Australian Printer March 2022 by The Intermedia Group

MARCH 2022

LEADING THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 70 YEARS IN PRINT | SPRINTER.COM.AU

Fleetmark builds its fleet branding business with an EFI VUTEk D3r Thought leadership in Print Leaders Forum

Building nimble flexibility at Carbon8

What to expect at PacPrint 2021

Zaidee Jackson on Women in Print

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‘CUSTOMER IS ^ KING AT HERO PRINT’ ...AND IT SHOWS o Queen

AUSTRALIA’S BEST TRADE PRINTER

CONTENTS

18-20

14-16

PEOPLE IN PRINT: PETER MUSARRA

 38  40  42  43  44  45  46  47  48  49  50  51  52  53  54  55  56  57  58  59  60  62  63  64  66  67  68  69

FLEETMARK BUILDS ITS FLEET BRANDING BUSINESS WITH AN EFI VUTEK D3R

March 2022 6-12

NEWS: AUSTRALIAN PRINTER’S COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

14-16

FLEETMARK UPSCALES WITH AN EFI VUTEK D3R: PRODUCES HIGHER-DEFINITION PRINTS WITH THE UPGRADE

PRINT DIARY: ALL THE UPCOMING EVENTS

18-20

PEOPLE IN PRINT: PETER MUSARRA

PACPRINT PREVIEW: EXHIBITOR LIST GROWS

WOMEN IN PRINT: ZAIDEE JACKSON

23-69

PRINT LEADERS FORUM: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP FOR 2022 AND BEYOND  24 CURRIE GROUP  26 DIC  28 DURST  30 ESKO  32 IVE GROUP  34 KURZ  36 ORAFOL

Advertiser’s Index

WOMEN IN PRINT: ZAIDEE JACKSON

RICOH SMARTECH AVON GRAPHICS BREEN PRINTING CACTUS IMAGING CARBON8 CLARK & MACKAY GRAND PRINT SERVICES IMAGINATION GRAPHICS IMPACT INTERNATIONAL LAMSON PARAGON MEZOGRAPHIC OMNIGRAPHICS PAKKO POSTERBOY PRINTING PRINTGRAPHICS PRINTGREEN SIGN HERE SIGNS SPOT PRODUCTIONS TAYLOR’D PRESS AI GROUP DEBORAH CORN MEQA SMITH MESSE DUSSELDORF NSSN PVCA TRMC VDMA VISUAL CONNECTIONS

70-73

WIDE FORMAT +PLUS: AUSTRALIAN PRINTER’S COMPREHENSIVE WIDE FORMAT NEWS, POWERED BY WIDE FORMAT ONLINE

74-82

CLASSIFIEDS: THE AUSTRALIAN PRINT INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST MARKETPLACE

To advertise call Carmen on 0410 582 450 or carmen@intermedia.com.au

ABC Copier Solutions ��74 Admag ��77 All Work Crane Services ��80 Allkotes ��80 Böttcher Australia ��17 CTI Colour Printer ��78 Currie Group ��25 Cyber �� OBC D&D Mailing Services ��61 Dataflow Business Systems ��IBC DIC Australia & New Zealand ��27 Dockets and Forms Australia ��76 Durst Oceania ��29

4 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

EFI ��OFC,14,15,16 EH Manufacturing & Alltab ��80 Esko ��31 FUJIFILM Australia ��5 Gecko Sticker Signage ��81 Giga Print Silverwater ��79 Guru Corporation ��75 Hero Print ��2,3 IVE Group ��33 J W Graphics ��76 JTS Engineering ��74 Kurz Australia Pty Ltd ��35 Labelline ��74

Lamson Paragon Group of Companies ��22 Lifhart Pty Ltd ��74 National Auctions ��82 Nettl Australia ��65 ORAFOL Australia ��37 PacPrint ��13 Periodical Press ��82 Ricoh Australia ��39 Screen GP (Aust) ��7 Smartech Business Systems ��41 Top Line Binding ��78 Women In Print ��13

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BELIEVING IN PRINT The print market is changing, and the transition from analogue to digital technology is accelerating. Creating inkjet technology that drives the industry forward, we introduce a level of quality, speed, and usability that exceeds expectations and gives creative control to the user. We develop our products so customers can effortlessly reach the future and achieve their own goals. With over 80 years moving forward, we never stop improving and creating value from innovation that helps change the world. With print, the possibilities are endless.

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wW: ww .fujifilm/au Contact FUJIFILM Australia for more information: P: 1800 650 504 E: ffau.graphics@fujifilm.com fujifilm.com/au FUJIFILM and Fujifilm Value from Innovation are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation. ©2021 FUJIFILM Corporation. All rights reserved.

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Editor’s Comment

Major move in Melbourne: Neo acquires Eastern Press By Sheree Young

Blink and before you know it, we're already into March 2022. Coming from a year that was turbulent for many businesses, the general consensus is that this year will bring about some much-needed opportunities, albeit with some level of caution needed. Borders locally and internationally are opening, and with it comes the return of events, which many print and visual communication companies are looking forward to as they build on their suite of offerings, capabilities, and technological solutions. But taking a cautious approach has been warned, as the uncertainty around COVID still remains, threatening the livelihood of not only print, but other industries as well. The forward-thinking and agile are expected to flourish, as told by thought leaders in this special Print Leaders Forum issue. Read on to discover mega trends to adopt. We hope you enjoy the read!

In a major move, Australian printer, Neo (formerly known as New Litho) has acquired Eastern Press, a 38-year-old Melbourne print business. All staff and operations from Eastern Press are now servicing clients from Neo’s site at Mulgrave in Victoria. Neo CEO Seth Watts said it was attracted to the deep expertise and storied history of Eastern Press which was founded in 1983 by the late Frank Hilliard. He added that the expertise and quality focus of the Eastern Press team provides the ideal foundation for Neo to build a commercial offering as changes in customer demand over the past two years have created an opportunity for the newly joined brands to combine competitive capabilities and grow operations with leadingedge technology and expertise. “The Eastern team brings industry and customer knowledge that complements and grows the significant capabilities of the Neo team. Equipping the Eastern team with the state-of-the-art kit at Neo will empower both companies to deliver amazing

Neo has acquired Eastern Press for its deep expertise and history

customer experiences and phenomenal products to our mutual customers,” Watts said. Neo is a third-generation family business that has been printing in Melbourne since 1938. The company continues to invest heavily in maintaining sophisticated production facilities focused on high-quality, fast-turnaround work. With a strong focus on servicing the real estate industry, Neo has multiple production sites servicing the east coast of Australia. Neo chairman Paul Daley reflected on his interactions with Hilliard over the years and said the Eastern Press ethos will be maintained. “Over my business journey, I’ve interacted with Frank at trade events and we also visited each other’s plants and from time to time compared notes on equipment

Managing Director James Wells 02 8586 6101 james@intermedia.com.au

Editor Hafizah Osman 0431 466 140 hosman@intermedia.com.au

National Sales Manager Carmen Ciappara 0410 582 450 carmen@proprint.com.au

Subscriptions (02) 9660 2113 subscriptions@intermedia.com.au Subscription rate (5 issues) Australia $79

Printed by Hero Print Alexandria, NSW, 2015

Mailed by D&D Mailing Services Wetherill Park, NSW, 2164

investments. I am thrilled with our acquisition of Eastern Press and I’ve also made a commitment to Frank’s widow, Irene, to maintain the Eastern ethos with their client base and also curate the memorabilia items from Frank’s printing factory,” Daley said. Eastern Press was established 38 years ago and combines traditional marketing principles with deep print expertise. A strong focus on customer service and consistent, high-quality print has led to deep client relationships, attracting Neo’s attention as it mirrors these values within its own brand. Eastern Press managing director Cormac Deffely will follow the brand to its new home at Neo. “This acquisition will allow us to better service our existing customers as well as expand our capabilities and product offering,” Deffely said. Access to Neo’s UV offset capabilities, B2 digital printing press, and in house embellishments will be a valuable addition to Eastern Press’ services, allowing it to continue delivering high-quality print work and amazing customer service.

Design and Production Manager Carrie Tong 02 8586 6195 carrie@i-grafix.com

Australian Printer is published bi-monthly by Printer Media Group (a division of Charted Media Group and The Intermedia Group). This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, it is a condition of distribution that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication. DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication. Copyright © 2021 — Charted Media Group Pty Ltd

6 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

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“The Best Label Printer” Winner of the 2021 European Digital Press Association’s category

Why has the SCREEN Truepress Jet L350UV SAI won another EDP Award for the company? It’s the third time, as each generation of the L350UV label printers have received this accolade. The judges claimed it was primarily “for its ease-of-use thanks to its excellent software, as well as for its improved quality and speed.” We agree, adding:

• 7 vibrant colours including a brilliant blue and orange • Speed of 60 mpm and 50 mpm when using white • Engineered for highest (>93%) uptime • Fully supported by local factory-trained technicians • User-friendly EQUIOS software integrates with MIS SEE US AT: 28 June -1 July 2022 Melbourne Exhibition Centre

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NEWS

Paper price hikes and supply chain issues to downsize the industry By Hafizah Osman Increases in pulp and paper pricing as well as supply chain issues has become prevalent globally. Sappi Trading managing director Craig Brown said these issues will result in the downsizing of the print industry, especially impacting printers on the front line. Brown addressed these issues during the first of the Print and Visual Communication Association’s (PVCA) Focus webinar series. “In the 30-plus years that I’ve been in the industry, I don’t think I’ve seen a more challenging time for printers, distributors, the paper mill and the entire supply chain. What we’re seeing is disruptive. There are several reasons causing inflation pressures as well as logistics challenges like delayed shipping,” he said. “For example, the news print market has hit its own crisis. Many years ago, manufacturers stopped making news print, which is now resulting in a lack of news print. The high costs of energy is also a factor as not many paper mills use fire coal anymore. There’s more of a reliance on gas or renewable energy. If you add that all up, the impact is that our industry

Shipping and freight companies are the ones profiteering immensely from these price hikes, according to Sappi Trading’s Craig Brown

will ultimately be much smaller as some customers make decisions for change. Ultimately, every business needs to do what it needs to do to survive.” Brown mentioned that shipping and freight companies are the ones profiteering immensely from these price hikes and that suppliers to the industry as well as industry itself needs to work together to weather through this period. “Freight companies have put prices up to unprecedented levels, and they’re milking it in my opinion. Paper and other suppliers are having to increase costs to survive,” Brown said.

“Freight prices today are up three to five times what they used to be and from what I can tell, there’s no sign of them decreasing anytime soon. “That’s the immediate concern for all of us and I don’t see any looming change this calendar year. “There is more demand than supply; there are empty container issues, port slowdowns and multiple reasons for many companies to pay a premium for their freight and keep freight prices artificially high. “But it’s not just price but also about reliability – when something is on a boat, it can now get offloaded at an

unscheduled port and cargo is disrupted for weeks. Lead times are also thrown out by multiple months. “Raw material costs are also going through the roof. Every supplier across every industry is facing price hikes – be it by their own suppliers, or by knock on effects of freight or even the cost of COVID. From a supplier point of view, everyone is trying to smooth out what they can, but all of these costs ultimately have to be shared and passed on.” However, Brown forsees that the shipping companies will be pulled in line at some stage in future, and that demand will turn around. “What goes up has to come down at some point. Some of that might be around the demand and supply balance coming back to equilibrium,” he said. “That’s the factor especially around raw materials – you’ve got more demand than supply when it comes to paper manufacturing. There’s a current shortage of certain grades of paper. “We’ve all just got to show that print is tactile and does have a response against a digital environment. “We’ve all got to find our ways of showing that to clients to survive.”

Cameron Sutherland launches Rapide Resources By Sheree Young

Cameron Sutherland, the former director of Australian Visual Solutions, has launched a new consulting and business coaching venture, Rapide Resources, which specialises in the print, signage and international trade sectors. Sutherland has over 25 years industry experience and built Australian Visual

Solutions to be the premier supplier to the print and signage industry with six locations nationally. He said the experiences of importing, distribution, training and customer service can be valued services for Rapide Resources customers. “I am so excited to use my experience to help businesses transition and secure their profitability with

8 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

clearly defined goals and accountability of their team,” Sutherland said, adding that he can use his extensive international and domestic industry experience to help guide business owners through either one-off coaching sessions or on a six-to-12month journey. “New print technologies have been instrumental in the growth of our industry,

running a lean print room, maintaining well trained operators, selling the right products, into the right market, at the right price are the same issues in any print shop,” he said. Australian Visual Solutions was purchased by MM Plastics in 2017 and became part of Graphic Art Mart. In 2019, Australian Visual Solutions became Amari Visual Solutions.

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NEWS

Peter Clark new president of PVCA By Sheree Young

Industry veteran Peter Clark has been elected the new president of the Print & Visual Communication Association (PVCA), replacing Walter Kuhn who is now the vice president of the organisation which was previously known as the Printing Industries Association of Australia. Another industry veteran, South Australia’s Peter Lane, a previous board member, is also making a return to the board for 2021, with Kwik Kopy Circular Quay director Nick Tuit (NSW) a new addition to the board. John Georgantzakos (ACT), managing director of Spotpress, continues as Honorary Treasurer, with Stuart Fysh (WA) Honorary Secretary. Other board

Industry veteran Peter Clark is now the new president of the PVCA

members include: Tom Eckersley (Qld), owner of Eckersley Print Group; Kevin Pidgeon (Vic), managing director of Lithocraft, Martin Guilliamse (Tas) from Mark Media. Kuhn said it has been a pleasure to give back to the industry during his time as

president and looks forward to continuing to do so as vice president, adding the move is part of a succession plan for the association going forward. “This industry has been so good to a lot of people, and I feel it is important to give back to the industry. We’ve got a reverse succession plan, so we

don’t lose our knowledge. I will step into the role of vice for a year or so and then we will bring someone into the vice role before that person steps up to president,” he said. Clark, from Tasmania, is a previous PIAA board member and is now returning as president. His career began as an apprentice lithographic platemaker and printer at Cox Kay Print in 1978. In the early 1990s, he joined News Limited’s Commercial Division which became PMP. He left there in 2000 and established AIW Printing with a group of partners, retiring in 2012. During his career he also worked at Visyboard and Pratt Industries. He is also a current director and trustee of Media Super Ltd, and a board member of PacPrint21.

Heidelberg increases its operating profitability in third quarter By Hafizah Osman Heidelberg has announced its operating profitability for the third quarter of its of financial year 2021/2022 (October 1 to December 31, 2021), which has seen incoming orders in the third quarter increase by 16 per cent to €643 million. It mentioned that after nine months, this figure stood at €1,888 million, which is 33 per cent higher than the previous year. Heidelberg also said that the higher order backlog of €951 million at the end of the quarter exceeded the prepandemic level. Sales were also up on the previous year – by 20 per cent at €582 million for the third quarter and by 21 per cent at €1,565 million after nine months. EBITDA rose significantly in the third quarter, by 36 per

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Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer delivers the company's results

cent to €57 million. EBITDA after nine months amounted to €132 million, which is 21 per cent higher than in the previous year. According to the company, the operating improvement was primarily due to an increased business volume and

better margins as a result of its transformation. Heidelberg CEO Rainer Hundsdörfer said these successes are particularly impressive since the availability of parts is creating big challenges across the industry. “The success of our efforts

to transform Heidelberg is becoming ever clearer. Our core business is doing well thanks to our high level of innovation and our focus on customer benefits, and our digital business models are making a key contribution, too,” he said. “What’s more, the dynamic growth in demand for electromobility solutions continues unabated. In this sector, we are systematically pressing ahead with our expansion outside Germany and, in the future, we will continue the strategic development of our business model through acquisitions and collaboration. “Overall, we are well positioned for the future. Moreover, the healthy order backlog creates a sound basis as we look toward the start of financial year 2022/2023.”

AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 9

NEWS

Orora delivers strong $100m NPAT for first half 2022 results By Hafizah Osman Orora has delivered a strong result for the first half of the fiscal year 2022 – ending 31 December 2021 – announcing a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $102.7 million, up 12.9 per cent from the prior corresponding period. The sustainable packaging and visual solutions provider reported a sales revenue of $1.98 billion, up 9.6 per cent from the same time last year and an underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $154.5 million, up 10.4 per cent from the previous corresponding period. Orora managing director and CEO Brian Lowe said the results reflect the company’s “unwavering focus” on executing its strategic priorities in the context of a pandemic. “The group reported an increase in underlying net profit and underlying EBIT

Orora managing director and CEO Brian Lowe is pleased with the results

on the prior corresponding period, demonstrating the continued strength of the group’s diversified packaging assets and sustainable earnings,” he said. “Our North American business produced another outstanding result in the first half, continuing to drive improvements in operating and financial performance, exercising pricing discipline

in a higher inflation operating environment and delivering strong earnings growth in both manufacturing and distribution OPS business. “And we are pleased with the Australasian business which reported a solid result, having largely mitigated the impacts of lower wine glass volumes as the impact of Chinese tariffs on wine were cycled, with 100 per cent of

this capacity now redeployed to new product categories. “Cans demand remains strong, with solid volumes achieved across all categories. “Underpinning our results is the ongoing commitment to the group’s corporate strategy, with clear strategic priorities formulated for each business unit. A strong balance sheet and operating cash flow ensures Orora is well positioned for growth, and continues to provide operating and strategic flexibility as we move forward.” The company also provided an update to its sustainability goals, saying it is “well on track” to achieving its 2025 goal of 60 per cent recycled content in the glass packaging it manufactures. Contributing to this is the construction of a $25 million glass beneficiation plant at Gawler, South Australia, which is expected to be commissioned in Q4 2022.

Keith Ferrel celebrates 30 years at Cactus Imaging By Sheree Young

Thirty years ago in 1992 two Kiwis, Keith Ferrel and Warwick Spicer, threw caution to the wind and left their jobs to start a printing business called Cactus Imaging. Today, and after many twists and turns including forays into India, a private equity takeover and the eventual purchase by ASXlisted giant oOh!media, Cactus Imaging is going strong with Ferrel still very much involved as general manager – operations as he rings in his 30th year with the company. He is certainly not showing any signs of slowing down with overseas trips coming up including a trip to Denver for the HP Dscoop conference

Cactus Imaging general manager of operations Keith Ferrel

in March and then later in the year he is heading to the FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin. “I am feeling healthy, fit and raring to go. I enjoy this industry and the people in it

10 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

too much. It is just so much fun, the people in this industry make it a lot of fun so as long as I am enjoying it I will keep going,” Ferrel said. “If I wake up one day and say ‘I’ve had enough’ well

so be it, but I don’t see that happening soon.” Ferrel is highly respected in the industry, both domestically and globally. He is always prepared to help out other printers with advice and acts as an advisor to many printing equipment manufacturers to help ensure the products they are making deliver the results printers need. He is globally recognised as a leader in his field, having been awarded the Fespa World Printer of the Year in 2014. He also sits on the Dscoop Global Board as well as the Dscoop APJ Board, and the Fespa Australia Boards. He is also a devoted lover of horse racing and enjoys a good day out at the races having a laugh and enjoying the company of others.

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FESPA AUSTRALIA

FESPA Australia hosts iconic BBQ gathering in Melbourne Over 60 FESPA Australia members recently turned up at the annual FESPA BBQ event on the Yarra River in Melbourne to kick start the year. This year’s event was proudly sponsored by Durst, Cactus Imaging, Mulford Plastics, HVG and Kissel & Wolf, who supplied personalised stubby holders for all guests.

