New Zealand Printer Summer 2024

Cyber brings RMGT offset digitisation to region’s printers

RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology (RMGT) president, Katsushi Hirokawa, recently stated, “The printing industry still faces numerous challenges, including the ongoing trends towards going paperless and digitising information, the rising cost of materials, and the difficulty in securing staff.

“To assist printing companies in dealing with such challenges, at IGAS 2022 in November last year, RMGT exhibited solutions for greater automation by introducing various automated systems, improving efficiency through visualisation, utilising the cloud and reducing labour requirements by using AGVs and plate supply systems (currently under development),” he said.

RMGT, a joint venture of Ryobi and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, draws together the press design and manufacturing experience and resources of both partners, to meet the changing print needs of printers the world over.

Increasingly, digital technologies are being built into the group’s offset printing presses, to maximise efficiency, reduce waste and energy consumption and to reduce the environmental impact of the printing process.

Cyber, which operates in New Zealand and Australia, as well as throughout South East Asia, has been the long-time distributor of Ryobi first, then of RMGT press technologies for many decades.

The information pathway is not one directional, but more of a loop, with Cyber and its customers sharing their experiences and recommendations for improvements and new products, enabling RMGT to deliver the utmost in productivity and cost savings to its press users.

This results in tight, long-term relationships between manufacturer, distributor, and end user, with printers tending to invest in multiple presses. One such long-time customer of Cyber and RMGT is Australian trade printer CMYKhub.

Operating as an online business, CMYKhub supplies its customers - other printers - from five manufacturing hubs country-wide, providing fast turnaround, round-the-clock commercial print in small- to medium run lengths.

Late last year, Cyber installed an RMGT 970PF-8 eight-colour perfector with LEDUV at CMYKhub’s Brisbane production hub (see front cover). The RMGT 970PF-8 includes PQS-D, Smart Assist Printing capabilities and Smart-FPC, and replaces the site’s existing RMGT 920.

It was an Australian first, building on an enduring partnership that CMYKhub and Cyber have established over many years. The new press was the 15th that CMYKhub has purchased from Cyber, with the RMGT 970PF-8 being the company’s fifth eightcolour LED-UV press.

CMYKhub CEO, Dayne Nankervis, said, “The RMGT machines that we have purchased from Cyber have always been productive and profitable for our business.

“They have always performed the way we expected them to. So, when it came to making the decision to purchase another new machine, it was an easy decision for us to choose RMGT again.

“The RMGT 970PF-8 LED-UV delivers on value; it’s a good quality Japanese machine that suits our business perfectly. It’s the only offset machine in our Brisbane site and it works seamlessly with our other machines,” he said.

Bernard Cheong, managing director of Cyber Australia & New Zealand, stated that the range offers versatility, durability, and advanced automation. These features will further improve users’ profitability.

He went on to say that, “RMGT has been combining the founding companies’ strengths of energy-saving designs that incorporate new ideas with high-precision manufacturing technology and highly durable construction for long-term use.”

Nankervis said that CMYKhub looks forward to adding more equipment to its fleet. “It has always been our philosophy to keep investing, enabling us to stay ahead,” he said.

“We are continually advancing and growing. RMGT and Cyber have always supported us along that journey, which has involved many machines and replacements. Our partnership has been there for the whole time and will continue to be there in the coming years as we continue to invest in our offset fleet.”

Skeleton transfer cylinder option adds versatility to RMGT 970

In August, RYOBI MHI Graphic Technology (RMGT) president, Katsushi Hirokawa, announced the addition of a skeleton transfer cylinder option to the A1-plus size 970 model.

A skeleton transfer cylinder has no cylinder surface to touch the image area, preventing scratches during paper transfer. The skeleton transfer cylinder specification for the 970 model is only available as a straight printing press.

Three air management mechanisms; an air blower before the impression cylinder, an air chamber, and a venturi system, ensure reliable sheet transfer for a wide range jobs and paper thicknesses.

Economy and flexibility

Already popular for its economic cost performance and advanced operator assist functions, the addition of the skeleton transfer cylinder to the 970 was born out of demands from commercial and light package printers.

In addition to the flexibility to handle sheet thicknesses from 0.04 to 0.8 mm, the maximum feed size of 650 x 965 mm is well suited for a wide range of multi-up printing on A1-plus size sheets, resulting in exceptional cost savings.

The enhanced 970 model includes many

of the flagship RMGT 10 series’ sheet transport technologies.

New business opportunities

Together with the skeleton transfer cylinder, these technologies enable the versatile 970 to create new business opportunities for printers, with a wide variety of print applications, including light packaging, cards, mounting boards, and book covers.

Higher quality, lower cost light package printing is achievable thanks to approximately 20 per cent lower plate costs and a reduction of about 65 per cent in power consumption compared to a B1-size press, according to inhouse comparisons by RMGT.

From the feeder, register and printing unit, the press employs RMGT flagship 10 series technology to ensure stable transfer and prevent scratches for a wide range of paper thicknesses.

Changes to the feeder board section and infeed section – including the runner wheels and a front lay swing sheet guide – improve heavy-stock feed performance.

To increase side lay pulling force and enhance register precision for heavystock, the pneumatic side lay is equipped with a push-pull mechanism that

simultaneously operates the side lays on both operator and drive sides.

Paper protected during transfer

A skeleton transfer cylinder has no cylinder surface to touch the image area, preventing scratches during paper transfer.

Three air management mechanisms – an air blower before the impression cylinder, an air chamber, and a venturi system – ensure reliable sheet transfer for of wide range jobs of paper thicknesses.

Combining a coating unit and LED-UV/ UV curing unit with two- to six-colour printing units enables a variety of high value-added work, including chemically embossed printing using varnish as well as printing on metallised paper.

This model adopts the retractable chamber type coating unit, which can apply a wide selection of aqueous and UV varnish coating.

When not in use, the coating unit retracts upward and a safety guard moves into position, enabling preparations for the next job to be performed while printing is in progress.

The skeleton transfer cylinder option is now available on RMGT’s A1-plus size 970 model, and Cyber welcomes enquiries from prospective buyers.

CONTENTS

Cover Story p3-5

3-5 Cyber: Regional supplier Cyber is helping customers take their print production performance to a new level with RMGT digitisation

Features p18-64

18 Durst: Matt Ashman discusses the seamless Durst workflow

20 Currie Group: Exciting news for Currie Group customers from ABG and Color-Logic

22-23 HP: Haim Levitt explains HP’s approach to sustainability

24 Dscoop: Edge Indy has pole position for HP users in Indianapolis, USA

26 Enterprise Print: HP unveils its new Smart Tank printers

28-29 Konica Minolta: AccurioPro Flux is scalable, affordable, and capable

30 Konica Minolta: About Print has installed three Konica Minolta AccurioPress solutions

32 Think Laterally: Mick Rowan shows how to navigate small business entrepreneurship

47 Wayzgoose: Letterpress and bookcraft experts gathered in Wellington recently

50 Paper: WML remains Whakatane’s largest private employer

54-55 Mailing: David Allen gives his take on mailhouse evolution

56 Graphic Design: Daniel Edwards offers tips for improving print design

57 Printerverse: Honest customer feedback is invaluable, says Deb Corn

58 Countdown to drupa: touchpoint sustainability takes print’s future to the heart

64 People: Meqa Smith shows how to get your team humming

PrintNZ p14-53

14-15 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre reports on our complex print challenges

16 Comment: Ruth Cobb welcomes new PrintNZ members

48-49 Women In Print: They are getting louder and having a fabulous time

52-53 Print Promotion: PrintNZ joins forces with TRMC NZ to beef up our promotion strategies

Wide Format Plus p33-46

34 Aarque: Omnigraphics shows off its Epson SureColor S60660L printers

36 Aarque: Zünd will take its automated solutions to Fespa next month

28 Durst: Durst subsidiary companies Vanguard, D3, and PPD are innovation powerhouses

34-35 Anniversary: Speedy Signs celebrates 25 years of success

36 Computaleta: A third HP Partner of the Year Award for the local supplier

Summer 2024

44 Fespa: Preparations are well advanced for next month’s show

45 CCG: We talk to DTF Station founder, Tony Lee

46 Visual Impact: VI heads to Brisbane in July

Labels & Packaging p59-65

60-62 Wet glue labels: Andy ThomasEmans looks at their appeal

63 Paper v Plastic: Packaging solutions can minimise their environmental impact

65 Packaging: Orora Beverage shows off its new packaging decoration

Advertiser’s Index

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New Zealand Printer is mailed to members of the printing, packaging and graphic communications industry in New Zealand 11 times a year, February-December.

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Amaze your customers with speciality colours beyond CMYK and push creative boundaries with Super EA Eco Toner.

With the colour gamut at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless.

XSYS has introduced the rotec adapter configuration tool, an online product guidance and order request portal that gives printers direct access to fully customised adapters. The company says that when using the tool, printers can configure the exact adapter they require for their press by specifying all the technical details in one process. Thomas Strohe, director of commercial excellence at XSYS, says, “This streamlined approach contributes to a more efficient ordering process, where printers can receive their bespoke adapter in a shorter time frame.”

FIERY has announced a new website, user community, and learning platform. The company says its customers can use the website to find Fiery product information and free trials, training courses, expert advice, and engage with peers on print technologies for commercial printing, packaging, sign, and display graphics, building materials, office, and specialty products. The company says visitors can easily locate the information they need and discover the immediate impact Fiery DFEs, and workflow software can have on their print operations.

COLOR-LOGIC has announced full compliance with Adobe Creative Cloud 2024. Mark Geeves, director of sales and marketing at Color-Logic, says, “With the entire suite of ColorLogic products fully compatible with the most current version of Adobe Creative Cloud. Licensed Color-Logic, you can access and download the latest Color-Logic Design Suite for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign on the Color-Logic website under Installers. An optional upgrade provides access to 924 metallic colours and embellishments.”

See you in June for the Official drupa ANZ night

PrintNZ is inviting New Zealand and Australian visitors to drupa 2024 to attend the official drupa ANZ night on Monday, June 3 during the world’s most significant print industry event for 2024. The drupa organiser Messe Düsseldorf will kick things off at 4.00pm with a Welcome Reception for Kiwi and Aussie visitors. With industry

Official drupa ANZ night set for June 3 Printopia set for May

The third annual Printopia Festival of Original Print will run from May 3-5 at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Auckland.

Aimed at people interested in all aspects of original printing, the weekend offers a mix of fun and inspiration with talks, demonstrations, workshops, live printing, and a print fair.

Organiser Ina Arraoui says She says, “We are thrilled to have another outstanding line-up of artists delivering

organisations PrintNZ, Visual Connections, and VMA supporting the free to attend event, it is guaranteed to give everyone an enjoyable a night of fellowship and fun. Ruth Cobb, chief executive officer at PrintNZ, says the intention to hold an industry led event means that all visitors can feel welcome at the party. She says, “It is

workshops on a range of print techniques that are non-toxic, experimental, and pushing the boundaries of print. These workshops are celebrating and supporting our print community, showcasing emerging, established, and senior artists.

“International artist Jenny Robinson will deliver the keynote presentation on the Saturday morning and a Masterclass on the Sunday afternoon. We will feature an engaging selection of free Print Talks and Demos that will give attendees an insight into contemporary printmaking in Aotearoa and beyond. This is a seated event, where you can

important that all the Kiwi and Aussie drupa visitors including sponsors and media feel especially welcome to attend. It will give everyone a chance to network, talk about the show, meet new friends, and cement old relationships.” The official drupa ANZ night takes place at the event venue, so everyone will find it easy to get there for the 4pm kick-off. As the evening progresses, you can move offsite to continue the celebrations.

Robert Laing, managing director of Messe Reps – the local representative for Messe Düsseldorf, says, “We feel really excited that Messe Düsseldorf has the ability to welcome Australian and New Zealand visitors to the show. “It offers an opportunity for you to share your experiences with other people at the event. We will have refreshments for our guests, and we look forwarding to seeing all of you there for a catch up.”

sit, listen, take notes, and ask questions to our artists.

“The Demos give people the opportunity to learn about a particular artist’s approach to a specific printmaking technique, getting tips directly from the artist about materials, equipment, and process. The festival continues to grow, so we have expanded the space. We have added cyanotype and intaglio printing to the mix of free live printing activities, giving visitors a more hands-on experience of making your own print from start to finish. We will also feature our live screen-printing, letterpress, and relief printing.”

Peach Fuzz is Pantone’s Colour of the Year

Colour standards specialist Pantone has named Peach Fuzz as the Colour of the Year for 2024.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, says, “A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves.”

Fujifilm launches 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System

Global inkjet solution provider, Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions has launched a new inkjet imprinting solution: the Fujifilm 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System.

The new integrated print solution targets industrial production print operations that need to print on a wide range of labels and packaging material. Featuring a drop on demand design, the Fujifilm 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System streamlines workflow with fast, industryleading printing speeds of up to 152 metres per minute.

Introducing Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Colour of the Year programme. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the

Pantone Colour Institute, adds, “In the spirit of Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we reflect on the last 25 years of the Pantone Colour of the Year programme grateful to provide an avenue where designers and colour enthusiasts all over the world can engage in a conversation about colour, be inspired by colour and showcase their creativity within their communities.”

In 1999, the Pantone Colour Institute introduced the Pantone Colour of the Year: Pantone 15-4020 Cerulean Blue. With its Colour of the Year, Pantone seeks to capture the global zeitgeist. Pressman adds, “The Pantone Colour of the Year programme has become a globally iconic cultural touchstone, drawing attention to how what is taking place in our global culture is reflected and expressed through the language of colour.”

and sputtered PZT in a parallelogram shape. PZT, or Lead Zirconate Titanate, is considered the best piezoelectric material. Additionally, Fujifilm’s 46kUV Inkjet Printer System has a native resolution of 1200dpi to cover a broad range of label quality needs. It can print individually unique QR codes, as well as high-quality small fonts, according to Fujifilm.

Available in four print widths of 25cm, 33cm, 43cm, and 50cm, the Fujifilm’s 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System integrates into traditional printing processes. The company says it minimises the need for extensive training and process changes.

Graph-Pak partners with Pressnet for Huayue

Greg Balch, vice president and general manager of the Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions Group, says, “We have seen the use of inkjet continue to grow in the label and packaging markets given its ability to produce high-quality output with variable Industry supplier Graph-Pak has entered a strategic alliance with Pressnet to distribute the Huayue manufactured HPM guillotines. The companies say this alliance leverages the strengths of Graph-Pak, Pressnet, and Huayue to offer innovative solutions to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Tom Ralph, managing director of Graph-Pak, says, “The joint venture allows us to jointly expand sales across

data. Our vision behind the 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System is to help fill an important gap in the market for imprinting at high DPI and with high reliability.”

Fujifilm’s 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System uses Fujifilm’s proprietary Samba printhead technology, which leverages the precision of silicon MEMS processing

Australia and New Zealand via a shared common space. This collaboration will undoubtedly result in a win-win situation for both our companies and, more importantly, for our customers.

Operators can use Fujifilm’s 3IC document creation software with the 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System to create variable data content. The printbar’s cleaning and capping module helps maintain image quality. The 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System also uses Fujifilm’s proprietary Redijet patented ink recirculation. This optimises image quality across the print width to minimise the need for printhead refurbishment.

Pressnet, owned and operated by industry veteran Charlie Scandrett, is a long-term supplier of high quality guillotines. Established in 1985, Huayue has decades of experience in researching, developing, processing, and manufacturing. It ranks among the top suppliers of paper cutting machines in China. In addition, the company has played a pivotal role as the drafter of industry standards for paper cutting machines in China for many years.

Graph-Pak, with its established presence and reputation in the market, sees this alliance as a significant step towards providing enhanced services to its customers. Ralph adds, “As the demand for reliable paper cutting solutions continues to grow, this collaboration allows customers to access top of the line products and services.”

Fujifilm Innovation Print Awards invites entries

Organisers have opened entries for the Fujifilm Innovation Print Awards.

Free to enter for anyone using Fujifilm print solutions, the awards offer 13 print application categories, including books, brochures, packaging, wide format, direct mail, and a category for special creative projects. Further categories cover the likes of sustainability, use of special colours, and business effectiveness.

Since 2007, The Fujifilm Innovation Print Awards have provided the

Screen ships 20,000 CTP

units globally

Screen GP has hit a CTP milestone, passing the 20,000-mark in CTP units shipped worldwide. The company has also revamped its four-page and eight-page PlateRite setters.

Peter Scott, managing director for Screen GP Australasia, says, “The tailend of 2023 saw a marked upsurge in our PlateRite CTP sales and requests for replacements in 2024. These were mostly via our plate-supplier partners Fujifilm and Ferag Australia. CTP today is mostly a replacement market. Printers look for reliable, well service-backed platesetters.

“Processless and chemistry-free plates are now the norm in the commercial CTP sector. The shift to sustainable, low-

Creditors report shows depth of Starleaton issues

New information has come to light about the Starleaton business in the creditors report. The following are direct extracts from the Starleaton creditors report created by Cathro & Partners:

“Our investigations identified that the companies were likely insolvent from mid-2023, and possibly as far back as April 2021.”

“There are transactions and intercompany dealings requiring further investigation, however due to the

for printers, designers and creative minds to showcase their work

emission platemaking is almost complete.”

Screen has also announced upgrades to its four-page and eight-page PlateRite machines. The eight-page (B1) PlateRite HD 8900N series is now known as the HD 8900N II and is available in ‘E, S and Z’ versions for delivering 36, 48 or 70 plates per hour respectively. All models use GLV

complexity of the insolvency analysis and the limited timeframe, we have been unable to estimate the value of recoveries at this time.”

“There has been no Deed of Company Arrangement proposals received from any party in relation to either of the Companies. This means Liquidation is the only realistic option for the Companies.”

“The administrators traded Starleaton in an endeavour to sell the business as a going concern and to maximise realisations from inventory. As at the date of reporting, a sale of the business or assets has not been finalised, although prospects remain.”

“The reason for the failure of the business was a deterioration in trading performance, poor cash flow, funds tied up in inventory, poor strategic

in print. The company says the Fujifilm Innovation Print Awards present an unmissable opportunity for customers to showcase their creativity.

From its inception as an internal competition within the Asia-Pacific region, the competition has gone global. The 2023 awards received 275 entries, almost a 50 percent increase on the year before. Fujfilm will announce the winners at drupa 2024.

The company will showcase all winning entries across the world in graphic communications industry events, including on the Fujifilm stand at drupa 2024. This gives customers international exposure and recognition for creativity using Fujifilm print technologies. The winners will receive an invitation to attend an official gala dinner during drupa May 31, 2024, to receive their trophies.

Entries close on March 31, 2024.

(Grating Light Valve) optics for uniform light distribution and ultra-high quality dot placement. A high-precision autofocus mechanism enables the use of precision screenings such as Screen’s proprietary Spekta-2 and Randot-X FM methods.

Scott adds, “Screen is totally committed to CTP and workflow, which is far from a sunset market. We continue to invest in research and development. We work with our plate partners to refine and automate plate production to an extent that it can even become a hands-free prepress operation when auto-loaded with up to 600 B1 plates. As always, we back this up with factory-trained technicians, some with 28 years of experience, right here in the Australia-New Zealand and Pacific Islands region.

“As the new year dawns, we have experienced an unprecedented demand for CTP across all formats: four, eight and VLF page sizes up to 48-pages. New Zealand is particularly strong through our partnership with Fujifilm.”

management, and loss of related party financial support. In the months leading up to appointment, the related party secured creditor indicated they were no longer willing to support the business and wanted the loan repaid. Whilst the directors sought alternative sources of funds, there were none available and attempts to sell the business ‘as-is’ were also unsuccessful.”

“We consider the reasons for failure are: Inadequate cash flow and working capital; Trading losses depleting equity; Poor strategic management of the business including investing in new divisions requiring substantial working capital at a time when there were inadequate funds; Poor financial control including lack of accurate reliable financial information and records.”

Family-owned post-press giants Müller Martini and Hunkeler Group have become one company with Müller Martini acquiring all Hunkeler Group shares.

