WhatTheyThink is the global printing industry's go-to information source with both print and digital offerings, including WhatTheyThink.com, WhatTheyThink Email Newsletters, and the WhatTheyThink magazine. Our mission is to inform, educate, and inspire the industry. We provide cogent news and analysis about trends, technologies, operations, and events in all the markets that comprise today's printing and sign industries including commercial, in-plant, mailing, finishing, sign, display, textile, industrial, finishing, labels, packaging, marketing technology, software and workflow.
Displaying 101-200 of 4651 articles
Published February 23, 2024
The latest Monotype Type Trends Report is now available. A company that has not changed its brand in 140 years…is changing its brand. A new antitampering tag can “reveal with near-perfect accuracy whether an item is real or fake.” Fitting one petabit of data on a DVD-sized optical disc. Using a 150-ton hydraulic press to compress a week’s worth of clothes into a carry-on suitcase. A chess set with pieces made of candles. New graphene-based sensors accurately test meat freshness. A household’s Roomba runs away from home. Friday meal options for Lent. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published February 16, 2024
Overall printing employment in January 2024 was unchanged from December, with production employment up 0.7%, while non-production employment was down -1.3%.
Published February 16, 2024
Monotype’s new AI-powered font pairing tool. In the game TimeGuessr, determine where and when an old news photograph was taken. And how were old news photos transmitted back in the day? Some examples of 3D printing in action. AI-driven eyeglasses. Retired payphone plays bird calls. An Ohio funeral home will preserve the tattoos of the deceased. When in Austria, be sure to catch the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra. What would happen if the Earth suddenly stopped rotating? When in Vilnius, Lithuania, be sure to check out the Escalator Slide. The inventor of Pop-Tarts has passed away. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published February 9, 2024
Author and paper maker Beth Kephart has written a love letter to paper. Are we seeing the end of cash? A “Graffiti Color Mixer” includes multiple colors in the same spray can. Were a fleet of electronic toothbrushes involved in a massive DDoS attack? Installing EV chargers in the roads themselves. A phone charger that only charges when your eyes are closed. Three words: flying fire hose. In Kenya, through a complex series of relationships, an invasive ant species is impacting lion hunting skills. The time beavers parachuted into Idaho. This Valentine’s Day, say it with pickles. DoorDash contest is giving away everything advertised during this Sunday’s Super Bowl. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published February 5, 2024
This week, we are publishing the content from 2024's Issue 1, the Software Issue, with an emphasis on “the cloud” and so-called AI. In this article, a preview of the week’s content.
Published February 2, 2024
According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 2,386 establishments in NAICS 51113 (Book Publishing). Although this represents a decrease of 20% since 2010, establishments ticked up by 29 establishments in 2021. In macro news, Q4 GDP grew 3.3%.
Published February 2, 2024
Where did Groundhog Day come from? Taylor Drift conquers Minnesota. Is the maximum size of a PDF really “smaller than Germany”? Wales’ “Kingdom of Books.” Is E Ink finally ready for prime time? Cursive handwriting is starting to be taught again, for some reason. 3D printing using liquid metal. Casual vandalism is OK if you’re a Romantic poet. A round-up of some of the “good, bad, and weird stuff that was crowdfunded in 2023.” The James Webb Space Telescope captures 19 amazingly detailed spiral galaxies. “Eating pasta is scientifically proven to make you feel better.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published January 26, 2024
November 2023 shipments came in at $7.24 billion, down from the year’s high of $7.76 billion a month earlier.
Published January 26, 2024
A Monotype study aims to answer “questions about the cultural differences in perceiving meaning and emotion in type.” Chinese signmakers use infinity mirrors to create cool LED signage. A road sign in Canada wishes monarch butterflies a safe migration. “The golden age of ballooning” led to the first aerial maps. AR-based windows for tour buses. Auto-focusing eyeglasses! The graphene-based “Everything Proof Pants & Shirt.” 3D-printed compostable shoes. Torn from the headlines: is it safe to eat snow? Burning question: why does Norway have so many fjords? Puckish teenager tapes fish to ATMs, for some reason. Hidden Valley and Burt’s Bees collaborate on ranch-flavored lip balm, much to the bees’ dismay. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published January 19, 2024
According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 4,315 establishments in NAICS 51112 (Periodical Publishing). This represents a decrease of 40% since 2010. In macro news, December retail sales were up from November.
