INDUSTRY / NEWS 6 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk November / December 2024 - Issue 351 PrintMonthly printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine The IPIA launches Narrative for Print project The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) held another successful day of education and networking at its Annual Conference titled ‘Ahead of the Curve’ where it launched ‘A New Narrative for Print’ project. Brendan Perring, general manager of the IPIA, introduced the initiative which is meant to raise the profile of print to the public. Perring then introduced Carey Trevill, co-founder and director of Mission Element, who presented the initial research and findings of the project. Trevill said: “We want to show how we are better than digital advertising”. The initiative which has been made possible by IPIA members: Imprint MIS, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Epson, The Printing Charity, and Citipost, has conducted a study into the perceptions of the UK print industry. Working with communications agency Madano, research was carried out over a number of key metrics using specialist data science technology and analysis tools. In her presentation, Trevill said the industry often speaks in defence of print, drives innovations but without credit outside the industry, and struggles in challenging the sustainable credentials of the medium. Trevill concluded by stressing that the industry must leverage its current position but must do so in a balanced and ‘harmonious’ way. Speaking about the project, the IPIA says: “By obtaining an accurate picture of how the print industry and its products are perceived — and by identifying the individuals and organisations driving these perceptions — the IPIA and its partners can develop a long long-term strategy to strengthen the print market in the UK.” Following on from this presentation were a number of speakers who all underpinned the importance of using new work models, navigating challenging circumstances, and adopting new practices. Rounding off the day, Charles Rogers, chair of the IPIA, said that the key takeaways for him were the importance of diversification and that businesses and suppliers need to ensure they keep working together in order to make the industry as strong as it can possibly be. Nigel Clarke at the annual conference, showing the audience a quote from his grandfather about working in print By David Osgar UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has announced the introduction of a new case erector machine as part of its lineup of products. Case erectors are packaging machines designed to automate the process of forming and assembling corrugated cardboard boxes or cases from flat, unassembled sheets. The supplier’s new machine erects up to 12 cartons per minute and 720 per hour and is compatible with 2-inch and 3-inch tape. The erector can handle carton sizes ranging from a minimum of 250mm x 150mm x 100mm to a maximum of 450mm x 400mm x 400mm. Kite Packaging launches new case erector Konica Minolta UK has welcomed a group of Year 8 students from local schools to its ‘Girls in Tech’ event, hosted at its Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire. The event, held in partnership with educational initiative TechGirls, was held on Ada Lovelace Day, an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). The event aimed to support students deciding on their GCSE options and encourage them to think about career paths in STEM sectors. Utilising Konica Minolta’s printing technology, students were tasked with creating a poster that promotes women to pursue careers in STEM. Once designed, the posters were printed using Konica Minolta’s range of print devices. Gillian Nuttall, people and culture ESG partner at Konica Minolta, comments: “The tech industry continues to face challenges with female representation, and this event is one way we can address this by showcasing the vibrant and dynamic opportunities within the sector.” Customers purchasing a case erector will also receive five free pallets of Kite’s enviro boxes Konica Minolta host ‘Girls in Tech’ event Industrial printing company Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has announced a new 1200dpi digital print engine for integration into flexographic lines. The N730i Integration module was announced by Domino at this year’s Labelexpo Americas. The new digital hybrid printing and finishing machine allows converters to work with their preferred original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, creating a customised solution to their choice of configuration. According to the company, the technology stack delivers “high resolution print at up to 70m per minute across all colours, including printing of high-opacity white at top speed.” Domino launch 1200dpi hybrid printing module The solution was announced at this year's Labelexpo Americas HP has collaborated with print advertising agency Precision Proco to produce and supply books to children whose lives have been disrupted by the war in Ukraine. The initiative aims to provide comfort to young people affected by the conflict and who have been relocated to new homes. As part of the ongoing collaboration, books have been printed in both English and Ukrainian. Most recently a shipment of books was delivered to Ukrainian libraries to support children living in the midst of conflict. Previous shipments have also been delivered to Ukrainian children who have been relocated to the UK. The initiative was made in collaboration with publisher Pineapple Lane Books, charity Book Aid International, and human rights organisation PEN Ukraine, as part of the Unbreakable Libraries project. Printed reading material supplied to children from Ukraine The books were printed using the HP PageWide Web Press T240 and HP Indigo 12000 Digital Press Students with printed products they made with Konica Minolta
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