At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to innovation, quality, and reliability — values that have driven us for 175 years, and will continue to guide us into the future.
As a leader in the packaging and printing industry, we develop solutions that set new standards, looking far beyond our core sector. Thanks to our expertise built on 175 years of experience, we are constantly providing new impetus and actively helping to shape the future.
We would like to thank all the customers, partners, and staff accompanying us on this journey. heidelberg.com/175
pacprocess MEA to Propel Exports, Industry Growth
Al Majid Opens New Konica Minolta Showroom in Dubai
Alhayat Redefines Packaging with HEIDELBERG Technology
Fast Print Boosts Label Making with AccurioLabel 230
FLEX Returns to MENA Print & Signage Calendar 2025
Napco Buys Arabian Flexible Packaging, Ups Regional Growth
SGI Dubai 2025: Shaping the Future of Print & Signage in MEA
UNDP, EU Launch Agricultural Plastic Recycling Plant in Jordan
PRS ME&A 2025: Window to Region’s Sustainable Practices London to Host Paper & Tissue Show in November 2026
Sun Chemical Drive Sustainability in Label Market
WEPACK Southeast Asia 2025 Wraps Up on High Note
ARMOR-IIMAK Redefines Thermal Transfer Label Printing
Kodak in Financial Crisis, Might Cease Operations
Asian Media Singapore Summit to Discuss Challenging Times
Bradman Lake Unveils Robotic Wraparound Case Packer
Future of Packaging is Paper, Says DHBW, HEIDELBERG Study
Launches New AI-driven
The Hidden Guardians of
The Future of Digital Printing in Packaging
Understanding Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
Vol.26, Issue 203, September-October 2025
Shaping the Future of Print: Spotlight on SGI 2025 and FESPA Middle East 2026
As we move into the final quarter of 2025, the printing and signage industry in the Middle East is gearing up for two of its most anticipated gatherings—SGI Dubai 2025, taking place on 22, 23 & 24 September 2025, and FESPA Middle East 2026, scheduled for 13 – 15 January 2026. Both events will be held in Dubai, reaffirming the city’s role as a global hub for printing, signage, and graphic communications.
SGI Dubai remains a cornerstone for the regional printing sector, bringing together technology providers, innovators, and business leaders under one roof. The exhibition will once again highlight cuttingedge solutions in large format printing, signage, retail displays, and digital technologies—providing regional players with direct access to global advancements.
Just a few months later, FESPA Middle East will return with an equally strong focus on print innovation, sustainability, and specialty applications. The event is set to gather international and regional stakeholders, offering a platform to exchange knowledge, explore new technologies, and open doors to fresh business opportunities.
In this latest edition of ME Printer Magazine, we bring you in-depth coverage of these upcoming events, alongside a wide spectrum of regional and international news. As always, our content is presented in both English and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for our diverse readership across the Middle East and beyond.
We remain committed to providing insights that inform, inspire, and connect professionals across the printing and packaging value chain. The road ahead promises innovation, collaboration, and growth—traits that define our industry and the communities we serve.
Stay inspired and stay connected.
ME Printer FZE LLC PO Box: 502183, UAE Tel: +971 4 3911210 E-mail: info@meprinter.com
Group Publishing Director Morteza Karimian karimian@meprinter.com
ME Printer Editorial Team Editor in Chief Alex Jahanbani alex@meprinter.com
Editor- Arabic Rana Ahmed Yehia E-mail: arabic@meprinter.com
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FESPA Middle East 2026 returns to Dubai from 13 – 15 January 2026, bringing global print innovation, sustainability, and new business opportunities to the region.
pacprocess MEA to Propel Exports, Industry Growth
Dual events to focus on pushing exports; 10th anniversary of colocated Food Africa show; MEA food packaging market expected to grow to $33.39 billion by 2032
Riding high on a record-breaking display in 2024, professionals from
aging and processing which aim to minimise environmental impact and improve operational efficiency.
One of the highlights is the Hosted Buyers Program, a dedicated B2B platform that facilitates business undertakings and maximises return
The Middle East and Africa’s processing, packaging, and printing markets are growing rapidly, driven by rising demand and industrial expansion
the global packaging and processing industries will convene for the sixth edition of pacprocess MEA at Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC), Cairo, from 9-12 December 2025.
The exhibition serves as a vital platform to address the requirements of thriving industries like food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, non-food consumer goods, and other related sectors in the Middle East and Africa region.
The trade fair offers excellent opportunities in the processing, packaging, and printing sectors, bringing together local and international industry stakeholders from across the entire value chain to showcase cutting-edge technologies and forge lucrative partnerships.
The accompanying conference programme will address the evolving needs of the processing and packaging industries, as well as the challenges faced by the sector and relevant issues for the future, such as sustainability. Additionally, pacprocess MEA 2025 will showcase advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the areas of pack-
on investment for participants through expansion of their business networks and closing deals on the spot.
“pacprocess MEA is one of the most significant exhibitions in printing, packaging, and equipment in Egypt and the Middle East. It has been instrumental in supporting exhibitors, especially small and mediumsized enterprises, by enabling them to enter export markets and expand internationally, strengthening Egypt’s global position in the industry,” says Sara Ibrahim, Executive Director of Egypt’s Export Council for Printing, Packaging, Paper, Literary and Artistic Works.
Food & Packaging: A Special Synergy
pacprocess MEA will be held concurrently with Food Africa, the foremost international exhibition in the African region dedicated to the agro-food industry, which is back for its 10th anniversary. Together, they attract a global audience of professionals, buyers, and decision makers from interconnected sectors. The synergy between the two events is always special since
the food industry is the largest consumer of packaging products.
“Egypt is a very interesting market between north and south, east and west. The food industry plays a central role in this 110+ million consumer market, opening up numerous opportunities for processing and packaging industries,” says Thomas Dohse, Director interpack, Portfolio Processing & Packaging, Messe Düsseldorf GmbH.
pacprocess MEA and Food Africa 2024 brought together 1,018 exhibitors from 35 countries, with over 31,000 visitors and more than 500 carefully selected buyers, solidifying their position as premier international B2B hubs for the sector.
The dual events are organised by Messe Düsseldorf under the umbrella of interpack alliance, together with local partners IFP Egypt and Konzept Exhibitions & Event Management.
MEA’s Rapidly Growing Market
The Middle East and Africa’s processing, packaging, and printing markets are growing rapidly, driven by rising demand and industrial expansion. Egypt is a key hub, with strong investments in packaging and processing, bolstered by its strategic location and growing manufacturing sector. This evolving industry offers significant opportunities for innovation and investment.
The food packaging market in the MEA region is expected to grow from $22.89 billion in 2024 to $33.39 billion in 2032. The region’s food processing and material handling equipment market size is expected to increase significantly to $14.72 billion at an impressive CAGR of 5.9% for the forecast period 20242031.
Egypt’s packaging market size is expected to reach $5.08 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025-2031. Additionally, Egypt’s paper packaging market is expected to increase from $1.5 billion to $2 billion, growing at 3.4% CAGR for the 2025-2030 forecast period.
Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm (all days).
Al Majid Opens New Konica Minolta Showroom in Dubai
UAE-based digital transformation solutions provider Al Majid Digital Solutions LLC, the exclusive Konica Minolta partner and distributor in the UAE, has opened a new showroom in Dubai.
The event also celebrated Al Majid’s 51-year partnership with Japanese tech giant Konica Minolta as its exclusive and the only authorised
distributor in the UAE.
The showroom inauguration was attended by Osamu Miyauchi, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Middle East and Al Majid’s Chief Operating Officer Mamoun Al Dour and General Manager Walid Amin.
“We focus on digitalising businesses and getting them ready for today’s solution-based online world. Our
digital transformation services in Abu Dhabi. Dubai, and the rest of the Emirates have helped several businesses adapt to the digital curve and boost their revenue significantly,” says Amin.
Al Majid Digital Solutions has extensive years of experience in digital technology, empowering organisations to embrace and thrive in the future of digital era.
“Our Konica Minolta showroom inauguration is an extension of our belief that digital transformation is more than just adopting new technologies – it’s about leveraging the power of innovation to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer experience,” adds Amin.
Alhayat Redefines Packaging with HEIDELBERG Technology
Riyadh-based Alhayat Factory for Printing and Packaging has installed a HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 105 press with Foilstar – the “first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.”
