Martin Teilberg, Global Marketing Manager at Nilpeter, discussed flexo trends, the importance of data, opportunities in South Africa and more.

1. What are the top 2026 flexo industry trends?

The biggest trend in 2026 is that flexo continues to strengthen its position as the most scalable and commercially robust technology for mainstream label production. We see converters investing in higher automation, wider use of Extended Colour Gamut (ECG), stronger workflow integration, and significantly improved productivity.

At the same time, we see more converters working with multiple technologies. But it is important to be clear: we do not see a future where hybrid press configurations, combining flexo and digital in one machine, will dominate the market. Instead, we see converters building production environments where different technologies are combined in a way that makes commercial sense for their business. In that setup, flexo remains the backbone due to its speed, efficiency, and cost advantages.

We also see a much stronger focus on live production data. Converters want real-time visibility into performance, waste, uptime, and repeatability. That data is becoming essential for making faster and better decisions. At Nilpeter, this is a key focus area, because the real value lies in turning data into actionable improvements on the shop floor.

2. What are the challenges and opportunities in the South African flexo market?

South Africa is one of the most established packaging and label markets on the continent, and that creates real opportunity. There is strong demand for quality, brand differentiation, and production reliability, especially in segments such as wine, beer, spirits, and premium consumer goods. At the same time, customers are under pressure to deliver more flexibility, shorter runs, and faster turnaround.

The challenge is that converters need to balance investment discipline with the need to modernise. Productivity, automation, skills, and consistency are becoming more important, because competition is increasing and customers expect more. The opportunity is clear: converters that invest in efficient, highly automated flexo platforms can position themselves very strongly in a market that is evolving and professionalising quickly.

3. What are some persistent myths about flexo printing?

One myth is that flexo only makes sense for long runs. That is no longer true either. With today’s automation, reduced setup times, and improved repeatability, flexo is far more competitive on shorter and more complex jobs than many still assume.

And finally, there is still a myth that digital will automatically replace flexo. We do not see it that way. The market is moving towards hybrid thinking, in which converters mix technologies where they add value to their business, not replacement. Flexo remains the industrial production engine because of speed, scale, and economics.

4. Will we see an increase in AI-driven workflow optimisation this year and how will this streamline production and benefit printing businesses?

In 2026, AI is becoming more practical and less theoretical in print production. We see it being applied in planning, estimation, prepress optimisation, quality control, and predictive process improvements rather than replacing operators on press.

The real benefit is better decision-making and less waste. AI can help identify inefficiencies faster, optimise job planning, improve repeatability, and reduce the amount of manual intervention in the workflow. For converters, that means shorter lead times, fewer errors, better use of materials, and more stable production economics.

But it is important to stay grounded. AI will not fix a poor workflow on its own. The real value comes when AI is built on strong process control, reliable machine data, and an integrated production environment. That is where we see the industry heading.

5. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, where does the flexo industry fit in with this, and in which areas are we seeing the greatest sustainable impact?

Flexo is very well positioned in the sustainability agenda, especially when it is automated and configured for efficient production. The biggest impact comes from reducing waste, lowering energy consumption, shortening setup times, and improving right-first-time performance. Sustainability in print is not only about materials, it is equally about production efficiency.

We are also seeing sustainable impact through smarter colour strategies such as ECG, better workflow control, and technologies that reduce material loss and unnecessary stoppages. In our view, the strongest sustainability gains come when converters combine machine efficiency, data visibility, and process standardisation. That is where sustainability becomes measurable.

6. Closing thoughts?

It is a very exciting time to be working in flexo. The pace of development is high, and we see wider machines, higher levels of automation, and rapid progress within data utilisation and AI. This is fundamentally changing how converters approach production and decision-making.

At the same time, we are operating in a world that is more unpredictable than it has been for a long time. Political uncertainty, supply chain challenges, and global instability all put pressure on our industry.

That combination makes it both challenging and exciting. It raises the bar for all of us, as suppliers and as converters. The ones who succeed will be those who can adapt quickly, make the right investments, and build production environments that are efficient, flexible, and resilient.

