Irish Printer - Issue 2 2023

ISSUE 2 2023

04 News

A look at what’s happening in the print industry

09 Innovation

Canon’s latest Colorado printer brings scalable speed to the large format market

12 Investment

Eighteen months on, we ask Mal McGowan if the Landa S10 lives up to the hype

19 Exhibition

The newest exhibition at the National Print Museum explores human impact on natural systems

20 Irish Print Awards Finalists

Who’s made it onto the shortlist for this year’s Print Awards?

Cover Story

Today, all Heidelberg machines for prepress, printing and postpress are designed to be highly energy-efficient, giving the company a unique position in the market

22 Sustainability

We put six sustainable paper alternatives to the test

24 The Last Word

The National Print Museum’s CEO plans on making the venue the world’s leading museum of print

2

ED’S LETTER

Welcome to issue 2 of Irish Printer for 2023.

Heidelberg doesn’t just pay lip service to sustainability. Thanks to a process that certifies the CO2 neutrality of its prepress, printing and postpress technology, there are currently 645 CO2-neutral Heidelberg machines in use across 48 countries. The company has implemented several initiatives over the years to boost its green credentials, including features such as Intellistart 3 and Intellirun which help reduce the carbon footprint of Heidelberg machines by improving their efficiency. The standby mode is another useful feature of Heidelberg machines. If the press isn’t in production mode, it automatically switches to standby. Heidelberg says print shops can save 3,600 kWh per year if the standby function is used for only one hour a day, equating to a reduction of 2,160kg of CO2 per year. The overall aim, says the company, is to continue to optimise the overall efficiency of its systems by including all production steps, from prepress through the printing process to postpress. For more on Heidelberg’s sustainability initiatives, go to page 14. On page 12, we catch up with Mal McGowan to find out if the new Landa S10 is living up to the hype. The Landa has been in operation at McGowans for the past 18 months and is, says Mal, giving clients what they need today - reduced run lengths for financial savings, reduced storage and waste, increased sustainability and new ways to reach the consumer to increase sales. The Landa satisfies those requirements and more. Elsewhere in this issue, find out who’s made the grade as we unveil the shortlist for this year’s Irish Print Awards on page 20. On page 9, we take a look at Canon’s latest addition to its Colorado series, described by the company as the first roll-to-roll large format graphics printer that’s modular in speed, configuration and media handling.

Editor: Denise Maguire

Email: editor@irishprinter.ie

Creative Director: Jane Matthews

Designer: Lenny Rooney

Production: Nicole Ennis

Contact: Irish Printer, Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, 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!

MMcGowans invests in Scodix Ultra 6000

cFollowing the purchase of a Landa and a Highcon, McGowans’ latest tech investment is a Scodix Ultra 6000. The digital embellishment machine is described as the ultimate solution for CMYK printers working on B1 size sheets who want a standard size press that fits into any print shop. By using only a minimal footprint area on the production floor, it’s ideal for offset packaging service providers. “We have one of the earlier incarnations of the Scodix, which does Spot UV and embossing. This latest version does the same including foiling, metallics and more, up to B1 in size. We purchased it to complement our Landa and Highcon machines so that we can offer a complete service in packaging,” said Dave Fogarty, Marketing & Prepress Manager at McGowans Print.

Avery Dennison partners with Carbon Trust

Avery Dennison Corporation has announced it is transitioning to a bespoke carbon footprinting tool created in collaboration with the Carbon Trust. The company says the move will continue its drive towards transparency and continuous improvement in environmental impact measurement and reporting on its label products. The tool includes the use of verified primary data from Avery Dennison’s operations to more accurately measure the impact of current and future label products. “As a company,

we’ve monitored and assessed the sustainability of our products for the past ten years, and this is another important step forward in our goal of providing the most accurate information to our customers,” said Claudia Mariconda, Global Director Sustainability, Materials Group. “By implementing the Carbon Trust footprinting tool, we facilitate further transparency and o er customers a more trustworthy assessment of our label products’ impacts.”

Pictured with a Scodix sample is Gavin Doyle, McGowans and Yuval Lipovetzky, Scodix

This new facility will deliver greater service options to our customers

Brian O’Sullivan, Founder, Zeus

Zeus opens new Cork logistics facility

Zeus, the Irish-owned global packaging supply chain solutions company, has announced the opening of a 70,000sq ft logistics facility in Watergrasshill, Cork. Forty new roles will be created at the facility over the next 18 months which is set to be operational by April. The new site is part of Zeus’ national logistics and distribution strategy, with four key facilities to be positioned throughout the island of Ireland. Over the past 12 months, Zeus has added a further €75 million of revenue through acquisition; the company acquired Polpack in Poland in February this year, the first step in its 2023 growth programme targeting revenues of more than €500 million.

MONDI

Mediahuis CEO – printing of daily papers to be phased out

Brian O’Sullivan, Founder of Zeus, said: “I grew up in east Cork and it’s where I started my working life. I am very proud to now be reinvesting back in my local roots, opening this new modern facility in Watergrasshill. This will greatly improve our capability within the region, create new jobs, deliver a better work life balance for our colleagues and importantly, deliver greater service options to our customers.” Established by Brian O’Sullivan in 1998, Zeus now employs over 900 people worldwide. In 2021, Brian was announced the winner of EY Entrepreneur of the Year.

That’s a wrap!

Packaging and paper firm Mondi has collaborated with Swiss converter ATS-Tanner to create a paper band which can hold individually labelled products or bundles, reducing unnecessary plastic. To create the new product, ATS-Tanner uses Mondi’s kraft paper Advantage MF SpringPack and converts it into a band by adding a functional barrier on both sides of the paper. The paper is then sealed using ultrasound, eradicating the need for any adhesive. The band can hold weights of up to 20kg, making it a good solution for fruit and vegetable bundles as well as bottle multipacks. It also ensures excellent printing results meaning brand, product, return and responsible waste management messaging can be communicated to the end user.

In an interview with RTÉ’s This Week programme, Mediahuis Ireland CEO Peter Vandermeersch said that he expects printed daily papers to be phased out within the next seven to 10 years and that Mediahuis is preparing to become a ‘digital only’ company. “We will probably print some Saturday, Sunday or weekly products but during the week, print will disappear all over the place, all over Europe.” Mediahuis Ireland owns titles including The Sunday World, the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent, the Belfast Telegraph as well as local papers including The Kerryman and Drogheda Independent. The Mediahuis CEO also stated he is most worried about the future for local newspapers “because the scale of these local papers is so small.” He added: “The future of these local papers is in danger, that’s why in Mediahuis I think we have to do what we do in Belgium, that local journalism is to be found on national websites.” He also added that the Government should be most worried about the survival of local newspapers, which play an important role in reporting on local courts and local government. However, he said he also has concerns about the idea of the Government stepping in to fund local newspapers directly. “We are a bit afraid of that because funding means control, or a form of control, but one way or another there should be support for local newspapers.”

FESPA

DTF machine

Mimaki Europe will make its return as a gold sponsor to the FESPA 2023 Global Print Expo, set to be held from May 23-26 in Munich. On its booth, Mimaki will display its flagship printers and cutters for the sign graphic, industrial and textile markets, including the TxF150-75 Direct-to-Film (DTF) machine, the high performing 330 Series and the entry-level 100 Series. Mimaki’s first foray into DTF technology provides an easy and a ordable process for decorating apparel and prevents common issues such as poor ink ejection and white ink clogging. Other technologies on show include sign and display technology from the entry-level 100 Series and the 330 Series. The print and cut workflow will be demonstrated with Mimaki’s latest cutting plotter, the CG-AR series. For industrial printers, visitors can see Mimaki’s advanced UV flatbed printers, from the smaller size UJF-6042 MkII e to the large format JFX600-2513.

New Fujifilm printer to make its debut

Fujifilm is set to use FESPA 2023 to present developments to its existing Acuity models as well as unveiling an entirely new machine in the lineup. The company also intends to present more details on its partnership with industrial manufacturer Barberan to bring single-pass inkjet to the sign and display market.

The Fujifilm 500m2 stand will consist of six display bays, four of which will showcase printers first displayed at FESPA 2022, allowing the company to highlight technological developments and enhancements made since then. Acuity Prime L, Ultra R2 and Ultra Hybrid LED are among the machines that will be on display at the event. One of the remaining bays will highlight Fujifilm’s partnership with Barberan, while the sixth will be used to unveil a new machine in the Acuity line-up for the first time.

At this year’s FESPA, Agfa is running demos on a range of machines, including the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED, the Oberon RTR3300 and the Avinci CX3200 which launched in 2021. The 3.2m Avinci CX3200 is Agfa’s dye-sub printer that produces consistently vibrant highquality prints on a wide range of polyester-based fabrics for indoor or outdoor soft signage, interior decoration and fashion items. Agfa says it prints both directly to fabric and to transfer paper, perfect for obtaining super-sharp backlit applications with deep blacks, as well as for handling stretchy fabrics. Agfa’s industrial inkjet specialists will also be at the event to discuss how the integration of inkjet printing in industrial production environments can lead to enhanced cost-e iciency and versatility.

Mimaki to showcase

Agfa puts focus on strategic

growth

Mimaki’s DTF technology prevents poor ink ejection and white ink clogging

W E ’ R E

This role is based in Ireland and will require constant communication with customers both in person and online to build and maintain the high service standards our customers’ demand.

We have always invested in the most sophisticated machinery and IT systems available and have an exciting opportunity for the right person to join our expanding team.

Reporting to the Sales Director your key responsibilities will be:

· Sourcing and securing new business opportunities throughout Ireland.

· Managing and maintaining existing accounts and relationships, ensuring consistent growth and management of margin.

The ideal candidate will possess and be able to demonstrate:

· A strong track record in Sales ideally from the print industry

· Well developed self management & motivational strategies

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent IT systems skills including Microsoft Excel, Teams, etc.

About Us:

Established in 1862 and renowned for our quality and expertise, W&G Baird are one of Ireland’s largest and most successful commercially focused printing firms.

We specialise in providing a professional yet personalised print service, covering everything from business cards, to magazines, posters, brochures, and books.

An attractive renumeration package, inclusive of a vehicle, is available for the suitable candidate

If you believe you have the appropriate skills and experience to succeed in this position, please submit your CV to HR@WGBaird.com

@REALTDESIGN

"STAY INSPIRED. NEVER STOP CREATING."

LOVING PAPER SINCE 1980

Canon’s latest addition to its Colorado series brings scalable speed and easy-care white ink to the large format market

TURNING ideas into REALITY

Canon has launched the first roll-to-roll large format graphics printer platform that’s modular in speed, configuration and media handling. Canon says its new Colorado M-series Roll-to-Roll printer is the fastest and most productive solution in this market segment, offering special effects and white ink printing capabilities. The 1.6m printer retains the Canon Colorado series’ industrial build quality and can be configured to a graphics provider’s needs, with easy in-field upgrades.

The scalable M-series offers a choice of output speeds, Colorado M3 or M5 (cruising speed of 29m²/hr and 40m²/

hr and maximum print speed of 111m²/hr and 159m²/hr respectively), with the option to upgrade from one speed to the other, either temporarily for production peaks or permanently. Both printers can also be easily upgraded with the new white ink option to M3W and M5W models as well as equipped with the FLXfinish+ matte/gloss print technology option for CMYK prints.

The introduction of the new Canon UVgel white ink option expands the range of applications that customers can create. The white UVgel ink maximises the scope for customers to benefit from UVgel’s performance advantages for a full spectrum of premium graphics and décor applications – for example window graphics, labels and wallpaper. With this addition and with new media detection sensor technology for easy media handling, Colorado M-series users can expand their typical product offering, printing on heavy structured, transparent, coloured, reflective and magnetic materials.

