FESPA SPOTLIGHT: Insights, Innovations, Market Shifts and Key Takeaways from FESPA Berlin 2025
Fespa 2025 proved to be more than just a meeting point for industry leaders.
“It was a dynamic showcase of how innovation and application intertwine to push boundaries” Debbie McKeegan, Fespa Textile Ambassador.
With personalisation and automation shaping the future and sustainability at its core, the print industry is poised to move into 2026 with purpose and confidence - “Stay Innovative, Stay Competitive...”
WRITTEN BY FESPA TEXTILE AMBASSADOR DEBBIE MCKEEGAN
The Fespa Global Print Expo 2025, held in vibrant Berlin, stood as a testament to the ongoing innovation within the print and signage industries. Over four days, exhibitors from around the world showcased cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and trend-driving solutions.
With over 14,306 unique visitors from 126 countries, where 40% of visitors planned to purchase within 12 months of the exhibition, and 71 % of visitors were MD, CEOs, owners or Managers. With a combined spending power of approx €2.9 billion, it is clear that Fespa remains a powerhouse for collaborating, networking, and sharing knowledge in the global print community.
This review from the Texintel editorial team will give you the pulse of the event, spotlighting the key trends, notable innovations, and insights on what the near future holds for the print industry. Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or a newcomer looking for opportunities, these takeaways will help guide your strategy in the year ahead:
Staying Ahead of the Curve
From textiles to wide-format printing, the fair highlighted significant developments in printing technologies aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and customisation. Exhibitors consistently echoed themes of efficiency, creativity, and eco-consciousness in their innovations.
Folker Stachetzki, Marketing Manager at Brother Germany, commented, "Fespa is where we showcase our solutions to an engaged international audience. Visitors don’t just see; they experience. They see machines in action, feel the output, and share their insights. This feedback loop is invaluable, both for us and for the end-user.”
The demand for personalisation, streamlined manufacturing processes, and high-quality results were key aspects mentioned by many producers. Meanwhile, figures like Christian Harder, Vice President of Sales at Durst Group AG, highlighted Fespa as the place for partnerships and forward-thinking discussions. He remarked, “FESPA 2025 is not just about new products for us, it’s about showcasing our technological ambition, We are rethinking professional print production – with the most reliable printing systems on the market, a connected software architecture, a clear focus on automation, true efficiency, and resource-saving processes. ‘Made in Durst’ stands for integrated solutions with responsibility: for our customers, their competitiveness, and our environment.”
Key Trends Making Waves
Sustainability is No Longer Optional: The print industry continues to adapt to the growing call for sustainable practices. From eco-friendly inks to recyclable materials, sustainability feels less like a trend and more like a baseline expectation. Innovations presented at Fespa 2025 included Epson’s development of a silk-like fibre made from discarded cotton, demonstrating not only their technological print capacities but also the growing importance of circular economy practices in textiles.
Many exhibitors highlighted how their technologies reduce waste and enhance printed production efficiency. For instance, Coldenhove showcased its Xtreme Sports 70GSM sublimation paper that marries enhanced efficiency with reduced material waste.
Personalisation at Scale: 2025 is poised to be the year of mass personalisation. Since its successful 2023 launch, the Personalisation Experience platform at Fespa has shed light on how printers can cater to a market increasingly driven by customised products. From single-run prints to entirely bespoke creations, brands are leveraging innovations in hardware and software to deliver tailored experiences.
Mimaki, a key innovator in digital print, backed this trend by supporting exhibitions exploring personalisation opportunities, blending art and commerce through advanced customisation technologies.
Smart Automation: Automation technologies designed to optimise production processes were in the spotlight. Several exhibitors demonstrated machinery and software capable of not only streamlining workflows but also resolving previously time-intensive challenges. For example, Antigro Designer’s award-winning web-to-print software allows small teams to achieve stunning results with efficiency once reserved for enterprise-level operations.
With its emerging dominance, automation continues to position itself as a critical driver of profitability and scalability for businesses of all sizes.
