Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: OFFSET PRINTING—manroland Goss Combines High Tech with Passion

Mark Vruno looks at the web offset solutions manroland Goss was showing at drupa.

Value-Based Strategy

In the latest installment in the Smart Strategy Insights series, Wayne Lynn takes an in-depth look at how printing companies can create and grow their value by helping other members of their value chain: customers, employees, and suppliers, grow their value.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: SOFTWARE & WORKFLOW—The Practical Guide to AI and Platforms

Pat McGrew provides an overview of how intelligent automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are implemented in industry software solutions.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: BINDING & FINISHING—Horizon Bets on the Smart Factory

Pat McGrew looks at Horizon’s “smart factory” approach to finishing automation.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: LABELS & PACKAGING—Automating Box Converting Workflows

When we think about supporting the new demands in packaging converting, we usually focus on the printing, whether that is flexo, offset, digital or inkjet. While each of those technologies has evolved to address the new demands, the actual converting part has lagged behind. Until now. David Zwang explains.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: SUSTAINABILITY—Factors Affecting Sustainability in Production Inkjet

Elizabeth Gooding takes a close look at the nuances of determining sustainability when it comes to production inkjet.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: DIGITAL & INKJET—B1 vs. B2 vs. B2+ vs. B2 XL: Decisions, Decisions

How should you make the decision of what size press—be it offset, EP, or inkjet—to acquire? David Zwang weighs the different factors.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK: OFFSET—Ceaseless Progress in Workflow Automation for Offset

The elements of workflow have become standard features in the operating systems of late-generation, digitally controlled offset presses. Patrick Henry provides an overview.

Looking Back at Düsseldorf—and Ahead to Las Vegas

With drupa 2024 in the rear-view mirror and PRINTING United on the road ahead, here are some of the major announcements that came out of Düsseldorf, and a hint of what will be on display in Las Vegas.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—OFFSET PRINTING: The Transformation of Offset Press Technology

How has offset lithography retained its preferred place amidst all the technological change the industry has seen? We found the answers at drupa.

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—LABELS & PACKAGING: Are You Ready for Web2Pack?

There is a growing increase in orders for short-run, on-demand packaging to satisfy shifting consumer purchasing requirements and operate at the “speed of retail.” There are also new regulations that dictate the amount of “free space” in a box to reduce packaging waste. Using what has been learned from commercial web2print implementations, there is also a desire to use it for package converter onboarding. David Zwang looks at the current state of Web2Pack

TECHNOLOGY OUTLOOK—SUSTAINABILITY: An Overview of Print Sustainability

Ralf Schlözer takes a look at the current print industry sustainability landscape, upcoming new regulations, and offers a list of “action items” printers should start implementing.

Welcome to the Technology Outlook Issue!

This week and next is dedicated to publishing the contents from Issue Four: The Technology Outlook Issue. This article provides an overview of what to expect in the next two weeks.

May Shipments: Another Pleasant Surprise

May 2024 shipments came in at $7.43 billion, up from April’s $7.35 billion—continuing an unexpected but welcome rebound.

Around the Web: Sports Symbols. Mitigating Microplastics. Dud Device. Car Copter. Sprinkle Suit. Lost Letter. Martian Moisture. Cat Conundrum. Death Dessert. Gull Grabbing. Mayo Musk.

Olympic sports pictogram design. The first board game printed in the United States was a geography lesson. Graphene-enhanced packaging aims to reduce contamination from microplastics. The much-hyped “Humane AI” pin is a complete flop. A flying car concept straight out of James Bond. Found amongst Hurricane Debby debris was a WWII-era message in a bottle. Finding water on Mars (but no message in a bottle). Liquid Death’s sparkling hot fudge sundae water (not on Mars). A Scottish seaside food truck offers “seagull insurance.” Hellmann’s introduces mayonnaise-scented perfume. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

That’s Amore! Print4All 2024 Gathered the Italian Print Industry

Bringing together printers and the vendors who serve them is one of the missions of every print association. Most recently, the Italian print industry came together at Print4All in the rolling hills of Valpolicella. The topics were relevant and the conversations insightful!

