Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

The Power to Move—Promotional Communications

In this article, sponsored and written by Canon, the company looks at the role of digital printing technology in the production of promotional materials.

Around drupa

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a photo gallery of images taken from around the show. This collection groups the first four days’ worth.

Around the Web: Literary Lunchbox. Coin Composing. Spreadsheet Sports. Tarot Tales. Roman Routes. Fan Fashion. Flying Flivver. Probe Problems. Grilling Gurus.

McSweeney’s celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special lunchbox-themed print edition. Ray Bradbury wrote Fahrenheit 451 on a coin-operated typewriter. Inside the world of competitive Microsoft Excel spreadsheeting. The earliest known photo of a first lady. A history of tarot cards—which were only recently used for fortunetelling. The ancient Roman road network as a subway map. A wearable climate control device for hot days. New plans for a flying car. NASA reestablishes contact with Voyager 1—which has been hurtling through space for 46 years. DoorDash and Aldi promotion will give shoppers a BBQ tutorial with professional “grillmaster.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Q1 Industry Profits: The Two Cities Become One (and Not a Good One)

Quarter-over-quarter profit margin data can be fairly noisy but had been on a general upward trend since the trough of the pandemic—although we had another crash in Q4 2023, which is proving difficult to climb out of.

Musings on drupa, 2024

Industry analyst Sean Smyth offers some initial impressions of drupa 24.

SID: Automating Measurement and Testing

The SID (Sächsische Institut für die Druckindustrie) is a non-profit printing industry-oriented research institution based in Leipzig, Germany, active in several fields: as a research and development partner, as a provider of services including measuring/testing devices for the graphic arts industry, and as a competence centre for technology transfer. Ralf Schlözer spotlights their drupa 24 presence.

Ricoh Expands in Commercial Print

Nicknamed “the dragon,” Ricoh’s Pro Z75 sheetfed inkjet press was shown live for the first time at drupa 24. Ralf Schlözer takes a closer look.

Print It Like Gutenberg

Tired of inkjet? Overwhelmed by all the new technology? At drupa 24, there were also demonstrations of how Gutenberg printed and how he invented moveable type. Ralf Schözer takes a trip back in time…

B3 High-Quality Inkjet with Kyocera

Kyocera’s TASKalfa Pro 15000c, launched in 2019, quickly became an established product thanks to its great price-performance ratio, with about 500 units having been installed worldwide. Ralf Schlözer looks at how the product has evolved, new capabilities being featured at drupa 24.

DG Press Demonstrates Hybrid Approach to Web Offset

Patrick Henry reports on DG Press, at drupa to promote its solutions for hybrid web offset printing in security, pharmaceutical insert, flexible packaging, and label applications. Its presses are modular platforms that can include processes in addition to offset for fast, flexible operation with quick job changeovers and low setup costs.

HP Indigo’s Technology: LEP and LEPx

In this article, sponsored and written by HP Indigo, the company takes a close look at its Liquid Electrophotography (LEP) technology and the new LEPx technology.

Global Perspectives—Brazilian Printing Industry: Innovation and Sustainability Are Crucial for Growth

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Hamilton Costa profiles Brazil.

Fujifilm Showing Impressive Line of New Products

David Zwang runs down the myriad hardware and software product announcements made by Fujifilm at drupa 24.

Arizona 2300 FLXflow—Streamlining Your Flatbed Printing Production

In this article, sponsored and written by Canon, learn about the advantages of Canon’s FLXflow technology that streamlines production on the Arizona flatbed printer.

Student Perspectives of drupa

WhatTheyThink and the drupa daily arranged to have several students from California Polytechnic State University travel to Düsseldorf. They helped produce the drupa daily and got to see their very first major industry trade event. Here are their impressions of drupa 24.

Strengthening Artificial Intelligence with Clean and Organized Data

It’s hard to go anywhere these days without hearing something about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it might change our world. Before you jump on the AI bandwagon, though, it’s a good idea to take a step back and think about your company’s data. This article explores the importance of clean, well-organized data when exploring an AI infrastructure.

Taopix Unveils Brand Transformation and Cutting-Edge Product Line for drupa 2024

At drupa 24, Taopix re-branded and launched a new suite of photo printing products.

Shengda Printing Technology Installs Five New HP Indigo 100K Digital Presses to Accelerate Analog-to-Digital Transformation

At drupa 24, HP announced that Shengda Printing Technology is continuing its analog-to-digital transformation by acquiring five new HP Indigo Digital Presses.

