What is happening in the European promotional products and workwear industry, updated every morning: companies and acquisitions, trade fairs, printing and decoration techniques, personalisation and the market. Every item links to the original source.
The BPMA has announced the shortlist for its 2026 Product Awards, with over 40 judges evaluating entries across realigned categories that emphasise sustainability criteria. Winners will be announced at the BPMA Christmas Lunch on 10 December 2026 in London, with the Grand Prix winner revealed at the Annual Awards Dinner on 20 January 2027 during Merchandise World.
Source: BPMA
Volker Riedle has resumed full ownership of Bags by RIEDLE, the Langenbrettach-based paper carrier bag manufacturer, effective October 1, 2026. Silke Riedle, who led the company for the past two years, has stepped down to pursue other responsibilities. Riedle plans to maintain the company's focus on quality, innovation and customer relationships.
Source: PSI
Ink2Heart, founded in 2025, uses Inkcups' X5-T flatbed printer for economical digital direct printing of personalised drinkware. The technology enables individual customisation of single items and small series without separate production setups, opening new possibilities for B2B customers seeking customised promotional products and on-demand production.
Source: PSI
Your Embroidery Services (YES Group), a UK supplier of embroidery machines, DTF and DTG printers, and related decoration equipment, has entered voluntary liquidation as of October 15th, 2026. The company, which operated for 31 years, has ceased trading and appointed a liquidator. Customers are advised to monitor communications regarding servicing, parts, and warranty arrangements.
Source: Print Monthly
PSI will launch a video podcast as part of its framework programme at the January 2027 trade fair in Cologne. Three days of live recordings will feature industry experts discussing health and wellness, security and resilience, and urban lifestyle as key themes for promotional merchandise. Episodes will be published in a new PSI podcast channel after the event.
Source: PSI
The Global Executive Network held its fifth conference in Kitzbühel in October 2026, bringing together international industry leaders. Participants adopted the Kitzbühel Declaration 2030, establishing eight guiding principles combining economic interests with ecological and social responsibility, including ROI measurement, global standards, sustainability metrics, supply chain transparency, and combating greenwashing.
Source: PSI
Schneider Schreibgeräte and Polyperformer have developed a circular economy solution: the re:carpet series converts used event carpets into promotional pens and highlighters. The ballpoint pen contains 83% recycled plastic, while the highlighter uses 60% recycled content from event carpets plus bio-based materials. Both products are manufactured entirely in Germany and digitally customizable for corporate branding.
Source: PSI
Kodak introduced the PROSPER Plus 5 imprinting system, which adds variable data printing and personalisation capabilities to existing analogue presses at 152m/min. The system enables printers and converters to expand into higher-margin applications including direct mail, packaging, and security printing without replacing current equipment.
Source: Print Monthly
KR-Tex, a German textile decoration company specialising in DTF transfer technology and embroidery, has relocated to a 400 square metre facility in Werneck. The move transforms the business from part-time to full-time operation, with dedicated production areas, showrooms for workwear and team sports apparel, and plans for official opening in early 2027.
Source: Revista Verlag
French workwear manufacturer Armor-Lux has secured a five-year contract with Air France starting summer 2027 to produce approximately 400,000 uniform and workwear pieces annually for over 30,000 employees. The Quimper-based company will manufacture part of the order locally, creating around 20 jobs in logistics and project management.
Source: Alouette
Storskogen's business unit Båstadgruppen has acquired Dutch workwear and safety equipment supplier Hawedo B.V. for EUR 8.6 million in annual sales. The acquisition establishes Båstadgruppen's own export hub in continental Europe and combines the Nordic supplier's broad product range with Hawedo's glove expertise and local market knowledge in the Benelux region.
Source: Cision News
French market research shows promotional merchandise orders peak in autumn (32.3% annually) and spring (27.0%), with November and June as strongest months. Distributors should align campaigns with seasonal product usage and use slower periods like January and August for sampling, design finalisation and avoiding production bottlenecks.
Source: EcommerceMag.fr
Abaka, a French personalisation specialist for textiles and promotional items, hosted 15 suppliers at a client event in Audenge to showcase new product ideas for corporate gifts and advertising merchandise. The company, founded in 2005 and employing nine staff, serves businesses, municipalities and associations seeking customised items for year-end gifts and promotional purposes.
