Print service providers (PSPs) are facing a challenge: delivering impactful visual communications in a crowded marketplace. Clients across industries need visual solutions that capture attention, elevate their brand, and make a lasting impression — without breaking the bank. This is where large format printing comes in.
Angelo Mandelli, Wide Format Product and Business Development at Ricoh Europe, provides valuable insight. With over 20 years of experience, Angelo has a deep understanding of the trends shaping the large format printing market.
In this interview, Angelo shares his expertise on:
- The expanding applications of large format printing beyond traditional signage.
- The rise of hybrid printing technologies and the advantages of UV inks.
- How Ricoh’s co-innovation approach helps businesses tackle challenges and achieve success.
- A glimpse into the future of the large format printing market and the importance of personalization.
Join us as we learn from Angelo’s insights and uncover what the future holds for large format print providers.
The Large Format Printing Market in Europe: A Booming Sector
Angelo is unequivocal in his assessment of the large format printing market in Europe: “It’s a booming market.” He attributes this growth to the widespread adoption of inkjet technology, which offers flexibility and opens doors to a wide array of applications.
Unlike traditional printing methods limited to specific materials, modern large format printers equipped with inkjet technology can print on anything from standard vinyl and rigid boards to more unconventional materials like wood, metal, and even textiles.
This versatility is driving expansion beyond the traditional realm of signage. Angelo points to interior decoration and industrial printing as two sectors where large format is making significant inroads. “We sold devices to personalize, for example, lockers. We sold the devices to personalize windows frames. Because with the UV technology, we can print on non-common material,” he explains.
Angelo observes a clear trend: the printing industry is moving away from rigid segmentations towards a more integrated approach. Just as commercial printers have embraced digital solutions for shorter runs and faster turnaround times, large format is becoming increasingly intertwined with other print sectors.
The Rise of Hybrid Technology and UV Inks
Two major trends are shaping the future of large format printing, according to Angelo: the demand for hybrid printing solutions and the increasing adoption of UV inks.
In the past, PSPs often had to choose between roll-to-roll printers for flexible materials and flatbed printers for rigid substrates. This is no longer the case.
“I’m recognizing that a lot of customers now are looking for hybrid solutions,” says Angelo. He observes a strong preference for compact, versatile devices that can handle both types of materials without requiring significant space or investment.
This shift towards hybrid technology aligns with the growing need for flexibility and efficiency in the printing industry. A single hybrid printer can now cater to a wider range of client needs, from producing banners and posters to printing on rigid materials like wood, acrylic, or metal for signage and displays.
Further fueling this transformation is the increasing popularity of UV inks. These inks offer numerous advantages over traditional solvent or eco-solvent inks, including:
- Instant drying: UV inks cure instantly upon exposure to ultraviolet light, eliminating the need for drying time and speeding up production workflows.
- Environmental friendliness: UV inks are free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a more sustainable choice for both print providers and their clients.
- Versatility in application: UV inks adhere to a wide range of materials, including those typically challenging for other ink types.
Angelo highlights that Ricoh offers a range of UV inks to meet the diverse needs of its customers: “Now we have industrial UV ink with higher resolution, but we also have flexible graphic card inks, and also, at Ricoh, we have these two types of inks.”
The combination of hybrid technology and UV inks represents a significant leap forward for the large format printing industry. These innovations empower PSPs to be more agile, efficient, and environmentally conscious while expanding their service offerings and unlocking new creative possibilities.
Navigating the Challenges: Economic Regulations and the Power of Co-Innovation
While the large format printing market is brimming with opportunities, Angelo acknowledges the challenges, particularly those stemming from stringent economic regulations in Europe.
Environmental awareness and sustainability are top priorities, and PSPs need to ensure their operations and offerings align with these concerns. “Customers pay attention to the use of green technology,” Angelo observes, emphasizing the importance of certifications, safety standards, and the use of eco-friendly materials.
He explains that Ricoh is committed to developing environmentally responsible printing solutions. This includes using eco-friendly inks and parts, and even embracing circular economy principles by reusing components from older devices.
However, navigating complex regulations and meeting evolving client demands requires more than just offering green technology. Angelo emphasizes the crucial role of Ricoh’s co-innovation approach.
“We are approaching our customer with a more consultatative approach,” he explains. “Able to offer an end-to-end solution with software configuration, ICC profile, media. So, in order to, if possible, improve the customer workflow, and if possible, announce or reduce maybe their time to produce something and improve productivity. So, this is the idea.”
A prime example of this co-innovation approach is Ricoh’s ColorGATE Productionserver. Angelo highlights how this solution enables PSPs to streamline their workflows, seamlessly connect different printing devices, and ensure consistent color output across various substrates and ink types.
By providing comprehensive solutions that address not just the printing itself but also the entire workflow surrounding it, Ricoh empowers its customers to overcome challenges, adapt to changing market dynamics, and achieve sustainable growth.
The Future of Large Format: Integration, Personalization, and One-Stop Solutions
Angelo envisions a future where the lines between different printing sectors become increasingly blurred. Just as the commercial printing industry experienced a seismic shift with the adoption of digital technologies, Angelo sees a similar transformation on the horizon for large format.
“I don’t see any more markets split into two different areas,” Angelo explains, referring to the traditional divide between sectors like cut-sheet, large format, and packaging. Instead, he predicts a convergence driven by client demand for integrated solutions and a seamless printing experience.
This means PSPs will need to be agile and adaptable, equipped to handle a broader spectrum of printing needs, from business cards to banners and beyond.
Angelo emphasizes the rising demand for “one-stop-shop” solutions, with clients seeking partners who can provide a comprehensive suite of services. This includes not just the printing itself but also software, workflow management, finishing options, and ongoing support.
Ricoh, with its wide range of printing technologies and commitment to end-to-end solutions, is well-positioned to meet this demand. “We have our own technology,” Angelo notes. “We have our printheads, inks, software, R&D, cut sheet, large format, flatbed, continuous feed. So, this is also part of our strategy — one-stop-shop and co-innovation approach.”
Alongside this industry integration, Angelo sees personalization as a defining trend for the future of large format. Just as consumers embrace personalized experiences in other aspects of their lives, they increasingly seek customized solutions for their printing needs.
“Customers would like to personalize everything,” Angelo observes. He cites the example of interior decoration, where customers are increasingly looking for unique, personalized designs for their homes and offices.
For PSPs, embracing personalization represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It demands a willingness to adapt, invest in flexible technologies, and work closely with clients to bring their unique visions to life. However, those who succeed in meeting this demand for bespoke solutions will be well-positioned to thrive in the large format printing industry.
The Future of Print is Large (and Bright)
The large format printing industry is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by technological advancements, shifting client expectations, and the need for both efficiency and sustainability.
The key takeaways for print service providers are clear:
- Embrace versatility: The future of large format lies in embracing hybrid technologies, exploring diverse applications beyond traditional signage, and catering to the growing demand for personalized solutions.
- Partner for success: Seek partners like Ricoh who offer a comprehensive suite of solutions, from cutting-edge printing technologies and software — like ColorGATE — to expert guidance and support, to navigate this changing landscape successfully.
- Focus on sustainability: Make environmentally responsible choices a core part of your business strategy, from the inks and materials you use to the workflows you implement.
Ricoh is dedicated to empowering print service providers with the tools and knowledge they
need to thrive in this exciting new era. By staying ahead of these trends and partnering with industry leaders, PSPs can confidently face the future and unlock the full potential of large format printing.
Ready to embrace the future of print? Contact Ricoh today to explore our range of solutions and discover how they can help you navigate the changing industry landscape with confidence and vision.
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