About FESPA
Founded in 1962, FESPA is a global federation of Associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community. FESPA’s dual aim is to promote screen printing and digital imaging and to share knowledge about screen and digital printing with its members across the world, helping them to grow their businesses and learn about the latest developments in their fast-growing industries.
TextilesResources.com: You have recently taken the charge as FESPA President, how is your journey so far with FESPA? And what are your top priorities going forward?
Daniel Sunderland: First of all, hello and thank you giving me the opportunity to communicate with your readers.
My journey with FESPA has been inspiring. Being able to connect with people as passionate and knowledgeable about the world of printing as myself, from very different regions of the planet, is simply incredible. The progressive return to strength of our events since 2021 has enabled us to reactivate the reinvestment programme that is central to FESPA’s organisational purpose, channelling profits from our events in support of the global speciality print community to learn, develop and adopt best practices. As we look forward, we remain dedicated to our community, and we will continue to support our members as they navigate the evolving landscape of the print and signage industries, as we have done for seven decades.
TextilesResources.com: What is your say about the digital textile printing industry in general and in regards to the textiles. How are the challenges and opportunities ahead?
Daniel Sunderland: One of the substrates that manufacturers of printing machinery have recently focused on is textiles. With the wide variety of new fabrics available and the innovative ways in which they are being used, there are now virtually no limits to what can be achieved with textiles. As such, we are aiming to personalise these products by printing unique and beautiful designs that meet the needs of both our clients and the market.
That said, the industry is constantly evolving, with new developments emerging frequently. The challenge, then, is how to stay ahead of new technologies, improved colour reproduction, better quality, enhanced textures, and faster production speeds – advancements that can shift the balance in your favour, depending on the region.
The best and most straightforward way to keep up is by attending your nearest FESPA show. There, you’ll discover fresh opportunities within your existing market, as well as the chance to explore new niches in an industry that is growing significantly.
TextilesResources.com: How about sustainability at FESPA shows? How important it is for you? Any message to the textile industry about environment on the occasion of World Environment Day?
Daniel Sunderland: At FESPA, we do not view sustainability regulations as a burden, but rather as a benefit. We don’t just follow sustainable technologies, we actively promote and drive them forward, and we believe it is essential to create a better future for generations to come. In 2024, we received ISO certification for Sustainable Event Management – and our events in Berlin operated under this accreditation.
While not all the countries represented by FESPA members are as advanced as those in the European Union, in terms of environmental protection, there is a strong appetite for knowledge in this area. This gap in knowledge has led us to develop Sustainability Guides to support printers as they adopt practices that minimise environmental impact. These Guides are designed to help businesses to position themselves competitively, giving them an edge in securing contracts from companies that prioritise sustainable printing partners.
As we all know, it is vital to continue seeking better and more sustainable ways to produce fabrics, so that this crucial industry can evolve in harmony with the environment.
TextilesResources.com: Will you be expanding the show in the future, perhaps into new territories or incorporating new categories?
Neil Felton: With FESPA Global Print Expo being a peripatetic event, as well as FESPA having 37 member Associations from across the globe, it’s crucial for us to accommodate all of them to the best of our ability. By altering the location of our flagship event each year, we are able to develop new and existing relationships, and uncover the trends in each regional market.
After a return to Berlin in 2025, the 2026 events will be held in Barcelona, enabling our global visitor base to explore the Spanish speciality print market. In addition, FESPA will be able to provide valuable insight into the latest innovations and trends in Spain, in Europe and across the wider print sector. It’s been almost 14 years since we were last in Spain and we’re looking forward to re-visiting the regional market.
FESPA specialises in the speciality print, signage and textile markets, and our global events provide an opportunity for visitors and exhibitors to explore the latest developments in these sectors. Yet, in these ever-evolving landscapes, we are also ready for a sudden change in trends due to shifting customer demands.
TextilesResources.com: Are you able to provide some information on the FESPA Foundation and its mission?
Neil Felton: Launched in March 2025, the FESPA Foundation is the sister organisation of FESPA and is dedicated to demonstrating print for good, encouraging sustainable practices throughout the speciality print and visual communications, and channelling resources into community support and educational outreach programmes.
As a global support organisation, our mission has always revolved around supporting communities, facilitating education and knowledge-sharing, and promoting sustainability. Through The FESPA Foundation, we can bring these core values to life beyond our day-to-day work, creating long-term value for communities across the globe. Those of us who live and breathe print believe wholeheartedly in its unique potential to engage, inform and inspire. By creating the Foundation, we want to harness the combined strength of our global exhibitor and visitor base, and demonstrate how, together, we can channel the power of print to drive positive change globally.
TextilesResources.com: Any message to the readers of this interview and visitors of textilesresources.com?
Daniel Sunderland: If they are not a member of their local FESPA Association, they are missing on lots of benefits that will allow them to be more efficient, have better quality and network with the best peers in the world.