Source: Sud Ouest
Swedish technology company Cyclothe is developing an integrated system for collecting, identifying and sorting discarded textiles to address Europe's fragmented textile recovery infrastructure. The company combines smart collection points, AI-supported sorting and digital traceability to direct materials towards reuse, repair, resale or recycling. Cyclothe appointed Calvin Woolley, formerly of Ikea, as CEO to lead commercial expansion across the Nordic countries and wider Europe.
Source: Innovation in Textiles
Klampfer Druck in St. Ruprecht has installed a new Jetfire printing machine to expand its production capabilities. The investment enables the company to produce personalized print products and small runs more efficiently and cost-effectively while maintaining high quality standards.
Source: Kleine Zeitung
Inkcups appointed Adam Sobieski as field service engineer based in Poland to support customers across Eastern Europe. The role covers installations, repairs and training for direct-to-object inkjet devices. Sobieski brings 20 years of technical support experience in the printing industry.
Source: PSI
PSI, Europe's leading trade fair for promotional products and merchandising, will relocate to Cologne from 12-14 January 2027, organised by RX Deutschland. The event expects over 600 exhibitors and 10,000 international visitors. The new venue and January timing offer improved accessibility and planning certainty for the industry.
Source: PSI
FastEditor has added The Outdoor Company, Tancia and Impression Direct to its Product Hub, expanding UK supplier coverage for promotional merchandise distributors. The integration connects supplier catalogues with product-specific artwork workflows, automating decoration requirements and artwork preparation to streamline order handling.
Source: BPMA
French distributor Kadimage has launched a redesigned B2B website integrating product selection, customisation options, quotations and ordering. The platform complements the company's textile finishing workshop in Reims, which offers embroidery, DTF, transfer and sublimation printing. Kadimage serves customers across France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
Source: PSI
Dutch workwear distributor MK Bedrijfskleding & PBM's has relocated its operations to Neede. The move represents a change in the company's physical presence in the Netherlands workwear market.
Source: WegdamNieuws
MCG Compliance Connect takes place in Hamburg on 5 November 2026, addressing regulatory requirements and sustainability in the promotional products industry. The event features presentations on product compliance, supply chain challenges, regulatory monitoring and supplier communication, targeting compliance and quality professionals from PSI member companies.
Source: PSI
Hamburg-based premium specialist Perfect Givings has hired two new staff members for order processing after recently taking on distribution of brands blomus, Kapten & Son, SMEG and Severin. The expansion reflects growing business volume in the promotional merchandise sector.
Source: PSI
Bartenbach Werbemittel, a Mainz-based promotional products distributor, hired Claudio Marchi as Key Account Manager in September 2026. With 25 years of industry experience in customer consulting and product sourcing, Marchi will support the company's growing full-service business, which includes assortment consulting, e-commerce shops, production, decoration, storage, logistics and print-on-demand.
Source: PSI
PSI will take place in Cologne from 12-14 January 2027 for the first time. Cologne Central Station will be closed during the trade show, but Köln Messe/Deutz station will handle increased long-distance and regional rail traffic, ensuring accessibility for visitors arriving by train.
Source: PSI
Bleckmann, a supplier in the promotional products and workwear sector, has opened a new distribution centre in Lingen, Germany. The expansion strengthens the company's logistics capabilities and distribution network in the region.
Source: Loginfo24
The Welcome Home Tour 2026, an event series hosted by 16 promotional product suppliers, launched its autumn and winter leg in October at Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Museum with around 120 attendees. The tour offers distributors live product experiences, networking with manufacturers, and bonus incentives for year-end orders. Two further events are scheduled for November and December.
Source: PSI
Members of Advantage Buying Group visited PF Concept's UK operation in Blackpool for a two-day immersive experience. The visit included factory tours, digital print demonstrations, hands-on learning sessions, and discussions on product, compliance, sustainability and innovation. The group gained insights into automation, production technology and the supplier's capabilities.
Source: BPMA
whynow has divested its EMP logistics operations to Dutch company Bleckmann. The transaction reflects whynow's strategic focus on core business areas while Bleckmann expands its logistics capabilities in the promotional products and workwear supply chain.
Source: EB LIVE
German textile companies reported a 3.1 percent revenue increase in June 2026, marking the first positive month after a difficult first half. However, the first half of 2026 remained 6.7 percent below the previous year, indicating the sector is still recovering from earlier weakness.
Source: PresseBox
PSI 2027 in Cologne will feature a Trend Showcase presenting products across three future scenarios: HEALTH SHIFT, SAFE FUTURE, and URBAN OUTDOOR. Based on megatrends identified by the Zukunftsinstitut, the showcase offers exhibitors a platform to present products within relevant future contexts. Participation starts at 200 euros plus VAT.
