Your Weekly Large Format Print Briefing [Week 23, 2025]
Welcome to this week’s round-up for large format print professionals. From water-based ink innovation and new film ranges to software-ready desktop printers, the trends point to one thing: smarter, more sustainable, and more versatile workflows. Let’s dive in.
📢 In today’s Wide Format Brief:
🏆 Fujifilm makes waves with AQUAFUZE ink at EDP
🖨️ Roland DG rolls out BN2 desktop duo
🎨 ImagePerfect boosts wrap & decor options in North America
🧲 Drytac makes a mark with retail graphics install
🌍 FESPA 2025 reveals its top visionary speakers
📰 Top 5 Headlines This Week
1. Fujifilm Wins Big at EDP Awards with AQUAFUZE Ink
Summary:
Fujifilm took home three awards at the 2025 EDP Awards, including one for its water-based AQUAFUZE ink—a major recognition of its sustainability and performance strides.
Key takeaways:
AQUAFUZE is a hybrid water-based resin ink with low VOCs.
Offers compatibility with various substrates without primer.
Designed for signage, décor, and packaging.
Why It Matters:
Environmental compliance and performance no longer need to clash. AQUAFUZE’s low VOC profile aligns with growing print buyer demand for sustainability without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
2. Roland DG Launches VersaSTUDIO BN2 Series Globally
Summary:
Roland DG has launched its BN2-30 and BN2-12 desktop printers globally, targeting startups and creators who need affordable, high-performance UV and eco-solvent output.
Key takeaways:
Compact desktop format for small studios.
UV and eco-solvent options in the BN2 line.
Comes bundled with FlexiDESIGNER VersaSTUDIO Edition software.
Why It Matters:
The BN2 series lowers the barrier to entry for wide-format entrepreneurs. These printers pack serious output power in small footprints—perfect for customized apparel, signage, and decals.
3. ImagePerfect Expands Sign & Decor Film Range in North America
Summary:
ImagePerfect is growing its North American product lineup with new self-adhesive films tailored for sign-making, interior décor, and vehicle wraps.
Key takeaways:
Includes matt, gloss, and textured finishes.
Built for durability, removability, and strong adhesion.
Tailored for short- and mid-term applications.
Why It Matters:
A broader range of localized film offerings gives PSPs more control, less import dependency, and more room for creative, cost-effective applications.
4. Drytac Helps AllSaints Nail Retail Rollouts
Summary:
Dragon Signs used Drytac’s Polar Smooth 150 Air R to deliver in-store graphics across 25 AllSaints locations with precision and efficiency.
Key takeaways:
Excellent repositionability and air-release liner.
Quick install times = minimal store disruption.
Ideal for high-turnover retail environments.
Why It Matters:
Retail clients want fast installs, clean removals, and high visual impact. Media like Polar Smooth 150 Air R offer print providers a dependable go-to for volume store rollouts.
5. FESPA 2025 to Feature Leading Global Print Voices
Summary:
FESPA has announced the first wave of featured speakers for its 2025 Berlin event, emphasizing trends in textile, sustainability, automation, and AI.
Key takeaways:
Visionary sessions from industry disruptors and pioneers.
Focus areas include efficiency, circularity, and smart tech.
Set to shape buyer behavior through 2026.
Why It Matters:
If you want to see where the print industry is heading, FESPA’s programming gives a strong hint. The spotlight is on smarter, leaner, and greener operations.
🎯 This Week’s Strategic Takeaway
Water-based ink innovation continues to evolve rapidly—especially when tied to regulatory compliance and wide substrate compatibility. Print shops should evaluate ink flexibility in tandem with client eco-demands. Being first to deliver low-VOC, high-performance output could become a key differentiator.
❌ This Week’s Noise
Headline getting buzz but not worth your time:
Mimaki’s Metamo Exhibition Brings “Digital G.O.D.” to Amsterdam
While visually interesting, this artsy announcement has little to do with the practical advancements or business value of wide-format print tech. Unless you're booking a trip to the Stedelijk Museum, this one can be skipped by LFP pros.
📅 What’s Coming Up
Wide-format Summit – July 21–23 – Miami, FL
This exclusive leadership event brings together PSPs and tech innovators for three days of strategy, automation, and workflow innovation deep dives. Big brains, big ideas.
🔗 Wide-format Summit
🧠 Smarter Every Week
💡 “Don’t overlook short-term signage as a long-term client hook. Fast installs + low-VOC films = repeat retail business.”
Thanks for tuning into this week's Wide Format Brief!
Stay sharp, stay creative, and stay tuned for next week’s edition to keep your shop ahead of the curve. Until then—keep printing.