Special Report
Mimaki CJV200-160
garment printing with heat-transfer vinyl or even décor applications, such as wallpaper squeeze more value out of the initial investment and offers attractive new products to take to existing customers. Andy explained: “It’s often a surprise to customers just how far you can push a familiar workflow. The power of UV printing means that a technology that’s happy creating precision cut decals can just as easily be used to produce backlit polyester textiles for lightboxes.” Looking further ahead, diversification through targeted investment can open up high-value opportunities. Technologies such as DTF, UV DTF and UV direct-to-object printing offer strong margins, fast turnaround and growing demand for personalisation. Approached as a considered progression,
diversification becomes less about chasing trends and more about building long-term resilience, relevance and customer loyalty. Andy concluded: “Mimaki’s product line-up affords huge opportunity for businesses to diversify their offering. Be it maximising the output from what you’ve already got or investigating new and accessible technologies to enhance your offering, there’s enormous potential in taking a closer look at what’s out there.”
THE USE OF TEXTILES As discussed above, diversification can mean many things to the varying aspects of the print industry, but one aspect yet to be covered is substrates, or more specifically, textiles. Gaining understanding from Venture Banner’s director and co-founder, Scott Conway, it was suggested that textiles are a forerunner for those seeking diversification in materials. Scott said: “From our perspective at Venture Banners, one of the clearest indicators of this shift over the past year has been the continued growth of textile displays, a trend that gathered momentum throughout 2025 and shows no signs of slowing as we move into 2026.”
In response to textiles becoming seemingly more popular for print businesses offering signage for events, new products have been answering the silent message for more choice, including Venture Banners. Scott added: “We expanded our textile range during 2025 to include new materials such as our AirMesh Polyester and new products, including arch flags and pop-out banners.
“These products are ideal for brands and print
buyers looking for impactful visuals that can be deployed efficiently across multiple locations.”
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Exhibitions remain a key growth area for textile signage, with SEG fabric displays playing a prominent role, as their popularity stems from their aesthetics and practicality. Once a frame is in place, graphics can be changed easily and cost-effectively. Scott continued: “Beyond functionality, textile signage offers additional advantages such as ease of transportation, reduced weight and simplified installation, which all lower logistical barriers, while advances in print technology continue to deliver vibrant, high-quality results.” For print businesses, remaining relevant to customers is the basis for diversification. The customers whose expectations are expanding rather than just adding new products are a driving force for companies and their search for diversifying their offerings.
Scott concluded: “As a trade-only large-format print
partner, our role is to enable that diversification by providing access to specialist equipment and expertise, without requiring significant capital investment or additional floor space. “Looking ahead, diversification will remain central to how print businesses grow and strengthen customer relationships, with textile signage set to play an increasingly important role in that journey.”
LOOKING FORWARDS Looking towards the future of the industry, printers that can adapt and offer new services, whilst using their existing equipment, substrates, and software, will be able to succeed more in diversification and expanding their businesses. Diversification doesn’t have to mean an overhaul of
services, but more of a progressive way of offering more to your customers without having to expend more effort and money than necessary.
AirMesh Polyester
RATHER THAN ORDERING LARGE QUANTITIES OF IDENTICAL GRAPHICS,
CUSTOMERS ARE INCREASINGLY SEEKING SMALLER,
MORE SPECIFIC DESIGNS. THIS HIGHLIGHTS THE SHIFT TOWARDS RELEVANCE AND INDIVIDUALITY.
- Waclaw Mostowski, CRO and co-founder at Antigro Designer
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