New Zealand Printer May 2022

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For more information or book a demo contact the Wide-Format Team on 0800 242 646. *Includes nominated printer models purchased with or without a SpectroProofer. Excludes purchases of product sourced from overseas suppliers, product sourced through channels independent of Epson New Zealand, sourced from an Epson website, purchased second-hand or as a seconds/refurbished machine. **To be eligible to redeem the Cashback, the user must create a PORT account (if they do not already have one) and configure their new printer(s) to operate with the service. Configuration will require access to the internet and the installation of a server on the same network as the printer to enable data transfer. The server software may be installed on a separate PC or on an existing PC (it can be configured to run in the background). Full promotion Terms & Conditions go to: https://www.epson.co.nz/competitions/data/2022_900145/terms_details.asp

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May 2022 Cover Story p14-16

PacPrint: We have only weeks to go until the doors of PacPrint open in Melbourne, with more than 80 exhibitors registered PrintNZ p8-11

8-10 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre meets the industry’s Top 10 apprentices 11 Comment: Now is the time to invest in training, says Ruth Cobb Digital Feature p18-30

18-20 Intro: Tim Sykes discusses the ways digital printing is growing 22-23 Currie Group: A strong focus on applications keeps Currie Group customers ahead of the game 24 Fujifilm Business Innovation: A new Revoria Press PC1120 has become Dunedin Print’s workhorse 26 Kodak: Kodak will show its portfolio of digital and software solutions at PacPrint 28 Konica Minolta: The AccurioPress C4080 Series expands your printing options

CONTENTS Advertiser’s index

Wide Format Plus p31-40

32 Aarque: Torque shows off its new HP R2000 Latex printer and Zünd D3 cutting table at its new West Auckland plant 36 Computaleta: Five Star has upgraded its HP wide format solutions 38 NZSDA Update: Queenstown offers signees an amazing venue for this year’s NZSDA Conference 40 NZSDA President: Andy Lowe says workplace learning and apprenticeships are moving ahead in a positive way Labels & Packaging p42-47

42 Cardy: The Label Room is running the new Oki Pro Series label printer coupled to the Virgo finishing system 44 Xeikon: Titon technology brings a range of features for labels and packaging 45 Smithers: Pick up some tips on transit packaging with the experts from Smithers

Aarque 7, 35 APM 7 Cardy 43 Contact Labels 7 Currie Group 7, 21 Cyber OBC Eamar Plastics 50 FUJIFILM IFC FUJIFILM Business Innovation 25 Graphic Lamination & Coating 5 Kodak 27 Konica Minolta 29 NZSDA 39 PacPrint OFC, 17 Pride In Print IBC PrintNZ 13 RICOH 6 Think Laterally 50 VPR 50 Wholesale Print 37

46-47 VDMA: Find out what works best in waste minimisation

30 HP Indigo: Despite the pandemic, HP Indigo continues its global growth Op-Eds p12-49

12 Think Laterally: Your values can improve your business, says Mick Rowan 41 TRMC: Kellie Northwood talks about the importance of ‘reforestation’ 48 Recruitment: What is onboarding?

Charles Watson explores its use 49 Mental Health: Steven Gamble explains substance abuse disorders

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER

PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: Ruth Cobb, Melissa Coutts, Steven Gamble, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Kelie Northwood, Mick Rowan, Tim Sykes, Charles Watson, CIRCULATION: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

PacPrint’s Forum series is set to go in Melbourne

ISSN 1171 7912

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES & SERVICE: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz +61 410 578 876 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Carrie Tong – carrie@i-grafix.com

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May 2022

3

NEWS IN BRIEF KYOCERA has appointed Motohiro Sato as managing director for the Australia New Zealand region. He succeeds Ryosuke Okochi, now appointed vice president, corporate sales division with Kyocera Asia. Sato says, “I’m excited about this opportunity to lead this region and I believe that our strong culture of innovation is key to continued success. I am committed to our customers and to providing businesses with the tools to make better decisions while embracing a digitally automated world, fostering our strategic partners, and empowering our employees.”

PAPER giant UPM Kymmene has ended its 112-day dispute with workers after the company and the papermakers union reached an accord on business-specific collective labour agreements. The strike affected print production across the world and may have contributed to the recent closure of Ovato New Zealand’s heatset operation. UPM said, “In Finland, we have excellent mills and highly skilled employees.

It is good that we get to start the work at mills again. Now it’s time to move on together.”

XAAR has opened a technology centre in Sweden. The company says, “The new site provides an environment for continuous research into the transformative potential of inkjet technologies and opportunities. The Xaar team will continue to work closely across both internal and external projects, liaising with manufacturers, fluid formulators and specialist printer makers to help bring new processes to market using Xaar’s printheads and technologies across numerous markets. Expertise and knowledge is invaluable in supporting our growth and focus on developing opportunities for inkjet production.”

Beban takes the reins at Brother Brother New Zealand has appointed former Konica Minolta chief executive Warwick Beban as managing director, succeeding Graham Walshe, who has stepped down after more than 41 years of service with the business.

Walshe will continue as a member of the executive and will oversee governance as chair of Brother New Zealand’s board. He is delighted to find a successor in Beban, particularly after more than 40 years at the helm of a company with employees he holds in high regard. Under Walshe’s leadership, Brother’s head office successfully relocated from Wellington to Tauranga seven years ago.

Walshe says, “I first met Warwick years ago in his previous role with Konica Minolta. It was clear then that he possessed serious business acumen. It is wonderful that he is now stepping into my shoes as our new managing director.

We trust Warwick, we know him, we respect him greatly and the team around him are the best in the business.

Guiding the team at Brother New Zealand: Graham Walshe (l) and Warwick Beban I have no doubt that Warwick will go on to lead future success for Brother and I wish him all the very best.”

Beban joined Brother New Zealand a week before the first Covid-19 lockdown.

He says, “My introduction to the company was mostly via Zoom for the first six months and it has been a continual progression, getting to know the people and customers. I also completed the Brother Executive Development programme. This is

normally done in person at head office in Japan, but it got flipped into a virtual course.

“It is an unusual situation to have such a strong investment in succession and this really has been a very well planned process.

Graham and the team have built a business with incredible foundations and wonderful people.

“We have great market share, a strong customer focus and loyalty but there is still enormous opportunity for us to grow.”

Southern Colour to get a new owner Stamp specialist Southern Colour Print is set for acquisition.

Blue Star Group looks the likely new owner but the companies remain tight lipped about the proposed deal at this stage. The Otago Daily Times has reported that it expects the details of the acquisition to be settled shortly.

It added that the company is working to find new jobs for staff.

Having won numerous national and international awards for its stamp printing, Southern Colour Print’s influence and prestige extends far beyond its Otago base. Over the years, New Zealand Post has commissioned Southern

Colour Print to complete a number of impressive stamp printing assignments.

Its national award achievements include Pride In Print highly commended and gold medals, process awards, category awards and one Supreme Award win.

Details of the deal will become available soon.

NEWS for New Zealand – all the latest print industry news from home and overseas, delivered to your inbox Go to the news website

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May 2022

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NEWS

Print Against War calls for help The call has gone out for members of the global print community to join a new initiative called Print Against War and help deliver support to Ukraine.

A non-profit initiative of the Meaningful Print Foundation, Print Against War will help Ukrainian printing and packaging companies continue to operate, or provide support when they can again start up their productions.

Lorenzo Villa, co-founder of the Meaningful Print Foundation, says, “Beyond the humanitarian efforts that individuals, families, and businesses are making to support the Ukrainian population and refugees, we believe that an industrywide response is essential.

“Print Against War is the first global outreach project to support a regional printing and packaging market in need. We count it as just the first that the Meaningful Print Foundation will be able to coordinate in the future.”

Print Against War calls on “printers and converters, publishers, influencers, and suppliers to the printing and packaging industry to join forces to support their colleagues during

Print industry professionals can donate to help support Ukraine this incredibly difficult time”. Beyond the war in Ukraine, the organisation’s goals extend to an ongoing ability to help restore the socioeconomic fabric of printing in any region affected by war.

Within the initiative and on its website, Print Against War intends to make visible reports from the field, give voice to Ukrainian printers through written and video interviews, and collect messages of solidarity from personalities, print champions, and print enthusiasts.

Among them, Alon Bar Shany, chairman of Highcon and former general manager of HP Indigo, says, “First

Fujifilm answers inkjet demand Adding a new facility to its USA operation will enable Fujifilm to increase production of aqueous inkjet dispersions to meet the fast growing demand for inkjet printing globally.

Fujifilm says its high purity reactive dispersant pigment dispersion products are important to the development of aqueous inkjet inks for a variety of fast growing inkjet markets, including packaging, textile and commercial printing.

The technology uses a proprietary cross-linking technology to lock each pigment particle in a secure polymer cage, resulting in a highly stable dispersion that enables the design of ink formulations that can meet demanding performance requirements. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Fujifilm supplies aqueous inks to digital printer original equipment manufacturers and reactive dispersant pigment dispersions to ink formulators.

Ian Wilkinson, president and chief operating officer, Fujifilm Imaging Colorants, says, “We believe that developments in aqueous ink technology will contribute to the transformation of new markets for inkjet.

“Our mission is to ensure that we can support our growing global customer base, to accelerate their success in inkjet. This investment strengthens our position as a major manufacturer of aqueous ink and core pigment dispersion technologies.”

of all, my heart is with my fellow printers and all the brave people of Ukraine.

I wish for you that these terrible days pass quickly.

We are thinking of you, and we are also trying to figure out how we can help today from afar. And the next day. Because in the end, the war ends. And life comes back. As a print industry, I think we want to help our colleagues.”

All donations are warmly welcomed.

IN BRIEF KODAK is partnering with converting and packaging solutions expert GDM. The companies will integrate Kodak’s high speed inkjet technology into disposable hygiene production lines.

Specifically, the agreement allows GDM to integrate Kodak Prosper S-Series and Prosper Plus Imprinting Systems into its converting and packaging lines. This will enable GDM to deliver complete solutions such as digital printing of decorative designs, marketing messages, and instructions for use during the manufacturing process of the entire range of disposable hygiene products.

CANON has acquired press manufacturer Edale, which produces printing and converting equipment for the label and packaging industry, including digital and hybrid presses, carton and label production lines, flatbed die-cutters, and finishing and converting equipment. Canon says it is “intensifying its longterm strategy to provide turnkey solutions for the label and packaging sectors”. The move enables Canon to develop its LabelStream 4000 product line, and to provide expertise and technology for future products.

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May 2022

5

Ricoh New Zealand Meet the Team

Michael Laursen National Manager - Commercial & Industrial Print

This month’s Ricoh team member is Michael Laursen, who heads up Commercial and Industrial Printing for Ricoh in NZ.

Industry Background With over 23 years of experience in the print industry, including 16 years with Ricoh, I have developed detailed knowledge of key drivers and processes across a diverse range of sectors, including Corporate, Commercial, Publishing and Marketing.

This enables me to develop the Commercial & Industrial team at Ricoh and key solutions to support our customers.

Areas of specific interest I am passionate about building strong relationships with customers as well as our business partners. This helps us to take a more consultative approach while understanding our customers strategic objectives so we can successfully address them as a team. As National Manager of the Commercial & Industrial Print division, I provide strategic leadership, direction and support to my team, whilst helping to develop a welcoming and supportive culture within the business.

What others say about Michael I’ve known Mike for 16 years, and now 5 of them as a client.

His knowledge of the industry, and future industry trends, have been invaluable for us as a business in assisting in our future planning. He’s down to earth, pragmatic in his approach, and

Achieve Graphic Greatness

an absolute straight shooter.

Craig Loveridge, Bluestar

Mike has assisted us with practical advice and is always willing to go the extra mile to find solutions for any issues that may arise. On a personal level, I find Mike to be a friendly, easily approachable person who is honest and acts with integrity.

Steve Sheppard, Printlounge

In my spare time I am highly active, you will either find me doing fitness training, running around on the Tag or Touch rugby field, or standing on the side coaching my daughters in a number of sports they play. I think this is called an “active relaxer”!

Michael is one of a team of seven vastly experienced commercial print specialists at Ricoh New Zealand that boast over 180 combined years of experience across the industry. All are available to assist with equipment, workflow or software applications for your business, and can be contacted regardless where you are in New Zealand

Combining people, process and technology to deliver outstanding outcomes.

You can get in touch with us at contact@ricoh.co.nz

Ricoh New Zealand www.ricoh.co.nz

www.ricoh.co.nz/cip

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NEW ZEALAND PRINTER DIRECTORY & CALENDAR Pride In Print Awards June 17, 2022 Christchurch Te Pae, Christchurch’s brand new events venue, will host this year’s premier print awards gala night. Tickets are now on sale, so take the opportunity to join with fellow print, signage and packaging professionals to celebrate the ‘best of the best’ at New Zealand’s premier print event.

prideinprint.co.nz

PacPrint 2022 June 28-July 1, 2022 Melbourne All systems are go across the Tasman as organisers and suppliers prepare for a return to the region’s largest print show.

Organisers have put the welcome mat out to welcome New Zealand visitors to the event that helps generate business opportunities through the latest technologies, solutions, and trends.

Labels Foil Stamping Embossing Creasing

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Labelexpo Americas September 13-15 Chicago, USA Apart from the latest technology and solutions, Labelexpo Americas this year features a full two-day conference programme and two masterclasses organised by the Label Academy on digital embellishment and self-adhesive materials.

www.labelexpo-americas.com

Foodtech Packtech September 20-22 Auckland The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise.