Published January 19, 2024
The Folger Library will be publicly exhibiting its collection of Shakespeare First Folios. A new, high-concept typeface based on meteorology. Why do cats love cardboard boxes (and should converters be targeting them)? Trying to figure out what the highly touted Rabbit R1 is actually used for. A wealthy Frenchwoman stipulated in her will that her money go to providing clothes for snowmen. A prototype for a floating umbrella that can follow you around and we want one. how did the dog breeds get their names? An artist whose chosen medium is black Lego. How to detect a chicken’s emotions, should you ever want to. Tito’s Vodka’s new “Spokescart.” Popeyes is offering free wings if a “winged” team—or the Bills—win the Super Bowl. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published January 12, 2024
October 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.84 billion, up from September’s $7.37 billion.
Published January 12, 2024
A Sgt. Pepper-esque tribute to the celebrities who passed away in 2023. Behind some book cover redesigns from hardcover to paperback. A Minneapolis store where you can buy vintage, discarded channel letters. A fun 1824 primer on punctuation. A coffee table that is also a touchscreen display. “What was life like before the Internet?” A start-up is developing an app that lets a smartphone evaluate air quality. Graphene-based batteries now for pre-sale! The economics of time travel. Protesting Pontianak, Indonesia’s proposed “ghost statue.” Oscar Mayer is hiring Wienermobile drivers. Fruit Stripe gum has been discontinued. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published December 15, 2023
Exploring some of the odder Christmas traditions around the world. What exactly are frankincense and myrrh, anyway? Intricate and beautiful window graphics created with “snow spray.” The etymology of the word “blizzard.” The case of the missing ISS tomato has been solved! Medieval ergonomic scriptorium desks. Advances in transparent wood, stronger than plastics and tougher than glass. Graphene-based corrugated board. Sports Illustrated “writers” were AI-generated personas. Using AI to talk to the dead. Doritos-flavored booze. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published December 11, 2023
This week, we are publishing the content from Issue 6, the Production Print Issue. In this article, a preview of the week’s content.
Published December 8, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 6,260 establishments in NAICS 51111 (Newspaper Publishing). This represents a decrease of 20% since 2010. In macro news, what is going on with GDP?
Published December 8, 2023
The major dictionaries have announced their “words of the year”—believe it or not. Pantone announces its Color of the Year. A new book tells the long-lost story of the American military’s World War II troop newspapers. A new poster series celebrates NYC’s design community. St. Pancras train station’s Christmas tree display is a tower of hand-painted books. A new card game uses creativity to help generate good ideas. The USPS is releasing a series of Dungeons & Dragons stamps. A selection of “America’s grandest gas stations.” KISS plan to stay on tour forever…as digital avatars. Why are french fries called chips, and chips called crisps, in the UK? All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly hallucinatory miscellany.
Published December 4, 2023
Last month, Fiery® unveiled Fiery Command WorkStation® 7, a centralized job management solution that helps unify the digital print room. In this Q&A, sponsored by Fiery, we sat down with the Fiery product team to discuss what’s new in Command WorkStation and how printers can use it to gain operational efficiencies and elevate color performance to meet customer expectations.
Published December 1, 2023
September 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.42 billion, down from August’s $7.47 billion.
Published December 1, 2023
The venerable Popular Science will no longer be available as a magazine, p- or e-. But Nylon magazine will. An artist who specializes in turning the detritus generated by “fast fashion” into art. A dictionary hoarder spawned a museum. The 100th anniversary of the publication of “A Visit from St. Nick” in a Troy, N.Y. newspaper. Meet the Apostrophe Protection Society, perhaps against your will. Trying to recreate the lost Tyrian purple. A space-saving alternative to a nightstand. A space-saving coat hanger. This year’s Pop-Tart Bowl will feature an edible mascot. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published November 17, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 30,939 establishments in NAICS 511 (Publishing Industries [except Internet]). This represents an increase of 10% since 2010 and increase of 13% since 2016. In macro news, October inflation was unchanged from September.
Published November 17, 2023
Holy crap, is there a lost Shakespeare play out there? A linguistics conference is solely dedicated to the R sound. Is the AI pin the future of technology? Don’t count E Ink technology out just yet. Automakers have started using recycled materials for car interiors. Minnesota is crowd-sourcing its new state flag design, unfortunately. A new turbine deign could revolutionize wind power. An AI-powered robotic beehive that can help beekeepers save honeybee colonies. A New Hampshire distillery has come out with a trout-flavored brandy. AI-powered crunch-cancelling software that eliminates the distracting crunching sound of chips. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published November 10, 2023
Overall printing employment in October 2023 was up 0.8% from September. Production employment was up 0.7% while non-production employment was up 1.1%.
