drupa 2028 exhibitor registration now open
Print Solutions drupa is now accepting exhibitor registrations for its next edition: from 9 May to 17 May 2028, Düsseldorf will once again become the global stage for integrated printing technologies, automated production processes and industrial applications. Companies from all over the world can now register for drupa 2028 at www.drupa.com . The registration deadline is 31 October 2026. drupa 2028 brings together the international print and packaging community across a
Feb 122 min read
Future Trailblazers 2026 winners crowned at Packaging Innovations & Empack
Packaging Solutions The next generation of packaging leaders celebrated as Packaging Innovations & Empack recognises rising stars driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the industry. The winners of the Future Trailblazers programme for 2026 were announced yesterday at Packaging Innovations & Empack, celebrating exceptional young professionals who are driving the future of the packaging industry. The hotly anticipated awards ceremony on Wedne
Feb 123 min read
Plockmatic ColorCut SC7800 Pro-RS XL redefines cutting and creasing
Print Solutions Superior, sharper, and highly defined creases are delivered by the next evolution in cutting and creasing – Plockmatic’s ColorCut SC7800 Pro-RS XL. The system is available now. The new design compact B2 digital sheet cutter and creaser is the latest addition to Plockmatic Group’s ColorCut SC7000 series. Its triple tool cutter/creaser incorporates a revolutionary, patent pending, tangential creasing tool, with male (convex) and female (concave) elements to en
Feb 122 min read
Tapley Signs boosts production with first installation of new Latex R530 in Ireland
Print Solutions Dublin based diversified signage business Tapley Signs has taken delivery of a new HP Latex R530 all in one printer to strengthen production and improve its overall service offering to customers across a range of markets. It is believed to have been the first installation of the new R530 printer in Ireland. Founded in 2004, the company is a family run business with experience across the manufacturing and installation of graphics and signage. While its core o
Feb 122 min read
Eco3 announces global price increase for offset printing plates and related chemicals
Print Solutions Eco3 has announced a global price increase for its offset printing plates and chemicals, effective March 1. The decision follows the continued rise in the cost of aluminium – the key component of offset plates – as well as the increasing cost of all aluminium related treatments and processes. ‘Despite our ongoing internal efficiency efforts, the sharp cost increases in manufacturing make this pricing action unavoidable to ensure sustainable supply and serv
Feb 111 min read
Designing for end of life
Packaging Solutions Amy Hooper, head of innovation and sustainability at Biffa, discusses how end of life thinking, data and collaboration with waste managers can unlock truly circular, commercially viable packaging. As policy, economics and public scrutiny redefine what ‘good’ packaging looks like, converters everywhere are facing mounting pressure to design formats that perform across their entire lifecycles. From Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recyclability a
Feb 118 min read
New Visualis3R Academy – bringing embellishment power to designers and printers
Print Solutions Color-Logic, the exclusive distributor of Visualis3R, has announced the Visualis3R Academy – a comprehensive knowledge base to specifically support graphic designers, agencies, brands, and printers in mastering the world of print embellishment. The Visualis3R Academy was developed in response to a critical need in the printing industry. While designers already possess creative expertise, they often lack both the specialised tools and the practical training n
Feb 112 min read
Nulogy’s shop floor software to power complete co-packing’s operations
Packaging Solutions Complete Co‑packing has announced its partnership with Nulogy at Packaging Innovations 2026. The Welsh firm has chosen Nulogy’s Shop Floor Solution to power the digitalisation of its production environment and strengthen agility, visibility, and service levels for its brand partners and growing business. With over 30 years’ experience meeting customers’ outsourcing demands across food, drink, household and specialist markets, Complete Co‑packing recognis
Feb 112 min read
Clifton Packaging achieves AA+ grade in voluntary BRCGS audit
Packaging Solutions Clifton Packaging has secured AA+ grade certification following a voluntary unannounced BRCGS Packaging Materials audit across both of its Leicester production sites, highlighting the company's commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards. The recertification audit, conducted in December 2025, saw Clifton upgrade from its previous AA grading to the prestigious AA+ grade – the highest accolade available under the BRCGS Packaging Materials I
Feb 112 min read
Formara expands with new inkjet investment
Print Solutions Formara Print & Marketing has invested in new inkjet production technology to expand its short run, full colour printing capabilities, responding to increasing demand for faster turnaround, and personalised print. The investment sees the company install the Kirk-Rudy Firejet 4C from AMS Mailing Systems, a production inkjet system that bridges the gap between toner based printers and large production presses. The move strengthens Formara’s ability to efficien
Feb 102 min read
ESP Digital expands hardback book production to meet demand
Print Solutions Full service litho and digital print specialist ESP Digital has invested in a Horizon hard case binding preparation system from IFS to meet increased demand for hardback books. The Horizon hard case binding preparation system enables in line short to medium run case bind book block preparation with end sheet tipping and gauze application. The Swindon operation’s system incorporates the ESF-1000 end sheet feeder, GF-500 gauze feeder and LBF-500 loose sheet
