Irish Printer - Issue 5 2023

I S S U E 5 2 0 2 3 | | T H E V O I C E O F T H E I N D U S T R Y | | W W W. I R I S H P R I N T E R . I E

LONG TIME

COMING NEW TRAINING PATHWAY LAUNCHES

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Biopax invests in HEIDELBERG presses

Best in

CLASS Awards glory for

P+D

Do the

RIGHT THING

Making sustainability work at The FACTORY OFC_IP_2023_Issue 5_Cover_FINAL.indd 1

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1 ISSUE 5 2023 04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

09 Awards Triple win for P+D at this year’s POPAI UK & Ireland Awards

09 11

Events Messe Frankfurt expands portfolio to include cybersecurity fair in Abu Dhabi

13 Research FESPA’s latest Print Census highlights the impact of rising sustainability demands

14 Education The Print Media Technician Programme has been launched by the IPF and Design Print & Packaging Skillnet

16 Cover Story Brendan Dooley talks to Irish Printer about his sustainability-led business approach at The FACTORY

21 Technology Biopax has made a strategic investment in HEIDELBERG equipment

24 Talking to…

Glenn Nelson, the 2022 ‘Rising Star’, on life at Northside Graphics

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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Nicole Ennis Contact:

Welcome to issue 5 of Irish Printer for 2023.

Irish Printer,

For over 20 years, Brendan Dooley has demonstrated that it’s possible to run a sustainable and successful print firm. As owner of The FACTORY, Brendan and his 10-strong team believe the traditional business model of operating just to make a profit is obsolete. Sustainability should be the foremost objective for all business owners who will, says Brendan, reap the financial benefits that come with being more sustainable. Investment in green energy has seen a significant dip in energy costs for the company while last year, the business generated about 65% of its own electricity on site. By the start of 2024, Brendan expects to be 100% self-sufficient. Earlier this year, the company won the Sustainability award at the 2023 National Small Business Awards; not bad going for a small enterprise down a side road in Co Offaly. For more on Brendan’s sustainable initiatives at The FACTORY, turn to page 16.

Also in this issue, we take a look at an investment made by Belfast sustainable carton packaging firm Biopax. To boost growth and expand its capabilities, the firm has invested in HEIDELBERG’S XL106 models and is currently awaiting delivery of a second XL106 press with the same specifications. Biopax opted for the HEIDELBERG press due to its carbon-neutral certification and its ability to deliver fast, colour-accurate makereadies. For more on the print firm’s investment, turn to page 21.

In partnership with Design Print and Packaging Skillnet, the Irish Printing Federation recently launched the Print Media Technician Programme, an initiative that will equip participants with the foundational knowledge necessary for a career as a Print Media Technician. With the demise of the print apprenticeship programme, the development of a new functional training pathway has been a long time coming. Congratulations to the IPF and to Design Print and Packaging Skillnet for their commitment and dedication to making this new programme a reality.

Unit 55, Park West Road,

Ashville Media Group, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie Printed by:

McGowans Print

Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied

by Antalis.

All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2023. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2023

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CALL FOR

ENTRIES

The Irish Print Awards aim to recognise the country’s best companies in the print and press sector, with over 400 professionals from across the print industry celebrating the best in their industry.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS THE 16TH OF FEBRUARY 2024

www.irishprinter.ie/ awards for more information

VISIT

DATE

26TH APRIL 2024 Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf Dublin 3

#PRINTAWARDS23

@PrintAwards

@IrishPrinterMagazine

For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 8379246

Irish Printing Federation

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NEWS

MIMAKI

U P D A T E S

New UV printers from Mimaki

Premier showcases Drytac at The Print Show

UK and Ireland Mimaki distributor, Hybrid

At this year’s Print Show,

Services, has announced the launch of two new

Premier provided visitors

UV printers that extend Mimaki’s 100 and 330

with a first-hand look at the

series product ranges – the UJV100-160Plus and

wide range of products it

UCJV330-160. Hybrid Services says the new

supplies from Drytac.