Published November 10, 2023
Celebrating World Kindness Day through typography. Print magazine is not a fan of IP’s new logo. The origin of the ampersand. Here is a fashion design trend we never saw coming: snails. Furniture design based on shipping containers. NYC’s Transit app now features a rat detector. A classic album cover star is identified after 52 years. Wilco’s unique approach to merch: its own typeface. Aldi has an advent calendar for all tastes. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published November 3, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 1,059 establishments in NAICS 32312 (Support Activities for Printing). This represents a decrease of 49% since 2010. In macro news, Q3 GDP was up 4.9%.
Published November 3, 2023
Heavy books are proliferating—but they may be health hazards. The world’s largest Medieval manuscript features a full-page picture of the Devil. Japan's mundane costume festival. Boston Dynamics’ robot dog now talks using ChatGPT. Understanding how trees communicate. The blackest known black paint. On-demand toaster printing. JR’s Appliance Museum features more than 10,000 rare electrical appliances. White Castle and Chipotle are adding food-prep robots. A jacket made of spoons. The James Webb Space Telescope cracks open the Crab Nebula. Tabasco and Banza have collaborated on a pizza that gets hotter the more you eat it. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published October 27, 2023
Monotype and Canva collaborate on typography courses for schools. An online fridge magnet poetry simulator provides hours of entertainment. A “computational food project” turns meals into interactive performance art, terrifyingly. A frying pan manufacturer is sued for claiming its cookware was forged at a temperature exceeding that of the sun. A water bottle has a magnetic cap that turns it into an iPhone holder or tripod. An online adventure makes inventory management fun. A graphene-based heated jacket hits the market. The James Webb Space Telescope finds a high-speed jet stream on Jupiter. The persistent myth of poisoned Halloween candy. Stouffer’s releases an advent calendar filled with frozen food. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published October 27, 2023
August 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.44 billion, up from July’s $7.04 billion.
Published October 20, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 370 establishments in NAICS 323117 (Commercial Book Printing). This represents a decrease of 31% since 2010—but a decrease of -2.4% from 2020. In macro news, AIA’s Architecture Billings Index (ABI) indicates that demand for design services decelerated in September, boding ill for commercial real estate construction and thus signage projects.
Published October 20, 2023
An exhibition of imaginary languages. The last vestiges of the phone book are on their way out. Packaging designed specifically to be easy to open. A history of the Ouija board. A site that reads the terms of service for Instagram or TikTok as if they were lullabies. A clock design that is linear—like time itself. Netflix is opening physical locations. Graphene-enhanced condoms. New research finds that the outcome of a coin toss is not exactly 50-50. Japanese ghosts prefer haunting bathrooms. An art exhibition based on James Webb Space Telescope images. grocery chain B&M is looking for a chicken nugget connoisseur. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published October 13, 2023
A book club finally finishes Finnegans Wake—28 years after it started. A history of book banning. Graphene-infused packaging that reduces plastic consumption. DEC may be gone, but its legacy lingers. A new font aims to make reading easier for dyslexics. An AR-powered football helmet with a screen that allows deaf players to see play calls in ASL. “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?…The Shadow knows!” Music for chickens. What’s the most popular Halloween candy in your state? All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published October 13, 2023
Quarter-over-quarter profit margin data can be fairly noisy but we’re on a general upward trend since the trough of the pandemic.
Published October 6, 2023
A small command-line program that plays typewriter sounds every time you press a computer key. Does Google alter user search queries to generate more revenue? Scarecrow Video is keeping physical media alive. Slovenia’s beautiful, illustrated beehives. Social media app Mastodon will now run on an Apple II. A sleeping pod designed to let you nap vertically, which is apparently a good thing. What ever happened to hood ornaments? The standard cosmological model is saved! All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published October 3, 2023
We recently sat down with Lisa DiGate, vice president, global business–HP Indigo at Michelman, to discuss the power of innovation, collaboration and a focus on sustainability in propelling innovation forward in the digital printing and packaging industries.
Published October 2, 2023
This week, we are publishing the content from Issue 5, the Labels & Packaging Issue. In this article, a preview of the week’s content.
Published September 29, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 5,559 establishments in NAICS 323113 (Commercial Screen Printing). This represents an increase of 25% since 2010—but a decrease of -0.1% from 2020. In macro news, the third estimate of Q2 GDP is unchanged, but with some subtle changes “under the hood.”
