FESPA 2026: Diversification, automation and the future of print
Members of our Print team recently attended FESPA 2026 in Barcelona, and we took the opportunity to speak with both customers and contacts to gain first hand insights into the trends shaping the future of the industry
We asked the team what their key takeaways and thoughts on the event were...
The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) is a global federation of 37 national trade associations for the screen, digital, and textile printing industry. Founded in 1962, hosts international trade exhibitions and reinvesting its profits back into the print community
Where the Print industry is changing
The team reflected that this year’s event highlighted a sector that is being rapidly reshaped through increased diversification, technological advancement and changing customer expectations.
A standout topic was the continued expansion beyond traditional signage. In particular, the growth of corrugated and packaging applications was evident, with a strong presence from major suppliers and a noticeable level of market confidence.
Adam Baldwin, Senior Relationship Manager at Close Brothers Asset Finance claimed: "This reflects what we are seeing across our own customer base. More often now, print providers are diversifying their offering, moving into packaging and display to unlock new revenue streams and future-proof their businesses".
High production capability takes centre stage
When asked about what else they noted, the team explained: "The event placed a clear emphasis on high-production wide format printing, across both roll-to-roll and flatbed technologies. The breadth of solutions on display continues to expand, giving businesses greater flexibility in how they operate and scale".
They also highlighted several product launches, which could be seen as indicators of the industry’s direction of travel. Canon’s new Colorado XL, entering the wider 3.2m market, was a particular highpoint, alongside high-output cutting tables from manufacturers including Summa, Zünd and Kongsberg.
Sustainability becomes a commercial requirement
The conversation about sustainability appeared to have switched gear, with the team stating it is no longer seen as a ‘nice to have’ but is fast becoming a core commercial requirement.
Conversations at the event made it clear the shift is being driven by procurement teams and supply chain expectations, with print buyers increasingly demanding tangible proof of low-impact production, placing pressure on providers to invest in more sustainable equipment, processes and materials.
Automation unlocking efficiency
Automation emerged as a major focus, with a wide range of practical applications now being used across the industry, including:
- Workflow automation
- Scheduling optimisation
- AI-assisted design and prepress
- End-to-end digital job onboarding
Together, these advancements are helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs and manage increasingly complex production environments.
Supporting investment and growth
As these insights demonstrate, the print industry continues to evolve rapidly, making investment in new technology and capabilities critical.
At Close Brothers, we fund productivity, not just equipment because the asset matters as much as what it enables. We don’t just finance assets, we help to unlock output, efficiency, and growth. We look beyond the purchase price to understand how a business operates, where value is created, and how finance can help you do more, faster. Because real progress isn’t measured only in the number of assets you own, it’s measured in results delivered.
We support Print and Packaging businesses by:
Enabling entry into packaging
- Funding digital corrugated printers
- Supporting cutting tables and finishing systems
Funding multi-application equipment
- Machines capable of handling both signage and packaging
Helping bring forward capital investment
- Supporting SMEs looking to diversify
- Softening the upfront impact of expansion
- Providing tailored funding plans that keep pace with technology
Taking a specialist, relationship-led approach
- Structuring solutions around cashflow and growth
- Supporting long-term strategic ambitions
- Offering funding lines for multiple asset purchases
Products and services are subject to eligibility, status, terms and conditions and availability. All lending is subject to status and our lending criteria. The right to decline any application is reserved.
