Issue 341 - March / April 2023 www.printmonthly.co.uk Tributes paid to Karen Capey Label Apeel has paid tribute to beloved colleague Karen Capey, who has passed away aged 54 - Page 06 IGS advises on plate transition IGS has seen an uptake in refurbished thermal CtP machines due to the phasing out of violet tech - Page 16 Foilco gets B Corp certified After demonstrating its social and environmental credentials, Foilco is now a B Corporation - Page 12 Get Carbon Balanced CarbonCo tells us about how print businesses can offset their carbon emissions with its help - Page 18 How could EPR affect you? The BPIF has highlighted how EPR could affect print businesses as uncertainty and confusion is felt - Page 08 Registration for TPS now open Visitors to the 2023 edition of The Print Show in September can now register on the event website - Page 22 32 Company Spotlight EBB
3 Industry The latest ‘must-know’ news from across the world of print Business The lowdown on the latest deals, ventures, and growth in business Kit & Media The latest in cutting-edge machines, materials, and installations News CONTENTS Issue 341 March / April 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims takes a look at the entire 330 Series of printers from Mimaki and highlights the increases in capacity and quality Under the Hood Brian Sims finds out what’s new with Intec’s latest digital sheet cutting machine, from its dual head tool to small footprint Q&A: Puneet Gupta OBE Carys Evans speaks with the CEO of PG Paper to find out about his career so far, his work with charity, and finding opportunity in challenges Features Market Trends Wide-format Print Kit Pt.1 Carys Evans finds out the options there are in terms of wide-format kit and what applications are possible with them Focus On Apprenticeships Rob Fletcher takes a look at apprenticeships, their core benefits, and how print service providers can get involved Back to Basics Die-cutting Rob Fletcher explores how the latest developments in this area can help companies to improve their quality of output Business Opportunities Workflow Software Rob Fletcher examines this critical product for many print service providers and how it can help your business to grow Need to Know Drying Technology Rob Fletcher unpacks some of the solutions on the market and finds out how they can save time and costs for printers Environment Coverage of environmentally friendly print solutions and initiatives Events All the details on recent and upcoming shows and conferences Company Spotlight Carys Evans speaks with managing director of EBB, Matt Elliott, to find out more about EBB’s 100- year history Event Spotlight Roland DG invited press and dealers to a Formula 1-themed track day to make a huge announcement Q&A: David Carter Carys Evans catches up with David Carter at DecTek’s Pontypridd site to find out what 2023 has in store for the print company Industry Tips The Online Print Coach, AKA Colin Sinclair McDermott offers some words of advice on reaching your full potential in the print industry 06 12 16 18 22 47 53 61 25 30 32 44 36 28 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 341 - March / April 2023 40 65 57 Q&A David Carter of DecTek 06Industry Label Apeel pays tribute to colleague 30 16 Kit & Media Dayfold invests in B2 Duplo Focus On Apprenticeships 53 Environment Get carbon balanced Taste for Success Textile & Garment Print 65 18 12 Business Compass joins Cifas to fight fraud 25 Under the Hood Loved, Evolved, Developed - Mimaki’s 330 series Company Spotlight EBB 32 Events The Online Print Coach continues to educate 22 Business Opportunities Workflow Software 61
ISSUE 341March / April 2023 DATES FOR your Diary CCE International March 14th to 16th at Messe Munich, Germany Visual Media Conference (VMC 2023) April 4th at The Rose Bowl, Leeds WrapFest April 26th to 27th at Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire FESPA Global Print Expo May 23rd to 26th at Messe Munich, Germany Labelexpo Europe September 11th to 14th at Brussels Expo, Brussels The Print Show September 19th to 21st at the NEC, Birmingham Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Lead contributor Rob Fletcher Contributors Brian Sims, Stephen Jones, Colin Sinclair McDermott Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.printmonthly.co.uk Socials All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors to Print Monthly magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team and Link Publishing Ltd. takes no responsibility for any errors that may have occurred. The publisher also accepts no responsibility for the advertising content, including any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Link Publishing Ltd. retains the right to publish and re-publish any images or information sent to the publication. Link Publishing Ltd, Unit G, Link House, Britton Gardens, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1TF Editor Carys Evans carys@linkpublishing.co.uk Online editor David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Production Shaun Edwards shaun@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Luke Stoneham luke@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn kat@linkpublishing.co.uk Office therapist Skye MEET THE Team PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 March / April 2023 - Issue 341 4 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Hello and welcome to our first Print Monthly of 2023! The days are getting longer which is doing wonders for morale here at Print Monthly HQ! You will notice we are back with a new format, a fresh look, and more space for plenty of longer-form specials and articles packed with tips and advice, in-depth looks at the latest technology on the market, and previews and reviews of upcoming industry events. As always, our Features section covers a broad range of topics including Apprenticeships (P53) which are a great way to get young people into the industry and address an ageing workforce. We also take a look workflow software (P61) and drying technology (P65) – both, you could argue, are some of the less ‘sexy’ areas of print, but crucial to things running smoothly nonetheless. In our Specials section, Brian Sims gets under the hood of two more machines, the Mimaki 330 Series, and Intec’s latest digital sheet cutting machine, the SC6000. In our Q&A section, we follow up on our Company Spotlight on DecTek at the end of 2022 with a visit to the company at its Pontypridd site. Here, we speak to David Carter, business development manager of DecTek, who told us what 2023 will have in store for the company (P30). We also speak to CEO of PG Paper, Puneet Gupta about his recent achievement of being awarded an OBE (P40). Another company we shine a spotlight on is one with a history that dates back an entire century. EBB Paper is a fourth-generation family-owned and run business and we caught up with its current managing director Matt Elliott who told us more (P32). The Online Print Coach, also known as Colin Sinclair McDermott, has offered his insight into reaching your full potential in the first of a series of tips and advice offerings from the industry veteran (P44). In the News section of this issue, we look at how businesses are battling inflation (P06), what EPR means for printers (P08), and celebrate a number of company moves and expansions (P14). We also hear from CarbonCo about how printers can offset their carbon and get carbon balanced (P18). As always, we really hope you enjoy this issue, and please do get in touch to let us know if there’s anything you would like to see covered. Carys t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @printmonthlyed EDITOR'S Note Business Compass joins Cifas to fight fraud 12 WrapFest
INDUSTRY / NEWS 6 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 Kyocera UK notes an increase in cyberattacks Kyocera Document Solutions UK, a group company of Kyocera Document Solutions, has announced a comprehensive Managed End-Point Detection & Response (M-EDR) offering for businesses to strengthen security. The solution comes as many companies are facing issues with security, including Royal Mail, which recently faced disruption after several issues in 2022. The company pinpoints hybrid working as one of the components that are leaving organisations vulnerable to advanced cyberattacks due to gaps in security and reliance on cloud-based services. Luke Ambrose, product marketing manager at Kyocera Document Solutions UK, says: “We have seen a constant rise in threats. Businesses should be on their guard and prepare to manage attacks with a combination of cybersecurity expertise, technology, machine learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).” According to CrowdStrike, intrusive campaigns have increased by 50% in the past year, with targeted threats jumping from 14% to 18%. Threats can be through phishing or ransomware, the latter being the cause of Royal Mail’s recent security breach. Label Apeel pays tribute to beloved colleague Third-generation family business, Label Apeel, has paid tribute to business development manager, Karen Capey, who has passed away aged 54. Stuart Kellock, managing director of Label Apeel, says: “Over the 13 years she worked with us at Label Apeel, she has had a profound impact on many of her colleagues. “Karen’s passing will leave a hole in our hearts. She was the kindest, friendliest, funniest, and most honest person in printing. The world will be a dimmer place without her to light it up.” Capey joined the company in 2010 after working for several print companies across Leicestershire following the closure of her family’s business, Hemmings and Capey, in 1998. Kellock, who worked with Capey at Hemmings and Capey, adds: “I remember quite distinctly that first day working with Karen. I was a gangly, 17-year-old apprentice, and she was the epitome of 80's chic and the boss’ daughter. She was funny, kind, and more than happy to get her hands dirty.” Capey started her career in print in 1988 as part of a 5th generation family business Kyocera has advised using detection and response services to provide businesses realtime visibility UK businesses battle disruption As businesses get into the swing of a new year, many external factors are looming as the pinch of increased costs and disruption is felt. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 10.5% in the 12 months to December 2022. This was down from 10.7% in November, and 11.1% in October. By January 2023, this had dropped even further to 10.1% however, despite the drop, many products and costs are expected to rise over the year as several factors affect the global marketplace. One of the biggest subjects facing the UK workplace at the moment is wages. With costs increasing and wages having remained stagnant in several sectors for the past ten years, workers are questioning their income more than ever. Increases in costs have largely been attributed to the cost of energy, alongside ramifications of the conflict in Ukraine and the continued effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Another potential contributor to inflation and the UK’s economic problems is Brexit, a word the UK government and UK press is hesitant to use when discussing the current situation. With the pound weakened since leaving the EU, and imports/exports costing businesses more, Brexit is taking a toll on the way the UK operates. The issues surrounding employment and overseas workers are also worth noting when looking at how businesses are navigating the changing landscape. An ageing workforce, especially within print and its associated sectors, means businesses are facing a higher circulation of workers and a shortage of skills that in the past could be filled by non-British workers. Experts in coding and industrial printing, Domino Printing Sciences, frequently monitors issues regarding inflation and market volatility in order to best serve the industry. One solution to some of the issues mentioned, according to Domino, could be automation. Andy Barrett, services director at Domino, says: “Worker shortages are taking their toll. A retiring baby boomer generation and major disruption to labour forces during the pandemic, sometimes referred to as “The Great Resignation”, has led to global labour market gaps. Employers struggling to fill jobs are forced to increase salaries, further exacerbating price increases.” “Companies must think about how best to attract and retain talent in a restricted labour market. Companies that provide options for upskilling, improvement, and progression will inevitably deliver more value as employers and will be more successful in retaining existing employees and attracting new ones.” Strikes and increasing costs are just some of the challenges facing businesses in 2023 By David Osgar PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By David Osgar By David Osgar