CSM – NILPETER AGENT
https://csm-sa.co.za

Printing SA calls upon golf and padel enthusiasts to dust off their clubs and grab their padel rackets for another day on the course and court. Africa Print, Sign Africa and Modern Marketing are proud to be expo and media partners.

This premier networking event combines a passion for sport with valuable business connections. Rub shoulders with industry peers in packaging, signage, print and the visual communications industry in an informal setting.

Date: 24 April.
Time: 10AM-11PM.
Venue: Modderfontein Golf Club, Centenary Street 1, Johannesburg.

For registration and ticket information, click here.

PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
http://www.printingsa.org

The Africa Print Cape Town Expo, held at the CTICC on 11-12 March, attracted visitors from all over the Western Cape as well as other parts of South Africa such as Gqeberha, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Potchefstroom, and from across the borders such as Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia.

Exhibitors were pleased with the turnout and quality of leads they generated and the sales made:

‘The highlight for us was networking with new resellers in the market. We haven’t been in Cape Town for a long time, and to meet with old resellers and new ones is good for us,’ said James Motaln, Big 5 Distribution.

‘One of the highlights was exposure: we had a lot of youngsters showing up from institutes and graphic designers that aren’t usually exposed to the industry. These visitors could be new entrants to the industry, and it’s always good to empower and inform them about this glamorous industry, and have them be part of it,’ said Brandon Bok, Printing SA.

‘We had four or five really good quality customers come through that I feel that we would not have been able to connect with (if we weren’t at the show). I’ve been trying to connect with them for the last year and that was really a highlight,’ said Lee-Ann Roos, ORAFOL.

‘It was a very good event and it was good to touch base with old clients and meet some good potential new ones, and of course to introduce them to some of our exciting new products,’ said Adam Querido, Graphix Supply World.

‘The show was good for us, and the Change One Woman (C1W) event was amazing. We had amazing clientele coming in, they were fun to deal with,’ said Jo Human, Indisol.

‘We launched some new products which got really got good traction like our HEXIS HXONE wrapping vinyl. There were some nice corporate customers that came through, which was great for us because we want to supply our product but we also want to know how the product is going to be applied and that it is used the right way. Educating the end user is becoming more important to us, and connecting with corporates and advertising agencies is key,’ said Illze Bester, Kolok Graphic Supplies.

‘The quality of people that came through was very good. We managed to close deals. The visitors asked valid questions and showed a lot of interest in the equipment. There are more customers that are now aware of the other products that we offer,’ said Graham Beck, Chemosol.

‘The atmosphere was great, there were a lot of new people that came through, a lot of new suppliers, and another highlight was the efficiency of the organisers. It was smooth running and we had no issues. It was exciting and we will definitely be back next year,’ said Lizelle Jacobs, Signbox.

‘A highlight of the show is that we get to educate visitors, and that’s one thing that people need but don’t do themselves, they don’t research and get the answers they’re looking for. So it’s really cool that even though they’re not coming to buy they get educated and understand what the technology is about and what the advancements are,’ said Darren Pieterse, Graficomp.

‘There were qualified visitors. I gave out a lot of business cards and price lists, and I really felt that it was good value. The C1W event was a tremendous initiative that I’d like to be a part of, that I can maybe give back to younger woman starting out in business,’ said Lauren Weaver, Vic Bay.

Judges visited each stand at the expo and judged them according to criteria based on design, construction, traffic flow, presentation, attitude of staff and messaging. The results are as follows:

Africa Print

Africa Print first place shell scheme small: DTF Printing Africa

Africa Print first place shell scheme medium: National Screen and Digital Supplies

Africa Print first place floor space small: Geniprint and Hitech Graphics
Africa Print second place floor space small: LBY Africa

Africa Print first place floor space medium: FESPA Foundation
Africa Print second place floor space medium: Printing SA

Africa Print first place floor space large: Sign-Tronic
Africa Print second place floor space large: Allrich

Sign Africa

Sign Africa first place shell scheme small: JG Electronics
Sign Africa second place shell scheme small: Headwear 24

