FuturePrint Podcast

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353

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-GB

About the show

FuturePrint is dedicated to and passionate about the power of print technology to enable new opportunities and create new value. This pod features deep-dive discussions with the people behind the tech as well as market analysis, trends, marketing and storytelling!

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60 recent

June 3, 202629 min

#339 - Brand Cult, Marketing & the Power of the Physical Newspaper, with Kierian Cameron, Brand Cult

Send us Fan MailDigital marketing moves fast, gets measured in clicks, and disappears in a day. Print does the opposite, and that tension sits at the heart of our conversation with Kierian Cameron, the founding editor of Brand Cult, the UK’s first print-only business newspaper for entrepreneurs and founders.Kierian shares her unconventional path into publishing and brand building, then unpacks why Brand Cult stays intentionally offline. We talk about premium print media as a physical experience that changes perception: the feel of real newspaper stock, the way weight signals credibility, and why “just uploading a PDF” misses the point. If you care about print technology, print marketing, or how founders actually learn to scale and grow, you will hear how a well-made newspaper can become a tool for focus rather than another stream of noise.We also dig into the craft of building a brand world. Brand Cult arrives wrapped in tissue, sealed with a hand-poured wax stamp, and even carries a bespoke scent. Kierian explains how sensory details create recognition and emotional connection, and how that thinking extends to bold brand activation, including a travelling confession booth turned photo booth where founders share business sins and client horror stories at major UK business events.To close, we get practical about storytelling and strategy: why most brands make themselves the hero, how to flip the script so the customer is the main character, and why print forces you to be intentional because you cannot delete it 24 hours later. Subscribe, share this with a founder who feels stuck in the content treadmill, and leave us a review with your favourite print memory.Kierian has kindly given listeners a chance to sign up to receive Brand Cult at a discounted price using the code: FUTUREPRINTCULT which can be redeemed at brandcult.ukListen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 27, 202620 min

#338 - How Buskro Turns Mailing Know How Into Direct To Box Inkjet Printing, With Christophe Merlier & Charles Tonna, Buskro

Send us Fan MailA corrugated box looks simple until you try to print something different on every single one, at speed, with the same reliability you expect from industrial production. We’re joined by Charles Tonna, CEO at Buskro, and Christophe Merlier, VP of Research and Innovation, to explain how their 50-year heritage in mailing and high-throughput variable data is powering a new push into direct-to-box inkjet printing for packaging, pharma and food applications. We talk about what customers are really asking for right now: shorter runs, fast changeovers, start-stop capability, and less day-to-day printhead fuss. From there we get into the Argo platform and the idea of a modular printer that can scale as your needs grow, plus the practical value of being a fully integrated OEM that designs the transport, electronics, software, ink delivery and controls in-house. That approach matters when you want one accountable supplier for a complete print solution rather than a chain of vendors. You’ll also hear the story behind Buskro iconic Blue Door, and why it represents more than a colour. We explore modern printhead capability, real trade-offs around speed, and a show-floor “shoebox printer” demo that makes personalisation feel tangible. Finally, we look at RFID printing and encoding workflows that link a unique tag to a unique box, opening the door to better tracking, inventory accuracy and customer experience. If you care about industrial inkjet, water-based printing, variable data, corrugated packaging and end-of-line personalisation, this conversation is built to spark ideas. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave us a review with your take: where should packaging print go next?Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 15, 202631 min

#337 - Beyond the Grey Box: Why Storytelling, Trust and Human Connection Matter More Than Ever in Print

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Mark Stephenson about the launch of his new venture, The Spark Organisation, and why storytelling has become one of the most powerful differentiators in the print and technology industries.Drawing on nearly three decades of experience at Fujifilm, Mark reflects on the shift from traditional corporate communications toward more human, intuitive and emotionally resonant storytelling. In a world filled with “another grey box”, technical specifications alone are rarely enough to inspire confidence, build trust or create lasting customer relationships.The conversation explores why people remember how brands make them feel rather than simply what they say, and how authentic storytelling can help companies stand out in increasingly competitive and uncertain markets. Marcus and Mark discuss the importance of trust in B2B sales, the growing role of video and podcasts, the challenges of getting technical experts comfortable on camera, and why over-rehearsed corporate messaging often loses its emotional impact.They also examine how lockdown accelerated digital communities across print, the role of organisations such as IPIA, and why content should ultimately serve the audience rather than internal stakeholders.This episode is a thoughtful and often humorous discussion about communication, creativity, vulnerability, and the growing need for the print industry to connect through stories, not just specifications.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 12, 202625 min

#336 - From Chemistry to Connection - The Role of Marketing, Communications, and Storytelling in (Industrial) Print with Natalie Thrall, Nazdar

