PREVIEW 2026
CONTINUED
rather than a standalone technology. This includes the right printers, labels, software integration and ongoing support. Education is key, as many customers are still early in their RFID journey. RFID labelling is set to grow rapidly as
supply chains become more complex and data driven. As costs continue to fall and technology matures, RFID will become an increasingly standard component of modern logistics and inventory management. n
Rick Dove , pre-sales technical specialist, Epson UK Epson remains optimistic about its
One of the key challenges in 2026 will be managing increasing cybersecurity risks, particularly as print environments become more connected and integrated into wider IT infrastructures. Ensuring printers are treated as secure network endpoints will be crucial for vendors and channel partners. At the same time, businesses will likely face growing pressure to reduce environmental impact while continuing to digitise and automate customer workflows. Balancing sustainability goals with the need for efficiency and automation will be an ongoing challenge for the print channel as customer expectations continue to evolve. n
prospects in 2026, driven by continued demand for more efficient, reliable and sustainable print solutions such as heat- free inkjet printing. As organisations place greater emphasis on reducing energy consumption and waste, Epson’s inkjet technology continues to become more relevant within managed print services and wider workplace strategies. Customers are looking for long-term solutions that balance cost control with environmental performance. This creates strong opportunities for technologies and businesses in 2026 that can deliver consistent high-quality output while helping organisations lower power usage and minimise consumables.
Rick Dove
epson.co.uk
Stuart Miller , UK&I director of channel partners, Canon 2026 will be a year of evolution for the channel, as print and IT partners continue to redefine their value through services, software and smarter integration. The focus is shifting from short-term transactional sales to more solutions-focused
more sustainable customer experiences. Elsewhere, security will remain a key focus. Partners will need to prioritise secure information management and compliance-ready workflows. AI will play an increasing role in predicting and preventing breaches through smarter monitoring, authentication and data protection tools. Alongside this, efficiency and serviceability will become increasingly important, with greater emphasis on data-driven optimisation and modular, upgradable devices that extend product lifecycles and reduce disruption. This will continue to change the role of the engineer, shifting from reactive maintenance towards proactive,
partnerships, creating opportunities for partners that can help customers navigate complex challenges. This evolution supports a more resilient and future-proof business model for the channel. For the print channel, 2026 will reward partners that can move beyond hardware- led conversations to how AI, automation and connected services can deliver measurable business value. Success will come from partners that prioritise expertise and collaboration for smarter,
Stuart Miller
canon.co.uk
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