Irish Printer Issue 6 2021

I S S U E 6 2 0 2 1 | | 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

COVER STORY

11 A MOST MARVELLOUS

GUIDE TO PRINT

A new project at the National Print Museum is introducing a younger audience to the history of printing in Ireland

Let’s Talk About...

COSTS

INNOVATE AND GROW

New name at Material Solutions, same great service

The impact of higher costs and extended lead times on the print industry

TIMING is everything

With equipment from Quadient, Punctual Print is delivering top quality print and signage services IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2021

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Next day delivery of board & paper products across the whole of Ireland from our Dublin and Belfast warehouses • • •

Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland T: +353 1 401 0008 T: +44 28 9600 1480 E: uniboardsales@ebbgroup.com E: belfastsales@ebbgroup.com www.ebbgroup.com 250363_1C_Uniboard_IP Nov_Dec_ND_V1.indd 1

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1 ISSUE 6 2021

04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

08 Circular design of print Steve Lister discusses the recent trend towards a circular business model and the steps PSPs can take to move forwards in their sustainability journey

11 14

New name, same top service

As Print Solutions rebrands to Material Solutions, we chat to owners Kieran O’Sullivan and Ian Scouler about diversifying into new sectors and why print and signage remains a priority

16 Let’s talk about… costs An unprecedented increase in costs and extended lead times have created a perfect storm of difficulty for printers across the country, says GPMI’s Enda Brophy

Timing is everything New equipment from Quadient is helping Punctual Print meet deadlines, deliver top quality print and signage services and move into new sectors

19 A marvellous guide to print A new project at the National Print Museum is introducing a younger audience to the history of bookmaking and the story of printing in Ireland

21 Cutting edge cutters Two leading Irish printers have moved to the latest generation Polar guillotines from Heidelberg

24 Talking to…

Ciaran Bowe on the importance of staying on your toes in the fast-paced print industry

ISSUE 6 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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

Welcome to issue 6 of Irish Printer for 2021.

Irish Printer,

Service is king at Punctual Print, a family-run print and signage business in Blessington, Co Wicklow. About eight years ago, the company expanded its presence in the signage space, a move that has been facilitated by investment in technology from Quadient. Earlier this year, Punctual Print took delivery of three Roland Printers, a CWT application table and a Comagrav Large Format Cutting Table, all from Quadient. The additional equipment means the firm can now offer clients a ‘one-stop-shop’ service. Jobs no longer need to be outsourced and quality is, says MD Bernard Moran, guaranteed. The three Roland printers installed at Punctual Print are the “bread and butter” of the business, says Bernard. They run all day and the follow-up service has been second to none. For more on Punctual Print and its expansion plans, turn to page 11.

Elsewhere in this issue, we caught up with GPMI CEO Enda Brophy to talk about the cost of doing business in the print industry today. We are, says Enda, living through unprecedented circumstances and unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight just yet. Energy costs are up, shipping costs are through the roof and it looks like there’s another paper price increase on the way at the start of 2022. It’s a perfect storm, says Enda and one that’s presenting printers with challenges that they just can’t do anything about. Kieran O’Sullivan also describes the challenges facing print firms on page 14. Issues around freight, supply chain and inflation are presenting his firm, Material Solutions, with a set of challenges that show no sign of abating. Kieran and his co-owner Ian Scouler also chatted to us about the company’s recent rebranding and how taking risks has paid off for the firm.

From all of us at Irish Printer, we’d like to wish our readers a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

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 2021. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring

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!

the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2021

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SNAP-PROOF Interested in running your own business? A Snap franchise could be the perfect choice

3

YOUR FUTURE

P A R T N E R P R O F I L E

Are you passionate, driven, ambitious and want to lead

So with a readymade network, high brand recognition and an attractive

your own business, but you just haven’t found the right

profitability template, the question is, are you ready to take the leap into

business model? The good news is that there is a way to

self-employment in the knowledge that a soft and exciting landing awaits?

own your own business without massive upskilling and

To find out more about Snap franchising, contact fionashirley@snap.ie

investment and no need to go it alone - a Snap franchise

Phone Fiona on 01–4568890 or 1850 812 002

could be the answer.

Visit https://www.snap.ie/franchising/

The Snap Group has developed Snap Connect, an attractive, lean, low investment and profitable operating model for the right person – ideally a sales professional – who wishes to have the autonomy to run their own business (with the support of a wider experienced team).

Now operational, Snap is currently seeking new franchisees to join its strong Irish organisation. With nearly 40 years’ experience in Ireland and 16 Snap centres across the country that are individually owned and managed, Snap has a proven track record in success and is committed to expanding its brand network further.

Best known for being a digital printer, graphic designer, promotional products and signage supplier, Snap has broadened its solutions to include contemporary products such as website design and video to become a full marketing solutions partner.

your future

SNAP-PROOF

Should you currently be a print owner or a sales professional within a print business, consider converting/ joining the Snap franchise where you can enjoy the benefits of a large successful Irish printing and marketing network.

Is a Snap franchise for you?