Sign Africa first place shell scheme medium: ZSK Embroidery
Sign Africa second place shell scheme medium: Chemosol

Sign Africa first place floor space small: Graficomp and Trodat
Sign Africa second place floor space small: Acrylux

Sign Africa first place floor space medium: Midcomp
Sign Africa second place floor space medium: Kolok Graphic Supplies and ORAFOL

Sign Africa first place floor space large: Indisol Roland
Sign Africa second place floor space large: Titan-Jet

Sign Africa first place floor space mega: Graphix Supply World
Sign Africa second place floor space mega: STIXO

Other 2026 Expo Dates:

– Durban: Wednesday and Thursday, 27-28 May 2026, Durban ICC
– Johannesburg: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8-10 September 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre

AFRICA PRINT EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.africaprintexpo.com

The successful Change One Woman (C1W) networking event was held at the Africa Print Cape Town Expo on 12 March. C1W is an initiative dedicated to empowering women in signage, print and branding through connection, conversation and support.

Women gathered to discuss their challenges, career journeys, and business opportunities at the valuable networking event. The event was proudly sponsored by NUtec Digital Ink, Kolok Graphic Supplies, Avery Dennison, Midcomp, Graphix Supply World and DTF Printing Africa.

‘We want to create a ripple effect of women in the industry,’ said Charnia Yapp, C1W founder and Africa Print Expo organiser. ‘This is an initiative for women in signage, printing and branding finding ways to support each other and tackle industry related challenges. We create a place for women in our industry, where you can network and start making more meaningful connections.’

‘We are not competitors here,’ said Ilisna Lane, Sales Manager Southern Africa at NUtec Digital Ink. ‘We all work for the same industry. Everybody has got something unique that they can bring to the table.’

‘Just build a friendship outside of the office with somebody that shares the same challenges. We’ve got to keep on showing up for these functions and network with and learn from one another.’

Save the date for the next C1W networking event, taking place at the Africa Print Durban Expo on 28 May at the Durban ICC. RSVP: info@c1w.co.za.

The C1W website, a platform featuring information on upcoming C1W networking events, news and informative women-led content and information on training opportunities, is live. Website visitors can also get an overview of what C1W is about, and how to get involved.

Get Involved

– Visit the C1W networking-events at the expos.
– Get involved in this mentorship programme.
– We want to publish more interviews with women in the industry and articles written by women in the industry.
– If you offer any training, let us promote it to the C1W network.
– Share or use the expertise or services in the C1W network.
– We are always looking for sponsors of the C1W networking events and give-aways.
– Follow C1W on Facebook and LinkedIn to create an online community and attend the networking events.

CHANGE ONE WOMAN
https://www.c1w.co.za/get-involved/

Big 5 Distribution is showcasing a range of printing solutions at the Africa Print Cape Town Expo, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, 11-12 March at the CTICC, 9am-5pm.The company’s brands include Citizen, Astro Nova and GoDEX.

Citizen

The CL-S621II is a precision engineered, fast and easy-to-use unit that includes all the capabilities of the CL-S521II plus the option to print in both direct thermal and thermal transfer modes.

The CL-S700III series is designed to combine everything users love about label printing with unparalleled user experience. It is an ideal industrial label printer for manufacturing, warehousing and logistics businesses.

The CL-S400DT is designed to provide simple, cost-effective, high quality label printing on a range of media, making it particularly suitable for producing boarding passes, swing tags, festival and concert tickets.

Astro Nova

The QuickLabel QL-E100 features standalone, colour print capabilities that provide high-quality, professional results. Designed with emerging businesses and entrepreneurs in mind, the QL-E100 is easy-to-use, compact, portable, and features a built-in touchscreen interface for seamless print management.

GoDEX

EZ120: EZ100 series offers robust mechanism and simple operation methods for printing retail, warehouses, logistic and transportation, government and administration labels and tags.

The GX4200i is an ultra-high speed industrial thermal printer with an intuitive video touch screen, with a robust steel design.

The RT863 is a high-resolution 600dpi printer, featuring thermal and thermal transfer print modes.

