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Printing Pulse: Embellishment Edition

This edition of our Friday data series offers a preliminary “sneak peek” at the results of the Taktiful and WhatTheyThink 2023 Specialty Digital Ink and Toner Embellishment Study. This study takes a deep dive into how current users of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies are utilizing them, what the response from customers has been, how satisfied print providers have been with the sales and profitability of these jobs, where the challenges lie, and their general feelings about the future of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies.

Johnson’s World—You Have Mail…Or Maybe Not

By law, the US Postal Service is supposed to deliver mail six days a week. Steve Johnson tries to understand why his mail delivery has become erratic and unreliable.

Around the Web: Ledger Lines. Typewriter Tunes. Graphene Garments. Pink Paucity. Plate Problem. Sadistic Subscriptions. Block Clock. Panel Panic. Baneful Bot.

A look at how they used to print ledger books. The Boston Typewriter Orchestra performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. Absolut is introducing lightweight paper-based bottles for its vodka. Another leap forward for graphene-based wearable textiles. The “Barbie” movie caused a shortage of pink paint. Some Maryland license plates contain a link to a Philippine gambling site. Thanks to the “aaS” model, we don’t really own anything anymore. A solar-powered mechanical LEGO clock that will keep time for a billion years. The time has come to address the imminent deluge of discarded solar panels. Can experts really judge wine? A pop-up Cheez-It filling station in Joshua Tree National Park. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Kyocera FOREARTH Digital Textile Printer Debuts at ITMA

Kyocera printheads are popular components in many digital textile printing systems. Now, Kyocera has applied that knowledge and expertise to its first digital textile printer, FOREARTH, making its first public appearance at ITMA in Milan. In this interview, Sho Taniguchi, Kyocera’s Deputy General Manager, IDP Business DevelopmentDivision, explains the strategy behind development of this system and why they believe it is beneficial to the textiles market.

Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel talks to three US print service providers that have successfully won over customers after installing digital embellishment production systems.

What’s Old Is New Again: Will Paper Really Replace Film in Flexible Packaging? The Future Borrows from the Past for Some Exciting New Ideas

With the increased scrutiny of plastic use in flexible packaging, there is an increased interest in moving from plastic to paper. It was once hard to make the switch, but it has been getting much easier.

Solutum Offers a New Approach to Reducing Plastic Waste

Solutum is a Cleantech company on a mission to reduce plastic pollution by providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic. The company has created a revolutionary compound that can be engineered to create a range of flexible packaging with versatile end-of-life options. Cary Sherburne talks to Sharon Barak, the company’s Founder and CTO, to learn more about this innovative approach to solving the plastics problem.

Industry Data
Printing Outlook 2021
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
Printing Outlook 2023 - The WhatTheyThink Overview of the Current State of the Printing Industry

The new Printing Outlook 2023 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 2023 and beyond.

More Info

Printing Pulse: Embellishment Edition
Printing Pulse: Embellishment Edition

This edition of our Friday data series offers a preliminary “sneak peek” at the results of the Taktiful and WhatTheyThink 2023 Specialty Digital Ink and Toner Embellishment Study. This study takes a deep dive into how current users of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies are utilizing them, what the response from customers has been, how satisfied print providers have been with the sales and profitability of these jobs, where the challenges lie, and their general feelings about the future of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies. Full Analysis

Paperboard Container Shipments Back up to Pandemic Levels  
Paperboard Container Shipments Back up to Pandemic Levels  

In March 2023, the value of shipments of paperboard containers was $6.361 billion, the highest it has been since August 2022. Full Analysis

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020
Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 723 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -12% since 2010. In macro news, the Architecture Billings Index suggests a recovery from the slowdown in the construction industry. Full Analysis

More Data Analysis

Recent Discussion

Robert Godwin on Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

Warren, First off, not down on the industry, simply realistic from a business persepctive. I disdain the influencer cheerleading that masks as marketing. Second, the issue is focus. Efforts to add value by calling a manufacturing process creative … Full comment Reply

Warren Werbitt on Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

Robert Goodwin When did you become a word smith? They are creating an experience for their clients. Who's to say anything different? Why even comment, when they they are moving the ball forward doing great things in the industry. Robert, I'm no… Full comment Reply

Robert Godwin on Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

In the Jeff Alexander section the topic of creating a market is the most critical issue. Perhaps that topic becomes the next phase of the 'tactile' experience. Addressing the market and forming a compelling message to the brand managers and their cre… Full comment Reply

Kevin Abergel on Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

Robert, thank you for taking the time to share your insightful comments on the article. You've provided an interesting perspective that encourages us to consider the nuances within the creative process. I completely agree with your distinction bet… Full comment Reply

Robert Godwin on Razzle Dazzle: User Success Stories on Creating Memorable Tactile Experiences

Kevin, The use of the word "creating" in the article title is misleading. Printers manufacture. Art directors, copy writers and designers create. Most of the embellishment ordered in the market are effects that have existed for a long, long time. … Full comment Reply

WhatTheyThink 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.

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