INDUSTRY / NEWS 8 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 First proposed by the Government in the Resources and Waste Strategy for England in 2019, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) hands the full cost of managing household waste to producers. Not to be confused with the Plastic Packaging Tax which came into effect on April 1st, 2022, the idea of EPR is to create a circular economy in which packaging and increased quantities of recyclable packaging are reproduced rather than thrown away. There has been a lengthy consultation process over the past four years with the Government making decisions based on these responses. There have also been delays caused by the pandemic and political unrest. The rules vary depending on the size of the business, and the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has offered some helpful information on how this new reform could affect print and packaging businesses. As the BPIF explains, a business will be obligated under EPR if ALL of the following apply: • It has a UK turnover of more than £1m • It has a physical presence in the UK • It handles more than 25 tonnes of packaging and or packaging materials According to the Government, a business is classed as a small organisation if it has a turnover of between £1m and £2m and it handles up to 50 tonnes of packaging and/or packaging materials. A large organisation is classed as one that has an annual turnover of more than £2m and handles over 50 tonnes of packaging or packaged goods. The main difference here is that whilst small organisations were required to start recording data from January 1st, 2023, they don’t need to create an account or register until January 2024. They also don’t need to pay any fees until 2024. Data will need to be reported between January 1st and April 1st, 2024. Large organisations were also required to begin recording data from January 1st, 2023, but they will need to create an account and register and pay a fee to the environmental regulator from July 2023. Data will need to be reported every six months starting from January to June 2023 which will need to be reported between July 2023 and October 1st, 2023, and also for the period July to December 2023 which will need to be reported between January 1st and April 1st, 2024. At the time of writing, the exact information on what the fees will be is yet to be announced by the Government. What is EPR and how could it affect you? There has been confusion and concern over what is required by the new Extended Producer Responsibility, and when Print and signage installation management software company, Vism, has launched its new Signage & Print Installer Directory. The launch follows a successful trial in 2022 which Dan Tyler, founder of Vism, described as “heavily oversubscribed” with over 500 companies requesting access during this period. Designed for wide-format printers and signage manufacturers, the directory helps companies to find freelance installers. Signage and Print Installer Directory Print Monthly's Print7 gets a refresh Formerly known as Print7News, Print7 has launched to update the look and feel of the well-known video news series. After over ten years of updating the print industry on the biggest stories impacting businesses and individuals in print and its associated industries, the video platform has been revamped to meet the expectations of today’s news coverage. The new video format will see Print7 focus on a different voice and topic within the industry week to week, coinciding with Print Monthly’s regular trips and news coverage. The premiere video focuses on Print Monthly’s recent visit to Solopress in Southend-on-Sea. The Printing Charity has launched the 2023 version of its popular Rising Star Awards, an event that highlights young people in print and its associated industries. The awards are open for people aged 18 to 30 from the print, packaging, paper, graphics, and publishing industries and gives winners up to £1,500 towards training and development. Previous winners have used award funding to develop skills in management training, negotiation, and project management, as well as to fund professional qualifications and Chartered Institute training. Applications are open via the Charity’s website until April 2nd. Entry for Rising Star Awards now open PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By Carys Evans
INDUSTRY / NEWS 10 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 The risk of 'non-genuine' consumables Are compatible inks as good as originals? Jill Woods, group product compliance manager of Domino Printing Sciences argues that whilst at face value, ‘compatible’ products may look like the genuine article but she says dig under the surface, and the differences become stark. Below, Woods offers five reasons why manufacturers should think before using these inks, despite the rising cost of living making this a tempting cost-cutting option for some manufacturers and print service providers. Using ‘compatible’ inks can affect print quality and cause rejections Missing, incomplete, damaged, or unreadable product codes can cause goods to be rejected further down the supply chain, increasing the risk of punitive fines, loss of custom, and costing manufacturers significant amounts in rework and wasted stock. Legitimate providers will carry out pre- and post-manufacturing testing of all formulations to ensure maximum performance and offer sample testing, using state-of-the-art analytical equipment to ensure the proper performance of the ink under the required conditions. Low-cost printer inks from unapproved third-party ink providers do not carry the same assurances. The formulations may not perform as expected or adhere properly to the substrate, leading to poor-quality prints or codes that can be easily smudged or removed. Using ‘compatible’ inks can cause damage to your printer Different printer types require different ink formulations. Using the wrong ink can cause unnecessary wear and damage to printer components, including pumps, pipes, and tubes, and lead to ink build-up and debris on print heads and nozzles. Aside from the cost of lost productivity and wastage resulting from poorly printed products, the cost incurred in fixing a printer fault without a warranty could be substantially more than the savings made from using low-cost inks. Clearly, this adds up to be a false economy. The use of ‘non-genuine’ inks can pose a risk to consumers The most concerning aspect of using unapproved third-party inks is that they could risk harm to retailers and consumers. Requirements for inks used on food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices are strictly regulated. Manufacturers within these industries have to ensure that inks are safe for their intended use – this means that ink formulations will not migrate through packaging or threaten consumer health if they come into direct contact with products. Non-certified inks may include unsafe or untested substances, making them entirely unsuitable for use in regulated industries and putting consumers at risk of serious harm. ‘Compatible’ inks can pose a risk to production line workers Printing inks may be composed of