Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—The Netherlands

Published December 17, 2024

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at the Netherlands.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Italy

Published December 10, 2024

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, in particular, tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Italy.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Ireland

Published December 2, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Ireland.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Hungary

Published November 19, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Hungary.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Greece

Published November 5, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Greece.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Germany

Published October 22, 2024

This continuing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Germany.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—France

Published October 15, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, specifically tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at France.

Exploring AI in Print

Published October 8, 2024

European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports from the German Printing Industry Association’s annual Print & Media Congress, where most of the presentations centered on AI. How is AI perceived by printers in Europe?

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Finland

Published October 1, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, specifically, tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Finland.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Denmark

Published September 17, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Denmark.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Czechia

Published September 3, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Czechia.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: DIGITAL & INKJET—Inkjet Options for Folding Cartons

Published August 29, 2024

Ralf Schlözer surveys the current state of inkjet printing on folding cartons.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: LABELS & PACKAGING—Inkjet Options for Flexible Packaging Printing

Published August 28, 2024

Ralf Schlözer surveys the current state of inkjet printing on flexible packaging materials.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: LABELS & PACKAGING—Inkjet Options for Corrugated

Published August 27, 2024

Ralf Schlözer surveys the options available for inkjet printing on corrugated.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: DIGITAL & INKJET—Inkjet Options for Label Presses

Published August 22, 2024

Ralf Schlözer surveys the options on the market for digital label printing.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—SUSTAINABILITY: An Overview of Print Sustainability

Published August 19, 2024

Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the current print industry sustainability landscape, upcoming new regulations, and offers a list of “action items” printers should start implementing.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Croatia

Published August 12, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Croatia.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Bulgaria

Published July 30, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Bulgaria.

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Belgium

Published July 23, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Belgium.

Upcoming EU Sustainability Regulations—Part 2: Deforestation Regulation

Published July 22, 2024

Intergraf, the European association of the national print associations, held its annual “Print Matters” conference in June 2024 in Romania. Among the topics covered, two garnered special interest: the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). In this article, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the EUDR.

Upcoming EU Sustainability Regulations—Part 1: Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Published July 15, 2024

Intergraf, the European association of the national print associations, held its annual “Print Matters” conference in June 2024 in Romania. Among the topics covered, two garnered special interest: the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). In this article, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the CSRD. A future article will look at the EUDR.

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Austria

Published July 8, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Austria.

Koenig & Bauer Durst Expands the Application Range in Packaging

Published June 26, 2024

Ralf Schlözer looks at the new Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106, a highlight of the joint venture’s appearance at drupa 24.

On the Cutting Edge with Intec

Published June 26, 2024

Ralf Schlözer profiles the finishing solutions that Intec was showing at drupa 24.

Driving Efficiency in Training and Maintenance

Published June 26, 2024

Ralf Schlözer reports on frontline.io, a platform that can leverage AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality) to improve the learning experience and operational efficiency, and its uses in the graphic arts.

Predicting the Power of Print

Published June 25, 2024

Konica Minolta is not only a manufacturer of printers, the company also has considerable experience in color science. The company teamed up with the University of Hiroshima for its new Ex Kansai software. Ralf Schlözer explains how, by leveraging AI and neuroscience, the Ex Kansai software is set to simulate the visual perception of consumers.

Print on Walls with WallPen

Published June 24, 2024

Ralf Schlözer looks at a unique exhibitor at drupa 24: WallPen, which has developed a dervice for printing directly on walls.

Customized Printing Solutions with Inkjet Integrators

Published June 24, 2024

If you don't find the printing system you need for your printing requirements at drupa, you can also have it built to your own specifications. Ralf Schlözer explains the concept of inkjet integrators, which specialize in non-standard applications and either build inkjet printing units into existing printing, finishing, and production systems or assemble completely new printing lines.