Snap is recruiting new franchise partners

If you are ready to make a transition Snap provides a solid, tried and tested framework to launch your business that includes helping you to establish, develop and grow your business. You will have collaborative group resources at your fingertips spanning across training, technology, product development, marketing, operations and supply chains. As a Snap franchise, your customer profile is a business-to-business client, therefore your centre will work office hours Monday to Friday. All you need is a

Snap is looking for passionate and ambitious Franchise Partners to join our team. You could be the proud owner of your own business, while utilising the knowledge, experience and resources of the Snap brand. The opportunity is only a phone call or email away. What’s stopping you?

willingness to learn, a small working capital, a creative mind, a customer centric sales approach and no need for industry experience as training is provided.

E: fionashirley@snap.ie T: 1800 812 002 snap.ie

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U P D A T E S

NEWS Antalis supports 2022 charity calendar Antalis has donated paper for the printing of the Paper Artist Collective’s 2022 charity calendar, created to raise funds for Art Refuge. Art Refuge supports the mental health and wellbeing of people displaced due to conflict, persecution and poverty, in the UK and internationally. The Paper Artist The BOWE team with the Paragon Customer Communications Ireland team in front of the installed BOWE SYSTEC Fusion Cross

Collective’s calendar is the first project for

New BOWE SYSTEC Fusion Cross at Paragon Ireland

photographed and printed, so it was crucial

Paragon Customer Communications (PCC), has completed a

of reproducing the intricacies of the paper

multi-million-euro investment in its Irish business which includes

art. In response to the collective’s

the addition of a BOWE SYSTEC Fusion Cross high speed inserting

requirements, Antalis worked with Service

system. According to BOWE, the system fulfils all the requirements

Graphics, who printed the calendar. Together,

crucial to the success of modern mail production with its

they selected a paper that would meet all

uncompromising performance characteristics, a unique inserting

the criteria – iPrint Digital Uncoated in

principle and high flexibility in handling enclosures. The system

200gsm, an FSC certified premium, wood

can process a broad range of enclosures with the highest possible

free uncoated paper, which provides a

output. Performing almost every application required in

superb printing surface and is guaranteed

production mailing centres, it allows full operational high-

for HP Indigo digital.

which the collective’s members have produced work specifically to be that the choice of print substrate was capable

integrity processing of important documents and non-standard enclosures, while retaining the highest productivity.

Lisa Banton, Managing Director at BOWE UK & IRELAND, said: “We are delighted to be chosen by PCC Ireland to provide the latest, ‘best-in-class’ technology through the Fusion Cross, enabling them to provide their clients with versatile, high security solutions for communications. With local support and a full range of automation solutions for their business, we look forward to continuing the journey with Paragon Customer Communications in Ireland.” Enda Casey, Managing Director at Paragon Customer Communications Ireland, said: “Our investment in the BOWE SYSTEC Fusion Cross Inserter expands our capacity and capabilities and provides our clients with access to the latest technology.”

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2021

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Expand into packaging with the New Speedmaster CX 104

Explore the special advantages of the new Speedmaster CX 104, which has been especially designed for flexible production and the changeover from commercial to packaging printing.

Experience an autonomous changeover as well as refinements such as drip-off and spot coating.

Find out how Heidelberg can help you achieve your goals

www.uk.heidelberg.com +44 (0) 844 892 2010

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6 application supports Canon production printers whether driven by PRISMAsync, Fiery or Canon PDL, as well as third-party generic JDF printers.

Joe Courts, Head of Product Marketing, Document Solutions , Canon UK & Ireland said: “It’s a daily challenge for small print operations to manage an increasing variety

Canon launches PRISMAprepare Go

of short-run print jobs against tight deadlines, whilst also

Canon UK & Ireland has launched PRISMAprepare Go, a

By offering PRISMAprepare Go as our first SaaS workflow

secure job submission and file preparation tool for small

product, we’re making it easy and affordable for any print

in-house and commercial print service providers. Canon is

business to automate job submissions, processing and

offering the tool on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model,

production, without investing in complex on-premise

meaning customers can access the cloud-based workflow

software or IT skills. For in-house printers, PRISMAprepare

service from anywhere, as long as they have internet access

Go offers a new level of automation and professionalism

and a web browser. PRISMAprepare Go speeds up the

and gives them time to add value to their internal customers

process of bringing in customer jobs, fast checking their

through the development of new services. With low monthly

print readiness and performing basic pre-flight checks for

subscriptions and no upfront cost, small in-house and

issues such as incorrect or missing page size, formatting,

commercial PSPs can now take a positive step to simplify

fonts and image resolution. According to Canon, this helps

processes, improve their service to customers, tackle errors

to eliminate mistakes, reduces costly misprints and saves

and waste and focus their resources on building customer

valuable time. No IT expertise or specialised training is

relationships to drive growth. Automation just became

needed to configure, manage and maintain PRISMAprepare

accessible for everyone.” PRISMAprepare Go is available

Go, so users can be up and running in minutes. The

directly from Canon or from accredited channel partners.

trying to attract and retain customers and stay profitable.

