In this technically focused workshop, you'll discover innovative research projects from the Flemish knowledge centres Centexbel, SIRRIS, and VIGC. Topics include sustainable printing, biomaterials, and the use of artificial intelligence in the print industry. The workshop concludes with a presentation by Wouter Tack from SEENONS, experts in waste management.
Location
The workshop takes place in the seminar area on the SIGN2COM exhibition floor at Kortrijk Xpo, Doorniksesteenweg 216, 8500 Kortrijk.
Registration
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required in advance through the registration form. After the workshop, participants are also welcome to visit the SIGN2COM exhibition.
Date
Monday, October 5, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Program
- 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Welcome coffee & pastries
- 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Sustainable Printing
Fons Put (VIGC) & Willem Uyttendaele (Centexbel)
- 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
Geert Bammens (VIGC)
- 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break
- 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Bio-based Inks, Dyes and Coatings: Sustainable Innovations for the Print Industry
Brecht Demedts (Centexbel)
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
From Business Waste to Valuable Resources: Practical Waste Management for the Graphic Arts Industry
Wouter Tack (SEENONS)
Speakers
- Sustainable Printing
In a circular economy, resources must be used as efficiently as possible. This session explores practical ways to reduce ink and substrate consumption and examines opportunities for reusing printed materials.
Fons Put, VIGC & Willem Uyttendaele, Centexbel
- Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace
Modern print companies generate large amounts of data across planning, production, maintenance, and quality control. Artificial Intelligence can transform this data into practical tools and insights for operators. Real-world examples from the graphic arts industry will illustrate the potential of AI on the shop floor.
Geert Bammens, VIGC
- Bio-based Inks, Dyes and Coatings: Sustainable Innovations for the Print Industry
The print industry faces the challenge of reducing the environmental impact of inks, coatings, and additives without compromising performance. This session presents the AddBIO COOCK+ project and its research into bio-based additives for coatings and inks. Topics include bio-based and biodegradable colorants, renewable binders, functional ink additives, and alternative coating materials for large-format applications. Practical examples will showcase innovative concepts, such as a water-resistant yet fully washable ink for temporary applications and events. The presentation provides an overview of current technologies, limitations, and opportunities for companies seeking more sustainable and circular solutions for print and signage applications.
Brecht Demedts, Centexbel
- From Business Waste to Valuable Resources: Practical Waste Management for the Graphic Arts Industry
Even with efficient and sustainable printing processes, waste streams such as paper, cardboard, films, inks, packaging, and production offcuts remain unavoidable. How can companies gain better insight into these streams and maximize their value through reuse and recycling?
Seenons demonstrates how businesses can optimize waste management, from mapping waste streams and associated costs to improving source separation, collection, and collaboration with specialized recycling partners. Through practical examples, participants will discover how waste can evolve from an operational cost into a valuable resource within the circular economy.
Wouter Tack, SEENONS
