One complete solution from BOBST connects, integrates and orchestrates your flexible packaging workflow. With the help of BOBST Connect, it enables you to manage pre-press, printing, converting and quality control seamlessly while maximizing sustainability and empowering continuous optimization. Interested? Find your local BOBST representative at www.bobst.com/contact
The Asian Packaging Excellence Awards is the only regional Independent Packaging Print competition. Since 2001 we have been awarding Gold Silver and Bronze for packaging printers who have excelled in producing world class quality. The judges are non-supplier but are retired educators or production professionals and come from all over Asia/Europe/Australia.
* WE MUST have 5 consecutive samples for each job in ALL catergories
* ONLY 3 Jobs allowed for each catergory you enter
1. Narrow Web Flexo (up to 500mm width only)
1a Paper/Board
1.b Film
2. Mid Web Flexo (501mm to 914mm width only)
2a .Paper/Bpard
2b Film
3. Wide Web Flexo (915mm and over)
3a . Paper/Board
3b Film
4.Carton & Cups
5.Post Print for Corrugated
6.Pre Print for Corrugated
1. Flexo
2. Letterpress
3. Offset Labels
4. Gravure Labels
5. Combination Printing (Many different processes or embellishments)
6. Non Pressure Sensitive material
7.Digital Labels
7a. Up to 4 colours
7b. 4 to 5 colours
7c. 5 to 6 colours
1. Paper/Board
2. Metallised Paper/ Aluminium Foil Surface Print
3. Film
3a.. Surface Print
3b. Reversive Print
4.Speciality Gravure (Must provide written explanation)
OTHER
6 Mockup/Sample
7 Digital Packaging
8 Hybrid Printing
9 Offset Packaging
PLEASE READ: Asian Packaging Excellence Awards are open to all packaging compnaies across Asia. It is free to enter and winners will be presented Gold Silver Bronze awards live on stage in Bangkok 21st Sept 2023. If you do not attend we will not send awards to you. Job submitted must have been produced from November 2022 till September 2023. Judges decision is final and no other correspondance will be considered
SECTION A - This is seen by the Judges ONLY 3 JOBS PER CATERGORY PLEASE SELECT 5 FLEXO 5 LABELS 5 GRAVURE 5 MOCKUP
5 DIGITAL PACKAGING 5 HYBRID 5 OFFSET PACKAGING
Catergory Entered for this job (See catergories opposite page) _
Company Name_____________________________Contact Person________________________
Compnay Address________________________________________________________________
Country________________Contact Number _______________e-mail ______________________
Name of Entry_____________________________Printing Company_______________________
Your Name ________________________________Signature_____________________________
#
#
SECTION B - TAPE THIS TO THE BACK OF THE JOB ENRTY
Catergory Entered_____________Print Method_______________Number of colours__________
*Brand of Machine_________________________*Ink Supplier____________________________
*Plate Supplier__________________________*Tape Supplier____________________________
*Pre Press by_________________________________*Printed Quanity_____________________
*Paper/Board/Film/Label supplier____________________________________________________
*Web Width ___________________Other detials_______________________________________
If you would like to supply more information, please attach this to Section A above
Please send your entries to: Send your best work to:
ATT Asian Packaging Excellence Awards
c/o PRINT & MEDIA ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
627A Aljunied Road, Biztech Centre, #04-07, Singapore, 389842
Telephone: +65 6336 4227
THE SHIFT 23 Conference will be held in Bangkok on the same day as the Asian Packaging Excellence Awards dinner presentation (September 21st) in Bangkok, during the Pack Print International and Corrutec Asia Exhibitions
The SHIFT 23 conference (now in its 21st year) is designed to give Packaging companies, no matter what area of production they are involved in, a view on the trends and technologies that effect business today.
Supported by the leading manufacturers and suppliers, the event offers you the chance to hear from world leading speakers on a whole range of industry topics. Also meet and network with other companies like yours at this intensive one-day event.
More detailed information will be available in the coming weeks so mark this date in your calendar, 21st September 2023, BITEC exhibition halls, Bangkok Thailand.
And if you enter the Asian Packaging Excellence Awards, we hope to see you on stage receiving your Awards for excellence in packaging.
AWARDS: 2023
Issue 7 - 23
Print - Packaging INNOVATION
Asia Magazine
Published by Asian Print Awards Management Pte Ltd 65 Chulia Street #46-23 OCBC Centre 049513 Singapore
Print Innovation Asia Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia Asian Print Awards Packageing Excellence Awards Label and Packaging Conferences
Publisher Paul Callaghan paul@printinnovationasia.com
Editorial Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com
Packaging Sales Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com
CGS ORIS has announced the launch of Real Substrate Proof, a breakthrough that is set to transform the way prepress houses and packaging converters communicate color with their brand customers.
Developed in partnership with Mutoh, Real Substrate Proof enables production of proofs and mockups on the final target production substrate. Unlike other solutions, Real Substrate Proof retains the look and feel and all other physical properties of the substrate.
“We are very excited to bring this unique and exclusive solution to market,” said Heiner Müller, Sales Director Packaging, at CGS ORIS. “One of the key challenges in proofing of packaging designs in the past was the need to use special coated substrates not quite resembling the final stock or to use UV inks which add a distinctive ink layer to the substrate. Worse, UV inks quite often have an offensive odor.
Also, a basic prerequisite for packaging proofing is the ability to match brand and spot colors. Our brand-new ink set, specifically designed for use with FLEX PACK software, include CMYK as well as orange, green, blue, and white, matching that requirement and covering nearly the complete Pantone Library.
The inks are non-toxic, odorless, highly stretchable, and print on a
variety of substrates such as extremely thin flexibles, shrink and IML film, solid carton, or corrugated board. They are heat resistant and can be over-varnished, making it suitable even for applications like printing on metal.
This makes proofs not only more realistic, but also easier, faster, and cheaper to produce, important in a highly competitive marketplace where quality and time to market are critical to the success of prepress houses and packaging converters, as well as their brand customers.”
The Solution
Real Substrate Proof, developed jointly with Mutoh, is part of the FLEX PACK solution. It consists of the Mutoh VJ-628MP printer, or the new larger hybrid version, the VJ-1629MH, together with newly developed inks and designed specifically for use with FLEX PACK software (CMYKOrGrBlWh). These special water-based resin inks are characterized by their excellent adhesion and their unique stretching and shrinking properties, enabling printing directly on all kinds of packaging media, including shrink films.
“Real Substrate Proof is a brand-new approach to proofing and prototyping in packaging,” Müller added. “The combination of the Mutoh printers, CGS FLEX PACK software and the inks enables this new approach available exclusively from CGS ORIS.
It delivers best-in-class print quality in a compact footprint that fits in even the most space-constrained operations. FLEX PACK software was specially designed to meet the most demanding requirements of the packaging industry.
It is based on CGS ORIS´ patented iterative 4D color management technology tailored to the needs of the packaging industry. Cloud-based color databases such as the CxF CLOUD or PantoneLIVE, as well as brand owner proprietary color databases, can also be integrated into the FLEX PACK solution. FLEX PACK includes integrated preflighting, soft proofing and proof certification and supports spectral color data such as CxF/X-4.
For more information about Real Substrate Proof, visit rsp.cgs-oris.com. For information about other products and services from CGS ORIS, visit www.cgs-oris.com.
Connect to Grow. That is your key to stay ahead in a demanding market. By connecting with MPSConnect, you ensure the best in reliability and productivity from your printing press. You will increase competitive advantages and maximize profits.
To improve productivity and profi tability, it’s critical to increase the understanding of your overall label print operation. With MPSConnect, you get real-time insights in the operator activities. You dive into the printing press and see exactly what’s happening.
With MPSConnect we see recurring annual cost savings of €50,000 - €100,000 and even more thanks to a more efficient workflow, time management and waste reduction.
mps-printing.com/connect-to-grow
Innovation has always been, and always will be, the lifeblood of magazine publishing. TIME magazine was started 100 years ago as an “exercise in foresight”, in the words of co-founder Henry Luce.
