Irish Printer Issue 6 2019

I S S U E 6 2 0 1 9 | | 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

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES AT NEOPOST GRAPHICS, SOON-TO-BE-QUADIENT

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ISSUE 6 2019

04 News

A look at what’s happening in the print industry

08 Great Expectations

A Jetrix KX-6 from Neopost Graphics, Soon-To-Be-Quadient, has opened up a world of new possibilities for Peninsula Print

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Irish Print Awards 2019 11

On The Road To Digital

Digital print output is set to grow by 65% over the next 10 years

Take a look at who won what at the industry’s most important event

30 Packaging in an e-commerce world

Constantly changing consumer habits and technological advances are demanding more comprehensive, integrated solutions from the packaging sector

12 All The Right Moves

Irish Printer sat down with Enda Brophy and Eoin Honan at GPMI to talk about acquisitions, market segmentation and why now’s the right time for a period of stability

32 Talking To...

Dave Rainsford, Graphics General Manager at Quadient, talks about his new role and why every day is a school day

IRISH PRINTER

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Welcome to Issue 6 of Irish Printer for 2019.

The Irish Print Awards were held at the end of November in the Crowne Plaza Northwood and once again, the cream of the industry were recognised and rewarded for their innovation and eagerness to adapt to an ever-changing market. Impress Printing Works scooped the big award of the night and alongside being named 2019 Printer of the Year, the Dublin-based firm also won the Book Printer of the Year Award. The firm’s winning entry, ‘Honoris Causa’, was described by judges as a ‘work of art’ and was commended for its flawless print quality, choice of paper and finishing. This year’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to industry veteran Bill Smyth. Throughout his 40 years in the industry, Bill has encouraged large companies to opt for Irish owned printers to produce their drink labels. He was also one of the masterminds who persuaded Jameson Whiskey to run with an Irish-based printing outlet – all in all, a most worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement accolade. For more on this year’s event, turn to page 14.

Also in this issue, we take a look at how a JETRIX KX-6 largeformat flatbed from Neopost Graphics, Soon-to-be-Quadient, has opened up a world of possibilities at Peninsula Print. Job completion is quicker and capacity has also increased at the firm. Turn to page 8 for more on how the new machine has transformed how Peninsula Print works.

After a series of acquisitions and natural growth, GPMI is ready to take advantage of its position as the country’s largest independent paper merchant. I caught up with Eoin Honan and Enda Brophy for a chat about the company’s plans for the future and why it’s time for a period of stability.

Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Anna Wesolowska Production: Claire Kiernan Contact: Irish Printer, Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie McGowans Print Printed by: 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 2019. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer. The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize.

ISSN 0790-2026

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

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NEWS JIM TODD STEPS DOWN FROM HEIDELBERG UK Heidelberg UK has announced that Jim Todd has stepped down from his role as Sales Director, bringing the curtain down on a role he held for 19 years and a career with the manufacturer for 24 years.

Commenting on the news, Jim Todd said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Heidelberg, the Board of Directors and our executive team. Nineteen years is a long time in one job!

A lot has changed in our portfolio of products and services since 2000 and that, combined with the profile of a continuously consolidating market, has driven the ongoing evolution in our sales strategy and kept the changes ringing.

However, now is as good a time as any to try something new!”

INFIGO PACKS A PUNCH WITH HP INDIGO AT LABELEXPO EUROPE 2019 ‘Pack IT’, Infigo Software’s end-to-end, web-to-pack solution, was on display at Labelexpo Europe 2019. The walk-through solution allowed visitors at the HP exhibit to not only customise their cans and pouches but also receive their goods the exact same day. At the four-day event, more than 500 products were completed and delivered, spanning over 200 individual orders from a single web-to-pack kiosk. This, says the company, showcased the speed in which orders can be placed and processed as the orders were collected during the infamous happy hour at the end of each day. Visitors started their journey by attending a kiosk running Infigo Software’s SaaS platform, Catfish, to design their can and pouch – selecting backgrounds, colours and adding text before checking out their product via an interactive 3D preview. The output files and order information was then submitted to HP PrintOS Site Flow, which managed any production requirements for the HP Indigo 20000 to output the jobs.

The printed pieces were converted on the Karlville Pack Ready laminator and pouch making machine to make the three-side-seal pouches.

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IRISH PRINTER

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NEWS Smurfit Kappa CREATES INNOVATIVE FOOD PACKAGING As part of its ongoing Better Planet Packaging initiative, Smurfit Kappa has collaborated with Mitsubishi HiTec Paper to create a new type of recyclable food-safe packaging. The outer board-based packaging is made from Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 packaging solution which has a built-in adsorbing technology to protect against aromas and possible migration of substances. The inner packaging, which contains Mitsubishi HiTec Paper’s BARRICOTE barrier paper, offers protection against moisture and grease and has heat-sealing properties. This unique solution shows how it’s possible to create functional board-based packaging that’s fully recyclable, thanks to the optimised use of renewable raw materials in the barrier.

WORKS OF AT LEAST €230,000 REQUIRED TO FIT KOMORI PRINTER IN OIREACHTAS

CELEBRATING THE POWER OF PRINT Organised by Two Sides and the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), the recently-held Power of Print seminar focused on trust in printed news, print’s strength in a digital era, sustainability and what’s in store for the future. Charles Jarrod, Chief Executive of the BPIF, said that although there has been a decline in volume printing of magazines and newspapers, book printing is on the rise. In relation to the general state of trade, Jarrod listed key concerns as Brexit, commercial pricing margins and late payments. With Brexit, the general consensus appears to be that the industry is fed up, with companies admitting to holding back on big decisions. Despite this, the industry is aware that this is not an issue that’s going to go away any time soon.

Also speaking at the event was Rory Sunderland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, who talked about the notion of vectors rather than industry market trends, the idea being that for every trend, an equally opposite trend is created. Attendees were also treated to insights on sustainability

by Professor Mark Maslin of University College London, Jonathan Tame, Managing Director of Two Sides and Edwin Goffard of Smurfitt Kappa.