Feb 102 min read
When constraints spark creativity
Packaging Solutions Jude Pullen on the future of packaging. Ahead of Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, creative technologist Jude Pullen explores how constraints, from regulation to logistics, can become the most powerful driver of packaging innovation. Innovation often begins in the spaces between expectation and possibility, in the quiet moments when the familiar begins to reveal its limits. A box that resists opening, a shipment that wastes space, or a regulation t
Feb 108 min read
BSGA shines a spotlight on skills, education and community in the Sign Makers’ Village
Print Solutions The British Sign & Graphics Association (BSGA) is hosting a dedicated Sign Makers' Village during Sign & Digital UK 2026 at the NEC from February 22 and 24. Here visitors will get the chance to have discussions with industry experts, see the full spectrum of sign making techniques, and even have a go at a few themselves! The Sign Makers’ Village will host live demonstrations from industry experts throughout the event. Experienced sign writer Paul Hughes on t
Feb 101 min read
Spectrum Innovations elevates quality with Versafire LP investment
Print Solutions Spectrum Innovations has invested in a Versafire LP to benefit from its exceptional print quality. As the company needed to increase output and overall print quality, Heidelberg was its natural choice. ‘As a litho printer, we have always had Heidelberg presses,’ said Kath Doran, managing director of Spectrum Innovations. ‘As we move forward on our digital journey, we wanted to upgrade to a new level of quality and production capabilities. Heidelberg has alwa
Feb 92 min read
A hidden tax on green packaging? UK companies face £1.2 billion recycling bill as compliance costs soar
Packaging Solutions Environmental policy experts at Ecoveritas have warned the UK manufacturing sector is facing increasing uncertainty around recycling, as new analysis shows the cost of complying with government backed regulations is soaring by millions of pounds every year. Ecoveritas, which has advised major British manufacturers on environmental regulations since 2003, has warned that current regulations are creating significant concern among producers, with widening c
Feb 92 min read
Heaford strengthens position in the USA
Packaging Solutions Flexo pre-press solutions specialist Heaford has confirmed Danny Scales as its new sales manager for the USA. Danny brings more than two decades of industry experience to the role. He has advanced operational and technical knowledge from time at spent at HP and Bobst, as well as converters Crowson Stone Printing and Artistic Carton Company. These experiences directly benefit Heaford and its flexo mounting and proofing customers. He said, ‘Heaford’s com
Feb 92 min read
BPIF Training launches Employers Guide 2026 and new online event for National Apprenticeship Week
Print Solutions BPIF Training has launched its new Employer’s Guide to Understanding Apprenticeships 2026, released to coincide with the first day of National Apprenticeship Week 2026. The guide gives employers a clear and practical overview of how apprenticeships work, the benefits they bring, and the support available throughout the full apprenticeship journey. Designed for both employers new to apprenticeships and those looking to develop existing staff, the guide brings
Feb 91 min read
EBB announces UK stocking of Lecta Adestor self-adhesive sheets
Print Solutions EBB has announced that it is now stocking the Adestor self-adhesive sheets range from Lecta, held in UK warehouses and available for next day delivery nationwide. The Adestor range includes both split back and solid back face materials, offering converters and printers flexibility across a broad spectrum of labelling applications. With a variety of adhesive specifications available, the product is suitable for multiple end uses – from standard identification
Feb 91 min read
Have your say on flexible working
Print Solutions The Employment Rights Act 2025 will change the law in 2027 around the handling of flexible working requests by employers. The government is seeking views on this process to ensure it meets the needs of workers and employers. Acas chief executive, Niall Mackenzie, said: ‘Workers currently have a day one right to request flexible working from their employers. The law will change in 2027 to require employers to take certain steps to consult with the worker w
Feb 61 min read
New packaging specification management connects packaging and artwork for visibility
Packaging Solutions TraceGains has announced the launch of TraceGains Packaging Specification Management, featuring native integration with the EskoWebCenter Go packaging artwork management solution. Together, the two Veralto portfolio companies are furthering an integrated ‘source to shelf’ digital ecosystem for the food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries by unifying ingredient specifications, packaging data, product formulas, finished goods, and artwork
Feb 62 min read
Loupe showcases technologies shaping the future of labels, flexible packaging and folding cartons
Packaging Solutions Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Loupe Global, Informa Markets, outlines what to expect from the upcoming shows. The last two Labelexpo shows – Labelexpo Europe and Labelexpo Asia 2025 – demonstrated how core label converting technologies have been adapted to open up new opportunities in the flexible packaging and folding carton markets. We can expect Loupe to build further on these foundations. Flexible packaging has led the way. We have seen a
Feb 64 min read