Today, it reaches the largest audience in its history, with over a million print magazine subscribers in the United States alone. Across a century of global transformation, it has been a symbol of “constancy and change” showing that making history is inextricably linked with building the future.
Magazines are natural hotbeds of innovation. Starting with a blank sheet, they are challenged to create a complete and compelling vision on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis. This demands creativity, foresight, and a dedication to excellence. Unlike transient media, which deal in pixels, magazines must present a complete
and lasting forward view, preserving it in a paper product that will stand the test of time – as it is passed between hands, re-read or even collected.
Simply, there is a great and growing love for magazines, both enduring iconic titles that are constantly re-inventing themselves - and bold new entrants that understand the print medium presents a huge opportunity to connect with their audience and advertisers.
Take two contrasting examples: When the team at Germany’s iconic Brigitte, read by approximately two million women, planned their hugely successful relaunch – they not only focused on the best content, graphics and design, but were determined to deliver the best tactile experience and feel of the publication. Readers enjoy leafing through the pages and the generosity of the visuals, all of which build up more closeness and privacy than other media.
The relationship between content and object goes even deeper for a speciality magazine like “Tasting Kitchen” (TK), which started life as a newspaper column before growing into Asia’s leading epicurean print and digital publication. Here, the team set out to
deliver such sort of high production values that make it a collector’s item, going as far as to seek a sensual experience that matches touch with images, fuelling the imagination of fine food.
and a tool for shaping the future. As we navigate and confront urgent social and environmental challenges, we should always keep in mind the power and potential of print as a medium for shaping the world we live in, for the better.
SBS-E Certification allows Scodix embellished products to use recycling symbol where relevant
Scodix, a leading provider of digital embellishment solutions for the graphic arts industry, announces the successful completion of its latest recyclability tests, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. The results demonstrate that Scodix embellishments can be repulped during the recycling process, allowing products enhanced with Scodix embellishments to carry the recyclable symbol.
Scodix EVP Global Sales & Marketing, Mark Nixon, comments, “Sustainability is a core pillar of our business operations. As such, we are thrilled to share our latest test results which underscore the positive impact Scodix products can have on building a more sustainable future. With
our repulpability and recyclability certification coupled with our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) findings, Scodix users can confidently embrace data-driven sustainability practices.
FTC guidelines require third party independent testing to allow manufacturers to use a recyclable symbol. Scodix worked with Western Michigan University (WMU) to implement the SBS Equivalency (WMU SBS-E) testing protocol, which models the Fiber Boxboard Associations (FBA) wax coating replacement protocol.
The testing was performed on 16pt SBS Printkote C1S paper with a fifteen percent coverage. Sheets were taken through the process of repulping,
screening and cleaning to ensure that the digital embellishment would not inhibit the recycling process.
The tests produced positive results showcasing the recyclability of Scodix digitally embellished sheets. Passing the WMU SBS-E protocol proved that sheets with Scodix embellishment would qualify for recycling and could be repulped during the process. Brands and manufacturers using Scodix embellishment under this control protocol are able to use the FTC recycling symbol as long as the substrate used is also certified as recyclable.
“Today is a momentous day for Scodix, but our journey towards sustainability doesn’t end here,” affirms Nixon. ” Coupled with the commissioned LCA that clearly states that Scodix is over 7 times less harmful to the environment than the traditional foiling process, we believe the time is now to remain steadfast in our commitment to driving continuous improvements in sustainability – equipping manufacturers with the necessary data to accurately measure their processes.”
We have all been the recipients of some of the many ways marketers communicate with their clients. Emails, paid adverts, social media, mobile, and content marketing can be quick to set up, affordable, and achieve good reach. As such it is easy to see why digital marketing might be the first choice over print.
But digital marketing is not as effective as print as I discussed around the world. Research has shown that while 71% of digital ads are viewable (at least half the ad is viewable and on the screen for at least a second), only 9% are actually viewed, or fixated upon. Display ads such as sponsored banners too are well known for generating relatively few clicks – good for brand building maybe but not so great for creating leads.
Not only is physical mail viewed, but 31% prompts a commercial action.
This should be music to the ears of the 201 American print buyers surveyed by Keypoint Intelligence who attributed 26% of the share of their budget to printed marketing materials.
It should also be why Print Service Providers (PSPs) look to sell the value of print with these four areas of opportunity:
Keypoint Intelligence reported that currently less than a quarter (24%) of total printed communications were being customised beyond the name and address while 60% of respondents expected the share of communications that contained more personalisation to increase over the next three years in America.
Market demand is there. Forbes reports that investing in personalisation efforts can drive revenue growth of 10% to 30% while an overwhelming 70% of
American consumers say they will shop exclusively with brands that personally understand them.
The vast majority of Keypoint Intelligence respondents were interested in enhancing their printing capabilities with a fifth colour for effects like clear coatings and special colours. These also included spot coatings, fluorescent/neon colors, white/clear ink, dimensional effects, raised textures, and metallic foils. It is an opportunity that could be lucrative too. A Ricoh commissioned
survey conducted by NAPCO Research found brand owners in America expect to pay up to 33% more for coatings and textures, 33% more for special colours, such as white, metallic, or fluorescent and 31% more for secure print such as UV or infrared ink.
Print buyers were interested in technology that enables the creation of QR codes, augmented reality, or NFC tags. Only 5% of Keypoint Intelligence respondents had no interest in purchasing these types of specialty products in the next two years.
With the pandemic giving QR codes a new lease of life it is now very common to scan them for additional information or to make payment. In fact a survey from European market research firm Appinio found eight in ten European respondents are now used to scanning them, aided by the fact that scanning cameras are now integrated into most mobile phones and 95% of users found them a useful way to get detailed product information.
4 Establishing an online presence 93% of the print buyers Keypoint Intelligence surveyed were buying at least some of their print online with business cards, general office print, and posters, banners, and signage the most common applications being ordered. 84% of respondents that purchase some print online said that at least half of their print buying funds are spent online while nearly 70% who purchase print both online and offline expect their online spending budgets to increase over the next three years.
In a digital first world print buyers are being forced to reinvent themselves. This creates an opportunity for print based on demand for more complex personalisation and specialty printing
techniques that ensure memorable print. High speed inkjet and toner technologies are continually evolving to offer enhanced production and application flexibility to deliver creative print, quickly and responsively.
It also allows PSPs to create different routes to selling supported by software
solutions that enable ecommerce and web to print capabilities.
It is fantastic to see that, in such a fast paced environment of change, print remains the most reliable way to ensure communications are read, remembered, and crucially, acted upon.
Improvements to technology and shifts in printing trends signal a promising future for digital print solutions. New opportunities for innovation are emerging from the analogue to digital transitions that are happening in this era of development in business and society.
Conventional business wisdom has always emphasized the importance of adaptability, grit, and other related values in a fundamentally uncertain environment. The global COVID-19 pandemic has further reinforced the urgency of developing resilience. This was certainly the case for FUJIFULM Business Innovation Asia Pacific, where the crisis challenged our ability to maintain business continuity, manage risk, and innovatively lead when ‘normal’ business operations were disrupted.
We recently sat down with FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific President, Masatsugu Naito, to hear about his experiences of facing firsthand the leadership challenges of the pandemic. In the first installment
of this two-part series, we discussed his thoughts on resilience, his triedand-tested framework for navigating disruption, guidelines for setting business priorities, and his philosophy for embracing change.
How would you define a resilient business?
Masatsugu Naito: Resilience has become a buzzword. Everyone is talking about resilient societies, resilient organizations, and resilient infrastructure. That just reflects how our environment has been completely changed because of the pandemic. Now we’re in what’s called a new normal. I see resilience as a capacity, something that businesses should be able to do. How can we adapt quickly under such
a new normal? Are we able to recover and generate new opportunities from change?
From your perspective, business resilience is more about how to come back or recover from a setback
Masatsugu Naito: That's correct. Especially in the current situation, "coming back" means knowing how to recover and adapt. Prior to the pandemic, the world was completely different. We’ve seen how everything’s crumbled since then. Adapting to the new normal is a challenging skill to learn.
