FESPA Digital in Germany exceeds expectations

Innovative wide-format technology at FESPA Digital 2011

Grant Potgieter, managing director of South African branding and printing group November1, was there to get a hands-on look at the latest trends, new technologies, applications and innovations in wide-format digital printing.

"The show has been overwhelming to say the least. The options are virtually unlimited and the amount of digital machinery, ink technologies and fabric manufacturers have exceeded my expectations," says Potgieter.

Last year's FESPA in Munich demonstrated that digital is now the prevalent technology within the sign and display sector. This year, one of the most noticeable trends is the move toward environmentally friendly solutions, "There is a massive move over here from an environmental perspective and I foresee these trends coming our way in no time," says Potgieter.

Other show highlights include a Fabric Live! Fashion Show, FESPA Create! (a day dedicated to agencies and brands), the Digital Debate and the Digital Textile Conference.

FESPA 2011, the fourth in its series, was the biggest yet. The exhibition has grown by 70% since it began in 2006, demonstrating the dynamic growth of the wide-format print sector. As the show's tagline says, digital has taken one giant leap forward, and November1 plans to do the same by embracing the new technologies and ideas they have encountered.