On this Thanksgiving week, we want to share our genuine appreciation for the support we receive from the industry. We wouldn't be where we are today without the support of members and sponsors. We will return with our daily coverage on Monday November 30th.
Developing Successful Direct Mail Campaigns in the COVID Era
In today’s business climate, it is more important than ever for businesses to engage their customers and prospects via a channel that gets noticed. Although e-mail might seem like the easy choice, today’s digital inboxes are being inundated with messaging. This article explores how brands can use direct mail to connect with their customers and stay top of mind during the pandemic.
Strategic People Management
As millennials move into leadership and ownership responsibilities in our industry they are uniquely positioned and qualified to take a strategic view of the management and development of our human assets. In this article, Wayne Lynn takes a look at this opportunity and how it can be capitalized upon. Read on to see how the future can be better shaped by better use of our people.
Digital Textiles Are Evolving: The Fabrics of the Future Are Sustainably Produced and Biodiverse
Sourcing fabrics is a complex field, and finding sustainable textiles is not as easy as it sounds. It’s much easier for the large vertical brand than it is for the smaller-volume printer. All of which is further complicated by the variance in digital textile printing applications. Textiles expert Debbie McKeegan offers strategies on how to build knowledge and seek new partnerships and stakeholders.
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Industry News
- Printing Industry Outlook 2021—Share Your Story
- Agfa Introduces InterioJet Water-Based Inkjet Printing System for Interior Decoration
- The YGS Group Upgrades Digital Operations with HP Indigo 12000HD Press and Site Flow
- SuperGraphics Purchases Industry-leading Durst P5 350
- Fujifilm Announces Collaboration with ZUND America, Inc.
- Heidelberg Italy Premiers the First Worldwide Scodix Ultra 1000s Series Press
- James Litho Continues Investments in Heidelberg Digital & Workflow Integration
- Empire Screen Printing Delivers Superior Graphic Impact for Sporting Goods Customers
- NINO Druck GmbH Grows Digital Print Production with Ultimate Impostrip® and HP Indigo
- Keypoint Intelligence Names Canon U.S.A., Inc., Recipient of a Buyers Lab PaceSetter Award in Healthcare: Visionary Leader
- Case Paper Launches 1st Annual On the Case Awards
- INX International to Boost Digital Packaging Summit Sponsorship with Two Insightful Presentations
- MUTOH America Welcomes Michaela Hedderman
- MGX Expands Portfolio to Include UniSyn Opaque
- Make Recycling Paper and Boxes Your New Daily Habit
- Thermochromic Ink Helps Ensure Higher Safety Standards for Packaged Food
- Asahi Photoproducts and Esko Join Forces to Educate Chinese Market on Flexo Platemaking in Harmony with the Environment
- IoPP’s 2020 Honors and Awards Program Recognizes the Outstanding Contributions of IoPP Members
- LBS to Acquire Gane Brothers & Lane, Inc.
- T'Hooft Opts for Savings with Color Control from Q.I. Press Controls
Print Business Data in 2020/COVID-19
It is hard to think of a time in recent history when we have been so captivated by data. The COVID-19 global pandemic has had us glued to data for the better part of eight months. Data is guiding the day-to-day recommendations of epidemiologists around the world and it will also guide when a vaccine is safe to release. In any industry, a strong data foundation is critical to enable companies to make proactive decisions that will move businesses forward.
Lessons in Success During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Part 1)
As it has become clear that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be deeper and longer than many expected, printers have an important question to ask: What differentiates the companies that thrive during a recession and those that do not? In this article, part 1 of two-part series, we look at the research and the first of three examples of printing companies that have invested and innovated their way to success.
Digital Packaging Migration: Sustainability Is the Key, but What Does that Really Mean?
In biology, “adaptation is the physical or behavioral characteristic of an organism that helps an organism to survive better in the surrounding environment.” When we look at one of the newer requirements of packaging—sustainability—we tend to limit it to the ecological focus, when the more consequential focus relates to adaptation.
European Print Industry Snapshot: Austria
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 features a look at the printing industry in Austria.
“Do You Want Fries with That?”—Consider Incremental Selling, Part 2
Take a look at the product mix you offer. What products can you pair up or also offer to increase your offerings to customers? In part 2 of a two-part feature, Pat McGrew helps you identify the “fries” you can offer customers.
A moment of levity. View Today's Dilbert
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Industry Data
Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2018
In 2010, there were 825 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). By 2018, that number had declined to 725, despite a spurt of growth in 2012. In macro news, initial unemployment claims were 742,000, an increase of 31,000 from the previous week's revised level. Full Analysis
European Print Industry Snapshot: Austria
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 features a look at the printing industry in Austria. Full Analysis
Graphic Arts Employment—October 2020
October 2020 employment figures are at least moving in the right direction from September, albeit slowly; overall printing employment in October was up +0.8% from September, with the gains predominantly in production staff continuing to come back. Let’s not look at year-over-year changes in graphic arts employment. Full Analysis
Recent Discussion
David Allen on Why is TransPromo Hot Again?
In 2007 I attended that very first TransPromo conference in New York - travelling from NewZealand. Following that we launched what was to be a super successful initiative using brand new continuous devices initially HP w7200's and then HP T200's. It … Full comment Reply
Patrick Whelan on Developing Successful Direct Mail Campaigns in the COVID Era
Lots of great information but I would choose to highlight this takeaway. "Given the state of business today, your best offer might not be a product or service. Consider delivering a series of educational moments to your customers’ mailboxes." Than… Full comment Reply
Libby Wall on Distance Working/Learning During a Pandemic: Pros and Cons
Unfortunately, a plan to open schools needs to be developed. Returning to school will launch an education and help improve the level of knowledge of students. For increase of results in study, I use a website https://edubirdie.com/do-my-homework wh… Full comment Reply
Marc Johnson on Frank’s Rise and Fall of the Paper-Based Office
Jim- no, it's not just us aging boomers (and GenX'ers) ;) https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/technology-media-and-telecommunications/covid-19/gx-covid-19-printers-charming-tmt-predictions.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/if-… Full comment Reply
Magazine
WhatTheyThink Magazine is the resource for the Commercial Printing, Visual and Graphic Arts Industries. Industry experts share their ideas and technical knowledge on ways to improve operations.
WhatTheyThink publishes 2 editions of the magazine: Printing News and Wide-Format & Signage. Subscription are free to qualified industry professionals or via paid subscription.
PARTNER SITE
- Color Management and Shiny Things
- Fujifilm Announces Collaboration with ZUND America, Inc.
- Heidelberg Italy Premiers the First Worldwide Scodix Ultra 1000s Series Press
- To G7 or Not to G7
- PrintMail Pro and Canon’s Project 360 Program
- Light & Mid-Production Inkjet – Low Glamour High Value
- Hybrid and Bespoke Packaging Solutions: Using Component Technology Expands Print Options
- The Inkjet Career Path
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Craig Kevghas on Franks Cabinet of Wonders
You can spend days at the museum, and never really see it all. But it's Frank's commentary that brings the history alive again . Reply