FuturePrint Podcast

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In 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.
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What 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, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

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In 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.
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What 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, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

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In 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.

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What 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, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

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In 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.
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What 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, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Send us Fan Mail
In 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 Podcast
Google Podcast
Spotify

What 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, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany