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I N V EST I N G IN THE
Sustainable growth at
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1 ISSUE 4 2021 04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry
08 W&G Baird invests in robot technology The NI sheetfed printer has ordered two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers
10 Green goals mean good business Production inkjet can help you achieve your sustainability goals, writes Stuart Rising
18 Setting out your stall with countertop graphics Whether it’s generating new sales or improving brand awareness, countertop graphics can be an extremely valuable marketing asset, writes Shaun Holdom
15 Investing in the future
19 Accessible packaging unwrapped As we marvel at the athletes in the upcoming Paralympics, Two Sides takes a look at the latest packaging innovations designed for the disabled
20 ‘It’s exciting in a time that’s very challenging’ New technology at Anglo Printers has allowed the firm to adapt its business into new sectors
Chris Sandwell talks to Irish Printer about creating a dedicated distribution network for UniBoard and why the future looks bright for the paperboard distributor
22 Talk is not enough It’s time to do more than just check the box on ocean plastic, writes Conrad Mendoza
24 The Last Word With the help of its partners in THINK, P+D has created this impactful hoarding at Dundrum Town Centre
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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Claire Kiernan Contact: Irish Printer,
Welcome to issue 4 of Irish Printer for 2021. For this issue of Irish Printer, we caught up with Chris Sandwell at Elliott Baxter & Co to talk about the company’s acquisition of UniBoard in 2019. Significant investment has gone into the brand since the EBB Paper team took over the reins at the paperboard merchant – a new state-of-the-art facility in Rathcoole, an extensive new range of paper products and a new distribution centre and sales office in Belfast. The company has also created its own distribution network, giving it complete control over quality and timings. The aim, says Chris, is to be a market-leading stockist of board and paper in Ireland and to provide new and existing customers with a reliable and efficient service. For more on UniBoard’s plans over the next three years, turn to page 15. Anglo Printers is another firm that’s kept busy over the past year and a half. When Covid hit, MD Padraic Kierans realised a change of direction was needed. Thanks to the Sustaining Enterprise Fund from Enterprise Ireland, Anglo has invested heavily in several new pieces of machinery that has allowed it to take full advantage of the thriving packaging sector. It’s also well positioned to capitalise on the commercial market once that segment of the economy starts to recover. Since Covid hit, a large number of print firms have managed to successfully change up their business and take advantage of any new circumstances. These people have shown leadership in the most challenging of times and should, says Padraic, be commended for that courage. After such a tumultuous 18 months, now’s the time to open up the economy and allow the industry to begin growing once again.
Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie Printed by:
McGowans Print
Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied by Antalis. All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 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
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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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4
4
NEWS
U P D A T E S
FUJI
McGowans’ Landa is on its way
First Look at Fujifilm’s new Jet Press 750S
At the time of writing, a new Landa S10 along
Following the announcement of the new
have been setting the standard for digital
way to McGowans HQ in Dublin. It’s hoped
Jet Press 750S High Speed Model at
quality in commercial print for some
that, thanks to its B1 format and ability to print
virtual.drupa 2021, Fujifilm recently
time now. The quality and the up-time
on any material, the new S10 will open up a
hosted the first live demonstration of
were already both so good that we looked
whole new revenue stream for the print firm.
the machine in action. The FIRST LOOK
beyond incremental improvements and
Mal and the team also expect the new
event, hosted at the Fujifilm Advanced
turned our attention to the speed, and
machine to bridge the gap between
Print Technology Centre in Brussels,
found a way to make it significantly
McGowans’ existing small format digital
demonstrated how users can quickly and
faster. The new high performance mode
offering and the large format corrugated
simply switch between high performance
opens up a world of possibilities for
division. Once the new machines arrive, a
and high quality modes. Attendees also
longer print runs that would usually have
couple of weeks installation and training will
learned which mode is best suited for a
been litho printed in the past, but
follow.
range of jobs, taking into consideration
crucially, users of the new model will
the ink savings as well as the time savings
retain the ability to deliver high margin,
of the high performance mode and the
high quality short run work as well. It
fact that there is no need for use of the
offers commercial printers unrivalled
Rapid Coagulation Primer.
flexibility in a rapidly changing market.”
Mark Stephenson, Product Manager,
The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model,
Digital Solutions, Fujifilm Graphic
which is also offered as an upgrade to
Systems Europe said: “The Jet Press 750S
current 750S users, will be commercially
and its predecessor the Jet Press 720S
available in Europe in the autumn.
with a Highcon digital cutter was making its
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5 value. Antalis is set to launch the new range in May
ANTALIS
2021. The board is sturdy and strong, with a natural texture and excellent converting properties. Eska maintains a promise that their boards lay flat and stay flat, even when they have been processed into end products and Eska Black is no different. Eska Black’s high rigidity adds to the luxury feel of the board while its clever 3-layer construction, with the core layer made of 100% recycled fibre, sandwiched between two deep black virgin fibre liners, results in a top quality, 70% recycled solid board. It’s available in three weights – 1000mic, 1500mic and 1750mic, all of which are easy to cut, die, crease, score, gouge, mill, punch, drill and emboss/ deboss.
Antalis takes board back to black
Steve Chappell, Graphical Board Development Manager at Antalis, said: “Eska Black is a solid black, due to its
Antalis UK and Ireland has announced it’s the exclusive
black core. It is a robust product that is very cost-
stockists of Eska Black, a black solid board with natural
effective. Like all of our products, it can also be fully
texture and minimal environmental impact. Specially
carbon offset via a choice of schemes offered by Antalis.
designed for luxury graphical and packaging
We are delighted that Eska Black has recently been
applications, this 100% sustainable board boasts
used for the cover and stand of the prestigious
minimal environmental impact, with maximum added
Dorchester 2021 calendar.”
