Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

Industry 4.0: Bringing Intelligence to Workflow One Step at a Time

Published June 28, 2022

Industrial revolutions have been driving global change for centuries, and one thing is certain: they will continue to happen at an increasingly rapid rate. As an industry, we have a way to go, but to succeed you need to look at the transformation process as a journey and not expect to do it all at once.

Heidelberg Gallus Begins to Offer its Screeny Silkscreen Program, for Non-Gallus Flexo Presses

Published June 27, 2022

Heidelberg Gallus has a long running program that offers silkscreen creation services as well as equipment and consumables for silkscreen creation on their flexo presses. Heidelberg has now opened up that program to the owners of competitors' presses as well.

ePAC introduces "Connected Packaging"

Published June 16, 2022

David Zwang talks to Carl Joachim, Partner at ePAC, which is continuing their substantial growth globally to support the increased need for flexible packaging—and have also introduced "Connected Packaging."

Inkjet Integration: Flexible and Sustainable

Published June 14, 2022

Production inkjet is not new, but increasingly we are seeing it used in bespoke solutions that address many disparate manufacturing requirements. Importantly, this technology can also provide sustainable solutions.

Technology Outlook 2022—The Labels & Packaging Market: Even Stronger

Published June 9, 2022

In this year’s third annual Technology Outlook, David Zwang looks at new trends, technologies, and products in labels and packaging.

Your Package Has Been Delivered—And More Are Coming

Published June 7, 2022

Just as in web-to-print software solutions for commercial printers, online package creation is facilitating the rapid growth of shorter-run packaging to address the shifting market demands. These new online transaction design and procurement web-to-pack solutions, in combination with digital presses and laser die cutters, are also enabling many commercial printers to find a lift into becoming a packaging converter. David Zwang takes a look at the current web-to-pack landscape.

Mittera Grows to 17 Plants Over 12 Years Across the US

Published June 2, 2022

David Zwang talks to Perry Klein, VP Business Development of Mittera about the company's growth to 17 plants organically and through acquisitions, all the while keeping up with changing market requirements and challenges. All of this with an equipment list that covers most of the industry manufacturers!

Heidelberg Creates Print Media Performance & Training Center Classes

Published June 2, 2022

David Zwang talks to Clarence Penge, Executive VP Product Management, Heidelberg USA about the company's new program to instruct customers' employees in a variety of press, postpress, and general printing-related topics at the Print Media Center in Kennesaw, Ga.

Jubilee Brands: Time to Make the Doughnuts

Published June 1, 2022

David Zwang talks to Allen McNeill, owner of Jubilee Brands, who shares his fascinating story of using a digital press and some converting equipment to build a printing business around a specific product.

Converging People, Process, and Technologies, the Goal Is i4.0

Published May 31, 2022

Does your business have a common informational structure? The US Navy and the rest of the Armed Forces do, and you can as well by converging people, process, and technologies. David Zwang talks to Marty Groover, Partner at C5MI, about how the benefits are significant, and if you haven't started, you may have to catch up later.

Canon: Preparing for a Packaging Push

Published May 24, 2022

The challenges faced as a press manufacturer or even a print service provider when moving from commercial print to industrial and packaging market are very real and can be elusive and daunting. Most of all, though, it’s not just about technology.

On-Demand Offset Is Real and Works for Cober Solutions

Published May 23, 2022

David Zwang talks to Todd Cober, President of Cober Solutions, about "on-demand offset" and how it and workflow technologies have provided him and his customers with a great production platform.

Is Landa Finally Hitting Its Stride?

Published May 17, 2022

There has been a running joke amongst some analysts and media that it takes at least two drupas—or about 8–10 years—before an initially shown product is ready for production. Granted, some of what is “envisioned” as new product technologies may never make it, but many products do successfully make it to market, ready for reliable production.

Hudson Printing Becomes the First Company in the World to Add a Second Landa S10P, Expanding Their Digital Print Toolbox

Published May 10, 2022

Paul Hudson explains his transition through a variety of digital and analog technologies to strenghthen and grow his business offerings. His recent purchase of a secnd Landa S10P digital B1 press rounds it out.

Hybrid Software Develops High-Performance Print Inspection Framework for Print Inspection Systems

Published May 10, 2022

David Zwang talks to David Stevenson, Product Manager, Global Graphics, about how, by using its vast experience in RIPs and rendering, Hybrid Software has been able to create a high-performance framework for print inspection systems.

Global Graphics Smart QI: New Platform for On-the-Fly Inspection

Published May 10, 2022

Press speeds, resolutions, and the use of variable data is growing, and with it the need to inspect the print for defects before it comes off the press and goes into finishing and converting is essential. Global Graphics Smart QI is a solution targeted at that increasing and demanding requirement.

Welcome to the HP Indigo V12 Label Press

Published May 5, 2022

David Zwang talks to Golan Landsberg, R&D Director and Head of Product Development for the HP Indigo V12 Label Press. This groundbreaking label press is a combination of an evolution and revolution in design and application. Take a behind-the-scenes look at its development.

Xeikon Café: Lots of Education and New Products

Published May 3, 2022

Xeikon Café, held at the company’s headquarters, was full of great information, partners, and products, including some new ones. The takeaway was that Xeikon is positioned for good future growth with the confidence of their customers and a lot of new products.

How Do You Change a Market and Market Behavior?

Published April 28, 2022

David Zwang talks to Keren Yakolev, Head of Product & Business Development at HP Indigo, about how HP Indigo has been a leader in changing markets and market behavior in print and packaging. It’s not magic, its a process.

Agfa Acquires Inca: Lots of Synergies, Opportunities, and Focus

Published April 26, 2022

Agfa is in the process of acquiring two very synergistic operating units from SCREEN. These acquisitions could provide Agfa with the necessary technologies and strength to reinvigorate this distinguished company and provide the platform for future growth in packaging and industrial print.

The State of HP Indigo Presses Post-COVID

Published April 25, 2022

David Zwang talks to Eli Mahal, Head of Marketing, Labels & Packaging, for HP Indigo. HP Indigo and its customers have not been idle during the pandemic—growth has been significant for Indigo and for their customers in all segments.

HP Indigo: A Homecoming

Published April 19, 2022

HP Indigo held a VIP event at their facilities in Israel, the first one since February 2019. While a lot has changed for everyone since that last event, both the company and their customers have been knowingly or unknowingly preparing themselves and the market for these changes since 1993.

A Sustainable and Creative Flexible Packaging Application

Published April 18, 2022

David Zwang talks to Andrew Mansfield, New Business Development for Harkwell Labels. The UK-based Harkwell has developed a great application that promotes a circular economy—and it can put a smile on your face.

GMG’s Marc Levine on Accurate Color Proofing and Print Manufacturing

Published April 4, 2022

Hard-copy color proofing has come a long way over the years. David Zwang talks to Marc Levine of GMG Color about how GMG has been on the front lines of this battle.

Workflow Automation Product Spotlight: EFI Fiery JobFlow—Job Prep and Prepress Automation Made Easy

Published March 31, 2022

Automated workflows are discussed a lot, yet the vast majority of print service providers still don’t have a comprehensive job preparation and prepress automation workflow in their operation. Fiery JobFlow is an easy to install and easy to use solution.

New Technology and Drivers for Printing and Packaging

Published March 31, 2022

There are lots of moving parts in print manufacturing, and lots of new technologies and applications. David Zwang talks to Dr. John Anderson, Director of Advanced Print Applications for Miraclon, about some of the issues and advancements that will provide the new growth.

The Business of Using Technology to Prepare All Kinds of Print—Repeatedly

Published March 30, 2022

Increasingly, printing technology is changing to accommodate many new applications, from legacy printing and packaging to industrial print. David Zwang talks to Kevin Bourquin, VP Operations, CyberGraphics, to see how CyberGraphics has figured out the way to keep up.

Hybrid Presses: Bobst and the Next Wave

Published March 29, 2022

At Labelexpo in 2019, there was a smattering of hybrid presses, but since then the market for hybrid presses has grown with a proliferation of hybrid presses from many manufacturers. At that event, Bobst showed the Master DM5, their first take at a digital/flexo hybrid, which they identified as an “All in One” press. Over the years, they have enhanced the design and interface based on early customer feedback. The result is the just-released updated Digital Master 340 and Digital Master 510.

Meeting Print Quality Expectations—Qualitative or Quantitative?

Published March 29, 2022

David Zwang talks to Dianne Kennedy of PQX Initiative about PQX and PRX, which now provide a "standardized" way to communicate print quality between the brand or consumer and producer for all forms of print and packaging using all types of equipment and ink.

Getting Color to Match Across Design, Media, and Processes. Magic? No—CxF!

Published March 28, 2022

What is CxF and how does it ensure the transfer of color information and customer expectation throughout print and...? Dave Zwang talks with Steve Smiley of SmileyColor to find out.

Branding for the Future: How to Engage and Educate Tomorrow’s Print and Packaging Workforce

Published March 23, 2022

David Zwang takes a look at the personnel shortage in the printing industry, and some ways of overcoming it. Market outreach and education is an important requirement, and it is the shared responsibility of the manufacturers, print service providers, suppliers, and industry associations.

Pack Expo East: This Is Where the Printing Goes!

Published March 22, 2022

Shifts in consumer purchasing, will continue to have an impact on packaging growth due to disruptions in the supply chain, shifts in consumer purchasing, and labor availability forcing consumer packaging groups (CPGs) to think about how they can be more efficient at what they do. Automation and even robots are a big part of the answer.

FTA Hosts a Successful Event

Published March 17, 2022

After three years, the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) was able to host a very successful forum and exhibition. Joe Tuccitto, FTA's Director of Education, takes us behind the scenes on creating this event.

Heidelberg US Expands Their Postpress Offerings

Published March 15, 2022

David Zwang talks to Chris Raney, VP Postpress Product Management, Heidelberg US, about Heidelberg's updated and expanded postpress offerings. These include introducing push-to-stop folding, more automated cutting for commercial print, and die-cutting and folder gluers for folding carton production.

Excitement and Information at InfoFLEX 2022 and the FTA Forum

Published March 15, 2022

After three years, “there is a lot of catching up to do.” That was the mood at the FTA event in Ft. Worth. About 1,000 very energized people were there to meet colleagues, see new developments, and hear about how they can optimize their production systems.

Transformations: The Keys to Success

Published March 2, 2022

David Zwang talks to Alon Bar-Shany Chairman of Highcon, Executive Chairman of Redefine Meat Ltd., Chairman and CEO of Twine Solutions, and former General Manager of HP Indigo about the digital transformation of graphic arts, printing, and packaging.

I’m Sorry, Dave: The Rise of AI in Print and Packaging

Published March 1, 2022

There is a wave of innovation in print and packaging equipment and workflow systems that are beginning to implement artificial intelligence, not just within an individual system but across complete supply chains between different systems, processes, and even extending to semi-autonomous labor. David Zwang rounds up the current state of the art.

Behind the Scenes at the Heidelberg Print Media Center

Published February 28, 2022

As Heidelberg continues to broaden their press and postpress offerings, keeping up with the constantly changing Print Media Center is challenging and fun. David Zwang catches up with Jeff Powalisz, Director of Demo Room Operations, Heidelberg US, from the Demo Room.

Hundsdörfer Steers Heidelberg Back on Track—A Farewell Interview, Part 2

Published February 22, 2022

As Rainer Hundsdörfer prepares to close out his successful tenure as Chairman of Heidelberg, he discusses the inherent company strengths and expertise along with a plan that will ensure Heidelberg will continue to grow in addition to and beyond print.

Hundsdörfer Steers Heidelberg Back on Track—A Farewell Interview, Part 1

Published February 15, 2022

Rainer Hundsdörfer took the helm of Heidelberg in 2016 when things were not looking great. In his five-year tenure, they have been able to turn the company around financially and develop a roadmap for the future. Printing plays a big role in that future, but their strengths and opportunities extend beyond.

Digital Print from Heidelberg Is Growing

Published February 15, 2022

David Zwang talks to Dan Maurer, VP Product Management, Digital Print at Heidelberg US. Heidelberg has been selling digital presses for more than 11 years, and they are expanding their efforts and offerings.

Alon Bar-Shany on How Transformations Are the Key to Success

Published February 14, 2022

David Zwang speaks with Alon Bar-Shany who has been on the front line of digital print and packaging transformation for more than 25 years. At HP, ultimately rising to the GM of HP Indigo, he was one of the leaders in the transformation of the printing industry to digital printing, and now is taking what he has learned and transforming other industries.

An Imaging Company at Heart: Part 2—SCREEN Is Building an Impressive Digital Packaging Portfolio

Published February 8, 2022

There is no doubt that digital packaging is a huge growth area for production inkjet, and SCREEN seems to be targeting the high growth areas. They have been developing a range of digital packaging presses including their currently available prime label presses, and the new flexible packaging press and a folding carton press.

An Imaging Company at Heart, SCREEN Is Building Quite a Production Inkjet Portfolio

Published February 1, 2022

The roots of SCREEN are in imaging, dating back to its founding in 1868. The company has leveraged that expertise to create a significant imaging powerhouse which includes industry leading equipment for the production of displays, printed circuit boards, and semiconductors. They also continue to maintain a significant role in the production of printing equipment including high performance inkjet presses for commercial and packaging.

Heidelberg Prinect Update

Published January 18, 2022

David Zwang talks with Dawn Lindsey, Director of Product Management and Implementation for Heidelberg US Prinect, about how the Heidelberg Prinect solution suite has evolved beyond prepress workflow to include connectivity to all of the equipment Heidelberg offers as well as business intelligence.

The Industry Has Been Humming Along: The Label and Packaging Year in Review

Published January 11, 2022

There may not have been many live events this year to showcase the latest trends in label and packaging, but hardware manufacturers and software developers have been busy, and the industry has been humming along. All of this under the backdrop of shifting consumer preferences and supply chain challenges. David Zwang takes a look.

Heidelberg: Solidly Positioned for Growth

Published January 4, 2022

As the print market has evolved, Heidelberg, like all other analog and digital press manufacturers, has had to pivot to address the new market demands. For a while, their transition had been a bit rocky, but they seem to have stabilized and are now growing with an impressive line of products with more to come.

The Breadth of the Heidelberg Product Line Is Increasing

Published January 4, 2022

Heidelberg is known for their offset presses, but David Zwang talks to Clarence Penge, EVP Product Management at Heidelberg US, about how the company’s press, postpress, and software solution offerings have expanded to cover commercial print, labels, and folding carton.

SCREEN USA’s Ken Ingram on Commercial Printers Moving to High-Speed Inkjet

Published December 16, 2021

David Zwang talks to Ken Ingram, President of SCREEN USA, about the latest market trends as well as new products the the company has introduced—and plans to introduce. SCREEN has been focused on high-speed inkjet across all markets, specializing in direct mail and transaction, but post-pandemic, the company has seen more activity in the commercial space.

A Folding Carton Converter Brewing Beer?

Published December 16, 2021

Printing and packaging companies are always looking for unique ways to expand and grow their businesses. While printers may have historically had a reputation for “tipping a few beers,” not every printer can be a brewer. However, this one is!

Waste Circularity in Labels and Packaging: Fixing a Broken Recycling System

Published December 14, 2021

Recycling is broken, and we need processes that can handle waste instead of shifting responsibility for handling waste back onto consumers and producers, which will not solve the problem.

Production Inkjet: The Year in Review

Published December 2, 2021

In 2021, for commercial print applications, production inkjet volumes held their own, and some applications saw modest growth. While production inkjet can displace toner printed pages, and has been for well over a decade, the lion’s share of the growth opportunity is offset pages, and that will continue for the foreseeable future. David Zwang looks back at recent press introductions, many of which are targeted at that volume.

J.P Bobst Knows History and Is Setting the Future Stage for Packaging

Published November 30, 2021

A company the size and breadth of the Bobst Group plays a big role in setting the direction of the packaging industry in the future. Their core values of People, Technology, and Financial, with a strong desire to create a more sustainable future, bode well for the many changes ahead.

Compu-Mail: Relevant Information to the Right Person at the Right Time

Published November 29, 2021

Compu-Mail is a direct marketing services and solutions company located in Grand Island, N.Y., that provides database marketing for pharmaceutical companies, statements for medical insurance and even membership cards for automobile clubs. They have built their business around the variable data printing model: “Relevant information to the right person at the right time.”

Printing On Glass: The View of the Future Is Bright with Inkjet Technologies

Published November 8, 2021

Over the years, many different methods have been used to decorate glass including painting, silk screen, sandblasting, etching, and decals and cling films—and of late inkjet technology has been increasingly used. David Zwang surveys the current state of direct-to-glass printing.

Labels and Packaging: Luxe Pack Sets the Tone

Published November 2, 2021

Label and packaging procurement reached new heights during the pandemic, and as a result, while there may not have been many live events this year to showcase the latest trends in label and packaging, hardware manufacturers and software developers have been busy—and the industry has been humming along.

Stefan Hunkeler on Postponing Hunkeler Innovationdays Until 2023

Published November 2, 2021

With most of the flagship equipment shows of 2020 and 2021 being postponed or cancelled, many in the industry were looking forward to Hunkeler Innovationdays in February of 2022. Unfortunately, this too has been postponed to February 2023. David Zwang talks to Stefan Hunkeler, President of Hunkeler AG, about this decision.

PCI Group’s Chris Kropac on Transactional Print Security

Published October 28, 2021

At last week’s thINK Forum, David Zwang spoke to Chris Kropac, owner and president of PCI Group, a family-owned business specializing in mission-critical transactional communications, with an emphasis on security compliance in health care, collections, financial, and insurance markets.

Canon’s Francis McMahon on Company Culture and Human Connections

Published October 21, 2021

David Zwang talks to Canon Solutions America EVP Francis McMahon, recapping last week’s thINK Forum, and talking about company culture, how it plays into a company’s brand, how it gives a company a competitive advantage, and how businesses can retain their employees by making them feel like they are part of something and feel empowered.

The Importance of Networking and Education in the Inkjet Printing Community

Published October 18, 2021

At last week’s thINK Forum, David Zwang talked to Shelley Hyde, Partner at PrintMailPro and the newest member of the thINK Board, about the value of networking events like the thINK Forum, as well as the other resources thINK makes available for producers of inkjet printing.

Selling Inkjet to Clients

Published October 14, 2021

At this week’s thINK Forum, David Zwang talks to Jennifer McSweeney, VP of Sales for the Goodway Group, about the company’s adoption of production inkjet and the opportunities it has opened with clients.

thINK Ahead 2021: Uniting as Leaders of the Inkjet Community

Published October 13, 2021

David Zwang talks to Ed Jansen, VP of Canon Solutions America’s Print Production Solutions Group, about the challenges involved in planning this year’s thINK event.

Digital Packaging: Kodak Ups the Ante Again…

Published October 12, 2021

Kodak has been successfully operating a transformation strategy that has shored up the company while investing in innovation in their core strengths of print (with an emphasis on digital), advanced materials, and chemicals. With the introduction of an EP press designed for folding carton, packaging, and retail POP, Kodak expands their existing packaging portfolio options to a wider audience.

HP Indigo’s Gershon Alon Discusses Post-Pandemic Workflow Changes

Published October 12, 2021

David Zwang talks with Gershon Alon, Head of Solutions at HP Indigo, about the post-pandemic workflow changes in packaging and commercial print that will be needed to keep up with dynamic market shifts.

Fujifilm's Matt Bennett on Digital Packaging

Published October 6, 2021

Matt Bennett, Global VP Packaging for Fujifilm, sits down with David Zwang at Label Congress to discuss the company's positioning in digital packaging and their latest product introductions.

Label Congress 2021: Surprisingly Well Attended and Informative

Published October 5, 2021

While Label Congress was a relatively small event, it appeared to be a very successful one. With a comprehensive educational conference schedule and a small but active expo hall, it delivered what was promised to the exhibitors and, more importantly, to the attendees.

Global Graphics' Mike Rottenborn on the Company's Acquisitions and Growth

Published October 4, 2021

Mike Rottenborn, CEO of Global Graphics, sits down with David Zwang at Label Congress to discuss the synergies in Global Graphics' acquisitions and growth, as well as their new corporate name and identity.

The Rise Of Hybrid And Bespoke: Production Design by Application

Published September 28, 2021

Digital technologies in print and finishing are in a continuing race against market shifts—and vice versa. David Zwang explains how both hybrid and bespoke print solutions will play an increasing role, and why we are in for some interesting times.

EFI's Nick Benkovich on Changing Market Dynamics

Published September 28, 2021

Nick Benkovich, EFI VP Product Management, discusses how market dynamics are changing for PSPs across all segments, and looks at the challenges, opportunities, tools, and cultural shifts that are going to be required.

Weathering The Storm: Carsten Bruhn, President and CEO of Ricoh North America Shares How the Pandemic Affected Ricoh and its Customers

Published September 20, 2021

David Zwang talks with Carsten Bruhn, the newly appointed president and CEO of Ricoh North America, about how the pandemic has affected Ricoh and its customers, as well as where the printing industry is going as we emerge from the year of COVID.

Todd Roth Previews the Upcoming thINK Forum

Published September 20, 2021

Todd Roth, VP of Core Publishing Solutions for Thomson Reuters and President of the thINK Board of Directors, provides a preview of the upcoming thINK Forum, to be held October 11-15 at the Boca Beach Club in Boca Raton, Fla. To keep attendees safe and comfortable, the event is being held in two “waves,” the first from Oct. 11-13, and the second from Oct. 13-15. Each wave is limited to ~150 attendees, and the content is identical.

Canon’s Francis McMahon and Eric Hawkinson Preview the Upcoming thINK Forum

Published September 9, 2021

Francis McMahon, Executive Vice President at Canon Solutions America, and Eric Hawkinson, Chairman of thINK, discuss the upcoming thINK Forum, to be held October 11-15 at the Boca Beach Club in Boca Raton, Fla. To keep attendees safe and comfortable, the event is being held in two “waves,” the first from Oct. 11-13 13, and the second from Oct. 13-15. Each wave is limited to ~150 attendees, and the content is identical.

Tag! You’re It: Embedding NFC and RFID in Packaging

Published August 31, 2021

David Zwang looks at the current state of packaging applications for Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and Near-Field Communication (NFC), and how and why they are being used.

Printlink Finds the FireJet 4C Color Inkjet Press Ideal for Envelopes

Published August 10, 2021

Feeding envelopes through a printer is not necessarily an easy task, especially since there are so many sizes, configurations, and variations in thickness—even batch to batch. Yet Printlink has found an exceptional bespoke press solution that highlights what can be accomplished with production inkjet.

Labelexpo’s Tasha Ventimiglia on the Upcoming Label Congress

Published August 5, 2021

David Zwang talks to Tasha Ventimiglia, Americas Event Director for Labelexpo Americas, about the challenges of the pandemic for an event company and the much-anticipated return to in-person events with the upcoming Label Congress in Chicago at the end of September.

Canon Expands their Production Inkjet Portfolio with ColorStream 8000

Published June 22, 2021

Canon has the leading market share in production inkjet and has the widest range of production inkjet presses available. With the introduction of the ColorStream 8000, they are expanding their commercial production inkjet product line to further capture both toner and existing offset produced pages.

EFI’s Fiery Business CTO Josef Coetsee on DFEs

Published June 8, 2021

David Zwang talks to Josef Coetsee, CTO of EFI’s Fiery Division, about EFI’s unique approach to digital front ends (DFEs). Much more than a RIP, a DFE is a set of services—hardware and software—that enable print shops to execute their workflows, manage their operations, and drive their presses.

Labels and Packaging: The Pandemic Provides New Opportunities Supporting Telemedicine

Published June 1, 2021

Telemedicine grew more than 6,000% during the pandemic. With that rate of growth, and no preparation, how were healthcare providers expected to provide the care needed remotely for seniors and others who were on extreme lockdown?

How to Participate in Industry 4.0 Part 5: Getting Data…and Now What?

Published May 25, 2021

In this fifth article of this series, we continue to look at Industry 4.0, not as a marketing term, but in an actionable way so that you can begin or continue to prepare your company and participate in the many benefits today and tomorrow. In this article, we look at a solution that provides some process connection points, data collection and analysis.

How to Participate in Industry 4.0 Part 4: The Smart Factory

Published May 18, 2021

In this fourth article in this series, we continue to look at Industry 4.0, not as a marketing term, but in an actionable way so that you can begin or continue to prepare your company and participate in the many benefits today and tomorrow. In this article, we pause the background education and take a look at some currently available solutions and a peek into futures.

Global Graphics’ Eric Worrall on SmartDFEs

Published May 18, 2021

David Zwang talks to Eric Worrall, VP of Products and Services for Global Graphics Software, about digital front ends (DFEs), the elements that comprise a DFE, and Global Graphics’ recent introduction of its SmartDFE.

Labels and Packaging Has a Transformative Year

Published May 13, 2021

As part of our preview of next week’s Technology Outlook Week, David Zwang looks at how label and packaging production is transforming.

Kodak’s Jim Continenza Wins a Maverick Award

Published May 11, 2021

David Zwang talks to Jim Continenza, Chairman and CEO of Eastman Kodak, about he and his team winning a Maverick Award for Business Achievement, and how Kodak remains on schedule with its five-year plan that had been developed several years ago.

Ricoh’s New President and CEO Carsten Bruhn on Doing Business Post-COVID

Published May 6, 2021

David Zwang talks with Carsten Bruhn, newly appointed President and CEO of Ricoh North America. Bruhn has been with Ricoh for more than 30 years, and he talks about his journey in the industry and in Ricoh, as well as how he sees Ricoh doing business as we emerge from the pandemic.

How to Participate in Industry 4.0—Part 3: Content Production Software

Published May 4, 2021

In this third article of this series, we continue to look at Industry 4.0, not as a marketing term, but in an actionable way that you can begin or continue to prepare your company and participate in the many benefits. In this article, we take a look at content production software.

Sticking Around: Exploring the Emerging Trends in Labeling

Published May 3, 2021

The print label market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2021 to 2026, and last year had a significant impact on consumer purchasing habits—as a result, it also had an impact on labels and packaging in general. David Zwang runs through some of the trends that have started shifting at an increased rate, facilitated by new technologies.

Association Insights—Getting to Know the Ghent Workgroup

Published April 29, 2021

The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) is an international organization made up of graphic arts experts, users, hardware and software vendors as well as educational members building best practices for print and packaging workflows. David Zwang highlights the accomplishments the organization has achieved over the past 20 years, expanding beyond its initial goals.

How to Participate in Industry 4.0—Part 2: Internal Hardware Systems

Published April 27, 2021

In this new series we look at Industry 4.0—not as a marketing term, but in an actionable way so that you can begin or continue to prepare your company and participate in the many benefits. In this second article in the series, we take a look at internal hardware systems.

How to Participate in Industry 4.0—Part 1: State of Readiness

Published April 20, 2021

In this new series, we look at Industry 4.0. Not as a marketing term, but in an actionable way so that you can begin or continue to prepare your company and participate in the many benefits. In this first article of the series, we start at the beginning and look at the state of readiness.