New sustainable papers from Avery Dennison Avery Dennison has introduced three white, uncoated papers made from 100% recycled fibers to its range of post-consumer recycled materials. The new uncoated wood-free papers offer a similar look, feel and performance as conventional alternatives and all feature wet strength treatment. Avery Dennison says they’re particularly suited for wine, spirits, craft beer, premium food and beverage and cosmetics. » Naturel Touch Craft – Thick paper with a cotton-like texture for a craft, traditional look » Noble Blanc – Matt paper with a felt marked finish that’s excellent for high volume printing » Sable Blanc – Smooth, matt paper that’s excellent for high volume printing

eco-credentials, says the company. Semi-gloss rMC paper is an efficient option for back labels and is made from 100% recycled fibers. Labels that require a strong ice bucket performance can use rPLUS underlaminate, made with 70% post-consumer

Combining the new recycled fiber papers with other sustainable

recyclate, to make complex construction as sustainable as

solutions from Avery Dennison can further improve a product’s

possible.

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 6 2021

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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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8 E

W

THE PRINCIPLES FOR THE

Circular Design of Print

N

Steve Lister discusses the recent trend towards a circular business model and the steps PSPs can take to move forwards in their sustainability journey

S

In simple terms, circular design means considering the product's entire lifecycle – looking at the birth of a product, from concept to materials, through to its development processes, how it's used and ultimately how it will end. Examining each aspect of the product's lifecycle can help its sustainability credentials soar.

The guiding principles of circular design Material choices

hazardous substances, or even eliminates them

Considering which materials to use is key in

altogether. This could be through material or

terms of their impact on the environment. For

finishing choices. Make sure each stage of your

true sustainability, we need to be looking at

process is in line with green chemistry best

those with the lowest possible impact and I

practice and adheres to the Restricted

don’t just mean which materials you’re using.

Substances list.

How are you using them? Ensuring your processes are as environmentally friendly as they can be? By taking a granular look at each aspect of your materials, you’re helping to reduce negative impact on the planet.

Refurbishment Your responsibility towards a product doesn’t end with a sale. For many items, wear and tear can reduce performance, but we can look at ways to rectify this. Is there anything you could

Cyclability

introduce to support refurbishment? Repair

How will your materials fare in the future? Can

kits, replacement parts, troubleshooting

they be reused, returned to nature, generate

guides?

value over time? Think of it as a journey. A

Durability

one-way ticket for your materials means that’s

In tandem with refurbishment is durability.

where they end but invest in a return, and you

There’s something of a balancing act to

could see your materials start to take on a life of

navigate here as you don’t want to compromise

their own.

on functionality and aesthetics. Look to your

Waste avoidance

materials and your processes and find the

What we’re looking at here is keeping any

middle ground.

waste during the creation process to an

Versatility

absolute minimum or eliminating it completely.

Trends change. People change. But can your

A big factor here is prototypes. Is there a way

product change? Versatility in a sustainability

around creating these using materials or if not,

sense means that your product won’t become

can the materials be recycled or repurposed?

immediately obsolete in times of change.

For your actual products, look to how much material you actually need — can you order to demand, for example?

Circular packaging You’re looking for packaging that can be reused, recycled or is biodegradable. Your first

Green chemistry

question should be: do I need packaging? If the

Green chemistry relates to using chemical

answer is yes, then it’s time to get creative

processes and products that reduce the use of

about how you use it.

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EXPERIENCE iX AN UNCOMPROMISING EXPERIENCE

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COVER STORY

is everything New equipment from Quadient is helping Punctual Print meet deadlines, deliver top quality print and signage services and move into new sectors

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It’s all about customer service at Punctual Print, a family business operating in Blessington, Co Wicklow for over 20 years. Headed up by Managing Director Bernard Moran and his sister Sonia, who holds the role of Business Development Manager, Punctual Print has become one of the top signage firms in the country. “About 11 years ago, we moved into the signage space. It was an area that we were always active in, but previously we had outsourced projects to two or three trade houses for finishing. After we purchased our first Roland machine from Quadient, we very quickly realised where our future lay,” said Bernard. That future was to be rooted in signage, made possible thanks to significant investment in machinery from Quadient. Earlier this year, Punctual Print purchased three Roland Printers, a CWT application table and a Comagrav Large Format Cutting Table from Quadient.

“Michael is our Production Manager and is invaluable when it comes to overseeing all the jobs on a daily basis. He’s also a carpenter and with his expertise in this field, has brought great knowledge when it comes to fitting signage, offering clients a one-stop-shop when it comes to their signage projects.

Alongside our signage portfolio, we still do litho and digital printing. I think for any print firm, it’s important to diversify and offer your clients an extended service,” said Sonia.

The three Roland printers installed by the team at Punctual Print are the “bread and butter” of the business, says Bernard.

“They’re running all day; they’re extremely fast, reliable machines. The CWT application table has transformed how we work and

pharma sector who required a whole range of

the Comagrav has allowed us to meet our clients’ expectations in ways we

products when Covid hit. Word of mouth is strong

didn’t think possible. Previously, there were jobs coming in that our clients

in the print industry too; recommendations from

would need in a hurry but thanks to the Comagrav, we’re now able to meet

our clients allowed us to get into new companies,”

that demand. It cuts out all our Point of Sale, labels, signs, corrriboard and

said Sonia. Acquiring the new machines will, says

posters and it even does stencils! Once the new equipment was installed

Sonia, allow the company to continue on its current

and we were all trained up on it, we knew we were in a position to offer clients

growth trajectory. “When you print in-house and

a much more rounded and cost-effective service.”

when you can offer your client a complete service,

2021 has been a very busy year for Punctual Print. “We have clients in the

they trust you. They know you can turn a job around

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Bernard Moran, Sonia Moran and Rob Nagle, Account Manager, Quadient Ireland

When you print in-house and when you can offer your client a complete service, they trust you. They know you can turn a job around quickly. For us, we’re not depending on anybody else.

