All News
bvdm economic telegramme Business outlook less pessimistic
Following the slight increase in March, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry rose sharply in April 2024. The rise was driven by a moderate increase in the current business situation assessment and a significantly less pessimistic business outlook for the next six months. Adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects, the business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation was around 11.0 per cent higher than the previous month’s figure. At 92.2 points, the index in April was still around 2.3 per cent below the previous year’s level despite the increase.
DFTA and Fogra at drupa 2024
The Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies will once again be represented at drupa this year together with the flexographic printing trade association DFTA. The partnership already proved its worth in 2016, as the two institutions complement each other. The joint stand of the two associations is located in Hall 11, Stand F71.
Folex adopts transformation concept for climate and environmental protection
The Folex Group is striving to make its business activities as environmentally and climate-friendly as possible – even if this poses a particular challenge in film finishing. With a recently adopted transformation concept for more resource-efficient, less polluting and more climate-friendly production, the company aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2045.
One of the largest facade photovoltaic systems in Germany
Since Print Equipment was founded, the idea of doing business with the smallest possible carbon footprint and in a way that conserves resources has played a central role. This is why the company continues to focus increasingly on the use of renewable energies: In recent weeks, the company Elektro Birk from Oberkirch installed one of the largest façade photovoltaic systems in Germany on the entire east and south façades of the Print Equipment warehouses.
EyeC Nico Hagemann new Director Product Management
EyeC GmbH, the global provider of automated artwork verification and print image inspection systems, announces the appointment of Nico Hagemann as the new Director of Product Management. In this position, he will be responsible for the further development of the entire EyeC product portfolio including the EyeC Proofiler and EyeC ProofRunner product groups.
Online Print Symposium 2024 AI is not a future phenomenon, but the present
The 11th Online Print Symposium invited participants to address the question of what role artificial intelligence could play in the future. More than 290 participants from 16 countries discussed the potential of artificial intelligence at the Science Congress Centre Munich. High-calibre speakers and exciting start-ups provided plenty of evidence that print and AI complement each other perfectly.
FESPA 2024 Innovations, investments and growth markets
FESPA Global Print Expo 2024, European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience and the inaugural Sportswear Pro (19-22 March 2024 in Amsterdam) were attended by a global audience of decision makers who place a high priority on investing in business growth. New opportunities were presented during the four parallel events and the extensive feature and conference programme.
Inks and primers The success of inkjet printing
Inkjet printing is seen as the primary driver for the printing industry’s transition from traditional printing processes to digital printing and is becoming increasingly established as a production printing process. Whether the expectations of printers, their customers and consumers are met and a print job is profitable also depends on the visual appearance and durability of the inks on the substrates.
Innovative laser technology eurolaser celebrates its 30th anniversary
eurolaser GmbH is one of the global market leaders for large-format laser systems for cutting, engraving and marking in non-metal processing. The company has always managed to remain true to itself and not forget its roots.
EyeC Polska Sp. z o.o. takes over representation
EyeC is expanding its activities in Poland. Following the departure of the previous managing director Marcin Weksler, EyeC Polska Sp. z o.o., headquartered in Warsaw, is taking over the representation of the Hamburg-based provider of automated artwork checking and print image inspection systems with immediate effect. The management will be seamlessly handed over to Konrad Sadowski and Wojciech Mrugacz. With the new team, EyeC aims to secure its leading position in the Polish market and strengthen its commitment to customer service and customised solutions.
New job exchange of the print and media associations helps companies to fill vacancies
The print and media associations are now offering a central platform for job vacancies in the industry throughout Germany. This will support companies in the sector in their search for skilled labour.
Printing and paper industry Positive prospects for the future
Megatrends such as demographic change and climate change are also having a significant impact on the transformation of the printing and paper industry. Nevertheless, paper and printed products will continue to be needed in many areas of life in the future. Sustainability plays a key role here; one of the central themes of the special Touchpoint Sustainability forum at drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf.
IPI 2024 Innovative inkjet and screen printing applications
Now in its third year, the Industrial Print Integration (IPI) conference is recognised as an important contribution to the technology roadmap for all those involved in innovative inkjet and screen printing applications. In addition to leading hardware, software and ink suppliers, IPI welcomes contributions from technology users, emerging start-ups and research centres keen to showcase the latest solutions available.
