Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—United Kingdom

Published April 29, 2025

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 UK.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Switzerland

Published April 15, 2025

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 Switzerland.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Sweden

Published March 17, 2025

This regular 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 Sweden.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Spain

Published March 11, 2025

This regular 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 Spain.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovenia

Published February 24, 2025

This regular 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 Slovenia.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovakia

Published February 10, 2025

This regular 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 Slovakia.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Romania

Published February 3, 2025

This regular 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 Romania.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Portugal

Published January 27, 2025

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

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Poland

Published January 13, 2025

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

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Norway

Published January 7, 2025

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

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.

Inkjet Integrator Profiles: Industrial Inkjet Limited

Published August 21, 2024

Working exclusively with Konica Minolta printheads, Industrial Inkjet covers a lot of different segments with their custom solutions.

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.

Counting Chinese Inkjet Presses at drupa 2024

Published August 14, 2024

Chinese presses were out in force at drupa 2024 but received limited coverage. Let's try to count them.

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.

Inkjet for corrugated and more: HP launches the T700i

Published July 24, 2024

The HP T700i lowers the entry barrier by addressing both litho lamination replacement and smaller width corrugation, with folding carton also in its sights.

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.

2024 Inkjet Integrator Profiles: C-marx

Published July 18, 2024

German integrator tackles custom solutions for “printing beyond colour” in our latest profile.

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.

Fujifilm Dimatix Advancing the middle ground with SkyFire

Published June 6, 2024

See how far can you throw and go with the new SkyFire printhead

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

There is still a considerable opportunity for digital production print in the B2 format, by moving short runs from offset to digital, by consolidating EP volumes, or by opening new opportunities in on-demand print.

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.

2024 Inkjet Integrator Profiles: MCS

Published May 21, 2024

An introduction to U.S. inkjet integrator and reseller MCS based in Maryland

More Drupa 2024 inkjet announcements – part two

Published May 15, 2024

In part 2 of the pre-drupa round up we cover photo printing, labels, packaging and components for integrators. Enjoy!

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.

Summary of Drupa 2024 inkjet announcements Production Print

Published May 7, 2024

Part 1 of our cheat sheet on drupa inkjet launches and first looks.

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.

Inkjet Integrator Profiles: Integrity Industrial Inkjet

Published April 23, 2024

Our bespoke development series continues covering a US-based integrator with a very wide range of inkjet applications expertise from graphic arts to materials deposition along with some things we hadn’t heard of before.

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.

2024 Inkjet Shopping Guide for Folding Carton Presses

Published April 17, 2024

Inkjet took many printing markets by storm. In others the success has been slower. Inkjet is now making inroads in folding carton packaging. Meet the new players staking their claim.

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.

Inkjet Integrator Profiles: DJM

Published April 11, 2024

In this article in a series on inkjet integrators, we look at DJM. Based in the Netherlands the company focuses on printing on fibre-based surfaces with a range of printing modules and inkjet head technologies.

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.

2024 Inkjet Shopping Guide for Flexible Packaging Presses

Published March 11, 2024

Here is your market snapshot of inkjet in flexible packaging. Inkjet is a latecomer to the market, but activity and shipments are picking up, and new devices are being announced.

2024 Inkjet Integrator Profiles: Bergstein

Published February 27, 2024

Creating modular inkjet solutions for direct-to-object and direct-to-shape

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.

EcoFlexibles and the Fujifilm Jet Press FP790

Published February 20, 2024

Demonstrating the productivity of Fujifilm's Jet Press FP790 in production in the quality sensitive flexible packaging market.

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.

2024 Inkjet Integrator Profiles: NEOS

Published January 30, 2024

Meet NEOS, the first inkjet integrator profiled in our free 2024 series on custom development.

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.

Inkjet Integrators – an introduction

Published January 16, 2024

A new series on inkjet integration and the key players in the market.

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.

Koenig & Bauer RotaJET revisited

Published December 13, 2023

The Koenig & Bauer RotaJET was originally launched in 2012. After focussing on several application areas more closely, placements picked up in recent years. This article looks at the target segments and the strategies behind.

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.

Breaking barriers in functional print with Scrona

Published December 5, 2023

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) inkjet printing using MEMS produced nozzle arrays.

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.

Ricoh ups the roll-fed inkjet game with the Pro VC80000

Published November 28, 2023

The new Pro VC 8000 delivers higher quality and productivity than previous Ricoh presses.

Compact, high quality label printing with the SnapPress LP-1

Published November 14, 2023

The market in packaging printing and especially labels is gravitating towards digital print – driven by its ease of use, short-run capability and rapid production times. LabelExpo 2023 already brought a raft of new devices but the innovation has not stopped since. At Printing United 2023 a new player emerged with SnapPress and the SnapPress LP-1 inkjet label printer.

Let’s get functional: functional print and inkjet

Published November 8, 2023

Functional print is starting to leave the lab and pilot stage, but there are many considerations to take into account that set this application range apart from other print application fields. Also inkjet offers some unique opportunities in functional print but has its own challenges as well.

Gallus, a journey in Inkjet print

Published October 17, 2023

A Gallus centennial celebration at the new customer experience center and introduction to the Gallus One inkjet label press

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.

LabelExpo 2023: Launches and Trends – Part 2

Published October 3, 2023

Part 2 of LabelExpo Europe coverage with interesting launches in ancillary processes such as embellishment, finishing, inks and process control.

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.

Driving profitability with cut-sheet inkjet

Published September 28, 2023

New technology can open opportunities in a changing market, for example, sheet-fed inkjet in direct marketing. Direct mail is a thriving form of advertising and, after a brief dip during the pandemic, volumes and revenues keep rising again.

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.

LabelExpo 2023: Launches and Trends – Part 1

Published September 21, 2023

LabelExpo is the leading event for label printing and the 2023 edition, after a 4-year break, had several interesting launches. Part 1 of the article will focus on the standalone and hybrid inkjet label presses and some other packaging inkjet presses that sneaked in.

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.

Inkjet Shopping Guide – Label Presses – Part 3: Hybrid

Published August 31, 2023

Primarily in the high end of the market are found hybrid inkjet / analogue presses that can provide economic and productivity benefit over either stand-alone technology in the right scenario.