The business climate index for the German printing and media industry clouded over slightly once again in May 2026. The seasonally adjusted business climate index, compiled by the BVDM, recorded a decline of 1.4 percent compared to the previous month. Both current business conditions and expectations for the coming six months deteriorated slightly.
Michel Caza, one of the ‘founding fathers’ of FESPA, passed away on 23 May 2026 at the age of 90. In 1961, Michel Caza was one of eight founding members of FESPA and remained a member of the FESPA Board until his retirement in 2014, serving as FESPA President from 1996 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2002.
The German Printing and Media Association (BVDM) has criticised the European Commission’s proposals for revising the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as inadequate. It argues that the proposed relief measures for companies in the downstream supply chain are not being implemented consistently and fail to address key challenges in practical implementation.
In April 2026, the seasonally adjusted business climate in the German printing and media industry improved. The seasonally adjusted business climate index compiled by the BVDM rose by 0.4 per cent compared with the previous month. Whilst companies assessed their current business situation as slightly worse than in March, expectations for the coming six months improved slightly.
With the launch of a new editor, Gustav Daiber GmbH is enhancing its existing online configurator for print and embroidery orders with a powerful design tool.
Smurfit Westrock in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a full-service packaging facility that produces high-quality inserts and packaging solutions for pharmaceutical brands. At Smurfit, materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing specialists work together to develop innovative packaging.
In March 2026, the seasonally adjusted business climate in the German printing and media industry deteriorated. The seasonally adjusted business climate index calculated by the BVDM showed a decline of 2.9% compared to the previous month. While the current business situation was rated better by the companies than in February, expectations for the next six months were significantly clouded by the current events in the Persian Gulf.
With the market launch of RubyPaper, Felix Schoeller presents a new premium segment in industrial high-speed inkjet photo production. According to the company, the new photo paper ensures high-quality and authentic photo quality without lamination or coating.
In February 2026, the seasonally adjusted business climate in the German printing and media industry improved. The seasonally adjusted business climate index calculated by the BVDM showed an increase of 1.1 per cent compared to the previous month and was thus around 2.8 per cent higher than in the same month last year. While companies rated the current business situation better than in January, expectations for the next six months clouded over slightly.