Digital not always preferred option A new study conducted by the not-for-
transactional mail. The move to an
online, organisations are in danger of
profit organisation Two Sides and
online only society risks leaving older
thinking that digital is always the
independent research company Toluna,
people, the disabled, rural dwellers and
preferred option. However, this isn’t
has
those on low incomes disconnected.
always the case. 59% of UK consumers
overwhelmingly want the right to
Alongside the right to choose,
(55% EU) are increasingly concerned
choose how they receive their
consumers are also demanding that
that their personal information held
communications (digitally or printed)
they are not penalised for selecting
electronically is at risk of being hacked,
from organisations.
paper communication. 58% of UK
stolen, lost or damaged. Over 55-year-
Defaulting people online without a
consumers (54% EU) agree that they
olds are the most concerned (64%),
choice to save cost will impact those
should not be charged more for
however, a large number of younger
most vulnerable and at risk in our
choosing a paper bill or statement. The
people have the same worry (58% of
communities, according to the study.
study also found that if a UK consumer
25-34 year olds). Furthermore, even if
In the UK, 6.3% of all adults have never
were forced to move to digital by their
a consumer is moved to digital bills and
used the internet (Office of National
current service providers, 32% (29%
statements, it rarely stays “paperless”.
Statistics, 2020). Often, it is the most
EU) would consider switching to an
59% of UK consumers (47% EU)
vulnerable members of society that
alternative provider.
regularly print out hard copies at home
depend on traditional, postal,
In a society where everything happens
if they want a hard copy.
found
that
consumers
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6
At HP, our ambition is to become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company Enrique Lore CEO HP
HP
Image courtesy of Tim El-Helou
HP makes waves in a sea of change HP has teamed up with several major global organisations including
and major aquariums across the globe.
The Ocean Agency, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic
“At HP, our ambition is to become the world’s most sustainable
Commission and Adobe to inspire people to join the fight to protect
and just technology company,” says HP’s CEO Enrique Lores. “I’m
the World’s oceans. The company has become the official printing
proud of the work of our teams around the world; we are making
partner for the Ocean Decade Exhibition, an initiative that aims
great progress towards achieving our goals while identifying areas
to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean and inspire
where we must do more. If we simply stay the course, we will fail
greater knowledge and conservation around it.
to meet the magnitude of this moment. The pace of change in the
The United Nations has proclaimed 2021 - 2030 a Decade of Ocean
world around us is accelerating, and so must our efforts to create
Science for Sustainable Development as part of its drive to support
the future we want to see.”
efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and gather stakeholders across the globe behind a common framework. This is intended to ensure ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of the seas.
A Pizza the action for Carraig
The exhibition itself has seen the global creative community design
Carraig Print Litho Press recently completed an outdoor,
some truly stunning artwork that aims to transform the image of
heavy duty cafe barrier system for Pizzeria San Marco in
ocean science and conservation, raise awareness of the importance
Midleton, Co Cork. The print firm has been keeping busy
of the ocean and inspire support for action. HP has stated it is
this year; alongside its usual products and services and
proud to be the printing partner for the exhibition and will be
projects like the barrier system completed for the pizza
making use of its water-based inks and HP Latex printers, which
restaurant, the family-run print firm recently launched an
have all been designed specifically with the environment in mind,
online book printing service, coinciding with its 40th year
to produce the physical artwork. The artworks are also being made
in business.
freely available online so people can curate and create their own micro exhibitions in venues ranging from schools to universities
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EPSPN
7 Epson reaffirms commitment to business inkjet technology
Canon launches new Trimmer For faster production
With HP retracting from the only business print segment to
In a bid to help customers increase their
see growth over recent years, Epson has stated it views the
application production efficiency,
move as highly advantageous to its own growth potential and
improve automation and minimise
that of its channel partners. Remaining committed to its
downtime, Canon UK & Ireland has
indirect sales model, Epson is reassuring its partners that it
added a third-party inline finishing
will not be making a similar switch back to laser technology
solution to its portfolio – the SDD
or changing its technology portfolio. “Our award-winning
PTM7006 Press Trim Module booklet
inkjet technology is not the same as HP’s and while they have
trimmer.
withdrawn from the business inkjet market in favour of
Exclusive to Canon, the SDD PTM7006
reverting to an old technology, we will continue to support
Press Trim Module can be attached
the advantages offered by our proprietary heat-free Precision
inline to a Canon imagePRESS C910 or
Core piezo inkjet technology. HP’s withdrawal from the market
varioPRINT 140 Series printer, enabling
is of huge advantage to us and offers growth potential for
fast production of brochures and
both Epson and our channel partners,” says Rob Clark, Senior
manuals in one streamlined operation,
Vice President of Epson Europe and Managing Director of
without additional handling or finishing
Epson UK.
steps. Trimming the long edge of
“While the laser technology HP has chosen to focus on can
booklets up to 6mm thick, the module
make some steps to become less carbon heavy, these
also flattens the spine to give a superior,
improvements will be incremental, not fundamental,”
professional appearance and makes
continued Clark. “The industry is looking for better, more
packing, stacking and distribution
sustainable technologies and Epson’s inkjet technology
easier. Customers can choose from two
answers this need. Unlike HP’s thermal inkjet and all laser
more options to further enhance booklet
technologies, our award-winning piezo inkjet technology
quality – a 2-side trimmer for full-bleed
requires no heat during the printing process so is by its very
applications and a square fold module
nature more sustainable – requiring far less energy and
to achieve a completely square spine.
generating less CO2. HP’s failure to make its business inkjet
Joseph Courts, Head of Product
technology viable is validation of ours. We remain 100%
Marketing for Canon UK & Ireland, said:
committed to it, and to our channel partners.”