ACCGC Proposes New Taxonomy and “Crosswalks” for Education in Graphic Communications

ACCGC says the time has come to revise official but obsolete definitions that make graphic communications appear to be a dead end for students, career counselors, and employment seekers. Patrick Henry walks us through the changes.

Pass the Hamburger, Hold the AI (A McDonald’s Cautionary Tale)

Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at McDonald’s recent ill-fated experiment with AI drive-throughs. A cautionary tale for anyone interested in implementing AI.

Koenig & Bauer Durst: An Interesting and Emerging Offspring

Historically, there has been much “quiet” intercompany collaboration in the manufacturing of press and finishing equipment. However, lately we have seen more outward collaboration between equipment manufacturers. Often, the collaboration ensures that they leverage each other’s strengths, while each of the companies retains their visibility and yet allows for a quicker development and go to market outcomes.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Croatia

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 Croatia.

Around the Web: Missing Manuals. Tooth Tech. Roaming Reference. Image Investigation. Viable Vectors. Owl Oops. Pigeon Plinth. Pretzel Perfume.

AI can replace user manuals. Creating a visual identity for a new park. Good grief: an AI toothbrush. A new device lets you access Wikipedia offline. A close look at JEG encoding. A Spanish church’s botched restoration. A new color E Ink display is a bit pricey. The Shaper Trace quickly turns hand-drawn lines into vectors. Converting industrial plastic scrap into graphene. The Minnesota Zoo’s owl–tiger problem. NYC is getting a giant pigeon statue, for some reason. Auntie Anne’s new scent smells like pretzels. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 484 establishments in NAICS 32229 (Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -20% since 2010. In macro news, the July jobs report may have been below expectations, but other economic indicators are still strong.

Developing a Solid Personal Brand

A solid personal brand can help attract clients, build relationships, and close business. A well-known and trusted brand name can eliminate decision uncertainty when it comes time to select a product or supplier. By putting thought into your brand now, you can soon see the benefits of increased visibility, credibility, and profitability.

The Target Report: Troubled Times for Graphic Machinery Innovators—July 2024 M&A Activity

Coloreel files Bankruptcy, and more …

Is Your Direct Mail Volume Growing, Too?

Much has been said about the declines in the volume of direct mail. As the volume in the mailbox has decreased, however, much is also being made about the direct mail’s increase in effectiveness when it does arrive. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at some data that find that direct mail’s effectiveness is fueling its comeback.

Climbing S2 and Other EskoWorld Adventures

The value of meeting in person to share ideas, learn, and even complain cannot be overstated. While it is hard to take time away from the day's work, events like drupa remind us of the value of discovery. After the doors in Germany closed, the doors to EskoWorld opened to continue the adventure.

Slow Fashion and Landmark Textile Recycling Bill: Some Progress Underway, but We Still Need More!

We’ve been talking a great deal about the deleterious effects of Fast Fashion on our planet. Now we have a counterpoint to discuss—an effort in Congress to rein in fast fashion with the launch of the Slow Fashion Caucus. Plus, California is putting even more teeth into its recycling efforts with a proposed bill that establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for recycling clothing and textile fibers. And France is proposing a Fast Fashion Tax and an EU ban on exporting used clothing.

Sign Non-Production and PR Firms Win June Graphic Arts Employment Report

Overall printing employment in June 2024 was generally unchanged—up 0.1% from May—with production employment up 0.8% and non-production employment down 1.5%.

Around the Web: Burg Branding. Print Practice. Button Bandit. Punctuation Palooza. Dated Devices. Bug Banisher. Mallard Manager. Converse Cookies.