models deliver enhanced production benefits,

Drytac’s collection of

whilst also utilising Mimaki’s UV technology to

materials covers all manner

support a more sustainable future for the industry.

of applications and markets

Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales, Mimaki

and will, says Premier, appeal to new and existing customers

Europe, said: “The pressing need to be more

active across a host of industries. John Vic, Director of Digital

sustainable, as well as recent pressures associated

and Synthetics, said: “Our presence at the show was amplified

with rising energy prices, has accelerated the

with the support of Drytac helping us collectively secure many

industry-wide need to adopt UV technology. UV

exciting leads as well as Premier having featured around the

printing requires considerably less energy

hall at Aurora, Fuijifilm UK, Kyocera and Konica Minolta

throughout the printing process than other

Business Solutions (UK) Ltd.”

technologies, not least due to the fact that LED UV inks cure instantly.”

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XEIKON

The Xeikon LX3000 model, known as The LION, is a five-colour dry toner press that runs at 42 m/min operation

LION’s roar from Xeikon Xeikon has launched a new high-productivity and highly automated dry toner press aimed at

Acuity Prime Hybrid available in Europe

volume label printing. The Xeikon

Fujifilm has announced commercial availability of the Acuity Prime

LX3000 model, known as The LION,

Hybrid in Europe. The press has been designed to achieve an optimal

is a five-colour dry toner press that

balance between output speed, print quality and cost-effectiveness,

runs at 42 m/min operation. It also

while also incorporating multiple intuitive design features. Fujifilm says it

features Xeikon’s Cruise Control

meets the needs of print service providers who use a wide range of

System which checks, adjusts and

media such as Dibond, foamboard, acrylic, polyester and more, across a

reports on five key settings to

variety of applications.

ensure precise colour registration,

When set up as a flatbed, the Acuity Prime Hybrid handles substrates up

print station densities and

to 2050mm in width and can print on up to four pieces of rigid media

consistency with the set colour

simultaneously.

reference. If the quality doesn’t meet customer expectations, an automatic notification is generated and printed alongside the print.

SAPPI New green paper range from Sappi Sappi’s Galerie paper is now produced

storage and handling of biofuels, the

using renewable bioenergy at the

carbon footprint of the Galerie paper

Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland. Kirkniemi

range itself is being reduced by 40%.

is the largest coated publication paper

Biomass residues such as bark, sawdust

mill in the world, supplying nearly five

and wood chips, largely locally sourced,

billion magazines and catalogues with

now fuel the Kirkniemi Mill Galerie paper

its Galerie paper each year. With a €16.5

operations, allowing for a 90% reduction

million investment into state-of-the-art

in direct fossil greenhouse gas

facilities and machinery for the reception,

emissions.

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ANTALIS

CANON

Canon launches LabelStream LS2000 Available in Europe in early 2025, Canon previewed its new LabelStream LS2000 at an expo in Japan recently. This is Canon’s first water-based 40m/ min inkjet label press and has been designed for industrial-scale label printing. The LS2000 prints CMYK plus white on self-adhesive substrates including paper and film, with a new ink set designed to comply with food safety standards. It

A must-read for printers A collaboration between the National Print Museum and creative writing organisation Fighting Words, ‘Strange Types & Odd

also features a new 2400 x 1200 dpi printhead with an ink circulation mechanism that keeps the ink moving along a precise flow path to the tips of all the nozzles, minimising nozzle failure due to

Sorts: A Peek into the World of Print in Ireland’ was printed on

clogging and helping to extend the life of the

Novatech Matt from Antalis. Choosing the right paper for a

printhead. The new inks in the LabelStream

book about print was important; the National Print Museum

LS2000 form a very thin layer on the substrate

opted for Novatech Matt due to its bulk and feel. Antalis says

that reduces the scattering of light, resulting in

the coating of this two-side coated, wood-free paper results in

superb colour reproduction. Canon says the

dot excellence and a flawless performance on the press. Novatech

LS2000 makes Canon’s LabelStream digital label

Matt also offers high opacity and is archival guaranteed for

press series accessible to a broader range of label

200+ years. Five hundred copies of the book have been produced

converters serving industries such as food and

by Westside Press, printed on their Kimori Lithrone G4OP.

beverages, personal care, household goods and

Antalis also donated B1 sheets of Olin Colours Baby Blue to

electronics and the manufacturing of bespoke or

produce a limited-edition dust jacket. The sheets were printed

customised products.

by Mary Plunket, the Museum’s Education Officer, who is also a letterpress printer.

IKEA embraces innovation with help from Kavalan The iconic blue IKEA FRAKTA bag is a familiar sight, but how often do you see one that’s 62 feet tall? With some help from Kavalan, UK firm Embrace Building Wraps recently brought that concept to life in London’s Oxford Circus. The project, which was seven months in planning from conception to delivery, consists of 2878 square metres of printed scaffold wraps on Kavalan Sunlight Weldable, the equivalent of 44 double-decker buses across three elevations. In total, the six wraps are 400 square metres in size, while the handles are 32 metres long and 15 metres long.

The project consists of 2878 square metres of printed scaffold wraps on Kavalan Sunlight Weldable

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2023

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The P+D team at the POPAI UK & Ireland Awards

Triple win for P+D at this year’s POPAI UK & Ireland Awards

W

Announced in London at the beginning of

brand. “This is a display that creates a wow

October, P+D won three awards at this year’s

factor in store. Disruptive and iconic with

POPAI UK & Ireland Awards. In the Pharmacy

impressive sales uplift,” said judges.

& Wellbeing category, P+D was awarded the

“Following on from our success at the Irish

Silver award for its ‘Nurofen 12 Hour’ display.

Print Awards, we were delighted to again be

Judges remarked that this was a complex

recognised in the POPAI UK & Ireland

campaign that delivered exceptional results

Awards. The standard is extremely high as

for the brand, adding “very clear comms

we are competing against UK competitors

communicating the NPD’s USP across many

whose brands have marketing budgets which

P-O-P elements, with strong attention to

are multiple times any Irish budget, due to

brand and creative consistency.” In the same

the scale of the UK market. It’s testament

category, the print firm also scored a Bronze

to our teams’ innovative thinking and

award for its ‘Nurofen Masterbrand Smart

commitment to delivering cutting edge

Gondola End’ display. This unit definitely

solutions that allow an Irish company

offered a point of difference from a standard

compete on this stage,” says Ciaran Bowe,

piece of P-O-P and the interactive elements

Sales Director at P+D.

P+DCLASS IS BEST IN

E

were easy to use. “Simple yet brilliant due to

P+D’s three awards in 2023 make the firm

its clear messaging,” commented judges.

the recipient of a combined 17 different

In the Short Run Temporary Display

POPAI awards since the inaugural ceremony

category, P+D picked up the Bronze award

in 2007. “This makes us by far the most

for its ‘Four Loko Pickup Truck’ display.

successful Irish company entering the POPAI

Judges commented on the entry’s impressive

awards. We’re very proud of our team’s

delivery, which was tied into the roots of the

commitment to consistently producing best

S

in class solutions for our clients. It’s this consistency that delivers ongoing recognition of our work year on year. We’re now looking forward to the 2024 awards and entering some of the very exciting projects we have delivered this year.”

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Messe Frankfurt expands its portfolio to include cybersecurity fair in Abu Dhabi

GROWTH

Between 15 and 17 May 2024, Messe Frankfurt Middle East will be

celebrating the premiere of HITB+in{:cyber} in the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. The event is a joint venture between HITB Ltd and Messe Frankfurt Middle East. “At more than 50 locations around the world, the Group’s global portfolio has played an important role in its strategic company orientation for more than three decades, together with a global sales network consisting of 28 subsidiaries and over 50 sales partners. Along with Intersec in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, HITB+in{:cyber} will help to strengthen Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s positioning in the market for safety, security and firefighting,” said Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer at Messe Frankfurt.

only announced recently. Messe Frankfurt’s new role as partner to the

In this way, Messe Frankfurt is solidifying its market position as one

Kingpins Show reinforces the presence of the textile portfolio in the

of the world’s leading trade fair companies. The most recent partnership

denim sector and underscores the company’s efforts in further

with HITB Ltd is part of a series of strategic activities outside Germany

developing it. Messe Frankfurt also announced that Light + Intelligent

designed to strengthen its international position in various sectors.

Building Istanbul was to be held for the first time in November 2024.

Another 20 or so events are scheduled to make their debut between

This is part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building technology segment,

now and 2025. The strategic partnership between Messe Frankfurt

centred around the flagship fair that takes place every two years. The

and the Kingpins Show, a leading trade fair in the denim sector, was

next event will be held in Frankfurt between 3 and 8 March 2024.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR FOR IT SECURITY HITB+in{:cyber} will offer extensive insight into the cybersecurity and IT security product groups. It’s geared towards local and international IT security managers, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), Chief Technology Officers (CTOs), penetration testers, security heads, IT directors, IT students and government representatives. In addition to an exhibition focusing on solutions providers, there will be extensive training courses and workshops, several hackathon programmes for different target groups, competitions and a conference that deals with issues relating to government, finance and telecommunications. www.messefrankfurt.com

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SAVE THE VISIT

DATE 26TH APRIL 2024

@PrintAwards

DATE

www.irishprinter.ie/ awards for more information #PRINTAWARDS23

Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf Dublin 3

@IrishPrinterMagazine

For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 8379246

Irish Printing Federation

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FESPA’s latest Print Census highlights the impact of rising sustainability demands and evolving customer requirements

R E S E A R C H

POSITIVITYUP Over 1,778 printers and signmakers from more than 120 countries

participated in this year’s Print Census, which explores the impact

of environmental pressures, changing customer demands, future investment plans and business models and strategies. Respondents defined their business focus as graphics (61%), signage (26%), textile (24%) and industrial (14%).

Customer demand continues to change the market

The industry is being shaped by changing customer requirements including quicker turnaround times, more personalisation and versioning options and shorter print runs. 67% of responses showed an increase in the demand for faster turnaround, 58% noted a rise in requests for shorter runs and 56% highlighted the upsurge in interest

Key Findings

for more versioning and personalisation. Only 38% noted an increase in the demand for more complex logistic requirements.

» Market outlook remains positive in line with the results from 2018, with 71% of respondents stating they are optimistic about the future of their business, despite the considerable economic challenges of the past five years » The industry is adapting to a changing landscape and finding new opportunities for growth. In accordance with this, respondents reported a 7% average revenue increase since the 2018 Census. In 2018, the mean annual revenue was reported as €4.4 million, compared with a mean annual revenue of €4.7 million in 2023, showing a €330k increase » Pressure on printers and signmakers to be more sustainable

Wide format purchasing plans The survey highlighted that print service providers are interested in investing in technology that can streamline production and provide greater application flexibility. For the 201 respondents who own screen printing and wide format equipment, UV-curable inkjet (27%), ecosolvent inkjet (18%) and CNC finishing (17%) are the highest priorities for their purchasing plans.

Business expansion drives technology investment When asked about the rationale behind planned technological investments, 55% of respondents want to enter new markets and

continues to rise, with 72% of print buyers requesting

expand their service and application offerings, 53% are focused on

environmentally friendly products and practices. 25% of

enhancing print quality and 52% are looking to reduce the unit cost.

respondents said their customers cared most about

FESPA Head Of Associations & Technical Lead, Graeme Richardson-

sustainable products and 12% identified a focus on

Locke, said: “It’s a really positive result to see our community so

sustainable manufacturing, however the majority of printers

optimistic, not only about the future of our industry, but also about

(36%) disclosed that their customers cared about both

the growth potential of their businesses. The survey once again

» Perceived cost increases are often a barrier to sustainable production, but 70% of the respondents said they can address sustainability demands without raising their prices.