- PMS 308

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Please respect legend colours integrity

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nzsda.org.nz

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July 6-9, 2022 Queenstown ‘Innovate – Integrate – Motivate’ is the motto for the New Zealand Sign & Display Association’s Conference and Awards. The event includes the NZSDA AGM, a trip to the historic Walter Peak Station; a visit to local wineries, the annual awards dinner, and the Signee Apprentice of the Year.

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Interpack May 4-10, 2023 Düsseldorf, Germany The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.

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May 2022

7

helping hand

2022 Top 10 Apprentice

Victoria Anderson, Signbiz Hawkes Bay

P

Emmanuel (EJ) Batista, Pakworld

rintNZ and Competenz/ Te Pūkenga have announced this year’s Top 10 candidates for the BJ Ball Papers Apprentice of the Year.

Ruth Cobb, chief executive PrintNZ, Ruth Cobb comments that despite the smaller pool of graduates during 2021, there was no shortage of talent.

She says, “It was still very difficult to narrow down to just 10. The job of getting it down to five will be even harder, as they are all deserving candidates.

“These apprentices have all completed the hardest two years of their apprenticeship amidst the disruption of Covid-19 and it is a testament to them that their talent has shone through.”

She also paid tribute to the ongoing support of principal sponsor, BJ Ball Papers. She says, “They have provided steadfast support of the Apprentice of the Year Awards for many years and, alongside Heidelberg and Trust4Skills, ensure that we can celebrate the amazing talent in our industry.”

Soon, PrintNZ will announce five sector Apprentice of the Year winners from within the initial Top 10.

PrintNZ will announce The BJ Ball Print Industry Apprentice of the Year Award winner on stage at the Pride In Print Awards gala dinner, this year to be held on June 17 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

8

May 2022

Liam Blom, ACI Screen & Print

Kosema Fuiono, Blue Star Collard

The Top 10

IAIN MACINTYRE

Talent shines through with top apprentices

• Victoria Anderson – Signbiz (Hawke’s Bay) • Emmanuel Bautista – Pakworld (Christchurch) • Liam Blom – ACI Screen & Print (Auckland) • Kosema Fuiono – Blue Star Collard (Auckland) • Frey Head – Oji Fibre Solutions Paper Bag (Auckland) • Mithun Reddy – Philstic Labels (Auckland) • Khan Silva – Jenkins Freshpac (Tauranga) • Nana Southall – Blue Star Constellation (Auckland) • John Sutton – Opal Packaging (Hawke’s Bay) • Holomesi Tuineau – Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific (Auckland)

Victoria Anderson Shaun Smith, manager of Signbiz Hawkes Bay says it is “no surprise” that Victoria Anderson has excelled in her apprenticeship.

He says, “I started with Vikki in February 2021 when Signbiz took over from HB Signs.

“Production manager/designer is her current role. She operates printers and machinery quickly and efficiently, with design and production of all types of signs.

She has a thorough knowledge of prepress setup, colour setup, and machinery.

“Vikki is incredibly valuable to our team here, as her skills in production keep the installers

Frey Head, Oji Fibre Solutions

busy. She is a great team member.”

Emmanuel (EJ) Bautista Mike Murphy, general manager at Pakworld says Emmanuel Bautista’s “mechanical ability and excellent work ethic” saw him quickly move into a permanent role with the firm after commencing as a temporary factory hand in March 2015. Mike says, “Emmanuel (EJ) is a calm young man who brings a wide range of mechanical skills to the position.

“His temperament is very even and he doesn’t let anything get him down. He also doesn’t give up and is comfortable asking for assistance when he needs it.

“He represents the type of employee who enjoys what he is doing, always turns up and nothing is ever a problem; the ideal employee.”

Liam Blom Phil Norvill, manager of ACI Screen & Print, it has been “very rewarding” to see Liam Blom’s commitment to ongoing training and willingness to develop and learn his craft over the past seven years. He says, “Liam started with ACI as a general hand – he showed promise and a desire to gain a qualification in the trade.

“Liam has a great work ethic, with attention to detail and high quality standards. He always does his best to exceed our newzealandprinter.co.nz

helping hand

es of the Year unveiled

Mithun (John) Reddy, Philstic Labels

Khan Silva, Jenkins Freshpac

customers’ expectations.

“Having an employee that is dedicated to upskilling, combined with the support from Grant Alsop at Competenz, has been very beneficial to ACI in building on our emphasis of providing quality service and quality print.”

Kosema Fuiono Seeking a career path opportunity to “a better future both for himself and his family,” Kosema Fuiono has excelled since commencing as a print assistant in June 2015, says Blue Star print and packaging Auckland region general manager Theresa Holmes.

She explains, “Sema developed quickly and was working unsupervised as a printer well before he finished his apprenticeship. Although he now works as a printer on the Heidelberg Speedmaster CD74, Sema is already learning the intricacies and familiarising himself with our other presses.

“We are so very proud of Sema and his determination to maximise the opportunities given to him. He has become a highly skilled printer and a role model for others in our business as to what can be achieved.”

Frey Head Since commencing as a stereo mounter on the night shift in April 2017, Frey Head has demonstrated “a level of maturity well beyond his young newzealandprinter.co.nz

Nana Southall, Blue Star Constellation

age”, says Oji Fibre Solutions Packaging manufacturing manager Prathap Jayawardane.

He says, “Frey is a driven and passionate individual who thrives in finding solutions.

He has naturally assumed leadership of his shift. He is also currently mentoring an apprentice and giving back to the training process.”

Reflecting on Frey’s Top 10 achievement, Prathap says it serves as a timely reminder, particularly in light of recent industry developments, of “how valued hands-on qualifications and skills are to the success of an organisation”.

Mithun (John) Reddy General manager at Philstic Labels Bart Mann, describes Mithun Reddy as having undergone a significant journey, in which notable challenges were overcome, to ultimately complete his apprenticeship with aplomb.

Bart says, “Mithun, who we call John, started his apprenticeship as a flexographic printer at Huhtamaki in Henderson, West Auckland. He had to work hard to find time to focus on apprenticeship work as he already had a newborn and then, 18 months into his apprenticeship, he was made redundant, as Huhtamaki was closing down. He thought that was the end of printing for him, so he hopped on a new path of being a barber and worked in a friend’s shop for a month.

“Grant Alsop contacted me

John Sutton, Opal Packaging

Holomesi Tuineau, Amcor Flexibles AP

to see if we at Philstic would take John on and give him the opportunity to complete his apprenticeship. After meeting with John we agreed to give him a chance and have had absolutely no regrets.”

Khan Silva Since joining the business as a pre-press assistant in June 2017, Khan Silva has always demonstrated “incredible focus”, says Jamie Lunam, general manager at Jenkins Freshpac.

Jamie says, “Khan is an excellent administrator and always had his eye on the prize: completing his apprenticeship in record time. While it is always pleasing when your team members get recognised, it was no real shock to learn of Khan’s success. He is very diligent and was focused on the outcome, which he has been rewarded for.

“Recognising that Khan is unlikely to relax now that he has completed his trade, we have immediately supported him in further study in business administration and leadership.”

Nana Southall Nana Southall entered employment at Blue Star Constellation as a digital assistant in April 2019, continuing an apprenticeship initially commenced at a smaller business outside of Auckland.

Theresa Holmes says Nana Continued on page 10 May 2022

9

helping hand

Continued from page 9

At last year’s Pride In Print Awards, from left: Fred Soar, from Soar Print now Soar Communications Group; Alex Huynh, Trainer of the Year; and Travis Jordan, Apprentice of the Year has illustrated she “won’t sit idle”. She says, “From the moment Nana began with us, her attitude towards her apprenticeship was outstanding.

“The quality of her course work, her interest, and engagement in the workplace was obvious and her commitment has been impressive.

“As our industry changes, it’s become even more critical to train and develop young, motivated talent internally.

We’re very proud of Nana’s achievements, and even more impressed that her training and thirst for knowledge it seems, has only just begun.”

John Sutton Having begun with the company as a 20-year-old machine 10

May 2022

assistant over a decade ago, John Sutton has adeptly evolved through a number of roles and become skilled on a variety of equipment, says Opal Packaging technical supervisor Bruce Coombe.

He says, “John is able to learn quickly and is pretty adaptable/ flexible – he is quite confident in what he does. When completing unit standards, he was one of the few that would come and ask for the next unit standard.

“Most of the other staff members who have been through the apprenticeship would need to be chased up but John was wanting to get it completed.”

Holomesi Tuineau Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific extrusion and conversion manager John Puleanga

praises Holomesi Tuineau, who commenced with the business in March 2012 as a conversion operator, for demonstrating “real character” to overcome significant challenges during his apprenticeship.

John says, “We are impressed with Holomesi’s methodical approach and consistency. He is always a team player.

“He was a big source of information and training for his fellow apprentices and never hesitated to help them when needed.

“Although I wasn’t with the print department for the entirety of his apprenticeship, I came back before he finished to see his development in analytical skills and maturity. We are so proud to see how far he’s come and even more so now with his nomination.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Training – it’s never been more important (or cheaper)

N

ew immigration settings announced at the start of the month that come into play in July will ensure that the stream of migrant workers many industries have relied on in the past, including ours, will become more difficult and more expensive to secure.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that while businesses will be required to put more focus on employing kiwis where possible, at the same time the new Immigration settings were confirmed, the government announced that it is extending subsidies for training for a further 16 months to allow businesses a chance to train their own workers.

Print, packaging and sign are all highly technical industries requiring very specific skills and the best way to obtain those skills is to ensure that we have appropriate training programmes and processes in place that are easy to access and affordable for businesses to undertake.

The Targeted Training Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) provides fees free training through until the end of 2022 and we are hoping that this will also be extended further.

This removes the requirement for an annual registration fee and covers a substantial range of the training available in our industries, from Level 3 trade qualifications through to the Level 5 Diploma of Print Management.

On top of that is the Apprenticeship Boost programme that will contribute $500 per month towards an apprentice’s wages for a twoyear period, a total of $12,000 for their first two years of training.

While these two subsidies provide a great financial benefit to the business, there are also many non-financial benefits in training that include staff retention, increasing the knowledge base of your employees which can in turn lead to improvements in workflow and productivity, identifying future leaders and creating a reputation as a desirable employer to name a few. newzealandprinter.co.nz

The government has extended workplace training subsidies a further 16 months

Array of qualifications

RUTH COBB

We all benefit from workplace training

Training is not restricted to the core trade skills of print, packaging and sign. Every employee in your business can benefit from training and there is broad array of qualifications available that include sales, leadership, distribution, manufacturing, health and safety and competitive systems.

The qualifications our industry uses are all developed by members of the industry.

They understand the skills employers and employees need to work across all areas of print, packaging and sign in New Zealand. The resulting qualifications are flexible, practical and designed with the future in mind.

All the qualifications are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that they remain relevant and continue to meet the evolving needs of industry.

We use peer groups, including those recently qualified, to undertake reviews and make recommendations for improvements as technology changes what and how we produce things.

Two reviews have already been completed this year: binding and finishing, and sign making. There are two more reviews about to commence, Print and the Diploma of Print Management, with a third one scheduled for later in the year,

Direct Mail. Your input into these reviews is welcome.

At a higher level, the Review of Vocational Education that has taken place over the last three years has also created a platform that will ensure better outcomes for training.

PrintNZ is actively engaged with both of the new entities created: TePukenga and Hanga Aro Rau, the Workforce Development Council for Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics. Both of these organisations are drivers of change and want to ensure that Work Based Learning is readily accessible and recognised for the valuable contribution it makes to education in New Zealand.

PrintNZ will continue to ensure that the appropriate training is there for our industry; our industry needs to make sure it uses it.

Why wouldn’t you want to get the most out your staff who in turn will ensure they get the most out of the resources available to ensure the best outcomes for your business and customers.

Everyone benefits from knowing more about their job, more about your workplace and more about themselves and their capabilities. It is not a question of whether you can afford to train; it is a question of whether you can afford not to.

May 2022

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THINK LATERALLY

It’s time to define the character of your company!

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our business is more than just a product or service, it’s an experience, and it takes more than just motivation to succeed.

To create your place in the market, you need to stand out from the competition. There’s no better way than with a compelling set of values that operate as your company’s voice, informing and guiding decisions and behaviours while signalling what’s vital to your customers!

We know the goal, in most cases, is to succeed without sacrificing creativity or compromising ideals. But it can be challenging to grow a business without doing precisely that. This is where your values come into play and why a significant part of any preliminary planning should focus on them.

Your values should create a clear sense of purpose that can guide decision-making and help to build a strong culture for the journey ahead.

Values are your company’s personality and will help set you apart from the competition by being clear about who you are, what you do, and how you do it. At the same time, they serve as a rallying point that brings employees together in a shared purpose.

By creating a set of values that reflect the company’s mission and goals, you can establish your purpose and build a strong culture.

Moreover, values can help attract and retain the best talent by serving as a beacon for those who share the company’s vision.

Values can be a powerful differentiator in today’s competitive business environment and help companies build a strong reputation and loyal workforce.

But be aware that many values statements are toothless, unattractive, and often dishonest. They can create disheartened employees who can’t believe their company has no values worth representing.

There’s also a risk that customers will feel ignored by the business because they don’t care about what it stands for. Just how much money you make off them!

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May 2022

When customers know what your company stands for, they are more likely to stick with you through thick and thin

Values and goals

MICK ROWAN, THINK LATERALLY

Your values will help you build a strong culture in your company

The lack of commitment to one’s values is an issue that plagues many people today.

Around 80 per cent of the Fortune 100 companies tout their values publicly. Still, many of these firms only mean what they say on paper and when it comes down to upholding them, it’s more a case of paying lip service with no follow-through whatsoever!