Executive Label’s Jason Raye on the Transition to Digital

Published April 15, 2021

In this Thought Leadership Series video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Jason Raye, VP of Executive Label Inc. The company began with flexo presses and moved into digital printing in 2012 with an HP Indigo 6800. The company is on its third digital press, having recently installed an HP Indigo 8000. The transition into digital completely changed Empire’s business.

Show Me the Money: Making Print Secure

Published April 13, 2021

Printing is a valuable and versatile platform that provides methods of communication, identification, even interaction. However, what happens when you need your printing secure or validated? David Zwang looks at today’s options.

Security Is the Best Medicine: The Importance of Information and Data Security in Pharmaceutical Packaging

Published March 24, 2021

Pharmaceutical packaging compliance, including safety and supply chain visibility, is an area that demands secure packaging and label identification. Many new compliance regulations are designed to verify the authenticity and origin of raw materials and ingredients, and to effectively, quickly, and accurately track and trace the products as they move across a global supply chain. David Zwang looks at these regulations, some of the new technologies in place to comply with them, and how print service providers can ensure they are in compliance.

Transformational Workflow Infrastructures v2021

Published March 23, 2021

Business processes and production workflows cannot be stagnant and need to evolve as the markets and technologies evolve. Understanding the need and creating an infrastructure that supports that is key. The good news is that the options are improving.

Beyond the Bottle: Opportunities and Challenges in Pharmaceutical Packaging

Published March 17, 2021

Like many other industries, pharmaceuticals is going through a transition, and as we have seen before, industries in transition offer opportunities for those who are willing to learn and engage. David Zwang provides an overview of the latest trends in pharma packaging, and how to identify and take advantage of the opportunities.

As the Market Changes, It’s Good to Have Partners in Growth

Published March 16, 2021

Over the years, Kodak has developed many groundbreaking products and, along the way, very strong bonds with their customers. Considering their long history supporting print service providers with consumables and digital process solutions, they have been able to enhance their clients’ business growth and create a great platform for Kodak’s business growth as well, it makes perfect sense.

Canon Production Printing’s Crit Driessen and Walter Vogelsberger on the Latest Digital Packaging News

Published March 9, 2021

David Zwang talks to Crit Driessen, Senior Advisor Commercial and Industrial Printing at Canon Production Printing, and Walter Vogelsberger, VP Digital Packaging Printing at Canon Production Printing. Crit shares some of the latest Canon Labelstream installations and other news and, as Walter transitions into this new position, what he envisions for digital packaging at Canon.

The Print Taxonomy Initiative—Or, What Is Print and Where Is It?

Published March 8, 2021

The print industry has been going through a major evolution since the introduction of digital technologies. Trying to identify and quantify this shift has been almost impossible since many of the definitions of print and printing technologies haven’t been properly updated in decades. An important new initiative is tasked with drafting an “open” standard taxonomy for the global printing industry to address the issues.

The Expertise to Innovate with New Inkjet Applications: NIXKA

Published February 23, 2021

NIXKA may be the new kid on the block, or are they? They actually have 30 years of expertise in developing ink and material jetting solutions, with an impressive track record. More importantly, they have the right philosophy.

CompanyBox’s Louis DeJesus Talks about On-Demand Packaging

Published February 23, 2021

David Zwang talks to Louis DeJesus, CEO and Founder of CompanyBox, which specializes in digital, on-demand packaging. The company leverages digital platforms, automation, and order aggregation so that the cost of one package is "the same as the cost of a truckload.”

Ernie Crawford on 25 Years of Crawford Technologies

Published February 17, 2021

David Zwang talks to Ernie Crawford, President and CEO of Crawford Technologies, about the evolution of the company. Founded 25 years ago, the company at that time was focused on helping organizations with the transition to then-new architectures like PostScript and PDF. Today, Crawford helps companies optimize workflows for transactional, direct mail, and commercial print.

Articles by David Zwang