A further 22% advised that they already raised pricing without impact on sales.

cemented that some of the key challenges printers and signmakers are currently facing are ever-changing customer demands and a growing need for sustainable solutions. Thanks to the responses from our community, we can now develop and evolve our offering to tailor it, but above all, we hope that the Census findings will help our community to benchmark themselves against similar businesses globally and to make informed choices for their future.”

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EDUCATION

The Print Media Technician Programme has been launched by the Irish Printing Federation and Design Print & Packaging Skillnet In partnership with Design Print and Packaging Skillnet, the Irish Printing Federation recently launched the Print Media Technician

JOURNEY

Programme, an initiative that aims to provide the industry with a

will provide the context, understanding and skills

comprehensive training pathway designed to nurture the essential

needed for trainees to make meaningful

human talent required to propel our sector into the future.

contributions within their respective production

In recent years, the loss of the print apprenticeship programme

environments. The ultimate ambition is that it will

and the infrastructure supporting apprenticeships left the industry

serve as the cornerstone for future training

with no choice but to create a new training regime. After much

initiatives, allowing the industry to cultivate the

research, the IPF has partnered with BPIF Training which will

skilled talent essential for continued success.

provide the expertise and Design Print & Packaging Skillnet, which will provide the financial support.

of

The programme was meticulously designed to address the evolving demand for adaptable and

The Print Media Technician Programme’s primary goal is to

forward-thinking education. In an era characterised

equip participants with the foundational knowledge necessary for

by rapid technological advancements, economic

a career as a Print Media Technician. This foundational training

shifts and global challenges, the programme empowers learners with the tools required to thrive in the 21st century. Diarmuid Dawson, Chairperson of The IPF, said: “I am absolutely thrilled about the

The ultimate ambition is that it will serve as the cornerstone for future training initiatives, allowing the industry to cultivate the skilled talent essential for continued success

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TRANSFORMATION launch of our new education program in the print industry. This innovative initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering creativity and driving excellence within the print industry. Our passion for education is matched only by our excitement to see the impact this programme will have on aspiring professionals and the broader print community. Together, we embark on a journey of discovery, growth and transformation and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it.”

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COVER STORY

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2023

Do the

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RIGHT THING BRENDAN DOOLEY talks to Irish Printer about his sustainability-led approach at The FACTORY

Brendan Dooley’s aim is to prove it doesn’t cost more to run a sustainable print business. The owner of The FACTORY – a print, branding and signmaking company outside Birr in Co Offaly – believes the traditional business model of existing only to make a profit is obsolete. “For an enterprise to be sustainable long term, it must focus on environmental, social and profit equally and that’s what we have done for the past 23 years. We set out to show that a sustainability-focused print firm can excel in every way and I think we’ve been successful in doing that,” says Brendan.

The FACTORY is a second-generation family run business, located down a side road outside Birr. It’s quite a rural location; a few years back, a survey carried out by the company found the only complaints customers had were about the potholes on the road. The FACTORY doesn’t just pay lip service to the idea of being green; it has implemented sustainable technologies, invested in machinery and also runs practical sustainability courses for

We set out to show that a sustainability-focused print firm can excel in every way and I think we’ve been successful in doing that

ISSUE 5 2023 IRISH PRINTER

18 people interested in becoming more self-sufficient.

unknown back when we began experimenting with

Earlier this year, the company walked away with the

them. In some cases, a person would receive their

Sustainability award at the 2023 National Small Business

printed item and their fingers might pick up some of

Awards. “We’re a tiny enterprise, so to win such a

the colour! We’ve moved on quite a lot since then.” The

prestigious award was gratifying. When we started out,

five acres surrounding the business are devoted to

people would ask why we were trying to be different,

biodiversity and feature beehives, a barn owl nesting

why can’t we just do what everyone else is doing.

box and two pigs called Elvis and Boris. Inside The

Someone once referred to us as hippies! We’ve been on

FACTORY, visitors will also find a ‘Mini Print Museum’

this path for quite a while but I think inevitably, everyone

with an original Heidelberg that’s used for perforating

will come round to the same conclusion, which is that

and die cutting. “On the social side, we offer our 10

we need to act urgently.”

