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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 At Cambridge University, a project is underway to rescue valuable material from old, outdated media like floppy disks.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
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is a game-changer. It offers opportunities to enhance creativity, efficiency, and precision in the execution of packaging projects, reshaping the landscape. Pat McGrew and Ryan McAbee show you where to start. Read More
Cary Sherburne rounds up some of the latest trends and data regarding packaging sustainability—and consumers’ perceptions of and attitudes to sustainable packaging. Read More
Automation in commercial print depends on more than just software—it relies on smart, secure, and well-timed connectivity between systems. This article breaks down the four most common integration methods—REST APIs, Webhooks, EDI, and JDF/JMF—and explains when to use each based on speed, scale, and workflow needs. If you're looking to streamline operations, reduce manual tasks, and future-proof your print business, understanding these data exchange tools is essential. Read More
Production inkjet has reached the offset quality barrier, and digitalized analog printing is targeting shorter run, so some believe that it is the death knell for electrophotography (EP), aka “toner.” Although, as Mark Twain said, “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated” and based on trends and recent developments in EP technology, I believe that is the case here as well. Read More
From dashboards to diapers, inkjet printing has gone way beyond the label. Mary Schilling demonstrates how a once-humble tech is reshaping how we design, manufacture, and interact with the world around us. Read More
With a hybridized approach, two printing processes can be better than one printing process—even if the processes are fundamentally different from each other. Patrick Henry explains. Read More
The WhatTheyThink Technology Outlook Annual is now available and should have hit subscribers' mailboxes last week. This week and next, we’ll be featuring the articles from our Sixth Annual Technology Outlook, starting with Production Print. Read More
WhatTheyThink contributor Kelly Lawrence looks at the state of all the facets of inkjet in the commercial print and related segments. Read More
The packaging floor doesn’t look like it used to. Shorter runs, faster turnarounds, personalization, labor shortages, and sustainability mandates are reshaping how converters operate. Digital print is no longer optional—it’s becoming essential for agility, customer retention, and growth. The diagram below shows digital’s progression in folding carton: it has established an entry position (phase 1) and is expected to gain share from analog technologies like offset as performance and cost improve. In this article, Keypoint Intelligence explores how digital print delivers speed, flexibility, and responsiveness—giving adopters a competitive edge in meeting today’s evolving packaging demands. Read More
An AI ad campaign in NYC may go down as one of the most extensive sign defacements in history. Not one, but two Amazon drones collided with a construction crane in Arizona. An unlikely 21st century caper: an international rare books heist. The Equal Earth Map attempts to accurately represent the relative sizes of the Earth’s landmasses. A futureproof electric outlet concept. Eliminate plastic waste with a hydrogen-powered plasma torch—yes, please! In 1955, Orson Welles looked back at his 1938 “War of the Words” broadcast. Email a Melbourne tree. And perhaps ask it, can plants do math? Try the Victorian tapeworm diet. The Gaia Space Telescope’s 3D star map. What are you going to be cooking and—ostensibly—eating in 2026? (We hope you like beef tallow.) Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
The leap from content on the printed page to its equivalent in three dimensions has never been easier to accomplish. The question is whether the leap is worth taking. Patrick Henry looks at two solutions. Read More
Our discussions with converters, suppliers, and industry leaders at Labelexpo Europe uncovered both optimism and hesitation about the future, but one thing became abundantly clear: waiting on digital in package printing is no longer an option. This article provides a brief overview of what we heard during our discussions at the show as well as our opinions about their potential implications. Read More
During a time when many commercial print businesses are closing their doors, one small-town artist decided to buck the trend. She purchased a local print shop and learned the printing business from the ground up. Heidi Tolliver-Walker takes a look at her story. Read More
Portrait Capital launches new specialty label platform, and more … Read More
In the latest installment of the Smart Decisions series, Wayne Lynn explains what’s needed to successfully implement a solution to your problem. Read More
At drupa, Canon teased their early development of a digital corrugated press. It’s no longer a tease, and at the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) biennial event, Canon introduced their rumored corrugated press, this time with details. Considering the amount of time digital corrugated presses have been available, you would have expected that adoption would be much higher than the few hundred installed globally today. Canon is looking to change that with the CORRPRESS IB17. Read More
Digital printing adoption in Central Asia is on a steady upward trajectory. The demand for digital print solutions is being driven by several factors, including economic growth, the rapid increase in short-run jobs for digital packaging, labels, and publications, and the growth of e-commerce. WhatTheyThink contributor Oleg Litvinov reports on his visit to two Kazakhstan print businesses. Read More
