Ralf Schlözer is a technology analyst for print with 30 years’ experience in the industry and a passion for discovering new technologies and print applications.
He is available for consulting and speaking engagements. Contact Ralf at [email protected]
Displaying 200-299 of 304 articles
Published December 8, 2021
Virtual Packaging demonstrates how a company can grow and expand its business with cut-sheet inkjet technology. With the investment in a Landa S10 the company was able to move into short run packaging production and expand into graphic arts applications.
Published December 7, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take an updated look at the printing industry in Romania.
Published November 30, 2021
Inkjet integrators are seldom in the limelight of the inkjet industry, yet they provide crucial solutions to customers in all industry. This article presents NEOS from Italy, a provider of custom inkjet solutions for wood décor, packaging and metal print.
Published November 30, 2021
With the launch of the VariJET 106 and the opening of the Packaging Print Customer Center in Germany this year, it is time to review the offerings Koenig & Bauer has for the packaging market—and they are remarkably comprehensive. The article by European Section Editor Ralf Schlözer reviews the new line-up and provides some details on the recent launches.
Published November 15, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a blow to the direct mail market in Europe. However, there was already some pressure on parts of the market in the years before. European section editor Ralf Schlözer provides some details on market development and revenues achieved for direct mail in Europe.
Published November 10, 2021
BoD offers true book-of-one production with roll-fed inkjet and a dedicated online portal for authors and publishers. Moving the production site allows even for next day delivery to all book shops in Germany.
Published November 2, 2021
At the Frankfurt Book Fair 2021, Intergraf, the European trade association for printing, held a conference on book printing and publishing. Book printing is one of the bright spots among established print applications with increasing sales of printed books. Still, there are a couple of changes in store and several speakers shared their insights. European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on the outlook for book printing and publishing.
Published October 26, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take an updated look at the printing industry in Greece.
Published October 19, 2021
Ralf Schlozer covers the press launch of the VariJET 106 .
Published October 18, 2021
Online printers have carved out a big share of the print business today and their revenue share is set to increase. This is partly driven by new companies starting up with an online business model, and partly by traditional printing companies moving into online print. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks the post-pandemic status of online print.
Published October 12, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take an updated look at the printing industry in Austria.
Published October 5, 2021
Examining the strategic value of the multi-site Cimpress inkjet deal with Canon and the co-existence of inkjet, toner and offset.
Published October 4, 2021
Publishing is a major source of print demand and a thriving publishing industry will benefit print as well. Traditionally, both industries relied very much on each other. Like printing, publishing is also now deeply affected by electronic channels and changes in consumer behaviour. European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the state of the European publishing industry.
Published September 21, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Norway.
Published September 20, 2021
Ever since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were lots of discussions on how print would be impacted and which print applications would be more or less successful. The German print industry association has not only published 2020 revenues, but has included a breakdown by main applications. European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at real revenue data that shows how print applications fared in 2020.
Published September 14, 2021
WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on a recent call organized by the German Printing Industry Association (BVDM) to address paper shortages and price increases. While the issues discussed were specific to the German market, the dynamics are similar throughout Europe—and likely all developed economies as well. Find out what this may mean for paper availability and pricing as we head toward 2022.
Published September 7, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Finland.
Published September 2, 2021
A look at 3 categories of inkjet label printers: low volume, mid-high volume, and hybrid with an overview of the key players in each of these groups.
Published August 24, 2021
The first in a two part series looking at trends and technology driving the digital label market.
Published August 17, 2021
FUJIFILM Business Innovation is set to become a major digital printing player - watch the transition unfold.
Published August 16, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Denmark.
Published August 3, 2021
The secret to the JPress/JetPress speed updates, flex pack solutions, Xbar and integration service updates from Fujifilm's recent virtual exhibit.
Published August 2, 2021
2021 marked the year that Fuji Xerox become FUJIFILM Business Innovation and started launching their own product range. While still supplying most print engines to Xerox, FUJIFILM Business Innovation is set to become a major digital printing player on its own. Get ready for an emerging major player in digital print.
Published July 27, 2021
A look at the inkjet book printing market and publishing workflow in the book market with examples from CPI Group, Wiley, Canon and HP.
Published July 27, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Sweden.
Published July 13, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in the Czech Republic.
Published June 29, 2021
A deep dive on a diverse group of low to mid-range and high volume inkjet solutions for flexible packaging.
