Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Around the Web: Relaxing Rocket. Seeing Signage. Design Destination. Famous Fyodor. Forgone Fine. Software Snacks. Farming Fiasco. Squirrel Shocker. Goldfish Galore.

Instead of a Yule log this Christmas, bask in the glow of NASA’s Rocket Engine Fireplace. Brown sugar is apparently going to be 2025’s Flavor of the Year. A recyclable paper wine bottle shaped like a bottle. The First Toronto Post Office is also museum, featuring a reading and writing room complete with quill pens. The New York City Sign Museum is now offering tours. Münich’s Design Museum features a new exhibition of classic children’s picture books. Fyodor Dostoyevsky has gone viral, oddly. AI is used to come up with new snack flavors. Heightened solar activity is playing havoc with agricultural equipment. Carnivorous squirrels! A panoply of new Goldfish favors. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly drone-free miscellany.

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 15,430 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 30% since 2010. In macro news, Q3 GDP growth revised up to 3.1%.

Texintel Joins the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network as a Sustainability Advocate

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan reports that Texintel has been invited to join the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network. It reflects Texintel’s dedication to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry in support of Texintel's partners and community. Learn more.

Hunkeler Innovationdays: More Important Than Ever!

This isn’t really a printing show as you would normally expect. Unlike most expos, you will not see the fancy booth setups or other hall distractions, only state-of-the-art digital print and finishing equipment displayed as connected application solutions. In 2023, over the course of four days, the event hosted over 100 exhibitors and about 6,500 people from 100 countries. As a result of the overwhelming interest, this year HID will be expanding their exhibition space.

Your Business Model: The Resources Needed to Make it Work

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn identifies a print business’s key resources and how they deliver the customer value proposition profitably.

B2B Marketers: Budgets Up, Expectations Down

Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at a new report that found that as B2B marketers are increasing their marketing budgets for 2025, they are lowering expectations by setting less lofty KPIs. Why?

Making Everything Easier with AI

If you are among the thousands dipping their toes into using AI tools to help you understand your business, you may be wondering where it can be most effective. Here are some ideas for where to start using your AI skills to learn more about your business!

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—The Netherlands

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at the Netherlands.

Frank Mallozzi’s Journey Back to the Print Industry with Konica Minolta

When Frank Mallozzi announced his retirement after a 25-year tenure at EFI, where he served as Chief Revenue Officer, many in the print industry believed they had seen the last of his influential leadership. In a recent episode of “Taktiful Tuesdays,” hosted by Eric Vessels of Taktiful, Mallozzi opened up about his return to the industry as the President of Konica Minolta’s Industrial Print and Production (IPP) Group.

Adapting to Challenges in the Digital Textile Market: How Sun Chemical Is Supporting Long-Term Growth in the Segment

I recently listened to a very informative fireside chat hosted by the World Textile Information Network (WTIN) and wanted to share a summary for our readers who are interested in this segment. Content was presented by two Sun Chemical executives: Simon Daplyn, Manager, Product Marketing; and the company’s business leader for textiles, Edri Baggi.

October Shipments: Pinch Us, We’re Dreaming

October 2024 shipments came in at $8.19 billion, up quite substantially from September’s $7.69 billion—the fourth straight monthly increase, and the third best October in the past five years.

Around the Web: Lessons Learned. Packaging Profitability. Bottle Blue. Sign Sum. Relic Writing. Popemobile Power. Trekkie Torture. Hubble Hooha. Dish Destruction. Festive Fromage.

52 things we learned in 2024. An eye-catching bottle design boosted sales. Saratoga Water’s iconic blue bottles now have an official Pantone name. An unusual, mathematically challenged “welcome to…” sign. Rescuing relics from the now-defunct Type Archive in the U.K. Another week, another unearthed relic that challenges our assumptions about the history of language and writing. Mercedes-Benz’s new electric Popemobile. A one-time owner of “Star Trek” novelty license plates is swamped with speeding and parking tickets—and she doesn’t even own a car. What would happen if you actually did put a bull in a china shop? Whole Foods’ “12 Days of Cheese.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The State of Fashion Report 2025: Key Trends Shaping the Future of Fashion in the Year Ahead

McKinsey has published its State of Fashion 2025 report: Navigating volatility towards a resilient and sustainable future. In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, she brings us highlights of the more than 100-page report, which can be downloaded via a link in the article.

Paper Checks Are Still a Thing?

Do you still pay by check? If so, you’re not alone. According to The Federal Reserve, there were 3.1 billion commercial check transactions in 2023. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the persistence of the paper check.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Italy

This ongoing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, in particular, tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Italy.

Finish with Finesse and Flair: Embellishment for Offset (Part 2)

Adding sensory appeal with embellishment can increase the perceived value—and the profit margin—of work produced on offset presses. This two-part overview outlines solutions and strategies for offset shops that want to dazzle their customers and sweeten their bottom lines.

Debating the Case for Standards in Digital Print Embellishments

The digital print embellishment industry is on the brink of a transformative evolution. In the latest episode of The Digital Embellishment Show, host Kevin Abergel and an expert panel tackled a subject that’s been generating buzz across the printing world: the urgent need for standardized practices in digital embellishments.

Keypoint Intelligence Forecast Conveys Growth Patterns, Technology Shifts, and Market Opportunities in the Wide-Format Industry

In 2024, Keypoint Intelligence released an updated forecast for the 2023–2028 wide format printing industry. The report examines key areas of growth and identifies emerging technologies poised to shape the future of the wide format sector. This article highlights the most in-demand wide-format applications currently driving the market and uncovers the rising adoption of workflow automation, revealing significant opportunities within the automation software landscape.

The Target Report: On-Demand Print & Merch is BIG Business for Private Equity—November 2024 M&A Activity

Printful and Printify Merge, and more …

Around the Web: Hot Hue. Widespread Word. Cool Covers. Catalog Contraction. Ancient Alphabet. Imaging ink. Tiny Timepiece. Freaky Franks.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2025. The OED’s Word of the Year for 2024. Print magazine’s Best Book Covers of 2024. Print catalogs are getting smaller. A recent find uncovered the world’s oldest alphabet. Ancient Babylonian student’s math error preserved in stone for 4,000 years. A new technology can measure brain waves using electronic, temporary scalp tattoos. Graphene sheets used in a new technique for self-assembling electronics. Casio’s functional ring watch. A new Roger Dean exhibition. Sam’s Club’s “Holidogs” are not for the faint of stomach. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 21,615 establishments in NAICS 32311 (Printing). This represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, but (checks notes) an increase of 0.4% from 2021. In macro news, highlights from the most recent Federal Reserve “Beige Book.”

Implementing Artificial Intelligence: Deriving Value at Every Stage

With so much focus on artificial intelligence’s potential to transform entire industries, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about where to begin. The good news is that AI provides value at every stage of implementation, regardless of whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale advanced AI solutions. This article explores how businesses can unlock real benefits as they continue their AI journey, regardless of stage.

Sweet 16: HP Launches New High-Volume Latex Series

Last month, HP launched its new series of Latex printers, the HP Latex FS50 and FS60 series, targeted at mid- to high-volume print service providers by increasing speed, color gamut, and the diversity of materials it can print on. Richard Romano takes a close look at the new units.

Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025 Preview

Get ready to experience the Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025. This is the premier event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and gain unparalleled insights and networking opportunities. Join industry leaders from around the world and explore cutting-edge solutions for continuous and sheet-fed trends, shaping the future of print.

Customer Value Proposition: Preferred Sales Channels

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how print sales channels are changing and that, if you don’t already have a good ecommerce solution, make installing one a priority.

A Look at Your Brain on Gratitude

The value of gratitude isn’t just a nice idea around the holidays—it’s scientifically proven to produce positive effects through changes in the brain. Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains how.

Trends in Labels and Packaging: A New Year is Coming

During the month of November, we had an opportunity to see the latest NAPCO Digital Packaging research report, and to meet with many packaging converters at the Digital Packaging Summit, to hear first-hand their challenges and opportunities. At the same time, RR Donnelley released their latest Packaging and Labels Insight Report.

AI Makes Everything Easier—Right?

Have you bought into the Artificial Intelligence story? The one that says that ChatGPT and similar tools are all you need to succeed? The one that has led to shrinking marketing departments and even new approaches to product development led by GPT engines? It might be time to think about where AI can help!

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Ireland

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Ireland.