How to brand a city. Atlas Obscura is offering a two-part nature printing workshop. A Chrome extension that copies a button from every website you visit and saves it to a collection. Matching works of art with sports photographs. “Fuzzy graphene”? If you like old tech, be sure to check out OldCrap.org. For example: a Seiko smartwatch from 1984. A fly-repelling fan. Runners can train with a special windshield to help eliminate wind resistance. Meet the Peabody Hotel’s “duckmaster.” The latest in “foodwear.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Evolution of Celebration Signage: Up With Higher Education!

If you have been out and about lately you may have seen the latest trend in celebration signage: lawn signs that announce what college or university a graduate is heading to in the fall. We look at some of the opportunities for display graphics providers in this area.

To B2 or Not to B2: Shop Prints Shakespeare’s Plays on a Single Press Sheet

Get thee to a magnifier. Everything that William Shakespeare wrote for the stage can be seen and read in this meticulous but straightforward piece of offset lithographic presswork.

Enhancing Direct Mail: The Impact of Personalization and Specialty Print in a Digital Era

A recent study of print demand in key vertical industries found the transition to digital is undeniable, but direct mail remains a vital component of modern messaging campaigns. This article explores how personalization and specialty print can further increase the effectiveness of direct mail.

Amazon’s Switch to Paper Fillers: Sustainable, but Highly Profitable

Amazon is eliminating its use of air pillows for its e-commerce packaging in favor of paper fillers. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the real benefits of this switch.

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Bulgaria

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 Bulgaria.

Product Spotlight: New RISO Printing Unit Integlide Offers Easy Integration for Package Printing

The new RISO inkjet printing unit, marketed as Integlide, is intended for OEMs and other inkjet developers and integrators. The target customer for Integlide is expected to integrate RISO’s inkjet technology with their own production lines, or develop a complete corrugated packaging press, depending on their needs. Inkjet Insight’s Elizabeth Gooding takes a close look in this Product Spotlight.

Plastics: Promises or Progress?

In June, we published an article comparing how the plastics industry presents itself to the marketplace, comparing it to when the tobacco industry was trying to save itself. In this article, we look at Plastic Promises and whether the industry is truly living up to them or are they gaslighting us?

Stationery Product Manufacturing—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 318 establishments in NAICS 32223 (Stationery Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -36% since 2010. In macro news, June inflation was practically 0.

Around the Web: Bead Bodega. Refrigerator Revolution. Chucking Checks. Trainer Tech. Automotive Audio. Cosmic Collision. S’more Story. Pickle Pastry.

Snack food packaging replicated using beads. A 3D-printed chair that is easy to assemble. The “Cold-Storage Banquet” of 1911 was the most frightening meal ever: it was the first to ever feature foods that had been refrigerated. Target will no longer accept personal checks. Nike is no longer supporting the app for its self-lacing sneakers. Electric vehicles make no noise, but are required to—what should they sound like? The James Webb Space Telescope captured two massive asteroids colliding in a nearby star system. A history of s’mores. Pickle cupcakes, for some reason. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

The Value of Embellishments: Making the Most of Your Printed Communications

Human beings love bright and shiny things. Glimmering objects have a way of catching our attention, and people tend to associate shine with higher quality. Many of today’s digital printing devices come equipped with specialty inks, inline or near line spot coating, varnishes, or finishing methods that make it easier than ever to produce high-value printed products in short runs. This article explores the appeal of embellished printing.

Growth in Shopping and Dining Drive Opportunities in Wide Format

Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at two of the biggest markets for wide-format graphics: retail and dining.

An Overview of Strategy So Far

In the latest installment in the Smart Strategy Insights series, Wayne Lynn looks at the broad outlines of what strategy is and how it is created.

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Belgium

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 Belgium.

OOPS! Your Vendor Isn’t Ready to Deliver to You! Now What?

