Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Highlights from FESPA 2024—Sign and Display Printers

European section editor Ralf Schlözer rounds up some wide-format product launches and announcements made at the FESPA Global Print Expo, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 19–22.

You Should Join a Printing Industry Association

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. Print industry associations are like that. Once you become involved, you find a vast group of people to talk and trade ideas with. You enter a hive where you are not alone facing challenges. If you haven’t considered joining, or you looking for more groups for networking, this is the year to jump in!

Proposed Ban on Carbon Black Raises Red Flags for New York State Printers

Patrick Henry explains how a lack of understanding on the part of lawmakers could have a potentially devastating effect on printing and packaging companies in the Empire State.

Technology Review: Sustainable Innovations at FESPA Amsterdam 2024—Pioneering Eco-Conscious Print Solutions

FESPA Amsterdam 2024 displayed a marked emphasis on sustainability and eco-innovation, further highlighting a significant pivot in the industry’s trajectory. So says textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan in this review of the technology on display at the show.

Johnson’s World: Big Virgo Energy

Johnson’s World looks to the stars for inspiration for promoting the efficacy of print.

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 726 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category saw a net decrease of 39% since 2010, although establishments spiked from 2020 to 2021. In macro news, estimates of Q1 GDP are running around +2%.

Around the Web: Publishing Posters. Pyrotechnic Packaging. Mock Media. AI Aide. Agile ANYmal. Tail Tech. New Nova. Silent Solo. Dairy-esque Dye.

A new book celebrates the short-lived “literary poster” craze. A new zine looks at the art of fireworks packaging design. One of the most game-changing technologies in the history of civilization was affordable artificial light. A social media platform that doesn’t actually exist. A new wearable AI device. A four-legged dog-like robot can do parkour moves, freakishly enough. Jet suit racing is now a thing. A prehensile stabilizing tail for floating astronauts. Another upcoming celestial event. The decline of the guitar solo. Apparently it’s a real thing: Velveeta Hair Dye. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

How Sustainable Are Your Fashion Choices?

It’s no secret that the fashion industry has multiple sustainability challenges. Fashion brands are aware of their unsustainable practices, and some are making substantial changes. But dramatic change will not be driven by the collective conscience of the fashion industry, but by consumers. Cary Sherburne explains how consumers can make more sustainable fashion choices.

Eclipse-Themed Merch Got You Thinking?

For many of us, watching the April 8, 2024, eclipse was a wonder of nature, a rare and spectacular event to tuck into the memory bank. For marketers, however, it was a rare and spectacular event of another kind…the money-making kind. Heidi Tolliver-Walker rounds up some of the astronomical tie-ins.

Lean Manufacturing for Today’s Businesses

Lean manufacturing is a well-recognized and powerful practice that can help optimize productivity and reduce waste. Despite the gradual improvements in our industry's supply chain, problems still exist. This article explores how PSPs can navigate today's business priorities and refine their supply chain to address the current business climate.

The Simple but Shrewd Arithmetic of Offset Press Replacement

Running newer offset presses usually means running fewer offset presses—the differences in productivity between vintage and late-model equipment are that significant. Six printing companies discuss how having less iron in their offset pressrooms has made them more efficient.

Remembering Don Goldman

Frank Romano remembers Don Goldman, who passed away recently.

Selling Print Where You Live!

Governmental and institutional buyers—including print buyers—are often required to source products and services locally. They buy a lot of print, but it can be challenging for print providers to find a path to them. Pat McGrew explains how to get on the list of preferred suppliers.

How Data Protection Laws are Reshaping the Print Industry

Data privacy concerns aren’t new, but there has been an increased focus that impacts not only the people producing regulated communication like transactional bills and statements, but anyone who produces output informed by data, including AI-generated text and images. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee survey the current landscape.

The Target Report: Half a Loaf Is Better than None—March 2024 M&A Activity

RRD Acquires Valassis Legacy Business, and more…

And the Awards Go To…The Winners of This Year’s FASTSIGNS Project of the Year

FASTSIGNS Hattiesburg (Miss.) took top honors as this year’s FASTSIGNS Project of the Year. FASTSIGNS Syracuse (N.Y.) and FASTSIGNS San Diego (Cal.) were this year’s runners-up.

Environmental Regulatory Actions Heating Up

As concerns about the accelerating climate crisis grow around the globe, some governments are enacting regulations that are designed to improve sustainability. Most notably, the European Union is putting in place rules on packaging and packaging waste, including design and waste management. Cary Sherburne explains what it means for print and packaging.

Around the Web: Eclipse Eats. Wood Work. Modifier Methodology. Checkout Change. Wi-Fi Weirdness. Electronic Eyewear. Kangaroo Collisions. Bus Battle. Stick Status.

Eclipse-themed food and beverage items for Monday’s event. Cardiff, Wales’, Printed Festival 2024, this June. A new 3D printing ink based on wood waste. Did you know that there is a “royal order of adjectives”? Amazon is ending its “Just Walk Out” checkout—which wasn’t actually an automated system. What does the term “Wi-Fi” stand for? LCD lenses that can turn sunglasses into reading glasses. Volkswagen is working on an electronic device to avoid car-kangaroo collisions. New York City’s acrimonious “tour bus battle.” The James Webb Space Telescope takes a close look at galaxy I Zwicky 18. Instagram’s “Official Stick Reviews” rates actual sticks—and is more popular than you would think. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Tales from the Database: These Are Not the Applications You’re Looking For

Drawing on six years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can spot any particular hardware, software, or business trends. This issue, we turn our attention to specialty printing—or any printing beyond traditional offset or digital commercial work.

Free Design & Imposition Application: Accelerating Quote Turnaround for Packaging Manufacturers and Commercial Printers

In this article, written and sponsored by HiFlow Solutions, learn about a Windows-based app that gives estimators an easy-to-use imposition solution to replace costly and error-prone manual imposition processes, making estimates faster to produce.

What’s Behind the Curtain: How to Break into Décor Printing

Décor printing is a growing part of the display graphics ecosystem and on Thursday, April 17, long-time industry consultant Debbie Nicholson offers commercial print businesses some tips on breaking into décor printing.

Agfa: Reinventing and Reemerging

Since 1867, Agfa has been at the forefront of many technological developments in imaging. As one of the founding graphic imaging powerhouse companies, it struggled through the transition from an analog to a digital economy. However, they have redefined their core business products and structures to not just survive but to grow in this rapidly changing world.

Labels and Packaging State of the Industry Report

If there is an industry that is bullish about its growth, it’s labels and packaging. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the latest trends.

The Expanding Horizon of Display Graphics and Signage

Today, the display graphics and signage industry is highly dynamic, characterized by continuous innovation. Digital printing technology has advanced to include large format printing, enabling the production of large-scale graphics for billboards, banners and wraps. Joanne Gore and Kevin Abergel look at how companies can use embellishments to add new dimensions to display graphics, making them even higher-value print applications.

Enhance a Colour: Masters of Complete Visual Solutions

Enhance a Colour is like a big toy store for anyone who produces or purchases sign and display. However, they are very particular about purchasing equipment, entering markets, and selling solutions, but they emphasize that it’s all about the consultive relationship. David Zwang talks to the owner of this unique business.

Executive Q&A: swissQprint’s Erik Norman and Michael Voight

We spoke with swissQprint America President Erik Norman and Application Specialist Michael Voight about the company’s display graphics product portfolio, top and emerging applications, customer expansion into adjacent applications and what automation means for swissQprint and its customers.

Welcome to the Display Graphics and Textiles Issue!

This week and next, we are publishing the content from our latest print edition, Issue Two: Display Graphics and Textiles. Here’s a preview.

Don’t Call It “Wide Format”: The State of Display Graphics

The term “wide format” or “wide-format printing” is very much a jargon-esque term that doesn’t mean a lot outside industry trade publications or print businesses’ service rosters, and we have made the conscious decision to wean ourselves off the term “wide format” in favor of the more understandable “display graphics.” So, regardless of what we call it, what is the state of it?

February Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Overall printing employment in February 2024 was little changed from January, with production employment down -1.0%, while non-production employment was down -0.6%, with net employment down -0.1%.

Around the Web: Packaging Preferences. Cover Conundrum. Impressive Impressionists. Dial Dilemma. Timepiece Trouble. Rockin’ Roads. Drone Danger. Tarantula Tempura. Sun Snacks.

Pentawards’ annual packaging Trends Report is out. When a company appears on the cover of a popular magazine, what signals does it give the market? More than two dozen new works have been added to the OED, 23 of them from Japanese cooking and art. Really? If you’re in France this summer, celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. Bad UI design on an ice cream thermostat. New options for non-wrist-based watches. Time Out lists the “30 Coolest Streets in the World.” “AI drone that could hunt and kill people built in just hours by scientist ‘for a game.’” Different ants have different flavor profiles, we are horrified to tell you. Appropriately, SunChips has an eclipse tie-in product. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Highlights from the Online Print Symposium 2024

The 11th annual Online Print Symposium (OPS), held earlier this month in Münich, demonstrated that many outsiders are driving online print and mass customization ventures—and they see print as a huge opportunity and a growth market. European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports from the event.

The Road to drupa: ESG is Dead—Long Live Sustainability!

As part of our Road to drupa coverage, Marco Boer of IT Strategies looks at the possible implications of recent EU regulatory sustainability mandates on the printing industry.

Are You Cut Out for Leadership?

Leaders can be identified and developed. Wayne Lynn explains how, just like determining if a job candidate is a good fit for the job, leaders can be assessed for fit to the leadership role.

Real-World Examples of Customer Segmentation that Works

Last week, we looked at three examples of email segmentation along with real campaign results provided by HubSpot Academy. This week, Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at real-world examples of customer segmentation that works, as provided by HubSpot users.

Landa Digital Print Returns to drupa to “Run More”

Here we are, 12 years after the initial introduction of the Landa Digital Print technology, and roughly four years after initial commencement of commercial sales. Today, there are over 50 machines installed, with many more orders and some new product introductions in the pipeline. Landa Digital Print’s tagline for drupa 2024 is “Run More,” and they are supporting that with new faster and smarter press introductions.

Moving Past SWOT Analysis for Deeper Insights

If a SWOT exercise is a regular part of your yearly strategy, and it doesn’t produce the results you expect, it may be time to change your approach. Try adding a dose of VUCA to your SWOT to build a holistic view of how your company, products, and services fit into the changing world.

SnapPress LP-1: Revolutionizing Short Run Digital Label Printing

In this article, written and sponsored by SnapPress, learn how the SnapPress LP-1 is reshaping short-run digital label printing. No other label press has brought HP Inkjet technology together with a Xitron RIP and color profiling by Schilling Inkjet Consultants. The LP-1 has an incredibly easy-to-use interface that puts professional label printing power in the hands of any user.

Progress Toward Scaling Textile-to-Textile Recycling

There is no argument that the textiles and fashion industries are key contributors to global warming and pollution of our planet. In this article, we explain why textile-to-textile recycling can help build a more circular fashion industry, including the challenges and opportunities involved in getting it to scale.

HP Indigo’s drupa Announcements Aim to “Break the Analog to Digital Boundaries”

HP Indigo has not slowed down in their mission to drive the digital transition of print and packaging production. For drupa 2024, they have lots of new product announcements, all of them targeted at “Breaking the Analog to Digital Boundaries.”

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 113 establishments in NAICS 511191 (Greeting Card Publishers). Although this represents a net increase of 10% since 2010, it has been a category that has ebbed and flowed over the course of the decade, although we’re not talking about a tremendous number of establishments. In macro news, inflation increased in February.

Around the Web: Chip Challenge. State Sobriquets. Eclipse Excitement. Stopping Spillage. Ryan Reunion. Security Sales. Cake Kicks.

Three students at UW-Stout developed a prototype of a new kind of packaging for Pringles potato chips. A traveling exhibit in Italy highlights experimental book design and production. The literal meanings of US states and cities. We were saddened to learn of the passing this week of Hugo-winning SF writer Vernor Vinge, “father of the singularity.” How to geek out over the upcoming solar eclipse. How to carry coffee without spilling. Using the old “drinking bird” toy to create clean, renewable energy. Adding a fourth light to traffic signals control autonomous vehicles. Meetups solely for people named Ryan. A store where items that have been confiscated by TSA are being sold. Keds and Magnolia Bakery team up. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Automation in Digital Textile Printing: A Cautionary Tale from “The Twilight Zone”

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital textile printing technology, our industry has witnessed a transformative wave of automation. This shift towards automated processes has certainly revolutionized production, but it also drew intriguing parallels to ideas from the past. This article explores how an old episode of “The Twilight Zone” teaches a still-relevant lesson about automation and the future of manual labor.

Road to drupa: Digital Packaging Printing Trends 2024

As part of our “Road to drupa” coverage, Marco Boer of IT Strategies looks at the current status of digital printing of packaging, the benefits it can provide for converters, and what to look for in Düsseldorf.

Impact of Western Sanctions on the Russian Printing Industry

After almost two years of embargoes, the Russian printing industry is doing much better than expected. Inkjet Insight contributor Oleg Litvinov looks at the state of the Russian printing industry since the onset of the war.

Three Case Studies in Integrating Contact Management with Segmented Email Marketing

In marketing, we talk about segmentation. We talk about contact management. We don’t often talk about how important it is to use the two together. Heidi Tolliver-Walker documents three examples that showcase just how powerful the transition from a nonintegrated to an integrated solution can be.

Ensuring Packaging Meets Accurate Color Expectations: Remotely

Controlled digital proofing systems that ensure proper setup and maintenance with each of the stakeholders have a corresponding system seems to be the answer. While there were a number of systems introduced that endeavored to achieve that goal, most never seemed to be able to maintain that needed level of control across the stakeholder teams—until now.

Road to drupa Production Continuous Feed Inkjet Trends 2024

As part of our “Road to drupa” coverage, Marco Boer of IT Strategies looks at current trends impacting the continuous-feed production inkjet market, and what to look for in Düsseldorf.

Print & Embellishment: Print Logistic Is Unleashing the Power of Coloreel Embroidery Technology

Many companies prefer the quality of embroidery for apparel and other items over various print technologies. But as logos and other decorations get more complicated, it can be difficult to reproduce them with conventional embroidery equipment. Enter Coloreel, on-demand dyeing of thread that enables production of even the most complex designs using a single embroidery head! In this article, provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, read the Print Logistic story as it proudly unveils this cutting-edge technology that is reshaping textile decoration.

January Shipments: Back to Normal?

January 2024 shipments came in at $7.04 billion, up from December’s $6.94 billion—and right between January 2021 and 2022.

Around the Web: Comic Creation. City Signage. New Knitting. Light Logic. Pork Parasite. Montana Monsters. Coors’ Calendar.

A new book explores how comics were made. A video tour of Manhattan signs. A new way of producing clothing requires only one size. “Agatha Christie: surfer dude.” Point Nemo: the place on Earth that is the farthest from dry land. Why it no long matters if you leave lights on when you leave a room. Yikes: a guy developed a parasitic infection in his brain after eating undercooked bacon. “Montana man pleads guilty to creating massive franken-sheep with cloned animal parts.” Coors Light’s 21-day “advent-inspired” calendar for March Madness. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly Kate-Middleton-Photoshop-scandal-free miscellany.

Can an Innovative Cleaning Method Reduce the Total Cost of Ownership in Digital Label Printing?

Ink consumption is one of the variable costs in digital printing. It varies from job to job and often sets the economic limits for the process. Guest contributor Dieter Finna of pack.consult looks at the newly developed, contact-free cleaning system used in the Gallus One. Is the reduction in ink consumption so significant that the total cost of ownership is also reduced?

Learning Dual Awareness/Achieving Adaptive Capacity

The ability to adapt to VUCA conditions is critical to 21st century leadership success. Wayne Lynn explains how learning Dual Awareness is a major step toward adaptive leadership and, especially, making decisions quickly in a developing crisis.

