The Eye on Display Print Industry Podcast

Mimaki has announced the launch of the UJV200 Series, a new UV roll-to-roll printer designed to make high-quality UV printing more accessible, debuting at FESPA 2026.Read more... https://www.eyeondisplay.com/mimaki-to-launch-new-ujv200-series-uv-printers-at-fespa-2026/

Jack visited swissQprint UK in Bracknell to catch up with Erskine Stewart on the first year of Generation 5, the new Topi 5 and Oryx 5 printers, a growing refurbishment programme, and what to expect at the upcoming open house. Plus a hands-on look at the brand new sample set.

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A carbon-free material that could replace ACM is on the wayA Swedish startup has turned Kraft paper into a structural material that can replace plastics, metals and composites. With €40 million in EU backing, the world is starting to pay attentionRead the full story here... https://www.eyeondisplay.com/a-carbon-free-material-that-could-replace-acm-is-on-the-way/

Jack caught up with Noëlle Peutat, Global Sustainability Lead for HP's Large Format Business Unit, to discuss how HP is reframing the 'green' conversation, and why true sustainability is actually rooted in everyday commercial efficiency.Noëlle is focused on sustainability and on translating it for HP customers. She also looks at how to make HP products and solutions as sustainable as possible.

With less than 10 weeks to go until the doors open in Barcelona for FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, Jack catches up with Michael Ryan to find out more.The show runs from 19th - 22nd May - visit FESPA Registrationfor an Eye on Display special offer to register for the show.ESEH601

From the BSGA Signmakers Village at Sign & Digital UK, The Printing Charity talk about the importance of training and development in the printing industry, the impact of Rising Star Awards and grant funding, the role of industry associations in supporting training and development, and the need to encourage involvement in schools and career days to attract fresh talent to the industry.Marianne Steel and Sam Nelson are joined by Gary Bagstaff, Linda Edwards and Craig Brown from the BSGA.

Colin and Sam discuss the importance of Management Information Systems (MIS) and its impact on business growth. It explores the challenges of Excel spreadsheets, the adoption of MIS systems, and the role of data in business valuation and transparency. Additionally, it discusses the significance of MIS in quoting, sales, and customer engagement, as well as its role in transitioning to new markets and managing customer expectations.

The conversation delves into the journey of Lawrence Green, MD of Greens and Signmakers, exploring his family legacy in the signmaking industry and the evolution of the industry over generations. It also covers the transition to the managing director role, the role of business coaching, in-house manufacturing, skills retention, trade associations, collaboration, staff engagement, apprenticeships, advice for younger self, networking, management information systems, and the family legacy and future generations.

The conversation explores the synergies between the print and signage industries, highlighting the convergence of challenges and services. It delves into the benefits of trade association membership, emphasising networking and collaboration as key advantages. Additionally, it discusses event ambassadorship, collaboration, and decision-making in equipment purchase.Apologies that tecnhnical difficulties means we only have part of this conversation.

The conversation revolves around the invention of KoolKap, a safety device for heat guns, born out of frustration and the need for efficiency. It addresses safety concerns, efficiency, and future plans for the invention.

The China Print Supply stand at Sign & Digital has attracted a good influx of customers, showcasing a range of printing equipment and technologies. The Thunderjet, flatbed printer, rotary bottle printer, and sustainability benefits of the technology have been the main highlights. The stand offers a glimpse into the quality and speed of printing, encouraging visitors to consider UV printing and explore the range of equipment available.TakeawaysPrinting technology advancementsCustomer interest in UV printing

Jack hosts an Ask the Coach session with Colin Sinclair McDermott on the BSGA Signmakers Village at Sign & Digital UK.

Jack Gocher catches up with Chris Minn from Digital Ink to discuss the unique energy of FESPA Middle East held earlier in January.In this video interview, Jack speaks with Chris Minn from Digital Ink to get an insider's perspective on the recent FESPA Middle East exhibition in Dubai. Now in its third year, the show is carving out a distinct identity separate from its European counterparts.We discuss how the event has shifted its focus heavily towards education and community building, meeting a specific demand from business owners in the region. Chris shares his observations on the unique economic drivers in the Middle East, from construction to tourism, that are fuelling a boom for wide-format printers.Chris says, "There was a huge uptake on the conference and the focus on education this year. Fespa has spent a lot of time working on that area. Last year was fantastic... but this year they brought more conversation in AI and moved on again, more about automation."He also explains, "It was apparent that community was going to be something that the Gulf region wanted. The Club Fespa area was very busy with people from many countries within the region coming together like old friends. So there was definitely a community starting to knit."Chris says, "In the AI conference area, one session got onto robotics, and how this is going to be a major part of this technical revolution we're in. It was interesting to hear how many print business owners have invested in robotics already and have shipments of robots arriving. I don't think it'll be long until we see it on the trade show floor."Chris also adds, "Whether you're a wide format printer or in apparel, you're booming if you're out here right now because of all what's going on in the region. It's like a building site constantly. And with that comes all the marketing, the sales and everything else."

Wendy covers her role with Make it Happen US, Women in Sign, etc and as a PRINTING United Allstar

I talk to Dirk Brouns, VP Large Format Graphics for Canon Production Printing, at Printing United Expo about the launch of the Colorado M-Series – Canon's first large-format true hybrid printer. Dirk explains the UV gel technology, the £120 million R&D investment, and why this machine can switch between flexible and rigid printing in seconds.

Brooke Stancill, operations co-ordinator at FESPA UK, talks about her time in the industry at the recent William Smith open day

Dirk Brouns for Canon talking about the Colorado XL-Series launched at PRINTING United Expo

Dimitri Van Gaever, Marketing Director for Kongsberg PCS talks to Jack at PRINTING United Expo

Mark Bartlett talks to Jack about 40 years of Signbox