Given that your definition of resilience is more about comeback
Masatsugu Naito
Revoria PressTM EC1100
Revoria PressTM SC180/SC170
and adaptation, how do you think leaders can lead and win in constant change? Especially since you have worked in so many different environments and worked with different kinds of leaders?
Masatsugu Naito: My simple answer goes back to my fundamental policy: passion and flexibility. Passion is always very important for business. The passion to persevere through problems gives us the mindset to overcome it. If we don't have that mindset, I don’t think we can find the answers to solve the issues in front of us.
And then there’s flexibility, which has a delicate balance. Being overly flexible can lead to a lack of direction: your path keeps shifting from A to B to C. On the other hand, if you’re overly rigid and sticking to one plan, that can also be harmful. That could potentially lead to mistakes and moving in the wrong direction. The key is to strike a balance between agility and while still having a direction.
We should embrace change, even enjoy it. That’s what passion can help us do: shift our view of change and see it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. And then we build the capacity for agility on an organizational level while keeping a measured approach.
In light of the challenges that disruptions pose to business planning, what guidance would you give to business leaders in terms of setting investment priorities during times of disruption?
Masatsugu Naito: In my opinion, it's important to ask ourselves :"What are our core competencies?" Knowing what we are good at will help us decide the best use of our skills and resources. We also need to consider the specific context of the industry and area we’re operating in. Third, we need to have a clear sense of whether the industry is growing or declining. Finally, we must also factor in the sense of time and determine whether our objectives can be achieved in the short-term or longterm.
We can view these factors as a fourpoint matrix: competency, business segment, growth status, and time. This helps us not just determine where and how to prioritize our investments, but also set clear goals for our metrics.
How do you think leaders can work on increasing their own resilience and innovation, especially in the Asia Pacific region?
Masatsugu Naito: While there may be regional differences between AsiaPacific, Western Europe, and America,
I believe there are universal approaches applicable to all. One approach is about confronting the realities of market conditions directly, rather than ignoring or forgetting the facts. Resilient leaders know how to be truthful in evaluating what the current situation is. After that, it’s about taking an action-oriented approach to manage and overcome the situation. Without a proactive mindset, you risk being passive and waiting for growth to come to you.
It’s also critical to be able to replay scenarios from multiple perspectives. We do this by listening to feedback. It is crucial to converse with others and see things through different perspectives i.e. team members, customers, potential investors etc.
That way we can put into action our FUJIFILM motto to Never Stop. We will never stop improving and transforming to ensure we address our customer and employee pain points and growing the business in the right direction.
To summarise, leaders need to have a proactive mindset, take an actionoriented approach, and maintain a comprehensive understanding of all the facts and different perspectives to reframe the situation.
FUJIFILM Business Innovation is primarily a B2B business, so we understand our customer needs on an organisational level. Could you share more about your unique view of this?
Masatsugu Naito: It boils down to knowing how to anticipate the customer’s pain points in the current climate and responding with a proactive approach that takes account of all the facts and relevant perspectives so we can effectively help our customers bounce back—a skill that we ourselves have mastered. Business resilience is much more than a buzzword for FUJIFILM.
It’s a mindset and attitude that makes it possible for us to ‘never stop’ and bounce back. We can embrace change and turn our difficulties into opportunities to thrive.
"Business leaders must exercise flexibility with the right balance, and keep a strong passion for what they do. With these values in place, challenges can be embraced and difficulties can be turned into opportunities".
Ever since the introduction of the first servo-driven narrow web flexo press, MPS has held the printer in mind as being the key to delivering excellent quality product within the given timeframe. For a few years, we even had our logo reflect that vision: “Printers First”.
sustained in the future since in most countries, school and the educational systems skip traditional printing and focus more on the cleaner computer side of the industry.
For sure, the scope of an operator’s work changes as they become part of a continuous performance process. When using analogue print technology, like flexo or offset, process issues will occur for e.g., density change during printing, dirty print, ghosting, etc. These are typical print issues that can be measured and detected however not (yet) automatically resolved.
As the global economy develops and new technology enters our world, as well as social and demographic challenges, it is fair to say that a printer working on a label or packaging press has, and will, move more into an operator role. Where the printer by trade or education has knowledge of the basic printing process and all parameters involved in striving to deliver the best printed product, the operator will tend more towards operating the press and delivering the product.
Making sure the operator delivers that quality (and the volumes) as expected in the 21st century, a different approach is required, especially considering the development of highly decorated labels throughout the years and the sustainability challenges we face by using modern, highly automated printing presses.
Not only traditional flexo becomes more digital, the move and decision to using digital printing technology
in either a stand-alone or hybrid configuration requires a different approach on hiring and educating operators. All press manufacturers develop technical solutions to help the operator achieve this.
Using most of these technical solutions still requires basic printing knowledge and one can argue whether this can be
Next to the technical and datadriven flexo press, print shops should embrace a continuous improvement approach where press data is combined with improving print shop processes to achieve the highest possible Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) and the capital investment that is made does pay off.
In addition to the press HMI, relevant information, suggestions, and advice is provided to the press operator
We are now in a transitional phase where press information is combined with production and customer workflow data. This requires human interpretation and often human intervention of specialists who have the knowledge and can combine press data with production data and requirements.
In this situation, refreshment training of an operator can be partially triggered by the press itself. Specialist analysis is necessary to improve other components of a job change. Specialists of the print shop and the press manufacturer ideally team up in a continuous performance improvement program.
not only helps but also motivates the operators in their day-to-day work. This virtual coach, as well as benchmark data, is featured in a second screen as part of the press HMI.
Latest developments show steps towards a more autonomous form of training or coaching. In addition to the virtual coach that helps the operator, online training and e-learning sessions are available on the press HMI and can be automatically triggered by the press performance data or can be separately attended. The next development is to include algorithms that create a form of AI to replace logic and programmed actions by autonomous analysis, corrective actions, and proactive coaching.
In this situation, proactive service support can be generated either by the press itself, the press manufacturer, or by any OEM in the press to make sure the operator can continue to produce.
Press training where the operator is taught how to use the press will still be required; however, typical print and application training might take a different approach. Early of 2023, MPS introduced the virtual coach that
Technology will help the operator produce high quality product and the press itself; the pressroom infrastructure will also support the operator in maintaining and improving quality and productivity. The Operator Screen shows relevant data for improving the press performance and productivity, and is derived from objective, unbiased information provided by MPSConnect to a print shop’s leadership and management team.
For print shops, it is key that they continue fostering their operators and develop alternatives for the gap that local schools leave behind. As we are experiencing large mergers and acquisitions in our industry, the larger groups can set up in-house training
and certification programs where the focus should be on retaining qualified staff. In parallel, the industry trade organizations could play a role in facilitating training for smaller print shops and coordinate industry-wide programs and standardization where possible.
However, consumer markets continue to change and some markets require complex products where several different print techniques are combined with multi-step converting to create a highly appealing label. Even with the range of (digital) technology
available— human knowledge, skills, and above all creativity—will always be required.
Certainly, many operators, factory managers, and owners have been working in this industry for many years. They know their business and applications well. Nevertheless, these new technologies provide insights to perform even better and remain competitive. Though it often requires a new approach.
The use of factual data and intelligence around the printing press is rapidly developing. The use of this data and (artificial) intelligence requires working methods different from the traditional one of craftmanship that are still prevalent in our business to some extent.
The printer by trade might become scarce, but their knowledge and experience will still be required in a
different role. So next to all technology, education and taking the operator seriously as well as an open mindset to embrace new technologies is important to keep our industry vibrant.
As a reputable manufacturer of high quality and highly automated flexo, offset and hybrid printing presses in the label and packaging industry, MPS looks beyond the machine through intensive cooperation with its customers. Founded in 1996 and celebrating our 27th anniversary year, innovation and continuous improvement are in our DNA.
By connecting with MPS as your performance partner, you ensure the best in reliability and productivity from your printing press. Connect with our machines to create insights in productivity.
Connect with our service for maximum uptime. Connect with our specialists to create access to knowledge and expertise.
This is how we evolve: connect to grow, together.
