New Zealand Printer
April 2021
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Helping Kiwi businesses succeed
The Top 12 Apprentices PacPrint setup for Kiwis Digital labels grow Pride In Print judging
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April 2021 Fujifilm Business Innovation
12-15 Cover Story: A rebranding has placed innovation front and centre for Fujifilm Business Innovation. We check out what this means for the leading graphics supplier and its customers Features p16-49
16 Fujifilm Business Innovation: Kale Print has upgraded its digital offering with a brand new Iridesse Production Press 18 Currie Group: The Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder has increased finishing speed and quality at Greenlees Printing 36 PacPrint: It’s all systems go for PacPrint organisers, preparing the show for September in Melbourne 47 Business: We can use our knowledge of tribal living to enhance our business connections, according to Meqa Smith
CONTENTS PrintNZ p8-11
8-10 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre meets this year’s Top 12 Apprentices and their managers 11 Comment: Ruth Cobb reports back from this year’s Pride In Print judging Packaging p42-49
38-39 Epson: The latest SurePress label printer from Epson is ready to go, offering a range of innovations 40-42 Digital labels: As virtual.drupa takes place online, David Pittman discusses how digital is transforming labels 43-44 Packaging Trends: Toluna research shows consumers wanting more sustainable packaging options
Advertiser’s index
Aarque 7, 25 APM 7 Currie Group 7, 19 Cyber OBC Eamar Plastics 50 Epson 37 FUJIFILM Business Innovation OFC, 17 Graphic Lamination & Coating 5 Graphic Machinery NZ Ltd 7 Konica Minolta 21 McHargs 22 NZSDA 35 Pride In Print IBC printing.com 50 PrintNZ IFC VPR Ltd 50 Wholesale Print 43
48 Business: Your print business will benefit from using a customer first approach, says Erwin Busselot 49 Opportunity: Deb Corn explains why we need to learn the lessons from our experience of 2020 Wide Format Plus p23-35
26-27 HP: Bruce Wayne Van Greunen explains how HP Latex ink works 29-31 Total Supply: Last month’s charity golf saw industry members raising funds for the Cancer Society 32 NZSDA: In a time of constant change, the NZSDA is adapting for its members 33 NZSDA President/Secretary: Do you know your point of difference and how you can use it to your advantage? 34 NZSDA Signee Spotlight: Sign Network has become a force in Kiwi signage
NEW ZEALAND PRINTER PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: Erwin Busselot, Ruth Cobb, Deb Corn, Melissa Coutts, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, David Pittman, Meqa Smith, Bruce Wayne Van Greunen CIRCULATION: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au
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Fujifilm Business Innovation arrives with breakfast, from left: Graham Gook, Peter Thomas, Shige Kotake, Ruth Constantine, and Vanessa Jacobsen
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Printer Media Group New Zealand: New Zealand Printer, ProPack.pro Asia Pacific: ProPack.pro Australia: Australian Printer, ProPrint MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Wells – james@intermedia.com.au GROUP PUBLISHER: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz © Copyright 2021: Contents of this magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
April 2021
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NEWS IN BRIEF XEIKON has announced a new virtual advisory service using a 3D visual browsing experience. Its new virtual showroom experience follows a set navigation path through Xeikon’s machine hall where visitors will find all they need to book a demo, access, and download product brochures, watch a selection of videos as well as print samples on. Users will have easy access to connect with Xeikon’s product experts. Content will be regularly updated and there will be facilities to download the latest information. GEW has celebrated its 30th birthday. Gillian and Malcolm Rae founded the company to provide the narrow web label market with compact and efficient UV curing systems. Malcolm Rae says, “The future of GEW is in many capable hands, supporting our customers and developing innovative new products to maintain our leading position in the industry. Today, GEW equipment is used on many of the world’s most advanced printing machines and our products are highly regarded for their standard of engineering, reliability and performance.” FIRST UNION wants the government to play a role in securing the wood supply chain and increasing manufacturing capacity after management at the Whakatāne Mill broke the news to staff that the mill will close, resulting in the loss of 210 jobs. The union hopes a buyer can be found for the mill, Whakatane’s largest private employer, which has produced paper and packaging products for more than 80 years. The union sees many options for refitting the existing assets to continue manufacturing pulp and paper products and has invited potential buyers to ask for assistance to get the support needed to make the most of the existing skills and infrastructure.
Pride In Print tickets on sale now Tickets have gone on sale for the industry’s premier event, the Pride In Print Awards. Judging takes place this month and organisers will have everything in place for the awards ceremony when it takes place on Friday June 25 at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. Tania McDougall, awards manager, says, “After the unsettled year that was 2020, it feels encouraging to have received a substantial number of entries. Our awards evening in June will be such a wonderful celebration and we look forward to the industry joining us.” This year, the awards move to a new venue. Space is limited, so you need to get your tickets as soon as possible. At the Pride In Print Awards, PrintNZ will announce the Apprentice of the Year winner from the
Judging starts this month for the Pride In Print Awards five finalists. The winners of the Trainer of the Year and Training Company of the Year Awards will also be announced on the night. The Pride In Print Awards could not take place without support from the industry. Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand is the Patron of the awards. The awards sponsors are
Avery Dennison, B&F Papers, BJ Ball Papers, Currie Group New Zealand, DIC New Zealand, HP, Kurz New Zealand, New Zealand Printer, Opti-Flex, Paper Source, Ricoh New Zealand, Spicers, and UPM Raflatac. The Friends of the Awards are Blue Star Group, Soar Print, Sealed Air Hamilton, and Wholesale Print.
Currie Group farewells Phillip Rennell Currie Group has announced the departure of sales and marketing director Phillip Rennell. Well known to New Zealand print industry professionals, Rennell agreed with Currie Group that the time is right to part ways. He says, “I’ve had an incredible journey for the last 20 plus years. I have shared many great memories with customers and suppliers alike. I could not have imagined the strong relationships forged
along the way. I will take many of them with me on the next phase of my career.” Rennell has played a key role in many landmark moments across 20 years of dedicated service. The company calls his contribution and service ‘immeasurable’. New chief executive Rob Mesaros says that, with its unparalleled service coverage, cutting edge technology, and strong partnerships, Currie Group
is poised to thrive well into the future. He says, “Changes big and small continuously happen around us, in society, personally, and in business. It is an important part of evolution. However, in today’s always on and connected world, the velocity and impact are more pronounced than ever. Changing industry dynamics requires ongoing change necessary for the success and benefit of our customers.”
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April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
NEWS
Bubble floats opportunities for print Industry members have reacted positively to the arrival of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble. Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ says, “We are delighted to see the Trans-Tasman bubble open up with a view to expanded opportunities for both sides of the Tasman. “While initially, many families will make the most of the opportunity to reunite in person after some 14 months of restrictions, we are hopeful that the flow of visitors in both directions will give a much needed boost to the tourism and hospitality industries, with some potential drop through to print. “It allows Trans-Tasman businesses to move staff and visit customers more freely and opens up the possibility for Kiwis to attend Pacprint in September.” In Australia, Peter Harper, chief executive of Visual Connections, says, “PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging
Opportunities: The travel bubble could get you to PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo in Melbourne Expo in Melbourne will provide New Zealand businesses with an opportunity to see the latest trends and technologies, first hand, in one convenient location, We have had enquiries from potential New Zealand exhibitors, and many of them have extended their reach across the Tasman.” Kellie Northwood, Chief executive at The Real Media Collective, says, “It is so
much easier to work with your customers when you can actually see them.” “It also helps with liaising across both sides as some print work might be printed with a supply partner in New Zealand if the account is held in Australia. I know plenty of smaller printers have joint contracts in place where they have a partner in New Zealand and a partner here in Australia.”
IN BRIEF ESKO has confirmed the successful closing of the sale of its Kongsberg digital finishing business to OpenGate Capital on April 1. OpenGate Capital, a private equity firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, has a European office in Paris and investments on five continents. The new business, Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems, now employs 400 former Esko employees operating from its original research and development facility in Kongsberg, Norway, a production facility in Brno, Czech Republic, a new headquarters in Gent, Belgium as well as other global locations. TWINE, a start-up digital thread dyeing company, has hired former Kornit Digital Asia Pacific managing director and president Andy Yarrow as its Asia Pacific regional sales manager. It has also named former HP Indigo boss Alon Bar-Shany as its active chairman of the board. Yarrow says, “It is exciting. My previous experiences have always been about working with technologies that are at the end of the process or supply chain. But with Twine, it is more about the start of the process: dyeing of the fibre.”
Epson takes up energy challenge Epson has announced its worldwide Group sites will all meet their electricity needs from 100 per cent renewable energy sources by 2023. Epson global president Yasunori Ogawa said, “It’s imperative that we address the global issue of climate change. Our company has been proactive about environmental issues from day one when our founders expressed their desire that we should protect the lake next to our company headquarters. We have always strongly believed in contributing to solving global environmental issues, for example, when we were the first company in the world to declare our commitment to eliminating CFCs from our operations.” Epson established its Environmental Vision 2050 newzealandprinter.co.nz
to express its commitment to environmental management, and subsequently rolled out various measures aimed at achieving this. The Paris Agreement established decarbonisation targets, and Epson created a scenario to achieve science-based targets. The company plans to become a leading environmental company, saying climate change represents a serious corporate risk. It intends to play a greater role in mitigating that risk. Ogawa adds, “We will steadily advance measures to use 100 per cent renewable electricity. In this and other environmental activities we will continue to pursue high targets and aggressively drive forward to achieve our goals.”
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April 2021
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NEWS
Covid-19 locks down German show The ongoing pandemic, lockdown measures, and associated travel restrictions following a third wave of Covid-19 in Europe have caused the postponement of the Print & Digital Convention. Organisers of the show, Messe Düsseldorf and Fachverband Medienproduktion have moved the congress and trade fair from June to October 20-21, counting on better general conditions and an extended planning horizon for participants. Sabine Geldermann, Messe Düsseldorf director of print technologies, says, “Even if virtual formats are the measure of all things in these times, our customers recognise, based on the experience of the last 12 months, that face-to-face events are indispensable, especially when it comes to the haptic experience of technologies and their
Sabine Geldermann, Messe Düsseldorf director of print technologies applications. “That is why we are confidently looking ahead to October 2021.” Rüdiger Maaß, f:mp managing director, says, the move provides visitors and exhibitors safety during the time of the pandemic. He says, “We
have a responsibility to the health of our visitors and exhibitors. Against the background of the current Corona pandemic and continuing restrictions, it is unfortunately not guaranteed that we will be able to hold the Print & Digital Convention at the Düsseldorf exhibition centre in June. “Our exhibitors’ confidence in our decision is documented by the fact that 95 per cent of the exhibitors who have already booked will also be present in October. “We see the congress as a platform for interaction focusing on selected highlight projects and knowledge transfer while placing a strong emphasis on interactive experiences. We therefore consider it important to hold it as a face-to-face event as soon as the framework conditions permit.”
The Print & Digital Convention aims to focus on the presentation of innovative technologies in projects that not only showcase individual machines or tools, but also demonstrate overall solutions oriented on practical requirements. In addition to exhibits and intensive expert advice at the exhibitor stands, visitors to the event can expect an extensive programme of lectures on all relevant aspects of corporate communication and print and digital technologies. Organisers say that the annual congress and trade fair, together with virtual offerings such as virtual.drupa and drupa’s global Print Technologies trade fair portfolio, bridge the time window until the next drupa in 2024, offering an important platform for knowledge transfer, exchange, and networking.
Pantora opens access to colour tools Colour science specialists X-Rite and Pantone have announced the latest release of Pantora, a desktop application for the management of colour and appearance data in digital design and production workflows. Pantora now connects with the Ci7000 Series, MAT12, and MetaVue VS3200 spectrophotometers, enabling brands and suppliers to quickly capture or import spectral and
appearance data into the application and create virtual material samples for paints, plastics, metals, fabrics, and meshes. Customers can store, edit, and share digital material files using appearance exchange format files across product lifecycle management, CAD, and 3D rendering software. Matthew Adby, appearance product portfolio manager at X-Rite, says, “The latest release
of Pantora makes digital material scanning accessible to a broader audience by allowing brands and suppliers to leverage their existing colour data and measurement devices. “The ability to easily and affordably transform a physical material into a digital sample minimises the need to ship samples around the globe between design teams, suppliers, and partners. This allows companies to innovate and
accelerate the design to manufacturing process. “The Pantora material browser locates, acquires, and imports the digital material data as an appearance exchange format file that accounts for appearance attributes such as colour, gloss, and texture. With the material viewer, companies can render the material in a virtual scene to see the effect of lighting, gloss levels, and special effect pigments.”
Collaboration holds the key to success Speaking at last month’s FuturePrint Leaders’ Summit Virtual Conference, Xaar chief executive John Mills set out the inkjet technology group’s commitment to collaboration with clients. Mills sees cooperation as a focus for driving innovation and building the business for the longer 6
term. said, “We are driven by a new business model and vision that enables a world where you can print anything you can imagine.” Mills talked about Xaar’s approach to business partnerships and the development and integration of inkjet technology across a growing number of new applications.
He said, “Xaar’s ‘can do’ approach provides partners with a real point of difference in developing the latest products and applications. This willingness to collaborate openly with OEMs and development partners reveals new avenues of applications for Xaar’s inkjet technology.
“As a business we have embraced this approach and are already seeing the benefits as we build deeper relationships with our partners that are not only driving tomorrow’s inkjet developments and applications, but also providing a strong platform for our growth in the long term.”
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
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Print Service & Supply Businesses - Stay in Front Stay in front of your prospects, New Zealand Printer readers, with an ad in the New Zealand Printer Directory. Pay just $150 ex gst a month over 11 issues and get noticed by the people who need your goods or services. The Directory is published monthly near the Print Calendar at the end of the NZP news section. Email Brian Moore brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz for details
PRINT CALENDAR PIDA Awards
Pack Print International
Print & Digital Convention
May 25 & 26, 2021 Online This year, the Australian Institute of Packaging will run an online presentation for the Packaging innovation & Design Awards, which recognise companies and individuals making a significant difference in their field in Australia and New Zealand.