Published September 29, 2023
The designer of the nutrition label, Burkey Belser, has passed away. Designer and artist Alexa Edgerton’s letter-shaped cakes. Two artists whose chosen medium is rolled-up paper. Two St. Louis TV stations battle it out over the phrase “First Alert Weather.” Coke’s Y3000 soda was developed with AI, with predictable results. When in Seoul, visit the National Hangeul Museum, dedicated to the history of Korea’s national writing system. Has the James Webb Space Telescope found evidence of potential life on Europa? Panera Bread has a “Roman Empire menu,” but it could be more accurate. McDonald’s has a secret “McBrunch Burger,” which is only available for a few minutes a day. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published September 22, 2023
In a year that continues to surprise, July 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.04 billion, down from June’s $7.40 billion.
Published September 22, 2023
Copyright trolling comes to typography. Paper checks are going the way of the landline and the fax machine. A vending machine for art prints. Inside Los Angeles Trade Tech College’s (LATTC) Sign Graphics program. A new paper argues that we’ve gotten Newton’s First Law of Motion wrong all these years. Why not visit Null Island, which lives up to its name. De-extincting the Tasmanian tiger. Pink Floyd fans can attend a listening party at which they can have their brainwaves monitored, for some reason. Who would have thought that buying the Brady Bunch house would be “the worst investment ever”? Apparently breakfast cereal is on the way out. Shake Shack is hiring a “Chief Avocado Officer.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published September 15, 2023
According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 15,592 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 26% since 2010. In macro news, inflation is alas up.
Published September 15, 2023
A new design enables easy conversion of large, used corrugated boxes into smaller e-commerce boxes. Amazon kills its Kindle Periodicals program. The Colorado Sun is going non-profit. A search for the cover artist of a beloved book. 3D-printed IBM Selectric typeballs. A tribute to the art of “roadlining.” All about the “lost continent” of Lemuria. That weird object dredged up from the Gulf of Mexico: egg or sponge? Why you shouldn’t put fake spider webs on your bushes. Dolly Parton and Duncan Hines again team up to offer holiday sugar cookies. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published September 8, 2023
Overall printing employment in August 2023 was down 0.2% from July. Production employment was down 0.3% while non-production employment was up 0.2%.
Published September 8, 2023
“For a designer, learning to set metal and wood type is as essential as learning to drive a car.” Very simple, modernist posters for popular movies. Popular movies rendered as old book covers. Swiss Post honors “concrete in architecture” with concrete-infused stamp. Paper drinking straws are more likely to contain PFAs than plastic ones. Graphene aims to solve the problem of potholes. Mozilla: today’s cars are a “privacy nightmare.” Why aren’t there more roadway roundabouts in the US? Smashing dried pasta in a variety of creative ways. States ranked by how easy it is to nibble them out of graham crackers. Yelp! is hiring a food photographer. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published September 1, 2023
According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 21,521 establishments in NAICS 32311 (Printing). This represents a decline of 20% since 2010. In macro news, Q2 GDP revised downward.
Published September 1, 2023
An upcoming virtual “kernference” for type lovers. A new book collects photos of hand-painted signs from around L.A. A typeface based on London Underground arrival boards. Custom-printed car air fresheners. Apollo is said to be the “iPhone of robots.” A mechanical canary that keels over when the air quality is poor and pops back up when it has improved. A giant bull travels by sedan. A history of the Mellotron. “Subway in the Sky” offers blimp rides for Subway patrons. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published August 25, 2023
Monotype launches a creative community for independent foundries and type designers. Is the design world getting less colorful? How the paper airplane has historically aided and is still informing knowledge about the mechanics of flight. “Linear TV” (broadcast and cable) drops below 50% of total TV usage. The inventor of the game “Operation” couldn’t afford a real one. Are farmers ready for “electric horticulture”? Lego blocks with Braille help blind and partially sighted children learn to read. Microchipped “smart labels” help thwart parmesan cheese counterfeiting, which is apparently thing. Oscar Mayer introduces a “hot dog straw,” upsettingly. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published August 25, 2023
In a year that continues to surprise, June 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.38 billion, up from May’s $7.26 billion.
Published August 18, 2023
According to the latest, just-released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 22,580 establishments in NAICS 323 (Printing and Related Support Activities). This represents a decline of 22% since 2010. In macro news, July retail sales came in above expectations.
