Is the Apparel Industry in the Midst of a Systemic Change?
In a recent TexProcess/TechTextil webinar, panelists discussed what is happening with respect to the textiles and apparel supply chain, especially what has been accelerated by the pandemic. Has there been a sourcing shift? Is there a balance shift between Western and Asian sources? What key elements do brands and suppliers need to address to bring about needed systemic change? How many are even capable of driving systemic change? These were some of the questions and issues discussed in this very interesting session.
Key Thermal Print Segments Poised to Rebound in 2021
COVID-19 has had a profound effect on thermal print equipment and consumable sales, but these will return to positive growth in 2021, according to the Smithers study The Future of Thermal Printing to 2025. This article summarizes some of the main trends identified in the study.
APTech Brings Research, Standards and Education to 2021
Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech) President Thayer Long details APTech’s latest developments, and discusses the programs, events, and other services the association has planned for 2021.
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Industry News
- Just In: PRINTING United Alliance and Idealliance Officially Merge
- Xeikon Adds Two New Entry-Level Presses
- New Lithrone GX44RP/G44 advance Models Added to Lineup of Lithrone GX/G advance Series
- Enfocus Gearing Up for New Product Releases with PitStop and BoardingPass
- FTA Moves FORUM & INFOFLEX 2021 to Fully Virtual Events
- Catherine Monson Begins 2nd Year as Chair of the International Franchise Association
- New Color-Logic Pattern-FX Release Adds 30,000+ Options to Graphic Design
- Lecta Introduces Adestor PET Laser MW
- Toppan Develops Film-Type Virusweeper™ Packaging with Antiviral and Antibacterial Functions
- Decal Combines Aesthetics and Functionality in the New Alldecor 2D Films
- Pandemic Drives Print Book Sales to Highest Level in a Decade, Says Two Sides
- Epson Selected as a Technology and Production Partner for Shueisha Manga-Art Heritage
- Growth Market for Sensitive Products: KHS Provides Numerous Innovations for System Solutions
- Domtar at the Bank of America Conference
- Biodegradable Packaging Market – Recent Developments in the Competitive Landscape Forecast 2018 – 2027
Commercial Screen Printing Employees—2010–2018
In 2010, there were 57,674 employees working in US screen printing establishments (NAICS 323113). By 2018, that number had increased +12.4% to 64,840. In macro news, seven “recovery indicators” for parts of the economy most acutely impacted by the pandemic.
Leveraging the Evolution of High-Speed Inkjet in Today’s Digital World
Concerns about data security have escalated in the COVID era, making some people wary of digital engagements. As a result, traditional print-based communications remain effective and can sometimes enable businesses to stand apart from their competitors. This article explores how print service providers can use high-speed inkjet equipment to their advantage
Imageco Gears Up for Sustainable Digital Print Production with the New HP Latex 800 Series
Imageco is on a mission to greater sustainability, driven by their own sustainability concerns and customer demand. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains how the company is pursuing these goals with the latest HP Latex technology.
New Year, New Adventures: Marc Olin, Ken Garner and Michael Makin Make Their Exits…for Now
Cary Sherburne speaks with three printing industry veterans who have chosen to make a new beginning: Marc Olin, former COO at EFI; Michael Makin, former CEO of PIA and EVP at PRINTING United Alliance; and Ken Garner, former SVP for Content Creation at the Association for Print Technologies. As they start the new year with new adventures, we wanted to give them special recognition for all of their contributions and years of service to the industry.
Print Business Front Office Modernization: Part 1—Guiding Principles
This article, the first of a five-part series on the modernization of your print business front office, starts with some guiding principles and then discuss the various “objects” that are managed by the carpeted area of your plant.
A moment of levity. View Today's Dilbert
Life in print isn’t easy, right? You deserve a laugh. That's why MindFire brings you Dilbert. And why we help Printers & Agencies of all sizes grow sales with 'OptiChannel'. Learn more now.
JUST RELEASED
Printing Outlook 2021 - The WhatTheyThink Overview of the Current State of the Printing Industry
The new Printing Outlook 2021 report provides detailed analysis of the latest WhatTheyThink Business Outlook Survey, the latest industry economic data and macroeconomic trends, as well as industry and cultural technological trends to look out for in 2021.
Industry Data
Commercial Screen Printing Employees—2010–2018
In 2010, there were 57,674 employees working in US screen printing establishments (NAICS 323113). By 2018, that number had increased +12.4% to 64,840. In macro news, seven “recovery indicators” for parts of the economy most acutely impacted by the pandemic. Full Analysis
December Printing Shipments—One Last Unexpected Twist for 2020
In December 2020, in one last, end-of-the-year rally, printing shipments grew from $7.0 billion to $7.17 billion. Full Analysis
European Print Industry Snapshot: Germany
In this bimonthly series, WhatTheyThink is presenting the state of the printing industry in different European countries based on the latest monthly production numbers. This week, we take a look at the printing industry in Germany. Full Analysis
Recent Discussion
Gordon Pritchard on Frank Says, “PS, I Love You”
In early 1985 I set up the prepress production department for a 28 page weekly newspaper "Prince Rupert This Week" by using a combination of Manhattan Graphics Inc.'s Ready, Set, Go! page layout program (later acquired by Letraset), Cricket Draw to h… Full comment Reply
David L. Zwang on APTech Brings Research, Standards and Education to 2021
Thayer... looks like an impressive line up for 2021! Reply
Cary Sherburne on PRINTING United Alliance and Idealliance Officially Merge
Watch for our video interview tomorrow! Reply
Dov Isaacs on Frank Says, “PS, I Love You”
Regrettably, this discussion facility stripped out URLs I posted above. The first was https://community.adobe.com/t5/type-typography/announcement-adobe-ends-support-for-type-1-fonts-for-content-editing-amp-creation/td-p/11807973 The second was … Full comment Reply
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Jennifer Matt on Print Business Front Office Modernization: Part 1—Guiding Principles
Jim, It all seems straightforward and generally it makes sense. I find the challenge for most print companies is to make strategic things a priority. Print manufacturing can hand you a bucket of "emergencies" every day (especially if you're runnin… Full comment Reply