chemicals that, if mishandled, may pose a risk to workers on the production line. Refilling ink supplies and printer maintenance tasks bring production workers into close contact with inks and fluids. As such, it’s essential to ensure that they are fully equipped to handle these inks correctly and safely. Inks from reputable suppliers will come with individual product safety data sheets in line with current regulations and for all countries where products are bought and sold. Safety data sheets will provide information on chemical composition, potential health hazards, protective measures, and safety precautions for handling, storing, and transporting inks. Keeping costs down could cause thirdparty ink providers to take shortcuts, such as avoiding manufacturing compliance approvals, which adds risk to those handling the inks. There could be risks of negative environmental and social impact Third-party ink providers may operate outside regulations, potentially using unsustainable or environmentally polluting materials, machinery, and processes to produce cheap inks. Using untested, non-genuine inks can also create unnecessary waste further up the supply chain and on the production line through poor code quality, further compounding environmental impact. In addition, untested, third-party inks may be produced in dangerous conditions, or have illicit or unethical supply chains, undermining the health and wellbeing of individuals involved in developing, creating, and distributing products. Domino ensures that all our materials are ethically, sustainably, and responsibly sourced and voluntarily opens our supply chains up for independent audit. Does the reward outweigh the risk? Compatible inks and consumables might seem like a cheaper, cost-saving solution in the first instance. However, not only are they unlikely to award any cost savings in the long run, the risk to businesses from using untested, unregulated, largely unknown substances is much greater than poor-quality coding. Jill Woods, group product compliance manager of Domino Printing Sciences PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Domino Printing Sciences' Jill Woods has offered some insight into the risk of using unapproved third-party inks and consumables as the cost of living bites By Carys Evans Domino has warned that non-genuine inks can affect print quality, damage printers, and pose a risk to customers
BUSINESS / NEWS 12 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 Manufacturer and supplier of stamping foils, Foilco, has revealed it has been certified as a B Corporation following an intense certification process. There are over 5,000 Certified B Corporations in over 70 countries and over 150 industries with the certification showing that these organisations are striving for both profit and purpose, and are seeking to promote positive change within their industries. For Foilco, the certification demonstrates its commitment to establishing end-to-end environmental credentials of foil as a decorative finish. However, Paul Hornby, managing director of Foilco explains that the company’s mission doesn’t end solely with its products, but extends to the entire fabric of the organisation. “There’s far too much greenwashing by companies at present and so we wanted to validate our environment claims through this B Corp certification,” Hornby says, adding: “It’s a badge of honour for both Foilco and the foil stamping industry, demonstrating that foil has a bright future in helping make the packaging industry a leader in sustainable innovation and design.” Foilco was put through an intense certification process led by certifying organisation B Lab in order to demonstrate that it meets the social and environmental standards required. The company’s ISO 14001 certification and the fact that it was the first foil company in the world to join the Zero Foil 2 Landfill Scheme stood it in good stead. Foilco also demonstrated its social credentials such as having a Staff Wellbeing Committee which organises wellbeing events and charitable activities, and by being a Living Wage accredited employer. Foilco gains B Corp certification Foilco was able to demonstrate its environmental and social credentials to gain B Corporation certification after a tricky certification process Independent finance specialist Compass Business Finance has joined the UK fraud prevention service, Cifas, in order to negate the growing threat of sophisticated fraud and financial crime. A not-for-profit organisation, Cifas manages the largest database of fraud risk in the country known as the National Fraud Database (NFD), or the ‘Cifas database’. Mark Nelson, director of Compass, comments: “Fraud is becoming increasingly prevalent, and we believe, as does Cifas, that effective communication and collaboration is the way to push back against the perpetrators of this type of crime.” Compass will be providing data to Cifas for the NFD, as well as utilising the database to run checks on individuals seeking funding. Compass joins Cifas to fight fraud Following a company expansion in 2022, AM Labels has opened its new Technical Experience Centre in Kettering, Northamptonshire. The label company specialises in manufacturing and warehouse automation, barcoding, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems. Over the past year, AM Labels has developed and expanded its portfolio, including building its new Experience Centre. The Centre acts as an accessible location for all businesses across the UK to experience demonstrations, speak to experts, and research the new software and support services available. Featured inside is new technology such as the latest printing, scanning, and RFID equipment, as well as innovative robotics and automation. The opening event was sponsored by AM Labels’ robotics supplier, Epson. AM Labels recently celebrated the opening of its Technical Experience Centre with a threeday event Compass works with a variety of companies in the print, packaging, and engineering sectors AM Labels opens Centre Codex Capital Partners has signed a binding agreement to invest in CarbonQuota which includes a minority holding in the company and appointment to join the Board of Directors. As a result, the Board is made up of Guy Stafford, who invested in the business in April 2022 following the sale of Proxima Group to Bain & Company who remains as Chairman; and founders Dominic Harris and Nathan Tiller, who hold onto a majority stake. CarbonQuota itself works with businesses across the Fast Moving Consumer Goods, media, and logistics sectors to help automate carbon emission measurement. The investment will enable the company to invest further in technology, people, and