WhatTheyThink

Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

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Insight into Top Climate Trends for 2025

Insight into Top Climate Trends for 2025

Even though it seems the focus has somewhat been taken off of climate with new White House strategies and approaches, the Zero Carbon Academy expects firms to conduct a balancing act between short-term and long-term climate goals. They identified Top Trends for 2025, which we summarize here. Read More

Around the Web: Of Posts and Puzzles, Packaging and Plants

Around the Web: Of Posts and Puzzles, Packaging and Plants

Denmark’s state-run postal service is discontinuing its letter delivery service. Edward Tenner has a new book, “Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge.” The Malling Hansen Writing Ball was an early typewriter, originally designed for the deaf. The oldest known puzzle is 11,000 years old. Here comes Generation Alpha and their love of…packaging? If you are going to rob a bank, practice your penmanship. An interesting documentary about timekeeping devices. An AI-controlled 3D printer cooks food using graphene. When in Connecticut, visit the Gaylordsville Spite House. Plants and mushrooms with bionic arms playing musical instruments. A clever Japanese strategy for clearing snowy roads using hot water sprinklers. Krispy Kreme has unveiled its St. Patrick’s Day collection. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Graphic Arts Employment Drops in January

Graphic Arts Employment Drops in January

Net printing employment in January 2025 saw printing industry employment drop from December—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.4% and non-production employment down 2.3%. Read More

Jos Notermans Shares His Insights on Balancing Investment and Financial Reward for Digital Textile Printers

Jos Notermans Shares His Insights on Balancing Investment and Financial Reward for Digital Textile Printers

In this article, provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, SPGPrints’ Jos Notermans shares his thoughts about investing in digital fabric printing. He highlights the benefits of digital fabric printing and suggests a logical approach to adding this capability to your business! Read More

Direct Marketing in a Changing Industry

Direct Marketing in a Changing Industry

Direct marketing is evolving as technologies, consumer behaviors, and data analytics reshape the way that businesses connect with their audiences. Adaptability is the key to success because today’s direct marketing techniques are more dynamic, customer-centric, and reliant on digital channels than ever before. Citing recent research from Keypoint Intelligence, this article explores how direct marketers can maximize their impact, get noticed, and deliver a better customer experience. Read More

Unlocking the Potential of Industrial Printing with Fiery

Unlocking the Potential of Industrial Printing with Fiery

In this article, Giselle Robeson talks about how industrial printing is creating new opportunities across manufacturing sectors, from packaging and labeling to direct-to-object printing and textiles, and how Fiery is accelerating the evolution of industrial print, helping manufacturers integrate digital solutions more efficiently and cost-effectively. Read More

Online Print Symposium Features a Unique Speaker Line-Up

Online Print Symposium Features a Unique Speaker Line-Up

The organizers of the upcoming Online Print Symposium provide an update on the speaker line up. Dr. Michael Fries will open the 12th OPS with “Social Selling + Customer Centricity as the key to success,” and start-ups of “The Insight Pitches” have been determined. Read More

The Four Things Employees Need from You

The Four Things Employees Need from You

Whether you lead a printing company or a country, you are leading people. Although most of us will never lead a sovereign nation, Gallup’s recent “Global Leadership Report: What Followers Want” contains insights that leaders in our industry can take to heart. Read More

Imagine: Working with a Full Toolbox

Imagine: Working with a Full Toolbox

Heidi Tolliver-Walker profiles Imagine, a Twin Cities, Minn.-based print business with four locations nationwide, each of which focuses on a different market. Imagine is the subject of the latest WhatTheyThink Films Profiles in Print documentary. Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Spain

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Spain

This regular 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 Spain. Read More

Fiery Post-Acquisition Update

Fiery Post-Acquisition Update

I recently had the opportunity to visit the new Fiery LLC headquarters in Fremont, Calif., and spend time with its CEO, Toby Weiss. Toby has been with the company through a few changes in ownership for more than 15 years. He shares his thoughts about the Epson acquisition, what it means for Fiery and its partners, and some thoughts about the future. Read More

Around the Web: Of Pics and Peeps

Around the Web: Of Pics and Peeps

The winners of the 2025 World Nature Photographers Awards. A new middle-grade book tells the story of the iconic photograph “Earthrise.” A previously unknown version of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116. The New Yorker and J. Crew offer New Yorker-branded clothing. An app that will generate “CliffNotes” for nonfiction books. An AI bookmark will ostensibly summarize what you just read. Goodbye, Skype. A set of postcards and prints based on They Might Be Giants song. Graphene-based brain implants. Genetically engineered “woolly mice” are a step toward de-extincting the woolly mammoth. When on Cape Cod, visit the original site of the Marconi Wireless Station. Just in time for Easter, Peeps-flavored Icee. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

