The evolving décor market – highlights from day 2 of FIT 2021: Wide Format

The second day of the event focused predominately on the fast-growing interior décor market and the opportunities it presents. In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of the panel discussions and exhibitor presentations and, by clicking on the links below, you can watch recordings of all the sessions.

From 26 – 27 May 2021, FESPA hosted its first FESPA Innovations and Trends (FIT) live virtual event which highlighted the latest hardware, software and media solutions in wide format and interior décor.

Attracting over 1,100 visitors from 111 countries, during the two days, print professionals heard from industry experts on the latest trends, networked with the speciality print community and learnt about the newest products and solutions in the market.

The second day of the event focused predominately on the fast-growing interior décor market and the opportunities it presents. In this article, we’ve compiled an overview of the panel discussions and exhibitor presentations and, by clicking on the links below, you can watch recordings of all the sessions.

Opening day two was a panel discussion, hosted by FESPA’s Textile Ambassador, Debbie McKeegan, which explored the latest trends in wide format interior décor print.

Highlighting a number of the key market opportunities Terry Raghunath, Business Development for Printed Decorative Applications at HP inspired the audience in a session entitled ‘Doing more with décor’.

Advising on how your finishing operation could be turned into a profit centre, Laurent Bouchard, Owner and Patrick Marillier, Managing Director and Co-owner of KALA Finishing Systems uncovered hidden revenue generation opportunities. This was followed by guidance on how safety and productivity could be improved, using even less manpower.

Continuing with the subject of finishing, visitors had the chance to hear from Paolo Malatesta, Executive Director of Elitron, on how automation and innovation can deliver intelligent digital finishing.

Chief Marketing Officer of Kornit Digital, Omer Kulka then walked the audience through the company’s latest innovations in digital printing.

On the topic of innovation, Sebastian Tens, Head of Sales at PONGS revealed the latest in its DESCOR® product line, the company’s innovative interiors offering in textile architecture and a smart alternative to conventional wall design.

Showing print professionals how it’s possible to print on wide format natural fibres, Steve Richardson, CEO and Jerry Erich, Business Development Manager at Pigment demonstrated what can be achieved using the company’s latest products.

Substrates play a key role in interior décor print, as explained by Karen Blomenkemper and Renee Kruit from ASLAN® as they showcased the company’s newest developments in self-adhesive décor film.

Explaining why tension control is essential in interior décor printing, Commercial Director, John Selfhout of Klieverik showed how the company’s technology could be used to increase productivity, achieve greater uniformity, cut waste and reduce re-prints.

Curt Fischer, Vice President of Global Operations at STS Inks shared the latest market trends in wide format graphics and décor consumables and showed how the company’s technology can be used to increase digital print productivity.

Highlighting Hanglory’s HandTop Automation Solution, Managing Director, Rock Jiang showed attendees how they can increase productivity and reduce labour and production costs.

Throughout the day, visitors also had the opportunity to attend a series of product demonstrations which showed the new technologies in action.

In the coming year, as we adapt to continuous change, these presentations and new product innovations will be invaluable to printers. We all know that the coming year will bring new challenges. As ever, FESPA and its exhibitors are here to support you, giving you direction and guidance on how to be resilient and plan your recovery.

To access the full playlist of videos from FESPA Innovation and Trends – Wide Format, visit here.

Interested in finding out more about the latest solutions in wide format printing? At FESPA Global Print Expo 2021, we’re connecting visitors with a broad spectrum of exhibitors. Europe's leading exhibition for screen and digital wide format print, textile printing and signage. Discover the latest products, network with like-minded individuals and explore new business opportunites. Register now and use promo code FESH101 ​to receive a discount of 30 euros.