Issue 342 - May / June 2023 www.printmonthly.co.uk
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 342 May / June 2023 Specials Under the Hood Brian Sims looks under the hood of Duplo’s iSaddle 5.0 which turns flat sheets into saddle stitched booklets Under the Hood Brian Sims explores Vivid's award-winning VeloTaper which increases efficiency and removes headaches Focus On We champion some of the ambitious, creative, and in some cases award-winning, women in the print industry Features Need to Know Litho Technology As digital technologies continue to evolve, Carys Evans asks whether there is still a place for litho in the print industry Taste for Success Wide-format Print Applications Rob Fletcher pays tribute to some of the creative work produced by companies in the wide-format print sector Focus On Lamination Equipment Rob Fletcher takes a look at some of the equipment in this area and analyses the key benefits of these for users Market Trends Foiling and Embossing A surefire way of capturing attention, Rob Fletcher explores what impact foiling and embossing, can have on applications Business Opportunities Textile and Garment Print With fabric printing becoming more popular, David Osgar finds out what should be considered in this lucrative market Back to Basics Computer-to-Plate Rob Fletcher finds out what printers should consider when looking to invest in computer-to plate technology Environment Coverage of environmentally friendly print solutions and initiatives Events All the details on recent and upcoming shows and conferences Company Spotlight From a management buyout to preserving company culture, we look at Tharstern’s journey Hot Topics Two Sides tells the great sustainability story of physical mail and paper packaging in its mission to debunk common misconceptions Industry Tips Colin Sinclair McDermott highlights three key areas he wants to explore in a bid to address the issue of diversity in the workplace Event Spotlight From a predicted shift to B2 and inkjet that claims to rival offset, we take a look at the popular Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 06 10 14 18 21 53 59 67 27 34 38 44 47 31 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 342 - May / June 2023 42 71 63 Event Spotlight Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 06Industry Next Generation event a success 47 Focus On Women In Print 34 Back to Basics Computer-to-Plate 76 Kit Vivid celebrates Royal Mail install 14 12 Business WTTB unveils royal range 21 Events A flying start to 2023 for The Print Show Company Spotlight Tharstern 38 Environment MacroArt Sustainability Strategy pays off 18 Need to Know Litho Technology 53 76
ISSUE 342May / June 2023 DATES FOR your Diary Interpack May 4th to 10th at Messe Düsseldorf, Germany FESPA Global Print Expo May 23rd to 26th at Messe Munich, Germany IPIA Spring Networking Lunch June 14th at Orelle, Birmingham, UK Labelexpo Europe September 11th to 14th at Brussels Expo, Brussels The Print Show September 19th to 21st at the NEC, Birmingham, UK Publishing director Page Tuck Sales director Chris Davies Lead contributor Rob Fletcher Contributors Brian Sims, 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 Issue 342 - May / June 2023 4 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine t: 0117 980 5040 e: carys@linkpublishing.co.uk @printmonthlyed FESPA The team at Print Monthly are extremely saddened to announce the death of longstanding colleague and dear friend Julie Twose. Julie joined Link Publishing in November 1999 as Credit Controller and remained with the team until April 2020 when she suffered a stroke and medically retired. Julie was diagnosed with Leukemia in November 2022 and sadly passed away on March 10th, 2023. A straight talker who didn’t take any ‘rubbish’ from anyone, Julie was someone you wouldn’t want to cross! However, she was extremely kind, often looking out for the ‘newbies’ and taking people under her wing. Armed with a wicked sense of humour, she would often keep the office on our toes by 'treating' us to a range of exotic snacks which she would insist we tried. Last month, Julie had 'super spicy ramen noodles', scorpion-flavoured lolipops, and packets of siracha crickets delivered to the office and was sure to check in to see if any had been eaten. An extremely loyal and trustworthy member of staff, Julie was very hardworking hardly ever taking any time off. She loved to watch DVD box sets and was always ready with recommendations, her favourites being Dexter and Luther. Many in the industry and former members of staff will have their own fond memories of Julie having worked with her over the past two decades. Truly one of a kind, Julie will be bitterly missed. Carys EDITOR'S Note Julie Twose 1959-2023
INDUSTRY / NEWS 6 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Global pulp and paper-based solutions company, Sappi, has announced that its agreement to sell three of its European graphic paper mills to investment group Aurelius has failed. Sappi intended to sell its Maastricht Mill in the Netherlands, its Stockstadt Mill in Germany, and its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland, however, the sale has passed the agreed timeframe meaning the agreement has lapsed. Steve Binnie, chief executive officer of Sappi, comments: “Regretfully, and despite extensive efforts by Sappi to close the transaction the parties could not agree on fulfilling the suspensive conditions. Therefore, the transaction has lapsed.” Speaking about the company’s future, Binnie adds: “Sappi’s strategic focus remains unchanged. This includes reducing exposure to the graphic paper segment while expanding Sappi’s presence in segments including packaging and speciality papers, pulp, and biomaterials.” Sappi announced it had accepted an offer from Aurelius Group in September 2022, after receiving binding offers from several parties. The paper solutions company proceeded with Aurelius, a pan-European multi-asset manager group with offices in Germany and the UK. When announced the enterprise value of the sale amounted to approximately €272m (£240m) which would be used to reduce debts and increase Sappi’s focus on specific growth areas. The three mills produce a variety of pulp, coated, and uncoated woodfree paper, paperboard, and coated mechanical paper grades which are used throughout the globe. Marco Eikelenboom, chief