FESPA
FESPA is a "federation of global screen, textile and digital printing trade associations" servicing its members and the print community at large.
FESPA are also an events and exhibitions organiser for the wide format printing, screen printing, textile and digital printing community.
The organisation provides a forum for information exchange between member associations resulting in help from the larger to the smaller Associations in recruitment, training and technical studies.
It also runs a number of events and community outreach programmes, including industry research and educational programmes for students, vehicle wrapping competitions, Awards, networking events and design conferences.
FESPA’s successful worldwide events generate profits which are reinvested for the benefit of the global print community.
Via our network of 37 national associations, FESPA supports hundreds of projects each year to educate and grow the industry.
Dorking – UK – September 2026 – FESPA has announced a new instalment of its FESPA Insights webinar series, focusing on one of the garment decoration industry's fastest-growing opportunities: personalised apparel.
The session, titled "Scaling Your Personalised Apparel Business", will take place on 29 September 2026 at 14:00 BST.
Dorking – UK – September 7th 2026 – FESPA has announced that entries are now open for the FESPA Awards 2027, the print and signage industry's longest-standing and only independent awards programme.
To encourage early participation, FESPA is offering a 50 per cent early bird discount on all entries submitted by 7 September 2026.
Entrants who secure the reduced rate will have until 2 December 2026 to finalise and refine their submissions, giving businesses ample time to present their work at its best.
Dubai, UAE – August 2026 – FESPA Middle East has announced FLEX, the FESPA Leadership Exchange, a landmark gathering of the print and signage industry's most influential decision-makers.
Taking place in Dubai, UAE, on 26 November 2026, the event will bring together the leaders shaping the future of the sector to exchange ideas, share perspectives and define the opportunities ahead.
As the market continues to evolve, FLEX responds to a clear need: the most valuable conversations happen among those driving change
Roland DG South Africa has announced it will launch the new TrueVis VG4-540 and VG4-640 eco-solvent print and cut devices at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo.
The event is taking place from 8-10 September 2026, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at Gallagher Convention Centre.
Mexico City, Mexico – August 2026 – HP Graphic Arts has announced its participation in FESPA Mexico 2026, taking place from 10–12 September at Centro Banamex, Mexico City.
The HP Large Format team will be on-site to present its latest advancements in HP Latex and HP DesignJet technologies, offering print professionals a firsthand look at the future of large format printing.
FESPA Mexico is one of Latin America's foremost events for the print and visual communications industry, drawing together professionals, partners, and businesses seeking to stay ahead of an increasingly competitive market
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – August 2026 – Sun Chemical, a leading producer of printing inks, coatings, and supplies, has announced its participation in the 27th International Advertising Industry and Digital Printing Technologies Exhibition, SIGN İstanbul.
The company will exhibit at Hall 5, Booth 5C09, where it will present its latest innovations across textile printing, graphics, and packaging solutions to industry professionals from across the region.
Dorking UK – August 2026 – The FESPA Foundation has announced a landmark initiative to unite the global print community under a shared commitment to education, sustainability, and meaningful social impact.
Guided by its "Print for Good" principle, the Foundation is calling on industry stakeholders worldwide to contribute to a movement that positions print as a force for lasting, positive change.
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
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.
Mexico City, Mexico – July 2026 – FESPA Mexico, the premier event for the print and signage industry in Latin America, is set to take place from 10–12 September at Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City.
The event will bring together professionals, suppliers, and innovators from across the region to explore the latest technologies and trends shaping the future of print.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – FESPA has announced that the European Sign Expo will return to Munich, Germany, from 6 to 9 April 2027.
The event will bring together signage and visual communication professionals from across Europe and beyond, providing a dedicated platform for the industry to connect, collaborate, and explore the latest innovations shaping the sector.
European Sign Expo is widely regarded as the continent's foremost event for the signage industry.
Munich, Germany – July 2026 – The FESPA Global Print Expo will once again take place in Munich, Germany, from 6–9 April 2027 and Registration for exhibitor stands is now open.
Following a succession of highly successful events in the city in 2014, 2019, and 2023, FESPA is returning to a destination that has consistently delivered outstanding results for exhibitors and visitors alike.
FESPA Middle East has announced that its 2027 edition will take place from 27–29 April 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a significant new chapter for the region’s leading exhibition dedicated to speciality print, signage, visual communication and textile decoration.