Published June 29, 2021
Online print made rapid progress in the last few years, and the country with the most advanced market for online printers is probably Germany. Needless the to say, that the pandemic did affect online print greatly as well. This article by European section editor Ralf Schlözer offers some insight on the effects and outlook.
Published June 28, 2021
It’s not a new top-of-the-line model, but the Heidelberg CX 104—launched last week at China Print— is a well-rounded, multi-purpose press with a good price/performance ratio. European section editor Ralf Schlözer identifies what sets the new B2 press apart from the other presses.
Published June 23, 2021
Part 1 of the series on Flexible Packaging discusses the market, major print process used and the positioning for inkjet.
Published June 22, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Poland.
Published June 8, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Belgium
Published June 2, 2021
European section editor Ralf Schlözer talks to Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer and Heidelberg North America Head of Service Cedric Muenzing about the impact of the pandemic on Heidelberg, the company’s trade event plans, the state of the Gallus business, and an update on the Zaikio platform.
Published June 1, 2021
One year after UK exited the European Union, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the impact of Brexit on the printing industry in both the UK and the EU—an evaluation complicated by the simultaneously occurring COVID-19 pandemic.
Published May 19, 2021
No surprise that décor printers are looking into digital print processes to better serve today’s markets. Inkjet is going to play a key role as the technology best suited for the various markets.
Published May 18, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in the Netherlands
Published May 17, 2021
Ralf Schlözer quantifies the impact the pandemic has had on print production in Europe. There are still only pieces of data available, but they already provide an overview on how the market and some segments fared in 2020.
Published May 12, 2021
With the ColorStream 8000 Canon plans to build on the strengths of the previous generations, while expanding the application range and productivity.
Published May 12, 2021
As part of our preview of next week’s Technology Outlook Week, Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the state of toner and inkjet digital printing during a pandemic drupa year.
Published May 6, 2021
The Pro Z75 has been eagerly anticipated as it is targeting the most dynamic market in printing press technology: production sheet-fed inkjet.
Published May 4, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Portugal.
Published April 26, 2021
Drupa 2020 never happened, and drupa 2021 fell victim to the pandemic as well—but was transformed into a virtual drupa for 2021. European section editor Ralf Schlözer attended and provides an overview, some highlights, and overall impressions from virtual.drupa 2021.
Published April 20, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Spain.
Published April 15, 2021
Ralf Schlozer examines considerations for investing in inkjet for corrugated packaging in the second part of a series.
Published April 13, 2021
With 1.3 million employees in printing and papermaking in Europe, print and related industries are no small industry. This article looks at employment trends, revenue per employee, and offers an outlook on employment numbers.
Published April 12, 2021
WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer talks with Kilian Renschler, the new CEO and president of Koenig & Bauer US/CA. Previously, Renschler was executive vice president of sales of Koenig & Bauer US/CA.
Published April 5, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in France.
Published April 1, 2021
Although corrugated seems an unlikely market for inkjet, inkjet presses rapidly gained popularity. Find out why.
Published March 23, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Italy.
Published March 15, 2021
One of the oldest pastimes gained in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic: reading books. This is good news for the printing industry as book printing contributes a considerable share to the total print production. Revenues in Europe stood at €7.1 billion in 2019. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at historical developments and at the trends shaping book printing now.
Published March 10, 2021
In a series of articles we look at inkjet printing technology in several packaging segments. Last time we had a look at the large market for folding carton print – today it is a bit more specialised: beverage can printing.
Published March 2, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in the United Kingdom.
Published February 25, 2021
High speed inkjet already outstrips most sheetfed offset. With run lengths falling, do we really need to go faster?
Published February 22, 2021
Environmental considerations are becoming more and more important factors in buying decisions of consumers and businesses, and this is supported by environmental legislation. This article by European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the latest developments in environmental legislation for print in Europe.
Published February 18, 2021
The opportunity for inkjet in folding carton is huge and growing. Here’s what you need to know to get in the game. First in a series on packaging segments by Ralf Schlözer.
Published February 15, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Germany.
Published February 8, 2021
This is the sixth part of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe. The Nordic countries in Europe include Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Together, they account for €4.7 billion in revenues in the graphic arts industry and more than 25,000 employees. Combined, the Nordic region would constitute the sixth largest printing industry in Europe, closely followed by Spain. There are additional print segments, as well, adding to a total print market of close to €7.5 billion
Published February 1, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Lithuania and the Baltic states.