:Example of an Operator Performance screen Landing page of the Management Dashboard showing relevant and factual press productivity information. No operator input. VirtualCoachAre you getting the most out of your large format digital printing hardware investment?
Once you have enjoyed the capacity uplift, expanded application possibilities, and explored the production flexibility of digital - especially when making the transition from analogue technologies for processes such as screen printingwhat’s next?
Increasingly for Print Service Providers (PSPs) attention is turning to ways to use software to save time and money and ultimately boost profits without the need for further expenditure.
In fact a recent Keypoint Intelligence survey in America exploring how software is transforming large format production found nesting software has specifically been on the rise. It reported 92% of large format PSPs are harnessing nesting and ganging software for capacity optimisation and almost 30% of PSPs are saving up to $10,000 annually as a result.
Nesting is a quick and easy way of enabling the most efficient use of often costly substrates. It also ensures smoother completion of post printing processes such as cutting for greater accuracy, reliability, and consistency.
Specialist large format software can also deliver the following operational improvements:
Alongside substrates, ink is one of the most expensive elements in a job. Accurate calculations for profitable pricing are vital – especially when margins are so tight. Getting it wrong can mean the difference between profit and loss. It could also result in clients going elsewhere.
Producing the same job on different substrates and ensuring the colours,
depth and vibrancy match can be very challenging. Skilled operators can spend a significant amount of time matching and testing. Software can set up the correct ICC profiles to deliver the consistency clients are requesting.
Reduce the need for skilled staff
Finding knowledgeable employees is becoming increasingly challenging. Easy to use and run large format software enables PSPs to take on less skilled staff or allow vital team members to cover a number of systems more flexibly.
Allow the smooth adoption of digital Operations that have been running analogue systems are increasingly seeing the value of being able to produce the shorter runs, or customised jobs, which are made possible with digital printing technology. Simple to use large format software aids this switch, supporting a fast and smooth adoption process that drives confidence in the possibilities for a successful transition.
DEADLINE 5pm October 5th 2023
The annual Asian Print Awards was founded to recognise outstanding achievement in the print and packaging industries across Asia. With more than half the world’s population represented in this fast growing area, communication in the form of printed matter links Asia’s diverse cultures. It is imperative that such print achievements do not go unrecognised, especially among the population base that Asia enjoys.
The Awards are judged on a wholly quality-oriented set of criteria to ensure that fair play is enacted at all times.
The Independent Judging Panel comprises highly qualified personnel from within Asia and around the world. The independent judging panel has no knowledge of the actual entrants details. ALL ENTRIES ARE NUMBER-CODED. Entries must be commercially produced work.
The Asian Print Awards is the only regional print quality competition of its kind in Asia. Supported by leading industry-supply companies, any progressive quality print house should enter and prove that they are the best - by winning the Gold, Silver or Bronze award. Proving pride in quality awareness is what customers love to see. It’s not just empty words, you can prove it.
Categories 1-8 : Offset Printing Only
1. Calendars – any format
2. Sheetfed Magazines
3. Book printing – less than 4 colours
4. Book printing – 4 or more colours
5. Limited Editions & Artwork Reproductions (under 1000 print run)
6. Web Offset – Coated stock 70gsm and above
7. Web Offset –LWC (light weight coated) 65gsm or less
8. Offset Packaging products
Categories 9 - 21 : Digital Printing Only
9. Book Printing
10. Calendars
11. Personalised photo books – any format.
12. Posters
13. Showcards & Point-of-Sale material
14. Digital Magazines
15. Gold, Silver and Special colours
16. Restaurant Menus
17. Limited Editions & Artwork reproductions (under 500 print run)
18. Digital Proofing (must supply the digital proof and the prinnted product)
19. Digital Packaging
20. Digital Labels
21 Digital - Outdoor Billboard
Categories 22-27 : Specialty Categories
22. Multi–Piece Productions and Campaigns
Any substrate or print process: Multi–piece Production must be 3 or more items such as folder, leaflets, ring binders, inserts, envelopes including their contents. Campaigns must be 3 or more items with a consistent theme produced during the year by the same printer for the same client.
23. Embellishment
Any substrate – any combination - for example: embossing – diecutting – foil stamping –laminatingcoating.
24. Innovation / Specialty Printing / New technology
The entry must exhibit any innovative and/ special application of machinery, process, substrate or finishing. A short description must be provided for the judges, detailing reasons for entry into this category.
25. Company Self Promotion
Any item printed to promote a product or company involved in the graphic arts industry. Self promotion cannot be entered into any other Category.
26. Judges Special Award (A job that catches all the Judges’ attention)
27. Design and layout. We look at the impact and visual effect.
Send your entries by 5th October - 5pm to: Asian Print Awards
c/o Print & Media Association of Singapore 627A Aljunied Road, Biztech Centre, #04-07
Singapore, 389842 Tel +61 422 869 728
Deadline for Entries Submission: 5th October 2023, 5pm
Remember to submit 2 copies of each job! Why? - Just in case one is damaged.
SECTION A (This will not be shown to judges). Please fill the form in capital letters.
Entered by (company name): ______________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: ________________________________________________ Email______________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: __________________________________ Country____________________________________________________
Category entered: ___________________________________________________________ (Example Cat 4 Book printing)
Title of entry (ie: " Paul's Ice Cream" ): ________________________________________________________________________________
Printed by (Printers name): ________________________________________________________________________________________
Client name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Designer Pre Press House: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Brand of Printing Machine used: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Stock supplied by (Merchant’s name): ______________________________________________________________________________
Ink used to produce the entry : ____________________________________________________________________________
By signing here you accept the rules and conditions of the Asian Print Awards
Signature over printed name_____________________________ Name_____________________________________________________
SECTION B Production information to be shown to judges ( tape this securely to the back of your entries)
Category entered (Same as above): __________ Entry number (Administrative use only]
Title of entry (ie: " Paul's Ice Cream" )__________________________________________Print method: _______________________
Number of ink colours (4-6-8 etc) ________ Any Embellishment (foil stamping etc) __________________________________
Quantity produced (Print run copies): ___________ Other technical details (finishing processes etc) ________________________
The Awards Dinner will be held in October on the 9th November in Singapore Send all entries to - Asian Print Awards
c/o Print & Media Association of Singapore
627A Aljunied Road, Biztech Centre, #04-07 Singapore, 389842
email:Paul@printinnovationasia.com Tel. +61 422 869728
www.printinnovationasia.com
The 2023 Asian Print Awards Checklist!
1. Have you submitted your best work to be judged?
2. Have you checked the work to make sure its 1st class?
3. Check it one more time!
4. Are their 2 copies of each entry ?
5. Is it packed correctly for shipment with 2 copies of each entry ?
6. Have you left enough time for shipment5th October 2023 5pm is the Deadline
7. Check the address you have written - it should be Asian Print Awards
c/o Print & Media Association of Singapore
627A Aljunied Road, Biztech Centre, #04-07
Singapore, 389842
Tel +61 422 869 728
Good luck and may the regions BEST Printing Companies WIN!
SINGAPORE 9-10 NOVEMBER 2023
SAVE THE DATE AND STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
Join with us as we investigate the future of the printing industry across the region. Over two days we will hear from world leading presenters on what we can expect in the coming years, which will most certainly have an impact on the way we do business. You need to know how to keep your business moving ahead and be around for the next ten years. Knowledge is POWER.
Neo/Eastern Press is a commercial print media com- pany based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with nearly 100 years of history in the industry and provides high-quality print services with UV offset capabilities, B2 digital printing presses, and in house embellish- ments utilizing a fully integrated workflow process with Prinect Production Manager.
“In aligning ourselves with a workflow software, there were a few key areas we wanted tick off our list. One was a system that had the ability to handle offset and digital workflow, had a standing integration with our MIS system, and was a long-term partner that we could trust and collaborate with. Whilst there were other gre- at systems in the marketplace, all with solutions to the first two points - the final point was more difficult.
When it came to aligning ourselves with a business, we felt that Heidelberg was the natural fit. My family’s relationship with Heidelberg would be getting close to a hundred years.