Expanding Opportunities in Inkjet with Screen

At drupa 2024, Screen launched a number of brand-new inkjet production devices to improve performance and to address new markets—including the Truepress JET 560HDX, which was shown publicly for the first time. Ralf Schlözer reports.

Last Minute Personalization of Boxes with RISO

At drupa 24, RISO was showing their new printhead engine that can be easily integrated into packaging and shipping lines. Ralf Schlözer reports from the show.

Direct-to-Shape Print with LabelSaver

Instead of using labels, a resource-saving alternative can be printing directly onto a container. There are several options for direct-to-shape inkjet printing available—but at drupa 24, newly established supplier LabelSaver believes it has found a novel approach. Ralf Schlözer takes us inside this new technology.

The Fastest Path to Press

At drupa 24, two much-cited critical challenges faced by print service providers (PSPs) were cost pressures and workforce challenges. Pat McGrew looks at how some vendors are helping printers conquer these challenges.

Better Together: Vendors Act in Partnership at drupa

Sooner or later, every drupa gets a nickname from the trade media: the digital drupa. The workflow drupa. The inkjet drupa. There’s no official nickname for drupa 2024 yet, but calling the show “The Partner drupa” wouldn’t be an inaccurate way to describe it. Patrick Henry explains.

Versatility is Keynote of Flexography-plus Press Platforms from OMET

At drupa, OMET was promoting its Flex series of flexographic-plus systems for label and packaging applications across the board in a variety of web widths. Patrick Henry takes a closer look.

Komori Presented Live Demos of Commercial, Digital, and Packaging Print Equipment

Komori made a major commitment to drupa 24 with a 14,500-sq.-ft. stand that presented three pieces of equipment in live operation. The theme was Connected Automation. Patrick Henry takes a closer look.

MGI Digital Technology Wins an EDP Award for Digital Embellishment

The brand-new MGI JETvarnish 3D Web 400 digital roll-to-roll embellishing press won an EDP Award in the “Digital Embellishment Packaging” category at drupa 2024.

Fujifilm Celebrates Triple Win at EDP Awards 2024

Fujifilm won three EDP Awards at drupa 24, for the Jet Press FP790, and the 42K and 46kUV print bars.

Colombian Graphics Industry Shifting to Food Packaging

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Fabian Ruiz profiles Colombia.

HP Industrial Print and ePac Flexible Packaging Enter into Multiyear Strategic Agreement to Convert ePac’s Flexible Packaging Fleet to HP Indigo 200k

At drupa 24, HP Indigo and ePac Flexible Packaging announced a multiyear strategic agreement to convert ePac Flexible Packaging fleet to HP’s Indigo 200K digital press.

Fujifilm Smart Flow: Taking Workflow Holistically

David Zwang takes a deep dive into Fujifilm’s Smart Flow workflow software, being demonstrated at drupa 24.

Connected Automation with Atomyx

David Zwang looks at Atomyx, a platform built on the vision of Connected Automation to enable the profitable production of individualized print jobs at scale, which was being showcased at drupa 24.

Canon’s ProStream 2133 Helps to Drive McLays & MiPost Digital Transformation

At drupa 24, Canon announced that Mclays & MiPost have become the first UK printer to purchase the new ProStream 2133, which launched at the show.

If Authenticity Is Less “A Thing” In Influencer Marketing, Then What Is?

If you are a marketer, you likely have either a love or hate relationship with influencer marketing. But influencer marketing isn’t simple and straightforward. Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains the nuances.

Xeikon Pushes Speed, Quality, and Sustainability

At drupa 24, Xeikon presented a refreshed brand with a range of new presses. Ralf Schlözer looks at what the company had on show.

Konica Minolta Driving Automation and B2 Inkjet Speed

Konica Minolta made a big splash at drupa 2024 with the seventh largest booth at the show and 20 European premieres with a range of toner and inkjet printers and software solutions. Ralf Schlözer surveys the highlights.

Highlight drupa 2024: Reka Hot Melt Glue Guns for the Graphics Arts Industry

At drupa 24, Reka Klebetechnik was showing its range of professional hot-melt glue guns.

Global Perspectives—Spanish Graphic Arts Market Maintains Its Recovery Trend

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Rosa Arza profiles Spain.

