APIGRAF was present at Print4All Conference, meeting which brought together associations, manufacturers, specialists and professionals from the printing and packaging industry to discuss the changes that are redefining the sector.
Under the motto “Humans Print the World”, the conference began by highlighting the evolution of the associative movement itself, notably through the examples of ACIMGA and ARGI. The two Italian organizations presented the route to integrate companies linked to digital technologies, extending a representation that was traditionally more concentrated in offset equipment manufacturers.
Artificial Intelligence occupied an important part of the program. More than presenting technology as an automatic solution, the interventions stressed that the results produced by AI should be understood as raw material. The quality of the questions, the context provided, human experience and judgment continue to be decisive in transforming a plausible answer into a truly useful work. As it was summarized during the conference, intelligence is not delegated: it is combined.
The programme also addressed the growing adoption of AI in printing and converting operations, comparing the reality of European and North American markets, as well as issues related to the diversity and participation of women in industry.
Accessibility of packaging was another of the subjects highlighted. European requirements on readability, accessibility, environmental claims and sustainability, including the new European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and different standards applicable to accessible design, opening, handling and printed information, have been examined.
The conference ended with an analysis of the major geopolitical and economic changes, from the increasing digitisation to the reorganization of supply chains, through tariffs, sanctions and industrial policies that are conditioning business activity.
The participation of APIGRAF has enabled us to closely monitor these trends, strengthen relations with congener organisations and gather relevant knowledge to support Portuguese companies in the face of technological, regulatory and economic challenges that mark the future of industry. The next edition of the Print4All fair will take place between 25 and 28 May 2027 at Fiera Milano.