Dean Wright (ADS), Phillip Rennell (Kornit Digital), Wayne McIntyre (Celmac), and David Asker (Imagebox)

Callum Shave (SMIB), Nicholas Sear (SMIB), Patrick Sear (SMIB), and Damian Pocock (Ball & Doggett)

Gary Hansen (Starleaton) and Daniel Watts (Pattern Room)

James Weller (Kissel + Wolf), Nigel Davies (FESPA), Damian Pocock (Ball & Doggett), and Nick Diplaris (Kissel + Wolf)

Shane Hanlon (Fujifilm), Philip Burns (AGFA), Luke Wooldridge (Fujifilm), and Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging)

Front - Stuart Gittus (IVE) and Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging); Back Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging) and Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania)

The Luna Nameplate team enjoying the get-together

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AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 11

NEWS: BUSINESS

PRINT STOCK WATCH: JAN 01 - MAR 01

ASX (AUD$)

Price

Amcor

15.72

1.36 

IVE

Change

Year High

Year Low

17.90

14.18

2.01

0.42 

2.06

1.22

News Corp

29.69

0.13 

35.23

28.40

oOh!media

1.64

0.04 

2.04

1.40

Ovato

0.19

59.81 

0.70

0.17

Redbubble

1.78

3.58 

6.07

1.62

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2022

MARCH 2021

AMCOR

NYSE (US$)

MARCH 2022

OVATO

Price

Change

Year High

Year Low

Adobe

465.54

5.87 

699.54

416.81

Apple

164.85

43.59 

182.94

116.21

Canon

23.83

0.20 

25.94

20.73

Fujifilm

63.96

6.52 

91.87

55.33

News Corp

22.28

1.17 

27.96

20.53

Xerox

20.06

0.28 

26.96

17.59

180

160

140

120

100

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2022

MARCH 2021

APPLE

DAX (EURO)

FUJIFILM

Price

Agfa

3.62

Heidelberg

MARCH 2022

Change

Year High

Year Low

0.10 

4.58

3.26

2.50

1.31 

3.14

1.06

Koenig & Bauer 23.65

1.05 

32.65

21.50

Metsa Board

8.92

0.30 

11.01

7.50

UPM

31.70

0.10 

35.68

29.48

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2022

HEIDELBERG

MARCH 2021

MARCH 2022

KOENIG & BAUER

12 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

IVE Group records $20.9m in NPAT for 1H FY22 By Hafizah Osman IVE Group (ASX:IGL) has revealed its financial performance for the first half of FY22 (ending 31 December 2021), reporting $20.9 million in net profit after tax (NPAT). The result is a 99 per cent rise from the previous corresponding period, which it said is a result of solid revenue growth, stable margins and leverage of the recalibrated cost base. Its revenue was reported at $382.6 million, up 12.2 per cent from the same time last year, while its EBITDA was $55.2 million, up 24.7 per cent from last year. Its net debt was reported at $78.7 million. In an earnings call, IVE Group executive chairman Geoff Selig went through the company’s strategy execution, capital management and future growth initiatives. “Since listing in December 2015, strong free cashflows and access to capital has enabled the company to execute a transformational investment program that has further expanded our diversified integrated marketing communications offer. The strength of our balance sheet places us in a very good position post COVID-19 to invest across a range of strategic, organic initiatives together with opportunities that may be present in terms of attractive acquisitions,” Selig said. He also added that the company has allocated $30 million to $40 million to invest in a range of opportunities, including growing its fibre-based packaging offer and enhancing and amplifying its Lasoo solution. Selig also expects several “bolt on acquisition

IVE’s Matt Aitken said the company is in a strong position

opportunities” will present themselves over the coming 12 to 24 months. IVE Group CEO Matt Aitken said, “A clearly defined and well executed strategy over the long-term has cemented IVE as the largest integrated marketing communications business in Australia, holding leading market positions across all sectors in which we operate. This places us in a strong position as we emerge from the significant disruption of the last two years. “Pleasingly, heightened operating leverage across the business has contributed to a significant uplift over our H1 FY21 performance, as existing client revenue rebounds and recently secured new business phases in. Revenue momentum continues, and the company remains optimistic this will continue over the remainder of the FY22 year.” Aitken also commented on the integration of both Active Display Group and AFI Branding (which it acquired on 1 November 2021), saying the integration is “progressing well” and that it will be completed by the end of June this year. Post-integration, it expects to achieve $45 million of annualised revenue, an EBITDA of $6.5 million and an NPAT of $4 million.

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AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 13

(l-r) Fleetmark’s Alf De Fazio, Luke Middleton, Michael Delos, Ben Lukusa, Raymond Afaese and Justin Verrall

Fleetmark upscales with an EFI VUTEk D3r The purchase of an EFI VUTEk D3r LED roll-to-roll printer has allowed Fleetmark to produce higher-definition prints

ith over 28 years of experience serving the Australian market, the Fleetmark Group prides itself in providing a complete digital print and fleet branding solution. Fleetmark is a transport-oriented business that provides innovative branding solutions, incorporating the latest technologies in wide format digital print, such as truck-side curtains, in addition to PVC fabrication, traditional painting and sign writing within fleet branding. Having produced solutions from its operations in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, the company recently faced a growing market trend in fleet branding that required the use of digitally coated PVC. This resulted in an opportunity for the business to upgrade its printing machines for more flexibility and further business expansion.

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Fleetmark Group general manager Stuart Farrow, who has been involved in the printing industry for many years, said there are three main priorities for the business and that it needed a machine that delivered on those fronts. ‘’Firstly, we wanted to better enhance the art of print within the fleet branding space and to excel in the printing environment,” he said. “Secondly, building on our customer base and meeting their needs has been our priority, along with being a market leader. So, we did some research on machines that would suit our requirements and found that the EFI range is the future.” Fleetmark chose to purchase a VUTEk D3r roll-to-roll printer from its trusted manufacturer partner, EFI, after realising the robust nature of the machine and that it delivered on the quality and versatility that the business was seeking.

EFI as a preferred technology partner Fleetmark is no stranger to EFI’s robust technologies. The company first purchased a VUTEk GS3250LX Pro hybrid machine from EFI two years ago. The VUTEk GS3250LX Pro printer allowed Fleetmark to do large format printing, as PVC printing is its main core business, and flatbed printing to create solutions such as decals. It mainly used this machine to print on truck tarps and rigid boards. Fleetmark Group Victorian general manager Alf De Fazio said having experienced the service and quality from EFI since its purchase of the GS3250LX Pro, the company decided to look for a printer within the EFI portfolio. “We were talking about how to better streamline our processes because EFI had

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COVER FEATURE new clear coatings that would allow us to print in-line. We already own an EFI hybrid machine, so wanted another that is GREENGUARD Gold and ULcompliant, with LED curing capability that is better for the environment and creates less waste,” he said. EFI business development manager Brett Addison said having worked closely with Fleetmark before, EFI very quickly understood its business requirements of reducing the go-to-market time, using less ink and power, and saving time. “We found that the VUTEk D3r suited its needs best as with truck curtain applications, different companies require specific colours used on the curtains. So, instead of having to buy a generic white tarp and printing over it, Fleetmark could buy the tarp already made in the company colours and then through the VUTEk D3r, lay a white down first, colour over the top then clear over the top of that. At that time, the VUTEk D3r was the only machine capable of doing that application,” Addison said. “The machine also covers a wide number of unique applications for fleet graphics and truck-side curtains, in addition to billboards, front-lit applications, wall decorations and murals, window graphics, flooring, cloth, and high-value prints with selective gloss effects. It’s really a versatile machine.” De Fazio added that the group was impressed by the VUTEk D3r printer’s high print quality and its versatility to offer white and clear ink together in glossy and matte finishes, in addition to enabling fivelayer printing in one pass and the ability to print on a variety of substrates. “Investing in the VUTEk D3r was an easy decision after looking at research findings of EFI’s industry-leading technology, total cost of ownership analysis, and having an established, good partnership with EFI’s team,” he said. “The VUTEk D3r has been delivering high-definition quality, and it also allows us to colour profile. It enables us to be versatile and print on a variety of substrates such as PVC, rolls and hard surfaces. Traditionally, other machines only print on white substrates.”

(l-r) Fleetmark’s Michelle Porteous, Lance Singleton, Jennie Gan, Tony Beaumont, Andrew Bini, David Kerr, Jan Hade and Alf De Fazio outside the company’s Melbourne office

Fleetmark’s Saman Alwis is a professional at working the EFI VUTEk D3r

Seeing the benefits of the VUTEk D3r The VUTEk GS3250LX Pro was initially installed in Fleetmark’s Melbourne premises, but following the purchase of the new VUTEk D3r, it moved the older EFI machine to its Sydney location.

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Fleetmark creates fleet branding for a customer, Cameron Interstate, using the EFI VUTEk D3r

AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 15

COVER FEATURE

EFI Asia-Pacific BDM Brett Addison

EFI Asia-Pacific VP of sales Rodd Harrison

“We refurbished the GS3250LX Pro for our NSW operations. So together with the VUTEk D3r in Melbourne – as the majority of our printing is done from our Victorian location – we have the capability to double our large format printing efforts and can get the products to our customers more quickly,” De Fazio said. Addison mentioned that having the VUTEk D3r machine has enabled Fleetmark to successfully deliver large branding or re-branding projects. “EFI has been working closely with Fleetmark to ensure that our latest technologies can help deliver innovation and performance with impact for their customers,’’ Addison said. De Fazio added that the addition of the VUTEk D3r to Fleetmark has surpassed the business’ expectation in meeting customers’ needs. Fleetmark also works with industry associations, and companies like Linfox and Woolworths that have their own partnerships with these associations, to promote mental health campaigns. It recently delivered promotional materials for a ‘Healthy Heads’ campaign. “We deal with the Australian Trucking Association and the Victorian Trucking Association. We contribute quite regularly and have been supportive in campaigns such as ‘Healthy Heads’. As part of this campaign, we used the VUTEk D3r to print decals for awareness vehicles, and curtains and other promotional materials,’’ De Fazio said.

Technology to deliver precise and sharp three-point size text with a true resolution of up to 1200 dots per inch, offers the near-photographic quality needed. It is also equipped with EFI’s Fiery proServer digital front-end for increased productivity and accurate colour matching. Truck curtain branding also requires protective coverings to withstand road grime, high pressure wash pressures, hosing, detergents, and all sorts of different elements. The VUTEk D3r addresses this challenge with its inbuilt protective coating capability. EFI Asia-Pacific vice-president of sales Rodd Harrison said, “We’re happy that Fleetmark has chosen EFI as a preferred partner. The strength of our technology is evidenced by the calibre of businesses that choose us. “The VUTEk D3r is designed to offer the right mix of features, productivity, and cost to create new opportunities for signage and graphics professionals like Fleetmark. The printing resolution, as well as the possibilities of white printing and the inline protective clear coat, are unique features which give Fleetmark a competitive edge in its market offering. “For the Australian market, most people need a machine that provides the versatility to do a lot of different things, so our customers need to focus on as much as they can get through the door. The VUTEk D3r is able to do that.”

A machine that delivers on fleet branding As truck curtain applications require the reproduction of high-resolution, photographic images that match a customer’s colour specifications, the machine’s ability to print up to 204 square metres per hour, employing UltraDrop

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Future-proofing the needs of Fleetmark Since investing in the VUTEk D3r, Fleetmark has seen more flexibility in its operations and efficiencies. As part of its strategic growth expansion plans, Fleetmark’s decision to invest in the VUTEk D3r was its scalability. “As the VUTEk D3r is equipped with multi-layer white printing capabilities,

it allows us to print on coloured mediums, especially coloured PVC, which means we can expand our scope as and when needed,” De Fazio said. “We purchased the VUTEk D3r also keeping in mind increasing market demand in the future. The machine is capable of faster speeds and we have no doubt of its ability to handle an added workload in terms of quantity and quality, without any further investment.” And EFI’s continued support is expected to further equip Fleetmark with the ability to provide its customers with stellar service. During the installation process, EFI went above and beyond in educating Fleetmark about the potential of the VUTEk D3r. “EFI has been great in identifying any intricacies from day dot and the service that it has provided is second to none. The installation process was easy – the movers came in and quickly got the big machine to where it needed to be. EFI then calibrated the unit,” De Fazio said. “EFI also trained our operators on the details of the equipment, which they picked up easily because the machine is automated and simple to use. We basically got up and running within a few days. EFI has heard our needs from the start, and we are in the very capable hands of its team in terms of support moving forward.”

Features of EFI’s VUTEk D3r

The EFI VUTEk D3r is an impressive press • • • • • • • • • •

Four colours plus optional white and optional clear coat – together UltraDrop Technology with native 7pL printheads Ultra-high-definition print modes Multi-layer white printing EFI’s LED curing technology EFI VUTEk D3r - 3M SuperRange UV Ink with 3M MCS Warranty EFI SuperFlex inks for fleet graphics Versatile media handling capabilities Touch-screen mobile operator station Carriage height adjustment and wrinkle analyser

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PRINT DIARY

Got an event? Send an email to hosman@intermedia.com.au with all the details and we will put your event on the page

NZSDA Conference & Awards July 6-8, 2022 Queenstown, New Zealand nzsda.org.nz

Auspack May 17-20, 2022 Melbourne, Australia auspack.com.au

Labelexpo Americas 2022 September 13-15, 2022 Chicago, US labelexpo-americas.com

Fespa Global Print Expo May 31-June 3, 2022 Berlin, Germany fespaglobalprintexpo.com

PacPrint June 28-July 1, 2022 Melbourne, Australia pacprint.com.au

Printing United 2022 October 19-21, 2022 Las Vegas, US printingunited.com

Pride in Print Awards June 17, 2022 Christchurch, New Zealand prideinprint.co.nz

Labelexpo Asia 2022 June 28-July 1, 2022 Shanghai, China labelexpo-asia.com

2022 ProPrint Awards October 27, 2022 Sydney, Australia proprintawards.com.au

*event dates correct at time of publishing

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AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 17

PEOPLE IN PRINT

Building nimble flexibility at Carbon8 Carbon8 co-founder and director Peter Musarra explains how the business has (and always will) adopt flexibility to stay head and shoulders ahead of the game, especially in a COVID-hit world

arbon8 is going from strength to strength, having recently added a repertoire of four gold awards and a bronze award to its belt at the National Print Awards (NPAs) which took place late last year. As one of Sydney’s leading commercial printers, the company has taken a creative approach to keep its business going and its staff employed during COVID. AP spoke to its co-founder and director Peter Musarra about what makes the business tick.

Q: What is fuelling Carbon8’s recent upward momentum?

Peter Musarra (PM): Ultimately, it’s a deep passion for our craft and enjoying the fruits of our labours, having built a business that is robust and capable. There is a continued and growing appetite for beautiful things. Whether you’re a small start-up or a multinational brand, if you need to have a provider that can scope and execute reliably, there are less and less players in our space that can truly offer that. Carbon8 sees a fantastic opportunity to grow our client base rapidly serving them with a consistently better than industry-best standards.

Q: Can you tell us more about Carbon8’s recent wins in late 2021?

PM: 2021 was another hard year, navigating COVID and supply chain shocks, but we were lucky enough to win big at the NPAs and once again being recognised in the Power50. Winning our four gold awards at the NPAs was the most successful we had ever been and it’s always a point of pride

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to be recognised for our work. We serve some of the most ambitious and creative businesses one could hope to serve, that are constantly looking for that point of difference in their marketing materials. To have a physical printed piece, something tangible, that truly captures and represents a brand is a very powerful tool to engage customers with. We work with our clients, collaboratively, backed by our vast array of in-house machinery in many cases to keep producing innovative, engaging and above all else, effective print collateral that allows us to remain one of the most wellrespected print companies. We’re thankful each day that our clients entrust so much of their work with us but conscious that we can never take it for granted.

Q: What are some of the biggest growth areas for Carbon8 to date?

PM: We supply the property and development sectors, which was one of the key areas that re-emerged as COVID lockdowns eased. They have been strong buyers of our type of work that often requires tight timelines, as well as high quality with diverse and creative multi-piece solutions. During the last couple of years of COVID, we brought both case-making and section sewing in-house, largely as a response to this sector pushing for additional options and complexity. We continue to grow well in our wideformat division and are finding strong demand for the more unique capabilities we have such as printing onto woods, acrylics, fabrics, and book-binding cloths and SwissQ’s haptic printing ability. Having such formidable capability under

the one roof, we are supplying more to the trade as others search for a dependable provider that they can partner with to complement their operation. We continue to actively try to grow areas of our business that many others try to avoid as our strategy is to develop new unique offerings in the hope of avoiding the mass market where so many other larger players can dominate a smaller company such as ours.

Q: Looking back at Carbon8’s humble beginnings to what it has become today, is this the direction you envisioned for the business?

PM: On the surface, yes, maybe not necessarily manifesting in the scale and diversity of machinery. However, Carbon8 was forged some 14 years ago with creativity at its core. We saw a gaping hole in the market at the time. Most creatives worth their salt were struggling to find a print house that spoke their language and truly wanted and could bring their ideas to life. Ken [Kenneth Beck] and I set out then to serve that exact market and we are still doing that on a larger scale today.

Q: What have you had to do to steer change within the business, especially during COVID?

PM: Let’s face it, the last couple of years has been an absolute rollercoaster with just about every industry being belted one way then the other. Carbon8 wasn’t immune to this – our revenues were brutalised during lockdowns, which reflects how much our products support physical connections between people.

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PEOPLE IN PRINT

Carbon8 co-founder and director Peter Musarra, who is one of the forces behind the business, shares some of the company’s growth plans

It’s already well documented how fortunate we were to win work producing face shields at the onset of COVID. This certainly changed the trajectory of the last two years, from one of weathering the storm to one of positivity, self-reliance (to a point) and confidence to invest and come out of the pandemic with wind in our sails. Having added or upgraded so many in-house capabilities over the last two years has turned out to be a strength as well, as supply chain constrictions meant that being overly reliant on outsourced elements is a business weakness. No one has a crystal ball, however wargaming in the business sense is a necessary constant. We have continued to invest in the latest and best technology

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we could afford. That’s a very important point – ‘the best technology you can afford’. Some tip the scales too far in either direction.

Q: What is your short- to medium-term vision for Carbon8’s future?

PM: Short-term, we want to consolidate and level off after the rollercoaster that was and begin to see consistent returns (unbroken by lockdowns) on the numerous investments we’ve made recently. Medium-term, we aim to continue to drive software, automation, and efficiency within Carbon8 to put some measure of downward pressure on costs to offset what seems to be the incessant upward path of

many of our material and labour costs. We see it as highly likely that we will acquire a like-minded business somewhere in our future as we all seek to find and retain the ever more elusive customers for our products.

Q: How will Carbon8 support its customers moving forward?

PM: We’re hearing from our customers that sustainability is now one of the most important things we can offer them. Gone are the days that being FSC-certified meant that you were doing everything they required of us. As an industry we need to become better at telling our story, how printing can be sustainable, does not

AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 19

PEOPLE IN PRINT

(l-r) Carbon8 co-founders and directors Peter Musarra and Kenneth Beck-Pedersen with their haul of awards at the 38th National Print Awards

The Kurraba Residences, Kurraba Point Sydney project for The Property Agency

Dive West Papua, for Mr Kerry Stokes AC, won multiple National Print Awards

The Landmark Penthouse Collection project for The Property Agency

pollute in the way that electronic media can, and creates products that have longlasting value that don’t need to be charged or upgraded. We haven’t been good at telling this story but we’re doing our bit to tell our customers so that they don’t cut more print in the mistaken assumption that other communication methods are inherently more sustainable. Couple this with doing what we always love doing – printing – and making memorable communication pieces, and the rest is out of our hands largely.

change as they return. Most tend to be smaller, more digitised, with a new focus. There is no point being upset; this is the new reality, and we need to get busy making this work. No one’s business is immune from the broader economic and environmental realities. And it’s not like we will have a casual decade to find the ‘new normal’. It’s already here and before you’ve gotten used to that, it changes again. If we, as individual businesses and an industry, are to survive, we must learn to adapt – and keep adapting.

Q: What is your assessment of business requirements in 2022?

Q: What will be your and Ken’s direction in leading this charge?

valuable and sustainable solutions. Ultimately, to have a successful printing company now is to defy gravity – daily. With the industry around us in some measure of slow decline, we need to keep improving our product and services while looking for opportunities to save. One of our proudest initiatives for the year came as we installed nearly 200 solar panels on the roof of our Marrickville factory. Combining this power of our own creation with our move to 100 per cent renewable energy sourcing through the GreenPower initiative, we are not only able to deliver the best for our clients creatively, but also help them answer questions around the hot topic of sustainability. This is a win for both the environment but also the many clients that call Carbon8 their partner. Our investment in solar and renewable energy is not only about ethics; we firmly believe that this financial cost will see returns that will drive further upward momentum in the years to come.

