As the human and economic toll of the war in Ukraine mount and companies are pulling out of Russia as a humanitarian and political gesture, the printing equipment manufacturers are also pondering whether to stop or continue with their activities in Russia. Some big brands such as Microsoft, Xerox, HP, Konica Minolta and Mutoh already stopped shipments to Russia.
German trade fair ground and organizer Messe Dusseldorf, Norwegian carton company Elopak, and Finnish pulp and paper manufacturers Stora Enso and UPM have also suspended business in Russia. Some other companies such as Canon and Fujifilm didn’t go that far. Instead, they showed their support by donating money for humanitarian activities in Ukraine.
Meanwhile within family of conventional and offset printing press manufacturers so far, no announcement has been made. The digital printing vendors and software companies were more forthcoming and aggressive in voicing their opposition to what’s happening in Ukraine. Companies such as Heidelberg, Koenig and Bauer and manroland are yet to release an official statement regarding the war in Ukraine. I wonder why is that? Is it because they enjoy a substantial business in Russia, more than likes of HP and Xerox? I doubt it. Is it analogue vs digital mindset? It is highly unlikely. Maybe simply they don’t want to get involved. Whatever the reason it seems to me that sooner or later they have to show some sort of reaction, albeit a faint one.
Companies that are still active in Russia are facing harsh criticism. For example, Nestlé that has defended its decision to stay in Russia by saying it would not profit from its operations there as Ukraine upped the pressure on the world’s biggest food company to withdraw as the war intensifies and casualties mount.
The pressure is on and if atrocities in Ukraine continue companies should face up to the tough reality. Sometimes between profit and human lives you should opt for the latter.