The companies have enjoyed a long association, beginning during WWII, when Hans Müller worked for Hunkeler as a mechanical engineer before setting up his own business in 1946. Their local proximity in Switzerland’s Zofingen region and existing partnership in the machine and component business form the starting point for closer cooperation.

The deal creates opportunities for the companies to bundle their innovation activities and to serve their global customer base through joint sales and service activities. Bruno Müller, chief executive Müller Martini, says, “The graphic arts industry is constantly changing. As a result, it regularly calls for new innovations. We are combining the key components of the two companies, such as personnel, expertise, and technology. In this way, we can serve our global clientele even better with innovative solutions in the future.”

Board members Stefan and Michel Hunkeler add, “There is a long-standing

Post-press giants Müller Martini and Hunkeler Group merge Heidelberg well set despite financial headwinds

Releasing its latest six-month financial results, Heidelberg says it is well on track despite the difficult global economic situation.

It has seen a slight improvement in sales in the key EMEA region thanks to growth in the packaging segment. After adjustment for exchange rate movements, the technology company achieved sales that matched the previous year as did incoming orders after six months. The adjusted operating result (EBITDA) improved on the same period of the previous year. In addition, the corresponding adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 9.2 per cent from 8.2 per cent the previous year.

The company says packaging and label printing is experiencing structural growth due to burgeoning worldwide

partnership between Hunkeler and Müller Martini and a regular exchange. The opportunity for the merger is currently greatly beneficial for both partners and our joint customers. It will result in considerable advantages in a combined enterprise.”

Key points concerning the acquisition: The management of Hunkeler AG under

demand for packaged goods. The market launch of new technologies from Heidelberg for this growth segment enjoyed success. For example, the Gallus One digital label press impressed at the major industry trade show LabelExpo and attracted a great deal of interest from customers. The Boardmaster press for high productivity in packaging printing also generated further sales. In parallel with this, incoming orders for the Packaging Solutions segment saw a significant increase of around 16 percent in the first half-year.

Ludwin Monz, chief executive at Heidelberg, says, “Given the stable growth of packaging printing, we are continuously further expanding our portfolio in this sector.”

Besides effects associated with the product and country mix, price adjustments to compensate for higher personnel, material, and energy costs have also had a positive impact. The net result after taxes for the half-year remained clearly positive. Compared with the previous year, higher tax expenditure, increased pension-related interest costs, and the lack of positive special items had a bearing on the result.

the leadership of Daniel Erni will remain responsible for day-to-day business.

The name Hunkeler, the Hunkeler products and services as well as the Hunkeler Innovation days will remain unchanged.

The Hunkeler location in Wikon and its employees will be retained.

The current day-to-day business continues unchanged.

Adjustments will be worked out together and implemented in a controlled manner.

International business will continue as normal via the current channels until further notice.

Müller Martini and Hunkeler intend to continue business with other finishing companies that currently partner with Hunkeler. They will comply with all existing contractual obligations.

In the coming days, they will launch an integration project in which the merger of the two companies will be worked out together. They will communicate findings and measures regularly and manage them with a steering committee.

The companies add, “We are firmly convinced that print products have a promising future. Our expanded solutions portfolio as well as our even greater consultancy expertise resulting from the merger of these two great companies will better position us to address the opportunities and benefits of the ongoing digital transformation in the market. As a result, we are an even stronger partner for end-to-end finishing solutions. This is particularly so for the growth segment of short run book production.”

The cash generated from operating activities (operating cash flow) improved substantially, due to rigorous management of inventories and receivables (working capital). Despite this positive development, the free cash flow after six months was down on the previous year’s level, which had included special items.

Tania von der Goltz, chief financial officer at Heidelberg, says, “The current free cash flow situation underlines the necessity to use further impetus from our value creation programme to generate resources for growth in segments such as the lucrative digital printing sector.

“The programme’s analysis phase is ongoing. Heidelberg still plans to achieve a positive free cash flow at the end of the financial year.”

Heidelberg’s forecast for financial year 2023/2024 remains as it published on June 14, 2023. Assuming the global economy does not see weaker growth than predicted by the economic research institutions, the company expects sales in financial year 2023/2024 to match the previous year’s figure. Also, it expects the adjusted EBITDA margin to remain at the previous year’s level.

IN BRIEF

BOBST has partnered with UPM and Michelman to win a Packaging Europe Sustainability Award for its Onebarrier FibreCycle, a paper-based, high barrier alternative to traditional plastic based flexible packaging. The recycle-ready fibre-based structure is the successful outcome of a four-year in-depth research, development and testing programme carried out on production scale equipment. Sara Alexander from Bobst, says, “We are proud to win this important award. By harnessing the expertise of our key project stakeholders, we can develop innovative, viable solutions.”

FLINT GROUP has announced the availability of its latest innovations that include food contact material compliant technologies that enhance shrink sleeves and label recyclability. Its Evolution products aim to increase the yield of material reclaimed from the recycling process by enabling label material to be recycled at the same time as a PET bottle without risk of contamination. The company Evolution products enables the processing of previously unrecyclable products, potentially boosting reclaimed material yield by up to 10 per cent.

ALL IN PRINT CHINA recently hosted 1,003 exhibitors from the printing and packaging industry, who welcomed 108,136 trade visitors from 126 countries. Evian Gu, division director of Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, says, “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the All in Print China, which met its high expectations with a record-breaking exhibition space and the highest number of visitors in the history of the event. This achievement further proves the rapid rebound of the global printing industry.”

Epson hits renewable energy target

FBNZ partners with ASB Classic for tennis

FUJIFILM Business Innovation New Zealand (FBNZ) took centre court last month as the Official Office Automation Partner for the 2024 ASB Classic.

As organisers prepared the tennis courts for action, FBNZ helped them ace administrative operations with print support for the

Pride In Print Awards still open for entries

The Pride In Print Awards have called for entries. Early bird entries have closed but you can still enter before the final date of March 22.

Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ, says, “Established in 1993 to promote print excellence in New Zealand, the Pride in Print Awards remain the pinnacle of recognition for the best visual print communication products produced in the country. They embody a culture of excellence aimed at meeting and exceeding the customer’s needs and continuously pushing boundaries. Pride in Print delivers its greatest

Epson has announced its support for Onigiri Action 2023, a non-profit organisation working to fight world hunger.

According to United Nations agencies’ estimates, as many as 783 million people globally faced hunger in 2022. Hunger

FBNZ helped the ASB Classic ace its back office operations during this year’s tournament

tournament offices and players’ lounge. The company is a long-time partner to the ASB Classic, held in Auckland each January as the nation’s premier tennis tournament.

tangible reward in the commercial marketplace. The awards cover each industry sector with expert panels of judges analysing every entry.

Based on technical excellence in all facets of the production process, typography and good design, the judging process allows specialists to make judgement calls based on the potential

remains significantly above pre-Covid pandemic levels, with over 122 million more people facing hunger now than in 2019.

Onigiri Action 2023 is an initiative of Table for Two, a global initiative to right food imbalance through a meal-sharing programmes. Under the Onigiri Action scheme, each photo of onigiri, a Japanese rice ball, posted to the campaign website or on social media (Instagram, X [formerly Twitter] and Facebook) with the hashtag #OnigiriAction helps provide five school meals to children in need in Africa and Asia through TFT.

This year’s event attracted thousands of tennis fans during its 13-day run at the ASB Tennis Arena.

Dedicated to enhancing the tournament experience through office automation, FBNZ supplied its printing solutions as they played a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations both during the event and in the back office.

The company adds, “This initiative reflects our commitment to helping Kiwis work (and play) smarter. We thoroughly enjoyed another successful partnership with the ASB Classic and once again were amazed at the fantastic competition that the players gave everyone.”

and the limits of processes and the materials and equipment used.

Tania McDougall, manager for the Pride In Print Awards, says, “The 2024 Awards campaign is titled ‘Crafting The Future’. Our print industry dates back centuries and is traditionally thought of as a craft-based industry. Whilst some of the traditional techniques may no longer be in practice, the craft of print is still alive and will continue to adapt and thrive into the future.

“The Pride In Print Awards receive invaluable support from our generous patron, Fujifilm as well as our incredible sponsors; Avery Dennison, B&F Papers, BJ Ball, Currie Group (NZ), DIC New Zealand, Kurz New Zealand, Nekkorb, Paper Source, Reproflex3, Ricoh New Zealand, Spicers NZ and UPM Raflatac. The media sponsor is New Zealand Printer Magazine.”

Epson says it aspires to achieve sustainability and enrich communities through social programmes in areas such as environment, society, and economics. The company also works to redistribute stable economic value and correct gender, regional, and other disparities.

Epson endorses Onigiri Action’s commitment to social cooperation and balancing social responsibility and economic viability. The company says it takes pride as a new sponsor of this social initiative aimed at addressing the growing problem of global hunger.

organised by the Label Academy on digital embellishment and self-adhesive materials.

www.labelexpo-americas.com

www.labelexpo-americas.com

Wayzgoose 2022

Wayzgoose 2022

September 17, 2022

September 17, 2022

Napier

Napier

APPEX and Auspack

APPEX and Auspack

www.inkianapress.co.nz

Foodtech Packtech

September 20-22, 2022

Auckland

Foil Stamping

NZ

NZ PRINTER CALENDAR & DIRECTORY

NZ PRINTER CALENDAR & DIRECTORY

Embossing

Labelexpo Americas

March 12-15, 2024 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

March 12-15, 2024 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

September 13-15, 2022

Chicago, USA

Creasing

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise.

www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz

PRINTER DIRECTORY

Auspack has transitioned into APPEX, the Australasian Processing and Packaging Expo. Organisers aim to truly represent all sectors of the industry: machinery, ancillary equipment, materials and packaging, food processing, and industry services. It will provide a comprehensive range of all processing and packaging equipment and services under one roof.

www.appex.com.au

The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft.

www.appex.com.au

The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft.

www.inkianapress.co.nz

www.inkianapress.co.nz

People in Print Awards

People in Print Awards

Auspack has transitioned into APPEX, the Australasian Processing and Packaging Expo. Organisers aim to truly represent all sectors of the industry: machinery, ancillary equipment, materials and packaging, food processing, and industry services. It will provide a comprehensive range of all processing and packaging equipment and services under one roof.

All in Print China

Shanghai

Die Cutting

Perforating

October 11-15, 2022

March, 2023 | Auckland

April 2023 | Auckland

Foodtech Packtech

Foodtech Packtech

Apart from the latest technology and solutions, Labelexpo Americas this year features a full two-day conference programme and two masterclasses organised by the Label Academy on digital embellishment and self-adhesive materials. www.labelexpo-americas.com

Kiss Cutting

September 20-22, 2022

September 20-22, 2022

4A/157

Auckland

Auckland

Nominations will soon open for the People in Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards. Do you know someone who is consistently achieving excellence in their work in this industry? Of course you do, so when the time comes, put their name forward for these awards so they can receive recognition for their efforts.

Wayzgoose 2022

Nominations will soon open for the People in Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards. Do you know someone who is consistently achieving excellence in their work in this industry? Of course you do, so when the time comes, put their name forward for these awards so they can receive recognition for their efforts.

www.newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.newzealandprinter.co.nz

Fespa Global Print Expo

Fespa Global Print Expo

NZ PRINTER DIRECTORY & Labels

Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041.

September 17, 2022

Napier

Napier

More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”.

March 19-22, 2024 | Amsterdam

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise.

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise.

March 19-22, 2024 | Amsterdam

www.allinprint.com

www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz

www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz

Letterheads

Covering digital printing, screen printing, textile printing, garment decoration and signage, Fespa Global Print Expo will mix all the latest technology and solutions with events like the World Wrap Masters and Fespa Party Night alongside features such as its Sustainability Spotlight, Personalisation Experience, and Sportswear Pro.

Print

All in Print China

The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft.

October 21-23, 2022

Covering digital printing, screen printing, textile printing, garment decoration and signage, Fespa Global Print Expo will mix all the latest technology and solutions with events like the World Wrap Masters and Fespa Party Night alongside features such as its Sustainability Spotlight; Personalisation Experience, and Sportswear Pro.

October 11-15, 2022

www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com

October 11-15, 2022

www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com

Shanghai

Shanghai

Edge Indy Dscoop

Printopia

March 24-27 |

May 3-5, 2024 | Corbans Estate, Henderson

www.printopia.nz

www.inkianapress.co.nz

The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft. www.inkianapress.co.nz

Sign Foundry, Welling

Foodtech Packtech

More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”.

mmSeptember 20-22, 2022

Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz

Craig Paul 027 655 4267

Auckland

The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke.

Now into its third year, the Printopia Festival of Original Print promises a fun, inspiring, print-filled weekend of artist talks, demos, workshops, live printing and of course our print fair. International artist Jenny Robinson will give the keynote presentation on May 4 and a masterclass the following day.

Members of the global HP Indigo and wide format users’ community will gather for this annual event taking place during the same week as the Indianapolis 500. Featuring a pre-drupa “reveal” of HP solutions, the event promises education and fun for all attendees.

www.letterheads.co.nz

www.dscoop.swoogo.com/indianapolis

More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”.

Printopia

Interpack

www.allinprint.com

drupa

www.allinprint.com

May 3-5, 2024 | Corbans Estate, Henderson

May 28-June 7, 2024 | Dusseldorf, Germany

Letterheads

Letterheads

Sourcing

May 4-10, 2023

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise.

m

Düsseldorf, Germany

www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz

• Consulting and Machine RecommendationsOctober 21-23, 2022

October 21-23, 2022

All in Print China

• Export/Import Sales

The world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies has opened registrations to again welcome the industry’s main players, and quite a few minor ones. All will show their latest solutions. Visitors can stay on trend with the technology and seminars featuring topics from sustainability to digitisation.

Sign Foundry, Welling

Now into its third year, the Printopia Festival of Original Print promises a fun, inspiring, print-filled weekend of artist talks, demos, workshops, live printing and of course our print fair. International artist Jenny Robinson will give the keynote presentation on May 4 and a masterclass the following day. www.printopia.nz

Sign Foundry, Welling

www.drupa.com

drupa

Visual Impact Brisbane Expo

July 17-19, 2023 | Brisbane

May 28-June 7, 2024 |

The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke.

The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke.

www.letterheads.co.nz

www.letterheads.co.nz

October 11-15, 2022

• Machinery Inspections & Valuations

• Plant Relocation

Shanghai

OFFICE: 09 8367577, ALEX MOB. 021 975 477 sales@apm.co.nz www.apm.co.nz

The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.

The world’s leading trade fair for printing technologies has opened registrations to again welcome the industry’s main players, and quite a few minor ones. All will show their latest solutions. Visitors can stay on trend with the technology and seminars featuring topics from sustainability to digitisation. www.drupa.com

Visual Connections Australia will host visitors and exhibitors at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Exhibition hopes to attract over 2,500 visitors interested in the signage, print, graphic and engraving industries and featuring digital printing, personalisation, signage, sublimation, design, routing, display solutions, and vinyl applications. www.visualimpact.org.au

Interpack

Interpack

Visual Impact Brisbane Expo

newzealandprinter.co.nz

More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”.

May 4-10, 2023

July 17-19, 2023 | Brisbane

Printing United

May 4-10, 2023

www.allinprint.com

Düsseldorf, Germany

Las Vegas, USA | September 10-12, 2024

Düsseldorf, Germany

Letterheads

Visual Connections Australia will host visitors and exhibitors at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Exhibition hopes to attract over 2,500 visitors interested in the signage, print, graphic and engraving industries and featuring digital printing, personalisation, signage, sublimation, design, routing, display solutions, and vinyl applications.

www.visualimpact.org.au

The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.

The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.

www.interpack.com

newzealandprinter.co.nz

October 21-23, 2022

Sign Foundry, Welling

Showcasing the latest innovations and applications in specialised printing, the event attracts thousands of visitors from across the printing industry, serving as an exhibition and as a knowledge hub, where experts share their expertise and stimulate discussions about the future of the industry. www.printingunited.com

The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke.

www.letterheads.co.nz

Interpack

May 4-10, 2023

Düsseldorf, Germany

NewZealandPrint_August2022.indd 7 newzealandprinter.co.nz

4A/157 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Kiss Cutting Perforating Machinery Considering Graphic Contact E: l Printing l Import l Plant Valuations Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz sales@curriegroup.co.nz - PMS 308 - PMS BLACK Please respect legend colours integrity m - PMS - PMS Please respect m MACHINERY WANTED • Consulting and Machine Recommendations Sourcing • Export/Import Sales • Machinery Inspections & Valuations • Plant Relocation OFFICE: 09 8367577, ALEX MOB. 021 975 477 sales@apm.co.nz www.apm.co.nz Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz NewZealandPrint_August2022.indd 7

The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.

www.interpack.com

Print industry embraces positives as it faces “a new set of complexities”

Reflecting on how we faced down last year’s challenges, PrintNZ plans for the future of print.

Last year, print industry members welcomed a year without Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and other restrictions. However, they have also needed to positively navigate a new set of complexities as print firms around the country got back to business in 2023.

Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ, observes several challenges present “across the gamut”.

She says, “These include rapid inflation, uncertainty over which parties would form the new government and therefore their forthcoming policies, increasing adverse weather events and a rise in cyber security threats – all impacting businesses and individuals alike.

“Overlaying these challenges, the tail of the global pandemic continues to make its presence felt and cause disruption.”

As people returned to their work and lives as usual, she comments how there will naturally have been a degree of memories fading as to just how severe the impacts have been. She adds, “But many businesses in various sectors throughout the country suffered and we

have unfortunately seen the combination of all these pressures cause a number to close or at least retrench. The subsequent flow-on effects to their employees and families has been difficult to watch.”

She also emphasises the many positives to embrace. She says, “Our sector remains robust, hard-working and focused on delivering excellence, and PrintNZ remains at the fore in providing advice, assistance and advocacy to ensure our members continue to proactively navigate the challenges.”

Pride In Print celebrated 30 years

Among a number of positive events and initiatives celebrated during 2023, the 30-year anniversary of the Pride In Print Awards stood out as a particular highlight.

She says, “When addressing the over 500 engaged attendees on Awards Night, I reflected just how far we have come.

“In 1993, we bestowed only 16 gold medals, compared to 202 gold medals this year. This is not because the judges have become more generous. In fact, over those 30 years, the requirements to achieve a gold medal have become so much harder, meaning there has been an exponential lift in quality.”

She believes that, in addition to delivering such quality – as exemplified by Artrite Screen Printing winning the Pride In Print Supreme Award for a stunning screen print creation – New Zealand’s

print industry continues to produce an “amazing” breadth of products”. She adds, “The creativity gene flows strongly through our industry, as new technology and innovative expertise offer the ability to try new things for customers. In parallel, the constant involvement of outside influences requires us to strive to be more sustainable and cost effective, while also creating a unique point of difference with each piece of work.

“The Pride In Print Awards continue to play a key role in recognising the levels of excellence that can be achieved and also in providing the opportunity for businesses to market their success.”

PrintNZ Awards

PrintNZ also bestowed the following prestigious awards on the night:

• BJ Ball Papers Print Apprentice of the Year – Catriona Mellows, Display Associates

• Trainer of the Year

– Wade Collins, Sealed Air

• Training Company of the Year

– Blue Star Jackson

• Business Awards, Wellness & Sustainability – Excel Digital

New events

Among a range of other notable events during the year, a breakthrough development led to the co-hosting of the Sign & Print Expo with the New Zealand Sign & Display Association (NZSDA) in Auckland over July 5-8.

Ruth says, “Our two associations have been working hard to drive closer collaboration on several projects, and to create greater synergies for the mutual benefit of our members. As a direct consequence, it was fantastic to be able to host our first expo in New Zealand for many years.

“The event was a drawcard for both exhibitors and attendees and will provide a great launch platform to build on in future years.”

Another renewed PrintNZ initiative was the series of regional seminars held during the first quarter of last year, which were collectively attended by over 150 members. She says, “We scheduled seminars in 12 regions throughout the country which enabled our staff to deliver important updates on the raft of new legislation affecting their businesses and provide updates on industry initiatives. They also importantly afforded the opportunity for members to come together for invaluable networking.

“Being able to deliver services to the doorstep of our regional members is a crucial element of PrintNZ’s mandate and being able to get in front of these members again has been hugely rewarding.”

