Performing projects for printing sector’s development since 1962, today FESPA continues its activities with 16,000 members from 37 trade associations.
As an umbrella organisation of printing sector, FESPA has carried out leading activites for sector’s development since its foundation in 1962. Becoming a global power with 37 trade associations and total 16,000 members, today FESPA performs significant market projects on screen, wide format, digital and textile printing segments. Reaching Turkish printing sector with its Turkish partner ARED, FESPA has shown its interest towards this market in a very short time by organizing FESPA Eurasia fairs. At FESPA Eurasia whose 4th edition will be held between the dates of 8-11 December, the mission and goals of FESPA will be confirmed once more.
Stating that many significant developments are occuring in digital printing, outdoor advertising and textile printing segments, FESPA Group Exhibition Manager Michael Ryan made some important predictions about the sector’s future. Remarking the enrichment of digital printing and outdoor advertising industries, Ryan stated that developingUV and textile printing segments created new market opportunities in the sector. Expressing that fashion and interior design segments benefit from digital printing’s advantages, Ryan defended that digital printing is the best solution for the growing customisable manufacturing demands.
Indicating that print volumes are decreasing, Ryan also remarked customers’ demands transformed along with changing manufacturing concept in global market. Stating that they observe growth in digital applications of corrugated and display production as well as POS(Point of Sale) and retail interiors, Ryan continued; “The installation of these graphics takes little time also no damage and residue is left on any surfaces. The sector is expanding and enriching in that sense, I think display will be replaced by digital screens.”
Quality Surpassed Speed and Volume in The Market
Stating new values came forward as a result of the transition from standardize mass production to customer-oriented production, Michael Ryan expressed that quality is the corner stone. Expressing that digital print manufacturers successfully adapted themselves to trends that are changing rapidly; consumed and renewed at the same speed, Ryan stressed quality and variety gained importance in the market. Ryan continued; “Print speed is always a desired element but what differentiate you from your competitors is ‘what’ you print rather than how fast you print.”
Referring to FESPA’s ‘Printeriors’ project that brings print to the interior decor market, Ryan said that they perform educative and informative activities in order to help all printers to prepare for the changing needs of market. Expressing that as a foundation, FESPA will continue to expand in global printing sector with ‘non-profit’ projects that contribute the industry and its members, Ryan continued;
“As FESPA, our members are local foundations thus, the members of these foundations. The projects that are funded by our establishment directly improve the sector. In Brazil for example we formed 6 forums with the aim of educating and engaging with the country. Surely we need some level of ‘commercialisation’ in order to keep up and favoring the sector. However as FESPA, our focus is developing the industry by supporting printers and entrepreneurs from all around the world. In this direction, our goal is to keep expanding with partners from every country.”
Exciting Developments in Turkish Market are On The Way
Celebrating its 15th year in Turkish market began with the partnership with ARED in 2001, during this term FESPA came to the forefront with its contributions to Turkish print sector’s development. Stating that with FESPA Eurasia, they formed a bridge between European and Asian market in Istanbul, Michael Ryan shared his hopes for sector’s future improvements.
Remarking the innovations that will affect FESPA and Turkish market the most, Ryan emphasized the growth of digital textile printing. Michael Ryan continued; “Turkish textile firms are enhancing their impact in global market. As a result of US Dollar’s rising, the import interest towards Asia and thereby Turkey has increased. Currently many buyers from various regions are looking to Turkey to supply their textiles, leather and carpets. In this period of time where speed and quality are more important than ever, the innovation that will drive Turkey forward in textile is digital textile printing.”
Pointing out that because of the fast changing fashion and trends, manufacturers now adapt a production with high variety but minimal volume, Ryan expressed that the textilers can meet these demands with digital printing. Ryan also stressed that the companies wish to follow the latest developments in this sector which grows to be a big market, should be a part of FESPA Eurasia fair, december in İstanbul.