Germany

Germany (German: Deutschland, German pronunciation: [ˈdɔʏtʃlant]), officially the Federal Republic of Germany (German: Bundesrepublik Deutschland, listen (help·info)),^[g] is a country in Central and Western Europe, lying between the Baltic and North Seas to the north and the Alps, Lake Constance and the High Rhine to the south. It borders Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, France to the southwest, and Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands to the west.

Germany includes 16 constituent states, covers an area of 357,386 square kilometres (137,988 sq mi),^[7] and has a largely temperate seasonal climate. With 83 million inhabitants, it is the second most populous state of Europe after Russia, the most populous state lying entirely in Europe, as well as the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is a very decentralised country. Its capital and largest metropolis is Berlin, while Frankfurt serves as its financial capital and has the country’s busiest airport. Germany’s largest urban area is the Ruhr, with its main centres of Dortmund and Essen. The country’s other major cities are Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Leipzig, Bremen, Dresden, Hanover, and Nuremberg.

Various Germanic tribes have inhabited the northern parts of modern Germany since classical antiquity. A region named Germania was documentedbefore AD 100. During the Migration Period, the Germanic tribes expanded southward. Beginning in the 10th century, German territories formed a central part of the Holy Roman Empire.^[13] During the 16th century, northern German regions became the centre of the Protestant Reformation. After the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, the German Confederation was formed in 1815. The German revolutions of 1848–49 resulted in the Frankfurt Parliament establishing major democratic rights.

In 1871, Germany became a nation state when most of the German states unified (except Switzerland and Austria) into the Prussian-dominated German Empire. After World War I and the revolution of 1918–19, the Empire was replaced by the parliamentary Weimar Republic. The Nazi seizure of power in 1933 led to the establishment of a dictatorship, the annexation of Austria, World War II, and the Holocaust. After the end of World War II in Europe and a period of Allied occupation, Austria was re-established as an independent country and two new German states were founded: West Germany, formed from the American, British, and French occupation zones, and East Germany, formed from the Soviet occupation zone. About a quarter of Germany’s pre-war territory was annexed by Poland and the Soviet Union leading to the expulsion of Germans. Following the Revolutions of 1989 that ended communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe, the country was reunified on 3 October 1990.^[14]

Today, the sovereign state of Germany is a federal parliamentary republic led by a chancellor. It is a great power with a strong economy; it has the world’s fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, and the fifth-largest by PPP. As a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors, it is both the world’s third-largest exporter and importer of goods. As a highly developed country with a very high standard of living, it upholds a social security and universal health care system, environmental protection, and a tuition-free university education.

The Federal Republic of Germany was a founding member of the European Economic Community in 1957 and the European Union in 1993. It is part of the Schengen Area and became a co-founder of the Eurozone in 1999. Germany is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the G7, the G20, and the OECD. Known for its rich cultural history, Germany has been continuously the home of influential and successful artists, philosophers, writers, musicians, film people, sportspeople, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, and inventors. Germany has a large number of World Heritage sites and is among the top tourism destinations in the world.

Photo Credits:

Photo by DAVIDCOHEN on Unsplash
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
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Klaus Lammersiek · Head of Digital Transformation · W. Kohlhammer Druckerei · Shift

