В Сеуле прошел Всемирный конгресс по печати: индустрия обсуждает вызовы эпохи ИИ и устойчивого развития

Seoul, South Korea: Representatives of printing associations from several countries met in Seoul from August 18 to 21 for the World Print & Communication Congress (WPCF) 2026, held along with K-PRINT WEEK. The Congress was hosted by the Korean Printers Association under the theme, “The Future of Printing Culture in the Age of AI.” Participants attended conference sessions, visited the K-PRINT exhibition and took part in technical and company visits. Artificial intelligence, digital printing, sustainability, the circular economy and changes in printing markets were among the topics discussed during the Congress. Representatives from printing associations in Europe, Korea, China, India, South Africa, Hong Kong and Nepal also took part in the WPCF Board Meeting on August 18. The Board discussed the future activities of the World Print & Communication Forum. Members agreed on the main points for new mission and vision statements, which will be worked on further in the coming months. Cooperation between printing associations was another topic at the meeting. Members discussed the importance of sharing information and practical experience between countries. An economic roundtable was also held, where representatives gave updates on the condition of their printing industries. The discussions showed that printing markets are facing some of the same problems, although conditions vary from country to country. Packaging and labels are becoming more important in many markets, while digital printing is being used more widely. Printing companies are also using more automation and artificial intelligence in their production processes. Sustainability was another area of discussion. Companies are looking at ways to reduce waste, use materials more efficiently and meet environmental requirements. At the same time, traditional commercial printing continues to decline in many markets. Printing companies are also dealing with higher costs and pressure to improve productivity. The shortage of skilled workers was another concern. Participants said attracting younger people to the printing industry remains a challenge. The Congress also gave delegates a chance to learn more about the Korean printing industry. They visited the K-PRINT exhibition and took part in technical tours and company visits. The visits allowed participants to see printing equipment, production systems and the way Korean companies are using new technologies in their work. For the WPCF, the Seoul meeting was also an opportunity for printing associations to meet, exchange information and discuss areas where they can work together. Members agreed that more exchanges, visits and sharing of experience between countries would be useful. Further discussions about the Forum's future activities will continue in the coming months. The meeting in Seoul showed that printing associations in different countries are dealing with many of the same issues. These include declining demand for some traditional printing work, the growing use of digital technology, rising costs, sustainability and the shortage of younger workers. How individual companies respond to these changes will depend on their markets and business conditions. But the issues discussed at the Seoul Congress are likely to remain important for the printing industry in the years ahead.