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:
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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
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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
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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
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
Are you ready to experience digital print without compromise? Imagine what the quality of offset, the workflow of digital, and zero compromise on cost and productivity could do for your business! Now you can have it all. An uncompromising experience. Meet the varioPRINT iX-series. It combines stunning image quality and a wide media range with the high productivity and attractive cost-efficiency of inkjet. So you can say “Yes” to virtually any job, based on the agreed turnaround time and price. Then print it for more profit and more business. Experience iX. More profit. More business.
Discover what the varioPRINT iX-series can do for your business. Scan the QR-code or visit canon.sm/vPiX-ie
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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
tennis courts every day!
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.
018_IP_202I_Issue6_LovePaper_FINAL.indd 1
Discover more great reasons to #LovePaper at www.twosides.info
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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