delivering density and gamut), and varnish (providing rub and water resistance) — and why separating these functions improves stability, consistency and cost control.

You’ll hear a concise tour of preprint versus postprint in corrugated: preprint offers ultra-high throughput and tighter process control, but inks must survive the corrugator’s heat and pressure; postprint brings agility for shorter runs, with adapted waveforms and careful gap control. We discuss how connected packaging, track-and-trace and regulatory drivers are pushing brands toward digital — alongside sustainability moves away from plastics and toward recyclable fibre.

Beyond the lab, Marc emphasises the collaboration imperative: OEM engineering expertise plus ink chemistry, validated with real field tests and clear market access. The economics are improving too — not only on print cost, but across the workflow: faster time-to-market, reduced inventory and less waste. The goal is not a one-off “hero” print, but consistent, repeatable quality at speed.

If you work across packaging, inks, or OEM systems — or you’re a brand owner exploring digital — this is a practical roadmap to making inkjet work on fibre at production scale

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Didier Rousseau, CEO of KELENN Technology, and Anaïs Bianchi, Head of KT Labs, about how this pioneering company is redefining the boundaries of industrial inkjet innovation.

KELENN has built a unique position in Europe as one of the few companies capable of mastering the full spectrum of inkjet technology — from chemistry and materials to drive electronics, process integration, and automation. At the heart of the company is KT Labs, a research hub that blends scientific precision with real-world application, enabling innovation to move quickly from concept to industrial deployment.

Didier and Anaïs share insights into several key areas of development, including the shift to sustainable water-based inks that can replace UV formulations, high-performance drive electronics designed for reliability and flexibility, and groundbreaking progress in 3D structural electronics, where circuitry is printed directly onto complex parts to create functional components in a fraction of the usual time.

They also explore KELENN’s work in direct-to-shape printing, a technology that allows vivid, high-adhesion decoration on three-dimensional surfaces — reducing waste and energy use. These innovations demonstrate how digital print is becoming integral to advanced manufacturing.

As KELENN prepares to showcase its technology at FuturePrint Industrial Print, Munich (21–22 January 2026), Didier and Anaïs discuss their vision for the future — a future where inkjet is not just a printing method but a platform for smarter, more sustainable production.

Listen in to discover how KELENN Technology is helping reshape the industrial landscape through innovation, precision, and collaboration.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman sits down with Richard Darling, Director of Sales and Marketing at Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), to explore where industrial inkjet technology really stands today — beyond the hype, beyond the headlines, and right at the heart of production.

With over 25 years in inkjet, including senior roles at Xaar and Ricoh, Richard brings a unique, long-term view of how the sector has evolved. Together, they unpack the key themes from LabelExpo Barcelona — from the rise of new single-pass platforms and the growing accessibility of high-performance machines, to the increasingly global mix of engineering and innovation shaping our industry.

They discuss why the label and packaging market feels more evolutionary than revolutionary, how cultural approaches to development differ across regions (Europe, China, Korea, India, the US), and why “speed to market” has become the new strategic advantage for converters and OEMs alike.

Richard also reflects on what makes GIS tick: a company best known for being “under the bonnet,” providing the drive electronics, ink systems and software that help print systems actually work. He explains why packaging that cleverness into accessible, easy-to-use platforms is now central to the next stage of digital print’s maturity.

The conversation covers everything from functional printing and EV applications to the realities of hybrid systems, localised manufacturing, and why another “ceramics moment” is unlikely — and unnecessary.

If you’re in the business of industrial print, labels, or manufacturing innovation, this episode offers rare clarity on where the opportunities lie — and what will really matter as inkjet moves into its next gear.

🎧 Listen now and discover why the future of inkjet isn’t just about speed — it’s about fit, flexibility, and systems that simply work.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode, we reconnect with Richard Bunney, Group Managing Director at Dantex in a reflective and future focused discussion following their highly successful outing at LabelExpo Barcelona. Richard walks us through the strategic call to relaunch the PicoColour as a smart, lower-risk entry point into digital, alongside the proven performance of PicoJet. We dig into why digital print is drawing the biggest crowds, how converters and brand owners are collaborating on capital decisions, and what pressure points—agility, cost per label, sustainability—are driving that shift. You’ll hear how the team moved faster than a typical R&D cycle without sacrificing quality, and why a family-run, customer-first culture showed up not just in messaging, but in the stand’s design and energy.

Dantex's booth at LabelExpo also proved that trade shows don’t have to feel like a maze of similar looking booths featuring machines and hard sells. Richard explained more about how a hospitality-first stand—open space, a warm welcome, real conversations—helped Dantex convert interest into action, including on-stand sales and a 60% jump in active leads compared with Brussels. This isn’t a brag reel; it’s a blueprint for designing experiences that buyers trust.