The gel formulation of Canon UVgel ink translates to fast build-up of dense and opaque images, using white ink in

fewer passes than conventional printing technologies while the printed white output maintains its original whiteness over time. UVgel also eliminates many of the production, nozzle-cleaning and maintenance issues commonly associated with white ink, offering smooth error-free printing, minimising ink usage and maximising productivity.

Canon says PSP’s can also choose the FLXfinish+ option with their Colorado M-series printer, allowing them to add matte, gloss or mixed matte and gloss on the same CMYK print, without additional varnish. High-volume customers can automate the print-to-finish process with a UVgel Print Factory or UVgel Wallpaper Factory configuration, which integrates the Colorado M-series printer with cutting, rewinding, taping or sheet stacking to manage volumes of at least 50,000m² per year.

Jennifer Kolloczek, European Planning, Marketing & Innovation Senior Director, Production Print at Canon Europe said: “Ever since they burst onto the market, Colorado printers with UVgel ink have set the highest bar for speed, quality and all-round productivity. Today, large format graphics providers want to make smart, environmentally responsible investments in printing solutions that can evolve with them and help them tap into lucrative creative applications, products and growth markets. With its modularity and the addition of an easycare white ink option, the new Colorado M-series is the growth engine that businesses can rely on to level up their capabilities and turn ideas into reality.”

Canon UVgel ink delivers pin-sharp image quality and consistent colour, while its instant drying properties enable immediate cutting and finishing. Its ultra-durability also removes the need for lamination. Like previous Colorado models but with added enhancements, the M-series is designed to handle the workload of multiple legacy rollto-roll printers with industrial-grade, roundthe-clock reliability and unattended printing with minimal operator intervention. The new Colorado M-series printers are supported by PRISMAguide XL, the software that allows effortless production runs with consistently high quality.

Compared to other ink technologies, UVgel technology consumes up to 40% less ink to build up the same image quality and colour intensity. The low-heat, energy-efficient LED curing system and ‘instant-on’ operation results in reduced energy use compared with other technologies and allows printing to high-quality, heat-sensitive materials – important in high value markets such as wallcoverings. With UVgel technology, customers can also print on environmentally responsible materials such as PVC-free and paper-based media, even uncoated.

With very strong robustness and dimensional stability, UVgel prints perform exceptionally well in terms of both mechanical and chemical resistance. That allows prints to last longer and most applications printed on a Colorado printer do not require lamination. Apart from the economic benefits from eliminating the time and cost of lamination, the simpler process also takes out the extra plastic layer of laminate from the end application.

The modularity of the M-series makes it a more sustainable solution as customers can scale up the printer’s speed and capabilities without replacing the core print device. It also offers a convenient option to upgrade to a temporary speed licence for times of peak demand.

The Colorado M-series is designed with a low total cost of ownership and a rapid return on investment in mind. It’s available via accredited partners as well as Canon’s direct sales organisations.

The new Colorado M-series is the growth engine that businesses can rely on to level up their capabilities and turn ideas into reality

Technology

With a current turnover of €25 million and a workforce that swells to 180 people at peak season, McGowans Print is one of the largest and most successful digital print businesses in Ireland. Established in 1989, McGowans is renowned for being an early adopter of technologies, with CEO Mal McGowan first to market with many of the most significant digital printers and presses of our generation.

One of its latest investments is the Landa S10 Nanographic Printing Press and in typical McGowans’ style, it’s the first in Ireland. In the 18 months since installation, thanks to its ability to provide short to medium runs, it has been gathering fans and turning heads amongst its blue-chip client portfolio, both domestically in Ireland, UK and mainland Europe.

An entrepreneurial spirit

When asked about his approach to the business, Mal says he doesn’t consider himself a printer, but more an entrepreneur and perhaps his philosophy of embracing new ideas and new technologies reflects that approach. But it’s also very evident that Mal and his team know their customers very well –investing time to understand their wants and needs and using that knowledge to steer their CAPEX decisions.

“One of the things that sets us apart is our ability to offer something different,” said Mal. “But difference for a reason. We don’t install technology for technology’s sake. It must answer a customer problem or present an opportunity.

“Whether that’s with water-based inkjet for sustainable POS applications or corrugated single pass printing for quicker to market packaging and floor displays, or today with Landa Nanographic Printing for B1 medium-run commercial print and packaging applications, we embrace the right technology to deliver the result we need.”

And what result was needed? What are clients looking for from McGowans? According to Mal, it’s increased flexibility – reduced run lengths for financial savings, reduced storage and waste, increased sustainability and new ways to reach the consumer to increase sales. All of which the new Landa

press has apparently achieved for its traditional POS and commercial print work. But Mal bought the S10 to also enter an entirely new market for the business – folding cartons.

Business diversification

In terms of business diversification, this is a more unusual choice for what is traditionally a commercial print and POS specialist. Are the skillsets transferrable? According to Mal, knowing digital technologies as they do and with the Landa S10 being so intuitive, the move to folding cartons wasn’t a big undertaking.

“Folding carton is our newest market and it’s going really well. Customers love the fact that we can now offer folding cartons and thanks to

Eighteen months on from his Landa S10 investment, we ask Mal McGowan if the technology really matches the hype that’s truly

Technology must always answer a customer problem or present a significant opportunity

L-R: Gil Oron, CEO, Landa Digital Printing, Sharon Cohen, Chief Business Officer, Landa Digital Printing, Mal McGowan, CEO, McGowans Print

UNBEATABLE

to undertake? Mal continues, “It’s probably the most advanced machine we have in the factory, yet the installation process was amazing, with test prints produced in only four weeks. In terms of operators, we have some very passionate people that want to get their hands on the latest technology and this was no different with the Landa. Because the S10 is so instinctive, training was complete in roughly 10 days.”

the digital process and our wider sustainability programme, we provide them with a much smaller carbon footprint. We also calculate that carbon footprint for every job we provide, enabling brands to report on their environmental performance.