Do you know what happens to the stuff you recycle? How much of it actually gets recycled, and how much ends up in landfills? A lot depends on your behavior, but also where you live. This includes packaging, textiles, plastics, and more. TOMRA has some answers. Read More
Publishing had a rough time during the pandemic, although all three publishing segments—especially books—saw a rebound afterwards, with a leveling off as revenues returned to trend. Advertising in general has been on a steep rise. Read More
Merriam-Webster is releasing a new edition—the Twelfth—of its Collegiate dictionary. AOL is discontinuing its dial-up service (which still exists?). A walking 3D printer robot that builds walls. Turning discarded solo cups into textiles. What is the oldest letter in the Latin alphabet? “Inflation” in a different sense than we’re used to: inflatables, a growing marketing medium. Who was the first person to ever appear on television? A Beijing bodega staffed by a humanoid robot. Put your humanity to the test with a new online game called I’m Not a Robot. Graphene-based batteries to power next-gen drones. In one public restroom, watch an ad to get toilet paper. Would you pay $38 for a jar of Pamela Anderson-branded pickles? Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
In today’s environment, when shopping for printing equipment, it’s time to move beyond the table-top beauty contest. Evaluating pre- and post-install inkjet systems based on visual inspection alone is not just outdated, it is risky. Mary Schilling explains why buyers need to shift to quantitative Print Quality Analysis (PQA). Read More
Although it has long been associated with water pollution and excess waste, the textile printing industry is undergoing numerous changes to do its part in becoming more environmentally conscious. This article explores just some of the practices that are helping to transform textile printing in our modern world. Read More
Canon has upgraded its Colorado Series of wide-format printers with the Colorado XL, a 3.4m-wide device that prints on both rollfed and rigid media. Read More
On September 6, 2025, the $80 million acquisition bid by FIMI was accepted by the Central District Court, giving the private equity firm 100% ownership of the Landa Corporation. Importantly, the reorganization is designed to keep the company operational and provide a solid path forward, more than 20% of their customers have placed a repeat order for a second or third press. So how do they keep it going and growing? Read More
What makes “the best” salespeople according to the C-suite? Data from 2,000 B2B decision-makers gives us insight, but are salespeople actually cutting it? SalesFuel’s B2B Buyers Scan Study (June 2025) says “sometimes.” Read More
Labelexpo has been evolving for years to better reflect the market and importantly the converter and exhibitor preferences. Initially, the extension brought flex pack to the event, and this year was also saw some folding carton solutions. While many service providers were selling print and packaging and therefore purchasing consumables and software solutions, between the confusing tariff situation and multiple conflict zones, they were holding back on equipment purchases. Based on the discussions with many exhibitors at Labelexpo, that may be changing. Read More
Web-to-Print (W2P) has evolved from a convenience to a must-have for today’s print businesses. With a projected market value exceeding $30 billion by 2028, W2P delivers speed, scalability, and seamless customer experiences across all print segments—from commercial to packaging. But its value isn’t limited to online storefronts. Integrated W2P platforms reduce job onboarding by up to 70%, enable faster sales cycles, and open new revenue channels. If you’re not leveraging W2P as a strategic asset, you’re likely losing ground. This is why now is the time to invest—and make W2P your print shop’s competitive advantage. Read More
The PRINTING United Expo has become one of the most anticipated industry events of the year. This year, it comes to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., October 22–24. Find out what new and returning events and features visitors will have in store for them. Read More
Among other things, 2025 is set to become the most uncertain year in recent memory relative to tariffs—which countries are affected, what percent each is assigned, and whether the tariffs, as assessed by the current administration, are even legal. This article looks into how the textiles and apparel industry has been impacted. Read More
According to County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 708 establishments in NAICS 32222 (Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing). This category saw a net decrease in establishments of -14% since 2010. In macro news, Q2 GDP growth was revised up to 3.8%. Read More
A recession indicator with which we are unfamiliar: the cardboard box index. When was the first graphic T-shirt ever produced? We’ve all heard of novelizations of movies, but what about book coverizations? “Will you pay a premium for Montblanc's e-ink notebook?” The winners of this year’s Ig Nobel Prizes. Kodak has introduced the Charmera, a mini digital keychain camera. Samsung is unleashing refrigerators with video screens that play ads. A line of mirrors inspired by…baggage retrieval carousels? “Breakthrough for Organ Transplants May Be Realized by Turning Organs into Glass.” The James Webb Space Telescope found “strange dark beads” in Saturn’s atmosphere. In the late 19th-century/early 20th-century, watching train wrecks was the height of popular entertainment. Lost shopping carts have a very high carbon footprint. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