We also look west and the dynamically growing US market. With a fast growing install base, a focused portfolio, and a strengthened sales and service footprint, Dantex’s U.S. subsidiary is turning proof into momentum. Expect a strong showing in Chicago for LOUPE Americas, with the compact, small-footprint platform moving from concept to commercial, and significant interest from Mexico and Brazil through regional partners. 

If you care about digital label printing, trade show strategy, or building trust in complex B2B sales, this conversation offers practical signals you can use.

Enjoyed this conversation? Follow the show, share it with a colleague who’s planning their next expo, and leave a quick review—your feedback helps us bring more insight to more listeners.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this special edition of the FuturePrint Podcast, recorded just after a bustling week at Labelexpo in Barcelona, we sit down with three leading analysts from Keypoint Intelligence: Jeff Wettersten, Charles Lissenburg, and Marc Mascara. Together, they unpack the latest trends shaping the labels and packaging industry, drawing on insights from across the show floor.

Jeff takes us on a journey through the evolution of Labelexpo, from the introduction of inkjet presses in 2008 to the latest Chinese technology making waves in 2025. He highlights three dominant themes: productivity, embellishment, and the shift from “low-volume” to managing real industrial volumes with digital presses.

Marc brings a fresh perspective from the packaging and labels advisory service, spotlighting capacity utilisation and the next generation of younger product managers shaping the industry. He also points to hybrid printing and high-resolution 1200 dpi heads as areas gaining real momentum.

Charles rounds off the discussion by reflecting on the overall atmosphere in Barcelona—improved venue, strong attendance, and an unmistakable sense of optimism despite recent market headwinds. He also stresses the growing importance of workflow software and data-driven productivity in enabling converters to scale profitably.

The conversation also explores the rapid improvement of Chinese OEMs, the future of AI in workflows and customer service, and the risks and rationale behind the Labelexpo rebrand to LOUPE.

This episode is a must-listen for converters, OEMs, and brand owners who want to understand where the labels and packaging industry is heading. Expect straight-talking analysis, insider observations, and a snapshot of how digital print is evolving into a mainstream production tool.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this special episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, recorded ahead of Labelexpo, Marcus Timson is joined by Dr. Simon Daplyn and Allan Bendall from Sun Chemical to explore a bold new campaign designed to showcase the true potential of digital inkjet in packaging and labels.

Simon explains why Sun Chemical has shifted the conversation away from technical minutiae toward the bigger story: how inkjet can deliver real business value for converters and brands. From flexible workflows and SKU agility to connected packaging and data-driven engagement, digital print is positioned not as a replacement for analogue, but as a powerful complement that brings flexibility, efficiency, and new creative opportunities.

Allan introduces Sun Chemical’s new “toolkit” of fully finished packaging samples—including labels, pouches, flow wraps, and cartons—developed in collaboration with OEM and supply-chain partners. Using vibrant fruit-themed designs and variable data, the samples demonstrate the versatility of inkjet: the ability to print high-quality packaging with virtually infinite variation, minimal waste, and a seamless path from concept to finished product.

Together, Simon and Allan underline how Sun Chemical is enabling the industry to rethink print not just as a process, but as a platform for brand storytelling, consumer engagement, and sustainable production.

If you’re heading to Labelexpo, don’t miss Sun Chemical at Hall 3, Stand D92 to see the campaign in action and experience the future of digital packaging first-hand.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we welcome back Martin Burns, who represents the OEM inks division at Nazdar. While Nazdar is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading ink manufacturers, its OEM business plays a more behind-the-scenes but strategically vital role in shaping the future of industrial inkjet.

Martin explains how the OEM group works closely with printer and printhead manufacturers, system integrators, and other partners across the inkjet ecosystem. Unlike the mainstream distribution side of the business, which follows a traditional product development cycle, the OEM division is about co-creation: embedding chemistry expertise into the earliest stages of hardware design. In many cases, Nazdar effectively becomes the “chemistry department” for its partners, providing direct access to R&D specialists and offering solutions that de-risk new product launches.

The conversation highlights how agility and innovation underpin this approach. From ultra-high viscosity inks that unlock new industrial applications, to sustainability-driven solutions such as faster-drying water-based inks, Martin demonstrates how chemistry is enabling inkjet to enter new markets—from packaging and textiles to additive manufacturing and functional deposition.

Looking ahead, Martin sees major opportunities in water-based packaging, functional coatings, and industrial manufacturing, where inkjet is increasingly valued not for decoration but for its ability to deposit precise fluids that make devices work.

“We’re not just selling ink. In many cases, we’re acting as the chemistry department for our partners.” – Martin Burns, Nazdar OEM Inks

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

The printing industry stands at a critical environmental crossroads, with both opportunities and challenges ahead. In this illuminating conversation, Dominic Harris, CEO of CarbonQuota, returns to the FuturePrint Podcast to reveal how carbon measurement is fundamentally transforming the print and packaging sectors.

