BARCELONA, Spain – As the global automotive wrap market accelerates toward a projected $25 billion valuation by the end of 2026, CARLAS is set to showcase its next-generation TPU color change film at the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo in Barcelona.
Taking place from May 19–22, 2026, at Fira Barcelona, FESPA Global Print Expo is Europe‘s leading exhibition for the print and signage industry, bringing together over 550 exhibitors and more than 14,000 international visitors to explore cutting-edge innovations in wide-format, digital, screen, and textile printing, along with signage, personalisation, and sustainable technologies. For the vehicle wrapping industry, this year’s event holds particular significance, with WrapFest 2026 making its debut as part of the co-located event portfolio—a dedicated platform for the wrap, vinyl, paint protection film (PPF), window tint, architectural interior, and detailing industries.
Why WrapFest 2026 Represents a Milestone for the Wrap Industry
For the first time, WrapFest moves from its standalone UK format at the Silverstone Race Circuit to become an integrated part of FESPA 2026 in Barcelona. This strategic co-location provides visitors with access to over 2,000 square metres of exhibition space in Hall 2, bringing the global wrap community closer to the heart of the specialty print industry than ever before.
Confirmed WrapFest exhibitors already include 3M, Arlon Graphics, HEXIS, Lintec Europe, LX Hausys, American Biltrite, Antalis International, and APA Spa, alongside equipment manufacturers such as Epson, HP, Mimaki, Mutoh, and Roland.
Visitors can also experience the high-energy World Wrap Masters Europe and Series Final competitions, where vehicle wrappers from across Europe go head-to-head to wrap special objects and vehicles, before regional champions battle for the World Wrap Masters 2026 title. Additionally, live wrapping demonstrations with industry experts and the dedicated WrapTalks conference programme offer unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.
The CARLAS Advantage: TPU Color Change Film That Protects and Personalizes
As the gap between traditional PVC wraps and clear paint protection film (PPF) begins to close, CARLAS is leading the transition with its advanced TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) color change film—a product category that combines aesthetic versatility with genuine paint protection.
With more than 25 years of manufacturing experience and a vertically integrated 25,000-square-metre facility in Guangdong, China, CARLAS has emerged as a trusted global supplier of automotive films, including colored PPF, clear PPF, window films, and specialty protective films.
CARLAS TPU color change film is engineered for installers and distributors who demand more from their wrap materials. Key advantages include:
| Feature | Performance Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Premium-grade TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) |
| Thickness | 7.5–8 mil (ranging from ~190 to 203 microns) |
| UV Protection | ≥ 90% UV inhibition for superior fade resistance |
| Infrared Rejection | ≥ 90% IR rejection for heat management |
| Self-Healing Capability | Functional self-healing topcoat eliminates minor swirls and light scratches |
| Durability | Excellent resistance to yellowing, stone chips, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures (-40°C to 120°C) |
| Color Palette | Nearly 300 color options, including gloss, matte, metallic, carbon fiber, and liquid metal finishes |
| Installation | Supports both dry and wet installation methods with air-release channels |
| Warranty | Up to 3 years for color stability and performance |
| Surface Protection | Sand-proof, scratch-resistant, and chip-resistant |
Unlike conventional PVC wraps, which offer only color transformation and typically maintain performance for 2–3 years, CARLAS TPU color change film delivers both aesthetic upgrade and long-term paint protection, with service life extending to 5–7 years or more.
Three Core Product Series for Every Application
At FESPA/WrapFest 2026, CARLAS will present its complete TPU product matrix, covering three distinct application categories:
1. TPU Color Change Film (Colored PPF)
Designed for vehicle owners who want to change their car’s color without sacrificing paint protection, this series offers nearly 300 trending colors, ranging from ultra-glossy solid tones to matte finishes, metallic effects, carbon fibre textures, and liquid metal looks. The film‘s self-healing coating automatically repairs minor scratches and swirl marks under heat, while UV inhibitors prevent discoloration and fading, maintaining vibrant color brightness even under prolonged sun exposure.
2. Clear PPF – Invisible Paint Protection Film
High optical transparency, superior stain resistance, and excellent flexibility allow the film to conform seamlessly to complex body contours, making paint protection nearly invisible. The result is a durable shield against rock chips, chemical etching, road debris, and UV degradation—without altering the vehicle’s original appearance.
3. TPU Printable Custom Film
Breaking the traditional boundaries of colour change films, CARLAS TPU printable film supports custom pattern printing for fleet livery, brand displays, and specialty automotive customization. This solution merges creative expression with paint protection, opening new revenue streams for wrap installers seeking differentiation in a competitive market.