PM: Being nimble, self-reliant and financially flexible is a must for any print company that wants to come through in 2022. To hope that life just returns as before is a pipe dream. We’ve already noticed some customers, who were largely silent during COVID,

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PM: Carbon8 will continue to champion our craft that is the printed form. We also align closer with the like-minded and build stronger alliances with them. Carbon8 always listens harder to our clients and the forces that surround us, so we are focusing on providing both

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PACPRINT 2021

Exhibitor list continues to grow for PacPrint More exhibitors have signed up for the upcoming tradeshow as momentum builds in the industry

lans for PacPrint and its co-located events are progressing well, with a more confident outlook and few ongoing restrictions drawing more exhibitors to the show and driving demand from industry businesses for information and registration. When AP caught up Peter Harper and Sarah Moore from Visual Connections in early March, the two were upbeat, confirming that four new exhibitors had confirmed bookings within the week prior. The duo also mentioned that several other companies had finalised contracts. “CMYKhub, Corex, Xmpie and DFLOW are the latest to sign on the dotted line to bring their latest offerings to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre when doors open on 28 June and we are expecting to be able to announce a number of other bookings in the coming weeks,” Harper said. These newcomers will join a host of leading suppliers that will showcase everything from software, MIS and prepress systems, through to cut-sheet and digital presses, to finishing and embellishment, wide-format and textile printing, laser cutting, routing and engraving technologies, label converting and finishing solutions and packaging print. With these new bookings, the number of exhibitors for the show has grown to nearly 70, with some 75 per cent of the 7,400m 2 of floorspace allocated to PacPrint, the Visual Impact Expo and the Label & Packaging Expo already booked, Harper confirmed. Leading the pack will be Roland DG, the show’s platinum sponsor, Currie Group, which will have the show’s largest stand, HP Australia, Fujifilm Business Innovation, and Konica Minolta. Starleaton will have a sizeable presence, as will Epson Australia and Smartech (formerly Quadient/Neopost) which will exhibit for the first time under its new moniker. Among other familiar brands will be Mutoh, Mimaki, Screen, GraphPak, Spicers, Hexis, Shann, Euro Poles, Pozitive Sign & Graphic Supplies, Alfex Laser, PrintIQ , Esko Graphics, Hybrid Software, Quote & Print, Multicam and Elizabeth Machines. Rounding out the list of exhibitors to date are companies including Acco Brands, Aeronaut Automation, Alfex, Allkotes, Ascent Partners, BPG Australia, CERM, CMIX/GEXIN, Colour Graphic Services, Eventec, Ferag, GMS, Hilton Laminating, Kodak, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, Kyocera, Minipack International, PHE, Rodden Graphics, SAled, Sign to Badge Solutions, Soltect, Stick On Signs, Sublimation Systems, Trimatt, Velflex, Wilenco and Xeikon. “As usual, the range of products, solutions and services on show is exceptionally wide, with plenty of interest whether you’re in commercial print, labels and packaging, or in the sign, display or textiles space. That’s always important for businesses looking to expand their product offering or identify key new market areas into which they can grow their business,” Harper added. There have been challenges in pulling this show together,

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The industry looks forward to PacPrint 2021, to run from 28 June to 1 July this year, following the success of PacPrint 2017

but Moore was frank when asked about the likely impacts of the pandemic in June, saying, “Quite honestly, we don’t expect there to be many”. Moore also noted that the move now is very much to ‘living with’ COVID rather than further cancellations or postponements. “What has been particularly encouraging over the past few weeks has been the real progress we have seen with travel opening up, restrictions loosening, and much more flexibility in how businesses choose to manage their own operations,” she said. “Having said that, we are still very much focused on delivering a show which is as safe as it is successful and are working closely with the MCEC on a wide range of options – from a modified floorplan with wider aisles, to more than 100 sanitiser stations and taking advantage of improvements like the venue’s new HVAC return-air system. “With businesses reopening and people flowing back into workplaces, events and venues, it’s an exciting time to be holding a show. We are delighted to be able to bring the industry together again in one place to gather information and ideas, see the very latest trends and technologies, and to connect with colleagues and friends from across our varied and vibrant sector.” PacPrint 2021, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo are set to run from 28 June to 1 July at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Visit www.pacprint.com.au for more information, floor plans, exhibitor details, the full forum program, and to register.

AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022 | 21

WOMEN IN PRINT

Proudly sponsored by

A commitment to the craft of print and paper: Zaidee Jackson

Zaidee Jackson’s print and paper expertise provides a platform that she has created with customers to support their project outcomes

person that has contributed to the print and visual communications industry in a multi-faceted way, Zaidee Jackson needs no introduction. Her commitment to the craft of print and paper has been a steadfast journey for over 25 years. But what many don’t know is her unique journey which ended up in print. Having studied marketing and journalism, Jackson first landed in a role with a music company in Sydney. Soon after, her sister was due with her oldest niece in Melbourne, and she packed up for a hiatus for a few months. The day Jackson arrived in Melbourne, her niece was born. Three weeks into it, Jackson found herself wanting to work again, which is when she landed a role in samples at Edwards Dunlop Paper thinking it will keep her busy for six months whilst spending time with her niece. “Doing nothing is not a speed I know well. Within six months at Edwards Dunlop Paper, I moved into customer service and soon after, landed a role as a promotions executive. Working in the creative community, I soon found a passion for design, which is when I moved to Sydney, still with Edwards Dunlop Paper, and transitioned into print. A deep knowledge of print and the technicality of the craft became an obsession. I later moved back to Melbourne and stayed in print with four printing companies before returning to my first love – paper – with BJ Ball as its Victorian business development manager and stayed through to the merged entity of Ball & Doggett,” she said. Jackson is now Ball & Doggett’s national business development manager of sustainable packaging. “My role is about the connection made between the creative and print community. My print and paper expertise provides a platform that I have created with customers to support their project outcomes. It’s about creating a relationship with customers and giving them the confidence to achieve the goals they have for their end customers,” she said. “The goal is always to create the experience in the name of elevating the craft of print and our focus on sustainable solutions for Australian brands. This is an exciting space for our business and I am looking forward to working with our national product specialists. Together, we will work with customers going through transition plans to support the conversations that are needed now.” Jackson said her experiences working on a myriad of projects

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gave her a learning platform to experience the entire process from concept to delivery, and to the end client. “Working with some of Australia’s most decorated designers and printers over the past 25 years has been a continuous learning experience. With each job, project, conversation, experience, you take a learning with you and apply it to the next projects. Generous mentors, both male and female along the way have been a blessing and I have lapped it all up,” she added. Jackson was fortunate to have the late Gary Wilson, an industry icon, and Tony Knight from the then Manark Printing as some of her mentors. “I modelled what Gary did in how I engaged with clients and suppliers by observing him and spending time with him. Tony taught me how to see print from screen to substrate and how to sell the technical side of the craft. The power of your network is priceless. How you treat that network and how you add value makes the difference in how your work ethic is viewed. Regardless of your sex, to lead is to have the natural ability to work with and alongside others for a common goal,” she said. Her advocacy of print in the education sector and making a difference in the learning journey of emerging designers is one of her prides. She sits on the advisory committee board for Deakin University and Box Hill Tafe in their Bachelor of Design studies. Jackson also advocates for women working within the printing industry as a Women in Print panellist and online webinar facilitator, as well as being a judge for The Real Media Collective Awards. She was also honoured as the recipient of Exceptional Women in Print Award 2021 at the 38th National Print Awards. “Resilience in this industry is key – male or female. There are more women in leadership roles have certainly flown the diversity and equality flag and these incredibly talented women inspire me because they are leaders that drive change from the front seat. They don’t need to be noticed; they are the ones that are visible and walking side-by-side others with a clear direction on how to elevate, push boundaries and succeed,” she said. “I chose to earn my seat at the table rather than listen to what I was told in my earlier years. It’s the attitude of a person and not their sex that makes this industry stronger. Together as a collective, we have so much further to go and I’m planning to stick around to see us all flourish.”

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PRINT 2022 LEADERS FORUM S

R T

PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Being agile, creative, and

BRAVE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Rob Mesaros CEO, Currie Group

urbulence and unpredictability underscores 2022, with the global situation continuing to create challenges. The key themes that the industry continues to grapple with are: inflationary pressures caused by supply chain delays and escalating costs, coupled with material shortages; the continued shift to digital communication; and labour and skill shortages. Many organisations including our own have been busy getting ‘match fit’. Operational efficiency and productivity, overall balance sheet health, and building new capabilities have been the order of play. The good news is that with challenges comes opportunity. As in any crisis, history continues to teach us that the strong get stronger. This past year, we’ve witnessed successful organisations exhibiting common behavioural traits. Agility and creativity, coupled with the bravery to make bold decisions, have delivered great rewards for many industry players. Conversely, doing what you’ve done for the past decade isn’t going to cut it. I’ve witnessed companies that have taken an overly cautious approach to investments – whether it be capital equipment, internal systems, acquisitions or talent – struggle to come to terms with the new market dynamics. 2021-22 has also seen the continuation of market consolidation driven by the strong and brave. Typically,

24 | AUSTRALIAN PRINTER MARCH 2022

these acquisitions have resulted in a broadening of capabilities and the creation of adjacencies to their core offerings. Becoming ‘match fit’ has necessitated organisations to deep dive into their business models, cost structures, and processes to streamline for the new market realities. Moving forward, businesses need to take a multi-faceted approach to strategy. Ensuring that operations are as efficient and automated as possible without compromising customer experience will be imperative. Having clarity of purpose and understanding why you exist is critical. Companies that truly create ‘fans’ out of their customers will win the race. It will require them to amplify their relevance through continually experimenting and innovating. More specifically, the mega trends in our industry continue to point to long-term segment growth in labels and packaging, including flexibles, folding cartons and other niche forms of packaging. For us at Currie Group, COVID was a catalyst for our new multi-year strategy. We’ve been busy improving the ways we work, focusing on our systems, tools, and automating processes. Concurrently, we’ve been adding to our portfolio of best of breed solutions, as well as building our catalogue of service capabilities. An example has been our investment in a ‘customer success’ function, which acknowledges that driving loyalty requires

a new level of engagement. This new capability will act as the bridge between solution selling and ‘break fix’. It’s also about collaboratively working with our technology partners and customers to define successful projects and ROI. Ultimately, our continued success is intrinsically linked to the business health of our customers. They all continue to rely on our service, technology partnerships, A/NZ coverage and our unsurpassed industry expertise. Equally, we are continuously on the look out for new partnerships that add value, with the most recent being the addition of EFI. This partnership helps deliver on our objective to enter the wide format, sign and display arena. Above and beyond individual business aspirations, what has to bind us together is the common ambition for a sustainable future. We all play a role, and as a solutions provider Currie Group chooses to partner with technology vendors that hold this ambition as a core foundational value. Meeting the needs of the present can no longer compromise future generations and we must act now. As we all navigate through 2022, I’m optimistic that our industry will bounce back strongly as industries and the world opens up. The magic of value-added printed communication will undoubtedly shine through once again.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Delivering value to

CUSTOMERS LEADERS FORUM 2022

Richard Kemp Chief Operating Officer, DIC Australia and New Zealand

s many businesses experienced, working under the constraints of the pandemic was challenging in many ways in 2021. I am sure my peers would agree that one of the greatest challenges in 2021 was the management of cash, with logistics timeline blowouts causing a need to increase inventories for a stable supply chain for customers. Businesses have also had to adapt their communication models with staff working remotely and the inability to visit customers with the frequency of previous years. There were well-documented challenges surrounding the supply chain. DIC at times struggled, like a lot of companies did, with the supply of raw materials. There were also significant shipping delays, raw material inflation, as well as some horrendous price hikes on the cost of sea freight. The availability of sea freight continues to be a concern in 2022. However, packaging, which is dominated for us by food, beverage, pharmaceutical, home and personal care products, remained relatively stable. We saw a lot of changes in terms of consumer demands in that area, as well as the growth of e-Commerce. We are very lucky at DIC that we are the largest inks, coatings and performance pigments manufacturer globally. So, we utilised our global network to ensure that

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we minimised disruption by sourcing from multiple locations around the world. Working largely with platform technologies means the products we manufacture and sell in Australia are the same or very similar to those sold in other regions, so our customers were able to benefit from our ability to source from multiple locations. As I look forward into 2022, there are going to be some challenges. Currency will play a big part this year; we’ve already seen the devaluation of the Australian dollar against some of the major currencies in the world over the last three or four months, so the chances are that will continue for the short- and mid-term. So, having robust global supply chains and a portfolio available to customers would allow them to drive costs out of their businesses. With regards to sea freight issues, companies are having to spot purchase cargo availability and containers loading going to sea. Lead times have increased as well and prices of cargo have also doubled. We have had to supplement with air freight, but it has been limited. Hopefully, with the borders opening, we’ll see an increase of cargo planes coming into Australia. So, businesses need to be aware of the importance in forecasting their product requirements and have high attention to detail around their logistics and inventory management.

Innovations and technologies are also important in 2022. The push for us is around offering products that deliver social responsibility for the consumers. We’re looking at functional coatings to replace certain barrier materials and support easy recycling of packaging, manufacturing products using renewable raw materials, and ensuring that our products and manufacturing plants continue to drive down CO2 emissions in line with our group commitments. DIC recently acquired a company called SAPICI, which predominantly manufactures adhesives and polymers. We will be looking to introduce this product portfolio across the Oceania region very soon. DIC operates in the digital space, through our sister company, Sun Chemical, and with the ingress of digital print platforms impacting all sectors, we fully expect to realise growth in these areas. As the global markets reopen, our functional performance material, in terms of coatings, resins, and adhesives, will see growth in sectors including automotive, pharmaceutical, industrial, and food packaging. DIC will continue to ensure that we’ve got a business model that supports our customer base and adds value for our shareholders. We also aim to offer a balance between providing long-term stability for our A/NZ customers and ensuring we have an effective business platform to work off.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Growth needs to be

SUSTAINABLE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Matt Ashman Managing Director, Durst Oceania

021 was a challenge, much the same as 2020. But with challenges come opportunities. The print industry was again strong in some sectors, such as labels and packaging, but not so much in others like events as a result of COVID’s ongoing impact on these industries. However, the industry fully adapted in 2021 as compared to 2020 and came out brighter, stronger, and more dynamic than before. As a global business that operates on a distinctly local level, Durst took time to listen and adapt to our customer’s needs, both in terms of new development but also in support. We re-evaluated our supply chain, considering its effectiveness and failings, and where we could improve and become more sustainable. During the tough times, Durst took on many initiatives to improve our customers’ ability to support themselves and reduce the need for onsite technicians, and thus reduce costs. For example, we implemented a consumable subscription initiative where customers sign up for the consumables that they need, which are automatically dispatched when they need them – without the need to place a purchase order or keep stock. The parts are shipped with instructions and links to videos to ensure that use and maintenance is up to date. Durst Oceania also showed our support for local industry organisations, such as

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FESPA and ProPrint, in the delivery of some of their events. These events are necessary for the longevity for our industry, and nothing beats having those face-to-face interactions which bonds those in print. My predictions for 2022 is that things will gradually approach normalcy, giving room for growth. We’re seeing green shoots of normality already, but that growth needs to be sustainable. We need to be prepared for the unexpected. What the last two years has taught us is that situations are unpredictable. For example, the challenges surrounding the global supply chains could continue into the next year but could also ease, so we must not panic and react erratically. We are also preparing for the international trade shows to restart again, to be able to launch new products and innovations, which will support customers in new ways and forge new businesses. Our R&D teams work all year to the crescendo of the next tradeshow. We know our customers come to these shows to meet us, catch-up or discover new business opportunities. You can rest assured that we’ll be at this year’s FESPA and Labelexpo Americas, showcasing our new developments. With the boom in e-Commerce, the real development will be in labels and digital packaging, with the support for reduced run lengths and increased

customisation. Today, with the durability and flexibility that inkjet labelling provides, it’s a fact that you can run one or 100,000, and it’s all viable. Wide format has remained extremely resilient too, and we expect to see more large format customers jump into packaging with their machines as labels has, probably the lowest barrier to entry in that sector. Within a business, companies should be looking at sustainability – using more sustainable media and sustainable technology. Certainly, with digital, you can reduce your wastage, thus being more sustainable for your customers, and only printing what’s needed. With the Piezo on-demand technology that all our presses use, the first print produced on a Durst printer is saleable, and they match subsequent prints. Moving forward into 2022, Durst will continue to reconnect with its customers and partners. We’ve always believed in close contact with them and given the challenges of the last two years, are looking forward to meeting them and enjoying the great industry that we work in. We’re also looking to bring in new people to the industry, training them up and making them more passionate about print, in addition to making the people that we’ve got more diversified in their roles. This makes business stronger and people’s work lives more interesting.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

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BUSINESS SYSTEMS LEADERS FORUM 2022

Jan De Roeck Industry Relations and Strategic Marketing Director, Esko

ith the experience of the business lockdown instigated by the first COVID waves in 2020, and with the expertise that comes from being a global technology innovator, Esko has been able to shift gears further in 2021. We adapted our corporate culture and embraced a remote working policy, and prepared the business for an agile response to the ‘next’ normal. Our customers have been very busy securing supply of packaging and labels to industries recognised by governments as critical to society: food, beverages and life sciences. Production volumes have been on a constant high and flexibility in meeting consumer demand against a backdrop of a disrupted supply chain has been a wake-up call for many converters who now see the value of workflow automation and systems integration. More than ever before, Esko focused on workflow automation, and we continued to bring innovation to market in this area throughout 2021. A prime example of this was the release of cloud and SaaS deployment option for our flagship Automation Engine workflow automation solution. With Automation Engine SaaS, we are giving customers the opportunity to enjoy the operational benefits of standardised automated workflows while embracing the freedom of cloud-based computing.

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We also introduced various innovations in digital flexo platemaking, with our new PlateHandler and PlateFeeder-S driving productivity in the plate room. The PlateHandler is a robotic device connecting the Esko CDI Crystal imager with the XPS Crystal exposure unit. Integrating the Esko PlateHandler into the system reduces the number of operator touchpoints, freeing up to 50 per cent of their time and enabling them to attend other more value-adding tasks such as quality control, plate storage and plate mounting. Similarly, the new Esko PlateFeeder-S has been designed to solve several common issues. Our Print Control Wizard was also a powerful answer to the labour shortage and skill gap faced by our industry. With the wizard-style interface, both professionals and novice users are now able to achieve consistent high quality in flexo print regardless of the substrate with the Crystal screening technology. We also developed the Digital Maturity Model for Packaging Converters. Using a simple five-stage model, we facilitate an end-to-end analysis of the current state of digitisation of the business. Based on the acquired insights, the model then helps with planning and staging the most effective strategy. In the foreseeable future, order volumes and demand will likely remain high. However, the overall business

circumstances – defined by an unstable supply chain, rising costs, unavailability of labour, fast changing consumer moods, and a high impact sustainability dynamic – will all require businesses to crank up their ability to respond in an agile way as order quantities will remain low. While supply chain issues will get solved, with raw materials becoming available again, I expect commodity prices will remain high and, importantly, I believe the labour shortage at all levels and in all sectors will get worse before it improves. The only way forward is to further digitise processes, automate workflows and connect business systems, supported by innovations like artificial intelligence and data analytics. Understanding what’s going on in the business is no longer based on gut feeling and experience, but on facts and data. Turning data into insights is going to be an essential skill in the coming years. This means having an undivided focus on the customer. The best way to achieve this is through setting yourself up as an agile, data-aware, customer-centric organisation. Although not entirely a new trend, digital print and e-commerce will also drive up demand for customised, even personalised packaging. Active packaging that allows the brand to engage with the consumer is the next step, and an area where we also see a lot of innovation.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Being leaner and a lot more

FLEXIBLE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Cliff Brigstocke Production and Distribution CEO, IVE

021 saw the continuation of a challenging 2020 because of COVID-19. On a positive note, we saw many businesses adapting to the challenges, further diversifying their offerings and finding new ways of working with customers, particularly as remote working was a norm during lockdowns. Because of the fluid nature of COVID, we found that some of the lead times and engagement that we were used to in the past weren’t there. As a result, the market became more reactive rather than having longer timelines to plan campaigns. The opportunity here was to work closely with customers to tighten deadlines and challenge previous ways of doing business. The biggest trend we noticed in 2021 was the disruption of supply chains, resulting in longer lead times and significant cost increases for customers. This particularly affected point of sale, retail, display, and visual merchandising. Sea freight costs almost tripled, creating a great opportunity to showcase onshore production. From a customer perspective this provided confidence in meeting deadlines and from an industry perspective, potentially led to more investment for local manufacturing. IVE did its best to support the industry during this time. For example, we were (and remain focused on) our support of The Real Media Collective (TRMC).