SID: Automating Measurement and Testing

Published June 20, 2024

The SID (Sächsische Institut für die Druckindustrie) is a non-profit printing industry-oriented research institution based in Leipzig, Germany, active in several fields: as a research and development partner, as a provider of services including measuring/testing devices for the graphic arts industry, and as a competence centre for technology transfer. Ralf Schlözer spotlights their drupa 24 presence.

Ricoh Expands in Commercial Print

Published June 20, 2024

Nicknamed “the dragon,” Ricoh’s Pro Z75 sheetfed inkjet press was shown live for the first time at drupa 24. Ralf Schlözer takes a closer look.

Print It Like Gutenberg

Published June 20, 2024

Tired of inkjet? Overwhelmed by all the new technology? At drupa 24, there were also demonstrations of how Gutenberg printed and how he invented moveable type. Ralf Schözer takes a trip back in time…

B3 High-Quality Inkjet with Kyocera

Published June 20, 2024

Kyocera’s TASKalfa Pro 15000c, launched in 2019, quickly became an established product thanks to its great price-performance ratio, with about 500 units having been installed worldwide. Ralf Schlözer looks at how the product has evolved, new capabilities being featured at drupa 24.

Expanding Opportunities in Inkjet with Screen

Published June 19, 2024

At drupa 2024, Screen launched a number of brand-new inkjet production devices to improve performance and to address new markets—including the Truepress JET 560HDX, which was shown publicly for the first time. Ralf Schlözer reports.

Last Minute Personalization of Boxes with RISO

Published June 19, 2024

At drupa 24, RISO was showing their new printhead engine that can be easily integrated into packaging and shipping lines. Ralf Schlözer reports from the show.

Direct-to-Shape Print with LabelSaver

Published June 19, 2024

Instead of using labels, a resource-saving alternative can be printing directly onto a container. There are several options for direct-to-shape inkjet printing available—but at drupa 24, newly established supplier LabelSaver believes it has found a novel approach. Ralf Schlözer takes us inside this new technology.

Xeikon Pushes Speed, Quality, and Sustainability

Published June 18, 2024

At drupa 24, Xeikon presented a refreshed brand with a range of new presses. Ralf Schlözer looks at what the company had on show.

Konica Minolta Driving Automation and B2 Inkjet Speed

Published June 18, 2024

Konica Minolta made a big splash at drupa 2024 with the seventh largest booth at the show and 20 European premieres with a range of toner and inkjet printers and software solutions. Ralf Schlözer surveys the highlights.

Sizing the European Print Industry

Published June 18, 2024

Kicking off a regular series of country-by-country analyses, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the demographics of the printing industry in Europe as a whole—identifying revenue, employment, and the number of establishments.

Kodak: A Partner for Analog and Digital

Published June 17, 2024

Ralf Schlözer looks at the analog and digital solutions Kodak was showcasing at drupa 24, including a new Sonora Ultra process-free plate, a new large-format platesetter, the Magnus Q3600 Titan, and the Prosper Ultra 520 press.

Looking Beyond Commercial Print with Mimaki

Published May 30, 2024

Mimaki is looking beyond the traditional paper-based print applications. Ralf Schlözer reports from Mimaki's drupa 24 press conference.

Drupa 2024 Officially Kicks Off!

Published May 29, 2024

Drupa 24, eight years in the making, opened yesterday to much excitement. European Section Editor Ralf Schlozer attended the opening ceremony.

Canon Moves into B2 Inkjet

Published May 28, 2024

As drupa 24 opens, Canon has announced that it is launching its first B2 size press, the varioPRESS iV7. Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the announcement.

Save the Printers! Major Ukrainian Print House Hit

Published May 24, 2024

In the Ukrainian city of Charkiw, dubbed “The City of Print,” Faktor Druk survived the first round of attacks in 2022. One of the largest printing houses in Ukraine, it remained open, albeit at reduced capacity—until yesterday, when the company was hit by a Russian rocket, killing staff and damaging production considerably. Donations to help the victims and rebuild production are welcome.

