PacPrint is entering a new era, with Visual Connections assuming full ownership of the iconic industry show and setting its sights on re-energising the event for a fast-changing print and packaging landscape.

One of Epson's key technologies at the show was the new SureColor S9160, the first in the next generation of its SureColor S-Series eco-solvent printers; it succeeds its 37,000 unit-selling predecessor.

PacPrint saw Ball & Doggett launch the cloud-based Nubium MIS solution, developed by eProductivity Software for small and medium sized print businesses, which it says can be set up in just hours.

PacPrint was the first public outing for Fujifilm since its two sides become one business in April, and it had one of the biggest stands at the expo, showcasing its broad range of print technologies.

Currie Group was at the show promoting Business in a Box, centred on the Canon Colorado M Series wide format print system, with its exclusive UVgel ink technology.

Celmac was showing printers, cutting systems, and laminators, as well as the consumables and software needed to ensure sign and display businesses can function with maximum efficiency.

Visitors to the printIQ stand saw its partnership with W2P developer Infigo, and its partnership with automated workflow solutions developer Cyan FX, and a new multi-point distribution feature on its software.

Wide format print systems developer HP was highlighting its environmental credentials at PacPrint, with every printer on its stand using water-based inks, including the new hybrid R530.

Ricoh used PacPrint to highlight new innovations, the increasing number of applications it is developing systems for, and its drive to enable fibre-based print to replace plastic-based products.

Screen GP was at PacPrint highlighting its inkjet print solutions, with samples from its growing portfolio, including the new continuous feed TruePress Jet 560 HDX.

This was the first PacPrint for Zünd as a standalone subsidiary of the Swiss parent company, and with Dale Hawkins as the managing director, there were two cutters on display.

Australian print and packaging systems developer Trimatt had the multi-award winning Colour Star AQ-V on the stand and sold one on the first morning of the show to a print business looking to enter the packaging market.

Stick on Signs had two Neschen laminators on its booth, it was promoting the German-manufactured equipment as the reliable, consistent, laminating choice.

Smartech had one of the biggest stands at PacPrint, with a wide range of printing, finishing, cutting, mailing, application and laminating equipment on show, as well as Waratahs rugby players.

PacPrint is the biggest event in ANZ print this year, and has attracted printers from across the region to walk the aisles. Print21 has been here from the start, and has all the highlights.

Visitors to the Pozitive stand walked through the Fluoro Tunnel, which was peppered with fluorescent prints produced on the swissQprint Nyala 5, as the company highlighted options for differentiation.