The FESPA Foundation aims to positively impact lives in sub-Saharan Africa by providing printed materials for early childhood development. Exhibitors at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Johannesburg Expo, which took place from 9–11 September heeded the call to ‘Print For Good’ by making various donations to the organisation.

The FESPA Foundation is dedicated to transforming the specialty print and visual communications industry through sustainable practices, community supply and educational outreach. The Foundation exists to combine waste reduction efforts with meaningful impact for young people living in challenging circumstances. The initiative was founded in October last year by FESPA CEO, Neil Felton.

Exhibitors could maximise the impact of their print output during the show by participating in the ‘Print for Good’ initiative by producing items such as maps, T-shirts, backpacks etc. to enrich educational opportunities. Artwork files were available from the expo organisers.

Recognising the environmental challenges associated with large-scale events, the Foundation led an innovative project to repurpose print samples produced during the event. Instead of contributing to waste, these samples will serve meaningful purposes, such as:

– Educational posters: high-quality print samples will be delivered to schools in need, providing visual aids and resources for classrooms.

– Student clothing: T-shirts and other wearable items will be produced for underserved schools, offering practical benefits while demonstrating the versatility of print technology.

– Community resources: additional printed materials, such as banners or instructional guides, will be distributed to support local initiatives and community programmes.

Thank you to these companies for their contributions:

Gawk sponsored the FESPA Foundation’s expo fabric stand with its TRIGA® system. Gawk will also manufacture pencil bags for school children from the FESPA Foundation stand’s fabric prints. The up-cycling from Gawk is an initiative they promote to all customers.

NUtec Digital Ink supported the FESPA Foundation’s initiative by donating stationery essentials along with re-purposed prints. For example, the company upcycled its textile samples into colourful pencil cases, further supporting learners in under-resourced schools while reducing waste.

Midcomp printed 280sqm of wallpaper and fabrics during the expo, which will be contributed to one of the FESPA Foundation’s school projects.

Graphix Supply World contributed printed samples during the show, which varied from PVC banner material to sublimation fabrics and flat sheet substrates.

The organisers of FESPA Africa and Sign Africa provided infrastructure support during the expo.

‘On behalf of the FESPA Foundation, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the companies and individuals who contributed to our exhibition, helped in spreading our vision, and generously donated or pledged support in the form of printed materials, other items, and cash,’ said Steve Thobela, FESPA Foundation’s Africa Coordinator. ‘Your generosity has been instrumental in supporting the initiatives of the Foundation and transforming the lives of many innocent souls. We are truly thankful for your invaluable assistance.’

Those who still wish to support the organisation can help by:

– Donating, books, notebooks, pens, art kits, reading glasses or school supplies, which will be delivered to schools in need.

– Donating funds towards additional printed materials, such as banners or instructional guides to support local initiatives and community programmes.

– Cash donations are most welcome to help the Foundation purchase items such as a bakkie that is required to transport items to the schools, items for renovations and to support the work of the Foundation.

For more details and how to donate, please visit the Foundation’s website.

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

Graphix Supply World (GSW) showcased a range of Mimaki machines for versatile applications, as well as Eurotech finishing solutions and an EFI dye sublimation printer, at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event took place from 9-11 September at Gallagher Convention Centre.

The UJV300DTF-75 is a UV-DTF printer that can be used with confidence, inheriting the high image quality and stable functions of Mimaki’s UCJV300 series of UV inkjet printers, which continue to gain a high reputation in the market.

The TxF150-75 Textile DTF printer is packed with Mimaki technology, and has been designed to overcome the common ink ejection and ink sedimentation issues of current DTF printers in the market. The solution comes with a shaker and curer.

The UJV100-160 Plus UV printer allows users to create the most beautiful, bright and colourful prints with white and clear ink. This entry level model features new capabilities and has been designed to consume an exceptionally low amount of power.

At just 0.5kW, the UJV100-160 Plus consumes less than half of the power of eco-solvent and latex/ resin printers on the market (based on Mimaki research), helping print businesses to reduce running costs and their CO2 emissions.

The JFX200-2513 EX large format flatbed UV inkjet printer combines high-value-added printing and high productivity. It also uses Mimaki’s 2.5D Texture Maker to enable smooth embossed print at the touch of a button. For the first time, this allows print service providers to offer large format digital print with enticing-to-touch dimensional textured effects without lengthy file preparation.

The UJF3042 MKIIE flatbed prints directly onto the media/products. Users can create a variety of graphic prints, branding, signage, promo goods and more on almost any media types – from paper, board, ceramics, tiles, wood, aluminium, steel, mirror, metals, illumination signboards, labels, Correx, plastic, rubber, PVC, cardboard and more.

The JV100-160 adopts the recently developed, fast drying eco-solvent ink ‘AAS’, which reduces graininess and allows for fine details even when printing images with high volumes of ink. Additionally, this new eco-solvent ink has superior scratch resistance and outdoor durability that allows printers to create a multitude of applications, whether they are for indoor or outdoor use.