The team at The FACTORY see sustainability as a significant human rights issue and the consumption of fossil fuels particularly so. Before setting up the company, Brendan’s family were involved in forestry.

A few trips to Scandinavia showed him just how far behind Ireland was when it came to sustainability.

“From that moment, I felt it was important to highlight to others that sustainability is a path every person and enterprise should be going down. If you look at any IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report, you’ll see how communities in parts of the world

We’ve been on this path for quite a while but I think inevitably, everyone will come round to the same conclusion, which is that we need to act urgently

members of staff free weekly yoga classes. During Covid we also switched to a four-day work week, which we’ve stuck with since. Last year was our first full 12 months on a four-day week and when we compared that turnover to a pre-Covid year on a five day week, we found it was up. We have a great team here who really understand the mission. For them, it’s about more than just getting a paycheck and for me, it’s more than just the business generating a profit. The idea of a triple bottom line where people, planet and profit stand for something other than just making money is what we’re about.”

Business is good, says Brendan. “We’re known for

already struggling with floods, fires and storms are

being a sustainably focused printer. Thankfully, that

being impacted by the emissions that we’re producing.

market is increasing all the time.” The FACTORY has

We probably don’t like to think about it, but we all need

been in the signmaking business for over a decade. With

to act now.”

so many different plastics used in the process, making

An enterprise that pursues sustainability will be a

it green has been a challenge. Wooden signs are slowly

better business in the long-term, says Brendan. The

being phased in and the hope is that by next year, The

FACTORY’s interest in green energy represents a solid

FACTORY will be a fully plastic-free signmaker.

financial investment; initial repayment forecasts have dropped from 10 years to seven years. “We now have very low energy costs – last year we generated about 65% of our own electricity on site – so it’s benefitting us in every way. We’re doing the right thing, but it’s also working out for us financially.” Over the years, the business has installed a 22.5 kW solar panel array, erected a 2.6 kW wind turbine, fitted an air-to-water heating system, installed a rainwater harvesting system and implemented carbon-balancing of all supply-chain paper and card stock. Brendan and the team have created an eco-design brief for students at TUS, Athlone and only plastic-free packaging is used across the board.

As Ireland’s first commercial printer to use rainwater and vegetable-based inks, sustainability has been a priority from day one. “Plant-based inks were a complete

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2023

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Sharing information in a really practical way, whether it’s how to generate electricity or invest in solar panels, will be beneficial to other small businesses

Sharing information in a really practical way, whether it’s how to generate electricity or invest in solar panels,

“It requires considerable investment; we’ll be replacing

will be beneficial to other small businesses.” An ongoing

machines that print onto plastic with woodworking

project, which is being recorded for use as an educational

machines. Wooden signs need more care and attention

tool, is the conversion of a tractor to electric power.

but from an environmental perspective, it’s the only

“For farmers, having the option of an emissions free

choice. We need to stop using plastics asap and the only

tractor that’s inexpensive to run, could be a really

realistic path is to move to other substrates.”

practical way for them to cut their carbon.”

Brendan’s eldest daughter Lisa joined the enterprise

By the end of this year or early 2024, Brendan’s aim

in 2018. To communicate The FACTORY’s mission, she

is to be 100% self-sufficient. For a small rural enterprise

developed a booklet which has also helped secure

down a side road in Co Offaly, that’s good going. “For

supports from the Local Enterprise Office and the

us, it’s important to get across to other businesses that

Leader programme. The Eco School, the educational

being a sustainable printer is not a costly process. There

aspect to the business, provides practical sustainability

are so many grants and supports available to companies

courses to people interested in becoming more self-

that want to do the right thing and time is running out

sufficient. “We want it to be the most sustainable

– we need to make our businesses as sustainable as

example business in the whole world, not just in Ireland.

possible today, not tomorrow.”