The Target Report: Think Outside the Rectilinear—February 2025 M&A Activity

The Target Report: Think Outside the Rectilinear—February 2025 M&A Activity

Moss Acquires Rocket Graphics, and more… Read More

Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

Publishing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 32,109 establishments in NAICS 511 (Publishing Industries [except Internet]). This represents an increase of 14% since 2010 and increase of 4% since 2021. In macro news, the danger of early GDP estimates. Read More

Kornit Digital and the Creator Economy: Forging a Collaborative Path for Growth and Innovation

Kornit Digital and the Creator Economy: Forging a Collaborative Path for Growth and Innovation

In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan shares insights from a talk that Chris Govier, EVP of Strategic Growth & Marketing at Kornit Digital, gave at the recent Heimtextil show. He points out that the digital transformation in textile printing makes it easier than ever before to transition from supply and demand to demand and supply, as well as an array of other valuable insights. Read More

Tariffs on Plate Metal Squeeze Litho Printers to the Limit

Tariffs on Plate Metal Squeeze Litho Printers to the Limit

Aluminum isn’t gold, but years of import duties on the raw material for lithographic plates are starting to make it seem almost as costly to printers who use those plates in production. Read More

Smart Decision-Making Is Key To Strategic Success

Smart Decision-Making Is Key To Strategic Success

Smart decision-making is key to strategic success. In this article, the first in a new series called Smart Decision-Making, Wayne Lynn introduces the steps in a process to ensure decisions are well thought-through. Read More

Legislative Sub-Committee Seeks Public Feedback on Bills Impacting the Print Community

Legislative Sub-Committee Seeks Public Feedback on Bills Impacting the Print Community

The House Financial Services Committee is requesting feedback from the public on a variety of topics of importance to the printing industry. It is also considering The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act previously reported on by WhatTheyThink. Read More

Unlocking Efficiency: Workflow Automation and Data in Mid-Size Print Shops  

Unlocking Efficiency: Workflow Automation and Data in Mid-Size Print Shops  

Automation streamlines repetitive tasks, leading to increased productivity, cost savings, an improved customer experience, scalability, and a competitive edge. Utilizing data is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies, with practical methods including tracking job turnaround times, measuring waste, monitoring equipment utilization, analyzing error rates, and gathering customer feedback. Here is your guide to unlocking efficiency! Read More

Packaging Provides Main Opportunity In Evolving Offset Litho Market, Smithers Analysis Shows

Packaging Provides Main Opportunity In Evolving Offset Litho Market, Smithers Analysis Shows

Technical developments and other drivers are transitioning work from analog to digital and is notably affecting the market for offset litho print. These are analyzed and quantified in detail in The Future of Digital vs. Offset Printing to 2029—the new in-depth market study from Smithers. This article provides some highlights. Read More

Hunkeler Innovationdays: It’s a Wrap!

Hunkeler Innovationdays: It’s a Wrap!

Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025 was a resounding success for the partners, the attendees and the industry at large. The theme of the event was Next Level Automation and it was displayed in every solution on display at the event. Importantly, it is also a sign that the industry as a whole is on the right track. Read More

From SOP to AI-Powered Precision: The Evolution of Direct Marketing

From SOP to AI-Powered Precision: The Evolution of Direct Marketing

Direct marketing is going through a major shakeup. With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming smarter, businesses rethinking outsourcing, and digital channels taking center stage, companies must stay nimble to keep up. New research from Keypoint Intelligence’s 2024 North American Consumer Communication Business Survey uncovered some of the biggest shifts happening right now. From message creation to delivery, the SOP as we know it is unrecognizable. This article explores what’s changing and how businesses can adapt to make the most of these new opportunities. Read More

Around the Web: Of Music and Motors

Around the Web: Of Music and Motors

Attaching a typewriter to a piano to “type” songs. An apple tree plays guitar. Who hasn’t fantasized about having a book ladder? The potential private hell that is in-car advertising. Disturbing video of a flying car test drive. The new, ostensibly addictive word game called Bracket City. Graphene-based “smart pajamas.” The James Webb Space Telescope catches two planets in the midst of disintegrating. A wrist-mounted vacuum for hands-free snacking. When in Macomb, Ill., visit the birthplace of the board game Monopoly. Forget eggs: how about a $19 strawberry? Cook Nathan’s Famous hot dogs in actual New York City water. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Still Disruptive After All These Years, Part 2: The Value of Print