September 22-25, 2021 Bangkok, Thailand A collaboration between Messe Düsseldorf Asia, The Thai Printing Association and The Thai Packaging Association, this show covers the latest trends in the packaging and printing markets, especially for the Asia Pacific region.
October 20-21, 2021 Düsseldorf, Germany This show will present solutions for combining classic print communication with digital and online strategies in practical applications. It offers orientation, perspectives, and a range of new concepts targeting future-oriented business planning.
www.aipack.com.au
Pride In Print Awards June 25, 2021 Cordis Hotel, Auckland Tickets are now on sale for the print industry’s gala evening. The awards evening also features the winners of the Apprentice of The Year, Trainer of the Year and the Training Company of the Year.
www.prideinprintawards.co.nz
NZSDA Conference July, 2021 Auckland The NZSDA has had to move to a mix of live and online for its Conference, Awards of Excellence and Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021. The NZSDA Annual General Meeting will take place virtually end of June with details to be confirmed over the next month.
www.nzsda.org.nz newzealandprinter.co.nz
www.pack-print.de
PacPrint 2021 September 28 to October 1 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre With the opening of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, PacPrint organisers are excited to welcome New Zealand visitors to the event that provides a platform for suppliers and visitors to get together and generate business opportunities through the technologies, solutions, and trends.
https://tdm-e.f-mp.de/einfuehrung
Printing South China March 2022 Guangzhou, China A one-stop platform for technological and business exchange in China’s printing industry with exhibitors of printing machinery and other printing related solutions. Organisers expect 1500 exhibitors to show their solutions.
www.pacprint.com.au
www.printingsouthchina.com
Fespa Global Expo
Interpack
October 12-15, 2021 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Organisers have moved the show but they still have the backing of exhibitors wanting to provide an innovative wide format showcase. It will run alongside the European Sign Expo and Sportswear Pro exhibitions.
May 4-10, 2023 Düsseldorf, Germany This is the rescheduling for the largest event in the packaging industry. Interpack specialises in the packaging process within the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food, and industrial goods sectors.
www.fespa.com
www.interpack.com April 2021
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helping hand
PrintNZ unveils the Top 12 App
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his year’s PrintNZ Top 12 Apprentices of the Year comprises a broad group of graduates who, despite the extremely challenging circumstances of 2020, have each excelled in their specific disciplines. Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ, describes the achievements of the finalists as particularly remarkable. She says, “Credit also goes to our training partner Competenz in this regard, as they have ensured that all of the trainees remained on track throughout. “We are thrilled to have such a broad group of high-calibre graduates and whitling them down to the Top 12 was far from an easy task. While 2020 threw us a curve ball the likes of which we have never seen before and sent many of us off course with our plans last year, it did not stop this group of apprentices from completing their studies and gaining their qualifications to the highest of standards. “These apprentices have all excelled in their specific disciplines and being named in the Top 12 provides a fitting accolade for the hard work they have put in.
IAIN MACINTYRE
Through their employers, we learn more about our top 12 apprentices of 2020
“It is pleasing to yet again witness the Top 12 “recognising the broad range of sectors that come under the print umbrella. For instance, there are many overlapping areas within sign and print. In many cases the work is produced on the same machinery, with printers making signs and sign makers doing printing. “As our industry continues to evolve, so too should our celebrations of people and products, and so we are thrilled to have such a broad range of graduates included those in our Top 12. “We also recognise the crucial roles that employers, managers, and training advisors play in recognising and encouraging their talent. “We hope this year that we can suitably recognise those achievements and contributions at our industry graduations and, move through to the naming of the Apprentice of the Year at the Pride In Print Awards” Given the Covid-19 pandemic, these gatherings can only take place where appropriate to circumstances. She adds, “First and foremost is our desire to ensure that our industry and its community of people are safe.”
She concludes, “It is heartening to see the enthusiasm of the apprentices and their employers as these are the people that will ensure the skills of our industry are embraced and enhanced."
The Top 12 • Russell Allen, Quality Print, Taupo, Digital • Rebecca Pond, SignCraft Kapiti, Waikanae, Sign making • Alexander Cameron-Brown, Peacock Brothers, Auckland, Packaging • Kieran Densey, Allied Press, Greymouth, Offset • Sean Housby, Soar Print, Auckland, Binding and Finishing • Travis Jordan, Soar Print, Auckland, Digital • Toby Marsh, Signbiz, Christchurch, Sign making • Craig Murray, Global Culture, Christchurch, Screen • Todd Nicholls, Webstar, Masterton, Offset • Karl Pearson, Printcraft 81, Masterton, Digital • Georgia Pritchard, BB Signs, Blenheim, Sign making • Pranil Ram, Stratex New Zealand, Auckland, Packaging
Russell Allen Quality Print director Shawn Vennell says that he is so impressed with Top 12 Apprentice Russell Allen’s grasp of modern printing equipment to the extent that, “it really warms my heart”.
He says, “As a sheetfed printer, and a director of this company, I have seen the technology in our print shop move from letterpress to offset, and now to an offset digital combo, where we would certainly be lost without Russell's
skill set. During his work day, Russell also needs to deal with members of the public, and I must say that they love him. He seems to warm them all. It is quite fascinating; people just really like dealing with him.”
Alexander Cameron-Brown Seeing similarities to himself as a younger man, Peacock Brothers managing director Andi Thompson expresses great pride in witnessing the development of Top 12 Apprentice Alexander Cameron-Brown.
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April 2021
Thompson says, “When Alex joined the company, he was a little bit lost as to what he wanted to do with his life. But I could tell after a couple of months that if he applied himself, he could achieve anything. It was around
this time I offered him a printing apprenticeship. “Like myself, the hands on learning system an apprenticeship offers suited Alex, and he has absolutely flourished in his new career choice.”
newzealandprinter.co.nz
helping hand
prentices of the Year for 2020 Kieran Densey Greymouth Evening Star production manager Tony Negri describes Kieran Densey as a “hard worker with some great qualities” Negri says, “Kieran has good problem solving skills and the
ability to think outside the square. “He is friendly and approachable and fits very easily into our team environment. His start time was 3.45am, yet he never slept in and that was one
thing that really impressed me. “Kieran is self-motivated, has a positive attitude with good time-management skills and often goes the extra mile, staying late to help cover shifts. He is an exceptionally reliable employee.”
quickly. Nothing is ever too much trouble for Sean and he’s happy to be flexible with his hours and duties, to suit our ever-changing workflow. “When we present Sean with a new challenge, he’s in boots
and all. For example, he learned to use our complex new Kama die-cutting machine in record time. He’s a very mechanicallyminded person, which makes him a valuable asset to the finishing department.”
Soar says, “It’s almost amusing to the Soar team that Travis was an apprentice. He was quickly viewed as a senior team member because he can operate any of the printers in our digital department and often trains
other team members on label printing. “Travis fits perfectly into his current role and we’re sure his passion for digital print will pave the way to an impressive career in the New Zealand printing industry.”
create graphics, then apply, all without being formally trained with any application methods prior to joining a sign shop? “We interviewed Toby for a position to join our team in 2015. It was obvious his drive to
succeed with anything he put his mind to was prevalent. My decision to offer employment was extremely rapid based on his positive and enthusiastic, creative outlook, accompanied with his need to be the best he can be."
always pays close attention to detail. He has soaked up what Robin Hull, our printer, has taught him and always looked to learn more. “We have watched his work as he has presented it and have
enjoyed the extra attention and creativity he has applied to it. "I have been pleasantly surprised how quickly he has picked up the detail within the role and become a productive printer in our team.”
Sean Housby Soar Print managing director Fred Soar is impressed with the way that Sean Housby brings his “best self” to work every day. Soar says, “Sean is an energetic employee who picks up new skills and knowledge
Travis Jordan Having two apprentices in this year’s Top 12 has delighted the team at Soar Print, Fred Soar describes Travis Jordan as engaging, enthusiastic, and passionate about his work, as well as popular with colleagues.
Toby Marsh Signbiz manager Paul Reeves believes there is no holding Toby Marsh back. Reeves says, “How many young guys or gals do you know would design livery for their own race car, purchase vinyl and
Craig Murray The way he thinks about his role within a bigger picture perspective makes Craig Murray an asset to the team at Global Culture, says managing director Chris Brocket. He explains, “Craig brings ideas to the table and
Continued on page 10 newzealandprinter.co.nz
April 2021
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helping hand
Continued from page 9
Todd Nicholls Webstar operations manager Trevor Howard comments that the Top 12 achievement for Todd Nicholls has come as no surprise to the team at Webstar. Howard says, “There was no doubt that Todd was going
to do well. He was incredibly determined to complete the apprenticeship and move up to a printing role. “Todd led the way with makeready times and achieved the expected running speeds.
“He is very reliable; he works hard and is very capable. Todd has grown a huge amount through his apprenticeship dealing with shift work, a young family and evolving through personal challenges.”
work and is one of the rare few who gives absolutely 110 per cent all the time. He is always eager to share his vast knowledge with any member of the team in any aspect he has experience in.
“In each and every assignment, he went above and beyond, and all for his own betterment that he could then apply to our workplace and, I might add, mostly in his own time.”
things done. Since the beginning of her time with SignCraft Kapiti, Rebecca’s willingness to learn and understand, to seek out new ways of working and develop her skills and knowledge has been entirely self-driven.
“Rebecca has always been and remains highly competent, taking pride in her work. She continues to expand with a willingness and desire to learn beyond the requirements of her apprenticeship.”
and beyond with managing larger projects. She is also totally committed to her work, always putting 100 per cent in when she is here. “Georgia has been with us for eight years now and putting her
through an apprenticeship was a way to reward her for all her hard work. “She has also gained a qualification that she can use should she leave the company and pursue other employment.”
apprentices need to be these days to balance the pressures of shift work and study, along with family life. “He has always shown the ability to pick things up quickly and his attention to detail is
second to none, which is a great skill to have in this fast-paced industry. Pranil also has a can do attitude. That, combined with his his drive to keep learning, makes him an ideal fit for our flexo team.”
Karl Pearson Printcraft 81 managing director Peter Watson describes Karl Pearson as having a thirst for knowledge which has never let up. Watson says, “Karl also strives for excellence in all aspects of his
Rebecca Pond SignCraft Kapiti owner Helge Ritthammer praises Rebecca Pond for her notable can do attitude. He says, “She constantly surprises the team with her fresh and positive approach to get
Georgia Pritchard BB Signs director Leigh Church points out how Georgia Pritchard is very bright and capable in both work and her life; a valued team member. Church says, “Georgia is punctual and she goes above
Pranil Ram Stratex New Zealand print manager Ross Halliday says Pranil Ram is an ideal employee who quietly gets on with his job with no complaints. Halliday explains, “Pranil is very organised, which
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April 2021
newzealandprinter.co.nz
It is judgement time for Pride In Print entries Pride In Print judges gather for this year’s competition
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his past month has seen a hive of activity as industry experts from across the country met to pour over the incredible array of work entered for this year’s Pride In Print Awards. Just over 30 judges spent two solid days working in teams going over the 500 plus entries with a fine tooth comb, looking at every detail of the prepress, printing and finishing to reward the finest work produced by our industry during 2020. 2020 was a year of disruption and difficulty with print volumes down across many sectors, so it was heartening to see the level of entries achieved across all categories, and the excellent examples of work produced by our industry. The judges put an intense amount of time into reviewing every detail of a job, conferring amongst their teams, checking with process specialists, and then working with the convenor of judges to reach a consensus on the gold medals and highly commended awards. From there they work as a team to select the process winners, category winners and of course, the coveted supreme award winner. All jobs entered are contenders for a gold medal. They are not judged against other work in the category; each job is judged on its own merits, and if it achieves the required standard of excellence, it will be awarded accordingly. It is not until you get to the category and process winners that comparisons are made, and this is necessary to find the best of the best. But this is not done without a large amount of healthy debate that, newzealandprinter.co.nz
Pride In Print judging took place over two days earlier this month
RUTH COBB
when listened to, highlights the incredible detail and depth of the knowledge of the judges. The category winners then provide a serious set of contenders for the overall supreme award. Experts present the merits of each job and these are then voted on a number of times by the supreme award panel to reach an overall winner. The results for 2020 are now set and the wheels are set in motion for the next stage of planning the big event on 25 June to announce the winners. We have our fingers crossed that Covid-19 stays away from our communities, that people remain free to travel around the country, and that they are willing and able to come to Auckland, not just to find out the results, but to catch up with their peers and celebrate the industry. And of course, it is not just the Pride In Print Awards that will be celebrated on 25 June. The event will also see the announcement on stage of the Apprentice of the Year, Training Company of the Year and Trainer of the Year. This is a huge night for our Top Five Apprentices and their
trainers, taking to the stage to be recognised in front of the industry for their outstanding achievement. Ticket sales have opened for the Pride In Print Awards gala dinner. This will be the first industry-wide event held since 2019 and we are sure that everyone is ready to celebrate. The event is being held at the beautiful Cordis Hotel in Auckland, but the change does mean that there are a few less seats available than usual, so don’t leave it too long to book your tickets. We could not hold this event without the work put in by our judges. A huge thank you to the judges for giving both their time and expertise to ensure that we have Awards to present, and to the companies they work for that allow them to take the time away from their business to do this. This is much appreciated, particularly in the current environment we all work in. We look forward to seeing you in June, dressed in your finest, for a night of celebration. DONUT miss out on getting your tickets. Visit www. prideinprintawards.co.nz April 2021
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COVER STORY XXX
Fujifilm Business Innovation: h
Fujifilm Business Innovation officially commenced doing business with its new name on April 1, 2021
Rebrand sees innovation front and centre for graphics giant
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ujifilm Business Innovation has arrived. Formerly Fuji Xerox New Zealand, the company officially commenced doing business with its new name on April 1, 2021. The requirement to rename one of the country’s leading graphic arts suppliers came from the global split between Fujifilm and Xerox. The two giants had partnered for over 60 years, providing graphic arts and document solutions across the Pacific and Asia. However, the timing for the rebrand also means the company can highlight how it creates opportunities for its customers to grow their business through innovation. Peter Thomas, managing director of Fujifilm Business
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Innovation New Zealand, says, “Fujifilm has a long history of innovation in a range of fields, not just graphic arts. It makes sense to call this company Fujifilm Business Innovation because it describes what we do now and what we are about in the future: helping businesses to innovate and meet their goals. “Having operated in this space for 60 years, we are very much looking forward to helping New Zealand businesses position themselves to be successful in the future.” The change gives Fujifilm Business Innovation a chance to align itself more closely with the wider Fujifilm group of companies. Globally, Fujifilm has 317 separate subsidiaries that work in a range of industries, from pharmaceutical to medical and from graphics arts to document solutions. This opens the door for the New Zealand company to access untold advancements and developments across the world in different commercial
and industrial sectors. He says, “There is no doubting the quality of the innovations those companies offer, and we share them with our customers. An important consideration is the fact that we have a separate entity called Fujifilm New Zealand, which we already cooperate with. As we go forward, we will have even more collaboration with the team there. Supporting the New Zealand graphic arts market remains a major focus for both companies. So, you will see these two separate legal entities partnering more and more in vertical sectors such as graphic arts.”
