The global printing industry is mourning the loss of Michel Caza, one of the founding figures behind FESPA and a pioneering force in screen printing innovation. Michel Caza passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the modern speciality printing industry for more than seven decades.FESPA announced the news with deep sadness, describing Caza as one of the federation’s “founding fathers” and a visionary leader whose influence extended across screen printing, digital print technology, sustainability, and industry education.
A Founding Visionary of FESPA
Michel Caza was among the eight founding board members who established FESPA in 1961 with the mission of encouraging collaboration, technical knowledge sharing, and the advancement of screen printing across Europe.
He remained actively involved with the organization until retiring from the Board in 2014 and served as FESPA President from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2000 to 2002 — a period marked by significant transformation within the printing industry.
Under his leadership, FESPA expanded into a truly global community of speciality printers spanning nearly 40 countries, fostering cooperation, innovation, and professional growth.
FESPA President Daniel Sunderland paid tribute to Caza’s lifelong contribution to the industry.
“Michel was an irrepressible innovator, passionate about the craft and creativity of screen printing,” Sunderland said. “His belief in community, collaboration, and education became the foundation on which FESPA was built and remains central to the organization today.”
From Student Job to Printing Legend
Caza’s journey into screen printing began in the mid-1950s while working a student job in Stockholm. What started as a temporary role evolved into a lifelong passion and internationally respected career.
Over the decades, he collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Victor Vasarely, helping elevate fine art screen printing to new technical and creative levels.
In addition to running his own print business, Caza became a prolific author, educator, and consultant. Throughout his career, he received more than 350 industry awards and delivered hundreds of presentations, workshops, and seminars around the world.
His influence extended beyond production techniques, shaping global printing standards through education and technical consultancy.
Champion of Innovation and Digital Printing
At a time when many screen printers viewed emerging digital inkjet technologies as a threat, Michel Caza recognized the opportunity for integration between traditional and digital print methods.
He strongly advocated for investment in digital printing technologies, helping pave the way for the launch of the dedicated FESPA Digital exhibition in 2006. His forward-thinking approach encouraged the industry to embrace technological evolution rather than resist it.
Caza is also credited with numerous technical innovations, including the commercialization of UV-curing inks and advancements in ultra-fine halftone screen rulings — developments that significantly improved print quality and production capabilities.
Early Advocate for Sustainable Printing
Long before sustainability became a mainstream industry focus, Michel Caza was already promoting environmentally responsible printing practices.
In 2001, he authored Screen Printing: A Guide for a Clean Planet, a publication that later evolved into the first FESPA Planet Friendly Guide. This initiative became the foundation for FESPA’s extensive sustainability education programs that continue today.
His commitment to reducing the environmental impact of print production positioned him as one of the earliest advocates for sustainable printing technologies and cleaner manufacturing methods.
A Lasting Legacy in Global Printing
In 2018, Caza documented his extraordinary 55-year career in fine art screen printing through his book Michel Caza: The Chameleon of Contemporary Art, offering insight into his technical mastery, artistic collaborations, and passion for innovation.
FESPA stated that further tributes to Michel Caza will be shared in the coming weeks through its official platforms and social media channels.
As the global print industry reflects on his passing, Michel Caza will be remembered not only as a master printer and innovator, but also as a mentor, educator, and passionate advocate for collaboration, sustainability, and the future of printing technology.
The global printing industry is mourning the loss of Michel Caza, one of the founding figures behind FESPA and a pioneering force in screen printing innovation. Michel Caza passed away on May 23, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the modern speciality printing industry for more than seven decades.
FESPA announced the news with deep sadness, describing Caza as one of the federation’s “founding fathers” and a visionary leader whose influence extended across screen printing, digital print technology, sustainability, and industry education.
A Founding Visionary of FESPA
Michel Caza was among the eight founding board members who established FESPA in 1961 with the mission of encouraging collaboration, technical knowledge sharing, and the advancement of screen printing across Europe.
He remained actively involved with the organization until retiring from the Board in 2014 and served as FESPA President from 1996 to 1999 and again from 2000 to 2002 — a period marked by significant transformation within the printing industry.
Under his leadership, FESPA expanded into a truly global community of speciality printers spanning nearly 40 countries, fostering cooperation, innovation, and professional growth.
FESPA President Daniel Sunderland paid tribute to Caza’s lifelong contribution to the industry.
“Michel was an irrepressible innovator, passionate about the craft and creativity of screen printing,” Sunderland said. “His belief in community, collaboration, and education became the foundation on which FESPA was built and remains central to the organization today.”
From Student Job to Printing Legend
Caza’s journey into screen printing began in the mid-1950s while working a student job in Stockholm. What started as a temporary role evolved into a lifelong passion and internationally respected career.
Over the decades, he collaborated with some of the world’s most renowned artists, including Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, and Victor Vasarely, helping elevate fine art screen printing to new technical and creative levels.
In addition to running his own print business, Caza became a prolific author, educator, and consultant. Throughout his career, he received more than 350 industry awards and delivered hundreds of presentations, workshops, and seminars around the world.
His influence extended beyond production techniques, shaping global printing standards through education and technical consultancy.
Champion of Innovation and Digital Printing
At a time when many screen printers viewed emerging digital inkjet technologies as a threat, Michel Caza recognized the opportunity for integration between traditional and digital print methods.
He strongly advocated for investment in digital printing technologies, helping pave the way for the launch of the dedicated FESPA Digital exhibition in 2006. His forward-thinking approach encouraged the industry to embrace technological evolution rather than resist it.
Caza is also credited with numerous technical innovations, including the commercialization of UV-curing inks and advancements in ultra-fine halftone screen rulings — developments that significantly improved print quality and production capabilities.
Early Advocate for Sustainable Printing
Long before sustainability became a mainstream industry focus, Michel Caza was already promoting environmentally responsible printing practices.
In 2001, he authored Screen Printing: A Guide for a Clean Planet, a publication that later evolved into the first FESPA Planet Friendly Guide. This initiative became the foundation for FESPA’s extensive sustainability education programs that continue today.
His commitment to reducing the environmental impact of print production positioned him as one of the earliest advocates for sustainable printing technologies and cleaner manufacturing methods.
A Lasting Legacy in Global Printing
In 2018, Caza documented his extraordinary 55-year career in fine art screen printing through his book Michel Caza: The Chameleon of Contemporary Art, offering insight into his technical mastery, artistic collaborations, and passion for innovation.
FESPA stated that further tributes to Michel Caza will be shared in the coming weeks through its official platforms and social media channels.
As the global print industry reflects on his passing, Michel Caza will be remembered not only as a master printer and innovator, but also as a mentor, educator, and passionate advocate for collaboration, sustainability, and the future of printing technology.