- A dynamic format to explore many key topics for the sector.

- Under the spotlight: green printing, automation, innovation in technologies and materials, as well as personalization, embellishment, competitiveness, and traceability — and not forgetting opportunities for young people.

- The world of corrugated, central to this edition of Print4All, takes center stage in dedicated meetings.

Milan, 14 May 2025 – From 27 to 30 May, during Print4All 2025 — the event organized by Fiera Milano in collaboration with ACIMGA and ARGI — the WearePrint4All Hub will serve as the cultural and strategic heart of the event. A space for networking and training designed to offer high-value content, featuring a lineup of meetings, talks, and focused deep dives: agile and to the point, these short formats are intended to stimulate dialogue and share visions, ideas, and innovations around the main evolutionary drivers in the printing & converting industry. The program, structured around particularly relevant topics for the sector, will help professionals, stakeholders, companies, and young people understand a rapidly changing market, highlighting critical issues and development opportunities.

THE WORLD OF CORRUGATED: TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE

Corrugated cardboard will be one of the highlights of Print4All 2025. In addition to the presence of top industry companies and dedicated initiatives, there will also be specialized training sessions, where top players, associations, and experts will outline the future of the sector.

On 27 May, the official opening will take place, hosted by ACIMGA and ARGI (at 2:00 PM), featuring Fabio Panetta, Secretary General of GIFCO (Italian Group of Corrugated Cardboard Manufacturers), and project promoters Marco Bertola (Fosber) and Maura Sartori (HP) from the Corrugated Experience initiative.

At 2:30 PM, the session “A New Manual for Box Manufacturers” will feature Andrea Mecarozzi and Riccardo Cavicchioli (Italian Association of Box Makers), presenting the new manual titled “Corrugated Cardboard Packaging. General Information and Production Aspects – Technical and Commercial Guidelines”. This manual is the result of a joint effort by the Italian Association of Box Makers, a pool of topic-specific experts, and selected clients. The goal is to enhance industry knowledge, facilitate client relationships, and define best practices to foster the growth of box-making companies.

That same day, at 3:00 PM, Aldo Mazzocchi (tesa Europe) will lead the session “Sustainable Packaging Without Compromises: tesa's Solutions for a Circular Future”.

On 28 May, several events will delve into the sector’s hottest topics.
At 11:00 AM, Maura Sartori (HP), together with LIC and Ghelfi Ondulati, will present the workshop “Powered by Innovation: HP Digital Corrugated Solutions and Proven Customer Success”.

At 12:00 PM, Jean-Michel Santarella (CE Coatings Siegwerk) will reflect on “Traditional and Printed Barrier Coatings for Corrugated Packaging”, followed at 2:30 PM by Roland Stasiczek (Canon) with “Digital Excellence in Corrugated Packaging Print”, offering Canon's market perspective and showcasing their innovative digital printing machine for corrugated cardboard.

A broader market overview will be presented at 3:00 PM by Andrea Mecarozzi and Giorgio Bramezza (Associazione Italiana Scatolifici - Italian Association of Box Makers) in “Italian Box Makers in 2024: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead”, where results from an internal survey mapping the current state and future prospects of the sector will be shared.

At 4:30 PM, Aladino Franceschini (GIFCO) will present “GIFCO Activities for Training and Technological Information in Corrugated Packaging Production”.

On 29 May, two talks will focus on innovation in the sector:

at 12:00 PM, Nicolò Della Torre (Simec Group) will discuss “Efficiency, Innovation, and Control: The New Frontier in Corrugated Transformation”; at 2:30 PM, Marco Capoferri (Sei Laser) will present “Innovation and Sustainability: The Digital Revolution in Box and Display Production with Corrugated Cardboard”.

SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN PRINTING

Today, sustainability is increasingly interwoven with innovation.
On 27 May at 3:30 PM, Felip Ferrer (COMEXI) will lead “Designing Sustainable Packaging”, discussing sustainable design principles for flexible packaging, with examples and solutions.

Also on 27 May at 4:00 PM, Andrea Formigoni (DEC) and Anna Paola Cavanna (Laminati Cavanna) will talk about “Technological Innovation for Low-Environmental-Impact Flexible Packaging”, outlining a practical path toward high-performance yet sustainable converting solutions.

On 28 May at 12:00 PM, attention turns to the adhesive tape industry with “Want More - Get More? Between Regulatory Compliance and Sustainable Product Development in the Tape Business”, featuring Silvia Casellato, Peter Nissing, Oliver Sombrey, and Luigi Barbareschi (Lohmann), showcasing solvent-free solutions like DuploFLEX® GRIP.