executive officer of Sappi Europe, states: “Sappi Europe will continue to manage the three mills as part of our overall portfolio.” Sappi mill sale falls through Sappi accepted an offer from Aurelius which was subject to various standard suspensive conditions The recent Next Generation Networking Day held at The British Motor Museum has been celebrated by attendees, speakers, and sponsors for its commitment to supporting and encouraging young people in the print and signage industries. Including a presentation from The Apprentice winner Mark Wright, and workshops from industry professionals like Colin Sinclair McDermott, the event was filled with inspirational lessons, crucial networking tips, and handy resources for 18- to 30-year-olds. FESPA UK held the event after forming its Next Generation initiative at the start of the year. Jay Burfield, creative coordinator at FESPA UK, says: “Whilst planning the event and speaking to a huge number of companies about getting their team to attend, it became very clear that there are two major issues the industry faces that directly affect the younger generation. “The first is the severe lack of 18- to 30-year-olds within the print and signage industry. Secondly, the lack of willingness by business leaders to encourage their younger employees to network outside their companies.” FESPA UK has stated that more in-person and online events will be announced in the coming months. Former Apprentice winner Mark Wright gave a presentation on being successful in business Next Generation event hailed a success Each year Easter proves a busy time for printers with many working round the clock to produce seasonal projects whilst offering a range of promotions. Duplo International took to social media to showcase its decorative and personalised Easter boxes filled with chocolate treats for colleagues to enjoy over the long Easter weekend. The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), meanwhile, used the holiday to give a fun twist on its upcoming Big Breakfast event. Banbury Litho highlighted its 2023 Easter Boxes which are a packaging solution from paper company G.F Smith. The boxes which featured ‘Matrix’ embossing were made with Pink and Turquoise Colorflute and white e-flute, and were 100% recyclable. To share in the festivities digital print company Where The Trade Buys (WTTB) hosted an Easter sale on its website, giving customers in the trade 25% discount on a variety of items. Printers embrace the Easter holiday WTTB highlighted a range of products that were perfect for the Easter season printIQ launches V46 MIS There are over 30 new features and updates to the Version 46 MIS software Launched in March, the ‘Version 46’ MIS software from printIQ has over 30 new features and updates. According to printIQ, automated workflow is a prominent focus for customers and as a result, the MIS provider has produced a package that enables this with automation, connectivity, and visibility all key features. New to V46 is a ‘Sign Off’ app which allows iPhone or Android phone users to upload all information directly to a job bag, and review, check, and sign off large-format print and signage jobs from anywhere, anytime. Other features include an outsource portal for greater control when ordering from suppliers; an IQ Link which enables customers to collaborate with other IQ users; and advanced functionality with Infigo for live pricing and stock control. By David Osgar By David Osgar
INDUSTRY / NEWS 8 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine The Online Print Coach, Colin Sinclair McDermott has become the latest endorsement partner for BPIF Insurance Services, a part of the trade association’s range of print-focused services. The BPIF previously reviewed its insurance scheme to better improve its service to association members by working with insurance broker Aston Lark. The scheme offers BPIF members discounts on a range of insurances as well as a wide range of cover not offered by standard policies. The latest collaboration demonstrates the ways in which associations and industry specialists are continuing to collaborate and bring solutions to printers and end-users. The Online Print Coach delivers coaching throughout the print industry and the collab means he will ensure that businesses and individuals are aware of the pitfalls and risks in the industry as well as the services that can help protect against them. The Printing Charity names new president Michael Grade CBE, Lord Grade of Yarmouth has been named as the President of the Printing Charity for 2023. Currently Chair of OFCOM, Grade started his career as a print journalist and says he is a “great believer in the power of print as a communication channel”. The new President first cut his tooth in the world of print in 1960 as a journalist and sports columnist at the Daily Mirror and later went on to add many strings to his bow in roles at major UK broadcasters such as controller of BBC One, Chief Executive of Channel 4, Chair of the BBC, and Executive Chair of ITV. In addition to this, Grade has held positions such as Chief Executive of First Leisure, Chair of Pinewood Studios, Chair of the Charity Fundraising Regulator, Chair of the Media Museum Bradford, and a Trustee of the Science Museum. “I am looking forward to supporting The Printing Charity's crucial work providing practical, emotional, and financial support to everyone in the print, packaging, paper, publishing, and graphic arts sectors,” says Grade. Jon Wright, Chair of the Printing Charity, adds: “We are delighted that Lord Grade has agreed to support the charity as our 2023 President and the keynote speaker at our Annual Luncheon, an event now in its 194th year. “He is the latest member of a distinguished line of past charity Presidents, including most recently George Osborne CH.” Michael Grade CBE, Lord Grade of Yarmouth has been named as the Printing Charity’s 2023 President Colin Sinclair McDermott will use his platform and coaching to advocate for specialist print insurance The Online Print Coach collaborates with BPIF Epson continues to support HMF Epson has continued its work to raise awareness for charity partner the Human Milk Foundation (HMF). The HMF is the largest supplier of donor human milk in England and Wales and distributes donor human milk to babies in hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and families at home, helping mums with conditions like cancer through The Hearts Milk Bank. At the start of the year, Epson announced it was supporting its charity partner with responsive label printing technology to help with the chain of custody for donated breast milk. Epson donated a TM-C3500 ColorWorks label printer along with labels from Magnum Materials that can withstand pasteurisation temperatures of 65 degrees, and freezing temperatures of minus 22 degrees. More recently, Epson and the HMF have produced a range of special dye-sublimated gifts available from the HMF’s online store (www.hmfgifts.com) with the range including designs from students at Hertfordshire-based school Longdean. All proceeds from the online gifts go straight to the HMF. The dye-sublimated range of gifts were designed by local students Demonstrating the potential of inkjet and recycled clothes Epson has partnered with Japanese fashion designer, Yuima Nakazato, to showcase the possibilities of inkjet and dry fibre technologies used on recycled clothing. Nakazato’s self-titled brand YUIMA NAKAZATO was shown at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring – Summer 2023. The collection showcased creative and sustainable fashion, created using a “potentially industry-transforming textile production process”. Epson’s dry fibre technology, which has been used commercially to recycle office paper, requiring virtually no water, has been adapted to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The upcoming Paris show illustrated how switching to digital textile printing using more environmentally friendly pigment inks offers the fashion industry a more sustainable and less wasteful means of textile printing. The fabric used was derived from material from used garments sourced from Africa, the destination for many discarded garments from around the world. Nakazato visited Kenya where he collected around 150kg of waste garment material that otherwise would have gone to a “clothes mountain”, a large pile of discarded textiles. Epson and YUIMA NAKAZATO plan to continue exploring the possibilities within sustainable fashion and inkjet By Carys Evans By David Osgar By David Osgar By David Osgar
BUSINESS / NEWS 10 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Global software company for print and packaging, eProductivity Software (ePS), has acquired Tharstern Group. Tharstern Group is a management information system (MIS) software provider serving customers in the UK but also in the Republic of Ireland, North America, Australia, and South Africa. According to ePS, the addition of Tharstern to its portfolio furthers its inorganic growth strategy and pursuit of delivering greater value. eProductivity Software acquires Tharstern Integration Technology rebrands as IST INTECH UV LED curing solutions developer, Integration Technology, has rebranded to IST INTECH. The company says the rebranding aligns itself within the IST Group brand and reinforces that customers can rely on the business as a trusted partner. The rebranding also means additional benefits from increased group investment in innovation leading to the development of next-generation sustainable UV LED curing products. Following the announcement, IST INTECH and IST Metz will remain operating in their own market sectors whilst collaborating to develop product lines and expand into new curing markets. Switzerland-based printing company NOMOQ which specialises in the printing of high-quality cans for the beverage market has announced plans to open a new UK production facility. The company was set up in 2022 by a team of craft beverage lovers who wanted to turn cans into pieces of art. The latest site will be NOMOQ’s second production location, after setting up its first site in Frankfurt, Germany. The company name stands for No Minimum Order Quantity, due to it offering a unique and accessible solution for companies with small budgets or production lines. NOMOQ to open new UK production site A 40-year-old print business based in Southampton has appointed insolvency experts from Leonard Curtis Business Solutions to assist in liquidating the company. The business, Snows Business Forms, was founded in 1983 and has been one of Southampton’s longest-standing print companies. The website now notifies customers that fellow Southampton business Inprint Group is taking over business and online orders. Professional service provider Leonard Curtis has been working to support former employees and creditors after the print business entered administration. David Smithson and Michael Fortune, two directors of Leonard Curtis’ South Coast office, were appointed as Joint Administrators of the business. The administrators looked into the possibility of a sale of the business but due to the lack of working capital following a cease in trading Smithson and Fortune decided against it. “We have, however, completed a sale of the majority of the unencumbered equipment to one interested party and a separate sale of the stock, database, and goodwill to a different party with assistance from asset disposal specialists Hilco,” says Smithson. Snows Business Forms was used largely for the printing and production of business stationery but with increased national competition and an increase in online alternatives, the company suffered several cashflow pressures and was overall making a loss. Administrators appointed for 40-year-old business Snow Business Forms was founded in 1983 and since then had become one of Southampton's longest standing print companies Solopress, an online print company for both trade and end-users, will be entering a new vertical, as well as becoming a member of two trade associations, the IPIA and the BPMA. Recent expansions and investments have made it an exciting time for Solopress which has looked to continue its growth with a new range of products and plans to enter a ‘new competitive market’. Solopress launched its new range of paperback books on World Book Day, marking its entrance into the publishing market. Managing director of Solopress UK Simon Cooper, says: “Publishing is a sector that’s been in our sights for a long time. It’s a market where we feel we could bring huge benefits to publishers and resellers alike.” As well as this new product range, the company has also joined two trade associations in order to better its place in the print