drupa 2024 in Düsseldorf, the world’s No. 1 trade fair for printing technologies, came to a successful close on June 7 after eleven days. It impressively demonstrated the progress of an entire sector and proved the efficiency of the industry. 1,643 exhibitors from 52 nations put on an outstanding show of innovation in the Düsseldorf exhibition halls and thrilled the trade visitors with unforgettable performances. The international share was 80 percent, with visitors from a total of 174 countries attending – a record figure. Asia was the most strongly represented region after Europe with 22%, followed by America with 12%. Asia as well as Latin America and the MENA region are markets with great growth potential, which was reflected in the significant increase in exhibitors’ presence and order books. Many key players, such as Bobst, Canon, Fujifilm, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, HP, Horizon, Koenig & Bauer, Komori, Konica Minolta, Kurz and Landa, reported contract conclusions that significantly exceeded expectations. Some of the sales targets were already achieved in the first few days of the fair.

Erhard Wienkamp, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf, is highly satisfied with the course of the trade fair: “drupa has underpinned its position as the industry’s leading trade fair and its unique appeal in a remarkable way. The impressive internationality and, above all, the high decision-making competence of the visitors ensured, on the one hand, intensive and well-founded technical discussions at the trade fair stands and, on the other hand, many direct investment decisions. Our exhibitors told us about large-volume purchase agreements.”

Dr. Andreas Pleßke, Chairman of the drupa Committee, underlined the exceptional position and importance of drupa: “drupa stands for new approaches and new technologies like no other trade fair. It is not only the largest, but also the most important global platform for our industry, because the entire printing and finishing industry meets at this world-leading trade fair. It has been invaluable for lead generation. Nowhere else is there the opportunity to make so many new international contacts from all over the world in such a short space of time in one place.”

The exhibitors praised the high level of decision-making competence of the visitors. They, in turn, gave top marks for the range on offer in the 18 exhibition halls. Around 96 percent of all visitors confirmed that they had fully achieved the objectives associated with their visit. Most of them came from the printing industry (over 50 percent), followed by the packaging industry, whose share has increased significantly and which was the focus of many exhibitors as a growth driver. Many well-known brand owners were welcomed at the trade fair stands. A total of 170,000 trade visitors attended drupa 2024.

This year’s drupa focused on automation with a strong emphasis on AI and intelligent workflows, including software solutions. It became clear that digital and analog technologies complement each other ideally and benefit from each other. Traditional industry leaders presented a wide range of digital solutions, while digital pioneers integrated conventional components into their offerings. The topic of robotics played an important role in the exhibition halls and illustrated the path to the smart factory.

drupa made it abundantly clear that the industry has great potential for the future, even in the face of many challenges, and that the prospects are promising. In the last financial year, the global printing industry generated sales of around EUR 840 billion (source: Smithers) and continues to develop at different rates worldwide.

“At drupa 2024, we experienced first-hand just how relevant and resilient this industry is,” summarizes Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies. “The community is determined to set the course for the future together. The exchange with people from all continents and from all areas of the industry was extremely enriching and inspiring. We welcomed around 50 large delegations from various nations, and numerous globally active associations and organizations have chosen drupa as the ideal setting for their conferences and board meetings.”

Together we are stronger. Many new strategic alliances concluded at the trade fair reflected the opportunities that are only possible in such a concentrated form at drupa: Meeting market players from other countries around the world in person, using core competencies as synergy effects, forming networks and jointly driving the market forward.

Technology is the key to achieving sustainability goals – this was demonstrated by the exhibitors at drupa with numerous practical developments and concrete solutions. Top priority is given to resource efficiency and the transition to a functioning circular economy. In addition, the touchpoint sustainability of the VDMA (German Engineering Federation) showed the current state of the art, presented best cases and gave a far-reaching outlook into the future of a sustainable printing industry.

The extensive supporting program with its five top-class special forums drupa cube, drupa next age (dna) and the touchpoints packaging, textile and sustainability was very well received. In times of constant change and the resulting new business models, they ensured an intensive transfer of knowledge and provided important guidance. Together with its partners, drupa focused on impressive industry expertise and the future topics of its target groups. Guided tours on various key topics rounded off the trade fair experience.

The next drupa will take place in 2028.