COP29 Cop-Out: A Disappointing Deal with No Real Accountability Leaves Developing Countries Outraged

Although countries pledged last year at COP28 to develop a clear plan to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy capacity, no clear plan to do so came out of this year’s summits. It’s not a good indicator of what the future will hold in terms of the climate crisis, with no clear global agreement on exactly what needs to be done, and how the world will pull together to get it done.

Product Spotlight: Streamline Every Print Job, Scale Effortlessly: Choose OnPrintShop for Cutting-Edge Efficiency

OnPrintShop harnesses the power of AI to streamline workflows, reduce setup times, and deliver a seamless experience for print service providers, enabling faster go-live and improved productivity across diverse print applications.

October Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Net printing employment in October 2024 was not much changed from September—overall employment was up slightly by 0.4%, with production employment up 1.1% and non-production employment down 1.2%, one nearly offsetting the other.

Around the Web: Packaging Problem. Travel Type. Stretchable Screen. Biker Blade. PlayStation Pizza. Heliotropic Hamsters. Condiment Card.

A packaging misprint sends Wicked doll buyers to a porn site. A demonstration of the first copier, invented by James Watt. Tracking down an unusual typeface. LG’s new display can be stretched from 12 in. to 18 in. An E Ink-based display for leaving notes for family members. Kurt Vonnegut had invented a board game—which is now available. The ancient Chinese roots of “rock paper scissors.” Graphene can dramatically improve the performance and sustainability of PET bottles. A windshield wiper for motorcycle helmets. Using a PlayStation to keep pizza warm. Solar-powered hamsters. Hidden Valley’s ranch dressing-themed Christmas card. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Safeguarding Commercial Printing: Advancements in Cybersecurity

The growing integration of digital technologies into commercial printing has fundamentally transformed the way that today’s companies operate. Automation, data analytics, and cloud computing are now key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. Although these innovations enable smarter production processes, they also expose operations to cyberthreats. This article discusses how strong cybersecurity protocols can help ensure operational security while maintaining client trust.

Can Design Address Some of the Pressing Eco-Problems of Our Planet? Yes! Meet the Green Grads

In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, she asks the question whether design can address some of the pressing problems affecting our planet. She highlights the work of some of the 24 Green Grads, recent graduates from UK Universities, linked by a common concern for the environment, that can help us have a more sustainable industry and a cleaner planet.

Empowering the Next Generation of Print Professionals: Fiery Partners with Graphic Communications Scholarship Foundation

In this article, written and sponsored by Fiery, read about how, through a strategic partnership with the Graphic Communications Scholarship Foundation (GCSF), Fiery is not only providing access to best-in-class resources and certifications but also creating a bridge between theoretical classroom knowledge and real-world print applications.

Why Checklists Really Make a Difference

Checklists reduce mistakes—a lot. Heidi Tolliver-Waller looks at how so simple a tool can reduce or eliminate mistakes in surgery, aviation—and even printing.

Customer Value Proposition: Job to be Done

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how to understand where in the customer’s value chain your products and services fit.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Hungary

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Hungary.

What Makes Your PDF? (Part 2)

If you are suffering from the PDF Flu, here are some things to watch for and some ideas on how to ensure that every PDF you send through to production can process and run efficiently, whether going to print or an edelivery platform. Let's look at your options!

Finish with Finesse and Flair: Embellishment for Offset (Part 1)

Adding sensory appeal can increase the perceived value—and the profit margin—of work produced on offset presses. This two-part overview outlines solutions and strategies for offset shops that want to dazzle their customers and sweeten their bottom lines.

Printing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 22,651 establishments in NAICS 323 (Printing and Related Support Activities). This represents a decline of 22% since 2010—but (but!) a slight (slight!) increase in establishments from 2021. In macro news, inflation is still fairly under control.

Around the Web: Bot Bonanza. Typing Torus. Pate Powder. Razr Reflection. Lunar Lasers. Solar Scooter. Kevin Connections. Aldi Advent.