Continuity and new ideas He emphasises that the rebranding does not change the work that the company puts into the market each day. He says, “For our customers right now, it simply means business as usual. Continuity is a given. Basically, it is the same people doing the same
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
COVER STORY XXX
helping print businesses thrive thing: providing the same great services and products.” The company retains its service and support capabilities, which gives customers confidence in their choice of Fujifilm Business Innovation technology and solutions. He says, “Everything we sell, and everything we will sell, we fully support and service. We want to bring our customers new ideas and innovations to help them make their businesses even more successful. “Essentially, not a great deal has changed for our customers. They can now see new signage, new uniforms, new business cards, new email addresses, and so on. It is certainly a big mechanical project to rebrand a company this size. All of the boxes needed ticking.” He points out that Fujifilm Business Innovation will cover more than just print. He says, “While print will always be in our heart, we have a range of other exciting solutions. For example, managed IT services, software services that enable you to take your business online. “We see more and more commercial printers getting into the direct marketing (DM) space. We also see increasing demand for short run personalisation. DM campaigns are not about filling up people’s inboxes. They deliver physical printed material to help customers take their marketing campaigns to another level. “Another trend for our customers is the massive change and growth in packaging and labels. The capability to provide ondemand labels and packaging with short runs, and the ability to personalise and offer innovative solutions to their end customers gives print companies great opportunities for growth. “It is also exciting that, over the next 12 months, we will release a new range of products and services, from a hardware point of view that covers small printers to industrial production presses. We will also unveil innovative new software solutions for a variety of segments. We acquired newzealandprinter.co.nz
Peter Thomas, managing director of Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand CodeBlue 12 months ago and we have seen a huge demand here for its advanced information technology services.”
Framework for the future The company has faced significant challenges with Covid-19 and has helped its customers deal with their own Covid-related issues. He
says, “The printing industry is permanently affected by Covid-19. The lockdown resulted in a significant reduction in printing.We have tried to support our customers in hard financial times through offering deferral of leases and those customers have stayed loyal. Continued on page 14 April 2021
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COVER STORY Continued from page 13 “Coming out of Covid-19 will require innovation. We can see the impacts of Covid-19 globally and it will take a year or two to make the world a safer place.” Making the world a safer place fits with the company’s take on sustainability and improving the environment. Fujifilm Business Innovation is the country’s third company to adopt the Future Fit Business Benchmark for sustainability. The company’s Product Stewardship Scheme has received accreditation from the Ministry for the Environment. He says, “We need to support our customers to be long-term sustainable. Sustainability is woven into the fabric of our company. The way our parts can be recycled avoids landfill. In New Zealand, 99 per cent of the machines we manufacture can be recycled. “You must balance the economic environment and social factors. We want to continue helping to provide that balance into the long-term future. We have also signed up to be net zero carbon by 2030. “We want to talk to our customers about how they can meet and overcome their carbon challenges and carbon goals and emissions standards. As society moves away from a reliance on plastic and environmentally toxic products, we have a range of products and services to help our clients explore this changing landscape.” In this time of Covid-19, businesses have avoided celebrating milestones with expensive and showy events. On the morning of April 1, Fujifilm Business Innovation ushered in the new era with management cooking breakfast for staff. Thomas says, “We wanted to mark the day but in a simple way with nothing extravagant. It is important to acknowledge the change.” The more low-key celebration points to a pragmatic company, looking forward to introducing innovations to the local market. He adds, “As the weeks progress, we will embark on a more comprehensive programme and tell New Zealanders our story. “But really, it is about bringing innovation to the forefront of what we do. Where our customers can do that, they can be successful.” 14
Business as usual: Grant Blockley (l), national wide format specialist and Ryan Christie graphic arts account manager in front of the Fujifilm Business Innovation Print Technology Centre
Technology and solutions: Chris Cordes, national print production specialist at Fujifilm Business Innovation, with the Versant 180i Production Press
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
COVER STORY
April marks rebrand across the country
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inding an appropriate way to mark the rebranding of the company proved no problem to management and staff members who shared breakfast on April 1. Welcome packs, new business cards, and fresh signage featured, while new jackets proved de rigeur in Fujifilm Business Innovation branches across the country. Some of the team at Fujifilm Business Innovation kindly shared their photographs with us…
Maribel Ponte (l) and Sheryl Castro outside Fujifilm Business Innovation headquarters in Auckland
At the Print Technology Centre, Ardee Duran (l) receives his welcome pack from Alexandre Di Carlos
New brand, new jackets, from left: Mylene Bautista, Grace Brion, Gina Rutger, Maribel Ponte, and Sheryl Castro Ready for anything, from left: Joseph Maton, Ranger Erot, Alexandre Di Carlos, Jonathan Room, and Steve Shaw outside the Print Technology Centre
The new Versant 3100i Production Press at Fujifilm Business Innovation showroom in Welington newzealandprinter.co.nz
Serving breakfast, from left: Graham Gook, Peter Thomas, Shige Kotake, Ruth Constantine, and Vanessa Jacobsen April 2021
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DIGITAL
Kale Print gets an Iridesse digital upgrade
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he Bay of Plenty’s leading commercial printer recently purchased the Iridesse Production Press, supplied through Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand. Peter Lloyd, general manager at Kale Print says, “In line with our values of being innovative and providing best in class print production for our clients, the Iridesse production press is a perfect fit. “The installation went like clockwork and we were up and running live work on day three of install. Jeremy from Fujifilm Business Innovation was there on hand to help with training for our production, studio, and sales teams throughout the week.” The Iridesse offers six colour stations. It can output multiple special colours in one pass such as simultaneous printing of gold and silver. It can overlay or underlay specialty colours, giving six layers of toner on paper while maintaining high productivity, high image quality, and paper versatility. It achieves printed output with high definition without unevenness, in all colours. It prints on a range of stocks up to 400gsm with ease and up to 500um for packaging. At the front end, the new generation GX print server has an extensive pantone library built in and it has a predefined metallic colour palette that can be downloaded to Adobe suite to allow easy and fast use of the Iridesse colours. Other features include the 1200mm simplex banner and 729mm duplex banner printing. The Iridesse has advanced colour management with inline spectrophotometer using LED light source for better accuracy and single pass colour and registration adjustments. The ability to print special toner
Iridesse offers a range of innovations to broaden Kale Print’s digital capabilities
Exciting times: Shudesh Mani (l), graphic arts specialist Central North Island for Fujifilm Business Innovation and Peter Lloyd, general manager at Kale Print, with the Iridesse Production Press under CMYK toner gives Kale Print another string to its already impressive bow. Underprinting gold or silver toner, the Iridesse can output vibrant metallic colour using spot with CMYK toner. The company now offers on demand digital printing comparable to special ink and foil. The Iridesse can print two types of specialty dry ink, choosing from silver, gold, white, clear, and pink. It also offers an under print of specialty dry inks as well as overprint. It can produce various metallic colours, including metallic blue, metallic green, blue gold, and red-gold, by placing CMYK on underlying silver or gold dry ink. Lloyd says, “Investing in new technology helps drive Kale Print’s success as a market leader in the print industry. It enables us to change up our offering significantly and we now cover a comprehensive range of print products and services such as sheet fed
printing, design, signage, window and vehicle graphics, point of sale, merchandise, labels, and packaging. “The wider range of embellishments and expanded range of specialty and premium stocks that the Iridesse delivers will enable our team to better demonstrate how our clients can improve their marketing collateral.” Kale Print, New Zealand owned and family run, employs a team of 40 highly skilled staff. He adds, “Our team members share a passion for what they do in bringing their individual skill sets to their work. They make the most of the technology we have. “We have some of the most knowledgeable and passionate people in the industry. At every stage of the production process, we look to add value through innovation. The Iridesse fits perfectly with this concept. For all of us at Kale Print, it is an exciting time to be in the print industry.”
Iridesse offers Kale Print a range of innovations The new Iridesse at Kale Print offers numerous features. These include: CMYK + 2 specialty colour stations Range of specialty dry inks – Gold, Silver, Clear and White, and Neon Pink Metallic effects with mixture of gold/silver Pantone metallic 16
Enhanced finishing, three-sided trimming and creasing Prints at 120 ppm, up to 400gsm Advanced Automatic Adjustment tool An advanced GX Print Server Super EA Eco Dry Ink for CMYK Gloss-up feature
1200dpi x 10bit RIP Banner sheet sizes: 729mm two-sided; 1200mm – one-sided Paper weight from 52 to 400 gsm Variations of specialty paper – coloured paper, aluminised paper, films, envelopes, embossed paper, and more
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
We live in a magnificent world. Bring the sublime to life in breathtaking detail from Specialty Dry Ink in the revolutionary Iridesse™ Production Press. Make neons and pastels pop with electrifying Pink Dry Ink that reproduces the colour gamut in crisp, vivid dimensions.
Discover a wondrous realm of possiblities. www.fujifilm.com/fbnz
FINISHING
Currie Group speeds finishing for Greenlees
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ecently, Greenlees Printing installed a Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder, supplied through Currie Group. Dave Greenlees runs the company and says he is impressed with the new machine’s capabilities. The company completes a range of printing work. He says, “The type of work we do has changed over the years. We currently print offset and digital. We wanted to improve our finishing capabilities, so we purchased the Horizon. “I am impressed with its speed. It is more accurate than the machine we had. Plus, it is much easier to use, and the scoring is also an improvement. Previously, we had to score them individually but now, we can do multiple scores for wrap arounds. For instance, today we had to do 1500 pieces with the scoring 12mm apart. The Horizon did the job in half the time. “We also have a Horizon collator, and it is great for NCR work. Like the CRF-362 Creaser and Folder, it really saves us a lot of time. “Currie Group has been great to deal with. Craig Paul, the country manager was really good. Currie Group has a good understanding of print companies and with the Covid-19 pandemic, they knew what we were going through. “The installation went well. The Currie Group technician Dan was really helpful when he installed it. He was also able
Finding a faster finish: Dave Greenlees with the Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder
Wairarapa print shop improves finishing with Horizon solution
to sort out a couple of minor issues. It is handy that he is just over the hill in Wellington so we can call on him when we need him.”
Family owned and run Greenlees Printing turns 60 next month. Peter and Jennifer Greenlees founded the business on May 1, 1961. In those early days, Peter used a Heidelberg platen press
and Jennifer managing the finances. In the mid-sixties, Greenlees installed the first offset press in the Wairarapa. In 1975, Paul Greenlees joined the business as a printer and binder. Dave Greenlees joined him in 1985, when he did his printing apprenticeship. Paul took over the company in 1990. Dave went overseas for several years. He says, “I worked in print companies in Melbourne and London. Then I returned in 1998 and became a shareholder in 2004. More recently, I have taken over the running of the business from Paul.” In 2014, they completely renovated and equipped their original building. Since then, however, Greenlees has faced some tough challenges. He says, “Printing is a real battle at the moment. It is quite price orientated and that makes it difficult. I would like to see undercutting of prices stop. It is just a race to the bottom with companies only hurting themselves. Nobody benefits from it in the long term. “We have three print companies here in the Wairarapa and we are all chasing similar goals. The Covid-19 pandemic hit everyone last year and we are quite a way down from that. Having said that, we really appreciate the support that we do receive. “The industry will continue to change. While offset has not really changed that much, the competition from digital has changed the way print companies do business.”
Horizon CRF-362 automates creasing and folding The Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder is ideal for a range of finishing applications. Craig Paul, country manager for Currie Group New Zealand, says, “The Horizon CRF362 Creaser and Folder is excellent for creasing a range of printed material such as covers, restaurant menus, shop cards, invitation cards and laminated sheets. Importantly, this 18
creaser avoids cracking on digitally printed applications. “High quality creasing helps to prepare high quality perfect bound book covers. Spine, hinge, and flap creases can be properly produced by selecting up or down creasing. “Its two fold knives are equipped for high quality folding, even on heavy stocks. Six
different folding patterns can be set up simply by using the icon based touch screen. “Quick and easy set-up and operation can be performed through the newly equipped high resolution colour touch screen. The folder can be enhanced with JDF workflow from upstream to the postpress using pXnet bindery control system.”