Textile Printing Innovation: Another dominant trend was the evolution of textile printing technologies, particularly toward printed sustainable fibres, on-demand production, and advanced finishing processes. Exhibitors like UFABRIK, which launched their textiles into the European market, spoke about how the industry is moving toward higher customisation and eco-consciousness.
Robin East of UFABRIK shared, "Our consignment service offers unique flexibility, making it ideal for clients of all sizes. Educating the market through platforms like Fespa ensures these solutions reach the right people."
Innovations and Collaborations make Progress
Epson and Fiery Partnership - A new benchmark was set with Epson and Fiery’s alliance, combining cutting-edge hardware with robust colour management software. Their immersive demonstrations showed attendees how to deliver unparalleled consistency and flexibility across different media types.
Adobe’s PDF Print Engine 7 - Adobe’s PDF Print Engine 7 represented a major breakthrough in print workflow technology, emphasising precision and efficiency. This latest iteration showcased advanced rendering capabilities, enabling smoother gradients, enhanced transparency handling, and support for the most complex design elements. Its integration into multiple platforms reaffirms Adobe’s commitment to optimising print performance for even the most demanding production environments.
HKRITA and Regenerative Fibres - HKRITA, alongside Epson, unveiled regenerated fibres made from highly specific waste materials, echoing the adoption of circularity in the fashion industry. Not only do innovations like these inspire a more sustainable future, but they also open niche markets for conscientious brands.
Knowledge Transfer and Industry Insights at the Fespa SmartHUB
The FESPA Smart Hub Conference served as an intellectual focal point of the event, offering attendees unparalleled insights into the latest trends, challenges, and advancements in the print and graphics industry. Featuring expert-led sessions, panel discussions, and forward-thinking workshops, the conference emphasised the necessity of adaptability and innovation in an increasingly competitive market. From sustainability strategies to the integration of AI technologies, the Smart Hub provided actionable knowledge for professionals seeking to future-proof their businesses.
The atmosphere at Fespa 2025 was overwhelmingly positive, underpinned by a forward-thinking optimism about the future of print. Exhibitors and visitors alike left with a renewed sense that technology, creativity, and collaboration can overcome challenges, foster growth, and seize commercial opportunities.
For businesses looking to innovate and grow, the key takeaways from this event serve as a roadmap for staying competitive:
Invest in Sustainability: Eco-conscious practices are no longer a preference but an expectation. Evaluate your operations and consider investing in sustainable materials and waste-reducing technologies.
Prioritise Personalisation: Customers are looking for unique products that reflect their individuality. Equip your processes with tools that allow customisation at scale.
Automate and Optimise: Streamlined workflows lead to reduced costs and quicker turnaround times. Look at software and equipment designed for smart automation.
Leverage Textile Innovations: Stay informed on trends in textile printing and adapt to emerging consumer demands for more ethical and innovative fabrics.
Fespa 2025 proved to be more than just a meeting point for industry leaders. It was a dynamic showcase of how innovation and application intertwine to push boundaries. With personalisation and automation shaping the future and sustainability at its core, the print industry is poised to move into 2026 with purpose and confidence - Stay innovative, Stay competitive.
FESPA 2026: Barcelona – A Hub of Creativity and Progress
The next edition of FESPA will convene industry professionals in vibrant Barcelona, a city celebrated for its fusion of art, culture, and innovation. Scheduled for May 19-22nd 2026, this global event promises to be a significant milestone in the print and signage sector. With an anticipated number of exhibitors and attendees surpassing previous records, FESPA 2026 is set to spotlight the latest technological advancements, sustainable practices, and emerging trends driving the future of print.
The event will serve as a vital platform for exploring innovations in textile printing, large-format graphics, and adaptive printing, alongside workshops, seminars, and live demonstrations designed to inspire and educate. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights into new methodologies, connect with thought leaders, and build strategic partnerships that will redefine their operational capabilities.
The story of what happens when young designers access digital technology is still being written.
What once was a theoretical sustainability goal seems to have shifted into an active regulatory reality.
Is the Textile Market Finally Recovering?
