Voices Of China's Printing Industry

From August 18 to 20, 2026, Wen Jing, Secretary-General of the China Printing Technology Association, and Wang Heran from the International Cooperation and Exchange Department, went to Seoul, South Korea, to attend the 2026 World Printing and Communication Forum (WPCF) council meeting and the concurrent conference, visit the K-PRINT 2026 Korea Printing Exhibition, and tour South Korea's Prinpia company. This trip aimed to promote international communication and cooperation in printing, gain an in-depth understanding of global printing industry trends and the development of South Korea's printing sector, and further strengthen connections with industry organizations in various countries, serving the high-level openness of China's printing industry.

Attended the 2026 WPCF Board Meeting and shared China's printing transformation practices

On August 18, the 2026 WPCF Board Meeting was held in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together representatives from printing industry associations across multiple countries to discuss global printing industry trends, common challenges, and opportunities for international cooperation.

At the meeting, Wenjing detailed the progress of China's printing industry in smart digital upgrades and green low-carbon transformation, as well as the international exchanges carried out by the China Printing Association in recent years. She highlighted the achievements of the Bisheng Printing Cooperation Dialogue brand events, and the work of the China Printing Association in leading ISO/TC 130 printing technology international standards, promoting the joint development and interoperability of global printing standards. Secretary-General Wenjing also gave a special introduction to the China International All in Print exhibition to be held in Shanghai this October, warmly inviting industry peers from around the world to visit the exhibition, explore cooperation, and discuss development together.

On August 19, the 2026 World Printing & Communication Conference was held concurrently, themed 'The Future Vision of the Printing Industry in the AI Era.' Industry experts from the U.S., U.K., Germany, South Korea, and other regions shared cutting-edge technologies and industry insights across areas like printing equipment, standardization, digital printing, green printing, and inks. After the conference, Secretary-General Wenjing engaged in in-depth exchanges with representatives from various countries, discussing key topics such as industrial transformation and upgrading, implementation of smart production, sustainable industry development, and practical association cooperation, building consensus along the way.

Currently, the global printing industry is entering a critical stage of deep transformation toward digitalization, intelligence, and green development. Standard interoperability, data sharing, and industry chain collaboration have become a global consensus in the industry's development. The China Printing Association (CPA) has been actively participating in the WPCF international dialogue system, not only fully showcasing China's innovative achievements and mature practices in printing to the world but also proactively absorbing advanced global industry concepts and technological trends, providing important international references for domestic industry transformation, policy decisions, and innovation-driven growth.

Research on concurrent events to grasp technology integration and boundary expansion

On August 19, K-PRINT 2026 opened at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), covering areas such as printing, labeling, packaging, digital printing, textiles, signage advertising, and corrugated materials. The CPA delegation conducted on-site visits to the exhibition halls, focusing on digital printing equipment, smart production systems, high-end post-press processing equipment, green packaging printing technologies, and the innovative application and implementation of eco-friendly new materials. The research found that the exhibition gathered dozens of Chinese printing equipment companies such as Pulisi, Huayue, Guangming, Dayuan, and Haoxin, while many other high-quality Chinese printing equipment firms showcased their products through local Korean agents, covering key fields like print packaging, smart post-press, and automated production. Top-notch products and cutting-edge solutions made up half of the exhibition space. In recent years, domestic printing equipment companies have been continuously focusing on technological innovation, accelerating international expansion, actively competing in the international market, and participating in industry exchanges, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities and international development achievements of China's printing equipment manufacturing industry.

The Chinese Printing Association delegation visited Prinpia in South Korea for research. We learned that the company mainly focuses on printing, plate making, and binding, and is currently actively promoting digital and intelligent production, as well as smart factory development. The delegation focused on the company's practices in digital printing, smart logistics, production management, and quality control, gaining an in-depth understanding of how Korean printing companies use smart manufacturing to cut costs and boost efficiency, and adapt to small-batch, customized market demands. This provides valuable insights for domestic printing companies looking to digitally transform and improve quality and efficiency.

Deepening International Cooperation to Support High-Quality Development in the Printing Industry

This visit to South Korea is an important step for the China Printing Association to actively integrate into global printing industry governance, expand its international cooperation, and deepen cross-border exchanges. By participating in the WPCF council meeting, researching international trade shows, and visiting leading industry companies, the association has further established regular communication channels with printing organizations worldwide and clearly identified new industry trends: artificial intelligence and digital technologies are comprehensively permeating the entire printing industry chain, including production, operations, and management. Smart automated production, digital printing innovation, intelligent quality control, and green low-carbon production have become key global development directions in the printing industry.

Moving forward, the China Printing Association will continue to serve as a bridge, actively participating in international industry organizations like WPCF, and strengthening exchanges and cooperation with printing industry organizations, companies, and related institutions in various countries. The focus will be on expanding cooperation in areas such as digital intelligence, green printing, technical standards, and industrial collaboration. At the same time, the association will actively showcase the achievements of China's printing industry in transformation, upgrading, and innovation, keep track of international printing industry trends, and contribute to promoting global exchanges, mutual learning, and collaborative development in the printing sector.