“We’re the first company in Saudi Arabia to run a HEIDELBERG XL 105 press with cold foil stamping – all inline with 6-colour printing,” says Alhayat Sales Manager Ahmed Abubaker. Foilstar, HEIDELBERG’s cold transfer module, supports a whole range of unusual finishing effects for labels, packaging, and high-quality commercial work – giving access to brilliant metallic effects that will add considerable value to print products. Using Foilstar on Speedmaster XL 105 enables a wide range of substrates to be finished in excellent quality.
“The Speedmaster XL 105 with
Foilstar enables us to apply luxury foil effects – like gold, silver, or holographic – and then print vibrant colours directly on top in a single pass,” explains Abubaker.
The cold transfer technique for applying metal effects is the latest rising star in surface finishing. Besides being ideal for wet glue labels for in mold labels (IML) and packaging of all types. Cold transfer combines a wide diversity of effects with a high processing speed of up to 15,000 sheets per hour. Every metallic effect can be achieved inline in a single pass. Cold foil is usually silver in colour, but other colours such as gold, bronze, and copper, as well as holographic and rainbow effects are already available prefabricated.
“This is how we help brands in the Kingdom stand out – with stunning, high-end packaging that sells even before it’s opened,” adds Abubaker.
Our digital transformation services in Abu Dhabi. Dubai, and the rest of the Emirates have helped several businesses adapt to the digital curve and boost their revenue significantly
We’re the first company in Saudi Arabia to run a HEIDELBERG XL 105 press with cold foil stamping
Fast Print Boosts Label Making with AccurioLabel 230
Jordan-based printers Fast Print has purchased a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 digital label press to give a boost to its label printing operations.
The AccurioLabel 230 offers shortrun print jobs of multi-colour, digital label prints on most tack paper and
films, printing at a maximum speed of 23.4 m/min. The machine prints on substrates up to 256gsm with paper widths ranging between 250 to 330mm. Other advantages include offset-like resolution with high-precision finish, feeding speed detection
for more accurate print registration, and web cleaning system for better quality. The AccurioLabel 230’s image density control technology and advanced colour management tools also guarantee colour consistency.
“The new investment complements our already existing offset sheet, digital sheet, flexo narrow-web, and indoor/outdoor large format printing, bringing all printing solutions under one roof,” says Fast Print founder and Managing Director Francis I. Dababneh.
“The new digital press can handle any short-run label print jobs in minutes, and can work parallel with our flexographic narrow-web, long-run jobs,” says Fast Print Deputy Director Adham F. Dababneh.
“The machine will increase our sales, due to its production speed and quality. As print jobs can be done in minutes, we will be able to satisfy customers who look for quick and on the spot delivery,” he adds.
The family-owned business was established in Amman in 1995.
FLEX Returns to MENA Print & Signage Calendar 2025
FLEX will connect senior figures from leading print and signage businesses across the region
As a prelude to FESPA Middle East 2026, the FESPA Leadership Exchange (FLEX) conference programme will bring together an exclusive group of C-suite delegates in various cities in the MENA region. With roadshow events organised in Riyadh, Jeddah, Amman, and Cairo,
FLEX will connect senior figures from leading print and signage businesses across the region for an open discussion, encouraging interregional knowledge exchange. This unique series of events explores the changing landscape of the global and regional markets,
focusing on technological and behavioural shifts, in an open forum which facilitates knowledge sharing, transparency, and inspiration. Each of the roadshows will have FESPA CEO Neil Felton opening the session, before diving into the latest findings from the FESPA Print Census. His insights will set the stage for discussions ahead, offering a clear snapshot of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future.
Sessions will discuss how brands, retailers, and print buyers are challenging the printing industry with new requirements and expectations; the future of retail; and the future of textile printing with focus on innovations and key drivers reshaping the ecosystem.
Additionally, an interactive SWOT analysis session will see delegates collaborate to identify the current
and future key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the sector.
Joining Neil Felton as speakers will be FESPA Board Members Christian Duyckaerts and Alberto Masserdotti, and FESPA Textile Ambassador
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (24 November 2025): Novotel Riyadh Sahafa. (10 am – 4 pm)
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (25 November 2025): Crowne Plaza Jeddah. (10
am – 4 pm) Amman, Jordan (26 November 2025): Grand Hyatt Amman. (11 am – 4 pm)
Cairo, Egypt (27 November 2025): Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis. (11 am – 4 pm)
Napco Buys Arabian Flexible Packaging, Ups Regional Growth
Dubai-based Napco Investment LLC, a subsidiary of Saudi packaging solutions company Napco National, has acquired Arabian Flexible Packaging, a UAE-based manufacturer of flexible packaging. The buyout reinforces Napco National’s commitment to regional growth, operational excellence, and localisation in line with the UAE’s InCountry Value (ICV) priorities.
Founded in 1982, Arabian Flexible Packaging – a member of Al Ghurair Group, a diversified family conglomerate – is known for its rotogravure printing expertise and service to leading multinational food and confectionery brands. The company’s printing capabilities span a wide range of substrates, including polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, foil, and paper. With more than 150 employees and a footprint reaching the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, the company brings advanced technology, deep market experience, and a shared dedication to innovation and quality.
The acquisition, which was supported by INDEVCO Consultancy, PwC, DH Advisory, and Clyde & Co
LLP, enhances Napco National’s manufacturing capabilities and positions the group to better serve customers with broader solutions and closer geographic proximity. It also opens doors to new markets and strengthens Napco’s position in key industries, particularly food and consumer packaging.
“This strategic acquisition aligns with our commitment to deliver sustainable, customer-centric packaging solutions across the region,” says Marwan Frem, President –Flexible Packaging Division, Napco
National. “We are confident that the cultural and operational fit between our organisations will ensure long-term success and value for our stakeholders. By consolidating market share, we proudly strengthen our position as a leader in the markets we serve.”
This unique series of events explores the changing landscape of the global and regional markets, focusing on technological and behavioural shifts
This strategic acquisition aligns with our commitment to deliver sustainable, customer-centric packaging solutions across the region
Debbie McKeegan. Event Venues
SGI Dubai 2025: Shaping the Future of Print & Signage in MEA
Dubai, the global epicenter for innovation, business, and transformative technologies, is preparing to host the highly anticipated 28th edition of SGI Dubai 2025, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centre on 22nd, 23rd and 24th September this year. Widely recognized as the largest and most influential trade show for the printing, signage, and
imaging industries in the Middle East and Africa, SGI Dubai 2025 is poised to set new standards for industry excellence, innovation, and global collaboration. Following the remarkable success of the 2024 edition, expectations for SGI Dubai 2025 are soaring. Last year, exhibitors reported unprecedented sales, with numerous machines selling out on the very first day, reflecting the vibrant and expanding
demand across the region. Industry leaders anticipate this year’s event to break previous records as exhibitors prepare to showcase their latest high-value equipment, including state-of-the-art wide-format digital printers, sophisticated 3D printing systems, and innovative textile printing solutions.
“SGI Dubai has consistently established itself as the foremost platform driving business growth and innovation within the global printing and signage sectors,” notes Abdulrahman Falaknaz, President of International Expo-Consults (IEC), the event’s organizers. “This year, we are confident of surpassing all previous benchmarks. Our exhibitors are gearing up for robust sales and valuable partnerships that are only achievable through this unparalleled event.”
UNDP, EU Launch Agricultural Plastic Recycling Plant in Jordan
The United Nations Development Programme in Jordan (UNDP), through funding from the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Municipality of Deir Alla, has launched a new state-of-the-art plastic recycling plant in the heart of the Jordan Valley. This $1.2 million initiative aims to strengthen solid waste management systems and promote a circular economy model that addresses the region’s environmental challenges while creating over 50 green jobs and stimulating economic growth across the waste management sector and beyond.
Built on a 5,000 sq m plot, the facility is designed to tackle the growing
issue of plastic waste in the region. The modern plant is strategically located to serve the seven municipalities of Deir Alla, Sharhabeel Bin Hasnah, Muath bin Jabal, Swemeh, Southern Shuna, Tabqet Fahel, and Al-M’adi in the Jordan Valley.
Funded under the Decentralization, Accountability and Integrity at the Local Level (DAILL) programme, with support from the EU, the new recycling hub represents one of the key initiatives of Jordan’s national driver for green growth under its Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV).
