Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Around the Web: Aromatic Ads. Planted Plantagenet. Boat Brouhaha. Writing Removal. Print Preference. Gabbing Greenery. Organic Optics. Tank Trade. Waffle Wear.

Published May 17, 2024

The first scented billboard. Uncovering the remains of Richard III. Ordered to hide your boat from public view? Build a fence and paint a boat on it! Eliminating inaccessible graffiti using spray-painting drones. Costumed park rangers in Illinois act out the cicada emergence. Video of plants “talking” to each other. The winner of the annual Ugly Muppet Toy Pageant. The James Webb Space Telescope discovered complex organic chemicals surrounding two protostars. Red Lobster is closing locations and auctioning off their equipment. Eggo launches waffle-themed sneakers. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Around the Web: Type Tome. Thames Type. Plato’s Plot. Bubbler Button. Gold Graphene. Quantum Quandary. Cryptic Creature. Cicada Swarms. Sriracha Shortage.

Published May 10, 2024

A new book looks at the 20th-century rise of typography. A dedicated designer retrieved the presumed lost Doves Type. A new AI-related Internet term is the new “spam.” AI helps find Plato’s burial spot. The Verge pays tribute to the water fountain button. The Australian Olympic Team will be sporting graphene-enhanced apparel at the Paris Olympics. A new image captures atoms behaving like waves, the hitherto unseen basis of quantum mechanics. NASA researchers have created an animation that takes the viewer into the black hole. The decades-long search for the Mongolian death worm. Prepare for trillions of cicadas to emerge, if they haven’t already. A pepper shortage is causing Huy Fong to cancel shipments of sriracha until the fall. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2021

Published May 10, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 1,895 establishments in NAICS 32221 (Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 15% since 2010. In macro news, early Q2 GDP predictions are bullish.

March Graphic Arts Employment A Mixed Bag

Published May 3, 2024

Overall printing employment in March 2024 was generally up—+0.4% from February—with production employment down -0.2% and non-production employment up +1.5%.

Around the Web: Color Caution. Kicky Keyboard. Dyed Dairy. Bread Beanie. Polaroid Poems. Domestic Droid. Mutant Mouse. New Nebula. Bison Bashing. Marvelous Moody.

Published May 3, 2024

The color “magenta” has been designated the “worst and deadliest” of the heat threat categories. RIP author Paul Auster. In an old movie musical, a couple dance on a giant typewriter. Just in time for Star Wars Day, dairy producer TruMoo has introduced Blue Milk. Just in time for Kentucky Derby Day, Panera has introduced the “Bread Hat.” A camera that uses AI to compose a poem based on a picture it has just taken. We’re still trying to get true 5G wireless, but over in Japan, 6G is on the way. A domestic robot capable of performing a variety of household tasks. Scientists in Portugal accidently created a six-legged mouse. The James Webb Space telescope zooms in on the Horsehead Nebula. “Man accused of kicking a bison at Yellowstone National Park,” for some reason. RIP Mike Pinder. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2021

Published April 26, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 8,947 establishments in NAICS 51913 (Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals). This category saw a net increase of 66% since 2010. In macro news, Q1 GDP is much lower than expected.

Around the Web: Color Culture. Bard Birthplace? Control Controversy. Planetary Puzzle. Jukebox Johnny. Aldi Aisle. Crustacean Crash.

Published April 26, 2024

A new book explores “the implications of color and its cultural impact.” Was Shakespeare really born in the “Shakespeare Birthplace” in Stratford-upon-Avon? If you’re ever in Philadelphia, be sure to visit the largest typewriter company in the world. Reading The Hobbit à la the BBC’s Shipping Forecast. Do you prefer touchscreens or tactile controls? A new wireless lamp design uses rechargeable bulbs. Could a ninth planet be hiding behind Neptune? A reconstruction of a three-hour Dr. Johnny Fever radio show from episodes of “WKRP in Cincinnati” is the best playlist we have ever heard. 20% of Aldi’s revenue comes from its “Aisle of Shame.” Red Lobster may file for bankruptcy. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

February Shipments: Well, At Least It’s Seasonal

Published April 19, 2024

February 2024 shipments came in at $6.01 billion, down from January’s $7.04 billion—and right between February 2021 and 2022.

Around the Web: Met Medics. Type Tenets. Bend’s Blockbuster. Insurance Inflation. Follicle Fashion. Humdrum Handset. Bee Bandits. Clever Cutlery. Collaborative Condiment.

Published April 19, 2024

Inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s book conservation lab. A new book lays out the Universal Principles of Typography. 11 signs from around the country that evoke “pure Americana.” Mattel releases a team-based version of Scrabble. Physical media’s last stand. Car insurance premiums have sure kicked into overdrive. Textiles made from human hair may not be as creepy as they sound. HMD and Heineken introduce the Boring Phone. Battling the West’s “bee rustlers” would make for an interesting John Wayne film. Horatio Nelson’s “Knork.” Heinz and Mattel team up to launch “Barbiecue sauce.” All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Assorted Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

Published April 12, 2024

According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 726 establishments in NAICS 511199 (All Other Publishing). This category saw a net decrease of 39% since 2010, although establishments spiked from 2020 to 2021. In macro news, estimates of Q1 GDP are running around +2%.

Around the Web: Publishing Posters. Pyrotechnic Packaging. Mock Media. AI Aide. Agile ANYmal. Tail Tech. New Nova. Silent Solo. Dairy-esque Dye.

Published April 12, 2024

A new book celebrates the short-lived “literary poster” craze. A new zine looks at the art of fireworks packaging design. One of the most game-changing technologies in the history of civilization was affordable artificial light. A social media platform that doesn’t actually exist. A new wearable AI device. A four-legged dog-like robot can do parkour moves, freakishly enough. Jet suit racing is now a thing. A prehensile stabilizing tail for floating astronauts. Another upcoming celestial event. The decline of the guitar solo. Apparently it’s a real thing: Velveeta Hair Dye. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

WhatTheyThink Magazine Issue 2—What's Up?

Published April 10, 2024

The WhatTheyThink team gets together to chat about the latest edition of the WhatTheyThink magazine: Issue 2 Display Graphics & Textiles. Julie, Richard, Amy, and Eric chat about the theme, content, and overall approach to the magazine.

Around the Web: Eclipse Eats. Wood Work. Modifier Methodology. Checkout Change. Wi-Fi Weirdness. Electronic Eyewear. Kangaroo Collisions. Bus Battle. Stick Status.

Published April 5, 2024

Eclipse-themed food and beverage items for Monday’s event. Cardiff, Wales’, Printed Festival 2024, this June. A new 3D printing ink based on wood waste. Did you know that there is a “royal order of adjectives”? Amazon is ending its “Just Walk Out” checkout—which wasn’t actually an automated system. What does the term “Wi-Fi” stand for? LCD lenses that can turn sunglasses into reading glasses. Volkswagen is working on an electronic device to avoid car-kangaroo collisions. New York City’s acrimonious “tour bus battle.” The James Webb Space Telescope takes a close look at galaxy I Zwicky 18. Instagram’s “Official Stick Reviews” rates actual sticks—and is more popular than you would think. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Welcome to the Display Graphics and Textiles Issue!

Published April 1, 2024

This week and next, we are publishing the content from our latest print edition, Issue Two: Display Graphics and Textiles. Here’s a preview.

February Graphic Arts Employment Remains Generally Flat

Published March 29, 2024

Overall printing employment in February 2024 was little changed from January, with production employment down -1.0%, while non-production employment was down -0.6%, with net employment down -0.1%.

Around the Web: Packaging Preferences. Cover Conundrum. Impressive Impressionists. Dial Dilemma. Timepiece Trouble. Rockin’ Roads. Drone Danger. Tarantula Tempura. Sun Snacks.

Published March 29, 2024

Pentawards’ annual packaging Trends Report is out. When a company appears on the cover of a popular magazine, what signals does it give the market? More than two dozen new works have been added to the OED, 23 of them from Japanese cooking and art. Really? If you’re in France this summer, celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism. Bad UI design on an ice cream thermostat. New options for non-wrist-based watches. Time Out lists the “30 Coolest Streets in the World.” “AI drone that could hunt and kill people built in just hours by scientist ‘for a game.’” Different ants have different flavor profiles, we are horrified to tell you. Appropriately, SunChips has an eclipse tie-in product. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Greeting Card Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

Published March 22, 2024

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 113 establishments in NAICS 511191 (Greeting Card Publishers). Although this represents a net increase of 10% since 2010, it has been a category that has ebbed and flowed over the course of the decade, although we’re not talking about a tremendous number of establishments. In macro news, inflation increased in February.

Around the Web: Chip Challenge. State Sobriquets. Eclipse Excitement. Stopping Spillage. Ryan Reunion. Security Sales. Cake Kicks.