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
DIGITAL
Konica Minolta opens its new showroom New demonstration hub ticks the boxes for local Konica Minolta team
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uring the last month, Konica Minolta team members moved into their new showroom at 301 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland. Chris O’Hara, national production print manager for Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand, says, “Following the company mantra of ‘ReThink’, which has particular pertinence in navigating the new normal after Covid, combined with a clear focus on production print and industrial print along with servicing the printing industry, the location is perfect. It provides easy access for customers from the printing industry given its proximity to the southern motorway and its lack of traffic congestion.” Currently installed in the new showroom, the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14000 which operates at 140 impressions per minute and includes the IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser combined with Auto Inspection Technology. O’Hara says, “This technology fully automates quality management monitoring every impression for quality and registration accuracy. Also configured to the AccurioPress C14000 is the in-line Trimmer Unit which will trim a print job to finished size along with creasing and perforating in both directions. “The focus is on productivity with the goal being to get a print job from prepress to invoicing in the fastest possible time with the least amount of post print processes and hands touching the job, resulting in maximised productivity and profitability.” 20
“Rethink’ means a clear focus on production print: Chris O’Hara, national production print manager for Konica Minolta Business Solutions New Zealand
Perfect location: Rob Whiting, national print specialist, outside the new hub
Claudio Gelpi, production engineer, with the AccurioPress 6100
In addition, the new showroom houses the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C6100 and AccurioPress C3070, each with the same Intelligent Quality Optimiser and Auto Inspection Technology as the AccurioPress C14000. This month sees the installation of the AccurioLabel 230, a roll to roll digital label printing solution. He says, “The AccurioLabel 230 delivers the same level of quality as Konica Minolta’s cut sheet platforms. The presses are installed with both the Konica Minolta Print Controllers and EFI Fiery Print Controllers, and further supported by the Konica Minolta AccurioPRO Flux workflow application.” O’Hara says the Konica Minolta team has had a busy year so far, particularly in the past month. He adds, “Over the past month there has been a high level of activity demonstrating the new solutions and with a high level of interest, this is set to continue. “We look forward to welcoming visitors to the showroom. Please contact me on 021 266 8079 for more information.”
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
RETHINK EFFICIENCY WITH THE ALL NEW ACCURIOPRESS C14000 SERIES
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To rethink efficiency, simply visit konicaminolta.co.nz/AccurioPressC14000series
NEWS
Two Sides calls out greenwash across the globe Global print advocacy group Two Sides has engaged 320 organisations for making misleading statements about paper over the past year. So far, 134 of them have removed those statements from their communications. Two Sides Australia and New Zealand engaged with 67 organisations. Kellie Northwood, chief executive, says, “We are seeing good success with the anti-greenwashing campaign. We engage on the basis of science, which we communicate clearly. It is clear that printed products are not detrimental to the environment. In fact, they are the most recyclable, renewable, and sustainable form of communication there is. “The big number in the last year includes Europe, North and South America, and South Africa. It brings the total to 710 companies that have removed misleading greenwashing
Kellie Northwood, chief executive of Two Sides Australia and New Zealand statements since the Two Sides campaign began in 2010. The 67 Australian and New Zealand organisations represent a cross section of the corporate world. “Some respond directly to us, some just quietly change their websites following our engagement. We monitor their comms following our initial engagement. Sometimes
things change quickly, sometimes it takes time.” Two Sides Australia New Zealand will typically contact the marketing department, the sustainability head, and the legal counsel of the organisation. Jonathan Tame, Two Sides managing director, says, “Not only are these greenwash claims in breach of established environmental marketing rules, but they are hugely damaging to an industry which has a solid and continually improving environmental record. A healthy market for forest products such as paper encourages the longterm growth of forests through sustainable forest management. Many of the organisations we engage are surprised to learn that in Europe alone forests have actually been growing by 1500 football pitches every day. Greenwashing
is a serious issue for our sector, and we have seen a worrying increase driven by current economic pressures. Because of the huge reach of some of these greenwashing organisations, their unsubstantiated claims have a damaging effect on consumer perceptions of paper. “This is why the Antigreenwash Campaign continues to be a priority for Two Sides. We will continue to urge companies to reject the use of unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims about going paperless in all of their communications. “We are grateful for the cooperation of the hundreds of organisations that have changed or eliminated greenwashing claims from their messaging. We also thank the many industry stakeholders and members of the public who send Two Sides examples of greenwash.”
• two programmatic guillotines • five guillotines folding machines – small twoprogrammatic programmatic guillotines •• two • two programmatic guillotines format up to Crown • two programmatic five foldingmachines machines –small smallQuad guillotines • two programmatic •• five folding –guillotines • five folding machines – to small formatup up to Quad Crown ••Quad seven stationmachines saddle stitcher format five Crown folding – small •up five folding machines – small format to Quad Crown sevenstation station saddle stitcher • two programmatic guillotines •• seven stitcher • saddle automatic gatherer –Crown 12 stations format up to Quad format up to Quad Crown • two programmatic guillotines • seven saddle stitcher automatic gatherer –12 12 stations •• automatic gatherer – stations • fivestation folding machines small ••– two sewing machines seven station saddle stitcher • five folding machines – small • automatic gatherer – 12Crown stations two sewing machines • seven station saddle stitcher format up to Quad •• two sewing machines •• Shoei crashup folding machine automatic gatherer – 12 stations • two programmatic guillotines format to Quad Crown • Shoei Shoei crashstitcher foldingmachine machine • two sewing •machines crash folding • seven station saddle • automatic gatherer – 12 stations •• binding special covers two sewing machines • five folding •machines – small •covers seven station saddle stitcher binding special covers • binding special • Shoei crash folding machine • automatic gatherer – 12 stations (menus etc.) format•uptwo to (menus Quad Crown Shoei crash folding machine (menus etc.)•machines sewing • automatic gatherer – 12 stations etc.) •• binding specialsaddle covers • twostation sewing machines • in-line perfect binder with seven stitcher in-lineperfect perfect with • binder binding specialmachines covers •• in-line •binder twowith sewing (menus •etc.) Shoei crash folding machine three-knife guillotine • Shoei crash folding machine three-knife guillotine three-knife guillotine (menus etc.) • automatic gatherer – 12 stations • Shoei crash folding machine • in-line perfect binder with •• PUR binding PUR binding • binding special covers ••machines PUR binding • binding special covers in-line perfect binder with • three-knife two sewing guillotine • binding special covers 144 Street, CarlylePO Street, PO Box 1361, Christchurch 8001 144 Carlyle Box 1361, 1361, Christchurch 8001 (menus(menus etc.) Box Christchurch 8001 • wiro binding calendars DLE to A1 • wiro binding calendars DLE to A1 wiro binding DLE to A1 three-knife guillotine etc.)calendars • PUR Shoeibinding crash•folding machine (menus etc.) • Telephone 5367 Fax 03 365 365 5443 03 366 5367 •• Fax 03 5443 Telephone 03 366 5367 • Fax 365 5443 automatic wiro binding •03 in-line perfect binderwiro •• automatic binding •with wiro binding • automatic PUR binding • in-line perfect binder with • binding special covers • in-line perfect binder with treet, Email PO Box 1361, Christchurch 8001 • wiro binding calendars DLE to A1 three-knife guillotine johnny@mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 johnny@mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 • case binding line • case binding line Email • Mobile 0274 536 273 144 johnny@mchargs.co.nz Carlyle Street, PO Box 1361, Christchurch 8001 • case binding line • wiro binding calendars (menus etc.) three-knife guillotine DLE to A1 three-knife e 03 366 5367 • Fax 03 365 5443 • automatic wiro binding guillotine • PUR binding Telephone 03 366 5367 • Fax 03 365 5443binder with • automatic wiro binding • in-line perfect • PUR binding mchargs.co.nz Mobile 0274 536 273 • PUR e Street, PO Box• 1361, Christchurch 8001 • case binding linebinding • wiro binding calendars DLE to A1 three-knife guillotine Email johnny@mchargs.co.nz Mobile 0274 536 8001 273 144 Carlyle Street, PO Box•1361, Christchurch • case binding linecalendars DLE to A • wiro binding one 03 366 5367 • FaxChristchurch 03 365 5443 8001 eet, PO Box 1361, • automatic wiro binding calendars DLE to A1 • wiro binding • PUR binding Telephone 03 366 5367 • Fax 03 365 5443 • automatic wiro binding y@mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 • wiro • case binding line treet, PO Box 1361, Christchurch 8001 binding calendars DLE A1 binding line 03 366 5367Email • Fax 03 365 5443 • automatic wiro binding johnny@mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 •tocase e 03 366 5367 • Fax 03 365 5443 • automatic wiro binding mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 • case binding line @mchargs.co.nz • Mobile 0274 536 273 • case binding line
BOUND TO IMPRESS BOUND IMPRESS TO IMPRESS
UND TO IMPRESS BOUND TO IMPRESS OUND TOIMPRESS IMPRESS ND TO BOUND TO IMPRESS
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April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
WIDE FORMAT +Plus
Learn how HP Latex ink works from the experts
WIDE FORMAT NEWS
Summa feeder facilitates faster finishing Cutting solutions manufacturer Summa has introduced the Tray One Sheet Feeder, specifically developed for the desktop models of its new S One roll cutter series. Aarque supplies Summa solutions in New Zealand. Summa says Tray One benefits small and large volume businesses, calling it the ideal sheet/label cutting solution for ease of use in the cutting workflow. It adds that the Tray One Sheet Feeder marks another step in Summa’s pursuit to enhance automation, facilitate media handling,
and save the S One roll cutter operator time. Automating the cutting workflow can positively impact productivity, efficiency, and a company’s bottom line. The more advanced the automation, the fewer redundancies, waste of time and material. The company says that it constantly seeks ways to optimise automation into its entire cutting equipment gamut. Christof Van Driessche, chief commercial officer at Summa, says, “Evolving with industry trends and developing our machines
tailored to customer needs are two key Summa drivers. The demand for an efficient sheet and label processing add-on for our desktop roll cutters was quickly picked up and led to the development of the Tray One Sheet Feeder. It is tailored perfectly to the desktop S One roll cutters. We are convinced Tray One will improve many businesses’ workflow in the digital press, retail, copier, and screen printing industries.” The Tray One sheet feeder enables multi-fold; the possibility to process a wider range of material
types; straightforward workflow built-up via plugins; easy cutting of vectorial PDF files; compatibility with different print technologies; and support of common copier sizes. Integrated Summa GoSign software allows automatic contour cutting of printed sheets. Summa says the intelligent features of the GoSign software guarantee the management of cutting workflow with great flexibility. Tray One is compatible and retrofittable with S1D60, S1D75 models from the Summa S One Series.
New range marks wrap upgrade Avery Dennison says its premium range of vehicle wraps, Supreme Wrapping Film, has undergone significant development to its formulation and construction. After testing and evaluation for New Zealand and Australian environmental conditions, Avery Dennison has declared its enhanced performance with greater environmental resistance and enhanced durability. It has increased the warranty on gloss, satin, and extreme textures films by up to 300 per cent to reflect their durability. To mark the upgrade, Avery Dennison has launched the Rugged Range and Sleek Satin collections featuring 12 colour options for vehicle owners
Tougher: Avery Dennison has increased its warranty on its Supreme Wrapping Film to customise their car according to their personal preferences or styles. The Rugged Range comprises four films that will give a distinctive tough textured finish to vehicles without the permanent application. The new colours are Bedrock Grey, Combat
Green, Marsh Green, and Onyx Black. The Sleek Satin collection comprises eight additions to the company’s range of satin finishes, six of which it has matched to popular matte versions. The matches are Satin Charcoal Metallic, Satin Gunmetal Metallic,
Satin Blue Metallic, Satin Dark Grey, Satin Anthracite Metallic, and Satin Olive Green. Two completely new additions are Satin White Snow Pearlescent and Satin Dark Grey Metallic. Chris Sherry, senior product manager for Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions in Australia and New Zealand, says, “This announcement of product enhancements and new collections speaks of our strength as a materials science company. “Our team constantly pushes the frontiers of technology to set the industry’s highest standards for performance, durability and style options. We are excited to extend the warranty for selected Supreme Wrapping Film finishes.”
Caldera adds drivers for new HP Latex series French print software developer Caldera has added drivers for the new HP Latex 700 and 800 printers to its RIP programme. HP customers can now use CalderaRIP Version 14 to operate all four of the new HP Latex models. It offers a fully scalable solution that targets the demands of 24
April 2021
high volume digital printing environments via one fully integrated programme. The software’s client server architecture allows the distribution of computational power over several workstations with just one software license. As well as driving multiple printers, print and sign
shops can use it to operate numerous print and cut peripherals at the same time. Samin Sarkar, general manager of Caldera, says, “Once again, Caldera has proved itself a market leader by placing the needs of our customers at the centre of our activities.
“Our partnership with HP enables us to outpace expectations by extending our offering in line with the latest market developments, delivering quality results. Benefits include reduced media wastage, nesting programmes, efficient ink usage, and outstanding colour management.” newzealandprinter.co.nz
EQUIPPED TO
WIN BIG Take on the highest value jobs with the new HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer series Hp.com/go/equippedtowinbig
0508 22 88 73 | www.aarque.co.nz
WIDE FORMAT
HP Latex ink continually im
The HP Latex 800 printer series
Bruce Wayne Van Greunen, pre-sales technical consultant at HP, explains how HP Latex ink works
H
ave you ever wondered how HP Latex ink works? To understand this technology, it helps to know the history of inks used in wide format printing. Until 2008, the three primary digital print technologies used were aqueous or water-based inks, solvent, and UV-based inks. Aqueous or water-based ink was used primarily for indoor use. The quality was great, with excellent colour gamut, but the durability and water fastness meant it was not really suited to outdoor applications. Solvent based inks were used primarily for outdoor signage, the water resistance and UV stability made them perfect for outdoor applications, but the print quality was not great for up close viewing. Eco-solvent inks a subset of solvent inks along with mild solvent, were 26
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BRUCE WAYNE VAN GREUNEN
developed as an economy version of solvent inks by removing some of the more costly chemicals. UV cured inks are the king of rigid media. What they lacked in flexibility they made up for in adhesion. UV could print onto almost any surface, but the colour gamut and print quality was similar to that of the solvent ink of the time. A flexible version of UV ink was later developed, but it lost some of its adhesive power, and to use it the inks had to be physically swapped at the expense of time and with significant waste in ink.