HP, Horizon and Atomyx Make a Magazine

At drupa 24, the Atomyx, HP, and Horizon teams collaborated to produce a print sample that showed the power of partner collaboration and provided thought leadership. Pat McGrew documents how the project came together.

Kornit Digital Aims to Drive Transformation of Textile Printing

Kornit Digital believes that textile printing is now at the same stage where print on paper was 25 years ago: predominantly analog, but on the brink of a digital transformation. Patrick Henry looks at the compnay’s drupa 24 presence and its direct-to-garment and direct-to-fabric systems.

Koenig & Bauer Covers All the Bases in Its drupa Presentations

At drupa, Koenig & Bauer was promoting a long list of product innovations aimed at upholding the distinction it claims as a manufacturer that can apply any printing technology to any relevant substrate. Patrick Henry sums up the highlights of their presence at the show.

Landa Digital Printing and Gelato Announce Collaboration to Drive Innovation and Streamline Print Production

At drupa 24, Landa Digital Printing and Gelato announced a collaboration that leverages Landa's Nanographic print technology and customer network, and Gelato's global software platform—GelatoConnect—for the delivery of on-demand, short-to-medium run, digitally printed jobs with unparalleled print quality.

Global First: Fujifilm and Barberán Announce First Sale of New HS Series Single-Pass Inkjet Platform, with Deal Agreed on the Barberán Stand at drupa 2024

At drupa, Linney, a full-service UK-based marketing agency, became the first company in the world to invest in the new, ultra-high productivity, single-pass HS Series developed in partnership by Fujifilm and Barberán.

The Canon UVgel Packaging Factory: The Gateway to Future Possibilities with Digitally Printed Corrugated Packaging

In this article, sponsored and written by Canon, the company explains how its new UVgel Packaging Factory extends the Canon Colorado’s already broad application capabilities to deliver the digital equivalent of litho lamination for customized packaging.

Sizing the European Print Industry

Kicking off a regular series of country-by-country analyses, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the demographics of the printing industry in Europe as a whole—identifying revenue, employment, and the number of establishments.

Hybrid Software Drives Smart Print Factories

David Zwang looks at how Hybrid Software has grown organically and through the acquisition and integration of an extensive but synergetic group of companies, allowing them to build very complete and efficient solutions for both OEMs as well as PSP users.

Textile Printing Is Better with PDF

At drupa 24, Adobe was demonstrating how PDF can be used for textile production. David Zwang reports from drupa’s touchpoint textile display area.

Panic in Plastics?

Are plastics manufactures starting to panic? I only ask because it seems that CNN—and maybe others—are being inundated by pro-plastic ads, reminiscent of when Big Tobacco was trying to save itself. In this article, we look at some of the PR plastics organizations are putting out, and you can draw your own conclusions!

Global Perspectives—Innovation and Resilience: The Fundamental Pillars of Portugal’s Print Businesses

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Alice Machado profiles Portugal.

Canon: The Power To Move Publishing

In this article, written and sponsored by Canon, the company looks at trends in publishing and how the products on display in Canon’s Publishing Zone drupa display help publication printers overcome these challenges.

Landa Showing B1 Digital Press with Offset Capacity

Landa Digital Print’s tagline for drupa 2024 was “Run More,” and they supported that with the introduction of new “faster and smarter” presses. David Zwang looks at the S11 simplex and S11P duplex B1 presses.

Kodak: A Partner for Analog and Digital

Ralf Schlözer looks at the analog and digital solutions Kodak was showcasing at drupa 24, including a new Sonora Ultra process-free plate, a new large-format platesetter, the Magnus Q3600 Titan, and the Prosper Ultra 520 press.

HP and Cimpress Embark On A New Chapter Of Collaboration

David Zwang reports from drupa 24 on the HP/Cimpress partnership and how Cimpress s actively contributing to the development of the newly announced HP Indigo 120K Digital Press.

Winning in Flexible Packaging through Chem-Stack Design

Inkjet Insight's Mary Schilling looks at Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), which was showcasing its flexible packaging printing capabilities at drupa 24.

Around the Web: Dye Discovery. Clay Creativity. Collapsing King. Autocorrect Adversaries. Tape Talk. Machine Muting. Retail Riffing. Bee Brew. Pool Potable.

