Screen printing has evolved well beyond graphics printing. With its precision, durability, and design freedom, screen printing is redefining what is possible in manufactured products.
The European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association (ESMA) describes screen printing as an innovation driver for industrial manufacturing worldwide. To show how screen printing is powering innovation, ESMA will host Screen Print Innovations, a new conference that will be held June 3-5, 2025, at Messe Essen, Germany.
An Industrial Renaissance
“Screen printing today enables high-value, functional and often mission-critical applications,” explains Peter Buttiens, CEO of ESMA. “At SPI 2025, we will show that screen printing is not just relevant — it is esssential for those seeking innovation, customization, and performance in manufacturing and product design.”
At SPI, rsearchers, manufacturers, and brands will collaborate on the next wave of technological advances. Attendees will see how screen printing delivers results in areas such as:
- Automotive: Smart surfaces, capacitive controls, and premium design elements.
- Medical: Anti-microbial touch interfaces and durable diagnostics.
- Security: Color-shifting inks and micro-prints for authentication.
- Photovoltaics: Solar cell components for sustainable energy.
- Packaging: Tactile finishes and visual effects for powerful branding.
- Food Decoration: Intricate, food-safe graphics printed directly on confectionery.
New Technologies on Display
Exhibits at the show will highlight some of the latest advances in screen-printing inks, materials, and equipment.
Sun Chemical will show inks for human-machine interfaces where proven functional inks are complemented by specifically formulated graphic inks, for maximised visual impact and reliability.
Grünig and SignTronic will jointly present their modular concept for automated screen production.
KIWO will show how new screen-printable protective films safeguard sensitive surfaces such as membrane keyboards, head-up displays and input systems.
INO will showcase a new, fully automatic modular machine designed for high-precision printing on sensitive, transparent, and thin foils used in printed electronics, automotive and medical sectors.
Ink manufacturer Proell will present chemical products and adhesion promoters for in-mold decoration and film insert molding. They will also show inks for decoration of metal drums and beer crates.
CST will introduce new screen-imaging machinery series with resolutions above 12,000 dpi and laser power above 48W.
Technigraf will show an upgraded version of its combination dryer, featuring both UV and IR radiation in a single unit.
Gallus Rotascreen, a division of the Gallus Group subsidiary of Heidelberg, will introduce a modular rotary screen-printing unit that can bring rotary screen printing capabilities to all narrow-web flexographic printing presses, regardless of the manufacturer. Rotary screen-printing can add fine levels of detail and greater precision to flexo-printed labels. Screen printing can also add thermo-chromatic inks, glitter inks, textures, and braille lettering.
The Gallus Screeny unit will be available for print widths of 13, 17, and 23 inches and run at speeds of up to 120 m/min. It can be integrated into a rail system above existing printing units or mounted on a separate frame between units.
Thieme will present the fully automatic screen printing system developed specially for foils and sheet metal in the automotive sector, decorative panels, membrane keyboards, white/black goods and printed electronics.
Lüscher Technologies will reveal their groundbreaking innovation only at SPI 2025.
Innovation Theatre
In SPI’s “Innovation Theatre,” attendees will hear how technology users (including printers and brand owners) are using screen processes in specific market sectors.
Chris Vacca, a former Nike Innovation & Supply Chain Leader, will reveal how screen printers can score with major brands. Vacca will break down the winning formula for technology companies looking to work with major brands. Attendees will learn how to move beyond technical specs and deliver solutions that drive real business impact—securing long-term partnerships with global leaders.
Menno Bos, Sales Manager at Kimoto Ltd., will discuss how next-generation formable substrates will lead to innovations in flexible electronics for breakthrough applications in areas such as automotive lighting and decorative surfaces. He will explore the latest advancements in high-efficiency diffusion films and pre-cured hardcoat PC technologies and suggest ways to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
Philip Renners, Vice President of R&D for Witte Technology will discuss printed electronics for biomedical applications, including innovations in caring for the elderly. He will explain how printing machines can produce very lightweight, flexible, robust, and cost-efficient electronic components for wearables and medical technology applications. He will also talk about specialized roll-to-roll printing machines that will enable high-volume manufacturing.
To see the full schedule of speakers that will appear in the Innovation Theatre, visit: https://spi-europe.com/innovation-theatre
About ESMA
ESMA is the knowledge hub for the industrial, functional and specialty printing markets. ESMA membership includes 70 manufacturer members and technology partners. In addition to promoting screen-print innovations, ESMA offers educational events related to digital printing on textiles, printed interior decoration, glass printing, and chemical regulation for the print industry. To learn more, visit: https://esma.com/
For more information about Screen Print Innovation, visit: https://spi-europe.com/