Episode 326 - Ink Is The Hidden Engine. A conversation with Stefano Rogora, INX

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Marcus Timson speaks with Stefano Rogora, Marketing Manager EMEA at INX Europe, about the evolving role of ink in a rapidly changing print and packaging landscape.

Stefano outlines three major shifts reshaping the industry: the structural move towards packaging, the growing impact of regulation - particularly in Europe - and the increasing complexity of applications. Together, these forces are driving a transition from a product-led market to a solution-led one, where technical expertise and application knowledge are more important than ever.

The conversation explores why ink is far more complex than many assume, particularly in packaging applications where performance depends on substrate, process conditions, and even the contents of the pack itself. Stefano also introduces INX’s three-stage framework - upstream, operational, and downstream - to explain how the company approaches the full lifecycle of packaging, from raw materials through to recycling.

Key themes include the role of regulation as a driver of innovation, the shift towards monomaterials and paper-based packaging, and the convergence of flexo, gravure, and digital technologies. The discussion also highlights the importance of global scale combined with local expertise, and why people and application knowledge remain critical differentiators.

Looking ahead, Stefano makes it clear: sustainability is no longer just a trend - it is the central force shaping the future of packaging and print.

A practical, insightful discussion for anyone navigating the increasing complexity of modern print production.

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