By Cassandra Balentine
Print industry leaders are gearing up for 2026. Published in the November print issue, several organizations from digital print, finishing, and workflow share how they are heading into the new year.
Agfa
Agfa’s strategy for 2026 is built around accelerating innovation in wide format inkjet printing for sign and display, sustainable ink technology, and seamless workflow integration—delivering future-ready, all-encompassing solutions tailored to market demands. “The company plans to progress expansion of its wide format inkjet printing solutions and make continued upgrades to its workflow software, Asanti, and plans are underway to further develop its sustainable ink range,” offers Arnaud Calleja, VP, digital printing solutions, Agfa.
Further strengthening Agfa’s market position is the exclusive multi-year partnership with BHS Corrugated for the exclusive delivery of single pass water-based corrugated printers and ink supply. This collaboration merges Agfa’s cutting-edge inkjet capability with BHS’s corrugated expertise, providing the company with significant enhancements in terms of print speeds, automation, reduced costs, and operational flexibility suited for today’s dynamic packaging demands. In addition, through our OEM ink business we will continue to deliver innovative inkjet inks to third-party manufacturers for specific industrial applications.
Canon U.S.A.
Canon is entering 2026 with momentum and confidence. At PRINTING United, it demonstrated how its portfolio is advancing to support customers across all segments of print, from commercial to large format to packaging.
Rob Reddy, SVP, production technologies and solutions, Canon U.S.A., points out that the commercial launch of the varioPRINT iX1700 will offer customers a robust B3 inkjet press that blends offset-quality output with digital versatility.
The upcoming varioPRESS iV7, Canon’s first B2 inkjet press, is another milestone that will help providers expand into new markets.
In label printing, the LabelStream LS2000 continues to answer demand for speed and quality in a growing segment. Canon is also continually building on the success of the ProStream 3000/2000 to further strengthen its productivity and brand quality and, for our transactional customers, the ColorStream series will see some exciting updates in 2026.
While many of the new products focus in on gaps in the current portfolio, Canon continues to invest heavily in its traditional transactional market as well.
On the large format side, the Colorado XL-series adds scalability and modularity to address the widest range of applications in Canon’s history.
“These product introductions are matched by a strong investment in services. Canon’s professional services organization and new training programs help customers maximize their technology investments quickly. But Canon’s commitment extends beyond products. Our expanded professional services and training programs help ensure customers are maximizing their investments from day one. We’re also focused on developing the next generation of printing professionals and engineers, to empower continuity and long-term success for customers. Our goal for 2026 is to enable customer transformation through innovation and unmatched support,” notes Reddy.
Customer’s Canvas
For 2026, Dmitry Sevostyanov, CEO, Customer’s Canvas, says its focused on delivering more comprehensive solutions for its clients. “We’re strengthening our platform with automation and AI to cut manual work, expanding integrations with ERP, MIS, and eCommerce systems, and tailoring our solutions to high-demand areas like packaging, direct mail, promo, and franchises. At the same time, we continue to invest in onboarding, success packs, and template services to help customers see faster results.”
Durst
Durst is strongly positioned for 2026 on three fronts, technology leadership, customer success, and sustainability.
“We continually offer new and expand solutions with greater automation, modularity, and ink innovations,” says Steve Lynn, executive director, Durst North America.
In terms of customer success, the company constantly reviews and scales its service organization to provide industry leading support.
And in terms of sustainability, Durst is advancing its R&D in energy efficiency, waste savings, ink compliance, and recyclable material compatibility.
EMT
Although Mike Herold, EVP, marketing and sales, EMT International, anticipates some ongoing turbulence in the industry, most of which will come from outside influences such as geopolitical issues, global supply chain, and changing economic policies, EMT is in a fantastic position to continue supporting its partners and customers.
“We are well known for helping companies meet demanding requirements for value-generating solutions. And for the North American market, we are the only company manufacturing a complete line of standard and customized digital finishing solutions for the printing and packaging industries. This is something that can be extremely beneficial to customers and partners, not only because of the economic factors, but also because of our ability to support solutions with engineering expertise right in this market,” adds Herold.
Graphic Communications
Graphic Communications, a Division of CAI (formerly Print ePS) is positioned strongly for 2026 and beyond. “We are investing heavily in automation and AI, developing solutions designed to drive productivity, efficiency, and profitability for print providers of all sizes,” says Nick Benkovich, chief product officer, Graphic Communications, a Division of CAI (formerly Print ePS).
Its roadmap builds on proven MIS platforms, such as ePS Pace, Monarch, PrintSmith Vision, Tharstern, and Nubium, while embedding intelligence and automation into every layer of the workflow. Benkovich notes that this ensures that our customers are not only equipped to meet today’s demands but are also prepared to adapt quickly to tomorrow’s opportunities.
HP
HP enters 2026 with strong momentum, driven by a clear roadmap anchored on three pillars—frictionless production, deeper brand engagement, and intelligence at the core.
Through HP Indigo and HP PageWide platforms, Haim Levit, SVP & division president, HP Industrial Print, says HP is delivering the most integrated portfolio in the market. The Indigo 6K+, V12, and 200K presses embody our vision of nonstop digital printing – fewer touchpoints, broader applications, and more sustainable operations. Meanwhile, HP PageWide is transforming high-volume printing with breakthrough systems such as the T4250 HDR and T500M HD.
“Beyond hardware, we are expanding software and services. HP Nio and Site Flow bridge brand intent with execution, while service-driven models enable providers to move from being suppliers to becoming strategic partners. Together, this positions HP not just to meet the demands of 2026, but to actively define the market’s direction,” says Levit.
Hybrid Software
This year, Mike Agness, EVP, Americas, Hybrid Software, says its having its best year ever. “We’ve never had a better year in the U.S., and we’re on the heels of introducing a significant version of PACKZ. We’re in a great place, and we’re looking to grow—large.”
Komori
Komori is in the process of renovating its facility and its message to the industry to align itself to what we see in the marketplace.
“We will have a new facility and showroom filled with new print solutions covering a wider range of market segments than before. Packaging print Solutions, Commercial Print solutions, Currency, Electronics, and more will be on display in our updated Rolling Meadows facility,” shares Lance Martin, VP, product marketing, Komori.
Kyocera
Looking ahead to 2026, Kyocera is building on momentum with a strategy centered around choice, flexibility, and customer value. “Our recent partnership with Xerox is a prime example. By combining strengths, we’re giving commercial printers more options to get into inkjet than ever before,” shares Fred Morrone, senior marketing manager, Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc.
Another critical area of focus is finishing. This year, Kyocera will be offering more finishing options alongside Plockmatic, allowing commercial printers to offer more solutions than ever before.
Morrone believes what truly positions Kyocera for 2026 is its commitment to listening to the market. “Customers want affordable color, faster turnarounds, and personalization on scale. Kyocera delivers this with inkjet solutions that are accessible, reliable, and flexible enough to grow with our partners. For those who invest in inkjet, 2026 will be defined by our customers saying “yes” to more jobs more often.”
Nobelus
Nobelus is very excited about 2026. “We have released eight new films and two new laminating machines in 2025 to address various market segments, including flexible packaging, label, and general commercial print. We feel strongly these are the right products at the right time and expect strong commercial gains from them in 2026. We are also excited to continue our journey in sustainability with a goal of achieving EcoVadis Gold in 2026 or sooner,” shares Angie Mohni, VP of marketing, Nobelus.
Muller Martini
Whether you are finishing a saddle stitched brochure or a softcover book, Muller Martini’s comprehensive portfolio, further enhanced with the acquisition of Hunkeler, offers complete inline solutions from roll or stacks of digital printed sheets to a finished product.
The continued implementation of Smart Factory installations utilizing our Connex Workflow solution, which starts prior to the printing process, is also a key component of Muller Martini’s strategy. “These fully integrated solutions powered by an intelligent workflow that works as a seamless single system will continue to be Muller Martini’s main focus in 2026 and beyond,” comments Carlos Martins, solutions manager, Muller Martini.