For every product in our industry, hardware and software, there is a development cycle. Product managers use one of the standard methods to guide the development, testing, and release of new products and product updates, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. That can impact an anticipated machine installation, firmware upgrade, or software update. How hard should you push?

Upcoming EU Sustainability Regulations—Part 2: Deforestation Regulation

Intergraf, the European association of the national print associations, held its annual “Print Matters” conference in June 2024 in Romania. Among the topics covered, two garnered special interest: the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). In this article, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the EUDR.

Why Reaching Net Zero is More Urgent Than Ever Before: Defining Sustainability, What the Latest Climate Changes Mean for the Planet, and What You Can Do About It

Hurricane Beryl placed a spotlight on the accelerating effects of climate change on the planet, as did the rash of deadly heat waves seen around the planet. Why was understanding what caused Beryl to form as the earliest hurricane ever to reach Category 5, and the impact those conditions are having on our planet as a whole, are discussed here, along with references to the UN’s sustainable development goals that highlight actions each and every one of us can take to protect the planet.

Around the Web: Freeway Fix. Packaging Poetry. Tee Type. Singularity Sequel. Cap Conundrum. Supermarket Silence. Canonized Kid. Hair Horror. Pomme Pillow.

A renegade street artist fixed an LA freeway sign. “Blackout poetry” makes art out of packaging. “Why is soccer jersey typography so bad?” Ray Kurzweil is still planning to merge his consciousness with AI. A better design for tethered bottle caps. Why don’t Aldi supermarkets play music? A warp drive is actually a thing. The Vatican is about to canonize the first Millennial saint. The man who was killed by his own beard. Shake Shack’s new french fry body pillow. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

April Shipments: A Pleasant Surprise

April 2024 shipments came in at $7.30 billion, up from March’s $7.24 billion—an unexpected but welcome rebound.

Group Purchasing Organizations Offer Strength—and Savings—in Numbers

Discounts, rebates, and other incentives that are available to printers who purchase jointly can add up to tens of thousands of dollars worth of savings per year—and often more than that. Mutually beneficial group partnerships with vendors make the savings possible.

Unleashing the Potential of Fabric Design Through Advanced Dye-Sublimation Innovation: Meet Colourama

Colourama, a Polish textile printing firm, hosts a production volume of 12,000 to 15,000 linear meters of printed textile daily. Its diversified operations span an in-house design studio creating exclusive design collections for global distribution. Textile expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains more about the business and its road to success.

Do Buyers Care About AI-Generated Video?

With video one of the hottest trends in marketing, the role of advising customers on the use of video (or even offering video services yourself) has the potential to add real value to the consultative partnership between printers and their customers. Is AI-generated video an option? Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a look at the perception of AI video among consumers.

HP Pagewide T700i Packaging Press: The Inkjet Carton Solution

HP launched a new PageWide packaging press in Würzberg, Germany, at Koenig & Bauer that has a print width that fits nicely between their existing T400 and T1100 series corrugated preprint presses. However, the new T700i is designed for more than just corrugated preprint.

SnapPress LP-1: The Smart Solution for Inkjet Label Presses

In this article, sponsored and written by SnapPress, learn about how the SnapPress LP-1 revolutionizes short-run label printing with a compact, user-friendly design and competitive pricing. Focusing on cash flow, total cost of ownership, and net profit, it boosts productivity, reduces costs, and opens new business opportunities. Enjoy cost savings and increased profitability with its efficiency, low maintenance, and waste reduction.

Product Spotlight: Connected Automation: Moving from Mass Production To Mass Customization

Atomyx a cloud-based platform that can both streamline the print business and production processes, while also reducing the skills needed to do the plant-wide automation integration to support production from Mass Production to Mass Customization. David Zwang takes a close look at Atomyx.

Upcoming EU Sustainability Regulations—Part 1: Corporate Sustainability Reporting

Intergraf, the European association of the national print associations, held its annual “Print Matters” conference in June 2024 in Romania. Among the topics covered, two garnered special interest: the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU deforestation regulation (EUDR). In this article, European section editor Ralf Schlözer looks at the CSRD. A future article will look at the EUDR.