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As part of this, we were active in offering input, support, and guidance to share relevant information around the rapidly changing market conditions. Aside from trying our best to communicate regularly, we also delivered several home packs to each of our staff families over the past 18 months. These packs included PPE items such as masks and sanitising wipes and more recently, RAT kits. Navigating 2022 and beyond will be no easy feat. There’s still unpredictability around COVID and now of course, current world events and their flow-on effect. That said, we are seeing a return to something we hope will be closer to ‘normal’ with several indicators looking positive, such as events kick-starting again and international borders opening. In terms of technology, we expect 2022 to showcase digital presses that are faster, more efficient and deliver on better vibrant quality. In the commercial print space, I believe the longer-run traditional commercial print style of communications will gradually reduce in length and complement customised content delivery from the growing choice of cut sheet digital production presses. Another area of growth is in customisation of folded carton and point of sales packaging. With the on-shoring of production and expanding niche products and therefore smaller runs, combined with

newer technology and quality, this will certainly be a space to watch. One of the areas IVE has seen strong growth is in our logistics capabilities, where we have a significant square meterage dedicated to what we term ‘Integrated Logistics’. This is where we manage customers’ inventory that we produce as well as co-ordinate other products they may require. Depending on a customer’s specific requirements, this can include regular consolidated deliveries to thousands of stores or outlets. In 2022, IVE will continue to leverage our diversification strategy – a big part of this is to provide our customers with more products and services. We’ve publicly stated that we’ve got a strong balance sheet and we want to utilise it for growth that could come in the form of bolt on acquisitions in the more traditional spaces. We have also expressed our desire to move more into fibre-based packaging for folded carton type packaging. We have also been very excited to welcome the ex-Active Display Group and AFI staff into the IVE family. We’ve brought across a great team and the acquisitions have significantly expanded our offer to include state of the art visual merchandising production, a great capability for permanent display construction, third party logistics and soft signage printing – all now being extended to our 2,800 customers.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Flexibility and adaptability

ARE KEY LEADERS FORUM 2022

Stephen Pratt Managing Director, Kurz A/NZ

021 was another year interrupted by COVID and state-based lockdowns. This created many challenges for the industry and its leaders, but there were also opportunities for those who adapted the quickest. Many believed more businesses would be distressed or sold, but the fallout wasn’t as bad as anticipated. We continued to see acquisitions as the market continues to aggregate and on a positive note, print work moved back into Australia from Asia due to ongoing supply chain issues. We increased our marketing spend to reach our customers and remain top-of-mind as the opportunities to visit them diminished. We placed a sharp focus on customer service, but this was made difficult as the supply chain crisis unfolded. We recognised early on that many of customers were suffering from the lockdowns which dramatically affected their cashflow and so we worked closely with all our customers to maintain supply of our products – some on extended payments so they could continue to operate. It was pleasing to hear the positive goodwill that this small gesture delivered. Overseas, Kurz was the platinum sponsor at the Virtual Drupa exhibition and this provided a platform to educate the market on our many sustainability initiatives and showcase new products in an entirely new way.

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I am ever the optimist and believe this year will see us living with COVID with less restrictions and few or no lockdowns. If so, the economy will grow and demand for goods and services strengthen. Tempering this, I cannot yet see a solution to mitigate the difficulties we see in the supply chain anytime this year. While it is extremely difficult to prepare for the ever-changing rules and restrictions placed on business by the various State and Federal Governments, what I have learned is to ensure that our business and our decision making remains agile and decisive. I am extremely proud of the way my entire team has adapted and thrived under the ever-changing business climate. As a company, the Kurz Group is strongly focussed on sustainability, reducing its own carbon footprint to achieve a net zero position as quickly as possible. The biggest trend in our industry is around sustainability and I expect we will continue to see many exciting and innovative solutions aimed at creating less waste, increasing recyclability, and delivering more using less energy. We are also working towards delivering a global closed-loop recycling solution for the waste PET carrier from our transfer films which are currently sent off as industrial waste. We already have a solution in place which coverts customer waste into recycled pellets for use in

injection moulding, but this only services in and around Germany. It is a good start, and we aim to build on this momentum. In 2022, I expect the number of new digital print engines designed to decorate packaging to increase rapidly as solutions evolve to match market requirements. So too will the market for on-demand digital foiling and embellishment solutions, as run lengths and lead-times’ continue to decrease and the print-on-demand trend continues to grow. The digital print finishing market will continue to grow too, and we will see greater acceptance of solutions like Kurz Digital Metal making inroads into the local market. In reviewing our business at the end of 2020 and 2021, we have learnt a lot of lessons and made changes to ensure we continue to improve and evolve. Moving forward, we aim to make sure that we hit the ground running, speaking positively about the market, and listening closely to our customers and their customers to understand where we can add value. We can’t control everything, so we plan for what is within our control and then adapt to the circumstances that we are facing at the time. So, my advice for businesses moving into 2022 is to plan extensively, develop ambitious but achievable goals, measure progress and review and update them as circumstances change. Flexibility and adaptability are key!

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Continuing growth and

MARKET GAINS LEADERS FORUM 2022

Alex McClelland Managing Director, Orafol Australia

021 was an interesting year with all the challenges that many companies in our industry had to cope with. This included the widespread and lengthy shutdowns due to COVID, increasing overseas freight costs and availability, unprecedented rises in the cost of raw materials, and the shortage of talent willing to move within the industry. Although all these events are significant, Orafol Australia braved through them and enjoyed a double-digit year-on-year growth. We recruited for many roles during the COVID lockdown and relocated three distribution centres to larger premises in New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. Additionally, as a commitment to our team, we were able retain all our employees in full employment with no reduced working hours. Part of our success is that we operate across three distinct markets: graphics innovations (GI), reflective solutions (RS), and adhesive tapes solutions (ATS). Many of our customers had to pivot their business and we were able to offer solutions across many markets and applications. To keep relevant through the challenges, we worked to improve our customer service and response times to meet the various on-demand markets. We also increased our inventory across all divisions in preparation for the longer lead

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times and increased costs, and developed an efficient hub and spoke supply process system to ensure each distribution centre across the country had immediate access to the right stock at the right time. We also provided our sales teams with an ongoing high level of product and solution selling training, as well as developed and built our unique Creative Hub training centre at our NSW facility to provide a certified application and product training as well as business marketing and other associated courses. In addition, we maintained pricing and did not use the situation as an opportunity to increase prices. We also provided financial relief to loyal customers to assist them through the leaner months. In 2022, the graphics and print industry shows signs of further consolidation, and many traditional printers will and are moving into the signage and wide format arena as well as the short-run printing and prototype packaging markets. As in 2021, supply chain issues and increased manufacturing costs will continue to have a direct impact on the market, and further disruption will be caused by the Russian and Ukrainian conflict on A/NZ companies that source products and services out of Europe. As a European manufacturing company, we are well-prepared for these eventualities. So far, the indication for all

markets is a cautiously optimistic trend and to continue growth and market gains. We are a resilient country, and I am confident that we will see a significantly improved business landscape in 2022. Moving forward, all companies need to have a robust and detailed business strategy covering all aspects of their business. The plan needs to be communicated to their teams to ensure a 100 per cent buy-in. These are aspects which can be controlled. There are current and future outside disruptions which are somewhat out of our control. If your supply, sales, financial and operational strategies, and plans are in place, you are positioned for success. We encourage businesses to focus on staying relevant and to provide a high level of service to the market. It is important to partner with a brand organisation like Orafol to gain the benefits and consistency of dealing with a manufacturer on a direct basis, which shortens the supply chain and improves communication as well as adds value, credibility, and confidence to any project. In 2022, Orafol will continue to focus on our five-year growth strategies across all divisions, the recruitment of highlevel, experienced individuals, and to be regarded as the top teaching organisation for the industry and the major supplier to a number of key markets.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Adding value to

COMMUNICATIONS LEADERS FORUM 2022

Yasu Takahashi Managing Director, Ricoh Australia

021 began on a note of optimism after the challenging impact of COVID-19 during 2020. For much of last year, we saw a rebound in business – that is, until the next wave of COVID-19 saw another decline in business confidence. However, an indicator of the health of the industry was the steadying of print volumes. Despite lockdowns and devastation in the hospitality, events and travel industries, there was modest growth in digital print volumes across commercial printers and enterprises producing professional print in-house. With the market for digital production printers growing only slightly year-on-year, Ricoh had a stellar year with an increase in shipments of 59 per cent over 2020. This was largely due to the success of the new Pro C5300S series – delivering high-end performance in a compact and affordable platform – and continuing strong demand for the market-leading Pro C7200X series – with its value-add, 5th colour capability – and workhorse Pro C9200 series. With lockdowns in place in many locations, customer engagement was maintained through virtual arrangements. Prospects were still able to test drive equipment by utilising Ricoh Connect & Collaborate solutions. Customers could see their print files being printed live on Ricoh print solutions in another city whilst they

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remained on site in their own business environment. Those print samples would then be delivered back to them for their evaluation. Even though printers want to touch and feel the equipment they want to purchase, these virtual demonstrations overcame the barrier of lockdowns that prevented face-to-face engagements. Through Ricoh Business Booster – a unique business development program designed exclusively for Ricoh Graphic Communications customers – we provided an array of tools and assets for customers to utilise during the pandemic. Industry white papers on how to adapt to COVID-19, educational seminars, and a broad variety of print-ready artwork for social-distancing applications were some of the resources provided to customers. Whilst COVID-19 uncertainty remains, we look forward to seeing a strong rebound in business in 2022 as industries have re-opened and adapted to the new work environment. An area of growth is in the changing nature of applications. The days of massprinted collateral, DM and publications are fast disappearing. Instead, developing versioned, personalised communications that are truly relevant to their recipients – combined with an emotional appeal to the senses – can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

As such, print applications need to complement today’s digital world. Oneto-one communications becomes more effective by combining the use of print and digital media, delivering high-impact campaigns with greater ROI than either print or digital communications alone. For Ricoh, 2022 is the year of the Pro Z75 B2 sheet-fed inkjet press. This is a transformative press, a genuine gamechanger in the print industry – the first B2+ size, auto-perfecting cut-sheet inkjet running aqueous inks. As print runs continue to shrink, the Pro Z75 offers easier, faster and more profitable production of a broad array of offset applications. With exceptional print quality, supporting a diverse array of stock types, size and weights, and a robust, high reliability design, it is set to enhance the transition from offset to digital. Print providers need to partner with a supplier that has a clear vision for the future of the industry. Ricoh is investing in technologies and solutions that will address the different landscape of the print industry ahead. The key focus is on adding value to communications (combining electronic and print in marketing campaigns), adding value to print (developing new print applications), and automating production workflows to simplify the transition from offset to digital.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Being proactive instead of

REACTIVE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Vincent Nair President and CEO, Smartech Business Systems

he industry is challenged with multiple shifts in trends following the emergence of the pandemic. In addition to changes in working arrangements and customers not being in an office environment as regularly as before, coupled with a visible shift in the move towards digital, there is a layer of challenge for the printing industry. For Smartech Business Systems, 2021 was the inaugural year for us in Australia. We acquired the Quadient Oceania business in December 2020 to increase our footprint across Asia Pacific. The focus for us in 2021 was to stabilise the business and look for ways to improve. And we’ve done that in addition to attracting top talent. Most importantly, we wanted to retain all our customers in 2021, which we achieved. We also delivered better earnings in 2021 than 2020. We wanted to make sure that we created more bundled value for customers. We also introduced an e-Services component last year around managing print mail services where we offer customers, particularly the low-end print volume user base of customers, not just the equipment solution, but also the service of downloading their print files, sequencing them, completing the inserting production process, and doing the last mile mail process for them. This adds a layer

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of value-adding service for the customer, taking care of their production work and saving them money. Services are really the value that customers are looking for – they want you to be doing more for them rather than just providing equipment, supplies or media solutions. But the question is how innovative can you get in that space, how do you leverage your assets and infrastructure? One thing that is necessary is that the industry needs to understand the trends and use data to help vendors. The technology, as we are seeing it, is shifting towards environmentally-friendly solutions. Textiles and paper-based media is also maturing here in Australia, along with the growth in large format and packaging, which is where businesses are focusing. With borders opening, there’s going to be a new energy that can be injected into the Australian commercial printing industry. Businesses need to access where they’re going to be in the mid- to long-term and how the trends will impact them. We also need to understand the revenue size of the industry and do enough research in that space. Ask yourselves what are the declining stats? How can businesses create sustainable strategies? What are the employment risks? We need to have these conversations and make it a key part of industry forums.

The focus for businesses should be governance and cash flow management, particularly in this environment that we are wading through. No matter the size of the business, it’s very important to have a very clear understanding of good debt and credit management. In 2022, the focus for Smartech Business Systems is to grow our business despite COVID and the industry headwinds. We intend to do this by upskilling our staff and growing our headcount with a very diversified company. We strongly believe in the diversification of our people, ideas, and the innovation that we offer. Companies should also strive to have a more sustainable business model for the future of their businesses. The key is to transition from a reactive place of business into an interactive position. This position requires active dialogue and communication with industry groups, peers, customers, service chain ecosystem and with employees. If this is working well for your business, then you will naturally transition to proactivity. If you gather your findings and implement a successful strategy following that, you ultimately become proactive. New business metrics is also important and relevant to consider, right? COVID has changed everything for us, and business models need to change considerably to result in better business performance outcomes.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Alleviating the challenges that LIE AHEAD LEADERS FORUM 2022

Tate Hone Managing Director, Avon Graphics

021 continued to bring the printing industry unprecedented times that flowed on from 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic. We faced supply chain issues, which continued to get worse with demand on the printing industry and its timings, which happened to be stronger than ever before. However, the industry itself, generally, was busy enough – keeping materials and stock levels high was the biggest issue it faced. To keep relevant, plenty of companies in the industry invested heavily in new equipment. We find that installing new technology and crossing over into new processes is a great way to keep relevant. At Avon Graphics, we installed our first Durst P5 350/HS press in the Southern Hemisphere in August 2021 and was one of the first three companies globally to have it. We added a P5 350/ HS with an automated stacker to our Melbourne premises and were the first worldwide to own that configuration; that’s a big win for our customers. Being a trade house, we work closely with many printers in most areas of print finishing. Having worked in large format printing for about five years, which was a slower speed market, Avon Graphics also changed direction in 2021, resulting in our purchase of the Durst P5 350/HS press. Being able to react with speed and efficiency, as well as at the right price is

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what our customers are continually looking for. So, putting this faster machine in has enabled us to maintain our high-quality outputs, which we’re known for. 2022 will be no different to what we have experienced these last two years. There will always be consolidation in the printing industry, just as we have seen in recent times. Growth through acquisition is an important part of the industry’s future. I expect the industry to be buoyant for the rest of 2022, but the bigger issues in supply of materials will continue to exist. If we can keep our supply chains strong and in good shape, there will be huge opportunities for the right companies. The industry is changing due to the evolving conditions brought about by the effects of COVID-19, and printers need to be prepared to work through those changes. This may be through consolidation, rationalisation, investing in new technologies, or other strategies. A focus on new markets that can be sold on existing equipment, acquisition for growth, new technology and processes, and partnering with your network to build on your future are just some of the strategies that businesses can adopt for growth. The first step in this process is for you to read the market. Know where is it heading and what changes you can predict will be coming up? If you can forecast the trends and the types of work that are

emerging in the industry, you can aim to be ready before your competitors. It’s also a good time to create new trends – what can you offer that the Australian print market doesn’t? Don’t be afraid to take on or try new things as experimenting may give you the positive outcomes that you may not have expected. Plus, that would put you ahead of the competition as you would have a unique offering or a play in a different market that they don’t have. Outsmarting your competitors may just be the differentiator that you need to make a difference. Specific to Avon Graphics, we will be looking towards more growth in 2022. This will be a mix of both organic growth, and potentially growth through acquisition. We have also recently purchased more automated equipment that is due for arrival soon. Automation will be gaining more and more traction in 2022. So, automating through new equipment will be a big focus in the upcoming tradeshows. Keeping ahead of this trend, print companies need to staff their companies with people that hone the right skills. It is currently hard to work through this given the shortage of skilled workers in our industry, but having current staff upskilled and apprenticeship programmes that bring in a new breed of print professionals, we can alleviate the challenges ahead.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Building excitement and ENTHUSIASM LEADERS FORUM 2022

Luke Woodhead Managing Director, Breen Printing

owards the end of 2020, we were all holding out hope for the new year. Daily COVID-19 case numbers were falling and lockdowns were ending around the country. It was looking like things were starting to go back to normal. Unfortunately, not long into 2021, we were again faced with widespread outbreaks and were again thrown back into disarray and uncertainty with statewide lockdowns and border closures reemerging. The situation was all too familiar, only this time there was little to no government support for the print industry and business leaders were still suffering the 2020 hangover. The knock-on effect caused a lot of anxiety for people about the future of print and how it would be positioned in a post pandemic world. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that an adaptive mindset is the key to survival. Print leaders who had managed to adopt this way of thinking were able to not only survive through 2021 but succeed. Staying nimble, thinking on your feet and being ready for anything is incredibly important for business leaders to be able to drive their businesses forward. In saying that, no amount of adaptability matters without the right people by your side. In 2021, it had never been more important for business leaders to connect with the people around them. As a small business we find it important to always

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make an active effort to support the people we connect with, whether it be colleagues, customers, suppliers or peers. On the back of what’s being called “The great resignation”, in 2022, we need to find ways to boost interest in the print industry, to bring fresh ideas and young enthusiasm. The introduction of new apprenticeship opportunities, upskilling of our current workforce and the merging of digital technology and traditional print can reignite interest in the everchanging print landscape. The idea that print is a dying art is far from the truth. With global warming coming back into focus and environmental initiatives such as Net Zero targets re-emerging, the print industry has never been more relevant. The Australian government’s target to remove single use plastic packaging from supermarket shelves by 2025 means we’ll see even more innovative environmental solutions hit the market during 2022. This brings the potential to spark an environmental packaging revolution, which we all can be a part of. Breen Printing is clearly focussed on the horizon. We can’t predict what the coming years will bring and what role print will play in the wider community, but what we do know is that people make the industry work. With an ageing workforce and pandemic jitters effecting the industry,

we all need to focus on our people. Bringing some new blood through the ranks and up-skilling the great people we already have will refresh the print industry and see it flourish for years to come. As industry leaders, we need to find new ways of building excitement and enthusiasm for print by promoting the passion we all have for this great industry, not just to our customers and peers, but to the wider community, our teams and suppliers. Small businesses, in particular, need to start offering sustainable opportunities for future generations. Combining new technologies and digital solutions with traditional print advertising is a great way to bring new interest and opportunity to the industry. Our plan for 2022 is to continue to be an advocate for mental health support, focus on our people and bring some fresh enthusiasm into the industry. We’ll also be expanding on our digital presence and finding innovative ways to reduce our impact on the environment. Moving forward, it’s incredibly important for industry leaders to always keep our doors open and our minds active. Never turn anyone away that needs a chat, as it can change a life and you never know what opportunities might come of it. I’m optimistic about the future of print and expect to see some great things emerge over the next 12 months.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Being prepared to automate and