Gelato Connect: Software for—and from—On-Demand Printing

Published May 13, 2024

Procurement, workflows, and logistics need to be connected and optimized into one single workflow, as online print service providers need to be masters in cost-efficient and fast-turnaround print production spanning multiple sites and production devices. European section editor Ralf Schlözer points out how, in a remarkable move, online print provider Gelato is now opening up its software solution and production platform, GelatoConnect, to all print service providers.

Seven More Takeaways from the Online Print Symposium 2024

Published May 7, 2024

European section editor Ralf Schlözer highlights seven more takeaways from March's Online print Symposium that could be labelled "success factors" for online printing companies.

2024 Inkjet Integrator Profiles: NEOS

Published April 23, 2024

This series of inkjet integrator profiles, courtesy of Inkjet Insight, aims the spotlight on companies focused on offering custom-developed inkjet printing solutions to their customers. In the first in the series, Ralf Schlözer looks at Italian integrator NEOS.

Highlights from FESPA 2024—Textile and Direct-to-Object News

Published April 22, 2024

In part 2 of his coverage of the FESPA Global Print Expo, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 19–22, European section editor Ralf Schlözer rounds up some textile and direct-to-object product launches and announcements.

Highlights from FESPA 2024—Sign and Display Printers

Published April 16, 2024

European section editor Ralf Schlözer rounds up some wide-format product launches and announcements made at the FESPA Global Print Expo, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 19–22.

Highlights from the Online Print Symposium 2024

Published March 28, 2024

The 11th annual Online Print Symposium (OPS), held earlier this month in Münich, demonstrated that many outsiders are driving online print and mass customization ventures—and they see print as a huge opportunity and a growth market. European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports from the event.

Compact, High-Quality Label Printing with the SnapPress LP-1

Published February 26, 2024

The market for packaging printing, and especially labels, is gravitating towards digital print. European section editor and Inkjet Insight contributor Ralf Schlözer looks at a new entrant in the digital label space: SnapPress and the SnapPress LP-1 inkjet label printer.

Trends in Online Print in Europe

Published February 19, 2024

Just as the whole printing industry had a rollercoaster ride during and after the pandemic, so did online print. 2023 should have seen somewhat steadier waters. European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on Zipcon CEO Bernd Zipper’s experience and expectations.

Fujifilm Goes Big

Published February 12, 2024

After previewing it at PRINTING United in 2023, Fujifilm has officially launched the Revoria Press GC12500, the first dry toner B2 press. European section editor Ralf Schlözer provides the details.

Inkjet Integrators: An Introduction

Published January 23, 2024

In part one of an Inkjet Insight series, Ralf Schlözer begins an extensive look at “inkjet integrators,” providers of custom solutions for applications for which there are few or no commercial inkjet press solutions available.

BookTok Driving Book Sales and Book Design

Published January 17, 2024

European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at how BookTok, a Tiktok community where readers discuss, praise, rank, or showcase books via short video clips, has been driving book sales—and even book design.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Croatia

Published January 16, 2024

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims to shed a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. In this final installment, we look at Croatia, which ranks at number 19 among the printing industries by turnover in Europe.

Shining Bright: Electrophotography Is Still a Star

Published December 12, 2023

With so much attention focused on inkjet, we tend to expect little news and progress from electrophotography (EP) technologies. However, the reality is quite different. Ralf Schlözer reviews the last 12 months of news and launches in EP technology.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Norway

Published December 5, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims to shed a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Norway, which ranks at number 18 among the printing industries by turnover in Europe.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Romania

Published October 17, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims to shed a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Romania, the fourth-largest printing industry by turnover in Central and Eastern Europe.

Picture This: Trends in Photo Merchandise Printing

Published October 9, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer highlights a research report from Rise Above Research that looks at the market for various photo printing applications—cards, books, calendars, wall/tabletop décor, and drinkware—and identifies the growth areas, and what the opportunities are for print businesses.

Embellishments: The Past & the Future

Published October 3, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer provides a primer on embellishments and identifies some common uses, as well as the potential for profitability for print businesses looking to adopt embellishment techniques.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Switzerland

Published September 27, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims to shed a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Switzerland, the eighth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Xerox Withdraws from drupa—and From Production Print?