Costly structural works had to be carried out to fit a €808,000 Komori printer into the Houses of the Oireachtas offices in Leinster House. According to internal emails, Oireachtas officials miscalculated the measurements required for the printer to fit into either of the two printing rooms in the building. The machine, which is 2.1m high by 1.9m wide, was delivered to Ireland on December 5th, 2018 but was placed in storage as the relevant works had not been completed. The printer was finally installed on September 28th, 2019 but isn’t currently operational due to an industrial relations stand-off between the Oireachtas and staff tasked with using the machine, who argue they need to be remunerated for work that requires up-skilling.

IRISH PRINTER

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NEWS

ECO-FRIENDLY GRASS PAPER FROM HERMA SELF-ADHESIVE MATERIALS HERMA’s new label material, called HERMAnature fieno, is made from grass paper and allows users to apply special sustainability requirements to labels. It can, says the company, be processed like conventional paper and offers very good printability in offset and flexo printing.

“As it is a natural product, its colour

MIMAKI JV300PLUS AND CJV300PLUS MODELS TO INCLUDE 3-YEAR WARRANTY Hybrid Services has announced a 3-year gold warranty on Mimaki’s

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new wide-format JV300-160plus solvent printer and CJV300-

of Research and Development

160plus integrated printer/cutter for a limited period. The gold

at HERMA. “But combined with the

warranty cover includes unlimited parts and is inclusive of all print

material’s somewhat rougher surface,

heads. Available at 1.6m wide, both the Mimaki CJV300plus and

this immediately and credibly signals

JV300plus feature the latest Mimaki core technologies, including

to the consumer that this is sustainable

Mimaki’s Advanced Pass System (MAPS4) to ensure seamless

packaging material.” An additional

functionality and consistently high quality prints. Additional new

advantage is that the grass paper

features include reduced running costs while the CJV300plus Series

contains no allergens that are subject

printer/cutter also features a new ID Cut function to make printing

to EU labelling requirements listed

and cutting easier and faster.

in the regulation (EU) 1169/2011, such as fish or nut products so grass paper labels are ideally suited for use with food and cosmetics.

XEROX IN HP TAKEOVER BID

According to reports, Xerox is taking its takeover proposal directly to HP’s shareholders. Xerox has offered HP a $33.5 billion, $22-a-share takeover proposal; $17 of the per-share offer would be in cash. Commenting on the offer, HP’s board of directors said that it undervalued HP and was not in the best interests of shareholders.

HP’s chief executive, Enrique Lores and chairman Chip Bergh, told Xerox they were also concerned that the deal would leave the combined company with “outsized debt levels”. But they also said they recognised “the potential benefits” of consolidation, suggesting the two firms should keep talking. In the most recent letter between the two companies, Xerox CEO John Visentin described HP’s own cost saving plans as “modest, expensive and time-consuming”. He added: “We plan to engage directly with HP shareholders to solicit their support in urging the HP Board to do the right thing and pursue this compelling opportunity.”

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IRISH PRINTER

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NEWS Avery Dennison wins 2019 Innovations in Sustainability Award

Konica Minolta

ENTERS HIGH-VOLUME TONER PRINT MARKET Konica Minolta recently announced the global launch of its new AccurioPress C14000 series, its first foray into the high-volume toner printing segment. The new machine prints at 140 pages per minute (ppm) in A4 and is 40% faster than any other toner-based device from the company. A second model in the series, the AccurioPress C12000, provides the same print quality and a similarly fast speed of 120 ppm.

New AccurioPress Series – the details • Output speeds of 140 and 120 ppm, high resolution equivalent to 3600x2400 dpi and enhanced media capability up to 450 gsm • New duplex banner printing up to 900mm, simplex banner length capability of 1300mm and envelope and embossed media printability gives customers the opportunity to print new types of work, such as four-panel gatefold brochures and book covers for finishing offline • Envelope printing can be accomplished using the standard fuser • New technology used in the print engine improves image quality on textured paper stocks • Paired with Konica Minolta’s IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Care Unit, the new press automatically and continuously measures and

Avery Dennison has been named the winner of the 2019 Future of Sourcing Awards during the Sourcing Industry Group’s Global Executive Summit in Carlsbad, California. EcoVadis and Avery Dennison received the Innovations in Sustainability award for Avery Dennison’s Sustainable Procurement Program which assesses, monitors, and encourages the improvement of the social and environmental practices of Avery Dennison supplier partners worldwide.

Launched in 2016, Avery Dennison’s Sustainable Procurement Program uses sustainability ratings and performance improvement tools for the company’s suppliers. Each year, Avery Dennison and EcoVadis review suppliers representing more than 80% of Avery Dennison’s direct spend on materials. EcoVadis assesses and rates each supplier’s environmental, ethics, labor and supply chain practices. Detailed scorecards are then made available to Avery Dennison’s procurement team, helping to track individual supplier’s results and improvement paths.

Suppliers can also use EcoVadis’ online system to share their scorecard with any customer or stakeholder who requests it, including Avery Dennison competitors.

corrects colour so the first print in a run matches the last • New accessories for the units include the TU-510 Versatile Trimmer Unit, an inline, four-edge trimmer, creaser and perforator that allows full bleed finishing support for banners, booklets, direct mail and a dedicated business card cutting option

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Cover Story

GREAT EXPECTATIONS A Jetrix KX-6 from Neopost Graphics, Soon-To-Be-Quadient, has opened up a world of new possibilities for Peninsula Print

arge format JETRIX printers are taking the print world by storm thanks to their size, speed and print quality which makes them the ideal large format solution.

JETRIX printers are manufactured

by InkTec in South Korea and sold throughout Ireland by Neopost Graphics, Soon-to-be-Quadient.

Peninsula Print, based in Newtownards in Co Down, recently acquired the JETRIX KX-6 large-format flatbed along with game changing software ‘PrintFactory’ from Neopost Graphics.

Already, the business is benefitting from the new investment.

Peninsula Print was established in 1986 by Managing Director Gary

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Withers. A traditional commercial printer in small format and print finishing, the company branched out into wideformat printing in the last decade and has since built up an impressive suite of machines. Having grown its wide format business, Peninsula Print needed to expand and took the step of adding a flatbed printer to its range. In keeping with its high standards, only the highest quality machine would suffice.

Peninsula Print is a long-time customer of Neopost Graphics. Earlier this year, Gary Withers and Pre-Press Design Manager Aaron McBride contacted John Jennings, their trusted Neopost Graphics Specialist, who went through their options and ultimately decided on the JETRIX KX-6.