To make your values mean something, you need to take concrete steps to put them into action.

Start by making sure that your values align with your business goals. There’s no point in espousing values that don’t support your bottom line.

Next, communicate your values to employees and customers alike. By living your values and publicly proclaiming them, you’ll see them take hold throughout the organisation.

Finally, hold everyone accountable to your values and ensure that your hiring practices, performance reviews, and day-to-day decisionmaking reflect your core principles. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your values guide everything you do as a business.

It’s not easy to be a small to medium business. You have to do everything and don’t often have the resources of a bigger company. That’s why it’s so important to stand for something, to have values that you commit to and that your employees can get behind.

When customers know what your company stands for, they are more likely to stick with you through thick and thin. And when potential employees see the culture you’ve built and the values you stand for, they are more likely to want to work for you.

So, how do you go about implementing your company values?

Without a commitment from management, there can be no success. Leadership needs to put in the time and effort so that everyone else is on board with the decision.

A successful transformation requires a unified front that can only come about with buy-in across all company levels.

Mick has spent the past decade building printIQ into one of the most recognised software brands in the printing industry, and with over four decades of experience, Mick truly has ink in his veins. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Keeping it local, let the world know

PNZORG0000 Keeping print in New Zealand is more important than ever.

Use this logo so both you and your customers can demonstrate the part you are playing.

Apply to PrintNZ on info@printnz.co.nz or phone 0800 654 455

W O R K I N G

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COVER STORY

PacPrint to bring glob Robyn Frampton, from Visual Connections, previews PacPrint in Melbourne

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ith only weeks to go until the doors of PacPrint open in Melbourne, more than 80 exhibitors promise to bring the latest global innovations to our doorstep at the region’s leading show. It’s a great opportunity to stay local, yet catch up with the best graphic arts solutions the world has to offer.

PacPrint, which this year will co-locate with the Visual Impact sign and display expo, and the Label & Packaging Expo, is New Zealand’s default industry expo and this year, more than ever, there are plenty of reasons for business owners and decision makers to make the short hop over the Tasman to ‘review, rebuild and reconnect’.

The three in one expo will open its doors on Tuesday June 28 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, with the showcase expected to cover everything from software and MIS, to cut sheet and wide format devices, finishing and embellishment, sign and display systems, textile printing, routing and engraving, labels and packaging, and much more.

Peter Harper, chief executive officer of show organiser Visual Connections, says, “PacPrint, and its co-located shows, will provide the first opportunity for most industry businesses to see the latest innovations in person, and demonstrated live, with several exhibitors promising ‘world firsts’ at the show.

“It is also an important opportunity to connect with the experts who can help businesses navigate the post pandemic landscape.”

The show will, of course, be the wider industry’s first in-person expo since pandemic restrictions kicked in early in 2020, so it’s a much anticipated opportunity to get a firm handle on global market trends and

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May 2022

Looking forward to welcoming Kiwis to PacPrint: Peter Harper, chief executive officer of Visual Connections review the very many advances and new options which have been released during that time.

Perfect timing ROBYN FRAMPTON

Harper says the chance for industry professionals to update their solutions will be vital, as the current global situation is creating plenty of opportunities as well as numerous challenges for businesses.

He explains, “Over the past couple of years, we have seen print buyers refocus on the reliability of local supply, leading to print work flowing back to New Zealand and Australian shores during the pandemic.

“Optimising production will be vital to ensure local businesses have the capacity to meet, and keep, that increased demand, and the flexibility to diversify, in the most profitable way.”

With costs rising left, right and centre, he adds that it is also a great time to consider new solutions which will help

address those cost increases and ensure your business is operating at peak efficiency and profitability.

He says, “Costs in many areas are skyrocketing, particularly things like energy and transport and, while we’d all like to be optimistic, there’s no sign that relief is in sight any time soon. That makes it timely to consider, for instance, whether it’s time to invest in more energy efficient equipment and systems, or to bring more of your production in house.

“While it’s tempting to put off investment when times are uncertain, businesses should also bear in mind that, with interest rates set to rise into the foreseeable future, money is still almost as cheap as it has ever been, so locking in loans for capital expenditure could prove to be a very wise move.”

Another factor in this equation is the pressure on supply chains which is causing lead times to blow out.

He says, “The impacts of the pandemic on supply chains is now well established and it seems those effects will be with us for some time, with China in particular still grappling with limitations and lockdowns.

Compounding that is the situation in Europe, which could take months to resolve.

“The cost impacts on shipping are already evident and, until stability returns, continuing supply chain delays and disruptions, and the oncosts of that, are inevitable.

That means taking a long view and considering what you will need for your business success, not just this year, but one, two or even five years into the future.

“These days, there’s no such thing as an ‘instant fix’ when you need to lift production or expand your business offering; you must act now to secure your viability and profitability.

“At PacPrint, suppliers and service providers will be able to help visitors forecast, identify trends, evaluate potential investments, and advise on shipping times, stock holdings and finance options, so businesses can plan with confidence.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

COVER STORY

bal innovations local Planning your visit Over 80 exhibitors have signed up for the show, with more signing on daily . You can see the latest list of exhibitors on the PacPrint website.

PacPrint visitors can view just about everything, from software and workflow solutions, to digital cut sheet, offset and other imaging solutions, dye sublimation and wide format output devices, label and packaging solutions, engraving and routing technologies, laser-cutting and finishing, textile and direct to garment printing, media and substrates, and even leasing and finance.

Harper says, “The list of exhibitors and their plans is too extensive to be covered in a single story, but we would encourage visitors to review the floor plan on the website for PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo, and make firm plans for how they are going to use their time at the show.

“The ability to see systems and equipment in action, touch and feel printed products, media and consumables in person, and discuss a wide range of services and supports, all in one convenient location, Continued on page 16

At PacPrint, visitors will see all the latest graphic arts solutions under one roof

PacPrint Forum Series offers important ideas, trends and information While the exhibition itself is the main drawcard to the PacPrint event, being able to put the innovations on the show floor into context is vitally important. It’s here that the perennially popular PacPrint Forum Series of seminars is so important, highlighting the latest global trends and providing important ideas, information and insights.

The 2022 programme is packed with sessions of interest for New Zealand businesses covering everything from leadership insights, to industry overviews and sector-specific sessions.

On Day One, the programme covers small business employment and construction codes.

The Unforgettable Agency’s Meqa Smith follows that with a presentation on how your people contribute to giving your business an edge. After that, Steven Gamble from Man newzealandprinter.co.nz

Anchor will engage, educate, empower and encourage people to kick-start conversations about mental health.

Day Two kicks off with print marketing legend Pat McGrew discussing the importance of workflow and automation in business profitability. Ascent Partner’s Richard Rasmussen provides guidance on business valuations and sales, growth by acquisition and exit planning. Visitors can listen in on a ‘fireside chat’ between TRMC chief executive Kellie Northwood and Geoff Selig, chairman and Matt Aitken, chief executive of the Ive Group. More industry leaders promise they will share the secrets of their success in an afternoon panel session. The day finishes with sales specialist Greg Donlan explaining how to turn sales from an unexplainable art into a scalable, scientific system.

Kieran May from Across – Sustainable Ethical Services starts Day Three with simple, low cost strategies to help meet customer expectations around sustainability, followed by an industry overview from Kellie Northwood.

Rowena Curlewis, chief executive of leading drinks design specialist, Denomination, will share her global insight of the drinks industry with a focus on sustainability and innovation.

A panel session follows, looking at future industry trends and initiatives. Steven Gamble will reprise his mental health session.

The final day of the show sees a Media Super session on superannuation by Media Super and finishes with a must-see discussion with industry experts on the art of colour management.

You can download the full Forum Series programme from the PacPrint website.

May 2022

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COVER STORY Continued from page 15

The PacPrint Forum Series will deliver a programme of engaging and relevant presentations and discussions delivers enormous value for the investment of time and resources it takes to attend, but proper planning will absolutely maximise that value.”

With more than 40 years’ experience in running industry events, Harper is well-versed on getting that return on investment, saying feedback from previous shows clearly demonstrates that planning and preparation beforehand pays enormous dividends.

He says, “If you’re considering attending, firstly check out the Visitor Information section on the PacPrint website to access resources including online registration details,

accommodation deals, practical parking, public transport and Covid policy information, as well as information on local dining and activities in Melbourne if you are visiting from elsewhere.

“Refer to the floor plan to identify stands you would like to visit, plan your daily diary, and make contact with exhibitors prior to the show to set up meeting or demonstration times so you don’t miss out if stands get busy.

“Also, make sure you build sufficient time into your programme to get around the exhibition and check for other things of interest. We know

from experience that it is often on the stands people didn’t plan to visit where they made the most important discoveries.

“The PacPrint Forum Series of seminars will also provide a lot of helpful information to support decision making so make sure you factor in the Forum Series sessions you’d like to attend.”

PacPrint, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo will run from June 28 to July 1 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

To find more information about all aspects of the show, visit the PacPrint website at www.pacprint.com.au.

Arts, sport, shopping and dining out in multi-cultural Melbourne Melbourne, perhaps Australia’s most European city, is also the country’s sporting and arts capital. While PacPrint and its associated shows are the major attraction, you can also take the opportunity for a mini-break to take advantage of what Melbourne has to offer.

Melbourne is buzzing with the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Visitors can take advantage of all the shopping, and dining experiences in this multi-cultural city.

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May 2022

Any visit to Melbourne is incomplete without taking in a game of footy. The AFL is in full swing but if you prefer the world game, there are plenty of NFL fixtures to see.

Theatre buffs can see one of the world’s most celebrated musicals, Hamilton, at Her Majesty’s Theatre or Oscar Wilde’s classic: The Picture of Dorian Grey. Also, check out the programme for The Melbourne Magic Festival on its website.

Lightscape is an immersive journey of light and sound through Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens. If you arrive a little early, you can experience the works of Vincent van Gogh coming to life at The Lume Digital Art Gallery before June 30.

To find out more about what Melbourne has to offer, go to the Visitor Information Page on the PacPrint website, or visit the What’s On in Melbourne website. newzealandprinter.co.nz

PRESENTED BY

// June 28th – July 1st 2022 NEW DATES! // Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

NEW DATES!

Review.

2022

Rebuild.

DATES // Tuesday 28 June 2022 // Wednesday 29 June 2022

Reconnect.

// Thursday 30 June 2022 // Friday 1st July 2022

2021

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

PLATINUM

www.pacprint.com.au

GOLD

SILVER

DIGITAL INTRODUCTION

What’s holding back digi

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Digitally printed packaging caters to a swathe of different markets hen all the market research of recent years is projecting market growth of between 10 and 15 per cent compound annual growth rate over the coming years, with corresponding advances in market share, it may sound unnecessarily provocative to suggest that digital print in packaging has failed to fulfil expectations.

The value proposition of digital print is familiar enough: the ability to go from PDF to POS in a matter of hours doesn’t just make short runs and cool customisation campaigns economical but enables supply chain efficiencies and leaner stock management.

Digitally printing a package thus caters to a swathe of key market trends and demands from agile marketing campaigns and proliferation of SKUs to streamlining processes for faster time to market. However, in off the

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TIM SYKES

Tim Sykes sorts out some trending issues for digital printing

record conversations over the last couple of years, both brand owners and digital print specialists have confided a mild disappointment that some of the more idealistic predictions of digital conquest have not yet come to pass.

What are the reasons for this? And is the post-Covid world closer to the tipping point?

Not bespoke We’ll start with perhaps the most basic and obvious point: the largest chunk of the market is still serving long run jobs for packaging destined for the shelves of bricks and mortar retailers.

As Montserrat Peidro, former head of Heidelberg’s digital print business, remarks: “The main advantages of digital print can be quantified in terms of cost per box in short-mid runs, in faster turn-around times resulting in a leaner supply chain and in its ability to produce unique boxes

profitably. Examples include packages with security features, unique identifiers for track and tracing of goods, codes for connected packaging and those personalised for a specific individual.”

Of course, there remains huge demand for generic packaging produced in high volumes and at high speeds.

And analogue presses still handle the bigger runs more cost effectively, in addition to which they tend to be a considerably less costly investment.

This is hardly news, but those of us who get intoxicated by disruptive innovation could do well to remind ourselves of the enduring gravitational pull of simple mathematics.

As long as not everyone needs bespoke, there will be a place for analogue.

Time to market There is a significant and growing packaging market space where digital print can newzealandprinter.co.nz

DIGITAL INTRODUCTION

itally printed packaging?

The future promises changes to the entire packaging production chain add value. Brand owners need to differentiate their multiple SKUs and increase frequency of marketing campaigns to maintain consumer attention.

In this landscape, flexibility rather than raw throughput is key to productivity.

Marcelo Akierman, HP Indigo marketing manager for the EMEA region, says: “The printing speed of analogue does not take into consideration all the presses set-ups, including colour calibrations, waste and plates making and mounting.

The time to market printing digitally is dramatically reduced; brand owners can do the proofing on site and when the target is achieved sign on the final substrate.”

However, all too often the end user isn’t thinking as fast as the technology. As a major corrugated converter recently observed to me, they can handle an artwork change in little more than a day on traditional presses. If the brand owner’s marketing sign-off takes days or weeks, is it possible that the bottleneck is as much a business systems problem as a technological one?

Brands need to become as agile as digital presses if they are to leverage their full potential, and they need to get used to making more decentralised marketing decisions. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Harnessing the value of digital print will rely on integration into the wider value chain.

François Martin, senior communication advisor at Bobst, says: “We often forget it, but packaging production is more than printing and part of a longer supply chain, from packaging design to printers, converters, packers, retailers on-line or physical.

