n microelectronics, and ASML develops advanced lithography systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. These semiconductor technologies integrate with printed components such as sensors and interfaces. Even when printing plays a supporting role, it is critical in enabling innovation.

Europe Compared with Other Regions

Chamond Media:
Where do you see the biggest gap between Europe and markets like North America or Asia?

Peter Buttiens:
Europe remains very strong in machinery production, inks, pastes and the specialised materials needed for printed electronics. Many leading conferences and innovation platforms are based in Europe, and companies from other regions often come here to see the latest developments.

Asia is advancing quickly and catching up in certain areas, but Europe still has a strong position in high-end industrial innovation.

Adoption, Sustainability and Regulation

Chamond Media:
Are European printers more progressive in adopting new technologies?

Peter Buttiens:
There is certainly strong adoption, partly driven by necessity. Traditional print markets are less stable than industrial applications. Industrial printing provides more consistent workloads and long-term opportunities.

Europe is also pushing boundaries in sustainability. We have been working with RoHS regulation for decades, ensuring safer electronic production and material transparency. Now we are looking at the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which requires products to be designed for easier repair, reuse and recycling.

Future products must be developed so that components – such as batteries – can be replaced, repaired or upgraded. This is a major shift and influences how printed components are designed.

Productivity, Cost and Energy

Chamond Media:
How are European printers balancing productivity, sustainability and cost pressures?

Peter Buttiens:
Printed electronics typically consume less energy compared with conventional electronics manufacturing processes. They use fewer materials and generate less waste.

Printing today is not just about producing graphics – it is a production process that can be energy-efficient, precise and scalable. That efficiency aligns well with today’s regulatory and economic environment.

Automation and Skills

Chamond Media:
How significant are skills shortages, and how is automation responding?

Peter Buttiens:
Automation is essential. High-tech cameras and sensors assist operators throughout the printing process. In printed electronics, production often takes place in clean environments using advanced equipment.

Operators increasingly function more like engineers. Instead of checking colour accuracy, they may be measuring electrical resistance. The skill profile is evolving alongside the technology.

Upcoming Regulation – Digital Product Passport

Chamond Media:
Are there regulatory developments printers should be aware of?

Peter Buttiens:
One major example is the Digital Product Passport (DPP), initially applying to textiles from 2027. Products will include a QR code linking to detailed information about sustainability, carbon footprint and material composition.

This supports the objectives of the European Green Deal and circular economy strategy. Consumers will also receive guidance on repair, reuse and appropriate recycling channels.

Similar requirements may expand to other sectors such as furniture and consumer goods.

Growth Areas Over the Next 3–5 Years

Chamond Media:
Which industrial printing segments do you expect to grow fastest?

Peter Buttiens:
Printed electronics will continue to expand, particularly into biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Print technologies are being used to develop medical tracking devices, advanced skin treatments and even new approaches to medicine delivery. There are also applications in cosmetics.

For example, more than 14 years ago, a company developed a pulsing electronic patch containing a hydrogel system for under-eye treatment. It combined printed electronics with cosmetic applications and was commercially successful.

This intersection between electronics, healthcare and printing presents strong growth potential.

What’s Next for ESMA?

Chamond Media:
What’s next for ESMA?

Peter Buttiens:
We have upcoming textile printing and sustainability conferences, particularly relevant given new regulatory frameworks and fast-fashion challenges from companies such as Shein and Temu.

We are also organising our Industrial Print Innovations (IPI) conference and IPI-H exhibition, alongside Screen Print Innovations events. These focused exhibitions aim to inspire innovation within the industrial printing market.

Listeners can find more information at ESMA.com.

Chamond Media:
Peter, thank you. Industrial printing in Europe is navigating regulatory pressure and economic challenges, but also significant opportunity for those investing in technology and automation.

Thanks for listening to printconnect. We’ll see you next time.