“For print businesses, the pandemic has put fresh emphasis on the importance of automation and of adding value for customers. Finishing is key to both and we’re committed to offering the broadest possible choice of solutions, helping print producers to succeed by streamlining production and branching out into new application areas. With this new option from our finishing partner SDD, PSPs and inhouse print departments working with Canon digital toner printers can add a professional edge to their products, while cutting production time and costs.”
ISSUE 4 2021 IRISH PRINTER
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8 INVESTMENT
The NI sheetfed printer has ordered two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers
W&G BAIRD invests in W&G Baird, the largest commercial sheetfed printer in Northern Ireland, has ordered the first two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers
ROBOT
in Ireland and the UK. The company’s decision to invest in state-
over the past five to six years,” said Andrew Watson, Operations
of-the-art robot technology in its postpress department comes as
Director at W&G Baird. “We expect to see at least a 10% improvement
no surprise; W&G Baird is one of the most technologically advanced
in output thanks to this investment, by allowing the operator to
printing companies in the market and has a long-standing history
focus on setting up and optimising the machines and keeping them
with Heidelberg. W&G Baird already has four Heidelberg folders
constantly supplied. This in turn will improve our supply to our
and the P-Stackers will complement their two high-speed folding
customers. We also expect to see our run speeds increase as most
machines.
of the physical element of the job will now be handled by the robot.”
“Over its history, W&G Baird has always been at the forefront
Ian Trengrouse, Product Manager Postpress Commercial of
of new technology in print. We are the first commercial printer in
Heidelberg UK, said: “Heidelberg has always developed the next
Ireland to run our presses from reels instead of sheets, having
step in pushing the boundaries in folder technology. From buckle
invested in reel sheeter technology last year (including a Heidelberg
plate and folding roller automation, the PFX feeder, shingling of
Cut Star 105). We have been very closely following the developments
sheets throughout the individual folding unit, Push to Stop
of robotics in folding machines, so when Heidelberg brought the
technology and more incorporated into the Stahlfolder, the P-Stacker
P-Stacker to market it was an obvious step for us to make, to improve
is the next step in this progression and the perfect partner to the
the productivity of our bindery department as we have with printing
Stahlfolder P-series of machines. The highest level of productivity
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9 From buckle plate and folding roller automation, the PFX feeder, shingling of sheets throughout the individual folding unit, Push to Stop technology and more incorporated into the Stahlfolder, the P-Stacker is the next step in this progression and the perfect partner to the Stahlfolder P-series of machines
TECHNOLOGY is easily handled by the P-Stacker, leaving the operator to concentrate
and the employees of W&G Baird, who are pleased to see the long-
on other tasks. This could even be a second machine; we already
term investment in the business’s future. For their folding
have users running in excess of 30,000 folded sections per hour
operators, the robotics will make a significant improvement to
across two machines with only one operator manning both
the ergonomics of their role as they are currently lifting and
machines. This level of productivity is ground-breaking and truly
stacking paper by hand, something that the robots will now do.
impressive to see.
The customers of W&G Baird will also benefit from this
“W&G Baird have been long-time partners of Heidelberg, so it
investment as the company has adopted a lean manufacturing
was no surprise that they are early adopters of this latest technology.
approach. This is built on exactly understanding lead time, from
The P-Stackers will complement the two high-speed TX96
the moment the order is placed to finished goods being delivered.
Stahlfolders already running in the finishing department at Baird.
The increased output from the robotics will allow the company to
In fact, this will be the first installation of the P-Stacker in Ireland
reduce lead times and increase throughput, thus supplying their
and the UK, although the two units heading to Belfast will be
customers faster whilst maintaining competitive prices.
closely followed by more already ordered elsewhere in the marketplace.” The past 18 months have been a difficult time for the company
2022 is the 160th anniversary of W&G Baird. This investment, along with other investments over recent years, will allow them to continue to offer their customers the highest level of service.
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10 SUSTAINABILITY
Production inkjet can help you achieve your sustainability goals, writes Stuart Rising
GREEN MEAN GOOD GOALS BUSINESS As a commercial printer, how comfortable are you with your
publishing (highly targeted content based on streamlined data
environmental credentials? Are they solidly green or perhaps a few
workflows and automated production processes, resulting in lower
shades lighter that you’d like them to be? Have your customers or
page counts) and programmatic print (linking marketing automation
prospects started to ask you about them yet? If not, they will soon.
platforms and highly-automated print production workflows). If
So if you’re able to demonstrate now that you’ve established solid
you’d like to find out more about these business models, you can
sustainability goals and that you’re making clear advances towards
read our reTHINK Commercial Print guide at https://www.canon-
achieving them, that could give you a real competitive advantage.
europe.com/business/insights/articles/rethink-commercial-print/.