Please register online for free attendance to the Africa Print Cape Town Expo, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, 11-12 March 2026 at the CTICC, Hall 2, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, 9am-5pm.

BIG 5 DISTRIBUTION
+27 72 219 8022
james@big5.co.za
www.big5.co.za

Midcomp has announced its participation at the Africa Print Bloemfontein Expo. The event is taking place 11 February 2026 at Ilanga Estate, from 9am-5pm.

Attendees visiting the Midcomp stand can look forward to seeing the HP Latex 630W P&C, and learn more about the company’s PPU and PPUGRO programme.

The new HP Latex 630 printer series completes HP’s Latex range and makes white ink technology available to Print Service Providers (PSPs) of all sizes. White ink allows users to produce a more impactful range of signage and décor jobs with stunning image quality and colours that jump off the page, creating attention-grabbing campaigns for end-customers. The HP Latex 630 family also provides the HP Latex 630 and 630 W Print and Cut option, giving customers the option of upgrading to a dual-device solution with print and cut functionality.

Pay Per Use (PPU) Programme And PPUGRO

With this comprehensive and customised programme, users can enjoy peace of mind with no unexpected costs and subscribe to a fixed monthly cost per square metre based on their location. There is no minimum print volume required. PPU covers a user’s ink supplies, printheads, cleaning cartridges, service maintenance kits, labour and spare parts, and is an ideal solution for cost-efficient printing. Midcomp representatives will also be available to explain the benefits of the PPUGRO solution in which Midcomp offers a PPU Programme that now gives customers the option of including a printing and finishing system as well as RIP Software, consumables (excluding media), service costs and insurance charged at a predetermined variable rate per square metre that the customer prints. At the end of every month, a customer will be sent a spreadsheet detailing the jobs they have printed in that month as well as the total square metres printed. Midcomp applies the variable rate per square metre and sends a customer one invoice.

Midcomp will also showcase its range of media and textiles from renowned brands such as: Drytac vinyl, wallpaper, backlit film and floor vinyl; HP vinyl and wallpaper; Contra Vision® original one-way vision perforated window film; Palram rigid Palboard and Palfoam; Viking digital textiles, gazebo and umbrella fabric; MC Xtreme rigid range Correx and PPH; PolyXtreme, a new ABS alternative available in semi-gloss, non-reflective and prismatic finishes; BIOND bio-based, carbon-neutral films; Euro-Flex Vinyls including gloss and matt lamination films, gloss and matt monomeric vinyl and sand blast vinyl; and PALIGHT foam PVC sheets.

Additionally, Midcomp will exhibit its various software and workflow/production solutions.

Please register online for free attendance to the Africa Print Bloemfontein Expo, taking place 11 February 2026 at Ilanga Estate, from 9am-5pm.

MIDCOMP
+27 11 789 1222
sales@midcomp.co.za
http://www.midcomp.co.za

Experience opportunities in packaging, as well as commercial and label print trends at the Africa Print Bloemfontein expo, taking place 11 February 2026 at Ilanga Estate, from 9am-5pm. The event will feature live on-stand demonstrations, conducted by product experts from all the leading brands and companies. They will also advise you about the latest and most relevant products to help streamline and grow your business.

Visitors can see the latest opportunities in commercial print solutions, encapsulating and laminating, digital label printing, branding, binding equipment, digital packaging solutions, graphics, digital printing and other cutting edge technology.

Please register online for free attendance to the Africa Print Bloemfontein Expo, taking place 11 February 2026 at Ilanga Estate, from 9am-5pm.

Other 2026 Expo Dates:

– Cape Town: Wednesday and Thursday, 11-12 March 2026, CTICC
– Durban: Wednesday and Thursday, 27-28 May 2026, Durban ICC
– Johannesburg: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8-10 September 2026, Gallagher Convention Centre

I want to exhibit.

AFRICA PRINT EXPO
+27 11 568 1894
www.africaprintexpo.com

Printing SA will educate visitors about their member benefits and services at the Africa Print Cape Town Expo. The event takes place Wednesday and Thursday, 11-12 March at the CTICC, 9am-5pm.