We know what the quality of a job is going to be...

13

in the areas that are causing them pain and to come up with ideas and solutions across the board using different types of sustainable materials.

Our new equipment is playing a part in that process,” said Sonia.

After 15 years on the Main Street in Blessington, Punctual Print moved into its new bespoke premises in Blessington Business Park about a year and a half ago. The extra capacity has been vital to allowing the business expand and take on additional work. “The new premises has given us the space to invest in new equipment from Quadient. When we first moved in, we purchased our first flatbed and I really don’t know how we coped without it. It’s a super machine. Our old flatbed was very slow and wasn’t allowing us to meet demand. With the new machine, we can do volume and we’re also hoping to offer trade work as it’s so quick and cost-efficient to run,” said Bernard, who knows the importance of good quality, dependable equipment.

He still has the first machine he purchased back in 1998. “I started off with a little Abidick machine, which I still occasionally use to print envelopes. As far as I know, it’s the only one operating in the country. It might only do two or three jobs a year, but it’s a very sentimental piece of equipment.”

Punctual Print has a longstanding relationship with Quadient. “We find them to be very professional. Whenever we need them, they’re there for us.

We deal with Robbie and he’s a lad you can ring anytime, no problem. His knowledge of the industry is second to none. He also has a lot of experience in the signage industry so when we broke into that sector, he helped us with so much. I’ve bought off companies before and quite often, they’ll sell you a machine but not show you how to run it properly. That’s not the case with Quadient. We’ll continue to buy machines from them,” said Bernard.

The future looks bright at Punctual Print. A new flatbed is on the way in January and the aim is to continue to grow the business and break into new sectors. “We have a great team that works extremely hard, we think of them as part of the family. We’ll always be so grateful to them for helping Punctual Print get to where we are today. Without the machines, we wouldn’t be able quickly. For us, we’re not depending on anybody

to grow but with them, we will. We’re in a very competitive market and

else. We know what the quality of a job is going to

compared to print, signage is an industry in itself. With the new equipment

be; when you outsource, you have to wait to see

though, we’re well placed to succeed. I think they’ll do wonders for us and

what the quality is going to be like.” Punctual Print

our clients,” said Sonia.

has established itself as a go-to firm for top quality print services. Its client list speaks for itself – Kerry

For more on technology from Quadient,

Foods, Amazon, Mercury, Intel and Ballymore, to

email: sales.ie@quadient.com or Tel: +353 1 6250900

name just a few. “I think the key to attracting and retaining clients is to never let them down, to help

ISSUE 6 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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14 I N T E R V I E W

As Print Solutions rebrands to Material Solutions, Irish Printer chats to owners Kieran O’Sullivan and Ian Scouler about diversifying into new sectors and why print and signage remain a priority

Ian Scouler and Kieran O’Sullivan, Material Solutions

NEW NAME SAME TOP SERVICE

Material Solutions, previously known as Print Solutions,

Converters. In 1990, Print Supplies acquired a new premises in

is an excellent example of a company that’s willing to

the Western Industrial Estate in Dublin 12. In the ensuing years,

innovate and take risks in order to develop and grow.

Print Solutions acquired two additional adjacent buildings and

From the 1st of December this year, Print Solutions

recently leased a fourth building. Today, the company employs 53

rebranded to Material Solutions, reflecting the

people and works across a range of diverse sectors. “The new

company’s move into areas like industrial and

building has further increased our capacity to approximately

construction plastics, interior design materials and

80,000 sq ft. We have also developed a really strong showroom

glazing products. The foundations of the business – print

that showcases the products we provide for the interior design

and signage – will remain a priority but the name change

space and that will be located in the new building too. We’re keen

better reflects the scope of the products manufactured

to continue our progression into the architecture and interior

by the firm today.

design sector and when you look at the areas that we work in

Since 1935, Material Solutions has demonstrated its

now, it’s obvious that ‘Print Solutions’ does not represent what

commitment to customer service and innovation. The

the company is today or where we want to go. That was the

company’s name has changed but its dedication to clients

primary reason behind the name change,” said Ian Scouler,

has not. Founded by Daniel O’Sullivan, the company

Managing Director at Material Solutions.

started life as a show card printer and small paper

Materials Solutions is very much an Irish-owned company.

merchant, with a small shopfront in Dublin’s George’s

Following an MBO, owner and director (and son of Gerard)

Street Arcade and a storeroom on South William Street.