They knew it was perfect straight away. Aaron McBride explained that “after having the demo, I could see the benefits of a true flatbed.” John Jennings said: “The JETRIX KX-6 was an obvious fit for Peninsula Print, when all things were considered. It has revolutionised their business.”

The JETRIX series of UV printers were previously awarded the prestigious “Best Specialist Printing Solution” at drupa, guaranteeing high quality results and a photo realistic finish. “The Roll to Roll option on the JETRIX KX-6 can handle a 2.2m wide roll of media. It can also print

IRISH PRINTER

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Cover Story Neopost is proud to announce its new brand name, Quadient, from February 2020. The new name unifies the company’s global organisation around a common purpose, focusing on the future and helping its customers turn every business interaction into a meaningful connection. Neopost, Soon-to-be Quadient, has supported businesses in Ireland since 1979. Based in Dublin, it offers its customers the very best in customer support, with account managers and service engineers located throughout the country.

white at the same speed as CMYK, which a lot of our competitor machines can’t do. The printer comes with 100mm head height and has the option of upgradeable heads, which will double the print speed for Peninsula Print,” said John Jennings.

Dave Rainsford is the Graphics General Manager at Neopost. “Having recently started working with Neopost and with years of experience in large format print, I have been blown away by the quality of equipment and service.

Particularly with the JETRIX range which is top of its class when it comes to quality and price.”

The JETRIX KX-6 flatbed printer has opened up a world of possibilities for Peninsula Print and allowed the company to meet new expectations. The heads on the machine can be lifted and lowered which allows Peninsula Print to print directly on to acrylic and aluminium signage, perspex, corrugated cardboard, wood, banner, PVC, aluminium panels, doors, floorboards, fabric, leather and even ceramic tiles. The JETRIX KX-6 has greatly added to Peninsula Print’s versatility when printing promotional products.

The JETRIX KX-6 has also sped up the time it takes Peninsula Print to complete a job. Before the JETRIX KX-6 some jobs, printing corriboard signs for example, would have been printed, cut and then finished on the final surface which all added to the time it took to complete a job a customer was waiting for. Now the same job can be put on the JETRIX KX-6, printed direct to board and delivered as soon as it comes off the machine.

The JETRIX KX-6 is sold alongside PrintFactory, a workflow management system that handles repetitive tasks using networked apps, smart tools and XML instruction and can be linked to 10 machines at once. “I think PrintFactory is one of the best workflows on the market, with a built-in profile wizard,” said John Jennings. Aaron McBride added: “PrintFactory is way better than expected.

It’s easy to use and being able to have the editor on 10 workstations is fantastic.” PrintFactory ensures consistent colour across printers, it lowers ink costs by up to 20% and speeds up job preparation. It also cuts down on media wastage, with 100% soft proofing avoiding the need to print hundreds of make-readies.

The speed at which Peninsula Print can produce print jobs and fulfil orders has greatly improved. The company has also significantly increased its capacity and the amount of opportunities it can avail of. “The JETRIX KX-6 has opened up more markets for us and saved on production time,” said Aaron McBride. These days customers want speedy, next day or in some cases same day turnaround and will shop around until they find somewhere that makes that possible. Meeting increasingly demanding customer requirements is possible with the JETRIX KX-6.

The JETRIX KX-6 is available throughout Ireland from Neopost Graphics. It is ideal for wide format print companies who want to speed up their printing service while not compromising on quality.

For more information contact Neopost Graphics on info@neopost.ie or call +353 (1) 625 0900 / 1850 33 44 55.

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News

On the road TO DIGITAL Digital print output is set to grow by 65% over the next 10 years Digital print output is forecast to grow by 65% over the next 10 years to reach $230 (â‚Ź209) billion by 2029.

According to a recent Smithers report, this growth rate will be driven by incursions into package printing, as well as books and other graphic printing areas. ‘The Future of Digital Print: Long-Term Strategic Forecasts to 2029’ says print industries are set to change significantly as a result of economic, technological, demographic, ecological and behavioural factors.

The in-depth forecast from Smithers shows that the global digital print market will reach just over the equivalent of 3 trillion A4 prints in 2029 at an average CAGR of 5.3% in value over 2014-29. New digital equipment and consumable sales will grow, reflecting the cost-effectiveness of inkjet and electrophotography for short to medium runs.

The new capabilities in digital printing will enable print suppliers to offer customers greater agility while a number of societal trends will fuel overall digital print growth.

Online Publishing and E-Commerce

The current shift from physical print to online in publication, advertising and transactional print sectors is resulting in lower print volumes and an increased consumer expectation for content (online or printed) to be more tailored to their interests, which supports digital printing.

E-commerce and m-commerce (mobile commerce) sales are increasing, disrupting traditional retail and enabling more efficient supply chains. In this area, the ability to produce goods or packaging on demand exists and will grow using digital printing.

Key Industry Growth Segments

The growth in digital print between 2019 and 2029 is predominantly based on increased demand in books, advertising, commercial print, labels and packaging.

Together, these products account for 97.5% of the value growth. The highest growth is in packaging, which increases from $6.3 billion in 2019 to $32.5 billion in 2029, a huge increase of 418% over the decade.

Unlike publications and graphics, printed packaging will grow in both analogue and digital processes. Book printing is also forecast to grow very strongly from $8 billion in 2019 to $23.4 billion in 2029, an increase of 194% over

the 10-year period. Inkjet printing is being adopted in book printing as a means for cost effective, short-run end-to-end book production. The process enables new product offerings such as self-publishing. For publishers, digital print allows both the operation of just-in-time supply chains and the ability to keep slow-selling titles available in their catalogues.

Evolving Digital Printing Technology

On the supply side, digital print technology is improving.

Significant R&D investments in hardware, software and chemistry are delivering presses that are more reliable and productive and bring new capabilities that open new applications. Equipment can be integrated into complete production systems that reduce cost of manufacture by re-engineering manufacturing.

Over the next 10 years, digital printing technology will develop along with the associated eco-system of workflow, substrates and finishing. The overall communications sector will be very different in 2029 as rapidly developing social media and online methods connect more people and things.

Inkjet and electrophotography methods will evolve with incremental improvements in equipment performance while ink technology will deliver better results on a wider range of standard print and packaging substrates.