Workforce shortages

In response to ongoing changes in the vocational training space, she points out that last year, PrintNZ moved to assume direct responsibility for advancing recruitment opportunities with a pilot involving a select number of Auckland secondary schools.

She says, “While we remain closely linked to Competenz and other industry training organisations, we felt it was vital to take control of ensuring print has a

strong voice in this space and that we differentiate ourselves in attracting school leavers to our industry.

“Our staff have been educating careers teachers and opening the eyes of students to the exciting career pathways in our sector, with a view to providing work experience opportunities to students in 2024.

“We will be progressively expanding this initiative around the country in the future.

“Such initiatives are vital to helping address ongoing shortfalls in skilled staff. While immigration settings have eased in the post-pandemic era, this avenue cannot be relied upon as a long-term solution to skills shortages in the print industry.

“It is vital that we continue to develop our own workforce – training remains an imperative for our sector. As the Government continues to work through reforms of vocational training, PrintNZ will equally continue to ensure that the importance of print to the economy is not overlooked by tertiary institutions.”

Lobbying

She notes that, as the Labour-led government worked to complete its legislative programme prior to the election, 2023 proved another busy year of lobbying with 292 pieces of legislation passed to date. She says, “And this won’t slow down as the new coalition finds its feet, and both unwinds existing legislation and makes its mark with new legislation.

“Lobbying remains a vital part of PrintNZ’s work and while it is not easy to quantify the value in dollars and cents for individual members, it has a collective benefit for the industry both in terms of impact and exposure.”

Membership

During 2023, PrintNZ membership saw growth with the development of 22 new members signing up to the association. Ruth says, “At a time when every business is watching its spend, these companies are recognising the benefits and value that PrintNZ can provide – often saving them money more than the cost of membership.

“I would personally like to express huge appreciation to my fellow PrintNZ staff members for their work in this area. As a team and as an association collectively we can take credit that the endeavours to best represent our members’ needs and interests are being highly valued in the industry.”

Board changes

Ruth expects the following, recent PrintNZ Board appointments to help drive the sector’s forward evolution:

• Torque Digital general manager

Angela Nauck

• NZME Publishing chief operating officer Matt Wilson

• B&F Papers managing director

Penelope Savidan

Ruth says, “These new appointees have wide-ranging capabilities and will bring a fresh, new energy and perspective.

“A huge thank you also to those Board members who have recently stepped down: Lisa Hegh, David Jack, Morgan John, and Mark O’Grady.

“We are privileged to have these individuals make this commitment, as our Board members voluntarily give of their time while striving to balance the demands of their day jobs and other personal commitments. This dedication is hugely appreciated and we sincerely thank all directors, both past and present for their valued contributions.”

Bright prospects for this year

Looking ahead, Ruth hopes the new government will “take some fairly quick action and start delivering on election promises to revitalise the economy” during 2024.

She adds that PrintNZ already has plans in mind to “expand the promotion of the industry and grow the audience that understands that print is effective, sustainable and here to stay”.

She concludes, “Print has so much value to deliver and together we can create the awareness that print deserves. Whatever 2024 has in store for us, PrintNZ is here to face the challenges and celebrate the successes with the industry.”

Welcome to the family

– Haere mai ki te whanau

As we greet our new members, we farewell those we have lost.

Welcome to a new year that I am sure will bring with it some new opportunities and new challenges. I trust that most of you had a chance to have a break, find some sunshine and spend some valuable time with your whanau.

PrintNZ, as an Industry Association, is also a lot like a family (a really big one), and just like every other family, we have seen some new additions and the departure of some dear familiar faces over the last 12 months.

In our case the bigger the family, the more we can do as a collective so we continue to seek to grow, both in numbers and by broadening the sectors we represent. In achieving this, I wanted to take the opportunity to welcome the new additions to the family. If you come across them, make sure you welcome them, and if you have an opportunity to do so, then do bit of business with them as well.

Joining us in 2023, we welcomed:

• Advanced Print & Design, East Tamaki, Auckland – commercial print

• Allflex Packaging, East Tamaki, Auckland – flexible packaging

• Alyssandra – Striking Stationery, Queenstown – fine boutique stationery

• Auckland Copy Shop, Auckland Central – Commercial Print

• BrandSpec Group, Auckland, Manukau, Auckland – design, source, store, and ship

• Complete Digital, Christchurch – signage and print solutions

• Computaleta, Auckland, Christchurch – signage and printing supplies

• Design Bind, Albany, Auckland – bespoke specialised bookbinding and print finishing

• Direct Print and Mail Solutions, Avondale, Auckland – printing and mailing facilities

• DisplayPro, Sumner, Christchurch – sign, print and display industry suppliers

• DX Mail, Penrose, Auckland – business mail specialists

• Fairway Labels, Wairau Valley, Auckland – custom label printers

• Inbox Solutions, St Heliers, Auckland – ice cream cone sleeves

• Muzzy Print, Lower Hutt, Wellington – garment screen printing

• Nekkorb Solutions, Westgate, Auckland – printing equipment and consumables suppliers

• On Point Print, Newmarket, Auckland – commercial print

• Oneframe, Hobsonville, Auckland – printable architectural fabric tension systems

• Premier Business Print, East Tamaki, Auckland – business forms, labels, tickets, tags, and rolls

• Reddix Signs and Construction, Papatoetoe, Auckland – signage and general print

• Rothfield, Dairy Flat, Auckland – marketing services provider

• Snap Printing, East Tamaki, Auckland – commercial print

• Snap Printing, Mt Wellington, Auckland – commercial print

• The Print Lab, Hobsonville, Auckland – branding and promotional products

Each of these businesses has recognised the value of being part of a like-minded family and being able to take advantage of the opportunities that provides. And just like a new mum and dad we are proud to have them as part of the team.

A fond farewell

We have also sadly farewelled some great people from our print family and we pass on our condolences to their remaining family, many of whom are still connected to the industry.

We remember:

• Allen Wallbridge, Nova Inks and Chemicals

• Ross Mains, Inkwise

• Rosie Horton, Wilson & Horton

• Mike Kirby, Kirby Papers

• Chris Mills, Unimax Labels

I am sure there are others who have gone from your businesses, and we

take a moment to acknowledge their contribution and your loss as well as we move into the new year without them.

Wherever you are, always take the time to enjoy your family – both the ones you were born with and the ones you have chosen - and we look forward to having you all as part of our family in 2024 and beyond.

Durst delivers a complete and premium Web-to-Print solution

Durst’s versatile, flexible and unique Smart Shop solution has revolutionised – and continues to revolutionise – business for print service providers

simplify business

Simply adopting a technology on the shop floor is no longer enough – it is critical to invest in the right software tools to ensure greater costeffectiveness of the printing business.

The digital printing landscape is constantly evolving. Today, digital printers have reached very high levels of productivity and quality.

In securing profitability, the greatest opportunities very often lie in improving the efficiency of production as well as sales processes.

Durst Software & Solutions provides smart and simple software solutions to streamline the process from ‘Pixel to Output’ and to maximise the print buying experience.

The solutions are especially tailored for digital printing, and come with accompanying consulting and training services, helping print service providers to improve printing and simplifying business.

Our portfolio includes:

• ERP/MIS software to streamline

and automate every aspect of the print business, starting from receiving the quote until the product delivery

• Web-to-Print solutions designed to support print service providers in attracting leads, engaging customers and successfully selling products online

• Pre-press and production software for the simplified and automated management of pre-press and production tasks

• Analytic software that is designed exclusively for Durst printers to ensure complete handling of production data and increase the equipment efficiency.

Durst’s software is modular and adapts flexibly to any print service provider’s needs – from a stand-alone solution to a fully integrated and revolutionary software eco-system that covers all relevant aspects of their printing businesses.

Specifically, Web-to-Print is one of the areas that is on a growth trajectory. Research shows that the global Webto-Print software market size was US$1.187 billion ($1.8 billion) in 2021, and this market is expected to reach US$1.968 billion ($2.99 billion) in 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.4 per cent during the forecast period.

As such, print service providers need to boost their businesses with Web-to-Print by introducing product personalisation capabilities to their online store fronts or any other web applications and streamline their order management processes.

To meet their needs, Durst has been building on its Smart Shop solution that enables them to see success with Webto-Print through individual solutions. Durst provides a comprehensive, premium solution for customisable print products. This allows print service providers the ability to give their customers the opportunity to construct a wide variety of products directly from their browsers and to view them in realtime – with the Durst Smart Shop in combination with the Durst Smart Editor.

Durst Smart Shop is a fully-managed Web-to-Print solution for large format, graphics, labels and packaging market. The solution includes an online graphic editor to ensure the complete handling

of custom print orders and sale of customisable products and services.

A company in Australia using Durst’s versatile, flexible and unique Smart Shop solution is Bathurst Signs. This regional signage company generates 60 per cent of its sales outside of the city in which it is based, including Sydney. Durst Smart Shop software ensures that its sales grow.

Bathurst Signs owner David Berry said Durst’s Smart Shop solution has revolutionised his business – and will continue to do so. He said it has done everything and more.

Over two years, the profits generated by his website has given the business more than a return on investment. Another benefit is customer loyalty – the software has allowed the company to become practically indispensable to their customers who also rely on them for training and other resources.

Bathurst Signs has now largely included government agencies and other regulated industries such as forestry and railroads into its portfolio. In the past, every order had to be changed at least in some way.

Durst Smart Shop software has simplified order processing. Adding to this is a fast-growing online shop business, which also allows the public to order bespoke signs and other products directly through the site.

Bathurst Signs’ extensive online libraries are accessible via a powerful online search facility developed by Durst Professional Services. In addition, all drafts can be tailored to individual needs using Smart Editor, from Durst Professional Services in large format printing. Creator software is used to personalise banners, wallpaper, signs, billboards and posters, and flexible packaging. Bathurst Signs has since set up multiple sub-shops as a portal for larger customers.

Durst is a true partner for print service providers like Bathurst Signs. It is a company that is constantly investing and improving its software solutions and making improvements to them to meet the needs of the industry.

ABG unveils fourth generation Converter Platform

New platform minimises downtime, optimises workspace, and is easy to use.

Leading finishing equipment manufacturer A B Graphic International (ABG)has recently introduced its fourth generation Converter platform.

Currie Group supplies ABG solutions across Australia and New Zealand.

Craig Paul, country manager Currie Group New Zealand says, “We are excited to bring this new solution to the local market. Incorporating numerous customerled innovations, the fourth generation Converter Platform is designed to enable converters to produce more with less.

“The new machine can achieve impressive running speeds of up to 250 metres per minute. The system effortlessly handles both printed and blank web materials, thereby enhancing productivity and streamlining production cycles. Its flexo technology sets new standards in print quality, registration

accuracy and speed.”

Expanded camera placement options include the ability to position fleyeVision cameras before or after stripping and adapt web paths. ABG says the Converter platform enhances visibility and quality control, ensuring impeccable outcomes.

Craig adds, “With a more compact footprint, the new Converter Platform enables businesses to make efficient use of their workspace without compromising on performance. Thoughtful design and innovative engineering minimise downtime to assist uninterrupted production and resource savings.”

The Converter features a heavy-duty die head, which reduces heat generation during die-cutting. Craig says, “This results in consistent air gap performance with thin liners and precision in diecutting operations. The extended rewind

and waste rewind roll capacity of up to 800m, compared to the previous 700mm limit, allows for longer production runs.

“Another feature is the dual-frame unwind and offset brake, which makes roll loading and unloading easier. This improves operational efficiency, especially for rolls smaller than 200mm.”

Versatility and modularity

With the new system, operators can run roll to roll, roll to finished product, or roll to sheet, with or without ABG nonstop technology on the unwind or rewind.

Craig says, “Easy installation ensures a smooth integration into existing workflows. The Converter Platform’s full modularity enables effortless customisation to meet current and future requirements, providing the flexibility to adapt to evolving industry demands. Additionally, it can be retrofitted with a wide range of ABG modules, making it possible for businesses to expand their offerings without having to invest in a full new machine.”

Matt Burton, ABG global sales director, says, “ABG understands the value of time and space for its customers. The new fourth generation Converter Platform is meticulously designed to minimise downtime, optimise workspace, and reduce the reliance on highly skilled operators. It represents a future-proofed investment that can adapt to evolving needs, keeping businesses at the forefront of the converting industry.”

Craig concludes, “We look forward to talking to you about this exciting advancement in label converting.”

Currie Group Demonstration Centre receives Color-Logic Certification

Color-Logic, a global leader in metallic colour systems and print embellishments, has certified the Currie Group Demonstration Centre in Melbourne, Australia.

Mark Geeves, director of sales and marketing at Color-Logic says, “The Currie Group, with offices throughout Australia and New Zealand, has been a Color-Logic dealer since 2012.

“Now, as a result of this recent certification, Currie Group can demonstrate brilliant Color-Logic metallics and custom embellishments on the HP Indigo presses in their showrooms. Printers and their graphic designers from Australia and New

Zealand can now witness first-hand the power of Color-Logic software.”

Color-Logic develops colour communication systems and software tool sets for a variety of special effect printing applications. The company says its decorative effects use printers’ existing workflows to deliver dynamic results without the use of special equipment.

Mark Daws, director–Labels and Packaging ANZ Currie Group, says, “By gaining Color-Logic certification in the Currie Group Demonstration Centre, we can provide working proof of just how easy and consistent Color-Logic makes producing metallic labels and other print products.

“Printers throughout the Australia and New Zealand region can now witness the simplicity and reproducibility of metallics with Color-Logic on a working press.”

Sustainable solutions in the print and packaging value chain

HP Industrial Print strategies work across the industry

At HP we have a responsibility for sustainable change, and our ambition is to make a positive impact for people and communities around the world.

The print and packaging industry is where we are driving significant activities improving energy efficiency, increasing circularity, reducing waste, and empowering our customers to reduce the environmental impact of their businesses.

Sustainability drives change

The print and packing industry is undergoing an unparalleled period of change. Sustainability is one key driver across the entire industry – from consumers expecting new type of prints and packages, to brand owners aiming to reduce, reuse and recycle. It also encompasses our clients, printers, and converters, who serve brand owners, as well as all the equipment, substrates and software providers who contribute to the production process.

It is time to go beyond talk into action.

At HP, we have a critical role to play and must be at the forefront of innovation, to bring groundbreaking technologies and inventive collaborations that will transform and decarbonise the print and packaging industry.

Three core pillars shape our approach as we work to deliver on our commitment:

• Optimising the day-to-day operation.

• Advancing on design circularity

• Partnering for driving sustainable change, together.

Everyday optimisation

Printers and converters play a pivotal role in helping brand owners deliver on their sustainability goals.

Our end to end print solutions such as HP Indigo and HP PageWide enable more sustainable production processes, equipped with capabilities such as automated digital printing, optimised

energy and ink consumption and ink innovations that ultimately reduce waste and empower brands to explore more sustainable substrates.

Take for example Incapto. With the goal to change the coffee category by delivering a sustainable and flexible packaging alternative to the traditionally wasteful coffee capsules, this company moved its coffee pouches to HP Indigo. Not only did the sustainable-first packaging and cases deliver on Incapto’s sustainability goals, but it also drove positive change in consumer habits too, strengthening its position as a sustainable brand.

To deliver on our shared vision for packaging to be synonymous with sustainability, we also collaborated with sustainable packaging provider Rootree to help them achieve their goal to make 90 per cent of its packaging recyclable and compostable. Thanks to HP Indigo ElectroInk that can be printed on compostable packaging on the HP Indigo Digital Press, Rootree was able

to make its flexible packaging more sustainable and solidified its position in the sustainable packaging market.

Reduce, reuse, and renew.

Using circular design is another significant strategy.

To deliver sustainable solutions, we tackle improving efficiency, reducing the need for transportation, and reducing print media waste. We help our customers along that journey with our sustainably led innovations.

Firstly, we believe circularity should be weaved into every element of the process from research and design to manufacturing and services. That is why we prioritise longevity in manufacturing equipment that is built to last and is more sustainable by design.

Through upgrade options and robust maintenance strategies, we ensure a longer equipment lifespan. Incorporating 12 per cent of recycled plastics and metals in our press manufacturing, we work constantly through innovation to reduce the environmental impact of our equipment.

We help customers improve efficiency with the HP PageWide Advantage 2200 and it’s 2200 High Efficiency Drying (HED) system that reduces up to 60 per cent energy per page. We also help customers reduce their travel impact through HP xRServices for instant remote diagnostics and resolution, typically saving up to 800kg of CO2 from flying a field support engineer.

At the end of the life of our products or supplies, the HP Indigo Take Back

programme recovers the presses and supplies for remanufacturing and recycling. In the last two years, more than 100 Indigo presses have been recovered and remanufactured as certified preowned, reusing more than 90 per cent of the parts and saving more than 60 per cent in CO2 impacts.

Going Beyond

Driving sustainable change together is the goal. Designing environmentally efficient products and services isn’t enough.

We must collaborate with the entire print ecosystem. Through HP’s Amplify Impact pilot programme we are doing exactly that, extending HP’s Sustainable Impact strategy to our partners who can tap into HP’s extensive knowledge, data, training, and resources to assess and optimise their sustainability performance.

Plus, we are empowering our customers to better measure and reduce their emissions with tools such as the Print Job CO2 Calculator which enables the assessment and active reduction of a print job’s carbon footprint.

Yet we know that the journey doesn’t end with us and our customers, but with suppliers and third parties throughout the entire supply chain. By leveraging technology and partnering with suppliers, we consistently reduce CO2 emissions throughout our supply chain to achieve our 2030 50 per cent reduction goal.

And as we look beyond to the natural world, we recognise the importance of forests in the fight against climate change. Sadly, nearly half of the world’s forests are under threat. With our Forest Positive

by 2030 goal, we’re working to protect and restore forests with every page our customers print, investing in forest conservation and collaborating with environmental organisations.

Seeing is believing

Sustainability assets to reduce the impact of print and packaging are today tangible and commercially available, already successfully deployed by many of our customers across the globe.

At HP we are committed to our responsibility to decarbonising the industry and have the determination to lead and empower print and packaging stakeholders to reduce their environmental impact. Later this year, we look forward to welcoming you at drupa to see firsthand how we’re making that a reality. See you in Düsseldorf.

DSCOOP PREVIEW

Edge Indy has you in pole position for printing

Racing theme will have Dscoop attendees “revved up and ready to go”.

Organisers have advanced their preparations for the upcoming Edge Indy Dscoop Event.

Free to all HP Industrial Print and Large Format Customers, Edge Indy will run from March 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Centre, Indianapolis, USA.

Craig Paul, country manager Currie Group New Zealand, says, “Timed to coincide with the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Edge Indy has adopted a motorsports theme. The idea is that attendees will leave the conference the same way a tuned-up car leaves the shop: revved up and ready to go.”

Dscoop offers participants the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate in an environment providing tools for education, training, and networking focused on business growth and problemsolving. Locally and globally, Dscoop is a sharing and continually-advancing community of 16,000 HP industrial print and large format customers and partners.

Matt Mills, director of Fuzed and chair of Dscoop in New Zealand, says you can use Dscoop to learn more about how to grow your business. He says, “Attending Dscoop has enabled me to really look at the business in a different way. At Dscoop, you meet other business owners and managers who face similar challenges and who have different ways of solving problems.

“You learn loads of small but valuable tips, and what’s really cool is how these little things can snowball into big wins for your business.”

One of Edge Indy’s highlights will be the Solutions Showcase where you can see HP Indigo Digital Presses printing on the floor. You can learn all about the latest workflow innovations, finishing, logistics, materials, AI, and automation. The Solutions Showcase offers an HP drupa portfolio reveal where you will see the company’s latest innovations for labels, commercial print, and flexible packaging.

This year’s main keynote speaker Alex Rodriguez is best known in the USA a 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and a 2009 World Series Champion with

the New York Yankees. However, since retiring from baseball he has expanded his interests, now leading multiple companies in the real estate, sports, and media markets.

At Edge Indy, he will talk about his commitment to creating opportunities for young talent to succeed as well as helping startups and other organisations reach peak performance. He will share how his childhood and upbringing influenced his path in baseball and business; what he has learned from Warren Buffett, last year’s Edge keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson and other mentors; and how assembling a team in business is similar to assembling a team in sports.

