FESPA in Portugal: imagining a world without print is impossible

This year’s Apigraf conference focused on sustainability and showcased print’s importance beyond books. The speakers addressed industry economics and environmental impact and highlighted print’s vital role in daily life. Despite challenges, Portugal’s print sector, particularly packaging, shows growth, with optimism for the future.

After the 170-year anniversary events at last year’s Apigraf (Portuguese Association of Graphic and Paper Processing Industries) annual meeting, at this year’s conference sustainability was high on the agenda. It was located in the beautiful natural environs of the Azores.

“I think it was a very suitable place for people to understand what we mean by sustainability, and to be able to imagine a better world,” Apigraf Director Paulo Dourado says.

“These islands aren’t as tourist-focused as some similar places, so the natural environment is far less spoiled. For example, while we were there, we had the opportunity to watch whales swimming. So, it’s quite a unique place and a very nice place to visit.”

The impressive settings were matched by an equally fascinating array of events and presentations.

“We had one full day of meetings, with presentations from a senior member of one of the biggest media companies in Portugal – Group Impresa – which owns the SIC television channel as well as newspapers. Graeme Richardson-Locke, Head of Associations & Technical Lead at FESPA, gave a presentation (pictured above). We also had presentations from a multinational Portuguese software company and Canon also joined,” Paulo said.

“All of the speakers discussed different aspects of what is happening in the sustainability arena. The conference was heavily focused on sustainability and the economic situation in the printing industry, and I think it was very well received by all those who came.

Certainly, the feedback from those in attendance was very positive.

“Apigraf represents around 350 companies, which account for about 80% of revenue of the entire print market in Portugal, and this annual meeting is an event that our members always look forward to and value very highly,” Paulo said.

“I think one of the key aspects of these types of events is networking, not just the conference seminars. It is an opportunity for people to be together, to speak with each other, to have dinners together and talk about problems in the industry and potential solutions. So, networking and the social programme of events is probably the most important part of this event.”

While the…