Commending the strategic col-
laboration between the Ministry of Interior, the UNDP, and the EU in supporting strategic local development initiatives across Jordan, Mazin Al-Farrayeh, Jordan’s Interior Minister emphasises, “The new Deir Alla agricultural plastic recycling plant marks a significant step towards building a sustainable and profitable model for plastic waste management in the Jordan Valley. By establishing a local market for recycled materials, the facility is expected to generate job opportunities, strengthen private sector engagement, and promote innovation in plastic reuse and processing.”
Minister Al-Farrayeh also highlighted the essential role of municipalities in raising awareness around responsible waste sorting and ensuring effective delivery of plastic waste to the plant. He went on to reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to enabling integrated, communitydriven development solutions that enhance livelihoods and support Jordan’s green economy goals.
“This facility is a model example of how we can align local governance with capital investment logic,” says Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan. “Our goal is to empower municipalities to become enablers of investment and sustainable development – not just service providers.”
The Deir Alla agricultural plastic recycling plant, with a built area of over 1,400 sq m, comprises several integrated components, including a main operations hanger, a covered canopy area for material handling, and a dedicated storage facility for raw and processed plastic materials. These components are optimised to support the sorting, cleaning, and transformation of plastic waste into reusable raw materials, diverting waste from landfills and reducing environmental harm.
European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas says, “Jordan can count on the EU as it is intensifying efforts to improve waste management, and reduce the impact of plastic pollution. Here in the Jordan Valley, this effort will improve agricultural productivity and the recycling plant will contribute to local development through job creation.”
The project also sets the stage for a future public-private partnership, offering investment opportunities for the private sector to operate the facility sustainably and to procure sorted plastic waste for further processing and resale. Notably, local farms will also benefit, as the facility provides a formal outlet to consign plastic waste – turning an environmental hazard into economic opportunity, with the market value of recycled plastic currently ranging between 120 and 250 Jordanian dinars per tonne, depending on type and quality.
The success of this project is anchored in local ownership. The Deir Alla Municipality provided the land for the facility, while local community-based organisations (CBOs) have actively contributed
to community engagement efforts. Women play a pivotal role in these efforts, particularly in the area of solid waste management, contributing to both environmental sustainability and inclusive economic empowerment.
This facility is a model example of how we can align local governance with capital investment logic
A first-of-its kind showcase at this year’s edition, the Circular Plastic Hub offered companies a platform to showcase innovative products made from recycled plastic to a global audience
PRS ME&A 2025: Window to Region’s Sustainable Practices
Plastics Recycling Show Middle East & Africa 2025 (PRS ME&A 2025) concluded successfully at Dubai World Trade Centre from 15-17 September 2025. The three-day exhibition and conference is the only event in the region dedicated specifically to plastics recycling. Into its 3rd edition, PRS ME&A featured over 100 exhibitors, both regional and international. The event connected delegates to the latest information and technology developments in the rapidly changing plastics recycling industry.
Circular
Plastic Hub
A first-of-its kind showcase at this year’s edition, the Circular Plastic Hub offered companies a platform to showcase innovative products made from recycled plastic to a global audience. Products were displayed with detailed information highlighting recycled content, material source, and applications.
Conference Programme
The show incorporated a threeday conference covering the latest trends and developments in the sector, as well as reflecting on the most recent legislation, challenges, and opportunities. The conference brought together the entire crosssection of the value chain, aiming
to promote collaboration and to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and truly circular plastics recycling industry. A host of panel discussions and fireside chats featured industry experts throwing light on a wide range of topics including trends, challenges, and emerging opportunities shaping
the plastics industry; regulations and collaboration driving sustainable change; PET recycling; HDPE & LDPE recycling; rules, risks, and market opportunities in global trade; chemical and mechanical recycling; investing in the future of plastics recovery; role of cutting-edge technologies in enabling circular plastic systems; challenges and breakthroughs in packaging; smart and sustainable labelling solutions to advance packaging recycling value, the significance of circularity and sustainability in food packaging; and the roadmap ahead, among others.
Plastics
Recycling Awards ME&A 2025
Acknowledging the achievements of the plastics recycling industry in the Middle East and Africa, the awards fall under 3 categories, offering an insight into current developments in recycling machinery innovation and sustainable plastic packaging. There’s also an award in recognition of outstanding individual contributions to the plastics recycling industry in the MEA region. Winners were announced at the awards ceremony on 16 September 2025.
London to Host Paper & Tissue Show in November 2026
Three major events under one roof bringing together global leaders from the paper, tissue, hygiene, and packaging industries; B2B meetings, networking, insightful panels, and innovations to be the major draw
Three major events, Paper & Tissue Show, Hygiene & Nonwoven Show, and Packaging & Recycle Show will take place at Excel London on 11-12 November 2026.
This major international gathering will bring together global leaders from the paper, tissue, hygiene, and packaging industries, offering an unparalleled platform to explore innovations, exchange ideas, and forge lasting partnerships. Highlights include exclusive B2B meetings with pre-qualified industry buyers, networking receptions designed to foster strategic partnerships, insightful panels with thought leaders from across the pulp and paper value chain, and showcase of innovations shaping the future of the industry.
London: Paper & Packaging Hub
Choosing London as the host city reflects its role as one of the world’s largest hubs for paper, packaging, and hygiene product demand. The UK and Europe remain among the biggest importers of these products, offering exceptional opportunities for global suppliers to expand their reach.
London’s strategic location and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible for participants from across Europe, the Middle East, USA, Africa, and beyond. Taking place during the same week as the renowned London Pulp Week and other major industry
exhibitions, the city will already be a focal point for international pulp and paper professionals, further amplifying the event’s global significance. With a growing focus on sustainability and recycling, the UK market presents fertile ground for innovative solutions in tissue, hygiene, and packaging. The event will provide the perfect environment for suppliers and buyers to explore cutting-edge products, sustainable practices, and forward-thinking technologies. Beyond the business opportunities, London offers world-class attractions and a rich cultural heritage, ensuring that participants enjoy an unforgettable professional and personal
experience.
Abu Dhabi Edition: A Global Industry Hub
As always, the Abu Dhabi edition of Paper & Tissue Show will continue to take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 31 March to 2 April 2026, maintaining its role as a central meeting point for the global paper, tissue, hygiene, and packaging industries.
Join the Global Conversation
The flagship event is more than just an exhibition – it’s the place where the industry’s most influential voices come together to drive growth, innovation, and collaboration.
With a growing focus on sustainability and recycling, the UK market presents fertile ground for innovative solutions in tissue, hygiene, and packaging
All-new SIGN CHINA 2025: 4 Events Under One Roof News International
Digital Printing China
2025 is making its debut at SIGN CHINA, bringing together cutting-edge printing technologies and solutions for fastgrowing and trendy markets
The all-new SIGN CHINA 2025 is ready to unfold at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (Hall E1 – E4 & OE5) from 17-19 September 2025. With over 800 exhibitors and visitors from 145 countries, the sign, print, LED, and digital signage expo has been dubbed as the ‘Oscars’ among all editions, expanding into five halls and offering the biggest show to date.
1 Location, 4 Events, 9 Topics
With a legacy spanning 22 years, SIGN CHINA 2025 will offer an even more comprehensive platform, colocated with three other events: Digital Printing China 2025, LED CHINA 2025, and Digital Signage China 2025. Combined, the four events will present a strong line-up to discover new business growth opportunities across markets.
Visitors can explore nine key areas of exhibits offering a one-stop purchasing platform, including Sign-Making Tech & Equipment, Digital Printing, Laser Engraving & Cutting, Sign Panel & Material, Sign & Light Box, Retail & POP Display, Exhibition & Display Equipment, LED Lighting, and LED Display & Digital Signage.
Digital Printing China 2025: A New Addition
to stay ahead.
Bridging Traditional and Digital Signage
In today’s fast-moving digital era, staying ahead is essential. From 3D naked-eye displays and AI-powered display cabinets to transparent LED windows, advanced applications are transforming the industry. LED CHINA and Digital Signage China alongside SIGN CHINA will bridge traditional signage with digital innovation, showcasing how LED, digital signage, AI, and next generation display technologies can be applied across advertising, retail, wayfinding,
As a key addition to the event, Digital Printing China 2025 is making its debut at SIGN CHINA, bringing together cutting-edge printing technologies and solutions for fast-growing and trendy markets, including advertising, fashion, home décor, personalised products for small commodities, and more. Visitors can gain professional insights into the printing industry, meet top solution providers, and explore new business opportunities. From small-batch personalisation to large-scale industrial printing, the debut event is designed to unlock revenue streams and foster cross-market collaborations for businesses looking
visual marketing, and event planning.