Still Disruptive After All These Years, Part 2: The Value of Print

The second installment of a look back at Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano’s 2010 book “Disrupting the Future” asks the burning question: what exactly is the value of print? Read More

Direct Mail: Maintaining Relevance in an Evolving Industry

Direct Mail: Maintaining Relevance in an Evolving Industry

Direct mail is a long-standing staple of communication that continues to hold its ground in a digital world, but it must evolve to meet today’s demands. This article cites recent research from Keypoint Intelligence to explore how direct mail can maintain its relevance even as the digital transformation continues. Read More

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT—Changing the IJ Landscape: Canon Sheetfed Inkjet Turns 10

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT—Changing the IJ Landscape: Canon Sheetfed Inkjet Turns 10

Production inkjet technologies have roots dating back to the 1970s but really didn’t see any commercial impact until the early 2000s. In 2015, Canon introduced a sheetfed press that changed the landscape and went a long way to increase inkjet adoption. Read More

China’s Digital Embellishment for Label Goes Mainstream

China’s Digital Embellishment for Label Goes Mainstream

WhatTheyThink contributor Oleg Litvinov surveys the Chinese digital label embellishment market and details the latest equipment available. Read More

Using AI to Create a Podcast: A Real-Life Walk-Through

Using AI to Create a Podcast: A Real-Life Walk-Through

Heidi Tolliver-Walker uses a label printer's recent advertising campaign to show how to use AI to create a podcast. Read More

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Can’t Ride Until You Board

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Can’t Ride Until You Board

The print service provider and their customer are both a part of a value chain ecosystem, and as such their individual processes need to be closely aligned and bridged with each other. Since all printers and converters have specific markets they serve and products that they produce, it is important to understand the issues and options, since one size does not fit all. Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovenia

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovenia

This regular 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 Slovenia. Read More

25 Years Since Launching and Mimeo is Still Innovating

25 Years Since Launching and Mimeo is Still Innovating

It’s been some time since we have provided an update on on-demand printer Mimeo. I recently had the opportunity to speak with the company’s Vice President of Engineering, Bassim Alamiry, who shared the latest company updates. Read More

TAGA… Four Words That Saved An Association

TAGA… Four Words That Saved An Association

Most in our industry are unaware that this title designates the culmination of a 30-year transition recognizing that the growth of the graphic communication industry rests in students, the future innovators and leaders of our industry. This transition resulted from four words: Open membership to students. Read More

December Shipments: …And That’s the Year

December Shipments: …And That’s the Year

December 2024 shipments came in at $7.40 billion, down from November’s $7.28 billion—not a great November but at least better than last year.   Read More

Around the Web: Of Fonts and Fingers

Around the Web: Of Fonts and Fingers

“The hardest-working font in New York.” Print magazine’s 2025 Typography Report. Have you ever spotted the marble typo in the inscription in the Lincoln Memorial? A new Game Font Library is a reference that lets you find what typeface was used in a given video game. MapCanvas lets you print customized maps as posters. A new exhibition of “New Yorker” magazine covers. Ordinary marker ink can be turned into graphene. India’s highly specialized world of chess-piece carving. A simple way to turn a wine bottle into a candelabra, for your Liberace cosplay. Electric unicycle racing looks terrifying. Igloo is recalling some of its coolers because of “amputation concerns.” Yikes. Cheetos catches “pickle fever.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

The Circular Manufacturing Report: The Transition to a Circular Fashion and Textile Industry Is No Longer Optional

The Circular Manufacturing Report: The Transition to a Circular Fashion and Textile Industry Is No Longer Optional

In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan provides insight into the recent Circular Manufacturing Report, noting that the  transition to a circular fashion and textile industry is no longer optional. A link to the full report is included, and we encourage you to read it! Read More

Living with Inkjet: Commercial Adopters Describe How It Fits in

Living with Inkjet: Commercial Adopters Describe How It Fits in

Now that production inkjet printing is fully ready to take its place as a solution for the commercial market, firms that have embraced it are finding that it meshes well with their offset litho activity. Read More