HP Latex arrives In 2008, HP created a sea change in wide format printing, launching the world’s first water based outdoor durable ink, HP latex ink technology. The objective was to have the world’s first and most environmentally conscious print technology in the market. HP latex inks also boasted having the best of both worlds, the quality of water-based inks and the outdoor durability of eco-solvent based inks. This offered unparalleled versatility for the first time, one printer
could offer both indoor quality as well as outdoor durability using the same ink set, as well as being safe for the environment and the operator. By 2013, HP had released the third generation of the HP Latex ink. HP continually improves the HP Latex ink technology and the printer performance. It introduced the Optimizer, a clear ink that helped eliminate the requirement for dryers in the print zone, while maintaining the perfect dot gain. HP also added an anti scratch component into the ink for improved durability of the print and improving efficiency of the curing technology allowed for an increased productivity. In 2018 HP debuted the HP Latex R Printer Series, with hybrid capabilities, a Roll to Roll and Flatbed Printer. This introduced the fourth generation of the HP Latex ink, and the first HP Latex to have white ink. The fourth generation inks further reduced curing temperatures, allowing for even more media variety, and separation of the antiscratch component from the newzealandprinter.co.nz
WIDE FORMAT
mproves print performance
The HP Latex 700 printer
ink to a separate ink called the Overcoat. Having the Overcoat separate means there is a choice on when to use it, like when the print is going to be laminated in the case of high abrasion applications such as vehicle wrapping, there is no need to use the Overcoat. And of course, the whitest of white inks in the industry. On February 2, 2021, HP introduced the HP Latex 700 and 800 series of printers also available with HP Latex white ink.
The mechanics of Latex In both the third and fourth generation HP Latex inks, the Optimizer is the first drop fired from its HP thermal inkjet printhead.
HP Latex inks offer quality and durability
The positively charged particles in the Optimizer are only placed where the image is going to be printed. This is followed by a droplet of ink that is fired from its HP thermal Inkjet printhead. That drop of HP Latex ink consists of water (65 per cent); pigments (colourants), Latex polymers (synthetic, totally hypoallergenic); and tiny amounts of other chemicals. The negatively charged pigment is attracted to the positively charged Optimizer, giving perfect control of the dot gain, and ensuring that most of the pigment is at the bottom of the solution on the media. The Overcoat (if needed) is printed on top. The media moves through the print zone towards the curing system
where evaporation starts to remove the water. In the curing zone of the printer, the remainder of the water evaporates, and the Latex polymers and the anti-scratch components melt to encapsulate the pigments onto the surface of the media. Finally, a thin, transparent, flexible, and waterproof latex film forms; the anti-scratch agent protects the pigments from being scratched; the print is ready to be handled, and ready to be finished. Bruce Wayne Van Greunen, pre-sales technical consultant at HP, has more than 20 years’ experience in large format digital printing, working with a number of suppliers and manufacturers, the last four years with HP.
Bruce Wayne Van Greunen lists the benefits of HP Latex printing Productivity The prints come completely dry out of the printer. The media is fully conformable, without the risk of cracking or fading when stretched. Unlike UV and solvent based inks, Latex inks do not change the characteristics of the media you print onto. So, if the media is fire rated or recyclable, it retains the ratings even if they are printed with Latex. Versatility is a major advantage. They give you the ability to print onto an even wider newzealandprinter.co.nz
range of media, from paper to PVC, SAV to PETG, or even textiles. Better for the environment HP Latex Printing Technologies provides many opportunities to reduce and recycle. The ink cartridges, printheads and in some cases the maintenance cartridges are recyclable free of charge though the HP Planet Partner program (https://www8.hp.com/uk/ en/hp-information/recycling/ink-toner.html). HP says that you can easily recycle the fourth
generation HP Latex ink cartridges, made from cardboard, with your current cardboard and paper. You can recycle the printheads through the HP Planet Partners programme. Ease of use With great design and many time saving features, and the ability to observe and manage your production with HP PrintOS (www.printos.com) Good for the environment and for the operator. April 2021
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WIDE FORMAT NEWS
Jeti returns with 30 per cent speed boost Agfa has announced a new flagship, the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED printer. Aimed at the high end of the sign and display sector, the UV LED inkjet engine prints media up to 3.3m wide in four or six colours at a speed up to 600 square metres per hour. The company says the new printer delivers high print quality, versatility, extreme productivity, and automation. It also claims a 30 per cent increase in speed on earlier models. The hybrid printer handles boards and sheets as well as flexible materials, in different configurations. The UHS in the printer’s name stands for ultrahigh speed. Agfa says it has geared the machine towards sustaining highly productive, reliable print operations with low maintenance requirements and high uptime. For example, it offers a high speed autoloader for fast media processing and
Agfa flagship: the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED printer. large ink tanks for greater autonomy. It also boasts extended vacuum zones and media guides for corrugated cardboard packaging printing. Its master roll to roll configuration can handle single and dual-roll printing and features an optional camera for accurate doublesided printing of block-out media. Reinhilde Alaert, product manager sign and display at
Agfa, says, “The Jeti Tauro was already a synonym for highly productive hybrid printing with advanced automation, yet with the Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED, we have raised the bar even more. “When developing this new flagship, we went all out to make it fit for extreme workloads. “On top of that, it is a versatile all in one machine that can print rigids and sheets as well as roll
materials at the highest quality and the lowest ink consumption. It is the epitome of our ‘Extreme Productivity. Extreme Quality’ motto.” The Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED uses Agfa’s Greenguard Gold certified Anuvia UV LED inks. Agfa claims a wide colour gamut and high colour vibrancy with ink consumption the lowest on the market. It offers optional white ink and primer. Agfa Asanti workflow software controls and automates the entire printing process from prepress to finishing. The Asanti Production Dashboard displays ink and media consumption and printing time for each job and printer. Agfa’s Jeti Tauro H3300 range also includes the original Jeti Tauro H3300 LED model, available in a four and six colour version and the entry model Jeti Tauro H3300 S.
Covid-19 pandemic hits out of home hard The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has shown itself in the full year results of out of home media giant, oOh! Media, with the company posting a net loss after tax of A$35.7m ($38.8m) for 2020. Each category suffered as lockdowns and restrictions cut commuter numbers, sending each sector of the out of home pie down. However, the fourth quarter showed some hope with gains in key formats. The Road category, comprising billboard assets, performed the strongest. The company reports that revenue in this sector recovered as restrictions began to ease. Full year revenue for road declined by 19 per cent. Overall, fourth quarter revenues dropped to 70 per cent of the prior comparative period compared to 57 per cent in the third quarter. The 28
April 2021
oOh! Media expects to recover from a tough year in 2020 company says this indicates a late in the year recovery. The New Zealand sector, alongside road, retail, street furniture, has led the recovery but the fly and locate categories, which relate to travel, have suffered significant hits because of reduced traveller numbers and CBD audiences.
Cathy O’Connor, oOh! Media’s new chief executive officer, says, “Out of Home is a highly effective medium to deliver impactful national broadcast reach in all markets during this period and beyond. “The company saw this through the Covid-19 pandemic with our network playing a pivotal role
in public messaging for government agencies and regulatory authorities.” Last year, the company remained active in New Zealand with several community initiatives. These included its public art exhibition, where it displayed ‘isolation’ works from local artists as part of a campaign with the Urban Art Foundation. Works of art from the Urban Art Foundation appeared at 200 locations across oOh!’s Street Furniture Classic network as part of the campaign. During the Level Four lock down oOh! Media joined in the nationwide bear hunt, which provided kids of all ages some light hearted entertainment while in isolation. Images of teddy bears ran across oOh!’s Street Furniture digital product nationwide, joining families placing teddy bears in their windows. newzealandprinter.co.nz
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Golf hits charity target
H
eld last month at the Pakuranga Golf Club in Auckland, the Total Supply Charity Golf Day attracted industry professionals for a fun day out with a serious purpose. The day raised $20,050 for the Cancer Society. Morgan John, general manager of Total Supply and parent company Spicers New Zealand, says, “Everyone enjoyed a great day out on the course and we want to thank everyone involved who helped make it such a successful day. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to be part of a $20,050 fund-raising effort.” The team from NXP won the tournament with Solutions 3Sixty taking out second place and Wade Group coming in third. tal Supply t first place at the To Winners: NXP took ou Charity Golf Day
ixty placed se The team from 3S
cond Wade Group finished the
Zoe McSkimmings, from Total Supply, with the cheque for the Cancer Society
ft: Daniel or t crew, from le Total Supply supphell, Sam Morrhall, and Zoe Jone, Dylan Mitc McSkimmings newzealandprinter.co.nz
round in third place
fore Golfers assembled be
y the beginning of pla
Cam Harris, from Total Supply, tees off Continued on page 30 April 2021
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WIDE FORMAT Continued from page 29
Ash Taylor (l) and Colin Cambier from Total Property Services
Triss Clark ar (l) and Chris Dew
s Photosign from ABC
3Sixty, from left: Rob Hitchcock, Josh Olsen, Jake Smit and Derek Berry
ckey, and Scot From left: Morgan John, Chris Knu ply Sup Harvey from Total
30
April 2021
t
nn, Mark m lef t: Marshall Gle The Graphic Lab, fro Sutcliffe n Collins, and Morga
Darrin Kennedy (l) Opal Group and Cam Harris, Total Supply
Mitchell Spehr, and tt a M , zi n ane Lore From left: Zom Western Union fr re ty n McI
James Hedger (l) Photosigns, drive and Rod Schou, from ABC out to the course
newzealandprinter.co.nz
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ICG guys: Barn ey Collins (l) an d Jason Sharm an
ixty d Jake Smit from 3S Rob Hitchcock (l) an
Signit Signs at the Golf, from left: Dars Roby, Wayne Johnstone, and Simon h Maisurya, David McNee
tead, , James Sotal Supply ly p p u S l is, Tota illiken, T Cam Harr ge; and Geoff M d ri b h rt No
newzealandprinter.co.nz
Taylor, David Box, and NXP team, from left: Joe Mike Manikas
Sign Formula team Ishmael Chalmers, , from lef t: Tim Anderson, and Dean Ensor
l Flint, Craig The Colour Worx team, from left: Pau Flint, Malcolm Hegh, and Nathan Berg
Driving to the tee: Shannon Smith (l) and Morgan Sutcliffe from The Graphic Lab
April 2021
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Embracing change keeps the industry going through diversity
T
oday, change happens around us constantly. Change has slowly become a normal challenge that we face on a daily or weekly basis. We do this as we learn to adapt on our feet to what we see as uncontrollable situations. When we resist change, we can feel robbed of experiences that can transform livelihoods or businesses, but when we welcome change, it can help us to enable opportunities, improvements, flexibility, and growth. This attitude can make it easier for us to adapt to new situations, environments, and people. The results of changing situations can also provide some of the most positive transformations that can happen. Over the past five years, the New Zealand Sign and Display Association has done exactly that. Embracing change, whether positive or not, has given us opportunities to develop better business practices and technology development. It has also given us the ability to think differently, enabling growth and flexibility by being open to change and listening to our members so that we can create more meaningful benefits, resources, and training.
Press play: During a ‘one night only’ event, the NZSDA will provide platforms for both live and virtual experiences 32
Melissa Coutts discusses the need to adapt to a changing environment
For those that have embrace change, it has helped them to stand out from the crowd
Tough decisions Although 2020 saw the cancellation of all the NZSDA events, the NZSDA team planned forward, postponing until 2021. However, with continued change in alert levels throughout New Zealand in early 2021, this created such uncertainty in a time where confidence and assurance were needed. So, the NZSDA had to advise the industry that all 2021 events will be postponed until 2022. Changing situations like this affects the whole industry and was a decision that the Association did not make lightly. In consultation with industry sponsors and key suppliers that invest heavily into these events, they together concluded that they could not ensure a successful outcome of a live expo for 2021, but still encouraged ideas for an alternative option that required less investment, a new experience that may change the way that live events are delivered. During a ‘one night only’ event, the NZSDA will provide platforms for both live and virtual experiences. These platforms will hopefully showcase some exhibitor good stories, promotions or one night only specials, alongside
celebrating winners of the Awards of Excellence and Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021. The layout of the live event/s are yet to be confirmed, but there is no doubt that the Awards Evening is going ahead in July one way or another. With over two years worth of entries to be judged, 65 awards to be handed out, it certainly will be a 21st party to remember. Invitations will be sent to those that wish to be part of a new virtual experience that may change the face of how live events can operate now and in the future. Parts of the NZSDA Conference will move online via webinars in July and the NZSDA Annual General Meeting will take place virtually end of June. The challenge is great and the experience exciting. Changing the perceptions of how things should be done just went up a level. So, let’s see what can happen if combining both virtual and live events together bringing two events into a ‘one night only’ experience. Join with us and support the industry as we showcase new technologies and celebrate the best of the best at the Awards of Excellence 2021.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
President Post – So, what’s your point (of difference)
P
oint of difference, a marketing term that we should all be well aware of, can really change up your sign shop’s marketing and advertising. The signage industry has become more competitive, and we all compete for a slice of the pie. So how do we make our piece that bit bigger? Developing a point of difference for your company in its perception by potential clients gives you a great opportunity to swing the vote your way when customers make that purchasing decision. While price is a major element in that choice, it shouldn’t be, and generally isn’t, the only one. Promoting a point of difference between your company and your competitors gives your potential client more information about why to
ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA
The NZSDA can help you differentiate your offering but first, let’s find out what your point of difference is
choose your quote or to contact you in the first place. Many customers do not know the basic ingredients and qualities of good signage, so they have little to base their choice on other than price. How do you choose your point of difference? The truth is your existing customers already know your point of difference that is why they continually use your company. Ask them why they use you, it might be your friendly professional service, your superior design and aesthetics of your work, the quality materials, your use of more sustainable materials or simply the fact you are local. Another option is to promote the type of work you prefer to do and become a specialist. Awards. Accreditations such as National Sign Awards, NZSDA membership and our own NZSDA Master Sign Maker Accreditation are premium
points of difference that have proven results for many sign shops. Promote, promote, promote. Once you have your point of difference defined, building it into your marketing plan or even building your marketing plan around it will give your company better growth and profitability. Whether it is on your website, vehicle branding, social media, or marketing collateral like business cards, getting that point of difference across will help you stand out from the rest. The understanding and promoting of the point of difference theory is also a great piece of information to share with your clients, help them create their own point of difference and build their business. After all what could be a better point of difference for your sign shop than being known to care about the future of your customers’ businesses.
