First day - what to expect? Well, C!Print in Lyon is live, and your hard-working INKISH team starts speculating about the expectations for the day. Enjoy, and check out the interviews we will be doing on January 31st and February 1st.

Nous rencontrons Philippe Alzina, bien connu dans l'industrie graphique française et participant au salon C!Print depuis ses débuts. Excellent aperçu de comment tout a commencé, de ce que cela est devenu et de ce que cela signifie pour les PSP françaises. La finition et l'embellissement de l'impression sont des mots que nous entendons beaucoup comme un sujet important d'intérêt et de diversification. Mistral Graphic opère directement dans cet espace et on en apprend un peu plus sur eux. Excellente conversation et toujours agréable d'entendre des personnes ayant une longue histoire dans l'industrie. —— We meet Philippe Alzina, well known in the French printing industry and a participant in the C!Print show since the beginning. Great overview of how it all started and what it has become and means for French PSPs. Print finishing and embellishment are words that we hear a lot as an important topic of interest and diversification. Mistral Graphic operates directly in this space and we learn a little more about them. Great conversation and always nice to hear from people with a long history in the industry.

Kick-off du salon C!Print 2024 - Lyon avec notre interview matinale « Bonjour C!Print ». Nous rencontrons un Florent Zucca impatient et qui est excité pour l'édition de cette année. Beaucoup de nouvelles annonces, entre autres l'ajout de la C!Factory, une installation de production 100% entièrement automatisée pour produire des maillots de basket en direct sur le salon. Organiser un salon comme celui-ci ne se fait pas du jour au lendemain et nous sommes curieux de savoir comment ils y parviennent, nous leur demandons! C’est un événement de 3 jours avec beaucoup de choses à voir et à vivre, alors restez à l’écoute car nous vous en parlerons les prochains jours. Allons-y !

Great morning session with Tim Sterbak from IST Metz. Great to see Richard Askam back on INKISH.TV.

Today's Bonjour is with Noam Zilbershtain, the General Manager for HP Indigo. We had a super casual conversation about coffee habits in the mornings, jetlag, and, of course, technology.

Label Expo Brussels DID deliver on all parameters (except internet speed and temperature). Still, a very good show, and here in the morning of Day 2, James Quirk and Morten B. Reitoft share their views on the first day and expectations for the third. INKISH will only cover two days here, but still, that gives you thirty interviews - almost all online as you read this!

LabelExpo Europe in Brussels is the most important global show in the label industry, but the maybe more correct "label" would be flexible, packaging, label, mid-web industry, nevertheless, in this Bonjour, James Quirk and Morten B. Reitoft speculate about all the interesting trends and technologies we expect to see the next days. Stay tuned for a lot of interviews and presentations.

Yet another interesting Bonjour - this time with David Schmedding from Heidelberg and Yoshihiro Oe from Horizon International. Interesting chat led by Jean Lloyd and Morten B. Reitoft - enjoy!

Danny Bakker (Fujifilm), Matthias Annaheim (Hunkeler/Müller Martini) & Antonie Reinhart (Kurz) accepted our invite for a very special Bonjour at Hunkeler Innovationdays where they in a very open and interesting conversation with Editor Morten B. Reitoft talk about being young in the industry. This can only be the beginning of a deeper discussion. GREAT, and thank you all for participating!

Great to have Barbara McManus and Volker Leonhardt together. HP and Müller Martini are close partners which is emphasized in this casual, yet super great Bonjour session, hosted by Jean Lloyd and Pat McGrew

It's always interesting to learn from Bodo Tegtmeier. Here, we hear about the new version of the highly popular Cobostack and the new folder K8i—super interesting!

I had dinner with my family. And in fact, we ordered a home delivery. One lesson is 'nothing is as constant as change'. This is the MASTERCUT 106 PER. And the MASTERCUT is special for two reasons. It can put more than 50 million sheets on the floor in a year. Then it is equipped with functions to liberate the operator from manual work. It has a very high degree of automation. But in the end, it's all about quality, cost and time. I think the best strategy is to establish your own future yourself. So, it links the tool with the die-cutting machine. And you can see in this picture there's a little front of the tool. There's a very little RFID chip. The tool can be linked directly to the correct recipient. So that the operator does not need to look into the many thousand recipients which might be existing on a die-cutter machine. Or the good one. Quality is not negotiable. So, the question is how to ensure that the right quality comes out of a particular machine. The ACCUCHECK is not only able to check the text, or the color, or the completeness of the print. But it is also able to quality control and embossing or de-bossing. And metallized surface. DIT means Digital Inspection Table. It also takes the original layout, and it produces with projectors a digital image on the table surface. I took it because we are also working on new digital-cutting solutions. So that I can introduce some digital BOBST laser cutter. The Swiss Chalet is a restaurant. And coming back to our food delivery, which we talked about in the beginning. How to get out of the pandemic is also the outlook. We will be all ready to go back to our famous restaurant. And have a beer together and enjoy it together.

Technology Sales Director Nigel Tracey talks with Editor Morten B. Reitoft about several different topics in this interview. How is BOBST perceived by its customers? How does BOBST communicate so many types of products? What about sustainability? In this interview you get the real answers in a nice and openminded conversation - we are certain you will like this!

Sometimes you meet skilled people. Sometimes you meet successful people. You sometimes find funny people, and with John McLaughlin, you got all three - this was fun. An exciting company based in Canada and a current customer of the BOBST Mouvent LB702 and LB701. Enjoy!

Every time we have an opportunity to talk to Bob Raus, we take it - not only is Bob Raus very knowledgeable, but he also has the ability to make things understandable - so listen to him. At PreDrupa he explains about the four pillars are founded of.

No question that printed packaging is a growing business. In this 26th episode of Print Sample TV, host Pat McGrew shows you a corrugated box printed on both sides making the unboxing an experience as well. In the 'case' the box comes from Birddogs who use the inner side of the box to present customer testimonials. Great idea, and with digital print, this is even an opportunity with short run. We like it! Do you?

At Printing United in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH talks with Billy Stojanovski from Xerox about the company’s latest innovations and strong position in the production print market. Stojanovski explains that Xerox remains fully committed to advancing print technology through strategic partnerships and engineering excellence, highlighting three new machines presented at the show that demonstrate the company’s focus on quality, automation, and versatility. A key part of the discussion centers on the new Proficio subbrand, which Stojanovski explains is based on the idea of helping customers produce, propel, profit, and prosper. The Proficio 300 and 500 models offer four-color printing with an optional fifth color, running at up to 100 pages per minute and supporting substrates up to 400 gsm. These systems are designed to deliver high-quality output, flexibility across a range of applications, and consistent productivity for both commercial and packaging work. Stojanovski also outlines several key technical advancements, including the introduction of LED imaging technology that delivers sharper detail, lower power consumption, and improved reliability compared to traditional laser systems. The presses incorporate a bias transfer belt for improved toner laydown on textured materials, an inertia wheel to reduce image banding, and a static-dissipation module to ensure smooth performance when printing on polyester and synthetic substrates. Inline finishing options such as the GBC Advanced Punch Plus system expand creative possibilities with micro-perforation, hole punching, and advanced binding. Color and image quality are another major focus. Xerox’s extended gamut and fifth-color options, including fluorescent pink, enable highly accurate brand colors, more lifelike skin tones, and enhanced visual effects that closely match digital designs. The conversation also touches on creative gloss and matte effects that simulate varnish finishes directly from the press. Throughout the interview, Stojanovski emphasizes that Xerox’s strength lies not only in its technology but also in its comprehensive ecosystem — combining hardware, software, service, and automation to help customers increase efficiency and profitability. The discussion captures Xerox’s drive to support printers with solutions that evolve alongside the industry and prepare them for the future of digital production.

Wayne from INKISH is at The Print Show on day one, catching up with a long-time friend, Bill Jones from Exel Print & Machinery. Bill shares that the UK remains a vital market for Exel, representing a significant share of their business in quality used printing equipment. With the disappearance of major events like IPEX, The Print Show has become an essential meeting point for reconnecting with old friends and new contacts across the industry. Exel Print & Machinery is not only focused on buying and selling used presses but also provides comprehensive engineering and installation services. The company operates its own team of skilled engineers and maintains heavy-lifting equipment such as forklifts and gantries — ensuring that every installation is handled entirely in-house. Despite challenges in the global offset market, Bill reports a positive year, with multiple UK sales completed and more in the pipeline. Demand remains strong for high-quality used presses, particularly those with low-impression capabilities, such as B1 and B2 machines, which are suitable for both commercial and packaging printers. He notes that sourcing equipment remains one of the biggest challenges, making it crucial for anyone looking to sell or trade in a press to get in touch. Exel offers valuations based on detailed machine information and purchases stock directly. Bill encourages anyone with a B1 10-colour or similar press to reach out, as the company is actively buying. A solid reminder that the UK used equipment market remains active and optimistic, supported by hands-on expertise and a personal approach. Recorded live at The Print Show in Birmingham.

At Printpack India 2025, Wayne Beckett speaks with Bijendra Sharma, Managing Director of BHS India, about the company’s journey in the Indian market and its role in driving automation and sustainability in the corrugated packaging industry. Founded in Germany in 1717, BHS entered India in 2011 and has since grown to establish a strong foothold, with 24 running corrugators and a new manufacturing plant for corrugating rolls set to be operational by mid-year. Sharma highlights the rapid expansion of the Indian corrugated market, where approximately 12,000 million square meters of board is produced annually. Despite having around 10,000 corrugators, 95% of them are still semi-automatic or manual. He explains how BHS, initially perceived as too expensive for the Indian market, has proven the value of advanced technology, helping businesses improve efficiency, product quality, and competitiveness. The conversation explores India’s economic boom, growing infrastructure, and government initiatives such as the ban on single-use plastics, which is accelerating demand for sustainable, recyclable packaging. With India set to become the third-largest global economy by 2027, the need for high-quality corrugated boxes is stronger than ever, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and evolving consumer buying patterns. For those interested in the future of automated corrugated production and sustainable packaging in India, this discussion provides key insights into BHS India’s growth strategy and the broader industry trends shaping the market.

Wayne from INKISH is at The Print Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where he catches up with Bettine Pellant, CEO of PICON — the Printing Industry Confederation. With a long history in the print trade, Wayne and Bettine share memories of past shows from drupa to China Print, reflecting on how important face-to-face events remain for the industry. Bettine explains that while online meetings have their place, nothing replaces the value of personal interaction. Trade shows bring together industry peers, customers, and partners — often people you see only once a year — and PICON’s stand serves as a hub for networking, conversation, and connection. Members are encouraged to drop by, grab a coffee or a beer, and bring customers or prospects for informal meetings. Founded in 1918, PICON represents manufacturers and suppliers of print equipment, software, and consumables across the full spectrum of the industry — from prepress to press to postpress. Unlike associations representing printers, PICON focuses on the supply side and works closely with organizations such as the BPIF and IPIA to align efforts across the sector. Membership benefits include a strong calendar of networking and social events, such as golf days, seminars, and meetings, as well as support navigating complex topics like new employment legislation and regulatory changes. Bettine emphasizes that PICON acts as a guiding partner — connecting members with the right resources and expertise when issues arise. The association also operates several focus groups — including digital, exporters, importers, and suppliers to the paper industry — providing members with forums to discuss challenges unique to their area. These groups regularly address topics such as tariffs, trade documentation, and regulation. While PICON doesn’t typically lobby government independently, it collaborates with partners like the BPIF to ensure the voice of the industry is heard. A warm and insightful conversation about community, advocacy, and collaboration in print, filmed live at The Print Show in Birmingham.

We met Hamillroad Software for the first time at LabelExpo back before COVID. Here is a link to the interview we did at the time https://inkish.tv/inkish-video/andy-cave/ In this film, Danielle Kinsella explains the advantages of using Hamillroad's DMS technology for improved quality. Now Hamillroad is part of the EcoFlexo group. Each member remains an independent company but can offer end-to-end solutions by working together. EcoFlexo has the following members besides Hamillroad - GEW, COE, MPS, and Zeller + GMelin. We produced a film from each EcoFlexo member while we were together in The Netherlands Danielle Kinsella is not working for Hamillroad anymore, but Danielle Kinsella and Hamillroad agreed to push the film anyway! For further information, visit the EcoFlexo website: www.ecoflexo.net

Technology development in the graphics arts sector is in full expansion. Smart factory, Print Industrie 4.0 focuses on digital technologies that stimulate the inter-connectivity between printing companies, promote and bring them together with “strategic” partners. Classic models that acted as intermediaries between supply and demand, buyers and sellers, are being replaced by scenarios of transparent networked digital technology. The result: Suppliers, producers and consumers find each other (to a large extent) automatically. Business processes, services, product offering and communication will also become transparent and interactive in equal measure. What does this mean in concrete terms for the graphics industry in the Benelux and in Europe? INTERVIEW with some of the speakers at the VIGC congress 2020 Jan De Roeck (Marketing Director ESKO) Dirk Deroo ( Founder & CEO Dataline solutions) Toon Van Rossum ( Product Manager Enfocus) Jos Steutelings ( Managing Director VIGC ) *Next year’s VIGC CONGRESS is scheduled for October 14th 2021. --- NL: De technologieontwikkeling in de grafische sector is in volle expansie. Smart factory, Print Industrie 4.0 legt de focus op digitale technologieën die de inter-connectiviteit van grafische bedrijven onderling, en die met “strategische” partners bevorderen en samenbrengen. Klassieke modellen die fungeerden als intermediair tussen vraag en aanbod, kopers en verkopers, worden vervangen door scenario’s van transparant genetwerkte digitale technologie. Het resultaat: Leveranciers, producenten en consumenten vinden elkaar (voor een groot deel) automatisch. Bedrijfsprocessen, diensten, productaanbod en communicatie worden in gelijke mate ook transparant en interactief. Wat betekent dit nu concreet voor de grafische industrie in de Benelux en in Europa? INTERVIEW met enkele sprekers van het VIGC congres 2020 Jan De Roeck (Marketing Director ESKO) Dirk Deroo ( Founder & CEO Dataline solutions) Toon Van Rossum ( Product Manager Enfocus) Jos Steutelings ( Managing Director VIGC ) * Het VIGC-CONGRES van volgend jaar staat gepland op 14 oktober 2021.

Asking one of Europe's leading prepress houses whether plates/sleeves or machines are more important is maybe unfair; however, the answer is interesting. As GM Torben Segelken says: you can print great quality on an old machine if the plates are perfect, but you can't produce excellence with bad plates on a new machine, and so it is, of course. Carl Osterman Erben, or COE, is more than 120 years old and has, since its origin, focused on becoming the best prepress house in Europe. Now COE is part of the EcoFlexo group. Each member remains an independent company but can offer end-to-end solutions by working together. EcoFlexo has the following members besides COE - Hamillroad, GEW, MPS, and Zeller + GMelin. We produced a film from each EcoFlexo member while in The Netherlands. For further information, visit the EcoFlexo website: www.ecoflexo.net

Being at drupa is, of course, a super experience, and when people ask what I find most interesting - it's super difficult. Besides the people, I got an a-ha experience yesterday when passing through the Fujifilm booth, where they showed both a fluorescent green toner but also a one-time adhesive "toner" that enables the printer to produce glued products inline. Is this better than a new press or binding equipment - no - but you find innovations everywhere that won't get much exposure - this was a fun and creative find!