application waste, and also plan to recycle the end-of-life waste. We wanted to do it all ourselves to show customers what we can offer in addition to our print side. Any job we take on is printed on a material that can be recycled. Around 90% of what we do can be recovered and recycled.” The latest addition to the OPG family is the HP Latex 800W printer. Harrold explains that OPG selected the device primarily as it was new to the market and was seen as a good fit, but since taking on the printer and exploring its capabilities OPG has discovered a host of benefits, many of which are linked to its white ink capabilities. “The addition of white print capability is something we use a lot in workplace branding projects,” he says, continuing: “We had been using workarounds to create what the HP Latex 800W printer can deliver as a normal feature. For example, previously we had to produce white text separately; now we can do it at the same time. “It has also opened up new markets for us. Prior to installing the HP Latex 800W we weren’t capable of work such as a blockout, double-sided print – but this is something we can now deliver with the new machine. “We approached one customer to say we can offer this type of application, and they loved it, and it has led to us securing thousands of pounds worth of new work. We are now providing this service to other print companies, opening up another new business angle in terms of trade print.” Food for Thought From squeegees to heat guns, a whole host of tools are required to apply wraps and graphics to vehicles and other surfaces. Great attention to detail is of paramount importance when it comes to applying films and vinyls to tricky sections of the bodywork, such as around wing mirrors and door handles. For further guidance on such tools and methods, readers would be well advised to drop in on FESPA’s WrapFest event at Silverstone from October 3rd to 4th. Taking place for the second time, WrapFest will once again throw open its doors to the wrapping community, playing host to a wider range of suppliers in the market and staging a series of live demonstrations, workshops and insightful sessions, all designed to offer valuable advice and guidance to those in attendance. In response to growing industry demand, WrapFest will unveil a brandnew zone dedicated to surface decoration. Organisers say: “The Surface Decoration Showcase will display a vast array of products for interior spaces, including furniture wraps, window films, wall coverings, and window tinting solutions. Independent trainers will be on hand to 53 Issue 255 - October / November 2024 email: news@signlink.co.uk demonstrate these solutions, allowing attendees to get hands-on experience with the latest materials.” Returning this year will be the WrapTalks programme, featuring a host of sessions, including a panel discussion with Paige Walton, chief executive officer and founder of The Vehicle Wrapping Academy. This will explore the unique experiences of women in the sector, with Walton to moderate the ‘Women in Wrap’ discussion. Other highlights include Sean Bull, F1 graphic designer at Alpine, who will share his expertise on the interplay of design, technology, and aesthetics in Formula 1. Other speakers include Keiran McCabe, owner of RGVA Vehicle Graphics, who will be hosting the ‘Designing Effective Fleet Liveries’ session, teaching attendees how to both design and implement eye-catching fleet liveries to promote their brand. In addition, celebrity car wrapper Yiannimize will take part in a bookable ‘business surgery’ for those looking to take their services to the next level. Visitors without a pre-booked slot can also drop in and listen to sessions. Aside from these talks, live demonstrations will take place in the worldfamous pit garages at Silverstone, with dedicated areas for event sponsors to offer learning opportunities and installations from expert technicians. In addition, WrapFest will also play host to the UK leg of the World Wrap Masters competition where as many as 20 wrappers will battle it out under pressure in a series of skill testing and creative rounds with the winner going on to compete at the World Wrap Masters Final in May next year at FESPA Global Print Expo. While wrappers are highly skilled in what they do and very talented with the work that they produce, there is certainly no harm in exploring some of the new solutions on offer and gaining further insight into what is a vibrant and exciting market. Speaking with suppliers, such as those mentioned here, and dropping in on WrapFest will help open your eyes to even more opportunities and techniques in wrapping. ▲OPG has been working with HP Latex printers for a number of years The HP Latex 800W has a top speed of 36sq m/hr in outdoor mode and can print on media up to 64” wide Factoid ▼WrapFest will feature a series of live demos and sessions WRAPPING MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES
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