FESPA Printeriors 2021– showcasing new markets, opportunities and technologies for Interior Décor

FESPA's Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan discusses the new markets, opportunities and technologies currently available in Interior Décor. Printeriors 2021 that took place at FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 in Amsterdam showcased various print surfaces with sustainability and circular design being key in the concept and production of the materials.

The Interior décor marketplace offers a sector of unlimited opportunity for the industrial print industry. As a sector - its growth has continued throughout the pandemic as consumers refocussed attention and expenditure on their interior environments during lockdown.
 
As technologies have advanced so has the demographic of this expansive market. What was once a sector of mass-production led by designer brands and large retailers, the interior industry is now democratised. And that’s largely due to the applications and availability of digital printing technology.

Caption: Working closely with technology providers and industry professionals worldwide - Printeriors continues to a celebrate Print. Image features: Neon printed wallpapers supplied by SwissQprint and printed using Nyla4 technology. Velvet fabric, dye sublimated neon textile print supplied by Mimaki. Image credit: FESPA. 

Interiors have always been a vibrant sector for the creative – however launching a furnishing business once demanded significant investment. As ecommerce, 3^rd party fulfilment and digital technologies strengthen their foothold, the independent designer has become just as powerful as the retailer of the past. Spawning a whole new generation of designer brands and online retailers.
 
The technologies that are driving this change are evolving at pace, and have over the years become more efficient, more affordable and faster. Image quality has improved dramatically and alongside that so have the consumers expectations. As we move forward, we must harness the pixel and control the print process to create a digital twin of the online product. That’s not as easy as it sounds, and deep collaboration is required across the production workflow for this to be achieved. But - we are well on the way to achieving new heights of printed perfection to serve this ever-expanding marketplace and Printeriors presented the next chapter after an 18^th month pause for exhibitions across the world.

Caption: Focussing on Botanical forms, this years’ exhibit looked to nature for inspiration. Image features: Organic and responsibly sourced textiles provided by Premier Digital Textiles, printed using Pigment inks by Kornit Digital. Wallcoverings kindly supplied by Imageco, printed onto sustainable materials using HP latex technology. Wall art supplied by Eye for Colour, printed using Epson technology. Image credit: FESPA.

Starting with design the exhibit features illustrations and graphic elements designed by Jasper Goodall, a highly respected photographer and illustrator.

Focussing on Botanical forms, this years’ exhibit looked to nature for inspiration. The designs that were created from Jaspers’ collection challenge the manufacturer and producer using conventional technology – but not in the digital sphere.

Caption: Printeriors 2021 was produced in collaboration with the print industry, and without their dedication in a difficult year, the feature wouldn’t have been possible. Image features: Dynamic lightbox supplied by Vivalyte, wallcoverings supplied by Sentec International, printed using Canon UV technology. Wall Art – Eye for Colour printed using Epson technology. Image credit: FESPA. 

Utilising the worlds’ most advance digital printing technology, it was a pleasure to source and create interior products for this showcase. No stone was left unturned, every detail was explored, and we hope that if you visited the show that you were inspired. Sadly, due to travel restrictions many couldn’t attend this years’ event, but we hope to see you in Berlin for the next edition of Printeriors. The design collection created by Jasper will be expanded and we will once again present new tech and new applications - as this exciting sector of our industry develops.
 
Working closely with technology providers and industry professionals worldwide - Printeriors continues to a celebrate Print and aims to showcase and explore new developments, technologies, applications, materials and opportunities for the print Industry.

Caption: The technologies that are driving this change are evolving at pace, and have over the years become more efficient, more affordable and faster. Image features: Velvet Dye Sublimation printed cushions, fabrics and printing provided by CMYUK using Mimaki technology. Wallcoverings feature Vieka – Dimense latex printed 3D surface effects. Image credit: FESPA.

Printed surfaces included: Textiles, Wallcoverings, Acrylics, Laminates, Glass, Metal, Wood, Leather, Dynamic and Interactive Lightbox’s, Carpets, Rugs, Droptix, Upholstery, Fine Art and Accessories. The material choices for all these products were responsibly sourced wherever possible, as was the build of the stand which will be repurposed for 2022. Sustainability and Circular design were front of mind in concept and production and will be enhanced for 2022.

Caption: What was once a sector of mass-production led by designer brands and large retailers, the interior industry is now democratised. And that’s largely due to the applications and availability of digital printing technology. Image features: Organic Panama Fabric from Premier Digital Textiles, Printed using waterless Pigment printing technology from Kornit Digital. Image credit: FESPA. 

In tune with visitor’s expectations – Printeriors 2022 will also seek to explain applications and connect technology partners and customers. This year the questions were many – What? Why? and How? were expected – Where can I source? Was a rising request. Also in high demand were questions relating to Sustainability, Certification and Responsible production methods. It’s our aim to dive deeper into all aspects of the production process and workflow for the next edition in Berlin to bring you the information you seek.

Printeriors 2021 was produced in collaboration with the print industry, and without their dedication in a difficult year, the feature wouldn’t have been possible. I’d like to personally thank each and every industry professional that shared this journey: Prinfab, RA Smart, Premier Digital Textiles, EFKA, Vivalyte, Pongs, Chromaluxe, Loose Button, CMYUK, Surface Print, Texo-Trade, Imageco, Mediaco, Sentec International. And thank all of our partners for granting access to their incredible technology: Canon, Mimaki, Durst, EFI Reggiani, Zimmer, Kornit Digital, HP, SwissQprint, Agfa, Veika, Epson.