FESPA 2022: CONFIDENT, INVESTMENT-READY AUDIENCE FOCUSED ON PROFITABLE, SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 brought the speciality print community together for four motivational days in Berlin (31st May to 3rd June 2022), in an atmosphere of overwhelming positivity that affirmed industry’s readiness to bounce back from the challenges of the last two years.
With a compelling line-up of 375 exhibiting companies, including many leading supplier brands which had not exhibited since 2019, the event attracted a high quality, international audience of senior decision-makers who travelled from 126 countries. And with campaign strapline: ‘Experience Print in Motion’, this year’s FESPA (which was co-located with European Sign Expo 2022, the leading European exhibition for signage and visual communications), attracted 11647 unique visitors, a 48% increase on the Autumn 2021 event, plus return trips over multiple days that brought total attendance to 15969 visits. Additionally, with more than 60% of visitors having final purchasing authority or influence, many exhibitors referenced the high quality of contacts and conversations and left FESPA 2022 with confirmed sales, new distribution partnerships and strong business opportunities for the short- to medium-term. Emphatically, analysis of the pre-event registration data provided by the 53% of visitors who chose to reveal their investment budget confirms significant readiness to invest at or soon after the show. Among these delegates, the collective median spend amounted to €1.3 billion, not accounting for those visitors who did not indicate their plans.
Just as exhibitors across the show floor areas expressed their delight at being back at a live FESPA event, WHERE To Print gathered that the first two days of the show only serves a purpose – meet and greet old acquaintances with many commenting on the energy they felt at the show and confident of positive commercial outcomes from their participation.
THE CITY & THE VENUE
Thankfully, while German Government had lifted COVID regulations on large-scale events since April 3, it was particularly fascinating to note that this year’s host city – Berlin, the German capital has some of the world’s best facilities and travel connections for air, road, and train transportation to and from the venue – Berlin Messe that made attending FESPA 2022 equally stress-free and rewarding to all guests. WHERE To Print was particularly impressed with Immigration at Berlin International Airport where Officers displayed professionalism, courtesy and respect to foreign nationals. Coincidentally this year, the venue was celebrating its 200th anniversary (as the first trade fair in the arena took place in 1822) thus the added values in cleanliness, interconnectivity, security and safety of both Berliners and visitors alike. Without doubt, Berlin confirmed its enviable status as a popular destination for visitors.
WHAT’S NEW
Though WHERE To Print combed the entire eight halls of Berlin Messe, but due to space constraint, our newsworthy discoveries plus some pictures in some of the halls herewith are brief but sure to aid your investment decisions:
Mimaki in Hall 1.2, stand A30
Mimaki showcased some of its recently launched range of wide-format inkjet printers in the 330 Series which includes the JV330-160, CJV330-160, and TS330-1600 models. These inkjet printers were developed to offer true-to-life quality in the mid- to high-end printing where focus is on high quality image, printer’s productivity, and durable prints for both the sign graphic and textiles industries. Specifically, the JV330-160 eco-solvent printer and CJV330-160 eco-solvent integrated printer/cutter are said to deliver the high standard of colour required for both indoor and outdoor sign graphics through the new Deep Colour Natural input profile. Mimaki says this offers vivid solid colours and natural skin tones as well as deep reds and neutral greys for brand distinction.
Mutoh in Hall 1.2, stand C40
At Mutoh’s stand was the brand new XpertJet 1642WR which features two new ultra-wide Mutoh AccuFine piezo variable drop printheads. In combination with Mutoh’s new proprietary i-screen weaving technology, the new print heads deliver high print quality at higher production speeds. Targeted at the sublimation transfer market, the XpertJet WR dye-sublimation printers prints high-quality graphics for transfer on to flexible and rigid polyester materials, including soft signage; flags and pennants; sports goods, such as snowboards, helmets; mugs, umbrellas, mouse mats, etc; and apparel. The XPJ-1642WR is said to also print directly onto closed coated polyester fabrics or mixed fibres materials.