The choice of Prinect was simply a natural evolution of this long-standing relationship and we knew in Heidelberg that it was a company that would
help us grow and share the same industry-leading mentality that we as a company strive to have. Having Dierk Wissmann and Helder Silva as our Heidelberg contacts who are leaders in their own right made the decision that much easier.
Printshops nowadays are facing increasing challenges of shorter run lengths, faster turnaround times, increasing costs, a competition for talent and declining print prices. Therefore, it’s important more than ever that print shops are optimizing every aspect of their pro- duction to stay competitive and profitable.”
Whether your company is small or large, whether you are a commercial or packaging printer: Prinect reduces all touchpoints, in other words the process steps and manual interventions involved in order acceptance, data transfer, or postprocessing is kept to a minimum. You always have an overview – of the workflows, the utilization, and the economic efficiency of your print shop – and can react directly.
Prinect Production transforms your print shop’s work- flows. Manually controlled operations involving a wide range of touchpoints are replaced by intelligent networ- king and automated processes. Touchpoints are reduced and flexibility increased.
With Prinect Production, you’re closer to your custo- mers and integrate them directly into the workflow. Data entered online controls processes throughout production and quality management. Digital approvals speed up production times and increase productivity. Moreover, as efficiency increases, so
Heidelberg’s solution lies in intelligent systems which control the harmonious interaction of six key factors:
1. Integrate Customers
Web portals simplify communication and auto-mate workflows. The result: more efficiency, more customer service, more turnover.
2. Reduce touchpoints Fewer touchpoints and more automation unleash unrealized potential. Throughput increases.
3. Increase productivity and operating time Efficient planning and automatic data availability increase the operating time and productivity. Profits increase.
4. Reduce paper waste and warehousing
Optimal materials ensure reproducible production. The paper waste decreases.
5. Optimize consistency and reproducibility Standardization provides certainty and consistency. Production is more predictable.
6. Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence delivers sound information. For decision-making based on real facts.
Clinton Daley – General Manager of NEO too does the satis- faction and loyalty of your customers.
Reduce waste and storage through standardized quota- tions, perfectly coordinated consumables, and defined processes. You can use your time, machines, and mate- rials more efficiently, while simultaneously optimizing consistency and repeatability.
Pave the way for Push to Stop by using intelligent ma- chines that organize and work through the production process independently. With Prinect Production, most operations can be
carried out based on navigated or autonomous control.
Prinect Production also makes it possible to unlock the full potential of your print shop. Integrated business intelligence functions can be used to produce reports for corporate management and production that are intuitive to understand.
Accurate data and sound analyses reveal error sour- ces before damage occurs. Real-time data capture and evaluation ensure you are always up to date on current processes.
Digitization offers the printing industry a great many opportunities. But anyone looking to harness these opportunities needs to actively shape this process of change.
Prinect Production reorganizes the production work- flow, ensuring the basis for increased cost-effectiveness, consistently high performance, and outstanding quali- ty. Many processes are completely automated, thus providing a smart boost to the success of your print shop.
Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow allows our customers to stay ahead and benefit from a digitized world.
Itabashi Ward's slogan is "Itabashi, the town of picture books," and the company has contributed to cultural promotion by producing much educational and art-related content such as academic and study reference books and picture books regarding Bologna, Italy. In August 2022, the company introduced the Impremia IS29 to significantly strengthen digital printing. We asked Representative Director Kohei Manjo, Senior Vice President Toshio Osawa, Factory Manager Yuichi Tamura, and Digital Printing Operator Akihito Kamimori about the background and effects of the introduction.
About a month of job analysis showed it would be profitable Keiyu Printing introduced a POD in 2013 and, making use of the experience and know-how gained in operating that machine, introduced the new Impremia IS29. The company has already moved the jobs using special colors, which
account for almost 20 percent of the total, to this machine.
"Since all of our offset printing presses are 40-inch or larger, we have long outsourced special color 29-inch jobs, and there have been many occasions when we have felt the need for a halfsize machine. Currently, digital printing systems are becoming more high-end, high-quality, and mass productioncapable and have reached a level at which they can be used as an alternative to offset.
Therefore, we installed the Impremia IS29 and planned to produce special color half-size jobs in-house." At the company, about 20 percent of each day's jobs used special colors. During the study stage, Komori analyzed about one month of jobs. "It was also reassuring that we were able to make concrete proposals on how many jobs would need to be moved to become profitable," says Representative
"The Impremia IS29 performs printing that amazed the offset press operator and had an impact on the company." -- Kohei Manjo, Representative Director
Director Manjo. In addition, "The Impremia IS29 has a wide color gamut and excellent saturation, and the fact that it can express color tones that would not be possible with offset gives me a sense of the future. It is a weapon unique to a digital printing system that can also perform versioning and variable printing."
Although the price of materials and electricity is soaring and passing on costs is inevitable, the Impremia IS29 incurs little loss such as waste paper and is exceptionally profitable when used optimally together with an offset press according to the print run length and the application.
The introduction of the company's Impremia IS29, which contributes to "Itabashi, the town of picture books," is attracting a lot of attention. "We are receiving requests for plant tours. We can present bright, forward-looking topics to our customers," says Representative Director Manjo.
We produced a small number of graduation commemorative collections for university art students. "A3 size can also be printed on a POD, which is common, but B3 size is possible with the Impremia IS29, so we were very pleased. I expect that demand for this size will increase," says Factory Manager Tamura.
Taking advantage of its ability to print just a few sheets as soon as the data is available led to changes in sales proposals. "The Impremia IS29 excels in producing samples and proof printing. Bringing samples to negotiations allows us to advance our projects," says Representative Director Manjo.
From the viewpoint of publication printing, Factory Manager Tamura says, "The Impremia IS29's doublesided one-pass printing reduces misregistration to an extremely low level, making it very suitable for book printing."
Furthermore, he expresses his admiration, saying, "It provides stable colors and expressive details, so it seems especially sharp in photo printing. When handling the same data, fewer adjustments are required compared to an offset press." For jobs on thick paper, he says, "Previously we had to print on dedicated thick paper presses and this work was outsourced, but now we do thick paper jobs in-house, which is very useful. We are thankful to be able to print on sheets up to 0.6mm in thickness."
The Impremia IS29 also plays a role in realizing the dreams of individuals to create picture books. "I made 20 picture books created by an acquaintance, and I was able to fulfill a dream that person had for more than ten years. Among
designers, there is a lot of demand for creating books personally, and I want to contribute to realizing this dream in the future," he says of his ambitions to make full use of the characteristics of digital printing.
Customers can quickly find a desired color with the 81-color chart
"We provide a chart that approximates the special colors to be used and ask the customer to specify from 81 colors. This is a very good function for finding a color close to what the customer wants and proceeding with the special color job. Customers have also accepted our proposal of printing the first edition with offset and then printing short runs and very small lots with the Impremia IS29."
Akihito Kamimori, an Impremia IS29 operator who previously was in charge of an offset press, says, "There is no need for major settings such as those in makereadies and changeovers, and
work can be done efficiently on a single screen. The Impremia IS29 also performs temperature control, which is important for a printing machine, so there is no change in color even when working all day from the morning, and there is no deterioration or loss of color even after many days have passed. The color stability is high, so I can work with confidence."
For the future, Representative Director Manjo says, "I would like to use the wide color gamut of this machine to allow creators to expand their image of their work and promote the creation of new books." In anticipation of greater B2C business, the company has already opened a site for original sticker picture books called "Petako."
The company's strategy is to gradually put more weight on digital printing systems. "I am very aware of the importance of getting content and data in publishing picture books. I would like to improve customer satisfaction by becoming the presence closest to our customers. As a group of capable craftsmen, we aim to grow more and become a printing company whose name is listed in the colophon, with a basic strategy of strengthening the foundation."
Together with MUJI, the company is also working on SDGs, such as holding sales events for "Tsukamihon" that are made in the production process. Representative Director Manjo says, "Our company has sold primary education, secondary education, and educational content. We want to raise the worth of our existence in the areas of education and culture in the future through picture book production."