Printing SA represent the interests of the printing, packaging, branding, creative design, marketing and communications industries. They ensure the industry is sustainable and that all stakeholders and, in particular, its members, prosper.

Visitors will have the opportunity to speak to representatives to find out about their member benefits, such as: human resources consultancy services; industrial relations consultancy services; B-BBEE advisory and consultancy services; commercial, technical and legal expertise; industry representation and training.

With the Members’ Portal, Printing SA members have exclusive access to a host of great online tools from industry research, tenders, RFP’s/Q’s, marketing material, templates and so much more.

Please register online for free attendance to the Africa Print Cape Town Expo, taking place Wednesday and Thursday, 11-12 March 2026 at the CTICC, Hall 2, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, 9am-5pm.

PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
http://www.printingsa.org

Social media use remains extremely high. Back in 2019, industry voices were already asking whether a ‘digital backlash’ was on the horizon as people began to question the impact of constant screens and social media on their own lives and their children’s education.

Six years later, the picture is clearer: a mass exodus from social media or digital tools has not been seen. However, there is a growing movement to establish healthier boundaries, especially in schools, and a renewed appreciation for the unique benefits of print on paper.

At Two Sides North America, its mission is to promote the sustainability and effectiveness of paper, based on facts. So, what do the facts say today? The evidence suggests continued high use of social media, with signs of plateaus and shifts in platform popularity, rather than a broad decline.

A January 2024 Pew Research Center study found that 83% of U.S. adults use YouTube, 68% use Facebook, about half use Instagram, and nearly a third use TikTok. These figures are slightly higher than in previous years, indicating modest growth. Among teens, social media use is even more prevalent. A July 2025 Pew fact sheet shows that about 7 in 10 U.S. teens visit YouTube every day, with 15% doing so ‘almost constantly’, and 57% report using TikTok daily.

There is little indication that social media participation is declining; however, we do see platform shifts. For example, teen use of Facebook and X is far lower than it was a decade ago, while YouTube and TikTok dominate.

Based on this usage, there is growing concern about time spent and mental health impacts,  particularly for heavy teen users, which is steering policy debates, but not a user-driven abandonment. In other words, usage is still high, but public skepticism and regulatory attention are clearly rising.

What we are learning about technology in the classroom?

In education, we are seeing a meaningful push to limit smartphones and rethink ‘all-digital’ approaches. This has driven a rapid increase in school smartphone bans. UNESCO reports that approximately 60 education systems worldwide (30%) had laws or policies banning the use of smartphones in schools in 2023. By the end of 2024, that number had grown to 79 systems (about 40%), highlighting a clear global trend toward restricting phones in the school environment.

In the United States, cellphone bans are gaining momentum. As of September 2024, at least 15 states had passed laws or policies limiting student cellphone use in K-12 schools, and seven of the 20 largest U.S. school districts forbade phone use during the school day.  A 2025 NCES brief reports that most public schools already restrict phone use during class, and more than half of school leaders believe cellphones negatively impact academic performance. Parents are getting on board with 68% of U.S. adults supporting a ban on phone use during class in schools.

There is a clear, research-supported shift toward limiting the use of smartphones in classrooms. This is not a return to a pre-digital world, but a recognition that unfettered access to phones can undermine attention, learning, and well-being.

Beyond phones, some education systems and schools are reconsidering just how far to push digital textbooks and one-to-one devices:

In Finland, after years of promoting laptops in classrooms, the town of Riihimäki has returned to printed textbooks in many subjects, citing concerns about distraction and focus. Teachers and students report that their reading and concentration improved when they returned to books.

A 2024 report from Bay View Analytics, covered by Inside Higher Ed, found that college professors still overwhelmingly believe print textbooks are more effective than digital, even as digital options proliferate. Education scholars are also raising concerns about the shift toward digital-only educational material. A 2025 article in Education Next argues that as schools abandon well-structured print textbooks for fragmented digital resources, teaching and learning suffer, particularly for struggling students who benefit from coherent, sequenced print materials.

