Precision, Innovation, and the Future of Industrial Inkjet: A Conversation with Didier Rousseau

This article is inspired by a recent FuturePrint podcast interview with Didier Rousseau, founder of KELENN Technology.

Innovation in industrial printing has long been an incremental game. Yet, in an industry often defined by legacy processes, a handful of companies stand out as pioneers pushing the boundaries of technology. One such firm is KELENN Technology, an unassuming yet formidable player in the world of inkjet printing. Its founder, Didier Rousseau, is not only an engineer by trade but a strategic thinker who has steered his company to the forefront of industrial print technology.

Click on the image for the podcast interview with Didier Rousseau

In a recent conversation with FuturePrint, Rousseau articulated the philosophy that underpins KELENN Technology: a relentless commitment to research and development. The company reinvests 50% of its revenue into R&D, a striking departure from conventional business wisdom in an industry often constrained by razor-thin margins. "It's both a philosophy and a business approach," Rousseau explains. "We do not want to be just another company. We are here to innovate."

The KELENN Blueprint: Research-Driven, Market-Responsive

Founded two decades ago and headquartered just south of Paris, KELENN Technology is far from a typical inkjet enterprise. Its approach is simple yet effective: develop scalable, flexible technology that can be tailored to a variety of applications. While many firms specialize in either hardware or software, KELENN takes a more holistic approach, providing everything from print engines to fully customized printing solutions.

"Our customers come to us with different needs. Some require just electronics and software, others need a fully integrated printing system," Rousseau explains. "And then there are those who come to us for pure R&D, seeking to push the boundaries of what inkjet can achieve."

Despite its relatively small size—only 40 employees—KELENN’s influence spans industries. It provides solutions for packaging, security printing, direct-to-shape printing, and envelope production. "These are niche markets, but within major industries," says Rousseau. "For example, we are developing solutions to replace flexographic printing with high-speed inkjet, reducing downtime and improving efficiency."

Disrupting the Market with Proven Technology

One of KELENN’s defining characteristics is its focus on "proven technology." In an era where speed-to-market often trumps reliability, KELENN takes a different approach. "If you’re a customer, how long do you want to wait before your new printer is operational?" Rousseau asks. "With our semi-custom products, customers can begin production within a week of installation."

This emphasis on reliability stems from KELENN’s modular development strategy. Rather than reinventing the wheel for every project, the company builds upon existing technological building blocks. Ink management systems, electronics, and software are all designed in-house, making them both scalable and easily adaptable. "Everything is developed with a long-term view," Rousseau notes. "This is how we ensure both innovation and dependability."

Engineering for the Future: The Role of KT Labs

A cornerstone of KELENN’s success is its dedicated research facility, KT Labs. The laboratory functions as an incubator for next-generation printing technologies, housing approximately 50 pieces of specialized equipment used to analyze substrates, inks, and printhead interactions.

"The biggest challenge in inkjet printing is the interplay between the substrate, ink, printhead, and application," Rousseau explains. "KT Labs allows us to address these issues at a fundamental level. Our research team can prototype, test, and refine processes before they are scaled up for industrial deployment."

This capability allows KELENN to bridge the gap between R&D and industrial application more efficiently than many competitors. The result? Faster development cycles and a higher degree of certainty when introducing new printing technologies to the market.

The Markets that Matter: From Packaging to Security Printing

Looking at KELENN’s current growth trajectory, it is clear that packaging remains a key driver of innovation. "2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for flexographic replacement, corrugated printing, and direct-to-shape applications," Rousseau notes. "We are also seeing increasing demand for envelope printing—particularly high-end, high-speed applications."

Surprisingly, security printing is also emerging as a significant growth area. "For us, it’s a growing business," says Rousseau. "From banking to government ID applications, the need for secure, trackable print solutions is expanding. The challenge has always been cost, but we are developing solutions that integrate security features at a fraction of the traditional price."

These applications highlight the diversity of KELENN’s capabilities. Whether printing directly onto curved surfaces, optimizing high-speed envelope production, or embedding security features into packaging, the firm’s adaptable approach allows it to serve a wide range of industries.

The Broader Picture: Technology Agnosticism and Strategic Partnerships

KELENN maintains a pragmatic approach to printhead technology, partnering primarily with two major suppliers: Ricoh and Epson. However, Rousseau stresses that the company remains technology-agnostic. "Each application has specific requirements—viscosity, speed, drop size—so we select the best printhead for the job. We are not bound to any one supplier."

This flexibility is a strategic advantage, allowing KELENN to tailor its solutions more precisely than firms locked into proprietary ecosystems. "We adapt to the market rather than forcing the market to adapt to us," Rousseau explains.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for KELENN Technology?

With a strong pipeline of projects and increasing interest in its flexible packaging and security printing solutions, KELENN is well-positioned for future growth. The firm’s presence at industry events, including the upcoming FuturePrint Leaders Summit in Valencia, will provide an opportunity to showcase its latest innovations.

"At Valencia, I will be discussing how we are enabling continuous pouch production without stoppages, as well as our security printing advancements and flexo replacement strategies," Rousseau reveals. "These three areas represent exciting opportunities for industrial inkjet."

Ultimately, KELENN’s trajectory is a testament to the power of innovation-driven business strategy. By prioritizing research, developing modular technology, and maintaining a flexible, customer-centric approach, the company has carved out a unique space in the highly competitive world of industrial inkjet printing.

In an industry often content with incremental improvements, KELENN Technology stands out as a company willing to challenge convention—and, in doing so, redefine the future of print.