Published August 18, 2023
"Print" magazine’s list cool independent print magazines. What company presentations were like before PowerPoint. Telepoem booths are popping up in the Southwest. A wearable mouse. The robots have cracked CAPTCHA. AI-based recipe bot creates toxic meals. Greg Maletic’s collection of vintage calculators. Scientists have reconstructed Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall” by analyzing people’s brainwaves. The James Webb Space telescope zooms in on the most distant detectable star. Dunkin’ introduces boozy iced teas and coffees. Pro tip: don’t age wine at the bottom of the ocean. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published August 11, 2023
Typefaces can play a role in keeping old languages alive. Henry Voigt is the premier collector of historical American menus. Author discovers AI-generated fake books listed in her name on Amazon. A 3D-printed heart ventricle beats on its own. Toppan’s VoiceBiz UC (Universal Communication) Display is a real-time translation device. Spend time perusing and being horrified by “Terrible Real Estate Photographs.” 3D-printed graphene-enhanced ballistic armor for service animals. Door handles “semantically designed to be clear about the direction the door should be opened.” A chainsaw-powered, flame-throwing tuba will liven up any marching band. Taco John’s relinquishes “Taco Tuesday” trademark, in a win for alliteration. Watch out for foaming, exploding watermelons. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published August 10, 2023
Join Eric Vessels, Richard Romano, and Jessica Taylor as they have a jam session on the latest magazine issue (Issue 4—Leadership). The crew talks about all the great content in the mag as well as the far out cover design that was inspired by our interview with Francis McMahon in this issue. Thanks to Canon Solutions America for being the Issue Sponsor this time around. We appreciate their support of the work we do!
Published August 7, 2023
This week, we are publishing the content from Issue 4, the Leadership Issue. In this article, a preview of the week’s content.
Published August 4, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 360 establishments in NAICS 322299 (All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -22% since 2010. In macro news, Q2 GDP is up.
Published August 4, 2023
Interactive WaPo story tests font legibility. AI will not disrupt books. “Possibilities of Paper” is an art installation featuring creative uses of paper. A tribute to the Zenith Space Command remote control. There is such a thing as “LiFi,” light-based wireless communication. VW is reintroducing its “magic bus”—and it’s electric. Car owners are frustrated by the proliferation of technology in cars. Dang, we missed the National Week of Injection Molding. The James Webb Space Telescope spots a giant cosmic question mark. Why not participate in the annual Sheep to Shawl Competition? In “dip hop,” rappers lay down rhymes in sign language. Krispy Kreme has filled doughnuts with M&Ms, for some reason. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published July 28, 2023
May 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.26 billion, unexpectedly up from April’s $7.01 billion.
Published July 28, 2023
The Earl Hays Press has provided virtually all printed props for the film industry since 1915. A typewriter made out of drums. A musical PSA from 1967 explaining the ZIP code. A useful, less egregious version of Comic Sans. “An innovative eraser with 5 edge sizes in one implement!” What are the world’s most rectangular or roundest countries? Two words: cocaine sharks. A new TikTok fad involves consuming or bathing in borax, for some reason. ExxonMobil invests in carbon capture. Quaker Oats finally fixes Cap’n Crunch’s uniform. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published July 21, 2023
Microsoft 365 has a new default typeface. Benjamin Franklin vs. counterfeiters. A Japanese textiles company still uses 40-year-old software. A wall-mounted E Ink-based calendar that syncs with Google Calendar. A new museum exhibit focuses on “food archaeology.” Electric bikes are popular among…the Amish? A fast-deploying portable hammock. The original “Wilhelm scream” has been found. Opening today: “Barbenheimer.” Hostess introduces the Ding Dongs x Twinkies Mashup. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published July 21, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 123 establishments in NAICS 322291 (Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -13% since 2010. In macro news, new business applications continue to rise.
Published July 20, 2023
Lori Messina, President of Access Direct, and President of the Board for thINK talks about this year’s thINK Ahead program. Lori talks about the importance of sharing knowledges and discussing common challenges with peers. thINK is an independent community of Canon production inkjet customers that provides a forum for networking and education.
Published July 19, 2023
Julie Shaffer talks with Matthew Poliniak, Sr. Manager, Product Management, for Canon USA, about the Canon Summit 2023, held recently in Nashville, and Canon’s recent product announcements and releases.
Published July 14, 2023
Milwaukee’s inaugural QWERTYFEST celebrates the invention of the typewriter. The world’s oldest national newspaper has produced its final print edition after 320 years. “People are paying to break printers with sledgehammers in smash rooms.” Graphene-based “e-skin.” Aqualamb brings back album art in the age of streaming. Noise-canceling headphones for dogs. The flying car is almost here! Italian automotive hackers create the lowest drivable car, for some reason. Mushroom-based coffins for the burgeoning “green burial” trend. Enter “Tim Burton’s Labyrinth.” Burger King’s “real cheeseburger.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published July 14, 2023
Overall printing employment in June 2023 was down -0.2% from March. Production employment was up 0.4% while non-production employment was down -0.6%.