A robot artist’s painting sells for more than $1 million. Google Japan’s Möbius Strip keyboard. An interesting approach to sustainable shampoo packaging. A tribute to the Motorola Razr. A question for the ages: if everyone on Earth aimed a laser pointer at the moon simultaneously, what would happen? A solar-powered motor scooter. There is an app for lucid dreaming. The “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” now has data! What is the world’s oldest organism? “Sandwiches from History” rounds up some old recipes. Aldi’s highly anticipated Advent calendars are here! All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Voice of the Customer: Direct Mailers Partner with Screen to Drive Growth and Efficiency

Printers and direct mailers of every flavor gathered at PRINTING United in September to explore new technology, finishing, and workflow solutions. Lois Ritarossi spoke with three Screen Americas customers about changes in their production environments and expanding direct mail services. The interviewees shared their perspectives on strategic partnerships, evolving their capabilities, and preparing for the future.

Driving Innovation and Sustainability: Key Takeaways from the Fashion Network Ecommerce Summit 2024

In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, she highlights the recent Fashion Ecommerce Summit 2024 which took place in Manchester, UK. She notes that the ecommerce sector, including fashion, is poised on the brink of significant expansion and summarizes some of the interesting presentations delivered at the event.

SnapPress and Commercial Printing Trends: Short Runs for Big Goals

SnapPress supports commercial printers navigating evolving industry trends like sustainability, automation, and digitalization. Purpose-built for high-quality, short-run labels, the SnapPress LP-1 minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. In this article, written and sponsored by SnapPress, learn how SnapPress, by offering eco-friendly, on-demand printing, enables companies to meet niche market demands while enhancing profitability in a competitive landscape.

Success Is Not Always Trusting Your Gut Instinct

Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains how to protect ourselves from our own brains.

What Makes Your PDF? (Part 1)

At a recent industry meeting, many printers pointed out that they are seeing more poor PDF files than ever before. The point was that many companies are offshoring content development, even for transaction and marketing mail. The PDFs coming into their print queues are so poor that some won’t process at all, while others cause delays in RIP and processing. Let’s look at your options!

Mercury Print Productions: From the Basement to the Bleeding Edge

Mercury Print Productions was founded in 1968 by Valerie Mannix as a typesetter and forms printer in the basement of her little ranch house. They closed off the garage so they could store paper and she would print downstairs. Today, they are successfully operating in 300,000 sq.ft. and are not afraid to try something new.

What’s Fueling Fashion Over-Consumption? And What Can We Do About It?

As the year comes to a close, we’re back on our soapbox about over-consumption, especially in fashion. Although we don’t mention fast fashion in this article, we are looking at you, Zara, Shein, and others who are pushing out low-quality, highly trendy stuff that usually ends up in the landfill. This article places a focus on several of the online resale platforms that make buying and selling fashion easy for consumers—even profitable—enabling a circular lifecycle and helping to reduce fashion’s horrendous climate impact. If you know of resale platforms we haven’t discussed here, please add them in the comments section, with a few words about how you have used them!

Johnson’s World: Musings, Droppings, Streams and Flashes, Part 14

Vague musings, name-dropping, streams of consciousness and occasional flashes of brilliance...from Johnson’s World.

September Shipments: No Fall This Autumn

September 2024 shipments came in at $7.67 billion, up ever so slightly from August’s $7.66 billion—the third straight monthly increase. Sure, it’s a small increase, but we’ll take what we can get.

Around the Web: Perishing Papers. Vonnegut Volume. Comic Controversy. Country Con. Precious Prime. Fromage Felony.

Several major NJ newspapers discontinue their print editions. A new limited deluxe edition of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-5. Comic Sans turns 30—is it time to reconsider its awfulness? New clues about the origin of writing. An elaborate and successful 19th-century scam involving a fictional Central American country. The new largest prime number ever discovered. A mathematical model that determines the optimal shape of a beer glass that keeps beer cool. In memoriam: Murray McCrory, inventor of the JanSport backpack. A wooden “artisanal satellite” has just been launched. “Your air fryer may be spying on you,” for some reason. A scammer steals 22 tons of cheddar from a London cheese shop. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Target Report: Paper Industry Transformation Moves Forward—October 2024 M&A Activity

International Paper Downsizes Again, CJK Rationalizes Kodi Again, and more…

Salem One Takes “University” Approach to Workforce Development

Salem One, the largest independently owned packaging, print, and direct marketing/mail operation in the Southeast, believes it will gain a significant competitive edge by committing to a new model for internal training and cultivating up-and-coming leaders within its ranks. Patrick Henry explains how the company’s “leadership pipeline” has become an integral part of its business strategy.