The UJV55-320 3.2 metre roll-to-roll inkjet printer uses UV-curable ink, cured with a low-energy LED light array.

Designed to produce a wide range of materials and applications with one printer, the TX300P-1800MKII combines multiple inks for both direct textile and paper transfer printing with interchangeable print platens.

The Mimaki CJV150-160 is an integrated printer/ cutter that provides high performance, creativity and versatility with vibrant ink types, including new Silver, Orange and Light Black, in a cost effective package for sign makers, display graphics professionals and print shops.

The CG-130AR cutting plotter features improved cutting performance, compatibility with a wide range of cutting materials, and enhanced usability.

The CJV330-160 is a UV model for high image quality, high production, and application versatility.

The EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340i+ printer offers ultra- high resolutions up to 2400dpi and three-level greyscale printing with 7, 12 and 18 picolitre drop sizes. Its printheads optimise ink drops with no overlay for smooth transitions and perfect crispness. The result is dramatic four-colour printing with a wide colour gamut, rich blacks and deep colour saturation for exceptionally high quality on backlit fabric displays and other graphics.

Visitors could also see Eurotech finishing solutions such as the Eurotech flatbed cutter, Eurotech EST rotary calender heat press to kick-start a dye sublimation business, as well as the Eurotech laser cutter, a large flatbed top vision laser cutter.

The event was sponsored by Stixo and Roland.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR  Graphix Supply World Tel: 27 21 511 5340 Email: marketing@gsw.co.za Website: http://www.gsw.co.za

Graphix Supply World will launch the new UJV300DTF-75, Mimaki’s first UV-curable, direct to film printer, as well as the new Mimaki CJV200-160 print and cut eco-solvent inkjet printer, at the FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo. The event takes place from 9-11 September, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, 9am-5pm.

UV-DTF is a decoration method in which a design printed on a special film is transferred to the target material. It can easily decorate the surface of materials with uneven or curved surfaces, which has been difficult with conventional UV printing.

UV-DTF’s exclusive film consists of two parts: a glued film and a transfer sheet. UV-DTF eliminates the need for weeding (removal of margins) manually and allows confirmation of printed content before transfer, which significantly improves production efficiency and waste rates.

The UJV300DTF-75 is a UV-DTF printer that can be used with confidence, inheriting the high image quality and stable functions of Mimaki’s UCJV300 series of UV inkjet printers, which continue to gain a high reputation in the market.

Features:

– Less graininess and beautiful gradation. Accurate printing of small characters and fine lines.
– Support functions to minimise trouble. Automatic nozzle check (NCU) and nozzle recovery functions reduce equipment downtime.
– Ink circulation function keeps the white ink density constant and prevents nozzle clogging.
– The media jam sensor prevents a collision between the head and the film, stopping malfunctions due to operation errors.

CJV200-160

The company will also launch the new Mimaki CJV200-160. The print and cut eco-solvent inkjet printer is equipped with a single printhead of ‘330 Engine’ in Mimaki’s flagship printer, enabling even inexperienced operators to produce printed products beautifully, quickly, and easily.

The CJV200-160 is suitable for cost effective production of large, high-quality signage and vehicle wrapping films, featuring a maximum print/cut width of 1610mm and a maximum media width of 1620mm.

Applications include labels, posters, illumination signboards and banners.

Visitors can also see the following:

Mimaki TS100-1600

The high performance dye sublimation printer has a maximum speed of up to 70sqm per hour and features low ink cost, minimal maintenance and precision Japanese engineering. It is designed to produce a wide range of materials and applications, including fashion, soft signage, home and interior, sportswear, promotional products and more.

Mimaki UJV100-160 Plus

This UV printer allows users to create the most beautiful, bright and colourful prints with white and clear ink. This entry level model features new capabilities and it has been designed to consume an exceptionally low amount of power. At just 0.5kW, the UJV100-160 Plus consumes less than half of the power of eco-solvent and latex/resin printers on the market (based on Mimaki research), helping print businesses to reduce running costs and their CO2 emissions.

Mimaki TS330-1600

The dye sublimation inkjet printer achieves superb productivity and high image quality through Mimaki printing technology. Designed on a new platform, the printer incorporates an improved conveyance mechanism and renewed usability, enabling stable and constant high-quality printing. It is designed to produce a wide range of materials and applications such as: fashion, soft signage, home and interior, sportswear, promotional products, metal sublimation, and more.

FESPA Africa and Sign Africa Expo, taking place from 9-11 September 2025 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) at Gallagher Convention Centre is sponsored by Stixo and Roland. Entrance is free, please register online.

LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR  Graphix Supply World Tel: 27 21 511 5340 Email: marketing@gsw.co.za Website: http://www.gsw.co.za