Published July 13, 2023
Julie Shaffer talks with Karin Harrington, Senior Director of Field Sales for Canon USA, about the Canon Summit 2023, held recently in Nashville, which brought together a combination of the sales and service organizations that sell and support Canon solutions.
Published June 30, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 483 establishments in NAICS 32229 (Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -20% since 2010. In macro news, BEA revises Q1 GDP up.
Published June 30, 2023
The only woman’s name that appears on the Declaration of Independence. National Geographic lays off its last remaining staff writers. Turn your walls or windows into huge, animated Lite-Brites. The Sol Reader is essentially a Kindle embedded in a pair of glasses. Making “smart paper” with liquid metal. A graphene-based wearable and wireless patch that detects signs of liver inflammation. A design firm’s war against…lawns. The new face of terror: a robotic dog with a flamethrower attached to its back. Barbie’s Dream House in each state. Is a 2,000-year-old Pompeiian fresco the oldest depiction of a pizza? 7-Eleven introduces Slurpee-themed jewelry, for some reason. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published June 23, 2023
April 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.00 billion, down from March’s $7.58 billion and in line with annual seasonality—although it is a bit below the previous two Aprils.
Published June 23, 2023
A “public service videogame” that invites players to verify images incorrectly to confuse bots. Type designer and typographer Oded Ezer’s unique “The Samsa Enigma” project for the 140th anniversary of Franz Kafka’s birth. A knitted blanket based on the original Mac OS desktop. Behind the scenes at Seven Days, a Vermont-based weekly newspaper. The continuing resurgence of non-digital technologies. A kitten is rescued from a packaging recycling container. Converting a pickup truck into a giant dot matrix printer. Could life exist on Venus, of all places? When out at the bar, be sure to adjust for drinkflation.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published June 20, 2023
Debbie McKeegan, CEO at Texintel and WhatTheyThink contributor, talks to Micol Gamba, Product Marketing Manager at EFI, about EFI Reggiani fabric printing solutions. At ITMA 2023 EFI launched new hardware and software solutions that provide end-to-end digital printing workflows for sustainable textile production.
Published June 20, 2023
Debbie McKeegan, CEO at Texintel and WhatTheyThink contributor, talks to Paolo Crespi, DTF Sales & Marketing Director, at EPSON Italia about EPSON’s range of digital textile printers. At ITMA 2023 EPSON showcased the ability to print special effects including gold and other metallics on its Monna Lisa digital textile printer.
Published June 20, 2023
Debbie McKeegan, CEO at Texintel and WhatTheyThink contributor, talks to Danny Gazit, Chief Product Officer at Kornit Digital, about the company’s direct-to-garmut and direct-to-fabric digital textile print technologies. At ITMA 2023 Kornit unveiled new platforms to enable more sustainable textile printing and supply-chain management.
Published June 20, 2023
Debbie McKeegan, CEO at Texintel and WhatTheyThink contributor, talks to Sho Taniguchi, Kyocera’s Deputy General Manager, Digital Printing Business Development about the Kyocera FOREARTH Digital Textile Printer launched at ITMA 2023.
Published June 20, 2023
Debbie McKeegan, CEO at Texintel and WhatTheyThink contributor, talks to Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales EMEA at Mimaki, about Mimaki’s approach to bringing sustainability and circularity to textile printing. Mimaki used ITMA 2023 to showcase new digital textile printers and new concepts for de-inking polyester textiles.
Published June 16, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 324 establishments in NAICS 32223 (Stationery Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -35% since 2010. In macro news, the US birth rate increased insignificantly in 2022—the latest in a worrying demographic trend.
Published June 16, 2023
The World Book is the last remaining printed encyclopedia. ChatGPT running on 1980s era computer technology. Satirical UI features in popular apps. “At no point is the child’s nose actually removed from the child’s face. [citation needed]” Graphene-based eco-denim. An ancient manuscript is actually a medieval stand-up comedy routine. A star is turning into a giant diamond. A robot vacuum that can climb stairs. Entering a robot dog in dog show. A woman is knocked unconscious while chasing a giant cheese down a hill. Supreme Court shoots down parody products. The Planters NUTmobile to become “the Nuttiest Dive Bar.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published June 15, 2023
Danny Gazit, Chief Product Officer at Kornit Digital, talks about the Kornit Apollo platform unveiled at ITMA 2023 in Milan. Apollo can decorate up to 400 garments per hour and features automation for loading and unloading.