“Green” Textiles and Apparel: Digital Printing Leads the Way

As the world continues to prioritize sustainability and “green” practices, the textile industry is experiencing a significant transformation to meet eco-friendly standards and government regulations. This article explores what sustainability means for textile and apparel companies, and how digital printing is paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Key Insights and Five Stand-Out DTF Digital Print Solutions for The Garment Decoration Industry

Have you been thinking about getting into direct to film (DTF)? It’s certainly been a hot topic at shows this year! In this article, compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, you’ll find valuable insight, including how this technology is poised to disrupt Direct to Garment and screen printing for many applications. She also provides links to some of the suppliers to the industry who offer DTF solutions.

Adobe Adds Integrated Print Capability to Adobe Express

Cary Sherburne looks at a new collaboration between Adobe and Zazzle that adds integrated printing capabilities to Adobe Express and allows users to design and order printed products through an open print ecosystem.

Customer Value Proposition: Product/Solution Offering

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how you must have the capabilities to provide the “deliverables” the customer needs to secure their desired outcomes.

Resurgence of “Catalogs the White”

After a decline, catalogs are on the rise again. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the resurgence of print catalogs—and how they have changed with the times.

Cereus Graphics Quietly Steals the Show

Phoenix, Ariz.’s Cereus Graphics recently won multiple awards from the Foil and Special Effects Association (FSEA) for Excellence in Foil Stamping and Embossing—a nice way for a company to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Heidi Tolliver-Walker chronicles Cereus Graphics’ journey.

Kodak: Reestablishing a Brand

The Kodak brand became ubiquitous with photos creating the tagline a “Kodak moment” and becoming a part of the vernacular. Then came technological and market shifts, bringing them to bankruptcy. However, they are now profitable and innovative again, with what appears to be a future of growth.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Greece

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Greece.

A Primer on Web-to-Print Integrations: Automate Operations and Offer More Value

In this article written and sponsored by Propago, learn how efficient integration in web-to-print solutions is crucial for printers to automate operations and add value. With diverse integration methods, systems communicate seamlessly, reducing errors and manual tasks. Connecting key platforms streamlines workflows, enabling real-time updates, improved data accuracy, and a responsive customer experience.

The Label and Packaging Industry in 2024: Trends Shaping the Future

From digital innovations to eco-friendly solutions, several key trends are reshaping how businesses approach their packaging strategies. Joanne Gore enumerates them.

Are You In Control of Your VOC Emissions?

Cary Sherburne talks with Anoosheh Oskouian, CEO and President of Ship & Shore Environmental, Inc., about their Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer solutions, designed to capture VOCs and other emissions and eliminate them safely.

Still Wondering About the Epson Fiery Acquisition?

As noted at the time by my colleague David Zwang, many were scratching their heads over Epson’s acquisition of Fiery. Last Friday, November 1, Epson provided more detail about its strategy and expectations related to this acquisition, which are summarized here.

Tales from the Database: Packing it In

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 is in part devoted to labels and packaging, so we delve into the data to gauge print businesses’ interest in adding packaging capabilities.

Around the Web: Logo Library. Auctioning AI. Plonk Packaging. Damned Domain. Cryptid Carnival. Echo Education. Super Stations. Fitting Footwear. Future Food.

The Space Exploration Logo Archive (SELA) is a series of printed books celebrating 70+ years of space travel. Artwork by robot artist Ai-Da is up for auction at Sotheby’s. A study by the UK’s Wine Society found the most sustainable option for wine packaging, although we have questions. Did you know that domain names can be “haunted”? Reconstructing the face of a 400-year-old vampire. Johnstown, Pa., hosts the annual “Squonkapalooza” to celebrate a mythical beast. An electric scooter that uses a graphene-based battery. Get rid of autumn leaves with ease using a leaf blower mounted to a robot dog. Learn how to echolocate in 10 weeks. Fifteen “stunning train stations.” A line of sneakers that grow with your kids. Whole Foods’ culinary trends for 2025. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Biomarker Ink Additives for DNA-Based Track and Trace

Mary Schilling spoke with Bruce Carnes, director of business development for Diversified Nano Solutions, which creates custom inks and fluids for high-security track and trace applications.