English description below: Bei Kohlhammerdruck in Stuttgart beschäftigt sich Klaus intensiv mit der digitalen Transformation – zunächst in kaufmännischen Prozessen, zunehmend aber auch direkt in der Produktion. Beim HEIDELBERG SHIFT Event sprechen wir darüber, welche Rolle KI dabei tatsächlich spielen kann und warum es längst nicht nur darum geht, ein weiteres neues Tool einzuführen. Für Klaus liegt ein großer Nutzen von KI heute vor allem in der Analyse bestehender Prozesse. Aufgaben, für die früher Tage oder sogar Wochen notwendig waren, können heute teilweise innerhalb weniger Stunden vorbereitet, ausgewertet und in eine verständliche Form gebracht werden. Entscheidend ist für ihn jedoch, dass daraus stabile und nachvollziehbare Workflows entstehen. KI muss nicht jeden Prozess permanent steuern, sondern kann genau dort eingesetzt werden, wo Analyse, Interpretation oder Eskalation notwendig werden. Damit verändert Digitalisierung auch die Arbeit der Mitarbeiter. Das Ziel ist nicht einfach, Menschen durch Technologie zu ersetzen, sondern ihnen Werkzeuge zur Verfügung zu stellen, mit denen Entscheidungen besser vorbereitet werden können. Statt Zeit mit wiederkehrenden und administrativen Aufgaben zu verbringen, sollen sich die Kollegen stärker auf das konzentrieren können, was sie tatsächlich können und wo ihre Erfahrung einen Unterschied macht. Klaus begrüßt deshalb auch, dass HEIDELBERG mit SHIFT Verantwortung übernimmt und Themen wie Digitalisierung und künstliche Intelligenz gemeinsam mit der Druckindustrie diskutiert. Für einen der größten Technologieanbieter unserer Branche bedeutet Transformation eben nicht nur neue Maschinen zu entwickeln, sondern auch dabei zu helfen, neue Arbeitsweisen zu verstehen und in die Praxis zu überführen. --- At Kohlhammerdruck in Stuttgart, Klaus is deeply involved in the company’s digital transformation — initially focusing on commercial and administrative processes, but increasingly moving closer to production as well. At the HEIDELBERG SHIFT event, we talk about the role AI can realistically play in this transformation and why it is about much more than simply introducing another new tool. For Klaus, one of the most valuable applications of AI today is the ability to analyze existing processes. Tasks that previously required days or even weeks can now, in some cases, be prepared, analyzed, and translated into an understandable form within hours. The important part, however, is to turn these insights into stable and transparent workflows. AI does not necessarily have to control every process continuously; instead, it can be used where analysis, interpretation, or escalation is needed. Digital transformation also changes the way employees work. The objective is not simply to replace people with technology, but to provide colleagues with tools that allow them to make better-prepared decisions. Instead of spending valuable time on repetitive administrative tasks, employees can increasingly focus on what they are actually good at and where their experience and knowledge create real value. Klaus also welcomes HEIDELBERG taking responsibility by bringing topics such as digitalization and artificial intelligence into an industry-wide discussion through SHIFT. For one of the largest technology suppliers in the printing industry, transformation is not only about developing new machines. It is also about helping the industry understand new ways of working and turning new technology into practical applications.

Matthias Heinz · Co-CEO · CTRL-S · Shift

At the HEIDELBERG SHIFT event in Heidelberg, we met with Matthias Heinz from Ctrl-S to talk about something that increasingly defines the future of our industry: the ability to learn, adapt, and turn new ideas into practical projects. For Ctrl-S, events like SHIFT are not only about presenting solutions. They are just as much about listening to other industries, understanding new approaches, and identifying ideas that can be applied to print. Topics such as structured data, specifications, Factory-X, and AI are becoming increasingly important, and Matthias points out that many of these developments require more than technology alone. They require the right mindset and an organization capable of moving quickly. That agility is one of the advantages of being a smaller company. With AI lowering some of the traditional barriers to development, speed is increasingly determined not by the number of employees, but by how quickly a company can make decisions, experiment, and turn knowledge into working solutions. We also talk about Ctrl-S projects with larger printing companies, where the challenge is often to transform complex systems in the background while keeping the user experience familiar and simple. In faster-growing companies, the expectation can be very different: bring the best ideas, best practices, and experience from previous projects and help them move forward as quickly as possible. For Matthias, the value of SHIFT is therefore found in the combination of learning, networking, and conversations that may eventually develop into new projects. And, of course, the conversation ends with another event already on the calendar: FLOW in Germany, November 3–5, where Ctrl-S will also be part of the discussion around software, automation, workflow, and the future of print. #INKISH #HEIDELBERG #SHIFT #CtrlS #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #WorkflowAutomation #DigitalTransformation #FactoryX #PrintingIndustry #FLOW