Secretary Note – making your membership matter
A
s I plan for my next member visit to Wellington and surrounding towns, a key message I will be delivering is the need to make the most of your membership, use it to its full potential. After all, it only exists if the members are active. It surprises me on visits, when I hear that our e-news goes unread and therefore our members do not know what we offer, what we are developing and what is going on within their own industry. It is also important to note that, although we have best intentions of reaching out to all our members, we are a small industry association. The fact is that we do our best to highlight industry conversations or topics that matter and are relevant. For example, we know there is newzealandprinter.co.nz
MELISSA COUTTS, SECRETARY NZSDA
Make the most of your NZSDA membership: stay in touch and tell us what you need
the need and requirement for regulation of our industry, for upskilling and training of which for many is becoming a requirement. We do communicate these updates via our social platforms; by the e-news; and through our face to face members visits. Over the past five years we have developed better benefits with business partners: we have a Health and Safety expert, a business insurance expert, and our very own employment lawyer. Not only have we developed our own online systems for our accounts to run more seamlessly, but a website that holds a wealth of knowledge on all our offerings. We also provide and organise events, the perfect platforms for our suppliers and sign makers to come together and connect. And with constant change all around us we do our best
to communicate with our Associate members on topical issues such as sustainability, training, and the advancement of new innovations, as we promote and share their good stories. Of course, none of this matters if we don’t have the support, the connection, or the acknowledgment from the industry: our sign maker members. Don’t forget, we work for you. We try to bring you what you are wanting and what we think is needed for the industry. So, for now and the future, I ask our members to make a real effort to keep up to date with what we can offer in benefits or training, what our vision and goals are, and if you want more let us know. It is a simple formula: we can help you as long as you help us. So stay in touch. Your membership entitles you to do so. April 2021
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Sign Network keeps everything under one roof
A
lifelong curiosity for learning has taken Scott Walklin from his father’s garage, around the world and back to New Zealand, running one of the country’s most diverse sign businesses, Christchurch-based Sign Network. He had an early introduction to the industry. He says, “Dad started a screen printing business in the garage when I was a kid. If I wanted pocket money that was how I could earn it; I was probably five years old.” After travelling overseas and working for the largest sign franchise in Europe in 2008, he and wife Clare returned home to start a family and bought his father’s company. Since then, the pair have grown the business from 1 to 19 team members. He says, “At Sign Network, we encourage our team members’ creativity. You need to have strong systems and processes in place if you want to enjoy success in business. But those systems can suck the life out of any creativity you have in your company. “It is about finding the balance between the two. I learned from Dad, who had that No. 8 wire philosophy but never did a job the same way twice, then in stark contrast the work I did in the UK was heavily systemised. You need both.” He agrees that creatives don’t think about economics. He says, “We can all make projects look amazing but if you don’t charge appropriately you wont be able to do it for too long.” Sign Network delivers a wide range of services, from design and strategy through to all signage and printing services, vehicle wrapping, fabrication, and more. It even boasts a videography department. He says, “We have built our services around what our clients need. We have the philosophy: Under One Roof. We can offer our clients more of what they need whilst keeping their brand consistent across 34
Balancing systems with creativity: Clare and Scott Walklin at Sign Network
Christchurch sign maker offers a diverse range of services
a wide range of media. It’s not a jack of all trades scenario, it is specialist people working in defined departments. A lot of our clients don’t have an internal marketing team or the budget to use an agency all the time, so we have taken it upon ourselves to look after their brand.” “Scaling creativity has always been difficult. To get to this size and to have all these moving parts to manage, it’s easy to lose that flair and excitement that you once had for the more creative aspects of the job. You have to give the team some space and leeway to ‘play’. Another challenge is recruiting sales people. We are a small industry, so most sales people are the actual business owners, leaving a shortage of hireable skill in this area.” As one of a few Master Sign Makers Nationwide, they see value in the NZSDA. He says, “The benefit for me, with the NZSDA, is meeting like-minded people. We have met some great people from all around the country. The contacts from outside our region are not in competition with us for business which has led to good friendships, the sharing of knowledge, and some referral work being done. One issue we have as an industry is the lack of understanding by the end user on what a signage company can actually do. I see too many of our peers doing
loads of work for agencies but losing the ability to generate their own sales leads. This is particularly worrying as agencies point their clients budgets towards more and more digital products; the sign writer often doesn’t have a seat at the table whilst this is happening. We (the industry) need to position ourselves in value-add ways to ensure the most opportunities come our way. The further away from your customer you get, the harder it is to combat this.” To address this, Sign Network started a videography department in 2019 to document it’s journey. He says, “We told our story, warts and all, through VLOGS and entertaining content on social media, using the medium to get close to our customers and to educate them to all the different facets of our services. They said, ‘Oh my god, so this is what you can do. We did not know’. It is not a hard sell when they see it on video.” What advice would he give to himself as a young person in the industry. He says, “Keep learning. I have always read a lot. I am the kind of person who likes to work it out for themselves. Also, most people fall into a trap when starting out of not charging adequately for their time… this makes scaling incredibly difficult as nobody will ever work as hard as you do for free!”
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
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Contact 0800 0800 52 or email secretary@nzsda.org.nz Visit the NZSDA website for further membership enquiry at www.nzsda.org.nz
TRADE SHOWS
‘Most important’ PacPrint opens registrations for September
R
egistrations have opened online for PacPrint 2021, with organisers saying the event could well be the most important PacPrint ever held. They have heralded the show as the first industry expo, perhaps anywhere in the world, for almost two years. PacPrint, together with its co-located shows, the Visual Impact sign, display and wide format show, and the Label & Packaging Expo, typically attracts more than 8,000 visitors from Australia, New Zealand and the surrounding region. With Australia in an enviable position globally in relation to the pandemic, and the advent of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, organisers expect stronger than ever subscriptions for this year’s event. Visual Connections organises the event and co-hosts it with Australian print industry body, the Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA). Peter Harper, chief executive of Visual Connections, says that fellow event organisers and the Exhibitions & Events Association of Australia indicate that not only do the markets look ready to return to in-person events, but they appear keener than ever. He says, “For example, we heard recently from colleagues in Queensland that the events they have held late last year
Peter Harper, chief executive of Visual Connections 36
Melbourne set to host first print show for two years
PacPrint usually attracts around 8,000 visitors and with the opening of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, Kiwis are most welcome
Show organisers look forward to opening the doors in September and in early 2021 have not only exceeded expectations but, in some instances, have broken attendance records. Not only that, but record business has been transacted at many of these shows, reinforcing the value of the physical business to business environment of an industry expo.” Visual Connections’ own research backs the contention that the market is ready to gather at trade shows. Some 70 per cent of respondents to a recent survey indicating that they would definitely attend the Melbourne show. Another 18 per cent said they were considering it and only 12 per cent saying they had no plans to attend at present. Harper continues, “We are in a great
position in Australia to plan for a return to exhibitions and events. With seven months still to run until doors open at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, we are extremely confident that PacPrint will not only proceed, but potentially be one of the biggest and most important shows we’ve ever held. “Now, with plans progressing well for the show, it’s time for business owners and key decision makers to clear their diaries, start to make plans, and of course register to attend the show.” PacPrint 2021 will take place at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from September 28 to October 1, 2021.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
Versatile Printing. Consistent Quality.
T H E N E W S U R E P R E S S D I G I TA L L A B E L P R E SS Expand your service offering with high quality short-run digital labels of exceptional quality and improve your bottom line. SurePress is easy to operate, offering consistent colour reproduction and precise colour matching. • Extra wide colour gamut including Orange, Green & Opaque white inks • Improved turn-around times • Proven Epson technology • Non-contact Epson micro-piezo printhead array delivers high quality results even on textured and uncoated materials
Learn more, visit www.epson.co.nz/surepress
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LABELS & PACKAGING XXX
Epson SurePress L-6534VW
The SurePress L-6534VW prints at speeds of up to 50 metres per minute
E
pson has taken delivery of and installed Australasia’s first high productivity SurePress L-6534VW industrial UV digital label press at its new Experience Centre in Sydney. Avinash Patel, business development manager for professional print at Epson New Zealand says, “The SurePress L-6534VW is built to optimise productivity and minimise downtime. It fits perfectly with printers and label converters looking to expand their operations by offering clients high-quality self-adhesive labels with a wide choice of substrates in sectors including food, beverage, industrial, cosmetic, toiletries and pharmaceuticals. The new SurePress L-6534VW prints at speeds of up to 50 metres per minute, aiming for higher productivity with improved reliability and usability. Patel says, “It also uses wide gamut CMYK inks with a high opacity white as standard. The company says it includes an innovative inline digital varnish which delivers smooth gloss, matte, and spot finishes. It combines Epson PrecisionCore printheads around a central impression drum in conjunction with a narrow platen gap, delivering precise droplet placement without web meandering or skewing. Its LED pining system
38
Epson quality and high productivity feature in the new label press
The L-6534VW has a function to rewind the substrate. To print white over colour (reverse print) on clear film
also helps deliver finer tonal gradation and sharp images. Epson’s proprietary Nozzle Verification Technology (NVT) and automatic head maintenance efficiently help the L-6534VW label press print through each shift without operator intervention. He says, “As the L-6534VW label press supports a wide range of label applications including food and beverage, the labels it produces are also weather resistant. “Standard features for the L-6534VW include corona treater, web cleaner, ioniser and additional UV curing kit for increased ink adhesion on difficult substrates, all of which combine to help the press provide the highest level of versatility in print production.” Patel explains the key features on the L-6534VW:
PrecisionCore linehead The PrecisionCore linehead is the key behind the high performance and reliability of the SurePress L-6534VW. Each of the six lineheads are comprised of PrecisionCore print chip modules (printheads), delivering precise quality with accuracy and high resolution. Smooth and natural gradation and colour tone, from highlight to shadow, can be reproduced with 600 x 1200dpi resolution using a minimum droplet of 3 picolitres and variable sized droplet technology.
High Productivity Epson’s PrecisionCore linehead, highly accurate web feeding technology and Epson developed UV ink enables highspeed printing up to 50 metres per minute with high reliability and reduced downtime. The L-6534VW saves you time on every job with its many automated and efficient productivity features.
All LED UV Colour Pinning Control Epson’s own LED UV pinning system semi-cures and stabilises, controlling ink spread for finer tonal gradation, sharp images, and vivid colour. UV light is applied immediately after each colour is printed. This allows perfectly round drops to be placed in their correct positions.
Centre Drum Web Handling The drum platen is a highly accurate web feeding technology, which prevents meandering and skewing of the web. The gap between the printhead and substrate is kept to a minimum, which enables accurate ink placement, for crisp text and fine lines. Meandering and skewing of the web does not occur, because the substrate is held tightly around the drum. In comparison, the camber
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
LABELS & PACKAGING XXX
targets high productivity Auto head maintenance This cleans the nozzles automatically to eliminate manual cleaning during each shift. It is fully automatic with no operator intervention required. Wash fluid is sprayed on the head surface and then the head is cleaned automatically with the cleaning wiper. The auto self-head maintenance function cleans heads periodically to avoid nozzle clogging based on print duty cycle and results of the nozzle verification test. After maintenance, the press returns to printing again with no operator interaction or interruption in job sequence.
Remote customer support
Avinash Patel, business development manager for professional print at Epson New Zealand type platen of other presses requires manual adjustments when the substrate is changed, in cases such as Y-direction skew adjustment and colour adjustment (substantial waste of substrate). The SurePress registration adjustment is electronic. The substrate is “fixed” to the drum, as it passes all printhead colours, hence it provides excellent colour-tocolour registration.
Automatic nozzle checking Nozzle verification technology is an automatic nozzle check system with advanced ink droplet detection technology. A drive signal is sent to the piezo actuator. The same piezo element is used as a sensor to measure the pattern of the residual vibration. The residual vibration is analysed in milliseconds, reporting the nozzle status. All nozzles are checked after cleaning and before printing. A manually printed nozzle check pattern is not required to check if a nozzle is firing. newzealandprinter.co.nz
The operational status of the SurePress is monitored using a remote monitoring server. The L-6534VW has an extensive network of sensors which feed into a diagnostic system. This allows, at any time, a quick response and predictive analysis, all done in advance of a repair visit.
Inline Digital Varnish The L-6534VW has the Epson innovative digital varnish ink. A gloss or matte finish can be printed selectively as a varnish. High value and very appealing accents can be added to lift the visual appearance of specific areas. The different finishes are achieved by changing the way the digital varnish is jetted from the printhead. Brand owners now have digital flexibility with spot varnishes. Digital varnish delivers smooth and even gloss, matte, and spot finishes. The auto gloss varnish control function enables the appropriate amount of digital varnish to be applied to select areas according to the amount of WCMYK ink. This achieves a smooth, even, and glossy finish.
High-opacity white ink The single-pass high-opacity white ink provides high-density performance equivalent to screen printing and the ideal base layer for printing vivid colour on clear or metallised
substrates. The bright white ink also gives the ability to print opaque, fine text and lines, even when printing clear labels for clear packaging. It offers the flexibility to print white on top of colours. Clear film can be printed with colour ink first, followed by white ink using a printing method that allows you to view the results from the back of the film (reverse printing).
Reverse print The L-6534VW has a function to rewind the substrate. To print white over colour (reverse print) on clear film, you can rewind and print without replacing (returning rewind to unwind manually) the roll. Waste of substrate is reduced by resuming printing after proofing by simply rewinding and resuming printing.
Food contact compliance Epson label inks have achieved major milestones in food contact materials compliance. Epson inks used in SurePress inkjet label presses are compliant with EU Regulation framework (FCM EC No. 1935/2004), Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP EC No. 2023/2006), Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (PIM EU 10/2011) and included in Swiss Ordinance (SR 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks.