DIVERSIFY LEADERS FORUM 2022

Keith Ferrel General Manager - Operations, Cactus Imaging

e saw a mixture in how the industry performed in 2021, with some parts of print and visual communications struggling while others boomed. Parts of the market, such as large format and billboards, suffered because of the impact of COVID on retail and events. This resulted in the closures and consolidation of some companies. Others, such as labels and packaging have just exploded in growth. In saying that, in the last three to four months, areas that were affected are starting to pick up as events kick-start again. To survive, many had to diversify. And sometimes, diversification costs money, which a lot of people didn’t have during the pandemic or were trying to protect it. So, there was a fine and tricky line in terms of investing in technology. Cactus Imaging has been very fortunate – we had a record year in 2021 and are looking to beat that this year. We’ve diversified, especially though the pandemic, but that’s something we have done over the last 10 years. We also supported the industry in terms of event sponsorships and helped several of our competitors that were affected by floods and fires. We also showed support through being an important part of member associations. Investment in technology was a luxury for a few, but we took the risk and

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spent the best part of about $1 million on new technology over this COVID period. We realised we had to invest in automation as we wanted to keep ourselves relevant. It’s a hard decision for business leaders to make – to keep the money in the bank but run the risk of not having the technologies when opportunities present themselves, or spending the money to plan for growth but the market doesn’t come to fruition. If the start of 2022 is any indication, most businesses are prepared to invest in technology. They’re prepared to automate and diversify. I am due to travel internationally in the coming months to look at some of the new innovations that manufacturers will soon bring to market. I don’t expect there to be quantum leaps in technology this year, but I expect to see printers with better quality prints, more automated and hybrid machines, and machines that enable you to diversify into different areas pf print, while using just that one machine. There will also be developments in ink sets – water-based inks will be a big thing coming up. But the biggest innovation for me will be in terms of substrates as there’s a growing number of clients that are demanding to print PVC free, as well as focusing on recyclability and biodegradable materials. Cactus Imaging has been working on recyclability, as far as billboards are concerned, for the last eight or nine years

and done a lot of R&D on it. The fact is that about 35 per cent of all the billboards we do is now on recyclable material. So, the push towards sustainability has been growing and will continue to grow in the coming years. If you’re not going to get on the sustainability bandwagon, you’re better off closing your doors because it’s going to be crucial going forward. However, one of the biggest challenges that we’re facing today – and will face in the near future – is staffing. So, we’ve got to protect the staff that we have. Even with a stable workforce of staff who have been working with us for more than 10 years, Cactus Imaging saw some challenges in this area as a chunk of our staff had to stay home after contracting COVID, as numbers surged recently. But to attract new staff, we’ve found it difficult as there’s not enough accreditations or training for younger people in TAFE or in the industry. So, we’ve had to either look for fresh talent and train them ourselves or upskill our existing staff. Moving forward, our focus is and will always be on our customers and staff. It’s very important to have a happy workforce and that their families are being looked after. We also continually strive to ensure that our customers are getting the best service, quality and offerings, which is why we’ll be investing in growth and technology in the months to come.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Emerging through the pressures of

2022 LEADERS FORUM 2022

Kenneth Beck-Pedersen Co-Founder and Director, Carbon8

022 started the way 2021 began, with many hoping for a better year than the one we’ve just completed. 2021 was a series of false starts, confusion, promises made and broken, and a year that saw an increasing number of gun-shy customers. Lockdowns are certainly not the friend of a commercial printer as Carbon8 is. We are lucky that we cover a broad range of clients who dip into packaging, labels, signage, and personalised keepsakes but with the lion’s share of our customers forced to sit out large parts of the year, 2021 certainly was another year to forget. Having said that, Carbon8 continued to invest in machinery to broaden our capabilities in-house and to supply many niche products such as puzzles that suddenly became de rigueur. This ability to produce much of our work entirely inhouse certainly became a serious strength during lockdowns and supply-chain congestion. We spent much of the year refining our processes, attempting to lean down further where we could, and improve our systems. When lockdowns did lift late in the year, we were slammed in a way we hadn’t experienced in some time. The game then was trying to take all the work that suddenly was on offer without letting anyone down. Early in the pandemic, we did lean quite heavily on the Print & Visual

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Communication Association (PVCA) for information around the multitude of new laws and restrictions but as time went on, we had to become more self-reliant. What has developed though, is a genuine camaraderie and friendship between some other printing companies as we’ve had to band together to share knowledge, staff, equipment, and ideas to ensure that we delivered for our customers. This will continue and it’s only through some tougher times that this has come to pass. Broadly, in 2022, I think the industry is going to continue to be under immense downward pressure on pricing combined with many sectors also experiencing decreased demand. Clearly this is a tough challenge especially considering increased costs of raw materials and labour. I’d also love to see the industry bodies more aggressively take on the incorrect assumption by many that print is inherently unsustainable. At Carbon8, we have installed nearly 70kW in a solar array on the roof of our Marrickville plant and all power we now buy from the grid is 100 per cent renewable. Combine this with industry leading print machinery and recycled or possibly carbon neutral papers, print can and is in a very real sense sustainable. The problem is that we can tell our customers this, but if the broader public continue to hear the message that sustainability is defined by

your ability to not print something, what is the alternative then? Printing millions of phone books and distributing them now also seems so outdated and it’s clear this has now well and truly been superseded by the ability to search online. But when people actively choose a digital invitation for a wedding in the misguided belief that they are being more sustainable, we have lost the messaging war in our industry. To survive the year, businesses need to stay engaged, confident, open to new ideas and positive. The fact that we have made our business leaner without watering down our offering or lowering our service level and that we’ve brought more vital parts of our business in-house gives us the confidence to take on any adversities. But with government support now finished, it will be a very different experience in 2022. Moving forward, as packaging was clearly a survivor through the pandemic, it makes sense for us to broaden our base to include more of this sector. We will also soon upgrade our B2 Indigo to run 600-micron board, which is an exciting improvement that will allow us to produce the highest quality, personalised, multiple skew folded carton packaging. This year will also host several tradeshows, which we are interested in. They are always a great place to be inspired and to discover new things on the horizon.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Set a strong culture AND FOUNDATION

LEADERS FORUM 2022

Jason Smith Managing Director, Clark & Mackay

ith the pandemic doing its thing around Australia, it seemed that many industries were either expanding rapidly or falling over in 2021. Of course, the print industry was much the same, and I know of several print houses that slowed and shut down, or were the exact opposite, having to turn work away with their production timelines over six weeks. Particularly, with the increase in import times and delays in shipping, we found several boutique book publishers looking to print and produce locally, rather than taking their work offshore which was a fantastic opportunity for local manufacturers. The viral pandemic, lockdowns, and working from home arrangements were high on the list of challenges for 2021, and even more so as teams were reduced with the increased home isolations. Always top of my mind though, is that relevance in the marketplace is about being adaptable to the situations at hand. Having flexible processes with in-built redundancies for keeping the work moving, is part of staying adaptable and relevant. 2021 was a big year for both the Clark & Mackay and Ocean Reeve Publishing families. This marked the first year the two businesses moved together under one roof, as well as the first year of the new management for Clark & Mackay.

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And what a steep learning curve it was! Additionally, the upward trend in self and independently published books continued, and with offshore printing looking less attractive, more and more books were hitting the presses here in Brisbane. Twelve months ago, I said print packaging would be an interesting place to look, and while I still agree with this, I’d like to mention that boutique book production saw a large spike for us over 2021. As such, I fully expect that this will continue in 2022, with a larger demand on high end finishing options like casebinding, foiling, embossing, and spot UV. The two best words to describe 2022 will be flexibility and clear thinking. As we begin looking to life after the pandemic, many businesses will be looking to differentiate themselves in a saturated digital marketing space; print media will hold a special part of the solution. As such, clear thinking to match the consumers’ needs and flexibility to maintain operations and deadlines as other businesses work their way free of the COVID world seems paramount. The general population is ready to leave the word ‘COVID’ behind and get on with their lives. We know it’s here, and that it is still affecting us, but many are ready to just accept that it’s part of life, if not for much longer. From a financial viewpoint, I think we will see more changes in spending

habits as people leave isolation and want to get out and travel. It is certainly an interesting time to be in business, and I would be lying if I said business owners weren’t skeptically excited about the months ahead. I feel that the rest of 2022 will bring thinking back to the power of print media and how we can cut through the noise of digital marketing. And as we return to trade shows, there is a good chance many creators are looking to get out and about with the ideas they’ve been brewing in isolation. Internally, businesses should be focusing primarily on maintaining connection with their team and providing support for teams affected by reduced numbers. Externally, connection with suppliers and clients is imperative, especially with the understanding that everyone is similarly affected at this time. A business associate recently said to me that culture eats strategy for breakfast, and looking at businesses that have survived the previous years, I would say the sentiment is accurate. COVID showed the world that it’s fine to have a plan, but sometimes the plan just can’t take into account what will really happen; stranger than fiction. So, focusing on culture and ensuring the team’s foundation is strong will ensure that whatever happens, the team will be able to rely on each other and see the operation through.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Planning for the longevity of

BUSINESS LEADERS FORUM 2022

James Sultana Managing Director, Grand Print Services

lot of people faced many challenges in 2021. Volumes were considerably down, and businesses were impacted across the states by the multiple COVID lockdowns. All that put together had a great effect on things like expos and retail, and a lot of segments were totally decimated. As a result, some businesses within our industry went broke, some just got through, while others – those that took advantage of opportunities – had a lot of work that arose from the growth of certain segments. But towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, with vaccination rates growing internationally, there has been a push for businesses to keep operating. Everyone just wants to get on with life, which is fair enough after two years of disruption. In 2021, a lot of businesses just found different ways to make money. Businesses had to pivot, and the bigger companies, especially, had a lot of pressure to come up with different ideas. Grand Print Services had enough of our work to keep the machines running and everyone employed. We focused on making sure that everything was in line within our company, and keeping things as close to normal as possible. We supported our clients and suppliers to the best that we could. If any of our clients needed anything urgently, we made it happen.

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And obviously, in turn, we keep getting the work from these clients. So, everyone wins. If we keep being flexible with customers, they show their support to us. We’ve also recently purchased a SwissQ print large format machine that will be installed in the coming weeks and shows our support for our suppliers. The machine will give us considerably more capacity in our flatbed department. We’ll be able to handle substantial jobs, which we struggle with at the moment. The quality of our products will be even better, and we’ll be able to deliver them at faster speeds and timeframes. It’s all about speed to market these days. Our industry must keep up with the latest technologies to offer our customers something original. Moving further into 2022, I have a good feeling about opportunities in the market. Whilst it may have not totally kicked in yet, I think there’s a fair amount of optimism going around, and our industry is expected to bounce back this year. More people are starting to get out and about and travelling to events like expos, so there’s hope that positive things are going to happen this year. Businesses need to ensure that they’ve got the right machinery to support that bounce back. Some, may say it’s a bit of a risk to invest now, but we see an opportunity

coming with higher volumes on the horizon (compared with previous COVID years). I expect further growth in the packaging area, especially short-runs. Its growth has skyrocketed since the emergence of COVID and the early adopters of trends have already made their mark in this space. Interior furnishing is another big growth area as well. We ourselves are working on a few things in the interior furnishing space. I can’t divulge too much away but it’s an area where people understand the opportunities because it involves high value work. In my opinion, the key to succeeding in the coming years is for businesses to put their efforts into servicing the client and understanding their needs. I believe you must be very flexible with your customers’ needs. You need to just make things happen for them. Business leaders need to plan not just for tomorrow, but for the longevity of their businesses. You’ve got to always be looking for new opportunities – whether it’s in the same industries or diversifying to different industries, or whether it is with different products or customers. You’ve always got to have your eye on the next opportunity. That’s what we at Grand Print Services will be doing, along with ensuring that we keep our very high levels of service up and making sure our clients get the best outcomes.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Taking a cautious

APPROACH LEADERS FORUM 2022

Emmanuel Buhagiar Owner, Imagination Graphics

021 ended up being an okay year for the print and visual communications industry, and not a year as bad as we all thought it may be. I reflect on my analysis of the Print Leaders Forum in 2021, addressing 2020 as a tumultuous year. In comparison to the year that was, 2021 was one where people in our industry could plan for their businesses better. Demand for printing services delivered an upward momentum in 2021, and there was also less panic caused by the pandemic. Yes, there were some lockdowns experienced by businesses in NSW and Victoria, but having gone through them in 2020, businesses knew what to expect and how to navigate through them. Many companies within our industry continued the momentum of pivoting their businesses in 2021, diversifying into areas that were showing more signs of growth. This included the production and sales of solutions that were required because of COVID, such as face masks and COVID screens, in addition to venturing more into the signage area. The Federal Budget for 2021 also provided some relief with the full expensing of eligible assets and the instant asset write-off scheme. In 2021, Imagination Graphics beefed up its finishing capacity in-house. We ended up purchasing equipment – including a folding machine, two

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laminating machines, a cello-glazing machine, and a perfect binder – from another printer earlier in the year, who is also now doing print management work under the same roof. To help ease finishing slowdowns, we also installed a new Horizon BQ-270V PUR binder through Currie Group, a NeoCut-0806 digital cutter from Smartech (formerly Neopost) and invested in a second-hand Polar guillotine in August. We also took some time to retrain some of the staff and looked after other printers with good trade pricing. Planning way ahead is an uncertainty going into 2021 as COVID still has a big hold on everyone and everything. However, I feel this year and next could see more of the selling and/or merging of a few businesses. As the pandemic situation is still volatile, my advice for business leaders would be to remain very cautious and for them not to stick their necks out too far. They also need to keep an eye on their cash flows and month to month spending. With COVID cases on the rise, I believe a lot of sick leave will be taken over the next 12 months as well, resulting in people needing to isolate. This will jeopardise printing deadlines. So, clients will need to be flexible as deadlines will have to be negotiated, and printers need to upskill staff in the event that they need to cover the workload of other

staff in different areas of their company. Instead of only working harder, working smarter is the advantage that the industry needs to prosper. The other thing that businesses need to ensure their focus is on is customer service and pricing. How much a business grows all depends on what markets and what kind of clients they have. It is always good to get new clients, but it’s also important to refine the way a business works with its existing clients and streamline internal processes so that they find it easier to work with you. I foresee the rest of 2022 to offer a bit more to be smooth sailing. As more and more people get vaccinated borders open internationally, trade, tradeshows, and events will resume. With that comes the opportunity for our industry to provide solutions. I also look forward to attending tradeshows again, as they not only present us with an opportunity to have a look at the latest printing technologies, but to also meet with other printers and learn from each other’s experiences. I will be attending PacPrint this year and in line with Imagination Graphics’ strategy to grow our in-house finishing capabilities, am hoping to invest in some smarter finishing and embellishing machinery. As always, Imagination Graphics aims to continue to support our industry associations and other printers with information and help when required.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Start mitigating against future

RISKS LEADERS FORUM 2022

Aleks Lajovic Managing Director, Impact International

021 was certainly a challenging year. We started 2021 thinking it would be better than 2020, but sadly it turned into a continuation of delays, price increases, uncertainty and restrictions. From our perspective, it was a year that we were glad to survive, a year where we had to make decisions quickly and a year where we invested heavily in stock. 2021 was the year where the industry frequently had to deal with the unexpected and constantly adapt. To keep relevant within Impact, we continued our sustainability journey, with our focus on increasing the size of our solar farm and reducing our carbon footprint. In 2021, we were the only printing and packaging business in Australia to own our own forest infrastructure for the purpose of carbon sequestration and native wildlife preservation. To further support industry, we ensured that we paid our bills in full and on time. We are also a gold sponsor of the Penrith Museum of Printing – ensuring that the art of printing is preserved, supported and available for future generations to study. We also continued our R&D work, with new innovative packaging about to be launched in 2022. Through innovation, we support the wider industry. Simply put, 2022 is going to be tough. With the current isolation rules for positive COVID-19 cases and close

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contacts, companies will find it difficult to fully staff their production lines. Supply chains will remain unstable, from a pricing and lead time perspective. I think the skills shortage will bite harder, with many companies struggling to replace staff who retire or resign. If you are not already prepared for 2022, it is probably too late. The last 18 to 24 months have really highlighted the risks involved with offshore supply chains. Sea freight is no longer stable (in terms of delivery times and cost) plus air freight has become extremely expensive. Air freight cannot be used regularly to cover delayed sea freight shipments. We have been using the ‘K.I.S.S’ phrase for the last 24 months, but we changed it so that it stands for ‘Keep Immense Stock Stupid’. This is easier said than done however, as the alternative is not very pleasant. We have worked hard to increase the number of local suppliers over the last three years. Our advise is that the further your supply chain is away from you, the more risker it is and the harder it is to manage. Look for areas that you think may cause you problems in two or three years’ time and start mitigating against those risks the best you can. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, globalisation was a 20-year phenomenon. COVID-19 has caused many people to reconsider if globalisation is the right strategy for

their business. As I read somewhere, “buy local or bye local”. A strong and diverse local industry is better for Australia and better for local printing and packaging companies. We should plan on how to build the Australian industry back up. The online shopping movement is one that cannot be ignored, with many opportunities present. Many of our customers are now placing a greater emphasis on the sustainability credentials of their suppliers with a number paying a slightly higher price to go with the “greener option”. As such, I expect we will see several new innovations that focus on sustainability in 2022. This may be a new press that uses less energy, more sustainable substrates that becomes available or a new ink system that one can consider. At Impact, we will be focusing on our sustainability efforts, staff morale and customer satisfaction in 2022. We know that this year will be another six to 12 months of complicated supply chains and delays, so managing everyone’s expectations will require a lot of effort. We will also focus on following our mission statement and trying to keep a level head. Most people are fatigued from managing the challenges the pandemic has delivered. So, we will be doing our best to keep our customers happy and to treat our suppliers with understanding when it comes to delivery delays.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Be nimble, flexible and

ADAPT LEADERS FORUM 2022

Rodney Frost Group CEO, The Lamson Paragon Group of Companies

s we can all attest, 2021 was a year of ups and downs for the entire industry. Where each of us sat on the roller coaster was highly dependent on the verticals we served and the products and/ or services that we offered. There was a lot of stopping and starting across the various states with the continued focus on aligning to COVID mandated rules, but we all got through. I’m incredibly grateful for the flexibility and resilience of our team at The Lamson Group, as our culture really shone through. Our team really protected each other through the uncertain times. The Lamson Group continued its focus on staying close to its partners and ensuring that we do remain relevant via the products and services we offer whilst ensuring we lead the way adopting ESG principles as a trade partner to the industry. Some examples were significant investments in reduction of our CO2 emissions via our solar power system, taking us off the grid at our main site when the sun is up. We have also driven focus into offering free web portals that are all specific to our partners and built with a partnership focus, offering more than what our group can offer. This ensures that our partners can offer 24/7 accessibility to their clients. Another example was the growth in our Integrated OS business, helping our partners compete and scale.

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The Lamson Group was also honoured to sponsor the Industry Achievement Award at the ProPrint Awards for 2021. We also contributed to The Real Media Collective (TRMC) webinars to share the strategies we were employing during COVID and around supporting the mental health of our team. We continued to offer confidential discussions with our partners on potential markets and strategies to work on in partnership. Furthermore, I have joined the board at TRMC to actively give back to the industry and to TRMC members. To prepare itself in 2022, businesses need to remain nimble, flexible and be able to adapt to the challenges ahead. The best thing each of us can do is to scenario plan based on a series of revenue numbers. My personal prediction is that there will be some industry consolidation occurring towards the back end of the year as the ‘new normal’ becomes apparent early in 2022. Government messaging suggests that we are opening up and that there won’t be any further material financial support for businesses. Diversification and cost/margin control are the two key areas for focus for the year ahead. Assume there will be less of what was. In saying this, ask yourself what your market share percentage is, and how you can double that? Run your 2021 numbers and take out Government Grants.