client relationships. CarbonQuota secures investment Dominic Harris, co-founder of CarbonQuota says some carbon models are no longer fit for purpose EBB chosen to stock new Sappi range in the UK Raw offers the same look and feel as uncoated paper with the performance of coated paper 100-year-old, family-run paper stockist and distributor, Elliott Baxter & Company (EBB) has been named as the exclusive stockist for Sappi’s new Raw graphic paper in the UK. Raw combines the high quality, super bright properties of coated paper with the touch, feel, and high whiteness/high bulk appearance of uncoated paper. Produced for premium end use in sectors such as travel, automotive, lifestyle, food, fashion, and interior design/architecture, Raw is available in text and cover weights of 115gsm to 300gsm in B1 and SRA1 sizes. “Our new Raw paper is the latest example of Sappi’s continuing commitment to market-shaping investment in print and the future of the print industry,” Jonathan Hunt, managing director of Sappi UK says. PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By Carys Evans
BUSINESS / NEWS 14 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 Ricoh has been listed in The Global 100 2023, a list of the most sustainable corporations in the world. The annual ranking is published by Canada-based Corporate Knights, and it is the 11th time the print solutions company has made the list. Ricoh approaches sustainability via its ‘Three Ps Balance’ of Prosperity (economic), People (society), and Planet (environment). The Global 100 list names Ricoh again Strikes estimated to cost thortful £1m Online creative card marketplace, thortful offers thousands of card designs as well as options for personalisation and extra gifts. However, despite the festive period traditionally being a lucrative time for the gifting sectors, the Royal Mail strikes in December hit the company hard. Thortful managing director Pip Haywood says the company loses between £30,000 to £50,000 each day a strike is held. Ahead of planned strikes, thortful has needed to advise customers of the extended delivery windows with customer inquiries tripling during these times. The company has estimated the strikes will cost it around £1m. Canon UK & Ireland has been ranked 42 in the 2022/23 list of Top 50 UK Employers by Inclusive Companies. The list highlights companies that best demonstrate and embrace inclusivity in the workplace. The league table ranks companies based on their dedication to diversity including age, disability, gender, sexuality, race, faith, and religion. Canon says the list has become the definitive cross-industry index as it harnesses both the best practices and innovations in the workplace. The ranking is in its seventh year of operation. Canon named as an inclusive employer Neos, a manufacturer of bespoke inkjet printing solutions, has invested in modern factory facilities, expanded its European presence, and appointed a new commercial director. The company’s presence in the industry was first made over 20 years ago when Vincenzo Palumbo began developing inkjet printers for the ceramic market. He and his team in the previous market, and now with Neos, have seen more than 1,500 single-pass inkjet printers sold globally. Today, Neos focuses on décor printing and packaging printing and alongside its ink partner Inkgenio, solutions such as water-based inks and UV-LED curing inks are being developed. The year 2023 will be a significant one for the company as it is set to move into a stateof-the-art factory in Fiorano Modenese which has a production space of over 12,000sq m. “It incorporates the most modern R&D facilities, state-ofthe-art production equipment, and gives us room for expansion for our fast growing business,” explains Palumbo. “Printers and inks can be produced in the same building, however, for the food market, a separate area is reserved to avoid contamination for inks serving the strictly regulated food packaging market.” In line with sustainability standards, the new factory is powered by solar panels on the roof which enables Neos to quadruple its output. In addition to the new site, the company appointed Frank de Jonge in October 2022 as its new commercial director for both Neos and Inkgenio. Based in northwest Germany, de Jonge has over 15 years of experience in high-speed laser printing with companies such as Mitsubishi Chemicals, Hitachi, and Toshiba. Neos expands production capacity Inkjet solutions provider, Neos, is set to move into larger premises and has appointed Frank de Jonge as its new commercial director Owner of Ballyprint and Perfect Day Print, Aaron Klewchuk, has purchased Belfast-based business Impro Printing. Impro Printing is one of Northern Ireland’s most respected printing companies, specialising in B2 sheet-fed litho for industries like banking, legal, hospitality, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical. Klewchuk hopes to return his new company to its pre-pandemic levels by investing £250,000 in stitching and binding machinery to build on its finishing capabilities. Impro was purchased for an undisclosed sum, but with the sale of company assets and new investment, it is hoped the company can solidify the future of its employees and its place in the industry. Impro Printing purchased by owner of Ballyprint [L to R] Kirk Dominy, Aaron Klewchuk, and Gavin Leitch of Impro Printing (newly appointed directors) Graphic Packaging International, a producer of paperboard and paper-based packaging, has announced that its Bristol-based operations will be moving to a new state-of-the-art facility. The packaging company operates worldwide with over 130 facilities producing solutions for food, beverage, household, personal care, and pet care products. The new facility will seek to create “beverage packaging excellence” with its 255,000sq ft site which will be located near to its current location in Fishponds, Bristol. The move will see Graphic Packaging double the size of its current operation, create up to 30 new jobs, and increase output for the increasing demand for fibre-based packaging. The new facility is targeted to be fully operational in Q4 of 2023 and is hoped to be one of the most technologically advanced sheet-fed folding carton plants in Europe. Graphic Packaging announces new state-of-the-art site The Graphic Packaging Bristol team recently celebrated prestigious business awards from Bristol Live Magazine PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By Carys Evans