Published September 26, 2023

Following the news that Xerox has pulled out of drupa 2024, European section editor Ralf Schlözer explores the ramifications of this announcement and what it might mean for Xerox’s future in production print.

European Print Volume Trends

Published September 12, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a break from the Europen country-by-country look at turnover and employment to provide a bigger-picture look at print volumes in Europe pre- and post-pandemic.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Portugal

Published August 21, 2023

This bi-weekly series of articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Portugal, the 15th-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Finding and Developing Talent for the Printing Industry

Published August 15, 2023

At the top of the list of printing industry issues is a lack of skilled labor. The only difference now is that the shortage it is getting more severe and is affecting the pool of non-skilled labor as well. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at Germany’s vocational training initiative and the challenges it faces in supplying talent to the printing industry.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Hungary

Published August 1, 2023

This series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Hungary, the 13th-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe and third largest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Zaikio: Progressing in Procurement

Published July 31, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the current state of Zaikio, and its recent integration of a procurement app that can aid or fully automate supplies ordering processes.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Austria

Published July 25, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Austria, the tenth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Ink, Sustainability, and Regulatory Challenges

Published July 17, 2023

A raft of legislation under the European Green Deal has been, or is planned to be, implemented by the EU to make society more sustainable. The activity with the biggest impact on the printing and packaging industry is the Packaging & Packaging Waste regulation. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the issues involved in and potential impacts of these new laws.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Finland

Published July 11, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Finland, the 14th largest printing industry by turnover in Europe and the second largest in the Nordic region.

Executive Q&A: Kyocera’s Jose Maria Estebanez

Published July 10, 2023

WhatTheyThink European Section Editor Ralf Schlözer talks with Jose Maria Estebanez, Vice President of Corporate Marketing for Kyocera, about the company’s first production inkjet press, the TASKalfa Pro 15000c.

Intergraf’s Print Matters for the Future Conference 2023 Looks at Industry Megatrends

Published June 26, 2023

Print Matters is an annual conference, organized by Intergraf, the European association of the national print associations, and the Nordic Printing Association NOPA. The 2023 conference took place in Riga, Latvia, and focuses on some of the most pressing issues of the European printing industry. European section editor Ralf Schlözer runs down the highlights of the presentations.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Czechia

Published June 14, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Czechia (also called Czech Republic), the eleventh-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe and the second largest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Here Come the Robots—News and Trends from FESPA 2023

Published June 12, 2023

The FESPA Global Print Expo was held in Münich, Germany, May 23 to 26. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer attended and identifies some highlights from the show.

Fighting Deforestation by Tracking Print

Published May 30, 2023

The European Union is introducing a regulation on deforestation-free products as part of the European Green Deal. European section editor Ralf Schlözer digs into what the new rules mean for printers.

Looking Out for Print at Interpack 2023

Published May 22, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports from Interpack, held May 4–10 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Interpack focuses on technologies and materials for filling, packaging, and packaging printing.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Poland

Published May 15, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Poland, the sixth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe and the largest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Sweden

Published May 1, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Sweden, the 12th-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

EU Packaging Sustainability Regulation and Impact

Published April 25, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the potential growth of packaging waste, the European Union’s proposed Regulation on Packaging & Packaging Waste to help combat that growth, and the outlook for European packaging print.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Belgium

Published April 17, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Belgium, the ninth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—The Netherlands

Published March 21, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at the Netherlands, the seventh largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Eversfrank Gruppe’s Gerhard Martterer on Programmatic Printing

Published March 20, 2023

Ralf Schlözer talks with Gerhard Martterer of Eversfrank Gruppe about programmatic and variable-data printing. Martterer evangelizes the benefits of programmatic printing to advertisers and marketers and has formed the Programmatic Print Alliance (PPA) in Germany.

