Remanexpo charts a steady course
February 13, 2025
As the final booths are packed away, and thoughts turn to home.
If Monday at Remanexpo was “steady as she goes,” then Tuesday carried on in much the same vein, with exhibitors making the most of the opportunities available. Those who had done their homework were busy with meetings and product demonstrations, while others took the time to explore the latest innovations and network with industry colleagues. One exhibitor, beaming after an unexpected walk-in deal, remarked, “You never know who’s going to show up—that’s the magic of a trade show!”
Meanwhile, the familiar beeping of chip resetters continued to provide a rhythmic backdrop to the day’s activities. It is almost a Remanexpo tradition at this point. And speaking of traditions, the Messe coffee may still be overpriced, but the camaraderie over a shared grumble makes up for it. One exhibitor, gesturing to their €8.50 coffee and a cheese roll, joked, “A small price to pay for great conversations.”
The Remanexpo audience remains a dedicated and specialised crowd, comprising remanufacturers, resellers, and suppliers looking to buy and sell toner, OPC drums, chips, inks, and empty cartridges. The demand for finished products, including remanufactured consumables and printers, ensures steady business for exhibitors who cater to this niche. There’s also a market for essential office equipment—our own office can now boast a brand-new label printer, replacing our much-lamented Dymo unit that finally gave up the ghost after years of loyal service. The mix of established industry players and smaller businesses looking to carve their niche reflects the evolving nature of the sector, making Remanexpo a key event for networking and sourcing essential products.
All the available space at the show was completely sold out, highlighting strong demand from exhibitors. Several long-time participants were disappointed they couldn’t secure a stand this year, reflecting the event’s continued significance within the industry. Some of these exhibitors opted to camp out in nearby hotels, transforming lobbies into impromptu meeting spaces where business was just as brisk. Typically for three days, rather than five, these alternative venues were busy with activity, proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way when it comes to networking and deal-making.
Clearly, overall numbers were down compared to last year, though the full details won’t be known for another week or so. While the aisles may have felt less crowded, many exhibitors noted that the quality of interactions remained high, with serious buyers still making deals. Gerwald van der Gijp, CEO of Altkin, acknowledged the lower visitor turnout but highlighted one key success: the presentation of Altkin’s in-house developed HP SecuReuse resetter, a step towards a more sustainable printing industry. Others, like Zhono, reflected on the week with excitement and gratitude, describing it as inspiring and productive, with valuable discussions shaping future collaborations.
G&G made a strong impression with a busy stand and positive visitor feedback. It showcased its latest self-developed laser printers for the OEM channel and a range of industrial and home-use label printers, including a popular mini version. G&G emphasised its A-rating for ESG, compliance with EU regulations, and patent-safe remanufactured supplies. With its Netherlands hub ensuring fast delivery and support, G&G reinforced its role as a trusted European partner.
Tuesday started out quiet but picked up, only to be replaced around lunchtime by the sound of booth dismantling. Not really in the rules, but when you have a long-haul flight back to China leaving at 8 pm, what options do you have—except another night in a hotel? While some exhibitors stayed to squeeze out last-minute deals, others opted to pack up early, a reminder of the global nature of the industry and the logistical hurdles that come with it. Some exhibitors lamented that leaving early might mean missing out on an unexpected last-minute buyer, while others argued that the cost of staying an extra night often outweighs the potential gains.
Despite these departures, the show maintained its energy, and conversations about industry trends and innovations continued. Many attendees were keen to discuss the evolving landscape of remanufacturing, including the push towards sustainable practices and the increasing role of digital tracking for consumables. The Altkin SecuReuse resetter prompted fresh conversations about extending chip life cycles, with calls for other OEMs to follow HP’s lead. Suzanne Reevely of Honest Inks also reflected on a week full of meaningful conversations around remanufacturing and sustainability, celebrating growing collaboration within the sector.
There were plenty of debates over the future of trade shows themselves—will in-person events maintain their relevance in a world where virtual meetings are becoming the norm? For now, exhibitors seem to agree that nothing quite replaces face-to-face interactions, the chance to physically examine products, and the informal networking that happens over a coffee—or even a cheese roll.
In Europe, face-to-face is still the norm, and most agree that three days is the ideal show length. Personally, I’d need two weeks—just to speak with everyone properly. GPI/Cartridge Web shared their enthusiasm throughout the week, describing their time at the show as “exciting and full of fantastic consultations,” underscoring that personal engagement remains invaluable.
Looking back nostalgically to the Paperworld days, it is clear that the professional buyer segment (PBS) is now a rare species—small in numbers, but those who remain are serious about doing business. This is why remanufacturers exhibiting at the show still court them. The Office segment, having had its brief flirtation with Remanexpo, has now been shipped off to Dubai, a move that may work for the Dubai trade fair scene but has left another gap in the Frankfurt landscape. Still, the exhibitors here are adaptable, and the atmosphere is one of resilience and forward thinking. Several exhibitors noted that while numbers may be lower, the quality of interactions remains high, making the event a worthwhile investment.
A quick detour through Creativeworld and Christmasworld showed similar trends—serious buyers engaged in productive discussions, even if the overall footfall felt leaner. And with global travel still finding its feet, expectations are adjusting. Some industry insiders suggest that hybrid events and digital platforms could play a more significant role in future trade shows, opening up new opportunities for engagement. That said, many exhibitors are hopeful that as international travel stabilises, attendance will once again increase, bringing back some of the trade show’s former energy.
And then, there were the Zoll raids. A dozen armed officers, stab vests strapped on, and towing their trailer, descended with all the subtlety of a SWAT team—presumably to neutralise the grave threat posed by a toner bottle. One exhibitor, watching the spectacle unfold, muttered, “You’d think they were busting a crime syndicate, not a trade show stand.” The timing, as always, was impeccable—just as the stand was at its busiest. A quiet word, an official discussion, perhaps a measured approach? Not dramatic enough, it seems. “If they just sent one officer and a lawyer, explained the issue, and allowed the exhibitor to correct it, they might actually achieve something more than theatre,” another exhibitor quipped. But as any seasoned Remanexpo veteran knows, when it comes to the Zoll, enforcement is one part regulation, two parts performance.
Of course, the myth-busting did not stop there. SecuReuse, the much-talked-about HP programme, is indeed real—it is how HP will enable the aftermarket to reset genuine HP chips for reuse. Currently in trial with three companies, it is set for a broader rollout next year (assuming the HP server issues are resolved). And yes, cartridges may seem scarce, but the truth is, most still end up in landfill. As for the new legislation—no, it will not kill off reuse. Quite the opposite, it aims to level the playing field for everyone in the industry.
For 2025, The Recycler Live heads to Tallinn from 13–15 May. The event opens with the inaugural Recycler Live International Golf Tournament on the 13th, followed by the Recycler Live Conference on the 14th. That evening, a networking reception, dinner, and the Recycler Awards will round off the day. The 15th will host the Recycler Live Trade Day. Later in the year, there will be more to announce. As for 2026, we’ll update you shortly. Whatever lies ahead, overpriced cheese rolls or not, The Recycler will be there to report on it.
Categories : World Focus