COP28 Reached Agreement on Moving Away From Fossil Fuels: Will COP29 Carry the Ball Forward?

Somehow reaching Net Zero by 2050 seems to be slipping even further from our grasp. In this article, we discuss the outcome of COP28, look ahead to COP29, and outline some of the barriers to even coming close to solving the climate crisis.

Around the Web: Surreal Celebration. Text Tones. Drone Display. Lady Lexicons. Monument Mystery. Track Torsion. Fabulous Fence. Water World. Apocalyptic Appetite.

Logo redesigns to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Surrealism movement. The challenges of printing the entire Wikipedia. With Text2Color, type in a description of a color, and it will find a match. A company has found a way to attach fireworks to drones. Graphene to be used in next-generation military footwear. The secret chamber at the top of Mount Rushmore. Extreme heat is making train travel more dangerous. An openable privacy fence. Sunsets on the Red Planet are blue. The James Webb Space Telescope just found a planet that could potentially support life. Costco is selling aa $99 “Apocalypse Dinner Kit.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Artificial Intelligence and What It Means for Marketers

Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly impacts marketing by improving customer experience and campaign effectiveness. This article explores AI's current influence and potential future impact on marketers. Discover how AI applications like static image recognition, tagging, and cyberattack prevention are transforming the marketing landscape. Arm yourself with the best data available and learn how to successfully leverage AI.

Keypoint Intelligence Releases New Vertical Market Research

At the end of 2023, Keypoint Intelligence completed a comprehensive multi-client study of print demand in key vertical industries. This survey serves as an update to similar research that was conducted in 2020. Over 1,200 respondents from businesses with 200+ employees participated in this study. This article provides a top-level overview of the key findings from this research.

Exploring the Fashion Biome: Key Stakeholders Discuss Manufacturing, Sustainability, and Technology

Recently, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan hosted a round table discussion to explore the Fashion Biome with guests from various tiers of the supply chain. Central to the conversation was the urgent need for the adoption of sustainable technologies within the Fashion industry. Through a deep dive into environmental best practices, legislation impacts, supply chain transformation, and the promise of collaboration, the group outlined the future path fashion must tread. This important conversation is summarized here, and the article also contains a video link to the full round table discussion.

To Create Your Strategy, You Must Narrow Your Focus

In the latest installment in the Smart Strategy Insights series, Wayne Lynn explains how, if your strategy is to address your best opportunities for value creation, you need to narrow the number of possible priorities down to a very short list.

How Much Plastic Is Inside You?

Heidi Tolliver-Walker writes about Plastic-Free July, the goal of which is to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution and to inspire individuals and businesses to make conscious choices to reduce their plastic consumption—in two senses of the term, as the average person ingests five grams of plastic every week.

Do You Have a Disaster Response Team?

Stuff happens! Weather, a truck crashing into a critical power line, earthquakes, fires, and a panoply of other things can disrupt your ability to get your products to your customers. Having a disaster recovery plan that includes identification of a well-rehearsed response teams to handle adverse events effectively can speed recovery!

Are Consumers Finally Waking Up to the Realities of Fast Fashion—And Overconsumption in General?

We are a nation of consumers. Overconsumers in many cases. And it’s not good for the planet or your financial health… In this article, we highlight the “No-Buy Revolution” and discuss ways you can participate.

Sizing the Printing Industry in Europe—Austria

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 Austria.

The Target Report: Corrugated Consolidation—June 2024 M&A Activity

Green Bay Acquires SMC, SupplyOne Goes West, and more …

Around drupa

Each edition of the drupa daily featured a photo gallery of images taken from around the show. This collection groups the images from days 5–10.

