Forums for innovation and sustainability are among the expected future themes at DRUPA next year.

A promised deep dive into tomorrow’s print industry includes five special forums, a couple of which may be of interest. They include the DRUPA Cube and DNA (for DRUPA next age) – as well as touchpoints for sustainability, packaging and textile – pick up on global mega trends, future technologies with growth potential, and best practices.

“In times of continuous change, disruptive processes and the resulting new business models, our special forums provide important guidance and are indispensable for the sector,” says DRUPA director Sabine Geldermann. “Jointly with our partners we bank on impressive industry expertise and on the topics defining the future for our target groups.”

The DRUPA cube stands will be the central stage for pioneering content in 2024. Keynotes, expert panels and workshops ensure knowledge transfer and interaction are promised. Conceptual and strategic partner is British agency The Marketing Cloud, which was in charge of earlier programmes.

DRUPA DNA will be the innovative technology driver to connect industry newcomers, young talent, start-ups and well-established companies, offering “scope for networking at eye level” and gives a preview of tomorrow’s technologies. Focal themes include additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, business intelligence, new materials, the platform economy, predictive maintenance, printed electronics, remote services, new business models, and process design.

Touchpoint sustainability aims to be the “port of call” for learning more about the circular economy and sustainable print production. Coming from partner VDMA, the show offers best-practice examples and innovative solutions associated with the sustainability theme – reducing energy and resource consumption, minimising materials and printing ink use, and how finishing can be environment-friendly.

DRUPA will be held at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre from May 28 to June 7. More information at http://www.drupa.com.