The Case For Standards In Digital Print Embellishments

Digital embellishments are poised for high growth, but the embellishment landscape is still very much the “Wild West.” Kevin Abergel makes the case for the need for standards in digital print embellishments.

Executive Leadership’s Critical Role in AI Adoption

Artificial intelligence is moving from theory into practice, but its success depends on the leadership and strategic decisions made at the highest level of an organization. This article explores the critical role that executive leaders play in AI adoption and the challenges they face.

Unboxing the Folding Carton Market

Katrina Edwards dives into the world of the folding carton: its growth trajectory, market trends, and an overview of the manufacturing process.

Branding Bullseye: How to Hit Packaging Color Targets

David Hunter explains how to avoid a brand owner’s worst nightmare: two packages for the same product sitting side by side on the store shelf and the colors don’t match.

Consumers on Four Factors That Influence Brand Trust

Remember the days when we used to talk about using personalization to drive sales? Today, we’re hearing more about personalization being used to drive things much more difficult to quantify, such as brand loyalty and brand trust. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at nuggets from Marigold’s just-released survey “Relationship Marketing Trends: Brand Rankings Report.”

Up All Night with Gina Danner: Scaling Up Requires a New Approach to Leadership

This article kicks off a new feature that will run regularly on WhatTheyThink.com in which Gina Danner, CEO of Kansas City’s NextPage, and other print business owners will look at the issues and concerns that beset them.

Executive Q&A: Michelman’s Lori Gobris

We sat down with Lori Gobris, Michelman’s Global Marketing Director, Packaging, about the company’s diverse product portfolio, commitment to sustainability, and a growing need for collaboration across the circular economy supply chain.

Executive Q&A: Canon

WhatTheyThink sat down with Francis McMahon, Executive Vice President, and Nicole Tully, Manager, Marketing Communications & Sales Enablement, Production Print Solutions of Canon for a wide-reaching conversation that touched on a Canon business update, how better targeted marketing campaigns can help save print, and education initiatives the company has been involved in to help attract the next generation to the printing industry.

Back to the Present with UV Retrofits for Offset

The many benefits of UV production are in reach without investing in a new, UV-equipped offset press. With the right modifications, existing equipment can find its place in the UV spectrum as well. Patrick Henry explains.

Welcome to the Print & Packaging Issue!

Issue 5 of WhatTheyThink magazine is now out, and this week and next we will be publishing the contents of that issue. Here’s a preview.

September Graphic Arts Employment Remains Fairly Flat

Overall printing employment in September 2024 was not much changed from August with production employment down 0.2% and non-production employment up 0.5%.

Around the Web: Real Raven. Nurdle Negation. Wallpaper Warming. Color Kindle. Code Controversy. Computer Chronicle. Runner’s Racket. Snack Sobriquet.

The inspiration for Poe’s “The Raven” A new line of sustainable wrapping paper. A paper-based alternative to plastic “nurdles.” A research project intended to “improve the reading experience for people with low vision through typography.” Electric wallpaper for home heating. The invention of the barcode was not without controversy. A 1968 Bell Labs computer documentary that inspired Stanley Kubrick. A simple, ingenious invention for runners: the Runbell. Goldfish—the snack cracker—is changing its name to “Chilean Sea Bass,” for some reason. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Next Leap in Automation: AI’s Role in Driving Print Business Growth

AI is more than a buzzword in print. It has the potential to automate complex print tasks, optimize resources, and improve processes. Fiery, an industry leader in digital print technology, is at the forefront of this transformation, integrating AI into solutions that streamline job processing, enhance inventory management, and ensure consistent print quality. This article, written and sponsored by Fiery, explores how Fiery’s AI-driven tools are empowering print providers to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth for print businesses.

Second Time Around for Vintage Machinery in the Used Equipment Market

A new piece of printing equipment becomes used at the first moment it goes into production. Its useful life doesn’t have to end when its original owner no longer needs it. Patrick Henry explains.

Using Chat GPT to Analyze the Most Effective Subject Lines

Heidi Tolliver-Walker explores how forms and labels manufacturer Wise used ChatGPT to effectively evaluate its marketing campaign.

Customer Value Proposition: Target Customer

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how to know who your best customers are, what they look like, and why they’re your best customers.