After a difficult few years, there are genuine reasons for optimism. Duncan was candid about the challenges: "The market for textiles has been very difficult over the last three years. I'm not going to hide the truth there. But the tide is turning.“
A profound shift is currently reshaping the sector
Changing consumer expectations demand greater design diversity, faster turnaround times, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
To thrive, interior brands must adapt their supply chains, bringing production closer to the end consumer and moving away from bulk manufacturing.
Digital textile printing offers a definitive solution to these operational bottlenecks.
Digital transformation doesn't announce itself.
It accumulates - one innovation at a time - until an entire industry looks back and realises the ground has shifted beneath its feet. That's precisely where textiles stands today.
The conversations happening now about AI, automation, sustainability, and digital product passports are not theoretical. They are shaping decisions being made on factory floors and in boardrooms right now.
“By leveraging advanced digital textile printing, Marylene Madou has successfully merged traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Her approach offers a blueprint for how independent designers can scale their brands globally while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.”
From Helsinki's printing mill to Paris's Le Marais, discover how Marimekko is scaling a design-led brand with purpose, craft, and bold innovation.
But what makes Marimekko's story compelling is not just its aesthetic legacy?
The textile industry is undergoing a vital transformation. As the insights from Techtextil and Texprocess reveal, the path forward relies on a combination of sustainable hardware, intelligent chemistry, and seamless digital workflows.
From Zimmer's industrial-scale energy reductions and Stratasys's on-demand 3D embellishments, to Kornit's single-step technical printing and the unified digital ecosystems of NedGraphics and Optitex, the tools for change are here. To stay competitive, brands and manufacturers must adopt these innovations, moving away from fragmented, wasteful processes towards a truly connected, circular economy.
Friedmans stands as a testament to the power of combining traditional textile knowledge with forward-thinking innovation.
“Operating from their UK headquarters, Friedmans now serves a diverse array of sectors, including swimwear, dance, entertainment, sportswear, interior decor, prosthetics, and even pet apparel. With a strategic supply chain that reliably serves clients worldwide”
The apparel decoration industry is decisively moving away from isolated, analogue production tools toward connected digital manufacturing environments.
"Kornit’s unwavering commitment to transformative technology continues to disrupt the status quo. For business leaders and innovators ready to capture the future of apparel manufacturing, the path forward is clear”
The Urgent Need for Sustainability at Scale
The transformation at Coats provides a vital blueprint for the wider textile and apparel sector. True sustainability cannot be achieved in silos. As Dearing emphasised:
“Cross-industry collaboration is the engine of meaningful change. Brands, machinery suppliers, chemical providers, and fibre producers must act as an interconnected ecosystem”
Today’s customers demand superior product quality, real-time data visibility, and lightning-fast turnaround times.
For large-scale garment decorators, managing these expectations while balancing seasonal demand fluctuations - such as the massive surges seen during Black Friday - presents a monumental challenge.
"Relying on transactional vendor relationships and outdated legacy equipment is no longer sufficient to secure long-term stability and growth.”
Printing method is never a secondary detail. It shapes the entire life cycle of a product, from concept to customer. In today’s fashion industry, where margins are tighter and speed matters more than ever, technical knowledge has become a competitive advantage.
“The future of textile design belongs to professionals who can combine creativity with execution, aesthetics with practicality, and vision with production reality”.
Are we witnessing the reinvention of Merch driven by adaptive, digital technologies?
The commercial opportunity presented by printed, personalised merchandise is already a lucrative revenue stream; it is the core driver of growth in a multi-billion-pound industry. And the mandate for print businesses is clear: automate, adapt, and offer undeniable added value, or choose to gradually lose market share.
Powderless DTF is an important area of innovation. It deserves research, investment, and thoughtful development.
“But at its current stage, it often feels like the industry is attempting to commercialize the concept ahead of the underlying chemistry and system readiness”.
All Apparel Manufacturers face an Urgent Mandate: “Automate or be Left Behind”.