ISSUE 5 2023 IRISH PRINTER

My name is Luba Healy, I am originally from Ukraine, from a town called Gaivoron (Haivoron), at 17 years old I left to study in Belay Tserkov, where I got my degree as a Veterinarian Doctor, after working as a vet in Ukraine, I decided to come to Ireland to improve my English, I have lived in Ireland now for the past 22 years, I have met my husband here, we now have a beautiful family of 5 children, and the rest is history as they say. I have made two humanitarian trips to Ukraine since war started, one to rescue my mother and grandmother and others and a second trip bringing vehicles packed with humanitarian aid to donate to those desperate for our help. The people who can’t leave for various reasons are now mainly the women, children, old people and people unable or unfit for military duty, these are the silent suffering majority that really need our help. I have set up this iDonate page and have called it “Love Ukraine Benefit Alliance”. My name translated means love, and really that is all we can do for the people of Ukraine, given the devastating and heart-breaking situation that my country of birth finds itself in.

If you would like to donate something everything helps, to Revolute @luba1976 , with IBAN LT21 3250 0744 96084372 and BIC REVOLT21.

Contact me, Luba Healy, on 087 9732198 or 046 9431584

Thank You for donations at the IPA and for anything you can give!

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21

Biopax makes strategic investment in HEIDELBERG equipment

TECHNOLOGY

We are delighted with the results and are awaiting delivery of a second XL106 press with the same specifications

Customer SATISFACTION

GUARANTEED Belfast sustainable carton packaging firm Biopax has made a

“In addition to the green benefits, we also realised that the

new strategic investment with HEIDELBERG to support its

HEIDELBERG XL106 with Inpress Control would deliver and

ongoing efforts to optimise its sustainable options for clients.

exceed our customers’ expectations in regards to their company

The company also has plans to add plastic-free paper cups,

branding and colour management strategies,” says Dr Terry

tubs and salad bowls to its product portfolio across 2023/24.

Cross OBE, Chairman, Biopax Ltd. “We consulted with several

Biopax currently provides ‘green’ packaging solutions to the

expert printers before we chose HEIDELBERG as our printing

food, beverage and non-food sector in the UK and Ireland and

press supplier. These experts have spent many years working

has started to export into European markets. Its strategic

with various large-format HEIDELBERG presses in the folded

growth plans include setting up production capabilities for

carton industry. We leaned on their experience and expertise

sustainable packaging in Europe, India and China. After detailed

when making our investment decision. To date, we have invested

research, the print firm opted for the HEIDELBERG’S XL106

£20 million in the latest HEIDELBERG technology within our

models due to its wide-ranging operational capabilities.

70,000 sq ft factory.

Alongside the performance and overall productivity of the

“We are committed to creating over 170 jobs at our Belfast

XL106, another consideration for Biopax was its carbon-neutral

facility and have commenced initial groundwork on a site

certification which aligns its company ethos to deliver high-

expansion plan, which will see us almost double the size of our

quality packaging produced with the environment in mind.

production and storage facility. This expansion will allow us

ISSUE 5 2023 IRISH PRINTER

Lowest total cost of igniting growth.

How can inkjet drive growth for your business? The Xerox® Baltoro® inkjet platform can streamline, automate and accelerate work. Our platform’s seamless expandability, green-button simplicity and lowest total cost of ownership create more opportunity for you: We call that inkonomics.

Learn what inkonomics can do for your business at www.Xerox.ie/BaltoroTCO ©2021 Xerox Corporation. All rights reserved. Xerox® and Baltoro® are trademarks of Xerox Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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Our customers are continually delighted at the enhanced service, flexibility and quality of the carton products they are receiving from Biopax

Declan Martin, Account Manager for HEIDELBERG said: “We’re so proud that an innovative packaging company such as Biopax chose HEIDELBERG equipment. Our cutting-edge printing technology solutions address their rising customer

to invest further into ultra-high volume flexographic printing

needs. The trust that Biopax has invested in us shows that the

and dedicated rotary converting for some of the world’s leading

HEIDELBERG brand remains the top name among suppliers

brands.”

for companies who strive for quality and long-term success.”