SHARING STRATEGIES

The event offers 36 education sessions with hands-on workshops where you can gain practical ways to improve your company and your team. Many sessions feature peer to peer learning where attendees share strategies, experiences, and tips.

SESSION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Cultivating Excellence – aimed at production managers, this will explore the intricacies of standard operating procedure precision, providing insights into fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Print Marketing with an Omnichannel Strategy – shows you how to harness technologies and change your marketing with omnichannel tactics. You can learn how to increase your customers’ direct mail response rates and drive revenue into your organisation.

Initiating Sustainable Print Practices – guides you through the sustainability basics with insights into best practices and common standards to chart a greener course for your business.

Print Security: Safeguarding Data and Networks – join a panel discussion to gain essential strategies and learn from other attendees’ real-world experiences where security has been exploited.

Achieving Production Excellence with Print Metrics – explore print precision with a focus on tailored metrics

and key performance indicators for production managers. This session will help you identify warning signs like print speed and quality issues and gain preventative strategies for optimal performance.

Digital Moves to the Pole Position –shows how HP Indigo has you covered with the right label press for every job. With the industry’s most advanced portfolio of digital label presses. Learn how the HP Indigo V12, 200K, 8K and 6K rival traditional flexo printing for speed, quality, and sustainability. Leading HP Indigo innovations empower brands to minimise inventory, prevent obsolescence, and embrace the full range of digital advantage across their entire range of products.

Be a Front Runner with PrintOS –shows you how to get to the finish line without letting your competition outpace you, using the PrintOS trifecta: Inventory Manager, Service Centre and Learn.

Unlocking Potential – discusses strategies for encouraging talent excellence in print, whether you are cultivating talent within your organisation or scouting for new hires. This panel discussion delves into talent identification, inhouse training, and successful retention practices.

THINK

Crafting business distinction –the art and impact of storytelling

Stories foster relationships beyond the confines of a mere transaction.

In today’s hypercompetitive business landscape, saturated with an overwhelming array of products and services, the imperative to distinguish oneself from the relentless competition has never been more critical.

Amidst this crowded marketplace emerges the timeless and potent tool that is storytelling. Far surpassing its role in mere entertainment, storytelling has evolved into a strategic linchpin for establishing authentic connections, cultivating unwavering brand loyalty, and ultimately emerging as a beacon in the competitive market landscape.

Harnessing the power of storytelling is not just a choice; it is an essential tool for businesses striving to make a lasting mark. By going beyond the norm, entrepreneurs can utilise storytelling as an approach that captivates and connects with audiences on a deeper level. By transcending surface level interactions, storytelling becomes the catalyst for authentic emotional bonds, creating a space where brands can flourish and endure.

In business, stories are crucial. Never take their value for granted. It’s not just about recounting tales for amusement, but crafting narratives that etch themselves into the audience’s collective consciousness. These stories become the fabric that binds a brand with its consumers, fostering a relationship beyond the confines of a mere transaction. Through the artful use of

storytelling, entrepreneurs can transform their businesses with a well-crafted and compelling narrative that captivates, inspires, and endures.

The human factor

The allure of storytelling lies in its ability to humanise businesses, turning them from faceless entities into relatable protagonists in the stories of consumers’ lives. Storytelling invites the audience into a world where companies have values, missions, and journeys that echo their own. On this journey, brands and consumers embark together, creating a shared narrative that extends far beyond the boundaries of a simple exchange of goods or services.

However, a stark contrast exists: the soulless realm of online transactions. Consumers often encounter faceless entities in this impersonal space and the journey becomes a transactional exchange without values, missions, or shared narratives. In navigating this soulless terrain, businesses must recognise the challenge posed by online transactions’ cold, impersonal nature and leverage storytelling’s power to infuse warmth and humanity into the digital realm, creating meaningful connections that endure beyond the confines of a click.

As digital interactions dominate, the absence of a human touch creates a void where businesses struggle to connect with their audience’s deeper emotions and aspirations. The narrative is the tool that will transform the brand from being a mere provider of commodities into a storyteller, weaving a tapestry of experiences, values, and aspirations that resonate with the hearts and minds of the audience.

Storytelling goes beyond market noise, helping businesses carve a distinct identity. It functions like a symphony,

resonating with the audience’s emotions and building a connection that outlasts trends. The real power of storytelling is not just about momentarily captivating; it lies in its enduring ability to establish a lasting niche in the memory and loyalty of consumers.

Know who you are

Embarking on the journey of storytelling begins by understanding your brand’s essence. Define your values and mission. Uncover the principles driving your business beyond profit. Know your audience intimately; tailor your narrative to resonate with their emotions and align with their values. Identify pivotal moments and characters in your business journey, weaving an authentic story. Transparency builds trust, so be genuine in your communication. Maintain a consistent brand voice across all channels, reinforcing your narrative for a lasting impact.

Storytelling is not a fleeting trend but rather a timeless strategy with the potential to elevate your brand to new heights. Instead of merely presenting products or services, offer a narrative that resonates, inspires, and etches an indelible mark on your audience’s consciousness. In a world overflowing with choices, the story you tell becomes the key, transforming your brand from a participant to a protagonist in the grand narrative of the market.

As we navigate the era of relentless competition and information overload, storytelling stands as a beacon of authenticity, transcending the transactional and resonating with the human experience. Mastering this art is not just about selling products but crafting stories that endure. In the dynamic landscape of modern commerce, remember that the most compelling narrative is the one that embeds itself into the hearts and minds of your audience, creating a legacy for your brand. So, entrepreneurs, let your story be the guiding force in your journey to success.

Mick has spent the past decade building printIQ into one of the most recognised software brands in the printing industry, and with over four decades of experience, Mick truly has ink in his veins.

STEP INTO A NEW WORLD OF LABEL PRINTING WITH THE ACCURIOLABEL 400

The new Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 press helps you profit from the latest trends in the Digital print customised label market. With the addition of our Vivid white colour option, you can capitalise on special finishes on a wide range of clear and metallic label media to produce striking Labels in one pass efficienc y

Whether you’re a label print specialist looking to upgrade your digital capacity, or adding labels to your offering for the first time, you’ll profit from the flexibility and speed the new AccurioLabel 400 Press brings to your business.

AccurioPro Flux – scalable, affordable, capable

All-in-one software solution smooths out job management.

Modular: as your business expands, you can easily move from entry level to ultimate job management

Konica Minolta New Zealand provides a comprehensive range of print solutions to the local market as the company continues to make digital printing easier. AccurioPro Flux offers a scalable software solution that enables you to organise, automate and optimise your entire print workflow.

Mark Northin and Rebecca Hughes, pre and post sales analysts at Konica Minolta spoke to New Zealand Printer about the benefits AccurioPro Flux offers.

Mark says, AccurioPro Flux is brand agnostic. It can integrate with pretty much any digital printing system, so it is not limited to just Konica Minolta printers. In addition, it can connect with existing workflow solutions that businesses already have and AccurioPro Flux will integrate with a mixed fleet of devices.

“One point I have been stressing to customers is that the AccurioPro Flux

software is more than just a RIP. It is really job management software, and it is feature rich. With AccurioPro Flux, you get a suite of powerful tools at your fingertips.

“Looking around at what is available, there is not really anything else that offers what AccurioPro Flux does in terms of it being an all-in-one solution. One of the benefits is that you don’t have to nail together a whole disparate bunch of systems. While you might have a preflight tool that plugs into your RIP, AccurioPro Flux does it all in one; its preflight tool has all the capabilities you need. Another feature is its ability to handle variable data printing.

“You can also add offline finishing templates. For example, if you need to add custom registration marks, you can set up profiles, so it happens automatically,

“Modularity delivers another major benefit. Essentials offers a feature rich entry level

solution from which you can scale up as your business expands. Its scalability also enables you to do more collaborative work. You can even scale up your operation with a web to print capability.

“Lastly, AccurioPro Flux is certainly more affordable than most other systems.”

Easy transition to AccurioPro Flux

Rebecca Hughes often works with customers in training and post-purchase configurations, which has given her a distinctive perspective on how AccurioPro Flux fits in the local market.

She says, “Customers are finding it easy to transition to AccurioPro Flux, which is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) solution. That means when you are making your file print ready – and because configurations can be fully configured with inline finishing – you can actually view the imposed file with all the trim and perf lines on top, representing visual certainty of accurate finishing templates.

“The software has evolved over 25 years from basically a job ticket manager to an all-in-one sophisticated solution. Part of that evolution is the change from how it was once written and developed specifically for Konica Minolta products. Another part of its evolution now sees it in use across all geographical locations globally.

“AccurioPro Flux does not stop at flat sheets; it also integrates with Konica Minolta’s label presses. Another example of its versatility is in using the AccurioLabel 400 and MGI embellishment solutions with the use of ‘special colours’, in a file such as a white or varnish. AccurioPro Flux can interpret those colours and make them available for print offering new levels of integration within our Industrial Print portfolio. And most important of all, our customers are delighted with AccurioPro Flux’s ease of use and automation.”

Three levels of AccurioPro Flux

Both Mark and Rebecca see AccurioPro Flux as a seamless solution that enables you to produce complex print jobs in just a few clicks.

DIGITAL

Mark adds, “You can organise, automate, and optimise your entire print workflow. Its intuitive central user interface shows you all the main control functions at one glance so you can follow a series of quick and easy steps, whether you want to edit a file, manage print workflow automation, or simply print to a specific printer. AccurioPro Flux gives you centralised control of your complete print room operation.”

AccurioPro Flux offers three levels of workflow management: Essential, Premium and Ultimate. Mark and Rebecca describe the three different options:

AccurioPro Flux Essential

For small print operations looking to save time and minimise errors, AccurioPro Flux Essential delivers product-based job processing with all key prepress functions, including tools for makeready and output management.

Features include:

• Quick File Import directly into saved Product types.

• Intelligent Imposition with Registration Marks

• VDP with Text, Image and Barcode Libraries

• Drag and drop functionality enables you to import print jobs with ease.

• Print queue management

• Automated import of jobs via hot folders within your company network.

• Job list filtering

• Cluster printing across multiple devices for optimised output.

AccurioPro Flux Premium

For larger print operations with higher staffing levels who require more interdepartmental collaboration, AccurioPro Flux Premium is ideal. It expands on all that is available in AccurioPro Flux Essential. With three concurrent logins by default and the option to scale up to as many as fifteen logins, the entire print operation can now view and interact with the Flux system. Whether they need to view the job schedule to track job progress, or interact with a job to make

changes when required, Flux Premium makes this process seamless. Premium also offers a number of additional optional upgrade packages.

Additional Premium Options include:

XML Connector, Flux Accounting Connector, Flux Multi Seat and Flux Pitstop Pre-flight Connector.

AccurioPro Flux Ultimate

A sophisticated web submission application that enables secure online submission of print jobs. End users can take advantage of this convenient service at any time and receive print jobs 24/7.

Flux Ultimate combines online job submission, online payment, and online status tracking in one professional webto-print application. You can offer your customers job-tickets based on online submission of print jobs; ideal if you are using a server environment to provide web printing services.

With a set of tools to edit and impose your print work, maximising output combined with automated workflow to increase productivity. Print work can be submitted easily by the print driver installed on your local network, or by directly uploading to the application, then selecting the format you want to print.

The application will show you a preview of each file’s formatting, as well as checking the file for missing fonts, image resolution

and transparencies. Approvals can also be set up for costings and job proofing.

Features include:

• Single sign on – users who have already logged in to your company network gain access to the web shop without being prompted to log in again.

• Convenient online ordering –customers can comfortably upload and preview their jobs before ordering. Non-print articles can also be offered for ordering.

• Pre-flighting – the application checks if files are printable; images provided by the customer have the proper resolution; fonts are embedded, and transparencies have been included.

• Different order workflows – customers can choose between the quick twostep order process and a shopping cart using four steps.

• Instant online quotation – the application instantly calculates the price for each print product. Every detail, including monochrome or colour output, paper size and type, is included in the automatic calculation.

• Online payment – secure payment options can be made available to customers to pay online without risk, plus online status tracking.

• Dashboard and notifications – the application lets users check their job status at any time online via the software dashboard. Users can also be informed via e-mail about the status of their print jobs.

About Print triples down on its AccurioPress investment

Cold call leads to Konica Minolta update for leading digital print company.

Wellington-based digital print company About Print supplies print services to clients locally and nationwide.

While the company recently marked out 10 years as a business, its owners Tai Walters and Jon Devonshire offer decades of industry experience and knowledge.

Tai says that from the start, he and Jon wanted to bring “a fresh face to print that values loyalty from our clients, our supply chain and our staff”. He explains, “Our people, our clients are an extension of who we are – they are part of our whanau, and we are all in this journey together.”

About Print takes a sustainable attitude to its staff members, placing their welfare high on their priority list. Tai says, “We employ well, pay a living wage, and mentor them to grow. Our production manager has just celebrated her nineyear anniversary with us, and she has a forward path plan for the next five years.

“We have our 16 staff members’ and our clients’ backs 100 per cent. If they need something, we will deliver for them.

AccurioPress arrives

Recently, About Print updated its digital armoury with two AccurioPress C14000s and an AccurioPress C6100, supplied through Konica Minolta New Zealand.

Tai says, “Our equipment was aging, and we researched all print production platforms before making an 18-month long decision to move to Konica Minolta.

“I remember Adam Hawkes, production print specialist at Konica Minolta New Zealand making a cold call almost two years before we installed the new machines. Over that time, it became a slow burn. Chris O’Hara, Konica Minolta’s national production print manager, made sure we had everything we needed to make the right decision. So, it is interesting how that simple cold call led us to completely switch our machinery two years later.”

The AccurioPress C14000 prints in CMYK at up to 140ppm A4, or 80ppm A3, with a resolution equivalent to 3600x2400dpi. It handles media up to 450 gsm and detects paper types automatically and offers simplex banner printing up to 129.5cm

and duplex banner printing up to 90cm. On one of About Print’s AccurioPress C14000s, the TU-510 finishing unit does slitting, cutting, creasing and perfing inline as well as a Plockmatic booklet maker that can produce landscape A4 booklets.

Tai says, “The AccurioPress C14000 offers us clever quality control measures that ensure we achieve high quality print at production press speeds. The many bolton finishing units allow us to tailor each of our machines to suit our client needs.”

The AccurioPress C14000 air suction feeding units incorporate automated air controls based on media set up and provide high quality capacity for media of up to 14,140 sheets, allowing longer print runs without operator intervention. Tai says, “In the first three months, we poured high volumes through the AccurioPress C14000. I don’t think anyone at Konica Minolta had seen those kinds of volumes. The machines took everything we threw at them and never missed a beat with print quality. The bookletmaker streamlined the process, and the trimming unit allows us to deliver finished product faster.”

Using Konica Minolta’s enhanced IQ-501, About Print’s AccurioPress machines automatically and continuously measure and manage colour to ensure the first print in a run matches the last. Tai says, “For colour management, the IQ 510 is the cleverest piece of tech in a production print machine that I have seen.

“We could not be happier with our decision to install our Konica Minolta AccurioPress machines. We are enjoying our partnership with Konica Minolta New Zealand.”

Talking about the challenges that About Print faces, Tai says, “Keeping market share is always on our radar and we are working at streamlining B2B connectivity. Importantly, we appreciate our ability to keep our entire About Print family fed and happy to work for a company that cares.”

He sees a good long-term future for the industry. He adds, “In my lifetime, print will still exist. Print businesses are still suffering and whilst we have not reached the bottom yet, those of us that remain will diversify, remodel, and enjoy the resultant print market.”

WITH THE ACCURIOPRESS C14000 SERIES

The digital revolution continues with the highly evolved AccurioPress C14000 series, designed to ensure you never stop printing. These high speed digital colour presses offer next level automation for ultra-efficient, high volume colour printing. Packed with an array of impressive features, powerful inline finishing options for high pr oductivity and with in-built technology, they offer unparalleled quality and consistency print after print.

To rethink efficiency, simply visit: konicaminolta.co.nz/AccurioPressC14000series

HP expands its Smart Tank portfolio with new printers

Graphics giant helps Kiwis adapt as technology requirements evolve.

Adding the new Smart Tank 5000 series to its tank portfolio demonstrates HP’s recognition that attitudes to technology and how we use it continues to change. The company says the sustainably designed HP Smart Tank 5000 series delivers a smarter, more connected, and intuitive tank experience.

Oliver Hill, country manager for HP New Zealand, says, “What we have seen after the Covid-19 pandemic is how people’s use of technology has changed across all the parts of our business. The way people digest and use technology has changed and we expect that to continue.

“We are seeing an increase in printing from home, which aligns with people working in a more hybrid environment. People are also considering the effect they have on the environment. For home and office printing, they want something that is smart, effortless, and sustainable.

“People using home and office printers include parents who are time poor and who need a printer the whole family can use; flexible and hybrid workers who need to print from anywhere; and small to medium business decision makers.

“We no longer print something because we have to store it for the future. We don’t need to print our tax returns; most of that type of printing has gone. At this year’s Women’s World Cup, you couldn’t print your FIFA ticket – you needed an app.

“However, research tells us that people like printing. Our digital lives are cluttered, and it is easy to lose focus on what you intended to do when you pick up your phone. But when you use printed material, you don’t have that problem. The research is showing us that customers really value that.

“HP has redesigned our products with innovations like self-healing wi-fi and our Smart App that make it a lot easier for people to use our printers. Using the tools that HP has can really take the pain out of the printing process.”

HP Smart Tank advantages

HP offers a range of options for home and office printing. Oliver says, “Traditionally, you buy a printer, and you buy the cartridges as you need them. Second is where you use HP Instant Ink, where your printer communicates with us when it is running low on ink, so you never run out. Last is our HP Smart Tank range, where you can get the absolute lowest cost per page by investing more up front. This solution means you no longer have to buy a new cartridge and have it shipped to you.

The 5000 series completes our tank line up. We now offer everything in tank printing from home and office use right up to production print.

“Offering up to two years of printing, the 5000 series includes all the features like

self-healing wi-fi and HP Wolf Essential Security that make the printing experience easier and more enjoyable. Security is now a major concern for customers who can suffer serious consequences if someone hacks their printer.

“HP has also solved the refill problem with ink bottles that don’t spill. The HP Smart App makes printing, scanning, and document workflow easy.

“Crucially, HP makes this product with 45 per cent post-consumer recycled content. This forms part of HP’s commitment to have 75 per cent circularity with all our products by 2030.”

HP lists the Smart Tank’s key benefits and features:

• Sustainably made using 45 per cent post-consumer recycled content.

• Boasting EPEAT Silver and Energy Star certifications.

• Energy-saving automatic on/off technology.

• No-waste tank and spill-free recyclable bottles.

• HP Smart App offers intuitive smart buttons to guide you through everyday print, scan, copy and fax tasks.

• Automatically detects IDs and prints with the ID copy button.

• Comes with self-healing Wi-Fi and better mobility with Smart App and Smart Advance, getting faster and more reliable connections.

• Equipped with convenient ink management, the HP Smart Tank printers easily monitor and maintain ink levels with ink sensors.

• HP Wolf Essential Security to protect sensitive information.

Omnigraphics sees double with Epson SureColor S60660L printers

Aarque helps Omnigraphics fill production gaps with Epson solutions.

Specialising in wide format production has seen Omnigraphics expand its operation with sites in Auckland and Christchurch. Its well earned reputation for producing a wide range of products that include out of home billboards and posters for events, retail, and promotions sees a hot demand from clients for the company’s services.

Recently, Omnigraphics installed two Epson SureColor S60660L printers, supplied through Aarque Group, which fits well with the company’s commitment to the sector. Omnigraphics co-owner Steve Spear says, “The Epson SureColor S60660L printers are the right models for us in terms of the type of high quality out-of-home promotional printing that we need to do. The colour gamut is fantastic and so is the speed for the 1.6m market.

“These roll-to-roll printers replace two older machines and they have quickly demonstrated better speed and better ink lay down. They have filled any gaps we had in production.”