We pursue the possibilities of digital printing, such as creating original picture books for individuals.
In the rapidly changing media landscape, print publishing continues to thrive. The coexistence of print and digital media constantly takes new forms and offers media owners new sources of revenues. One thing is clear: print adds value and we provide the right choice of paper for varying purposes.
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Gravure is a printing process that has been spoken of relatively little of late, compared with other printing methods that have undergone a very fast transformation.
However, the demands of the fastmoving consumers good industry have been pressing on gravure printing just as much: increasingly short run production and time-to-market, packaging customization, ready to recycle packaging substrates and the need for global brand color consistency.
“Gravure is still the most highly regarded printing process for packaging due to its unique capability to create fine print and incredibly sharp definition graphics with an unmatched eye-catching shelf appeal – all at very high speeds and low costs” says Jonathan Giubilato, Gravure Product Line Manager at Bobst Italia, BOBST’s Center of Excellence for gravure printing, laminating and coating technologies.
“However, the time has come for gravure to get out of its well-established comfort zone of medium and highvolume productions and become a
printing technology to be considered for all of today’s market requirements”.
Global color consistency is a conformity that brand owners aim to achieve on a global scale because when it comes to their favorite brands, consumers tend to perceive the lack of color consistency as a product quality issue. Therefore, printers and packaging converters must
be equipped to deliver on this request and the adoption of the Extended Color Gamut (ECG) technology is one of the essential conditions.
BOBST has been pioneering the use of ECG and digitalized workflows that it deploys across all its analogue and digital printing in the labels, flexible packaging, folding carton and
corrugated board markets through the BOBST oneECG technology. oneECG solutions are tailored to the requirements of each type of printing technology to ensure a successful and efficient implementation of color consistency on multiple substrates.
oneECG for gravure printing presses is an open-partnership system to multiple suppliers, developed for use with solvent-based and water-based inks. oneECG Partner along the value chain collaborate to achieve the highest color stability, repeatability and consistency and are certified to ensure quality of
results on BOBST gravure ECG ready presses. Current partners are:
The adoption of the Extended Color Gamut printing in gravure can bring many additional advantages in addition to the 100% repeatability of color consistency and print job quality.
These benefits include:
• More effective job preparation, reliable color profile activities offline and keeping the variables controlled on the machine
• Savings on inks and time as there is no need to change colors in the print units at job changeovers. ECG fixed palette colors remain always on press
• Enhanced agility on print cycles even for shorter print runs, with greatly reduced time to market
• Possibility to make a series of job variants share the same engraved print cylinders
• Less cylinders and Pantone color in stock
• Reduction of parts to be cleaned, saving operator time and material costs
• Technology retrofittable on installed gravure presses
Jonathan concludes “The time has come for the gravure printing technology to become an active part of the packaging industry’s ongoing transformation. We have achieved outstanding results following intense R&D investments and print trials and there is no doubt that ECG in gravure represents the next big leap in flexible packaging printing. There is exciting opportunity for gravure converters to embrace the sector’s next significant step-change and ensure the best future for their gravure operations. As a turnkey industry partner, BOBST has everything in place to support them making the switch”.
Hard photopolymer flexo plate with inherent flat top dots LED optimized plate formulation
Developed for the high end flexible packaging market Smooth plate surface is able to hold all customized surface screening patterns (e.g. Pixel+ and Woodpecker
+ Highest ink transfer and excellent highlights out of the box
+ Robust and consistent on press, simple to process, already includes flat top dots and a surface screening pattern
+ Optimal for short (quick to color) and long clean print runs (anti ink-filling)
+ Known in the market as THE digital plate for high quality Flexible Packaging Print
+ Excellent print results even under challenging printing conditions
+ Very good for long clean print jobs (anti-ink filling)
A new Speedmaster XL 106 with 12 printing units and a perfecting device to service the growing and popular K-Pop industry.
Today Art Co. Ltd., a high-quality Korean commercial printer, has equipped their new state-of-the-art factory in Paju Book City located northwest of Seoul with a new Speedmaster XL 106-12-P from Heidelberg. This is the first installation of its kind in Korea and establishes the success and growth of Heidelberg in specialty printing machine configurations. Today, more than 200 Speedmaster XL 106 presses of 12 printing units and above have been installed worldwide. The Today Art press was installed in December 2021.
The Speedmaster XL 106, with 12 printing units and a perfecting device will service the growing and popular K-Pop industry. There has been an enormous global growth and demand for K-Pop products worldwide due to the massive international success and appeal of the industry.
Today Art has been producing highend advertising and award-winning print work for the K-Pop industry for the past
several years. With over 100 employees and a reputation for innovation, the well-established printer boasts three Speedmaster XL 106-6 and XL 75-5 presses. This new press (the first in the Korean printing industry) further boosts their reputation and focus on high-end print quality and customer service.
"The first three months since the installation of the press have presented us with enormous growth potential," said Mr. Park, the owner of Today Art.
"In the first few months, the machine has really lived up to our expectations, with performance exceeding five million bothside printed sheets per month. This puts us on track to meet the increasing needs of our customers, more than doubling our capacity."
Working round the clock, the Heidelberg Korea Service team installed and commissioned the new Speedmaster
XL 106-12-P in record time. During the process, one of the earlier presses was also moved to the new premises, while the other presses continued to run in the Seoul factory. Special planning was undertaken to ensure that Today Art continued to operate according to their tight production deadlines. Heidelberg Korea’s customer service team came through, with dedication and ingenuity.
“For me, my decision to choose the new Speedmaster was not just based on its stunning aesthetics, but also the technology. Our new Speedmaster has a host of new features, including a fully automatic print job changing system, including AutoPlate XL 3, color control with Prinect Inpress Control 3 and Hycolor Multidrive system for easy and automated job production.
This gives us complete control over our production and allows us to address our customer requirements with top-quality delivery,” said Mr. Park. “With local service support from Heidelberg Korea, I have a sense of security that we have access to backup services whenever we need it, as the machine is connected to the Heidelberg Remote Service network, offering roundthe-clock support.”
Heidelberg is delighted to partner with Today Art in their aim to deliver service, design, and technology innovation in the advertising and commercial print segment, globally.
Are you still looking for multi-talent that meets all your requirement? There are no challenges in commercial, label, and packaging printing that a Speedmaster CX 75 cannot handle, and no customer requirements it cannot meet. heidelberg.com/sg
ranked second. The study also revealed that recipients of advertising mail don’t read it immediately. They put it aside for some time and pick it up later to look for special offers and coupons that can be redeemed in a store or online. Only 20% of German consumers throw away advertising mail (personalised or unpersonalised). This is down from 34% in 2020.
The third is the latest JICMAIL (the Joint Industry Committee for Mail) The Time We Spend With Mail study on attention. To understand how people interact with mail over a 28 day period it surveyed 1,000 Britis households. A further 32 households took part in more indepth research using video and AI.
consumer for more than five-and-a-half minutes over 28 days with a catalogue gaining over three minutes of attention.
The effectiveness of combining these two media can be achieved with a magalogue (journalistic content i.e. the “maga” from magazine and product sales and advertorial material i.e. “logue” from catalogue).
Research, commissioned by Newsworks, the marketing body for Great Britain’s national news publishers, and IPA Databank, found the advertising impact for a brand of combining print and digital, with an emphasis on news brands, is greater than using social media or print alone. Advertisers using a multi-platform (combining print and digital) approach enjoyed an uplift of 61% versus brands not advertising in news brands.
The key factor is trust. When consumers trust the medium the ad is placed with, it significantly improves the impact. Companies using news brand titles noted a 32% uplift in the effectiveness of their spend in 2012-2016 and a 52% uplift between 2018-2022, a period where Covid and the invasion of Ukraine led consumers to focus on trusted sources.
The second study, the Briefkasten Monitor 2022 (Letterbox Monitor 2022) by Spectos’ for Deutsche Post, surveyed 1,700 German households and found 42% reported their buying decisions are always or often influenced by printed mail. While regular letters were liked most, advertising mail
Research showed well presented advertising, that is conscious of how and where consumers will interact with it, is highly effective at gaining and holding attention. For a piece of direct mail, that attention can reach 108 seconds, partially addressed mail earns 64 seconds, and a door drop will hold the attention of a consumer for 46 seconds.