“When you use the Landa in combination with the Scodix Ultra 6000 and the Highcon Beam 2, it’s truly unbeatable –the digital partnership between all three technologies is amazing.

Futureproofing and business growth

For Mal, you can tell that Landa technology is a cornerstone for the future of the business. When questioned on future growth, he says that they are heavily focused on the Landa press and its impact on income, aiming for revenues of €8 million PA plus from it. But what about installation and operator training? With such state-of-the-art, cutting edge technology, surely it requires very experienced press minders to run a Landa press? How much learning did his team have

The McGowans Landa S10 has seven colours, plus inline coating. For its folding carton work, McGowan’s says that it gangs three cartons onto a B1 sheet, with some runs reaching 30,000 sheets. In fact, the business just hit a landmark for its new digital service for the first time, taking orders for over 50,000 folding cartons in just one day – all jobs to be printed on the Landa S10 and finished on the Scodix Ultra 6000.

“When you’re buying cutting edge technology, you fear that it won’t take off and that it will become obsolete before you’ve achieved a return-on-investment. But this definitely doesn’t seem the case with the Landa press – we’re seeing huge daily growth and there’s an undeniable feeling that we have a transformative technology that could revolutionise our business,” said Mal.

After 35 years in business, Mal’s enthusiasm for his business and the wider industry is highly infectious. “If you want print as good or better than litho but with the economics and sustainability benefits of a digital press, you need a Landa - Nanography is the most important print introduction of the modern era.”

We’re seeing huge daily growth and there’s an undeniable feeling that we have a transformative technology that could revolutionise our business

What applies to other industries is also true for the print industry. To remain a preferred business partner, it has become more important to make all processes sustainable, an area that HEIDELBERG has been investing in for many years COVER STORY

Savings

to save the ENVIRONMENT

Today, all HEIDELBERG machines for prepress, printing and postpress are designed to be highly energy-efficient, giving HEIDELBERG a unique position in the market. Working with the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, HEIDELBERG has developed a process that certifies the CO2 neutrality of its machines. Part of this process is offsetting the machines’ carbon footprint by supporting reforestation projects such as the Sodo project in Ethiopia. By purchasing the certificate for a HEIDELBERG CO2-neutral machine, customers help communities in this region of Africa.

As of today, there are 645 CO2-neutral HEIDELBERG machines in use in 48 countries. This is how HEIDELBERG and its customers can help to offset greenhouse gas emissions resulting from their industrial processes.

The scope of HEIDELBERG’s achievement can be illustrated by the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, in which industrialised countries committed themselves to limiting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

According to this milestone in sustainability, industrial processes should be at least 20% more efficient in 2020 than they were in 1990. When comparing the flagship HEIDELBERG presses of 1990 and today – the Speedmaster CD 102-6+L and the Speedmaster XL 106-6+L – HEIDELBERG has already achieved twice that figure, 41.7% to be exact. Today, 8 kWh of energy is consumed to produce 1,000 sheets compared to 13.8 kWh in 1990.

This is the result of several important innovations, culminating in the 2020 generation of the Speedmaster:

1Features such as Intellistart 3 and Intellirun help reduce the carbon footprint by improving machine efficiency. The machine software uses order data to calculate a cost-effective sequence for print jobs. At the same time, intelligent machine assistants, such as Wash or Powder Assist, know what is necessary to prepare the next job and independently adapt their settings accordingly. The press then automatically processes the predefined job sequence to make the most efficient use of the machine

2The standby mode is a unique feature of HEIDELBERG machines. If the press is not in production mode for any reason, it switches to standby. Print shops can save 3,600 kWh per year if the standby function is used for only one hour a day. This equates to a reduction of 2,160 kg of CO2 per year. Thanks to the fast machine start-up, this function is easy to use and is suitable even for short interruptions

GETTING THE JOB DONE

A new Speedmaster XL 106 is pushing capabilities at Oriel Printing

Established in 1978 in East Yorkshire, Oriel Printing Company Limited are expert sheetfed UV litho printers and print enhancement specialists, focusing mostly on the premium packaging and POS markets. In early 2023, Oriel decided to invest in a new Speedmaster XL 106 seven-color offset raised press equipped with double coating system, double intermediate station, feeder and delivery logistics and image control, along with Autoplate Pro in order to ramp up its production capacity. “We have been running at full capacity for two years now. With this new press, we expect at least 25% more press hours will be available. We will also have the ability to print two coatings in a single pass. We previously printed double-coat work in two passes. We can run water-based coatings at higher speeds. Previously, we limited our speed to 10K SPH because we didn’t have IR dryers – we used UV dryers instead. The new machine has both IR and UV dryers,” said Richard Simms, General Manager at Oriel Printing.

“We have always been a HEIDELBERG house and know exactly what can be achieved using their presses, which we use to their fullest capacity. We print at the premium end of the market across many

different substrates (paper, board, foil board and plastics). There is no doubt in our minds that the Speedmaster XL 106 will do the job and what’s more, it’ll do it more efficiently than we do now.

“Today, we are seeking to increase our client base. We are targeting packaging companies that may have overspill or printing companies that are moving into packaging but need our UV printing expertise for difficult materials, such as foil boards or microflute boards, for instance. We would be delighted to land further twin coat work too.

“As experts in Color Management,

matching special brand colours is a daily occurrence for us. With our wide range of coatings, we can achieve many special effects across all substrates as well as digital foiling and high-build UV varnish. We can provide print embellishments for any premium product and for straightforward printing at high speed.”

