Stream is Kodak's key launch for the show among a raft of at least 25 new products. It is a web inkjet technology, which Kodak says offers speed, quality and overall print cost that are on a par with offset printing.

Speaking at Drupa this morning, Perez said: "We believe this technology will change this industry forever. It's going to attract many of the jobs that offset now does."

He also dismissed suggestions of any threat from other inkjet launches at the show such as Fujifilm's B2 offering, the Jet Press 720.

"We don't think they are comparable. There are a lot of inkjet-based solutions and they all have some merit, one way and another. But when you look at what Stream does there is a big difference."

Perez added that Kodak would look to develop more entry-level inkjet printers in the coming years.

Other launches from Kodak include the Flexcel NX digital flexo plate, which is aimed at packaging printers but, according to the company, could also be used by printers to start offering packaging products.