Wide gamut A high concentration of pigment particles and UV pinning, which prevents ink drops from spreading or deforming, enables wide gamut and vivid colours. The wide gamut enables the reproduction of a wide range of desired colours that brand owners require. The gamut volume of the L6534VW is larger than printing standards of offset coated paper like Fogra, Gracol and Japancolor. Patel concludes, “The new Epson SurePress L-6534VW is shipping now. Contact Aarque for sales.” April 2021
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LABELS & PACKAGING XXX
Digital drivers bring labe
I
t has been a few decades since the term ‘digital’ first entered the lexicon of the label printing industry. Since then, those at the bleeding edge and adopting when the market was still very much embryonic, have been supplanted by a mature customer base deploying tried, tested, and refined solutions as digital printing has become commonplace. With the technology evolving with faster speeds, better quality, and increased consistency, the market has embraced the opportunities digital printing permits. This has been realised in pressrooms the world over through hardware installations as printers look to respond to 21st Century consumer behaviours such as the advent of short runs and the ongoing trend for personalisation, and brand owner demands for new business models to provide just in time delivery and minimise waste in the supply chain. This sees many digital adopters in labels now operating multiple lines. They are also embracing the different digital printing technologies and the specific characteristics and capabilities of each to further their ability to respond to today’s business environment, and that of tomorrow. Increasingly, the end use is driving the choice of technology, be that: challenging substrates as often seen in wines and spirits; durable labels that are resistant to various environmental factors; beer and beauty labels, where achieving the correct look and feel is paramount; or food labels, which must be aesthetically pleasing whilst meeting stringent regulations for food safety. For most, these digital presses have slotted in alongside flexo and offset machines. There are examples from the early days of this not providing the most effective route to successful return on investment, with the capabilities and capacities of digital printing undermined by attempts to make the technology work within existing workflows.
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Look good, taste good and package it safely: Food labels must appeal to the eye and meet stringent regulations for food safety
Ecosystem matters
DAVID PITTMAN
As virtual. drupa takes place online, David Pittman discusses how digital is transforming labels
Today, it is widely acknowledged that to make the most of an investment in digital, the ecosystem around the press is as important as the machine itself. This helps get incoming orders through prepress, onto the print engine, then finishing and converting in the most streamlined and effective way possible. The starting point is invariably the correct management information systems and material requirements planning, designed to handle the greater number of orders and jobs, the complexities of such work and the amount of data involved, whilst being able to keep up with the press and keep it filed with saleable work. Web to print business models have sprung up at an increasing rate, bringing the convenience of e-commerce as experienced by consumers daily
to the business-to-business world. While this will not work for all, it is likely that a growing amount of work destined for digital label presses will come from online avenues. This then creates an entirely different structure for label printers who might be more au fait with established workflows that see orders coming through the door and being processed by the prepress department. The likely de-skilling of the prepress process will result in a need for companies to find new roles for staff. This can be a boon for many as it creates new opportunities for growth, taps up underutilised resources within a workforce, and strengthens the personal development roadmap for staff. This may seem scary to some, but it is an inevitable consequence of digital transformation. It should not be feared but be embraced and made a part of corporate strategies for the future.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
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els closer to packaging
Digital printing presents opportunities in packaging Similarly, for a period there were concerns about how digital transformation would impact analogue print processes and their place in the food chain. Driven in part by the digital industry’s excellent marketing activities and loud vocal presence permeating the supply chain, the furore reached such a fever pitch that there was a brief point in time when the digital printing industry was having to go on record to state: ‘We are not here to kill flexo.”
Flexo fights back In recent years, the flexo industry has staged a fightback and gone through a technical resurgence of its own, including efficiency gains, automation of press setup and better standardisation of the process. It has also got more vocal and better at fighting its corner. Its marketing efforts have improved to highlight the newzealandprinter.co.nz
strengths of flexo in the 21st Century. As a result, the reality on the factory floor today is that digital and analogue are entirely complementary print processes. This is realised through the growing amount of hybrid options available. Whether full hybrid, true hybrid, integrated hybrid, or whatever, they combine the best of both processes, as well as the capacities that have been freed up and created. By taking the burden off a flexo press to print short runs when implementing a digital printing workflow, for example, label printers can increase the amount of volume work they put through their analogue press. Similarly, digital presses can now take on longer runs, leaving a flexo press free to produce the highest value jobs, perhaps. This maximises OEE and hastens the return on
investment for both digital and analogue hardware. For many label printers, this has now opened new business opportunities and new markets to them that they may have previously been unable to service. One such opportunity has been digitally printed flexible packaging.
The label flexo challenge Flexible packaging is a widely spoken about open goal for label printers. Technical challenges remain in this area given the greater demands placed upon primary packaging and how it relates to established label printing technologies such as UV, although work is ongoing in the supply chain to mitigate and alleviate such concerns. Further, a growing amount of hardware is now available to permit fast turnaround of digitally printed flexible Continued on page 42 April 2021
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LABELS & PACKAGING Continued from page 41
The HP Indigo V12 narrow-web press prints at 120 linear metres per minute for any job with up to six colours, which its makers believe compares favourably with analogue speed packaging constructions, printed using either aqueous inkjet or toner technologies and suited to ‘print-for-use’ business models. There remains a need for education amongst label printers as flexible packaging materials and end uses are
entirely different. It is likely we will see more and more label converters moving into flexible packaging as opportunities present themselves. Adding value is another area of opportunity for label printers deploying digital. In the ongoing battle to win
Konica Minolta offers the AccurioLabel 230, a label printer it describes as a highly flexible system for on demand job requirements 42
at the ‘Moment of Truth’ and offer the greatest shelf appeal, more and more systems are being introduced to enhance and embellish digitally printed labels with either postprint analogue processes, or newer digital native systems. Using these processes that can apply foils, varnishes, and other visual effects, as well as haptic elements works directly into appealing to consumers’ desire to touch and feel. As such, I believe that the label industry is well placed to embrace the next iteration of digital transformation, coupling its engrained knowledge of digital printing coupled with a capacity to adapt and change. Rather than being fretful, the label industry is looking forward to how digital can future-proof business and is ready to embrace all the opportunities this will present. Everyone in the industry should keep a close eye on this at virtual.drupa and beyond. David Pittman has accrued more than a decade of experience covering topics from construction materials and machinery, mobile telecommunications to learning and writing about package printing and converting.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
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LABELS & PACKAGING XXX
Consumers indicate strong conc
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esearch company Toluna says New Zealand brands and retailers can no longer ignore shoppers’ packaging concerns. Research from Toluna reveals a shift by shoppers away from unsustainable products, dropping brands who don’t meet their eco-preferences. The company says a growing concern for sustainability and eco-friendly packaging has resulted in a shift in consumer behaviour, with environmental concerns driving purchasing decisions. In December 2020, Toluna surveyed 531 New Zealanders. The research showed that for one in five shoppers, sustainability now defines their choice of brands and products. It also showed that younger shoppers are quicker to drop brands that don’t meet their eco-preferences, with 26 per cent of those aged 18-34 years having stopped using a brand in the last six months due to sustainability concerns compared with 18 per cent of those aged 35-54 and 18 per cent for over 55s. When it comes to shopping sustainably, the most important factors for New Zealand shoppers are that packaging is recyclable (80 per cent) and made from sustainable materials (60 per cent); that there are biodegradable (63 per cent) and compostable elements (55 per cent); and that the products themselves are made sustainably (56 per cent) and from locally sourced ingredients (47 per cent). While ethically sourced ingredients (36 per cent) and ethical employment practices (34 per cent) were also important, making sustainable purchasing decisions is a clear priority for Kiwis at the supermarket. A large majority of those surveyed (85 per cent) say it is important to them that products are packaged sustainably. This sentiment is strong across all age groups, with little difference between those aged 18-34 years (85 per cent), 35-54 years (84 per cent), and over 55s (84 per cent).
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April 2021
Brands receive a wakeup call from the latest consumer packaging research
Stephen Walker, regional director of Toluna New Zealand
Harry Burkhardt, president of Packaging New Zealand
Research says that some 80 per cent of survey respondents want to see recyclable packaging
Young consumers want action While all demographics expressed concern, the younger respondents showed a greater need to take action and drop brands due to sustainability concerns: 26 per cent for aged 18-34 years vs 18 per cent for those over 35 years. Drilling down into why packaging is a concern, respondents cited the threat to wildlife and the environment (67 per cent), the amount of plastics used (65 per cent), and the sheer amount of packaging (65 per cent) as the biggest issues for them. They also saw overall packaging recyclability (64 per cent) and compostability (43 percent) as other key concerns.
Respondents were asked to compare how important sustainable packaging is to them now, compared to how they felt at the beginning of 2019. The responses showed a sharp increase in concern, with two thirds (62 per cent) of respondents stating that sustainable packing has become more important to them now compared with two years ago. Toluna says that, contrary to what might be expected, Covvid-19 has not affected shoppers’ thoughts around packaged fruit and veg, with 83 per cent of respondents stating they feel just as comfortable, if not more comfortable, buying loose groceries now as when compared with before the Covid-19 pandemic. newzealandprinter.co.nz
LABELS & PACKAGING XXX
cern for packaging sustainability
Paper demand: Consumers want more paper bags available for deliveries and shopping
Shifting purchasing habits For around one in five shoppers, sustainability defines their choice when it comes to choosing a brand, with 16 per cent stating it defines their choice of retailer. For more than half of the respondents, sustainability was cited as one of the considerations when choosing a retailer, brand, or product (61 per cent), leaving only a small percentage of shoppers who are not considering sustainability at all. Toluna says that around 54 per cent of New Zealand shoppers look beyond traditional retailers and supermarkets in a bid to shop more sustainably, choosing instead to shop for sustainable products online, at farmers newzealandprinter.co.nz
markets, and boutique ecostores. Environmental concerns have stopped some using some products altogether. Examples include takeaway cutlery (34 per cent), takeaway coffee cups (30 per cent), plastic cling wrap and cleaning wipes (21 per cent), aerosol deodorants (21 per cent) and aerosol air fresheners (20 per cent), and plastic sandwich zip-lock bags (20 per cent).
Customers want change When it comes to online purchases, Kiwis believe supermarkets should improve their sustainability choices on home deliveries, with 84 per cent of respondents stating they would like to see home
deliveries arrive in paper bags, with bagless deliveries (35 per cent) and plastic bag returns (26 per cent) also popular choices. Toluna predicts that this year, we can expect to see even more focus on sustainability and environmentally conscious purchasing. New Year’s resolutions contain sustainable life choices for 58 per cent of respondents. Stephen Walker, regional director of Toluna New Zealand, says the findings demonstrate a significant shift in consumer sentiment. He says, “It is clear that sustainability is a key concern for Kiwis, and one that is changing the way they make purchasing decisions. Shoppers are more conscious about excess and unnecessary packaging than they were two years ago, and now they are moving to drop certain brands and products altogether if they don’t meet their expectations. “Retailers and brands can no longer afford to ignore the shifting consumer sentiment. We are already seeing some brands innovating in this space and the research shows us that making sustainable changes to packaging will help brands win customers; shoppers now expect to see more sustainable options, so brands must deliver or risk losing market share. “As we move through 2021, it will be more important than ever for businesses to keep track of the changing customer insights and continue to change their offering accordingly.” Harry Burkhardt, president of Packaging New Zealand, sees value in understanding consumers changing attitudes to sustainability in packaging. He says, “Packaging touches everybody, every day and Toluna’s research gives valuable feedback into what is important for consumers. “We know many of our members are looking for ways to make their packaging more sustainable and given the increased consumer focus on this issue, we encourage everyone in the packaged goods industry to deliver packaging which not only meets functional requirements, but also reflects those qualities which are important to consumers.” April 2021
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LABELS & PACKAGING NEWS
Circular sustainable packaging course dates set The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has announced the Introduction to Circular and Sustainable Packaging Design training course will take place on May 6. Nerida Kelton, executive director of AIP, says, “The world of packaging has changed, and packaging technologists and designers can no longer design for a linear economy. We must design responsibly with the entire environmental impact of the product and the packaging in mind and consider the end of life at all stages of the process.
Ralph Moyle will lead the course programme
“Circular packaging design is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. We must transform all the elements of the take-make-waste system: how we manage resources, how we make and use products, and what we do with the materials afterwards.” The course presenter Ralph Moyle FAIP, CPP, has spent 40 years in the food processing industry with 25 years focusing on packaging.
Kelton adds, “This introductory course is designed for beginners to learn about choosing sustainable packaging to suit their businesses. “Anyone responsible for sustainability, the environment, and sustainable development goals should attend. It includes everyone from packaging, procurement, marketing, sales, graphic designers, agencies, and sustainability teams. This foundational training will start you on your sustainable packaging journey.
Restructure at Durst, Macina brought in Durst has restructured its label and flexible packaging segment. Thomas Macina will take over as the new Durst global sales manager for label and flexible packaging. A native of South Tyrol, Macina most recently worked for HP Indigo as labels business manager EMEA. He replaces Helmut Munter, who retires at the end of the year. Durst considers Macina a digital printing technology expert. He started with the company in February and will take on the global role in June. Munter will provide advice and support to the new management team, which includes Martin Leitner as product manager. Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer, says, “We made good use of the
situation in the pandemic and arranged the succession for Helmuth Munter. He has been responsible for the label segment’s success story. “All of us at the Durst Group thank Helmuth for his great dedication, excellent performance, and loyalty. What could be better than retiring at the zenith of one’s career? We wish Helmuth all the best in this new phase of his life. “At the same time, I would like to warmly welcome Thomas Macina to the Durst family. We are delighted to have gained a real market expert for the company, and someone who also has his roots in South Tyrol. “I am convinced Thomas will continue to drive the Tau success story together with the entire label team.”
