Episode 273 - Inkjet’s Next Gear: Pragmatism, Pace and Platforms — with Richard Darling, GIS

Show Notes: 

In this episode of the FuturePrint Podcast, Frazer Chesterman sits down with Richard Darling, Director of Sales and Marketing at Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), to explore where industrial inkjet technology really stands today — beyond the hype, beyond the headlines, and right at the heart of production.

With over 25 years in inkjet, including senior roles at Xaar and Ricoh, Richard brings a unique, long-term view of how the sector has evolved. Together, they unpack the key themes from LabelExpo Barcelona — from the rise of new single-pass platforms and the growing accessibility of high-performance machines, to the increasingly global mix of engineering and innovation shaping our industry.

They discuss why the label and packaging market feels more evolutionary than revolutionary, how cultural approaches to development differ across regions (Europe, China, Korea, India, the US), and why “speed to market” has become the new strategic advantage for converters and OEMs alike.

Richard also reflects on what makes GIS tick: a company best known for being “under the bonnet,” providing the drive electronics, ink systems and software that help print systems actually work. He explains why packaging that cleverness into accessible, easy-to-use platforms is now central to the next stage of digital print’s maturity.

The conversation covers everything from functional printing and EV applications to the realities of hybrid systems, localised manufacturing, and why another “ceramics moment” is unlikely — and unnecessary.

If you’re in the business of industrial print, labels, or manufacturing innovation, this episode offers rare clarity on where the opportunities lie — and what will really matter as inkjet moves into its next gear.

🎧 Listen now and discover why the future of inkjet isn’t just about speed — it’s about fit, flexibility, and systems that simply work.

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany