It comes as no surprise that Digidelta's stand at FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 was so busy in Berlin, especially after weeks of great anticipation surrounding its new, fully patented BIOND material. Hundreds of visitors gathered at the stand to learn more about this PVC alternative made from over 85% bio-based components, sparking interest among both manufacturers and end users.
To learn more about the new product, Digidelta's other solutions, and the company as a whole, LFR conducted an exclusive interview with CEO Armando Mota for an in-depth look at the diversified materials supplier, its brands—including BIOND and decal®—and its expansion plans.
LFR: Can you give us some background on Digidelta? How did it become the business it is today?
Armando Mota: Digidelta was founded in 1986 by Rui Leitão, who continues to lead the company as Chairman. We started out as a small technology integrator, working closely with customers in Portugal to provide digital imaging, printing, and visual communication solutions.
An important turning point came in the early 2000s when we became Mimaki's official distributor in the Portuguese market. This opened the door to a new chapter, expanding our service beyond equipment delivery to offering support for an entire printing ecosystem.
In 2006, we launched our own media brand, decal®, created based on feedback from real customers. Professionals were looking for self-adhesive films that were easier to apply, more reliable in printing, and more competitive in terms of cost. What started small quickly gained traction across Europe.
In 2010, we built our own industrial and logistics center in Torres Novas, Portugal. It integrates the coating and converting unit, R&D laboratory, distribution center, and training showroom—all under one roof. This milestone has allowed us to control quality, innovate faster, and directly serve strategic global markets.
Between 2022 and 2024, we invested heavily in R&D to create a new generation of sustainable films. This work resulted in the launch of BIOND in 2025 at the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, which was met with enormous acclaim. BIOND is a bio-based, truly PVC-free brand that combines design, environmental responsibility, and industrial performance.
Today, Digidelta exports to more than 60 countries, and our brands support thousands of professionals in the printing, signage, decoration, and retail markets.
LFR: How is Digidelta currently structured?
AM: We have more than 150 professionals spread across various departments, including R&D, production, logistics, marketing, international sales, and technical service. Our structure is designed to offer complete solutions, combining industrial capacity with proximity and technical expertise.
Our main infrastructure is the production and logistics hub in Torres Novas, covering more than 15,000 m². We have four high-performance coating lines capable of producing more than 75 million linear meters of adhesive materials per year; six slitters to convert jumbos into final rolls, allowing us to reach 100 million m²/year; 1,300 storage racks with a capacity for 8.3 million m² of semi-finished stock; as well as a technical and quality laboratory, demonstration showroom, and training center.
This infrastructure supports our global operation, with a strong presence in Portugal and Spain, and a rapidly growing international distribution network. We also operate showrooms in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, fully equipped for live demonstrations and technical training.
In addition, we hold several certifications that demonstrate how Digidelta and its brands comply with the highest industrial and environmental standards. These include ISO 9001:2015, R9 Anti-Slip classification for floor graphics applications (DIN 51130:2014), and FDA approval for materials in contact with food and skin.
LFR: What were the main challenges faced and overcome by the company? And the greatest achievements?
AM: Like many industrial companies, we have had to adapt to rapid technological changes, global crises, and evolving environmental regulations. One of the biggest challenges was the transition from distributor to fully integrated manufacturer; setting up our production facility, managing quality, and investing in innovation was a demanding process.
Another major challenge was responding to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives without compromising performance. We overcame this phase with the creation of BIOND, a high-performance bio-based solution, an alternative to PVC films, which maintains the appearance, feel, and functionality required by professionals.
Our greatest achievements reflect our ability to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. These include the development of a portfolio of recognized brands, such as decal®, known for its ease of application and exceptional printing results, and the creation of Dot Matrix and Bubble Free technologies to simplify installation.
Globally, the consolidation of an international presence, with exports to more than 60 countries, is a significant milestone. This growth was driven by investment in the decal® 4.0 factory, which tripled our production capacity and integrated automation from coating to packaging.
All this has only been possible thanks to continuous investment in innovation, a firm commitment to technical excellence, and a team determined to push boundaries and lead in all the markets where we operate.
LFR: What are the main differentiating features of Digidelta products?
AM: What truly sets us apart is our ability to create products that simplify the work of professionals, while meeting the growing demands for sustainability and quality. Our brands—decal® and BIOND—reflect this commitment.
With decal®, innovation means usability. We have developed technologies such as Bubble Free and Dot Matrix, which allow bubble-free, repositionable, and residue-free application—even by non-professionals. This reduces errors, lowers labor costs, and speeds up installation.
We also work with double-sided PE liners, which prevent curling and eliminate waste between print jobs. They keep the material stable and flat during production, protecting the printheads and increasing reliability.
Our overlaminates with High-Tack UV adhesive offer high transparency and strong solvent-free adhesion, ideal for UV and latex printing, without silvering. We also use high-quality PVC films with European certifications.
In the case of BIOND, we consider it the boldest step towards the future. It is a new generation of bio-based films with over 85% renewable content. What makes BIOND unique is that it combines environmental awareness with industrial performance: it behaves like traditional vinyl. It stretches without tearing, making it ideal for print & cut, and comes in premium textures—wood, stone, canvas—for the interior decoration market.
We also apply Dot Matrix and High-Tack UV technologies in BIOND, preserving ease of application and bubble-free results. The use of bio-based polymer significantly reduces carbon impact—BIOND emits over 80% less CO₂ compared to PVC. In addition, it is fire rated (B-s1,d0), R10 slip-resistant certified, and safe for food contact in certain applications, opening up new opportunities for use.
LFR: Looking ahead, what are the company's main objectives?
AM: We are focused on continuing to lead through purposeful innovation. We want to develop technologically advanced, practical, sustainable solutions that are aligned with the real challenges faced by professionals.
One of the main focuses is the global expansion of BIOND. After years of R&D and validation, BIOND is ready to scale up, and we are working to strengthen its presence in international markets, especially among brands and professionals looking for high-performance alternatives to PVC. With certified sustainability credentials and vinyl-like usability, BIOND will redefine how the industry approaches eco-friendly materials.
In this new phase, we are also expanding the BIOND portfolio to include new labeling and flexible packaging lines, responding to the growing demand for sustainable materials in the packaging industry. At the same time, we are launching premium decorative films, with textures and printable solutions for walls, furniture, and retail interiors.
We are also strengthening the decal® brand, continuously innovating in adhesives, liners, and coating performance, all developed and tested in-house.
We also believe in the power of training, which is why we are developing Digidelta Academy, with in-person workshops, practical sessions, and demonstrations both in our showroom and through our network of international partners.
In addition to all this, we remain strongly committed to reducing our environmental footprint—rethinking the entire process, from raw materials to coating, converting, and distribution, to be more efficient, less wasteful, and more responsible.
LFR: In addition to all this, what else are you doing to support customers?
AM: At Digidelta, we are not just producers of materials or distributors of equipment; we are builders of ecosystems where innovation, usability, and sustainability come together to support professionals and brands in a meaningful way.
In addition to product lines, we develop complete solutions that respond to real market needs. These include financial tools to help customers grow without straining cash flow; integrated workflows where media, hardware, and training work in perfect harmony; multilingual technical and commercial support; and co-branded marketing tools.
We are equally committed to developing the next generation of sustainable printing materials. This includes investing in films with recycled content, water-based adhesive technologies, international certifications, and partnerships focused on circular models and low-carbon production.
We are proud of what we have built—and even more excited about what lies ahead—guided by the same values: quality, responsibility, and progress.
