2019 started with the introduction of our new logo which led the way to a modernisation of our look and our publications.

With the elections of the new European Parliament, we took up the challenge of introducing our sector to the newly elected members of the European Parliament (MEPs). They were targeted with a pre-election message on how effective print is for elections. Once in office, they received short and concise  messages on the importance of our industry for everyday life. This led to first contacts with MEPs that will be further intensified over the coming years. The eRead results proved that reading in print is vital for comprehension, memory and critical thinking. Presenting these findings to MEPs and European Commission officials proved effective and created further opportunities for collaboration with the EU institutions.

In October, Intergraf’s SecurityPrinters conference, Banknotes+Identity, was once more a huge success. Held in Copenhagen, 90 speakers and 850 delegates convened to discuss the latest developments in this fast moving sector.

Developments at national level also kept us busy as all eyes were on the Netherlands to support KVGO in their fight against an opt-in for unaddressed mail. With similar attempts by governments in other countries, we see this topic increasing in importance over the next years. Environment will be one of the key areas that the new Commission, which took office in November, will look at under the “Green Deal”. For the printing industry one important  piece of legislation on emissions and solvents is currently being finalised. We also expect in 2020 further developments on inks on food contact materials. Intergraf will help its members with guidance documents on these topics.

Intergraf also secured EU funding for a project aimed at identifying skills shortages and mis-matches and developing solutions to these issues - for now and in the future. The project begins in February.

Intergraf will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2020. A reception on 19 February in Brussels will be the occasion to meet Intergraf members, printers and our colleagues from across the print value chain.

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