High quality images

Epson has designed the SureColor S60660L to produce durable high-impact images quickly, easily, and at minimum cost. The company says it fits well in operations with high production volume and structured workflow. Compatible

with a range of media, the Epson SureColor S60660L printers are ideal for applications such as outdoor signs and banners, screens and shades, vehicle wraps and decals, indoor back-lit displays and POS, canvas pull ups and vinyl labels.

Steve says “I describe them as high quality workhorses. The print quality is superior, and we have them pumping 16 hours a day, six days a week. They are set and forget machines, easy and quick to load and unload.”

Featuring Epson’s latest PrecisionCore print head and UltraChrome Eco-Solvent ink technology, the Epson SureColor S60660L printers produce images that are brighter and glossier with an outstanding colour gamut. They deliver precise and consistent output using lower pass rates and less ink, with simpler operation and less maintenance. Steve says, “We love the printheads. We run them dual CMYK. The heads are impressive; they deliver consistent high print quality with durable and reliable operation.”

Epson says it developed its UltraChrome GS3 ink to enable prints with high gloss, high dMax, and a gamut equal or larger to many competitors with twice the number of ink colours. Prints dry quickly to enable ad hoc same day job turnaround while the high-capacity media and ink

supply systems enable efficient roll to roll production with remote status monitoring and reporting.

Steve says, “The Epson ink is also key to what we want to achieve in terms of quality and consistency. The colour management is solid week in week out and the colour is consistent, which is essential for the work we do.”

The Epson SureColor S60660L printers support single operator media loading with an integrated easy lifter and a platen release that is accessible from the rear. Media setting can be completed quickly with auto skew correction and downloadable profiles. Steve adds, “They are no-nonsense machines. Our operators required only a half-day of training to get up to speed on them after a trouble-free installation process.”

Aarque support

Omnigraphics nurtures strong relationships with its clients and suppliers. Steve says, “Aarque Group is a long-term supplier of ours; we have known the team there for more than 20 years. For Omnigraphics, having a good supplier is just as important as having a good client. Aarque Group helps us to remain competitive in the marketplace. Service and support is one of their strengths; they are really solid around that.

“Our two big challenges right now involve time and volume. It is vital for us to get our jobs finished on time. For our customers, that is the big thing. With volume, we find we do get to capacity quite quickly because we are so busy. Obviously, that is a good problem because we would rather be too busy than not busy enough. However, we still need to effectively and efficiently manage the volume of work we have. Having the best technology and solutions certainly helps with that.”

After more than 20 years in the industry, Steve still loves coming to work. He says, “The industry always throws up challenges and no two days are ever the same. We love helping clients make their dreams a reality and fulfilling their requirements. Often, they will throw us some creative ideas and it is then up to us to find solutions that work for them.”

Q u a li t y, S p e e d a

n d Lo w

Pr o du ct i o n Cos t

T H E O U T S T A N D I N G E P S O N

S U R E C O L O R S - S E R I E S R A N G E

I n t r o d u c in g E p s o n ’ s u p g r a d e d r o l l - t o - r o l l s i g n a n d d i s pl a y

p r i n t e r s i n c o r p o ra tin g c o n ti n u o u s i n k s u p p l y fo r q u a l i t y s i gn a g e m a d e s i m p l e r, fa s te r a n d m o re c o st e e c t i ve

• F a s t m e dia lo a d in g w i t h a u to m a ti c s e t - u p a n d s ke w c o r re c t i o n

• S e l f c l e a n in g P r i n t H e a d s a n d A d va nc e d A u t o Te n s i o n C o n t ro l

• O u t s t a n d in g re s o l u t i o n , g l os s , b r i g h t ne s s , a n d g a mu t , w i t h u p t o 9 8 % PA N TO N E *

• E c i e n t p ro d u c t i o n w i t h s am e - d ay p r i n t a n d l a m i n a t i o n

• R e l i a b i l i t y g u a ra n te e d w i t h s e r v i c e p a c k a

Zünd takes automation to Fespa Global Print Expo 2024

Leading cutting systems manufacturer will show you how to make digital cutting pay off

Automation: At Fespa, Zünd will use robots to automatically pick and sort finished parts

Zünd will highlight its latest digital cutting technology and solutions at Fespa Global Print Expo taking place in Amsterdam from March 19-22.

Steve Wilton-Jones, national equipment sales consultant at Zünd distributor Aarque Group, says, “Fespa Global Print Expo is a leading trade show for digital, large-format printing. Zünd will give visitors the opportunity to see ways they can automate digital cutting.”

At Booth D40 in Hall 1, Zünd will demonstrate how powerful digital cutting technology, combined with intelligent software and a range of optional solutions for automated material handling, can make digital cutting efficient and cost-effective.

The company says that using Zünd cutting solutions, print and signage companies of all sizes can make the most of their operating times while simultaneously lowering production costs. This, in turn, sustainably boosts the overall profitability of their cutting and finishing operations.

Steve adds, “The Zünd product line is highly modular, which makes it possible to add additional tools and materialhandling options quickly and easily as requirements increase or change. The ability to configure Zünd cutters to specific requirements makes them a secure and cost-effective investment in the future.”

Easy board feeding

Zünd’s new board loading extension uses the company’s Undercam system.

It enables semi-automatic board feeding, job identification and registration, all while the production process is ongoing. Zünd says the resulting efficiency and flexibility of the cutter operation saves both time and cost.

The system consists of a cutter extension with a glass plate and Undercam for registering jobs from below. Steve says, “When it comes to further boosting costeffectiveness with innovative solutions, this method of semi-automatic board feeding during ongoing production is hard to top. It significantly increases productivity even with applications that involve cutting and creasing on the reverse (top) side of the material.”

Software speeds workflow

At the Amsterdam show, Zünd will also highlight workflow automation solutions for every requirement and application. This includes PrimeCenter software that enables simple and automated print and cut file preparation. As de facto control centre in prepress, it ensures a highly productive and efficient data workflow. Nested print and cut layouts that are ready to go can be created in just a few clicks.

Another solution, Zünd Connect, is used for production monitoring and analysis. Steve says, “Zünd Connect plays a key role in identifying potential areas for optimising the production process. By calculating the Overall Equipment Effectiveness of connected Zünd cutters, this monitoring and analysis software helps improve production efficiency

and provides important indicators for sustainable production optimisation. In turn, this enables significantly improved machine availability and performance.

Efficiency with automation

Zünd will also exhibit an array of solutions for partial and fully automated material handling. Steve says, “These solutions offer huge potential savings to signage and graphics manufacturers of all sizes. What they all have in common is their ability to work without human intervention and ensure consistent, uninterrupted production. Such production cells are particularly effective at reducing labour costs.

“Visitors to the Zünd booth at Fespa Global Print Expo 2024 will have the opportunity to see how they can use the completely revamped Zünd Cut Center - ZCC to also control robots and automatically pick and sort finished parts.

“Zünd will demonstrate this process with the Robot PortaTable 130 from Zünd partner Robotfactory. This solution consists of a mobile offload table equipped with a robotic arm, which can be flexibly set up and moved from one Zünd cutter to another.

“The Zünd Visualising Option, with optical part marking and the use of printed QR codes, offers more ways to facilitate the production process and make it more efficient. The use of metadata enables end-to-end job tracking and guarantees smooth and efficient logistics throughout.”

AWARDS

Threepeat: Computaleta wins HP Partner of the Year Award again

Stellar year for family-owned industry supplier.

Industry supplier Computaleta has won the HP Partner of the Year Award for the third year in a row.

The company began supplying HP wide format solutions in 2020 and quickly established a reputation for solid service and support. Wayne Shaw, business manager for HP Large Format says, “Once again, Computaleta has exceeded expectations in all areas of the business. Their willingness to engage with HP and embrace a can-do attitude must be commended. Congratulations to the entire team for this tremendous achievement.”

Computaleta received the award at the HP New Zealand celebration, which took place at Shed 10 in Auckland. Kiwi Rock legend Jon Toogood emceed the event, which attracted over 300 guests. The HP Partner Awards celebrates the excellence of partners within HP New Zealand’s ecosystem, honouring their outstanding performance, commitment to serving customers, sustained growth, and their delivery of innovative solutions.

Arlette Farland, director Computaleta says, “This award belongs to our wonderful sales and technical team across the country, who put in all the hard work throughout the year to make the HP brand a success. 2023 was another stellar year for us with HP Latex wide

format printers, and I am incredibly proud of our entire Computaleta team, who all contributed towards making that happen.”

White ink and sustainability

Impressed with HP’s innovative technology, Arlette says, “Our success with HP has really been transformed by the introduction of white ink in 2021 via the new HP Latex 700 and 800 series printers that can produce five-layer white.

“Then this year, HP launched an entrylevel version called 630W that stepped up the game again. Whilst not as fast as the 25 square metres per hour of the production 800 series, the 630W can print from the leading edge and challenges the colour gamut of solvent printers for the first time via HP’s new pixel control technology. This allows for deeper colours, especially when used for contours and graduations. With colours controlled and defined at the pixel level it gives better transitions when colours are going from light to dark. This creates new possibilities for printing on clear and I can see sign and print makers utilising this feature for stunning vehicle wraps like never before.”

“White ink is such a powerful feature, especially for sign shops or printers

who want a point of difference. The new creativity it opens also when printing on clear for glass decoration, is huge. The 630W offers brighter colours and the ability to print short runs, ideal for smaller sign shops and opens new possibilities at an affordable price point.

“HP Latex’s other advantage is its sustainable credentials. Water-based Latex ink is flexible, dry, and cured right of the printer ready for immediate lamination and application. This means faster job turnaround times and it is better and safer for your people and the environment.”

High bar

HP says the winners for this year’s awards have raised the bar yet again, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to delivering innovative and impactful customer solutions through the use of HP technology. Notable awards included Services Partner of the Year, SMB Partner of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Commercial PC Partner of the Year, Distributor of the Year, and recognition of Sustainability. Individuals were also recognised for their achievements in categories across distribution and channel sales.

Tracey Brewer, commercial channel manager at HP New Zealand, says, “Year on year we continue to be blown away by the high calibre of solutions our New Zealand partner network develop for their customers, and this year is no different.

“Our partners are a huge part of who we are here at HP, and we are delighted to be able to acknowledge their hard work and commitment to deliver above and beyond the call of duty.

“We are constantly impressed by their work especially with so many partners taking on our Amplify Program including Amplify Impact. Our combined efforts can generate meaningful impact on Climate Action, Human Rights and Digital Equity more than ever before.

“It is wonderful to be able to reflect on the year that was and to generate excitement for what’s to come in 2024. A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists, they are all very well deserved.”

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Speedy Signs celebrates 25 years

Company demonstrates the value of strong customer relationships.

Offering the full range of general signage, Speedy Signs operates on the premise of providing a nationwide consultative service to its customers. The company’s tagline, ‘Grow Your Business Faster’, highlights a clear commitment to helping customers achieve rapid growth and success.

Business Franchise Group (BFG) is the franchisor for the Speedy Signs brand. Grant Archibald, founder, and chief executive of BFG says, “As a company we are not here just to sell signs. We think of ourselves as our customers’ partners, helping them build a strong visual presence and to grow their own business. This typically begins with an open exchange of ideas and information to find out what they want to achieve and suggesting ways to best achieve this.”

Signage startup

In 1997, Grant was working as a chartered accountant in a large accountancy practice.

He had a vision of becoming selfemployed and at the same time creating

a profitable business model that could be shared with others. With the United States widely recognised as a hotspot for franchising, from fast-food giants to B2B businesses, Grant set off to further research franchising and investigate industry opportunities.

After much due diligence, Grant decided on starting a sign business as he saw a huge opportunity in the New Zealand market. He says, “At that time, the sector was dominated by single location owner operators from the trade and there was quite a reputation for long lead times.

“With the sign industry having seen the arrival of computers, self-adhesive vinyl, cutters, and digital printers and therefore becoming less of a traditional craft, I saw the growth potential of introducing people from outside the sign community and being more sales and marketing orientated.”

As a point of differentiation geared towards higher levels of service than what was currently on offer, Grant called the sign business Speedy Signs. The first Speedy Signs opened in 1998 in Penrose, Auckland.

Following two years of piloting and refining the business model, BFG began franchising in 2000. Since then, the brand has expanded to 28 locations across the country, from Whangarei to Invercargill.

BFG also manages the EmbroidMe franchise, a 16-store network offering branded apparel and promotional products. EmbroidMe started in 2006 with a company-owned store in East Tamaki, Auckland.

Supporting over 40 independently owned and operated franchises might seem large but Grant still sees opportunities to expand both brands into new areas and recently, it has undertaken a feasibility study to introduce a third franchise brand to the New Zealand market.

Relationships matter

Since its inception 25 years ago, Speedy Signs has shown how a franchised business model can succeed in a historically trade-dominated industry.

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Including franchise owner-operators, Speedy Signs now has over 200 employees, plus numerous contractors. Whilst the business initially focused on small-tomedium size customers, more corporates are seeing the efficiencies of utilising Speedy’s extensive domestic network and global affiliations to provide consistent signage outcomes. Furthermore, the company’s robust health and safety systems offer an elevated level of assurance by ensuring legal compliance.

Speedy Signs has a preferred supplier programme in which it enters partnerships with its core goods and services providers. Grant says, “Our key suppliers are strong supporters of the Speedy network and recognise the value of our business through a package of benefits. Computaleta and PSP along with Total Supply and Mulford Plastics are the group’s major suppliers. Aarque Group is a partner too as it provides important equipment and software. We really appreciate their collaborative partnership approach to doing business and their attendance and financial support of our conferences. We also have valuable relationships with associations such as Site Safe, NZSDA, the Franchise Association of New Zealand, and the EMA just to name a few.”

He attributes the success of the brand to the calibre of the individual franchise owners and staff and their commitment

to exceptional customer service. Starting an engaging dialogue with the customer gives them a much better understanding of their branding challenges and objectives. From there, they can offer tailored recommendations on the most effective strategies to fulfil these goals.

Speedy Signs provides consultation, design, manufacture, project management, and nationwide installation. All Speedy Signs locations operate wide format digital printers, laminators, application tables and cutters. Many of the franchises also run CNC routers, flat bed digital printers, lasers, and channel letter machinery.

Marking 25 years

To celebrate BFG and Speedy Signs 25th anniversary, close to 100 Speedy Signs and EmbroidMe franchisees, senior staff and suppliers gathered in Fiji in August for a combined brand national conference.

Grant says, “The conference was a tremendous success, full of opportunities for networking and the exchange of insights, ideas, and experiences. It was easy to enjoy in such a laid-back setting, a wonderful respite from the New Zealand winter. All our preferred suppliers attended and participated in key events and shared their valuable industry knowledge with the delegates.”

The Awards Gala Dinner rounded off the national conference, with the presentation of 33 prestigious awards recognising outstanding sales achievements and overall business success. In addition, Speedy Signs holds its own internal Sign and Branding Awards to show appreciation and recognition of the creativity and skills of the individual teams. For the second year in a row, Speedy Signs Rotorua won the Speedy Signs Supreme Sign Award, which champions excellence in creativity, workmanship and execution in sign making.

Adapting with technology

Technology developments over recent years have allowed the sign industry to offer a wider range of advertising solutions. An example is digital screen solutions, a change that Speedy Signs has welcomed. The business now provides solutions from a single screen through to multi-site installations, including digital menu systems for food outlets, right through to large video walls in malls.

The company believes that with the latest technologies and the huge range of available materials, the options for creativity and quality signs and graphics are virtually limitless. And with its one stop shop philosophy embodying consultation, design, production, project management and installation, Speedy Signs has a proven record and blueprint for success.

Grant concludes “As Speedy Signs assists its customers in expanding their businesses, the company eagerly anticipates the next 25 years of continued growth.”

PPD relocates after growth period

Durst Group subsidiary PPD (PrePress Digital Software Development) will relocate its headquarters in 2024.

Due to its strong and continuous growth in recent years, PPD has played a significant role in Durst Group’s overall development. Relocating its headquarters to Lienz, Italy underscores the Durst Group’s commitment to the future. The work will be completed in the next twelve months.

Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer and co-owner of the Durst Group, says, “The relocation is a logical step for our subsidiary to offer its services to thirdparty companies in the field of digital printing and production technologies. We are convinced that PPD will continue to grow and expand in this environment.”

PPD has acquired an entire building,

D3 introduces micro particle jetting technology

A new additive manufacturing process, developed at Durst Group subsidiary D3 enables the construction of objects drop by drop.

D3 unveiled its micro particle jetting printing technology at the Formnext 2023 show in Frankfurt. Its LABII printing system allows direct printing of waterbased, highly concentrated suspensions with almost any particle size and distribution. Post-sintering, complex and dense components are formed that are not produced using any existing method.

Vanguard unveils new flatbed printer

Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group company, has launched the Vanguard VK3220T-HS, an ultra-high production UV-LED flatbed printer.

Jim Peterson, chief operating officer at Vanguard Digital North America, says, “The VK3220T-HS is the culmination of years of technological advancements and our response to the demands of the market. It symbolises the start of a new

Groundbreaking: PPD’s new building underscores Durst Group’s commitment to the future

which is undergoing comprehensive renovations, and views this relocation as the cornerstone for implementing its new strategic direction.

Hans Peter Schneeberger, chief executive officer at PPD, says, “The new location offers us the ideal size and position to be perceived

Stefan Waldner, chief product officer of D3-AM, says, “Material jetting, from a theoretical standpoint, represents the most promising technology in additive manufacturing. It enables the construction of objects drop by drop, voxel by voxel. By overcoming material compatibility restrictions, our MPJ-technology paves the way for the production of previously deemed impossible components.”

D3 says discussions at the Formnext show included the development of new materials, exploration of applications, sample creation, component inquiries, and specific machine inquiries. Experts praised D3‘s showcased gyroid structure as the “best component ever printed out of SSiC”.

D3 is commited to advancing ceramics manufacturing, leveraging the Durst Group’s expertise in digital printing and production technologies.

chapter for Vanguard Digital, and we are so proud to share it with the North American market.”

Vanguard lists the key VK3220T-HS features:

A larger bed size of 3.2m x 2m for further throughput potential enables the printer to operate on an industrial scale.

Up to three rows of industrial printheads for maximum productivity. The Kyocera KJ4A printheads are equipped with variable drop technology and four picolitre drop sizes for remarkable print quality with better colour gradients and smoothing capability.

An electromagnetic carriage drive system ensures tight dot placement for remarkable print quality and speed for

as an extremely attractive employer in the region. We will continue to follow our sustainable principles and generate a significant portion of our electricity needs through a photovoltaic system on the building’s roof, emphasising our commitment to eco-friendly solutions.”

Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer and co-owner of Durst Group, says, “With our presence at Formnext with the D3 LABII system, we are starting a new chapter at Durst: Material Jetting. The trade show has clearly shown that we are onwards in the premier class of materials: ceramics. We look forward to scaling the printing systems, processes, and materials to open a world of possibilities.”

exceptionally high print quality.

Field-upgradeability. The company adds that it has engineered the new printer to grow with any business. It offers options for single, dual, and triple row print heads, with optional white ink and varnish channels that can be added after installation.

Quality and productivity. The new machine can produce 1,800 dpi print resolution and speeds of up to 3,875 square feet per hour.

Versatility. The VK3220T-HS can print on nearly any substrate up to 10cm thick.

A seven-zone, user-selectable vacuum system ensures efficient hold-down for no unintended media movement and easy transitions between jobs.

Fespa 2024 events attracting strong interest from the industry

Organisers say the four co-located Fespa 2024 events in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in March 2024, are set to deliver a rich experience for speciality printers.

The event has already signed up over 425 exhibiting companies, from 36 countries, for Fespa Global Print Expo 2024, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro. Taking place at the RAI Exhibition Centre from March 19-22, the show will present visitors with an array of solutions from exhibitors.

Visitors can expect to see hardware solutions such as wide format flatbed and roll-to-roll printers, screen printing carousels, and a range of finishing solutions from major exhibitors. Confirmed suppliers showcasing products for digital wide format, screen and textile printing include Agfa, Brother, MHM, Mimaki, Roland, Epson, Mutoh and swissQprint.

Confirmed software suppliers include Caldera, EFI, Fiery and Roq, demonstrating end-to-end workflows, automated job onboarding and colour management, as well as a range of consultative services to support businesses on their automation journey.