KIT & MEDIA / NEWS 16 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Creative print company, Dayfold, has opted for a new PFi Blade B2 digital cutting table from Duplo. The company works with brands and agencies across multiple sectors with its work always impactful and maximising customers’ ROI. Del Simmons, managing director of Dayfold, explains: “We don’t simply take orders and process quotes, we develop campaigns and ideas that the brands and creative agencies have, working hand in hand to deliver fantastic solutions to their projects.” It is because of this, Simmons says, the company decided to look into digital cutting tables and he says the more the company uses the PFi Blade B2 cutting table, the more ways to get creative it discovers. A compact and affordable solution from Duplo, the table requires no physical dies to produce highly intricate designs. Using Duplo Connect software, users can produce short-run packaging, prototyping, labels, and promotional products. Initially, Dayfold was looking at a smaller B3 model and some other manufacturers, but it was the flexibility and embellishment options of the B2 that swayed the decision. Dayfold invested in the B2 PFi Blade B2 cutting table from Duplo Dayfold invests in B2 Duplo Canon launches compact large-format printer Producer of print and imaging equipment, Canon, has announced a new solution for large-format printing in small working spaces. The new imagePROGRAF TC-20 is a compact desktop large-format printer that can fit on a desk or shelf, making it ideal for home or office printing. The printer is capable of 100 A4 sheets or 50 A3 sheets of plain paper continuously, or roll paper of up to A1+ sizes. The printer is targeted at the ultra-low volume market and is ideal for the architecture, engineering and construction, education, and hospitality sectors. Jennifer Kolloczek, European planning, marketing and innovation senior director for production print at Canon Europe, explains: “Ways of working have rapidly changed in the last few years, as many have adopted a hybrid style of working, with people splitting their time between the office and their homes.” The free Direct Print Plus software and shaftless roll holder make it easy for businesses such as restaurants and retail stores to print quick and easy menus/ posters. International Graphic Sup -plies (IGS), a Monmouthshire-based refurbished CtP supplier, has commented on the uptake in refurbished Thermal CtP machines due to the phasing out of violet technology. Offset plates are made by a variety of manufacturers, with some of the most well-known considered to be Agfa, Fujifilm, and Heidelberg. Last year many changes took place in the world of printing plates as costs increased and companies altered production. Agfa sold its Offset Solutions division while Fujifilm undertook the closure of its offset plate factory in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Speaking to Print Monthly, Peter Flynn, managing director of IGS, comments: “What we’ve seen is fantastic sales last year where we’ve arranged a refurbished thermal CtP machine. It gives them extra benefits as it means they can work in a daylight environment and the price of a thermal plate is much cheaper than violet. “Polyester manufacturers are also saying the same thing now that they’re actually starting to wind down the manufacture of polyester.” Businesses are feeling the effects of certain CtP plates being phased out IGS advises on transition GEW helps Ukrainian print house to expand GEW, a UK-based manufacturer of UV Arc and LED systems, has helped a Ukrainian print house expand production following the disruption caused by Russia’s invasion of the country. The UV/LED company which also has subsidiaries in the US and Germany supplied the print house with a four-lamp, 40" UV and LED curing system for an already owned Komori press. The Ukrainian business known as Pryvatna Drukarnya was massively impacted by the Russian invasion as it was forced to halt print production in order to provide humanitarian support for the many refugees fleeing the conflict in the east of the country. In order to ensure the UV system was financially viable during such difficult times, the company originally requested the system be supplied on preferential payment terms. After this request the family owners of GEW stepped in to offer the entire UV system free of charge. The gesture was in recognition of the dedication of Pryvatna Drukarnya and its employees who opened their doors to those affected by the country’s conflict. The print house halted production to donate to a number of humanitarian causes PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By Carys Evans By David Osgar By David Osgar By David Osgar March / April 2023 - Issue 341 Canon’s latest release offers lower power consumption and compatibility with a range of software
17 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 341 - March / April 2023
ENVIRONMENT / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine GET CARBON BALANCED Carbon Balanced Paper and Print was launched in 2010. Managed by CarbonCO for the paper and print industry, it provides a simple solution for brands and printers to account for the carbon emissions of their print and paper and offset these impacts with international conservation charity World Land Trust. To date, the initiatives have offset more than 250,000 tonnes of CO2, used by more than 5,000 businesses and protected 20,000 acres of high value conservation land, rich in biodiversity. With 52 certified Carbon Balanced Printers, CarbonCO works with companies of all sizes across the graphic arts and packaging sector. Balancing with WLT World Land Trust (WLT) is an international charity, founded in 1989, whose project partners have been instrumental in the purchase and protection of more than two million acres of tropical forest and other threatened habitats. The work of World Land Trust is actively supported by their passionate and dedicated patrons including Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham. Carbon is balanced (offset) through land purchase of ecologically important standing forests under imminent threat of clearance. Carbon is locked that would otherwise be released, and then these standing forests continue to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Furthermore, this action preserves invaluable ecosystems and ensures the ongoing biodiversity in these regions. Protecting existing forest, through Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), is World Land Trust’s preferred approach for biodiversity conservation. Carbon Balanced Paper and Print fund World Land Trust’s ecosystem protection and restoration projects in Vietnam, Mexico, Ecuador, and Guatemala. All of WLT’s forest protection and restoration projects have measurable, long-term local community benefits, a positive climate impact and significant