Trying to recreate a long lost “recipe” for blue dye. Costco is now only selling books at Christmas. A Polish artist works with “3D-printed clay” to create unusual textures. A 3D-printed chess king that will collapse when checkmated. People whose names are routinely autocorrected have had enough. All about duct tape. Engineering students invent a leaf blower silencer. A new exhibition dedicated to MAD Magazine and we are so going. A heavy metal band turns UPC codes into guitar tabs for serious consumer product riffing. Microbiologists have brewed a beer using yeast obtained from the guts of killer bees, for some reason. Here’s a term we had never heard before: smoothie keg. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 276 establishments in NAICS 322219 (Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -21% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was virtually unchanged in May.

The Plockmatic Group Celebrates 50 Successful and Innovative Years at drupa

In this article, written and sponsored by The Plockmatic Group, recounts the company's booklet making and feeding solutions as it marks its 50th anniversary at drupa 24.

How Midnight Oil Makes Pressroom Magic by Focusing on the Basics of Lithography

Offset lithographic presses have come a long way, but the offset lithographic process remains what it always has been. Optimizing the process with specially developed inks and chemistry has helped one plant achieve results so striking that they sometimes can be hard to believe. Patrick Henry looks at Midnight Oil, which has specialized in precisely this kind of impossible-dream offset lithographic printing for at least a decade.

Heidelberg Stakes New Claim to Industrial Inkjet with Jetfire

At drupa 24, Heidelberg announced the Jetfire 50 B3 and Jetfire 75 B2 presses, introduced in partnership with Canon, designed as solutions for hybrid production in combined offset and digital environments. Patrick Henry looks at the details of the announcement.

Advanced New Robotics and Next Generation Digital Cutting Technology Revealed by Kongsberg PCS

In this article, sponsored and written by Kongsberg Precision Systems, the company describes the new technologies the company showed for the first time at drupa 24, including the new Kongsberg Ultimate. It also looks to the future of automation.

All4Labels and HP Announce Multi-Unit Press Deal

As All4Labels continues its plans to completely digitize its production floors, the company announced at drupa 24 that it was investing in several units of HP Indigo V12, HP Indigo 200K and the enhanced version of the HP PageWide Advantage 2200. David Zwang looks at the details of this investment.

Sustainability Front and Center at EFI drupa Stand

In this article, sponsored by EFI, Cary Sherburne looks at the company’s sustainability efforts, ranging from its Reggiani ecoTERRA pigment textile printer, Nozomi’s sustainability credentials as compared to analog printing processes, new aqueous inks being used in the new EFI Nozomi 14000 AQ single-pass inkjet technology for corrugated packaging and displays, and the Nozomi 12000 MP single-pass LED inkjet technology for direct-to-metal printing using GREENGUARD Gold certified UV LED inks.

Global Perspectives: Printing Industry in the DACH Region—The Future Lies in Change!

The challenges facing the printing industry in the DACH region are similar to those in the rest of Western Europe. The multitude of geopolitical crises, the persistently high energy costs and the resulting rise in inflation and interest rates have led to uncertainty in the market—which has also had a direct impact on the printing industry. Knud Wassermann of Vienna’s Graphische Revue, looks at the state of the printing industry in the region comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

BOBST Unveils Innovative Solutions and Forges Strategic Partnerships at drupa 2024

In this article, sponsored and written by BOBST, the company announced its latest solutions and strategic partnerships to help shape the future of the packaging world, contributing to a new era in packaging where the entire production line is connected, enabling seamless end-to-end workflows.

Epson Design Awards 2024: A Creative Celebration of Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Innovation

The 2024 Epson Design Awards honored outstanding creativity, unity, and progressive thinking in fashion design across the Benelux region. With inclusivity and diversity at the forefront, designers from various backgrounds converged to showcase their talents and ingenuity in a celebration of artistry and innovation. Debbie McKeegan looks at this year’s winners.

Will India Hold the Scepter of Print and Packaging Growth in the Next Five Years? An Overview

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, PrintWeek/WhatPackaging? Managing editor Noel D’Cunha looks at the state of the printing industry in India.)

Strategy Does Not Exist in a Vacuum

In the latest installment in the Smart Strategy Insights series, Wayne Lynn explains how strategy is possible only after looking at the big picture of the economy, society, and industry your company is part of. Looking at the industries of your customers will help to predict trends, and changes in trends. These inevitably impact the growth or decline of your business.

