Since its founding, the FESPA Foundation has focused on using the power of print to create positive, long-term impact. At this year’s FESPA tradeshow, Summa formally joined the Foundation, the charity of the global print and sign industry association. This new partnership underscores the shared commitment of Summa and FESPA to sustainability, education and community development within and beyond the print industry.

The FESPA Foundation’s work centres on three objectives: promoting more sustainable practices within the print industry, inspiring and educating through access to learning resources, and empowering underserved communities by supporting schools worldwide.

With the adoption of Batau Primary School, Summa becomes a key industry partner supporting the Foundation’s mission. The school, located in Limpopo, will benefit from targeted improvements that strengthen the learning environment for its students and teachers.

‘Giving everyone a chance, regardless of where they come from or who they are, is something deeply rooted in Summa’s values and management philosophy,’ said Summa CEO Stijn Henderickx. ‘We believe in the opportunity to foster a more inclusive society, in particular for the youth of today, both through mentoring and charitable projects. Joining the FESPA Foundation is an excellent way to create opportunities for underserved communities and we couldn’t be happier to participate in this project together with our reference shareholder Apheon and the whole Summa team.’

Sara Horlock, Group Partnership Manager at FESPA, commented, ‘Thanks to the support from Summa, who is once again showing leadership in our industry, and Apheon, we can move forward with the development of Batau Primary School, the next school supported through the FESPA Foundation. Their contribution directly supports our educational and community initiatives and helps us create meaningful, long-term impact. We are particularly encouraged by the shared belief that our industry can play a positive role in driving change.’

Summa has already been actively supporting FESPA’s Print for Good campaign in the past as part of its engagement to sustainable growth and is delighted to take this next step in creating lasting social impact.

For Apheon and Summa, joining the FESPA Foundation is a natural extension of their shared values. Apheon has been chosen year after year as a leader in sustainable private equity, just recently being recognised as ‘Diversity and Inclusion Leader of the Year’ at the 2026 Real Deals Private Equity Awards.

‘Sustainability isn’t a hollow catchphrase at Apheon, it’s part of our identity and what sets us apart,’ said Patrick Gavoty, Head of Sustainability at Apheon. ‘Helping young people from underserved backgrounds receive access to opportunities is a central commitment to Apheon, because we believe that businesses who respect the planet, look after their employees and support their communities in turn benefit from their actions in the long term. Supporting the FESPA Foundation thus became an obvious choice, and we look forward to seeing the first tangible outcomes of the Batau project.’

The partnership between Summa and the FESPA Foundation was officially signed at FESPA Barcelona in the presence of Michael Ryan, Apheon partner Pieter Lambrecht, and Summa CEO Stijn Henderickx.

SUMMA
https://www.summa.com/en-int

FUJIFILM SOUTH AFRICA – SUMMA DISTRIBUTOR
+27 11 430 5400
https://www.fujifilmgraphicsystems.co.za/

FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/

The FESPA Foundation team returned to Batau Primary School in February to further support the school. The foundation handed over art and stationery supplies, which were kindly donated by NUtec Digital Ink. NUtec packaged paints and canvases in repurposed printed fabric samples which were turned into art supply totes.

Steve Thobela ka Mdlalose, FESPA Foundation’s executive director, emphasised that transparency is central to what the Foundation does: ‘There are so many charities that people can donate to, but how do you know if the gift that you donated actually gets to those in need? The FESPA Foundation pride ourselves on the fact that if something is donated to us for a school purpose, we assure the donor that they will see their product or donation being used at the school.’

Group content and events manager Michela Marcantonio from FESPA’s UK head office joined the team for the school visit. Thobela ka Mdlalose said, ‘It’s always good for staff members from the head office to see what we do. Although we do share information with them, there’s nothing like being present at the school to see the difference being made.’

‘I was honoured to visit Batau School in Limpopo, where FESPA donated a ‘parachute’ game for all classes to enjoy, a popular activity in UK schools. The game uses a large, circular, multi-coloured parachute with handles and can be used for a variety of group activities. We hoped it would be a meaningful contribution, as it’s a great way to help children develop coordination, teamwork and motor skills,’ said Marcantonio.

‘The children were in the middle of recess when we arrived and were clearly delighted to see us. They were eager to try the game and it was wonderful to see their excitement and joyful energy as we played together. During my visit, it was also a pleasure to meet the school’s dedicated staff, including Headmistress Mokabane, whose warmth, laughter and welcoming hugs left a lasting impression.’

‘I was particularly interested to learn more about the upcoming projects the FESPA Foundation team are fundraising for, including the development of five themed classrooms. These will help support students who are currently learning in classes of more than 60 children.’

Martine Goodchild, NUtec Digital Ink marketing manager added, ‘We’re honoured to support the FESPA Foundation’s work at Batau Primary School. Combining art supplies with repurposed printed fabric samples allowed us to contribute in a way that encourages creativity while giving materials from our industry a second life.’

FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/