“Festivals, events & graduation” and “Leisure, club & hobby” Daiber expands its range of services
As a full-service platform, Gustav Daiber GmbH is now offering retailers an even larger selection of industry flyers. Supplemented by new subject areas, additional products and a revised design, the industry flyers contain recommendations on suitable corporate fashion from Daiber’s own brands JAMES & NICHOLSON and myrtle beach for various areas of application. With additional, editable newsletter templates, Daiber supports its retailers in addressing customers in a target group-orientated manner.
Print Equipment Roadshow – The latest trends in textile and UV printing
As a system house for transfer printing, Print Equipment attaches particular importance to advice and service. The support team, field service and five showrooms in Germany can guarantee comprehensive and needs-based advice and support from experienced transfer printing professionals. The company is currently taking its expertise on the road and inviting interested parties to experience the latest trends live at three different locations in Austria from 9 to 17 April 2024.
CBS coating technology for pigment printing and sun protection
“A very good decision to exhibit at R+T,” was the feedback after Multi-Plot’s participation at R+T in Stuttgart, the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors and sun protection.
C!PRINT 2024 – the centre of the printing world
The eleventh edition of C!PRINT took place in Lyon February. Over 15,000 visitors were able to view the latest products from around 250 exhibitors and take part in trend-setting conferences. The positive response demonstrates the strong commitment to this important event for the visual communication and graphics industry in France and Europe.
bvdm economic telegram – Business climate index comes under pressure
In the second month of 2024, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry came under renewed pressure after stagnating at the start of the year. While the business outlook for the next six months remained virtually unchanged compared to January, assessments of the current business situation plummeted. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation was down around 4.1 per cent on the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 82.4 points, the index in January was around 12.9 per cent below the previous year’s level.
FESPA 2024 – d.gen and Multi-Plot
Multi-Plot and d.gen will be jointly presenting the latest printing technologies at FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO, which opens its doors in Amsterdam from 19 to 22 March. With new printing machines in their luggage, the two companies will offer visitors a large exhibition area in Hall 1, Stand 1C50, to find out about textile printing, realisation and possibilities.
European Sign Expo 2024 Signage and visual communication
European Sign Expo 2024 (19 – 22 March in Amsterdam) is on the horizon and exhibitors are gearing up to showcase the latest signage and visual communication products and solutions. With 115 exhibitors confirmed, the exhibition space will grow by more than 1,000 square metres in 2024.
FESPA 2024 – Conference programme
In addition to the recurring programme items Personalisation Experience Conference, World Wrap Masters, Sustainability Spotlight and Club FESPA Lounge, the FESPA 2024 supporting programme offers three new events: Digital Signage Lounge, Personalise Make Wear and the Sportswear Pro Conference. All events will take place as part of FESPA Global Print Expo and the parallel events European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro from 19 to 22 March 2024 in Amsterdam.
Secabo DTF and heat transfers
Innovations on trend topics such as DTF, sustainability and individualisation can be found at Secabo. At the FESPA Global Print Expo in Amsterdam, the Bavarian specialist for advertising technology hardware is presenting a plotter for DTF users. A live test with transfer presses will demonstrate the energy consumption of the new Energy Saver models. New heat presses from the LITE series can provide a cost-effective introduction to customisation. To discuss trends and new business ideas, Secabo and its sister companies are inviting visitors to the NEPATA Group Café in Hall 12 Stand E50.
Fogra Academy training programme 2024
The new Fogra Academy programme has been published. The twelve training courses in spring and autumn are aimed at experienced professionals as well as newcomers from print shops, publishing houses, agencies and the supply industry. The range of topics covers Fogra’s core competencies: colour management, printing and finishing.
FESPA Sportswear Pro Conference
FESPA has confirmed the programme for its first Sportswear Pro conference, which will take place on 21 March 2024. Taking place alongside the new Sportswear Pro trade show (19-22 March 2024, RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands), the conference will provide attendees with insights into the latest developments in the sportswear market and innovations in customised and on-demand sportswear manufacturing.
Online Print Symposium 2024 AI revolutionises print
This year’s Online Print Symposium (OPS) on 14 and 15 March 2024 at the Science Congress Center Munich will focus on the future. The OPS will once again offer a globally unique stage for current expert knowledge, future topics and pioneering start-ups. As the meeting place for the global online print scene, the OPS is also “the place to be”. With participants from the DACH region, including the UK, Benelux, France, Poland, Scandinavia, the USA and Japan, the internationalisation of the event is progressing steadily.
Multi-Plot at the R+T in Stuttgart
The Bad Emstal-based company Multi-Plot will once again be exhibiting at the “R+T” trade fair in Stuttgart this year. The world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors and sun protection systems will open its doors from 19 to 23 February. Multi-Plot, the specialist for digital textile printing systems, will be providing information on the many different options for printing outdoor and indoor textiles, such as privacy and sun protection, roller blinds, curtains, screens and awnings.
FESPA 2024 Brother direct-to-garment printing
Brother will showcase an innovative product portfolio at FESPA 2024 and announces its participation as one of the pioneers in Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing. Global Print Expo will be the first opportunity to showcase Brother’s industry-leading innovations and new capabilities on one of the largest exhibition floors.
Daiber Main Catalog 2024 – Climate-Neutral and Full of Innovations
The new Daiber Main Catalog 2024 is now available, presenting the 2024 collection, which is expected to be available until the end of March. In addition to functional corporate fashion and warming workwear, the expanded product portfolio offers a wide range of colors. Together with ClimatePartner, Daiber also offsets the CO₂ emissions generated during catalog production this year and supports tree planting projects in Germany and China.
bvdm economic telegram January 2024 – Business climate starts unchanged
At the start of 2024, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry remained unchanged. While the business outlook for the next six months declined slightly, assessments of the current business situation rose slightly. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation stagnated at the previous month’s level, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 86.6 points, the index in January was around 6.7 per cent below the previous year’s figure.
FOGRA Colour Management 2024 – Three weeks to go
The Colour Management Symposium will take place for the 9th time in Munich on 21 and 22 February and all 21 speakers have been confirmed. Practitioners and users from print shops and brand owners will share their knowledge. The programme promises varied and in-depth insights into the world of colour management. With 200 people from almost 20 countries, the event is the perfect place to network with contacts from the industry.
ESC special machines – Printed electronics at LOPEC
The use of screen and digital printing machines for optoelectronic applications is still booming despite difficult economic developments. Products such as mobile phones, screens and membrane keyboards have become an integral part of everyday life and are only functional thanks to printed electronics.
LOPEC 2024 – Printed electronics for the transport revolution
This is how sustainable mobility succeeds: Under the focus topic of mobility, LOPEC, a leading global trade fair and congress for flexible, organic and printed electronics, will be showcasing numerous applications of printed electronics for the transport sector in Munich from 5 to 7 March 2024.
TPS Conference 2024 Sustainable textile printing
Organised for the second time, the Textile Printing & Sustainability Conference (TPS) returns to Düsseldorf on 15 and 16 October 2024. The organisers from the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA) are inviting presentations on all the critical factors shaping textile production and decoration today and in the near future. Suppliers, researchers and experts in printing technology – especially inkjet and screen printing – can submit their abstracts until 31 March 2024.
RGB – Red Green Blue. Colour Stories – Museum of Printing Arts Leipzig
Three colours, three stories. On 2 February, the Museum für Druckkunst Leipzig opens the exhibition RGB – Red Green Blue. Colour Stories, a show developed by the Musée de l’Imprimerie et de la Communication graphique in Lyon on the media history of the three colours of light.
C!print 2024 Lyon Innovations in print and graphics
The French trade fair C!print, which will take place in Lyon from 6 to 8 February 2024, brings together over 250 manufacturers, distributors and service providers from the fields of digital printing solutions, marking, textile printing, signage, cutting solutions, finishing solutions and print media.
swissQprint at FESPA 2024
swissQprint will be exhibiting at the Fespa Global Print Expo in Amsterdam from 19-22 March 2024 in Hall 1, Stand C40. The current range of flatbed and web printers with high performance and versatility as well as special applications will be the focus of the trade fair appearance.
BVDM launches crowdfunding-financed project “hochDRUCK” for the recruitment of trainees
Around 75 per cent of companies in the sector state that they are suffering from a shortage of skilled workers. However, many training positions cannot be filled because young people are opting for other career paths. With the crowdfunding project “hochDRUCK”, the print and media associations want to finance a campaign to use social media and influencers to recruit trainees for the start of training in 2024. Companies can now support the project and secure access to a pool of applicants.
Gallus receives award from the Schreiner Group
Schreiner Group presented the “Supplier of the Year” award for the 11th time at the end of 2023. “This award recognises suppliers who have excelled in terms of reliability, quality and delivery reliability,” says Roland Schreiner, Managing Partner of Schreiner Group. This year, the coveted award went to Gallus, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG.