In addition, potential customers will be more likely to view you as
Through the use of production inkjet technology however, the
the kind of progressive company they want to work with; after all,
environmental benefits of digital printing can be raised to an even
they’re probably also under pressure from their own customers to
higher level. If we start with print heads, most inkjet sheet- and
show that they’ve set up clearly defined sustainability policies and
web-fed production printers use piezo print head technology, which
are putting those into practice.
works by rapidly passing an electric charge through a piezo crystal
If you currently print predominantly on offset or other non-inkjet
that flexes and in doing so, forces a drop of ink out of a nozzle of
technology, reducing your environmental impact and boosting your
the print head. Engineered for precision and durability, these print
reputation for sustainability are just some of the substantial benefits
heads have a lifetime of thousands of hours and only need to be
you could achieve by moving to inkjet production printing. By its
replaced after years of use. The long lifetime of the print heads is
very nature, digital printing offers many sustainability benefits,
also aided by the close interdependency between the print head
such as less waste and chemical-free production thanks to the
technology and inkjet inks, resulting in minimal maintenance costs.
reduced make-ready and set-up time, together with the cost-efficient
As for inkjet inks, the most environmentally friendly are
production of shorter runs matched to actual demand, even down
stringently manufactured aqueous pigment inks. Being water-based,
to a run length of one. Being a digital process, the efficiency of digital
the inks emit low odours, do not carry any substances of very high
printing and its consequential sustainability benefits can be
concern (SVHC) and are free of mineral oil, aromatic hydrocarbon
maximised and the risk of human error minimised by putting in
(MOAH) and saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). Look for process-
place fully automated workflows managed by software.
colour inks that are listed in the Nordic Swan database of approved
Digital printing also gives access to more sustainable business
printing chemicals and that show good deinking properties according
models, such as on-demand printing (sell first, then print), dynamic
to INGEDE method 11 when combined with appropriate substrates.
IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 4 2021
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11 Stuart Rising is Head of Commercial Print, Production Printing Products at Canon UK & Ireland
sustainable benefits to seek out when considering what inkjet press to invest in. For a start, energy consumption – while a press that is robust enough for heavy duty 24/7 operations is a given, there are inkjet presses that feature low energy consumption per printed page, some even meeting the Nordic Swan requirements. Then, allied to durability, are longevity and upgradability; as “digital” machines have at times been associated with “built-in obsolescence”, look for an inkjet press that has proved itself in the market and offers a clear upgrade path for new features and speed enhancements, maximising the lifetime of the system and making it truly sustainable. An inkjet press that has been built to last and to operate round the clock, especially one that incorporates preventive maintenance concepts, is most likely to deliver the high levels of uptime and productivity required, and potentially up to 10 million impressions per week. Finally, an inkjet press that can be refurbished and has multiple Solvents used and produced in the manufacture of inks, coatings
parts that can be recycled will also add to your sustainability
and paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), human-
credentials. So look for a supplier that maximises the economic life
made chemicals that may have adverse health effects. However,
of its inkjet presses with a high refurbishment rate and that recycles
sustainability-conscious suppliers ensure that the VOC emissions
within industry standard recycling processes a high percentage of
of ink and paper conditioning products remain well below the levels
the parts in its presses.
allowed by governmental guidelines. In addition, some inkjet printers
With sustainability becomingly an increasingly important topic
use innovative technology to further reduce the impact of VOCs.
for commercial printers, it is even more of a reason to think about
For example, some drying technology uses a sufficiently low
moving some, if not all, your work to production inkjet and assessing
temperature that any VOC particles that do enter the paper fibres
which technology partner is going to be best for your business. Not
are not released into the air, which means that no exhaust air cleaning
only does Canon offer a range of production inkjet presses to suit
is required. Other printers also have integrated exhaust air cleaning
every application and run length, but for us sustainability is also a
systems that completely eliminate VOC emissions. And, of course,
key consideration from the very start of the development of a Canon
any inkjet production printer worth consideration should be
inkjet press – we use sustainable and/or recycled materials and
compliant with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous
energy-efficient manufacturing processes and we eliminate
Substances (RoHS) directive.
hazardous substances wherever possible. If you’d like to find out
Having highlighted the main sustainability benefits that can be
more about the sustainable aspects of Canon’s production inkjet
gained through adopting inkjet production technology, if they’ve
presses, download Canon Production Printing – a sustainable
given you real food for thought, there are also other features and
partner.
ISSUE 4 2021 IRISH PRINTER
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NEW
Green & Orange Ink
TAKE YOUR COLOUR OFF-THE-CHART 250388_DPS_Neopost_AMA_IP JulyAugust 2021_V1.indd All Pages Untitled-2 1
10/09/2021 14:59
Roland’s richest and most vivid TrueVIS colour
The VF2640 large format printer has been
output yet that allows you to perfectly target
developed for unprecedented gamut
specic brand colours. Awardwinning TR2
expansion, exceptional closeup detail, and the
Inks feature new Green and Orange ink
unique ability to achieve both vividness and
choices to target previously unreachable or
natural colour reproduction.
difficulttomatch colours A smooth, seamless print operation with enhanced design, job
The VF2640 answers the exact colour
sequences, software functions, operation panel
requirements of your clients and rises above
and “twomode” takeup unit.
the quality standards of your competitors.