“Printing digital will save a few hours, even a few days, in a process taking months. The entire packaging production chain needs to be rewritten.

Digital printing will be part of the new Industry 4.0 packaging landscape, but the digitalisation of an entire process will be the most important element.”

Conversely, as analogue print technologies are adapted to function within this connected ecosystem, they will become quasi-digital themselves.

Rewriting the rules Digital print facilitates an altogether more intimate degree of consumer engagement just as the broader digital transformation of our world is making consumers expect gratifying communication from brands across every moment of truth.

Donald Allred, vice president of packaging at Memjet,

says: “There’s no question customisation is one of the biggest trends driving the adoption of digital package printing.

“When packaging is produced in a late-stage customisation process, using digital printing is not only possible, it is preferred by brands that want to connect with their consumers by adding personalised messages and images to their packaging.

These messages can include support of regional sports teams, seasonal messages, and/ or images of local interest.

“Compare this close customer relationship with the more traditional process whereby brands ship products to distribution centres. In this supply chain, products are distributed to vast geographic and demographic markets, with little opportunity for personalised packaging experiences.”

However, return on investment will increasingly require more sophisticated strategies than the now familiar ‘product with your name on it’.

This is a new game, and the rules of how to create meaningful experiences through customised packaging are still being written.

Jose Gorbea, head of brands and agencies at HP GSB EMEA (and formerly of Mondelēz), says: “Personalisation goes far beyond customising or styling products. It is about intelligently curating and shaping the whole experience for those in our community: makers, designers and consumers alike.

“One industry shift is personalised storytelling, with mass customisation seen as the next frontier for global brands.

With digital print, design runs that used to number in the tens of thousands can now vary unit by unit, making labels, cases, POS materials and direct mail more relevant and personal than ever before.

“Companies can now target messages directly at individual groups of customers and join social movements. The speed of digital printing also allows Continued on page 20 May 2022

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DIGITAL INTRODUCTION Continued from page 19 brands to interact with real world events. For example, you can now print the daily news on a package to communicate product freshness.”

Amid such endless possibilities and several truly impressive applications there is also a sense that brands are only beginning to map the new landscape. If digitally printed packaging represents a cultural, as well as a technological, revolution, I have the sense that what we are seeing today is an influential counterculture rather than mainstream.

Inertia and investment Another consideration is that industry earthquakes don’t always happen overnight.

Even in industrialised countries many fields were being cultivated by manual labour decades after the invention of the mechanical plough. We tend to embrace change when we must, especially when we suspect that return on investment may be remote.

Speak to any of the big players about the enablers of digital print and eventually they will acknowledge that getting the market to understand the opportunity is the key challenge.

Klaus Lammersiek, marketing manager for HP Indigo Labels & Packaging EMEA, says: “Brands are facing more SKUs and shorter runs but are quite busy in their day to day preoccupations to understand that digital can go beyond the ‘special projects only’.

“Meanwhile, if they don’t have digital, converters may prefer still to keep running longer runs in their existing presses without the need to invest further.

“The solution comes in educating both brands and converters about the possibilities of digital, and every day, we can see more and more digitally printed products in the supermarkets and online.”

Montserrat Peidro, former head of Heidelberg’s digital print business, echoes this perspective, saying: “In my personal experience in recent years, the main enablers have been the ability to integrate digital technology into existing prepress and post-press 20

May 2022

Visitors to drupa 2024 will see innovations in digitally printed packaging processes, sell new benefits to customers, and manage lots of smaller jobs per day in an efficient way, with as few touchpoints as possible.

“But not all companies are aware of these enablers or take these topics into account when planning their investments.”

Direct to consumer I made the connection above between digital printing and the broader digital transformation of manufacturing. Of course, with online retail we can see this in the context of a wider digital transformation of our culture and commerce.

Even before the coronavirus changed everything, it seemed inevitable that the irresistible rise of e-commerce would be the ultimate catalyst for growth in digitally printed packaging.

In the first place, the online brand or vendor has a much more personal relationship with me than the traditional shopper in a conventional supermarket. It’s a one-on-one communication.

The brand knows who I am, where I am, what I like. It is going to deliver a product, possibly tailored to my needs, directly to me. Leveraging consumer data enables brands to communicate in a personally meaningful way.

As a direct to consumer brand of a different sort, and on a very different scale, to the FMCG giants, Packaging Europe back in 2019 conducted a customisation experiment of our own. We distributed our

magazine in corrugated sleeves featuring 20 localised designs and printed on a HP PageWide C500 press.

The #unboxingEurope campaign got a warm response from our readers – ‘love’ that came from the ability to leverage individual subscriber data. Knowing our readers’ location enabled us to give each one not just a nice surprise, but a personally meaningful one.

The same dynamic applies to the new and emerging supply chains, vastly accelerated by Covid, that are based around personalised consumption, and served by emerging direct to consumer, on demand or subscription models. In this ecosystem, relevant communication that reflects the consumer’s needs and identity are likely to distinguish the most successful brands. Latestage customisation, at least in higher value goods, will surely become the norm.

Meanwhile, successive advances in technology are cumulatively eroding all those barriers to adoption. We will see improved quality, higher speeds, lower costs, more viable market entry points, more seamless integration, and developments in design tools such as algorithmically generated iterative engines. All this innovation will be on show at drupa 2024, and I can’t wait to see it.

Tim Sykes is the brand director at Packaging Europe, one of the leading intelligence resources for European packaging professionals. newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.hp.com/indigo

www.curriegroup.co.nz

DIGITAL

Currie Group commits to

O

ver the past 12 months, major industry supplier Currie Group has undergone intensive modernisation under the guiding hand of new chief executive officer Rob Mesaros.

Now, the company is preparing to unveil a new look and feel at PacPrint, to reflect the transformation within.

Mesaros, who took over the top job in early 2021, made his intentions clear from the start and has overseen intensive efforts behind the scenes to reshape the systems, tools and processes which will allow Currie Group to remain agile and responsive into the future.

The company already sees the modernisation strategy paying dividends. It has maintained its team and its dominant market position over the past 12 months. In addition, it has acquired significant new brands to its product stable.

Most recently, Currie Group introduced its own refreshed brand identity, which PacPrint visitors will be among the first to see.

Mesaros says, “The 2022 timeslot for PacPrint has proven to be ideal for us, as we can have a genuine unveiling of our new look, feel and approach, showcasing in a very resolved and complete way, just how we have evolved as a company.”

The stand will be quite a visual departure from what’s been done in the past, not only due to the fresh branding but

Rob Mesaros, chief executive officer at Currie Group

A strong focus on applications keeps Currie Group customers ahead of the game

also a more solutions-based approach.

He explains, “Our aim at PacPrint is to put a very strong focus on applications, showing visitors what is possible in a very tangible way, then working with them to explore how they can make those possibilities a reality in their own business.”

Engaging at PacPrint Over the course of the PacPrint show, Currie Group will run live demonstrations on an impressive selection of technologies within specially designed engagement spaces.

Solutions include • The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press

• The HP Indigo 7K Digital Press • The latest in large format technology from new partner EFI • Finishing options • 3D printing • Label and packaging solutions Mesaros says, “The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press is expected to be a real highlight of the stand, representing the latest evolution of what has become the benchmark for high quality digital presses.

He points out that, while the 7K model will be familiar to many, the new 100K Digital Press, hailed as a breakthrough press with true, non-stop print capability, is totally new to the Australia New Zealand markets.

He says, “This press can not only boost margins on short runs, but also help businesses tap into new digital markets to secure long-term business gains. It is already generating a huge amount of interest with a couple of orders even placed ahead of its release, so we’re really looking forward to demonstrating it at PacPrint.”

EFI

The EFI Pro 30h wide format printer 22

May 2022

A major highlight at the show will be the market introduction of the new EFI Pro 30h printer.

This 3.2 metre hybrid LED wide format printer is the newzealandprinter.co.nz

DIGITAL

o the industry at PacPrint

The HP Indigo 100K Digital Press centrepiece of an extensive showcase of wide format applications for sign and display.

Mesaros says, “This machine can print to a diverse array of substrates, both rigid and flexible, using environmentally-friendly LED imaging technology to produce superior image quality, helping businesses extend their capabilities into the sign and display space with a versatile, productive machine at a very attractive price point.”

In the label and packaging space, Currie Group will run an HP Indigo 6K Digital Press with an ABG Digicon Lite 3, a compact and easy to use digital label finishing machine which can operate inline or as a standalone unit to provide versatile solutions including foiling, varnishing, slitting, scoring and sheeting.

Mesaros says, “We are also planning to give visitors a virtual ‘sneak peek’ at some very exciting new developments in this space, as well as showcasing some highly engaging applications which will demonstrate how the right solutions can take the power of labels & packaging to an entirely new level.”

includes the next-generation Horizon BQ-500 iCE perfect binder.

This solution offers high productivity via its connected and fully automated features such as the HT-300 single knife three side trimmer. It achieves high quality with accurate and clean cuts with precision automation and features such as auto book thickness measuring and table angle adjustment.

Other highlights on the Currie Group PacPrint stand include the latest in 3D printing technology and the presence of product experts who will share their knowledge and

experience. Mesaros says, “We will have brand security experts on hand to discuss the wide range of options available to help protect brand integrity, improve traceability of product, and reduce the risk of counterfeiting.”

Currie Group might look different in Melbourne, but some things will never change.

He says, “We know we have to be constantly evolving to stay a step ahead, but the core values and strengths for which this company has been known for more than 70 years will always be there, as we continue to support the success of businesses in this industry.”

Finishing Currie Group’s range of innovative finishing solutions newzealandprinter.co.nz

The Horizon BQ-500 iCE perfect binder May 2022

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DIGITAL

Dunedin Print puts the Revoria to work Fujifilm Business Innovation takes Revoria down south

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unedin Print has a reputation for quality printing and customer service.

Angela Gillan, operations manager at Dunedin Print says, “We produce a range of printed materials such as business cards, flyers, annual reports, marketing material for other companies, letterheads, and packaging labels.

In February, Dunedin Print installed a new Revoria Press PC1120, supplied through Fujifilm Business Innovation.

The Revoria has become the company’s print workhorse. She says, “It is now the main digital printer we operate. We run it eight hours per day but for big jobs, we run it overnight and through the weekend. It is sort of bullet-proof.”

The Revoria installation went well and Dunedin Print has gotten to know Fujifilm Business Innovations support team. She says, “Fujifilm Business Innovation has been really good. They have delivered the training and support we need. The servicing has also been good. Dunedin is small enough that we actually knew the service manager already.”

Easy to operate Despite the numerous innovations its designers have placed in the Revoria, they still had print operators in mind when they developed it. Gillan says, “The Revoria is easy to operate. It is easy to find your way around it. For instance, loading paper is a simple operation and it is easy to change inks. With the Revoria, imposition is basic and simple to get your head around.

The Revoria Press PC1120 offers a range of features designed to make printing more efficient, starting with its air suction feeder and static eliminator module. These new features provide highly stable paper feeding for a wide variety of paper including paper containing concentrated 24

May 2022

Workhorse: Dunedin Print digital operator Ramon Dumadag puts the Revoria Press PC1120 through its paces amounts of paper dust, cohesive coated paper, and film. She says, “The paper feed system is exceptional. I did a print run of 7000 over the weekend and it never jammed once.

“The print quality is also very good. Our clients have reacted positively to the new printer. It is different to what we had before but they have gone with it and are very happy.”

With an output print speed of 120 pages per minute, the Revoria Press PC1120 achieves high definition, high resolution prints of 2400 dpi.

It uses Super EA-Eco toner, which offers the smallest toner particle size in the industry.

The one-pass, six-colour print engine enables operators to use up to two special toners such as gold, silver, clear, white and pink, in addition to the basic CMYK toners. These toners enable high value, high quality printing such as metallic colours and natural skin textures.

Gillan says, “We have used the colour features a few times and we are excited about the

possibilities for the future. We had one of the Fujifilm Business Innovation experts down here a couple of months ago and what he showed us is amazing. We can easily achieve a corporate colour when we need to.”

Banner sheet printing is also an option on the Revoria.

She says, “It is a good option to have when we get an order for something like an oversize booklet. The Revoria has capabilities that we haven’t yet had time to explore but we certainly will do so over time.”

Like other New Zealand print companies, Dunedin Print has seen a decline in offset demand with a corresponding increase in its digital production. She says, “We have customers who need fast turnaround printing, often short run. The digital printing model suits this, especially where the client has a budget, so it is important to give them what they can afford.”

She concludes, “We still have an offset press and a GTO, but 90 per cent of our work is going on the Revoria. It is totally a workhorse.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

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PACPRINT PREVIEW

Kodak to highlight its unique solutions at PacPrint

The Kodak Prosper 6000 press platform provides high print quality

Kodak will feature its unrivaled portfolio of digital, offset, and software solutions at PacPrint

K

odak will soon take to PacPrint 2022 to showcase in person its unrivalled portfolio of digital, offset, and software solutions.

Kodak says it will also present innovative prepress and digital print solutions, enabling printers to thrive in a changing market environment.

Kodak will turn the spotlight on the following solutions at its booth: Kodak says its Sonora Xtra, next generation process free offset plate, delivers a stronger image contrast, faster CTP imaging speeds and improved handling robustness, plus sustainability and waste savings in prepress and on press. More than 5,000 printers all over the world are already successfully using Sonora Process Free Plates.

Sonora Xtra Plates meet the needs of most printers currently using unbaked processed plates. Users can achieve run lengths of up to 400,000 impressions on web presses, 250,000 impressions on sheetfed presses, and 100,000 impressions for UV ink applications.