Road to drupa: Cut-Sheet Production Inkjet Trends 2024

As part of our “Road to drupa” coverage, Marco Boer of IT Strategies looks at current trends impacting the cut-sheet production inkjet market, and what to look for in Düsseldorf at drupa 2024.

6 Non-Price Ways to Create Competitive Differentiation in Print

What makes a customer loyal to a product or service? Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains how it’s not always price.

Are You Ready For the Hackers and Phishers?

Today, it takes more than some commercial firewall tools and virus protection license to keep your business safe. If you haven’t done a comprehensive security review in the last six months, take the time to do it now. If you are held for ransom, there may not be a road back.

Can the Senate’s Americas Act Help Make Fashion More Sustainable?

A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate is designed to “establish a regional trade, investment, and people-to-people partnership of countries in the Western Hemisphere to stimulate growth and integration through viable long-term private sector development,” according to an article published in The Sourcing Journal. Perhaps its unique incentive-based approach, rather than the penalty-oriented regulatory compliance approach more often used in these types of legislation, will encourage brands and retailers to jump on board faster. This article outlines key elements of the bill, including both challenges and opportunities in terms of getting it signed into law and implemented.

“Other” Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 839 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishers). This represents a net decrease of 18% since 2010, but a 26% increase in the past year. In macro news, Q4 GDP was revised down slightly.

Around the Web: Font Films. Inked Intelligence. Decimal Discovery. Clever Clutch. Dog Data. Fruity Footwear. Thwarted Thief. Awful Offices. Fish Finder.

“This Year’s Best Picture Oscar Nominees as Typefaces.” Trial biking world champion Dougie Lampkin pays a high-octane visit to the shop printing his autobiography. A modified typewriter that uses ChatGPT to answer queries that are manually typed in. A graphene-based handbag with a fingerprint opening system. Yes, there is now Strava for dogs. For National Cereal Day, Post teamed up with Nike and LeBron James to develop Fruity Pebbles-themed sneakers. A would-be car thief’s failed attempt to steal a self-driving taxi. Has it been 25 years since the “Office Space” was released? What plastic surgery procedure is the most popular in your state? Busch Light teams (or teems) with Plenty of Fish to help fish lovers find a date. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Target Report: Stationers in Turmoil—February 2024 M&A Activity

Fedrigoni Acquires Mohawk Papers & Shutters Crane, and more…

Direct Mail in a Digital World: Personalization and Specialty Print Pave the Way

A resent study of print demand in key vertical industries found the transition to digital is undeniable, but direct mail remains an important component of modern messaging campaigns. This article explores how personalization and specialty print can further increase the efficacy of direct mail.

Printing Outlook 2024: Whither AI?

WhatTheyThink’s annual Printing Outlook report is now available. One of the many topics we cover in this year’s report is so-called “artificial intelligence.” To what extent is it on printers’ radars?

Don’t Just Slap “Marketing” on a Salesperson’s Title and Hope for the Best: A Conversation with Patrick Whelan

Heidi Tolliver-Walker talks with Patrick Whelan, founder of Great Reach Communications, about the distinction between sales and marketing, and why so many printers are losing sales without realizing it.

We Love Fast Inkjet—Part 1

Everyone loves a productive press. With inkjet vying to take more volume away from traditional presses, color and image quality are yesterday’s problem. Today, the challenge is to go faster and faster. In Part 1 of a two-part series, Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding explains what it takes to get that next bit of incremental productivity out of an inkjet press.

My Father’s World Expands Home Curriculum Production with Affordable Color

In this article, sponsored by Kyocera, Pat McGrew looks at content publishing in the educational market, and how it comes with challenges that are not faced in most other markets. The demand for high-quality print is the same, but the print runs can be very short, and the requirement for substrates ranges from light to heavy across production needs. Add the need for engaging color, and it is clear why more content publishers like My Father’s World are turning to the Kyocera TASKalfa Pro 15000.

