Alpharetta, Ga. – On a mission to demonstrate just how far digital printing has advanced, and the possibilities of creative thinking for any small business project, Neenah has released Explore 7, a veritable masterclass in digital printing and original design. This seventh volume in the series features samples of sustainable branding ideas for small, local retail businesses.

Neenah’s Explore 7 is a masterclass in digital printing, creative marketing, and packaging design featuring core brands such as CLASSIC, ENVIRONMENT, ROYAL SUNDANCE, ASTROBRIGHTS, ESTATE LABEL.

Printed digitally using the HP Indigo® 7900, this best-in-class promotion pushes the limits of this digital press's innovative capabilities. It showcases the new HP Indigo ElectroInk Silver metallic ink and a multitude of specialty printing techniques including holographic foil, a realistic foil-stamped and embossed rivet handwritten variable data.

“Advances in digital print technology are revolutionizing the printing industry. It’s fast, flexible, and versatile. Now it’s the perfect solution for small retail businesses in need of creating beautifully designed branding and marketing materials, with short-run quantities. The messaging of Explore 7 focuses on small and local businesses driving customer relationships through creative design and quality execution. Paper choice plays a substantive role in brand materials that positively impact sales. As these businesses begin reopening, they must have marketing support to help reestablish customer relationships,” said Katelyn Lueck, Associate Brand Manager, Commercial for Neenah.

Digital printing allows designers and customers to do things they might not have the opportunity to do with traditional print. With digital printing, brands can review one-off comps throughout the process and make strategic changes on-press. Graphics and text are customizable to create personal connections with customers. Digital printing is perfect for small business marketing requiring minute print-runs or start-ups looking for initial quantities of print materials like packaging and labels, in-store signage, brochures, business cards, letterhead, menus, and more.

“Neenah has once again produced a significant tool that will advance HP Indigo customers abilities to grow their business. Explore 7 provides a tactile and inspirational resource to showcase the capabilities of HP Indigo to support the ground swell of businesses reopening and answering the call of this new emerging market. Neenah’s beautiful and sustainable papers combined with HP Indigo’s technology and unique inks enable growth in packaging, display, direct mail, and all things necessary to get a business back up and running to meet the new normal,” Yogev Barak, Head of Strategy and Business Development for HP Indigo.

Another aspect of this new, idea-packed promotion is the consideration of sustainably-focused branding in the retail marketplace. According to Neilson, “Over 50% of shoppers are influenced by key sustainability factors such as a company being environmentally friendly or known for its commitment to social values.” The 100% original branding within Explore 7 focuses on creative ways to highlight sustainability platforms such as shopping local and sustainability through action while using environmentally friendly materials, like paper, to promote sustainability messaging.

To exemplify this concept, in Explore 7 Neenah pairs eye-catching branding with iconic, environmentally responsible papers, such as CLASSIC®, ENVIRONMENT®, ROYAL SUNDANCE®, ASTROBRIGHTS®, ESSE®, and ESTATE LABEL® from their massive digital portfolio.

“Consumer buying decisions are impacted by everything from brand messaging to paper and packaging choice. Explore 7 artfully combines sustainable paper choices in unique and often surprising ways for maximum brand impact. Pairing the right papers with incredible digital printing techniques will ensure your retail brand stands out and gets noticed on the shelf. The breadth and depth of sustainable papers within our digital portfolio expand the opportunity for creating high-impact, lower-cost, short-run solutions for smaller businesses,” concludes Lueck.

To help designers and printers quickly advance their ideas and projects, Neenah offers downloadable dielines for every printed sample included in Explore 7 and the previous six volumes. To date, there are more than 50 dielines available. “The samples offered in this series can be used or adapted to any business or vertical from beauty to hospitality, so these dielines can help kick-start the creative process. The Explore series exemplifies the creative ways that brands can strengthen their sustainable messaging, entice brand interaction, and build customer loyalty,” said Lueck.

Download dielines for over 50 custom-designed, Explore short-run samples including original boxes, hang tags, gift certificate holders, table tents, direct mail, and more from the Neenah website.