Published January 25, 2021
2020 showed that we can’t prepare for everything. But still it pays to try. This article covers five trends that will be important for the printing industry in Europe (and beyond) in 2021.
Published January 18, 2021
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This year kicks off with a look at the printing industry in Hungary.
Published January 11, 2021
With €3.1 billion in revenues and more than 17,000 employees, the graphic arts industry in the Netherlands is among the largest in Europe. But there are additional print segments as well, adding to a total print market of close to €6 billion. This is the fifth part of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe.
Published January 7, 2021
Posters, banners, signage – there is a large group of print applications that are based on a large format, unfolded sheet and usually printed single sided. Admittedly, what exactly constitutes a “large format” is up for discussions.
Published December 22, 2020
Here's a handy round up of the major launched os inkjet label and packaging presses in 2020 from Ralf Schlozer.
Published December 17, 2020
2020 was not the year we expected it to be. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer reviews some of the key developments that shaped the printing and communication industry in 2020 in Europe—and most likely in the years to come.
Published December 15, 2020
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This last installment for 2020 features a look at the printing industry in Turkey.
Published December 14, 2020
With €7.6 billion in revenue and more than 50,000 employees, the graphic arts industry in France is sizeable and the fourth biggest in Europe. But there are additional print segments as well adding to a total print market of close to €16.1 billion. This is the fourth installment of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe.
Published December 3, 2020
In November, Xerox announced a few upgrades to the Baltoro inkjet press and a whole slew of new technical terms. Here’s the decoder.
Published December 2, 2020
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week features a look at the printing industry in Portugal.
Published December 1, 2020
Billions of euros’ worth of printed products are exported and imported across borders in Europe, although the amounts traded and trade balance differ a lot from country to country. European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the five biggest print markets in Europe and their print trade numbers.
Published November 30, 2020
More than two years have passed since Europe’s privacy regulation—the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)—went into effect. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a look at what its impact has been, what its effects on print have been, and why printers and marketers even outside the EU should care about it.
Published November 17, 2020
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week features a look at the printing industry in Austria.
Published November 16, 2020
With €10.6 billion in revenue and more than 62,000 employees, the graphic arts industry in Italy is sizeable and the third biggest in Europe. But there are additional print segments as well adding to a total print market of close to €19 billion. This is the third part of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe.
Published November 13, 2020
Ralf Schlozer provides an overview of the light-to-mid production inkjet devices making an impact in the European market.
Published November 3, 2020
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week features a look at the printing industry in Spain.
Published November 2, 2020
With £14 billion in revenue and about 112,000 employees, the graphic arts industry in the UK is fifth largest worldwide and the second largest in Europe. Revenues have been surprisingly stable in recent years, but COVID made a big dent in 2020 production volumes. This is the second part of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe.
Published October 22, 2020
The lockdown took a big toll on the printing industry but some recovery has set in already. In this article, Ralf assesses the production volume and print application impact for Europe.
Published October 20, 2020
According to the Eurostat production index, the printing industry in Belgium did fairly well in 2019 and even during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, despite the country being hit hard by the virus. Although production volumes in 2019 were down compared to 2015, Belgium did better than the European Union average in the production index for printing and recorded media.
Published October 19, 2020
A small group of trade journalists was invited to get a first-hand look at products and services which were originally scheduled to launch at drupa 2020. For many journalists, this was the first on site event since the COVID-19 outbreak. The general audience will be able to experience the drupa 2020 news as part of the Heidelberg Innovation Week. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer was there.
Published October 12, 2020
With €19.9 bn in revenue and more than 120,000 employees, the graphic arts industry in Germany is large—and the largest in Europe. But there are additional print segments as well, adding to a total print market of €35bn. This is the first of a series of articles on the size of and trends in the printing industry in key countries in Europe.
Published October 8, 2020
The dynamics of the diverse and growing label market is promoting digital print. The right choice of device is critical however to participate in a wider range of print opportunities.
Published September 28, 2020
Online print in Europe offers a fairly mixed picture with some countries achieving considerable volumes generated via online ordering, while others are lagging behind. Still, volumes were on the rise everywhere—at least until the coronavirus crisis hit the industry. In this article, WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at some revenue numbers, leading countries, major players, and growth rates.