The most significant change for digital printing over the next 10 years will be through developments integrating digital print, particularly inkjet, into broader production systems. This includes workflow and finishing to simplify and speed up time to market for many print products. This has already happened in some cases, for example books, where high-speed single-pass inkjet presses are linked to servo-controlled finishing lines that slit, fold and collate book blocks, delivered for loading into a binder.

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In Person

All the right moves IRISH PRINTER SAT DOWN WITH ENDA BROPHY AND EOIN HONAN AT GPMI TO TALK ABOUT ACQUISITIONS, MARKET SEGMENTATION AND WHY NOW’S THE RIGHT TIME FOR A PERIOD OF STABILITY

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T

o say it’s been a busy few years for GPMI would be an understatement. Natural growth and a series of smart acquisitions have placed the graphics and paper merchant in an enviable, unique position. Just over a year ago, the company acquired Allied Graphics and Equipment in Northern Ireland and in a separate deal, the Swiftbook business from Essentra Packaging Ireland in the South.

Just this summer, the company took on staff from United Paper Merchants in Belfast and in the process, maintained the company’s customers.

GPMI’s most impactful move however, has to be the acquisition of the Reprocentre in 2016. The deal has made GPMI the largest independent paper merchant in Ireland, with the combined operation addressing the needs of both the litho and digital markets in Ireland. “From a diversification point of view, that was a huge move. It allowed us to enter the hardware, consumables and inks markets, which was great as the overall paper market was shrinking and continues to do so,” said Enda Brophy, Managing Director at GPMI. Eoin Honan, Equipment Sales Director at GPMI, came on board through the acquisition of Reprocentre. “We have three divisions here at GPMI - paper, graphics and sign & display. Since the 2016 acquisition, we’re well diversified into hardware and signage. The latter is where we’re seeing the largest growth right now. With sign & display, it’s all

IRISH PRINTER

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In Person

about applications, not necessarily selling materials.

That side of the market is about explaining to customers what the applications of those materials are and keeping them informed of any new product innovations. That growth offsets the decline in paper, a decline that’s happening worldwide.

Even plates and graphics in general are in decline.

Everything has moved towards digital,” said Eoin.

With only four paper merchants in Ireland today, the market has contracted significantly since Enda joined GPMI in 2010. “I’ve only ever known the paper market to be in decline. In order to survive and grow, diversification was essential and that’s why the Reprocentre acquisition was so important.”

Along with sign & display, packaging is also a significant growth area for GPMI. “If you look at the whiskey industry and the number of distilleries that are being opened, there’s a huge, high end print requirement there. The skill that’s required to do that type of work isn’t necessarily something that a commercial printer will be able to provide. The craft beer market is also huge at the moment. They might only have small runs of labels but there are hundreds of these microbreweries across the country, all with a very specific printing requirement. These are industries that we’re involved in, along with pharma. There’s a huge amount of innovation in packaging at the moment and it’s keeping us very busy,” said Eoin.

The loss that’s being felt in the traditional printing sector is being compensated for through innovation in packaging, says Enda. “That’s where the change has happened and will continue to happen. Stora,

one of our biggest suppliers, is closing down one of its coated paper mills next year and converting it into a packaging mill.

That’s happening in different places around the world at the moment and I think it’s set to continue.”

Growth at GPMI can be attributed to smart acquisitions but also to a loyal customer base. “We’re known for our excellent customer service. We’re not the cheapest in the market but we’re certainly competitive. I think a lot of our success is down to the relationships that we have built and continue to maintain. Our sales people, both inside and outside, have built critical relationships with customers and it’s those relationships that have made GPMI what it is today. I think that there’s pressure on companies to have fewer people on the road and you can see that with some of our competitors, but print is a very relationship-driven business and that’s something we’ve never lost sight of,” said Enda.

Keeping abreast of changes across the industry is also a priority at GPMI. “Attending trade shows all over the world ensures we stay on top of new trends and technologies. It’s important for us to know what’s coming out of places likes China, America and India as it’s not just the print industry that we supply to. We’re getting more and more business from the industrial and chemical industries and even the motor trade. These aren’t necessarily core businesses for us but when a potential customer approaches us, we’ll do our best to work out a solution for them,” said Eoin.

Although GPMI is well placed for future growth, challenges exist within the market. The lack of skilled professionals along with the defunct apprenticeship programme aren’t just issues faced by printers. “The skills issue is our problem too. We can train someone to operate a machine but we can’t train them to become a printer, someone who has experience of how the printing process works. Putting ink on paper is one thing but you can’t teach someone that process in just one week of installing and training them on a machine. If they lack that fundamental understanding, they’re going to come up against problems, which then become our problems,” said Eoin. Work going out of the country is another issue that GPMI feels passionate about. “We have excellent printers in Ireland, both North and South. The fact that work continues to leave the country is disgraceful and it’s something that of course affects our business as well. There’s nothing that can be done overseas that can’t be done in Ireland,” said Enda.

After four years of change, it’s time for a period of stability.

“We were part of a multinational and now we’re independently owned. We’ve also effectively carried out four acquisitions so right now, we want a settling in period and a chance to improve our efficiency,” said Enda. “In terms of the product portfolio we offer the marketplace, there’s no other company in the market that’s as well positioned as us. You can come here and get all your printing needs and that’s something we intend to build upon over the next few years,” said Eoin.

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2019 IPA Judges

Irish Print Awards 2019

Freddie Snowe Chairman of the Irish Print Awards Judging Panel

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Each year, the Irish Print Awards judges face a very tough job.

From the hundreds of entries that arrive into our offices, they must inspect, analyse and critique each one, come up with a shortlist and whittle that down to one winner for each category. It’s a time consuming and arduous task but it’s one that all the judges take very seriously. Once again, the high standard of entries we received for this year’s awards reflect an industry at the top of its game and one that’s not afraid to diversify and adapt to a changing market.

The Irish Print Awards are all about recognising and rewarding those companies that are setting a benchmark in terms of quality and innovation within the print industry.

They’re also a necessary event; in a time of economic uncertainty and in a market that continues to contract, it’s important to take stock and recognise the firms that are pushing the boundaries and creating exciting, innovative work.

Congratulations to all our winners and indeed to everyone who made the shortlist. See you next year!