Bernd Zipper GURU Zipcon Power to Move

At Canon's Power to Move event in Venlo, Morten Reitoft sits down with one of the printing industry's most recognized thought leaders, Bernd Zipper from Zipcon, to discuss the technologies and trends that may fundamentally reshape how print is bought, sold, and produced in the years ahead. Having delivered keynote presentations and guided attendees through Canon's technology showcase, Zipper shares his perspective on the industry's rapid evolution and why artificial intelligence has become a central connector across workflow, automation, e-commerce, and production. While many discussions about AI focus on tools and applications, Zipper believes the real transformation lies in how AI enables entirely new ways to connect systems, processes, and customers. A major topic of the conversation is the emerging Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) initiative and the work being undertaken by organizations such as Initiative Online Print, Intergraf, the BVDM, the Ghent Workgroup, and others to prepare print for a future where AI agents may become active buyers of print products. Rather than navigating websites and order forms, future customers may simply speak to their devices, with AI automatically sourcing, ordering, and delivering print products through standardized communication protocols. Zipper explains why this development could become existential for printers. As commerce becomes increasingly automated, print providers must ensure their systems can communicate with the platforms, protocols, and technologies that will power future purchasing decisions. Those who fail to adapt may find themselves disconnected from entirely new sources of demand. The discussion also explores market consolidation, changing business models, the growing divide between large platforms, niche specialists, and local heroes, and the challenges faced by medium-sized printing companies operating in an increasingly regulated and technology-driven environment. This is a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation about AI, e-commerce, automation, industry transformation, and why the next generation of print infrastructure may be very different from anything the industry has seen before.

Cathy Bittner & Tino Waegeleiner Business Development Canon EMEA Power to Print

At Canon's Power to Move event in Venlo, Morten Reitoft speaks with Cathy Bittner and Tino Waegelein from Canon EMEA about the company's vision for the future of production printing and the technologies shaping the next generation of print manufacturing. The conversation explores how Canon is helping customers navigate a rapidly changing market where automation, efficiency, sustainability, and evolving customer expectations are becoming increasingly important. As print service providers look for new ways to improve productivity and profitability, Canon continues to invest in technologies designed to bridge the gap between traditional production methods and the opportunities offered by digital transformation. Bittner and Waegelein share insights into the role of innovation within Canon's strategy and discuss why events such as Power to Move are important platforms for bringing customers, partners, and industry experts together. Beyond showcasing technology, the event serves as an opportunity to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore how the printing industry may develop in the years ahead. The discussion highlights Canon's commitment to supporting customers throughout their digital transformation journeys while providing practical solutions that address real production challenges. Enjoy the interview.

Thomas Grübner · Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter · Elbe-Leasing Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Thomas Grübner from Elbe-Leasing about the financial challenges facing the print industry. In the “Danger Zone” discussion, they address how banks and financial institutions increasingly hesitate to finance printing companies, while also highlighting the industry’s innovation, creativity, and importance as a medium of communication. Grübner argues that the industry itself, printers, associations, finance companies, and media, must work together to better communicate the value and future of print.

Frank Lorenz · Regional Sales Lead · Ricoh Deutschland · Print Symposium ´26

At the Print Symposium in Murnau, Southern Germany, Morten Reitoft speaks with Frank Lorenz from Ricoh about the company’s journey in professional print, from its early drupa appearances to today’s high-speed inkjet developments like the Pro VC80000. The conversation explores how Ricoh listens closely to customers and focuses not only on print quality and speed, but also on process simplification, automation, and investment security for printers facing growing market pressure. In the “Danger Zone” discussion, they address shrinking print volumes, competition from digital media, labor shortages, and increasing demands for productivity and sustainability. Frank Lorenz emphasizes that partnerships across the industry, from paper manufacturers to software companies and print providers, are essential for innovation and future growth. Both agree that the print industry still has enormous opportunities, but success depends on collaboration, communication, and understanding customer needs beyond technical specifications.

Heiner Rupperath Director Brother · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA in Barcelona, Editor-in-Chief Morten Reitoft speaks with Heiner Rupperath from Brother Industries about industrial printing, customer relationships, and how innovation often comes from the most unexpected places. The conversation explores how “industrial print” is increasingly difficult to define, spanning everything from garment decoration and merchandising to highly specialized applications for footwear, leather, and other industrial sectors. Heiner Rupperath explains how Brother works with customers ranging from small innovative niche producers to massive production environments operating hundreds of machines. One of the most fascinating stories involves an Italian footwear producer using 28 separate process steps to create highly customized premium shoes, demonstrating how creativity and specialization can create entirely new business opportunities. The interview also touches on long-term customer relationships, trust, automation, software, and the Japanese company culture inside Brother, where the philosophy “At Your Side” is treated as far more than just a slogan. A warm and insightful conversation about industrial print, innovation, relationships, and why the future of print is often shaped as much by people and creativity as by technology itself.