Printware
“We’re as optimistic today about this industry as we were when we first introduced high resolution printing and CtP over 40 years ago,” shares Tim Murphy, president, Printware. “We love watching customers adapt and change and we’re fortunate to play a role in their success. It’s a great testament when customers continue to trust us as they transition from each technology to the next—our customer retention is excellent.”
Quadient
William Longua, senior director, Quadient Digital Print Group, feels that Quadient is positioned well for 2026 and beyond and has continued to invest in the future.
“We understand that how the world communicates will continue to evolve, and Quadient offers pathways for customers that are fully digital, hybrid or physical print. The Quadient Digital Print Group has spent the last several years developing innovative solutions that are designed to help our print customers manage the market changes and profit from them rather than be challenged by them,” adds Longua.
Ricoh
Digital transformation has accelerated the pace of technological change, sparking co-innovation as a partnership model that drives more rapid progress among customers, technology providers, and partners. “This deepens our understanding of the evolving relationships between our customers and their customers. A key go-to-market investment for Ricoh is expanding our co-innovation strategy—a collaborative approach where multiple stakeholders work together to create new products, services, or solutions. This leads to more creative outcomes, faster deployment, and a stronger competitive edge,” says Gavin Smith, chief global sales officer, Ricoh Graphic Communications.
Ricoh distinguishes itself by embracing co-innovation that goes beyond traditional printer sales, actively collaborating with clients to deliver meaningful value. This model fosters long-term, strategic partnerships rooted in innovation and trust.
The company’s agility in tailoring solutions to evolving client needs enhances its competitive advantage, while its commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing demand for partners who support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Ultimately, this drives a new, adaptive mindset in sales and outcomes that meet customer needs and address the critical issue of rising costs.
Ultimate Tech
Ultimate Tech strives to be a forward-leading and future-proofing the industry with modern technology for imposition, nesting, and finishing automation.
“Now supporting a wide range of segments including General Commercial, Mailing, Book Printing, Photo Segment, Labels, Wide Format and Packaging, with a focus on automation and dynamic workflows. Our technology can easy connect to upstream and downstream solutions and get empower customers with higher productivity, less waste and more jobs delivered,” states Julie Watson, CEO, Ultimate.
Valloy
Looking ahead to 2026, Valloy’s strategy is focused on expanding automation across both hardware and software, while introducing next-generation equipment designed for higher productivity with lower operating costs by reducing manpower involvement with high level of automation.
“We are also building stronger global partnerships to ensure customers benefit from end-to-end solutions—from digital printing to finishing,” notes Juan Kim, CEO, Valloy Incorporated.
Xerox
As Xerox heads into 2026, Matt Raab, marketing director, offering portfolio, Xerox Corporation, says the company is not just adapting to the changing print landscape. They’re helping shape it. “Our portfolio is engineered to help print service providers automate, differentiate, and grow with confidence.”
From high-speed inkjet to digital embellishments to automated finishing and workflow integration, Xerox technologies scale with your business.
End-to-end workflow automation is also on the table. “FreeFlow Core and FreeFlow Vision Connect simplify prepress, automate job routing, and ensure consistency across every device,” notes Raab.
It also is focused on its vertical expertise. “Whether it’s transactional printing, direct mail, or packaging, Xerox delivers tailored solutions that improve turnaround, accuracy, and output quality,” comments Raab.
In terms of sustainable innovation, Raab points out that Xerox presses and solutions are designed for reduced energy use, less waste, and verifiable carbon impact reporting through PrintReleaf and other partnerships.
And finally, it is focused on client-driven development. “Every advancement we make—from AI-assisted predictive maintenance to adaptive automation—is designed to meet real-world production challenges,” concludes Raab.
For more year-end insights from key vendors stay tuned for part two, where we highlight key vendor introductions from the past year.
Nov2025, DPS Magazine
