Digitalization is the key to the future of the printing industry. At SHIFT 2026, the international summit hosted by Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) on process digitization and hybrid print production using digital and offset technology, more than 300 specialists and executives, customers, technology partners, and industry experts from nearly 30 countries discussed the future of the industry through the use of artificial intelligence (AI), software solutions, automation, and robotics.

The UKs largest online trade printer, Route 1 Print, has invested in two Speedmaster XL 106-8P from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) with Plate to Unit, LED UV and fully automated Push to Stop technology. The installation forms part of a wider 12 million investment programme. Operating from its 28.000 sq m manufacturing facility in Rotherham, the investment is intended to support growing demand and strengthen Route 1 Prints production capabilities.

GEW, the UK-based UV curing systems manufacturer, has announced the launch of its groundbreaking EOS power and control platform, which rolls out at LOUPE Americas in Chicago this week.

Inkcups announces the launch of its newest laser plate-maker, the Cobalt Pro+. Replacing the Cobalt PRO, Inkcups highest wattage laser available in the Inkcups Cobalt line, the new Cobalt Pro+ is up to 20% faster, enabling users to boost productivity, reduce turnaround times, and take on more work without compromising quality.

Riso Kagaku Corporation (RISO) has announced the launch of the ComColor GN Series, its latest lineup of ultra-high-speed full-color inkjet printers. Tailored for transactional documents (e.g., invoices), manuals, and enveloped mailings via modular options, the series combines RISOs heatless, oil-based pigment ink technology with robust production capabilities to elevate productivity without compromising quality or sustainability.

Founded in 1993, Gonzo Design, based in Hirzenhain, Germany, is a specialist in end-to-end advertising, textile printing, digital printing, signage and vehicle lettering. The company has recently invested in Fujifilms Acuity Triton, featuring Aquafuze water-based UV ink technology, which has resulted in improved print quality, better application flexibility across its production, and an improvement in the working environment in terms of air quality.

Europes Leading Board Sports Retailer Leverages Kornit Atlas Max Plus to Bring Apparel Production In-House, Achieving More Than 90% Machine Availability While Enabling Faster Response, Greater Supply Chain Control and Reduced Inventory Risk

Color-Logic has announced that the Dex Imaging LLC demonstration studio in Greensboro, North Carolina, is now certified by Color-Logic for producing its embellishments and metallic colors. As part of the certification process, DEX submitted a Color-Logic test form printed on a Ricoh Pro 7500 digital press using white and CMYK toner on metallic stock.

Esko has been named winner of the Innovation Award in the supplier category at the prestigious FlexoTech Awards 2026, with its CDI Quartz XPS ecosystem recognized for its contribution to advancing the flexographic printing process. The Esko CDI Quartz XPS ecosystem was recognized for combining next-generation imaging, advanced screening, LED exposure and intelligent automation to deliver a new level of quality, consistency and efficiency in flexographic platemaking.

EMT International announced that ANRO Inc., a full-service commercial printer and direct mail provider based in West Chester, Penn., has invested in a Vira CS1 Cut-to-Stack system and DP1 Digital Processor to increase production capacity and add greater flexibility to its digital print finishing operation.

UPM Specialty Materials, Siegwerk and Uteco have developed a paper-based solution for secondary packaging. UPM provides the barrier base paper, Siegwerk the coating and Uteco the technology that applies it. Designed as a practical entry point into paper packaging, the solution allows brand owners to increase renewable material content and test paper-based formats in demanding applications, while the primary packaging continues to safeguard product integrity.

Siegwerk has secured a new European patent, marking another step in its development of deinking solutions for plastic packaging recycling (EP4107326). The patent protects a primer technology that enables printing inks not deinkable by commercially used conditions to be removed from plastic substrates during recycling, including more complex printed flexible packaging structures.

A clear signal for Augsburg as a business location: The Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper inaugurated its new rotary newspaper press a Koenig & Bauer Commander CL 42 on Monday. Since the projects launch in September 2024, a completely new, state-of-the-art production infrastructure has been created, ranking among the most efficient and advanced systems on the market.