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David Williamson of Modern Meadow provides insight on an important topic in this article, provided compliments of Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel. While the textile and apparel industry has traditionally had a heavy reliance on traditional materials like polyester and cotton, these fibers come with a significant environmental cost. He discusses how bio-based fibers could mitigate these problems. Read More
The final article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate prepress systems. Read More
As of January 1, artistic and literary works created in 1930 have now entered the public domain—have at them. Print magazine’s Print Type Report 2026. A new study suggests how the enigmatic Voynich manuscript may have been created. A New Zealand public art project involving official-looking but tongue-in-cheek signage. What color is the universe? LEGO introduces a “Smart Brick.” New thermal paper coatings made from plant-based sources and not BPA. Some weird products from this week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). An AI-generated police report said that an officer had been turned into a frog. Fender Audio to introduce graphene-enhanced headphones at CES. Ten celestial events taking place in 2026. Food & Wine’s “most-liked grocery stories from 2025” is an interesting benchmark of what was on the minds of foodies last year. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 364 establishments in NAICS 322299 (All Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -21% since 2010, although establishments grew slightly from 2021 to 2022. In macro news, inflation growth was virtually flat from September to November. Or was it? Read More
2025 is in the books and as we look ahead to 2026, what are the signs and portents for display graphics? Some of the current, prevailing trends have been covered ad nauseam, but is there anything else we should be paying attention to? Richard Romano has a look. Read More
On December 18, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel explains what this specifically means, as well as its potential impact on cannabis packaging. Read More
ProAmpac Acquires TC Transcontinental Packaging, and more… Read More
The sixth article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate digital proofing systems. Read More
Do you want to know the definition of insanity? It’s starting a print-only, subscription-based magazine with your own money. Then launching it in a four-color tabloid format. Then you name it Geezer. Heidi Tolliver-Walker tells the story behind this not-so-crazy venture. Read More
The printing industry has seen every wave of automation, from manual paste-ups to digital workflows to API-driven connectivity. But a new disruptor is here, and it’s rewriting the rules altogether. Artificial intelligence, long seen as just a tool for content creation, is emerging as the next engine of workflow transformation. Its first target? The rigid, rules-based automations that have shaped print production for decades. Read More
In what world does it make sense to send 30% of the products you produce directly to the landfill? I think most readers would agree that it doesn’t, but that’s exactly what’s happening in apparel—not only in the U.S., but around the globe. What’s the solution for the industry? Jennifer Guarino, President and CEO of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), has some strong opinions! Read More
September 2025 shipments came in at $7.62 billion, up from August’s $7.40 billion. Read More
Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year is “slop.” A design project that uses LEGO to create letterforms. A 3D-printed, working computer-controlled typewriter. Recalling Al Jaffee’s classic Mad magazine feature “If Kids Designed Their Own Xmas Toys.” How close we came to having a “space billboard” in Earth’s orbit. The Hawking Index aims to quantify the extent to which people don’t finish reading the books they buy. Syracuse’s snowplow-naming contest. When in Cleveland, Ohio, visit “A Christmas Story” House and Museum. Oh, Cary: Registration is now open for Graphene-Connect 2026! Confusing “elves” and “Elvis” leads to an amusing grade-school Christmas pageant. Microsoft’s “Artifact Holiday Sweater” is perfect for your next ugly sweater party. Try these <$5 stocking stuffers from Trader Joe’s. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Canadian company Rootree has been involved in flex pack for about 16 years and among the foundation players in digital flex pack. Today, digitally printed flex pack runs are increasing in size challenging the established business requirements. While there are many challenges and ways to address them, Rootree is addressing many of them, and one of them by opening a facility in the US. Read More
In partnership with the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), each month we profile a promising student in a graphic communications or related program. The goal is to raise awareness of graphic communications programs, as well as help students get a “leg up” on entering the industry after graduation. This month, we profile Sofia Pereda, a fourth-year student at Clemson University studying graphic communication. Read More
