printconnect podcast

Specialist Printing Worldwide
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Introducing the printconnect podcast  by Specialist Printing Worldwide – the go-to podcast for anyone passionate about the world of specialist printing. Each episode, we sit down with industry leaders to explore the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative techniques shaping the future of print. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about what’s next in the printing world, join us as we dive into the conversations that matter most.

  1. Oct 13

    From Circular Electronics to Industrial Performance - The Story Behind SECTR

    From Circular Electronics to Industrial Performance - The Story Behind SECTR Can a conductive ink developed for recyclable paper-based electronics meet the demanding requirements of industrial production? In this episode of printconnect, Rob Penhallow is joined by Léonardo Giacomini, Printed Electronics Product Manager at VFP Ink Technologies, to explore the development of SECTR, a conductive silver ink that emerged from the European CircEl-Paper research project. Originally developed to address the challenges of printing electronics onto paper, SECTR combines low-temperature curing with electrical conductivity and resistance to chemical and thermal stresses. Léonardo explains the technical challenges behind its development, including the relationship between curing temperature, processing time and conductivity, as well as the importance of adhesion and substrate compatibility. The conversation also explores the wider environmental considerations behind the project, from non-CMR formulations and bio-based raw materials to the importance of considering electronic devices throughout their lifecycle. With potential applications extending into automotive, aerospace, printed sensors and smart packaging, SECTR provides an interesting example of how collaborative research can lead to innovation well beyond its original brief. In this episode: The origins of SECTR and the European CircEl-Paper projectWhy paper presents unique challenges for printed electronicsLow-temperature curing and its effect on conductivityChemical resistance, thermal stability and industrial performanceBio-based materials and end-of-life considerationsMoving from collaborative research to industrial applicationsOpportunities in automotive, aerospace and smart packagingGuest: Léonardo Giacomini, Printed Electronics Product Manager, VFP Ink Technologies Host: Rob Penhallow, printconnect / Specialist Printing Worldwide Discover more about VFP Ink Technologies: https://www.vfp-ink.com Learn more about CircEl-Paper: https://circelpaper.eu

  2. May 11

    Robotics, Digital Print & the Future of Packaging Production

    In this episode of printconnect, we explore one of the fastest-evolving areas of specialist printing – the growing role of robotics and automation across print and packaging production. Joining the podcast are Mark Boyt, Principal Analyst for Production Workflow Software at Keypoint Intelligence, and Marc Mascara, Principal Analyst for Labels & Packaging. Together, the discussion explores how rising production pressures, labour challenges, SKU variation, and increasing demand for faster turnaround are accelerating interest in robotics and digital print technologies. The conversation also examines the growing convergence between workflow automation, robotics, AI, digital print, packaging production, and fulfilment – and why these technologies are no longer evolving in isolation. Topics covered include: Why robotics adoption is accelerating across printThe results of Keypoint Intelligence’s robotics industry surveyLabour challenges and automation pressuresPackaging production and increasing SKU complexityWhy digital print is well suited to high-variation productionRobotics integration across handling, finishing, and manufacturingWorkflow integration and removing production silosThe future of automated packaging and fulfilment environmentsInsights from upcoming FESPA sessionsWhether you work in commercial print, packaging, industrial print, or production workflow, this episode offers valuable insight into where the industry is heading – and why staying close to these developments is becoming increasingly important.

    Robotics, Digital Print & the Future of Packaging Production

  3. Mar 16

    Nozzle Health: The Next Step in Industrial Inkjet Reliability

    As industrial inkjet moves into higher-value and higher-volume production environments, reliability and uptime are becoming just as important as speed and resolution. One of the most critical – and often overlooked – factors behind that reliability is nozzle health. In this episode of printconnect, we’re joined by Jonathan Wilson, Vice President of Sales at Meteor Inkjet, to explore how nozzle monitoring and control technologies are evolving and what that means for the future of industrial inkjet systems. Jonathan explains why even a single misfiring nozzle can have a significant impact on productivity and sellable output when running high-resolution presses at industrial speeds. He also discusses how new approaches to monitoring nozzle behaviour in near real time could transform how printbars are diagnosed, maintained and optimised during production. The conversation explores the technical challenges of managing thousands of nozzles across modern printheads, the role of drive electronics and waveform control, and how nozzle health technology could support applications ranging from high-speed label and packaging production to additive manufacturing and printed electronics.