Kieran O’Sullivan, along with Ian Scouler, purchased the firm

In 1978, it split into D. O’Sullivan Print Supplies and D.

outright. “In this industry, you see a lot of print firms owned and

O’Sullivan Graphic Supplies; back then, Print Supplies

operated by multinationals; we’re certainly not that. We’re proud

main business was supplying screen printers with display

of our history and we’re proud that two Irish people are carrying

board and self-adhesives, while also offering die cutting

the company forward,” said Kieran.

services under the company name D. O’Sullivan

Since Covid hit, activity at Material Solutions has ramped up

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Original store front, third shop on the right in George’s Street Arcade, sometime in the 1940’s Courtesy of Dublin City Library and Archive

In this industry, you see a lot of print firms owned and operated by multinationals; we’re certainly not that. We’re proud of our history and we’re proud that two Irish people are carrying the company forward Kieran O’Sullivan, Owner and Director

significantly. From supplying materials that go into

so stock had to be sourced from Turkey, the Gulf or from any

sneeze guards to lending its expertise to interior design

other source to allow operations to continue. It’s a situation that

fit-outs, the team has been working hard to meet

will, says Kieran, start to level out by Q3 next year but for now, it

demand. “Industrial plastics is certainly one area that got

remains a challenge for the firm.

us through Covid. We’re also working in the POP retail

Plans for the future include continued growth in the traditional

area and we’re very active in the interiors sector at the

market and developing a strong presence in the interior design,

moment,” said Kieran. Today, the industrial plastics

construction and industrial plastics sectors. “I think that if you

segment of the company makes up approximately 25% of

can grow into a different industry sector, you’re diversifying your

the company’s turnover. “We would expect our interior

risks. A good example is that in April 2020, the sign and graphic

design portfolio, which we’re launching in 2022, to be as

element of our business fell by 70%. Industrial plastic, however,

successful. These new elements of the business are

went through the roof. We restructured slightly, we took new

extremely important but we never lose sight of our core

staff on board and while the core focus of the sign and graphic

business – print – which is still the most substantial part

division remains, we’re keen to develop further into these new

of our turnover,” said Ian.

sectors,” said Ian. Material Solutions is also on a drive to improve

Throughout Covid, business has been strong at Material

its green credentials; research into environmentally friendly

Solutions but issues around freight, supply chain and

materials is currently underway, with special emphasis on

inflation are presenting the firm with a set of challenges

recyclability and GOH emissions. Alongside this, the company

that show no sign of abating. “In my entire career, I can

intends to reduce and potentially eliminate its phase 1 GOH

honestly say that I have never seen anything like the

emissions. “We often hear stores saying that they don’t want any

issues that we’re faced with today. In our industry, there

PVC in their outlets, that they want to replace it with

has been little or no inflation for the last decade or more.

polyethylene or polypropylene, which in my opinion is just paying

Going from that to handing out 20% price increases is

lip service to the idea of sustainability. We need to move away

just insane. We have suppliers who no longer give us any

from plastics entirely and employ paper-based products to do the

notice when loads go up by 10% or more. To give you an

same job. There’s a lot of research going into that area at the

example, at one stage we would have imported material

moment,” said Kieran.

from China. To take a full load container in January 2020

A new cohort of younger staff members is helping to push the

was $3,000; today you’re paying $18,000 for the same

company forward, says Ian. “They’re young and energetic and

sized container,” said Kieran. Right now, Material

thanks to them, we have a much more rounded company today.

Solutions is carrying close to €4 million in stock. Last

Equally, we have people at retirement age who want to continue

year, the company also stocked up heavily, but back then

working at the company, which makes for a great balance.” The

it was in anticipation of Brexit. “Normally, you run your

printer and the sign-maker will always be the foundations of the

stock down coming into December, but last year we did

business, says Kieran. “The decision to rebrand and change the

the opposite. We ended up going into a level five

name to Material Solutions is, in our opinion, a really forward-

lockdown, which wasn’t what anyone expected but

thinking one. We’re looking forward to bringing the same

ironically it stood to us, as it was around that time that

innovation and dedication to our clients that has defined the

the supply chain issue really started to kick in and it’s

company for the past 90 years.”

gotten progressively worse since,” he added. The company’s biggest supplier was unable to meet demand,

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16 C

O

S

T

S

An unprecedented increase in costs and extended lead times have created a perfect storm of difficulty for printers across the country. GPMI’s Enda Brophy talks to Irish Printer about the challenges facing the sector

Let’s Talk ABOUT...

COSTS

In the last issue of Irish Printer, we spoke with IPF President

January. Energy surcharges are coming in on top of

Diarmuid Dawson about the price increases that are

that; we’ve just never seen anything like this before.”

challenging the viability of print firms around the country.

Increases in gas prices across Europe is impacting

The cost of paper has gone up, material availability is scarce,

paper production, which in turn is filtering down to

inflation has risen by 30% in the past three months and lead

paper mills, printers and the end user. Covid has

times have gone through the roof. The whole trade is under

seen increased revenues across packaging

pressure and right now, there’s no let up in sight. We’re living

companies, but that has also resulted in a greater

through an unprecedented set of circumstances says Enda

demand for pulp, which is in short supply. Earlier this

Brophy, CEO at GPMI Ltd. “If you take the last nine months

year, forestry company Stora Enso permanently

alone, we’ve had the shipping crisis and changes to energy

closed two of its paper mills in Finland. Media

costs. Shipments coming in from China have skyrocketed in

reports at the time stated that Covid had accelerated

There’s a higher demand for European paper at a time when capacity is much decreased

price; a year ago, the cost of a

a shift from printed materials to digital devices and

container was about $2,500

the company said it had seen a decline of almost 18%

but now it’s about $15,000.

in demand for printing paper in the pandemic. It

What we have is a perfect

added that both the Veitsiluoto mill in northern

storm of various cost increases

Finland and Kvarnsveden mill in central Sweden had

hitting the sector at the same time. Economies are also

been loss-making for some time. “Those closures

reopening so the demand for paper has been quite steady.