FOR MORE INFORMATION T 1850 33 44 55 | +353 (0) 1 6250900 | E info.ie@quadient.com
graphics.quadient.ie/VF2
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For more information contact:
Partnering with:
Richard Styles, Sales Director, Litho Supplies E: richard@lithosupplies.ie T: 087 2342881
251012_2L_Hybrid Software_AMA_IP JulyAug 2021_V2.indd 1
Available in
SMALL, MEDIUM and
01/09/2021 12:46
LARGE
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I N V E ST I N G IN THE Sustainable growth at
Sustainable growth at
Sustainable growth at
Ashville Media’s online digital publications are now available to view our website
www.ashville.com/library Ashville ISSUU Half Page Advert.indd 1
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I N V E ST I N G IN THE
Chris Sandwell talks to Irish Printer about creating a dedicated distribution network for UniBoard and why the future looks bright for the paperboard distributor
015-017 IP_2021_issue4_Coverstory_V1.indd 15
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16 It’s been a busy couple of years for Elliott Baxter & Co Ltd (EBB Paper). In 2019, the UK-based paper merchant acquired UniBoard,
leading stockist of board and paper, capable of getting orders to people quickly and on time, every time.
a leading carton board merchant based near Dublin. From the off,
Investment alone won’t attract new customers, says Chris.
the intention was to invest in the business and position the brand
Providing a wide supply of products and meeting customers’ needs
to the forefront of the cardboard supplier market. The first step
in terms of efficiency, quality and delivery, will define the company’s
on that journey was to move the business to a purpose-built,
success. “We’ve got to prove to customers that we’re good at what
state-of-the-art warehouse in Rathcoole, thus increasing storage
we do, that the products we supply are of the highest quality and
capacity to 12,000 pallets. Staff numbers at UniBoard have also
that we can be competitive. We don’t expect an easy ride but we’re
jumped from 20 to 30, creating 10 new jobs in the process. “We
confident that we can deliver on all levels and we’ll be targeting
moved from a mish mash of four or five warehouses to a facility
both new and existing customers with our broad range of products.”
where we can house our whole operation under one roof. We also launched a full stock range of paper products aimed at the commercial print sector, including many of Europe’s leading grades such as
Business growth
Sappi GalerieArt, Horizon, Soporset and Navigator.
Despite Covid, 2020 was a good year for
That move has allowed us to target different segments
UniBoard. Ten percent business growth
of the marketplace,” said Chris Sandwell, Group Sales
was attributed to a buoyant print
& Marketing Director - UK & IRE, at Elliott Baxter &
packaging sector and an ongoing robust
Co Ltd. In April 2021, the company also opened a
demand for products from this segment.
distribution centre and sales office in Belfast, with
Demand in packaging is, says Chris,
the intention of creating a dedicated distribution
being driven by the different ways people
network. “We used to outsource 85% of our logistics;
are consuming products. “Consumers
from the 1st of September this year, we’ll be in a
were certainly buying more food
position where we can insource 90% of our logistics.
products in supermarkets than they
To allow that to happen, we have invested in five large
were in restaurants. Packaging
vehicles and two transits.”
requirements changed so that has
Distribution
created additional demand in that area. Pharmaceutical packaging, another area
Creating its own distribution network has given the
in which we operate, also seems quite
company control over quality and timings. Excellent
buoyant.” The ongoing anti-plastic
service is key at UniBoard; having its own distribution
campaign, a movement that has spread
network has only served to strengthen its commitment
worldwide, is also driving people away
to customers. “When you’re using third party logistics
from plastic-based solutions to
outfits, you can’t guarantee when they’ll deliver but
recyclable alternatives, says Chris.
in our world, we can deliver on that promise. Other
“Board paper is one of those alternatives.
factors also come into play; in the food packaging
It’s cost-effective, it’s strong and we’re
sector, maintaining the integrity of goods on a lorry
seeing a gradual transition in that area.
is very important. If you’re using a third party, you
That growing demand has led to a
can’t guarantee what else is going onto that lorry with
shortage of supply of wood fibre-based
those goods. There could potentially be a contaminant.
products into European markets. The
When we’re distributing, we only distribute paper and
consumption of those materials is rising
board. We have implemented and continue to maintain
on a global scale, a trend that’s putting
a high level of compliance and integrity.” After
pressure on demand.”
significant investment in both products and distribution the aim, says Chris, is to be a market-
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We want to continue to build and invest in infrastructure and create local jobs and opportunities for local people. Part of that growth lies in commercial print; at the moment the paper side is a small percentage of our turnover.” Chris Sandwell, Group Sales & Marketing Director - UK & IRE
Challenges There are, says Chris, a myriad of challenges facing the different sub-sectors of the print industry, not just the oversupply issue outlined above. When it comes to commercial print, the main area of concern is around supply. “There’s also the transition from litho to digital, declining run lengths and making sure that as a product, we stay relevant. For the packaging sector, the challenges are quite different. As an industry, we would usually be operating on a five-week lead time from order to manufacture to delivery; today we’re looking at between 20 and 25 weeks. That’s a significant difference and an issue that’s being keenly felt in the sector.”
Ambitions Over the next three years, Chris and the team are aiming to continue to grow the business by double digit percentage and above all, ensure that growth is sustainable. “We want to continue to build and invest in infrastructure and create local jobs and opportunities for local people. Part of that growth lies in commercial print; at the moment the paper side is a small percentage of our turnover.” At EBB in the UK, over 70% of its business is focused on paper. “We see a real opportunity to grow that side of the business at UniBoard. We’re highly experienced in the paper marketplace and we will bring that level of expertise and what we believe is a competitive buying advantage to the Irish market.” With significant investment having gone into distribution, stock and sales, now’s the time to knuckle down and ensure customer service is the top priority, says Chris. “Although EBB is a large company, it’s still a family-run, independently owned business. That ethos is central to how we operate and how we treat our customers. Right now, our job is to make sure we have excellent availability of our market-leading brands and a reliable service for our customers across Ireland.”