WhatTheyThink spoke with Wendy Romig, Managing Director of Graphic Arts Alliance (GAA) who talks about the power of group buying, the importance of education, the resilience of the printing industry and a future that looks bright for the forward thinking. Read More
The fifth article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate digital presses. Read More
Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a look at Esko’s 2026 Packaging Trends report, which identifies three forces reshaping packaging: sustainability, smart packaging driven by regulations like the Digital Product Passport, and the rapid rise of agentic AI. Read More
HiFlow Solutions brings decades of experience from packaging plants, building technology around real-world workflows. In this interview, CEO Mariusz Sosnowski explains how HiFlow’s strategy centers on Operational AI—using automation and intelligence in estimating, scheduling, and order processing—to transform MIS and ERP from a traditional “system of record” into a true “system of decision.” The discussion highlights HiFlow’s independence, its Microsoft AI Cloud partnership, and its role in addressing industry challenges such as workforce shortages, sustainability compliance, and integration between legacy EDI and modern APIs. Looking ahead, HiFlow envisions ERP as a decision-support platform that augments human expertise with AI-driven insights for smarter, faster operations. Read More
Imagine if every employee in your print shop had a 24/7 assistant that could instantly answer operational questions, from press setup to postal prep, based on your SOPs and documents. With NotebookLM, you can turn your existing workflow guides into an AI-powered operations chatbot that boosts efficiency, supports training, and strengthens business continuity. Read More
We spoke with Tim Murphy, President of iJetColor by Printware, about the company’s extensive history, its current lineup of inkjet envelope printers, the promise of inkjet, and tips for leadership. Read More
The fourth article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate multicolor presses. Read More
Robotics is reaching a tipping point in production print, moving from experimental to essential as shops look for answers to labor shortages, bottlenecks, and rising productivity demands. Yet new Keypoint Intelligence research shows that while interest is surging, buyers still want proof: real-world use cases, reliable performance, seamless workflow integration, and partners who understand print. This article explores why robotics adoption is accelerating, what’s holding some providers back, and how your peers are evaluating the next wave of automation. If you're considering robotics—or questioning whether the industry is truly ready—this is the insight you need. Read More
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 is…white. A non-profit NYC group turns construction scaffolding into public art spaces. Performers personify the letters and characters of a Korean computer keyboard. Dude, a 3D-printed surfboard using a biodegradable plant material. A series of memo books designed to resemble the WWII Armed Services Editions. A new typeface that renders type unintelligible for “greeking” purposes. An inflatable alternative to Bubble Wrap for shipping art. A new graphene material increases the power and capacity of supercapacitors. A glue strong enough to tow a car—made from used cooking oil. Rankin/Bass animated special are synonymous with Christmas. When in Hamilton, Ohio, visit the Hollow Earth Monument. Cheez-It-encrusted turkey legs, for some reason. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Tariffs have held back what ought to have been a robust buying year for offset lithographic presses. The demand, however, can’t and won’t stay pent-up indefinitely. Read More
In this article penned by Shivam Gusain, founder at Decypher, he asks a good question: Is the fashion ecosystem really making significant environmental progress? What work has been done and what has not, the simplest and most important question which almost no one asks. The article is provided compliments of WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, CEO of Texintel. Read More
From its founding in 2015, Hanway now reaches the 2025 mark of its first decade—a journey defined by relentless development—unwavering in its mission: to lead the manufacturing of digital printing solutions for the packaging industry. Read More
The third article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate flexo presses. Read More
Quad’s latest report, “The Return of Touch Report: Holiday Shopping, Reconnected,” finds that shoppers are highly engaged with printed catalogs. They enjoy them, they share them, and they re-engage with them throughout the season. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the highlights. Read More
RoyerComm Prism Acquires Brilliant, ColorArt Files Ch. 11, and more… Read More
Contributor Lois Ritarossi speaks with Don Mader, CEO of Southeastern Printing about the company’s decision to invest early and decisively in inkjet technology. Read More
