Fujifilm has joined a list of major exhibitors to withdraw from next year’s rescheduled global print expo drupa (April 20 – 28, 2021, Düsseldorf) because of the Covid-19 pandemic - "to prioritize the health and safety of our customers and employees." The company has also pulled out of packaging trade fair interpak, due to begin in Düsseldorf in February next year.
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'Remote communication will
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“FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) hereby announces its decision to withdraw from both drupa (April 20 – 28, 2021) and interpack (February 25–March 3, 2021) in Messe Düsseldorf, Germany,” the company said in a statement from its headquarters in Tokyo.
“Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Fujifilm has made the decision to withdraw from these exhibitions, to prioritize the health and safety of our customers and employees. Instead of meeting face-to-face at these events, we look forward to connecting with our customers and partners via remote communications.
“As our society moves to adjust to a ‘new normal,' remote communication and a more efficient way of working at manufacturing sites will become increasingly required in the printing industry.
“To meet the needs of shifting work styles, Fujifilm has been providing various solutions to support customers’ business and process reformation, such as online proofing with XMF Remote, process-less thermal CTP plate for efficient print production, and offering superb quality Jet Press Digital printing solution for short run and variable print.”
Fujifilm said it would “continue to provide innovative solutions to customers in a wide range of segments, such as commercial/publication printing, newspaper printing and package printing through various media such as seminars, virtual exhibition utilizing corporate websites and email etc.
“Under the slogan of ‘Value from Innovation’, Fujifilm will continue to provide innovative products and services by leveraging the Fujifilm Group’s advanced technology and expertise.”
In March 2020, as Covid-19 spread across Europe, the drupa show originally scheduled for 16-26 June 2020 was postponed to April 2021 following a recommendation by the German Federal Government.
In July, drupa organisers Messe Düsseldorf trimmed the length of the rescheduled trade fair from eleven to nine days, from April 20-28, 2021, following the withdrawal of several high profile exhibitors including Heidelberg, Xerox, Bobst, Manroland, Komori and Chili Publish. Earlier this month, digital print technology manufacturer Screen also cancelled, citing health risks.
Last week, drupa announced it would introduce a new online platform next month to offer exhibitors and visitors “an additional channel for touching base with the sector, discussing trending themes and presenting product portfolios.”