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18 INVESTMENT
Whether it’s generating new sales or improving brand awareness, countertop graphics can be an extremely valuable marketing asset, writes Shaun Holdom When it comes to capturing the attention of and interacting with people in today’s fastpaced world, retailers, brands and other settings need to think creatively and consider how to best use their
SETTING OUT YOUR STALL WITH
COUNTERTOP GRAPHICS
environment to their advantage. Countertops are the point where a
Then there are
business will have one of its first
customer service
interactions with its customers. They are
and slide over the counter, causing issues for the consumer and brand alike.
desks in settings such
Drytac has a range of permanent and
as shopping malls.
removable options, suitable for either short-
including retail, restaurants, bars, gyms,
Graphics placed on these
term or longer-term installations and offers
medical settings, hotels, schools and present
countertops could feature a map of the
FDA-approved laminates for accidental food
an incredibly unique way of connecting with
shopping centre, as well as a QR code that the
contact, opening up a plethora of opportunities
people.
consumer could scan to access an online
in the food and drinks sector.
prominent features in many locations
Much like the walls that surround them
version of that same mall map. In education,
For those countertop projects in hygiene-
and the floor underneath, countertops are a
students could scan a QR code that takes them
sensitive high traffic environments such as
blank canvas and offer all sort of opportunities
to a digital learning portal that allows them
medical facilities, Drytac’s Protac AMP film
when it comes to placing graphics. Be it
to access more materials online.
with Microban antimicrobial protection is the
generating new sales, improving brand
These are just a few examples, but the
ideal solution. When harmful microbes meet
awareness, providing information or
possibilities for countertop graphics are
the film, the cell walls of the microbes are
promoting products, countertop graphics can
seemingly endless. By working with your
disrupted and are unable to reproduce, which
be an extremely valuable marketing asset.
customers, you can come up with all sorts of
in turn cuts the risk of bacteria spreading.
While these graphics may be used by many
unique and thought-provoking ideas that could
While your customers will almost certainly
brands for decoration and raising awareness,
add a whole new dimension to marketing and
be aware of the advantages of window, wall
there is also the potential to add useful
branding strategies.
and floor graphics, they may not have thought
functionality to further boost interaction with
In terms of the type of material you should
about using their counters to interact with
work with, Drytac has a host of high-quality
people. The addition of graphics to countertops
Take for example a fast-food restaurant
and reliable products ideally suited for
offers all sorts of benefits in many
counter; here, graphics could be installed to
countertop graphics. Adhesive technology
environments and by working with reliable
display a menu and highlight special offers on
featured in Drytac’s products means the
materials, you can access these untapped and
food, as well as instructing customers how to
countertop graphics will not slide when
profitable opportunities.
order their food online via a printed, scannable
installed. This offers a significant advantage
Shaun Holdom is the Global Product Manager
QR code integrated into the design.
over traditional printed mats that often slip
at Drytac
people.
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INNOVATION
ACCESSIBLE PACKAGING
UNWRAPPED Anyone who’s ever wrestled with a piece of packaging that seems
packaging for its Xbox Adaptive Controller to be intuitive and easy
to have been designed to be as difficult to open as possible should
to open, while providing an enjoyable unboxing experience. The
consider that no matter how tough the task, it’s a lot tougher if you’re
packaging has no plastic wrapping or twist ties and features a
disabled. From the simplest cardboard box to the most complex
number of mechanisms such as loops that can be pulled with one
multilayered system, packaging is often designed around the product
hand causing it to pop open, hinges and a slide-out controller tray.
rather than the person, which can make life a lot more challenging for those with a disability.
Inclusive Deodorant
But companies and brands are starting to realise that packaging
Launched earlier this year, Degree Deodorant launched ‘Degree
should be designed for everyone, regardless of disability, and that
Inclusive’, a new product that featured packaging specifically
good packaging can also serve as a vehicle for inclusion,
designed for people with an upper limb disability. For those with
personalisation and social connection. “With accessible packaging,
limited hand and arm movement, taking caps off tubes and bottles
you want to give the customer options and design as many routes as possible,” said Kevin Marshall, Creative Director of Design at Microsoft. “Users should interact with the product on their own terms.”
is at best difficult, at worst impossible, but ‘Degree Inclusive’ makes the process a lot easier. Equipped with a hook to make the deodorant stick easier to pull down, the packaging also includes magnetic closure, improved grips and a large applicator so the
Boxes For The Blind
deodorant can be applied in just one swipe.
Navigating a supermarket and finding the right products can be a huge challenge for
Autism-Friendly Treats
those with sight loss, so Kellogg’s has added
For autistic children, going to school can
a scannable code to its cereal boxes to make
present a unique set of challenges – having to
them more accessible. The ‘Navilens’ code allows those with a smartphone to scan their environment and access relevant information, with users able to locate the codes from up to 3m away. So in a
deal with new places, new situations, new routines and new people. But packaging can provide a sense of comfort for those on the spectrum who respond positively to tactile stimuli.
food store, someone with sight loss can walk up and down an aisle
Designed for its Rice Krispies bars, Kellogg’s Love Notes are heart-
and quickly locate an item, as well as receive spoken information
shaped stickers made from textured material such as fleece, satin,
on ingredients and allergy warnings.
velour and fake fur that can be attached to treats by parents and carers to bond with their child during the day. Notes can also be
Easy-Open Packaging
written in the centre of the stickers to provide even more reassurance.