A recent webinar, presented by Richard Romano of WhatTheyThink and Richard Bellamy of Inflecton and sponsored by Gelato, offered printers a strategic guide for the last months of 2025 and a highlight of top industry trends as we head into 2026. The peak season may have passed, but the issues the industry faces will continue to play a very large role in the new year. Read More
The second article from the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, how to apply the CTV method to calibrate four-color offset presses. Read More
Net printing employment in September 2025 saw printing industry employment decline 0.3% from August—overall, production employment was down 0.6% and non-production employment was up by 0.2%. Read More
The Oxford University Press’s Word of the Year for 2025 is “rage bait.” A 14-year-old student modifies a traditional origami fold such that it could support more than 9,000 times its weight. Researchers have successfully developed a method to create “ultrablack” fabric. A litho print that features the names of prominent film directors orbiting in their own solar system. Why smart brands are returning to print. A history of the tarot deck. A spherical pen designed to resemble writing with rocks. A horrific Christmas mural created using AI. A new coating advances graphene-based brain interfaces. “Man charged with theft after allegedly swallowing Fabergé egg.” When in Tuscaloosa, visit the Hodges Meteorite. Pizza Hut lets you dress like a pizza box. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Seasonal catalogs remain one of the most powerful tools in a brand’s marketing arsenal, combining inspiration and tactile engagement. Despite the dominance of digital channels, new research shows that catalogs continue to deliver strong consumer engagement, emotional resonance, and measurable results. Read More
This article is the first in a series of articles written by the Advanced Printing Technology Centre (APTEC) on technical approaches to color reproduction (offset, flexo, digital) using the Color Tone Value (CTV) method. In this installment, an introduction to print production workflow calibration and the CTV method. Read More
There are many many tools available to help measure the success of a print business. Wayne Lynn focuses on three metrics that are of particular importance. Read More
The story of the Christmas card…and why print professionals should raise a glass to Sir Henry Cole. Read More
In today’s challenging environment, effective leadership has never been more important. This issue of the WhatTheyThink Quarterly Journal looks at leadership—and leadership-adjacent topics—from a variety of perspectives. How do employees and customers perceive your business? Do you even know? And how can determining those perceptions help improve your business? What are some of the other traits that today’s print business leaders need to have to successfully navigate a dynamic, ever-changing market for print? We also address the perennial issue of finding employees, and offer some suggestions for how to find—and retain—the right employees. Join us as our guest and regular contributors explore the topic of leadership from a variety of perspectives. Read More
Are you tired of SOPs scattered across emails, desktops, and dusty binders? What if you could almost instantly create a single source of truth about your print operations? The answer might be Google’s NotebookLM. It can help you centralize your print shop’s operational knowledge, streamline employee training, and provide fast access to business recovery plans when it matters most. Read More
Contributor Lois Ritarossi speaks with Danny Green, Sales Solution Manager at Digital Print Solutions (DPS)—Screen Americas’ newest dealer partner—about the new opportunities available to commercial print customers thanks new inkjet solutions. Read More
Patagonia published its first-ever sustainability report! Yes, the poster child for corporate sustainability has never published one before, and could be a playbook for others to follow. We’ll also discuss new developments that might bring true sustainability within reach for other corporations. Read More
Personalized typography from design studio Rosetta. A new book celebrates the golden age of the “zine.” Using to E. coli to create sustainable, colored fabric fibers. An AI notetaker was really just two guys sitting in on meetings. An extremely durable charging cable was a Kickstarter hit. A compilation of some of the most kitschy items from the 20th century. The winner of this year’s World Cheese Awards. Yikes: in less than two decades, the Earth has tilted on its axis 31.5 inches. When in Paris, visit Foucault’s pendulum. A graphene lubricant achieves 13.8% fuel saving in an Australian charity rally. Train stations being reimagined as luxury hotels. Heinz introduces Leftover Gravy…in a squeeze bottle. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 132 establishments in NAICS 322291 (Sanitary Paper Product Manufacturing). This category had been seeing a net decrease in establishments since 2010, but the post-COVID period saw an increase in establishments. In macro news, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) found demand for new commercial construction projects to be stagnant. Read More