With over three decades in print, Harris brings both deep industry knowledge and a pragmatic sustainability perspective. He explains why accurate carbon footprinting is no longer optional—driven not only by looming legislation in the EU, North America, and beyond, but also by brand-led procurement policies from companies like Lego, Ikea, and Amazon.

Harris demystifies the complexity of CO₂e calculations, showing how every stage—materials, energy use, production processes, and logistics—affects a product’s impact. He warns that relying on averages can create errors of up to 60%, undermining credibility and potentially leading to accusations of greenwashing.

The conversation explores how automation and integration with MIS/ERP platforms are making product-level carbon reporting faster, cheaper, and more accurate—freeing up resources and helping printers win business in an increasingly sustainability-focused marketplace. Harris stresses that collaboration across the supply chain is essential, with low-carbon materials, greener transport, and technology partnerships accelerating change.

The episode also highlights CarbonQuota’s role as a founding partner of the Manifesto for More Sustainable Print, a practical framework designed to help printers take their first steps towards decarbonisation without unnecessary complexity.

Whether you’re running a large print group or a small independent shop, Harris’s advice is clear: start measuring now, secure leadership buy-in, and position your business to meet growing demands from both regulators and customers.

A must-listen for anyone in print or packaging who wants to understand where the industry is heading—and how to stay ahead.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Rob Karsten, EMEA Director for Advanced Lighting Systems at Excelitas, to explore how the company’s expanded product range is transforming print curing.

Since acquiring Phoseon Technology nearly three years ago—and later Noblelight from Heraeus—Excelitas has built one of the most comprehensive curing portfolios in the industry. By uniting UV, LED, infrared, excimer, and thermal technologies under a single brand, Excelitas now offers printers and converters an unparalleled ability to tailor solutions to their specific needs.

Rob explains how this broadening of capability allows Excelitas to address the full spectrum of curing requirements, from high-performance UV inkjet to aqueous coatings and hybrid press configurations. With the expertise of former Noblelight specialists in infrared and the longstanding UV LED knowledge of the Phoseon team, customers benefit from a unified source of deep technical know-how and practical application support.

Looking ahead to LabelExpo in Barcelona, Rob previews the launch of Nexus II—an enhanced UV LED curing platform with new form factors, improved performance, and advanced data integration for predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 workflows. He also discusses the resilience of the label sector, where efficiency, energy savings, and performance upgrades—such as converting arc-lamp presses to UV LED—are driving strong demand for retrofit solutions.

From hybrid press trends to the economics of energy savings, Rob shares insights into how curing technology is evolving to meet the challenges of tighter margins, sustainability goals, and increasingly complex print applications.

If you’re attending LabelExpo, this episode offers a valuable preview of what to expect from Excelitas, and why their “one supplier, every solution” approach is lighting up new possibilities for the future of print.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we sit down with Marc Graindourze, Senior Business Manager for Industrial Inks at Agfa, to explore the opportunities and challenges of digital print in the decorative surfaces market.

Marc has spent more than a decade focused on decorative applications and brings deep insight into where digital printing is gaining traction—covering flooring, furniture, edge banding, wall panels, and beyond. He explains how inkjet is moving from niche to mainstream as producers seek greater design freedom, shorter lead times, and more sustainable workflows.

A central theme is the shift from analogue gravure to single-pass digital, enabling faster time-to-market and reduced waste. Marc highlights how today’s inkjet systems offer lower consumption, improved colour management, and batch-to-batch consistency, making them economically viable for manufacturers. He also emphasises the crucial role of ink chemistry, noting that decorative printing demands a different colour palette, tuned for subtle wood tones, pastel shades, and long-term indoor stability.

We also discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping design workflows, creating new levels of variety and randomisation that are impossible with traditional printing methods. AI-generated designs, coupled with inkjet’s flexibility, are helping brands deliver richer choice to consumers while managing production risk more effectively.

Sustainability is never far from the conversation. From UV LED curing and reduced waste, to water-based inks for décor papers, Marc outlines how digital print is aligning with industry standards and brand-owner requirements for greener production.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of decorative surfaces—where innovation, creativity, and economics converge to position inkjet as a truly competitive alternative.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Stefan Casey, Head of Ecosystem at io.tt, whose career journey spans design, packaging, academia, FMCG innovation and now the cutting edge of connected packaging.

Stefan’s story is far from conventional. From early days in publishing and advertising, through pivotal roles at Nestlé where he pioneered digital print and sustainable packaging innovation, to his current role helping brands embrace connected packaging, his eclectic background reflects a rare ability to bridge creativity and technology.