André Albrecht Head of Myze & Microfactory Brother FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA in Barcelona, Editor-in-Chief Morten Reitoft speaks with André Albrecht from Brother Industries about software, automation, workflows, and why connected ecosystems are becoming increasingly important in textile and garment production. The conversation explores how Brother’s software ambitions are expanding far beyond traditional DTG workflows and toward a broader ecosystem that integrates DTG, DTF, embroidery, large-format solutions, and, eventually, products from the newly acquired Mutoh portfolio. André Albrecht explains why workflow software is no longer just about production automation, but also about analytics, service, support, sales enablement, and helping customers grow their businesses. The discussion also touches on AI, open workflows, connected hardware, and why software development has become one of the biggest strategic areas for future growth in print production. An insightful conversation about how software, connectivity, and workflow intelligence are increasingly becoming as important as the hardware itself.

Koji Yamanaka Executive Officer Brother · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA in Barcelona, Editor-in-Chief Morten Reitoft speaks with Koji from Brother Industries about the company’s acquisition of Mutoh, cultural differences in global business, and what it takes to lead in an industry that is changing fast. Coming from the semiconductor industry, Koji shares how listening to customers remains the most important skill, regardless of industry, and explains how Brother balances Japanese heritage with the need for regional strategies across Europe, the US, and Asia. The conversation also explores how different cultures communicate value, why partnerships and openness matter more than ever, and why the printing industry continues to attract people for its collaborative spirit and positive energy. A thoughtful discussion about leadership, strategy, teamwork, and the future direction of industrial print technology.

Marcus Weiss · CEO · Koenig & Bauer – Paper & Packaging | Member of the Group Management

In this interview, Morten B. Reitoft sits down with Markus Weiss for a discussion that starts with perspective rather than products. Stepping into a company with more than 200 years of history is one thing. Helping shape where it goes next is something else. Markus Weiss brings nearly two decades of experience from HP Inc., where he played a key role in developing digital print across regions, including EMEA. That background is evident in how he approaches the conversation. Change is not something to react to; it is something to manage, and often to lead. The discussion moves quickly beyond technologies. Because the reality, as Weiss explains, is that customers are not buying offset or digital, they are investing in applications, efficiency, and relevance. The challenge is not choosing one over the other, but understanding how they work together. Another important theme is complexity. Large organizations naturally develop silos across locations, technologies, and cultures. Breaking those silos and aligning around customer needs is easier said than done, but essential if companies want to stay competitive in a fast-changing market. There is also a clear acknowledgment of the financial reality. Innovation is not optional, especially for manufacturers operating in Europe. Balancing innovation with cost efficiency is a constant challenge, and one that requires both discipline and long-term thinking. Beyond strategy, the conversation also touches on leadership. Weiss emphasizes the importance of listening, encouraging direct feedback, and building strong relationships, both internally and with customers. It is a pragmatic approach shaped by experience in dynamic, often demanding environments. This is not a product-focused interview. It is a broader conversation about how to lead a company with deep industrial roots into a future defined by change. Watch the full interview with Markus Weiss to hear how experience, adaptability, and a clear focus on customer needs shape the direction of one of the industry’s most established companies.

FUJIFILM Open House JetPress FP790 Reynald Barillot Category Manager FUJIFILM Europe

Wayne talks to Reynald, the designer of the FP790, about the design brief and stages you have to go through when you have been asked to bring a new press to market.

Oliver Schimek · Founder & Managing Director · Digital Print Group

Filmed on location in Nürnberg, this INKISH feature marks the beginning of INKISH Deutschland’s first production tour, as Morten B. Reitoft visits Digital Print Group and speaks with Founder and Managing Director Oliver Schimek about what a modern, highly automated print business looks like in practice. The conversation quickly moves beyond the traditional definition of a printer. Digital Print Group positions itself as a true solution provider, where production is only part of the equation. With roughly half of its workforce dedicated to programming, workflow development, and customer-specific solutions, the company demonstrates how technology, software, and mindset come together to serve increasingly complex customer demands. The film highlights a production environment built on automation and flexibility, where a wide range of equipment from manufacturers such as Canon, Horizon, and Fujifilm is integrated into internally developed workflows rather than relying on standard turnkey systems. A notable aspect of the operation is the extensive use of robotics, implemented not only to address labor shortages in Germany but also to ensure consistent quality and remove repetitive tasks from employees. Serving large and demanding customers requires more than capacity. It requires a company-wide mindset focused on reliability, timing, and responsibility. With a team of 47 employees, Digital Print Group operates in a stable but evolving market, continuously adapting its processes and technologies to remain competitive. This INKISH film offers insight into how one company combines automation, in-house software development, and a strong service culture to redefine what it means to be a printing company today.