For each new job, ink presettings are always adopted from prepress automatically and checked by Prinect Inpress Control during make-ready and production. This results in faster job setup, maximum productivity, and less waste

4

All press peripherals are water-cooled, which is much more efficient than air cooling and keeps the pressroom cool and the production conditions stable 3

We have always been a HEIDELBERG house and know exactly what can be achieved using their presses, which we use to their fullest capacity

The goal has always been and continues to be to optimise the overall e iciency of complete systems by including all production steps, from prepress through the printing process to postpress

5

The DryStar Combination dryer saves 27,000 kWh annually (based on 36 million sheets printed), equating to 6,345 kg of CO2. Patented round nozzles dry the ink by generating warm air directly above the sheets. The shorter the distance, the more efficient the nozzles are 6

With the CombiStar Pro, the energy costs for temperature control of the inking unit have been reduced by half. The refrigeration units of the CombiStar Pro also have an energyefficient digital scroll compressor. This means that the energy consumption can be reduced by up to 15%. Even more energy is saved by cooling the inking unit with outside air, provided the outside temperature is below 20 degrees. The cooling units switch on when, and only when, the temperature is higher 7

The AirStar Pro air supply cabinet now achieves an efficiency of 70% instead of the previous 35%. This means the electricity is used twice as efficiently, saving 140,000 kWh annually (based on 36 million sheets printed). This is equivalent to 84,900 kg of CO2 emissions

8

The frequency-controlled sine-synchronous drive achieves 95% efficiency – 5% more than standard motors, thereby reducing losses by half. Some drives also feature energy recovery – the power generated when the motors brake is used by inverters to drive other consumers in the machine.

Although HEIDELBERG has been investing in sustainable production for many years, this will remain an ongoing effort. Wherever possible, the energy efficiency of HEIDELBERG products will be improved, and new ways to reduce process emissions and waste will be defined. The goal has always been and continues to be to optimise the overall efficiency of complete systems by including all production steps, from prepress through the printing process to postpress.

In collaboration with the National College of Art and Design, ‘Anthropocene’ is the latest exhibition at the National Print Museum. The Anthropocene can be defined as the present geological era in which human activity has become visible as a dominant and destructive influence on the Earth’s systems. This exhibition, says the Museum, is a letterpress print investigation on the theme of the Anthropocene, at a moment of reckoning with climate change. It features the collaborative work of 22 second year graphic design students from the Department of Communication Design at the National College of Art & Design in Dublin, who explore the global human impact on natural systems as it reveals itself through visual traces. The work has been produced at Distillers Press, the typography and letterpress print workshop at NCAD.

EXPLORING Anthropocene the

The newest exhibition at the National Print Museum explores the global human impact on natural systems

First announced in 2021, the Fujifilm Acuity Prime was an early example of Fujifilm’s ‘new blueprint’ strategy to set a new standard for quality, performance and ROI in wide format print.

FOR THE PRIME TIME FUJIFILM ACUITY PRIME

Built on decades of Fujifilm inkjet expertise, the Acuity Prime is a true flatbed with a unique, exceptional design. It offers high quality printing on a range of rigid and flexible media, supported by its five dedicated vacuum zones and jettable primer. The range is available at a cost-effective price point and offers an excellent return on investment.

At Fespa 2022 in Berlin – a new model in the series was unveiled, with the larger bed size Acuity Prime L joining the Acuity Prime 20 and Acuity Prime 30 models in the range. All three are making a huge impact in wide format print businesses across Europe.

Beyond Expectations

Italian print business, Tech:Art was an early investor in the Acuity Prime 30 in late 2021. “The productivity of the machine is far beyond what we had expected and exceeds any other machine we have seen before in a similar price bracket,” said the company’s CEO and General Manager, Davide Salvo.

“Our customers place very specific high demands on us. They require high quality and fast turnaround times, and more recently, they request work that requires the use of special primers, varnishes and white inks. With the Acuity Prime 30, we have been able to meet such demands and

many of our customers have already provided positive feedback on the print quality and the wide colour gamut it offers. They have also been impressed by the strong ink adhesion and the wide range of materials that can be used. In fact, with the addition of this machine, we have been able to acquire new customers. Looking ahead, I see customisation as a major trend within the market this year and I am confident the Acuity Prime will enable us to meet such demands.

“I would not hesitate to recommend the Acuity Prime 30 – it has made our business significantly more profitable due to the combination of its high speed and lower ink consumption.”

Versatility & Value

“We’ve had Acuity presses for 12 years and now, with this investment, we have three of them working together,” says David Clarke, Managing Director at Vario Press in the UK. “In those 12 years, I have not had one complaint about quality. Now, while maintaining that quality, the Acuity Prime offers improvements over and above previous models in three crucial areas. It is two to three times faster, the ink usage is lower and the vacuum system is divided into sections, allowing more versatility in

production and ultimately greater throughput.”

With energy prices an increasing challenge faced by print businesses, Clarke comments: “The Prime’s LED curing technology will give us an edge as the cost of energy and consumables continues to soar. And Fujifilm is also a very professional outfit with a track record for reliability and fantastic technical support. Would I buy another one? Yes!”

Pushing the Limits

“I hate limits,” says Jan Carel Schepenaar, Founder and Owner of A1 Signs, Netherlands. “I like to print on the widest possible substrates. The Acuity Prime L, with its 3200mm x 2000mm flatbed, enables us to do this.”

He chose the Acuity Prime L, he says, because of its fast printing speeds, reliability and high quality output. He was also impressed with the printer’s intuitive design, fast start-up time and automatic printhead cleaning function. Schepenaar also highlights that the Acuity Prime L’s long-lasting LED curing system is energy efficient, further helping A1 Signs to minimise its carbon footprint.

A1 Signs’ partnership with Fujifilm goes back to 2014 when they invested in an Acuity Select X2 printer. This marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership, and when the time came to replace the original machine, the decision to turn once again to Fujifilm, and the Acuity Prime L, was an easy one.

Lower Cost of Ownership and Excellent ROI

With variable drop-size printheads and highly pigmented inks, Acuity Prime printers lay down a thin ink film, which minimises production costs, and in combination with a competitive system price, support an excellent ROI.