Determine how you performed when the accounts are normalised? Find ways to increase the wallet share amongst your existing relationships as it’s seven times easier than finding a new client. We all also need to look at other markets to re-frame our value-add if we are to maintain the same cost base. Our environmental impact is another focus area to ensure that we are all leaving behind a world that’s in better condition. In terms of growth areas, digital labels and packaging seem to continue to be large. They come with the caveat that we all need to be careful not to chase the shiny light, like what happened in the wide format sector. The main tip here is to stop and plan – don’t plan on the run. Spend time planning where you want to be in five years and how you will get there. Set your plan, print it, and make sure you read it weekly. For those in NSW, I recommend going through the NSW Business Connect Program that the government runs – the advisors there get you thinking and working on your business. Other states have similar programs. In 2022, The Lamson Group will be focussing more on absolute relevance and partnerships. We have a lot to offer printers, print managers, copy shops and other reselling partners. We are looking forward to having our partners and prospects through our plant once again.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Plan to stay

LEAN LEADERS FORUM 2022

Frank Mezo Director, Mezographic

021 was a year of mixed fortune that saw the arrival of vaccines and hope for the end of COVID, but also the end of the Federal Government’s support and the lingering after-effects of staff shortages and vaccine mandates that caused issues for almost everyone I know within the industry. Yes, the vaccines bring hope for a ‘new normal’, with businesses going back into operation, but what this also means is an increase in the number of COVID-positive cases. This has, so far, resulted in staff shortages when they contract the virus, as they must isolate and are unable to attend work. Victoria also faced the worst year of lockdowns in 2021 – possibly the worst since the emergence of COVID. Even though print is considered an essential service and had the go-ahead to keep operating, several of the industry’s clients, in general, had to shut their doors temporarily, which affected print. The silver lining to the situation was that having faced lockdowns the year prior, businesses within our industry had learnt how to operate around these lockdowns and many of them had in place strategies to navigate through the situation. From relatively early on in 2021, Mezographic saw an increase in print demand for point of sale, so we dedicated our efforts to that and were once again focused on production outcomes.

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To support our growth and production outcomes, we installed two new cutting tables to add to our finishing capacity in 2021. Apart from that, we ensured that we paid – and still ensure that we pay – our bills on time. If you ask anyone in business, one of the most frustrating issues is dealing with cash flow. As such, by paying our bills on time, it helps everyone in the production chain, even though it’s just a simple thing to do. In 2022, businesses need to take a cautious approach moving forward. With international borders opening up to each other, it’s inevitable that the number of COVID cases will be on the rise. And I expect more variants and a winter surge in cases. So, all businesses need to be aware and plan to stay lean. This can be done by keeping some funds available for any potential hard times ahead. Without any aid from the Federal Government, we need to ensure that our cash flows remain positive, and we have sufficient funds for us to tap into our savings if needed. One of the approaches for growth is to look at areas that may have traditionally been sourced offshore, or branching out to support other industries. With the push for more Australianmade solutions and global shipping problems delaying freight times, purchasing locally has become more feasible for many verticals, presenting

opportunities for our industry. The industry also needs to always look to innovation and what it can do for your clients. Automated machines are necessary, especially with the challenges we’re currently facing as an industry and having the best technologies that can support quality and fast lead times are essential. Always look to speed and quality for clients as it’s these customers that drive the profitability of your business. In addition, be conscious of environmental improvements that you can offer, and ensure that the technologies you adopt reflect your business’ environmental consciousness. However, a pending interest rate rise could potentially slow the economy later in the year, so businesses need to ensure that they’re careful not to overextend their investments. This goes back to my point above about keeping some funds saved for any difficult times faced in future. As for Mezographic in 2022, we will continue to provide our customers with exceptional service and quality, and aim to do it even better! We have plans to attend FESPA in Berlin and are strategising our future investments. Specifically, we will be looking into water-based single pass technology, so those technologies will be what we’ll be looking out for at the upcoming tradeshows later this year. We hope 2022 is a more fruitful year for all.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Standing in

GOOD STEAD

LEADERS FORUM 2022

Nathan Sable CEO, Omnigraphics Australia

021 was a challenging year for all businesses for obvious reasons. Having said that, the print industry was fortunate in that we were able to maintain some momentum during lockdowns and restrictions by being able to supply essential services industries such as governments, supermarkets, pharmacies, and others. With increased vaccination rates, and therefore the opening up of the country, there has also been somewhat of a resurgence and advertisers are keen to make up on lost time. Omnigraphics Australia, MMT Print and BMG Australia were able to provide images such as floor decals showing social distancing, signage for COVID tests and vaccination hubs, as well as service various other organisations that needed to maintain a presence throughout the year. We maintained constant contact with our clients to let them know that we were there for them and help us plan ahead for incoming work. Our three print businesses are members of the Outdoor Media Association (OMA) and as such, also frequently support its many social and industry initiatives. We were also there to support our business colleagues and competitors when required. As the world continues to learn to live with the pandemic, we should anticipate surges in cases particularly mid-year and

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therefore in turn, business would naturally be affected by this. Despite this, it is human nature for us to forge ahead and we predict a busy and successful year ahead. Moving forward, we are anticipating a huge bounce back of clients for the industry at the start of 2022. Everyone is keen to make up for lost time and we have been asked to prepare for work to come in right from the get-go. As a result, our businesses are planning for large volumes of work and in preparation of it, we recently upgraded our equipment to cope with this influx of work. Some examples of our recent investment in machinery include our installation of an Inca Onset X3, which we purchased from Fujifilm Australia in August 2021 and MMT Print installing Queensland’s first EFI VUTEk 5r+ rollto-roll LED printer in our Shailer Park premises in September 2021. With many tradeshows and events due to kickstart again in 2022, along with global border openings, many of our suppliers are keen for us to travel overseas to see their new innovations. As it has always been a priority for us to keep at the forefront of the latest technology, we are likely to investigate what is available in terms of new equipment and software and invest in them where we see fit. Omnigraphics Australia, MMT Print and BMG

Australia will continue plans to expand its offering and ensure that we will be able to provide for the many different needs of our clients. Diversification has always been a key element to our success, and we will continue to look at new opportunities in the marketplace. In recent times, there has been an increased demand for digital signage for clients who want to take advantage of advertising multiple products as well have having the versatility to change their message. Within our business, it has also been important for us to look after our staff and reciprocate the loyalty that they have shown to us. The same goes for our clients who have stood by us through the challenging times presented to us over the past couple of years. We will be focussed on servicing our existing client base and expanding further with the many new opportunities that have been presented to us. As we have seen in the last couple of years, it has been extremely difficult to plan for the future when there is so much uncertainty ahead of us. The most important quality for any business to have is the ability to be flexible and react accordingly at short notice. We have put in place processes and procedures to cope with circumstances similar to that which we have encountered over 2020 and 2021 – this, we know will stand us in good stead this year.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Planning for the long-term

FUTURE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Nina Nguyen CEO and Founder, Pakko

he past year has seen change, instability and disruption throughout Australia and the world. For the cardboard manufacturing industry, the year was defined by a strong sense of community and commitment to our industry. While we missed human contact, the ability to stay connected made us feel supported. As an industry, we were quick to adopt changes to suit our suppliers and our customers, implement technology and to simplify processes to enable faster delivery. The printing and packaging industry demonstrated an ability to deliver in times of market uncertainty; our capacity to adapt to change and pivot certainly stood out in 2021. For Pakko, the experiences of 2021 encouraged us to challenge the way in which we worked to stay relevant in a constantly changing world. In 2021 and into 2022, the key themes we will continue to see emerge across the industry are: a focus on technology (AI, mechanisation and process), innovation (new design programs), and sustainability (production, waste and reduction process). Based on 2021 and the record online sales recorded in Australia, there will also be continued opportunities for the industry to redesign and promote branding through online mailing and gift boxes. The experiences of 2021 have clearly

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demonstrated that as an industry, it’s more important than ever that we continue to communicate and work together. As we look forward, we must consider the global and economic implications of our actions and for the next five years at least, we must: • Be adaptable: Ensure that our strategy and plans can be shifted in a moment • Be ready to pivot: Rethink who, how and when to suit changes • Have a Plan B: For every innovation or technological advancement Planning for the long-term future means looking outside of your own business and considering the impact of external influences on the business, preparing, and initiating a contingency plan for things like sudden changes in the global economy, changes to logistics and supply chain, increases in the cost of freight, changes to currency exchange rates and customer demands, amongst others. Our customers are looking for value – not just value for money, but real value. Our customers want to know that they are working with a business that is engaged with the community and is doing the right thing by their team, by the environment, and by their suppliers. For Pakko and for many other businesses, 2022 will focus on opportunities surrounding technology and sustainability, to deliver innovative products to our customers.

As we look to the future in 2022 and beyond, it is also impossible to ignore the impact of sustainability on our industry and developing innovation to create and implement sustainable business practices. The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has recently updated the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, so the printing and packaging industry needs to support moves that will deliver the best outcomes for the future of packaging. In sustainability, we can expect to see innovations in the range and arability of new sustainable dyes and inks. In technology, we anticipate numerous advancements in smart packaging design and interactive packaging, with enhanced branding and QR codes. Our team at Pakko is also dedicated to raising the profile of Australian Manufacturing and Australian Made. Pakko is also focused on targeted, strategic planning in 2022, and excelling in our capabilities. This year, we hope to refine our strategic vision and implement our plan to grow and develop our online design services, allowing us to expand on the success of the existing Interactive Design Platform. We are also excited to see tradeshows returning as they provide an opportunity for our print and packaging communities to meet and communicate while exploring new industry technology and innovations.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Turning challenges into OPPORTUNITIES

LEADERS FORUM 2022

Daniel Edwards Account Manager, Posterboy Printing

021 was a tough year for print. Many of us in the trade that work with the retail or events industries, especially, were greatly impacted due to the prolonged lock downs. However, I was impressed by our Federal and State governments and the speed in which they implemented and distributed the government subsidies. From my perspective, the subsidies helped to keep many businesses viable. For the second year since COVID reared its head, ‘pivot’ was the word in many business circles to keep them alive and going. Some businesses successfully pivoted into entirely new fields. I saw print shops pivot into making face shields, providing deep clean services, and installing spray shields. The promotional items and work wear businesses were wellpositioned to start producing branded face masks. Of course, signage around COVID measures were necessary as well, and the printing industry took advantage of the opportunity, producing the various signage materials that were required in workplaces, retail outlets and public areas. Personally, I spent the lockdown writing a book about print marketing. The book focuses on making the most out of the print medium through principles common in great pieces of print marketing. Writing the book taught me many things in the way I have approached print

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marketing – for example, it has changed the way I talk to my customers about print. I’ve found myself making more suggestions on how businesses can make customers’ prints better pieces, and getting them excited about what they are ordering. I’ve stopped talking about colours and designs, and instead started talking about materials and experiences. Print has a tactile presence, and it is the only form of communication that can fundamentally change its form. People understand the world through touch more than any other sense; the tactile experience of holding a print communicates a lot, and it is an opportunity for printers to talk to customers from a new angle. Looking forward to 2022, if lockdowns return, I expect the industry to face some tough times again, though the inevitable worsening of supply chain issues will strengthen the case for onshore production. If lockdowns don’t return, the reopening of retail and events will be a welcome relief and return to normal for many. There is reason to be optimistic though, with international and state borders opening, vaccination rates increasing, and the normalisation of QR codes, which is bringing a spring back to out of home activities and what that means for print. One big area for growth in 2022 is QR codes. For years now, there has been

a format war going on between various AR apps fighting for dominance, diluting usage and stunting the usefulness of the concept. We’ve seen format wars before, in the 1980s between VCR and BetaMax, and in the 1990s/2000s between Blu-Ray and DVD. Crowning a winner in the AR format war will increase the ROI on print by sending more people online. And it won’t just increase the traffic – QR codes will start generating data for print. The lack of data, especially when compared to digital marketing, is perhaps the biggest weakness of print. QR codes will address that weakness directly. More attributable traffic from print means the ROI on print goes up, resulting in marketers spending more money on print. The supply chain issues we are seeing around Australia and the world also present an opportunity to onshore businesses. Our advantage over the offshore competitors is connectability. Rather than hiding behind online stores, adding a human element to our sales process is something our international competitors can’t do. In 2022, the plan for Posterboy Printing is to focus on creating education content about print and how to get the most out of the format. When working with customers, we will help customers produce exceptional print that marketers will be proud of.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Adapt, and then

ADAPT AGAIN LEADERS FORUM 2022

Nigel Quirk Director, Printgraphics Printgreen

021 was the year of transition. Those businesses that met the challenges of the year were duly rewarded. From the full effects of a locked down economy to shaping our businesses for a future that is unpredictable and something we are yet to fully to understand, what we do know is that the ‘new normal’ is going to be different. It will not mean going back to the conditions that prevailed pre-COVID and we are now in this transition phase. To keep relevant in 2021, the need for flexibility could not be overstated. This came in the form of revising work hours, financing, creativity in supply and client empathy. Goodwill built on years of great service were called upon, as was the promise of a great service as some businesses took the opportunity to reassess existing relationships. In the commercial sheet-fed print industry, it was all about building consumer confidence as we witnessed pentup demand being unleashed in the very late stages of 2021. The promise is that we could see the continued relevance of print in an increasingly digital landscape. At Printgraphics Printgreen, we supported our industry in the very best way we could, which is to ensure that the livelihoods associated with it remain strong and relevant. We also advocated for the advantages of print.

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2022 will be the year where we witness how disruption creates space for entrepreneurs. These new businesses will need market exposure in a time when print is now a point of difference and a signifier of quality and legitimacy. This will result in a great acceleration in the use of technology, digitisation, and new forms of working; so the print industry will need to adapt – and then adapt again and again. As the digital environment matures, we will see a ‘trickle-down’ effect of applications and processes, which are now at affordable prices, giving printers an offthe-shelf solution for complex workflow or business-to-business interfaces. This will help level the playing field between larger and smaller companies. The COVID-19 pandemic also revealed vulnerabilities in the long, complicated supply chains of many companies. 2022 will be a time of mitigating these ongoing concerns. Also worth noting is a newer hybrid model of working from both home and the office, thus challenging the preconceived process of finding new clients and maintaining existing relationships. This puzzle should be the priority of any business-to-business service. Most pundits in the print industry also understand that the common wisdom of further expansion is in the packaging, wide format and digital printing spaces.

Agility and a curious mindset will be important attributes to adopt in the shortterm. A McKinsey survey published in October 2020 found that companies are three times likelier than they were before the crisis to conduct at least 80 per cent of their customer interactions digitally. Dig a little deeper, though, and there are some cautionary notes, such as the conspicuous lack of brand loyalty among online buyers. The lack of a physical or tactile experience is not conducive to a return client – so print can be that point of difference that encourages and cultivates this relationship. Moving forward, the imperative for companies is clear along two fronts. First, companies need to respond to the sustainability concerns of clients. The Davos Agenda 2021 – World Economic Forum identified that “it’s possible, albeit speculative, that the COVID-19 crisis foreshadows what a climate crisis could look like: systemic, fast moving, wide ranging, and global”. More significantly, the growth opportunities that a green economy portends could be substantial. Secondly, evidence shows that the benefits of reskilling current staff, rather than letting them go and then finding new people, typically costs less and brings benefits that outweigh the costs. Investing in employees can also foster loyalty, customer satisfaction, and positive brand perception.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

A year more fluid to NAVIGATE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Russell Friedman Managing Director, Sign Here Signs

021 was an interesting year which highlighted how different the economies were within Australia. This was especially the case in Western Australia versus New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Western Australia, where Sign Here Signs is based, saw continued growth due to the continued growth of mining companies and the fast tracking of government projects and grants that were given to the construction industry. This saw a huge surge in activity in this sector. The state was also not short of work in the first half of 2021, as everyone spent money locally, prompting increased capital spend. However, this started to taper off from June last year, but remained strong all the way through to the end of the year. The second half of 2021 was challenging as wage prices surged due to the border closures and increased workloads. Due to the massive competition in the market, these could not be passed on, which resulted in some major building companies going under in WA and the term “Profitless Boom” emerging, which very accurately described the situation for most businesses in WA. However, the signage industry is still strong, but we are all trying to generate the same revenue as prior years with less staff and a wage bill that is substantially higher. But overall, 2021 was still not a bad

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year – the only major change that we faced is the focus of what work we took on changed dramatically. To ensure we could stay relevant, we had to walk away from certain markets and really focus on our niches, and then try to strategically break into others. Increased sales presence was key in getting jobs over the line, as well as focusing on what jobs we wanted to take on. Margin was the key in 2021 and companies who focused on this instead of winning jobs probably did better overall than companies that only focused on revenue. I foresee 2022 to be more fluid to navigate. However, small setbacks are expected. There will be the correction of labour rates at some point in Western Australia, which will result in either some retrenchments or at least a contraction in the market with regards to spending. And as the international borders open, there will be a shift of spend to overseas travel and again, a contraction in the market in local tourism. But this should mean that while revenues will not increase, margins will return to normal. As for Sign Here Signs, it will be business as usual in 2022, with an added focus for us to further segment ourselves in the industry. The key to doing this is understanding that face-to-face sales will drop off with more and more people working from home and depending more

on online sales tools (I expect this to be now more relevant than ever). Fortunately, we have been developing our strategy for some years now, but companies without a strong online sales function will find it harder and harder to retain customers as people leave existing roles and they are unable to forge new meaningful relationships with new buyers. It is difficult to try and plan ahead with such uncertainly around border closures, COVID and business going under. However, what companies can try and do is reduce reliance on people and start investing in new equipment that removes the need for technical and manual processes. The other thing businesses need to do is to pick their pathways more carefully. This will reduce the complexity in their businesses, which is probably the single biggest factor in businesses failing. To that end, Sign Here Signs has been purchasing new machines to ensure we stay relevant in the market and that our reliance on a shifting workforce is reduced. This doesn’t mean that we have let go of people, but the type of people required is not different. We have gone from recruiting general labourers who happily leave for a few dollars to hiring more specialised labourers who are looking for a career and not just the biggest paycheck. This shift in labour has been key for us and will be even more so in the coming year.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Predict what the FUTURE HOLDS

LEADERS FORUM 2022

Simon Carmody Managing Director, Spot Productions

021 was a clear extension of 2020, with many businesses all around Australia facing the continued hardships that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought. The main issues that our industry faced were consistent lockdowns across the states, staffing shortages, and most importantly freight delays and increasing freight costs. Although many sectors faced diminished growth because of the pandemic, the printing industry itself performed well, with some markets having major gains. Within the challenging year of 2021, it was a time for businesses to step up, review and innovate the way their business worked to stay relevant. It was essential that business owners reviewed their production techniques, evaluated buying processes, and updated machinery and software within the business to increase productivity, while also remaining relevant and competitive. Throughout 2021, our associations also played a huge role in supporting the industry. Most notably, was the push to mandate Government purchasing to support local manufacturing rather than importing products from overseas. This is important because a lot of these products are just as easily made locally, in Australia. Our associations also worked with large paper suppliers to maintain tunnage and swift delivery times while ensuring the

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price was at a level that was acceptable and affordable. In 2022, the industry needs to shore up our supply chains, especially our main commodity, being paper. We must ensure it is available at affordable pricing. It is important that your supply of paper is consistent all year round. However, with COVID-19 continuing to bring unpredictable changes, it is likely that we will see challenges with freight and deliveries, along with staff shortages and rising costs. So, businesses need to plan ahead. We seem to be facing a bit of a bumpy beginning for the first quarter, but I expect that we will swiftly move back into substantial growth, which will be the foundation to a fantastic 2023 financial year. However, we must still be cautious of the everlasting effects of COVID. The best advice I could give businesses looking for significant growth in 2022 is to move towards signage, packaging, display and commercial printing, as well as moving into more “niche” markets. The greatest examples of these, all highlighted throughout this pandemic, are aged care, education, healthcare, and early childhood. It is highly likely that health care will be seeing the most substantial growth later in 2022 and beyond. As such, it is in all business owners’ best interests to continually review costs and staffing levels while also streamlining productions. However, managing health

and safety as well as securing supply chains should be a business’ first priority. With regards to innovations in 2022, the two main areas which I think will play the biggest role in advancing the printing industry are inkjet digital and cut sheet digital. This is because inkjet digital will showcase highly advanced technology, offering automation for both machinery and software advances. As for cut sheet digital, it will likely offer larger, higher quality sheet sizes with faster output in the toner market. In 2022, we will see Spot Productions expanding its output, adding substantial capital purchases to increase and streamline its productivity. We are feeling very optimistic for what the future holds for both Spot Productions and the printing industry, as a whole. To get ahead and remain relevant in the industry, all business owners should use the five-year plan, which covers a business’ current practises and functions, and the goals that it is striving to achieve in future. These goals must include marketing, finances, and operations. Business leaders should then gather and analyse the company’s past financial results and sales data and use this to help predict what the future holds. By doing this, it allows businesses to seek and set goals or achievements far greater than their shortterm plans.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Be prepared for