Fujifilm in Hall 2.2, stand C30
Fujifilm exhibited under its banner theme: ‘Blueprint Live’ as it unveiled the all new Acuity printers designed under its ‘Blueprint’ strategy, intended to “redefine price, performance, and transform print return on investment (ROI)”. Therefore, among others, live on Fujifilm stand were the first two machines in the new range, the Acuity Prime and Acuity Ultra R2. WHERE To Print gathered that Acuity Prime is a flatbed with a unique, exceptional design and high value that offers high quality printing on a range of rigid and flexible media, supported by its five dedicated vacuum zones and jettable primer. Available at a cost-effective price point, Acuity Prime offers an excellent return on investment. For those looking for quality, speed and cost-in-use, Acuity Ultra R2 gives you the power to profit from a huge range of indoor and outdoor applications. In all, Fujifilm Acuity range is known for massive industrial scale – up to 5 meters wide with industrial printheads with a 3.5 picoliter drop size and specially developed LED UV inks to ensure consistent high-quality print.
Avery Dennison/Mactac in Hall 3.2, stand A50
Combining stand for obvious reasons, Avery Dennison and Mactac media brands were in Hall 3.2 with their latest innovations. From Avery Dennison was a digitally printable wrapping film that is PVC-free. The firm says that it delivers high performance while being more environmentally friendly. It is suitable for partial and full vehicle wraps, and also for interior and exterior signs. This material also provides “superb 3D conformability” for tricky wrapping projects and easy repositioning thanks to Easy Apply Technology. And from Mactac was JT 10700 WG-BFG-XR printable film for long-term 3D applications. The film is said to offer a well-balanced initial tack adhesive to improve the application experience and finish.
Agfa in Hall 3.2, stand C20
With a booth themed ‘Think Inkjet. Think Agfa’, Agfa had most of its latest innovations on show floor. Among these are Jeti Tauro H3300 HS LED and Avinci CX3200 dye-sub printers. While Jeti Tauro H3300 HS LED is Agfa’s latest member of 3.3m heavy-duty hybrid inkjet printer family that offers producers of corrugated cardboard displays the option to add a layer of glossy or matt varnish – in both flood or spot, the 3.2m Avinci CX3200 dye-sub printer is for high-quality indoor or outdoor soft signage, interior decoration and fashion items. It should be noted that the team from Inca Digital (recently acquired by Agfa) were on hand to welcome visitors as well as showcase Inca’s high-speed digital printing machines that focused on packaging printing markets.
EFI in Hall 4.2, stand D20
Amongst others, EFI showcased its new industrial, entry-level textiles printer – the Reggiani Terra Silver which uses unique Terra pigment ink for high-quality, highly sustainable direct-to-textiles printing without steaming or washing. The 1.8m-wide machine is part of EFI’s complete Terra line-up of pigment ink printers. The machine can print up to 190sqm/hr with eight dual-channel printheads that ensure the printer delivers smooth and precise output on both knit and woven fabrics.
Sappi in Hall 4.2, stand D20
Media giant – Sappi expanded its product portfolio for corrugated board applications with Fusion Nature Plus, an uncoated, fully bleached and completely recyclable virgin fibre liner. It has a natural, uncoated surface with a more tactile feel, in response to market trends. The liner is also provided in very low grammages. It is said to offer excellent printing results in flexographic, digital and offset printing processes.
Magenta Vision in Hall 6.2, stand B19
Europe’s leading solutions provider in the wide and super-wide format inkjet Printing Industry – Magenta-Vision Polska Sp. Z o.o. demonstrated its capacity to meet the specific needs and budgets of each print service providers in digital printing, UV printing, wide format printing, and sublimation print at FESPA 2022. This is because the Polish company has exclusive dealership with some of the world’s best Original Equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for hardware, software, and colour management such as X-Rite/ Pantone, Teckwin, Grando, Hanway, Caldera, Onyx, and PrintFactory among others. Reputed for its knowledge and experience in colour management, improve production workflow, and after-sales services, Magenta-Vision offers 24/7 customer support with adequate stock of spare parts, printheads and consumables for quick response to all its customers. Magenta-Vision is currently working with FLOURISH COLOUR VENTURES (www.flourishcolour.com) in Nigeria to train operators and managers on Customised Colour Management & Large Format Machine/ Printhead Maintenance Training at its Faculty in Warsaw, Poland. Interested participant should get in touch via Call/WhatsApp: +234 708 621 1555, +234 901 239 9805 or email: flourishcolour@yahoo.com
Brother in Hall 27, stand C20
Brother showcased the latest addition to its GTX industrial direct-to-garment printer range, the GTXPro. The Pro model adds features and functionality designed to make mass-production more cost-effective. Brother says the GTXPro is flexible and immensely versatile. It features a newly designed white printhead that reduces the amount of white ink needed. Two printheads offer eight channels deliver CMYK plus white and the machine has a maximum print area of 406x533mm.