Talent: Where Leadership and Strategy Meet

Talent: Where Leadership and Strategy Meet

You can have the best value proposition, the most unique conversion process, a brilliant profit formula, and plenty of money. But if you don’t have your better talent in the most critical jobs in your company, you probably won’t win. In this final installment of the Smart Strategy series, Wayne Lynn explains. Read More

Kyocera TASKalfa Pro 15000C: Value and Opportunities for Production Inkjet

Kyocera TASKalfa Pro 15000C: Value and Opportunities for Production Inkjet

Historically recognized as a hardware provider, Kyocera has now established itself as a system and solution provider. Launched in 2019, their game-changing TASKalfa Pro 15000c press was developed as an affordable entry point into production inkjet while offering productivity and output quality to go toe to toe with its laser rivals. David Zwang recently had the opportunity to speak with Dustin Graupman, the Senior Director of the Inkjet Division for Kyocera Document Solutions America, Inc., about the company’s successes and peek into the future. Read More

Expect to See More of Those Conversational Ads

Expect to See More of Those Conversational Ads

According to Smartly’s 2025 Digital Trends Report, 74% of marketers are increasing their investment in conversational ads. What are conversational ads? What you need to know from Smartly’s new report. Read More

Attracting Gen Z: 13 Lessons from Ted Lasso’s Leadership Playbook

Attracting Gen Z: 13 Lessons from Ted Lasso’s Leadership Playbook

Maybe you’ve watched Ted Lasso, or you’ve heard people talk about the show. It sparks conversation because the American coach hired by a British soccer/football club became a change agent in unexpected ways. Hired by an owner who believed he would fail, the opposite happened because Lasso surrounded himself with people he empowered, treated his team as individuals, and delicately balanced the needs of the team, staff, and management. Here are some ways we can apply his playbook Read More

Dave Fellman’s Last Column: The Thing That Hasn’t Changed

Dave Fellman’s Last Column: The Thing That Hasn’t Changed

On the eve of his retirement, longtime contributor Dave Fellman looks back at his 35 years of writing about the printing industry and that despite all the changes that have taken place over that time—inside and outside the industry—one thing hasn’t changed: this is a people business. Read More

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2022

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 1,036 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 50% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up in January.  Read More

Around the Web: Of Mixers, Menus, and Memory

Around the Web: Of Mixers, Menus, and Memory

KitchenAid’s color of the year: butter yellow. An expanded version of Atkinson Hyperlegible, a typeface for those with low vision. A new type of origami-based packaging material. Apparently there is such a thing as “Affluent Millennial-coded packaging” and it’s torched, whatever that means. Are typos lethal in a work email? Uber Eats uses AI to create unappetizing menu items for an Italian restaurant. When in Philadelphia, check out America’s first-ever department store. Graphene-based semiconductor memory devices. A robotic desk lamp that can act like a puppy, for some reason. Perfect for Valentine’s Day: a man’s AI girlfriend encouraged him to kill himself. RIP Tom Robbins. Heinz collaborates with Grammy-winning producer Mustard to create a new kind of mustard. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Alliance Franchise Brands Talks eCommerce & the Future of Automation

Alliance Franchise Brands Talks eCommerce & the Future of Automation

In commercial printing, it’s all about automation. Fewer touches is the only way to move forward in the industry. That’s why Alliance Franchise Brands (AFB) chose Aleyant’s Pressero over 10 years ago. In this article, sponsored by Aleyant, Ryan Mastako shares their eCommerce journey and what he sees on the horizon for workflow automation. Read More

2025 Promotional Programs from the USPS

2025 Promotional Programs from the USPS

Postage rates are on the rise, and the USPS has launched its 2025 promotional programs to help mailers reduce costs and create more effective campaigns. This article offers insights on this year’s promotions with a special focus on the Integrated Technologies Promotion. Read More

From In-Line to Off-Line: How Bellia Print & Design Halved Job Costs with Duplo 700i Booklet System

From In-Line to Off-Line: How Bellia Print & Design Halved Job Costs with Duplo 700i Booklet System

In this article, sponsored and written by Duplo, learn how Woodbury, N.J.’s Bellia Print & Design improved productivity and profitability with the 700i Booklet System from Duplo. Read More

Online Print Symposium 2025: The First Visionaries to Set the Agenda

Online Print Symposium 2025: The First Visionaries to Set the Agenda

Keynote speakers and speakers to be announced. Numerous partners and supporters will be presenting at the OPS. Application deadline for insight pitches ends soon. Supporter tickets still available. Read More

What’s in Store for Packaging in 2025?

What’s in Store for Packaging in 2025?

Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at some sustainability takeaways from Esko’s 2025 Packaging Trends Report. Read More

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Single Source of Truth

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Single Source of Truth

Building an intelligent workflow infrastructure with the MIS system as the hub ensures that there is one source of truth and that as your business requirements change, you can safely add and support new processes as well as client and partner integrations. Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovakia

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Slovakia

This regular 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 Slovakia. Read More

The Target Report: Print Everything Everywhere All at One Place—January 2025 M&A Activity

The Target Report: Print Everything Everywhere All at One Place—January 2025 M&A Activity

Riverside Acquires Vomela, and more… Read More

December Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

December Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Net printing employment in December 2024 was not much changed from November—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment up 0.4% and non-production employment down 1.2%. Read More

Around the Web: Of Writing and Robots

Around the Web: Of Writing and Robots

A monthly postcard challenge. Letters have a molecular structure? Books written by humans are getting their own certification, because everything is nuts. When in Denver, be sure to check out the pre-Depression-era murals in the Mountain States Telephone Building. Glasses for the hard of hearing that transcribe spoken words. Graphene-coated drivers for noise-cancelling headphones. An upcoming Chinese half marathon pits human against robot runners. A new snow shovel designed to handle frozen tire tracks. Was Alexander the Great eaten by sharks? It is perfectly possible to ski on sand, and a resort in Bavaria specializes in it. No, we will *not* subscribe to socks. Harry Potter-themed Goldfish crackers. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Talking Textiles: GREEN GRADS X Crucial Trading to Showcase Sustainable Textiles at Chelsea Design Centre

Talking Textiles: GREEN GRADS X Crucial Trading to Showcase Sustainable Textiles at Chelsea Design Centre

At a recent show in Chelsea, London, six graduates were chosen for their common commitment to sustainable design and production, spotlighting natural fibers, dyes, and biomaterials, with ways to cut waste, water, and energy, plus other innovative eco-friendly techniques at the very cutting edge of textiles today. They are our future! This story is provided compliments of textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan. Read More

Heidelberg Looks Ahead to New Opportunities in Milestone Year

Heidelberg Looks Ahead to New Opportunities in Milestone Year

Generational relationships, emerging technologies, and people with passion are what propel Heidelberg forward in its third century as a print market leader. Read More

Your Business Model—The People Resource

Your Business Model—The People Resource

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how talented and motivated people doing jobs they are well suited for can be the competitive advantage you need to outperform the competition in your market. How do you build a team that can help your company meet its goals? Read More

USPS Informed Delivery Daily Digest Opens Continue to Drop: What’s It Mean? (If Anything)

USPS Informed Delivery Daily Digest Opens Continue to Drop: What’s It Mean? (If Anything)

Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a look at the current status of the USPS’s Informed Delivery. Although it’s growing, open rates are declining. What does this mean? Read More

“It Takes a Print Sample to Sell Paper”

“It Takes a Print Sample to Sell Paper”

Why bother with print samples? It’s a good question. A great answer came from Don Clampitt, president of Clampitt Paper, at a meeting organized by the PIA Southwest chapter at the Clampitt Paper warehouse in Denver. He made the point that selling paper and understanding what paper can bring to a project takes great print samples. Read More

Navigate Regulatory Complexity in Print and Packaging: Insights from ACTEGA Experts

Navigate Regulatory Complexity in Print and Packaging: Insights from ACTEGA Experts

How prepared are you for the rapidly evolving world of print and packaging regulations? In this article, experts Mell Bishop and Bernd Elsler from ACTEGA share insights on tackling global compliance challenges, offering tailored solutions, and empowering converters to thrive. Discover how ACTEGA help businesses turn regulatory complexities into opportunities while driving agility and sustainability.   Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Romania

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Romania

This regular 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 Romania. Read More

Around the Web: Of Pinks and Pens

Around the Web: Of Pinks and Pens

Is pink a color? A workshop for manufacturing imaginary books. A highly recommended “forever pen.” Cheetos launches a new handwriting font. Good news: “Matter will be better in 2025.” What was the very first photograph of a snowman? A new graphene filament for 3D printing. “Mercator Extreme” lets you have fun with geographic distortions. CVS makes the retail experience more annoying. The latest incident of a mob destroying a Waymo. An “AI-powered spice dispenser” because everything is insane. Dunkin and Native create doughnut-themed and scented personal care items. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 385 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Books Printing). This represents an decrease of 28% since 2010—although establishments were up from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, Q4 GDP was up 2.3%. Read More