Kodak’s field-proven process free plate technology also lets users eliminate the plate processing step, along with all the water, energy, chemistry, and processing variability, without sacrificing the performance that they require from a plate. In the press room, users will see even bigger savings by removing the variability and plate defects caused by processing.

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May 2022

Kodak’s Prinergy Workflow Software enables printers to increase productivity

Kodak Sonora Xtra process freee plates deliver stronger image contrast

Kodak says that in offering the most complete portfolio of smart prepress solutions, it is ideally positioned to provide any printer with a customised, fully automated digital plate making solution. Kodak’s one-stop offering includes CTP platesetters for all plate size categories and productivity requirements, automation, software, and plates as well as service and support.

At PacPrint, Kodak will also provide information about its high speed inkjet presses, including the Kodak Prosper 6000 Press platform, which provides dependable high print quality and a stunning productivity of up to 4,364 A4 pages per minute.

Prosper presses easily achieve an average monthly print volume of up to 90 million pages, whether printing on ground wood, matte, silk or glossy paper.

Kodak says the Prosper presses also achieve up to 200 LPI with drop placement accuracy that exceeds other inkjet technologies. And it maintains its high quality, accurate colour over long runs, thanks to in-system monitoring.

The company says, “The Kodak Prosper presses give users confidence to proactively respond to the challenges of today’s market and seize new opportunities.

Kodak’s proprietary Stream Inkjet Technology blends the productivity of offset with the versatility of digital.

“Three Prosper 6000 Press models, the 6000C, 6000P and 6000S, feature an array of intelligent built-in components that optimise output quality while they print, setting new industry standards for quality and productivity across a range of applications, all at a very low cost per page. Furthermore, print samples of Kodak Prosper

S-Series and Prosper Plus Imprinting Systems will be shown at the booth. Kodak’s disruptive Continuous Inkjet Technology combines high printing speeds and superior quality with cost-effective output using water-based Kodak nanoparticulate pigment inks.

“In addition, the Kodak team will demonstrate Kodak Prinergy Workflow Software, one of the leading prepress automation software solutions which enables printers to increase productivity, cut turnaround times and reduce costs.

“With powerful automation, support for offset, flexo, digital and gravure production, compatibility with virtually all third-party software and equipment, and connectivity with the broadest range of digital presses, Prinergy Workflow is a perfect solution for printing companies of any size.

“Kodak’s software portfolio reduces manual touch points and elevates productivity, all while delivering output that’s as highly tuned as it is high quality. With everything in control, you have the freedom to focus on building a thriving business.”

Simon Gan, Kodak Asia Pacific region vice president of sales, welcomes attendees to Kodak’s stand to learn more about its wide array of solutions. He says, “We look forward to finally meeting customers and prospects in person again at this event.”.

“At PacPrint, we will highlight that Kodak provides the most comprehensive portfolio of innovative digital, offset and software solutions designed to deliver print that pays.”

You can talk about these Kodak solutions at Stand G22 at PacPrint. newzealandprinter.co.nz

THAT PAYS

At Kodak we’re focused on delivering solutions that help printers succeed as the industry evolves. That means increasing your productivity while reducing costs so you can capitalize on opportunities for growth. From traditional offset to leading-edge digital, we offer a complete portfolio of cutting-edge products supported by outstanding service that will help increase your profitability taking you to the next level.

Find out more at kodak.com/go/newzealandprinter

28 June – 1 July 2022 Melbourne, Australia Kodak Stand – G22 pacprint.com.au

© 2022, KODAK. Kodak and the Kodak logo are trademarks of Kodak.

PRINT

DIGITAL

AccurioPress C4080 arrives in New Zealand

K

onica Minolta has launched the AccurioPress C4080 Series.

The company says this new line of colour digital production presses offer robust, and user-friendly production.

The AccurioPress C4080 is now available for demonstration in its Auckland and Wellington showrooms.

Chris O’Hara, national production print manager, Konica Minolta New Zealand, says, “The new AccurioPress C4080 Series will enhance Konica Minolta’s line of colour production printers in New Zealand, providing printers with a simple transition into digital printing with inline finishing options so prints can be boxed and shipped straight from the press.

“With exceptional quality, high productivity, advanced automation, and intuitive operation, the AccurioPress C4080 Series gives printers opportunities to expand into new markets and develop new revenue streams while maximising profitability. Based on the same architecture as the new AccurioPress C14000 Series, the AccurioPress C4080 Series is highly adaptable and delivers outstanding quality and performance. It is packed with a selection of advanced automation features to boost efficiency and expand business capabilities.”

Versatility The AccurioPress C4080 Series can print on thin to thick stocks (62 to 360 gsm; as well as banner stocks up to 1300mm (simplex) and up to 864mm (duplex). O’Hara says, “The AccurioPress C4080 Series expands application possibilities and offers envelope printing without the need for an additional fuser, while new technology enhances printing onto embossed or textured media delivering outstanding results. It also offers a selection of flexible inline finishing options for unmatched productivity.”

One of these options, the TU-510 inline trimmer unit can trim, crease, and perforate inline. The inline trimmer unit makes it possible to produce 28

May 2022

Transition to digital printing: The new AccurioPress C4080 Series

The new AccurioPress C4080 Series offers numerous printing options

fully finished output inline with additional options for inline creasing, business cards (up to 130 business cards per minute), postcard cutting and perforation (vertical and horizontal). Other inline finishing options include booklet making, perfect binding, punching, stapling, inline trimming, and stacking.

The AccurioPress C4080 Series can be configured with Konica Minolta’s IQ501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser option. This fully automated, closed-loop quality management tool performs automatic density correction and front-to-back registration prior to printing, but importantly inspects colour density and registration accuracy on a sheet-by-sheet basis throughout the print run taking remedial action if deviation is detected.

He adds, “It can be enhanced further with Konica Minolta’s Auto Inspection Technology which scans an image of the proof print, and then compares every subsequent printed sheet, inspecting for quality and artifacts such as spots, lines and quality deviation, pausing the press and notifying the operator if any quality artifact is identified. This technology significantly reduces waste, reprints & rework, increasing productivity and profitability of the print job. With the addition of the data validation option, it will then inspect up to 30 data fields, barcodes or QR codes on a printed impression, inspecting them for accuracy against the originating data file.

Increased productivity Another option, the new external media detection sensor, measures and identifies media that ensures the correct media settings are selected. O’Hara says, “Together, the TU-510 inline trimmer unit, external media detection sensor, and IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser, Auto Inspection Technology produces fully finished, highquality, ready-to-be-boxed output quickly and easily. This solution increases productivity and saves labour and resources.

For customers, this means increased uptime, productivity, quality, and ultimately profit.”

The AccurioPress C4080 provides image quality with 3,600 (equivalent) x 2,400 dpi resolution. The line stacker option supports long-sheet bypass and offers operators the advantage of offloading while the machine is still running.

The AccurioPress C4080 runs at 81 ppm (A4) colour while the AccurioPress C4070 runs at 71 ppm (A4) colour and the AccurioPrint C4065 runs at 66 ppm (A4) colour.

O’Hara concludes, “The AccurioPress C4080 Series will help businesses expand their production capabilities with advanced automation and ease of use for various applications. It offers true transformation of the printing process at a time when printing companies are searching for new ways to automate and increase productivity. We look forward to demonstrating its capabilities.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEVER STOP DELIVERING The new AccurioLabel 230 offers enhanced productivity, job flexibility, operability and excellent image quality at an affordable system cost, making it the perfect solution to ensure you always deliver high quality labels on time, every-time. Printing at an impressive 23.4 metres per minute and with a compact footprint, this label press is perfect for label converters looking to convert to digital technology as well as those entering the label market.

To book a demonstration on the new AccurioLabel 230 simply visit

konicaminolta.co.nz/accuriolabel-230

DIGITAL

HP Indigo celebrates ‘100 100K’ installs

E

arlier this year, HP marked an important milestone of the breakthrough HP Indigo 100K Digital Press, with the 100th installation of the press being installed at Solopress in the US. HP says the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press delivers a unique combination of quality and productivity, enabling customers around the world to stand out during the pandemic.

The company describes it as the most productive digital B2 press in the market, printing up to 6000 sheets per hour, adding that this allows print service providers to shift greater volumes from offset to digital, meeting today’s needs of “superb print quality and high productivity”.

Currie Group supplies HP Indigo in Australia and New Zealand.

In Asia Pacific, Australian trade printer CMYKhub is the first customer to have purchased two HP Indigo 100K Digital Presses within the span of 12 months. It was the first to install the press in the region in 2020. When installing the first one, Dayne Nankervis, chief executive officer at CMYKhub said at the time that the “HP Indigo 100K was a no-brainer for us because of the increased productivity and superior quality”.

Since installing the first HP Indigo 100K, CMYKhub had the confidence to say yes to print jobs with a one day turnaround time. With such speed to market, Dayne witnessed an increase in print volume, to the point where just one HP Indigo 100K wasn’t enough. He made the decision to invest in a second press, having the confidence to move jobs from offset to digital for faster turnaround time and consistent superior print quality, ultimately driving business efficiency, improved redundancy, and profitable growth for the business.

In March this year, HP also celebrated 10 years of the HP Indigo B2 portfolio.

Since first introducing the HP Indigo 10000 at drupa 2012, the market has significantly changed. HP says that over the past decade, it has seen customers choosing to make

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May 2022

Customers see continued growth despite the pandemic

Century: With 100 installs globally, the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press combines productivity and quality

Celebrating HP Indigo success: Craig Walmsley, country manager Australia and New Zealand HP Industrial long term investments into their fleet of presses in order to keep up with the surge in orders and customer needs.

It adds that the HP Indigo B2 portfolio offers the widest range of B2 application printing in the market with the world’s best-selling B2 digital platform, currently operating 1200 presses in 70 countries.

Craig Walmsley, country manager Australia and New Zealand HP Industrial, says, “Having reached a decade of the HP Indigo B2 portfolio, it is only fitting that we’re also celebrating 100 installations globally of the HP Indigo 100K. “Without our customers and partners joining us on this journey, we could not have been able to launch, refine, and build such a strong portfolio of digital presses that supports true digital transformation.”

To celebrate the decade of the HP Indigo B2 portfolio, HP has made the HP Indigo 15K Digital Press now available globally. The B2 HP Indigo 15K is engineered to address the broadest variety of customer demands in a highly productive way, featuring greater media support, including 15 ElectroInks and unlimited spot colours.

HP will soon release the Auto Pallet Replacement and 5th colour station for the HP Indigo 100K Digital Press.

Ensuring the printing process doesn’t pause, users can utilise a new standby pallet which engages every batch and job as the user requires, pushing the printed stack outside the delivery unit allowing the operator to print, stack and unload as much or little as they need. newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT +Plus

Aarque solutions and service support Torque’s expansion :

Master Sign Makers wanted l Training gets a boost l Computaleta delivers Five Star upgrade

WIDE FORMAT

Aarque solutions and service

S

ince it began production over 14 years ago, Torque has partnered successfully with industry supplier

Aarque.

In October of last year, Torque added to its formidable wide format technology armoury with two new solutions from Aarque: an HP R2000 Latex printer and a Zünd D3 cutting table. The installations followed a busy time for the company as it had moved its operation to a massive new plant in West Auckland.

New Zealand Printer spoke to Torque general manager Angela Nauck and head of production Mark Bult about the move and the new kit.

Angela says, “We moved in March 2020, just after lockdown. It was a massive undertaking and it went really well.

Mark adds, “The thing about the move with our machines was keeping production going.

They are big machines but we managed to keep the downtime to a minimum so it went smoothly. We have duplicates of machines and similar machines and that really helped. We could move one and keep production going on another one.”

Torque has thrived over the past two and a half years of pandemic disruption.

Angela says, “The pandemic has thrown a few curve balls with supply delays and staff absences but the experience has built resilience. We are really proud of how our whole team has dug deep and contributed to our success. We have not lost staff members or needed to downsize at all.”

The Torque site in West Auckland 32

May 2022

Torque managers Gemma Williams (l) and Angela Nauck with the Zünd D3 cutting table

Full-service print operation grows during the pandemic

In fact, Torque has recruited staff since the pandemic began, with numbers rising from 45 to 62. She adds, “Continuing to recruit has seen us come out stronger. Additionally, we are always looking at new technology and ways to innovate. Continuing our service to the clients means the machines run long hours, close to 24/7 meaning our clients have been really happy.”

HP Latex in demand While many companies retrenched over the past two years, Torque did the opposite.

Mark says, “In the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to buy two new machines.

“The HP R2000 Latex printer purchase came about because of the demand from customers wanting a more sustainable product. The HP R2000 enables us to leverage the Latex ink set. Our old products were UV based so it is good to offer customers an alternative. It is a versatile machine and has the ability to float between roll to roll and rigid.

“The HP R2000 utilises optimiser to provide accurate colour pinning, and the overcoat which assists with durability of the ink when not laminated. It is definitely a good product. White ink capability is good to have. It gives us the ability to place a nice layer of white ink on acrylic and clear vinyl.

“Another great function is the multi-layer feature.

We can do full colour-white, black, white and full colour.

Essentially, you get a two-way image.

Mark adds, “With our other machines running every day and non-stop, we can use the HP R2000 as an overflow. It is really adaptable to small run quick turnaround work, though we appreciate that a small run for us is someone else’s big run.

The HP R2000 is continually going and it gives us more capabilities, plus handles a range of media such as coated flute stocks.”

Torque deals with some of the biggest customers in retail and corporate. Mark says, “Shopping malls and corporate clients have specific newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

supports Torque’s expansion

Mark Bult, head of production at Torque, with the HP R2000 Latex printer requirements. We are talking big spaces and big volume.”