Published March 22, 2024

Three students at UW-Stout developed a prototype of a new kind of packaging for Pringles potato chips. A traveling exhibit in Italy highlights experimental book design and production. The literal meanings of US states and cities. We were saddened to learn of the passing this week of Hugo-winning SF writer Vernor Vinge, “father of the singularity.” How to geek out over the upcoming solar eclipse. How to carry coffee without spilling. Using the old “drinking bird” toy to create clean, renewable energy. Adding a fourth light to traffic signals control autonomous vehicles. Meetups solely for people named Ryan. A store where items that have been confiscated by TSA are being sold. Keds and Magnolia Bakery team up. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

January Shipments: Back to Normal?

Published March 15, 2024

January 2024 shipments came in at $7.04 billion, up from December’s $6.94 billion—and right between January 2021 and 2022.

Around the Web: Comic Creation. City Signage. New Knitting. Light Logic. Pork Parasite. Montana Monsters. Coors’ Calendar.

Published March 15, 2024

A new book explores how comics were made. A video tour of Manhattan signs. A new way of producing clothing requires only one size. “Agatha Christie: surfer dude.” Point Nemo: the place on Earth that is the farthest from dry land. Why it no long matters if you leave lights on when you leave a room. Yikes: a guy developed a parasitic infection in his brain after eating undercooked bacon. “Montana man pleads guilty to creating massive franken-sheep with cloned animal parts.” Coors Light’s 21-day “advent-inspired” calendar for March Madness. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly Kate-Middleton-Photoshop-scandal-free miscellany.

“Other” Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

Published March 8, 2024

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 839 establishments in NAICS 51119 (Other Publishers). This represents a net decrease of 18% since 2010, but a 26% increase in the past year. In macro news, Q4 GDP was revised down slightly.

Around the Web: Font Films. Inked Intelligence. Decimal Discovery. Clever Clutch. Dog Data. Fruity Footwear. Thwarted Thief. Awful Offices. Fish Finder.

Published March 8, 2024

“This Year’s Best Picture Oscar Nominees as Typefaces.” Trial biking world champion Dougie Lampkin pays a high-octane visit to the shop printing his autobiography. A modified typewriter that uses ChatGPT to answer queries that are manually typed in. A graphene-based handbag with a fingerprint opening system. Yes, there is now Strava for dogs. For National Cereal Day, Post teamed up with Nike and LeBron James to develop Fruity Pebbles-themed sneakers. A would-be car thief’s failed attempt to steal a self-driving taxi. Has it been 25 years since the “Office Space” was released? What plastic surgery procedure is the most popular in your state? Busch Light teams (or teems) with Plenty of Fish to help fish lovers find a date. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

December Shipments: Ending the Year on a Low Note

Published March 1, 2024

December 2023 shipments came in at $6.98 billion, down from November’s $7.24 billion—and, alas, the lowest of the year.

Around the Web: Zine Zone. Typewriter Tune. Neat Notes. Warm Walls. Apocalypse Averted? Apocalypse Aroma. Virtual Velvet. Hole Heading. Packing Prawns? Sub Storage.

Published March 1, 2024

A Brooklyn Museum exhibition looks at the history of “zines.” Ukrainian type foundry produces faces that reflect Ukraine’s Soviet history as well as the current war. Judas! The Boston Typewriter Orchestra has gone electric. Turn any paper into a sticky note. Graphene-enhanced infrared wallpaper for efficient home heating. Learn all about piphilology in time for pi day. Will AI wipe out humanity? A perfume based on all the smells indicated in the Book of Revelation. Laurie Anderson uses AI to “communicate” with late husband Lou Reed. New app always points to supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, very helpful for navigation. Le Sac Swoosh is a not very useful designer handbag shaped like Nike’s iconic branding. Subway has developed a tote bag for storing footlongs. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Is It Time to Unify Your Print Room?

Published February 29, 2024

As PSPs diversify their businesses, they are managing a range of job types across different digital printing technologies from multiple vendors. In this article, sponsored by Fiery, John Henze from Fiery discusses how PSPs can embrace diversification and create a unified print room by leveraging RIP software.

Directory and Mailing List Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

Published February 23, 2024

According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 548 establishments in NAICS 51114 (Directory and Mailing List Publishers). This represents a decrease of 67% since 2010. In macro news, retail sales dipped slightly in January.

Around the Web: Type Trends. Treacle Transformation. Tag Tampering. Petabit Packing. Suitcase Squishing. Meat Monitoring. Runaway Roomba. Door Dilemmas.

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.

January Graphic Arts Employment Generally Flat

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%.

Around the Web: Type Tech. Guessing Game. Photo Filing. Dimensional Details. Bird Blower. Carrot Concerts. Rotation Reasoning. Escalator Exhibit. Breakfast Buddy.

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.

Around the Web: Paper Paean. Dinero Dearth. Color Can. Dental Disaster? Road Recharging. Hovering Hose. Habitat Havoc. Beneficial Beavers. Pickle Paramour. Bowl Bonanza.

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.

Welcome to the Software Issue

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.

Book Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

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%.

Around the Web: ’Hog History. Snowy Sobriquets. Acrobat Antics. Reading Realm. Cursive Comeback. Additive Aluminum. Desk Defacing. Funding Fest. Galaxies Galore. Pasta Pleasure.

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.

November Shipments: Tis the Season…

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.

Around the Web: Type Testing. Dramatic Displays. Migration Message. Balloon Ballyhoo. Glass Gloss. Sustainable Sabots. Snow Snacking. Fjord Facts. Piscine Prank. Unlikely Unguent.

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.

Periodical Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: Folio Fest. Cat Crates. Device Dilemma. Winter Wear. Hovering Haven. Breed Brief. Lavish Lego. Chicken Chatting. Winning Wings.

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.

October Shipments: Peak Performance

Published January 12, 2024

October 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.84 billion, up from September’s $7.37 billion.

Around the Web: Clever Collage. Cover Creation. Letter Lovers. Punctuation People. Tech Table. New Nostalgia. Air App. Phantom Fight. Dog Drivers. Gum Gone.

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.

Around the Web: Tradition Travel. Myrrh Mystery. Window Wonders. Baffling Blizzard. Desk Documents. Wood Wonder. Pseudo Sports. Dead Dialogue. Drinking Doritos.

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.

Welcome to the Production Print Issue

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.

Newspaper Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

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?

Around the Web: Dictionary Delusions. Peachy Pantone. General Journalism. Gotham Graphics. Card Creativity. Petrol Pilgrimages. Pseudo Simmons/Stanley. Potato Poser.

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.

An Inside Look at Fiery Command WorkStation 7

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.

September Shipments: Heading into the Fall

Published December 1, 2023

September 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.42 billion, down from August’s $7.47 billion.

Around the Web: Perishing PopSci. New Nylon. Dictionary Dump. Newspaper Noel. Punctuation Pedantry. Dead Dye. Decapod Doom. Mascot Mastication.

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.

Publishing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: Lost Labours? Rhoticity Review. Pin Predictions. Flag Flap. Turbine Tech. Piscine Potable. Crunch Canceling.

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.

October Graphic Arts Employment Up Slightly

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%.

Around the Web: Friendly Fonts. Logo Loathing. Symbol Source. Snail Style. Rat Radar. Cover Character. Aldi Advent.

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.

Pre- and Postpress Establishments—2010–2021

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%.

Around the Web: Book Bulk. Massive Manuscript. Spot Speak. Tree Talk. Restaurant Robots. Flatware Fashion. Pizza Peppers.

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.

Around the Web: Canva Curriculum. Refrigerator Rhyme. Dancing Dinner. Bottle Brace. Picaresque Planning. Coat Comfort. Jupiter Jet. Grocery Ghosts. Candy Canard. Cold Calendar.

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.

August Shipments: …And We’re Up Again

Published October 27, 2023

August 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.44 billion, up from July’s $7.04 billion.

Book Printing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: Dead Directories. Packaging Plaudits. Board Biography. Legal Lullabies. Time Travail. Coin Conundrum. Bathroom Boo. Poultry Pro.

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.

Around the Web: Finnegan’s Finale. Taboo Tomes. Reading Remedy. Tack Tech. Poultry Performance. Fish Fable. Webb Wonders. Candy Cartography.

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.

Q2 Industry Profits: The Latest From the Two Cities

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.

Around the Web: Tapestry Type. Key Clacking. Stymied Searches. Disc De-Extincting. Amazing Apiaries. Snooze Cell. Car Customization. Cosmic Conundrum. Foot Food.

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.

Executive Q&A: Michelman’s Lisa DiGate on Driving Innovation in Digital Printing and Packaging

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.