On 29 May, two green-themed events: at 11:30 AM, HP presents “Investing in Green Printing Today: Innovation, Safety, and New Generations” with Roberto Giorgio, exploring the intersection of innovation, safety, and sustainability.

At 12:00 PM, William Boarolo (EPC) presents “HRT™ Technology: Ending the Trade-Off Between Sustainability and Operating Costs in Solvent Recovery Plants”, showing how the HRT™ Hybrid Recovery Technique overcomes the conflict between compliance and economic sustainability.

AUTOMATION AND AI IN PRINTING & CONVERTING

The future of printing largely depends on the ability to effectively invest in and apply automation and artificial intelligence.

On May 28 (10:30 AM), Marco Panzeri and Mattia Riviera (OMET) will open the discussion with “Data Collection and IIOT as the New Drivers of Production Efficiency,” offering insights on how data collection and artificial intelligence can make production processes more traceable, digital, and efficient.

Later that day, at 2:00 PM, Federico Cabitza (University of Milano-Bicocca) will deliver the keynote speech “From Artificial Intelligence to Hybrid Intelligence: New Human-Machine Alliances in the Printing and Converting Industry.” The session will explore the concept of hybrid intelligence, which arises when skilled operators and intelligent systems work together, learning from and influencing one another. Drawing on examples from multiple sectors and emerging applications in the graphic and packaging industries, the presentation will show how these technologies, when properly used, can increase productivity without diminishing human value.

At 4:30 PM, Ricoh will present “A Timeless Muse: Art, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Printing,” examining the added value that emerges from the fusion of creativity and technology. The session reflects on AI not only as a productivity tool, but as a new “muse” for the graphic arts industry.

On May 29 (4:00 PM), Michele Mingotto (XEROX) will address “The New Customer Experience: Conversational AI and Personalized Printing,” analyzing the opportunities for customization in the age of generative AI.

INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND PRINTABILITY

As printing becomes an increasingly experiential medium, attention shifts not only to technology, but also to the intrinsic value of surfaces and materials.

On May 27 (12:30 PM), Emanuele Ricci will host “Materials, Surfaces, and Light – At the Origin of Beauty,” a behind-the-scenes look into the world of perceived luxury, where texture and refraction become storytelling tools for brands and packaging.

On May 29 (11:00 AM), Massimiliano Klimciuk (Canon) will explore the potential of UVgel media in “UVgel Media! The Perfect Match!”

Later that day, at 3:00 PM, Giovanni Re (Roland DG) will present “Dimense: The Fourth Dimension of Visual Communication – Where Texture Creates Emotion,” pushing beyond the concept of surface and showing how structured printing can engage the consumer’s emotional and tactile senses. This innovation opens new frontiers in interior design and sensory branding.

PERSONALISATION AND BRAND ENHANCEMENT

Today more than ever, print serves as an added value to brand identity. To highlight this, Print4All’s conference program includes two keynote speeches dedicated to personalization.

The first, scheduled for May 27 at 2:00 PM, will be delivered by Valentina Falcinelli (Pennamontata) and titled “Change the Paradigm! From Printing Cost to Brand Value.” This disruptive talk challenges the traditional view of printing as a final step, instead framing it as a process that goes beyond the physical product, involving recognition, personalization, memorability, and trust. The presentation will propose shifting from a print-centric mindset to one that focuses on what truly matters to brands: the support and partnership of the printer.

The conversation continues on May 29 (2:00 PM) with Arturo Carile (BOEM) and his keynote “From Container to Connector: Packaging as an Experience That Ignites Brands and Generations.” The session explores the strategic evolution of packaging—from mere container to communication lever and connection point with new generations, for whom the pack often represents the first experiential touchpoint with the brand. BOEM will share a case study on its own rebranding, driven by a community-co-created packaging design aimed at expressing identity, sparking curiosity, and generating engagement.

CREATIVITY AND ENHANCEMENT TECNIQUES

Embellishment techniques are powerful tools in the printing world, transforming print from a technical medium into one of art, impact, and distinction.

On May 28 (11:30 AM), Konica Minolta will present “One Step Beyond: Beyond the Limits of CMYK Printing,” a journey beyond primary colors to explore new chromatic possibilities and finishing effects.

On May 29 (12:30 PM), international expert Pat McGrew will deliver “Make it Sparkle! Creative Print Brings You Superpowers!”—a call to embrace embellishment technologies such as varnishes, embossing, foils, and digital enhancements as key differentiators to help brands and products shine amid the noise of the global market. These tools not only add value but also strengthen brand identity and authenticity—crucial factors in the luxury segment. The session will showcase successful packaging and advertising campaigns.