HEIDELBERG says one of the major benefits of the XL106

As Chairman of Biopax Ltd, Dr Cross has purchased several

is its ability to deliver extremely fast makereadies that are

pieces of HEIDELBERG equipment over his long career in the

colour accurate to Fogra 39 or the latest Fogra 51 standards.

folded carton industry. He believes that HEIDELBERG produces

That includes brand colours printed within a tolerance of dE2.5

the world’s best printing and finishing equipment and has now

and consistent colour on all print runs, with the assistance of

invested in the full HEIDELBERG solution for folded cartons.

HEIDELBERG’s Inpress Control to ensure stable and accurate

This includes one HEIDELBERG Suprasetter 106, two

colour and faster turnaround times on FMCG cartons.

HEIDELBERG XL106 presses, four MasterMatrix Die Cutting

“We are delighted with the results and are awaiting delivery of a second XL106 press with the same specifications. This will

machines, two Diana Folder Gluer lines and one Polar Guillotine along with Polar Pile Turner.

offer us and our customers a high-quality product that exceeds their expectations. Our world-class design software systems are fully integrated into our HEIDELBERG production kit.

This helps us optimise our machine outputs while reducing down-time and waste, allowing us to get our products out to our customers faster and deliver benchmark print and finishing quality. Our customers are continually delighted at the enhanced service, flexibility and quality of the carton products they are receiving from Biopax,” says Dr Cross.

Alongside the XL106, Biopax has also invested in HEIDELBERG MasterMatrix Die Cutters. The switch was made after discovering the MasterMatrix offered better value for money than the previous die cutter, with higher output and advanced features including faster makeready times, higher running speeds and higher-quality cutting, creasing and blanking. With several years of experience in the packaging industry, Biopax called on its experts to review specifications against equipment produced by other manufacturers. Since specifications surpassed their expectations, the HEIDELBERG equipment was selected.

ISSUE 5 2023 IRISH PRINTER

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24

24

TALKING TO...

GLENN NELSON

Talking to…

Named a ‘Rising Star’ at the 2022 Irish Print Awards, Glenn Nelson talks tech, automation and his ambitions at Northside Graphics How did you get into the print industry?

Print has been part of my family for over 25 years. Both my father and brother work within the local industry, so this always felt like the natural path to follow. I began working in finishing at Northside Graphics in 2015, then moved to the print department operating HP Indigo presses. I worked there for four years, completing level 2 training with HP in Barcelona. I have since moved on from printing to my current role as Assistant Technology Manager, where I develop digital printing e-commerce websites and lend IT support to over 70 staff.

What’s your dream job?

Richard Campbell’s job (Managing Director, Northside Graphics and DigitalPrinting.ie).

What do you like and dislike about the industry?

I like the continuous technological advancements in the industry, particularly the availability of automation software. It allows us to seamlessly integrate with our websites, enhancing our productivity and reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.

There is very little that I dislike, other than the occasional 3am phone calls from the nightshift to reboot the server!

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

My first job was working in a hotel bar. The late nights weren’t great.

How did you feel when you won the Rising Star accolade at the 2022 Irish Print Awards?

It was a bit of a surprise hearing my name being announced at the awards, not just once but twice. I see it as recognition of not just all my hard work over the years in various departments, but also the incredible support that I have received from Northside Graphics.

What are your ambitions at Northside Graphics?

To continue to learn and progress further within the management team at Northside Graphics as the business grows.

Are you a glass half empty or half full person?

Always half full.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Going to a comedy show or enjoying a few drinks with friends.

What superpower would you most like to have?

The ability to fly so I could avoid sitting in traffic.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a pioneer in my field, driving technological advances and automation as part of one of the UK and Ireland’s leading digital printing companies.

Life is…

Great.

Favourite film?

Saving Private Ryan. I do love a good comedy also.

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 5 2023

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27/10/2023 09:35

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