More gloom for DRUPA21 organisers - and those thinking of attending the event next year, with the HP and Kodak joining the growing list of 'no-shows'.

Those who have already announced their non-participation in the April 2021 event include Heidelberg, manroland, Komori, Xerox, Fujifilm and Screen.

Koenig & Bauer - whose chief executive Claus Bolza-Schünemann is also president of DRUPA - is still committed to the show, but this week announced a "far-reaching" four-year restructuring plan.

While Heidelberg was once the biggest exhibitor at the 22-hall Messe Düsseldorf, HP - with the 8300 m2 Hall 17 booked - which was to have taken that position, as it did in 2016.

Kodak, which would have shown its Prosper and UltraStream inkjet products for digital newspaper printing, cited continued concerns over COVID-19. "Our commitment to the safety of our employees and customers during the pandemic is paramount," chief executive and executive chairman Jim Continenza said.