Source: PSI
Hybrid Services, the UK and Ireland distributor for Mimaki, is holding three demo days at its Crewe showroom in October to showcase new DTF, UV flatbed and inkjet printers. Each day focuses on a different machine, with the Mimaki team demonstrating applications and discussing production workflows for garment decoration and print businesses.
Source: Images Magazine
UK promotional merchandise distributor BuyPromoProducts has achieved Certified B Corporation status after a two-year assessment process. The certification recognises the company's commitment to responsible business practices across governance, workers, community, customers and environment. The milestone coincides with the distributor's tenth anniversary in business.
Source: BPMA
Robitex has been awarded a contract to supply the Dutch social security agency UWV with promotional merchandise and corporate gifts nationwide. The multi-year agreement includes standard assortment, customised products, advisory services, and a future e-catalogue for ordering across UWV locations.
Source: PromZ
WA Media's Haptica brand has consolidated its print magazine, online portal, live event, newsletter and social media under a unified brand identity with a new logo and tagline 'Merch & Marketing'. The rebranding aims to create consistent presence across channels while maintaining focus on haptic advertising and merchandising content.
Source: PSI
Mitraco held its annual Sparkling Day event on 29 September in Vienna, attracting over 470 visitors and around 50 suppliers. The event showcased current promotional product trends, new items, decoration techniques and personalisation options, with live engraving demonstrations and digital lead capture for follow-up sales conversations.
Source: PSI
Alsico demonstrated its workwear recycling process to Belgian minister Simonet, showing how used professional clothing is converted back into raw materials. The demonstration highlights the company's sustainability efforts in the workwear sector.
Source: Made in
Fae Gordon Holliday has launched Venus Workwear to address the gap in workwear and PPE designed for women. The company's first product, anti-slip safety boots with steel toe, responds to widespread demand across warehousing, logistics, manufacturing, care, emergency services and other sectors where women currently wear ill-fitting male-designed PPE. New UK legislation aims to require publicly procured PPE to meet inclusive design standards.
Source: Images Magazine
Norty held a launch event for the AWDis College Hoodie 2.0 (JH501) at its Livingston headquarters on 29 September, inviting local garment decorators to experience the new hoodie before its official launch. Attendees saw live printing demonstrations, examined the new PurePrint 501 fabric and three-panel hood design, and received samples and marketing materials to support customer sales.
Source: Images Magazine
The A&O Advent Tour 2026 will visit ten venues across Germany and Austria in November and December, featuring 24 suppliers showcasing new products and ideas for the promotional products industry. The tour combines product presentations with networking opportunities in a pre-Christmas setting, with registration required due to limited capacity.
Source: PSI
Embroidery consumables manufacturer Madeira has launched Chenille 12, described as the first purpose-made chenille thread produced from recycled polyester. Available in 34 colours with expansion to 60+ planned, the thread is designed for patches, caps, fashion details and accessories with minimal fabric damage.
Source: Images Magazine
The third DTF Convention hosted by Fruit of the Loom, Russell Athletic and JERZEES in Kaiserslautern attracted around 75 participants. The event featured technical sessions on DTF and digital printing, including presentations on CiCLO technology for synthetic fibre biodegradation, plus supplier exhibitions and new small-group consultation formats on colour management and dye migration.
Source: PSI
Nova Chrome UK has added Polyprint's FilmJet Mini 30/60 direct-to-film systems to its product range. The all-in-one DTF printers integrate printing, powder application, curing and filtration in a compact unit, targeting businesses from entry-level to mid-range garment decoration applications.
Source: Images Magazine
UK manufacturer CHX Products has been shortlisted for Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Marketing Campaign of the Year at the Made in Britain Impact Awards 2026. The Bodmin-based company manufactures branded merchandise exclusively from recycled plastic, with 95% of production waste reused in-house. The marketing recognition covers the launch of the Fidget Puck, a recycled plastic fidget product designed for the promotional merchandise industry, which sold over 14,000 units in ten weeks.
Source: BPMA
AWDis has introduced the College Hoodie 2.0, featuring a new PurePrint501 fabric developed specifically for the style. The 280gsm hoodie uses 20% finer yarn than the original for improved print performance and a smoother surface, with refined fit, locker patch, and upgraded drawcords.
Source: Images Magazine
Synneo has acquired Augusta Design, consolidating its position in the premium promotional products market. The acquisition strengthens Synneo's portfolio in the high-end segment of the European promotional merchandise industry.