Our Sponsors

JUDGING PANEL David Mahon Managing Director Evad IT Solutions Ltd Andrew Horan College Lecturer Dublin Institute of Technology Keith Redmond General Manager Flint Group Louise Reddy Lecturer in Design Dublin Institute of Technology Ian Cairns Print Lecturer Belfast Metropolitan College John Charnock Director and Owner Print Research International Darren Finn Managing Director Flexographic Plate Plan Dave O’Reilly Owner, Mediainc Jane Matthews Creative Director Ashville Media Group Michael Waterman Director Sandon Global

Irish Printing Federation

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards 2019 Winners

Irish Print Awards 2019 PRINTER OF THE YEAR Impress Printing Works BEST USE OF PRINT Smurfit Kappa Display BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY Northside Graphics BOOK PRINTER OF THE YEAR Impress Printing Works BROCHURE PRINTER OF THE YEAR Fineprint Ltd DIGITAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR Foxpak Flexibles Ltd DIGITAL PRINT LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Label World DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR NeoGen FLEXO PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR Alert Packaging GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINT COLLABORATION AWARD Fineprint Ltd and Brand Central LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR P+D BESPOKE LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTER OF THE YEAR SL Graphics Limited LITHO PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR Fineprint Ltd MAGAZINE PRINTER OF THE YEAR NeoGen NATIONAL NEWSPAPER PRINTER OF THE YEAR Interpress N.I Ltd REGIONAL NEWSPAPER PRINTER OF THE YEAR Webprint OUT OF HOME PRINTER OF THE YEAR P+D PRINT FINISHING AWARD Plus Print & PCF Print Finish REPORT & ACCOUNTS PRINTER OF THE YEAR Print Media Services SELF ADHESIVE ROLL LABEL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Watershed Group SHEETFED COLOUR OFFSET PRINTER OF THE YEAR Plus Print SPECIAL PACKAGING PRINTER OF THE YEAR Esmark Finch WRAP PRINTER OF THE YEAR Sign Flair LEINSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Plus Print CONNACHT SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Triest Press CLG MUNSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR The Label Factory ULSTER SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Ballyprint SMALL PRINTER OF THE YEAR Plus Print PRINT GRADUATE OF THE YEAR Niamh Naughton / TU Dublin PRINT MEDIA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR - NI LEVEL 2 Gareth McClenaghan / Belfast Metropolitan College PRINT MEDIA APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR - NI LEVEL 3 Jonathan Grattan / MSO LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Bill Smyth / CCL Ireland BEST SUPPLIER CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM Réalt

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

Dave Rainsford from Neopost (Soon-to-be-Quadient) with Jonathan Boyd and Matt Harrsion from Northside Graphics

Best Use of Technology Sponsored by Neopost (Soon-to-be-Quadient)

Northside Graphics Demonstrating high levels of innovation, Northside Graphics is a worthy winner of the Best Use of Technology award for its ‘The London Essence Company’ entry. According to the judges, this level of automation is unique within the print industry. Creativity and innovation shines through and is reflected in the multiple systems which are seamlessly integrated, providing a great customer experience and true automation from receipt of order through to delivery.

Tha Label World Team

Digital Print Label Printer Of The Year Sponsored by Xeikon

Label World In the increasingly crowded whiskey market, Label World’s clever use of multiple foils on D.W.D Irish Whiskey really makes the label stand out. Judges also admired the embossing technique employed by Label World, which works to give the whiskey brand a premium, high-end look.

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Mick Dowling from Antalis with Fintan O’Callaghan and Pat Cotter from Impress Printing

Printer of the Year Sponsored by Rēalt

Impress Printing Works Alongside being named the 2019 Printer of the Year, Impress Printing Works also scooped the Book Printer of the Year Award.

Judges commented on the superior quality of the design, typography, choice of paper, prepress, printing and finishing of Honoris Causa, the firm’s winning entry. This was a unanimous decision by all the judges and was based on the commitment to perfection that’s evident across every area of the design and production processes. The grey cloth cover printed with gloss black foil used on the fine text (for sharpness and clarity) and the matt black on the larger lettering are both perfectly embossed on the front and spine. Honoris Causa was flawlessly printed on a Komori Lithrone five colour offset press in black and spot colour, with a section of vibrant colour photographs all perfectly reproduced. A work of art and a most deserving winner.

Report & Accounts Printer of the Year Print Media Services Print Media Services scooped the Reports & Accounts Printer of the Year award for its work on the ‘Red Cross Annual Report Paddy Gallagher and Gerry Moore from Print Media Services, recipient of the Reports & 2018’ at this year’s Print Awards.

Accounts Printer of the Year award To add depth and contrast the company used spot UV on the report, a feature of the print job that the judges commended for its skill and attention to detail. Specifically designed to maximise excellent digital print technology, this is a most worthy winner.

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

Diarmuid Dawson, President, Irish Printing Federation with Declan Myers and David Graham from Fineprint, winners of the Brochure Printer of the Year award, sponsored by Irish Printing Federation

Maria O’Connell, Alan Shortt and Michael O’Connell from Sign Flair

Wrap Printer of the Year Sign Flair A solid consistency of branding across the whole fleet is just one of the reasons why Sign Flair won this year’s Wrap Printer of the Year award for its ‘Mitchell Macadam Scania Wraps’ entry. Judges also commended Sign Flair for the impressive attention to detail that’s so clearly evident throughout the job. An excellent finish makes this entry a very worthy winner.

The NeoGen team

Magazine Printer of the Year NeoGen NeoGen’s ‘Be Our Guest 2019’ entry scooped the company the coveted Magazine Printer of the Year award. Judges were impressed by the high quality production method employed by NeoGen and by the excellent colour reproduction. ‘Be Our Guest 2019’ was 100% digitally produced, another factor in the judge’s decision to name NeoGen this year’s top Magazine Printer.

Brochure Printer of the Year Sponsored by Irish Printing Federation

Fineprint Ltd A combination of quality and precision in finishing made Fineprint’s entry, ‘Homeless Brochure - In Six Months A Lot Can Change’, a clear winner in the Brochure Printer of the Year category.

Fineprint’s superior work is reflected in the values of the product and in the message it is communicating. Judges also commented that the match-ups were superb and without fault while the tone values were excellent.

