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If the wide-format world was under the impression that solvent-based wide-format printing is on the way out, Sign Istanbul proved to be an example of a part of the world where it is still big business. I visited this show yesterday and, although there was representation from other ink technologies, it was this chemistry which dominated.

Where Turkey sits geographically and demographically is interesting, with both European and Asian influences manifesting themselves in the country's attitude to wide-format print and displays as well as life in general. The Istanbul exhibition was awash with bright colours, with plenty of digital signage, but it was reminiscent of the main European and American events of at least five years ago, rather than the present day.

With so many Asian manufacturers at this show promoting solvent-based printing machines, it begs the question as to how long it will take before we see a shift to kinder formulations making a dent in the Turkish display market. Although alternative ink chemistries were being exhibited at Sign Istanbul, these proved to be in the minority; as for venting and ducting, I'm glad I visited on the first day, and not the last, as fume extraction didn't seem to be on the agenda.

My feeling is that this attitude to solvent-based production is very much a chicken and egg situation. Without a strong market still persisting for these printers, the manufacturers and distributors wouldn't invest so much time and energy bringing their machines to a trade event. Conversely, with this ink formulation remaining so dominant in some parts of the world, suppliers obviously realise there is good business to be done in countries like Turkey.

This raises the further question of whether the popularity of solvent-based printers is purely down to the perception of low price or if other factors need to be brought into the mix. Turkey likes its bright colours, its digital signage and its wide-format print; you can't miss any of these elements of this country's display ethos. How long will it take before other ink technologies start to make a real impact in countries like Turkey? I'd estimate that we won't see much change for several years to come. After all, there was even a printer called the 'Ottoman'.