Zünd boosts production He continues, “We had bottlenecks in our production where we could not cut fast enough to keep up with the printers. The Zünd has changed all of that.”

The Zünd D3 cutting table also gives Torque a range of finishing options. Mark says, “It has been a great addition. It has moved our production to a different place. Right now, we are trying to feed the front end and get it through the back end at speed. A big advantage with the Zünd is the flexibility to add automation. We looked at that at the start of the process of finding a new cutting table.

It is a big machine and with automation, there’s a million ways we can skin it, depending on how we organise the space we have.”

Angela says, “It has been a matter of finding that equilibrium between print, cut, and finish. The Zünd has helped us react quickly to our customers’ demands.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Mark adds, “There is a lot more that goes into the decision making process these days.

Now, it is about forecasting and where we want the company to go. Partnering with the right people is vital. Aarque has always done a really good job for us in that area and we appreciate that.”

Service matters Aarque has reputation for service and support across the industry. Mark says, “Service is one of the main benefits of partnering with Aarque, delivering the right level of service at the right time, which maintains the quality of the print where we need it to be.

“Also, talking about the volume of machines we have, the ability of the technicians is a big thing for us. They are not learning how to do it; they already know. They also help us with the preventative maintenance. Our operators are some of the best operators around. They keep the machines going full noise.”

Torque offers a comprehensive range of print

services from small format digital right up to giant rigid and roll to roll solutions. Angela says, “Having everything under one roof is what the larger customers want. As a one-stop shop, we can deliver everything our clients need. Turnaround times are so quick on the things we do that we don’t want to be relying on couriers right now.”

As a full-service print company, Torque offers design, production and completes its finishing and despatch in house. It even has its own signage team for installations, fabrication and fleet. Mark says, “The biggest benefit there is having all the customer’s product ready at the same time. That might be signage and business cards or shop fittings and leaflets. If you are outsourcing, you are at someone else’s mercy.”

The future will likely see further expansion for Torque.

Angela says, “We are still filling spaces with new staff members.

When we first shifted in here, we talked about how massive the space was. Now, we are looking at how we can expand it further.”

May 2022

33

WIDE FORMAT NEWS

HP names Computaleta as top digital partner Computaleta has won the HP Digital Manufacturing Partner of the Year Award.

Mike Jamieson, HP New Zealand Enterprise sales director, says, “The outstanding service from this family-owned business made it an obvious choice for the award. Computaleta just goes that extra mile for its customers and for us.

Their willingness to work together in a collaborative and transparent way means they are a highly engaged partner that delivers a lot of value.

“What’s great about the Computaleta team is they are willing to listen and try new things and that has been hugely successful for them and us in the past year. They always have the stock and supplies on hand that are needed by their customers and they seek advice and offer us solutions which means we can collectively deliver the best outcomes for our customers.”

“Computaleta collaborates with HP to ensure outstanding service and supply every time, they

Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta with Wayne Shaw, business manager Sign and Display HP New Zealand

are problem solvers and lateral thinkers, and we love the way they help us tell our story.”

Computaleta also has a strong commitment to the environment and sustainability, which is also important to HP’s business.

He adds, “They are very advanced and engaged in this space. HP is incredibly proud to work with the team at Computaleta. We are delighted to see them win this inaugural award.”

Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta, says, “I am exceptionally proud of our team for winning the HP Digital Manufacturing Partner of the Year Award.

It is our 40th year in business, so to continue to go from strength to strength after all this time, makes me feel very secure in our future success, too.

“It’s important to say thank you to the HP Team, who give us outstanding support, and of course, our own hardware team led by Aaron Kemp. This really belongs to them. Their dedication to our success is inspiring.”

Kongsberg cuts first birthday cake Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has celebrated its first anniversary of becoming a standalone company.

Company president Stuart Fox, says, “We have achieved an incredible amount in this first 12 months. Despite facing the same obvious challenges

and market volatility that has affected every business, we have enjoyed an amazing and incredibly rewarding first year as a standalone business.”

After the sale of Kongsberg to private equity firm OpenGate Capital, Kongsberg PCS launched the smallest high-speed

production table on the market, the Kongsberg C20. Fox says, “The C20 is the smallest in the Kongsberg C Series range, but it retains all the same professional features and specifications as its bigger counterparts. The high cost of owning or renting space is a problem for many in the

sign and display market, but the introduction of the Kongsberg C20 means there is no need for businesses to compromise on production and quality due to a lack of space.”

Fujifilm Business Innovation supplies Kongsberg cutting solutions in New Zealand.

Pano Awards puts out a call for entries Epson has called for entries for the 13th International Pano Awards, devoted to the craft and art of panoramic photography.

David Evans, curator for the Pano Awards, says, “It’s always a very exciting time when we call for entries to win a US$40,000 prize pool, which includes 34

May 2022

US$14,000 and an array of prizes with the Epson SureColor P7070 printer; the Epson SureColor P5070 printer; and an Epson EB1795F ultra-slim projector.”

He expects this year’s awards to exceed the 5,378 images submitted from 1245 photographers in 97 countries last year.

Bruce Bealby, general manager for marketing at Epson Australia, says, “The Pano Awards truly stand alone in terms of their reach and support within the industry. Epson is proud to support these amazing awards and the wonderfully talented photographers who embrace them.”

The judging panel for The 2022 Pano Awards includes some of the world’s top photographers and industry professionals: Erin Babnik, Dudley Edmondson, Adam Williams, Isabella Tabacchi, Bill Bailey, Chris Collacott, Aaron Spence, Justin Majeczky, and Jason Denning. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Powerful, versatile, automatic • Exceptional productivity with

3.6 kW high-torque router spindle

• Automatic router bit changer • Pneumatic clamping system • Extensive router bit selection

Routing Module RM-L 3.6 kW for Zünd G3 and D3 series Aarque Group are New Zealand’s leading supplier of Zünd digital cutters

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focus@aarque.co.nz

•

Freephone 0508 22 77 83

WIDE FORMAT

HP Latex shines at Five Star

S

teady growth has seen Auckland-based Five Star continually investing in the latest technology.

The company recently installed two HP Latex printers: an HP R1000 and an HP 800, supplied through Computaleta.

Rajesh Mudundi, owner at Five Star, says, “The reason we decided to upgrade is that we understand the necessity to keep up with the latest technology.

“For instance, a major factor is the Latex inks on the machines. It is a solid Latex ink not a UV ink. The quality of the Latex ink is excellent. Also, it is water-based and really environmentally friendly.

“Another important consideration in relation to the Latex inks is how they are so cost-effective. These are important considerations for any print business.”

The new HP printers have already made a difference at Five Star Print. He says, “We are really impressed with the new HP printers. With these machines, the ink cost is 30 per cent cheaper. Productivity has increased.

“One of the reasons we bought the HP 800 is how well it handles vinyl. It is quite versatile and we use it for printing double sided posters. It uses HP recyclable water-based inks and the HP Eco Carton, a cartridge made with cardboard material. This reduces carbon emissions by 60 per cent and the amount of plastic used by 80 per cent.

“For us, the environmental credentials stack up. The HP printers have the capability to deliver odourless prints that are both safe for the environment and the printer operator. These are great features.

“The White ink works beautifully. It gives us many options for creating high quality White prints that do not yellow over time like traditional UV-curable white ink can.

There is less maintenance. It has automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning, which means we don’t have to worry about manual purging.

“HP is improving the technology all the time. These

36

May 2022

New plant and new HP Latex printers, from left: Suresh, Ash, and Rajesh Mudundi

Computaleta helps Five Star grow with HP Latex solutions

HP Latex printers give us speed and quality and the flexibility to print on such a broad range of rigid materials. What we are seeing is how these printers preserve the look and feel of the media.

“One of the benefits for us with the HP R1000 is how it catches the corrugated box market. This is a niche market for us. Using the HP R1000 means we don’t get the chipping issues that we would get from the solvent inks. Of course, we will need a bigger cutting table.”

features are also important to our customers.

“It is clear that HP has worked really hard to make these machines versatile, which gives us the flexibility to print on so many different media.

All these features contribute to our capability to deliver the best possible solutions to our customers. Often, customers don’t know the options available. We take the time to advise them on the solution that best suits their purpose and it helps us to have the technology we need to achieve that.”

Versatility

Problem solving

Five Star provides numerous services to its clients, from marketing and online solutions to any number of print services covering the full gamut of digital printing. Rajesh says, “We complete all kinds of wide format printing, from vehicle wraps and wall signage to point of sale. You name it, we will do it.

“Our approach works with the Latex process. It has so much going for it. We are printing directly on to rigid substrates that can be recycled.

For our clients looking for more sustainable solutions, it is a no-brainer. While the Latex runs with so many different media and inks, the sustainable

Relationships form an important part of Rajesh’s outlook and he appreciates Computaleta’s support.

He says, “Computaleta has supported us for some time now. We have known Aaron Kemp, from Computaleta, for even longer. Aaron is great at finding solutions, a real problem solver.

“Wayne Shaw from HP has also been really helpful in our business. We really appreciate both Computaleta and HP and the way they have helped us.”

He concludes, “Relationships are important to us. They are what we have built Five Star on and it is how we see ourselves growing in the future.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Our A1 Offset Press and in-house bindery gear is perfect for your publishing and magazine printing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs.

Offset Printing | Digital Printing | Wide Format | High Speed Inkjet Chat with us today 0800 289 774, or order online www.wholesaleprint.co.nz

President Post – A clear path to a healthy employment future

O

ver the last couple of months, myself and a keen group of fellow signwriters, along with representatives from Competenz and our industries Workforce Development Council (WDC) Hanga Aro Rau, have been involved in the review of the current apprenticeship Training Outcomes, Unit Standards and Qualifications.

This review forms part of the new Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) and after being a little involved with the old system, it looks to me to be a breath of positive fresh air for our industry certification programme.

The WDCs are giving us, the tradesmen and employers, a clearer channel of input into what and how our apprentices are trained as well as giving me personally, a better understanding of the nuances of the NZQA system.

The task of our particular qualification advisory group has been going over the current qualifications and learning outcomes to make sure they are current and appropriate for our up and coming trades people today and into the future.

So far, a number of positive changes have been made, including an increased opportunity for signage installation training and qualifications, an ever increasing and changing part of most sign shops day to day workload as well as working on the terminology and context of some of the unit assessment language and descriptions.

This review is ongoing and the results and changes will be

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ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA

Andy Lowe finds plenty to get excited about in the current training review

Contact NZSDA about apprenticeships. You might have the next Apprentice of the Year like Nick Lightfoot pictured here

The ongoing review of training is a positive breath of fresh air compiled and then applied into the final qualification.

Overall, the future of our industry’s training programmes looks stronger, which for me, and I’m sure you all will agree, is a welcome and positive direction to be heading in for the future of our industry.

The Signee, pre-vocational course, developed by the New Zealand Sign & Display Board and Master Sign Makers, leads to the New Zealand Certificate In Sign Making, establishing clear links from schools and other industries to our industry, leading to Apprenticeships and then onto gaining a Master Sign Maker Accreditation.

Together, these steps show a clear path to better training and certification for our industry, which will lead to better and broader skilled trades people and hopefully become the much needed remedy to our industries skilled employee shortage.

Giving our new and upcoming trades people a direction to strive for in their careers is not only promoting career satisfaction and a sense of achievement but helping them to develop a love for what they do which helps them stay in this great creative trade for hopefully a long career.

Now we need you guys to do your part. If you have ever considered putting on an apprentice or helping your current employees improve their skills, now is the time.

Contact us to find out more about the Signee Training and/or contacts for the Apprenticeship system.

I would also ask for all sign makers to help promote our great industry to the masses, contact your local school and ask about work experience programmes, show off the cool stuff you do day to day on social media and help get sign making out there. newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.signee.nzsda.org.nz

Make Master Sign Maker Accreditation your next step

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f you are an industry leader with a passion for your craft; if you have a heap of knowledge; if you have years of experience; and if you are a New Zealand Sign & Display Association member, then you should be looking at applying for an accreditation.

Why should you become a Master Sign Maker?

It is an acknowledgement of your experience and skills; the hard work; the determination, and passion that has driven your business to where it is today.

Having an accreditation displayed in your workshop shows your local community, customers and your clients your commitment to your craft, how damn clever you are at it, and that they are dealing with one of the best in the industry.

Melissa Coutts outlines the reasons to become a Master Sign Maker

Credentials are an essential and integral part of the economy and any industry worth its salt

Highest standards Being accredited as a Master Sign Maker means that the New Zealand Sign & Display Association officially recognises and endorses an individual or business that has met and excelled with industry competencies and standards to the highest of levels.

Sign making has developed into one of the most technically diverse of manufacturing processes of any industry. From design illustrations and brand management to traditional hand lettering and digitally generated signage, it requires high levels of knowledge, skill and expertise. From this, it is apparent that a professional, modern sign shop must invest with every effort to ensure that they are keeping pace with the continual changes that this industry dictates.

Seeking a credential of any sort has become increasingly important. As the rapid growth of the business world advances, with new technologies and innovations, accreditations enable customers to navigate

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Sign making has developed into one of the most technically diverse manufacturing processes of any industry through a complex commercial environment.

Obtaining a Master Sign Maker Accreditation provides trust and certainty for customers and clients in a world where credentials are an essential and integral part of the economy and any industry worth its salt.

Sign values Currently, we have a small professional Master Sign Maker nationwide network of both individual and business accreditations. All have achieved their own technical skill sets as well as sound standard business practices.

Each Master Sign Maker is unique with their accreditation as not one business nor

individual holds the same technical skills and attributes.