Ger Barron and Lar Barron, Réalt

Best Supplier Customer Service Team Réalt After winning the award for Best Supplier Customer Service Team, Ger Barron, Managing Director at Réalt said: “All the team at Réalt are delighted to be awarded Print Supplier of the Year for 2019 and very grateful to our excellent customers for supporting us. This award means so much as it’s the only award voted on by the printers.”

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Irish Print Awards

Small Printer of the Year Sponsored by Komori/Portman Graphic

Plus Print This year’s Small Printer of the Year award went to Plus Print for its ‘THINKHOUSE Flash Newsletter’ entry.

Judges were impressed by the innovative and excellent print reproduction and by the beautifully finished, highquality graphics. A high-end job, the accuracy of the stitching was clearly evident while the fluorescent finish further complemented this outstanding print job. Judges also commented on the perfect print solids that were consistently achieved throughout the publication.

Dave Brennan, Area Account Manager, GPMI with Sean Rox and David Savage, SL Graphics, this year’s winner of the Bespoke Large Format Digital Printer of the Year award, sponsored by GPMI

Patrick Sherry, Sale Manager, Alphagraphics with Jonathan Grattan from MSO who was awarded Print Media Apprentice of the Year - NI Level 3, sponsored by Alphagraphics

Bespoke Large Format Digital Printer of the Year

Print Media Apprentice of the Year Ni Level 3

Sl Graphics Limited With its ‘Deloitte, 3 Park Place, 2019’ entry, SL Graphics has gone above and beyond what the customer set out to achieve. Judges commented that while some of the printing/displays were simple, they had to meet a very high standard demanded by the customer with regards to fit, consistency and attention to detail. The result is a unique high end finish, mostly in black and white but with colour images and light effects that work extremely well. This is a job that simply works.

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The Plus Print team

Sponsored by Alphagraphics

Jonathan Grattan / MSO Upon joining MSO, Jonathan immediately stood out amongst his peers as a candidate with an outstanding natural aptitude for work within print packaging while also having the ability and intellect to understand what was required of him. Commenting on his win, MSO said: “He has developed into an important member of the print finishing department and has a consistent record of producing work of the highest quality.”

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

Philip Brady, Managing Director, Canon Ireland with Maria Boylan and David Graham, Fineprint, winners of the Graphic Design & Print Collaboration award, sponsored by Canon

Darren Burke and Abbey Burke from Alert Packaging with Kathryn Ryan from Avery Dennison

Flexo Packaging Printer of the Year Sponsored by Avery Dennison

Alert Packaging The Flexo Packaging Printer of the Year award went to Alert Packaging for its ‘Jinny’s Bakery’ entry, a product that clearly demonstrates excellent print quality. Judges commented on the strength and robustness of the pouch and the flawless printing of solid white and spot colours. Judges also emphasised their admiration of the stand-up pouch’s construction, describing it as ‘excellent’.

The Watershed Group team

Graphic Design & Print Collaboration Award Sponsored by Canon

Fineprint Ltd and Brand Central Graphic design and print have come together in this award, with Fineprint and Brand Central demonstrating how design and print production can complement each other. The ‘Homeless Brochure In Six Months A Lot Can Change’ entry, which also earned Fineprint the Brochure Printer of the Year award, is a great example of print and design working well together to achieve an excellent overall result. Judges commented on the high quality print finish and innovative design.

Self Adhesive Roll Label Printer of the Year Sponsored by Avery Dennison

Watershed Group For its ‘Graham Norton Gin Label Set’ entry, Watershed Group demonstrated its ability to create amazingly complex labels. With both the front and the back of this label, judges were impressed with the use of embossing and with the foil that was used. In particular, judges noted the special die cutting that was employed to ensure this label stands out from the crowd.

The overall design, look and feel of this winning label is excellent.

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

The Smurfit Kappa Display team

Best Use of Print Sponsored by The Sunday Business Post

Smurfit Kappa Display With the HeartSine vTrainer entry, Smurfit Kappa Display has excelled itself, providing a complete detailed solution from concept to implementation. Judges commented on the excellent detail throughout the entire presentation, from process and modelling to mock-up. The finished product exemplifies what a ‘Best Use of Print’ winner should be – this is how print should be done.

Plus Print & PCF Print Finish

Print Finishing Award Plus Print & PCF Print Finish Described by judges as a ‘very well finished piece’, the ‘Institute of Banking’ entry from Plus Print and PCF Print Finish is this year’s Print Finishing award winner.

Judges described a lovely choice of binding work along with French folds that complement the job perfectly.

Foil blocking was also used to great effect on the job.

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Niall O’Driscoll, Sales Manager, Southern Star, Peter Doyle, Agfa Graphics with Tony Butler and Donagh O’Dogherty from Webprint, winners of the Regional Newspaper of the Year award, sponsored by Agfa Graphics

Regional Newspaper Printer of the Year Sponsored by Agfa Graphics

Webprint For ‘The Southern Star’ range of products, Webprint is the deserving winner of this year’s Regional Newspaper Printer of the Year award. Judges were impressed by the expertise displayed by the large format elements and by the excellent colour reproduction. Edge to edge is superbly produced while great matchups and running heads all add up to a worthy winner.

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

David Curtis and David Graham from Fineprint, winners of the Litho Packaging Printer of the Year award

Litho Packaging Printer of the Year Fineprint

Niamh Naughton

Print Graduate of the Year

Fineprint took to the stage three times at this year’s Print Awards, this time for the Litho Packaging Printer of the Year award for its ‘One Nutrition Product Packaging’ entry. This award-winning entry is defined by its functional, creative and considered design. Excellent use of materials ensured it stood out from the rest of the shortlisted entries, while colourful, good quality printing along with skillful finishing techniques made this entry a most worthy winner.

Niamh Naughton / TU Dublin Niamh Naughton, a BA (hons) graduate from the Print Media Management and Technology Degree at TU Dublin, is this year’s Print Graduate of the Year. The award is a culmination of four years of considerable input, capability and commitment from Niamh.

Her application and exemplary performance was recognised across all disciplines in her studies and she excelled in the fields of professional development, technological understanding and all management disciplines equally. Having recently completed an excellent industry research project in the field of consumer behaviour and how it is affected by digital channels, Niamh is representative of the calibre of students that participate in this industry specific honours management degree at TU Dublin.

Commenting on her success, TU Dublin said: “Niamh is definitely one to watch out for in the future. We congratulate her on this award and wish her continued success.”