Inpro BV in Hall 27, stand C31
Dutch company – Inpro BV presented its fully automatic screen cleaning brand – the Tigerclean series to discerning visitors at this year’s FESPA. WHERE To Print gathered that the ‘Simplicity in Performance’ Tigerclean series are strictly designed and manufactured in Holland to save cost and time in screen cleaning processes. For this, the machine comes in a range of fully automatic process either with one module and/ or up to 5 modules. However, the modular system can be upgraded when the need arises as an integrated screen cleaning, reclaiming and developing all-in-one machine. Aside the fact that the machine is simple to use and easy to maintain, it also minimizes the risk of ghost images and comes with special Inpro Intensive Soft Touch Brushes for the best cleaning result without damaging the mesh and no need for an expensive filtration of the inks. Not only that, Tigerclean is built for heavy duty use in a cost-efficient manner starting from 3m2 screens per day and has the highest safety and complete CE-Safe standard thereby making it environmentally friendly and safe to use in any working conditions for operators.
DuPont in Hall 27, stand C60
DuPont highlighted an all new pigment ink series – Artistri Brite P5500, which is designed for direct-to-garment (DTG) decorators, packaging producers and fulfilment houses that want to move to digital printing but need a faster, more reliable process that provides high quality prints and repeatability. The company says the new inks deliver improved wash fastness with both press or oven curing and with faster curing times. Artistri P5590 white ink offers the opacity and stretch that customers value for longer shelf life. The aqueous inkset is designed to work in printers with low-viscosity piezo-electric printheads and is suitable for all DTG applications, including direct-to-film printing.
Kornit Digital in Hall 27, stand D60
Kornit Digital is no doubt changing the face of fashion as one of the top manufacturers of digital printer for industrial, direct to garment digital printing, and textiles – roll to roll with its MAX Series that make Kornit – a global change maker. For the first time, visitors were able to see live demonstrations of Kornit’s MAX technology full portfolio in one place proving highest print quality with enhanced productivity and innovative applications for all fashion segments such as apparel, high-fashion, activewear, and home décor. On demo were Atlas Max – the new standard for high-volume, on-demand direct-to-garment production that helps you unleash new levels of creativity, deliver unparalleled consistency, create a smoother workflow that optimizes your resources, and gives you what you need to achieve significant business growth. Another is Presto Max with NeoPigment Robusto Ink gives you the simplicity of using one ink set for every type run with consistent results on any fabric type – polyester to natural fabrics on the same system – no matter the print quantity. For Presto Max, no pre or post treatment and set up are required – just top-quality results, great hand-feel and high drape. Lastly, there was the Atlas MAX Poly specially developed to overcome all major polyester production challenges. This innovative technology reduces dye migration in coloured polyester and eliminates post dryer cracking & ghosting by applying new and proprietary PG and Q.fix. This legendary machine makes fabric retains high durability even after 5 washes at 40c and great hand feel achieved by the use of Poly Enhancer with full support of SPOT colours and Pantone matching. That’s why Atlas MAX Poly is the new quality standard for high-volume, on-demand, direct-to-garment polyester decoration.
Overall, other add-ons at FESPA this year was the first-ever Sustainability Spotlight Conference which attracted much attention, underlining the priority now being given to environmental responsibility, aside the visually stunning Printeriors stage which attracted hundreds of printers hungry for fresh ideas for sustainable printed interior décor. Many visitors also engaged enthusiastically with the exhibited print projects in the new Associations Pavilion, while the Club FESPA Lounge was buzzing with FESPA members from around the world, keen to reconnect with international colleagues.
NEWS FROM FESPA @ PRESS CONFERENCE
Just a day to the end of this year’s show, organisers revealed vital statistics and announcements from this year’s show up till FESPA 2024 in a press conference attended by select media. For instance, it was disclosed by Michael Ryan, Head of Global Print Expo at FESPA, that the 2022 show was widely adjudged incredible with impressive results from the show floor. Aside from the return of many screen-printing printers and other stakeholders to the live show – even with the restrictions from Asia (about 200 exhibitors were expected) – FESPA 2022 brought people back to live events with outstanding innovations and applications from the Printeriors for Printers. Other news was Australia joining Club FESPA, new application from Thailand in the Association Pavilion, and winners from World Wrap Master competition. Significant news was the announcement of 2023 dates and venue i.e. 23 – 26 May 2023 at Messe Munich, in Munich Germany (which is going to be hosting the event for the 6th time).