The announcement follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders across the Middle East and North Africa, with the timing reflecting an understanding of current market conditions and the wider regional business landscape, to provide the specialist print and visual communications community with the opportunity to reunite, reconnect with suppliers, distributors and buyers, and explore the technologies, ideas and strategies shaping the future of the industry.
6 July 2026 : FESPA is delighted to announce that it has been named ‘Organiser Team of the Year’ by the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) at its prestigious AEO Excellence Awards.
The award recognises FESPA’s outstanding contribution to the global events industry, its continued commitment to delivering world-class exhibitions and the strength of FESPA’s global team, which operates across multiple regions while maintaining a unified, collaborative culture.
SOUTH NORMANTON, UK – June 2026 -– Sun Chemical has highlighted Spectrasense™ Black L 0082, a perylene black pigment engineered to deliver functional performance alongside aesthetic appeal.
The new pigment opens fresh possibilities in design, combining deep, durable black shades with advanced optical properties suited to modern applications.
Unlike traditional carbon blacks, Spectrasense™ Black L 0082 offers high near-infrared (NIR) transparency.
Dorking – June 2026 – FESPA has called on print businesses worldwide to participate in its latest Print Census, as new findings reveal that automation is increasingly central to improving efficiency, reducing costs and unlocking fresh opportunities for growth across the industry.
The FESPA Print Census, one of the most comprehensive research initiatives in the global print community, gathers insights directly from businesses to establish meaningful industry benchmarks.
According to the latest data, companies are investing more heavily in automation to streamline production, drive down operational expenses and position themselves to seize emerging opportunities.
Birmingham, UK – June 2026 – Agfa Inkjet Solutions has announced its participation in The Print Show 2026, the United Kingdom’s premier print industry event.
Taking place from the 29th of September to the 1st of October at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the exhibition will serve as a platform for Agfa to demonstrate its authoritative stance on the future of print technology.
Visitors can locate the company at Stand P510 in Hall 1, where industry leaders will unveil strategies to unlock new business opportunities, drive operational efficiency, and address critical industry shifts.
From 19 – 22 May, FESPA 2026 comprising FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest, Corrugated and Textile welcomed visitors from the speciality print, signage, packaging, personalisation, wrapping and textile sectors to the Fira de Barcelona.
The event was the first flagship exhibition in Southern Europe since 2012 and, with six co-located events and three conference programmes under one roof, it was its most varied and multi-faceted to date.
FESPA is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Anders Nilsson, former FESPA President and longstanding Board Member, whose contribution to FESPA and its global print community was significant and enduring.
Anders served as President of FESPA from 2007 to 2010 during a pivotal period of international growth and innovation for FESPA.
Barcelona – Spain – The FESPA MENA Forum 2026 has successfully concluded in Barcelona, running concurrently with the prestigious FESPA Global Print Expo.
Hosted by the FESPA Middle East team, this pivotal gathering convened influential leaders and key stakeholders from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) visual communications sector to address the urgent transformations required to secure the industry's future.
Barcelona – May 2026 – Mutoh Europe nv has been honoured with the prestigious EDP Award for Best Roll-to-Roll Printer under 170 cm for its cutting-edge MUTOH XpertJet 1681SR Pro.
The accolade, announced at the latest EDP Awards, recognises the company's relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of print technology and delivering exceptional, sustainable value to the global signage industry.
The expert judging panel praised the MUTOH XpertJet 1681SR Pro, officially describing the system as "[a] breakthrough in price performance."
With great sadness, FESPA today shares the news of the death of one of FESPA’s ‘founding fathers’, Michel Caza.
With great sadness, FESPA today shares the news of the death of one of FESPA’s ‘founding fathers’, Michel Caza. Michel passed away on 23rd May 2026 at the age of 90.
FESPA has today announced that its annual FESPA Global Print Expo and co-located events (European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and Textile), will take place at the Messe Munich, Germany, from Tuesday 6 – Friday 9 April 2027.
Next year’s events will also welcome the return of the FESPA Awards, World Wrap Masters and Club FESPA.
Newcastle UK - May 14th 2026 – Mexar Ltd and Indie Ink have announced that Managing Director and inkjet ink development expert Andy Hancock will attend the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo in Barcelona.
Taking place next week, Hancock will be available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to meet with industry leaders, discuss pressing sector challenges, and explore forward-thinking solutions in printing technology.
Agfa has been recognised at the EDP Awards 2026 with its Jeti Bronco H3300 HS hybrid printer taking home one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.