Collaborating with the Mariano Rivera Foundation, Sharp has developed an equipment-focused curriculum that gives its graduates a full set of ready-to-hire job skills. Read More
Is the rise of artificial intelligence a death knell for human creativity, or the dawn of a new, technologically-enhanced renaissance for artisans? In this article, textiles expert and WhatTheyThink contributor Debbie McKeegan explores that question and provides key takeaways derived from a Heimtextil survey, as we enter this chapter of human history. Read More
For decades, studies have shown that brains prefer paper. Whether it’s students in a classroom or shoppers in a retail aisle, brains process information more deeply and accurately in print. But why? Heidi Tolliver-Walker looks at a recent study that sheds some light. Read More
Every print operation, whether in-plant or commercial, depends on skilled people to meet deadlines and deliver with precision. Workforce development is now a strategic necessity, with continuous training across all experience levels a key to staying competitive. Here are practical strategies to build a high-performing team by addressing the unique training needs of new hires, mid-career staff, and employees transitioning into new roles. Read More
Issue 3 of the WhatTheyThink Quarterly Journal, the “Intelligent Automation” issue, looks at different aspects of automation as it relates to the printing industry: the so-called “smart factory”; augmented and artificial intelligence, and the evolution from Industry 4.0—where cloud communications and data sourcing are fairly commonplace—to Industry 5.0, where we use that platform to build distributed value chains, remote production, and cyber physical systems; intelligent automation in the context of packaging; and automation is human resources (HR). Join us as WhatTheyThink’s regular and guest contributors look at the topic from a variety of angles. Read More
Taktiful president and WhatTheyThink contributor Kevin Abergel takes a deep dive into the psychology of texture and how it applies to print and packaging. Read More
The Online Print Symposium evolves into the Online Print Summit // New location: Alte Kongresshalle // New event concept increases the density and depth of topics // OPS motto: “Re:Inventing Print for the On-Demand Era” // OPS website is online—ticket sales have started Read More
Strongbow hard cider is integrating NaviLens codes into its packaging to help the visually impaired. A contender for the world’s most boring book. “A powered boxcutter that slices through even dual-layered cardboard with little effort.” Cologne and perfume designed for old computer gaming nostalgia, somehow. When in Manchester, N.H., visit the monument to Ralph Henry Baer, inventor of the video game. Media outlets unquestioningly repeat fake news about a “pregnancy robot.” Graphene defies the laws of physics! Terrific, now AI thinks it’s God. NYC rats have a distinct “language” and adapt their vocalizations as ambient conditions change. The fastest 100-meter sprint…over LEGO bricks…while barefoot. Competitive massage is apparently a thing. Yikes—having a late breakfast could be a death sentence. Welcome to WhatTheyThink’s weekly miscellany. Read More
In recent years, marketers have been shifting their budgets into digital channels. But as inboxes overflow, internet displays are ignored, and cookies disappear, a familiar/traditional option is gaining new relevance: direct mail. Keypoint Intelligence shares highlights from its US Digital Production Printing Application Forecast (2024–2029). Read More
It’s now more important than ever for printers to understand press utilization, automation, and emerging technologies so they can make the right investments. Citing recent research from Keypoint Intelligence, this article offers recommendations to help print service providers make the most of their capabilities. Read More
Earlier this year, the Signarama franchise held its SARCON conference and annual awards program. Meet three of this year’s award winners. Read More
On employment sites like Indeed, a common complaint of print industry workers is a “toxic/hostile” workplace environment. Clearly, no print shop wants that, but what does “a toxic/hostile environment” actually mean? How do employees define such things? We let ChatGPT do an analysis of print employee reviews to find out. Read More
In the latest installment of the Smart Decisions series, Wayne Lynn explains how all the previous steps of the decision-making process have led up to the moment when you decide the ultimate solution. Read More
Gallus has just introduced their new System to Compose platform. It is designed with their vision of complete flexibility to manage both the specific and constantly changing packaging requirements of brands and converters. Read More
Web-to-Print (W2P) has evolved from a convenience to a must-have for today’s print businesses. With a projected market value exceeding $30 billion by 2028, W2P delivers speed, scalability, and seamless customer experiences across all print segments—from commercial to packaging. But its value isn’t limited to online storefronts. Integrated W2P platforms reduce job onboarding by up to 70%, enable faster sales cycles, and open new revenue channels. If you’re not leveraging W2P as a strategic asset, you’re likely losing ground. This is why now is the time to invest—and make W2P your print shop’s competitive advantage. Read More
Hanway, a part of the HanGlory Group, previews its digital inkjet technology for the corrugated market that it will be showcasing at Pack Expo 2025. Read More
For those of you who appreciate words as much as I do, here are the latest additions to the Cambridge Dictionary…especially if you are hiring GenZ folks—which you should be—you may hear these terms around the office or shop. Now you’ll know what they mean! Read More