CloudLab’s printQ, packQ Simplify W2P Product Design

At drupa 24, CloudLab announced two new web-to-print solutions—printQ and packQ—to enable printers of all sizes to quickly create products for their e-commerce customers without the need for IT support or long learning curves.

FUJIFILM Dimatix Introduces The SkyFire® SF600 Next Generation Printhead

At drupa 24, Fujifilm announced the new Dimatix SkyFire SF600 printhead. David Zwang taskes a close look at this announcement.

BW Converting Unlocks Next-Gen Printing, Packaging and Mail Solutions at drupa 2024

In this article, sponsored and written by BW Converting, the company explains how at drupa 24 it launched an updated branding identity on the heels of incorporating leading print and industrial technology company Baldwin into its roster.

Make Your New Hires Productive!

Hiring new people is exciting and agitating at the same time. Hire experienced people and you may need to retrain them away from how they have done things in the past. Hire inexperienced people and you need a plan to get them up-to-speed on processes and procedures. It takes a plan!

Modern Flexo: Driving the Transformation of Packaging Production

In this article, sponsored by Miraclon, David Zwang’s looks at recent developments in the technical “rebirth” of flexography that are allowing it to remain competitive as the go-to process for packaging production.

eProductivity Software Unveils New MIS for Commercial Printers

This article, written and sponsored by eProductivity Software, takes a look at Nubium, a cloud-native MIS solution designed for the underserved small- to medium-sized commercial print market, which was launched at drupa 24.

KAMA Takes a Bite Out of Digital Embellishments With New Hammerhead Tech at drupa 2024

Embellishment guru Kevin Abergel looks at KAMA’s unique approach to automation and digital embellishments and their major presence at drupa 24.

Global Perspectives: Print in Western Europe

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a Global Perspectives article that looked at the state of the printing industry in a specific nation or region. In this article, Sean Smyth profiles Western Europe.

Print Industry Banks on Sustainability

This article looks at how print businesses are embracing the concept of sustainability which, for some, is more than a green ethical choice.

EFI Takes Nozomi to an Entirely New Level with the X5 Nozomi in Partnership with Packsize

At drupa, EFI launched the latest breakthrough version of the EFI Nozomi single-pass direct-to-corrugated printer. With more than 60 Nozomi units installed worldwide, this brand-new version takes the Nozomi platform to an entirely new level.

HP and Canva Announce Partnership to Democratize Design and Printing

HP and Canva announced that they will join forces in a groundbreaking collaboration to provide unique design-to-print services and experiences for over 185 million monthly Canva users with HP Print Service Providers across the globe.

The Landa Legacy: Innovation and More Innovation, and It’s All About Sustainability

For years, Benny Landa has been saying that anything that can go digital, will go digital. In this interview, conducted at drupa 2024, Landa talks about the digital innovation Indigo and Landa Digital Printing brought to market, and so much more. You will be surprised at the breadth of the work The Landa Group and Landa Labs is doing to help preserve our planet.

The Target Report: Book Manufacturing in Turmoil—May 2024 M&A Activity

Grafica Venata Acquires P.A. Hutchison, OPM Closes Plant and more …

Vertical Market Research from Keypoint Intelligence Uncovers Key Industry Trends

In late 2023, Keypoint Intelligence completed a comprehensive multi-client study to gain a better understanding of how print demand is changing in key vertical industries. The vertical industries that were covered in depth include education, finance/banking, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, manufacturing, retail, and publishing.

Johnson's World: Live Your Life in Totality

Johnson’s World is in eclipse as Steve Johnson derives life lessons from last April’s “eclipse tourism.”

Tales from the Database: Finishing Up

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 various aspects of finishing, including mailing and embellishments.

Around the Web: Sign Shack. Agar Art. Hideous Handset. Hitch Homage. Arachnid Arrival. Clever Cabinet. Kellogg’s Crocs.

A woman lived inside a store’s rooftop sign for nearly a year. Creating art with modified E. coli. A phone so horrible no one will mind losing it. A mosaic tribute to Alfred Hitchcock in the Leytonstone Tube station. A winery specializes in creative and humorous wine descriptions. “Giant venomous flying spiders with 4-inch legs heading to New York area.” An automated step-pedal kitchen cabinet. Oscar Mayer’s gummy bologna. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Understanding Acronyms: What’s in a Name?