From Offset to Digital: The Transition Continues

From Offset to Digital: The Transition Continues

The printing industry continues to experience a natural and organic shift from offset to digital printing, primarily driven by a growing demand for shorter print runs and greater customization. Despite this transition, a critical question persists—why is it that all potential digital printing volumes are not being produced digitally? This article explores some of the key barriers that continue to hinder the transition to digital. Read More

How Intelligent Automation will Unlock Growth in the Commercial Printing Landscape

How Intelligent Automation will Unlock Growth in the Commercial Printing Landscape

In this article, sponsored by HP, Haim Levit, SVP & Division President, HP Industrial Print, shares his observations and predictions for the Commercial Printing Industry after a drupa year. Read More

Texintel Live Interview with Margo Montoya of Coldenhove on Dye-Sublimation Paper Innovations

Texintel Live Interview with Margo Montoya of Coldenhove on Dye-Sublimation Paper Innovations

Texintel CEO Debbie McKeegan talks with Coldenhove’s Margo Montoya. At PRINTING United 2023, Coldenhove received feedback from soft signage customers seeking lighter grammage paper for dye sublimation and, in response, developed a high-performing, 100g paper that is highly absorbent and dries quickly. Read More

From Music to Masterpieces: How David “Guru of Printing” Drucker Embodies Luxury, Innovation, and Legacy in Print

From Music to Masterpieces: How David “Guru of Printing” Drucker Embodies Luxury, Innovation, and Legacy in Print

Kevin Abergel talks with print industry visionary David Drucker, also known as the “Guru of Printing.” Renowned for his innovative use of materials and exquisite finishing techniques, David takes us on a journey through his most jaw-dropping luxury print projects—including a copper-embossed, safari-inspired book and box set that truly pushes the boundaries of print craftsmanship. Read More

AI Checkers: The Reason to Use Less AI

AI Checkers: The Reason to Use Less AI

Using AI-generated copy makes content development faster and easier. But AI copy is increasingly easy to spot, aided by the power of AI checkers. This undermines the value of content marketing. Plus, it’s embarrassing to get busted. Read More

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Roll Up Your Sleeves

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Roll Up Your Sleeves

To address the new and changing realities, it is important to develop workflows that support the new market demands, products, and product mix with optimal efficiencies. Currently, most work is handled on an exception basis. Everyone seems to be telling you to automate your production, but where do you begin? Read More

Keypoint Intelligence Study Highlights Global Production Software Revenue Growth Through 2028

Keypoint Intelligence Study Highlights Global Production Software Revenue Growth Through 2028

As the printing industry contends with rising material costs, faster turnaround demands, and a shrinking talent pool, efficient workflow software is more essential than ever. Keypoint Intelligence’s The 2023–2028 Production Software Forecast Report presents a focused look at the evolving global workflow software market. This article features the Global Production Software Revenue data, which illustrates key growth trends and provides an at-a-glance understanding of the market’s trajectory through 2028. Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Portugal

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Portugal

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

A 2025 Sustainability Outlook for Textiles and Packaging

A 2025 Sustainability Outlook for Textiles and Packaging

As we enter 2025, we also enter a time of growing climate-based trauma for Planet Earth. Both textiles and packaging contribute to these issues, and both are facing increasing regulatory actions designed to reduce their impact. In this article, we provide an overview of the climate situation, the actions being taken, and some hopeful signs for the future. Read More

November Shipments: Pride Goeth Before the Fall

November Shipments: Pride Goeth Before the Fall

November 2024 shipments came in at $7.35 billion, down quite substantially from October’s $8.20 billion—the worst November in at least five years.   Read More

Around the Web: Of Semiquincentennials, Sharpeners, and Soup

Around the Web: Of Semiquincentennials, Sharpeners, and Soup

Finland’s Metsä may herald the future of packaging. Various events and Regency balls will celebrate the 250th birthday of Jane Austen. The National Archives is inviting volunteers to help transcribe and digitize handwritten historical documents. Walgreens’ ongoing battle over digital freezer door displays. The Royal Shakespeare Company is developing a Macbeth-based video game. A study underway in Canada is investigating the ability to control mobile apps with one’s feet while walking. Three words: luxury pencil sharpener. Scientists have created invisibly thin strands of “nanopasta.” A graphene-based radiator launches on SpaceX Falcon 9. A farm-to-table restaurant that makes its own bone china dishware. Mark your calendars for next month’s seven-planet alignment. Progresso’s Soup Drops are soup as a hard candy.Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Graphic Designers Profess Their Continued Love of Offset