These developments don’t mean schools are ‘anti-technology’. They indicate a growing recognition that paper textbooks and print materials provide structure, reliability, and cognitive advantages that many digital tools still struggle to match.

Research about reading on paper vs. screens

Newer studies continue to find subtle but important advantages for reading on paper, especially for deeper comprehension.

A large study led by researchers at the University of Valencia, published in late 2023 and summarised by Axios, found that print reading is more strongly associated with reading comprehension than digital reading, based on data from more than 450,000 participants.

In 2024, a meta-analysis of dozens of studies found that students consistently scored higher on comprehension tests when reading on paper compared to screens, a pattern often described as the ‘screen inferiority effect’. According to the study, screens can affect the amount of time we spend with content, as well as physical factors like eye strain, and built-in distractions such as notifications or pop-ups. All of which can contribute to a lack of focus or comprehension.

Recent research suggests that screens are suitable for quick information, short texts, and interactive exercises, but paper remains superior for sustained, focused reading and deep learning, particularly for students who are still developing foundational literacy and study skills.

For Two Sides North America, this reinforces what many teachers, parents, and professors tell us anecdotally: paper isn’t nostalgia: it’s a proven learning tool.

Print and digital can co-exist

Digital use is widespread and intense, and the public clearly does not desire a digital reset or a complete abandonment of devices. But if we redefine a digital reset as a rebalancing of our relationship with technology, especially for children and students, then that desire is much more prominent.

In recent years, policymakers, educators, and parents have been increasingly willing to limit the use of smartphones in schools. As school systems find that screens are not delivering their promised benefits, they have moved on to experimenting with a return to printed textbooks, while new research continues to highlight the cognitive and educational advantages of print for comprehension and retention.

At Two Sides North America, we believe this is not about being ‘pro-digital’ or ‘anti-digital’. It’s about choice, balance, and evidence. Digital tools are powerful, especially when used thoughtfully. But they do not replace everything. For structured and consistent access to information, focused learning, and deep reading, there is still no substitute for paper.

TWO SIDES NORTH AMERICA
https://twosidesna.org/us/

In an uncertain economic landscape, there is a compelling argument for sitting tight with the assets one has. However, the market isn’t just uncertain, but it is also changing rapidly, and with these changes come opportunities. Focus Label Machinery discusses whether investing in a new label printing press, which requires a large capital investment, is worth the money.

The global label printing market is projected to reach over US$53 billion (about R900 billion) in value by the end of 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.09%. The businesses in the best position to take advantage of this growth are those that invest in the technology needed to meet evolving customer demands. Businesses that play it safe risk missing out on lucrative opportunities and on being sidelined by newer and more agile companies.

Unfortunately, failing to adopt new technologies in label printing quickly enough can harm a business financially by reducing its market share and agility in these ways:

Falling behind competitors: the greatest drivers of growth in the global labour market are in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions. If these competitors already use advanced printing methods and you’re not, their labels will likely be better designed, more sustainable, or more quickly and cheaply produced. This can make their products more attractive to customers and end users.

Higher long-term overheads: sticking to older equipment can result in longer lifetime cost of ownership than timely investments in new technology. This is because older equipment often requires more maintenance towards the end of its life-cycle, and higher levels of waste and energy use can drive up operational costs. Additionally, inefficient processes create longer production times, equating to money lost.

Reduced flexibility and efficiency: without the latest label printing technologies, a business might struggle to meet the growing demand for variable production runs, fast turnarounds, and hyper-personalisation. This can result in missed opportunities, as well as eroding trust and credibility among customers.

Sustainability issues: in its drive towards carbon net zero, the UK government (and international jurisdictions) are introducing stricter environmental regulations on an almost monthly basis. Businesses that stick to ‘outdated’ printing methods and older technologies might find themselves penalised for excess energy use or waste, or even harmful production practices in the future. Investing in the newest technologies helps to keep a business future-proof and one step ahead of potential regulation.

FOCUS LABEL MACHINERY
https://www.focuslabel.com