Welcome to the Labels & Packaging Issue

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.

Screen Printing Establishments—2010–2020

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.”

Around the Web: Dietary Designer. Paper Pictures. Meteorological Melee. Silly Soda. Korean Characters. Convenient Cookware. Roman Restaurant. Fleeting Food.

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.

July Shipments: Down, Down We Go

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.

Around the Web: Type Trolls. Coin-Op Canvas. Signage Syllabus. Inertia Inquiry. Invisible Island. Brady Blunder. Cereal Slump. Avocado Aficionado.

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.

Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: Clever Cardboard. Perishing Periodicals. Nonprofit Newspaper. Madeleine’s Mystery. Roadlining Revelry. Continental Craziness. Marine Mystery. Cat Catcher. Web Warning. Dolly Days.

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.

August Printing Production Employment Basically Flat

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%.

Around the Web: Learning Letterpress. Movie Minimalism. Cement Stamp. Pothole Panacea. Mystery Museum. Privacy Peril. Smashing Spaghetti. Food Photographer.

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.

Printing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: Kerning Confab. Paint Praise. Tube Type. Freaky Fresheners. Winged Warning. Big Bovine. Dirigible Dining.

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.

Around the Web: Foundry Fraternity. Monochrome Mania. Air Aid. TV Trend. Lego Learning. Faux Fromage. Silly Straw.

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.

June Shipments: Up, Up, and Away

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.

Printing Establishments—2010–2021

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.

Around the Web: ’Zine Zone. Conference Carousels. Voice Verse. CAPTCHA Conclusion. Deadly Dishes. Calculator Collection. Brick Brainwaves. Potent Potables. Bottle Brouhaha.

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.

Around the Web: Language Loss. Menu Maven. Bogus Books. Translation Tool. Freakish Photos. Animal Armor. Door Dilemma. Tuba Terror. Taco Trademark. Menacing Melons.

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.

What's Up with WhatTheyThink Magazine Issue 4—The Leadership Issue

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!

Welcome to the Leadership Issue

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.

All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Type Tracking. Tome Tech. Paper Presentation. Clever Clicker. LiFi Love? Auto Annoyance. Missed Molding. Wool War. Killer Kreme.

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.

May Shipments Take an Unexpected—But Welcome—Turn

Published July 28, 2023

May 2023 printing shipments came in at $7.26 billion, unexpectedly up from April’s $7.01 billion.

Around the Web: Prop Printer. Postal Pop. Comic Coding. Edgy Eraser. Geographic Geometry. Borax Bane. Cap’n Correction.

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.

Around the Web: Fresh Font. Colonial Currency. Timeless Textiles. Cool Calendar. Food Fossils. Mennonite Machines. Hammock Hanger. Scream Search. Movie Mashup. Cake Crash.

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.

Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Access Direct's Lori Messina at thINK 2023

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.

Canon USA’s Matthew Poliniak at the Canon Solutions Summit

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.

Around the Web: Keyboard Carousing. Perishing Paper. Hammer Happiness. Album Art. Calming Canines. Automotive Aviation. Fungus Funeral. Auteur Adventure. Condiment Collection.

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.

June Printing Production Employment Up Slightly, Non-Production Down

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%.

Canon USA’s Karin Harrington at the Canon Solutions Summit

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.

Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Clever Katherine. Magazine Massacre. Cool Curtains. Lens Literature. Lawn Loathing. Canine Conflagration. Barbie Buildings. Beverage Bling.

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.

April Shipments Maintain Seasonality—Just as We Feared

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.

Around the Web: Bewildering Bots. Commemorating Kafka. Mac Merch. Paper Peeping. Analog Attraction. Freed Feline. Netflix Noshing. Planet Pondering. Tamer Tippling.

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.

EFI Launches End-To-End Digital Printing Workflow for Textiles with Focus on Sustainable Production at ITMA 2023

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.

Epson Provides Range of Digital Textile Printers, Showcases Printing Metallic Effects at ITMA 2023

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.

Digital Textile Production Goes Mainstream with Kornit Digital at ITMA 2023

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.

First Look at the Kyocera FOREARTH Digital Textile Printer

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.

Mimaki Focuses on sustainability and circularity 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.

Stationery Product Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Robust Reference. Antiquated AI. Funny Features. Nose Knowing. Minstrel Manuscript. Diamond Dwarf. Rising Robot. Cheese Chasing. Toy Trouble. Peanut Party.

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.

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