3A Composites, Antalis, Epson, Hexis SAS, InkTec Europe and Orafol Europe number among the companies presenting

media and consumables, with a focus on recycled/recyclable and sustainable alternative materials and environmentally conscious inks.

Michael Ryan, head of Fespa Global Print Expo, says, “One of the biggest differentiators of the Fespa events is the truly diverse range of products on show.

“With our clear focus on solutions for speciality print businesses, including graphics producers, textile and industrial printers and visual communications specialists, we deliver a concentrated experience where visitors can find everything they need in one space.

“The inclusion of signage, personalisation solutions and technologies for sportswear production enables visitors to immerse themselves in an abundance of creative and commercial opportunities that are directly relevant to their business.”

The European Sign Expo 2024 exhibitor commitment has already outstripped the 2023 event. Organisers say that visitors can expect to see a wide range of solutions for sign making and visual communications from over 85 confirmed suppliers. Delegates can explore products for channel lettering, digital and dimensional signage, engraving and etching, illuminated displays, out of home media, LED, outdoor systems, laser cutters and sign tools.

International suppliers at Personalisation Experience include Antigro, Kit Builder, Mediaclip and XMPie, demonstrating software for customisation design and variable data marketing. Tajima Europe, PunchCloud OU and ZSK Stickmaschinen will highlight the latest hardware and art services for embroidery.

At the inaugural Sportswear Pro, delegates will see solutions for directto-garment, direct-to-film, sublimation, and heat transfer printing, as well as embroidery and laser cutting.

Registration for Fespa Global Print Expo, European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro is now live. Entry to all four exhibition areas is free for members of a Fespa national Association or Fespa Direct. Nonmembers who pre-register using code FESM424 before January 19 can save €55 ($96) on their exhibition entry.

CCG makes the journey from garment printing to DTF Station

in New Zealand.

Industry supply company CCG recently hosted an open house at its premises in Albany on Auckland’s North Shore.

Bryan Simpson and Mark Oudney, directors at CCG, invited Tony Lee as a special guest to the open house. Tony owns one of the United States’ biggest garment decorating digital suppliers DTF Station.

Bryan says, “We have spent time looking at numerous companies to work out the right strategy for our customers. We want to give them the best solutions at the best price. Over time, it became clear that Tony could deliver what our customers need, and we determined that he was the right person for us to partner with.

“While he owns several companies, he is a hands-on garment printer who travels the world training dealers and sorting out the technology.

Journey to DTF Station

At the open house, Tony Lee demonstrated one of his solutions to visitors who had come from all over the country.

Tony says, “I got into this industry in 2012, working in a direct to garment (DTG) printing company, which I now

own. I was running the company and I got to a point where I noticed I was going through a lot of ink, which made me curious. I wondered, ‘How does the supplier make any money if they have to haul a large amount of ink?’

“So, I went to their facility, and I saw how super simple their operation was and you know, I felt like maybe I could do that better than them. That is how I got into the supply business, selling ink and equipment in the States.

“That was in 2014. A couple of years later, I became aware that direct to film (DTF) technology had come to the attention of a few customers and I had vendors from China reaching out to me. I didn’t want to get into it then because the quality wasn’t there.

“Over the next few years, I saw so many DTF printer resellers, or importers, who just did not bother testing the equipment they were selling, or maybe they didn’t care. The result was they created some horror stories where customers had machines breaking down, or ink clogging and so on.

So, I could see there was a space for printers that worked well, and the supplier did not just leave their customers behind. I began importing DTF printers

from different manufacturers and testing them until I finally found something that I really liked two years ago.

“I wanted to support the DTF print community, so I started creating every single troubleshooting video that I could think of to make shortcuts. I also outsourced our call centre and the technical service centre to cover our call volumes.

“Eventually, I thought that maybe this was scalable. I reached out to other distributors and dealers in the States, and we teamed up. That is when DTF Station began.

“The DTF Station concept is simple: if you are in DTF and doing detailed printing, you can use us as a train station where you can stop off on your journey from A to Z. You can use our film; or use our ink; or use our equipment; or buy some of the stuff we sell.

“Currently, we have our printers in Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Australia, Korea, Japan, the USA of course, and now New Zealand.

“DTF technology is creating multiple businesses. It overlaps with multiple strategies. DTG customers love DTF and so do vinyl and sublimation clients. They look at DTF as an alternative solution in sign shops and screen printing companies.

“DTF will grow. This technology is combined with mass media and social media, which is how word of it spread through things like TikTok and YouTube. In a video, people can see the action.

“We do have a small format, which is relatively cheap so people can start their own business at home. Also, with DTF, it is more than just making your own t-shirt. It can involve contract printing and branding. I think the growth will continue. Everyone doing it now is in at the ground floor.

“From my perspective, I just want to make sure they have the most reliable printer.

Bryan adds, “We look forward to talking to customers about DTF solutions. Anyone can contact us on 09 475 5224, email rhys@ccg.co.nz or visit our website www.ccg.co.nz.”

WIDE FORMAT

Visual Impact Brisbane opens registrations

Preparations well underway for Queensland’s first show for six years.

Visual Impact Brisbane looks set for success in July with visitor registrations now open.

With over 80 per cent of floor space already booked, the show promises visitors a comprehensive array of the latest technology and solutions.

The first show in the sunshine state for six years sees vendors eager to showcase their wares. Organisers say the expo’s track record of proven reach extends beyond Queensland into Northern New South Wales, the Northern Territory, and beyond Australian borders the Pacific Islands and of course, New Zealand.

Strong industry support

The show receives support from platinum sponsor Roland DG; and gold sponsors Avery Dennison, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, HP, Spicers and Trotec. Organisers say Visual Impact Brisbane has attracted a list of exhibitors representing most of the industry’s leading names, promising visitors a comprehensive display of everything from software and workflows to wide-format print, fabrication, illumination, engraving, laser cutting and more.

Charly Blades, events manager for supplier association Visual Connections which owns and organises the show, says, “There are still some excellent stands available but suppliers who want to take advantage of the opportunity will need to be quick. There are several potential exhibitors already circling many of the prime positions which remain.

“We’ve seen excellent attendances at recent shows, with industry businesses keen to see and experience the latest technologies and innovations and make major investment decisions after enduring such long breaks during the pandemic.

“Brisbane is shaping up as no exception to this. The floorplan is looking pretty full, which is great so far out from opening. We have already received our first registrations after opening bookings this week. Clearly, there are business owners who are already looking forward to taking advantage of all the opportunities available to them in Brisbane.”

Expert Connections

She continues, “As always, the show will offer an educational element to the show. However, this year we have a focus on delivering maximum value for minimum investment of time. We call this programme ‘Expert Connections’.

“Visual Impact only runs for three days, and we know that many visitors can only afford limited time away from their businesses to attend. So, the sessions in our Connections Centre will be short, snappy, and laser-focused on the topic at hand. The assortment of topics and themes will range from economic and business updates to market trends and expert opinions, with sessions on various technologies and innovations.

“The idea is to make sure visitors can gather plenty of knowledge, insights and ideas, as well as connect with experts who can really deliver value to their business,

without taking too much time away from the exhibition itself.”

Visitors will also have a chance to see the very latest innovations from exhibitors, including Roland DG, Mimaki, Elizabeth Machines, Sign Essentials, Ball & Doggett and Celmac, Currie Group, HP, Wilenco and Amari Visual.

Other suppliers planning sizeable displays include Alfex CNC, Avery Dennison, Creative Graphic Supplies, Epson, Graphic Art Mart, Multicam, Mutoh, PHE, Pozitive, Smartech, Spicers and Trotec.

Complementing these, a host of smaller displays will cover a huge range of innovations from names like Adzon, Amari Visual, Arlon, Digital FX Machinery, Eventech, Goodsense, Interone, Lettertech, M-Power Software, O’Brien Engineering, Poli-Tape, Print IQ, Pulse Laser Systems, SaLED, SAS, Stick On Signs, Thunder Laser, Velflex, Worldkougei Inc and Zoom Tec.

Visual Impact Brisbane will run from 10am to 5pm on July 17 and 18 July, and from 9am to 4pm on July 19 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Bank.

National Wayzgoose brings print enthusiasts together

Wellington provided the venues for the second National Wayzgoose, which took place late last year over the weekend of November 24-26.

The Association of Book Crafts hosted the event with attendees coming from all over the country. Well known Australian letterpress printer Richard Jermyn crossed the Tasman especially for the weekend. All the attendees enjoyed the event calling it a remarkable success.

A visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa) kicked off the weekend. We took the opportunity to view book craft treasures from the Te Papa

collection. As we were in the capital city and centre of government, it made sense to this serious undertaking with informal drinks and food at the Back Bencher Bar and Restaurant.

Saturday got underway with groups visiting the National Library to see a selection of print and bookbinding items from the extensive collection. We all felt grateful to have pleasure of an accompanying talk by Anthony Tedeschi, the National Library curator of rare books and fine printing.

Later that afternoon, we held a printers’ swap meet at the Wellington Centre for Book Arts. The swap meet included all

things relating to book crafts, letterpress printing and calligraphy, for sale or for free. We had the WCBA Intertype machine running, casting names which were then printed onto a keepsake poster.

That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Le Marché Français Bistro. Around 40 people attended and our guest speaker Sydney Shep, associate professor/reader in Book History at Victoria University of Wellington and the printer at Wai-teata Press kept everyone both informed and entertained.

The Wayzgoose concluded with site visits on Sunday to Wai-te-ata Press, and to the Wellington Printing Museum Type Foundry at Mangaroa, which included seeing their Monotype casting machines in action. They offer a service to anyone of newly cast type from their vast selection of fount and border matrices.

In addition, Wai-te-ata Press held a well-attended letterpress workshop in the morning.

We look forward to holding another National Wayzgoose in 2024, venue to be announced. Anyone interested in printing and bookbinding will have the opportunity to attend.

WOMEN

Women In Print & Sign helps cement industry connections as its popularity increases

The numbers and decibel levels continue to rise, reports Ruth Cobb

Women In Print & Sign took place again in Auckland and Christchurch, with nearly 300 attendees across the two events.

Once again, the decibel level in the pre-dinner bar area seemed to be above an acceptable Health & Safety level, but new connections were made, with many introductions across the mixed group tables. In the spirit of the event, everyone was challenged to make at least one new contact before they left for the evening with many saying it was nice to ‘finally put a face to a name’.

Our guest speaker was Brodie Kane, a straight shooter with a passion for life and living. Brodie started her presentation

urging women to continue to recognise the achievements we reach in our lives, “taking the memories and memorabilia out of the ‘box’ often to celebrate the significance of these achievements”.

Brodie entertained us with stories of her sporting goals and gains, her wonderful time, and the hard work involved, in her time on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and her history in media.

Our ‘Women in Print’ events are aimed at recognising, celebrating, and encouraging the continued growth and attainment of women in our broad industry. Courtesy of TePukenga Competenz, our fabulous 2022 Print Apprentice of the Year, Catriona

Mellows, came all the way from Whanganui to join in this event and it was another opportunity to recognise her achievements and for her to meet some of the women who have attained great success in our industry.

We are very grateful to our sponsors for making these events possible, and for the businesses who support their staff attending.

Our thanks to our sponsors B & F Papers, BJ Ball Papers, Computaleta, DIC, Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, Spicers/ Total Supply and Torque Digital, Konica Minolta, with support from Rapid Labels and Gratpak and additional prizes donated by Max Fashions and L’Oreal.

PAPER

From the brink of closure to getting $70M in investment

The Whakatāne Paper Mill, has moved from the brink of closure in early 2021 to having secured private investment of over $70m for further factory expansion

Whakatàne Mill faced closure in February 2021

Whakatāne Paper Mill (WML) is New Zealand’s only paperboard mill located on the North Island, where since 1939 it has been a big part and one of the significant employers in the Bay of Plenty. The mill employs approximately 210 personnel, the vast majority from the local Whakatāne area.

The company started the production of paper over 80 years ago to turn the nearby Central North Island Pine forests into export paperboard for our then growing economy. Since then, the company has been owned by NZ Forest Products in the early days, Carter Holt Harvey and Rank Group and more recently SIG Combibloc.

However, its Swiss owner SIG announced plans to close the facility in February 2021, attributing the move to the loss of its biggest customer that resulted in its operations becoming uneconomical.

Under the closure proposal, all staff at the mill were to be made redundant, the plant decommissioned and the site remediated.

The situation then changed a few months later, when the Irish paper and packaging tycoon Dermot Smurfit and New Zealand private equity chief Ross George expressed their interest in the mill.

They struck a deal in May 2021, when SIG Combibloc agreed to sell it to a consortium of investors led by Smurfit who, together with other European consortium members, have extensive

experience in owning and operating paper packaging businesses. They also brought a number of New Zealand investors alongside them.

The company most recently announced securing a substantial private investment of over NZ$70 million from its shareholders, signalling its robust health and promising future.

This investment marks the most significant capital expenditure for WML since 2004 and the infusion of funds will facilitate a major upgrade, elevating it to industry-leading standards.

The upgrade will deliver an additional 50,000 tonnes of premium folding box boards, increasing WML’s production from 150,000 to 200,000 tonnes. Customers will enjoy the advantages of higher quality board, while the production process will be more environmentallyfriendly, utilising less raw materials and operating with improved energy efficiency.

The upgrade is paving the way for WML to potentially produce up to 300,000 tonnes of premium folding box board in the future.

The upgrade will also present significant sustainability improvements. Per tonne of board, the energy efficiency will be approximately 30 per cent better, gas consumption will be reduced by more than 30 per cent, and WML’s water consumption from the local river will also see a significant decrease.

Additionally, WML will eliminate plastic consumption by transitioning from plastic to paper wrap for packaging of its finished products.

Construction commenced in the last week of June and will continue until mid-late August with full production expected to be achieved by November.

The equipment for the upgrade has been sourced from highly specialised manufacturers in Europe. The core equipment for the board machine, specifically the water removal/drying section, has been imported from Germany, while the fully automated paper wrap line originates from Finland, and the crucial heat recovery system has been acquired from Italy.

Fifty contracting companies from across the Bay of Plenty are involved in the upgrade with over 400 contractors on site to install approximately 45km of cable and 5.5km of piping.

WML executive chairman Ian Halliday expresses his pride in this achievement, not only for the WML’s workforce but also for their commercial partners, customers and the local community.

He says, “As the largest private employer in Whakatāne, with an 80-year history of exporting, this moment is a significant step towards a bright, positive, and sustainable future for WML.”

As the sole folding box board producer in Australasia, WML’s advancements offer main brand owners such as DB Breweries, McDonalds, and Griffins the chance to reduce their carbon footprint and avoid importing packaging from countries like Finland, Korea, China, and Chile.

PrintNZ and TRMC NZ join forces to help printers promote print

We have the collateral, now it’s time to do your bit.

PrintNZ and TRMC NZ joined forces recently to help print industry members learn how to promote their products and capabilities.

Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ, welcomed over 50 industry members to an afternoon event at Sorrento in Auckland. She said, “It is vital that print buyers and consumers understand how print is sustainable and how effective it is as a medium.

She introduced the audience to Kellie Northwood, chief executive at TRMC NZ, saying, “Kellie is an absolute advocate for print and has curated programmes such as VoPP and Two Sides for a long time.”

Northwood had earlier in the day spent time with agencies and print buyers discussing many of the issues covered in the later session, where she stressed the importance of getting the positive messages about print out there.

Facts matter

She showed two videos that challenge the myths we see in the industry. She said, “I am hearing how our customers no longer have a ‘digital only’ attitude. Print did get swept up into quite a defensive space, but we don’t need to defend. Coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are returning to a ‘normal’ period where we can promote print.

“However, it is all well and good to invest in programmes that promote the industry, but we need people in the industry out there at the coalface to help. We have built the stats and now we want you to amplify the messages that we have. For example, we have 15 to 20 thousand Kiwis working in the industry.”

“Whatever channel a marketer uses they will want it to optimise the messaging that they want to use. As printers, we need to talk to the agencies in the language that they use. I have read the case studies, and we want all the sales teams across the industry to also read them so that you can respond authentically to these questions.

“We are both manufacturers of print and one of the largest media channels out there. We can feel confident in the efficacy and reach of our medium. In fact, print is so visible that it is almost invisible. How many times during the day do we see something that is printed?

“All the research shows that print carries higher recall than other media. The magazines that have gone digital have returned to print. Digital has a wonderful connectivity. Print and digital are the most complementary media because they don’t compete with each other. For example, QR codes and augmented reality offer a great opportunity for print and digital to work together.”

In print we trust

Research data shows show how consumers trust printed material more than digital. She continued, “Younger cohorts feel more considered and valued by things that are mailed physically to them. Older cohorts see the letterbox as junk mail, but younger cohorts see the letterbox as something that brings something of value to them; their junk mail is email.

“Another point of interest concerns scamming. Last year in New Zealand, victims suffered $24m of financial loss from scams with a 23 per cent increase in digital scams from the fourth quarter year

on year. But of those scams, only three were print or mail related scams reported last year. Across the Tasman, the Australian numbers for digital scams are horrific.

“Around 82 per cent of customers trust print advertisements. Understanding that is critical for mastheads.

“For many in the media, it is all about the trees. If paper was invented six months ago, it would be hailed as the sustainable solution of our age. Since 1990, the paper industry has reduced its footprint by 97 per cent.

“What is more, there is no native harvesting in Australia or New Zealand. It’s like broccoli. We plant broccoli, we grow it, we plant it again. And, we have biodiversity of species.

“Paper is one of the highest commercially viable products and it has a small carbon footprint. Here is a comparison: one business card is .03 gram of carbon, but looking up that business on Google is 1.2 grams of carbon. Research also shows that new media are not better for the environment. For example, spending 145 minutes a day on TikTok for a year causes nearly 140kg of carbon dioxide emissions, which is comparable to driving a standard car for more than 563 km.

“What can you do? In the VoPP campaign, we collect those ideas and stats, and we have one of the largest libraries of this content. You can access all of it. Do a search and it will spit out the case studies. Share them with your reps so they can have these discussions with your customers.

“We need you to do your bit. It is so important that you make use of all this collateral.”

PRINT PROMOTION

How the mailhouse market evolved in New Zealand

The market for document composition tools has closely followed the evolution of variable printing and, in many ways, the history of the mailhouse market in New Zealand.

The start point of this journey was the late 1980s when cut-sheet laser printers first started to appear in the New Zealand market.

Prior to the late 1980s variable data printing (VDP) was most often carried out within the organisations that needed to send out customer communications.

The documents were generally renewals, notices, as well as bills and statements sent from banks, utilities, telcos, membership organisations and insurance or financial services businesses.

Printing was part of the IT process, so managed within the data centre operations. Printing was on continuous sprocket-fed impact printing devices, in black of course. There was limited personalisation, basic formatting, and the text was most often in upper case and it was a courier font being used.

Direct Mail (DM) printing was often outsourced to the various mailhouses that existed at the time, like Auckland Mailing Services (AMS), Gallagher Mailing Services, Marketing Impact and Western Mailing.

In the late 1980s, Datamail (to become Datam in 2010) was established on the back of winning a large NZ On Air TV license fee collection contract. The business also acquired AMS in Auckland and AdMail in Wellington. I remember running around the Wellington CBD picking up trays of printed output, from businesses, some had been burst and trimmed and some was still in its fan-fold state. The job of the mailhouse was to envelope the printed output and then sort it, so that postal discounts were obtained. These discounts were shared with the customer, but they were also a major source of revenue for the mailhouses at the time.

There were a number of larger businesses who had their own mailhouse operations, like BNZ, Inland Revenue, Telecom, and some of the Insurance Companies. Databank processed for most of the banks.

Laser arrives

Gary Starkweather invented the first laser printer back in 1972. He established that exposing a copy machine’s light sensitive drum to a paper original was not the only way to create an image. That a computer could ‘write’ it with a laser instead. Thus, the Xerography process was born.