With a new and user-friendly GUI, easy clean printhead maintenance and visible status lights for the ink tanks, operators are able to spend less time maintaining the machine and more time printing

Produce a Wide Range of Applications

With outstanding image quality and excellent adhesion to a broad range of rigid and flexible media, materials and objects, the Acuity Prime can produce an amazing variety of printed products for distance and close viewing. The vacuum table can handle almost any sheet material. It secures rigid and flexible media and holds it perfectly flat for high quality print across every sheet.

Expand your Creative Options

The option to print with white and clear inks, and to print directly to almost any material in perfect registration, enables the Acuity Prime to produce high value, creative work that could offer opportunities for new revenue. With the jettable primer option, the Acuity Prime can adhere to a wide variety of industrial media.

Designed with the Operator in Mind

At Fujifilm we understand the value of production time and usability, so we designed the Acuity Prime with the operator in mind. With a new and user-friendly GUI, easy clean printhead maintenance and visible status lights for the ink tanks, operators are able to spend less time maintaining the machine and more time printing.

To learn more about the Acuity Prime range, visit: print-emea.fujifilm.com/product/acuity-prime

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

BEST USE OF BUSINESS INNOVATION

Anglo Printers: Hercules and Love Affair

Gatefold Sleeves

Ballyprint: New Year CMYK+ Calendar

Colours International: New Technology

Display Ireland: Coca-Cola World Cup

Ball/ Christmas Bauble

Display Ireland: IDL Bottle Box

Horizon Digital Print: Wooden Graze

FSDU

Horizon Digital Print: Butchers Prime

Wooden Wall Plaques

KPS Colour Print: KPS Christmas Chocolate Box

P+D: Nurofen Smart Gondola End

P+D: Black Adam Exploding T Side

BEST USE OF FRONT END TECHNOLOGY

Anglo Printers: Hercules and Love Affair

Gatefold Sleeves

Ballyprint: New Year CMYK+ Calendar

Colours International: Colours customer

Colours International: Pieta events

Impro Printing: Flair Brochure

Mallow Printing Works: Blackwater

Signage

Northside Graphics / DigitalPrinting.ie:

Stand by Me

P+D: Easolief CDU

P+D: Pepsi Nutmeg Royal World Cup Influencer Box

BEST USE OF PRINT Sponsored by Business Post

Ballyprint: New Year CMYK+ Calendar

Colab Packaging: Koko Kinsale –

Crystalized Ginger in 70% Dark Chocolate

Colab Packaging: Roe & Co Irish Whiskey

– Single Grain Irish Whiskey, Aged 13 Years

Esmark Finch: Irish Gold CBD

Esmark Finch: Babyboss Twosies Pack

Horizon Digital Print: Crystal Clear

Reading Glasses CDU

Impro Printing: Pier A Blacktail Volume 3

KPS Colour Print: Cloud Picker

MW Design Print & Signs: Steeltech

Sheds

Print Media Services : Avoca 'From the Archives' Greeting Cards and Wrapping Paper

BOOK PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Anglo Printers: Athlone Institute of Technology

Anglo Printers: Cong Photography Book by Elizabeth Toher

Impress Printing Works Ltd: The Treaty 1921 - Records from the Archives

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Pandemic Spring

Impro Printing: Pier A Blacktail Volume 3

KPS Colour Print: Chapel, Famine and Demesne: MOUNTBELLEW 1822

KPS Colour Print: Newport Book

Plus Print Ltd: Aosdána - Beginnings

BROCHURE PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Anglo Printers: TUS Undergraduate Prospectus

Anglo Printers: TUS Midwest Conferring of Awards brochure 2022

Impro Printing: The Roe & Co Drinks Manual

Impro Printing: Flair Brochure

Mallow Printing Works: EPS Pricing Book

McGowans Print: Speaking Of Which Book

Print Media Services: The State Apartments, Dublin Castle, History and Art Guide

Print Media Services: Ulysses 2.2

Triest Press: King House Boyle Exhibition brochure

Triest Press: Triest Press catalogue

DIGITAL LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Label World: Cocalero de Altura

Label World: Clonakilty Whiskey

Multi-Color Labels: Jackford Irish Strawberry Gin

Multi-Color Labels: Celtic Spirit

Watershed Group: Mizen Head Original Single Malt 700ml Front and Back sets

DIGITAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Colab Packaging: Koko Kinsale –

Crystalized Ginger in 70% Dark Chocolate

Colab Packaging: Roe & Co Irish Whiskey – Single Grain Irish Whiskey, Aged 13 Years

Display Ireland: Gift Box Bottle Opener & Leaflets

P+D: Pepsi Nutmeg Royal World Cup Influencer Box

P+D: Optimum Nutrition Presentation Box

DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by FujiFilm

Anglo Printers: McNutt of Donegal Winter Catalogue

Ballyprint: New Year CMYK+ Calendar

Ballyprint: Scarlett Sunset Scents

Ballyprint: ISPS Handa World Invitational

Display Ireland: The Night Before Christmas/ Late Late Show Box

Display Ireland: Coca-Cola DJ Display

Esmark Finch: Banana Melon Kitchen

Vegan Cheese Range

Horizon Digital Print: NBA Hennessy

FSDU

McGowans: Down Syndrome Centre

Calendar 2023

McGowans Print: Speaking Of Which

Book

Print Media Services: Repak Packaging & Design for the Circular Economy Report

FLEXOGRAPHIC LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Label World: Clonakilty Distillery Minke Gin