Hunkeler Exploring New Post-Processing Markets at Innovationdays

Published March 14, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on Hunkeler's finishing solutions launched at this year Innovationdays.

Print Turnover and Employment in Europe—Spain

Published March 6, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at Spain, the fifth largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Media and Journalism Predictions for 2023

Published February 28, 2023

Every year, the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism publishes a global report on Journalism, Media, and Technology Trends and Predictions. European section editor Ralf Schlözer culls some implications for the printing and publishing industries.

Xeikon Extending Its Label Line-Up

Published February 21, 2023

Digital label printing has been a growth market for many years, served by a large number of printer suppliers. Xeikon, offering both electrophotographic and inkjet label presses, expands both product lines. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the new units.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—UK

Published February 14, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted businesses. This time we look at the UK, the second-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—France

Published January 24, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic impacted the businesses. This time we look at France, the fourth-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

AI-Generated Images Will Spark a Revolution

Published January 16, 2023

European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a close look at AI-generated images, experimenting with some of the tools currently available, and exploring what the implications of AI imagery are for the graphic communications industry.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Italy

Published January 10, 2023

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic hit the market. This time we look at Italy, the third-largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Key Developments in Digital Print: 2022 Was a Mixed Bag

Published December 13, 2022

European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks back at some of the notable product announcements in digital print—and identifies some trends to look for in 2023.

Turnover and Employment in Print in Europe—Germany

Published December 6, 2022

This bi-weekly series of short articles aims at shedding a spotlight on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country and how revenues and employment developed in 2020, when the pandemic hit the market. Kicking off the series is Germany, the largest printing industry by turnover in Europe.

Preparing for Hunkeler innovationdays 2023

Published November 29, 2022

WhatTheyThink European correspondent Ralf Schlözer talks with Daniel Erni, Chief Sales Officer Global at Hunkeler AG, to explore what to expect at the upcoming Hunkeler innovationdays, taking place from February 27 to March 2, 2023, in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Producing Board Games Is Not Child’s Play

Published November 15, 2022

The global board games market (including puzzles and card games) was valued at $13.75 billion in 2021, and it is expected to reach a value of $30.93 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 13.7% according to The Global Board Games Market report from Skyquest. European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a comprehensive look at the forces affecting this dynamic industry—from the surge in board game sales during the pandemic, to increasingly digital production of games, and more sustainable production processes.

Production Inkjet Shopping Guide 1 – Entry Level

Published November 10, 2022

This guide aims at providing an overview of the main inkjet presses available for commercial and document-oriented applications. This first in a four part series of articles will focus on entry and low volume devices, the most affordable presses in the market.

Canon Make-It Returns 2022 with More Launches

Published November 1, 2022

European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on Canon’s Make-It Future-Proof event, which took place October 19 and 20 at Canon’s continuous-feed press manufacturing site in Poing, Germany. Canon used the opportunity to make some new product announcements, such as additions to the imagePRESS V-Series and new Prisma software.

Sizing the European Printing Industry

Published October 25, 2022

European section editor Ralf Schlözer rounds up the latest data on European and UK printing industry establishments, revenues, and production volumes.

Printers Look on the Bright Side: Latest drupa Global Trends Report Sheds a Light on Print

Published October 18, 2022

A growth in optimism, increased planned investments, and operational challenges are some of the global print trends. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at some of highlights of the latest drupa Global Trends Report.

Mapping the Future of the European Paper Market

Published August 23, 2022

The current paper shortage and price rises are the result of long-term trends in the paper industry that got upended by the pandemic and the recovery. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the current situation, how we got here, and if and when paper problems will be alleviated.

Imprimu Brings Online Print to Latin America

Published August 9, 2022

Online print is a major growth segment in the printing industry, but its market success has been country- or region-dependent. While in many European countries online print already has double-digit revenue share, in other regions—like Latin America—the share is fairly small. Start-up company Imprimu is preparing to change this, starting from their home base in Panama. Ralf Schlözer takes a look at this new start-up.

Articles by Ralf Schlozer