industry. Solopress has joined both the IPIA and BPMA, and has launched a new range of paperback books Solopress makes new moves in the industry Yorkshire-based direct mail specialist Propack is celebrating securing a two-year, six-figure contract win with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). VSO is a charity that sends volunteers into poor communities globally to support with inclusive education, improved health services, and teaching skills for tackling challenges such as climate change. Using its Ethical Mail own-brand sustainable postage alternative for print campaigns, Propack has been awarded the contract to deliver the legacy communications for VSO, as well as the print and direct mail for fundraising campaigns. Ethical Mail enables Propack customers to access sustainable paper supplies, an eco-friendly factory, fair supply chains, and partnership schemes with the Woodland Trust and Ecologi, offsetting all the carbon associated with the delivery of the mail. Propack and VSO’s relationship began almost five years ago with the direct mail company producing VSO’s Kin Magazine which shares the work of the charity. Propack secures six-figure charity contract with VSO Propack will look after VSO’s legacy communications and print and direct mail for fundraising By David Osgar
BUSINESS / NEWS 12 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Two specialist businesses, York Bookbinding and McRay Press, have announced a unique collaboration that will seek to keep respective heritage skills thriving for future generations. With the digital world meaning many skills and traditional forms of media are becoming more sought after, the businesses feel now is more important than ever to emphasise the significance of physical products. Both businesses design, protect, and produce items that are both commercially important and help preserve the past, creating portable and timeless products. York Bookbinding, based in Thief Lane in the City of York, offers a range of services including binding of magazines and periodicals, sympathetic book restoration, and slipcase creation. The company started in January 2000 following the closure of York University bindery. Founder Philip Winskill has worked in binding for almost all his working life, gaining lots of experience in binding periodicals, monographs, theses, books, as well as miscellaneous work like presentation bindings and collection boxes. McRay Press designs and prints items like self-published books, leaflets, menus, and business cards. The family business operates from Londesborough Road, Scarborough, and has served the local community since 1994. The print house is run by Mike and Helen Springall who are now working with Winskill, learning about his craft, and collaborating in order to preserve their historical practices and inspire future generations. Having worked together since December, the companies officially became partners in April 2023. Artisan businesses form a “rare collaboration” The partnership has been called a "rare collaboration" that brings two artisan businesses together and seeks to keep heritage skills alive Herbert Walkers awarded a BRCG AA certfication Herbert Walkers delivers projects for a variety of food, confectionary, and drinks brands Specialist in printing and packaging, Herbert Walkers, has been awarded a British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS) AA certification. The rating is the highest possible ranking for food safety and compliance which now complements the company’s existing accreditations like Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA), ISO 9001, and ISO 14001. Mike Lammas, managing director of Herbert Walkers, says: “Certification is very important to us at Herbert Walkers because it not only gives our customers complete peace of mind that we are consistently meeting high standards, but the audit process enables us to monitor our own performance and identify any opportunities for improvement.” BRCGS certification is employed at over 22,000 sites in over 130 countries and is accepted by a variety of retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers. Developed with input from the industry, the accreditation provides a framework for food safety and operational best practices. By David Osgar A social enterprise established by Commercial, a business services group that provides clients with the likes of office supplies, technology, and print management services, has been awarded B Corp status. The enterprise known as Commercial Foundation was established to give a second chance to young adults aged 16 to 25 who had previous barriers to finding work or education. Young adults will undertake print work including digital and wide-format printing, branded and promotional merchandise, as well as office supplies, all following a stringent quality process. The Foundation’s latest achievement is being awarded B Corp certification by B Lab UK, a certification company that creates standards, policies, and tools for businesses. Commercial Foundation celebrates B Corp status Cloud-based labelling and artwork management solutions company, Loftware, has secured investment from Accel-KKR, a global technology investment firm. Accel-KKR will join current investor Riverside Partners, which invested in July 2014 and has seen Loftware grow through its innovations, global expansion, and three strategic acquisitions. Chief executive officer and president of Loftware, Robert O’Connor, says: “Riverside Partners has been an invaluable advisor as we pursued growth in the past several years, and we are delighted that it will remain a significant investor in our business. “Now backed by not just one but two leading technology investors, we are poised to do even more for our customers, partners, and employees as we accelerate our global growth plans.” Loftware has been named by Corporate LiveWire as its “Labeling Solutions Provider of the Year” [L to R] Harry Styman, Adam Miller, Simone Hindmarch, Jake McGregor, and Emily Jewell Loftware secures growth investment from Accel-KKR Print supplier Where the Trade Buys (WTTB) has debuted its range of Coronation-themed prints and merchandise. The Coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6th, 2023, with the UK celebrating a national bank holiday on Monday, May 8th, 2023. This historic event will undoubtedly lead to a myriad of royal-themed packaging and prints and WTTB is one of the first to unveil its range including merchandise like cake boxes, hand clappers, posters, coasters, and gift tags. The company is even offering printed invitations and a King Charles cardboard cut-out that can take centre place at any Coronation street party, alongside traditional products like banners, badges, and framed prints. WTTB unveils royal range WTTB says it can offer its bespoke services for anyone looking to enhance their party
KIT & MEDIA / NEWS 14 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine May / June 2023 - Issue 342 Canon has launched its new Colorado M-series, two roll-to-roll large-format graphics printers that are modular in speed configuration and media handling. Users can choose from various output speeds with the Colorado M3 offering a cruising speed of 29m2 per hour and maximum print speeds of 111m2 per hour, and the M5 offering 40m2 per hour and maximum print speeds of 159m2 per hour. Both models can be upgraded from one speed to the other temporarily for production peaks, or permanently; they can also be upgraded with Canon’s new UVgel white ink option and with FLXfinish+ matte/gloss inks for CMYK prints. Canon launches new modular Colorado series Line Cut hails its new HP Latex 800W Israel-based print service provider Line Cut has highlighted the HP Latex 800W printer as a significant new investment for the company as it further proves the expansion of the printed textile market. With live events and spaces needing to wow more than ever following the pandemic and the emergence of digital locations like the metaverse, new display solutions are becoming increasingly requested. Line Cut has hailed the HP machine as it has allowed the company to take on new work and gain customers in a number of different sectors. Wide-format equipment distributor Josero (a Soyang Europe business), has been named as a Fujifilm Acuity Prime partner to supply the range to the UK. This appointment follows the news that Soyang Europe began selling the Acuity Ultra R2 in the UK in May 2022. Featuring maximum print speeds of up to 150m2/hr and low energy LED curing, the Fujifilm Acuity Prime can print onto various rigid and flexible media options. The machine also features five dedicated vacuum zones and jettable primer. Josero adds acuity Prime to portfolio Vivid Laminating Technologies, manufacturer of finishing kit for print, packaging, and point of sale, is celebrating a large order from Royal Mail. Duncan Cross, sales executive at Vivid Laminating Technologies is responsible for the sale which saw Royal Mail invest in a total of four VeloBlade Nexus 2516 machines. The Veloblade Nexus range is made up of wide-format digital die-cutting machines which help to automate production, increase efficiency, and diversify business. Starting from sizes 1,800mm by 1,600mm, the VeloBlade Nexus range comprises various systems which can work with substrates up to 25mm in thickness. Two systems have been installed at Royal Mail’s Super Hub in Warrington and the other two at its Midlands Super Hub in Northampton. The Warrington-based Super Hub is capable of processing over 80,000 parcels a day whilst the latter can process over 1 million items daily. Duncan Cross, sales executive at Vivid, says: “The VeloBlade Nexus systems are initially to be utilised for the manufacture of York sleeves for Royal Mail’s roll containers across the business. “The VeloBlade Nexus was seen as the perfect solution for Royal Mail’s requirements, with Vivid’s responsiveness, flexibility, and all-round ‘can do’ attitude being highlighted as strong contributing factors to Vivid securing the order.” Vivid celebrates Royal Mail install Royal Mail will use the four VeloBlade Nexus 2516 machines from Vivid Laminating Technologies to manufacture York sleeves for its roll containers The Fujifilm Graphic Communications Division of Fujifilm Corporation has announced that its Revoria and ApeosPro C toner presses are now commercially available in the UK. Launched in 2021, the manufacturer says its Revoria range enjoyed early success with strong sales across Europe. Bringing the range to the UK is now hoped to extend Fujifilm’s reach within the European printing industry. “After long anticipation, we’re excited to be bringing the Revoria brand to the UK,” says Mark Lawn, head of POD Solutions at Fujifilm Graphic Communications Europe. “Customers across Europe are already enjoying the benefits of these versatile, high quality presses with their huge potential for creative applications and I am excited to see this continue across the UK.” Fujifilm has also appointed Spencer Green, who has 15 years of experience in professional print sales at Canon, as Head of POD for the UK to support this growth. Fujifilm brings its Revoria toner presses to the UK Document solutions company, Kyocera UK, has announced four new printers from its ECOSYS range, including the company’s first carbon-neutral printers. The PA4500x, PA5000x, PA5500X, and PA6000x have been released with a variety of new features including new controllers, enhanced security, auto certificate management, and trusted platform module authentication procedures. The PA6000x series is Kyocera’s first to be supplied carbon-neutral as standard, following the company’s commitment to sustainability pledges. The release follows Kyocera’s launch of its Carbon-Neutral Printers and MFPs and Carbon-Neutral Managed Print Services in late 2022. Kyocera states it will offset the carbon of every device sold in the PA6000x series plus the consumables used over the printer’s standard-rated lifetime. This goal is achieved via the company’s partnership with carbon offsetting consultancy MyClimate. Customers of Kyocera can also register for a carbon-neutral certificate to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability on top of the low energy use and flexible printing features. Kyocera releases its first carbon-neutral printers By Carys Evans
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ENVIRONMENT / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 18 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 MacroArt Sustainability Strategy pays off Wide-format print, graphics, and branding company, MacroArt, has had its Sustainability Strategy validated with an independent report. The report measures carbon emissions year-on-year and has confirmed significant reductions of these from MacroArt. The key benchmark, the company says, is the measurement of CO2e per m2 of material. This has been steadily decreasing since 2019 and is currently at a 24% reduction. This stands MacroArt in good stead to reach its goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 50% by 2030. Implemented in 2019, MacroArt’s Sustainability Strategy is based on five pillars under the acronym MACRO: Measure, Activate, Change, Recycle, and O which represents its commitment to net zero. Through its own Sustainability Committee, MacroArt has evaluated all operations, from sourcing and production to installation and recycling of materials. The annual report establishes an accurate picture of the company’s overall environmental impact. The report shows a strong programme of sustainability initiatives from MacroArt including more responsible material sourcing, greener production and installation, highly focused waste streams, and fully audited waste management with zero to landfill. A recent example of the company implementing these strategies within its work was its support of the ICE gaming event at Excel London. MacroArt was able to provide graphics with a full turnkey print, install, dismantle, and take back service to ensure all materials used were recovered and recycled correctly. The company has also invested in a number of new software programs in order to minimise waste and maximise efficiency when processing artwork files. MacroArt has also invested in new equipment to reduce waste and maximise efficiencies in material and energy use. David Humphreys, director of Green Circle Solutions which produces the report, says: “It is rare to find a business so open to understanding its true environmental impact and using this insight to establish a basis for continued real change and improvement.” MacroArt, based in St Neots, has had its environmental efforts validated with an annual independent report by Green Circle Solutions HP becomes latest member of Two Sides Print and paper advocacy group Two Sides has announced its latest member, HP, which will help in the promotion of sustainable print and print-managed services. Since 2016 HP brand paper has been sourced from recycled or certified sources, as well as paper-based packaging for home and office printers since 2020. Formed in 1939, the company continues to innovate and develop its products. In joining Two Sides, HP now has access to a large library of co-brandable communication tools, consumer research, industry information, sustainability advice, and events. Josh Birch, campaign manager of Two Sides UK, says: “Our partnership with HP will help us communicate the great sustainable story that print and paper has to tell, reaching brands and consumers through their print and paper products. It’s always a pleasure to welcome new members on board and we look forward to working with HP.” Peter Jolly, UK and Ireland HP Industrial country manager, says: “HP is delighted to become a member of Two Sides. We aim to be the world’s most sustainable and just tech company, taking urgent action to combat climate change, protect human rights, and accelerate digital equity. “As sustainability is an important factor for many of our customers and consumers, the library of facts that we have access to by joining Two Sides, will be of great use in our own customer communications, helping to promote our print and paper products.” In late 2020, HP MPS was certified CarbonNeutral in accordance with the CarbonNeutral Protocol and was the world’s most comprehensive carbon neutral Managed Print Service offering. The company also increased its recycling efforts by reducing single-use plastic packaging by 44% compared to 2018, as well as continuing to recycle ink and toner cartridges which it has done since 1991 as part of its Planet Partners recycling programme. Two Sides has welcomed HP as its newest member to help spread its messages, research and facts about the common myths and misconceptions of print and paper and the sustainability of it By David Osgar By Carys Evans
Issue 342 - May / June 2023 20 email: sales@printmonthly.co.uk
EVENTS / NEWS PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine A FLYING START TO 2023 FOR THE PRINT SHOW Preparations for the 2023 edition of The Print Show are well underway and a very optimistic year ahead has been voiced by Event Director Chris Davies. The number of exhibitors already confirmed and making contact is unlike any previous event says Davies with the floorplan already at around 70% full with less than five months left until the event in September. Sales Manager Luke Stoneham has commented: “The demand for stand space from both existing and new exhibitors is palpable. Building on a record number of rebooks from the 2022 show, my team and I are very excited to see what 2023 brings.” Long-standing exhibitors such as Venture Banners, Vivid Laminating Technologies, and Premier Paper Group are all set to return, alongside Resolute DTG which like a number of exhibitors this year, has opted for an even bigger stand. The show will also welcome new exhibitors for 2023 including Baker Labels and EBB. The event floor will be filled with manufacturers offering solutions from wide-format printing, finishing, laser engraving, and cutting, from names such as Fujifilm, Liyu UK, Epson, Trotec, Renz UK, OPUS UK, Axzyra, Morgana Systems, and more. Manufacturer of digital print and finishing solutions, Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) has announced it will return to The Print Show 2023 with a larger presence. The company’s return to the only UK-based exhibition for the print industry coincides with its 150th anniversary year with the show providing a space for Konica to demonstrate its machines, workflows, and automation all in one place. Visitors will be able to experience live demonstrations of Konica’s flagship AccurioPress C14000 high-volume toner press, AccurioShine 3600 digital embellishment press with iFoilOne (for hot foil stamping), and TU-510 innovative four-edge trimmer and creaser. This will showcase that it is possible to complete entire jobs on a single production line. “The Print Show is an important event for Konica Minolta, attracting existing and future customers and partners, some of which we will be inviting to join us on the stand,” says Jon Hiscock, head of Production and Industrial Print at Konica Minolta. After a successful 2022 presence at The Print Show, manufacturer Epson and Organisers of The Print Show have said the floorplan is around 70% full already with returning and new well-known manufacturers, suppliers, and software providers all signing up to take part in the 2023 event 21 www.printmonthly.co.uk Issue 342 - May / June 2023 ►A gala dinner will be held on Wednesday 20th September in Birmingham’s Town Hall ◄Epson and large-format kit reseller SEDO – Large Format Solutions are partnering to return to the 2023 event
large-format kit reseller SEDO – Large Format Solutions are partnering to return to the 2023 event. Andy McGuinness, managing director of SEDO, says attending shows such as The Print Show enables the company to reach a wider audience and get its name better known within the industry. On what visitors can expect to see at The Print Show this year, SEDO and Epson will be demonstrating the popular Epson S80600, Epson R5000 Resin, Epson’s latest T-Series along with a Summa S2 T160, Onyx RIP, and Kala Arkane Laminator. Leicester-based online trade-only print company Flexpress has also confirmed its space at The Print Show 2023. The company last exhibited for two consecutive years in 2017 and 2018 and has now decided to return to the exhibition in the NEC, Birmingham this September. Other exhibitors include a range of trade printers such as Solopress, Route 1 Print, Very Displays, and Tradeprint as well as a number of software providers such as Zaikio, Wildcard Software, printIQ, XMPIE, Accura MIS, and Flex4. Returning with a slightly larger stand, Very Displays, has described the decision to return this September as a “no brainer” due to its success at the 2022 show. Kirsty Corcoran, marketing manager of Very Displays, says: “Very Displays is excited to be back at The Print Show in 2023! Having had a great success last year at the show it was a no brainer to exhibit again and this time with a slightly larger stand. “You can meet all our friendly account managers, see new products, product demos, and get your hands on our useful selling tools. PLUS watch this space for our show giveaway. We look forward to seeing everyone there,” Corcoran adds. When planning its position at the 2023 event, printIQ says it has decided to position itself more prominently and will be using its space to boost the awareness of automated workflow and business intelligence with its powerful cloud-based MIS solution. As part of its wider marketing campaign, The Print Show has distributed over 5,000 media packs to the industry, demonstrating the impact print can have in a marketing campaign. Show features such as the Education Zone, Networking Café, and Golden Ticket prize draw are highlighted in the pack; as well as information on the gala dinner taking place during the event. For those wanting to find out more about exhibiting, the guide also features a handy breakdown of all you need to know from the costs of stands to the packages available. As momentum builds for September 19th to 21st, a brand new, easy-to-use website has also launched featuring an up-to-date interactive floor plan with plenty of information said to be coming soon regarding show events and features. 22 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 EVENTS / NEWS The Print Show will run from September 19th to 21st in the NEC, Birmingham Factoid Having had great success last year at the show it was a no brainer to exhibit again and this time with a slightly larger stand
27 www.printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 UNDER THE HOOD / VIVID VELOTAPER ▲ The VeloTaper is able to lay doublesided tape in both X and Y direction in one pass There are a number of tasks that can fill post-press operatives with dread, one of these can be the application of double-sided tape or adhesives to the finished product. Hours have been spent in most occasions producing the most elaborate printed, varnished, cut and creased product, only to be scrapped when the tape to hold the product together gets applied 5mm to the wrong side of the crease line. Quite often the phrase “you only had one job” can be heard being shouted across the finishing room when the error is found in the final assembly of the product. Things are likely to get quite tense, the product is not reclaimable, and the client is on the phone. It might seem like a simple enough task, however from experience it is anything but. It can be quite easy to misinterpret the score line on the 50th carton of the day. Don’t realise your mistake and you have the next 20 cartons with the tape in the wrong place. Well, the innovative people at Vivid Laminating Technologies have come to the rescue with an award-winning piece of revolutionary technology called the VeloTaper. It is such an interesting piece of equipment that it recently won the Pinnacle InterTech Award for Best Technology in 2022 which is no mean feat and Vivid is quite understandably very proud of the award. The PRINTING United Alliance set up these awards to cover a number of sectors and the Pinnacle Awards are the industry’s largest, and one of the most respected awards for print-related technology and products. The Pinnacle InterTech Awards acknowledge innovative, industry-changing technology and the Pinnacle Product Awards recognise product excellence and quality. For a smaller piece of equipment, the receipt of this award must mean there is something about it that is drawing industry experts and users to recognise Vivid as a winner in the VeloTaper. Putting the Tape Down So what actually is the VeloTaper? Having discussed trials and tribulations of the application of adhesive tape on a product, clearly the device is designed to do just that, and it does so, both very effectively and efficiently. The design of the VeloTaper is such that is intended to fit directly onto one of the VeloBlade Volta+ models of cutting and creasing machines. The intention is that it automates the application of the required adhesive but it can do it directly from the ZipCore software meaning the likelihood of it being in the wrong place is virtually zero. The second upside of it being integrated Vivid has hit the target with the VeloTaper, an award-winning piece of technology that increases the efficiency of placing adhesive tape on packaging and stationary. Brian Sims finds out more... As the machine moves to the next position, it keeps the tape with the prerequisite tensions meaning the adhesive is laid down as thin as practically possible NO ROOM FOR ERROR Tape width: Up to 22mm Software integration: Zip Core Tape direction: X and Y axis Statistics