Multi-Color Labels: Spiderman

Watershed Group: Fia Rua Chai Rum

Front & Back Set

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT COLLABORATION

AWARD - Sponsored by Canon

Esmark Finch: Dublin Herbalist Hand

Wash & Hand Lotion Gift Set

Fuse Graphic Design Limited: Lisney/ Lisney Sotheby's International Realty

Outlook 2023

Hall Print Solutions: Irish Audio Awards

Announcement Poster

Impress Printing Works Ltd: The Treaty

1921 - Records from the Archives

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Ireland's Luxury Escapes

MW Design Print & Signs: Roundfort

Parish Magazine

Plus Print Ltd: Aosdána - Beginnings

Triest Press: Orla & the Go Faster Stick

Xtreme Signs and Graphics: Kin

Connection

LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by GPMI

Display Ireland: Coca-Cola World Cup

Ball/ Christmas Bauble

Esmark Finch: Emergency One Electric

Powered Fire Appliance

Horizon Digital Print: Powers FSDU

Horizon Digital Print: Heineken Amplify

Headphone Display

iSupply: Kylemore Abbey Boat House

P+D: Four Loko Pickup

The Printed Image: Birra Moretti - Staff

Reward Gift Box

The Printed Image: Waterwipes Train

Foyer Display

Xtreme Signs and Graphics: Kin

Connection

LEINSTER / DUBLIN SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Colab Packaging: Koko Kinsalecrystalized Ginger in 70% chocolate

Colab Packaging: Roe & Co Irish Whiskey

– Single Grain Irish Whiskey, Aged 13 Years

Colab Packaging: Micil Distillery – Single

Pot Still

Fuse Graphic Design Limited: Lisney/ Lisney Sotheby's International Realty

Outlook 2023

Hall Print Solutions: Irish Audio Awards

Announcement Posters

Print Media Services: Creative Ireland

Notebook

Print Media Services: The Arts Council,

Critical Voices

LITHO PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Anglo Printers: Hercules and Love Affair

Gatefold Sleeves

Boxpak Ltd: Aldi Specially Selected

Florentine Selection

Boxpak Ltd: Asda Extra Special Chocolate

Orange Cookies

KPS Colour Print: Keith Grant Butchers

Sleeves

Print Media Services: Avoca Alpaca Baby

Blanket Box

MAGAZINE PRINTER OF THE YEAR

McGowans Print: OTWO Magazine

MW Design Print & Signs: Roundfort

Parish Magazine

Plus Print: Thinkhouse - FLASH Edition 7

Print Media Services: Paper Visual Art

Journal Vol. 12 , Autumn 2022

Print Media Services: Learning & Development Institute

NEWSPAPER PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Adenium (T/A Webprint): The Clare Champion

Interpress N.I: Belfast Telegraph

Interpress N.I: Irish News

KC Print Ltd: Killarney Advertiser

OUT OF HOME PRINTER OF THE YEAR

- Sponsored by Irish Printing Federation

Esmark Finch: Emergency One Electric

Powered Fire Appliance

Media Print: Uber Taxi Wrap

Horizon Digital Print: Nurofen 48 sheet

iSupply: Kylemore Abbey Boat House

MW Design Print & Signs: Mayo GAA, McHale Park

P+D: Nexium Window Display

P+D: Black Adam Exploding T Side

PRINT FINISHING AWARD

Display Ireland: Harry's Grooming Product Display Range

Impress Printing Works Ltd: The Treaty 1921 - Records from the Archives

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Irish Vernacular

Impro Printing: The Roe & Co Drinks Manual

KPS Colour Print: KPS Christmas

Chocolate Box

Plus Print Ltd: Aosdána - Beginnings

Print Media Services: No. 16, St. Stephens Green

PRINTED WRAP OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Trimwell/3M

Esmark Finch: Emergency One Electric Powered Fire Appliance

Horizon Digital Print: DSPCA Car Wrap

P+D: I Radio Jeeps

The Printed Image: PTSB - Grafton Street Vinyl

Wrap-it Design Ltd: Tyre Hangar Ford Pickup

REPORTS & ACCOUNTS PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Fuse Graphic Design Limited: Lisney/ Lisney Sotheby's International Realty Outlook 2023

Harvest Moon Print & Design Limited: Credit Union Annual Report

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Greencore

Annual Report

Print Media Services: Concern Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021

Print Media Services: Origin Annual Report & Accounts 2022

Triest Press: Drug and Administration

Record Spiral Bound Book

RISING STAR AWARD - Sponsored by Heidelberg

Henderson Print: Stephen Best

Northside Graphics / DigitalPrinting.ie: Matt Harrison

Northside Graphics / DigitalPrinting.ie: Glenn Nelson

Timeless Marketing

SHEETFED COLOUR OFFSET PRINTER

OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by EBB

Anglo Printers: TUS Undergraduate Prospectus

Impress Printing Works Ltd: The Treaty

1921 - Records from the Archives

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Pandemic Spring

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Irish

Vernacular

Impress Printing Works Ltd: Greencore

Annual Report

Impro Printing: The Roe & Co Drinks

Manual

Impro Printing: Pier A Blacktail Volume 3

Print Media Services: Elemental

SPECIAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Alert Packaging: Lily O'Brien's Honeycomb Crispy Heart

Anglo Printers: Hercules and Love Affair

Gatefold Sleeves

Display Ireland: Gift Box Bottle Opener & Leaflets

KPS Colour Print: Cloud Picker

KPS Colour Print: Dunnes Stores Sleeves

KPS Colour Print: Hyde Whiskey

P+D: Surface Wow Box

P+D: Wow Inspiring Box

CONNACHT/ULSTER/ MUNSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR

Ballyprint: New Year CMYK+ Calendar

Harvest Moon Print & Design Limited: Credit Union Annual Report

Ballyprint: IPS Handa World Invitational

Harvest Moon Print & Design Limited:

Credit Union Annual Report

Mallow Printing Works: Blackwater

Signage

MW Design Print & Signs: Steeltech

Sheds

Quality Print: OFFICE MASTER Signage

Quality Print: CCAE Book

Triest Press: Rural Communities

SUSTAINABILITY

Recycled paper might be the best-known alternative to virgin fibre, but trends are moving towards rapidly renewable raw materials. drupa outlines six sustainable paper alternatives that make the grade

ON GOOD

1Grass

Grass paper is made from sun-dried grass, ie hay. Grass grows almost outside every door and is a rapidly renewable raw material that can be harvested several times a year. After being pressed into grass pellets, the raw material is processed into a resource-saving paper. In the production process, the sustainable product saves 99% water and 97% energy compared to paper production from wood. In total, up to 25% less CO2 is produced during the manufacturing process. There are many possible applications for this new kind of natural paper - as printing paper, labels, packaging material and even in the food and cosmetics sectors as it meets the necessary certifications. It does not contain any allergens that need to be labelled and can be completely recycled.