Textile Industry Transformation: Members of the EU Vote in Favor of Implementing New Rules on Textile Waste

Currently, around 78% of post-consumer textile waste ends up either incinerated or in landfills. The European Union has taken steps to regulate textile waste. In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, the Texintel team documents how textile waste is adversely affecting the environment and the goal of the proposed regulations.

December Shipments: Ending the Year on a Low Note

December 2023 shipments came in at $6.98 billion, down from November’s $7.24 billion—and, alas, the lowest of the year.

Around the Web: Zine Zone. Typewriter Tune. Neat Notes. Warm Walls. Apocalypse Averted? Apocalypse Aroma. Virtual Velvet. Hole Heading. Packing Prawns? Sub Storage.

A Brooklyn Museum exhibition looks at the history of “zines.” Ukrainian type foundry produces faces that reflect Ukraine’s Soviet history as well as the current war. Judas! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra has gone electric. Turn any paper into a sticky note. Graphene-enhanced infrared wallpaper for efficient home heating. Learn all about piphilology in time for pi day. Will AI wipe out humanity? A perfume based on all the smells indicated in the Book of Revelation. Laurie Anderson uses AI to “communicate” with late husband Lou Reed. New app always points to supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, very helpful for navigation. Le Sac Swoosh is a not very useful designer handbag shaped like Nike’s iconic branding. Subway has developed a tote bag for storing footlongs. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Display Graphics Evolution: Epson

This is the first in a series of articles that looks at the evolution of equipment manufacturers and their portfolios in the display graphics space. First up: Epson.

Heimtextil Highlights Powerful Innovations and Material Shifts for the Décor Industry

It seems that digital printing for fashion has stalled somewhat, but on-demand printing is emerging as a game-changer in home décor. In this article, provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, the Texintel team shares insights gained from experts within the textile supply chain during Heimtextil, held in Frankfurt, Germany, in January.

Is It Time to Unify Your Print Room?

As PSPs diversify their businesses, they are managing a range of job types across different digital printing technologies from multiple vendors. In this article, sponsored by Fiery, John Henze from Fiery discusses how PSPs can embrace diversification and create a unified print room by leveraging RIP software.

Deliberate Calm

Deliberate calm is the mindset necessary to make smart, effective decisions in the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world we live in. Decisions made in this context require Dual Awareness, combining self-awareness and situational awareness. Wayne Lynn explains how.

The Printing Industry’s Marketing Achilles Heel

Despite all the doom and gloom we often hear in the news, key economic indicators are strong. Unemployment is historically low, and consumer spending is historically high. This combination, combined with other strong economic indicators, are driving the need for advertising and marketing which, in turn, is driving volume on the production floor. Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains how, with fewer print businesses to handle this volume, this can create a false sense of security among printers that marketing isn’t necessary.

3 Considerations When Buying Software

There is a cycle to software development that is intended to capture market or customer needs, develop solutions that meet those needs, and then launch into customer use. As more workflow automation tools and platform integration options come to market, consider having a different type of conversation with your vendors to understand the mindset behind the offering. The goal is to learn if their design and architecture are consistent with the needs of your shop.

Compact, High-Quality Label Printing with the SnapPress LP-1

The market for packaging printing, and especially labels, is gravitating towards digital print. European section editor and Inkjet Insight contributor Ralf Schlözer looks at a new entrant in the digital label space: SnapPress and the SnapPress LP-1 inkjet label printer.

Colorchrome Atlanta Is 41—and Still Growing

WhatTheyThink Films recently completed its documentary on Atlanta’s Colorchrome. Read more about what can be considered the quintessential family printing business.

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 548 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 67% since 2010. In macro news, retail sales dipped slightly in January.

Around the Web: Type Trends. Treacle Transformation. Tag Tampering. Petabit Packing. Suitcase Squishing. Meat Monitoring. Runaway Roomba. Door Dilemmas.