Explore More with China’s Visafree Policy
China offers a visa-free policy for nearly 100 countries (for visa-free country list, log on to www.signchinashow.com, permitting eligible visitors to enjoy a 30-day stay or 240hour transit visa.
Besides exploring top-quality factories and innovations at SIGN CHINA, visitors can also witness China’s exciting new developments, from innovative technologies and AI to new energy vehicles (NEVs), or immerse themselves in the country’s rich culture.
FACHPACK 2025 Adds Two New Exciting Features
Members of the packaging industry will once again converge at FACHPACK, the European trade fair for packaging, technology, and processing, to be held at NürnbergMesse, Germany, from 23-25 September 2025. Approximately 1,400 exhibitors will be spread across the 11 exhibition halls, showcasing a range of products including packaging materials and supplies, packaging auxiliaries, filling and packaging machinery, labelling technology, packaging printing and finishing, palletising technology, and intralogistics, among others. Visitors can look forward to two new exciting features this year: FuturePack – The European Sustainable Packaging Startup Summit, which will be held a day before FACHPACK 2025 on 22 September 2025, and a new pavilion ‘Converting meets Packaging’ in Hall 7.
New Format FuturePack Summit
Looking forward to greeting select members of the packaging industry at the new format FuturePack, FACHPACK Exhibition Director Phuong Anh Do says, “Our slogan – We Make Future – means, among other things, that FACHPACK is a good home for startups and innovative early-stage ventures. This slogan is embodied in the Young Innovators’ Pavilion and the Newcomer Area in Hall 3. However, we want to heighten FACHPACK’s focus on future and innovation even more. And for that reason, we are especially pleased that the FuturePack Summit will be held within the FACHPACK framework.”
For the first time ever, Futury GmbH in collaboration with FACHPACK and EIT Food will bring together leading players of the European startup and innovation ecosystem at FuturePack to give packaging innovators a powerful platform where they can present their solutions right before the official start of FACHPACK 2025. The purpose of this platform is to close the gap between breakthrough innovation and real market access. FuturePack is where research-driven ideas, earlystage ventures, and scale-ready startups meet industry representatives, investors, and key decision-makers. FuturePack participants will be treated to high-energy startup pitches, expert panel discussions, keynote speeches
by industry pioneers, and a lively atmosphere in which groundbreaking ideas can be turned into real market potential. The conference is ideal for packaging-related startups, corporates, scientific researchers, packaging experts, sustainability experts, investors, and anyone else who is passionate about realising the potential of circular packaging and sustainable innovation in the packaging industry.
Numerous Presentations
FuturePack will feature numerous presentations from scientific researchers, startups, and packaging industry representatives, with the aim of
Forum and discuss them directly with industry partners on the first day of the FACHPACK exhibition,” explains Do.
New Pavilion: Converting meets Packaging
Another exciting new feature at FACHPACK 2025 will be ‘Converting meets Packaging’, a new pavilion organised by FACHPACK in collaboration with media house M2N Media GmbH. “This innovative new platform showcases the close relationship between the converting industry and the packaging industry. The goal is to foster communication among converters, packaging machine manufacturers,
Our slogan – We Make Future – means, among other things, that FACHPACK is a good home for startups and innovative early-stage ventures
providing a strategic look at how packaging innovation moves from research to market. Participants will have the chance to hear more than 25 startup presentations across three blocks: innovation out of research (early-stage tech and potential university spin-offs), innovation in the early stage (high-potential startups from the EIT-Food ecosystem), and innovation in the later phase (market-ready solutions for real-world challenges).
“The three best startups will be chosen by live vote at the FuturePack Summit. These winners will be given the chance to pitch their packaging innovations at the INNOVATIONBOX
and packaging manufacturers, and to find ways of improving collaboration between them,” says Do.
The pavilion is a curated stage where companies operating at the interface between industries in the fields of processing, coating, printing, lamination, adhesive technology, or flexible packaging materials development can present their products and services in a suitable, topic-specific product environment, and jointly shape the future of converting and packaging.
Opening times: (23-24 September 2025) 9 am – 6 pm, (25 September 2025) 9 am – 5 pm.
Both BOBST and Sun Chemical agree that a sustainability-focused approach does not have to compromise print and application performance
BOBST, Sun Chemical Drive Sustainability in Label Market
It’s a time when the global economy is in the middle of a lengthy period of uncertainty. Even discounting the many headline-making geopolitical issues facing the world, complex industry-specific regulations are having a profound impact on the market, creating a requirement for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest compliance needs. However, labels are an essential item that virtually every other industry relies on, meaning converters can turn these challenges into opportunities by balancing cost efficiency with their sustainability goals.
As the benchmark in label press performance, BOBST takes its role as an industry expert seriously when collaborating with converters and innovating alongside partners to drive the industry forward.
Industry experts Jonathan Sexton, Marketing Director Narrow Web and Screen, Sun Chemical, and Angelo Monaco, Prepress, Workflow and Quality Product Manager, BOBST, provide insights during these turbulent times, offering their valuable perspectives on the path towards a more environmentally responsible label market.
Solving Challenges with Innova-
tion
Some of the biggest challenges and opportunities lie in managing the impact of printing inks and coatings on recycling processes and ensuring compliance with new regulatory frameworks like the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Innovations that help enhance the quality of recovered materials could improve recycling rates. “Sun Chemical has developed a range of inks designed to either stay on or wash off labels during the washing stage of the recycling process,” says Sexton. “These include both UV and UV LED options designed to work without the use of a primer.”
Other developments include renewable material-based ink and coating products, as well as monoweb solutions that replace laminations, reducing material use and overall printing complexity. This could help support cost-effectiveness by reducing waste from label production, such as adhesives and laminates. It could also affect recyclability, facilitating closer collaboration with waste management facilities and creating opportunities for innovation in compostable films and recycled-content substrates. Another key opportunity is UV LED
curing, which reduces energy consumption. Sun Chemical and BOBST have collaborated to explore how they can support label converters in this difficult landscape. “Sun Chemical is developing new-generation solutions to help label converters transition to UV LED printing, reducing energy consumption while improving efficiency,” adds Sexton. When considering these innovations along with digital printing and workflow automation, converters have more options than ever to reduce waste, energy consumption, and material use across their operations. “We support sustainability through innovative technologies and responsible production. By working closely with industry partners, we test and introduce new solutions, integrating digitalised workflows to reduce waste and press downtime while maximising profitability,” says Monaco, adding the BOBST view of the label industry.
Focusing on Innovative Solutions
Sustainability is important – but so is quality, which remains the main priority for converters. Both BOBST and Sun Chemical agree that a sustainability-focused approach does not have to compromise
print and application performance in order to deliver environmental benefits. The quality of UV LED printing has been enhanced over time as specialised inks and new machinery innovations have entered the market. Results achieved with high renewable content products, such as Sun Chemical’s SunVisto AquaGreen water-based inks, exceed the performance of conventional products for some substrates and applications. With improved and automated quality control, automation, and digitalisation on its side, BOBST provides all the features converters need to ensure minimal waste while meeting high standards in quality demands.
Common Vision of a Sustainable Future
Both companies share a common vision of a sustainable future, and a drive to make it a reality in the coming years. “Sun Chemical takes pride in its sustainable ink technologies for label printing. This means developing solutions to meet evolving technical requirements driven by Design for Recycling and continually reducing our products’ environmental impact. This will enable labels to meet increasingly ambi-
tious regional recycling targets and continue to be an attractive decoration and communication technology for products and packaging in the future,” says Sexton.
On the machine manufacturers’ side, BOBST envisions a circular future for the label supply chain, driven by market awareness, new technologies, and cost-effective materials. As demand shifts to smaller, more frequent print runs, BOBST automation and workflow solutions enhance responsiveness and flexibility. “Smart labels like RFID, NFC, and QR codes will optimise supply chains, reduce waste, and improve traceability for recycling. Our performance monitoring systems ensure process optimisation, minimising downtime for greater sustainability and profitability,” adds Monaco.
Achieving sustainability goals in the label market requires collaboration across the entire supply chain. No single entity can drive sustainability alone – press manufacturers, material suppliers, brand owners, converters, and recyclers must work together to create a more circular and efficient system.
