#Digital Printing

2020-02-20

No FESPA cancellation despite Corona virus

FESPA Global Print Expo 2020 will take place as scheduled from 24-27 March 2020 at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid, Spain, along with the co-located exhibitions, European Sign Expo 2020 and Sportswear Pro 2020. FESPA takes the concerns of exhibitors, visitors and partners regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 (also known as novel coronavirus) very seriously. Safety is always first priority, and FESPA wishes to take proactive steps to minimise the risks to all participants at the March 2020 events in Madrid. As such, the FESPA Board and Senior Management Team is actively monitoring all developments relating to COVID-19, guided by latest information from WHO (World Health Organisation).

Exhibiting companies from China

With effect from 20.2.2020, FESPA is formally contacting all exhibiting companies from China at the three Madrid 2020 exhibitions, requiring that they provide documented evidence that all representatives of their company attending the exhibitions, including sub-contractors, have not resided in or visited China at any time after 5th March 2020. This represents a two-week period preceding the beginning of the build-up of the exhibitions.

FESPA believes that this proactive policy is in the best interests of the health and well-being of exhibitors, attendees, partners and staff (as well as the general public in the host city of Madrid).

FESPA recognises the importance of the Madrid 2020 exhibitions to the exhibitor community within China and has made every effort to minimise the disruption and impact to these companies.

Exhibiting companies from China not fulfilling this requirement will not be able to participate at the Madrid 2020 exhibitions, and their options are being clearly communicated to them in writing by FESPA’s representatives in China.

Other exhibitors and visitors

FESPA is in contact with all exhibitors and pre-registered visitors at the Madrid 2020 exhibitions to advise them of these measures and to request that they should not attend if they have visited China after 5th March 2020. This information will also be published on the event websites and on the main FESPA website, and communicated via the FESPA National Associations.

Measures at IFEMA

FESPA is working closely with IFEMA and with the relevant authorities in Madrid to provide exhibitors and visitors to the FESPA 2020 events with the relevant support and guidance.

IFEMA has protocols linked to those established both by the World Health Organisation and by the national Spanish Ministry of Health and regional Council of Health of the Community of Madrid regarding first-line actions to be taken should a case of infection by this virus be detected within its facilities.

Similarly, IFEMA has increased the health measures it takes, and is in constant contact with the authorities through its two Medical Service units, which are equipped to provide immediate medical attention during its events. Should a case be detected, it is, in turn, prepared to activate the appropriate protocol and refer the affected person to the reference hospital for observation and attention.

In addition, IFEMA's other preventive measures include expanding the signage for the two Medical Service units, so that people attending an event are aware of their existence and better able to locate them, if necessary.

The dissemination of the WHO recommendations has also been reinforced and these are visible at all strategic points of passage, where the location and emergency telephone number of IFEMA's Medical Service are also provided.

Hygiene measures in different parts of the premises have also been implemented and expanded by providing assistants with sanitary soap dispensers, as recommended by WHO, as well as strengthening the cleaning services of the facilities.

FESPA CEO Neil Felton comments: “By taking this proactive step with regard to our exhibiting companies to China, our aim is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of every participant at our FESPA 2020 events to the best of our abilities, while also providing strong reassurance to our exhibitor and visitor communities. We look forward to a vibrant and successful event in Madrid in March.”

FESPA’s new textile event set to debut in Barcelona this May

In less than one month, the first edition of FESPA’s new Textile event will take place at the Gran Via, Fira de Barcelona, from 19 – 22 May 2026. Co-located with FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience, WrapFest and the brand-new Corrugated, each of the events will serve as the ideal meeting point for experts across each field to discover the latest technologies and trends, and explore cross-sector opportunities for business growth.

USColorworks expands digital platform with Kornit Atlas MATRIX and Atlas MAX PLUS solutions

Kornit Digital Ltd. (NASDAQ: KRNT), a global pioneer in sustainable, on-demand digital fashion and textile production, today announced that USColorworks, a North Carolina-based apparel decoration and fulfillment company specializing in custom and on-demand printing for retail and promotional markets, has expanded its Kornit digital production platform with the addition of Atlas MATRIX and Atlas MAX PLUS systems to deliver high-quality, on-demand apparel across cotton, blended fabrics and polyester.

DTF vs DTG Printing - The technologies shaping today’s custom merchandise market

From sportswear to branded tote bags, custom merchandise continues to grow in popularity across sectors, driving print shops to cater to short runs, personalisation, and rapid turnaround. As print providers look to this market, two printing technologies often stand out: Direct‑to‑Film (DTF) and Direct‑to‑Garment (DTG). Each offers its own benefits, and understanding these differences helps determine the most suitable production method for print service providers.

Mimaki celebrates Triple EDP Award win at FESPA 2026

Mimaki Europe, a leading manufacturer of industrial inkjet printers and cutting plotters, was presented with 3 EDP Awards at the association’s 2026 ceremony, held at FESPA Global Print Expo. These highly acclaimed awards celebrate best-in-class innovation across the print industry, and Mimaki was honoured in three different categories.

EFI brings high-performance display graphics, packaging, and textile printing innovations to FESPA 2026

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI™) is bringing a broad range of new hybrid, roll-to-roll, and textile inkjet innovations to FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, taking place 19-22 May at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Visitors to the EFI stand (Hall 3, #C85) will see the new EFI VUTEk M3h X hybrid LED printer, new EFI VUTEk® FabriVU® 340 i8 eight-colour dye sublimation printer, the EFI VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll LED printer, and the EFI VUTEk Q3h XP seven-colour hybrid printer in action, each designed to help sign and display producers scale output, diversify applications, and drive more profitable growth.

Rieter sees Barmag integration on track as orders and sales rise

The first half of 2026 was shaped by the successful completion of the largest acquisition in Rieter’s history. The Man-Made Fiber Division enables entry into the growth segment of man-made fibers and sustainably strengthens Rieter’s market position in the Asia region. The expanded Group is now the world’s leading system supplier for the processing of natural and man-made fibers. In the first half of the year, initial cost savings in material costs and operating expenses have already been realized. The targeted synergies are expected to amount to at least CHF 20 million by the end of the 2028 financial year. Due to the completion of the acquisition on February 2, 2026, the first half of the year for the Man-Made Fiber Division only amounts to five months.