Leinster Small Printer of the Year Plus Print Connacht Small Printer of the Year Triest Press CLG Munster Small Printer of the Year The Label Factory Ulster Small Printer of the Year Ballyprint

IRISH PRINTER

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CELEBRATING THE BEST IN THE IRISH PRINT INDUSTRY, IN ASSOCIATION WITH IRISH PRINTER MAGAZINE

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Irish Printing Federation

Réalt Paper in association with The Navigator Company

PAPER EVOLUTION

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Irish Print Awards

Awards MC Alan Shortt with Paul Young, Foxpack Flexibles The NeoGen team

Digital Printer of the Year Sponsored by Xerox

NeoGen NeoGen’s impressive work on Forensic Science Ireland’s Annual Report 2018 has earned the firm the Digital Printer of the Year award for 2019. Judges were impressed that this high profile publication was specifically designed to maximise the capabilities of the digital press on which it was printed. Several digital metallic colours and spot varnishes were used to enhance the finished product, showcasing not just the technical capabilities of the printer but the innovation and creativity employed by NeoGen on this job.

Digital Packaging Printer of the Year Foxpak Flexibles Ltd Foxpak Flexibles is committed to providing its customers with sustainable packaging solutions that improve their brand image without compromising the integrity of their products. Foxpak’s winning entry, ‘The Happy Pear Compostable Granola Pouches’, fulfils that criteria and more.

Judges commented on the innovative digital printing and packaging on display and the excellent construction of the stand-up pouch. The overall print quality was faultless – a most deserving winner.

Out Of Home Printer of the Year Sponsored by Antalis

P+D With P+D’s ‘Rapid Relief Window’ entry, judges were impressed with the overall execution of the campaign from client brief and POS deployment to print quality and the 3D element of the job.

Judges also commented on the excellent, clever lighting used for this entry. Positive feedback from the retailer also contributed to the judge’s decision to select this entry as the Out of Home Printer of the Year.

The P+D team

IRISH PRINTER

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2019 WINNER

'BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM'

RÉALT PAPER HELPING BUSINESSES GROW! SUPPLYING PAPER AND BOARD FOR OVER 40 YEARS TO THE PACKAGING AND PRINT HOUSES IN IRELAND.

SALES@REALT-PAPER.COM

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Irish Print Awards

The P+D team

Large Format Digital Printer of the Year Sponsored by GPMI

P+D

The ‘Seize The Denny’ campaign, in conjunction with Goosebump Design Agency for Kerry Foods, has earned P+D the award for Large Format Digital Printer of the Year. According to the judges, the lifelike reproduction of the product stood out. In particular, the addition of the foil effect helped to create an impressive design. Overall, this is an entry that displays both creativity and high quality work. The high standard of print and finishing is clearly evident, making P+D worthy winners of this year’s Large Format award.

David Murray, Manroland, Thomas Karey, Interpress N.I., Dave Molloy, Manroland and Steven Bunting, Interpress N.I., winners of the National Newspaper Printer of the Year award, sponsored by Manroland

National Newspaper Printer of the Year Sponsored by Manroland

Interpress N.I Ltd Interpress NI’s work on the Daily Mirror has earned it the National Newspaper Printer of the Year award. Fantastic quality combined with excellent, solid images impressed the judges, as did the vibrancy of the overall print product.

Judges also commended Interpress NI for the excellent image quality throughout the paper. With more than 25 years of national newspaper printing experience, Interpress NI has perfected the art of producing some of the highest quality newspapers in the country.

Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year Sponsored by Heidelberg

Plus Print Once again, Plus Print took to the stage to collect an award for its ‘Institute of Banking’ entry, this time for Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year. Judges once again commented on the excellent colour reproduction and consistent solids on display with this entry.

Pictured Declan Martin, Area Sales Representative, Heidelberg UK with John Kenny, Ciaran Smith and Phyllis Kenny from Plus Print, winners of the Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year award, sponsored

by Heidelberg

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Irish Print Awards

Wesley Moody and Gareth McClenaghan Freddie Snowe, Chairperson of the Irish Print Awards judging panel with Pat Smyth, CCL Ireland representing Bill Smyth, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award

Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Irish Printer Magazine

Bill Smyth / CCL Ireland The prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award, the main accolade of the annual ceremony, went to industry veteran Bill Smyth. With over 40 years of experience in the printing industry, Bill helped drive large companies to opt for Irish owned printers to produce their drink labels. Bill was also one of the masterminds who persuaded Jameson Whiskey to run with an Irish-based printing outlet and for these reasons, is this year’s worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Esmark Finch team

Print Media Apprentice of the Year - NI Level 2 Sponsored by Alphagraphics

Gareth McClenaghan/ Belfast Metropolitan College For the past year, Gareth has been undertaking training with Belfast Metropolitan College, working towards his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Printing.

He continues to display a professional approach in his work and attitude. His level of work is excellent and produced to an extremely high standard.

Commenting on his award, Belfast Metropolitan College said: “Gareth should achieve great success within the print packaging industry as his talents continue to progress with Boxpak.”

Special Packaging Printer of the Year Sponsored by Antalis

Esmark Finch The ‘Isobel Egan Ceramics Presentation Box’ entry from Esmark Finch was the worthy winner of this year’s Special Packaging Printer of the Year award. Judges described this complex luxury packaging job as having a striking impact. Its design is exceptional and the overall job reflects the company’s dedication to producing creative, innovative work that pushes the boundaries.

IRISH PRINTER

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Irish Print Awards

IRISH PRINTER

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E-Commerce Packaging

Packaging IN AN E-COMMERCE WORLD

Constantly changing consumer habits and technological advances are demanding more comprehensive, integrated solutions from the packaging sector writes Anja RĂśhrle 30

O

ngoing digitalisation and the associated changes in consumer shopping behaviour have a major impact on the design and construction of packaging. Mass-produced products have lost their attractiveness. Brand manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers are adapting to the new challenges of online trading.

They receive strong impetus from the packaging industry, which has a lot to offer when it comes to e-commerce packaging made of corrugated board, with innovative solutions and state-of-the-art print technologies.

74.4 billion – that’s the number of shipments that courier, express and parcel (CEP) services carried worldwide in 2017, according to the latest

IRISH PRINTER

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E-Commerce Packaging figures in the annual Pitney Bows Parcel Shipping Index.

