by Jonathan Bultemeyer, SPI Ambassador
Sustainability is a term that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. While the intentions behind it are commendable, the challenge lies in making such a broad goal measurable. This article explores sustainability in the context of print, specifically focusing on its role in industrial parts and their longevity.
Understanding the Lifecycle in Sustainability
One of the most crucial aspects of sustainability is the timeframe over which the footprint is measured. The broader the scope of a product’s lifecycle, the more realistic the sustainability assessment—though this also makes the calculation more complex. The concept of cradle-to-cradle is widely used to represent a product's entire lifecycle, including some pre- and post-production processes. However, cradle-to-cradle typically considers only the product itself, not necessarily the lifecycles of its individual components.
by Peter Buttiens, CEO of ESMA
Screen printing, often perceived as the 'Cinderella' of the printing industry, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, outpacing the growth of digital printing in certain sectors. Its unparalleled versatility—the ability to 'print anything on anything'—has opened doors to innovative industrial applications, including electronics, cellphone antennas, fuel cells, and security printing.
Recent market analyses underscore this trend. The global industrial screen printing market was valued at approximately USD 695 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,176.2 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. (Source: coherentmarketinsights.com). In contrast, the digital printing market, while substantial, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% over the same period. (Source: grandviewresearch.com)
Keynote speakers to present groundbreaking advancements in screen printing for electronics, security printing, and green energy solutions at the SPI Innovation Theatre, 3-5 June 2025 at Messe Essen, Germany
Organised by ESMA, the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association, Screen Print Innovations (SPI) stands as the leading global event dedicated to screen printing. Unlike other trade shows where screen printing is a secondary focus, SPI is the premier platform exclusively for screen printing professionals. This event brings together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators to showcase cutting-edge advancements, showcasing the vast applications in the field from electronics and security printing to sustainable energy solutions.