Packaging can be a real challenge for the disabled, with many unable
Two Sides promotes the responsible use of Print and Paper
to open the increasingly secure boxes required for delivery and
which, when sourced from certified or sustainably managed
protection. Fortunately, some companies have started to recognise
forests, is a powerful and natural communications medium
this problem, including Microsoft, who recently designed the
www.twosides.info
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20 INVESTMENT
New technology at Anglo Printers has allowed the firm to grow its business into new sectors
‘IT’S EXCITING IN A TIME THAT’SVERY CHALLENGING’ When the pandemic hit, Padraic Kierans at Anglo Printers knew
a growth area or niche that we could latch onto outside of what we
that some aspect of the business had to change. Commercial was
were already doing,” said Padraic, Managing Director at the firm.
flat and showing no signs of improvement and so the firm decided
Once the financial planning was complete, the firm was eligible for
that investment in technology to allow for entry into other markets
the Sustaining Enterprise Fund. This was a tripartite investment,
was the only way to weather the storm. The first step was to engage
says Padraic, with finance coming from Enterprise Ireland, Bank
an accountancy team to carry out a financial analysis of the business.
of Ireland and Anglo itself. “Between the three of us, we were able
“That was very helpful as we had been trying to figure out what
to come up with the funds for several pieces of new equipment
direction the business was headed in. We knew we didn’t want to
which has left us in a very strong position.”
fundamentally change everything, but felt that we needed to find
With two existing B1 Komori presses on the floor, the firm’s presence in the packaging sector was already established. “In saying that, we weren’t really going after that market in any significant way. Although we already had a very good B1 die cutter, we decided to invest in an Easymatrix 106 B1 die cutter and also added a ROLLAM 800 carton gluer, which was supplied by Portman Graphics. That meant that now we could print, die cut and glue any carton sleeves or boxes for the packaging sector in-house.” Adding a finishing arm to the business quickly opened a lot of doors, says Padraic. “We realised there was an appetite for this sector. Last month, it accounted for about 20% of our overall revenue and that figure is only going up. At this moment in time, both B1 presses and both die cutters are busy with packaging. That’s a good omen for us going forward.” Investment in technology didn’t stop there; Anglo also purchased a Heidelberg foiling machine, converted by B&H Engineers in the UK, along with a Muller Martini Saddle Stitcher. The latter
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will, says Padraic, come into its own once the commercial market recovers. “When we get back to stronger levels, we’ll be able to offer better productivity and increased speed of service. It gives us more options in terms of flexibility thanks to its eight stations, which increase speed of output by about 40%.” The converted Heidelberg
frustrating when you see the rest of the world moving a lot quicker
machine allows the firm to add foil to any of its packaging products.
than us. I know it’s a balance and I understand it, but I also
“We’re now able to add more finishes and add value to the end
understand that over 90% of the adult population has had at least
product. That’s a new element that’s growing for us.”
one jab. There has to be a bonus for the vaccinated and that should
Investment has also gone into Anglo HQ, resulting in additional
be the opening up of the economy and sectors to bring people back
workspace. “During Covid, it was obviously a less busy time so we
to events. That whole industry, whether it’s arts or music or sports,
decided to structurally look at everything and see how we could
hasn’t been treated fairly and doesn’t have as strong a lobby as some
add more workspace. We transferred most of our digital department
other sectors. If the vaccinations are working, then we have to learn
onto a new 4,000 sq ft mezzanine floor, which freed up space on
to live with Covid.”
the ground level and allowed us to put in extra packaging equipment.”
The firm has managed to retain all its team, despite Covid. “Our
Anglo’s ‘Covid-19’ online store encouraged the firm to take a closer
staff have been amazingly resilient right through the pandemic.
look at its overall web offering. “Once we created our Covid webshop,
They’ve stuck with us and we’re extremely grateful to them. I would
we set about completely reimagining our web presence. We now
be very optimistic in terms of the opportunities that are developing
have a fully integrated web offering, which is linked back to our
for us. I firmly believe it’s a matter of riding out the storm and
MIS. That has been another very positive outcome from Covid. Our
getting to the other side. The problem is that it’s hard to determine
new business development manager is also driving new business
how far away the other side is.” Since Covid hit, a large proportion
and has proved very successful so far.”
of print firms have pivoted their business to reflect what’s happened
New technology at Anglo has placed the firm in an excellent position;
in the economy and should, says Padraic, be commended for that.
right now it can take advantage of the thriving packaging sector
“There are some great leaders in our industry that have managed
and once commercial comes back up, it’ll be full steam ahead. “It’s
to turn their ships in different directions and take advantage of any
exciting in a time that’s very challenging. You’re flipping between
new circumstances that have arose. In a very challenging time, they
the opportunities that are presenting themselves in some parts of
have shown leadership; now’s the time to open up the economy to
the industry and weaknesses in other parts. One day is great, the
allow the sector to begin growing once again.”
next not so much.” Traditionally, about 30% of Anglo’s business would derive from events. “Until we see a significant resumption of events, I think commercial print will remain weak. It can be
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Growth
22
P L A S T I C P O L L U T I O N
It’s time to do more than just check the box on ocean plastic, writes Conrad Mendoza
TALK
Plastics pollution in the world’s oceans – most of us were at
perspective of a businessperson who sells materials, including
least somewhat aware of the problem. The issue took on fresh
some made from plastic and many that are applied to plastic
urgency in 2018, particularly across Asia, when a diver named
and as a citizen and consumer. Here’s what I see – we’re losing
Rich Horner posted a YouTube video of himself in the waters
the race against plastics pollution and dramatically so in the
off Bali, in a popular area called Manta Point. Horner’s camera
part of the world that I call home.
didn’t capture many of the eponymous creatures often found
In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy, citing the journal Science,
there. Instead, it showed him swimming through what appeared
reported that eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped
to be an endless underwater galaxy of multicoloured snack
into the world’s oceans every year, with more than half coming
wrappers, bags and other garbage suspended in the current.
from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and China.