Published June 13, 2023
Rachel Li, Segment Marketing Manager at FUJIFILM Ink Solutions Group, talks about the advantages of RxD aqueous pigment dispersions from FUJIFILM. RxD aqueous pigment dispersions have a higher pigment concentration to provide higher color strength for fashion, direct-to-garment, home décor, and other textile applications.
Published June 12, 2023
Frank Pennisi, CEO of EFI, talks with WhatTheyThink’s Eric Vessels about landing his dream job when he became CEO this past January. Frank is a seasoned industrial technology leader. Prior to joining EFI Frank was on the leadership team for EFI customer Orora Packaging Solutions. In this broad ranging informal discussion, we learn about Frank’s background, leadership style, and his vision for the future of EFI.
Published June 9, 2023
This edition of our Friday data series offers a preliminary “sneak peek” at the results of the Taktiful and WhatTheyThink 2023 Specialty Digital Ink and Toner Embellishment Study. This study takes a deep dive into how current users of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies are utilizing them, what the response from customers has been, how satisfied print providers have been with the sales and profitability of these jobs, where the challenges lie, and their general feelings about the future of digital ink and toner embellishment technologies.
Published June 9, 2023
A look at how they used to print ledger books. The Boston Typewriter Orchestra performs on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. Absolut is introducing lightweight paper-based bottles for its vodka. Another leap forward for graphene-based wearable textiles. The “Barbie” movie caused a shortage of pink paint. Some Maryland license plates contain a link to a Philippine gambling site. Thanks to the “aaS” model, we don’t really own anything anymore. A solar-powered mechanical LEGO clock that will keep time for a billion years. The time has come to address the imminent deluge of discarded solar panels. Can experts really judge wine? A pop-up Cheez-It filling station in Joshua Tree National Park. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published June 2, 2023
In March 2023, the value of shipments of paperboard containers was $6.361 billion, the highest it has been since August 2022.
Published June 2, 2023
Experimental tables of contents. 105-year-old Bay View Printing still prints on century-old letterpress equipment. LA’s “crosswalk vigilantes” help improve pedestrian safety. “Séance AI” for one last chat with the departed. The US Government is auctioning off lighthouses—some for free. Artificial “e-skin” can communicate with the brain. An Indian food inspector drains a reservoir to retrieve his phone. New Zealand Air to start weighing passengers for “data collection purposes.” The “Hammer Fist” is a bizarre tool. Plastic wine bottles are on their way. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published May 30, 2023
FESPA’s Graeme Richardson-Locke talks to Jacab Burke, President at the Look Company, about winning the Sustainability Award in the FESPA Awards 2023. The Look Company’s entry consisted of printed fabrics for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Sustainability was a key component of the FIFA World Cup 2022 project.
Published May 30, 2023
FESPA Textiles Ambassador Debbie McKeegan talks to Léa Saint-Jeveint, student at SEPR in France, about winning the “Young Star Award” in the FESPA Awards 2023. Saint-Jeveint won the award for her entry “Lueur abyssale”.
Published May 30, 2023
FESPA Textiles Ambassador Debbie McKeegan talks to Edward Hillam, Operations Manager at Imageco in the UK, about the “ANTALIS SUSTAINABILITY STREET” project which won a FESPA Awards 2023.
Published May 26, 2023
Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Marketing at EFI, provides an update on EFI’s product portfolio and what the company is showcasing at FESPA 2023. EFI is previewing the Nozomi Single-pass Inkjet Printer for Sign and Display Graphics, and announced LED thermoformable inks.
Published May 26, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 723 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -12% since 2010. In macro news, the Architecture Billings Index suggests a recovery from the slowdown in the construction industry.
Published May 26, 2023
A special print edition of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy five-book trilogy is on the way. QR codes just aren’t cool any more, a least in restaurants. William A. Lavalette, an obscure 19th-century Black inventor, received two printing press-related patents. Louisville, Ky.’s American Printing House for the Blind museum expands and is reimaged as The Dot Experience. A biodegradable wedding dress made from the roots of wheatgrass. The first graphene-based kitchen appliance. A star in Ursa Major just went supernova. New research suggests that Saturn’s rings won’t last forever. CatVana is Carvana—but for cats. Heinz has a new mixer for customized ketchup. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published May 24, 2023
Carmen Eicher, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at swissQprint, provides an update on swissQprint’s product strategy and what the company is showcasing at FESPA 2023.