However, there are unspoken values of trust, competency and professionalism that are expected and reciprocated when engaging with each other.

An accreditation can be given to either an individual sign maker or sign business.

If you would like to apply, head to our website where you will find more on the criteria, process and cost. It is important to note that an accreditation is not handed out to just anyone, there is a thorough appraisal and onsite interview process that is conducted by an official New Zealand Sign & Display Association auditor.

So what will be your next step? newzealandprinter.co.nz

REAL MEDIA COLLECTTIVE

Sustainably managed forests are about more than producing paper recognise that healthy forests are essential to produce paper and paper-based products,

‘Reforestation’ plays a major role in the production of paper and paper-based products

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he Real Media Collective has long held the regional licence for Two Sides which promotes the environmental credentials of paper and print products in Australia and New Zealand. We stand proudly with representation globally with the UK, America, Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, South Africa and Spain united in the promotion of the sustainable credentials we all share.

Two Sides challenges the greenwashing claims made against paper and print media.

‘Go Paperless’ claims are often unverified. We challenge them to ensure a balanced and accurate environmental message is provided to consumers.

This year Two Sides is launching the Love Paper consumer campaign which will share positive stories about the environmental and social credentials of paper, print and paper packaging.

It will also explore how many people our industries employ, how our industries support local sustainable manufacturing and how print provides an equal communication channel for all while challenging the digital divide that many vulnerable citizens are exposed to.

Paper and print offer significant benefits to society so let’s take this opportunity to remember its key environmental credentials to ensure we are well-versed and ready to share this information with customers.

Paper is a renewable resource and healthy forests are critical for paper harvesting.

A well-managed forest can have multiple benefits for society. Forests also represent some of the richest biologically diverse areas on Earth and are critical for regulating not only the global environment, but newzealandprinter.co.nz

A reforestation industry KELLIE NORTHWOOD

Globally, forests act like nature’s lungs, so let’s support them also the population and the economy.

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), an international, not for profit, non-governmental organisation, promotes sustainable forest management through independent third party certification. It also supports our industry and the Love Paper campaign.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) operates in a similar manner as an independent, not for profit, non-governmental organisation that promotes the management of the world’s forests in an environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable way.

Both organisations set the standards for responsible forest management and as an industry we endorse and support sustainably sourced paper ranges.

Australia has 1.8m hectares of planted forests. Over 90% of these are certified as sustainably managed by either PEFC or FSC. A well-maintained forest provides renewable raw materials to make paper, wood products, renewable energy, natural carbon capture, providings livelihoods for millions of people and helping control floods and droughts.

The PEFC estimates 60 million indigenous people depend on forests for their livelihoods.

A new Nature Geoscience study found converting agricultural land to forest can boost summer rainfall by up to 7.6 per cent. An explicit explanation behind this correlation is unclear but may have links to forest interactivity with cloudy air. Our industries

The notion of reforestation is extremely important in the wake of climate change.

Reforestation conserves natural forests by reducing deforestation, improving degraded land and reducing carbon dioxide – all of which combat climate change.

Reforestation also provides employment and supports economies. The PEFC helps guarantee that Australian and New Zealand paper is coming from sustainable sources. All forest harvesting in Australia is conducted sustainably, and almost all the original fibre for printing and communication paper is sourced from softwood plantations and land that has undergone reforestation.

The FSC and PEFC schemes have similar objectives: the certification of forests to credible, independently verified standards of responsible forest management, conserving the natural habitats of plants and animals, and respecting the rights of forestry workers and local communities. PEFC and FSC operate robust Chain of Custody schemes that track wood and wood fibre through every step of the supply chain.

Two Sides seeks to ensure that paper and print’s unique renewable and recyclable qualities can be enjoyed for generations to come.

It is crucial we understand the notion of ‘Reforestation’ and optimise renewable sources as part of our business activities to contribute to sustainable development. Once we have a strong grasp on the concept, we can communicate this with our customers and continue the informed cycle and knowledge of our environmental communications channel.

Kellie Northwood is the Chief Executive Officer, The Real Media Collective. For any questions related to this article, membership or other please contact kellie@thermc.com.au May 2022

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LABELS & PACKAGING

The Label Room prints digital with Cardy Oki Pro Series and Virgo finishing system enables high quality short run printing

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ased in Avondale, Auckland, The Label Room has made a successful move into digital printing over the past 12 months.

Craig Vandermeer, general manager of the family-owned and operated company, says, “Most of our work is for the wine industry, especially small to medium wineries.

We specialise in high embellishment; foiling and embossing fancy labels. While we do other work, about 80 per cent of our output is wine labels: niche quality for smaller wineries.

A year ago, the Label Room installed an Oki Pro Series label press and a Virgo finishing system, supplied through Cardy. He says, “We have two good quality offset machines and they deliver a high quality product but we had a particular gap that needed filling.

Whenever we had to do short runs, we would lose money. We had looked for a digital label machine for years.

“One day Steve Monkhouse, from Cardy knocked on the door and told us about the Oki.

He showed us the specs and it looked interesting. We already had an office copier with Cardy so we decided to take the plunge.

“Since then, the Oki has really done the job we hoped it would do. The Oki fills the gap between short and long runs; it absolutely makes us profits. It has turned a loss into a money maker and has unlocked new work with existing clients and with some new clients. The Oki Pro Series has dropped us into the digital world and opened up another path for business.

“A lot of our growth has come about through working with young wineries and growing with them. This has meant taking a loss on short run work until they have grown big enough to do longer runs. But now, we don’t have to take a loss. We show them the short run label maker and we get a healthier margin on those labels. When the clients expand their business and go to a higher volume, we can do that work on our offset machines.”

Near offset He rates the Oki Pro Series highly. He says, “The Oki keeps the quality near offset and it spits out 500 plus labels rather than tens of thousands. It is a production machine. It is used hours and hours every day; downtime is short.

Making a successful move into digital printing: Craig Vandermeer with the Oki Pro Series label printer and Virgo finishing system at The Label Room 42

May 2022

Print quality matters. He says, “We can almost get one to one quality with the offset machines. Inkjet does not work with uncoated stocks but the Oki uses a toner that sits on the paper. It delivers vivid images and solid blacks. If we have a client that has done a 40,000 run and wants say, another thousand a few months later, we can do that on the Oki. “The white on the Oki is impressive. We have done some short run for clients with the white underneath. While white in five colour is used throughout the industry, it is nice to be able to do it in this table top format.

“We use it for samples. When we are wooing a new client, we can use it for our sales pitch. It has easily paid for itself and it is surprising how much work it has stolen off the big presses.

“We are impressed with the Virgo finishing system as well. It is great: simple to use and easy to teach the operators how to use it. There was a little learning curve at the beginning but now it just goes and goes, pretty much wet and forget. We can leave it going for two hours and do other work.

“Another advantage of having desktop machines is the space saving. We have ours back to back in a small footprint of four metres.

He appreciates the relationship with Cardy. He says, “Cardy’s support with these machines has been excellent. They have resolved any issues quickly. Steve Monkhouse is on the speed dial and he visits us regularly to chat and catch up.”

Across the globe, labels and packaging continues to grow. He says, “In general, commercial print is a tough area but labels and packaging is only getting more popular and exciting. We see more people purchasing online and those purchases are shipped in a box and branded.

“Brand awareness is really in people’s heads and people are still buying things. The appearance of a label matters, especially with wine bottles.

Overseas research indicates that if you can get someone to pick up a bottle, there is about a 70 per cent chance they will buy it.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

STEP INTO LABELS.

It’s no secret that great labels sell products. Create attention-grabbing packaging on a wide range of media in-house and streamline your production process with the OKI Pro1050 CMYK + White Label Printer and VIRGO – Desktop Digital Label Finishing System. Print and cut virtually any label up to 130mm wide on paper, synthetics, metallics, craft and black media.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO WATCH OUR DEMO OKI PRO1050 LABEL PRINTER CMYK + WHITE

VIRGO LABEL FINISHING SYSTEM Cuts, strips & laminates

Contact Cardy for a demonstration and Quote: Steve Monkhouse 027 257 9806 steve@cardy.nz

We provide a full service solution - Hardware, Consumables, Media & Laminate, Installation, Support & Service. 0800 TONERS (866 377) | (09) 448 5404 | 9G Airborne Rd, Albany, Auckland l PO Box 303313 North Harbour

LABELS & PACKAGING

Xeikon launches Titon technology Digital innovator responds to sustainability trends in packaging

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eeting industry needs for sustainable printing methods and environmentally friendly packaging production is Xeikon’s aim with its new toner formulation: Titon technology.

Xeikon says it offers all the benefits of UV inks without the disadvantages.

Frank Jacobs, Xeikon’s market intelligence and senior product manager, says, “The flexible packaging market is moving towards more sustainable paper-based solutions in response to strong consumer demand for plastic free alternatives.

“With the new Titon technology, Xeikon is offering a sustainable solution for an unexplored and wider variety of applications to fully support brand owners, designers and printers wishing to increase their use of paper-based packaging for food products.”

Food safe Xeikon says Titon builds on the core value of Xeikon dry toner technology, adding that the absence of any liquid (mobile) components makes it the most food safe technology in the digital landscape, even with only paper as the main functional barrier.

The company says that as Titon is completely odourless and tasteless, it will not affect the customer experience when the product that is packaged is consumed. These key characteristics make Titon toner suitable for a broad range of applications with indirect and direct food contact.

Jacobs says, “Titon toner also impresses by the excellent resistance to scuffing and scratching, water, sunlight, high temperatures and a large set of liquid chemicals, without any type of protective layers such as varnishing or lamination.

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Xeikon says that its Titon toner brings new market opportunities for digital print that no other digital technology can offer “A substantial feature is the ability to withstand heat sealing temperatures of up to 220°C-260°C, which is crucial to maintaining the pack’s integrity and protecting the product.”

Xeikon says that, as brand owners continue to convert film-based packaging to paper, Titon will enable them to employ Titon to print many types of flexible packaging for food products. It can be used for papers that are coated on one side for bags, pouches and sachets, or on both sides for wrappers such as baked goods, confectionery, sugar, flour, herbs and spices, and coffee and tea.

Jacobs says, “Allowing brand owners to move to recyclable paper-based packaging puts Titon technology in a ground breaking position in the digital printing landscape. It gives printers the opportunity to expand their capabilities into applications that could not previously be addressed with digital, complementing their conventional flexo presses.

“With the migration towards paper-based packaging printing, the demand on the print technology has become more stringent in terms of being food safe without a plastic functional barrier or plastic lamination to protect the print itself.”

He adds that being able to print directly on paper substrates without varnishing or lamination, either inline or offline, has a significant impact on the overall equipment effectiveness of the digital printing operation.

He says, “Varnishing and lamination require additional setup time and create more waste in the process.

“Water-based varnishes used to achieve food safety require a significant amount of maintenance, which eats into productive uptime. Lamination can also negatively affect the recyclability of the packaging.

“Titon toner is the only digital solution that can address this market without the time and cost implications of further surface processes, thereby improving speed to market, profitability, and productivity.”

The first digital press model to run Titon technology will be the Xeikon CX500t, a new member of the Cheetah series.

Adding extra capabilities to the successful 508mm wide machine, with the new toner technology, allows converters to broaden their reach and enter new market segments.

Jacobs says, “Once again, Xeikon is paving the way for converters to future proof their business by developing solutions that help them stay ahead of the curve. They can truly respond to market needs for high quality, sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

“It reaffirms our dedication to the labels and packaging market and is the perfect illustration that application tuned products are key to driving growth.”

He concludes, “Titon toner brings new market opportunities for digital print that no other digital technology can offer, and it will set a new standard in flexible packaging production.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING

How to optimise transit packaging

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ackages often face significant physical and environmental challenges throughout the supply chain. This means that extra considerations are required in the packaging process to ensure that your product arrives at its destination without any damage.

The experts at Smithers distribution testing share the basics of transit packaging and distribution testing, alongside current trends that impact the packaging sector.

utilised. As well as this, we are seeing more bespoke solutions including custom dividers and fitment solutions used successfully.

As with most types of packaging materials, void fill needs to be recyclable wherever possible.

Product failures are not sustainable, especially if they can be avoided with considered packaging alterations, such as void fill and design innovation.

The rise of e-commerce

Consider the hazards These are the most common hazards that Smithers experts see: • Physical shocks and impacts from manual handling (e.g. packers and couriers) as well as from mechanical handling (such as forklift loading and unloading) • Vibration from road and air transit • Compression experienced during storage and stacking in transit • Climatic hazards – high temperatures and humidity levels can affect the compressive strength of corrugated materials. Colder temperatures can cause packaging materials to become brittle.

All of these considerations play a crucial role in success.

A failure to factor in these requirements leads to a lack of confidence in packaging, and can increase the likelihood of failures.

Many supply chain routes will include at least two of the above hazards. A package needs to be designed and then tested to meet these requirements.

It needs to appear ‘new’ Consumers and brand owners demand a high standard of visual appearance.

Typically, if a package looks like it has been bashed, squashed and faced challenging environments (which most packs do), consumers are likely to assume the product is damaged too. This is true even if the package has done its job and protected the product newzealandprinter.co.nz

Extra considerations are required to ensure that your product arrives at its destination without damage

Pick up some tips on transit packaging from the experts at Smithers

within. In turn, this could lead to a loss of revenue for brand owners if consumers either don’t purchase the product in retail environments or if they return the item if it arrives in a box that does not appear to be ‘new’.

It needs to stand out In a competitive retail environment, packaging needs to be visually attractive. In some sectors, the packaging provides part of an ‘experience’ of the product.

Consider the packaging for a premium smartphone for example where we are now seeing a trend towards minimalist packaging designs.