The conversation explores how connected packaging—enabled through QR codes, NFC and other technologies—is transforming packaging from a static wrapper into a dynamic digital interface. Stefan explains how brands like Boots, Madri and Moose Knuckles are already using packaging to enhance safety, improve accessibility, engage consumers and even meet regulatory requirements such as digital product passports.

Stefan is passionate about the power of collaboration, both within teams and with external partners, to drive positive change. He believes that bringing together champions, engineers, commercial and technical experts, and external collaborators is essential for success. For Stefan, there is no ‘I’ in ‘we’—because we are always stronger together. 

Key themes include:

• The “buckets of change” reshaping print and packaging: environment, innovation, fit-for-purpose design and digital transformation.
• Why collaboration across ecosystems—not silos—is essential to unlocking cost savings and new value.
• The growing role of digital print in enabling scalable personalisation, interactivity and traceability.
• How consumer expectations around transparency, sustainability and security are forcing brands to rethink packaging strategies.
• The disruptive role of artificial intelligence, both as a threat to jobs and a catalyst for scaling innovation.

Stefan also shares insights from his work with the Manifesto for More Sustainable Print, an industry-wide initiative addressing the overlooked impact of inks and coatings on the environment.

An engaging discussion for anyone interested in the future of packaging, print technology, sustainability, and the intersection of creativity and digital innovation.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

The print industry stands at a transformative junction in 2025, facing challenges that demand innovative solutions and strategic thinking. Keypoint Intelligence CEO Anthony Sci takes us deep into the forces reshaping print businesses worldwide, offering valuable perspective on navigating these turbulent waters.

Tariffs dominate the current business landscape, with increases ranging from 5-25% creating widespread uncertainty. Yet amid this disruption, Sci identifies a silver lining - companies are developing leaner approaches and embracing technological solutions to overcome economic hurdles. Strategic partnerships have proliferated as manufacturers seek cost efficiencies, with major collaborations between print giants reflecting a fundamental shift in how the industry approaches production challenges.

Perhaps most striking is the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence across the print ecosystem. Despite its growing prevalence, Sci reveals that approximately 80% of companies still lack formal AI policies - a significant vulnerability as employees independently leverage these tools. The convergence of AI with robotics presents particularly promising solutions to the industry's persistent labor shortage, especially as companies struggle to attract younger generations to print careers.

While traditional print segments continue their gradual decline, specific niches shine brightly. Labels, packaging, and textiles represent substantial growth opportunities, with digital transformation still in early stages across these sectors. China and India lead in textile innovation, while cross-regional knowledge exchange drives advancement throughout the global market.

Looking ahead, industry consolidation appears inevitable after years of competitive pressure that has steadily eroded profits. For business leaders, success will depend on embracing emerging technologies, preparing for structural changes, and developing creative approaches to talent acquisition.

Ready to gain deeper insights into print industry trends? Connect with Keypoint Intelligence and FuturePrint at upcoming events including LabelExpo Barcelona, Printing United and FuturePrint Industrial Print in Munich to explore how these developments might impact your business strategy.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Matt Brooks has recently joined Nazdar. I really enjoyed talking to Matt! In this episode, he takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of digital print technology, sharing how a summer job in a printing ink factory unexpectedly launched his 25-year career in chemistry and innovation. From accidentally discovering his passion for ink formulation to pioneering UV inkjet solutions at Seriicol and then Inca Digital, Matt reveals the surprising twists that led him to become a leading voice in print technology.

The conversation explores a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the industry – the importance of ink and materials in print innovation. Matt makes a compelling case for why ink chemistry deserves more attention in the development process, explaining how treating ink formulation as an afterthought leads to compromises and inefficiencies that ultimately slow adoption. His vision for bringing ink developers into the equipment design phase from the beginning offers a compelling perspective on how the industry might accelerate digital transformation.

When discussing the future of digital print in packaging, Matt offers valuable insights into what's needed for broader adoption. Rather than focusing solely on replacing conventional processes, he advocates for a collaborative approach that helps converters see digital as complementary to their existing operations. His suggestion that digital solutions need to target the 5-12,000 unit range to truly penetrate mainstream production challenges conventional thinking about digital's place in the market.

Perhaps most surprisingly, Matt reveals his passion for strongman competitions, drawing fascinating parallels between lifting 400kg weights and advancing print technology. The mental discipline, focus, and resilience required in both pursuits create an unexpected connection between these seemingly disparate worlds. His three-part formula for future success – listening better, practicing patience, and fostering collaboration – reflects wisdom gained from both the gym floor and the innovation lab. Ready to rethink how digital print evolves? This episode offers essential perspectives from someone who's helped shape the industry from the inside out.

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What is FuturePrint?

FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 

We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:

FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain

FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany