Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

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.

Build Your Interviewing Skills

Published August 16, 2023

Dan Adams is back with his latest in his Growth & Innovation series and explains how to apply probing questions in your customer interviews.

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!

The Impact of Pigment Binder Inks

Published August 9, 2023

Inkjet ink and fabric compatibility is complex. It doesn’t have to be.

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.

XAAR Expands Versatex Range With New Printbar for Label and Packaging Printing

Published August 2, 2023

Xaar has launched its Versatex Printbar, enabling specialist label and flexible packaging producers to digitally print the highest opacity whites and colors and add a wide range of features to their existing presses.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Canon Production Cut-Sheet Inkjet

Published August 2, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this article, I look at Canon cut-sheet production inkjet.

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.

Production Inkjet Evolution: HP Preprint Corrugated

Published July 20, 2023

A look at the evolution of HP's preprint corrugated offerings in the run-up to drupa

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.

All Things to All People…

Published July 18, 2023

One press is like dating. Multiple processes is married with children. Mike Todryk shares his inkjet experience.

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%.

Production Inkjet Evolution: Kodak

Published July 13, 2023

A look at the evolution of Kodak's production inkjet over 6 decades in the run-up to drupa 2024.

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.

Rewarding and Valuable: Peer Networking Groups

Published June 20, 2023

Gretchen Renaud discusses the value of being part of a peer group for idea sharing, unique business challenges and learning together.

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.

Product Strategy: Kornit Apollo Direct-to-Garment Platform

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.

Product Strategy: FUJIFILM Ink Solutions Group at ITMA 2023

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.

What’s Up Chat with EFI CEO Frank Pennisi

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.

Printing Pulse: Embellishment Edition

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.

Around the Web: Ledger Lines. Typewriter Tunes. Graphene Garments. Pink Paucity. Plate Problem. Sadistic Subscriptions. Block Clock. Panel Panic. Baneful Bot.

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.

Run inkjet less & you’ll have HIGHER service costs.

Published June 5, 2023

Running time and maintenance time can be inversely related. It's weird.

Paperboard Container Shipments Back up to Pandemic Levels

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.

Around the Web: Creative Contents. Letterpress Love. Pedestrian Pals. Creepy Closure. Lighthouse Living. Graphene Gaming. Skin Solution. Winging Weight. Hellish Hammer.

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.

Voice of the Customer: aiim's Patrick Masset, PrintMail Solutions' Gretchen Renaud, and Sattler Premium Print's Christian Haneke

Published May 31, 2023

In this video sponsored by Ricoh, Lois Ritarossi talks with Patrick Masset of aiim, Gretchen Renaud of PrintMail Solutions, and Christian Haneke of Sattler Premium Print about their experiences with production inkjet printing.

FESPA Awards 2023: Look Company’s FIFA World Cup 2022 Soft Signage

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.

FESPA Awards 2023: Léa Saint-Jeveint “Young Star Award”

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”.

FESPA Awards 2023: Imageco Ltd for “ANTALIS SUSTAINABILITY STREET”

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.

EFI at FESPA 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.

Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Hefty Hitchhikers. Code Cooling. Dot Displays. Wedding Wear. Graphene Griddle. New Nova. Ring Removal. Cat Commerce. Custom Ketchup.

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.

Professional Mail Services' Paul Hamilton on Inkjet Equipment Expansion

Published May 24, 2023

Lois Ritarossi talks with Paul Hamilton of Professional Mail Services about the criteria driving his expansion of his inkjet equipment as Professional Mail Services pursues new application areas.

swissQprint at FESPA 2023

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.

Durst’s Christian Harder Talks Automation Strategy 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.

Around the Web: Writing Racket. Typewriter Tour. Dutch Design. Automated Arms. Digital Dog. Swarm Struggle. Radio Removal. Prince Pavement. New Nova? Truffle Trouble.

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.

April Printing Production Employment Down Slightly, Non-Production Up

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%.

Voice of the Customers: 4 Screen Customers Share Inkjet Automation Experience

Published May 18, 2023

In this video sponsored by Screen, Lois Ritarossi talks with Scott Braunstein of Data-Mail, Joe Maloy of Polaris Direct, Paul Hamilton of Professional Mail Services, and Kent Larson of Bridgeport National Bindery about their experiences with production inkjet printing and goals for workflow automation.

Other Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Palm Pic. Meta Morality. Paintbox Party. Copier Conductor. Booth Boon. Wired Water. Pasta Pile. Spaghetti Surge. Chip Choices.

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.

Koenig & Bauer Durst open house

Published May 11, 2023

Sean Smyth brings the latest news on the 7 color Koenig & Bauer Durst VariJET 106 press from the company's April open house event in Radebeul, Germany

Voice of the Customer: Sattler Premium Print’s Christian Haneke on Portfolio Expansion

Published May 10, 2023

In this video sponsored by Ricoh, Lois Ritarossi talks with Sattler Premium Print’s Christian Haneke, about the company’s expansion to provide a broad portfolio of applications and services including leaflets, catalogs and magazines, direct mail, and logistics.

March Shipments Maintain Seasonality—Make of That What You Will

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.

Around the Web: Font Fest. Map Maven. Type Tasting. Picket Power. Button Boon. Fail Factory. Piece Puzzles. Befuddled Beltane. Titanic Tippling.

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.

Revolutionary digital printing press for flexible food packaging at last stages of printing and processing requirements for production applications

Published May 4, 2023

SCREEN announces the upcoming launch of its latest cutting-edge digital printing press for flexible packaging films: the New Truepress PAC830F.

PrintMail Solution on Driving Growth with Inkjet and Supplier Partners

Published May 3, 2023

Gretchen Renaud discusses PrintMail Solution's inkjet goals, expanding opportunities and aligning with vendor partners. She also considers the challenges that can accompany these goals.

Folding Paperboard Box Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

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.

Around the Web: Paper Peril. Calendar Craze. Mayan Mystery. Ill-Advised Interview. Book Bits. Epson Enhancement. Powered Pawn. Gull Gig. Morphing Mallows.

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.

Inkjet Insight presents an Inkjet Explainer webinar featuring Mark Bale and Elizabeth Gooding

Published April 26, 2023

Despite the availability of more inkjet presses to serve more markets than ever before, the demand for customized solutions is growing. Custom, or bespoke, systems may be as simple as adding inkjet heads to some form of analog press (customized), or completely purpose-built solutions (bespoke).

Kodak signs Print & Finishing Solutions as new Channel Partner

Published April 26, 2023

To help drive business and market reach, Kodak is expanding its Channel Partner network with the appointment of Print & Finishing Solutions (PFS) as a new reseller.

Memjet Announces the Launch of the DuraBolt PrintBar and Memjet Direct

Published April 24, 2023

Memjet has today announced the launch of a wide web monochrome printing solution called the DuraBolt PrintBar, plus the formation of a dedicated, direct-to-printer sales and integration service called Memjet Direct.

Around the Web: Perishing Publishing. Garment Graphics. Edo Education. Tagging Tech. Canine Companion. Film Fest. Glorious Gate. Cosmic Consolidation. Colossal Candy. Soothing Signage.

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.

February Printing Employment Essentially Flat

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%.

Inkjet direct-to-shape printing – attracting the big boys

Published April 20, 2023

Most cans are printed using dry-offset, in-the-round at the can manufacturing facility but inkjet is starting to make its mark on this 400+ billion unit market.

Neil Felton CEO of FESPA Previews Munich Event

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.

Inkjet takes market share as innovation quickens in $40.98 billion global signage print market, Smithers data show

Published April 18, 2023

Print output for wide-format and other signage applications are recovering from a downturn at the beginning of the decade. The outlook is still challenging however, as new priorities are established in printed advertising, point-of-sale (PoS) signage, posters, decals, and vehicle graphics.

Gretchen Renaud on Inkjet Automation Opportunities and Challenges

Published April 18, 2023

PrintMail Solutions serves many highly regulated industries such as banks, insurance companies, utilities, auto financing and more who rely on the company to print critical communications. Learn about their move to inkjet.

Voice of the Customer: Data Mail’s Scott Braunstein on Flexibility and Efficiency

Published April 17, 2023

In this video sponsored by Screen, Lois Ritarossi talks with Scott Braunstein, Senior Vice President, Data Mail, about the factors influencing his decision to adopt and build out a fleet of production inkjet equipment.

Around the Web: Popping Publications. Handle Hoard. Dickens Drawings. Cleaner Cans. Computer Cookies. Coronation Conundrum. Noun Nomenclature. Container Crash. Fold Fanatic. Can Camping.

Published April 14, 2023

A pop-up book exhibit at Chicago’s Newberry Library. A 1,100-page pictorial showcase of door handles from around the world. A complete online collection of illustrations from Dickens’ novels. Making craft beer cans more recyclable. AI is now writing fortune cookie fortunes. Pending coronation, King Charles declines a Burger King crown. Where did colorful terms for collective nouns (like a gaggle of geese or a murder of crows) come from? The James Webb Space Telescope looks at the remains of a supernova. Tupperware’s days may be numbered. Mad magazine’s Al Jaffee dies at 102. This summer, camp in a national park in a giant can of beans. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Voice of the Customer: Walker360’s Taylor Blackwell

Published April 13, 2023

In this video sponsored by Screen, Lois Ritarossi talks with Taylor Blackwell, President of Walker360, about the company’s transition from offset to continuous-feed inkjet and the advantages of workflow automation.

Voice of the Customer: Polaris Direct’s Joe Maloy on Workflow Automation

Published April 11, 2023

Lois Ritarossi talks with Joe Maloy, President and COO of Polaris Direct, a Screen customer, about the importance of automation, and the value of Screen as a partner.

Can Electronics Manufacturing Join the Digital Age, Asks IDTechEx

Published April 11, 2023

Digital electronics manufacturing methods are predicted to gain further traction, driven by a desire for greater customizability, shorter product development cycles, and demand for 2.5D/3D electronics.

Voice of the Customer: aiim’s Patrick Masset on Addressing Labor Shortage Challenges

Published April 10, 2023

Lois Ritarossi talks with Patrick Masset, CEO of aiim, a Ricoh customer, about his approach to labor challenges by investing in workflow, finishing automation, software integration and faster equipment.

Around the Web: Cool Keyboard. Meat Medley. Cuttlefish Camo. Logo Loathing. Logo Listening. Waffle Work. Telekinetic Tech. Peanut Predicament. Diminutive Dryer. Sweet Sweater.

Published March 31, 2023

A transparent keyboard with mag-lev keys. Mathematicians have just identified a 13-sided shape that had only existed in theory. Researchers and a printing company form a consortium to develop 3D-bioprinted meat. Scientists use recovered DNA from an extinct species to cultivate a “mammoth meatball.” “Human cells hacked to act like squid skin cells could unlock key to camouflage.” An iconic logo was redesigned and (surprise) the Internet was not happy. The Wikimedia Foundation’s new sound logo is “the sound of all knowledge.” A painting called “Starry Waffles” combines Van Gogh and the Waffle House. Graphene-based brain–machine interfaces let you control things with your mind (bwa-ha-ha!). Peanut butter is apparently a liquid? A new Pop-Tart flavor—and tie-in sweater. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published March 31, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 1,086 establishments in NAICS 322211 (Corrugated and Solid Fiber Box Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 20% since 2010. In macro news, Q4 GDP was revised down.

Products and Fabrics for Inkjet Textile Printing

Published March 28, 2023

This article is the third in a series on inkjet for textile printing intended to help companies not involved in textile printing to evaluate market opportunities. This article will address basic fabric requirements and their preparation for inkjet printing.

Kicking Off 2023: Best Shipments Since 2020

Published March 24, 2023

January 2023 printing shipments came in at $6.67 billion, the best start to a year since 2020.

Around the Web: Period Pause. Element Etymology. Dessert Deposition. Musical Manhole. Garrulous Graphene. Chatbot Chatter. Carbon Carats. Rodent Rack. Arthur Anew. Toy Trouble.

Published March 24, 2023

On Monday, March 20, we started a 10-day run of palindrome dates. Who killed the period in the New York Times nameplate? How did the chemical elements get their names? A new printer for 3D-printing chocolate. Scientists 3D-print cheesecake. In Hannover, Germany, a musical manhole cover. A graphene-based artificial throat helps the voice-disabled speak. Two AI chatbots are now citing each other and the results are not positive. Using captured carbon to make diamonds. Scientists grow antlers on mice, for some reason. A new production of “Camelot,” with a book written by Aaron Sorkin. Can you tell the difference between a whiskey bottle and a dog toy? All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

KYOCERA to Acquire NIXKA, France-based Producer of Inkjet Print Engines and Systems

Published March 22, 2023

Kyocera’s 100% ownership to create new synergies in inkjet print technologies

The Changing Face of Pantone Colors and Branding

Published March 21, 2023

Adobe's changes to Pantone color library management has caused confusion and paved the way for new tools and new ways to define brand colors and systems. Learn how IWCO has responded.

Around the Web—Folio Fest. Doom Display. Russet Wrap. Graphene Gear. Brick Boon. Face Folly. Enzyme Energy. Goat Gardening. Marenghi Mania. Noodle Napping. Ranch Revulsion.