took out a lot of capacity for paper in Europe. On top

That’s also contributing to cost increases.” It’s a constantly

of that, you’ve got the excessive cost of taking in

evolving and indeed worsening situation, says Enda. “Even in

paper primarily from Asia. Right now, there’s a much

September, we would have been surprised if you said to us

higher demand for European paper at a time when

that mills would be looking for increases around the €100 per

capacity is much decreased and costs are a lot

tonne mark. A lot of mills announced an increase of €100 per

higher.”

tonne at the beginning of December and have announced a

For GPMI, going back to customers month after

further €100 hike, which is set to kick in at the beginning of

month with yet another price increase is tough.

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17 Enda Brophy, CEO, GPMI Ltd

no-one knows when. It’s a challenging situation for everyone.”

The situation is unlikely to change any time soon.

“After meeting with some of the big paper mills in the past few weeks, they all indicated that it’s unlikely there’ll be any change before the end of Q1 2022. We’re going to be in this environment for the next four months at least. Most of them have also announced further increases for the beginning of January.”

When it comes to shipping, Asian shipping has come down slightly from around $18,000 dollars to $15,000. “That’s still almost five times higher than it was a year ago and that’s something else that’s not expected to change until the middle of 2022.” An older staff member at GPMI remembers a similar situation back in 1974. “It eventually resolved itself, but it didn’t last as long as the current position we find ourselves in. I think this is a much more complex issue.”

The scarcity of skilled labour isn’t an issue that’s affecting GPMI to any great extent. “We are aware that there’s a big demand for warehouse and distribution staff. A couple of people left our “When a merchant like us gets an increase from the mill, we

warehouse recently; one of them left the industry

have to pass it on to the printer straight away. If we didn’t, we

altogether. I think the challenges around attracting

would be putting our business at risk. Ultimately, that

and retaining staff will become more prevalent in the

increase is passed onto the customer and the danger there is

next year or so.” Enda says he is very aware that cost

that the customer might opt to go down a more digital

increases present printers with a very real challenge.

route.” Customers that may not have traded with GPMI for

“For a printer, paper costs represent about 40% of

years are getting back in touch, says Enda. “I’m sure our

the cost of their full job. It certainly has an impact on

competitors are saying the same thing. There are gaps in

the final product. We’ve had very little pushback

stocks everywhere and if you can’t supply your customer

from printers when we announce increases; they

with stock, then they will look elsewhere in the short-term.

read the trade press and they’re aware of what’s

Extended lead times are contributing to the problem;

going on in the industry. I think that if prices

previously, a delivery from Finland would have taken about

continue to increase, customers may decide to switch

two weeks. Now, you’re looking at eight to 12 weeks in some

to other options and that will impact printers in a

cases.” At some point, prices will start to fall but that will

serious way. When prices do start to come down next

present the industry with another challenge. “No-one wants

year, paper merchants like ourselves will be faced

to be stuck with a lot of stock. We think there may be a

with a new set of problems. We’re in an extremely

potential reduction coming in the middle of next year, but

challenging period.”

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45,000

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paper and s, which provide wood for making est for an ope Eur t tha w kno you Did ry day? wing by over 45,000 tennis courts eve gro n bee e hav , als teri ma g gin cka pa

Love Paper? You’ll love it even more knowing that it’s made from renewable and sustainable wood fibres, which ensures healthy, growing forests.

Source: United Nations FAO, 2005-2015 Two Sides is a global campaign promoting the unique renewable and sustainable qualities of print and paper.

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06/01/2022 10:44

19 EXHIBITION

A MOST MARVELLOUS GUIDE TO PRINT

Entitled ‘Blot’s Most Marvellous Historical Guide to Printing Books’, the new exhibition at the National Print Museum introduces the visitor to George Thomas ‘Blot’ Dickson, an eighteenth-century printer’s apprentice. Dr Angela Griffith of Trinity College Dublin, an expert in history of the Irish printed image, is the author and curator of the exhibition which describes the evolution of bookmaking, its processes and its impacts. One of the country’s most exciting illustrators, Jennifer Farley, has visualised George’s story for the page and for the exhibition

A new project at the National Print Museum is set to introduce a younger audience to the history of bookmaking and the story of printing in Ireland

space.

Ireland is world-renowned for its incomparable contribution to the history of the book. It begins with Insular manuscripts from the sixth century and emerges with the arrival of the first printing press to Ireland nearly 100 years after Gutenberg’s transformative invention. The Age of Enlightenment and the rise of revolutionary politics from the 1700s saw book and pamphlet printing soar

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20 The nineteenth century is marked by an insatiable demand for printed materials as education levels rose

and printing today. An audio, film and photographic documentary tracing ‘Blot’s’ book from the initial concept to the physical book will be produced and archived. Alongside the publication and the exhibition, the Museum has produced a stimulating and fun educational resource for students, teachers, researchers and other audiences.

This exhibition is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Production sponsors include Doggett Group, Print Bindery, Duffy Bookbinders and Spera.

and the first newspapers appeared on Irish streets. The nineteenth century is marked by an insatiable demand for printed materials as education levels rose. By the turn of the 1900s, Irish artists such as Sophia Rosamund Praeger, Jack Yeats, Beatrice Elvery and Elinor Monsell brought a contemporary dynamism to the illustrated book.

