Several industry leaders from the print media are showcasing their ‘green’ print technologies at the Sign and Graphic Imaging Middle East (SGI 2009) exhibition.

SGI 2009, which opened last Sunday (February 15) at Dubai Airport Expo is closing today (February 17).

Industry leaders from across the globe have gathered at the expo to promote the very latest in print technologies, and environment awareness has been a central theme to many of the new products displayed.

Hewlett Packard (HP) Middle East has been promoting its new HP L65-500 jet latex print technology, which is environmentally friendly because it uses no solvents.

“Green technology is important to the print technology market. The Middle East follows the trends of Europe and a lot of the big companies are now moving towards green technologies,” said Kunal Avari, regional manager – sales, HP Middle East.
HP is also promoting its XP 50-300 five metre four colour printer offering two sets of inks. “This can produce 300-square metre-printed images for billboards. This technology is geared towards the billboards segment, which is big business here in Dubai,” added Avari.

Gandi Innovations, exhibiting at the show for the eleventh year, is focusing on its range of textile printers. It is promoting five printers in total, including a high speed roll to roll UV printer and small garment printers.

“Textile printing is lighter, easier to set up, is recyclable and the colours are more vibrant,” explained Abdallah Ghalayi, regional marketing director, ME&A, Gandi Innovations.

Saudi Arabia’s Obeikan Technical Fabrics has been displaying its range of coated, laminated fabrics. The company produces up to two million sq mt of fabric a month from its factories in Saudi Arabia.

“Fabric, rather than laminates, is more durable and offers more competitive prices. Our product can last from one to five years,” said Eng Kenan Aljazairi, sales & marketing manager, Obeikan Technical Fabrics.

Non-solvent print solutions and printed fabrics are just two of the many new and innovative products on display at the show this week.

SGI 2009 is showcasing the latest products and emerging technologies from the industries of advertising, architectural hardware, banners and posters, digital imaging, electronic message centres, electronic signage, graphic imaging, graphic services, large format printing, and signage. – TradeArabia News Service