One of the consumer comments featured in the report stated: “If you feel the company has invested in printing… it means they are quite committed.”
The report goes on to say it costs US$1.15 per minute to grab a consumer’s attention with a door drop and US$14 per minute with a direct mail piece. This compared to US$20 per minute for TV and US$24 per minute for social display.
Put simply print that is delivered to households is more cost effective than other channels.
Also highlighted in the report was the fact a magazine will engage the average
Designed to be held onto for a while in the home as a resource that can be frequently referred to, it is more than a product list. As such it can drive the sales process by selling an aspirational lifestyle. The ability to feature products along with relevant and entertaining content also makes it attractive to multiple readers in the in the home.
The strength of a magalogue is it can:
• Capture attention as printed communications are easily accessible and highly trusted by consumers who view them favourably. It appeals to those looking for a more meaningful buying experience.
• Increase engagement as the features and articles of interest that complement the products being advertised will encourage consumers to spend more time looking through them.
• Prompt greater interaction as more time is spent discovering the new products being promoted.
• Activate word of mouth - the most powerful marketing channel.
There are many ways digital print can be used to create highly targeted and engaging communications. Whether it is magalogues, magazines, catalogues, direct mail, partially addressed mail or door drops, there is something that can meet your clients’ needs and achieve the desired results. What will you choose?
The effectiveness of print in communicating messages that are heard, trusted and remembered has been confirmed by three recent reports.
Print and digital solutions: At first this sounds like a contradiction in terms. However, the printing industry has known for a long time that it can only go hand in hand. Anyone who processes data needs a digital infrastructure to offer solutions quickly and efficiently.
1 productivity and collaboration
2 security & compliance
3 analytics & intelligence
4 flexibility, efficiency and sustainability
5 mobility
The easiest way to start is probably to increase productivity by starting to automate processes that make it easier for us. This frees up staff to spend more time on value-adding activities and also on further concept development. Once the start is in place, it also makes it easier for them to collaborate and achieve higher quality results.
In contrast, only 10 per cent have completed automation in accounting. Likewise, 50 per cent of the companies use production data acquisition to identify problems at an early stage.
A cornerstone of digitalisation is knowledge. Knowledge that is drawn from data. Around 75 per cent of the printing industry already uses this knowledge to make decisions.
Already at the last Drupa 2016, digital solutions were presented that make everyday work easier and satisfy customer needs in an automated way. In 2024, digital transformation is even a key topic of the trade fair.
When we asked industry participants on Facebook about digital progress, the most common answers were "we are at the very beginning" and "we don't know where to start yet". This also corresponds perfectly to the studies of the German market. Germany is still to be seen in the midfield of progress. In a survey by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research, companies from the DACH region in the packaging industry were questioned. 80 percent even completely reject the introduction of artificial intelligence in the work area of transport routes and chains.
The following areas in particular are considered for digitisation:
A study by Apenberg & Partner clearly shows that this first step has not yet been taken everywhere. Only 6 per cent of the respondents from the German printing industry stated that they had automated their administration as far as possible. Almost half of all respondents are still in the process.
On the other hand, 60 per cent of our colleagues have already completed the preparations by purchasing software and have already put it into operation. Only two percent still check and process data manually, and just under a quarter are still partially involved.
During the survey it was clear that the printing industry places its main focus on productive processes. More than half of the participants already map production processes (such as production, makeready and downtimes) in their operating system. Production planning is also automated. Whereby only 6 per cent state that the automation potential in pre-press has been exhausted.
The theory of Print 4.0 - the digitalisation of the printing industry, has one goal: the process from the customer's order to the delivery of the product runs completely digitally and autonomously. The manufacturing and delivery processes are digitally linked and automated. Seamless processes between paper supplier and printer, prepress, printer and material transport: stocks are filled by sensory observations. Human intervention is no longer necessary.
Our industry has already produced many best practice examples from which we can learn. In reality, many industry players have dared to start and have already automated individual workflows. Printing machines behave autonomously. The Corona crisis has once again increased the willingness to digitise. Many companies are switching to digital offerings. Digital providers are entering the market, forcing other entrepreneurs into digitalisation in order to maintain competitiveness.
Now it is time to use this beginning as a competitive advantage and take the next step.
High-performance mailroom for South Korea's most modern newspaper printing plant
The South Korean Hankyung Media Group, publisher of the business newspaper "The Korea Economic Daily," is investing in a complete new newspaper printing plant. The longestablished media company wants to ensure not only top quality but also the highest possible production speed and process automation. For the equipment of the mailroom, the company has therefore opted for cutting-edge Swiss technology from Ferag.
At the new production site in the Bupyeong National Industrial Complex in Incheon, west of the capital Seoul, a state-of-the-art printing plant is currently being built on a plot of land measuring around 3,700 square meters. As early as September 2022, the Hankyung Media Group had ordered from Manroland Goss Web Systems the printing presses, which will form the core of the newly built printing plant.
The scope of supply of the Augsburgbased machine manufacturer has now been expanded to include the mailroom technology. The Hankyung Media Group has opted for a solution from Ferag (Hinwil/Switzerland). "The Swiss cutting-edge technology ideally
complements our COLORMAN e:line presses," says Hyun Seung-Yoon, Executive Director at Hankyung Media Group. The South Korean company is also convinced that the partnership between Manroland Goss and Ferag is a guarantee for the success of the project.
According to Seung-Yoon, the aim is to offer the best print quality of all Korean newspapers for the company's 60th anniversary in 2024. The director said this directly after signing the contract with Manroland Goss Websystems in September 2022.
"In this context, the production system also offers many attractive advantages for contract printing orders from the Korean newspaper market." The goal of becoming the largest newspaper contract printing company in Korea in the next few years is understood as a clear commitment to the future of printed daily newspapers in South Korea.
The Manroland Goss printing systems allow a total production volume of 190,000 copies per hour. This corresponds to the production of up to one million newspapers per night. Thanks to the high level of automation, it is possible to achieve the stated goal of profitability with reduced unit costs for both long runs and shorter contract print runs. Highly automated production with maximum availability
To ensure that this performance can also be realized in the mailroom, the presses are equipped with four Ferag UTR conveyor chains for up to 100,000 copies per hour each. These convey the newspaper copies to the bundling lines with four Ferag MTS3 MultiStack high-performance compensating stackers.
The Hankyung Media Group deliberately opted for cutting-edge technology from the Swiss company, which already has excellent references worldwide as well as in South Korea itself. "The selected high-performance mailroom guarantees an optimal workflow through the Ferag Navigator software as well as highly automated production with the highest availability and maximum service life," adds Hyun Seung-Yoon.
Since the bundling lines are located one building level higher than the loading ramps, Ferag also supplies a PKT plate chain conveyor with a spiral to connect floors. By means of this, it is possible for the newspapers bundles to reliably overcome the height difference and be allocated to the loading ramps according to the cover sheet data.
The plate chain conveyor system is based on a chain, supported by lowfriction rollers. Due to the low rolling friction, very long conveying distances can be achieved with only a few drives and without any transfers. The Ferag mailroom equipment is scheduled for delivery to South Korea in early 2024 to enable Hankyung Media Group to have the project operational in time for the company's anniversary.
UVbiz, the packaging division of major food company, MB Industries, has proudly announced the successful installation of one of the first BOBST M6 label presses in India.
The BOBST M6 is a cutting-edge label press that represents the pinnacle of technological innovation in the packaging industry. As a leading manufacturer of printing and packaging equipment, BOBST designed the M6 press to provide
exceptional flexibility and versatility. It enables high-quality printing of labels, shrink-sleeves, flexible packaging, and offers advanced automation features for rapid production and efficient workflow as well as enhanced decorative options. In addition, its oneECG feature for Extended Colour Gamut printing guarantees less ink and substrate consumption, and more time-saving operations.