Industry leaders like Super Nova Sports and Ryozo International were struggling with severe pre-press bottlenecks and unsustainable fabric waste. By integrating AI Sublimation Software into their workflows, these forward-thinking businesses eliminated manual variable data entry, boosted fabric efficiency to over 80%, and reduced delivery times by more than half, establishing a highly profitable, agile, and environmentally responsible production model.
The Future of Manufacturing belongs to those who Embrace Connected Digital Ecosystems
“Whether you produce garments, car interiors, or home furnishings, the transition from creative concept to production-ready product often remains fragmented. Design teams work tirelessly to develop compelling materials, yet technical teams struggle to interpret these visions without losing data along the way.”
The European digital wallcovering marketplace is expanding at an impressive rate.
“For print professionals and interior designers, this transition presents a distinct set of challenges. Achieving flawless colour consistency, managing complex substrates, and meeting stringent environmental standards are no longer optional extras; they are fundamental requirements for commercial success.”
If you're looking to optimize your website for AI search, hang onto your cowboy hat. It's the Wild West out there. Former (and current) SEO companies see the handwriting on the wall as more search moves from traditional SEO to AEO (answer engine optimisation). Opportunists are popping out of the woodwork.
(There are good options out there, but vet them carefully.)
A swimsuit might start life as a sketch. By the time it reaches the shop floor, dozens of hands have touched it - designers, dye houses, printers, trim manufacturers, quality controllers. Each one interprets colour in their own way, under their own conditions, with their own tools. The result is often a product that looks nothing like the original vision.
Dorking – UK – August 2026 – The FESPA Awards 2027 are set to open for entries, inviting print and signage professionals from around the world to showcase their finest work on the industry's most prestigious global stage.
With an early bird deadline of 31 August 2026 and a final entry deadline of 2 December 2026, the call is clear: the time to prepare is now
London – UK – August 2026 – Vivid Technologies has announced that its flagship product, Razar, has been shortlisted in the Manufacturing category of the prestigious Stationers' Innovation Excellence Awards 2026.
The nomination recognises Razar as a standout example of forward-thinking innovation within the manufacturing sector.
Clay Cross – August 2026 – Resolute DTF has announced it will take a prominent stand at The Print Show 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday, 29 September 2026.
The company will also maintain a presence at The Sign Show, which is co-locating with the event, marking a significant dual appearance for the brand at one of the UK's most anticipated print industry exhibitions
Regensburg, Germany – August 2026 – OneVision has announced the release of software version 26.2, marking a significant step forward in intelligent print automation.
The update introduces new artificial intelligence capabilities, expanded Variable Data Printing (VDP) functionality, and enhanced production monitoring tools designed to help print service providers increase efficiency and output quality.
Version 26.2 introduces a suite of AI Services that seamlessly integrate GPU-accelerated artificial intelligence into existing print production workflows.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – August 2026 – Sun Chemical has announced that its Xennia Sapphire pigment inks for digital textile printing have received three of the industry's most sought-after regulatory certifications: GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), ECO-PASSPORT, and ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals).
The achievement positions Sun Chemical as a frontrunner in sustainable and compliant digital textile printing solutions.
London UK – July – 2026 – British digital fabric printing company Prinfab has been commissioned to produce a commemorative tea towel to celebrate the landmark birthday of iconic English fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.
Manchester – August 2026 – Premier Digital Textiles today highlights its 2555 Dimout, a versatile, dual-purpose fabric designed to bridge the worlds of fashion and interior design.
With its distinctive silver finish and subtle sheen, the fabric is positioned as a premium material for designers and makers operating across both industries.
2555 Dimout features a smooth silver surface that lends itself naturally to elegant occasionwear, flowing garments, and bold statement pieces.
Its fluid drape and refined aesthetic make it particularly well-suited to summer collections, where lightness and visual impact are equally valued.
Oswestry – Shropshire – August 2026 - Fujifilm Ink, the UK-based global supplier of UV inkjet technology, has strengthened its partnership with China Print Supplies UK Ltd (CPS), becoming the recognised ink supplier for the company's range of Dlican UV printing systems.
The partnership follows the successful rollout of Fujifilm Ink's thermoforming flexible ink technology, reinforcing the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, application-specific ink solutions for the wide-format print market.