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Natalie Thrall, Marketing Manager at Nazdar, about the changing role of marketing, storytelling and communication in industrial print.Operating in a highly technical world of ink chemistry, performance data and application expertise, Nazdar faces the challenge of translating complex innovation into clear, engaging and commercially relevant stories. Natalie explains why the most effective communication starts not with the product, but with the customer - what they need, what will help their business, and what will make complex technology easier to understand.The conversation explores how B2B buying behaviour is becoming more like B2C, with customers researching, validating and forming opinions long before direct engagement. Natalie shares how Nazdar is responding through a more focused content strategy built around R&D capability, sustainability leadership, new technologies and partnerships.She also discusses the growing importance of short-form video, visual proof, customer success stories and authentic brand voice. From high viscosity ink demonstrations to solar panels at Nazdar’s California facility and inks used on NFL helmet decals, the episode highlights how technical performance can be made tangible and relatable.Natalie also reflects on the balance between storytelling and confidentiality, particularly in OEM work, and explains how internal alignment across R&D, sales and leadership helps create a stronger external message.A thoughtful discussion on how industrial brands can simplify complexity, build trust and communicate innovation with greater human relevance.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 8, 202631 min

#335 - B2B to B2H: Why Human-Centric Storytelling Is Reshaping Industrial Print with Matteo Conte, Polytype

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Matteo Conte, Marketing Manager at Polytype, to explore the evolving role of marketing and storytelling in industrial print.While the sector has traditionally focused on technical specifications and performance metrics, Matteo argues that a shift is underway - from B2B to what he calls “B2H” (business-to-human). As digital transformation and global uncertainty reshape buying behaviours, industrial marketers are increasingly recognising the importance of trust, emotion, and human connection in decision-making.Matteo shares insights from his first year at Polytype, where he has focused on elevating the company’s visibility and communicating its rich heritage, innovation, and global impact. He highlights the importance of authentic storytelling - grounded in reality rather than exaggeration - as a way to build credibility and differentiate in a crowded market.The conversation also explores how industrial companies can learn from B2C practices without losing sight of the unique dynamics of B2B, particularly when it comes to long-term investment decisions and multi-stakeholder buying processes.Finally, Matteo discusses Polytype’s latest innovations, including DigiCan for beverage can printing and the hybrid “Prime Offset” solution, both of which reflect changing market demands and the growing role of digital technologies.A thoughtful and timely discussion on how industrial brands can communicate more effectively in a rapidly changing world.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 4, 202624 min

#334 - GIS and the Hard Engineering of Inkjet Progress with Steve Williamson, Global Inkjet Systems

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Steve Williamson, CEO of Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), about leadership, technology, market change and the future direction of industrial inkjet.Steve reflects on his four years at GIS, having joined the business from outside the inkjet sector after a career in RF, defence and security. He shares how his initial assumptions about the market changed as he came to understand the complexity of industrial inkjet and the engineering challenges behind print quality, reliability and integration.The conversation explores the role of GIS as an enabling technology partner, providing drive electronics, ink systems and software for a wide range of applications, from textiles, ceramics and labels to additive manufacturing, aerospace and complex direct-to-shape printing.Steve also discusses his leadership style, the importance of building a strong senior team, and the need for commercial discipline, profitability and portfolio clarity. He explains how GIS is strengthening product management, improving testing and stability, and diversifying across regions and applications to build resilience.Looking ahead, the discussion turns to partnerships, collaboration and the need for the inkjet sector to work more effectively across the value chain. Steve highlights growing interest in robotics, complex 3D shapes and applications beyond conventional print.With GIS approaching its 20th anniversary, this is a thoughtful conversation about the hard engineering, teamwork and strategic focus required to move inkjet forward.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

May 1, 202629 min

#333 - Extending Performance: Why Printhead Recovery is Becoming Critical in Industrial Inkjet, With Aliasgar Eranpurwala, Seiko and Edgar Llop, People & Technology

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Edgar Llop and Aliasgar Eranpurwala about printhead performance, recovery, and the launch of a new diagnostic technology set to change how the industry measures print quality.The conversation centres on the introduction of ANA (Automatic Nozzle Test Analyser), developed by People & Technology and launched at Interpack. Designed to provide a detailed, data-driven assessment of printhead condition, ANA analyses printed patterns to identify missing nozzles, droplet deviations, clustering, and other factors that impact overall print quality.Edgar explains how the system moves beyond traditional visual checks, offering a precise “map” of printhead performance. This enables manufacturers, developers, and operators to better understand how printheads behave in real production environments, and to take a more predictive approach to maintenance and quality control.Aliasgar provides context from the Seiko Instruments perspective, highlighting the increasing demands placed on coding and marking applications. As the industry shifts towards more complex QR codes and higher data density, even minor defects can render codes unusable, making consistent print quality critical.The discussion also explores the realities of industrial inkjet environments, where dust, vibration, ink chemistry, and operator handling all influence performance over time. Together, these factors reinforce the need for both robust printhead design and effective maintenance strategies.A key theme throughout is collaboration. By combining Seiko’s expertise in printhead development with People & Technology’s capabilities in diagnostics and recovery, the partnership aims to extend printhead lifespan, improve reliability, and reduce total cost of ownership for end users.A timely and practical discussion on why measuring, maintaining, and understanding print quality is becoming just as important as achieving it in the first place.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