The latest Monotype Type Trends Report is now available. A company that has not changed its brand in 140 years…is changing its brand. A new antitampering tag can “reveal with near-perfect accuracy whether an item is real or fake.” Fitting one petabit of data on a DVD-sized optical disc. Using a 150-ton hydraulic press to compress a week’s worth of clothes into a carry-on suitcase. A chess set with pieces made of candles. New graphene-based sensors accurately test meat freshness. A household’s Roomba runs away from home. Friday meal options for Lent. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

“Hipstorical”—Not a Trend, But a Movement Towards Sustainable Printed Textile Design

Print needs to wow but still look amazing as trends come and go. In this article, authored by Cheryl O’Meara of Print Pattern Archive and provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, O’Meara explains how Print Pattern Archive’s Hipstorical initiative, with designers and print teams, is contributing to a circular economy. As part of the initiative, the group leveraged generative artificial intelligence (gen AI), playing with ancient techniques like batik and drawing inspiration from its incredible archive. A world first in design mash up with analog and digital riding shotgun! A terrific example of how AI can springboard designers’ work, resulting in even more spectacular results in a shorter timeframe.

The Print Label Market: Strategies for Success and Key Considerations

The advent of digital press technology has created new avenues for label production, delivering numerous advantages over traditional printing methods. With shorter lead times, lower quantities per order, and a growing demand for competitive prices, digital press technology is swiftly gaining popularity. This article explores the print label market and offers strategies for successful participation.

Today’s State of Greenwashing? Too Easy and Too Common

Greenwashing has become far more common than many might think. In the United States, 70% of companies admit to doing it. But the consequences can be serious. Here’s a quick survey of the state of greenwashing today and why it’s so important to back up your environmental claims.

drupa 2024: Can You Really Afford to Miss It?

When many in print and converting production and technologies around the globe get together, one of the discussions usually goes something like this: “How many drupa events have you been to?” or, “what was your first drupa?” There must be a good reason for that! David Zwang talks with Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies, Messe Düsseldorf, to discuss the upcoming drupa 2024 itself and the various regional events leading up to it.

Trends in Online Print in Europe

Just as the whole printing industry had a rollercoaster ride during and after the pandemic, so did online print. 2023 should have seen somewhat steadier waters. European section editor Ralf Schlözer reports on Zipcon CEO Bernd Zipper’s experience and expectations.

January Graphic Arts Employment Generally Flat

Overall printing employment in January 2024 was unchanged from December, with production employment up 0.7%, while non-production employment was down -1.3%.

Around the Web: Type Tech. Guessing Game. Photo Filing. Dimensional Details. Bird Blower. Carrot Concerts. Rotation Reasoning. Escalator Exhibit. Breakfast Buddy.

Monotype’s new AI-powered font pairing tool. In the game TimeGuessr, determine where and when an old news photograph was taken. And how were old news photos transmitted back in the day? Some examples of 3D printing in action. AI-driven eyeglasses. Retired payphone plays bird calls. An Ohio funeral home will preserve the tattoos of the deceased. When in Austria, be sure to catch the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. What would happen if the Earth suddenly stopped rotating? When in Vilnius, Lithuania, be sure to check out the Escalator Slide. The inventor of Pop-Tarts has passed away. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Embracing Digital Transformation in Fashion: The Path to Revolutionizing the Industry

The fashion industry’s hesitant embrace of Digital Product Creation (DPC) and 3D technologies is a paradox, given the clear advantages they offer. While large conglomerates may dive headfirst into this digital renaissance, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often linger at the starting line, bogged down by a complex web of concerns and challenges. This article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, and written by Lui Larocheski, explains why there is a reluctance to change and how the barriers can be broken down to eliminate much of the harmful effect the fashion industry has on the environment.

Increasing Awareness About Specialty Print

Ongoing technological advancements have given rise to a new generation of printed products that are more interactive and engaging than ever before, but customers aren’t always thinking about what’s new in the print technology world. Even if PSPs announce that they’ve acquired a new device or technology, their prospects and customers will rarely consider what that acquisition might mean for their printing needs. This article explores ways to bring more awareness to the upsides of specialty printing.

A Process for Strengthening Problem Behavior

Wayne Lynn looks at how paradoxical imbalances cause self-defeating behaviors when stress builds beyond manageable levels, presenting problems for leaders in maintaining the trust and support of subordinates.