The awards, presented during FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 on 20 May, saw judges praising the Bronco’s combination of high-speed productivity and hybrid versatility that enable print service providers to handle rigid and roll media applications on a single platform.
With speeds of up to 450 m²/h and a 3.3m print width, the Bronco is engineered for strong output without compromising on throughput or quality.
Barcelona, Spain - 19 May 2026 – Zünd, a global authority in advanced digital cutting systems, is presenting its highly reliable and versatile solutions at the FESPA Global Print Expo in Barcelona from 19 to 22 May 2026.
Operating under the theme "Reliable All-Rounders" at Booth A129 in Hall 3, the company will demonstrate how its modular systems address the urgent industry need for sustainable, cost-effective, and highly automated production workflows.
Barcelona, Spain – May 20th 2026 – Epson is set to showcase its latest advancements in professional printing technology at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2026.
Taking place in Barcelona, the event sees Epson demonstrating its commitment to industry innovation and sustainable production from Hall 3, Stand C75.
The comprehensive exhibition highlights major developments in direct-to-film, high-production dye sublimation, and UV flatbed printing.
Colour Is Too Important to Leave to Chance
Print will always be the part of the garment people see first.
But the sum of all parts — the fabric, the trims, the fasteners, the finish — is what determines whether a design actually delivers on its promise. Brands that continue to treat colour as a single creative decision, rather than a coordinated technical discipline spanning their entire supply chain, will keep paying for it in re-dips, delays, and disappointed design teams.
A Century of Textiles, and an Ever-changing World
Few companies can trace their roots back more than a century and still count themselves among their industry's innovators. Texia, headquartered in Monistrol de Montserrat, Spain, is one of them.
But the story of Texia is not simply one of longevity.
It is a story of continual reinvention. As the textile industry has grown more global and competitive, Texia has repeatedly reshaped its business, investing in technology, developing its own brands, and placing sustainability at the centre of its mission. In doing so, it offers a compelling example of how a heritage manufacturer can lead rather than follow through a period of profound industry change. Image Credit: Texia
What are we craving Ultimately?
The instinct to slow down while simultaneously optimising every measurable aspect of life isn't a passing curiosity. It's a structural response to a world that feels increasingly unstable, and it's reshaping what people expect from their homes, hotels, workplaces and healthcare environments alike.
For the design and manufacturing sectors, this means rethinking both product and process.
The Structual Shift is Real and its Already Here
Volumes are moving east, where digital production is accelerating rapidly. Consumer behaviour has shifted.
Demand is now driven by personalisation, shorter buying cycles, and an expectation of near-instant responsiveness. Regulatory pressure is intensifying, with supply chain transparency now a legal and commercial fact in many markets. And margins? They are under sustained, structural pressure.
This is not a temporary disruption. It is a fundamental reordering of how textile manufacturing must operate.
The Challenge: Standing Firm as the Industry Shifts
The wallpaper landscape has changed dramatically. Digital printing has lowered the barrier to entry, spawning countless direct-to-consumer brands and pushing much of the market towards faster, cheaper production.
At the same time, manufacturing in the UK has grown steadily harder - rising minimum wage, national insurance, energy and substrate costs all bear down on margins. Surface Print have embraced all of these challenges - and stand resolutely prepared for the future.
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 word "toxic" carries weight. It conjures danger, harm, and things best avoided.
“Yet in the textile industry - Where between 3,000 and 10,000 chemicals move through the supply chain, a reflexive fear of the term is one of our biggest obstacles to progress.”
This article distils the key takeaways and what buyers, designers, and brands should be asking right now.
What Is the Digital Product Passport?
At its core, a Digital Product Passport is a digital record attached to a physical product - For a printed textile product, this means the DPP would capture data on the substrate, inks and dyes used, the printing process and technology, chemical compliance, environmental impact (including water and energy use), supply chain traceability, and end-of-life instructions.
The Market Gap that Changed Everything
Future Fashion was founded in 2019, timed deliberately to coincide with a pivotal moment in global textile technology: the commercial launch of the EFI Reggiani BOLT Single-Pass digital printing system.
The founders recognised that single-pass architecture had fundamentally changed what was industrially possible - and that Pakistan's domestic market had yet to catch up.
Print is no longer defined by the inefficiencies that once characterised it…as advances in production processes and technology have significantly improved its environmental performance.
Taran Rai, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Epson explains why?
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.”
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”.