With a strong foothold in the flexible packaging market, UVbiz has quickly established itself as a leading provider of innovative packaging solutions. Specialising in short-run flexible packaging, the company offers a wide range of products, including inmould labels, shrink sleeves, wet glue and wraparound labels, catering to various industries such as beverage, confectionery, home and personal care, pet care, agro products, and frozen food segments.
Recognising the need for cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of short-run production, Rohit Badlani, Managing Director of UVbiz, explains the company's decision to invest in the BOBST M6 press and add to its existing Brotech inspection system, DuPont Cyrel fast plate processors
and Esko CDI Spark flexo imager capabilities:
"We felt that other available technologies were not doing enough [for short runs], and lots of startups were cropping up at that time. Luckily, BOBST was also, at the time, publicizing the idea of going for short-run flexible packaging technology. So, we decided to go for it.”
Badlani also highlights the potential for decorative shrink sleeves in the Indian market, which has primarily relied on gravure printing, “Since we are in more of gravure driven area, printing has mainly taken place through gravure but there is scope for machines like BOBST to create décor and innovative sleeving options for customers.”
BOBST’s unwavering support and expertise have been invaluable to UVbiz, whose background is not primarily in the packaging industry. Badlani commends BOBST for its continual dedication and assistance, stating: “BOBST has been one of those fantastic partners, which has been with us from day one from the first trial job to executing in India and
going through the process of multiple jobs every day. It has been fantastic. It is always a message away from us; whenever we are stuck in materials, understanding of the business, BOBST is right there.”
One of the key reasons behind UVbiz's selection of the BOBST M6 press is its exceptional flexibility. Initially purchased for short-run flexible packaging, the company quickly realised its potential to print also supported labels and shrink sleeves. "The flexibility of having multiple substrates on the same system was the main idea that drew us towards it," notes Badlani. "When you enter a new industry, it is important to have a backup plan where if one thing doesn’t work, the other should. That gave us the confidence to go with a big investment for BOBST.”
Thanks to its partnership with BOBST and the state-of-the-art capabilities of the M6 press, UVbiz is attracting interest from prominent players in the industry. “We partner with them for all kinds of new product development and new decorative materials in the market. BOBST brings that brand value to our organization for which people want to partner with us.”
The impressive automation of the BOBST machine, with its remarkable 10-second changeover, has left a lasting impression on clients. Badlani shares: "We do it every day, 20 times a day. Most brands are just blown away by the idea of it. They visit just to see it. It has been a fantastic journey. We have had multiple brand owners pitching in their ideas and getting them executed quickly. We have had brand owners coming in at 9am and returning with printed sleeves by 4pm. That is the speed we go by.”
UVbiz is particularly impressed with the OneECG feature of the BOBST press. Although customer awareness for Extended Colour Gamut (ECG) in shrink sleeves remains relatively low in the market, discussions surrounding this innovative technique are gradually gaining momentum.
“Brand owners are discussing it, and it is not far when they will start asking for it. We have understood the idea. People have been attempting OneECG for quite some time, but we have been doing it successfully for the last two years. We don’t have any other ink in our facility apart from the seven fixed colours. We will continue to follow this system whatever new machine we buy with BOBST.”
Badlani concluded by praising the level of service support received from BOBST and recognised its steadfast packaging partnership. He said: “BOBST has been connected with us in a manner that it takes direct feedback from my machine operators to find out more about challenging jobs and asks for feedback on the machine for improvements. It has been a fantastic three-year journey. We will be a loyal BOBST customer for many decades to come.”
The Special Area drupa next age (dna) sets the scene for newcomers and young talents from the print and packaging sector in a targeted manner. In Deborah Corn and Frank Tueckmantel drupa has enlisted two strong partners with longstanding industry expertise for organising and designing this show-in-show for crosssectional technologies.
Big ideas, small budgets – many young companies find it hard to make the right contacts and establish their exciting and forward-looking solutions on the market. For this target group drupa has created a special platform: drupa next age (dna).
Here newcomers, young talents, startups and long-established enterprises can network on a level playing field, find matching cooperation partners and swap innovative business ideas.
For some participants this is the opportunity to present themselves to an international professional audience for the first time ever.
“In today’s digital age, there is one thing technology can’t replace: personal communication,” explains Frank Tueckmantel, who with Deborah Corn is responsible for shaping the dna programme. “Here’s why Face-to-Face marketing matters: no Tweet, Snap, or chat can ever replace a real human connection. Faceto-face marketing is all about visibility and trust. Moreover, in-person interaction fosters engagement.
For this reason I’m honoured and excited to work together with drupa on the 2024 drupa dna program, hopefully engaging with many of the attendees that will participate in the largest get together our industry has to offer.”
Participation made easy thanks to Plug-and-Play
To keep the hurdles for participation low, drupa for dna focuses on a transparent stand concept with flexible modules and Plug-and-Play. Presentations, panel discussions and interviews on the dna Stage complement the exhibition area in Hall 7.0 providing the ideal forum to win over investors with new business models, product solutions and technologies.
The focal themes at dna will include among others: Additive Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, New Materials, Platform Economy, Predictive Maintenance, Printed Electronics, Remote Services, New Business Models and Process Design.
At present, interested companies can still register for participation at the dna
Forum – and there are even several ways to get involved: as an exhibitor, sponsor or speaker.
“drupa dna is the ‘Big Bang’ for new companies, new ideas and fresh perspectives that will form and define the future of print,” confirms Deborah Corn. “Our curated program is designed to provide a global stage for global conversations focused on the technology, tools and people who are pushing the industry forward and enabling unique business opportunities for the graphic communication value chain. I encourage everyone to stop by Hall 7.0 during their time at drupa and get a head start on creating a profitable future.”
Companies that exhibit or would like to take part as sponsors at the trend forum dna will be assisted by Benedikt Salmen from the drupa Team (SalmenB@messe-duesseldorf.de). Companies interested in appearing as speakers can obtain more information from Deborah Corn (deborah@ printmediacentr.com) and Frank Tueckmantel (tuecki@mac.com).
About drupa:
Under the umbrella of the megatrends sustainability and digitalisation the international print and packaging sector will meet at drupa from 28 May to 7 June 2024. The world’s leading trade fair for print technologies is synonymous with inspiration, innovations, high-calibre knowledge transfer and intense networking.
This is where the international top decision-makers of the industry meet and exchange on current technology trends and ground-breaking developments. For more information please visit: http://www.drupa.com/
Simply consistent Decrease waste and setup with predictable plates
Simply efficient Increase on-press performance with a robust plate
Simply sustainable Support sustainable inks and substrates all with the same plate
Simply better Address your most demanding brand and quality requirements
From prepress to on-press, deliver the efficiencies and productivity needed from your plates to maximize your bottom line.
The machine is in very good condition, ready for production, after a review.
• Mileage of only 50,000 cuts
• The set includes documentation & a set of tools a tapping block a spare knife and one in the machine
If you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
COUNTRY : Europe
CONTACT : Michael Fisher • EMAIL: cpisuffolk@cpi-print.eu
• 2-3 years practical experience (in printing industry )
• Singapore Citizen / PR
• Able to work independently
• Able to work overtime if needed
• Working Hours Mon to Fri: 9am to 6pm, Sat : 9am to 1pm
COUNTRY
Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102-5+L
CP2000, Auto Plate, Diagonal Register, Preset, Auto
Impression Cylinder Wash, Auto Blanket Wash, Auto Ink roller wash, I/R Dryer + Hot air, Extended delivery, Powder Spray, Technotrans refrigeration, Ink Temperature Control, Dedicated
Coater
Type: Offset Printing
Year: 2004
Impressions: -
Colours: 5
Perfect: -
Sheet size H: 1020
Sheet size Y: 720
• Responsible for setting up and operating high-end automated printing machine for quality output and timely delivery
• Ensure machine output is according to specifications required by the job run
• Examines printed results for ink density, accuracy of design and registration conforming to required artwork
• Perform first level analysis and optimize the set-up between the printed sheets
• Constantly monitors the output and take the necessary corrective actions to minimise rejects
• Perform quality control and troubleshoot during job run
• Prepares and updates all production documents required