Published March 17, 2023

The 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio. San Francisco’s new “Museum of the Future AI Apocalypse.” Compostable, potato waste-based cling film. Graphene-based sportswear from Umbro. Slack adds ChatGPT because why not? The world’s most disturbing videoconferencing display. Scientists discover how bacteria convert atmospheric hydrogen to energy—a potential new, clean power source. Goats are the secret to combatting California’s wildfires. Celebrating “Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace.” Four words that should never be used together: Hidden Valley Ranch Ice Cream. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

Paperboard Container Manufacturing Establishments—2010–2020

Published March 17, 2023

According to County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 1,910 establishments in NAICS 32221 (Paperboard Container Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease of 13% since 2010. In macro news,inflation is sort of moving sideways.

Douglas Gibson on Parametric Design For Packaging

Published March 16, 2023

Douglas Gibson, President of Infigo, talks about building parametric design tools for packaging. WhatTheyThink interviewed Douglas at the CCE International in Munich.

EFI's Evandro Matteucci Talks about Inkjet for Corrugated Packaging

Published March 15, 2023

WhatTheyThink spoke with Evandro Matteucci, VP/GM, Building Materials & Packaging, at EFI at the CCE International show in Munich. Evandro shares his perspective on the opportunities for inkjet printing on corrugated packaging.

Marco Boer on Corrugated Inkjet Industry Trends and Outlook

Published March 14, 2023

WhatTheyThink caught up with Marco Boer of IT Strategies after the EFI press conference during the CCE International expo in Munich. Marco was a guest speaker at the press conference which focused on the EFI Nozomi and EFI’s announcement of the 50th Nozomi installation at DS Smith. This video capture the highlights from his corrugated inkjet industry trends and outlook presentation.

Around the Web: Mail Magazine. Lame Logo. Typing Tome Two. Mining Microbes. Edible NDAs. Tofu Trouble. Kinetic Cake. Rex Renting. Cool Carpet.

Published March 10, 2023

Subscription-based digital magazine company Air Mail plans a print edition. The controversy over Nokia’s new logo. More online fun c/o the new book “Shift Happens.” A highly usable E Ink typewriter. Bacteria can absorb rare earth metals, making recovery quick and easy. Edible graphene health monitors. NDAs in pill form that can be ingested after use. A Maine vegan runs into trouble with a misinterpreted license plate. An animated “caketrope.” Rent a dinosaur for your next party. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany.

January Production Employment Down

Published March 10, 2023

Overall printing employment in January 2023 was down -1.7% from December, due entirely to a -4.2% drop in production employment, as non-production employment was up +4.1%.

Picking Inkjet Winners Through 2027

Published March 9, 2023

A look at growth segments and growth drivers for inkjet presses through 2027.

The Target Report Interview: SupremeX Acquisition of Vista Graphic Communications (Part 2)

Published March 8, 2023

In this second video interview, Stewart Emerson, President and CEO of SupremeX, discusses the company's recent acquisition of Vista Graphic Communications with Rod Bristol, a Director with Graphic Arts Advisors. Stewart shares the WHY behind using an advisor in any buy/sell transaction. He also discusses the process, how all parties can benefit and get the deal done.

Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portal Establishments—2010–2020

Published March 3, 2023

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, early forecasts of Q1 GDP are running slightly bearish to slightly bullish.

Around the Web: Defogging Dickens. Device Disorientation. Volcano Volume. Silly Spectacles. Denim Defense. Snow Sobriquet. Fruit Fiasco. Vicious Vehicle. Deafening Duet.

Published March 3, 2023

A new London exhibition looks at Charles Dickens’ relationship with fog. Antibacterial graphene-infused socks. Digital natives can have trouble operating office equipment. “The singular natural event that caused the loudest sound in the world.” A history of “Groucho Glasses.” “Air bag jeans” for motorcyclists. The winners of Madison, Wis.’s snowplow naming contest. An airline’s “vegan meal” consists of a single banana. Starbucks is adding olive oil to coffee, for some reason. Ford’s patent for a “repossession system computer” is the dystopian future of driving we don’t need. A duet for piano and car alarm. All that and more in WhatTheyThink’s weekly AI-free miscellany.

Canon Announces ProStream 3000 Series, its Next Generation of High-speed, Web-fed Inkjet Printers for the Commercial Print Market

Published February 28, 2023

Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the ProStream 3000 series, the next generation of its high-speed, web-fed inkjet presses for commercial print.