Graphic Designers Profess Their Continued Love of Offset

Offset lithography is no longer the sole option for graphic designers who want their printing to be top-quality. But, the process still commands a remarkable amount of loyalty from designers who value the range of creative possibilities it offers them. Read More

Still Disruptive After All These Years Part 1: The Email of Doom

Still Disruptive After All These Years Part 1: The Email of Doom

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Joe Webb and Richard Romano published the book “Disrupting the Future: Uncommon Wisdom for Navigating Print’s Challenging Marketplace.” In the first article in a series, Richard Romano looks back at the topics discussed in the book—what has changed, what has stayed the same, what wisdom has become common, and which remains uncommon? Read More

Your Business Model—The Profit Formula

Your Business Model—The Profit Formula

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how to devise and then test the assumptions you make in gauging profitability. Read More

Epson Launches Dedicated Direct-to-Film Printer; Available with Fiery Digital Factory Software

Epson Launches Dedicated Direct-to-Film Printer; Available with Fiery Digital Factory Software

As more indication that the direct-to-film (DTF) printing market is continuing to grow, Epson today announced a new dedicated DTF transfer printer for garment decorators. While the company previously offered DTF options in hybrid direct-to-garment (DTG)/direct-to-film solutions, the new printer is dedicated to DTF technology. This article provides details on this new printer as well as insight into what it means for the market. Read More

The Reality Beyond the Walmart “Refreshed Logo” Controversy

The Reality Beyond the Walmart “Refreshed Logo” Controversy

Earlier this month, Walmart announced a “comprehensive rebrand refresh” that is igniting ire from the social media community. Is the hullabaloo really about the similarity of the new logo to the old one? Or is there more to it?   Read More

Workflow Whispers: What Will 2025 Bring Us?

Workflow Whispers: What Will 2025 Bring Us?

It looks like 2025 should be an exciting year in workflow. To build an infrastructure that takes you into the future, here is guidance on where to look for opportunities in your shop. A dose of automation sprinkled with AI-enablement is the recipe to enable a brilliant future. Read More

A Journey Through Print, Process, and Possibility: A Conversation with David Zwang

A Journey Through Print, Process, and Possibility: A Conversation with David Zwang

For Taktiful Tuesday, Taktiful's Eric Vessels talks with David Zwang about digital embellishments and uncovers some of the biggest shifts and challenges transforming print today. Read More

The Impact of AI on Printing and Packaging

The Impact of AI on Printing and Packaging

This article by Adam Page, VP of Reports at Smithers, looks at the drivers and trends in the use of AI in print and packaging industries based on its latest research, including “Post-drupa Technology Forecast for Print and Printed Packaging to 2034,” which is available to purchase now. Read More

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2022

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2022

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 5,800 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 30% since 2010. In macro news, inflation was up slightly in December. Read More

Around the Web: Of Foods and Freebies

Around the Web: Of Foods and Freebies

Another year, another set of classic works now in the public domain. Graphene-enhanced earbuds. Rao’s Homemade collaborated with a local artist for limited-edition pasta sauce labels. Play Tetris inside a PDF. Let the Morse Code Clock drive you into insanity. Two art prints depict the “weirdest and most wonderful things” NYC has seen throughout 2024. The “Adaptchula” is an adjustable spatula and not a versatile vampire. Self-driving cars can’t figure out construction worker hand signals. The romantic origin of the Goldfish cracker. A career change awaits you driving the Planters Nutmobile. Enjoy Cup Noodles ramen with a realistic squid fork. The erroneously named “pickle sandwich.” Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Harnessing Innovation, Software, and Technology for Textile Design and Production: Insight with Frank Maeder of NedGraphics and Optitex 

Harnessing Innovation, Software, and Technology for Textile Design and Production: Insight with Frank Maeder of NedGraphics and Optitex 

Textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan recently interviewed Frank Maeder, President of NedGraphics and Optitex, who shared insights that underscore the power of technology, partnerships, and innovation in the textile industry. Read More

Pantone’s Color of the Year: What’s in a Name?

Pantone’s Color of the Year: What’s in a Name?