It wasn’t that long ago that AI in the workplace felt like science fiction—a distant promise of what work might someday become. Now, AI is revolutionizing how businesses create, collaborate, and deliver value to their customers. This article explores how AI is accelerating the shift from simple automation to intelligent, human-centric ecosystems that enhance productivity and collaboration. Read More
As state-by-state requirements for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) continue to be phased in, printers and packaging converters are beginning to sense the policy’s likely impacts on the customers and markets they serve. In part 2 of this two-part feature, Patrick Henry presents the experiences of three print and packaging service providers who have been learning the ins and outs of EPR in their respective states. Read More
A lot of commentary on AI is missing a key point: people inside and outside of our industry, are still talking about the pre-AI world. That’s the wrong point of view. We’re now living in the post-AI world. Wayne Lynn explains how you don’t need an AI strategy separate from your business strategy. You need a business strategy that assumes AI exists. Read More
Heidi Tolliver-Walker provides a quick roundup of AI headlines from this past week. From a state-sponsored AI espionage to AI’s ability to help you get a better job for more pay, take the whirlwind tour through AI news. Read More
AI-powered Deep Research is giving print businesses a competitive edge by converting hours of manual effort into minutes of processing that deliver almost instant strategic insights. Acting like a digital analyst, it uncovers trends, competitor moves, and emerging application opportunities. Whether you're exploring smart packaging or new ways to boost direct mail ROI, learning how to use this tool can help you see what others miss—and act faster. Read More
No, not that kind of magic! Rather, this article is about mushrooms as a magical replacement for traditional leather—more sustainable, and more flexible in terms of products and decoration. It’s been a while since we’ve written about this, and now for a significant update… Read More
…in Canada. As we wait for US data to start being released, let us take an overdue look at Canadian printing shipments. Read More
A new typeface inspired by Berlin’s wayfinding signage. In Victorian England, cat cartoons were all the rage—specifically, those of illustrator Louis Wain. An impressive paper clip collection has finally found a new home. An anti-package-theft mailbox. At Cambridge University, a project is underway to rescue valuable material from old, outdated media like floppy disks. For reasons passing understanding, someone decided to have AI recreate an episode of “Friends.” A sub-reddit worth checking out is “Funny Signs.” AI-powered robot dinosaurs because why not. A round-up of some of the most notable “non-water floods” in history. Graphene heat-transfer fluid. The James Webb Space Telescope finds a new moon of Uranus. Host Thanksgiving in something approaching style with the Butterball Turkey Pants. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Environmentalists want states to pass laws that make producers foot the bill for collecting and recycling many types of consumer goods packaging. In part 1 of this two-part feature, Patrick Henry explores how, even though printers and packaging converters aren’t those producers, but they may well find themselves bearing some of the costs of compliance. Read More
Or maybe, Size Really Does Matter! The apparel industry is fragmented in many ways, not the least of which is sizing. Inconsistent sizing of apparel accounts for almost 20% of returned items, equating to $890 billion in costs to brands and retailers. In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explains the staggering cost of a poor fit and suggests what might be done about it. Read More
Sometimes AI seems to go rogue. But why? Heidi Tolliver-Walker argues that, like “a very smart toddler,” AI can be hyper literal. We tell it what to do, and without the right guidance in how to get there, it can take some turns we don’t expect. Read More
Continuing advances in inkjet-printable materials for higher-speed printing systems have been instrumental in the growth and expansion of wide-format graphics companies. After wide-format graphics producers merged with commercial printers, a slew of new materials are making printing more efficient, sustainable, and suitable for businesses with a mix of offset presses and narrow-format production digital presses and wide-format inkjet printers. Guest contributor Eileen Fritsch provides a round up. Read More
In commercial print shops, email is both a lifeline and a bottleneck, overwhelming customer service teams with unstructured job requests and urgent messages. While automation has transformed the production floor, AI is now poised to revolutionize how print businesses manage email communication. Here are some guidelines for how AI-powered tools can triage messages, extract job specs, suggest replies, and eliminate delays, freeing up staff for high-value work. If you’re ready to reduce quoting errors, speed up response times, and boost customer satisfaction, this is your guide to getting started. Read More