ANYTHING LEADERS FORUM 2022

Kirsten Taylor Creative Print Director, Taylor’d Press

e all moved into 2021 hoping that it was a new year with renewed possibilities after the impact of 2020. We found that even though there was lag to the new year, it was a time for us to reflect on where we were, where we were going and what the possibilities were for us. It was an important time to invest in ourselves, to further understand our strengths and capabilities so that we could be prepared for whatever was to come in the changing industry and how that would look. Last year, businesses were doing many things to stay relevant – social media had a big impact and that was something we continued to do. I noticed others connecting in an educational way and some in light-hearted, fun ways. Those who were able to expand or grow gave hope to others that they too could go on to reach goals. The Real Media Collective (TRMC) also presented webinars on The Power of Print and Rebuild Together, which provided inspiration to assist, develop and move the industry forward with positivity. Visual Industries Events moved forward in such a difficult period to bring State and National awards for industry to get together and celebrate their work and passion. Across businesses which include print, supply, industry bodies and media, we all did something to keep

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the inspiration and optimism alive. I continued my work on the PacPrint board, navigating the hard road for a trade show in the pandemic world. Despite the hard work from the events team, it wasn’t to be but our work in the background continues. Women in Print delivered its breakfast series, which was a success after not being able to bring this event to 2020. Our business was able to reflect on where we were situated in the industry, look at what value we added and start to strategise on where this would take us and how we would continue the success of our business moving further into 2022. After the past two years, we have had to be prepared for anything in 2022! If we have not learnt anything from the past few years, the most important thing is being of good mental health. It’s so important to ensure we are looking after ourselves as business owners so that we can think clearly, show leadership, understand how to pivot and to recognise those around us who are not coping and do what we can to assist. As a small business, our growth comes from what we know, what we have learnt over the past year, and how we can make small changes. This may be the case for many small businesses, coming in the form of new clients, some small investment in staff or machinery or just building on the steps that will increase their place in the

market. To move forward, small businesses need to be financially stable and very aware of what it is your business takes to run. Though it takes a lot of money to invest in machinery, it’s not always the option and over capitalising is not always the answer to create growth. Revisit your business model and values and ask yourself if you are upholding those values. Are you still on the same path and is it going to offer you the stability to grow? Do you have the right teams and staff behind you to continue on the path? Are you showing the leadership that’s going to successfully carry your business forward? If we dig in deep, look at the foundations of business and what we are doing to contribute to that, we can create an environment where others thrive and give the same returned energy. And if there are opportunities for growth, don’t be too scared to take them. Businesses need to get back on their feet, see a sense of strength in moving forward, and not fear collaboration in any form. In 2022, Taylor’d Press will continue to provide bespoke craft. We are grateful to continue to offer this beautiful craft and to enhance the traditional methods of print in a new age world. I’ve started a Degree in Psychology and hope that the knowledge from this will assist with the customer growth of our business, interaction with peers, and leave me open to new opportunities.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

The hangover of 2021 conditions to

CONTINUE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Jenny Berry Senior Membership Executive, Ai Group

n 2021, despite some challenges, the manufacturing sector generally fared reasonably well, given the restrictive conditions of COVID-19. During 2021, however, when referencing the Ai Group Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI), the printing and paper industry, specifically, reported a substantial decrease in orders. A very slight improvement was reported during the period from January to May 2021, indicating a trend of a faster expansion. However, July 2021 reporting statistics saw a slight downward trend with uncertainty due to widespread lockdowns contributing to order cancellations and postponements. A significant dip was witnessed in the reporting period to September 2021 with shipping disruptions, lockdowns and school closures in NSW and Victoria contributing to the trend. The reporting period to November 2021 saw a slight easing in restrictions, resulting in mildly expansionary conditions (seasonally adjusted). To keep relevant, many businesses continued to explore ways of providing much-needed goods and services that were slow coming into the country from overseas. Supply chains were analysed to find ways of ensuring goods and services continued to flow. Ai Group’s continued advocacy for members helped keep governments accountable at all levels, especially in

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view of the overreach of the part of some state governments imposing overly long lockdowns and border closures and the initial delays in the Federal Government’s vaccine rollout. We also supported employer interests such as removing costly risks for businesses including around casual employment, skilled migration, education and training, climate and energy policy, workplace health and safety and the Annual Wage Review. Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Line was an invaluable resource along with regularly updated Member Advices (sometimes updated hourly). Our regular Print & Packaging workplace forums also continue to provide members with valuable information related to their industry sector. I expect the hangover of 2021 conditions related to COVID-19 to continue into 2022. Wage pressure will be a real challenge for business if the current supply-demand mismatch does not improve. Added to this is the Federal Election and some questions around how governments will deal with open borders and an open-ended number of positive COVID-19 cases even with a highly vaccinated population. Most indicators still point to economic recovery in 2022 after a bumpy end to 2021, but much will depend on governments restoring certainty and placing us in a cohesive pandemic mode.

Businesses need to maintain a lean and agile approach until these issues are eased. As such, businesses must research government grants applicable to their sector – in this case, the print and visual communications industry. This can be a time-consuming and tedious process, but it’s a process that businesses need to put their time and efforts to as there could be funds available that they are not aware of and could capitalise on. Businesses should make changes internally as well – they would be wise to continue to provide flexible working conditions for their staff, to ensure their safety as well as to keep the business running, and become an ‘employer of choice’ as the candidate driven market will continue into 2022. Training and education are also key to ensuring a viable business and businesses should be taking advantage of upskilling opportunities and investigating new staffing by way of apprenticeships as the industry is already facing shortages in staffing. The Ai Group continues to provide excellent service and products to members. We will further develop our networks, allowing members to meet in person, or virtually to discuss their challenges and opportunities. Our dedication to supporting employer interests will continue in earnest particularly during this election year.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Getting back into the

GAME LEADERS FORUM 2022

Deborah Corn Intergalactic Ambassador, Print Media Centr

021 was the best of times or the worst of times for many businesses depending on their customer base, and access to supplies like paper and ink. It was also an unpredictable year. The lingering stench of COVID-19 made planning even more difficult. It was also a stagnant year. Technology development slowed, events were few and far between, and market needs changed to immediate and short-term. To keep relevant, businesses had to deliver on topical customer communications and education. This involved telling their story and giving back to the community they serve. As for myself, I carried on providing prinspiration and resources to print and marketing professionals. I spoke at online and in-person events, presented to graphic communications students and faculties, produced a plethora of podcasts, and helped as many people as I could each day to connect, find resources, find work, find help, and give them strategy and ideas for creating new business opportunities. To prepare itself for this new year, the industry needs a new attitude! e-Commerce and digital marketing need to be part of every print shop’s business plan for 2022. The world is not going back to analog, make it easy for people to find you, or do business and communicate with you however they wish.

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You need to always be learning. Things change, things evolve. We learned from COVID that the world can stop. The only way to be prepared for that is to know your options, always – and be willing to create some new ones for yourself and your business. Focus your efforts on workforce development and more streamlined presses, processes, and the utilisation of robots for menial and repeatable tasks which doesn’t negate the need for humans. Equipment that takes fewer people to run, workflow solutions that allow for touchless processes and less human interaction, as well as more robotics to eliminate the need for humans are just some of the technologies that are expected to further develop in 2022. Businesses should also start growing future employees by getting involved in high schools and universities. Look for prison reform programs (or create one) to give opportunities to those who deserve a second chance. Think way out of the box and focus on the skills you need, and less on the resume and past titles of applicants. For example, a journalism major could make an amazing new business development person. They know how to research and provide quantitative data to support their conclusions. How can you position that position to have appeal for them? As for areas of growth, the business of ‘green’ is one that companies

should be looking to in 2022. This topic is only getting bigger. There are established companies in this space, and I believe there will be a ton of start-ups for everything from eco-consultants to companies making batteries and charging stations for electric cars. Do the research, get your business as green as you can (you must – no hypocrisy allowed in the eco space), and start prospecting! I am bullish about 2022 – if we can get COVID and the supply chain issues behind us, we have a fighting chance to make this year a great year. I don’t know about you, but I could use a GREAT YEAR – it has been a while. And I can’t be the only one with that pent up ‘put me in coach’ feeling. Once we all get back into the game, we all have a chance to win a productive and profitable 2022. This year, Print Media Centr will continue providing prinspiration and resources to print and marketing professionals. I am moving my weekly #PrintChat from Twitter to LinkedIn so more people can participate. In addition, #ProjectPeacock is evolving into a streaming TV series, the #GirlsWhoPrint mentoring program is relaunched and revamped, and I will be working more closely with INKISH.TV, on Project Peacock and on #PrintLife a new workforce development initiative. Connect with me and stay tuned!

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Focus on the reason you do

WHAT YOU DO LEADERS FORUM 2022

Meqa Smith Strategist, The Unforgettable Agency

ecruitment went crazy in 2021. Demand for recruitment services was very high as clients were getting back into growing their businesses. Many sectors have been experiencing talent shortages which has led to higher salaries being offered. Candidates also now expect more flexibility and the chance to work from home. However, most recruiters didn’t need to do anything to remain relevant as clients have been needing their services more than ever with businesses growing and candidate shortages almost across the board. At The Unforgettable Agency, we work with businesses to help them turn their recruitment process into a competitive edge and avoid some of the common recruitment mistakes when filling key roles. In 2021, we’ve focused on helping our clients to understand what to do to attract candidates who are truly a great fit for their roles and who would genuinely value what they are able to offer and can help them grow their businesses. To prepare for the rest of 2022, everyone’s talking about “The Great Resignation” and we’re waiting to see what happens in terms of the candidate market. There’s a real push for more flexibility, more values alignment and more of a sense of lifestyle rather than climbing the ladder. It’s a candidate driven market and businesses will need to change the way

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they approach employment if they want to keep or attract great employees. The recruitment industry is all about technology and automation, specifically AI and tools that can assess psychological traits like resilience and how well you work in a team from language patterns. There is also a trend towards remote working which businesses will need to get their heads around to cope with talent shortages. My belief is that although it’s counterintuitive, businesses who focus more on the human side of work will win. The ability to do things remotely and digitally, and to do them well and provide a positive experience will be key to business continuity during the uncertainty and constantly changing regulations we’re dealing with at the moment. If your business is still relying on face-to-face interactions for sales or service delivery then you need to address this. I believe that more than ever having the right people on your team is key. Being able to build and maintain strong relationships when working remotely and communicating digitally will be essential to retain clients and to win business. Having people who are a values match and aligned with your purpose as a business will be essential to succeeding. Standing for something is essential. You must differentiate yourself from others in your industry by doing things

in a way that sets you apart, otherwise you risk being seen as a replaceable commodity. The war for talent will intensify in 2022. Great candidates will be looking for purpose, flexibility, lifestyle, respect and appreciation. No longer will a title and a big name be enough to entice them. Salaries will need to rise if you want to attract strong candidates, especially where they are not offered flexibility and lifestyle. The Work from Home trend will continue to be a theme and remote working practices will need to be embraced as ‘business as usual’ for businesses of all sizes. We’ll continue to see COVID restrictions on and off, and there won’t be a return to ‘normal’. To stay ahead of the curve, companies need to plan not just for 2022 but for the future of their businesses. Focus on the reason you do what you do. Where and how are you adding value to your clients and how can you make sure you’re still doing that? If you always focus on that then you’ll be able to make changes as required to the way you do that. The key is to focus on the value you’re delivering but not to get too attached to how you’re delivering it, because that will change over time. And of course, make sure you have people on the team who believe in what you believe because as their roles and the business changes, the one constant will be their belief in the work you’re doing.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Increasing relevance of

SUSTAINABILITY AND DIGITALISATION

LEADERS FORUM 2022

Sabine Geldermann Director – Print Technologies, Messe Düsseldorf

021 was a challenging year that now lies behind all of us. It was a year where on one hand, the industry struggled with supply chain disruption and raw material shortages. On the other hand, suppliers had difficulties installing new production lines abroad due to travel restrictions and quarantine regulations. Thus, the order situation led to logistical challenges and dependencies on country-specific policies. This situation still extends to today. In addition, prices for raw materials are rising continuously and combined with the lack of skilled workers, the industry is facing massive resource constraints. However, the industry has proven to be highly relevant. Printing is an essential part of packaging production and industrial printing applications in vertical markets. Companies have acquired new digital core competences and optimised their inhouse processes regarding IT, workflows, efficiency and automation. All of this also goes hand-in-hand with understanding and acting on the needs of brand owners in an ever-changing world, especially when it comes to sustainable solutions. To support the industry, Messe Düsseldorf has invested intensively in new digital formats to allow regular touch points with our global customers. Our aim is to enable highly relevant knowledge transfer and to offer virtual

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networking opportunities. virtual.drupa as a purely digital, four-day event has been an extraordinary experience and great opportunity for connecting the global industry in times of the crisis. This has been underlined by very positive feedback from customers as well as delivering on KPIs. To prepare itself for the rest of 2022, the overall business environment must send signals of confidence, provide more planning security for companies and thus prepare the basis for the desired economic upswing. We will still have to cope with the impact of the crisis for a while, however the economic environment will hopefully regain more trust and confidence in the upcoming months. Finally, companies need to invest in IT and digital skills to guarantee a competitive advantage. Inkjet printing has developed rapidly in recent years and no longer has to be an afterthought in terms of quality, reliability and speed. On the contrary, there is still incredible potential to be discovered and utilised. In addition, the megatrends of sustainability and digitalisation are moving further into focus. Solutions relating to the circular economy and sustainability will play a significant and major role, be it through political regulations, transparency and traceability of production processes or expectations of brand owners. The industry must meet this expectation to

remain competitive. It is advisable not to oppose change but to embrace it. The new claim of drupa 2024 is “create the future”, with which we want to underline the clear commitment of the community to proactively drive and shape the industry. drupa 2024 will show the impact on processes, products, business models and the future of a constantly evolving industry. After all, drupa has always stood for cutting-edge technologies along the entire value chain, with a special focus on future and cross-sectional technologies. In this context, circular economy, resource/ energy efficiency, recycling, automation, upcycling, Print 4.0, Finishing 4.0, artificial intelligence, platform economy and connectivity will play a central role both in specialist forums and in the agenda of the conference programme. We expect many more trade fairs and events to expand their digital infrastructures by using hybrid elements to remain relevant in the coming years. Streaming content will certainly become state of the art and organisers will focus and enhance the customer experience at on-site events. People want to engage with all senses, a requirement that digital formats cannot deliver. For the rest of this year, Messe Düsseldorf is looking forward to a number of trade fairs taking place in 2022 as part of drupa’s global portfolio. We hope to see you there.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Invest in sustainability and new TECHNOLOGIES LEADERS FORUM 2022

Dr Donald McCallum Industrial Futures Theme Leader, NSSN

OVID-19 continued to bite in 2021, with some 40,000 job losses in the university sector over the two years. And with many institutions’ hiring freezes, there were some capacity constraints in innovation, research and development projects. However, the projects that were already underway met their milestones and drove the economy forward. There was considerable movement around sustainability, exemplified by the launch of Australian Dairy Sustainable Packaging Roadmap to 2025. This picked up on research breakthroughs and analysis of materials flows in the circular economy. To keep relevant in 2021, we saw many businesses look to invest in research and development, particularly in areas around supply chains, recycling, and new materials. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continued its move from just being a buzzword, to an analytical technique that really improve processes. AI is becoming established as a way for logistics movements, job scheduling and materials handling, as well as helping identify customers for direct mail outs. AI can be used for document preparation, paper alignment and analysis of print quality. AI can help analyse information about printing presses, optimising parameters, and making predictions around failure and maintenance.

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Paper is an important part of the carbon cycle and investigations were made into a number of university-assisted projects to enhance value-add from paper and packaging post-print and post-consumer. In 2021, the NSSN worked with industry partners, PEGRAS and Labelmakers, to complete the HDPE Recycling project. This cracked the problem of label contamination on HDPE milk bottles. A final report is available for interested stakeholders through NSSN’s website. We also worked on several new research grants to help the manufacturing sector. These tended to focus around smart materials, better recycling processes, the circular economy, as well as AI and machine learning. This year, the industry needs to continue to invest in sustainability and new technologies that can not only maximise profit and production efficiency, but also, help with keeping the planet in good shape. Phase two of the Federal Government’s waste export ban comes into place in the middle of this year. As such, phase outs of single use packing will continue. Companies with a strong connection to polymers, such as plastic bottle labelling and PVC banners, will need to be prepared but everyone should be looking into their waste streams. Embracing fully renewable energy, diversified workforces and supply

chains that are part of the circular economy is the goal. These sorts of things have clearly demonstrated that they can be worked into business models as generators of profits, not as an expense. In 2022, there is going to be growth in the industry from doing more innovation onshore. COVID has provided an impetus for more engineering capability to be developed in-house and the research and development tools are in place to help drive this innovation. And with many tradeshows and events due to kickstart again in 2022, along with global border openings, we could see the repurposing of underutilised assets for use in exotic fluids. For example, high viscosity fluids may be of interest as technology coming out of the UK can better handle these inks, and allow points of differentiation in functionality, adhesion, colour and texture. We could also see a deeper connection between traditional and new forms of printing, such as 3D printing, printed electronics and active labelling. The industry needs to watch out for developments in labelling and tagging, including advancements in RFID tags and clever science in food traceability and quality. In addition, with some of the bottlenecks in housing construction easing and with tourism expected to pick up, we can expect décor-related print to be another area of growth.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Change is the only

CONSTANT LEADERS FORUM 2022

Walter Kuhn Vice-President, Print and Visual Communication Association (PVCA)

hat can we say about 2021 but that it was a continuation of 2020 with lockdowns in many states and borders remaining shut. This, in turn, affected the overall economy and the print and visual communication industry Australia-wide. There have been several success stories for those who diversified in 2020 to reap the rewards in 2021, but for those that took a much more conservative approach, the year was a steady hard slog with short peaks and lengthy lows throughout the year. Throughout 2021, the PVCA took the necessary steps to guide the industry. As your association and your representative board members, we have been there for you through lobbying in the Federal and State Governments on important issues – such as HR and IR reform and senate inquiries – as well as advocating for members’ needs and working with numerous training reference committees to ensure that our industry remains relevant and remains in the forefront of the minds of decision makers. We also noticed that last year, the volume of print production may have dropped but the quality of it has remained stellar. In fact, I would suggest that after running the state Printing Industry Creativity Awards (PICAs) and the National Print Awards (NPA)

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programme that the quality has surpassed previous years in most categories. Our HR and IR advice service has also been busy all year long with hundreds of calls and emails every month from members seeking clarification and advice on everchanging Federal and State Government requirements, which by all reports have exceeded members expectations. This year, as we see more industry sectors gear back up, including hospitality, retail, tourism and local manufacturing, we will see more demand being put on the visual communication industry to deliver the good news that Australia is back in business. Staffing has become a big issue not only in our industry but for all industries Australia wide; this will continue being of concern unless we take a proactive approach by employing apprentices and trainees for current and future needs. The only constant in 2022 will be change and we, as an industry, will have to adapt and change along with it – whether it is that we continue to diversify into other sectors or vertically integrate our operations to reduce outsourcing costs. We will also see more mergers of good quality operations that will reduce over-capacity in the industry and reduce overheads to ensure profitability and ongoing viability. Trade shows and face-to-face meetings will slowly return as international and state

borders open and remain open. However, we will learn to live with the ever-present pandemic in whatever form it appears and reappears in, as this will become the new norm for several years to come. I look forward to Print2Parliment, the state PICAs and NPA awards programme for 2022, which will bring forward the incredible talent that our industry has to offer. I would also like to add that with such great talent within our industry, we need to be a lot prouder of what we produce and not be afraid to increase the value of this to our customers. After all, we need to stay viable to ensure that we will remain to service their needs. Our biggest assets are our people, so we need to ensure that our staff are not only physically looked after but also mentally looked after. This will become more apparent as the year progresses while more strain is placed upon them to adapt to the ever-changing environment. PVCA has planned Industry Focus monthly webinar and communications to keep the industry up-to-date with changes to IR, HR, government legislation, supplier and superannuation news. We are also committed to working with other like-minded associations to achieve the best outcomes for your business and the industry overall. As the PVCA is your industry association, we will deliver what you, the members require.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Defining our own FUTURE LEADERS FORUM 2022