biodiversity conservation value. More detail on the projects can be found at www.carbonbalancedpaper.com/wltprojects. Sir David Attenborough, WLT patron said: “The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of.” Carbon Balanced Paper The simple solution is for organisations to balance the emissions of their paper consumption, creating a positive environmental impact while delivering a powerful message to their customers. By offsetting the average emissions of paper (616kg CO2e per tonne of paper) any paper product made in Europe can be balanced. Organisations just need to specify clearly to their printer that Carbon Balanced Paper must be used. For printers, the most cost-efficient way to order Carbon Balanced Paper is directly through one of the appointed paper merchants: Antalis, Denmaur, or Fedrigoni. However, any paper can also be Carbon Balanced directly through a public calculator at www.carbonbalancedpaper.com/ how-to-order. Organisations using Carbon Balanced Paper can use the World Land Trust logo on their printed products and receive certificates from World Land Trust, quantifying the amount of carbon balanced and the area of land that has been preserved. This is demonstrable action that organisations can show in carbon reduction, support of Word Land Trust, and biodiversity. Carbon Balanced Printers The higher mark of integrity is the Carbon Balanced Print logo. This can only be used by certified Carbon Balanced Printers. Additional to the paper is the printer’s own impact (footprint). Increasingly organisations and tenders are asking their supply chain to disclose their impacts and steps they are taking to reduce these through energy and resource efficiencies or offsetting. Becoming a certified Carbon Balanced Printer is a simple way for printers to cover all these bases. There are many tangible benefits to inteCarbon Balanced Paper is a simple way for brands to reduce the carbon impacts of their print and packaging, and for printers to differentiate themselves as leaders in sustainability by measuring, reporting, and offsetting their carbon emissions. CarbonCo tells us more… ▲ Mexico is one of the places where Carbon Balanced Paper and Print fund World Land Trust’s projects. Image: Roberto Pedraza Ruiz 18 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 CBP123456 www.carbonbalancedpaper.com
ENVIRONMENT / NEWS grating sustainability into the heart of your business. Alongside commercial reasons like energy cost efficiencies, it creates a better and more responsible working environment for employees and a better brand perception of your company. It differentiates you as leaders on sustainability, a positive message with existing customers, and strengthening your sales proposition when tendering for new business. Becoming a certified Carbon Balanced Printer is not cost prohibitive and depends completely on the carbon footprint of your business. A completed carbon footprint assessment is required by CarbonCO to provide a costed proposal. CarbonCO has created a very simple process and calculator for printers to measure and report their operational impacts, electricity, use of on-site fossil fuels, transport (scope 1 & 2 emissions) and limited, but important, scope 3 emissions, like business travel. These footprint assessments are externally third-party verified. When these emissions are balanced with World Land Trust, printers can then claim they are a certified Carbon Balanced Printer and, when using Carbon Balanced Paper, can make the higher integrity claim that the whole job is balanced by using the Carbon Balanced Print logo. Currently there are 52 certified printers, who have balanced their impacts (www. carbonbalancedpaper.com/carbon-balanced-printers/). More information Carbon Balanced Paper and Print is managed by CarbonCO for the print and paper industry. Paul Opie, CarbonCO partnership manager, says: “These are simple solutions to help printers measure and report their emissions, adding real value to their clients by demonstrably reducing the impacts of their printed communications. Our work to date with World Land Trust has offset more 19 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 341 - March / April 2023 than 250,000 tonnes of CO2 and protected more than 20,000 acres of land. This is more than just a carbon offsetting scheme, protecting endangered species and biodiversity. This is real action in real places, making a real difference.” More information can be found at www. carbonbalancedpaper.com or by emailing enquiries@carbonco.info or calling 01327 828280. ▲Carbon offsetting schemes protect endangered species and biodiversity. Image: Jaime Culebras ▼ Sir David Attenborough is a World Land Trust patron. Image: World Land Trust ► Organisations using Carbon Balanced Paper can receive certificates from World Land Trust quantifying the amount of carbon balanced CBP123456 www.carbonbalancedprint.com
22 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 EVENTS / NEWS ISO meeting to take place in person again For the first time since the start of the Covid19 pandemic (March 2020), the ISO TC130 Graphic Technology body is meeting in person at the British Standards Institution (BSI) headquarters in Chiswick this April. Not only is this the first time in three years the body has met, but it is also the first time BSI has hosted these meetings. ISO TC130 Graphic Technology is responsible for making standards the graphics industry is reliant on. In recent years we have seen the adoption of higher-level, more complex standards to measure the effectiveness of our business processes, production efficiency, and environmental impact. The ISO process is designed as a two-way, consensual process. At each step in document development, drafts are shared with an international community of experts for review and comment. The comments are then reviewed, resolved, and corrected by these experts. This ISO process however is reliant on developing long and understanding relationships and building confidence and mutual respect for each other. This can be very difficult over Zoom or Teams as the nature of the virtual environment makes it very difficult to ‘read the room’. Quite often with face-to-face meetings, conversations take place either in the meeting in hushed tones or over a coffee during a break. Many disagreements can be resolved privately without loss of face in these opportunities which are just not there when you meet online. So, the need to get back together is stronger now than it has ever been and to this effect, the ISO TC130 Graphic Technology meeting at BSI headquarters this April will be a great opportunity to rekindle those relationships and networking connections