By the early 1990’s the first laser printers appeared in the New Zealand market

and, to support these devices, document formatting software was developed. In New Zealand, Datamail was first to market with laser printers being Xerox DP4050, 4635 and 9790 models. Through their relationship with HPA who had a 50 per cent ownership in Datamail at the time, Datamail gained access to IBS the first truly WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) document formatting tool. But by the mid-1990s, the other major mailhouses had made entry-point investments in data formatting tools as well as in laser printers.

Highly proprietary Xerox Metacode was the print-stream language of the day, although in other countries IBM’s AFP was a popular format. In time Metacode was replaced by Postscript, a more open format from Adobe which was better able to deal with fonts, graphics, and images as well as printer tray-calls.

HPA’s IBS source code was sold to USA based Document Sciences (a Xerox business) and Autograph was launched as a high-end document composition application around the World.

In Australia, Printsoft a Melbourne based software business developed a scripting language, based formatting tool called PReS and this was quickly adopted by most of the mailhouses in New Zealand. Outsourcing of raw data to

the mailhouses was at full swing by the early 2000s creating an opportunity for the mailhouses to shift from low-level, enveloping operations to added-value ones, where archives and scanning also became components of the wider service offering.

In the early to mid-2000s, PDF printing slowly replaced Postscript as the preferred print format. This was after the release of Acrobat 5 and PDF 1.5.

In June 2000, More Business Forms and Gallagher Mailing Services merged to form MooreGallagher and this new scale opened the way for investment in new print platforms and a ramped-up mailing operation. New competitors were arriving, one being EDS who purchased Databank and then opened print & mail operations following the winning of Telecom’s bill print and mail work.

In 2006, Dunedin based Wickliffe Press and Datamail jointly purchased MooreGallagher with Datamail stripping out the variable data (mailhouse) based operations. Wickliffe was merged into the Kalamazoo business which by 2012 had acquired 12 print companies and was operating across 11 sites.

The term CCM (Customer Communications Management) did not appear until around 2010 and until that time, there was no real category to define the document composition market. Because this software market was being seen as an important one, analysists like Gartner, Forrester and IDC were wanting to rank software vendors and provide consultancy services. It is believed that Gartner produced the CCM term. Today there are a number of CCM specialist analysist organisations with Aspire being the most visible.

TransPromo

2007 can now be seen as a milestone year for the essential mail market. In was the year that InfoTrends launched the idea of TransPromo at a conference in New York. This event promoted the idea, gaining traction around the World at the time, that transactional documents could act as a vehicle for promotional content.

Affordable full colour printing was emerging at the time and together with enabling CCM software, new look documents emerged. We now take it for granted that phone and utility bills will contain marketing (usually cross and upselling) messages, and that they will be printed in one-pass full digital colour.

In 2008, USA based EMC purchased Document Sciences and in time Autograph became xPression and EMC marketed it alongside of their document management platform, Documentum.

MAILING

In 2008, HP Enterprises purchased EDS for US$13.9bn and nine years later much of the same business was on sold to a new company merged with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) business to form DXC. In New Zealand, that operation continues to provide print and mailing services for several of the largest New Zealand billers including Spark, ANZ, and Westpac, using two HP T200 inkjet presses and Exstream software.

From the early 2000s, the GMC Software platform called Inspire was quietly building a reputation as the CCM platform of choice for print operations globally. In 2017, the business rebranded as Quadient and there was a big push to expand more heavily into the Enterprise market for both batch and ad hoc customer communications. Over time Inspire has become omni-channel capable, with seamless output to web, email/sms and mobile.

In 2016, OpenText purchased the enterprise content division of EMC which included xPression, and in the same year OpenText also purchased the Exstream CCM software platform, along with other HP Enterprise applications for US$1.6b.

Our local mailhouses

In the New Zealand mailhouse market, it is estimated that Quadient Inspire manages over 50 per cent of all document composition, with an ever-increasing market share, as legacy software like PReS, PlanetPress and xPression are retired.

The smaller mailhouses, and there are now a number of these, typically use XMPie, which works well at the lower output end of the print market, where DM and eDM is more common than essential mail.

The mailhouse market is the largest user of CCM software and it has remained stable, with the main players of the late 1980s and 1990s and early 2000s still operating, although over time some have changed in name. They are Datam, DXC, Marketing Impact, Solution Dynamics, and Western Mailing. In addition, large

Printers like the Xerox 5090 played a significant role in our mailhouse history

traditional printers like Blue Star now have mature mailhouse operations. There are also a host of other digital printers who print static work, but also have the capability to produce variable output, most often direct marketing work.

What is the future for CCM solutions and the mailhouse industry? HTML5 is not that far away, in terms of more general adoption, as the ideal of providing a truly interactive and bi-directional experience is attractive from a document recipient’s perspective. But there is still a preference for paper documents in some quarters. Unfortunately for printers, the everincreasing cost of postage, is a driving billers and other enterprise senders to push e-adoption much harder.

Some verticals like the charity sector know that their DM campaign-based mail works well, so that sector will continue to be big supporters of print and mail. In addition, we still have a percentage of the population that still like to receive their bills and statements through the letterbox. The subscription magazine market has reduced in size but will continue to survive until delivery costs make the proposition unaffordable.

Whilst digital substitution has grave consequences for print and mail operations, the requirement to produce an actual document continues to provide opportunities for those organisations that are prepared to invest in the modern omnichannel CCM platforms that now exist.

But there are still good opportunities for pure mailhouse operations, so long as they focus on value and accept that they are now operating in a sunset market, where further consolation is inevitable as a means of maintaining scale.

David Allen, one of the founders of Datamail (to become Datam), has spent over 25 years in that business and a wider role at NZ Post making technology decisions and working on propositions for customers. David is now general manager at Cumulo9, a successful email based sending business, which also represents Quadient in the New Zealand market.

Understanding the role of graphic design in printing

To design high-return print collateral, the function of the print and its position in the customer’s journey must be understood long before discussions of font and colour

Any graphic design should begin with defining the next steps, and then the physical context of where it will be deployed

GDaniel Edwards is the founder of Posterboy Printing. He has worked in the printing industry since 2002 and has worked on thousands of print jobs with hundreds of Australia’s top marketers. He is also the author of The Power of Print.

raphic design is a field many managers stumble into with little understanding of getting the best out of print. Some outsource this to a graphic designer, but many will pinch pennies and use free online design tools.

Generally, they want to put something together that ‘looks nice’. They are more likely to be hung up on colours or font choices than on making decisions that will impact the effectiveness of a design. The following steps will help managers and designers improve the ROI of their print or signage:

First, understand that every single piece of marketing collateral has the same single purpose: moving customers to the next step. Before beginning graphic design, the manager needs to know what the next step is.

After seeing this design, specifically, what do I want the reader to do? This will change from piece to piece – it might be to walk to the left, it might be putting a date in their diary, scan a QR code, or pick up a product from the shelf. Whatever form the step takes, it is always

projecting people towards the ultimate point of purchase.

Once we know the next steps, it is time to look at the content. The content of any graphic design falls into one of three categories:

• What is for sale? This includes information about the product, features and benefits, a detailed breakdown or maybe just an image of the product.

• Who is selling it? This includes information about the brand selling the product. Potential buyers need to know the seller to give them the confidence to make the purchase.

• How do people get the product? This tends to be functional. For example, the inclusion of a URL, a QR code, a directional arrow, a date, a time, an address and so on.

With content arranged into three categories, the next step is to balance it. To know the correct balance, we need to know where the print will be positioned, both physically in a location and theoretically in the sales funnel.

Again, there are three categories:

• High-funnel – This will be encountered early in the sales funnel and is potentially a first touch point. The purpose is to make people generally aware of the product. They are physically placed off-site in locations surrounding the business. They could be flyers, corflute signs, banners, stickers or car wraps. The content should clearly communicate directional ‘how’ information. The secondary focus is brief but powerful ‘what’ information about the product. This could be just a few words like ‘sale’ as you want people to understand the message in a moment. Don’t be clever, be clear. Content balance priority is How, What, Who.

• Mid-funnel – This will be physically placed onsite a business, possibly surrounding the product, or offsite but directly outside the business. They might be posters hanging in the store, banners in the windows, stickers on the products or wobblers on the shelves. Their purpose is to tell customers that they are in the right place to get the product. The content briefly outlines the products while maintaining promotional branding colours, images and messaging. It is possible to use the same artwork used for high-funnel without the directional elements. Clarity of the message is key. Content balance priority is What, How, Who.

• Low-funnel – This will be physically very close to the product. Ideally, it can be read while within reach of the product. A customer at this point in the journey is very close to the purchase decision and they will probably have questions. If they want to know more, then this print will educate them. This could be a poster or a strut card next to a product or a multi-page booklet full of information and details. Don’t let people go to their phones to research because that will bring other brands and vendors into consideration. The best time to influence a buyer is when they are within arm’s reach of the product. The content should be focused on the product, answering frequently asked questions in detail. Include some information about your brand. Content balance priority is What, Who, How.

Here’s why print businesses should not dodge disastrous reviews

The next time a disaster strikes, ask your customer for feedback on how you handled the problem, whether was it resolved to their satisfaction, and how you can do better in future

“IDeborah Corn is the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse at Print Media Centr, a Print Buyerologist, international speaker and blogger, host of Podcasts From The Printerverse, cultivator of Print Production Professionals, Head Girl in Charge at Girls Who Print, host of #PrintChat, the founder of International Print Day and the founder of #ProjectPeacock.

f you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,” Patches O’Houlihan said in the Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story movie. Have wiser words ever been spoken?

Patches’ strategy for being prepared for the worst to master the best of circumstances applies to more than just wrenches and dodgeballs. It can be applied to your testimonial strategy to attract customers with more complicated needs, and bigger budgets.

In a recent podcast, I mentioned that in my agency days, I would provide recommendations and testimonials based on how a printer dealt with a crisis. If there wasn’t a crisis to call upon, I focussed on how they resolved an issue. If the printer was lucky, we had experienced both and I had more to share about the recovery process.

“When something goes wrong, this company will make it right” … is the

foundation of a testimonial that will attract agencies and print customers with big budgets who admittedly cause problems as well as get caught up in them.

A printing partner is crucial at this moment in time from the buyer’s perspective.

Those testimonials will stand out and provide a broader range of customer experience perspectives than only sharing testimonials when everything goes right.

The next time a disaster strikes, ask your customer for feedback on how you handled the problem, whether was it resolved to their satisfaction, and how you can do better in future.

It’s incredible intel to share with your team, it can lead to proactive process changes and increased productivity, and the worst disaster stories shared by happy, loyal customers about how you saved the day are testimonial gold,

especially if the problem was “your fault” and you acknowledge that.

Fighting with printers over botched jobs is not uncommon. Since no professional print buyer with big clients will ever believe your work is error-free, highlighting your mistakes and how you fixed them gives this group peace of mind and a glimpse into what they can expect when things go wrong – no matter who is at fault.

On a recent episode of PrinterChat, a Podcasts from The Printerverse series co-hosted by me, Jamie McLennan, creative print strategist at US-based DMR Graphics and Will Crabtree, owner of US-based Tampa Media, discussed the topic of testimonials for print businesses.

The discussion came up when we spoke about finding, hiring, training and keeping sales stars with our guest Paul Castain, chief sales officer at New-York based sales training and coaching company Castain Training Systems.

The entire episode and part one of our discussion with Castain is worth a listen whether you are in sales or not.

In part two, he shares some of the best interview questions applicable for any role in any company I’ve ever heard, and advice for hiring employees who will perform, and last. It was at that point in our conversation that testimonials came up.

Spoiler alert: Castain took this concept and morphed it into a winning sales strategy. It works especially when you are up against multiple companies for an account.

Scan this QR code to listen to part one of the episode

Scan this QR code to listen to part two of the episode

drupa touchpoint forum takes print’s future to heart

Shaping the change towards sustainability at drupa 2024.

Afocus on sustainability will bring the German industrial association VDMA Printing and Paper Technology (VDMA) and industry stakeholders together for a discussion on print’s future. Hosted at drupa 2024, the forum will present stakeholders’ bestpractice examples and solutions aimed at increased sustainability along the entire added value chain of the industry.

The touchpoint sustainability forum will look at how the industry deals with its role within a sustainable transformation, offering an overview of the current state of the industry and its development.

Technologies from mechanical and system engineering play a significant part in this context in relation to quality, process safety during production, and sustainability. Also, digitalisation and artificial intelligence have parts to play in accelerating the transformation process.

Addressing these issues, touchpoint sustainability will connect manufacturers, industry players, brands, and users to show how it can become reality. To map a cross-section of the industry, which is as representative as possible, the list of companies included industry heavy weights like Koenig & Bauer, Heidelberg, and Müller Martini as well as highly specialised start-ups.

Future perspectives

The forum will address questions like: How can you lower the consumption of energy and resources during production? How can you reduce the use of material and printing ink to a minimum. How can you recycle inks of all kinds? And how can you achieve finishing in a way that is gentle to the environment?

Organisers say that touchpoint sustainability will present these issues in an easy-to-understand way that features many case studies. Increases in efficiency, digital solutions, climate neutrality and circular economy feature as some of the developments which will feature in discussions. Andreas Pleßke, chairman of the drupa committee and chief executive at Koenig & Bauer, says, “drupa is the leading global trade fair of our industry. As a platform for the exchange of ideas, for discussions and transfer of knowledge, it is the place at which to find out how mega-trends like sustainability, digitalisation and technological innovations will affect the future of the print and paper industry.

“Cross-sectional forums like the touchpoint sustainability are central points of contact for this. Because more sustainability is best achieved if we all work together on the necessary innovations.”

Platform for exchange

Organisers add that visitors to touchpoint sustainability can expect a comprehensive stage programme for an industry wanting to face the debate concerning its measures and goals. The say that, subject to systematic recording, visitors’ honest opinions concerning the state of solutions along the entire added value chain in the year 2024, and their perspective for 2028 will be of special interest to the industry.

In addition, players from other industries will share a platform to strengthen cooperations, exchange ideas and enter partnerships.

The shared exhibition by many representatives of the industry and the high-calibre programme on stage make touchpoint sustainability a central point of contact for everyone interested in information on the issue of sustainability at drupa. At the same time, the touchpoint offers young talents who are looking for active employers willing to shape the future an insight into this highly relevant and exciting industry.

Thomas Schiemann, member of the board of management at VDMA Printing and Paper Technology, says, “I look forward to presenting this important topic in this extraordinary dimension at the touchpoint sustainability to the entire print and paper industry.

“The VDMA and its members are very aware of the related challenges, which is why we want to show how much effort has already been made to achieve possible solutions, but also, to show what still lies before us. The concept to have students as partners for talks and discussions at the entire booth is intended to appeal especially to young people and make them excited about our industry.”

Agfa unveils a new inkjet press for packaging printing

Agfa has unveiled its latest machine, the SpeedSet 1060 inkjet printing press for packaging printing.

The company recently hosted an event, at its UK Cambridge manufacturing facility, to showcase the SpeedSet 1060. Its packaging and inkjet technology specialists highlighted the new press’s capabilities as a sheetfed digital press that meets short-run packaging needs. Agfa says the SpeedSet 1060 sets new benchmarks in printing

FPLMA invites awards entries

The Flexible Packaging and Label Manufacturers Association (FPLMA) has started accepting entries from converters based in Australia and New Zealand for its Print Awards 2024.

The awards programme recognises

Evolution arrives for narrow web printing

Flint Group has made its Evolution products available for narrow web printers worldwide. The latest innovation includes Food Contact Material (FCM) compliant technologies that enhance

Jet Technologies teams up with Actega

Jet Technologies has announced a partnership with Actega for packaging. The companies say this collaboration marks a significant step forward in providing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to the Australian and New Zealand market.

A global specialist in coatings, sealants, printing inks, and adhesives for the packaging industry, Actega has the motto ‘Let us make the world a little bluer’. Taking a holistic approach, Actega

performance and efficiency.

Matt Brooks, head of packaging at Agfa, says, “This fully digital packaging printing press merges the robustness and

excellence in the packaging industry and offers converters a chance to showcase outstanding work in the field. The FPLMA says it represents a celebration of creativity, innovation, and technical skill. The competition is open to all Australian and New Zealand converters for works produced between March 30, 2023 and April 30, 2024.

The winning entries have the chance to compete in internationally recognised

shrink sleeves and label recyclability.

The company says that, using Evolution products, previously unrecyclable products can be reprocessed, potentially boosting reclaimed material yield by up to 10 per cent. Evolution deinking primer is applied to the substrate before the ink and provides strong ink adhesion throughout the life of the label. The primer then enables the ink to be released (de-inked) into the recycling caustic wash and the substrate is broken down into flakes. This

says it deeply integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations and product offerings. The company says the partnership with Jet Technologies aligns with Actega’s mission, leveraging Jet Technologies’ industry expertise and customer service to deliver Actega’s solutions to a broader audience.

Björn Mohr, director for Paper and Board Asia at Actega, says, “We are excited to partner with Jet Technologies, a company known for its deep industry expertise and outstanding customer service. Together, we aim to influence the sustainability of packaging significantly, supporting food protection, simplifying recycling processes, and driving innovative solutions to reduce packaging waste in the ANZ market.”

The partnership will focus on

print excellence of an offset press with the compelling attributes of inkjet printing. It offers offset-like print quality yet boasts shorter setup times, reduced material waste, and efficient variable data printing.

“In addition, its killer speed of 11,000 B1 sheets per hour makes it the fastest digital packaging press around. It will enable packaging converters to make their current operations more efficient. Print runs up to 5000 will be cheaper on the SpeedSet.”

The SpeedSet accommodates a range of substrates such as folding carton, microflute, and various paper types. As a result, it suits applications like retail as well as shelf-ready food and beverage packaging. Its water-based inks, primer, and varnish comply with food-safety regulations.

Agfa is currently finetuning the SpeedSet in collaboration with several early adopters.

packaging competitions, including, where applicable, to the World Label Awards and FFTA Awards.

Entry categories include flexo, offset, letterpress, gravure, digital, combination printing, booklets, screen printing, and innovation. The deadline for all entries is April 30, 2024.

The awards dinner will take place on August 31, 2024, at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

ensures that more than 99 per cent of the material can be recycled into something new, according to Flint Group.

Pierre Dogliani, innovation manager for Narrow Web at Flint Group, says, “The Evolution range supports circular packaging in the label and flexible packaging industry. European versions of Evolution products are designed for use with food packaging without compromising label quality as a true ‘plug and play’ solution. No changes are required to existing ink systems or curing processes.”

showcasing several Actega’s products in the local market. These include highly abrasion-resistant matt and gloss coatings; coatings for in-mold labels; and ACTGreen Barrier Coatings. The company says it has designed these products to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, providing easy and efficient recycling of end products and meeting upcoming recycling requirements regarding packaging waste and recyclability.

Colin McNeil, commercial print sales manager at Jet Technologies, says, “Actega’s focus on sustainability, technical advice, and first-class product solutions, coupled with Jet Technologies’ local market presence and service excellence, will support the growth in sustainable packaging solutions across Australia and New Zealand.”

LABELS AND LABELING

Sustainability trends deliver a boost for wet glue labels

Glue-applied labels remain the dominant form of prime product labelling, providing key volume, sustainability and print quality benefits for end users

Despite the consistently higher growth rates of pressure-sensitive and shrink sleeve labels, glue applied labels remain, by far, the dominant method for prime product labelling.

How do we define a glue-applied label? Wet glue labels are printed in sheets – or on rolls that are sheeted – then cut or die punched into single labels and stacked into a magazine, which is inserted into the label applicator. Glue is then applied to the reverse side of the label, either to the whole label or to the leading and trailing edges, and the label is applied to the container.

A second type of glue-applied label is the roll-fed wraparound label. These are delivered to the label applicator on a roll, then cut on the machine into single labels and adhesive (usually hot melt) is applied to the leading and trailing edges.

According to figures compiled by the AWA consultancy, glue-applied labels account for just one-third of the 71 billion sqm of labels consumed annually, against 41 per cent for pressure-sensitive labels. But when we consider only the primary (prime) label market, glue-applied represents 44 per cent of total label volume compared to only 23 per cent for pressure-sensitive. The remaining PS volume goes to industrial and VIP labelling.