(Somewhat) Conflicting Views on Consumer Attitudes Toward Sustainable Packaging

Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a look at a recent studies gauging consumers’ attitudes toward sustainable packaging. Spoiler alert: they are willing to pay more for it.

More Privacy Laws Mean More Disclaimers!

No one goes into the print business, or the eDelivery business, to become a lawyer, but it almost takes a law degree to keep up with the growing body of legislation impacting the industry. Here is a quick look at new legislation from Illinois! Remember, always consult your legal counsel before making decisions!

Atomyx Could Change the Way We Do Print

Imagine a cloud-based platform that could both streamline the print business and production processes, while also reducing the skills needed to implement a plant-wide automation integration. While still in the early stages of development, that is the goal of the Atomyx platform.

Fujifilm Goes Big

After previewing it at PRINTING United in 2023, Fujifilm has officially launched the Revoria Press GC12500, the first dry toner B2 press. European section editor Ralf Schlözer provides the details.

University of Toronto Research Offers Promising Solution for Microplastic Shedding

There has been much discussion about the damage caused by microplastic shedding during washing of synthetic fabrics. Much of the focus has been on trying to trap these microfibers prior to their entering our waterways. But now promising research out of the University of Toronto offers a potential alternative to prevent, or at least mitigate, shedding in the first place.

Johnson's World: Getting Real About Artificial Intelligence

Depending upon who you ask, AI means either the beginning of the end for the human race’s domination of the world, or the elimination of all our jobs…or the debut of a really amazing and useful tool with almost limitless possibilities. Steve Johnson looks at how, in fact, it might be all three.

Tales from the Database: Looking at the Cloud from Both Sides

Drawing on eight years’ worth of Print Business Outlook surveys, our “Tales from the Database” series looks at historical data to see if we can glean any particular hardware, software, or business trends. This issue, we turn our attention to software—specifically, migration to the cloud.

Around the Web: Paper Paean. Dinero Dearth. Color Can. Dental Disaster? Road Recharging. Hovering Hose. Habitat Havoc. Beneficial Beavers. Pickle Paramour. Bowl Bonanza.

Author and paper maker Beth Kephart has written a love letter to paper. Are we seeing the end of cash? A “Graffiti Color Mixer” includes multiple colors in the same spray can. Were a fleet of electronic toothbrushes involved in a massive DDoS attack? Installing EV chargers in the roads themselves. A phone charger that only charges when your eyes are closed. Three words: flying fire hose. In Kenya, through a complex series of relationships, an invasive ant species is impacting lion hunting skills. The time beavers parachuted into Idaho. This Valentine’s Day, say it with pickles. DoorDash contest is giving away everything advertised during this Sunday’s Super Bowl. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Beyond the Press: Revolutionizing Workflow for Digital Print Embellishments

Workflow software has connected the islands of prepress, printing, and binding/finishing into a seamless continuum. But how does workflow software apply to digital embellishments. Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel and Carlo Ruas take look at the current lay of the land.

Glitter is Not Green: Why Petroleum-Based Glitter Should Be Banned Worldwide

Cary Sherburne looks at the environmental hazards of glitter, the movements afoot to ban it, and sustainable alternatives that offer all the fun of glitter without the environmental downsides.

Rules Based Workflows: Connecting and Automating Processes to Fit Your Business Needs

Many of the current “off the shelf” workflow software and professional service offerings are being developed to support newer and disparate technologies and markets. Ultimately, solutions need to fit the specific needs of a PSP and their customer and partner relationships, and that’s where rules based workflows shine.

Potential Artificial Intelligence Use Cases for the Printing and Packaging Industry

It’s likely that in implementations by suppliers to the industry is where artificial intelligence (AI) will first show up in your business. Cary Sherburne spoke with a couple of industry executives from companies that are suppliers to the industry to understand what, if anything, they are doing or thinking about with respect to AI.

The Target Report: Paper-Based Journalism is Melting Away—January 2024 M&A Activity

Baltimore Sun Purchased, CherryRoad Media Acquires Page 1 Printers, and more…

Commentary & Analysis

Insight You Need. Analysis You Trust.