Kellie Northwood CEO, The Real Media Collective (TRMC)

verall, 2021 realised some small pockets of recovery from 2020. However, a surge in COVID cases in the second half of the year across NSW and Victoria not only threw many businesses into disarray, but it also left a sense of dark, that the prior year didn’t. This was mainly because we believed we were through it. Industry metrics reported over 90 per cent of businesses across the industry had been significantly impacted, with an average of 55 per cent downturn and 72 per cent of businesses experiencing exposure to debtor related issues. Despite the turbulence, the late end of the year saw marketing investment resume with printers reporting an average of 42 per cent increase in turnover and retailers coming back into the market as the government moved from suppression to vaccination strategies. It couldn’t have come at a better time to assist our festive season lead up. In 2021, Power of Print was by far the most successful program for TRMC. With 64,352 engagement points over the 11-week period, 522 direct attendees and 10,003 TRMC EDM opens, we were overwhelmed by the support from the industry. The sponsors, including Konica Minolta, Media Super, Australia Post and Sprinter provided support that went above and beyond to deliver the content to the

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industry and continue to show leadership and advocacy for our membership. In 2022, the industry must define its own future. We need to be looking at building an industry standard across carbon mapping, providing government with a clear industry structure and ultimate target for reduction commitments; investing in our emerging leaders, committing to talent acquisition programs to strengthen our future industry workforce; using digital technologies to collaborate more effectively and innovate more successfully; and building sales training modules to align our sales approach to customers to align with the role print plays in a modern era. For this, bespoke, consultative sales skillsets need to be a key focus for success. Our industry has been impacted by the two largest cost triggers – labour and energy – for many years now. How our suppliers provide solutions to both these costs will be critical. Furthermore, the approach from supplier innovation to energy will be critical when aligning with our carbon mapping programs, and we need to be looking closely at the innovation across energy conservation for industry. I also suspect more consolidation across the industry this year, with organisations working smarter together and delivering more value for industry and businesses through collaboration. Virtual workflow

and streamlining operational solutions are now ingrained across our teams and these practices will assist us to deliver more at greater speed. Remote and flexible work solutions will also become a standard approach and team cultural building will need to include virtual activities. This year, TRMC will continue to lead, share and protect. Our commitment to our members is to deliver relevant programs that provide value to member businesses. To support this, we do what we say we will and we’re very proud of our proven track record in this regard. Our review of the carbon reduction programs from government, waste export ban across commercial print paper waste, paper import continuity of supply liaison, future leaders, apprentice program review across the states, upgrade of Two Sides, VoPP and Love Paper campaigns that promote the print media channels we represent, Fair Work submission across the Awards and the digital engagement proposals and educational programs will arm our industry with more knowledge and content than ever before. TRMC is also a leader across future leaders and emerging talent, supporting the Emerging 50 program and we are also looking to how we can better nurture our emerging talent as well as talent acquisition programs.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Think outside

THE BOX LEADERS FORUM 2022

Dr. Markus Heering Managing Director, VDMA

he social importance of our industry cannot be underestimated. In the last two years, many have become aware of how important printing and paper technology has become in our daily lives. It is considered systemrelevant in some regions because of the high hygiene requirements. Without us, nothing would be printed, sent out or packaged. However, the pandemic also posed challenges for our industry and many companies had to contend with restrictions. But the past year went better than initially expected – order intake in the printing and paper technology sector rose by 45 per cent from January to October. In the same period, turnover within Europe rose by 18 per cent. As far as VDMA is concerned, we have offered support to our members in various areas. We have organised a series of interactive group webinars on different topics as well as face-to-face events (where possible) at our headquarters in Frankfurt. The VDMA is keeping a close eye on developments surrounding COVID-19 and our service portal provides VDMA members exclusively with country and travel advice, information on legal and insurance-related issues. Our industry has recovered well from the pandemic so far. Unfortunately, as in all rapidly recovering industry segments, a shortage of raw materials is leading

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to sometimes considerable production restrictions. The increased prices of input materials are also putting pressure on the earnings situation at customers. It can also be assumed that the current delivery delays and high price expectations will only settle back into a normal state in the coming months. This is similar to the current delivery delays for machine components. The situation is not expected to ease much before the second quarter of 2022 at the earliest, and in the case of electronic components this is not expected before the third quarter. Overall, we expect a sustained trend reversal in 2022: the pre-Corona level should be reached again by the end of 2022. This year, the industry anticipates growth of two to five per cent. The mood within the industry is extremely good, as also confirmed by an internal survey. Almost 60 per cent of the member companies are satisfied with their turnover and half have positive business expectations for the next 12 months. World packaging consumption increased over recent years and in addition, sustainability is a key issue for everyone in our industry. We need to rethink the use and value of secondary materials, and this also includes the design of durable and resource-efficient products “design to recycle” as well as

the optimisation of own production sites and processes. Nowadays, we all need to think outside the box. Growing consumer concern over the preservation of the environment is driving demand for more sustainability, based on renewable resources. For packaging producers and brand owners, the ease with which packaging can be collected and recycled is growing in importance. Furthermore, there is mounting public pressure to tackle excessive packaging and legal framework regarding circular economy. The discussion about how the two megatrends of digitalisation and the circular economy can be brought together more strongly in the future is increasing and is also important for our industry. With the help of digitalisation, existing information gaps in the circular economy can be overcome, enabling more informed decisions than before, and creating new markets with concrete use cases in mechanical engineering. Advantages in product development could arise from digitalisation if simulations, models and data analytics could be used to determine the impact on procurement, design, use, recycling due to substances requiring substitution. In particular, the topics of digitalisation and sustainability will keep on accompanying our industry and will therefore be the focus at drupa 2024.

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PRINT LEADERS FORUM

Exciting times ahead in

2022 LEADERS FORUM 2022

Peter Harper CEO, Visual Connections

ike the year before it, 2021 was a mixed bag for our industry, with some companies doing well and others significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, which included lockdowns. However, many suppliers reported strong sales of both equipment and consumables during the year, which is very encouraging for the industry, but there’s no question that many print and signage companies are still doing it tough. To navigate themselves around the pandemic, businesses had to diversify their offerings to keep relevant. Print and signage is always relevant, but a key characteristic of successful operations is that they have diversified to protect their business as demand fluctuates and changes. There are still good opportunities out there for smart-minded operators. The underlying foundation for businesses in 2022 is to not only plan ahead for the year but also for the future of their businesses. I believe a major key is diversification and a willingness to change the things which are not working. Don’t become too focused or dependant on any one part of your business, and be prepared to assess the success or otherwise of what’s been done in the past, rethink things which are holding you back, and take care to identify and manage your risk. As for Visual Connections, we have continued to work with our members,

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the industry’s suppliers, and with our fellow industry organisations, to progress the interests of the industry. While events were on the backburner, we have introduced a number of initiatives to keep the industry connected and informed, and were delighted to see in-person events return in the latter part of the year. The pandemic also brought along an accelerated change in market demand and the emergence of new trends. Now is the time for businesses to take stock and look at investing in the future. For many, that will be upskilling employees to ensure they are well-placed to meet the demands of current and potential customers, while others need to explore new areas of opportunity to re-equip the business or expand their offerings. New markets are opening up and some exciting trends are emerging – some obvious ones are packaging and sheet-fed digital printing, with other strong areas including all areas of security printing and of course 3D printing. As such, tradeshows will be vitally important in 2022 for businesses to learn more about how these trends can be opportunities. PacPrint in Melbourne, which will take place from 28 June to 1 July, will be a ‘must-attend’ event, with many exhibitors showing new products for the very first time in Australia. It’s also a chance to see these innovations live, and talk face-to-face with

the product experts who can help you build on the success of your business. Another area where businesses should be focusing their efforts on are changes internally and externally. Of course, this will vary from business to business, but generally, staffing and upskilling, finance and profitability, and investment in new technologies and innovations are the three main areas that will allow you to capitalise on new markets and opportunities. Moving into the new year, it would be a brave person who would try to predict anything in this unpredictable world that we currently live in. All I can say is that those qualities which have stood us in good stead over the past couple of years – creativity, agility, and resilience – will continue to be the most important determinants of success, and businesses should not lose sight of them. In 2022, the highlight for Visual Connections will be running our flagship trade show, PacPrint, together with Visual Impact and the Labels & Packaging Expo. We’ll also be looking forward to getting back to organising a host of other industry events and initiatives. There are exciting times ahead in 2022 – it’s time to update our attitudes, invest in systems and equipment to meet current and emerging market demands, and retain and upskill the employees who are our most valuable assets.

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WIDE FORMAT +Plus March 2022 I powered by Wide Format Online

EFI VUTEk Q5r and Fiery software win EDP awards

swissQprint Nyala 4 flatbed printer receives EDP award

What’s in store for the Sign & Display industry in 2022-26?

Genuine Print denies debt owed to Waratah Group

WIDE FORMAT

EFI VUTEk Q5r printer and Fiery software win EDP awards The EFI VUTEk Q5r rollto-roll UV LED printer won a European Digital Press Association (EDP) award, beating competition in the large/wide format printing systems category for printers above 350cm wide. EDP judges also honoured EFI Fiery software integration with finishers as the top solution in the awards program’s category for software automation tools. The EFI VUTEk Q5r printer is one of the fastest, most productive roll-to-roll display graphics printers in its class, capable of running at speeds of up to 7,233 square feet per hour. EFI Fiery software integration with finishers, the winner in the EDP Awards

The EFI VUTEk Q5r roll-to-roll printer is one of the fastest machines

category for best software automation tool, offers advanced integration with in-line or offline slitter/cutter/ creasers. EFI Fiery software integration with finishers is offered as Fiery Impose and Fiery Finishing Designer. EFI regional vice-president of sales Paul Cripps said, “We are delighted to once again receive recognition from the EDP Awards’

esteemed judges for the development of leading-edge print technologies. Not only do these awards reflect on the hard work and focus our Inkjet Display Graphics and Fiery teams have to create best-inclass digital printing products, but they also underscore the powerful capabilities our customers can harness to drive profitable growth for their businesses”.

swissQ print Nyala 4 flatbed printer receives EDP award swissQ print’s Nyala 4 won an EDP award in the “Best flatbed/hybrid printer under 250 sqm/h” category. The jury said the fourth-generation Nyala builds on the existing foundation while offering some serious improvements. The swissQ print Nyala’s environmentally-friendly values was another reason why it was considered a benchmark in large format printing. “Key features of the new swissQ print model are its multi-functionality, working efficiency and – first and foremost – premium print quality. The Nyala delivers these benefits thanks to cutting-edge print head technology and the high-

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Nyala 4 won an EDP award in the “Best flatbed/hybrid printer under 250 sqm/h” category, with the jury singing praises about the machine

precision droplet placement perfected by swissQ print,” the jury said. “The Nyala 4 also achieves a maximum resolution of 1,350

dpi – with an output of up to 206 m2/h.” The jury also commended the Neon inks for UV printing exclusively available from swissQ print.

printIQ invests heavily in US and global markets PrintIQ, the Queensland headquartered workflow cloud-software developer, has appointed a new US operations manager and a new global sales director “to better serve clients throughout the US market as well as globally”. “printIQ is pleased to announce the hiring of two new US-based employees, Riccardo Recchione North American operations manager, and Richard Schlatterbeck - global sales director,” the company said. Schlatterbeck said, “We are committed to expanding our reach around the globe, and we’ve made a strategic move that demonstrates this commitment. The transition of these key positions from Australia to the US is just the beginning. We’re proud to have a headquarters in the US, where our team is concentrated. We have an incredible team that can handle all aspects of our business rather than trying to handle it with ‘offshore’ staff as many software companies tend to do.” Recchione added, “With a US headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan plus a growing team of sales, operations and technical support staff across the US, our team has generated a dynamic user base of over 45 companies across North America.” PrintIQ founder and CEO Anthony Lew added, “Our commitment to investing in both domestic and foreign markets comes from a desire to provide an unsurpassed level of service. At printIQ we are dedicated to helping the printing industry thrive.”

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Former Civic Outdoor exec charged in $200,000 rort The latest in a spate of employee fraud and embezzlement cases involves Melbourne signage and outdoor company Civic Outdoor and its parent, Civic Signs. The Herald Sun reported that Leanne Quinn, former national sales manager of Civic Outdoor, faces 249 charges of theft. Employee theft destroys trust and disadvantages honest employees when a company finds it has lost big sums of money. In this almost cashless era, it can involve false invoices, kickbacks to associates or family members, ‘foreign’ unauthorised jobs and other forms of chanelling a company’s revenues into a perpetrator’s account. A Herald Sun court reporter filed: “A former Melbournebased national manager of an iconic Australian sign company has been accused of pulling off a $200,000 rort. “Leanne Quinn fronted Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with 249 theft offences. It’s alleged Quinn rorted more than $203,000 from her former employer Civic Signs (Billboard Agency Civic Outdoor) between November 2016 and August 2019. Quinn, the former Civic Signs national sales manager, allegedly stole $50,864 in one hit. “Police allege Quinn made a further 248 bogus transactions ranging from $100 to $15,950. Quinn is no longer employed by the company which trades as Civic Outdoor.” Quinn will face court at a later date.

What’s in store for the Sign & Display industry in 2022-26? The good news that wide format printer sales are tipped for further worldwide growth warrants further investigation. The mainstay of wide format inkjet output has always been printed signage. This is the end result – the bread and butter that every sign and display business needs to stay in business and provide jobs. It may come as a surprise that, according to a research report by Mordor Intelligence (with inputs from Spandex, Avery Dennison and Orafol among others), the 2021-2026 forecast average global CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) for traditional printed signage is just 0.19 per cent. Don’t panic – geographic areas vary and A/NZ and Asia Pacific are in what the Mordor report describes as ‘high growth’ while the US and Europe are ‘mid growth’ and South America and Africa as ‘low growth.’ However, the message is clear that some traditionally printed signages – such as billboards – are being displaced by all-digital technologies such as networked LED and LCD screens. In the same 2021-2026 research period, Markets & Markets forecasts such digital

Is Liquorland trying to bore its customers with supposed makeover signage like this?

signage to deliver global CAGR of 11.2 per cent, reaching approximately $38.8 billion by 2026. Contrast this with printed signage’s forecast of around $57.3 billion by 2026 – print is still bigger but growth is much slower. There is evidence of apathy towards signage in the business community. An example, albeit in a trial phase, is Liquorland’s push to turn its vibrant, recognisable stores into black edifices, gray caves. Liquorland is owned by Coles, so some food for thought is if they would do the same to Coles’ beautifully signaged stores?

Genuine Print denies any debt owed to Waratah Group Genuine Print will soon appear in the Victorian Supreme Court for a hearing concerning a winding-up application lodged on behalf of the Waratah Group liquidators, by city law firm Dimos Lawyers. “We owe them nothing,” Genuine Print owner Genine Thornton said, adding that “it is possible Waratah actually owe us money because we traded on a contra basis. I was away for two months taking care of a sick family member so may have been slow to follow-up”. The liquidator, Shane Deane of Dye&Co, of failed Melbourne print group Waratah Group – the convoluted Group of several printers that went bust in March 2020 owing an estimated $22 million amid claims of corruption and backhanders – lodged a wind-up application on Genuine Print previously. With larger targets such as Australia Post, Spotlight Group and St Vincent’s Hospital

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Genine Thornton, owner of Genuine Print

disputing phantom invoices, it appears that the liquidator is going for a ‘soft’ target. Waratah Group’s liquidation is one of the largest Australian print industry insolvencies ever. It would also appear to be ill-advised since, according to Thornton, her company is solvent.

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Plastic recycled from the Graphic Art Mart increases ocean is turned into signage prices as costs skyrocket UK/EU outdoor company blowUP media has launched Green Line OCEAN poster material that is 100 per cent recycled, with 10 per cent coming from plastic marine litter collected from oceans and waterways. If they can do it, so can we – are we not: ‘Girt by Sea’ in Australia and New Zealand? “As part of the Seaqual Initiative, plastic marine litter is collected from the ocean and coastlines and processed – together with PET post-consumer waste – into certified Seaqual Yarn. The manufacture of the Giant Poster material made from 100 per cent Seaqual Yarn and the production of the Giant Poster both take place in Germany. This ensures short transport routes and avoids emissions. Green Line OCEAN saves

77 per cent of CO2 emissions compared to the standard product,” blowUP media said. For a 500m 2 giant poster, that’s at least 55kg of marine plastic, according to Katrin Robertson, CEO of the blowUP media Group. “We at blowUP media are continuously striving to make our medium a win-win-win model – for brands, for society and for the environment.” Seaqual Initiative works with NGOs, fishermen, authorities and local communities to help clean oceans and waterways. Marine litter from beaches, ocean floor and surface, rivers and estuaries, is collected by cleanup programs then sorted into different material types. The plastic portion is cleaned and transformed into Seaqual Marine Plastic.

Along with several other suppliers, Graphic Art Mart said it has no option but to raise the prices of its products, faced with skyrocketing PVS and freight costs. In a letter to all customers, executive general manager Mousa Elsarky said, “Throughout 2021, worldwide factors resulted in raw material shortages, cost inflation and escalating import and transportation costs. These issues are impacting all industries and ours is not immune with Graphic Art Mart experiencing increases to the cost of all products we import. Our suppliers have advised of increases of between 11 per cent and 30 per cent since early 2021, driven largely by PVC supply shortages and record raw material inflation. This is compounded by

global shortages in shipping allocations and availability which are resulting in increases of up to 100 per cent on sea freight consignments as well as local port and customs charges. “These global supply chain issues, raw material shortages and inflationary pressures have led to many of our supply partners having no option than to increase prices on many of the products we distribute.” As a result, its updated catalogue will reflect these new prices, with an increase of five to 10 per cent across the Graphic Art Mart product range. In addition, the company said it can no longer absorb the significant increase in freight costs from its freight partners, and as such its standard freight charges will also increase at this time.

WHSmith Australia chooses ‘Microfactories’ are changing Epson Heat-Free printers the face of fashion: Mimaki WHSmith, a global retailer with 1,300 stores in 25 countries, recently decided to revamp its in-house printing operations in Australia and turned to Epson reseller Orion Print and Epson’s Heat-Free WorkForce Pro WF-C579R, WF-C879RTC and WorkForce Enterprise WF-C17590 printers. “WHSmith had two major challenges when it came to our printing requirements – our multiple locations and where they were placed, along with a busy customer-facing environment where uptime was of prime importance,” WHSmith Australia head of IT support Saurav Chand said. “The challenge for every WHSmith store was that their printer was either in a regional

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or difficult-to-get-to location, so we decided to change this and make the entire operation far more efficient. We had over 40 printers in multiple stores each of whom used to spend tens of thousands of dollars in signage printing. “When we did the cost evaluation, we found it was far more cost effective to replace all of our printers with Epson’s Heat-Free WorkForce Pro WF-C579R, WF-C879RTC and WorkForce Enterprise WF-C17590 printing solutions. Epson’s Heat-Free print technology means fewer moving parts, so they are more reliable and have increased up time. The reliability of the Heat-Free technology not only improved staff morale but also customer service capability.”

Highly automated microfactories enabling on-demand, on-location production – using technologies such as Mimaki’s latest TS100-1600 sublimation printer – are helping to create a “green revolution” in fashion. “Along with reducing unnecessary waste through on-demand production, microfactories have a smaller ecological footprint than traditional garment production and require no water use during the production process, making it not only a faster solution, but a greener one too,” Mimaki Europe EMEA product manager Mark Sollman said. Last year’s FESPA show saw Mimaki team up with fashion designer Carolina

Guzman to bring her designs to life, setting up a working microfactory on-site to take the designs from screen to garment within a day. “Guzman’s designs were created using Mimaki’s TS100-1600 Sublimation Printer, before being transferred to textile, digitally cut and finally pieced together,” Sollman said. “Devised with a string of ethical and environmental objectives threaded throughout, the microfactory also exclusively utilised ecofriendly Greentex fabric, and any remaining material was donated to Sheltersuit: a windand waterproof coat that can be transformed into a sleeping bag, which is provided free of charge to homeless people.”

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