Matthias Heinz · COO · CTRL-S · OPS26

Workflow is more than managing a single product stream in most shops. Symphony is the orchestration tool that conducts the production streams through the most efficient pathways. Matze Heinz explains how orchestration is essential in a modern online print workflow.

Marc Hunsänger · Director Production Technologies · Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection OPS26

Marc Hunsänger has a long history in counterfeiting, security, and protection, as he was part of the Koenig & Bauer Banknote division before the company created a new department dedicated to verification. The key takeaway is that there are no changes to a printer's technical setup, but a validation process that Koenig & Bauer customers can handle to verify prior to certification. Great technology and part of Koenig & Bauer's effort to help their clients monetize, e.g., through security and protection!

Christoph Schacht · Co-Founder · Printess GmbH · OPS26

Personalisation is the key to growing a differentiated product catalog and Printess helps make that dream a reality. Christopher Schnacht describes how Printess offers the platform to automate in a web-to-print ecosystem. And, yes! They use AI to create efficiencies!

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Lena Kellerer · Key Account Manager · Graphic Packaging German edition

Der Film zeigt, wie Graphic Packaging die Scodix-Technologie einsetzt, um sein Angebot an wertsteigernden Verpackungslösungen zu erweitern. Er unterstreicht das Engagement des Unternehmens für Innovation, höchste Qualität und das Schaffen unverwechselbarer Erlebnisse für Markeninhaber und Verbraucher. Die Geschichte hebt hervor, wie Veredelung Verpackungen über ihre reine Funktion hinaushebt und zu einem entscheidenden Unterscheidungsmerkmal im Markt macht. Mit Scodix kann Graphic Packaging einzigartige taktile und visuelle Effekte realisieren, die Marken helfen, im Regal aufzufallen und Kunden auf einer tieferen Ebene anzusprechen. Die Erzählung macht deutlich, wie Zusammenarbeit, Technologie und Kreativität Wachstum fördern und neue Standards für Verpackungsexzellenz setzen. English Edition: https://inkish.tv/inkish-video/gpi-2/

Lena Kellerer · Key Account Manager · Graphic Packaging English Edition

The film offers a perspective on how Graphic Packaging has adopted Scodix technology to enhance its value-added packaging solutions. It highlights the company’s commitment to innovation, premium quality, and creating distinctive experiences for brand owners and consumers. The story highlights the role of embellishment in elevating packaging beyond its functional purpose, making it a key differentiator in the marketplace. Through Scodix, Graphic Packaging can deliver unique tactile and visual effects, supporting brands in standing out on the shelves and engaging customers at a deeper level. The narrative highlights how collaboration, technology, and creativity converge to drive growth and establish new benchmarks for packaging excellence. German Edition: https://inkish.tv/inkish-video/gpi/

The First Inkjet – or? · Mark Stephenson & Morten B. Reitoft

A few days ago, Editor Morten B. Reitoft conducted an interview with Matt Brooks from Nazdar Ink Technologies, during which he mentioned the introduction of Inkjet Technology back in 1953. Mark Stephenson from Fujifilm placed a bait in the chat to discuss inkjet technology from hundreds of years ago. We couldn't let that pass, so we did this really fun talk - I am sure you will like it!

Ian Isherwood Segment Manager Analogue Packaging FUJIFILM IST UV Days 2025

Wayne talks to Ian Isherwood from Fujifilm about the importance of UV drying in flexo and offset printing, and how Fujifilm is continually developing new energy-saving systems for its customers.

Magnus Berheide Senior Marketing Manager · Stahl · IST UV-Days 2025

Stahl acquired Weilburger Graphics about a year ago, but continues to be committed to being at events like the IST UV-Days. In this interview, Senior Marketing Manager, Magnus Berheide, talks to Editor Morten B. Reitoft about Stahl as a company, and how they develop various coatings for the packaging and printing business. Magnus Berheide is great to talk to and has a clear idea of where Stahl is positioned in the market, despite it being difficult to market and communicate a consumable, but listen for yourself - great to learn from!