Birmingham, UK – July 2026 – swissQprint UK is set to exhibit at The Print Show 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October at the NEC in Birmingham, Great Britain.
Visitors can find the swissQprint UK team at Stand P420, where they will have the opportunity to experience the company's latest flatbed printing technology firsthand.
Paris, France – August 2026 – Optitex and NedGraphics will present their integrated design and manufacturing solutions at Première Vision Paris, taking place from 1st to 3rd September 2026 at Parc des Expositions, Paris Nord Villepinte, France.
Visitors can find the companies at Booth 3L11 in Hall 3, Smart Creation Area.
The joint appearance marks a significant opportunity for textile brands and manufacturers to experience first-hand how NedGraphics and Optitex deliver a unified workflow — one that connects textile design, colour refinement, and end product development within a single, seamless process.
Emmerich am Rhein, Nordrhein-Westfalen – August 2026 – Brother Industrial EMEA has announced the launch of its GTX300, a hybrid direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) garment printer that the company says sets a new benchmark for textile print quality.
To mark the occasion, Brother Industrial EMEA is offering eligible print professionals across the EMEA region a complimentary demo package to experience the printer's capabilities firsthand.
FREMONT, CA. August , 2026 – Fiery, a global leader in digital printing technology, has announced the launch of a new free online course designed to help print professionals master colour management for direct-to-film (DTF), direct-to-garment (DTG), and UV printing workflows.
The course, Fiery Specialty Production 301 v1: Colour Management Basics in Digital Factory, is now available on Fiery's learning platform at no cost.
Geretsried, Bavaria, August 2026 – RUDOLF, a leading textile chemistry company, has announced the launch of its Summer Campaign, a dedicated series exploring advanced finishing technologies designed to enhance the performance, comfort, and protection of swimwear and summer apparel.
The campaign arrives at a time when the demands placed on modern swimwear are greater than ever. Prolonged sun exposure, repeated contact with water, and the physical demands of summer activities require textiles that go beyond attractive design.
RUDOLF's Summer Campaign aims to demonstrate how the right finishing technologies can meet these challenges head-on.
Frankfurt, Germany – August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of the Italian Lounge, a dedicated exhibition space celebrating Italian craftsmanship at its 2027 edition.
Taking place from 12 to 15 January in Frankfurt, the Italian Lounge will be located in the heart of Hall 4.1 and will bring together manufacturers of decorative and furniture fabrics, leather, and fibres and yarns under one roof
Pembrokeshire, Wales – August 2026 – National Weaving, a family-owned textile manufacturer with nearly four decades of experience, was honoured to receive a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), at its Pembrokeshire facility.
The visit celebrated the company's longstanding contribution to British textile manufacturing and its commitment to combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable production methods.
PHILADELPHIA – July 2026 – PRINTING United Alliance, in partnership with The Foundation for Graphic Communication Education (The FGCE), continues to expand its popular Student Day experience at PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place Thursday, September 24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Designed to introduce students to the limitless career opportunities across the printing industry, this year's program will feature enhanced career development programming, expanded mentorship opportunities, and greater one-on-one engagement with industry professionals throughout the day's activities.
Dublin, Ireland – July 2026 – digitalprint.ie, Ireland's trusted supplier of wide format printing equipment and media, has completed the delivery and installation of two Epson SureColor S9100 printers to long-standing customer iGraphic, based in Newtownards.
The installation, which required careful planning and specialist logistics to position both machines on a first-floor mezzanine, marks another milestone in a valued, ongoing partnership.
Johannesburg – July – 2026 Experience the latest digital printing, vehicle wrapping and paint protection films at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, where industry meets opportunity.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026.
Arhus – Denmark – July 2026 – Mikkelsen Innovation ApS has announced that its FASTSEWN™ 3.3M has been named the recipient of the 2026 Pinnacle Award in the Technology category by PRINTING United Alliance.
The recognition highlights the machine's role in automating the final manual step in textile graphics production, combining automated sewing and laser cutting with keder application for silicone edge graphics (SEG).