On 2023 theme, FESPA Group Marketing Manager – Leighona Aris, revealed that theme – New Perspectives was premised on the changing faces in the industry and specialists around the world would collaborate with FESPA to produce the Visitors’ Campaign in a cinematic approach of ‘P’ in – ‘Prints’ to reflect ‘Printing’ while ‘S’ is for ‘Signage’. She also announced that with FESPA going back to Amsterdam in 2024 (19-22 March), a new collocated event – Sportswear Pro 2024 would be held alongside it explaining that the reason for not holding Sportswear Pro next year was that FESPA Team believed adequate preparation (in research and planning) was needed to deliver the event to the level expected of FESPA by all stakeholders.
Again, FESPA Head of Marketing and Events – Duncan MacOwan announced the launch of Wrap Fest, a brand-new show dedicated exclusively to vehicle wrapping, vinyl installation, detailing, application and materials. The debut event will run on 26 and 27 April 2023 at Silverstone racing circuit, Northampton – the iconic home of the British Grand Prix. Wrap Fest will provide the backdrop for the new UK and Ireland leg of the 2023 World Wrap Masters competition, culminating with the international final at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich.
On Association, FESPA Head of Associations & Technical Lead – Graeme Richardson-Locke revealed that the final report of Print Census would to be launched in Munich next year. With survey done in partnership with Key Point Intelligence, WHERE To Print gathered that the results of the survey would show invaluable statistics and information on the specialty community with better analytics on software automation, investment, plans etc. He also enjoined members to check out FESPA website as there are enough useful, inspiring and educational materials for members to use on the Profit for Purpose platform. And when asked by WHERE To Print on the need for FESPA to work with countries like Nigeria with already established associations and government backed Institute, he promised to work with WHERE To Print and the Institute in Nigeria to ensure that was done.
In a related development, FESPA Board has promised to ensure members growth and sustainability through constant education especially among young people. Wit presence in 37 different countries, the Board vowed to arrange country-specific education with emphasis on growing business, web to print, creativity, sustainability etc for all its members immediately.
…AND BULGARIAN IVAN TENCHEV WINS WORLD WRAP MASTERS
Another highpoint of FESPA 2022 was the announcement of Ivan Tenchev from Bulgaria who was crowned World Wrap Masters Champion 2022. He took the prestigious international vehicle wrapping competition title after an energetic two-day final – competing against 12 other wrap professionals, with runner-up places going to Vít Šimek from Czech Republic and Maria Terp Holt from Denmark.
During the final, regional winners from the UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Japan, Denmark, Brazil, Finland, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway and Mexico were challenged with wrapping VW Golf cars and LED figures of the famous Berliner “Ampelmännchen”, the small green and red man that can be found on numerous pedestrian traffic lights in Berlin. The 2022 competition was sponsored by HP, 3M, Wrapstock, PLASTGrommet, Car Wrapper 3D and OXY Tools.
CONCLUSION
In the words of Michael Ryan – FESPA Head of Global Print Expo: “Finally, we could deliver an all-round FESPA experience for exhibitors and visitors that felt like a return to form, and the consensus was that the vibe at the show was incredible. Every industry is changed by the pandemic, and print is no exception, but this show proved beyond doubt that print is resilient, creative, agile and focused on the future”.
Agreeing, FESPA CEO – Neil Felton noted that; “The significant spending power of our visitor base and the broad international audience together offer powerful evidence of a rebound in our global community. We see confidence returning, inspiring business leaders to invest and also to resume business travel, live events and face-to-face networking where they know it will deliver tangible value for them”.
“The glowing feedback from exhibitors and visitors in Berlin tells us that the speciality print community wants and needs to engage in person, and that FESPA is where they come together. Now we’re looking ahead to the return of strong FESPA events in Mexico, Eurasia and Brazil, and beyond to our next Global Print Expo in Munich in May 2023. We can’t wait to stimulate the same energy and optimism in speciality print communities in other regions”, concludes Felton.
© with support from FESPA.com