Pantone releases its Color of the Year on an annual basis, and 2025 is the year of Mocha Mousse. This article explores the matter of color psychology and discusses what this year’s hue might be able to tell us about ourselves and our current mentality as we navigate through another year. Read More

Embracing the Future of Digital Print Embellishments—Without Sacrificing Value

Embracing the Future of Digital Print Embellishments—Without Sacrificing Value

In this “open letter” to the industry, Taktiful President and Embellishment Evangelist Kevin Abergel points out that, even as the rise of digital embellishments represents one of the most significant shifts in print technology in decades, bad practices can undermine growth in embellishments. He identifies a path that prioritizes sustainable growth, mutual success, and the enduring value of digital embellishments. Read More

Is AI Destroying the Planet?

Is AI Destroying the Planet?

When we talk about AI, we tend to talk about the impact on human tasks. But all of AI’s benefits come at an environmental cost, and that’s not something we generally think about. Read More

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Preparing for Today and the Future

Intelligent Workflow Infrastructures: Preparing for Today and the Future

The technologically-driven changes in communications and information distribution have placed new demands on supply chains, including CPGs, print, publishing, and packaging service providers and those that support them. Changing a business and/or production infrastructure is at the core of a business and is a very challenging process. The good news is that the options are improving. Read More

swissQprint: The Next Generation

swissQprint: The Next Generation

With Generation 5 of its flatbed UV printers, swissQprint ups the speed and productivity of its wide-format equipment. Richard Romano reports from last week’s launch event. Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Poland

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Poland

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

November Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

November Graphic Arts Employment Again Remains Generally Flat

Net printing employment in November 2024 was not much changed from October—overall employment was down slightly by 0.1%, with production employment down 0.3% and non-production employment up 0.4%, one nearly offsetting the other. Read More

Around the Web: Of Resolutions and Robots

Around the Web: Of Resolutions and Robots

For 2025, skip resolutions; try a “theme.” Encyclopedia Britannica is going to become an AI company, sadly. Some, uh, highlights from this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Visit Tokyo’s Museum of Packaging Culture. Print magazine’s 2024 in typography. “Snackfishing” is now apparently a thing. Graphene-based e-textiles for early disease detection. A “modern” redesign of the cuckoo clock. A robot vacuum with a death claw! A penny-farthing motorbike. An LA man trapped in a Waymo. Win Lifestyle Bowls in a Chipotle-Strava challenge. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More

Offset Lithography in 2024: A Year in Review

Offset Lithography in 2024: A Year in Review

Although the pace of the market for offset equipment was moderate at best, technological advances throughout year have set the stage for what could be a surge in press placements in 2025. Read More

Wide Format & Signage: A Look Back and Ahead

Wide Format & Signage: A Look Back and Ahead

It’s January and you know what that means: time for our annual look back at the year that was and look ahead to the year that is to come—and what it all means for wide format, display graphics, and signage. Read More

Your Business Model—Key Processes

Your Business Model—Key Processes

In the latest edition of his Smart Strategy Insights Series, Wayne Lynn explains how key processes, as well as rules, metrics, and norms, that make the profitable delivery of the customer value proposition repeatable and scalable are a necessary component of a usable business model. Read More

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Canon varioPRINT 6000 Series TITAN: Setting the Bar on Cut-Sheet Monochrome Printing

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Canon varioPRINT 6000 Series TITAN: Setting the Bar on Cut-Sheet Monochrome Printing

David Zwang takes an in-depth look at Canon’s varioPRINT 6000 series TITAN, the latest model in the company’s line of high-volume, sheetfed, production monochrome printers. Read More

Does the Upcoming Improving Disclosure for Investment Act Actually Improve Anything?

Does the Upcoming Improving Disclosure for Investment Act Actually Improve Anything?

The Improving Disclosure for Investment Act, S3815, allows financial companies to default investors into e-delivery, even if they previously selected for print delivery in the past. Heidi Tolliver-Walker explains what this pending legislation means for printers—and for investors.  Read More

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Norway

Sizing the Print Industry in Europe—Norway

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

Practical Advice Wrap-Up for 2024: Building Better Businesses

Practical Advice Wrap-Up for 2024: Building Better Businesses

The New Year is upon us. That means it is time to look back and take stock. Here are the trends we saw during the past year. Compare them to what you saw and review the advice for taking advantage of the changing options for workflow automation. Don’t forget to use this guide as you have your year-end business reviews with your vendors! Read More

The Target Report: Zig-Zagging—December 2024 M&A Activity

The Target Report: Zig-Zagging—December 2024 M&A Activity

RRD Acquires Williams Lea, and more… Read More