Published September 15, 2020
Stemming from two well-known parent companies, the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture might be less well known. The company bundles the digital packaging print activities and has launched several interesting inkjet products for packaging print. This article gives some background on the joint venture and an overview on the activities.
Published September 10, 2020
The clock is ticking for the Brexit negotiations and the future relations between the UK and EU are still unclear. Print will be impacted as well; not only print products that are exported and imported, but also raw materials and machinery. This article by WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at some trade volumes and implications of the Brexit for the printing industry.
Published August 25, 2020
Look at your production capabilities and especially at the sales & distribution channel to generate the orders. Like getting through the COVID-19 crisis: it takes a common effort.
Published August 6, 2020
In previous editions of this series I wrote about the main applications production inkjet is being used for, focusing mostly on roll-fed inkjet – the dominant production method so far. This is different for cutsheet inkjet, which is far more versatile and is used across a number of applications.
Published August 3, 2020
WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at May 2020 production index data released by the European statistical office. Unsurprisingly, the data showed a big dip due to coronavirus restrictions with a low reached in April and some recovery starting in May—although there are some country-by-country differences. Roughly speaking, the European print industry lost about 30% of its output volume in April.
Published July 24, 2020
WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer takes a close look at today’s announcement that Heidelberg is selling its Gallus label press business, as well as what the future may hold for Heidelberg.
Published July 23, 2020
For a young company, Mouvent has a remarkably strong heritage in digital printing. With the great flexibility and scalability of the Mouvent clusters it is no surprise that Mouvent is aiming for a much wider range of products such as folding carton, flexible packaging and corrugated.
Published July 20, 2020
Even as revenues are down in the printing industry thanks to the COVID pandemic, the graphic arts industry is a large industry, not only in the US, but also in Europe. Unfortunately, European data is a bit more difficult to come by. WhatTheyThink European section editor Ralf Schlözer dives into numbers and definitions to kick off a round of European industry sizing data.
Published July 15, 2020
This June, Kodak announced the launch of their latest device: the Prosper Ultra 520, fulfilling their promise to "double down on digital." We take a deep dive on the device specs and what makes Kodak's latest offering remarkable.
Published July 8, 2020
In June Domino introduced the X630i, its first digital inkjet product offering for corrugated. Domino joins an increasingly crowded field of post-print cut-sheet inkjet presses for corrugated. Get an overview of this new offer and an overview of the current corrugated field.
Published June 2, 2020
One of the fastest growing markets in commercial print is online printing. It rather describes a process than a type of printing company or print application, but yet we tend to know what is meant with the term: a printing company that conducts the majority of their transactions via a web interface.
Published May 27, 2020
WhatTheyThink European Section Editor Ralf Schlözer talks to Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer about the company’s decision to discontinue the Primefire inkjet folding carton press, as well as the company’s overall strategy.
Published May 20, 2020
More than ever, inkjet provides a creative avenue for businesses to produce marketing in a cost effective way while adding value add and personalisation for various print products they would not have considered before.
Published May 13, 2020
With MBO Komori is acquiring a solid post-press equipment manufacturer, having achieved sales of €51.7 million in 2018. This is helping to diversify the Komori product portfolio. MBO serves a fairly stable market as folding is an essential part of many print production processes regardless of using analogue or digital print. MBO can also be a door opener into printing companies Komori had no good access to before.
Published April 6, 2020
WhatTheyThink European Section Editor Ralf Schlözer looks at how the COVID-19 crisis will impact various kinds of print products—both in the short term and the long term.
Published March 19, 2020
Ralf Schlozer looks at how uptake for inkjet differs based on the packaging market addressed and identifies rapid changes happening in the market. Includes highlights of major adopters of various inkjet packaging technologies.
Published March 4, 2020
Ralf Schlozer takes a careful look at aspects of the commercial printing market in Europe and where inkjet has and has not penetrated. Key adopters of different inkjet options are referenced along with expectations for future development.
Published February 18, 2020
In Europe, inkjet printing of books continues to have great success. And the good news? There is still room to grow in the book printing market. Ralf Schlozer shares information on top producers in Europe and key trends for 2020 and beyond.
Published January 28, 2020
Just as there are many types of inkjet printheads and ink, there are many types of processes for inkjet drying. Most printers combine several processes to create a drying solution. Ralf Schlozer discusses the fundamental factors related to drying in document and packaging printing environments including absorption, phase change, radiation and evaporation. It's dry - but important.
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