Dr. Simon Daplyn from Sun Chemical joins us to reflect on 2024's breakthroughs in the print technology industry. We explore how these milestones have steered print markets in unexpected directions amid global events like the Olympics and significant elections. We discuss Drupa 2024 and how this event shifted the spotlight from traditional machinery to software digitization and workflow automation, marking a resurgence of print's tangible appeal. 

We unpack the challenges and opportunities within the evolving landscape of water-based technologies in packaging and textiles. With regulatory changes and consumer preferences pushing towards aqueous solutions, industry players face dilemmas with drying processes compared to UV technologies. The textile sector battles high inflation and geopolitical tensions but finds hope in Asia's resilience, prompting strategic investments like Sun Chemical's new Shanghai facility. The decor industry's fate amid shifting consumer spending is put under the microscope, offering intriguing insights.

The transformative power of digital and inkjet printing is undeniable, as we delve into its role across industries from food packaging to textiles. Explore how digital solutions can revolutionize consumer engagement through advanced tools like QR codes and digital product passports, enhancing sustainability messaging. Despite risk and uncertainty, brands must capture consumer attention through digital innovation, ensuring a bright future for sustainable practices. With advancements in speed and quality showcased through hybrid digital flexo capabilities, the episode ends optimistically for digital printing's growing relevance.

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