Corrugated packaging producers close plants as demand cools and more... Read More
It’s no secret that times are tough in the world of media these days, but perhaps most challenged are printed newspapers, especially in smaller, more rural areas. The number of “news deserts”—a community, rural or urban, with limited or no access to credible local news and information—continues to grow as newspapers fail or are bought up and decimated. Here’s the latest scoop. Read More
According to County Business Patterns, in 2022, there were 496 establishments in NAICS 32229 (Other Converted Paper Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -18% since 2010, but saw an increase since 2021. In macro news, um…uh…aha! ADP employment data! Read More
How a rogue comma upended 19th-century tariff policy. Print magazine’s Steven Heller is bemused by a presumptuous bit of wayfinding signage. A look at “ghost words” that made their way into the English language due to typos, misspellings, or bad handwriting. Who invented the Band-Aid and how did it become a household word? Pig-faced women were all the rage in Regency-era London. With the Slopstore, AI continues to immeasurably improve our lives in every way. New nanobot “smart dust” is a boon to spying. A system for charging an e-bike through the kickstand. Graphene-based coatings for the HVAC market. The James Webb Space Telescope has found mysterious “dark beads” in Saturn’s atmosphere. A new fossil discovery shows that leeches didn’t always suck blood. Care for a toothpaste-flavored smoothie? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Due to the prevalence of fast fashion, many articles of clothing are mass produced but soon end up in landfills or incinerators. Fortunately, some of today’s brands are experimenting with more environmentally friendly practices. This article discusses the sustainability challenges that persist in the fashion industry and explores how modern printing and scanning techniques may help lead us to a more eco-friendly future. Read More
We are launching a new regular WhatTheyThink feature: the Student of the Month. In partnership with the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), we profile a promising student in a graphic communications or related program. The goal is to raise awareness of graphic communications programs, as well as help students get a “leg up” on entering the industry after graduation. This month, we profile Anna Frias, a third-year student in Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication program. Read More
Demand for inks used in commercial graphics, publication, packaging, and label printing will reach 3.3 million metric tons in 2025, with a value of $35.8 billion according to the new Smithers market report, “The Future of Global Ink Markets to 2030.” Read More
A thought leadership consultant’s question on LinkedIn about artificial intelligence sparked an unexpectedly revealing conversation, one that offers clues about how business leaders across industries are reconsidering what intelligence means in an AI-powered world. Read More
Will COP30 actually deliver commitments to actionable solutions to the climate crisis or just be another get-together that delivers nothing meaningful? That’s a good question. It seems that there’s a significant shift in strategy for this year’s conference, and it is not an encouraging one—the focus seems to be shifting from reducing dependence on fossil fuels to a strategy of adaptation. Read More
By all accounts, the PRINTING United Expo, held October 22–24 in Orlando, was one of the most successful yet, if show floor crowds and a general sense of excitement and optimism are anything to judge it by. Here are some of the highlights of the show floor and the dedicated “Media Day.” Read More
In August 2025, the U.S. paper and packaging industry voted to end the Paper & Packaging Board’s (P+PB) national marketing program, after more than a decade of advertising campaigns, sustainability messaging, and third-party evaluations. Senior consulting editor Don Carli takes a close look at the cessation of this initiative. In part 2 of this two-part article, category marketing cooperation: a framework for digital embellishment growth and profitability. Read More
Every print operation wants stronger performance from its existing equipment, yet many don’t realize how much untapped potential sits on their production floor. Without clear visibility into day-to-day press activity, it’s easy to miss where time and profit slip away. This piece from Keypoint Intelligence explores how better data insight and smart automation can help print providers capture that hidden value and turn efficiency into growth. Read More
Net printing employment in August 2025 saw printing industry employment decline 0.3% from July—overall, production employment was down 0.9% and non-production employment was up by 0.8%. Read More