Published May 23, 2023
Christian Harder, Vice President Sales, at Durst talks about the evolution of Durst product portfolio and the infusion of hardware and software automation into its products. Durst is embracing automation to increase productivity and reduce manual touchpoints.
Published May 19, 2023
A self-digitizing pen…you have to subscribe to. A realistic animated tour inside a mechanical typewriter. A conductive elastic ink that can 3D print more flexible wearable devices. When in Amsterdam, be sure to get a Rembrandt tattoo. Researchers have developed wearable robot arms. Spin Master’s Bitzee hopes to be the next Tamagotchi. A swarm of bees prevented a Delta flight from taking off. AM radios are disappearing from cars. Prince is getting a Minnesota highway named after him. Is Betelgeuse about to go nova? Oscar Mayer’s “Wienermobile” is now the “Frankmobile,” and you can see the jokes coming a mile away. Mac and cheese truffles. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published May 19, 2023
Overall printing employment in April 2023 was down -0.2% from March. Production employment was down -0.8% while non-production employment was up 1.1%.
Published May 12, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 278 establishments in NAICS 322219 (Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -20% since 2010. In macro news, inflation is slowing but still high.
Published May 12, 2023
Is the future of computing an AI-based wearable that projects its display in your hand? The Metaverse is no more, assuming it ever was. Quantel celebrates its revolutionary Paintbox. The Chicago Tribune press room sold to Bally’s to become a casino. Graphene nanotubes combine conductivity and durability in polyimide films used in copiers and printers. Shanghai is installing high-tech phone booths. A 3D-printed garden hose-to-HDMI adapter. “Regular internet use may be linked to lower dementia risk in older adults.” Hundreds of pounds of pasta mysteriously found by a New Jersey creek. Italy calls crisis meeting over surging pasta prices. Author of a book on grief is arrested for killing her husband. Lay’s is offering the BLT Sandwich chip. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published May 5, 2023
March 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.18 billion, up from February’s $6.46 billion and in line with annual seasonality—even if it is below the previous two Marches.
Published May 5, 2023
“36 Days of Type” wraps up. The David Rumsey Map Collection is an online database of more than 120,000 downloadable maps. Using a restaurant menu’s typography to anticipate food quality. Striking writers’ picket signs. Automakers are mercifully starting to replace touch screens with tactile controls. The Museum of Failure comes to Brooklyn. A graphene-based engine oil additive is said to improve fuel economy, power, and performance. How did chess pieces get their names? The origin of Beltane. A Titantic-themed distillery in Belfast is now open. Kit Kat breakfast cereal is now a thing. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published April 28, 2023
According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 546 establishments in NAICS 322212 (Folded Paperboard Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net increase in establishments of 11% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 2023 GDP shows third straight quarter of growth.
Published April 28, 2023
A small local newspaper’s print swan song. A 90-year-old high school newspaper wrestles with paper prices. “The world’s most beautiful calendar.” Scientists have finally cracked the code of the Mayan calendar. A German magazine publishes a fake AI-generated interview with Michael Schumacher, for some reason. A shredded book designed to be read. Xerox donates the Palo Alto Research Center to SRI International. Seiko Epson invests in a company that develops brain-to-computer interfaces. The Light-Up Chess Set features pieces that are illuminated. England’s Blackpool Zoo is hiring a “seagull deterrent”—bird costume required. Color-changing marshmallows. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published April 21, 2023
The last two computer magazines stop publishing. A typeface designed for knitting. A new bioink for 3D organ printing. Library of Congress hosts a workshop on rare Japanese books. A robot designed to paint graffiti, for some reason. An AI-based robotic dogsitter. A graphene-based cardiac pacemaker. 16-millimeter fil turns 100 years old. The world’s greatest gate. The James Webb Space Telescope captures two galaxies merging. Russell Stover’s 5,000-pound box of chocolates. The therapeutic effect of power-washing street signs. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.
Published April 21, 2023
Overall printing employment in February 2023 was up 0.3% from January. Production employment was up 0.1% while non-production employment was up 0.7%.
Published April 20, 2023
WhatTheyThink’s Eric Vessels talks to Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, about what can be expected at this year’s event in Munich, Germany. They discuss the history of the event as well as the unique positioning of this event in the industry. Neil also highlights why he thinks it important for those from North America to plan to attend.
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