April 29, 202626 min

#332 - Metal decoration finds its digital moment with Dr Simon Daplyn and Phil Jackman from Sun Chemical

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Dr Simon Daplyn and Phil Jackman of Sun Chemical about the fast-evolving world of metal decoration, direct-to-shape printing and the growing role of inkjet in can production.The discussion begins by defining metal decoration, including the difference between three-piece and two-piece cans, and why each presents different production and decoration challenges. Phil explains how two-piece beverage cans are now becoming an important area for direct-to-shape inkjet, while three-piece applications continue to require specific ink and chemistry solutions.Simon and Phil explore why the market is changing now. Consumer behaviour, SKU proliferation, craft beverages, functional drinks, limited editions, regional campaigns and shorter product life cycles are all creating new pressure on packaging supply chains. Digital print enables brands to reduce minimum order quantities, avoid excess inventory, respond quickly to trends and decorate cans much closer to the point of demand.The episode also considers sustainability. With metal packaging gaining renewed attention because of its recyclability and circular potential, digital decoration offers further benefits by reducing waste, make-ready and obsolete stock.Finally, Phil discusses Sun Chemical’s latest developments, including UV, low-migration UV and emerging aqueous ink technologies for metal decoration. These advances are designed to support a broader range of applications, including areas where traditional UV inkjet has limitations.A timely conversation on why metal decoration may now be entering a new phase of digital growth.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

April 20, 202623 min

#331 - Why Digital Printing is Growing in an Uncertain World, with Christophe Imbert, Lubrizol

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, we speak with Christophe Imbert from Lubrizol about how digital printing is evolving in response to changing market conditions, and the growing role of chemistry in enabling that shift.Drawing on nearly two decades at Lubrizol, Christophe shares a perspective that connects materials science with real-world print performance.A central theme throughout the conversation is how global uncertainty is reshaping investment decisions across the print industry. While large capital investments are often being delayed, Christophe highlights how digital printing is continuing to gain traction as a more flexible, efficient alternative. Its ability to support shorter runs, reduce waste, and minimise energy and water consumption makes it particularly well-suited to a market that increasingly values adaptability.Sustainability is a key driver behind this shift. As Christophe explains, industries such as textiles are moving towards digital processes not only for flexibility, but also to significantly reduce resource consumption. The conversation explores how this is accelerating the adoption of water-based ink systems and more sustainable production methods, with digital printing positioned as a long-term solution rather than a short-term trend.The discussion also touches on regional differences, particularly the pace of change in China. Christophe notes the speed at which innovation is adopted and scaled, as well as the strong alignment between industry and long-term strategic investment. This dynamic is not only driving rapid growth in digital print, but also increasing competition, as Chinese companies become more responsive to global market requirements.From an application perspective, textiles remain a major area of growth, with a shift from dye sublimation towards water-based pigment inks across both small-scale and industrial systems. In packaging, the conversation reflects a more cautious market, with growing interest in smaller, more flexible print solutions alongside continued development in labels.Throughout the episode, Christophe emphasises the importance of looking beyond the hardware. Ink performance, dispersions, and the interaction between materials are critical to achieving consistent, high-quality results across different substrates and applications. As sustainability requirements increase, this level of technical understanding becomes even more important — particularly in areas such as recyclability and de-inking.Looking ahead, the message is clear: digital printing is not just an alternative production method, but an enabler of a more flexible, sustainable, and responsive industry. As market conditions continue to evolve, those able to align technology, materials, and application needs will be best positioned to move forward.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

April 15, 202626 min

#330 - From Mass Production to Mass Customisation: How Digital Is Rewriting the Beverage Can Market with Clay Oliff, Polytype America

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Clay Oliff, President and CEO of Polytype America Corporation, to explore how the beverage can market is being reshaped by changing consumer behaviour, brand fragmentation, and the rise of digital direct-to-shape printing.Once defined by high-volume, standardised production, the beverage can industry is now evolving rapidly. Consumers are demanding more variety, faster product cycles, and more personalised experiences, driving the growth of microbrands, ready-to-drink beverages, and niche segments such as canned wine and functional drinks.Clay explains how traditional dry offset printing - built for scale and consistency - struggles to meet these new demands. In contrast, digital direct-to-shape printing enables rapid design changes, short runs, and even mass customisation, dramatically reducing time from concept to shelf.The conversation also explores how packaging is becoming a dynamic marketing tool, with brands using cans for localised messaging, personalised campaigns, and variable data such as unique QR codes.Sustainability is another key theme. Digital printing supports recyclability by eliminating labels and enabling direct decoration, while new ink technologies and processes continue to evolve in response to regulatory and environmental pressures.While still in an emerging phase, digital can printing is gaining traction, particularly among agile brands experimenting with new formats and marketing strategies.Looking ahead, Clay outlines how Polytype is investing in digital technology and positioning itself for a future where flexibility, speed, and innovation define success in the beverage packaging landscape.Listen on:Apple PodcastGoogle PodcastSpotifyWhat is FuturePrint?FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, SpainFuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany