There is no doubt that print’s place in the modern marketing mix has been improving in recent years. Marketers are capitalising on the many special effects that are only possible with print as a way of connecting with the consumers and ensuring their products stand out on packed shelves. Foiling and embossing are among the most common special effects used in this market, with these methods applicable on everything from packaging and posters to leaflets and discount vouchers. With these potential opportunities in mind, Print Monthly explores some of the latest kit in this market and how this can help print service providers (PSPs) add a whole new layer of effects to a range of printed work. New Levels of Quality First up, Martyn Train, managing director of Duplo UK, says one of the major advantages for companies that offer foiling and other embellishment services is the increase in the scope of products they can offer their customers. He says the added value of a little bit of foil or UV foil to the print complements the artwork and takes the quality to a whole new level. “We’ve found that consumers of print have been amazed by the effect of not only foil but the Duplo 3D foil technique as well,” Train says, adding: “By bringing this service in-house, not only does a company have complete control over their costs, but they are a lot more flexible and therefore can offer way more value to their customers. “The results are luxurious and premium, which means the brands and products that have these effects are in turn premium and luxurious. The embellished products become more valuable than the cost of producing them. “The speed of which a company can produce these high-quality embellished products, against one that does not have the capabilities is huge. From the moment of ordering these digitally foiled and embellished products to delivery is incredibly fast especially when Duplo automation is involved.” What about the importance of upgrading this sort of kit and ensuring you are running the latest solutions available on the market? Train explains that it is not easy to differentiate a print business unless through customer services or a unique print service offering. So, the addition of these extra elements to a printer’s services will widen the gap between the competition. “It helps make them stand out from a crowd of printers who simply think in terms of four colours and standard-sized prints. Having these extra elements in the finishing department is a major differentiator that will keep buyers coming back for more,” Train says. MAKING AN IMPACT Adding value to printed work is a surefire way of capturing the attention of both consumers and your own customers. So, what impact can foiling and embossing have on applications and how can you implement these methods? MARKET TRENDS / FOILING & EMBOSSING 67 Issue 342 - May / June 2023 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk ▲ Duplo’s new DuSense DDC-8000 B2 sensory coater includes in-line foiling to the spot UV
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