Barbieri electronics is strengthening its leadership team as the company prepares for its next phase of development.
With Viktor Lazzeri, who has played a key leadership role within the company for many years and is well known to customers and partners as Chief Operating Officer, Barbieri has appointed him COO and Co-Managing Director, further strengthening its leadership capacity to support innovation, international growth and even closer customer relationships.
Altrincham – Cheshire – July 2026 - Friedmans Ltd and Funki Fabrics have announced the arrival of new print designs, expanding their existing collection with a fresh range of trend-led prints available across a broad selection of premium fabric bases.
The launch offers fashion designers, production teams, and creative professionals a timely opportunity to explore new possibilities for their upcoming collections.
Leicestershire - July 2026 – Vivid Laminating Technologies is pleased to announce that HG Graphics, a leading provider of building signage and vehicle wraps across Yorkshire and the UK, has invested in a fully integrated print and cutting solution combining the VelobladeNexus with the latest Onyx Graphics software.
The installation, supplied and commissioned by Vivid Laminating Technologies, sees three printers feeding directly into HG Graphics' new VelobladeNexus with auto tool change — all operating under full Onyx Graphics software integration. The solution was delivered and set up on-site as part of a complete, ready-to-run installation
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 - RENNES, France—Pointcarre, the French American textile CAD company known for its jacquard and dobby weaving software, has developed a new module dedicated to wall to wall carpet and carpet tile design.
The launch addresses a gap left when APSO, the longtime CAD platform for the tufting industry, discontinued its software more than two years ago, leaving mills and carpet designers without a clear path forward.
Accrington, UK, July 29, 2026: Soyang Europe has expanded its direct-to-film (DTF) range with the launch of a paper-based transfer media that offers an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional PET transfer film.
Named Soyang DTF Paper, the new product is a single-sided release-coated transfer paper featuring anti-static treatment and a hot-peel release.
Designed for use with digital inkjet DTF printers running water-based pigment inks, the media can be recycled through standard paper waste streams, helping print businesses reduce plastic waste.
London – July 2026 – Perfect Colours, a leader in print management solutions, has highlighted the availability of Print Factory, a unified Raster Image Processor (RIP) designed to deliver consistent, high-quality colour output across multiple printers.
The solution addresses one of the print industry's most persistent challenges: maintaining colour accuracy and consistency across different devices and workflows.
Las Vegas, NV – July 2026 – Caldera, a leading provider of print workflow software solutions, has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place 23–25 September 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Visitors can find Caldera at Booth C1469, where the company will showcase its latest innovations in print workflow automation, colour management, and apparel decoration.
Ghent – Belgium – July 2026 – Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS), a leading provider of digital cutting solutions, is calling on print, signage, and packaging businesses to embrace advanced materials as a strategic pathway to new markets, higher-value products, and more sustainable growth.
As competitive pressures intensify across the manufacturing sector, Kongsberg PCS is positioning its versatile, high-performance digital cutting solutions as essential tools for businesses looking to expand their capabilities and future-proof their operations.
The company's message is clear: businesses that invest in advanced material processing today are best placed to lead their industries tomorrow.
Bracknell – Berkshire-July 2026 – UFABRIK’s Soft Blackback Textile, a premium material engineered for tension frames, interiors, retail environments, exhibitions, soft signage, and beyond.
Designed to meet the exacting demands of modern display and signage professionals, the new textile sets a new benchmark for quality, versatility, and performance in the industry
Crewe, UK – July 2026 – Hybrid Services Ltd, the UK's leading Mimaki distributor, has announced two dedicated demonstration weeks at its Crewe showroom this August, giving businesses across the print industry the opportunity to explore the latest Mimaki technology firsthand.
Taking place from 3rd to 7th August and 17th to 21st August 2026, the August Demo Weeks are designed to help businesses make informed investment decisions by experiencing Mimaki's wide format print solutions in a hands-on, pressure-free environment.
Florida – July - 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its return as a Keynote Sponsor of the 2026 Wide Format Summit, marking the sixth consecutive year the company has supported the industry's premier gathering.
The event is scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 July 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.