The market share of glue-applied labels is markedly different in different regions of the globe, reflecting different levels of development. According to AWA’s figures, glue-applied has the highest market share in Asia, representing 46 per cent of all label consumption. In the Americas, glue-applied represents just 14 per cent of the market and in Europe 20 per cent.

The key end-use markets for glue-applied labels are in the labelling of drinks bottles and canned human and pet foods. Of the 25 billion sqm of glue-applied labels consumed annually, 70 per cent goes to the beverage market and 23 per cent to the food market. The remaining seven per cent is mainly used in the household chemicals and automotive segments.

Glue-applied labels have applications across a wide range of container types including cans, jars, bottles, composite tubes and boxes. As well as appearing as body and neck labels, glue-applied labels are also used as top straps over the closure as a tamper-evident or security feature.

Converting process

Glue-applied labels are supplied by the converter in either traditional cut and stack wrapped bundles or on a reel. Cut and stack labels are either cut to shape or ram-punched into specific profile shapes compatible with the container profile. These are also referred to as patch labels. Cut labels are rectangular or square in shape, and this profile is suitable for 360-degree wrap-around decoration or patch labels.

Global distribution of glue-applied labels (source: AWA)

Glue-applied labels can also be supplied in reels for 360-degree wraparound decoration. These are not pre-cut to shape but cut singly from a reel at the point of application.

Cut and stack labels are manufactured in a multi-stage operation starting with the printing of label sheets on an offsetlitho press. If subsequent processing is required, for example, over-varnishing, foil blocking, embossing or bronzing, the printed sheets are moved to different

workstations on the production floor. The finished sheets of labels are then guillotined and square cut or profile punched, batched, packaged and palletised. Manufacturing using this multi-pass process can have a production cycle of several days, or in some instances several weeks dependent on the quantities required, with perhaps 10 people involved as sheets pass through the printing, embellishing and converting processes.

High-volume wet-glue labels can also be printed on a web-fed gravure press. The printed reels are transferred onto a sheeting unit which can be an in-line or off-line for further processing. The production of roll-fed wraparound labels is a simpler process involving highspeed printing on CI flexo, gravure, or mid-web inline presses, with or without lamination. The rolls are slit to width and delivered to the packer.

Materials

A wide range of both paper and filmic label materials are available for glue-applied label applications. Wet glue label papers are available in a range of formats: standard, wet strength, humidity and alkali resistant, embossed, cast coated/high gloss and metalised, covering all the technical and marketing requirements of the end-user market. They are also suited to a wide variety of other applications like interleaving, lamination, box covering and food wrapping.

Wet glue papers are available in either coated or uncoated grades. Uncoated paper has a low gloss level, greater absorbency and is less suitable for quality image reproduction. Coated papers, available in matte coat, semi-gloss, gloss and cast-coated grades, have a coated gloss/ reflective surface, lower absorbency and are more suitable for quality image reproduction. A range of specialist craft/ antique papers are available specifically for wine labels and craft beverages.

When selecting papers for use in wet glue label applications, a range of performance factors must be considered: direction of the grain and the resulting effect on label curl in uncontrolled humidity; substrate moisture content during storage and transportation; humidity levels in the printing environment; and humidity levels in the filling and label application areas.

Films are available for both cut and stack and roll-fed wraparound applications. Films are usually selected for performance reasons, typically for applications requiring durable moisture resistance, chemical resistance, wet strength and burst resistance on large PET bottles. These films are available in transparent, opaque (white) and metallic grades and are supplied both for surface printing and for lamination.

LABELS AND LABELING

To run smoothly and efficiently on the applicator line, reel-fed wraparound films need to combine controlled stiffness with anti-static properties, web flatness and strong ink and adhesive compatibility. A key trend is to downgauge the filmic material to get closer to the economics of paper labels.

Decorative effects

Although cut and stack labels are targeted at low-cost, high-volume applications, there is a wide range of decoration options available to add value to each product category. Gloss lacquers, for example, are used on the face of glue-applied labels both for scuff resistance and increased shelf impact. For lithographic printing, the norm is UV lacquers, while photogravure printed labels use a range of solvent and water-based lacquers.

Embossing is used where a specific part of the design needs to be raised to enhance the label’s appearance. With gravure printing, in-line all-over or partial embossing is possible, producing a tactile feel to the label – particularly effective when used on metalised paper labels.

For metallic effects, foil-blocking is available as a separate process step on wet glue labels in a wide range of colours. Foil laminate and metalised papers are also available, offering a reflective metallic finish that can be over-printed. The superior transparency of offset inks allows high brilliance levels to be achieved in these applications. Holographic effect wet-glue label papers are also available.

Wet glue labels can be die punched in complex shapes, which, combined with embossing or other textural elements, delivers an effective promotional tool for high-end premium products.

Label applicators

Cut and stack labelling machines operate by applying glue to the back of each label before applying it to the container. There are two main types of adhesive used. ‘Wet’ glue is water-soluble and liquid at room temperature, and is the most common type of cut and stack adhesive. The second

adhesive type is hot melt, a solid glue that is heated to become a liquid.

The adhesive can be applied to either the full area of the reverse side of the label or by gluing the trailing and leading edges. The type of adhesive application can be selected from options such as skip, pattern or stripe, depending on adhesion, application speed or drying speed required.

When labelling cans, the adhesive is first applied as a stripe to the container and a second stripe of adhesive is applied to the trailing edge of the label as it rotates over the label magazine. Wraparound roll-fed glue-applied labels typically use hot melt technology. Several kinds of hot melt adhesives are available to suit different purposes, such as particular packaging materials or the conditions within the factory environment.

A wraparound hot melt labelling system consists of two gluing units. The first applies a vertical strip of glue which adheres the label to the container, while a second unit applies glue to the trailing label edge as the label is wrapped around the container.

It should also be noted that there is a third type of wet glue labelling machine using pre-gummed labels. In the pregummed system, labels are pre-coated with glue, then water is applied either through dipping or spraying to activate the adhesive properties of the glue. As techniques and materials have developed, however, the pre-gummed labelling method has waned in popularity in favour of wet glue and hot melt systems.

Wet glue vs self-adhesive

The choice between wet glue, glue-applied roll-fed wraparound and self-adhesive can be a complex one when the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is considered. TCO includes a wide range of factors including material costs, printing and conversion costs, manufacturing window/lead time, application equipment investment, operational cost of application lines, application flexibility, application speed, application downtime, and logistics.

Wet glue labelling offers the lowest per-label cost of all methods of label decoration. This starts with the offsetlitho provides itself, which provides excellent reproduction of photographic designs, tone-work and metallic colours with relatively low plate costs. Another press technology factor moving the TCO dial in favor of wet glue labels is the increasing use of in-line technologies on sheetfed offset presses, which can dramatically shorten lead times.

LABELS AND LABELING

Offset-litho presses for wet glue labels are already equipped, pretty much as standard, with single or dual UV coaters or extended delivery hot air dryers for water-based coatings. And more processes are going in-line. Offset-litho technology also benefits from higher levels of industrialisation and automation than a typical PS label converting operation, along with a fully standardised colour management process from design and proofing to print. Some converters have their own in-house offset colour management systems as well.

Automation has also been happening on the cut and stack finishing line, both for square cut and die punched labels. The ability of sheetfed offset presses to gang multiple jobs up on the same sheet, added to automated finishing, has allowed the economic production of shorter runs and smaller batches, as well as reduced cycle times.

Sustainable solution

From a sustainability viewpoint, glue-applied labels have several key advantages. Most obviously there is no waste matrix or liner to dispose of. Wet glue labels applied with water-based adhesives can be easily removed from returnable bottles in a caustic wash bath, while a new generation of alkali-based washable hot-melt adhesives now allows these labels to be washed off cleanly as well. Modern conventional offset inks are non-bleeding, avoiding contamination on the alkaline water wash. Generally, UV offset inks are specified for one-way (non-returnable) containers.

Downsides of wet glue labels include the multi-stage sheetfed manufacturing process. Lead time becomes more of a factor when the specification requires multiple embellishment processes such as hot foil-stamping, embossing and lamination, all of which require separate steps in a sheet-fed workflow.

The ability of inline self-adhesive converting equipment to print and embellish in one pass considerably reduces the manufacturing time frame. In addition, wet glue labels cannot be applied to highly shaped areas of containers, and paper labels have limited moisture resistance compared to plastic labels unless specially developed for ice bucket resistance. Wet glue applicators tend to require higher investment, including change parts and adhesive, while selfadhesive labels application equipment requires fewer resources to set up and does not require labels to be stacked in a magazine before application.

Against that, self-adhesive labels are more expensive, as they include the cost of the

liner and the ready-applied adhesive. Label applicator speeds are not as wide apart as they once were, so this is not usually a factor differentiating wet glue from self-adhesive. Wet glue labelers typically operate at speeds around 600 units per minute, against around 500 per minute for PS applicators.

Paper investment

Paper manufacturers are gearing up for increased production of added-value wet glue papers as the industry recovers from the intense paper shortages cause by a combination of forestry strikes and supply chain disruption.

Sappi, for example, is investing heavily in wet glue label production at its Gratkorn mill in Austria. The project includes a new embossing calendar, enabling the paper mill to produce high-quality wet-strength wet-glue label papers from Q4 this year. Sappi has also been developing a new range of non-wet-strength, we-glue label papers. The Parade Label Pro is designed for applications including standard labels for bottles, tins and jars, as well as wrappers.

So, despite the continued inroads made by self-adhesive and shrink sleeve labels, particularly in the more developed markets, the usage of glue-applied labels continues to grow at a healthy rate. Driven by moves towards sustainability and continued automation, Consultancy Research and Markets forecasts the glueapplied label market to grow by 5.94 billion sqm between 2022 and 2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 4.99 per cent.

Single label leading and trailing-edge gluing using a hot melt double head. Key: 1 Hot melt gluing head, 2 Pre-cut single labels in magazine, 3 Hot melt gluing head

What lies ahead for paper and plastic packaging markets to 2028

In the next few years, brands will focus on developing smart designs and packaging solutions that improve packaging performance while minimising environmental impact

The use of paper packaging will continue to see growth in the industry

Mounting consumer awareness and growing sustainability concerns are driving major changes in the packaging industry. In the next five years, brands will focus on developing smart designs and packaging solutions that both improve packaging performance while minimising environmental impact.

A recently released dedicated Smithers study, The Future of Paper vs Plastic Packaging Markets to 2028, examined the competing advantages of plastic and fibre-based formats in 25 different packaging applications in the contemporary market, to identify where and when such a transition can be made.

Some of the findings from the study include:

• Within e-commerce, paper will see continued growth, however there will be innovation in plastic and bioplastic liners; reuse, and closed loop systems may affect this transition

• Single-use plastic consumables will not be widely accepted going forward, there will be a continued transition to paper, bio-based, bioplastic and reusable materials.

Sustainability will be the core driver for innovation in packaging across the decade. For many consumers, brands, and legislators the most demonstrable method to achieve this is transitioning from harder to recycle plastics to paper packaging.

The study is framed by deeper critical study of current and future influencing factors – including barrier and other performance enhancements, regulatory

PAPER vs PLASTIC packaging

Market transitions to 2028

targets, and brand owner strategies –and their impact across supply chains.

Smithers has also created an infographic below, which provides insight into the

Mounting consumer awareness and growing sustainability concerns are driving major changes in the packaging industry. In the next five years, brands will focus on developing smart designs and packaging solutions that both improve packaging performance while minimizing environmental impact.

MARKET SECTOR

E-COMMERCE

Paper will see continued growth, with innovation in plastic and bio-plastic liners. Reuse, and closed loop systems may affect transition.

SINGLE-USE CONSUMABLES

Single-use plastic consumables will not be accepted in many, if not any markets. There will be transitions to paper, bio-based, bio-plastic and reuse.

FRESH PRODUCE TRAYS

Moves towards laminated paper, retain plastic trays with lidding film, but make them mono plastic. Selling products loose, in bags.

PROTECTIVE PACKAGING

Plastic, especially EPS, will lose share to paper, pulp and more recyclable alternatives. Bio-based materials may make moves in this sector.

BEVERAGES

Improved recycling facilities across Europe; moves to simpler laminates, i.e., paper and plastic layer only, easy to detach. Bio-plastic layers.

STAND-UP POUCH

Strong moves to mono material, some paper-based laminated alternatives for ambient dry food. Has strong refill take-up, negligible paper alternatives.

BREAD BAGS

Plastic will retain market share, some moves to paper laminated with plastic less than 15%, flexible film recycling will ensure plastic remains.

DAIRY

Current pack formats HDPE and beverage cartons, paper alternatives are just paper shells. Scope for refill in this sector

strengths and limitations of both plastic and paper-based packaging solutions for key market sectors, with expected transition to 2028 and highlights the major trends.

TRANSITION TO 2028

PAPER PLASTIC

KEY DRIVERS

Sustainability consumer awareness will drive change between plastic and paper selection.

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

PAPER PLASTIC

Design end in mind is now a fundamental part of the development process.

Regulation: higher taxes and fines on materials and pack format will result in shifting substrate selection.

Plastic tax should drive movement towards at least 30% recycled content, move away from virgin plastic use.

Single-use plastics and plastics that can not be easily recycled are being designed out, restricted, or banned.

Convenience: plays a large part in this driver, there will be a lot of work to move into recyclable materials, and change consumer behaviour.

Help your team members to get the most out of their work day

Pushing them harder isn’t the solution – try thinking like a coach and consider whether you’ve got all the right players in the right positions on the field

Everybody is feeling the pressure to do more with less at the moment. Margins are tight, costs are rising, customers are still looking for competitive pricing, talent is scarce and you don’t want to risk pushing your people too hard – but there’s no escaping the need to keep things in the black.

You don’t have much budget to work with, and you need things to improve as fast as possible. So, now is not the time to be hiring consultants or trying to implement training programmes that could be expensive and results are not guaranteed.

What can you do?

Get creative and be resourceful. Try thinking like a coach and consider whether you’ve got all the right players in the right positions on the field, and whether they’re all feeling match-fit.

When people know where they play best, are leveraging their strengths and have a clear shared goal, they find it easier to do what needs to be done so you get better results and have happier people. Win-win.

The first thing you need to know is where intrinsic motivation comes from. It’s a part of our brain called the Seeking

System and you activate it with the combination of these three things:

• A sense of purpose

• A sense of self-expression

• The ability to experiment

I can hear you thinking “Okay, thanks MacGyver, but what specifically can I do to activate this in my people?”

Here’s an exercise that has been tested by big corporations and delivered results – like an 11 per cent increase in customer satisfaction and a 32 per cent improvement in retention.

It’s called “Best selves at work” and here are some strategies from the exercise:

1. Get your team together for a couple of hours of uninterrupted time in a room with no distractions.

2. Set the scene and explain to them that you’ll be going through a process that might seem strange but that it will challenge them to think about themselves and their work from a new perspective – your goal is to improve their individual levels of fulfillment and achievement at work so that you can improve everyone’s enjoyment at work and at the same time, increase their overall results.

3. Start out by reminding your team of your business’ reason for being. What is it that you’re all working so hard to do? How do you improve your customers’ lives? Or what change are you seeking to make in the world?

4. Then share some of your personal experiences in being able to play to your strengths in your role and the impact that it has had on you and your clients or colleagues.

5. Now ask each person to write down the answer to the question “What is unique about you that leads to your happiest times and best performance at work? Reflect on a specific time –perhaps on a job or perhaps at home – when you were acting the way you were ‘born to act’?”

6. Then explain they need to pick someone in the team that they don’t work with often and introduce their best selves to each other. Depending on the size of the group, you could have everybody share with the entire group.

7. If you can, hand out something people can take away with them to cement the experience. It could be a company branded shirt, journal or maybe a team lunch where you take a picture to share digitally with each person and post somewhere others can see it.

This process will remind people of the business’ vision and help them to focus on their personal strengths. They’ll see each other in a different light and understand the capability they have individually and together.

Doing this will activate their seeking systems, improve their individual levels of performance and help them work more effectively together.

As their leader, it could help you to spot opportunities to move people around or offer additional support in a way that’s aligned with their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.

Overall levels of employee engagement should improve across the board which should translate to improved results all round.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went. Good luck.

LABELS & PACKAGING

Orora Beverage brings digital can decoration to the region

Orora Beverage has launched Helio by Orora, a “transformative packaging decoration and first-to-market high-speed digital printing technology” for can design and decoration

Orora has partnered with Velox Digital, an Israel-based global developer and manufacturer of industrial-grade direct-to-shape digital decoration solutions, to install the first digital printer in Oceania at the company’s can production facility in Dandenong, Victoria.

Orora beverage can general manager Chris Smith said, “We have been assessing the development of directto-shape digital decoration technology for cans for some time – we’re thrilled about our new technology choice and the introduction of Helio enabled by new high-speed digital decoration capability.

Orora said the name Helio, derived from the ancient Greek god of sunlight and colour Helios, symbolises the brand owners’ ability to realise their colour, texture and finish imagination and inspiration to engage consumers through a means currently unavailable.

“With Helio, the can becomes the canvas for leading marketing communication, innovation and infinitely unique promotional execution,” Orora said.

By adding the new advanced digital printing technology, the company, which currently decorates cans with traditional high-speed offset processes, is aiming to provide its customers with a quick turnaround by eliminating with the lead time required for the development of printing plates.

Moreover, the Velox Digital technology is expected to provide greater operational flexibility, catering to smaller minimum quantities and reduced inventory overproduction as well as complement and capitalise on the new multi-size can line investment at Dandenong.

“Our role in primary packaging is to help our brand owners engage the shopper at the point of purchase. Helio and the Velox solution will transform our ability to do this for our customer’s brands.

“Once commissioned, what this means for our customers is that wait time will be significantly reduced in delivering a specific can size or label design for activities such as promotions, new products and limited-edition retail events.

“With no label set-up required and near-immediate supply, shorter, faster minimum runs can be accommodated, providing greater flexibility in product and campaign planning.”

Expansion into the can market

Orora also mentioned that the introduction of Helio adds to the company’s significant investment in cans capacity expansion, uniquely positioning it to meet the strong outlook for growth in the cans market.

In June, construction of the company’s new $80 million multi-size can line at Dandenong was completed to plan, increasing production capacity by 10 per cent and allowing for varying can sizes and formats.

A $30 million project to expand can ends capacity at Ballarat was completed in March, and a new $85 million can line at Revesby, NSW, is underway and expected to come online by Q1 2025.

Smith added, “We are seeing the demand for aluminium cans continue to grow, with particularly exciting developments across a number of categories including craft beer, soft drinks, RTDs and seltzers.

“Cans are a terrific sustainable, packaging option, convenient for many occasions and most importantly, produced from aluminium containing recycled content, with the can itself being infinitely recyclable.

“We know that can graphic design and decoration is a critical tool for engaging consumers – with strong in-house can decoration capability, the Helio solution enabled by high-speed, direct-to-shape digital printing, adds even greater value to Orora’s service offering for its customers.”

Sponsors

Presents the 2024

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Eamar is a leading producer of customised PVC and polypropylene packaging and stationery products.

We have more than 30 years experience tailoring our products to the specific needs of our customers. Our skilled staff and 'can do' attitude mean you are limited only by your imagination.

If we do not already manufacture the product you seek, we will find a way to do so. With our sister company, Tabbing Services, we provide a complete solution for all your packaging and stationery requirements.

So come and see us first!

11b Culperry Rd, Glendene, Auckland 0602 Ph: 09 836 9069

www.eamar.co.nz

Why LED-UV ?

No odor

No Ozone

No spray powder

No set-off

No loss time

• Instant dry

• Instant ON/OFF irradiation

Reduce CO2 emission

No large peripheral equipment

No need for overprint varnishing

Reduce electrical consumption

• Up to 91%

No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Reduce heat generation

Long life span

• Up to 15 times

Printing on film and cardboard

Just like your conventional offset press ...without the cons.

Assist your potential

We continue to undertake new challenges in response to the tremendous changes facing the printing market.

In 2024, to assist printing and packaging companies in dealing

digitizing information, rising cost of materials, and the shortage of

workforce. At Drupa 2024, RMGT will be exhibiting solutions for

automation by introducing various automated

efficiency through visualisation utilizing cloud, and reducing

requirements.

We look forward to being able to meet all of you at Drupa 2024.