Implementing Sustainable Practices
Sun Chemical employs a sustainability approach of optimising operations, designing products with a lower carbon footprint, and fostering collaborations with innovative suppliers and industry associations. Working with suppliers on lowerimpact alternatives like LED inks and thinner plastic films, making use of digital systems for monitoring performance to boost efficiency, and end-to-end solutions can all contribute to more streamlined operations and reduced waste. Additionally, the use of smart labels incorporating RFID, NFC, and QR code technology can help optimise supply chains, reduce product waste, and provide traceability for more efficient recycling and reuse. To support converters in meeting market demand for smart labels and generate strong profits, BOBST uses its technology and expertise to optimise machine uptime using performance and consumption monitoring systems and advanced automation systems. This is also how converters can ensure a healthier planet with each press run.
Both companies share a common vision of a sustainable future, and a drive to make it a reality in the coming years
As the region’s most comprehensive trade platform for the packaging and papermaking sectors, WEPACK Southeast Asia continues to unite the full industry ecosystem
WEPACK Southeast Asia 2025 Wraps Up on High Note
WEPACK Southeast Asia 2025, held alongside Paper Chain Southeast Asia Expo, has successfully wrapped up at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Indonesia. The co-located events were held from 29 to 31 July 2025.
Organised by RX Greater China in strategic partnership with Asosiasi Kotak Karton Gelombang Indonesia (AKKGI), the event has become one of the most influential trade platforms for packaging container manufacturing and applications in Southeast Asia. It is committed to building an efficient business platform that connects the entire packaging industry chain and promotes international exchange and
cooperation.
Over the course of three days, more than 150 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions across corrugated packaging equipment, digital printing technologies, pulp and paper materials, and food-grade packaging systems. Global and regional participants included Borregaard, Bystar, Dinglong Co., Fosber Group, Guangdong Dongfang Precision Science & Technology Co., Guangzhou Keshenlong Carton Packing Machine Co., J.S. Corrugating Machinery Co., Mosca, and Wonder Packagings.
The event drew 5,382 professional attendees from across Southeast Asia and beyond, including representatives from packaging manufacturers, brand owners, logistics companies, industry associations, and government bodies.
The WEPACK Southeast Asia Conference featured expert-led discussions
on themes including Southeast Asia’s Packaging Future: Sustainability & Smart Manufacturing, Digital Printing Trends, and Market Opportunities for Folding Cartons and Corrugated Packaging. Supported by bilingual interpretation, the interactive sessions facilitated cross-border knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue between industry leaders.
As the region’s most comprehensive trade platform for the packaging and papermaking sectors, WEPACK Southeast Asia continues to unite the full industry ecosystem – from upstream suppliers of pulp and sustainable materials to midstream machinery and tech providers, to downstream converters and solution integrators. This unique all-in-one format fuels innovation, encourages investment, and enables supply chain integration across Southeast Asia.
One
key advantage of the WF1-L640: long-lasting printheads
Our printheads stand out not only for their durability, but also for their exceptional print quality. This makes them the key to outstanding print performance.
Further advantages of our WF1‑L640:
AWR XL is designed for flat-head printers and traditional applications such as logistics, retail, and shipping
ARMOR-IIMAK Redefines Thermal Transfer Label Printing
Thermal transfer ribbon specialist
ARMOR-IIMAK has launched AWR XL, a wax ribbon that redefines the standards of sustainability, performance, and efficiency in thermal transfer label printing. Unveiled ahead of its official showcase at LabelExpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona, AWR XL is designed for flat-head printers and traditional applications such as logistics, retail, and shipping. It delivers a powerful combination of eco-conscious innovation and operational excellence, setting a new benchmark in the wax ribbon category.
Sustainability
& Efficiency
AWR XL is the first wax ribbon to feature a 100% solvent-free formu-
lation, including the backcoat, and is manufactured using an ultra-thin 3.35μm PET film – the thinnest in the industry. This breakthrough results in up to 26% less plastic waste, 830g of CO₂ emissions saved per roll, and significant reductions in packaging and core waste, features that align with growing environmental regulations and sustainability goals. AWR XL’s extra-long roll length offers up to 40% more printer uptime, reducing roll changes and boosting productivity. This translates into lower operational costs, reduced storage and logistics needs, and enhanced workflow efficiency. Despite its environmental and operational advantages, AWR XL maintains a high print quality, while
requiring less printhead energy to achieve optimal results.
Strategic Addition to Wax Range
Positioned alongside AWR 1 and AWR 8, AWR XL strengthens ARMOR-IIMAK’s wax ribbon portfolio, offering distributors and partners a differentiated, value-added solution in a traditionally price-driven market. ARMOR-IIMAK Senior Vice President Marketing Yohann Froment says, “AWR XL is more than a product launch – it’s a statement of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We’re proud to offer a ribbon that not only meets the performance expectectations of our customers but also supports their environmental goals.”
Kodak in Financial Crisis, Might Cease Operations
Company might cease operations as it struggles with financial obligations; to use proceeds under the Kodak Retirement Income Plan to reduce debt; Q2 sees $4 million revenue dip
Global tech giant Eastman Kodak Company has warned investors that it might cease operations as the company struggles with financial obligations, following its second quarter disclosure regarding its going concern assessment. The Rochester, New
York-headquartered company, cites the payoff of around $500 million in looming debt as the main cause.
Kodak’s plans to adequately fund its preferred stock and debt obligations when due are to use the proceeds upon settlement of obligations under the Kodak Retirement Income Plan, to reduce the amount of term debt and to amend, extend, or refinance its remaining debt and preferred stock obligations.
As these plans are not solely
with Kodak’s control and are not deemed “probable” under US GAAP accounting rules, the conditions have raised substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. As Kodak races to renegotiate its debts by next May, efforts to save the iconic company remains in the balance.
For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, revenues saw a $4 million dip to $263 million, compared to the same period in 2024. GAAP net loss was $26 million for the
quarter, compared to net income of $26 million in 2024, a decrease of $52 million or 200%.
Operational EBITDA for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 was $9 million, compared to $12 million in 2024, a decrease of $3 million or 25%. The decrease in operational EBITDA was primarily driven by lower volumes and higher aluminium and manufacturing costs, partially offset by price increases and lower spend on investments in information technology systems, organisational structure, and costs associated with trade shows. Kodak disclosed that its cash balance of $155 million saw a decrease of $46 million from 31 December 2024, primarily driven by capital expenditures to fund growth initiatives, changes in working capital, impact of higher costs, and lower profitability from operations.
Despite the odds, Executive Chairman and CEO Jim Continenza says, “In the second quarter, Kodak continued to make progress against our long-term plan despite the challenges of an uncertain business environment. While tariffs did not have a material impact on our business in Q2, we are assess-
ing the potential impact of new tariffs going forward.
“The company manufactures a wide range of products including lithographic printing plates, photographic and industrial films, inkjet presses and inks, and pharmaceutical key starting ingredients, and tariffs instituted by the US government are designed to protect American businesses.”
“During the second quarter, Kodak continued its focus on improving the efficiency of our operations and investing in growth initiatives in our AM&C group,” says David Bullwinkle, Kodak’s Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President.
“Revenue for the quarter was
roughly flat year over year, which was in line with expectations, and we continued to see revenue growth in our AM&C business.
“The termination of our Kodak Retirement Income Plan and subsequent reversion of excess funds to pay down debt is progressing as planned. We expect to have a clear understanding by 15 August of how we will satisfy our obligations to all plan participants, and we anticipate completing the reversion by December of 2025.
For the second half of the year, we will continue to focus on reducing costs today and converting our investments into long-term growth.”
Operational EBITDA for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 was $9 million, compared to $12 million in 2024, a decrease of $3 million or 25%
It’s a packed and intense two summits in one conference –featuring a Leaders Summit as well as an Editors Summit – with 17 sessions and about 35 global speakers
Asian Media Singapore Summit to Discuss Challenging Times
The 5th edition of the Asian Media Leaders Summit (AMLS), combined with the WAN-IFRA conference for the entire Asia Pacific region including South Asia and the Middle East, will be held in Singapore on 5-6 November 2025.
The event will feature speakers from all over the world to bring a unique and effective learning and networking experience in one place.\
Challenging Times for News Media Companies
Globally, the news media industry continues to face layoffs, closures, and other cuts along with rising costs, falling advertising revenue, sharp declines in traffic from social media, and adding to these challenges, a fall in search traffic as AI overviews proliferate.
Two Intense Summits
It’s a packed and intense two summits in one conference – featuring a Leaders Summit as well as an Editors Summit – with 17 sessions and about 35 global speakers.
The Leaders Summit, targeting CEOs, publishers, media owners, revenue leaders, and those aspiring to leadership positions will provide ideas, business models, and solutions for all those invested in building sustainable news organisations.
The Editors Summit, tailormade for newsroom heads and future chiefs, and journalists who want to revolutionise news coverage and their newsroom operations, offers perspectives and debates to challenge and inspire.
Attendees who spend the two days in Singapore can learn a great deal from business and newsroom leaders who have successfully navigated the turbulent times by sharing their winning strategies for these uncertain times.
During the conference, participants can expect to hear about and participate in discussions on several key topics including how to plan, manage, navigate, and thrive in today’s uncertain world; entrepreneurial and innovative thinking to grow business; how to drive profits by increasing trust in media; the impact of independent content creators; strategies to transform media business; AI updates, strategies, and forecasts; leadership fundamentals in a challenging industry; innovation in news media; and trends and predictions for 2026 and beyond.
Bradman Lake Unveils Robotic Wraparound Case Packer
Designed to maximise output without expanding footprint; dual robotic arms deliver precise, highspeed collation and case packing; can handle multiple SKUs simultaneously
British packaging solutions provider Bradman Lake has launched the WR6X robotic wraparound case packer, its latest innovation in case packing. Engineered to meet the demands of modern manufacturing, the WR6X offers a compact, highspeed solution for businesses seeking to increase packaging capacity without the need for additional factory space.
This state-of-the-art machine was developed in response to a challenge presented by a major UK-based food manufacturer, who required a flexible, space-efficient solution to meet rising consumer demand and the growing popularity of shelf-ready packaging (SRP) formats.
The WR6X comes with dual robotic
arms operating in tandem to deliver precise, high-speed collation and case packing. Each side of the machine functions independently, enabling the simultaneous handling of multiple SKUs – ideal for manufacturers needing to respond swiftly to fluctuating market requirements.
Key features include low-level hoppers for easy replenishment and reduced downtime, independent case management and sealing units for mixed SKU production, integration of labelling units to minimise space, and a compact footprint allowing seamless integration into existing production environments.
The WR6X has already demonstrated its value in a live production environment, delivering increased throughput to meet growing demand, enhanced operational flexibility through dual-SKU capability, optimised use of factory space, and reduced downtime.
“The WR6X represents a significant
Duplo Acquires BGM, Enters
Sector
Print finishing provider Duplo has acquired Bar Graphic Machinery (BGM), the UK-based manufacturer of finishing equipment for the labels and packaging industry.
This strategic move marks Duplo’s entry into the fast-growing labels sector, further expanding its global capabilities across adjacent print markets. Importantly, Duplo and BGM will continue to operate as separate, independent businesses. Duplo remains fully committed to its core focus: delivering digital print finishing solutions for the office and graphic arts sectors.
Based in West Yorkshire, BGM will continue to serve the labels market under its established brand, leadership, and operational structure – now with the added strength and backing of the Duplo Group.
Hideo Tanaka, President of Duplo Corporation, comments, “We are delighted to welcome BGM into the Duplo family. Their reputation for engineering excellence and
step forward in packaging automation,” says Bradman Lake Head of Sales Dan Lake. “It combines cutting-edge robotics with intelligent design to deliver a solution that is not only fast and flexible but also space-conscious – something that’s increasingly vital in today’s manufacturing landscape.”
Fast-moving Labels
deep customer commitment aligns perfectly with our values. Our role will be to support BGM’s next phase of growth – offering investment, strategic guidance, and access to our global expertise in sales, marketing, R&D, and manufacturing.”
The BGM brand will remain unchanged and will operate as an autonomous division within the Duplo Group. A new Managing Director for BGM will be appointed in due course. In the near term, Duplo’s focus will be on working closely with the BGM team to listen, learn, and understand the business from within – setting the stage for a collaborative long-term strategy.
BGM Managing Director Annemarie Rhodes says, “Since we formed BGM more than 30 years ago, we have worked hard to develop innovative products and provide excellent customer service, while retaining our family business ethos. As we now look at our future development, we are confident that Duplo will continue with these aims, and we are
It combines cuttingedge robotics with intelligent design
really excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The acquisition reflects Duplo’s broader ambition to invest in complementary sectors and partner with businesses that share its commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term customer value.
Future of Packaging is Paper, Says DHBW, HEIDELBERG Study
Key challenges relating to barrier coatings and cost-effectiveness to be met first; trend towards paperisation sees 50% consumers deliberately buying less plastic packaging; new EU packaging regulation (PPWR) acting as catalyst; HEIDELBERG driving
challenges relating to coated paper packaging can be resolved. The study is based on expert interviews with trade and industry decisionmakers, who are underpinning the ongoing trend toward paperisation – the substitution of plastic with paper – in the packaging industry.
The future of flexible paper-based packaging looks bright, with predictions of an annual average growth of over 4.5%
technological and sustainable innovations for coated packaging solutions; company publishes white paper on position of fibrebased options in packaging mix
The future of flexible paper-based packaging looks bright, with predictions of an annual average growth of over 4.5% for flexible packaging papers by the end of the decade. This is primarily thanks to their sustainable properties, especially when compared with plastic packaging.
An expert survey titled ‘The future of packaging 2030’ conducted by Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) Heilbronn in collaboration with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has now corroborated this development. The results indicate that paper-based packaging solutions will increasingly play a dominant role in Europe by 2030, as long as key technological and economic
Prof. Dr. Carsten Kortum, who led the study and is also in charge of DHBW’s Business Administration –Management in Commerce degree programme, says, “It’s not just a trend, it’s a systemic change driven by new regulatory pressure, rising environmental awareness, and associated changes in consumer behaviour, and technological innovations.”
New EU Packaging Regulation Acting as Catalyst
Setting ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030, the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is a key driving force and something of a catalyst, especially for flexible paper and cardboard packaging. Besides harmonised standards, it places a clear focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and the circular economy. This includes banning certain single-use formats, making
recycled content mandatory in packaging, and using standardised recycling symbols. “The PPWR is putting trade and industry under significant pressure to act. There’s also a lack of clarity, so businesses are asking for transparent standards and economic incentives,” says Dr. Kortum. Moreover, the regulation is speeding up the process of consumers coming to see packaging as a symbol of sustainability and brand responsibility.
Challenges Associated with Coated Packaging
According to the study, although paper packaging scores highly in terms of sustainability, consumer image, and recyclability, it also involves major challenges. Plastic packaging is cheaper than fibrebased solutions in many cases, and consumers are often unwilling to pay the additional cost. What’s more, the need to fulfill important barrier functions for food products, beverages, cosmetics, and certain non-food items is stretching paper packaging to its technical limits. Paper does not act as a barrier to moisture, oxygen, or grease. Consequently, either hybrid paper-plastic solutions or functional coatings for monomaterials are required, and such options still often result in limited sustainability. This makes it clear that further technological innovations are needed if paper packaging is to be a competitive alternative to plastic in all areas of application.
Technological & Sustainable Innovations for Coated Packaging Solutions
The cost-effective application of barrier coatings on an industrial scale plays a key role when it comes to the quality, reliability, and costefficiency of paper packaging. HEIDELBERG is working with Solenis, a manufacturer of speciality chemicals, on developing a cost-effective process to integrate coatings for fibre-based packaging directly into the existing web flexo printing process using the Boardmaster press from HEIDELBERG. This will enable barrier coatings to be applied and combined
inline with register accuracy. The purpose of the collaboration is to optimally coordinate the individual components of the Boardmaster, the chemical composition of the Solenis barrier coatings, and all the associated process technology for the benefit of packaging producers.
“Cost-effective technology innovations are vital if paper packaging is to replace plastic equivalents on a widespread basis. The inline production of coated paper packaging and the cooperation with Solenis to develop innovative varnishes and coatings therefore mean HEIDEL-
BERG is a driver of paperisation,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG. “That also makes us a systems integrator in the attractive growth market of mass-producing folding cartons,” he adds.