FESPA Global Print Expo Discounted admission with promotional code FESA464
FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personality Experience and the inaugural Sportswear Pro will take place in Amsterdam from 19-22 March 2024. The concurrent events will showcase a range of solutions for speciality print, sign making, personalisation and sports and leisurewear production. As a bonus, Fespa is offering interested visitors a €30 discount on admission, which can be redeemed until February 2024 using the promotional code FESA465 can be redeemed at www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com.
Multi-Plot Mimaki und Textile Days
The two-day event “Mimaki Day” and “Textile Day” at Multi-Plot’s technical centre in Bad Emstal was a successful event. In order to offer guests a wide range of textile printing, renowned partners were invited to present their products.
Apenberg & Partner 21st Print Business Autumn Forecast
In 2023, Apenberg & Partner asked managers about their assessment of the development of their industry. 221 companies took part in the survey. With 158 companies, the “traditional” printing industry traditionally forms the largest group of participants, followed by packaging printing, which is slightly ahead of the graphic supply industry with 33 participants.
Cotton Classics Roadshow 2024 35 brands at 18 locations in 7 countries
Textile wholesaler Cotton Classics is launching its roadshow in Vienna on 15 January 2024. 18 locations, over 500 new products and 7 new brands set a new record in the history of the roadshow. In addition to Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the programme also includes locations in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and, for the first time, Croatia. All specialist retailers from the promotional products, textile printing, embroidery, workwear, merchandising and online retail sectors are cordially invited to attend.
EyeC Demo Days 2023 Successful in-house event
EyeC ends Demo Days 2023 as a great success. From 28 to 30 November 2023, the global provider of print image inspection invited partners, customers and interested parties to an in-house event for the first time to get to know the entire range of EyeC inspection systems better and to discuss the latest developments in print inspection technology. In order to reach as many interested parties as possible, the event took place both on site at the Hamburg headquarters and digitally in German and English.
Online Print Symposium 2024 Top speakers and early bird tickets
The Online Print Symposium (OPS), the leading conference for the future of online print, announces further speakers for an exciting programme on 14 and 15 March 2024. Under the theme “Join the AI-Powered Print Revolution”, the symposium will bring together leading minds in the industry to explore the latest trends and opportunities in digital and printed communication.
Industrial Print Integration 2023 Networking and educational opportunities
330 print technology enthusiasts from 28 countries met at the second edition of the Industrial Print Integration (IPI) Conference on 28 and 29 November 2023 in Düsseldorf-Neuss. Attendees praised the inkjet and screen printing experts who engaged in intensive know-how transfer and discussions on business, research and innovation.
bvdm economic telegram Business climate rises slightly
In November 2023, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry was slightly more positive following the previous month’s loss. While the business outlook for the next six months continued to rise, assessments of the current business situation fell. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation gained 0.4 per cent compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 87.0 points, the index in November was around 2.1 per cent below the previous year’s level and roughly equalled the value from August of this year.
Sustainable upcycling – Creating “new” fabrics using digital printing
The call to reduce waste and increase the sustainability of textiles is growing louder and is increasingly being enforced through legislation. Brand owners, designers and textile finishers are therefore increasingly focussing on upcycling to meet this demand. Unpopular materials should be put to innovative new uses and no longer end up in landfill sites.
Gulf Print & Pack returns to Dubai in 2024
Gulf Print & Pack, the MENA region’s leading exhibition for the commercial and packaging printing industry, will take place at the World Trade Centre in Dubai from 9 to 11 January 2024.
Fogra mourns the loss of former CEO Jan te Neues
The former Chairman of the Board of Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies, Jan te Neues, passed away on 19 November at the age of 84. His loss leaves a deep void, as te Neues maintained close contact with Fogra even 20 years after his departure as CEO.
National Regulatory Control Council confirms historic burdens for the economy
The current annual report of the German government’s National Regulatory Control Council (NRK) shows that compliance costs (the cost of complying with legal regulations and obligations) have reached an all-time high. The bvdm therefore supports the specific proposals of the NKR for a broader approach and a more efficient organisation of laws as well as the reduction of bureaucratic burdens.
Productronica and automotive interiors Specialised systems from ESC for printed electronics
This autumn, ESC will be exhibiting at two trade fairs in Munich and Stuttgart as a printing machine supplier for applications in the fields of optoelectronics, PCBs and automotive interiors.
