The RadTech Europe (RTE) Conference & Exhibition 2025, held from 27–29 October in Warsaw, Poland, brought together the entire value chain of the UV/EB energy curing industry in what proved to be an energising, inspiring, and highly successful edition of Europe’s premier event for radiation curing technology.
With over 70 speakers, expert sessions, a vibrant exhibition floor and a record number of end-users, the event radiated positivity and forward-looking momentum, true to the sustainable, energy-efficient spirit of UV/EB technology.
A positive start: RTE as the focal point for energy curing
RTE President Angelique Runacre opened the conference on an optimistic and visionary note, highlighting RadTech Europe’s mission as the focal point for energy curing technology in Europe. “Our mission is clear,” said Runacre. “To protect and promote the reputation of UV/EB technology through objective, transparent knowledge sharing. RTE connects, educates and empowers the industry, and this event is a living testament to that mission.”
She spotlighted RTE’s expanding activities:
- Connecting the industry through technical working groups and collaborations with global partners such as RadTech North America and other trade associations.
- Educating via dedicated seminars, the popular UV LED webinar series, and regular e-newsletters.
- Empowering the sector by advocating the recyclability of UV-printed materials, addressing misconceptions through the Deinking Working Group, and responding to current needs by reorganising the HSE Group into the new Regulatory & Sustainability Group.
Plenary highlights: Recognising excellence in research and innovation
During the plenary session, RadTech Europe awarded Jelena Nikolic, a student at the Vienna University of Technology, the Best Paper Award for her outstanding research on Novel Monoacylphosphine Oxide – a significant contribution to the advancement of photoinitiator chemistry. Her work exemplifies the high level of academic research being done to support the development of UV/EB technologies.
Additionally, Fujifilm was honoured with the RadTech Europe Innovation Award 2025 for their groundbreaking AQUAFUZE inkjet technology – a materials science breakthrough in water-based UV LED curing.
Insights on the European Market and the role of design
Following the opening, David Engberg, Chair of the RTE Marketing Committee, delivered a data-driven overview of the European UV/EB market. He confirmed that cost-effectiveness remains a key driver, but added that enhanced performance and functionality are becoming equally important reasons for adopting energy curing technologies.
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by Christian Guellerin, Director of L’École de design Nantes Atlantique (France), who shared a compelling vision on the strategic role of design thinking. He described how design has evolved into a management discipline, essential for guiding transformation in both public and private sectors, urging universities and design schools to adapt curricula accordingly.
Knowledge sharing, networking and innovation
The conference featured parallel sessions on application developments, equipment and analysis, advances in UV formulations, regulatory updates and sustainability. The RTE Academy, hosted once again by David Helsby, provided newcomers and students with a comprehensive introduction to UV/EB energy curing technology.
A panel discussion, moderated by Frazer Chesterman, on the future of UV/EB brought together thought leaders from Arkema, IST INTECH, IKEA, SSAB Europe and Kneho-Lacke, sparking insightful dialogue on the evolving role of the technology in design, production, and sustainability strategies.
A community energised by collaboration
The event was marked by dynamic energy and genuine enthusiasm, not only for the technical innovations but also for the sense of community among professionals, researchers, students and industry leaders. The exhibition hall buzzed with activity, providing a vital platform for networking, business development, and knowledge exchange.
RadTech Europe extends its heartfelt thanks to all speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and participants for their ongoing support, which made this edition an overwhelming success.
Looking ahead
The RadTech Europe Conference & Exhibition will return in 2027, continuing the mission to champion UV/EB technology as a sustainable, innovative, and future-proof solution for industry.