These typically open and display the contents in an engaging manner. Careful design and material selection is needed to achieve this whilst still protecting the product.

Product protection While sustainability and material usage reduction is a key objective for many packaging companies and brand owners, there is still a primary objective that packaging needs to fulfil. That primary objecrive is, of course, product protection.

Void fill is a common way to enhance the protection capabilities of packaging. We typically see void fill such as air bags and shredded paper being

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, e-commerce has become a lifesaver many people globally.

Without a doubt, the rise and rise of e-commerce and subscription services changing the way transit packaging is designed Brand owners need to ensure that their packaged products reach consumers as efficiently as possible whilst retaining the required protection levels to prevent wastage.

A clear example of how transit packaging has evolved is Amazon’s Frustration Free Certification programme, whereby vendors who sell certain products through Amazon receive incentives for improving their packaging.

A key component of the Amazon programme is package optimisation and the redesigning of packaging using recyclable materials.

Expert testing is required At Smithers, itsexperts help clients solve packaging issues and validate the performance of their packs in transit throughout the supply chain.

A distribution testing expert can help to accurately demonstrate where and when a packaged product could fail during shipment as well as both manual and mechanical handling.

This information is then used to optimise pack design as well as the materials being used.

For more information on how Smithers can support with ensuring confidence in transit packaging, go to the website smithers.com/distributiontesting.

May 2022

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LABELS & PACKAGING

Modern packaging minim Food and drug safety remain the benchmark in developing new approaches to waste minimisation

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n the “Circular Competence” interview series, the VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association asks its member companies about their plans, challenges, and solutions on the road to a circular economy. What can the industry do to minimise the ecological footprint of packaging and other printed products?

Timo Kollman (TK), managing director of packaging solutions manufacturer Hugo Beck, discusses the steps the company has taken towards the circular economy.

VDMA:

Do you use recycling and waste avoidance concepts in your own production?

In addition to the now obligatory sorted disposal of production waste and operating materials, we generate electricity for our production, assembly, and administration building with our own photovoltaic system.

We also feed some of it into the power grid. We have also invested in charging points for electric vehicles and have a very well-received leasing offer for e-bikes.

A good third of our employees now come to work by bike. The electric support is welcome to them in our mountainous region. In our production and assembly, we rely on state-of-the-art energy-efficient machinery from machining to painting.

Especially in the paint shop, it’s not just about saving energy, but we also have cleaning systems with solvent recovery there to make the processes as environmentally friendly as possible.

TK:

VDMA:

What circular economy solutions do you offer your customers?

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The Hugo Beck plant near Stuttgart, Germany

TK:

This starts with the drives of the packaging machines we build. Here we consistently use servo motors that recover energy during braking and feed it back into the system.

With modern drive technology, however, we are above all able to optimise the packaging processes themselves. In this way, our customers save on consumables on a grand scale. This applies to both their films and paper packaging. A good example is the cucumber. After discounters stopped shrinkwrapping them in film, they had to dispose of up to 40 per cent due to transport damage and premature spoilage. We have developed solutions to work with much thinner films. Instead of 40 to 60 micrometres (μm), they are now less than 10 μm thin and made of recyclable mono-material.

With the same amount of plastic, four to six times more cucumbers are packed and the unnecessary waste of energy and resources due to the losses is put to an end.

Our machines can not only process thinner material, but also make better use of the films through optimised cutting. And on top of that, our customers can use films with a

high recyclate content. Among other things, we have very good experience with films made of up to 80 per cent recyclate.

The technical design plays a decisive role here: if you invest in cheap drive technology and immature web guiding, you end up paying for it through the additional consumption of film, paper, and energy - and thus pollute the environment.

The extra cost of modern technology is usually amortised within the first two years.

VDMA:

How does the topic affect your research and development and your cooperations with customers and material suppliers?

We are working more closely together and jointly scrutinising which material meets the requirements for the respective application with the lowest energy and ecological footprint.

Currently, many customers rely on paper. We are working on expanding its range of applications. For example, in a funded research project with a university, we are developing bio-based coatings from waste from wine production, which make paper water-repellent but still recyclable. Our part is to develop the processing methods

TK:

newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING

mises waste of resources for these papers. But there are regulatory limits to their use.

Frozen pizza, for example, may not simply be packed in a carton: The obligatory film prevents contamination by outgassing chemicals.

Food and drug safety remain the benchmark when we develop new approaches. In other areas, I too consider some packaging to be dispensable. In close cooperation between material development, mechanical engineering, and users, we should use all possibilities to minimise the ecological footprint of packaging. The key to this is reduced material use and recycling-friendly monomaterials. At the same time, it is important to establish functioning disposal and recycling systems all over the world.

VDMA:

Is the demand for your circular competence increasing worldwide? Or is this more of a regional phenomenon?

Fortunately, this is now a global trend.

Whereby the orientation also depends on regional conditions.

Where no trees grow, our customers tend to use plastics rather than paper. In densely wooded regions it is the other way round. But in general, environmental awareness is on the rise and is increasingly influencing which machines our customers invest in.

TK:

VDMA:

Environmental protection is often driven by regulation.

Are the framework conditions right for entering the circular economy?

Even before the plastics debate, we worked hard to make packaging as environmentally friendly as possible. Because they are often indispensable. Worldwide, about one third of all food is lost every year along its value chain, i.e., from harvest to consumer. Not only food is lost, but also the resources used for cultivation, harvesting, processing, transport, and storage.

TK:

newzealandprinter.co.nz

Timo Kollman, managing director of Hugo Beck One key to minimising this waste of resources is packaging.

In pharmaceutical, medical, and other sectors with high hygiene requirements, products will remain packaged. It is therefore important to search with a cool head on a scientific basis for those solutions with which the respective packaging requirements can be implemented with the smallest ecological footprint. It is not the case that paper is always the more ecological solution than plastic. The weighting is shifting towards plastics as the proportion of recycled materials increases. This is because a certain amount of fresh long fibres will always be necessary in packaging paper and cardboard.

Hugo Beck is successful with both film and paper packaging technology. So, I am not biased,

but simply wish for regulatory decisions that are preceded by well-considered and technically sound decision-making processes. Only in this way will we succeed in effectively reducing the burden on the environment. We no longer have time for pure symbolic politics.

The VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association represents 170 European equipment and systems manufacturers of printing, print processing, paper manufacturing, converting, and auxiliary materials and equipment, around 90 per cent of the industry in Europe. The trade association offers its members services, for example on topics such as trade fairs, public relations, technology and research.

May 2022

47

RECRUITMENT

Why onboarding new hires the right way creates all round success

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aking the right decision when recruiting a new hire is critical and involves numerous important steps and decisions. However, the rubber hits the road after the employment contract is executed. Significantly, the process of onboarding forms a crucial cornerstone for the new worker’s experience with the organisation and provides the best opportunity for the organisation to get them on a path to success in their new role. Employers should avoid relying on a tick and flick approach and the over reliance of onboarding software that has not been customised for the business and the role.

Onboarding new workers well often takes more than several days to prevent significant missteps. Taking a considered, planned, and methodical approach to onboarding always brings great results for the new worker and the organisation.

Onboarding software Imagine turning up on your first day at a new role and the following occurs.

A colleague of mine commenced in a standalone specialist role in a largersized business with over 900 employees. Due to having the word manager in his title, the onboarding software used by that organisation assumed he had direct reports (he did not) and needed to complete several related components of the onboarding process.

Although the HR department understood the software was not directly relevant for my colleague’s role, they did not take steps to try and customise the onboarding experience for his role and instead they took a “computer says you have to do it” approach. Not a great start to day one, but it didn’t have to be that way.

Don’t get me wrong, I think onboarding software platforms can be great tools for employers. They can save significant time across a range of issues. But all too often they are not properly adapted or 48

May 2022

Introducing a new team member the right way will create better outcomes for your business in the long run.

CHARLES WATSON

Charles Watson says let’s look at onboarding for better business outcomes

customised for the particular organisation or the employee.

Additionally, the over reliance on onboarding software and the perceived ability to remove human involvement in the process is erroneous.

For those organisations that use onboarding software please periodically review the set up and consider whether it needs refining.

Good onboarding Although HR may have ownership of the onboarding process, it is the responsibility of the entire organisation to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.

Essentially, it involves a range of activities and processes that commence prior to the new hire’s first day and lasts for approximately the first month. While the ‘To Do’ list is extensive, significant steps include ensuring that: • The recruitment process forms part of the overall onboarding.

• HR/payroll/IT documentation, files and administration are completed prior to commencement or ready for completion on day one.

• Managers and supervisors are prepared for day one and to take the worker through relevant ‘meet and greets’.

• All work-related equipment, tools, machinery and resources are functioning.

• Health and safety related work procedures and methods are clarified on day one and across the first week.

• All co-workers are aware of the new employee’s commencement date.

• An end of day one and end of week one meeting with the new worker is undertaken by their manager.

• An experienced worker is assigned to act as a buddy/ guide over the first week or two.

• Any immediate training needs are identified within the first few days.

• Work expectations are clarified and set within the first week.

• Ensure the various components of the process are understood by the new worker and become ‘sticky’.

• Regular feedback is sought from the new worker over the first few weeks and months and acted upon where necessary.

• Records of all related steps and outcomes are kept on file. When it is time for a performance review you will be glad that you have this.

By the end of the first week, a new worker should feel empowered, included, and engaged. Within the first few months the worker should be integrated into the workplace and hitting home runs.

Like all business considerations, your onboarding process is never a set and forget matter.

When was the last time any evaluation was undertaken in relation to the performance and effectiveness of your onboarding processes? When reviewing and evaluating your processes, don’t forget to include worker feedback on their experiences and what could be improved.

A high functioning, positive and productive workplace culture requires consistent time and effort. However, the productivity levels achieved, and higher level of worker retention achieved from effectively and appropriately onboarding a new worker and creating a good first impression ultimately makes the effort worthwhile.

Charles Watson is the general manager for Industrial Relations, Policy and Governance at The Real Media Collective. newzealandprinter.co.nz

MENTAL HEALTH

Unpacking Substance Use Disorder

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any of you may read this article and say to yourselves, “Substance use?

That’s an addiction issue – not a mental illness”. I’m here to say it is, and it affects many people.

The key to generational change in the way we address mental health as a community and our own personal health is through education. You don’t need to be a qualified clinical psychologist or psychiatrist to support positive mental wellbeing and I hope you find this article helpful in better understanding common mental illnesses, risk factors and treatments.

also go direct to a clinical professional. Common areas for treatment include:

Psychological Therapies

Men are more likely than women to suffer from Substance Abuse Disorder.

Defining the disorder Most assume substance use disorder is diagnosed by the level of consumption, but it sits within the same definition of other mental illnesses (like anxiety and depression) which is around the ‘impact’ on one’s life, the ability to carry out daily tasks such as work and study, and the affect it has on relationships.

For a person to have a Substance Use Disorder, the usage must have a negative effect on their life for an extended period and impact the following areas: • The substance is often used in large amounts or for an extended period • The person wants to cut down but finds it difficult • A lot of time is spent obtaining it, using, or recovering from the effects • Cravings • Usage effects their ability to fulfill their work, school or home responsibilities • Other important activities are neglected • Where repeatedly used in situations which are physically hazardous e.g. working machinery • Using despite knowing they have a mental or physical health problem caused by the substance • Tolerance for the substance i.e. increasing the amount of substance to get the desired effect • Withdrawal symptoms Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance. Other drugs newzealandprinter.co.nz

STEVEN GAMBLE

Man Anchor founder Steven Gamble explores addiction and how education and accessing treatment can help those affected

including cannabis, opioids, pharmaceutical drugs used for non-medical reasons, cocaine, amphetamines, hallucinogens, ecstasy and inhalants.

Biological, social and environmental factors can also increase the risk of an individual developing a substance disorder. This includes those who have a more sensitive emotional nature, have had previous episodes of other disorders, are male, misuse of alcohol, long term illness, lack of close relationships, direct effect of other illness and medication and/or experiencing a traumatic event. Family factors can also play a part such as those who have a family history of a disorder, abuse, poverty or hardship, separation, and divorce.

Seeking support Seeking treatment depends on the severity of the issue and on the perception and motivation of the individual who wants to change their behaviour, as well as psychological and physiological dependency. An important factor to consider when seeking help is if there are any other mental health or physical health issues that could impact treatment.

The easiest place to start is your local GP. From there you can receive a mental health plan which is a subsidised referral to either a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist.

With the mental health plan, you can receive six to 20 bulk billed or subsidised sessions with a therapist. You can

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) - this is where a therapist works with the patient on the thinking and thought process and associated behaviours • Motivational Enhancement Therapy - empowers the individual to see the benefits of change • Self-help books and technology – supports the development of personal strategies for wellness • Interpersonal psychotherapy – resolving conflict with others, dealing with grief or change in relationships

Medication • There are a number of different medications that can support Substance Use Disorders; however, they vary from person to person and should be used with the support of a clinician

Complementary/lifestyle • • • •

Relaxation techniques Healthy diet Exercise Family support/intervention Like any illness the key to supporting positive health is prevention and early intervention. If we can acknowledge subtle changes in our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and our physical signs and symptoms early and seek clinical support, we can reduce the severity of the illness, reduce the recovery time and the risk of becoming unwell again.

We all have the right to be healthy and would not hesitate to seek support if physically unwell so it’s important that we do the same for our mental health because in the end Health is Health.

Steven Gamble provides a wide range of mental health programs for both the workplace and community.

For more information contact Steven@manachor.com.au.

If you need support Lifeline is there 24/7, 365 days a year, call 0800 543 354.

May 2022

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