Gallus “System to Compose”—Adaptation Dynamics Included

In an environment of changing markets and technologies, adaptability is becoming a key requirement for modern machine systems. Guest contributor Dieter Finna of pack.consult looks at how a future-oriented machine concept impresses with its flexibility to seamlessly integrate additional printing and finishing modules when changing market conditions require it.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Germany

This continuing series of short articles provides some country details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, especially tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at Germany.

After the Flood: BOBST Opens New Competence Center in Florence, Italy

Sean Smyth reports from the opening ceremony at BOBST’s new 1,200 square meter Competence Center in Florence, Italy, where they showed off six of their label, flexible packaging, and carton presses.

Will a New California Law Make a Dent in Textile Waste?

California’s governor just signed into law a first-in-the-nation law requiring companies that make clothing, footwear, and textiles—including drapes, towels and bedding—to set up the nation’s first mandatory take-back program for unwanted clothes. This comes on the heels of a similar law in France, foreshadowing big changes for the industry and hopefully, benefits for the planet.

Around the Web: Type Tournament. Price Package. Drone Delivery. Mobile Museum. Absent Accordions. Screw Story. Food Fallacies.

Show off your mad typing skills with “Typing Bowl.” A German company print the price of its products right on the packaging. Delivering food by a robot–drone team. When online, visit the Mobile Phone Museum. An elaborate, Rube Goldberg-like snooze alarm. A graphene-based “electronic tongue.” The last French accordion manufacturer has gone out of business. Why is it called a “Phillips head screwdriver”? Many of America’s most “traditional” food recipes were based on marketing campaigns. New TikTok-inspired “smoked Cheez-Its” are coming. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Outdoor Advertising Establishments—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2010, there were 2,378 establishments in NAICS 54185 (Outdoor Advertising). This NAICS actually grew post-Great Recession, with a slight decline mid-decade before climbing back up to 2,765 establishments in 2018. 2019 saw a massive drop in establishments, but it has climbed back up to 2,532 establishments in 2021. In macro news: retail sales increased in September.

The Future of Printing: A Conversation with Ford Bowers, President and CEO of the PRINTING United Alliance

As technological advancements redefine the status quo, it becomes essential for enterprises to not just adapt but anticipate the changes on the horizon. Ford Bowers, President and CEO of the PRINTING United Alliance, underscored this in a recent interview with Texintel CEO and WhatTheyThink contributor, Debbie McKeegan at PRINTING United in Las Vegas.

Print’s Enduring Role in Customer Communications

Even in today’s digital world, printed materials play a powerful role in customer communications. In fact, firms that are focused on customer experience have discovered an excellent harmony between print and digital channels. This article explores how businesses can optimize the strengths of both digital and printed media to culminate more meaningful customer relationships.

What Do Users Really Think of USPS Informed Delivery?

A look at the most recent USPS Informed Delivery update (June 2023–June 2024), including updated user stats, the latest open and click-through rates, and number of Informed Delivery campaigns.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—France

This bi-weekly series of short articles provides details on the size of the printing industry in Europe per country, specifically tracking the number of printing establishments. This time we look at France.

Collaborating for Visibility!

Whether you are a printer who does industry shows in the segments you serve or a vendor selling into the community printers at a local, regional, or global event, how you come to the show and the samples you share tell a story. Why not make it bigger and better by collaborating with your clients and partners?

Best Practices for Hiring and Retaining Employees in a Labor-Constrained Market

Finding talent continues to be an issue for many printing and packaging businesses, perhaps even more so than in other industries due to perceptions about the business that are no longer accurate. In this article, we offer 10 suggestions for hiring and retaining talent that may help you ensure access to the best possible talent pool in your business.

Around the Web: Kafka Covers. Grass Graphics. Costume Chemicals. Time Trends. Comma Creation. Cassette Comeback. Morticia Menu.

Using Rapid Liquid Printing to produce a handbag. Lawnmower-based graphic design. The dangers of really fast fashion: Halloween costumes. A temperature-controlling graphene-enhanced jacket. Where did punctuation come from? Cassette tapes are becoming popular. The slow acceptance of wearing pants. Burger King’s Addams Family-themed Halloween menu. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

August Shipments Indeed

August 2024 shipments came in at $7.68 billion, up from July’s $7.44 billion—the second straight monthly increase.

Commentary & Analysis

Insight You Need. Analysis You Trust.