That’s roughly 17% more than the previous year. This surge in parcel volume is being fuelled by the continuing boom in e-commerce. Already by 2020, it is expected to exceed 100 billion parcels in the 13 industrial nations surveyed.

In view of such volumes and growth rates, it’s clear that packaging has long since emerged as a key component in the e-commerce logistics chain.

THE EMPTY SPACE ECONOMY

The report “The Empty Space Economy”, drawn up by Forbes Insights in collaboration with the international packaging specialist DS Smith, reveals that nearly every package shipped online contains empty space. 60% of executives surveyed felt that more than a quarter of what is sent to customers in transport packaging is, in fact, thin air. An enormous amount of extra material is used, both for the overbox and the filling material and consumers are becoming more and more critical of this. Brand manufacturers and retailers are also increasingly addressing the issue of packaging optimisation. The reasons are obvious – lower material and logistics costs, less transport damage, more sustainability and an improved customer experience.

networks the online shopper. A scan of printed Quick Response Codes, for example, can provide information about growth areas, as well as tips for the optimal preparation of the product ordered online.

In the same way, consumers can gain access to bonus programs or social media platforms where influencers showcase the product or provide helpful video tutorials, for example on make-up applications, as well as on the installation or commissioning of complex products.

Thanks to so-called mosaic printing, even individual shipping packages can each be given a unique, individual design in digital pre-print. Thus, thousands of unique copies are produced in just one print run. Even last-minute changes of the artwork are now easier, because printing plates are simply no longer necessary.

BRAND PROTECTION: SECURE QR CODES AND WATERMARKS PROVIDE SECURITY

The development of optimised e-commerce packaging solutions from corrugated board is by no means trivial. They pass through a completely different supply cycle than goods that go into retail. There is often a lack of reliable data to provide information on the actual loads during transport.

Online shipping places the highest demands on the packaging, as the goods are not only expected to arrive to the customer undamaged but also ideally to inspire the customer about the product and brand in such a way that they will share this positively on their social media channels.

Digital printing technology also has a lot to offer in terms of brand protection. Secure QR codes are not replicable and provide a reliable method of verifying whether a product is genuine or counterfeit. It makes sense to combine this with a tamper-evident closure on the corrugated cardboard transport packaging.

Printed, serialised codes allow packaging to be tracked, but also verified. In addition, this can be used to “marry” product and packaging with each other, for example to record individual batch numbers, production data and production times. This also makes traceability much easier to implement in the event of a recall.

Watermarks can also be printed on the transport packaging in digital pre-print, which enables hidden coding in the printed image. When used selectively, this can in turn be used to check whether it is an original product or not.

BRAND ACTIVATION IN FOCUS

NEXT STOP: OMNICHANNEL PACKAGING

TAILOR-MADE FOR EVERY CHANNEL

Product lifecycles are getting shorter and shorter, partly because start-up companies are launching newer, more stylish products onto the market. Shoppers’ brand loyalty is fading and eco-sustainability aspects are becoming increasingly important. All this creates new challenges for the industry. Today’s customers want to be inspired and courted by individualised products that are as sustainable as possible. It is more important than ever to focus on the customer and tailor business processes, products and shopping experiences to their needs. And this is precisely where transport-packaging made of corrugated board can bring strong, new accents to a manufacturer’s brand.

When it comes to customer centricity, digital pre-print and its associated flexibility open up a new dimension of interaction. And this is no longer true only for short, but now also for medium and long print runs. Attention-grabbing interior prints and seasonal campaign motifs also enable a differentiated and more emotional customer approach in e-commerce. Smart packaging informs, entertains and

Modern technologies and changing consumer habits are bringing about constant changes in e-commerce. Offline and online are increasingly blending into each other. Already today, industry, physical retail and pure online players are investing in the development and expansion of their omnichannel initiatives. The relentless, continuing networking of the online and offline worlds has far-reaching effects on the entire supply cycle. In the packaging sector in particular, there will be more and more demand for comprehensive, integrated solutions that work equally well on store shelves and in online retailing.

Anja Röhrle is Marketing & Communication Manager at DS Smith

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Talking to...

How long are you in the print industry and how long in your current role?

I joined Quadient, formerly Neopost, in October 2019 as Graphics General Manager.

Over my 20 years in the print industry, I’ve held a number of roles and worked in several fields. Before Neopost, I held the position of Country Manager for two of the leading wide format suppliers, Roland and Mimaki.

How did you get into it?

Talking to…

DAVE RAINSFORD

Dave Rainsford, Graphics General Manager at Quadient, talks about his new role and why every day is a school day

I started as a Service Engineer in 1997 working on Roland music equipment before moving on to servicing plotting machines and thermal printers for Roland DG (Graphics).

What do you love/hate about the industry?

There have been so many innovations and changes in the industry over the years and as a techie at heart, I love this.

“Every day is a school day” is a saying that really resonates with me. Quadient’s varied range of print equipment and computer software satisfies both interests.

How has the industry changed since you started in it?

In a great many ways, the crossover between sign-maker and printer being just one. Also, speaking from a wide format perspective, I remember when getting an inkjet ink to stick on vinyl was considered the holy grail. Since then the variety of printers, ink, technology and media has exploded, as you can see in Neopost’s range.

Worst job?

I once packed CD’s into bags for a few weeks. Not a lot of fun, but

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we made the most of it and entertained ourselves.

Dream job?

Apart from this one? I’m not sure… superhero?

Favourite film?

There’s so many to choose from but I could watch the Godfather or The Big Lebowski any time.

Favourite band/ musician?

I’m an 80s/90s rocker at heart (minus the hair) but I’ll listen to most music genres.

What do you see as your biggest success in life?

It has to be my four kids.

Professionally though, it would be my work bringing the organisations that I’ve represented up to the top spots in the Irish market.

Are you a glass half empty or half full person?

Half full.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Peter Kay, especially in Phoenix Nights.

What superpower would you most like to have?

I wish I could freeze time, that would be useful. Or become “Super Multi-Task Man”.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who was easy to get on with and would lend a hand when needed. I’d also like to be remembered as someone who made an impression on the industry.

Life is….?

Seeing the middle ground and trying to see the best in people!

IRISH PRINTER

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