Durst restructure: Thomas Macina will take over as the new Durst global sales manager for label and flexible packaging Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman says, “It’s such great news that Thomas has joined Durst. He has so much knowledge
and experience of the label market globally. “As the label market shows an unstoppable level of growth, Durst is committed to match that with innovation and investment. However, it always feels sad to say goodbye to such an amazing man as Helmuth. “I have known Helmuth for many years, and I have to pay tribute to such dedication. He has worked for Durst for over 40 years and is a true gentleman and Durst’ler.” Pivotal in the growth of Durst’s label and flexible packaging segment, Munter helped develop it as an important business unit. Durst Tau RSC printing systems now have a market share of around 40 per cent of the UV inkjet market segment.
Flexible packaging tipped for growth Market research expert Smithers reports an expected rise in demand for flexible plastic, paper, and foil packaging over the next five years. The report, titled The Future of Global Flexible Packaging to 2026, shows worldwide consumption will reach a projected 31.5 46
million tonnes in 2021. This follows a 5.5 per cent drop in overall value in 2020, as several end-uses dropped demand in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Industrial formats, representing slightly over half of the market, have been affected more than consumer packaging.
Demand will return through 2021 as lockdowns lift. Covid-19 induced recession impacts will vary from country to country, depending on the success of national virus control and vaccination programmes, as well as the effectiveness of government stimulus spending.
Food packaging has previously shown itself resilient in times of economic downturn, and this represents around 75 per cent of all flexible packaging demand. However, luxury goods will suffer worse effects but these make limited use of flexibles.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
BUSINESS
Return on reactionship
A
s we move through another year under unprecedented local and global conditions what, if anything, can business owners, executives and managers do to give themselves the best chance of success? Where should limited resources be invested to generate the greatest returns in such uncertain times? When things are changing as rapidly as they are at the moment, it can feel like nothing is constant. But on closer inspection it becomes clear that one thing has stayed the same for thousands of years, human nature, or what I call the Human iOS. In a non-scientific nutshell, the way our brains are hardwired hasn’t changed at all, which means that the same primitive chemical reactions are still triggered by certain emotions. This is great news for business. Why? Because most businesses rely heavily on the human beings working there to do the work they do to deliver value to customers and generate the profits that the owner or shareholders need to justify keeping the business going. As the saying goes: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. Understanding just the following two simple things about the Human iOS will give business owners, executives and managers an edge they can use to respond to things differently to create better working relationships and better business outcomes under any conditions. 1. We are programmed to fear rejection from the tribe in the same way we fear death because it used to mean death if we were ejected from the tribe, as surviving alone wasn’t possible. You needed a tribe. 2. We are hardwired for connection and belonging to a tribe where every individual in the group has an equally important and vital role to play in the survival of the group. This way each person is needed and as such is safe from death. newzealandprinter.co.nz
MEQA SMITH
We can use our knowledge of tribal living to enhance our business connections
These things still apply today but of course we don’t live in tribes and we can survive alone so they play out differently. In decades gone by, our psychological needs were met at home and within our communities. Now that society has changed, we are not getting what we need at home anymore, so we’re out in the world looking for these things wherever we can get them. Our collective human craving for psychological safety is driving us towards brands and experiences that help us to feel like we are desirable, valuable and special. Tribes no longer look the same as they did and we aren’t valuable to others because we can hunt down a deer, sew a skin into clothes or build a weatherproof shelter. The currencies we trade in are different but the desired outcome is the same. One of the greatest opportunities for businesses who get it is to offer their employees that sense of belonging and psychological safety. To ensure they feel needed and valued. To achieve this, businesses can focus on each manager creating a healthy relationship with each employee where they feel the following three things.
They are known; they are seen, understood and appreciated as an individual. They are relevant; they know who their job matters to and why. They can measure their contribution or progress in some way. The Gallup organisation found that managers account for at least 70 per cent of the variance in employee engagement scores across business units. That is significant as it also found that disengaged employees cost 34 per cent of their annual salary due to lost productivity. Truly engaged employees are on average 21 per cent more profitable and deliver 10 per cent better customer ratings. It is never too late to create healthier and more profitable relationships with your employees, but the very best way to ensure you’ve got the right people on the team who are the best fit for the role in your business is to hire the right people in the right way. To unlock profitability through emotional engagement in marketing and communications, Meqa Smith launched The Unforgettable Agency, which she currently heads as its strategist.
We need to avoid this: Meqa Smith say we are programmed to fear rejection from the tribe April 2021
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OPPORTUNITY
Customer experience offers opportunities for print
A
s we begin to make sense of the transformational events of 2020, the importance of a customer-first ethos is emerging as a defining approach for brands. Brands place more emphasis on customer experience to gain a competitive edge. Success in this realm comes from a greater understanding of what today’s customer is looking for and engaging with. Brands are thinking again of customers as people, not datasets. The central importance of customer experience was among the highlights of Adobe’s 2021 iteration of its annual digital trends report shaped by responses from more than 13,000 worldwide leaders in business. The report also recorded a strong focus on the customer as a human being, employees as integral assets and the digital customer experience as the driver of growth and strategy. For me, the report featured three interesting highlights that have relevance to print service providers, who can support their clients build or enhance a successful, integrated approach to customer experience. this is a real opportunity as customer experience becomes the unifying thread for the companies that outpace their sectors:
Your print business will benefit from using a customer first approach, says Erwin Busselot
More online opportunity The pandemic has driven greater online activity with 92 per cent of senior executives agreeing that lockdown increased the priority of digital transformation. In one year, digital adoption increased five to ten times faster than previously projected. This led to a burst of new customers with half of
Understanding how people feel is an essential, but often overlooked, part of customer experience. 48
Erwin Busselot, business innovation and solutions director for Ricoh Europe’s Commercial and Industrial printing Group companies experiencing new buying behaviours from online consumers. however, these customers are not as loyal. The report predicted the increased use of digital will remain and will grow with faster mobile engagement. This is something the world economic forum agrees with. It predicts 5G will generate over $19.3tn in sales by 2035. This potential, combined with effective digital transformation, offers significant opportunity for those brands that deliver the right customer experience.
Friction free Understanding how people feel is an essential, but often overlooked, part of customer experience. To keep a high retention rate requires the online experience to be friction free. analysing and anticipating reactions at decision points and during moments of friction makes the process more satisfactory for both parties. This is where customer experience leaders stand out. The report says they are more likely than mainstream customer experience to identify friction points (46 per cent vs 20 per cent) and have significant insights into new customer journeys (52 per cent vs 22 per cent. Three-quarters of senior executives say the role of marketing in setting strategy has expanded since the pandemic. Its more pivotal role is made possible when it has command of the data to understand the digital first
customer. This is helping marketing and customer experience move into the boardroom and they will keep their place there with deep customer insights and a specific point of view on how to act on them.
Customer experience Companies with strong customer experience are more likely to achieve long term growth than their competitors. They are also most likely to effectively adapt and outpace their competitors, particularly if they remain agile. Together, these factors combine to deliver a smooth, accessible, and engaging customer experience. Understanding these, and supporting brands as they develop communications incorporating them, presents an opportunity for print service providers. Curated and professionally managed data combined with personalised and targeted information delivers engaging, meaningful, and purposeful campaigns. Given all of these factors, you can easily see why graphic arts professionals are perfectly placed to support brands in their adoption of a successful customer first approach. Erwin Busselot, the business innovation and solutions director for Ricoh Europe’s Commercial and Industrial printing Group, advocates for digital print production advancements and a customer first approach to business.
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
TALES FROM THE PRINTERVERSE
Learn from 2020
S
omehow we have made it to the start of the year but it doesn’t feel like it here in the USA. The social and political unrest leading the evening news and marching through our streets make it feel more like 2020.1 to me, with .1 representing the first quarter. Still, we need to carry on and the release of the vaccine and shifting political power now illuminates a teeny tiny flickering light of hope down the 2021 tunnel. The Star Wars character Yoda once said, “When you look back, lose your place on the path, you do”. With all due respect to the Jedi master, a little refection is what is currently needed right now. Let’s look back at just a few things 2020 threw at us and embrace the long term lessons for 2021, and beyond. A diverse customer base that covers many industry sectors, including those they did not have a traditional play in, with varying marketing budgets and print needs, kept many print businesses nimble and profitable amidst a pandemic. In 2021, we should all fully take on this strategy and make new alliances no matter the order size. Also, learn about verticals you don’t serve and start serving them. A diverse array of equipment helped many printers to quickly fulfill the needs of pandemic printing, invent new applications, and continue to innovate, pivot, and profit. In 2021, take a look at the things you are really good at; the things you learned to be good at in 2020. Also look at the anticipated post-Covid 19 needs of the marketplace and invest in your print shop. There is no more holding it together day by day. Find partners who can help you say, “Yes” to every client. Even if you aren not in a purchasing position, just keep in mind that the original equipment manufacturers and vendors who provide newzealandprinter.co.nz
Keep talking: Deb Corn says start a conversation with other people in the industry
DEBORAH CORN
How do you take the lessons you learned from 2020 into making 2021 a much better year?
automation solutions will still be very open to negotiating deals and helping you divorce your current equipment marriages. You should take the opportunity to start a conversation with all of them, now.
Attitude matters A diverse mindset and ability to meet the ever changing needs of the marketplace by whatever means necessary is what separated the haves from have nots last year. In 2021, that attitude needs to be magnified and expanded to include the space for generating new business opportunities through digital marketing: SEO (search engine optimisation) matters. People visiting your website matter. What they are looking at, or looking for, matters too. Following up with them with print and digital advertising not only matters, but it’s also the key to staying top of mind and being the answer when a print need is being searched. Better yet, once you see bottomm line results for your business you can monetise the service for your customers. There are plenty of digital marketing people out there to help with some cool tools designed for printers.
Reach out to others within the industry if you need help or an introduction. I keep this handy as it truly exemplifies where I think we are with regards to Covid-19 and the vaccine getting approved and rolling out. The wisdom also crosses over to many of the challenges and obstacles we faced in 2020. That was the beginning; it happened, and it’s over now. What we do with what we learned, how we apply it, how we adapt and modify, how we educate and engage in 2021 and beyond is what comes next. I am cautiously optimistic but after 2020, I think the odds are in our favour that 2021 will bring some sense of normalcy back to the world, and for our businesses. Deborah Corn has more than 25 years of experience working in advertising as a print producer. She is the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse at Print Media Centr, a Print Buyerologist, international speaker and blogger, host of Podcasts From The Printerverse, cultivator of Print Production Professionals, Head Girl in Charge at Girls Who Print, host of #PrintChat, the founder of International Print Day and the founder of #ProjectPeacock. April 2021
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Now, your print ads work even harder for you - online too! NZP Classifieds ads are found at the back each issue always in the same place, for easy reference. Many readers look at the NZP Classifieds first when they start reading their monthly issue of NZP. Email Brian Moore brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz for details
April 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz
TICKETS ON SALE PURCHASE YOURS ONLINE TODAY
Sponsors 2021
Media Sponsor
Friends of the Awards Sealed Air (Hamilton) Wholesale Print Blue Star Group (New Zealand) Limited Soar Print
PURCHASE YOUR DINNER TICKETS ONLINE
WWW.PRIDEINPRINTAWARDS.CO.NZ
Patron 2021
ON/OFF instant light source switching
* 91％
lower power consumption
15,000hr long life
Ozone free
Low heat
RMGT 1050TP-8 LED-UV
RMGT 1050ST-6+CC LED-UV
1,050mm Format 8-Colour Offset Press with LED-UV
1,050mm Format 6-Colour Offset Press with LED-UV
NEW! LED-UV now available to all
Why LED-UV ?
2021 ushers in a new chapter to LED-UV dry-to-dry printing system. It is now made available to all makes and models of offset printing machines. Starting from $90,000, come join the LED-UV revolution.
No odor No Ozone No spray powder No set-off No loss time
• Instant dry • Instant ON/OFF irradiation
Reduce CO2 emission No large peripheral equipment No need for overprint varnishing Reduce electrical consumption
• Up to 91%
No VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Reduce heat generation Long life span
• Up to 15 times
Printing on film and cardboard Just like your conventional offset press ...without the cons.
Energy-Saving & Environmentally-Friendly LED-UV dry-to-dry printing system. Pioneering success, first introduced in Drupa 2008. Ryobi single-handedly led the industry in LED-UV printing. This revolutionary, award winning printing system offers impressive cost-savings by greatly reducing replacement frequency, power consumption, installation space and peripheral equipment space, while eliminating the odor of UV printing. The defecto standard for small lot on-demand printing today, it is an important strategic advantage in being able to provide high-quality, small lot on-demand printing at low cost. Now, 13 years later, Cyber is applying our wealth of expertise as an LED-UV pioneer to provide the printing industry with innovative solutions that meet your needs. Rediscover the joy of printing… Specifications
Singapore - Tel: (65) 6272 8936 Thailand - Tel: (66) 2 682 3411-4
Operating Temperature
25°C
Lifespan
15,000 hours
Additional Printing substrate
Yupo, foil, plastic and film
Irradiation
Patented optical design
Applications
Ink and varnish
Start-up time
0 seconds
Press size
52cm - 162cm
Shut down time
0 seconds
Printing Speed
18,000 sph
New Zealand - Paul Hilleard (64) 21 191 6548 Sydney - Rob Crough (61) 423 337 788 Melbourne - Greg Knight (61) 411 338 855 Brisbane - Peter Erskine (61) 432 663 322 Perth - Alan Strugnell (61) 418 955 512 Malaysia - Tel: (60) 3 7955 1668 (Kuala Lumpur) Indonesia - Tel: (62) 21 2555 8924 Tel: (60) 7 598 0771/2 (Senai, Johor) Vietnam - Tel: (84) 9 0938 9468
New Zealand : Unit 22, Ground Floor, 6 Ken Browne Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Tel: (64) 7 949 7722 Sydney : 38 Victoria Street, Beaconsfield, NSW 2015 Australia Tel: (61) 2 9318 0099 Fax: (61) 2 9318 0399 sales@cyber1976.com www.cyber1976.com
Mercury free