Source: Presse Agence
Austria implemented new anti-greenwashing regulations on 27 September 2026, implementing the EU EmpCo directive. The rules apply to B2C communications and affect product descriptions, catalogues and webshop texts used by promotional products distributors. The industry association warns of risks when product claims are simplified along the supply chain, requiring clear, verifiable environmental claims with specific product references.
Source: PSI
The Akademie für Textilveredlung launches a new event series with the first Textilveredlertag on 21 October 2026 in Haigerloch-Stetten near Stuttgart. Fortever embroidery machines will showcase three new solutions including a single-head machine with integrated chenille function, a model with integrated laser cutting, and compact 1- and 5-needle machines designed for cap embroidery.
Source: PSI
Promotional products supplier Goldstar scored 84 out of 100 points in EcoVadis sustainability assessment, outperforming 97 percent of evaluated companies globally. The company is introducing digital product passports, annual ESG reports and Made Better labelled products to increase transparency for customers and aims for platinum certification by 2027.
Source: PSI
The EU has implemented new consumer protection rules to combat greenwashing in advertising. The regulation restricts misleading environmental claims in marketing communications, affecting how companies in the promotional products and workwear sectors can promote their sustainability credentials.
Source: Deutschlandfunk
Kübler Workwear is considering relocating from its Plüderhausen location following an acquisition. The company is evaluating the move as part of growth plans resulting from the takeover.
Source: Zeitungsverlag Waiblingen
Interpromo has acquired MOC Bedrijfskleding following the company's insolvency. The acquisition allows Interpromo to expand its presence in the workwear market, which the company sees as offering growth opportunities.
Source: Noordhollands Dagblad
BeGlobal now offers personalisation of Vans sneakers with company logos for use as corporate gifts, workwear, or event merchandise. The service combines Vans' streetstyle aesthetic with corporate branding, targeting businesses seeking promotional clothing that employees may wear outside work.
Source: PromZ
PF Concept appointed Janina Irmen as field sales representative for Germany. Irmen brings over 20 years of B2B sales and promotional products industry experience from previous roles at MAPROM, Midocean/SOLO and Texet. She will focus on strategic customer service, new customer acquisition and expanding partnerships in the German market.
Source: PSI
The GWW Autumn Trend trade fair relocated from Koelnmesse to Xpost in Cologne's Nippes district for the first time, prompted by PSI's planned move to the fairgrounds in 2027. The event attracted 143 exhibitors and 433 visitors, maintaining comparable attendance to previous years despite logistical challenges.
Source: PSI
The expansion of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is affecting how retailers approach procurement and brand communication. The regulation requires companies to report on sustainability practices, influencing supply chain decisions and how brands communicate their environmental and social commitments to customers.
Source: ONE to ONE
Embroidery software provider Wilcom introduced Wilcom Thrive, a free loyalty programme for commercial users. Members earn points through activities like completing courses, attending webinars and providing feedback, progressing through tiers from Bronze to Platinum with benefits including subscription discounts up to 10%.
Source: Images Magazine
Epson unveiled the SureColor SC-F300, a desktop A3 dye-sublimation printer designed for short-run personalisation and garment decoration. The device features a 2.7-inch touch panel, flexible sheet feeding, and a continuous ink system to reduce maintenance. The printer targets growing businesses expanding into A3 personalisation production.
Source: Images Magazine
Dae Ha UK has introduced 3D Supa Puff, a puff heat transfer vinyl film with up to 1cm build height for creating 3D effects on garments. The product features a heat-activated foaming layer, works on stretch fabrics without cracking, and is available in matte and metallic finishes. It is designed for logos and graphics requiring visual depth.
Source: Images Magazine
Grohganz Berufsbekleidung, a traditional workwear business in Würzburg, Germany, has closed after more than 100 years of operation. The closure marks the end of a long-established company in the workwear sector.
Source: Main-Post
The European Associations Cooperation expanded its Board from three to five members and reorganised its Taskforce structure to move from network-building to operational action. Eight Taskforces will address shared challenges including regulation, the Digital Product Passport, sustainability and digitalisation, with progress to be demonstrated by PSI 2027.
Source: BPMA
CorelDraw Graphics Suite September 2026 Update introduces text-to-vector AI for creating scalable vector art from text prompts, plus enhanced PowerTrace for faster and cleaner bitmap-to-vector conversion. The update also improves stability and performance for handling complex files.
Source: Images Magazine
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Promidata compiles this overview automatically from European trade media and news sources and writes its own short summaries. The original articles and all rights to them belong to the sources named.
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