Around the Web: Trebek Tribute. Job Jeopardy? AI Apocalypse? RCA Wreckage. Screen Saint. Bubbler Boondoggle. Robot Rescuer. Reincarnation Remembrances. Pillar Pilot. Caffeinated Condiment.

A traveling exhibition that seeks to use typography and calligraphy to unite student work across different cultures and languages. Looking for a good ereader? Try the new Boox Palma. Alex Trebek is going to be honored with a postage stamp. One of the big concerns about so-called AI is that it is has the potential to take people’s jobs—but what’s the story so far? Is AI leading us to an energy apocalypse? What happened to RCA? St. Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of televisions and computer screens. Meet EMILY: a robot lifeguard. Are children remembering past lives? NASA’s trippy new visualization that takes you on a trip through the Pillars of Creation. 5-Hour Energy’s new caffeinated barbecue sauce. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing—2010–2021

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 276 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -13% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 GDP revised up to 1.4%.

Global Perspectives—Print in the USA

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, Richard Romano profiles the United States.

Heidelberg Offers a Detailed Look at the Speedmaster XL 106

At drupa 24, Heidelberg shared some details about the inner workings of the “Peak Performance” generation of its flagship offset press for packaging and commercial production, the Speedmaster XL 106. Patrick Henry reports.

German Distributor, Kunze & Ritter GmbH, Invests in Fujifilm’s Revoria Press PC1120 at drupa 2024

At drupa 24, Fujifilm announced that Kunze & Ritter invested in an additional Revoria PC1120 press to be used at its showroom in Villingen-Schwenningen.

Flyerline Schweiz AG Installs New HP Large Format 2700 Printer

At drupa 24, HP announced that Flyerline Schweiz signed a deal for a new HP Latex 2700 printer.

Winners of the European Digital Press (EDP) Association’s 17th EDP Awards

On the second day of drupa 24, the EDP Association presented its EDP Awards to 24 winners for the 17th time since its inception.

Product Spotlight: Canon’s PRISMA Home

PRISMA Home is a unique platform that houses valuable applications and tools in the cloud to help manage and support compatible print production processes. David Zwang takes a close look at how the PRISMA family has evolved.

New (Free) Color Library

Chromaspot is a new universal color library available to the industry to communicate color references.

Australia’s Largest Wholesale Printer Makes its First Inkjet Investment at drupa with Canon

At drupa 24, CMYKhub, the largest wholesale printer in Australia, made its first investment in inkjet production equipment by signing for two Canon varioPRINT iX3200 cutsheet presses.

Let’s Make a (drupa) Deal

Drupa 24 was not just a showcase for new equipment and exciting new technologies and print applications. Indeed, selling the equipment is also a very big—some would say the most important—part of the show. Here then is a roundup of some of the major equipment sales deals inked during the drupa fortnight.

Global Perspectives—The State of the Printing Industry in West Africa: What to Expect from Players

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, Joju Adekanbi profiles West Africa.

Pushing the Boundaries of EPR Responsibility for Textiles: New Report From The Ellen Macarthur Foundation

Today, we are sharing an article compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan about a new report from the Ellen McArthur Foundation. The report states: “Policy alone cannot solve the problem of textile waste. Voluntary business action, including the establishment of voluntary EPR schemes, are key to accelerate progress.” McKeegan explains what EPR (extended producer responsibility) schemes are and why we need them as well as what is wrong with the current system.

Global Perspectives—Diversification Driving Growth Down Under

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, Wayne Robinson profiles Australia and New Zealand.

Analysis of Performance—The Current Reality

In the latest installment in the Smart Strategy Insights series, Wayne Lynn explains how to create a strategy for the upcoming strategic planning period.

Stephens & George Become UK’s First to Acquire HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106

At drupa 24, Heidelberg announced that Stephens & George became the UK’s first customer of the new Speedmaster XL 106.

