In addition, the firm is now setting itself up to have its award-winning technology showcased through some of its key resellers in the UK at The Print Show, which takes place from October 11th to 13th at Birmingham’s NEC.

Horsten comments on its recent Drupa success: “By any measure, this was one of our most successful shows ever. Our 295sq m stand was packed every day and visitors were eager to learn more about the business growth opportunities Mimaki solutions provide – and they were in a buying mood.

"We are looking forward to our post-show conversations with existing and future customers as we continue to help them ‘touch the future’ with successful business strategies.”

Mimaki scored well with its wide-format printer, the UJV55-320, along with the UJF-7151plus and the Mimaki TX300P printer all picking up EDP gongs in their class. The company also introduced its invisible ink at the show in Germany, which is visible under UV lighting and has potential popularity in nightclubs. And they also demonstrated their new LUS-900 and LUS-350 UV inks for thermoforming applications, which are stretchable when heated.

Another innovation for the firm was their 3D concept printer designed specifically for the sign and display graphics, and industrial products markets, while there was also the Mimaki Design Book on show at Drupa. Along with demonstrations of printing directly onto wine bottles, the company illustrated how packaging design is changing and becoming all about applications when it comes to the company’s printers and inks.

Horsten is known for his enthusiasm for the subject and is seen by some as the wise man of wide-format, providing insights into new trends within the industry and in particular, potential applications. In a recent blog, he writes: “If you’re a sports man, you’re a print man. You might not realise it, but print is a big deal in sports. Every team, whether it is cycling, running or football, needs to have its own shirt.

"The sponsor’s logo needs to be clearly printed on there and the sign-maker is asked to put on a name and number. Okay, so we have the branding issue covered. Now let’s talk volume, because every village, town or city has its own football, volleyball, badminton and/or hockey team. And they all need their own shirts, so we’re talking big business.”

On a visit to a car racing meeting, he notes: “And don’t get me started on team merchandising. Printed t-shirts, jackets and mugs with the pictures of the team drivers and sponsors on them. I recently attended a GT3 race in the UK and feasted my eyes on the different prints. Print as far as the eye could see, I had to look for a spot that was not adorned with print. Who said print was dead? They’re idiots. The paddock areas actually looked more like a printing show than a garage; I spotted at least six different print technologies.” 

He sees possibilities at every corner, from the corner shop to the airport. Horsten comments: “Today, at airports, you can already print bespoke items while you wait. You choose a fragrance. You print something on the box or bottle and voilà - you’re on your way with something special. Although engraving has been available for some time, it literally just scratches the surface. You can’t add colours, pictures or even logos. Making it definitely not personal. Using UV ink, you can print the desired message and design items in full colour and add images, quickly and easily.”

And in his now legendary blog about the little blue dress, he says the future of garment design is all about short-runs and anticipating consumer demand which cuts out waste and increases profits.