PRINTING United Alliance Recognises 2026 Pinnacle Award Winners for Outstanding Industry Innovation
Philadelphia, PA — June 2026 — PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, today announced the winners of its 2026 Pinnacle Awards programme.
The prestigious awards honour the innovations and technologies redefining what is possible in print, with many of the winning products set to be celebrated at PRINTING United Expo 2026 this September 23-25 in Las Vegas.
The Pinnacle Awards represent the industry's largest and most respected competition for print-related technology and products.
Open exclusively to Alliance corporate supplier members, this year's entries were evaluated by a panel of expert judges who assessed each submission on its innovation, functionality, and overall industry impact.
From a highly competitive field, the judges presented 71 awards in total, comprising 25 Output winners, 32 Non-Output winners, and 14 Technology winners.
"We are proud to recognise the recipients of the 2026 Pinnacle Awards and celebrate the technologies and products that are driving innovation across the printing industry," said Lindsay Ferrari, Program Administrator, PRINTING United Alliance. "The Pinnacle Awards showcase the creativity, technical achievement, and forward-thinking vision that continue to advance print and create new opportunities for growth."
"This year's winners demonstrate an exceptional commitment to solving real-world challenges, improving performance, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible," Ferrari continued. "We congratulate each recipient for their contributions and for helping shape the future of our industry."
The 2026 Pinnacle Award recipients are: Agfa, APS Imaging Solutions, Inc., Brown Manufacturing Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc., Color-Logic Inc., Crosscap Media Services Inc., Cutworx USA, DAF Products Inc., DCC Group, Drytac, Durst Image Technology US LLC (Durst North America), Easy Group LLC, Enfocus, Epson America, Inc., Felix Schoeller Technical Papers, Fiery, LLC, Fisher Textiles, Fluid Color LLC, FPS, Graphco, HP Inc., HYBRID Software Group PLC, Imaging Solutions, Inkcups, Insta Graphic Systems, Kornit Digital, M&R Printing Equipment Inc., Media One Digital Imaging Solutions, Mikkelsen Innovation ApS, Mimaki USA Inc., MUTOH America Inc., Nekoosa, Nobelus, Otto International, Inc., Roland DGA Corporation, Siser North America, SpencerMetrics, Taktiful, Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, Vivid Laminating Technologies Ltd., and Wallquest Inc.
The complete collection of award-winning technologies can be explored now in a special online showcase gallery, organised by category across Output Products, Non-Output Products, and Technology.
The booth will feature a Pinnacle Awards "Winners Wall" displaying the names and logos of awarded companies, while the Expo show app will guide attendees to winning booths via dedicated icons and award badges.
About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Allianceis the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry’s vast communities.
PRINTING United Alliance is a trade association built by and for printers and professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing markets. Alliance members grow their businesses through connections, resources, content and education.
PRINTING United Alliance also producesPRINTING United Expo,the most influential days in printing.
The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.
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Greentex, a leading innovator in sustainable printed fabrics, has announced its participation in Printing United 2026, taking place from 23 to 25 September at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Building on the momentum of last year's event, Greentex will debut an immersive booth concept themed "Garden Casino," offering attendees a distinctive way to explore the company's latest fabric collections.
New York, NY – August 2026 – X-Rite Pantone, the global authority in colour standards and colour science, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a global leader in creative education and part of the State University of New York (SUNY), have announced a strategic partnership to advance colour education and digital innovation across the apparel, footwear, soft goods, and textile industries
St Laurent – Quebec – August 2026 – Inkcups, a leading manufacturer of printing equipment and inks, has published a new customer success story featuring Spector & Co, a prominent promotional products supplier.
The case study highlights how Inkcups' direct-to-object (DTO) printing technology is enabling Spector & Co to meet the growing demand for premium, retail-inspired promotional products.
Altrincham – Cheshire – August 2026 – Friedmans, a leading fabric printing specialist today festures its new Printed Solids service, designed to help garment makers achieve perfectly coordinated fabrics across a range of bases.
The service addresses one of the most persistent challenges in garment construction: matching plain fabrics, such as nylon, with coordinating stretch nets and other materials.
Las Vegas, NV – August 2026 – Durst Graphics has announced its participation in PRINTING United Expo 2026, taking place from 23–25 September in Las Vegas.
The company will use the event to present its latest advances in digital printing, software, and finishing solutions across multiple booths in partnership with key industry players.
Visitors can find Durst Group at Booth C1614, where the P5 Series will be on live display.
The showcase will highlight the practical applications of three flagship systems: the P5 350 CORE, the P5 350 HS, and the P5 350 HSR —
Lewisville Tx – August 2026 – Antigro Designer has announced the successful integration of its Sticker Builder tool into the Decals On Demand product page, operated by KRP Group USA.
The integration eliminates the need for customers to leave the Shopify storefront or engage in lengthy email exchanges, streamlining the entire custom decal ordering process into three simple steps.
Birmingham, UK – August 2026 – Epson UK & Ireland has announced its sponsorship of the inaugural Print Award for Best Wide Format Project at this year's The Print Show, taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 September to 1 October 2026.
The new award category recognises excellence in wide format print and reflects the growing importance of this segment within the broader print industry.
Frankfurt, Germany – 4 August 2026 – Heimtextil, the world's leading international trade fair for home and contract textiles, has announced the launch of 'Comfort & Connect', a new dedicated area for high-quality bed, bath and lifestyle collections.
Located in the foyer of Hall 5.1, the space will serve as a central meeting point for established brands, returning exhibitors and international buyers.
The new area marks the second targeted expansion of Heimtextil's Bed, Bath & Living offering, following the success of the 'Sleep & Meet' format.
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