White Paper on Fibre-based Options in Packaging Mix
HEIDELBERG has also published a white paper on the current position of fibre-based solutions in the packaging mix. The report provides information about various aspects relating to the sustainability of paper packaging, including recycling rates, biodegradability, carbon footprints, and an effective circular economy. The advantages over plastic packaging are set out clearly, while other topics include strong growing markets such as India, and the significance of the new EU packaging regulation.
Xerox Launches New AI-driven Document Processing Solution
Document management and digital print specialist Xerox has launched Xerox EveryDoc IDP App, a steamlined solution built on its Intelligent Document Processing platform. Supported by advanced AI models, the app automates data extraction and verification, streamlining document workflows, and enabling faster decision making. Xerox EveryDoc IDP App enables multi-channel document ingestion, intelligent data extraction, and smooth integration with business applications. It enhances the process of identifying and extracting key fields from contracts, invoices, identity documents, legal documents, transcripts, and other businesscritical documents across industries. Designed for both large as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, the app minimises manual document processing and streamlines operations by enabling faster, smarter decision-making without the need for a major IT overhaul.
“The launch of Xerox EveryDoc
Cost-effective technology innovations are vital if paper packaging is to replace plastic equivalents on a widespread basis
IDP App bridges the gap between structured and unstructured data, helping our clients accelerate business operations by gaining deeper data insight, without the added complexity and IT costs,” says Terry Antinora, Head of Product and Engineering at Xerox. “With this new solution, we are providing a tailored experience to empower organisations of all sizes to operate quickly, securely, and at scale.”
Feature-rich
The AI-driven, cloud-based tool has the ability to collect digital, printed, or handwritten documents from various sources (mobile, e-mail, uploads) using cloud connectors for Microsoft Exchange Online and repositories (Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft OneDrive) and other business applications via application programming interfaces (APIs). Another feature is automated data extraction from documents using pre-trained models and Gen AI prompts, reducing the need for
manual input and minimising human error.
Seamless integration by exporting structured data directly to Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft Exchange Online, and other business applications via API for easy access and optimal process flows is yet another key feature of the app. The solution is currently available in the US and Canada from Xerox and Xerox Business Solutions, and will be made available to other regions in the coming months.
When AI Meets Print and Art
Expressionism, Surrealism, and Abstract, were researched. Each painter’s techniques, colour palettes, compositional choices, and stylistic approaches were analysed. Mood boards were created to capture each artist’s unique creative vision.
Secondly, the AI-created mood board provided the basis for informing the most effective design criteria and special instructional prompts that trained AI for each unique aesthetic. The works were then generated, curated, and the output upscaled for high quality print production.
The digital artworks were transformed into physical pieces by the Pro TF6251 flatbed printer.
With results like this:
AI-generated artwork that not only looks but feels like it was painted by human hands.
The technology brought these virtual visions to life with:
• Multilayer printing that simulated real brushstroke textures.
We have created a real life example of how print and AI can expand the possibilities and push the boundaries of communication, design, and human expression
By Angelo Mandelli, Senior Product & Business Development Manager, Large Format & Flatbed EMEA Product Marketing, Ricoh Graphic Communications Group
What if we could see Venice through the eyes of great 19th and 20th century painters who never actually painted it?
Apparently, it would look a lot like this: Who do you recognise? Picasso, Escher, Lempicka? How about Dali, Chagall, or Warhol?
These are what the students at Salesiani Don Bosco Graphic Arts School created when we asked them to imagine how legendary painters would have captured their home city of Venice.
Using Artificial Intelligence and Ricoh printing technology – the RICOH Pro™ TF6251 flatbed UV printer – a virtual collection of works about Venice was curated in the style of the legendary artists who never painted it.
Firstly, art movements including
• Multiple drop size technology with Ricoh fifth generation printheads for intricate detail.
• ColorGATE RIP software for colour management and ICC profile optimisation.
• Flexible UV inks that handle a wide variety of surfaces and materials.
• The capability to print directly on media up to 10cm thick, including canvases.
Ricoh’s technology served not just as a tool, but as an enabler of imagination – una musa senza tempo (an eternal muse).
By Co-innovating with the educators and students of Salesiani Don Bosco, we have created a real life example of how print and AI can expand the possibilities and push the boundaries of communication, design, and human expression. Talk to us to learn more.
Excel lence
Inks: The Hidden Guardians of Packaging
A single layer of specialized ink can:
• Verify authenticity at a glance.
• Conceal information visible only to trained inspectors.
• Reveal tampering attempts instantly.
• Integrate with digital verification systems.
However, such benefits come with responsibility. Manufacturers must ensure these inks reach only trusted, vetted printers — and printers must safeguard them throughout production to prevent misuse.
Strategic Integration, Not Just Application
cal under one light source, different under another — perfect for covert checks.
• Photochromic Inks: Change color under intense light (e.g., camera flash).
• Conductive Inks: Trigger smartphone screens for digital verification.
• Machine-Readable Inks: Contain chemical taggants detectable only by specialized devices.
2. Tamper-Evident Inks – Deterring and detecting alteration.
• Designed to resist erasure or signal attempts to modify codes and dates.
• Can incorporate chemical sensitivity to reveal solvent attacks.
In an age where counterfeiters have access to sophisticated replication tools, ink has evolved into something else entirely — a covert line of defense
In the modern supply chain, ink is far more than a splash of color. It’s the bridge between a product and the people who interact with it — telling them what it is, how to use it, and where it came from. Without ink, packaging becomes a mute container, stripped of its identity and purpose.
But in an age where counterfeiters have access to sophisticated replication tools, ink has evolved into something else entirely — a covert line of defense. From revealing hidden information under special light to signaling tampering through irreversible color changes, security inks now stand as one of the most versatile tools in a brand’s protection arsenal.
Why Ink Holds an Edge in Security Printing
Among the many anti-counterfeiting measures available — holograms, specialty papers, embedded microchips — inks offer a unique combination of flexibility and discretion. They work across printing methods (offset, flexo, gravure, screen, digital) and can be engineered to respond to light, heat, touch, or even smartphone sensors.
Security inks are most effective when they’re designed into the packaging strategy, not simply added as an afterthought. Spot colors often replace or complement CMYK to deliver these effects, requiring additional print stations or separate runs. For purely digital print operations, this may mean hybrid production or pairing inks with other security devices.
Choosing the right ink also depends on:
• When the verification is needed — at the point of sale, in transit, or post-purchase.
• What level of scrutiny is required — visible to the public, covert for inspectors, or forensic for lab analysis.
• How it complements other devices — avoiding costly duplication of function.
A Toolkit of Specialized Inks Security inks can be grouped by their purpose and detection method:
• Optically Variable Inks & Varnishes (OVI/OVV): Change color when tilted, originally developed for banknotes.
• Iridescent Inks: Multi-color effects similar to butterfly wings, mainly decorative unless customized.
• Thermochromic Inks: Respond to temperature, from beverage chill indicators to heat-triggered authenticity marks.
• Metameric Inks: Appear identi-
• Scratch-off layers for one-time code access.
3. Forensic Inks & Taggants –Ultimate security for high-value goods.
• Embed microscopic markers (nano-tagging) that require labgrade equipment to verify.
• Unique chemical or biological signatures make them virtually impossible to replicate.
Ink as a Trust Signal
The real value of these technologies lies in consumer confidence. A visible authenticity cue reassures buyers that what they’re holding is genuine, while covert features give brand owners a way to monitor, verify, and enforce trust without tipping off counterfeiters. As counterfeit operations grow more advanced, so too must the strategies to counter them. The next generation of inks will likely merge with smart packaging, combining physical and digital security to make tampering not just difficult — but instantly detectable anywhere in the world. Inks have quietly transformed from passive decoration into active guardians of brand integrity. In a market where trust is currency, that’s a role too important to overlook.
The Future of Digital Printing in Packaging
A Revolution in Progress
Digital printing is no longer the future of packaging—it is the present rapidly gaining ground. With a global market value projected to soar from $22 billion in 2025 to $36.9 billion by 2030, digital printing for packaging is transforming the industry with its agility, sustainability, and ability to cater to changing consumer and brand demands. Yet, despite this growth, digital print still represents only 4.1% of the total printed packaging market value in 2025, indicating substantial room for expansion.
A Dynamic and Disruptive Shift
Once dominated by analog giants like flexo and offset, the packaging sector is now embracing digital, particularly in label printing. Inkjet and toner-based digital presses have become staples in label conversion, producing over 100 billion A4 label prints in 2025 alone. This segment now holds 23.3% of the total label print market by value—a striking achievement for digital.