Even if we thought we understood the problem, here was new,
UN Environment concurs, noting that 60% of all plastic in
graphic evidence that humanity is treating our precious oceans
the ocean comes from just six countries, all of them in Asia.
like a landfill.
It’s not for a total lack of trying. Many consumers across Asia
After Horner’s video went viral, there was some initial reaction
are ready to move away from single-use plastics and help build
from consumer goods companies, governments and NGOs.
a circular economy in which plastic packaging is recycled into
But like much of the response to plastic pollution, it all felt a
new packaging and stays out of the waste stream. I know from
bit routine, like ticking a box to demonstrate concern. In the
my work with consumer brands that surveys show something like 60% of consumers want to buy sustainably-
In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy, citing the journal Science, reported that eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans every year, with more than half coming from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and China
produced products but right now, those products are usually priced too high for many people in Asia. Brands and manufacturers have taken steps in the right direction. Many have announced sustainability goals that include commitments
end, it didn’t really address the problem and we all went back
to increasing recyclable packaging over the next several years.
to our lives. A couple of months later, a plastic grocery bag
But, so far, these efforts have not been enough to stem the
was discovered in the Mariana Trench – the deepest part of
plastics tide. Sustainable plastics packaging remains a niche
the Pacific.
product, because brands know that consumers in most of the
As a business development director for Avery Dennison, I live
world can’t pay the higher cost it commands.
in Singapore and travel throughout the Asia Pacific region for
Meanwhile, governments in the Asia Pacific region offer a
work. I’ve observed the problem of plastics pollution from the
patchwork of regulation that supports meaningful plastics
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IS NOT
ENOUGH recycling in some areas, but not others. Japan, where I lived for
plastics is high, can afford them.
several years, is often held up as a model for the region. Other
To be sure, some collaboration among all these stakeholders is
countries are struggling to handle an overwhelming amount of
happening. Global consumer brands are sponsoring recycling
plastic waste and one by one, countries across Asia are following
initiatives and exploring alternative packaging. At the same time,
China’s lead in banning the acceptance of foreign waste, forcing
as someone on the ground in Asia, where pollution from ocean
countries to come up with solutions. For many, the primary outlet
plastic is most dire and impossible to ignore, I also want to say –
at present is landfill. All in all, government, companies and
we all need to do more, faster.
consumers seem to be looking at each other, saying, “You go first.”
How can we knock down the barriers that still prevent government,
But as the video from Bali remind us, this strategy isn’t working.
corporations and NGOs from collaborating most effectively? How
Everyone is waiting for the moment when greater demand for
can we put our vast innovative capacity to work to get rid of single-
sustainable packaging drives volume high enough for costs to
use packaging and create waste management systems across Asia
come down and for ocean-friendly packaging to become the rule,
that can handle the rivers of plastic literally flowing through our
rather than the exception. But after many years, that moment has
countries? How can we clean up our oceans, on which everyone,
yet to arrive and our oceans are telling us that we can’t afford to
everywhere, depends, before it’s too late?
wait any longer.
These are the conversations all of us should be having wherever
It is apparent that, for meaningful change to happen, governments
suppliers and customers in our industry convene and we must
across Asia must create laws and infrastructure that facilitate
follow up those conversations with quick, decisive, meaningful
recycling and limit single-use plastic packaging. Meanwhile, brands
action. Because if Rich Horner’s video and the countless tons of
and manufacturers of packaging materials must work together to
garbage amassing in our oceans have shown us anything, it’s that
increase the amount of recycled plastics in packaging and boost
talk is not enough.
the numbers of consumers who recycle. We must collaborate to bring down the cost of sustainable packaging, so that consumers in parts of the world where incomes are low and use of single-use
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INNOVATION
With the help of its partners in THINK, P+D has created this impactful hoarding at Dundrum Town Centre
THE POWER OF
PRINT You may think overbranding a
material that we could adjust and
hoarding is a simple job but quite
reposition during application. We
often, it’s not and if the right
also needed to make sure we could
consideration isn’t taken, it can
reposition the vinyl without
cause issues down the road. P+D
pulling up the vinyl underneath,
had previously branded this
but also settle in and get a strong
hoarding in Dundrum Town
adhesion. Thanks to the expert
Centre using Orajet 3554 to get a
help of Ian Scott and our long-term
strong bite against the fresh
supplier SD+, we selected and
plasterboard when initially
tested Orajet 3551 to ensure
installed. The hoarding then
stunning results,” said Ciaran
needed to be updated and
Bowe, Sales Director at P+D. A
rebranded with new graphics going
collaborative effort has ensured
over the existing vinyls. “We
the premium brand got the finish
needed to ensure we got a coverall
and result it deserved.
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Irish Print Awards 2021.indd 1
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Water based pigment inks - lowest environmental impact of any printing ink. Photo realistic high quality and speed - 30 plus 48 sheets per hour Billboards, bus shelters, out of home advertisng Ideal for all outdoor and indoor posters
Find out more at mcgowansprint.com
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