FuturePrint Podcast

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A corrugated box looks simple until you try to print something different on every single one, at speed, with the same reliability you expect from industrial production. We’re joined by Charles Tonna, CEO at Buskro, and Christophe Merlier, VP of Research and Innovation, to explain how their 50-year heritage in mailing and high-throughput variable data is powering a new push into direct-to-box inkjet printing for packaging, pharma and food applications. 

We talk about what customers are really asking for right now: shorter runs, fast changeovers, start-stop capability, and less day-to-day printhead fuss. From there we get into the Argo platform and the idea of a modular printer that can scale as your needs grow, plus the practical value of being a fully integrated OEM that designs the transport, electronics, software, ink delivery and controls in-house. That approach matters when you want one accountable supplier for a complete print solution rather than a chain of vendors. 

You’ll also hear the story behind Buskro iconic Blue Door, and why it represents more than a colour. We explore modern printhead capability, real trade-offs around speed, and a show-floor “shoebox printer” demo that makes personalisation feel tangible. Finally, we look at RFID printing and encoding workflows that link a unique tag to a unique box, opening the door to better tracking, inventory accuracy and customer experience. 

If you care about industrial inkjet, water-based printing, variable data, corrugated packaging and end-of-line personalisation, this conversation is built to spark ideas. Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave us a review with your take: where should packaging print go next?
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:
FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

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In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Mark Stephenson about the launch of his new venture, The Spark Organisation, and why storytelling has become one of the most powerful differentiators in the print and technology industries.
Drawing on nearly three decades of experience at Fujifilm, Mark reflects on the shift from traditional corporate communications toward more human, intuitive and emotionally resonant storytelling. In a world filled with “another grey box”, technical specifications alone are rarely enough to inspire confidence, build trust or create lasting customer relationships.
The conversation explores why people remember how brands make them feel rather than simply what they say, and how authentic storytelling can help companies stand out in increasingly competitive and uncertain markets. Marcus and Mark discuss the importance of trust in B2B sales, the growing role of video and podcasts, the challenges of getting technical experts comfortable on camera, and why over-rehearsed corporate messaging often loses its emotional impact.
They also examine how lockdown accelerated digital communities across print, the role of organisations such as IPIA, and why content should ultimately serve the audience rather than internal stakeholders.
This episode is a thoughtful and often humorous discussion about communication, creativity, vulnerability, and the growing need for the print industry to connect through stories, not just specifications.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:
FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Natalie Thrall, Marketing Manager at Nazdar, about the changing role of marketing, storytelling and communication in industrial print.
Operating in a highly technical world of ink chemistry, performance data and application expertise, Nazdar faces the challenge of translating complex innovation into clear, engaging and commercially relevant stories. Natalie explains why the most effective communication starts not with the product, but with the customer - what they need, what will help their business, and what will make complex technology easier to understand.
The conversation explores how B2B buying behaviour is becoming more like B2C, with customers researching, validating and forming opinions long before direct engagement. Natalie shares how Nazdar is responding through a more focused content strategy built around R&D capability, sustainability leadership, new technologies and partnerships.
She also discusses the growing importance of short-form video, visual proof, customer success stories and authentic brand voice. From high viscosity ink demonstrations to solar panels at Nazdar’s California facility and inks used on NFL helmet decals, the episode highlights how technical performance can be made tangible and relatable.
Natalie also reflects on the balance between storytelling and confidentiality, particularly in OEM work, and explains how internal alignment across R&D, sales and leadership helps create a stronger external message.
A thoughtful discussion on how industrial brands can simplify complexity, build trust and communicate innovation with greater human relevance.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:
FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson is joined by Matteo Conte, Marketing Manager at Polytype, to explore the evolving role of marketing and storytelling in industrial print.
While the sector has traditionally focused on technical specifications and performance metrics, Matteo argues that a shift is underway - from B2B to what he calls “B2H” (business-to-human). As digital transformation and global uncertainty reshape buying behaviours, industrial marketers are increasingly recognising the importance of trust, emotion, and human connection in decision-making.
Matteo shares insights from his first year at Polytype, where he has focused on elevating the company’s visibility and communicating its rich heritage, innovation, and global impact. He highlights the importance of authentic storytelling - grounded in reality rather than exaggeration - as a way to build credibility and differentiate in a crowded market.
The conversation also explores how industrial companies can learn from B2C practices without losing sight of the unique dynamics of B2B, particularly when it comes to long-term investment decisions and multi-stakeholder buying processes.
Finally, Matteo discusses Polytype’s latest innovations, including DigiCan for beverage can printing and the hybrid “Prime Offset” solution, both of which reflect changing market demands and the growing role of digital technologies.
A thoughtful and timely discussion on how industrial brands can communicate more effectively in a rapidly changing world.
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What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:
FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany

Send us Fan Mail
In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman speaks with Steve Williamson, CEO of Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), about leadership, technology, market change and the future direction of industrial inkjet.
Steve reflects on his four years at GIS, having joined the business from outside the inkjet sector after a career in RF, defence and security. He shares how his initial assumptions about the market changed as he came to understand the complexity of industrial inkjet and the engineering challenges behind print quality, reliability and integration.
The conversation explores the role of GIS as an enabling technology partner, providing drive electronics, ink systems and software for a wide range of applications, from textiles, ceramics and labels to additive manufacturing, aerospace and complex direct-to-shape printing.
Steve also discusses his leadership style, the importance of building a strong senior team, and the need for commercial discipline, profitability and portfolio clarity. He explains how GIS is strengthening product management, improving testing and stability, and diversifying across regions and applications to build resilience.
Looking ahead, the discussion turns to partnerships, collaboration and the need for the inkjet sector to work more effectively across the value chain. Steve highlights growing interest in robotics, complex 3D shapes and applications beyond conventional print.
With GIS approaching its 20th anniversary, this is a thoughtful conversation about the hard engineering, teamwork and strategic focus required to move inkjet forward.

Listen on:

Apple Podcast
Google Podcast
Spotify

What is FuturePrint?
FuturePrint is a digital and in person platform and community dedicated to future print technology. Over 20,000 people per month read our articles, listen to our podcasts, view our TV features, click on our e-newsletters and attend our in-person and virtual events. 
We hope to see you at one of our future in-person events:
FuturePrint Packaging, Labels & DTS, 29-30 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Leaders Summit, 29 September '26, Valencia, Spain
FuturePrint Industrial Print, 14-15 April '27, Munich, Germany