TRENDS Themen

In June, the independent Minimum Wage Commission will decide on an increase in the statutory minimum wage from 2026. The German Printing and Media Industries Federation is calling on the Federal Ministry of Labour not to interfere politically in the minimum wage debate. In a statement to the Minimum Wage Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour, the BVDM criticises the threat to increase the minimum wage to 15 euros by law as an unacceptable interference in collective bargaining autonomy.

In May 2025, the seasonally adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry deteriorated and the slight upward trend since February 2025 has come to an end for the time being. The seasonally adjusted business climate index calculated by the BVDM showed a decline of 4.3 per cent compared to the previous month. The current assessment of the situation and the business outlook for the next six months were more pessimistic than in previous months.

The German print and media industry met in Hamburg from 14 to 16 May for the annual industry gathering. With over 400 participants, the German Print and Media Day 2025, which was held under the motto ‘On course together’, saw record attendance.

On 21 and 22 May 2025, Fogra invites you to the 8th ‘Digital Printing Meets Offset’ symposium in Munich-Aschheim. Experts will contribute to an exciting programme on digital and offset printing with their presentations. From sustainability to AI, from personalisation to print finishing, seven sessions will cover important topics for everyday printing. Speakers from industry and research will shed light on various aspects from different perspectives with a practical perspective.

In April 2025, the seasonally adjusted business climate in the German print and media industry showed a slowdown in the upward trend. The business climate index calculated by the German Printing and Media Industries Federation showed a seasonally adjusted increase of 0.7 per cent compared to the previous month.

André Knaus is the new Head of Marketing & Digital Operations at Gustav Daiber GmbH. The graduate economist and IT manager has a broad profile of expertise in marketing and technology and has set himself the goal of positioning the corporate fashion manufacturer as a pioneer for innovative, digital solutions in the industry.

The European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA) has concluded its annual General Assembly in Milan, bringing together industry leaders for insightful discussions, networking opportunities and the election of a new Board of Directors. At the meeting, Tracey Brown of Meteor Inkjet was appointed as the new Chair of ESMA.

The Bielefeld-based company KINZEL Printing Systems has introduced a new 2-colour label screen printing line. A team of designers and qualified employees have combined the latest technology and innovations with more than 40 years of web screen printing experience to create a compact label screen printing line. The new flatbed screen printing concept (line) opens up the possibility of increasing quality and functionality.

The German Printing and Media Industries Federation welcomes the rapid agreement reached by the CDU/CSU and SPD in the coalition negotiations. This is because Germany would need a reliable government with the ability to act in order to bring the economy back to where it once was: world export champion, innovative location with high economic growth and strong small and medium-sized companies. From the BVDM’s point of view, however, the partially good approaches are not enough and vague promises must be quickly followed by reforms.