Today, despite the ever-expanding ways people can access information through digital platforms, the printed book retains its popularity and this is particularly true of the illustrated volume. The exhibition, online and on site, will include a visually striking display that represents a century of book illustration in Ireland.

This project celebrates the creative powers and the technical skills of some of the best people working in Irish illustration

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21

21

TECHNOLOGY

CUTTING EDGE CUTTERS FROM

Two leading Irish printers have moved to the latest generation Polar guillotines from Heidelberg

HEIDELBERG Lettertec and Kanturk Printers are replacing their older

invested in a Polar 78. As Donal Aherne, owner of Kanturk

guillotines with Polar guillotines from Heidelberg to bring their

Printers, explains: “When we needed to buy a guillotine, my most

cutting up to the latest specification. Polar high-speed cutters

important decision criteria were to purchase a quality brand

deliver excellent added value thanks to the OptiKnife knife

from a reliable partner. That made the decision easy: Polar and

changing system, very easy operation, first-class technical

Heidelberg.

service and the best resale value worldwide. With its large variety

“We have used Polar for many years and have always found them

of programmable additional functions, this high-speed cutter

to be reliable, with trouble-free operations and minimal

offers impressively short makeready times and high efficiency,

downtime for repair. So when I made the decision, I just rang

making it the right choice for companies that demand maximum

Heidelberg. We agreed on a price and the machine was in place

precision and profitability from their cutting machines. When

within a month! Installation was smooth and the team answered

demand increases, the cutters can be upgraded to form cutting

all our queries professionally and thoroughly. Overall, their

systems by adding peripheral equipment.

service could not have been better – and the machine is of the

Lettertec chose the Polar 92 N Plus as it best suited its

quality that I expect from a global brand like Heidelberg.”

requirements for the sizes it cuts and has the advantage of a competitive price. As it’s a replacement, this Irish firm knew precisely what they needed. “We bought our first Polar guillotine back in 1992 and it has served us well; we’re only replacing it now!

We subsequently bought a second Polar a few years ago and it’s working perfectly too. When it came time to update the oldest one, its reliability made the choice easy enough. The newest model of the same guillotine was what our operators requested and what we went ahead with,” says Frank Kelly, Managing Director of Lettertec Ireland. As Lettertec can attest, the Polar 92 N Plus is a very popular model with printers.

Cork-based Kanturk Printers, who provides complete highquality design, print and signage services in Ireland, recently

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22 D I G I T A L PACKAGING

What’s stopping progress around digitally printed packaging? Tim Sykes explores the barriers that may be holding back the digital tide

DIGITAL PACKAGING

WHAT’S THE DELAY?

When all the market research of recent years is projecting market growth of between 10 and 15% CAGR over the coming years, it

may sound unnecessarily provocative to suggest that digital print

in packaging has failed to fulfil expectations. The value proposition

of digital print is familiar enough; the ability to go from PDF to POS in a matter of hours doesn’t just make short runs and cool

customisation campaigns economical, but enables supply chain

personalised for a specific individual.” Yet of course there remains

efficiencies and leaner stock management. Digitally printing a

huge demand for generic packaging produced in high volumes and

package thus caters to a swathe of key market trends and demands

at high speeds and analogue presses still handle the bigger runs

from agile marketing campaigns and proliferation of SKUs to

more cost effectively. In addition, they tend to be a considerably

streamlining processes for faster time to market. However, in

less costly investment. This is hardly news, but those of us who

off-the-record conversations over the last couple of years, both

get intoxicated by disruptive innovation could do well to remind

brand owners and digital print specialists have confided a mild

ourselves of the enduring gravitational pull of simple mathematics.

disappointment that some of the more idealistic predictions of

As long as not everyone needs bespoke, there will be a place for

digital conquest have not yet come to pass. What are the reasons

analogue.

for this? And is the post-Covid world closer to the tipping point?

We don’t all need bespoke

Agile technology on its own won’t accelerate time to market

We’ll start with perhaps the most basic and obvious point – the

That said, there is a significant and growing packaging market

largest chunk of the market is still serving long-run jobs for

space where digital print can add value. Brand owners need to

packaging destined for the shelves of bricks-and-mortar retailers.

differentiate their multiple SKUs and increase frequency of

As Montserrat Peidro, former head of Heidelberg’s digital print

marketing campaigns to maintain consumer attention. In this

business, said: “The main advantages of digital print can be

landscape, flexibility rather than raw throughput is key to

quantified in terms of cost per box in short-mid runs, in faster

productivity.

turn-around times resulting in a leaner supply chain and in its

“The printing speed of analogue does not take into consideration

ability to produce unique boxes profitably. Examples include

all the presses set-ups, including colour calibrations, waste and

packages with security features, unique identifiers for track and

plates making and mounting,” says Marcelo Akierman (HP Indigo

tracing of goods, codes for connected packaging and those

marketing manager – EMEA region). “The time to market printing

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It’s about intelligently curating and shaping the whole experience for those in our community: makers, designers and consumers alike. One industry shift is personalised storytelling, with mass customisation seen as the next frontier for global brands

23

digitally is dramatically reduced; brand owners can do the proofing on site and when the target is achieved sign on the final substrate.”