But labels are just the beginning.
As brands pursue greater customization, faster time-to-market, and shorter print runs, digital is making inroads into corrugated, folding cartons, flexible, and rigid plastic packaging. Inkjet, in particular, is proving to be a scalable and versatile solution for these segments. And with machine learning and generative AI enhancing predictive maintenance, color matching, and workflow automation, digital printing is evolving into a fully connected, data-driven manufacturing process.
Key Drivers: Customization, Speed, and Sustainability
Smithers identifies several forces driving this digital acceleration: Short Runs, Big Impact: Brands are increasingly producing shorter, targeted runs for regional launches, seasonal promotions, or influencerled marketing—an area where digital excels.
Sustainability Goals: Digital printing reduces waste, eliminates the need for printing plates, and enables ondemand production, all of which help brands meet environmental targets. Brand Fragmentation: With the rise of artisan and niche brands, digital
offers smaller players access to highquality packaging with minimal capital investment.
Barriers: Finishing, Workflow, and Brand Hesitation
Despite these strengths, significant challenges still hinder full-scale digital adoption:
Finishing Bottlenecks: In highthroughput packaging applications, such as cartons or corrugated, the finishing process hasn’t caught up with digital’s speed. A digital press may produce 20 short runs per hour, but finishing lines often require multiple die setups—nullifying digital’s quick-turn potential.
Workflow Integration: Many converters struggle to integrate digital presses into existing analog-based workflows. While narrow-web label systems adapted easily, wider web and sheetfed digital systems need finishing and automation upgrades to maximize ROI.
Color Matching & Brand Confidence: Brand managers remain cautious about switching to digital if color fidelity can’t be guaranteed. Hybrid inkjet-flexo presses and color management tools are improving this, but trust takes time.
Food Safety Regulations: With over 70% of printed packaging used in food and beverage, digital inks face regulatory scrutiny. Inkjet, especially UV-curable systems, must prove safety and compatibility with food-grade coatings and recyclability standards.
The Rise of Hybrid and AIEnhanced Printing
Technology is meeting these challenges head-on. Hybrid presses, combining inkjet with flexo units, allow brands to reproduce metallics and precise spot colors. Meanwhile, AI is being embedded in workflows— from predictive maintenance to dynamic job scheduling—streamlining production and reducing downtime. Workflow innovations, such as cloudbased job management and inline quality inspection systems, further enhance the efficiency and reliability of digital presses. And digital finishing systems are gradually catching up, offering laser die-cutting, foil stamping, and coating inline or near-line.
Regional Growth and Global Momentum
Asia, particularly China and India, is leading the charge in digital packaging adoption, followed by North America and Western Europe. This global shift is also supported by the growing installed base: over 8,100 narrow-web digital presses are in operation worldwide in 2025, with nearly 1,150 new units expected to be sold that year alone.
Looking Ahead: Digital’s Packaging Decade
By 2030, digital printing will claim 5.8% of the packaging market by value, thanks to its ability to blend personalization with industrial scalability. The lines between analog and digital will blur, with many converters using both in tandem. The emphasis will shift from “digital vs. analog” to “right process for the right job.”
To thrive in this new era, converters must rethink their business models, invest in finishing automation, train their teams for digital-first workflows, and help brands see beyond the press—toward an agile, sustainable, data-driven future.
The digital printing revolution in packaging is well underway, but its full potential remains untapped. As barriers continue to fall—thanks to advancements in inkjet, hybrid systems, AI, and finishing—digital will not just complement analog, but increasingly redefine what’s possible in packaging. For converters and brands willing to innovate, the digital decade has just begun.
By 2030, digital printing will claim 5.8% of the packaging market by value, thanks to its ability to blend personalization with industrial scalability
This dual nature is called viscoelasticity, and it explains why PSAs can stick instantly, remain sticky even after peeling, and perform across different conditions
Understanding Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
Why Adhesives Matter
Every label owes its performance to one invisible hero: the adhesive. Without it, a label would never stay in place. But what exactly makes an adhesive effective, why can it sometimes fail, and how do we make sure it works reliably even in harsh conditions?
What Adhesives Are Expected to Do
Adhesives are designed to perform under very different demands. Some must stay put under
able)
• Ability to move the label around (repositionable)
• Reseal after opening (reclosable)
• Typical technical requirements include:
• Working at very low or very high temperatures
• Resistance to water, oil, or chemicals
• Compliance with BS 5609 seawater durability
• Suitability for direct or indirect food contact
ice-cold storage or direct contact with water, others need to remain crystal-clear on transparent packaging, and many must satisfy safety rules for pharmaceuticals or food.
Not all adhesives are permanent. In fact, certain applications call for labels that peel off cleanly, can be reapplied, or allow packages to be opened and resealed. Each of these scenarios requires a different balance of adhesive chemistry. Common performance profiles include:
• Strong initial grab (high tack)
• Long-lasting bonds (permanent)
• Bonds that weaken over time (semi-permanent)
• Easy-peel functionality (remov-
nant, solvent-based acrylics are now niche products, used mostly when extreme chemical resistance is needed.
2. Rubber/Resin Systems – Less common today, but still valuable for peelable labels or products like oil-can labels.
3. Hot-Melt Adhesives – A fastgrowing category thanks to simple processing, strong tack, and reliable performance even in cold or wet conditions.
4. Water-Based Acrylic Dispersions
– The mainstream choice for most label producers, offering flexibility and more eco-friendly processing.
5. Radiation-Cured Adhesives –Cured by UV or electron beam, these provide excellent heat resistance and are gaining ground in specialty applications.
What Makes a PSA Different?
Think of a PSA as a material that behaves partly like a solid and partly like a liquid. It is soft and tacky, so it flows enough to wet the surface and form a bond, but it is also solid enough to hold that bond together.
This dual nature is called viscoelasticity, and it explains why PSAs can stick instantly, remain sticky even after peeling, and perform across different conditions.
Two key factors determine their performance:
• Tack – how quickly they grab a surface.
• Transparency and non-whitening in wet conditions
• Tamper-evidence features
• Cost efficiency in use
The Main Families of PSA Technology
Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are unique because they are always “ready to stick.” Unlike many glues, they don’t need heat, moisture, or chemical activation. They remain tacky above their glass transition temperature (Tg) and can bond with surfaces as diverse as paper, glass, plastic, and even metals.
The industry mainly relies on five approaches:
1. Acrylic Solutions – Once domi-
• Cohesion (shear strength) – how well the adhesive holds itself together under stress. There is also the modulus, which describes how stiff or flexible the adhesive is, and it shifts with temperature. Too stiff and the adhesive becomes brittle; too soft and it loses holding power.
Balancing Chemistry and Processing
Designing PSAs is always a balancing act. Stronger cohesion usually comes with higher molecular weight, but that can also increase viscosity and make processing more difficult. Different chemistries solve this challenge in their own ways.
• Hotmelts soften and solidify
reversibly — they “melt” when heated but regain pressure-sensitive properties when cooled.
• Acrylics form permanent crosslinks during curing, so they maintain their properties even at high temperatures.
• UV-curable systems use light to create those bonds, offering stability in demanding applications.
Processing requirements also vary:
• Hotmelts are straightforward — melt, coat, cool.
• Acrylics (solution or emulsion) demand space, curing equipment, and expertise.
• UV systems rely on precise light sources for consistent curing.
Testing and Quality Control
To ensure adhesives perform as intended, industry standards like FINAT tests measure peel strength, tack, and shear. Additional tests simulate aging, environmental exposure, or application on small containers (mandrel tests). These evaluations not only give numerical values but also reveal how and why an adhesive might fail — essential for applications where removability, safety, or durability is critical.
Sustainability Challenges
Modern adhesive development goes hand in hand with sustain-
ability. Traditional PSAs can contaminate recycling streams, especially with PET bottles or paper. To address this:
• Some adhesives are designed to wash off in alkaline recycling baths, leaving plastics clean.
• Others form larger particles that can be screened out during paper recycling.
• Compostable and bio-based PSAs are beginning to reach the market as well.
Pressure-sensitive adhesives may look simple, but they are finely
engineered materials balancing tack, cohesion, modulus, and processability. By choosing the right chemistry and formulation, labels can meet a wide range of performance demands — from freezer packs to high-heat environments — while also aligning with the growing push for sustainability.
By choosing the right chemistry and formulation, labels can meet a wide range of performance demands
