FESPA 2025: The Future of Digital Printing
FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 made one thing clear: the digital printing industry is entering a new era driven by automation, artificial intelligence and a genuine commitment to sustainability.
Once again, Kendu was at the forefront, exploring the latest innovations and driving forward with cutting-edge visual solutions for the retail industry. Reporting from Berlin, Eloy Palacios, Managing Partner & Director of Kendu LATAM, shares his insights into the key takeaways, challenges and opportunities that marked this essential edition for the industry.
How would you describe the current state of the digital print market following FESPA 2025?
FESPA 2025 confirmed what we’ve already been observing: the industry is undergoing a transformation. The most striking development this year was the growing presence of artificial intelligence across production processes; from colour control and machine operation to logistics management. We’re already seeing solutions that can predict system failures, adjust colour profiles in real time, and manage stock using machine learning. This is just the beginning of an accelerated shift, where AI will redefine production, decision-making and client relationships, becoming the backbone of the graphics business.
Which technologies or machinery developments could impact Kendu in the short term?
For us, Durst remains the benchmark for digital print technology. All of our production systems at Kendu are built around Durst, and FESPA only reinforced why that is. The brand continues to lead the way in precision, colour stability, data management and scalability. We saw progress in software, integration with MES systems, and improvements in response times, all clear signs of their commitment to the future of print.
What interests us most is how these technologies help reduce human error, prevent issues before they occur, and deliver a level of quality our clients not only expect but demand as standard. The majority of our clients rely on us to stay at the forefront of print technology, quality and colour control. And the only way to stay ahead is by investing in systems like Durst, which are already ready to meet the challenges of the coming decade.
In terms of finishing, we also saw important developments: automated cutting systems with vision technology, adhesive-free heat sealing, and cleaner processes that enhance energy efficiency and reduce waste.
Sustainability is more relevant than ever. How is the print sector addressing it?
FESPA 2025 was, without a doubt, the most sustainability-focused edition so far. It’s no longer just about recyclable materials or eco-friendly inks. It’s about redesigning the entire process to reduce environmental impact from initial design to end-of-life. More and more manufacturers are developing fully traceable lifecycle solutions, which directly impacts how retail campaigns are planned. Textile printing, in particular, is coming into its own. It’s flexible, lightweight, low-impact and, thanks to recent innovations, increasingly recyclable or reusable across many applications.
What challenges and opportunities lie ahead for Kendu post-FESPA?
Our main challenge is to keep investing wisely, with a long-term vision, so we can remain a benchmark in a rapidly evolving market. But the opportunity is clear: the sector is being redefined. Those who can successfully integrate technology, data intelligence and sustainability will be the ones to lead the change.
Meet Eloy Palacios
Eloy Palacios has a strong background in the retail sector, leading visual communication and technological innovation projects. He is currently Managing Partner & Director at Kendu LATAM, where he oversees the implementation of advanced tech solutions for major international brands. His strategic focus on process optimisation has allowed Kendu to significantly increase productivity across its sites in Mexico, San Sebastian and Miami, consolidating its position as a key player in the industry.