Teal pumpkins raise awareness of food allergies and safe trick-or-treating. Scary movies can actually help soothe anxiety. A disturbing photo gallery of vintage Halloween costumes from the 1950s. A dystopian AI billboard. More than 200 years after Mary Shelley’s novel was written, why does Frankenstein endure? How well do you know the works of Stephen King? Why are there so many female ghosts? A man discovered that his smart vacuum cleaner was broadcasting a detailed map of his home. A graphene coating for aircraft stealth applications. Be sure to check out next week’s Beaver Supermoon. The world’s deadliest foods. TikTok’s “creepy cooking” videos. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Since it’s almost Halloween, let’s talk about a potentially scary and formidable enemy that has surfaced in the sales world—not hearing back from a prospect at all. Many factors contribute to ghosting, but Happy Ears Syndrome is a common pitfall. This article defines Happy Ears Syndrome, explains how it can disrupt sales processes, and offers powerful strategies for eradicating it altogether. Read More
Gone are the days when special effects like print embellishments were treated as gimmicks or luxury add-ons. They are now a strategic tool for business growth. Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel recaps the overwhelming interest in embellishment at last week’s PRINTING United. Read More
Many companies are replacing specific types of jobs with AI automation. Is yours next? Is there anything you can do about it? Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the current state of things. Read More
At last week’s PRINTING United, HP officially launched the latest entry in its Latex line of wide-format printers: the HP Latex FS70 W. Read More
Operators of print businesses know automation can reduce costs, boost throughput, and improve customer satisfaction, but don’t know where to start. Let’s learn how to kick off your automation journey by walking your workflow, identifying bottlenecks, and building data connectivity across departments. With a clear framework and the right tools, even the most complex print operations can turn automation from a buzzword into a bottom-line advantage. Read More
In August 2025, the U.S. paper and packaging industry voted to end the Paper & Packaging Board’s (P+PB) national marketing program, after more than a decade of advertising campaigns, sustainability messaging, and third-party evaluations. Senior consulting editor Don Carli takes a close look at the cessation of this initiative. In part 1 of this two-part article, the $20 million overnight loss 10 years in the making. Read More
According to County Business Patterns, in 2022 there were 317 establishments in NAICS 32223 (Stationery Product Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of 36% since 2010. In macro news, what have we missed? Read More
RIP Drew Struzan, who designed some of the most iconic movie posters in cinema history. Mixed-media artist NeSpoon creates large-scale outdoor murals…using lace. The idyllic landscape image used for the Windows XP wallpaper is a real place. Awesome: when AI is used to plan trips, it makes places up—which can be dangerous to tourists. Do animals fall for optical illusions? Sustainable graphene-enhanced natural rubber for tires. A surgically implanted chip and AR glasses could help people afflicted with macular degeneration. Lt. Columbo was a great TV detective, but how well would any of his cases stand up in court? A squeegee-based measuring cup for viscous ingredients. How to make a bioplastic cup based on used coffee grounds. This year’s winner of the World Championships of Shoe Shining. High-fat “junk food” is bad for cognitive function. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
When it comes to technology outlooks, new product development is exciting, but standards development is a critical engine driving our industry, one that helps ensure consistency, stability and interoperability. Julie Shaffer provides an update on the latest in the world of standards development. Read More
Patrick Henry looks at a trio of operating systems for production automation that shows the extent to which artificial intelligence is now being seen as a given for efficient print manufacturing. Read More
The newly released 2025 Taktiful/WhatTheyThink Digital Embellishment Study, the most comprehensive research to date on this growing market, shows that when print is enhanced with texture, shine, and tactile effects, it changes the way people engage, and that shift has powerful business implications. Kevin Abergel provides some highlights from the report. Read More
Whether operating inline or offline, digitally controlled postpress systems are coming into their own as linchpins of automated print manufacturing. Patrick Henry explains. Read More
The 2025 Franklin Madison Direct Benchmark Report reveals that direct mail is not only rebounding but evolving into a smarter, more data-driven marketing channel. Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at the highlights from this detailed benchmark study. Read More
Following the conclusion of the Smart Decision-Making Series, Wayne Lynn turns to leadership, strategy, and decision-making/problem solving, and shows how inseparable they all are. Success in a 21st-century business requires large amounts of all three disciplines. Read More