that are vital for the effective production of the vitally important work. If you are interested in finding out more about the work of PAI/43, or getting involved in the standard development process, contact committee manager Dawn Hunter at dawn. hunter@bsigroup.com. The meetings haven’t taken place in person since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine By Brian Sims Online Print Coach continues to educate The Online Print Coach, also known in the industry as Colin Sinclair McDermott, has announced he is hitting the road for more workshops. Sinclair McDermott recently celebrated success at events such as The Print Show, leading to planned appearances at the 2023 exhibition. Sinclair McDermott explains: “I know my company is called The Online Print Coach, but the important part of that is the ‘Coach’. I believe that every business owner should have a coach. When you're responsible for the success of the whole business, you have to wear many hats.” Sinclair McDermott says participants will gain the tools needed to achieve quarterly growth of at least 20% as well as a follow-up 90-Day Challenge. The first workshop will take place on March 20th, 2023, at the Crowne Plaza at the NEC in Birmingham, with more dates to be announced soon for more locations throughout the UK. Registration for The Print Show 2023 is now open Registration for The Print Show 2023 is now open via the show website. The UK’s only trade show dedicated to the print industry, The Print Show has been running for seven years and sees manufacturers, print service providers, software providers, and more come together to offer a full portfolio of print offerings for thousands of visitors each year. Due to the success of the 2022 show, a number of companies have already secured their spots on the exhibitor floor plan including Konica Minolta, Morgana, Premier Paper, and Vivid Laminating Technologies. Chris Davies, event director of The Print Show, says: “Due to popular demand, registration has opened two months earlier than usual as the feedback we have been getting is that people are keen to get the dates booked into their diaries.” The event will run from September 19th to 21st in Hall 17 of the NEC, Birmingham. The Online Print Coach has been designed to help print and signage businesses boost sales By David Osgar Visitors can register their place at the event in September via www.theprintshow. co.uk By Carys Evans
25 www.printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2023 - Issue 341 ▲ The CJV330160 has a cutter station which can produce cut images to within 0.2mm of repeatable accuracy It goes without saying that Mimaki is well known with print businesses which have established a well-proven reputation in the market for a wide range of printing applications. It is very easy when you are in such a position to rest on your laurels and fail to notice competition slowly improving until they overtake your market-leading position. Before you know where you are, orders are failing to come in and you then have to play catch up which is not the best place to be. Mimaki has not been that complacent. The company has developed and released a new range of printers with the philosophy of ‘Loved, Evolved, Developed’ underpinning the development, and when you look in detail at each of the machines, you easily see how this tagline is a clear identifier for the changes. The generation step of the new 330 series of machines takes the three original wide-format solvent printers and upgrades both capacity and quality. The range is made up of two solvent printers, one with an in-built cutter and a dye-sublimation printer; the series being JV330-160 and the CJV330-160 (with cutter), plus the dye-sublimation TS330-1600. All of the machines have undergone an in-depth design review of the architecture of the printer’s chassis and this has resulted in the new machines being 230% more rigid than the original 300 series. Stronger materials have been used in key areas identified in the review and new materials being placed into the chassis to improve flatness. This obviously feeds into the 330 series of machines being able to place the dots onto the substrate with significantly more accuracy and repeatability. You do not need to be a design engineer to know that this means the ability of the 330 series of printers is able to print to much higher standards than the 300 series. Mimaki does not rely on you looking at their printed product to see if these changes have made a difference, the company actually measures it. If you were to look at a set of dots printed on the two machines, the 330 series of printers can control the dot landing accuracy in the X-Y direction to within 4µm and 20µm respectively compared to 26µm and 35µm with the 300 series of older printers. The updating of the chassis is not the only major update, the second and most important is the printer head nozzle design. The new 330 series now has a nozzle row length up from 25.4mm to 33.8mm meaning there is a greater area for deploying ink onto the substrate. Furthermore, the new heads are staggered with a new pattern for each channel. The 330 series now has four pairs of channels in the nozzle head rather than eight single channels. Each being a cluster of magenta/cyan and yellow/black on one side of the head with the mirror of this configuration being on the other. Proven technology As you would expect, and with the ethos of the 330 series being ‘Loved, Evolved, Developed’, it is of no surprise to see Mimaki continue to utilise its very successful ink deployment and machine management technology. The first being a Dot Adjustment System (DAS) which has been designed by Mimaki to automate the placement of the dot depending on the media and printing conditions. The idea being that the DAS reduces the input needed by the operator and reduction in streaking for overlaid inks, lack of image definition, and the avoidance of white streaking across the sheet. Ink deployment is enhanced by a key Mimaki tool called Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS4). MAPS4 disperses the ink pattern on the sheet in a very specific way to allow the even drying of the product. Further to MAPS4, the eco-solvent inks used in the 330 series printers come Mimaki has gone back to review its 300 series of printers and the result is the new 330 series with some stunning increases in capacity and quality. Brian Sims takes a closer look at the range UNDER THE HOOD / MIMAKI’S 330 SERIES The generation step of the new 330 series of machines takes the three original wide-format printers and upgrades both capacity and quality LOVED, EVOLVED, DEVELOPED
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==