However, all too often the end user isn’t thinking as fast as the technology. As a major corrugated converter recently said to me, they can handle an artwork change in little more than a day on traditional presses. If the brand owner’s marketing sign-off takes days or weeks, is it possible that the bottleneck is as much a business systems problem as a technological one? Brands need to become as agile as digital presses if they are to leverage their full potential and they need to get used to making more decentralised marketing decisions.

Harnessing the value of digital print will rely on integration into the wider value chain.

“We often forget it, but packaging production is more than printing and part of a longer supply chain – from packaging design to printers, converters, packers, retailers (on-line or physical),” François Martin, senior communication advisor at BOBST, said.

“Printing digital will save a few hours, even a few days, in a process taking months. The entire packaging production chain needs to

name on it’. This is a new game and the rules of how to create

be rewritten. Digital printing will be part of the new Industry 4.0

meaningful experiences through customised packaging are still

packaging landscape, but the digitalisation of an entire process

being written.

will be the most important element.” Conversely, as analogue

“Personalisation goes far beyond customising or styling

print technologies are adapted to function within this connected

products,” said Jose Gorbea, head of Brands & Agencies at HP GSB

ecosystem, they will become quasi-digital themselves.

EMEA (and formerly of Mondelēz). “It’s about intelligently curating

We are still rewriting the rules

and shaping the whole experience for those in our community: makers, designers and consumers alike. One industry shift is

Digital print facilitates an altogether more intimate degree of

personalised storytelling, with mass customisation seen as the

consumer engagement just as the broader digital transformation

next frontier for global brands. With digital print, design runs

of our world is making consumers expect gratifying communication

that used to number in the tens of thousands can now vary unit

from brands across every moment of truth.

by unit, making labels, cases, POS materials and direct mail more

“There’s no question customisation is one of the biggest trends

relevant and personal than ever before. Companies can now target

driving the adoption of digital package printing,” said Donald

messages directly at individual groups of customers and join social

Allred, VP of Packaging, Memjet. “When packaging is produced

movements (as seen in Smirnoff’s recent #chooselove campaign).

in a late-stage customisation process, using digital printing is not

The speed of digital printing also allows brands to interact with

only possible – it is preferred by brands that want to connect with

real-world events. For example, you can now print the daily news

their consumers by adding personalised messages and images to

on a package to communicate product freshness.”

their packaging. These messages can include support of regional

Amid such endless possibilities and several truly impressive

sports teams, seasonal messages and/or images of local interest.

applications there is also a sense that brands are only beginning

“Compare this close customer relationship with the more

to map the new landscape. If digitally printed packaging represents

traditional process whereby brands ship products to distribution

a cultural, as well as a technological, revolution, I have the sense

centres. In this supply chain, products are distributed to vast

that what we are seeing today is an influential counterculture

geographic and demographic markets, with little opportunity for

rather than mainstream.

personalised packaging experiences.”

However, return on investment will increasingly require more sophisticated strategies than the now familiar ‘product with your

Tim Sykes is Brand Director at Packaging Europe, one of the leading intelligence resources for European packaging professionals

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24

24

TALKING TO...

TALKING TO

P+D’s Sales Director talks about the importance of staying on his toes and why it’s his colleagues that keep him smiling

CIARAN BOWE How long are you in the print industry?

What’s your favourite band/musician?

I am 14 years working in the print industry. I have worked

Maybe U2 or Daft Punk.

in sales for all of that time and I’m in my current role just a little over a year.

What do you see as your biggest success in life?

How did you get into it?

My family and work. Everything else will come and

Prior to joining P+D, I worked in a company that did a lot

go, but your family will always be there.

of finishing and we worked with quite a few litho printers.

and diversity of the work was amazing and that attracted

Are you a glass half empty or half full person?

me.

Depends if we’re ahead or

I found the work and the industry really interesting.

When the role came up at P+D, I thought the high quality

behind of target!

What do you love/hate about the industry? the ability to be creative and see projects come to life

Who or what makes you laugh?

from concept to implementation is very fulfilling. The

All the sales and design

downside also relates to the fast pace; at times there are

teams in P+D. We have a great

ideas or projects that with just a little more time, we could

culture and when you feel the

bring further along to give them that extra 5 or 10%.

world is falling down, we

It’s the same answer for both – the fast pace. In our field,

always keep it in perspective

How has the industry changed?

and have a great laugh

Digital has revolutionised it. It has allowed for better

amongst ourselves.

There is a real energy to the industry. In our field, the ability to be creative and see projects come to life from concept to implementation is very fulfilling

quality, faster turnaround and lower volumes. The role of manufacturer, we’re a fundamental part of our clients’

What superpower would you most like to have?

marketing function delivering design, manufacturing and

The ability to pause time. There are days where it’s

implementing services.

really manic and you need that extra hour!

What’s your dream job?

How would you like to be remembered?

Bar my current one, professional golfer but I’m so bad

I’m only 39 so hopefully I don’t have to worry about

that even in my dreams, it wouldn’t be realistic.

being remembered for a while yet…

What’s your favourite film?

Life is….?

The Great Gatsby.

Short, so make time to enjoy yourself.

printers has changed massively; We’re no longer just a

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