In specific industries or communities, acronyms can signify membership or expertise. They act as shorthand that only a select few understand, which can foster a sense of belonging. Successfully applying today's acronyms when talking with your clients involves more than just inserting trendy terms into conversations. It requires understanding your audience and the context in which the acronyms are used. This article explores acronyms and offers strategies on using them without alienating your customers.

How to Conquer Trade Show Season

Some folks have not gotten their trade show mojo back after the pandemic lockdown year, but after drupa, trade show season kicks off in earnest. Joanne Gore explains how to get your event groove back on and “survive” trade show season.

Table Talk: New Options for Display Graphics Cutting and Finishing

A round up of some of the latest wide-format cutting table product introductions.

AI In Textiles: A Different Approach

Cary Sherburne speaks with Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology and The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, about a unique approach to using AI to make textiles more sustainable.

Packaging Automation from Ranpak Delivers Improved Results for Packing Operations

The packaging industry is poised for a transformative shift in the coming decade, with governments and brands actively pushing for change through legislation and innovative packaging solutions. To gain an understanding of how brands and retailers and the packing companies that support them can make this transition, Cary Sherburne spoke with Bryan Boatner, Global Managing Director for Automation at Ranpak.

Employee Recognition Programs Keep the Presses Busy, Too!

Employee recognition programs bring tangible benefits to companies that implement them. Printers serving those customers have an opportunity to get more “share of customer” by producing printed products to support those programs.

Building the Best Print Production Workflow: Leveraging Finishing Capabilities for Optimal Results

Finishing is the final gate for every print project. Successful, efficient finishing relies on the design, prepress, and print processes to ensure that the rolls or sheets can be finished as called for in the specifications. To optimize finishing, begin the design process with a clear view of the intended finishing. Cut marks, crease and fold locations, sheet binding, and every other finishing process will be smoother and more efficient!

The Pioneering Journey of Hudson Printing into Digital Embellishment

Paul Hudson believes in reinvention, and he believes in print. With the addition of new embellishment capabilities to augment his offset and digital print production solutions, he is leading Hudson Printing in Salt Lake City into a new era. Static and variable embellishment on a significant range of substrates allows them to produce spectacular magazine covers, postcards, and other commercial work for their growing clientele.

Die Cutting: The Latest Trends

Die cutting has been around for a long time, however the growth packaging and of shorter run packaging as well as display production has increased the need for die cutting dramatically. There are lots of new types of die cutting solutions in the market and more coming. In the end it is all about application.

Executive Q&A: Konica Minolta’s William Troxil

This issue, we spoke with William Troxil, who served the past ten years as President of the Industrial Print and Production Print Business at Konica Minolta Business Solutions and just promoted to a new and expanded role of Advisor to the CEO, about the company’s finishing and embellishment offerings, the relationships they have with their customers, and how the industrial print business is the growth area for the industry.

Welcome to the Finishing & Embellishments Issue!

This week, we are publishing the content from our latest print edition, Issue Three: Finishing & Embellishments. Here’s a preview.

About the WhatTheyThink Print Edition Cover

How the special embellished print edition cover was created, thanks to Konica Minolta and Burlington, N.C.’s Elite Print Finishing. It’s a design that demonstrates new techniques using texture, color, and form to inspire and show “the art of what’s possible.”

The Evolution of Digital Embellishment: A Glimpse into the Latest Innovations

Embellishment guru Kevin Abergel looks at advances in embellishment technologies from established players as well as new entrants. We’re heading into a transformative phase in digital printing and finishing. This article provides an overview of what was on display at drupa and what will be hitting the market post-show.

Around the Web: Apostrophe Annihilation. Staff Stamp. Essential Elements. Quill Queries. Speaking Cetacean. Odd Orcas. Webb Weather.

British towns are removing apostrophes from street signs as, it claims, they can cause trouble with geographical databases. To celebrate the baguette, the French Post Office has released a commemorative scratch-and-sniff postage stamp. Broadband plans now required to have “nutrition labels” that spell out what you’re getting and for how much. A cute stop-motion animation in which little felt spray cans appear to spray wool “paint.” How many Periodic Table elements are actually in the human body? Before alarm clocks, you could hire a “knocker upper.” Researchers used AI to decode sperm whale clicks. Are we in the midst of an orca uprising? Burger King celebrates its birthday with 70¢ specials. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

April Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag

Overall printing employment in April 2024 was generally up—+0.5% from March—with production employment up +1.3% and non-production employment down +1.4%.