Koenig & Bauer Durst Expands the Application Range in Packaging

Ralf Schlözer looks at the new Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106, a highlight of the joint venture’s appearance at drupa 24.

On the Cutting Edge with Intec

Ralf Schlözer profiles the finishing solutions that Intec was showing at drupa 24.

Driving Efficiency in Training and Maintenance

Ralf Schlözer reports on frontline.io, a platform that can leverage AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality) to improve the learning experience and operational efficiency, and its uses in the graphic arts.

Students Display Real Skills in Simulated Offset and Flexo Competitions at drupa

Patrick Henry reports on the student finalists of the WorldSkills 2024 hands-on printing competition at drupa 24.

Solema Explains What It Means by “Industrial Automation” for Books and Packaging

Patrick Henry tours Solema’s interactive experience hub at drupa 24 that introduced visitors to its complete line of solutions for bookbinding automation, paperboard converting, and robotic palletizing and depalletizing.

A Parting Glance at Progress in Offset Press Automation at drupa

Patrick Henry takes a close look at the offset automation options on display at drupa 24.

Kodak Receives Letter of Intent for 5 KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Presses

At drupa 24, Kodak announced the sale of five PROSPER ULTRA 520 presses.

Love Air Conditioning? Thank the Printing Industry!

As we sweat through this summer’s “heat dome,” we are reminded of our appreciation for modern air conditioning. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at how modern air conditioning came about as a way to address the printing challenges resulting from the hot, unrelentingly humid air on printing shop floors.

HP Indigo and Fiverr Collaborate to Bring Digital Print Closer to Hundreds of Thousands of Expert Freelancers and Designers Worldwide

At drupa 24, HP Indigo announced that it is collaborating with Fiverr to make digital print more accessible to Fiverr’s millions of freelancers and designers.

Eco Flexibles Invests in Second Jet Press FP790

Fujifilm announced at drupa 24 that Eco Flexibles, a sustainability-focused flexible packaging specialist, has invested in its second Jet Press FP790.

Xitron Climbs K2

At drupa 2024, Xitron introduced K2, a new software system that integrates some of the Hybrid Software offerings to create a complete workflow. David Zwang takes a closer look.

Embellishment and Ecology with Kurz

David Zwang looks at the new developments in embellishment and sustainability that Kurz was showing at drupa 24.

Women in Print Issue: Women and the Machine

The new issue of Fujifilm's “Women4Women” magazine was being printed live at drupa 2024 on the Fujifilm stand, giving a female glance at the world of printing and graphic arts.

We Are Drupa

The We Are Drupa project was created to show the community that comes to drupa to learn, explore, and educate. To show the community, attendees scanned a QR code that led them to an application programmed by the team at Antigro to take a selfie.

Predicting the Power of Print

Konica Minolta is not only a manufacturer of printers, the company also has considerable experience in color science. The company teamed up with the University of Hiroshima for its new Ex Kansai software. Ralf Schlözer explains how, by leveraging AI and neuroscience, the Ex Kansai software is set to simulate the visual perception of consumers.

Introducing Printing Plates Tracking Technology at drupa 2024

Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Germany, one of Grey Elephant’s missions is to help label and packaging printers optimize their processes, reduce costs, and improve profitability. Their Scan4Tools technology ensures that each printing tool, including flexo plates, offset plates, die-cuts, and gravure, is registered, tracked, and enabled for maximum efficiency.

Horizon Bets on the Smart Factory

Horizon embraces the smart factory concept to leverage technologies that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and deliver customer value. It was all on exhibition in their drupa stand in Hall 6 and partner stands across the messe. Pat McGrew takes a closer look.

Fiery Brings Superpowers to Industrial Print

Fiery is one of the best-known names in Digital Front Ends and Raster Image Processing for print hardware sellers in many segments. If you are a digital printer, the chances are good that you have equipment powered by Fiery in your print shop. Pat McGrew spoke to Fiery CEO Toby Weiss at drupa 24.

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