Printing United Expo 2025

How Innovation, Software, and Sustainability Are Shaping Print

The Think Factory is back on the floor at Printing United Expo 2025, where the global print industry converged in Orlando from October 22–24 at the Orange County Convention Center. More than 30,000 attendees from 104 countries explored 838 exhibitors across a million square feet, with energy and engagement across every segment—commercial, packaging, apparel, industrial, and wide-format graphics. Here are a few standout innovations and emerging trends that captured the spotlight during the event.

How Printing United Expo 2025 Connects Businesses with Clients Worldwide

Before hitting the show floor, we spoke with Danny Sween, CEO of M&R Equipment and a Printing United Board Member, who emphasized that the Expo is far more than a technology showcase: “The Expo is a great meeting place for business opportunities to transpire… It gives us a chance to meet with our customers, introduce new technologies, share ideas, monitor our competitors, and really come up with new ideas that we can take to the marketplace as well.” He highlighted competition as a catalyst for innovation: “At the end of the day, it’s a free-market enterprise… It is a competitive place, so we have to be at our best… Great innovation often comes from the smallest of participants, so we take them all seriously.”

“What we’re looking for most from this show is just getting to have those conversations with people,” said Nicole White, Content Strategist from Kern Laser Systems, a company specializing in large-format CO₂ and fiber lasers for cutting and engraving. She noted that the wide range of technologies—from DTF and embroidery to adhesives and stickers—makes it exciting to see how the broader industry comes together.

Long-time exhibitors echoed the Expo’s importance in connecting businesses with clients. Scotty Barocas, President of American Niagara, reflected on the show’s evolution: “I remember when it was called SGIA. I still call it SGIA… Now it’s Printing United. But I remember it when it was strictly just screen print, textile printing… We’re the smallest part now, the textile side.” He added, “This is the part that’s still a lot of hands-on. You know, all the other stuff is digital… Some are exhibiting software, robots…”

Automation, Custom Solutions, and Innovative Machinery on Display

Innovation was on full display across high-end automation and custom solutions. From Durrer’s specialized machines to Bixby International’s durable industrial films for high-friction surfaces, the technology impressed. “We just launched the ski and snowboard films officially two months ago. So we need to drive the growth there… We’re always working on new applications with clients as they come across our desk… One client, one challenge, one project, one solution. It’s customers coming to us with a problem, and then we work to solve it,” said Hal Panabaker, Global Industry Manager at Bixby International.

How Software Is Reshaping Design and Workflow Efficiency in the Print World

Endless optimization possibilities were showcased through advanced software designed for the print and packaging industry. EngView Systems’ Packaging Suite specializes in parametric structural design, letting designers set dimensions such as height or material thickness and watch the structure resize automatically—no structural engineer required. “So you’re actually standing next to a really cool F1 car that was all what we call parametrically designed… Then you can bring it into Adobe Illustrator, and in 3D, you can add your graphics and see what it looks like in real time. And then, even better, you can take your phone and look at it in augmented reality right on your storefront,” said Kris Hanchette, Vice President of Sales – North America, EngView Systems.

Esko’s AI-powered Phoenix software focuses on pre-production optimization, evaluating presses, substrate widths, and finishing methods to deliver highly efficient layouts for folding cartons and other packaging. By analyzing existing inventory, Phoenix helps businesses reduce waste, improve sustainability, and streamline production.

When it comes to software built for scalable ordering and workflow management, PageDNA stands out for simplifying and brand-controlling print workflows for franchise brands. Its cloud-based platform supports e-commerce storefronts tailored to print operations, allowing administrators to create curated catalogs, manage access rights, and oversee workflows from quote to fulfillment. Users can select a pre-configured bundle and receive high-resolution artwork files instantly. “In a second, you’re going to see our system take what normally would have been a manual process… into a process that’s streamlined,” said Steve Enstad, President of PageDNA.

Sustainable Printing Materials and Cost-Efficient Eco-Friendly Solutions

Sustainability was front and center as exhibitors showcased greener alternatives. At the Priplak exhibit, Thomas Vendetti explained how polypropylene sheets offer a stronger, more flexible alternative to brittle styrene and PVC: “I think it’s really important to understand that within the world of plastics, there are also ways to help impact the environment in a positive way.” Lighter and more durable, polypropylene allows companies to reduce material usage, increase yield, and provide safer, eco-friendly retail signage.

Cutting-Edge Printing Technology That Engages Attendees

Printing United is known for visually striking and technically sophisticated booths. Kapco, a coater and converter of flexible materials, demonstrated its ability to apply pressure-sensitive adhesives, functional topcoats, and coatings to enhance image vibrancy across diverse substrates.

Meanwhile, Inkcups turned heads with its direct-to-object printing technology, capable of high-throw prints up to 20 inches on a wide range of surfaces—from sporting balls and coolers to cylindrical and handled mugs. “We specialize in printing directly on all types of media, digitally or analog, and our equipment is set up to handle virtually anything a customer can bring to us,” said Butch Skelton, Southwest Sales Manager, Inkcups.

Why Industry Leaders Are Optimistic About 2026 Growth

Despite economic uncertainty, industry optimism remains strong. AGL Manufacturing anticipates a promising 2026, expanding its team across manufacturing, sales, and operations. LSINC is also preparing for growth with new dealers and installations, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. According to Laken Laird, Vice President of Business Affairs at LSINC: “We really want people who come in with fresh ideas, fresh perspectives. I think, in fact, a lot of times even people who are from outside the printing industry… can bring a new perspective that hasn’t been thought about in this industry before, and that’s what we’re looking for.”

Printing United Expo 2025 reaffirmed its role as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and inspiration—where technology, creativity, and sustainability continue to shape the future of the print industry.

—END—