  4. Feb 26

    Piezoelectric Ink and the Future of Intelligent Surfaces

    In this episode of printconnect, we explore how functional inks are redefining what a printed surface can do. Jérémy Flageul, Sales Director at VFP Ink Technologies, joins us to discuss the development of piezoelectric ink technology and the shift from adding electronic components to printing functionality directly into structures. We examine: – What makes printed electronics commercially viable today  – How piezoelectric ink integrates sensing into surfaces  – The industrial benefits of PFAS-free formulations  – Applications in automotive, wearables and haptic interfaces  – Realistic timelines for mainstream adoption As surfaces evolve from passive elements into intelligent systems, materials science is reshaping manufacturing, integration and design possibilities. To learn more about VFP Ink Technologies and their work in functional inks and printed electronics, visit: 🌐 https://www.vfp-ink-technologies.com

  5. Feb 12

    Industrial Print in Europe – Regulation, Innovation and the Rise of Printed Electronics

    Europe’s industrial print sector is under pressure – but it’s also evolving fast. In this episode of printconnect, we’re joined by Peter Buttiens, CEO of ESMA, to unpack the forces shaping industrial and functional printing across Europe. From printed electronics and biomedical applications to automation, sustainability regulation and the impact of the EU’s Green Deal, we explore how European printers are responding to rising productivity expectations, tighter environmental requirements and global competition. We discuss: Why Europe is leading in printed electronics and functional printingHow regulation – from RoHS to the Digital Product Passport – is acting as a catalyst for innovationThe shift from traditional screen printing to high-tech, cleanroom-based productionAutomation and the evolution of the operator’s roleGrowth segments over the next 3–5 years, including biomedical and pharmaceutical printWhat’s next for ESMA and the European industrial print communityIf you want a clear view of where European industrial print is heading – and how it compares globally – this is essential listening.

  6. 12/19/2025

    From Principles to Practice: Making Sustainability Actionable in Print

    Sustainability has become one of the most pressing – and complex – challenges facing the print industry. But how can businesses move beyond abstract goals and turn sustainability into something practical, measurable and collaborative? In this episode of printconnect, we’re joined by Carlos Lahoz, Head of Industrial Print Sustainability Strategy at HP and a key contributor to the Sustainable Print Manifesto – a global, technology-agnostic framework designed to align the print value chain around shared principles and real-world progress. Together, we explore why sustainability has reached a critical tipping point for print, how collaboration across the value chain can accelerate meaningful change, and why data-driven decision-making is essential to avoiding greenwashing and enabling long-term transparency. Carlos also shares how the manifesto is intended to evolve, how businesses of all sizes can engage, and why sustainability is increasingly a driver of innovation and competitiveness – not just compliance. A practical, grounded conversation on how the print industry can move forward together. Read the Manifesto principlesDownload the documentPledge support and get involvedFind contact and working-group infowww.sustainable-print-manifesto.com

  7. 12/19/2025

    Inside Keypoint Intelligence: Trends, Technology and What’s Next for Print

    In this episode of printconnect, we’re joined by Anthony Sci, from Keypoint Intelligence, to explore how data, insight and automation are increasingly shaping decision-making across the print industry. The conversation looks at how print businesses can better use data to understand market trends, evaluate technologies and plan investment strategies in an increasingly complex and fast-moving landscape. Anthony shares perspectives on where digital and industrial print are heading, the role of automation and software in improving efficiency, and how intelligence-led decision-making is becoming a competitive advantage for printers and suppliers alike. We also discuss how market insight is evolving alongside new technologies, what print service providers should be paying attention to right now, and how organisations can cut through noise to focus on what genuinely delivers value. A forward-looking discussion for anyone navigating technology choices and long-term strategy in specialist printing.

  8. 12/04/2025

    FESPA in Focus: Middle East Momentum & Global Print Trends with CEO Neil Felton

    In this episode of printconnect, we sit down with Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, for a deep dive into one of the print industry’s most influential global organisations. Neil shares how FESPA has evolved into a worldwide community of 37 national associations, expanded its reach with the FESPA Direct membership model, and launched nine new international exhibitions across emerging and established markets. We explore FESPA’s growing presence in the Middle East, including insights from recent Leadership Exchange (FLEX) events held in Riyadh, Amman and Cairo - and what these conversations reveal about opportunities and challenges across the region. Neil also discusses: What makes the Middle East such a dynamic print marketThe role of AI, automation and sustainability in shaping global printingThe importance of building education-focused, community-driven eventsHow FESPA supports printers across textile, wide-format, décor, corrugated, screen, digital and industrial sectorsWhat visitors can expect from the upcoming FESPA Middle East exhibition in DubaiThis is an inspiring look into how FESPA is helping printers connect, innovate and grow - regionally and globally.

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About

Introducing the printconnect podcast  by Specialist Printing Worldwide – the go-to podcast for anyone passionate about the world of specialist printing. Each episode, we sit down with industry leaders to explore the latest trends, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative techniques shaping the future of print. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about what’s next in the printing world, join us as we dive into the conversations that matter most.

Information

  • Creator
    Specialist Printing Worldwide
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 printconnect podcast
  • Show Website
    printconnect podcast