Marketing has become a complex, tech-fueled balancing act, where every day is a race against shifting priorities, fragmented platforms, and relentless demands for ROI. It’s in this chaos that your marketing tech stack either holds everything together or lets it all unravel. To better understand where the friction points lie, Joanne Gore walks through a typical day in the life. Read More
Many companies have been creating solutions to enhance the printing and packaging production plant. Hybrid Software is unique in being the only full-stack provider of all the core technologies required for industrial inkjet printing from printhead electronics to high-performance digital front ends (DFEs) and workflow automation systems. They do this through an interesting collection of very targeted solution acquisitions and continuous development, which can be confusing to understand to some, but knowing the principals I know there is a plan. Read More
Why is textile-to-textile recycling is getting so much attention of late? One big reason is that the more fiber we can recapture and reuse, the less virgin fiber is required to keep up with the demand for textile-based products. Cary Sherburne rounds up some of the latest efforts in textile recycling. Read More
The textile and apparel industry is undergoing a significant digital transformation, driven by advancements across design, printing, cut-and-sew processes, and integrated software solutions. Cary Sherburne surveys the lay of the land. Read More
July 2025 shipments came in at $7.41 billion, a very slight increase from June’s $7.36 billion. Read More
Part 3 of Ars Technica’s excellent “History of the Internet” series. The Typographer app aims to help designers test real fonts in real-world use cases. Google Japan’s annual wacky keyboard design challenge evokes a time when the rotary phone was king. Fascinating facts about maps. When in San José, try to solve the “the San José Semaphore” code. Scientists created viruses with AI-designed DNA that can target and kill specific bacteria. A new form of ice—ice XXI—can *gulp* be a solid at room temperature. A multifunctional electronic skin (e-skin) system based on a laser-induced graphene (LIG) composite platform. The role a person plays in school Nativity pageants has been correlated with their later success in life. Two “flying cars” collided during an air show rehearsal in China. In Salem, Mass., some consternation over how the 17th-century execution of innocent women has now become kitschy fun. Preserving family recipes…on gravestones. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
How did the display graphics and signage markets fare in 2025? What were the dominant trends? And what can we expect as we head into 2026? Read More
A brief overview of some of the latest technologies from wide-format equipment manufacturers. Read More
According to textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan, one of the hottest debates underway in the fashion industry is whether its digital revolution is a threat to creativity or its greatest opportunity. In this article, she summarizes the debate on this topic that took place at a recent industry panel. Read More
Automation is no longer optional for printers—it’s foundational. From commercial print to packaging, thriving businesses are building Automation Universes that align people, processes, and technology to reduce friction and drive value. Here is what you need to know about how to design scalable automation ecosystems tailored to your goals, budget, and evolving team. Whether you’re buying big or building lean, the path forward starts with strategy, not just software Read More
The reality check for AI in print production begins with a journey through current tasks, processes, and data to understand the current state. The next step is to look for quick wins where applying AI tools can produce quantifiable results. The challenge is separating the promises from the facts. Read More
Some printing companies use AI tools to guide their manufacturing processes and code development, while some embed AI technology, including GPT solutions, into their products for preventive maintenance management, color management, and quality control. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee take a look at some of the tools these companies are using. Read More
It used to be that most of the AI discussion revolved around content creation. Now we’re hearing about everything from chatbots to AI-facilitated affiliate marketing. What does it all mean? Heidi Tolliver-Walker uses the AI chatbot Claude to analyze one day’s avalanche of AI editorial and promotional inbox content to gain some insights. Read More
Generally, print and especially packaging will continue to grow as long as there is economic growth. However, all labels and all packaging are not equal, and as a result the opportunities, trends, and technologies can differ, affecting margin and volume growth. While digital package printing provide many opportunities for higher margins and growth and ease of operation, it still faces lower productivity, higher costs for traditional runs, and some substrate limitations as it competes with digitalized flexo and offset. Read More