2Apple fibres

Grass 99% saved compared to paper production from wood

of water

Paper made from apple fibres was launched on the market in Bolzano in South Tyrol back in 2007. An engineer was looking for a method to utilise the apple residues from juice production. He developed a process to turn the apple pomace, dried and ground, into paper together with FCS-certified cellulose. No chemical bleaching is used in the production process and the use of cellulose is minimised as far as possible. The uncoated paper has a special feel and is ideal for producing high-quality prints and packaging.

Apple paper is just as durable as conventional recycled paper and can be printed and processed just as well. Apple paper does not smell or taste of apples. Like most sustainable paper production, the paper alternative does not undergo chemical processing to become coated paper and is unbleached. Therefore it has a slightly creamy hue. However, apple paper is not 100% wood-free. It only becomes a high-quality printing material with a mixture of cellulose. Nevertheless, it is resource-friendly as it reduces the consumption of recycled material to a large extent.

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing woods on earth. The plant absorbs an enormous amount of CO2 and thus has a very positive environmental balance. For paper production, the fibres are processed with sugar cane bagasse. The bagasse is a cellulosecontaining waste from sugar production. Similar to apple paper, bamboo paper uses residues from the food industry, which would otherwise have to be destroyed in a costly and emission-intensive process.

Unlike trees, bamboo continues to grow after it is “harvested”. This means that no “dead tissue” is produced, which later releases CO2 into the environment. The paper’s colouring is slightly greenish and bluish. The use of chemical agents for surface treatment can be greatly reduced in the production of paper from bamboo due to its natural properties. Bamboo fibres are very durable and therefore ideally suited for paper production. After its use, it can be disposed of in the recycling bin and returned to the recycling process.

Hemp Fibres 100%

5Hemp fibres

First of all, we have to look at the blending ratio when it comes to paper made from hemp fibres. Here, we will only talk about paper made from 100% hemp fibres. The hemp papers known so far are made from a mixture of hemp fibres and recycled cellulose. In 2021, a company from Bavaria succeeded in producing a paper made of 100% hemp fibres. The paper is very durable, has a positive environmental balance and has a particularly pleasant feel.

Hemp paper, which consists entirely of renewable raw materials, is made from a mixture of pressed hemp pulp mixed with chalk, potato starch and water.

Rockpaper composed of 4Limestone

80% stone meal

The company Rockpaper has invented a way to process limestone into a paper-like fabric, the Rockpaper of the same name. Paper-like because it has more of the feel of a plastic, yet can be written on and printed like paper. In the production process, the company can completely dispense with wood and water. The paper is treated neither with chemical bleaching agents nor with acid and thus does not contaminate our groundwater. Rockpaper is composed of up to 80% stone meal and a small amount of non-toxic polyethylene.

In production, the company relies on the “Cradle to Cradle” concept and thus does not produce any waste products or recycles them for new productions. The paper is said to be waterproof and very hard-wearing as well as tear-resistant. The texture also absorbs less printing ink. Rockpaper is suitable for use in screen, offset and digital printing.

6Silphia fibre

Hemp is a rapidly renewable raw material that can be easily cultivated and harvested. The production of hemp paper does not save much energy and water compared to conventional virgin fibre paper. On the other hand, hemp paper can be recycled more often and does not require dyes or bleaching. It’s also tear-resistant, hard-wearing, waterproof and suitable for all printing processes.

Silphia fibre is produced as a waste product in bioenergy production. Instead of burning the residue or storing it in an emission-rich way, it is fed into a new production pathway. The fibre serves as a substitute product for cellulose. However, only about 35% cellulose can be saved. In paper production, about 35% of the virgin fibre or recycled material is replaced by the silphia fibre. As a useful plant, the silphia has similar properties to the useful hemp. It can be used for up to 10 years and requires very little pesticide. The long flowering period of the silphia is ideal for the local bee population. Silphia paper can be recycled like conventional paper. In the printing sector, it is mainly used for corrugated board products and packaging material.

made entirely of renewable raw materials

TALKING TO

TALKING TO...

When did you start in your current role?

I joined as manager in 2012 and moved into the CEO role in 2016.

As CEO at the National Print Museum, what does your role entail?

My role is hugely varied. It entails all that you would imagine of a CEO of any small business/charity, with the additional challenges and opportunities that come with running a museum. Some of my key areas of responsibility include operations, strategic development, project management, audience development, public programming, education and learning, exhibition interpretation, external relations and fundraising.

What do you particularly enjoy about your role?

The diversity.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

Basketball referee!

Are you a glass half empty or half full person?

Half full, always.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Dry wit.

When is the Museum due to move and has a new location been found yet?

That’s still a little up in the air. We are working on a redevelopment project with the vision to become the world’s leading museum of print.

What’s your dream job?

To lead the world’s greatest museum of print!

CARLA MARRINAN Funder

Favourite film?

A Single Man by Tom Ford.

What’s your favourite band/musician?

Oh Wonder.

How important is the Print Museum when it comes to educating people about the importance of the print industry?

The invention of printing is, of course, one of the greatest inventions of all time. Sharing its impact on our histories – past, present and future – is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

What do you see as your biggest success in life?

My son Gustav – although I can’t take full credit.

What superpower would you most like to have?

Time bending.

How would you like to be remembered?

For kindness.

Life is…

Like a book.

Sharing print’s impact on our historiespast, present and future - is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job

e National Print Museum’s CEO plans on making the venue the world’s leading museum of print

Image by Johnny Mallin

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