MADE IN ITALY AND COMPETITIVENESS

The strength of Italy’s printing sector lies in its ability to transform artisanal expertise into advanced industrial technology.

On May 28 (12:30 PM), the panel “The Excellence of Made in Italy in Capital Goods and Printing: A Lever for International Competitiveness,” featuring Alessandro Fontana, Marco Taisch, and Enrico Barboglio, will offer a broad reflection on the sector’s strategic role in green transition, innovation, and export capacity.

PRINTING SECURITY AND TRACEABILITY

Printing also plays a critical role in ensuring security and identity. On May 29 (2:30 PM), Marc Hunsänger (Koenig & Bauer) will present “Protected at Print: Security in Packaging,” an in-depth look at technologies designed to protect brands and consumers in markets increasingly vulnerable to counterfeiting and tampering.

MARKET FOCUS: TRENDS, REGULATIONS, AND TECHNOLOGIES

Print4All also serves as a forum to assess the market landscape and regulatory frameworks, offering technological insights and future-oriented perspectives.

On May 27 (2:30 PM), FESPA Italia will present “Printing Well and Beautifully Between Screen and Digital,” exploring new techniques and professional expertise.

That same day, at 4:30 PM, Michela Pibiri (PRINTlovers) will host “Pack Around Presentation: From Circular Economy to New Technological Frontiers,” a deep dive into the world of packaging. Conducted in collaboration with Stratego Group and Largo Consumo, and with input from top Italian university experts, the study examines all aspects of packaging, with a focus on current and future investments. Key findings include attention to sustainability, technological investment, and innovation.

On May 28 (10:00 AM), the Flexo Development Group by Acimga will present “Flexo Printing: Trends, Forecasts, and Emerging Markets,” providing a global overview of the flexographic printing machinery trade and forecasts for the next four years, with a focus on high-growth potential markets.

At 11:00 AM, HP will offer its perspective on the industry’s evolution with Martina Corradi’s session “Market Trends and the Future of Printing.”

At 2:30 PM, Carlo Carnelli (ACIMGA) will present “ISO 12647-10: Standardizing Gravure Printing for Packaging,” a key tool to strengthen the international competitiveness of Italian companies.

At 3:00 PM, during the session “Paper and Print: Becoming Intelligent,” organized by Federazione Carta e Grafica (the Italian Paper and Graphics Federation) as part of its literacy promotion initiative, neurologist and psychotherapist Pierluigi Brustenghi will engage in a conversation with journalist Enrico Sbandi about the importance of analog learning for our brains in the era of AI.

At 4:00 PM, ACIMGA will launch its new specialization group with “The Converting Group Is Born,” created by a founding committee to bring greater visibility to the converting sector.

Also on May 28 (5:00 PM), the ARGI Observatory will present publishing and commercial printing market data.

On May 29 (10:00 AM), Stefani Dhami will discuss “From ERA to GRA – A Bold Step Towards Global Expansion,” outlining the European Rotogravure Association’s transformation into the Global Rotogravure Association. The talk will highlight the industry’s historical evolution, its shift from publication printing to packaging, and the association’s global expansion strategy.

At 10:30 AM, Alessandro Mambretti (TAGA Italia) will delve into “Technical Considerations on Measuring Metallic Colors and Evaluating Inks and Coatings for Food Packaging.”

Finally, at 4:30 PM, “Girls Who Print” will officially launch the Italian chapter of the world’s largest network of women in the industry, opening a discussion on gender equality and inclusion.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG GENERATIONS

One of the key goals of the WearePrint4All Hub is to engage with the younger generations. The printing world needs fresh energy, and the trade show becomes an opportunity to meet young people and share with them the wide range of opportunities offered by the market, as well as its great technological and creative potential.

On May 30 (10:00 AM), “Mattia Makes Boxes,” a project by Assografici, ENIP-GCT, ARGI, and ACIMGA, will directly address students who are about to choose their high school path. Through an orientation video on careers in printing and packaging, the project tells the stories of four young professionals who chose to work in the sector, highlighting skills, roles, and job opportunities.

The program will close at 11:30 AM with IULM University students presenting “A Printless World – Can a world without print exist?” – a provocative question they attempted to answer, sparking a broader reflection on the role of print in today’s and tomorrow’s society.

The full schedule of events is available at www.print4all.it.

(Last updated: May 14, 2025)