The German government’s electricity price package is a good start
With the reduction in electricity tax and the stabilisation of grid fees, the electricity price package recently passed by the German government contains urgently needed relief for companies and is a first step in the right direction, according to the BCDM.
Neutralization of test samples Special label from Schreiner MediPharm
Schreiner MediPharm has developed a reliable blinding solution for vials. The self-adhesive foil labels are simultaneously coloured and semi-transparent, making it impossible to distinguish between different liquids of verum and placebo, while the fill level of the vials can still be read.
bvdm economic telegram Business climate declines again in October
In October 2023, the seasonally and calendar-adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry fell again. While the business outlook for the next six months rose slightly, assessments of the current business situation collapsed. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation fell by 2.8 per cent compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. At 86.4 points, the index was around 1.8 per cent above the previous year’s level, but reached a new low for the year. Companies’ business situation continues to be burdened by persistently weak demand and below-average capacity utilisation.
Durst takes over Aleph to strengthen sustainable digital printing
Durst has announced the strategic acquisition of Aleph to expand its range of sustainable digital textiles and décor solutions. This will strengthen Durst’s position in water-based and sustainable printing technologies.
Updated tricot machine by Karl Mayer
Hessian textile machinery company Karl Mayer has launched an updated version of its state-of-the-art HKS 3-M ON warp knitting machine. The machine has been further developed and improved to meet the new requirements of the textile industry. The focus is on digital solutions for patterning and product management, as well as mechanical optimizations.
dna x Imaging at Drupa 2024 All about image and print
drupa plans to create a new and exciting presentation format with its partner “New C”. The five-day convention “dna (drupa next age) x Imaging” will focus on the great importance of image technologies in the context of print and communication.
FESPA 2024 – Opportunities, Revealed
FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and the inaugural Sportswear Pro will take place from 19-22 March 2024 at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. These parallel events will showcase a wealth of solutions for specialty printing, signage, personalisation and sportswear and leisurewear production.
Fogra Symposium Colour Management
Fogra’s Colour Management Symposium will take place for the ninth time on 21 and 22 February 2024. The international colour management event in Munich is a firm fixture in the community. The presentations by users are particularly interesting. Eight speakers from printing companies, brand manufacturers and the decor sector have confirmed their attendance.
MUTOH Direct: Cloud service that connects dealers and end users
Mutoh Europe nv, the EMEA business unit of Mutoh Industries Co Ltd in Japan, announces the launch of MUTOH Direct in its Europe business area. Mutoh Direct is a new cloud service for MUTOH dealers that enables remote monitoring of printer status and usage by end users to ensure more effective service and support.
Fespa Print Census 2023: Increasing sustainability requirements and changing customer demands
FESPA has published the key findings of its Print Census 2023, conducted in collaboration with InfoTrends, a division of Keypoint Intelligence. According to the findings, sustainability requirements are increasing and customer demands are changing in terms of business models and investment plans.
9th drupa Global Trends Report: Global printing industry mostly confident
The ninth drupa Global Trends Report, published in mid-November, sees growing confidence in almost all regions and markets. Print service providers and suppliers alike expect an even better development for the coming year.
Brother: Water-based latex inks
As society has progressed, printing has become indispensable and plays a major role in industry. At the same time, developments in recent years show that environmental awareness has been greatly heightened. In the context of environmental friendliness and printing inks, water-based inks are the better choice compared to eco-solvent or UV inks.
Fresh coat of paint: “Lifetime Partner” campaign tells the story of the new Daiber brand identity
Gustav Daiber GmbH has spent several months revamping its corporate image. The result of the “Lifetime Partner” campaign is new colors and typography: the corporate fashion manufacturer behind JAMES & NICHOLSON will consciously come to the fore in the future.
drupa next age: Platform for Networking and New Business 2024
The drupa next age (dna) special show specifically highlights newcomers and young talents in the print and packaging industry. With Deborah Corn and Frank Tueckmantel, drupa has gained two strong partners with many years of industry expertise to organize and design the trend forum for cross-sectional technologies.
Patent granted for swissQprint Tip Switch vacuum
The Tip Switch vacuum, the vacuum system from swissQprint, has been patented since August 2023. Users can use it to control the finely segmented vacuum of their large format printer at the touch of a finger, thus saving time and electricity.