28 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 next position and starts again to apply the next line of adhesive. What is not so obvious when you look at the device is its ability to rotate through 90 degrees meaning the VeloTaper can lay double-sided tape in both the X and Y directions in the same pass. Watching the device fly around a blank sheet of board is very impressive. The ZipCore software would have calculated where the tape should be placed and it is not only precisely placed but as the machine moves to the next position it keeps the tape with the prerequisite tension meaning the adhesive is laid down as thin as practicably possible. The VeloTaper will make a significant difference to the production of point of sale, carton, or stationary making the volume of run much more cost effective. Where you would have previously discounted the use of double-sided adhesive due to the labour-intensive nature of the application, by embedding it into the cut and crease process the whole manufacturing of the carton from the flat printed sheet is seamless. As with most automated processes, there is a double upside. Not only is the product produced with greater accuracy, you can free up the manpower needed for this task for other work or production. Less time to do more, that has to be top of anyone’s list. Brian Sims Principal Consultant, Metis Print Consultancy, www.metis-uk.eu into one of the VeloBlade Volta+ models is you can overlay the double-sided tape across the cut line and then cut the board meaning the adhesive line goes right up to the edge. This means the folded finished product is likely to be far more consistent and more reliably rigid. Automation is Key As previously discussed, the application of the tape is quite an art and with each artisan task or process, there are bound to be variations between each product. Again with any type of task, the time taken can be quite consuming. The VeloTaper cuts the time taken to apply tape significantly by the use of the X- and Y-axis drives used for the cutting and creasing operation of the flatbed VeloBlade Volta+ model selected. This means not only are the cut and crease lines in the correct place, the double-sided tape can be applied with the same level of accuracy. Tapes up to 22mm in width can be used on the VeloTaper and any changes to the profile of the laying down of the tape are easily editable. Overall you get almost 100% accuracy for the application of the adhesive tape which saves time and money. Added to the accuracy is the speed in which this process is carried out on the VeloTaper. The device can be driven at virtually the same speed as the other processes, pausing just at the correct place to dab an amount of pressure to break the tape. Once done the device spins off to the UNDER THE HOOD / VIVID VELOTAPER ► Vivid’s VeloTaper is fully compatible with the VeloBlade Volta+ models ► The VeloTaper can be used with tapes up to 22mm in width
UNDER THE HOOD / DUPLO ISADDLE 5.0 31 www.printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2023 - Issue 342 ► Duplo’s iSADDLE 5.0 is an integrated collating, stitching, and trimming system There are a number of ways we can fold and finish sheets for clients wanting stitched booklets. The issue is that run lengths on the majority of work are reducing, but the need for the professionally finished product is actually increasing. Clients see variations of covers and stepped products and think they can be produced for a volume of tens or hundreds. Beforehand this would have been a tall order; folding and then saddle stitching a product would have taken quite a shuffle around the finishing department prior to it being dispatched. Those days are a thing of the past with the release of Duplo’s iSADDLE 5.0, an integrated collating, stitching, and trimming system which has at its core an innovation of converting a flat sheet into a saddle-stitched booklet. A Clever Combination Breaking the system down into its key constituent parts is quite straightforward. Firstly there is the suction tower collator which stands nearly two meters tall and can handle a sheet 356mm x 610mm and from 52gsm up to 300gsm. Next up is the stitching section which has at its heart a pair of Hohner stitching heads which can if required be upgraded to three or four flat/loop heads. Finally, there is the finishing aspect of the system which is Duplo’s DKTS-200 trimming head with head and foot knives which can be combined if needed with the DBMS-T5 trimmer front knives. All in all, this is a very productive combination of equipment, the scope of which can handle a product up to 6mm in thickness made up of 30 sheets of 80gsm stock. Obviously if needed you can also make a combination of sheets, for instance a thicker cover with an accommodating reduction in page or paper weight making up the difference. As for size, the iSADDLE 5.0 can produce a booklet 354mm x 304mm in one-up production and this can be in either portrait or landscape depending on size configuration. Added to this, the iSADDLE 5.0 can scope out products such as stepped booklets and products with pockets and flaps. Overall the system can produce a wide variation of stitched products that normally would require complex subcontracting. Taking Care of the Job Having described the iSADDLE 5.0’s wide scope of product capability, this may incite an immediate concern over how each of these devices set themselves to cope with the next job. Well that is all taken care of by Duplo and the automation the manufacturer has built into the machine. A size or format change can be accomplished by scanning the bar code which you can append to the job pack, route FLAT SHEET TO BOOKLET The folding rollers within the machine are all automatically operated and there are double-scoring rollers with manual adjustment if needed Duplo has added to its range of binding choices the iSADDLE 5.0, a combination of collator and 3/5 knife trimmer taking flat sheets and turning them into a saddle stitched booklet. Brian Sims finds out more...
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