The Growing Advantage of TPU Color Change Over PVC
The shift from PVC-based wraps to TPU-based color change films is not merely incremental—it represents a fundamental upgrade in the expectations vehicle owners have for their wrap investment.
| Attribute | TPU Color Change Film | PVC Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Color change + paint protection | Color change only |
| Service Life | 5–7 years | 2–3 years |
| Scratch Resistance | Self-healing topcoat repairs minor damage | No self-healing capability |
| UV Resistance | ≥ 90% UV inhibition, minimal yellowing | Fading and yellowing within 1–2 years |
| Impact Protection | Absorbs and dissipates impact energy | Limited protection against chips |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent resistance to fuels, acids, road salts | Moderate |
| Conformability | High, with excellent flexibility and memory | Moderate, prone to lifting on complex curves |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to 120°C, maintains pliability | Narrower range, tends to become brittle |
For installation shops, the business case for TPU is equally compelling: higher margins, fewer warranty claims due to superior durability, and greater customer satisfaction resulting from a product that truly protects as well as beautifies.
Seamless Installation: Minimizing the Learning Curve
One of the key barriers historically limiting TPU adoption among wrap installers has been the perception of difficult installation compared to PVC. CARLAS has directly addressed this challenge by engineering its TPU color change film with dual-application compatibility:
- Dry installation works efficiently for smaller panels and controlled shop environments, offering rapid application and reduced lift risk.
- Wet installation allows repositioning and adjustment before adhesive bonding for large surfaces, hot climates, or complex curves, providing extra positioning time and fault tolerance.
Combined with a high-performance acrylic adhesive featuring air-release channels (air egress technology) that allow bubbles to be easily pushed out during installation, CARLAS TPU film offers a professional-grade solution accessible to both experienced PPF specialists and wrap technicians transitioning from PVC.
Barcelona: The Right Platform at the Right Time
FESPA Global Print Expo returns to Spain for the first time in 13 years, with this year‘s event strapline, ‘The Place for Experts,’ underlining FESPA’s exceptional value as a meeting point for visitors and exhibitors to share the insights and innovations shaping the future of specialty print and visual communications.
The 2026 event portfolio includes six co-located shows under one roof: FESPA Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience (4th edition), WrapFest (first-time co-location), and the brand new Corrugated and Textile events. A single visitor ticket grants access to all six events, offering exceptional value for professionals seeking to explore cross-vertical synergies between printing, packaging, personalisation, and surface finishing technologies.
For the global wrap industry, the integration of WrapFest into FESPA 2026 represents far more than a venue change. As Duncan MacOwan, Head of Marketing and Events at FESPA stated: “By integrating WrapFest into FESPA 2026, we‘re giving the global wrap community a bigger stage and a far more international platform. The result will be more energy, more knowledge-sharing, and more opportunities for our visitors and exhibitors to learn, compete, and make crucial connections – all under one roof.“
Partner with CARLAS: Global Reach, Local Support
With a global product portfolio, dedicated operations serving North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific markets, and a reputation for consistent quality backed by vertical integration, CARLAS is actively seeking distributors, fleet livery specialists, PPF installers, and wrap businesses looking to offer premium TUP colour change film to their customers.
For installation businesses, CARLAS provides:
- Competitive product pricing without compromising on material quality or performance
- OEM and private label services for brands requiring custom film specifications
- Consistent color matching and batch-to-batch stability
- Responsive global supply chain and inventory management
- Technical training resources and installation support materials
Visit CARLAS at FESPA / WrapFest 2026
FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 and co-located WrapFest take place 19–22 May 2026 at Fira Barcelona, Spain.
CARLAS Industrial is listed among the confirmed exhibitors in the WrapFest exhibition space, showcasing self-adhesive films, decorative surfaces, and functional materials for vehicle wrapping applications.
Visit the CARLAS team to see live demonstrations of TPU color change film installation, explore nearly 300 color options, and discuss partnership opportunities.
About CARLAS
headquartered in Zhaoqing, Guangdong, CARLAS Industrial is an ISO-certified manufacturer integrating R&D, production, sales, and technical training with nearly three decades of automotive film industry experience. The company’s 25,000-square-meter vertically integrated facility controls every production stage—from raw material selection and coating formulas to color development and quality assurance. CARLAS offers a comprehensive range of TPU color change films, clear PPF, window films, and specialty printable films, serving global customers across automotive aftermarket, fleet branding, and commercial graphics sectors.