PrintXpand Insights: May 2025 Roundup

Here's your monthly peek at what's changing the print industry, from new technologies to environmental improvements, essential events, and strategic business moves. 

Continued Advancements in Digital Printing & AI

HP Unveils AI-powered Chatbot for Printers

HP has introduced a smart chatbot for industrial printers that delivers real-time diagnostic support, maintenance guidance, and predictive alerts. Built using AI tuned to understand print-specific workflows, it interprets logs, error codes, and historical data to suggest actionable solutions. It integrates with machine telemetry to flag potential issues before they escalate, cutting downtime and increasing productivity. Initial rollouts report faster troubleshooting and a noticeable drop in service ticket volume.

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Smithers Forecasts Strong Growth in Digital Packaging & Labels

A new report from Smithers says the market for digitally printed packaging and labels will double by 2030, growing to over $50 billion. The surge is driven by brand needs for personalization, faster prototyping, and demand for short-run, sustainable packaging. Technologies such as UV inkjet, electrophotography, and hybrid presses are enabling rapid production on flexible substrates. Growth is particularly strong in consumer-driven segments like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

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Adobe Updates Print Engine with Enhanced Automation

Adobe has upgraded its PDF Print Engine to version 6.2, focused on intelligent automation and cross-device consistency. New features include automatic job segmentation, improved spot color rendering, and tighter integration with workflow/MIS platforms. For variable data and high-volume environments, it enhances Raster Image Processor (RIP) performance while reducing manual prepress work. It also supports dynamic ICC profiling, helping multi-device print operations maintain brand color accuracy across substrates.

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💡Expert Insight & Tips: AI and automation are not replacing teams; they are simply empowering them. 

• Tip: Start by automating your most repetitive prepress steps, like RIP presets, layout imposition, or job ticketing. 
• Advice: Look for print systems that integrate AI incrementally, not disruptively. Whether it’s chatbots on your production floor or adaptive color workflows, small steps in smart automation can lead to massive gains in uptime, accuracy, and operator bandwidth.

Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2025 Sees 40% Growth with Sustainability in Focus

Labelexpo SEA 2025 saw record attendance and a clear shift in priority that sustainability is no longer a niche topic. Exhibitors showcased compostable label stocks, linerless labels, low-VOC inks, and digital embellishments with reduced energy loads. Highlights included live demos of presses powered by solar arrays and adhesive systems designed for easy recyclability. The show confirms that eco-innovation is becoming a primary decision driver for converters and brands alike.

📌Full report

ProAmpac Wins RadTech 2025 Sustainability Award

ProAmpac’s win at RadTech 2025 celebrates their launch of solvent-free, UV-curable barrier coatings that significantly reduce energy use while improving packaging longevity. Their single-pass solution eliminates multi-layer laminates, minimizing material waste and production complexity. This innovation reflects growing market demand for flexible packaging that’s both high-performance and environmentally responsible.

📌Read the announcement

💡Expert Insight & Tips: Sustainability is a smart business move in 2025 and is no longer restricted to being just a ‘moral one’! 

• Tip: Begin with low-barrier upgrades like switching to water-based or UV-LED inks. 
• Advice: Document your sustainability metrics (waste reduction, energy savings) and integrate them into client communications because eco-conscious buyers are increasingly asking for proof. It is true that those who can show their footprint and how they’re shrinking it are already ahead of the curve.

Key Events and Industry Connections

London Packaging Week 2025 Gears Up for Landmark 15th Edition

Registrations are open for LPW 2025, celebrating 15 years with new tracks on connected packaging, automation, and sustainability. The “Innovation Theatre” will host case studies from brands implementing digital finishing and smart packaging strategies. For printers looking to expand into high-value packaging, this event offers unmatched insights and networking opportunities.

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FESPA Relaunches Global Print Census; 2026 Expo Heads to Cape Town

FESPA’s relaunched census focuses on understanding trends in digital textile, wide-format, and specialty printing. Key areas include automation, sustainability adoption, and workforce transformation. The announcement of Cape Town as the 2026 host city highlights the growing relevance of African print markets.

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The Inkers Program Spotlights Emerging Print Talent

Launched by the VMA, “The Inkers” selects young professionals to receive mentorship across screen printing, digital textiles, and sustainable practices. Participants gain access to advanced labs and work on real briefs, offering them a pipeline for innovation and workforce development.

📌Read the details here

Printing United Expo 2025 Opens Registration

This year’s show in Las Vegas will feature a full “Smart Factory” experience with live demos of connected workflows, W2P automation, and AI-enhanced print lines. A new zone has also been added for e-commerce packaging and customized fulfillment solutions.

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SPI 2025 Highlights Cross-Sector Screen Printing

SPI’s latest conference explores unconventional screen print applications, including automotive coatings and chocolate packaging. Sessions will examine ink adaptability, food safety standards, and heat-resistant layering, broadening the boundaries of screen printing.

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Printing United Alliance Expands iLearning Courses

With a growing need to upskill print teams, the Alliance’s new on-demand modules cover topics like digital press calibration, advanced color theory, and sustainability certifications. These short, focused courses are ideal for keeping teams sharp in evolving workflows.

📌Explore courses

💡Expert Insight & Tips: Industry events aren’t just for big players—they’re growth engines for shops of all sizes. 

• Tip: Choose two events this year and go in with a plan. Target at least three vendors or sessions aligned with your 12-month goals. 
• Advice: Don’t just attend the event. Try to engage as well. Ask questions, follow up, and stay connected even after the event ends because the ROI from one good connection can last years.

Investments & Acquisitions

E-Magen Acquires MAJOR Suite’s Hybrid Software Platform

Magen’s acquisition brings together a powerful hybrid platform combining prepress tools, job ticketing, and cloud MIS. The goal is to eliminate silos between design and production, reduce turnaround times, and support scalable automation. The integration is expected to reduce quoting and job setup time by up to 40%.

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GEWA Doubles Output with Twin Bobst Press Investments

GEWA’s addition of two new Bobst digital label presses significantly boosts capacity and production speed. The company can now offer hybrid UV/water-based printing, with advanced variable data and embellishment options, serving premium markets like beverages, cosmetics, and gourmet foods.

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Sprite Labels Installs High-Speed Inkjet Lines

Sprite Labels has invested in four new inkjet presses featuring inline finishing and smart QC inspection. These upgrades support complex VDP, embellishments, and serialized QR codes, all at speed. The move strengthens their position as a quick-turn partner for high-volume, high-customization orders.

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