Irish Printer - Issue 1 2024

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1 ISSUE 1 2024 04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

08 Acquisition Northside Graphics has been acquired by a UK private equity firm

11

Investment CoverUp has invested in an EFI Matan 5m UV LED dedicated roll-to roll printer from CMYUK

13

13 Technology

Investment in new technology at Anglo Printers is allowing for greater efficiencies and outputs

14 Cyber Security Quentyn Taylor at Canon outlines how print firms can reduce the threat of cyber attacks in 2024

16 Exhibition A new exhibition marking the centenary of Irish postage stamps is currently on display at the National Print Museum

19 Cover Story Chris Sandwell, Group Sales & Marketing Director at EBB Group, talks to Irish Printer about the company’s growth plans for 2024

24 24 Talking to…

Mark Lynam at MJ Flood Ireland on solving problems and finding a balance between work and home life

ISSUE 1 2024 IRISH PRINTER

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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Nicole Ennis Contact:

Welcome to issue 1 of Irish Printer for 2024.

Irish Printer,

The paper and board industry witnessed a significant downturn in production and consumption in 2023, more severe than during the pandemic, according to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI). The organisation pointed to a 13% drop in paper and board production among CEPI member countries, totalling 74.3 million tonnes. Consumption also fell by 15% compared to the previous year, a decrease that’s being attributed to external factors such as a challenging economic environment, prolonged destocking by industry customers and high energy costs. That decline in paper is being felt right across the industry, says Chris Sandwell, Group Sales & Marketing Director at EBB Group. Diversification into other areas means the company isn’t reliant on the paper side of the business; going forward the consumption of board looks very promising and there are other avenues to explore in 2024. Since purchasing UniBoard in 2019, EBB Group has increased turnover from €15 million to over €30 million. Capacity across both its Dublin and Belfast operations has also increased and employee wise, numbers have gone from nine to over 30. For more on EBB’s success in Ireland and its plans going forward, turn to page 19.

Elsewhere in this issue, we take a look at new technology at Anglo Printers and a new exhibition at the National Print Museum. On page 14, Quentyn Taylor at Canon outlines how print firms can reduce the threat of cyber attacks in 2024 and on page 22, Ella Faulkner answers the question – how do you know what prices to set for your products and services?

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All rights reserved. Every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate. The publishers cannot, however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. © Ashville Media Group 2024. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are

As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have any thoughts on this issue, please drop us a line at editor@irishprinter.ie. Enjoy!

run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2024

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4

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U P D A T E S

NEWS

ANTALIS Setting the standard for sustainable stands

EBB launches Lessebo Colours EBB has added a new range of environmentally friendly, uncoated, coloured paper to its portfolio. Lessebo Colours comes in 48 shades and is manufactured by Lessebo Paper at its mill located in a densely forested area of Småland, Sweden and is, says EBB, one of the most

In recent years, Antalis has been showcasing its range of sustainable

climate-friendly papers in the world. At the mill, timber is harvested

substrates for traditional POS and display applications by using

from the same forest and water is used from the same lake that they

them to create every element of its own exhibition stands. An early

have been using since 1693. Lessebo Paper also has one of the lowest

example, Sustainable Street, was created for display at the VM &

CO2 emissions in the paper industry,

Display Show and subsequently won the top prize for sustainability

at just 25kg of CO2 per tonne of

at the World Exhibition Stand Awards. Over the past few years,

paper. EBB is stocking 40 colours

exhibitions have come under scrutiny for the volume of waste they

plus a Design White, with the option

produce. A study by Ecobooth revealed that 100,000 tonnes of

to order the remaining eight shades

waste was burnt or sent to landfill from the UK events industry

from mill stock. The range is available

in just one year. Specification Consultant at Antalis, Claire White,

from 80gsm to 350gsm in a variety

said: “Waste and sustainability are clearly huge challenges for the

of sizes and there’s also the option

events industry; as exhibitors ourselves, as well as suppliers of

to have stock embossed with one of

substrates for exhibition stand manufacture, we have been working

18 different textures.

hard to find solutions to this issue and I am delighted to say that we’ve experienced some incredible successes.”

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2024

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MIMAKI

5 Experts predict that by 2026, the market for direct-to-film (DTF) printing will be worth an estimated $1.7 billion, due in part to the increasing demand for more intricate and customised designs

Over 300 Mimaki DTF units sold Mimaki’s first DTF (Direct to Film) printer, the TxF150-75, has surpassed the milestone of 300 units sold across EMEA. With the highest sales in the UK, France, Italy, Iberia and the DACH region, the company says this fastpaced adoption of the TxF150-75 not only demonstrates the quality of the printer, but also the rising popularity of the DTF printing method. The unit offers a solution to common DTF issues such as poor ink ejection and white ink clogging, through its built-in circulation system and degassed ink pack. It also provides an efficient printing process with minimal need for intervention, filling the gap in the market for a stable, reliable DTF solution. Mimaki

has a maximum print speed that’s three times faster. With

also announced the TxF300-75 in August 2023, which

100 orders to date, the company is also seeing significant

features all the same capabilities of the TxF150-75 but

interest in this system.

Sappi ceases paper production at Belgian mill Late last year, Sappi announced that

second quarter of 2024 and details

paper market through its competitive

it was ceasing production of paper at

regarding the financial impact once all

assets, the overall priority of the

Lanaken Mill, situated on the Albert

closure elements are taken into

European business will be to grow the

Canal in north-eastern Belgium. The

account will be provided during the

packaging and specialities segment

company stated that the persistent

first quarter financial results

specifically within flexible packaging,

global economic downturn is proving

announcement. Sappi says its focus

functional papers, self-adhesives

to be much tougher than anticipated

now includes reducing exposure to the

including glassine, labels as well as

with depressed markets, geopolitical

graphic paper segment while

dye-sublimation categories. The

instability and weak economic growth,

expanding its presence in packaging,

transfer of production to other Sappi

combining to put significant pressure

specialit y

facilities increasing capacity utilisation

on Sappi, particularly in Europe. The

biomaterials.

has commenced and there will be no

closure of the site will complete in the

“While continuing to serve the graphic

disruption to our customers.”

papers,

pulp

and

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AGFA

Features » Six-colour plus white ink set and UV LED curing » Print shuttle and print engine redesigned to achieve significant productivity increase » Fast-firing print heads ensure rapid throughput – up to 66 m2/hour in production mode » Superior print quality on flexible and rigid materials

Spotlight on… Anapurna H3200

» Continuous board feeding capacity

Agfa launches its hybrid Anapurna H3200 Inkjet Printer

» Capability to print up to four boards printed simultaneously

Agfa has introduced the next generation of its Anapurna H3200 wide-format hybrid printer, boasting an almost 70% increase in

» Improved image quality, particularly noticeably in

printing speed compared to its predecessor. Agfa says the

darker solid tones

newest version of the 3.2m Anapurna H3200 is ideal for sign shops and digital printers, empowering them to swiftly tackle a wide range of print jobs.

HS. Additionally, Agfa will showcase the advanced capabilities

The new Anapurna H3200 made its debut at the C!Print

of the new Anapurna hybrid printer at

exhibition in Lyon and featured alongside Agfa’s Tauro H3300,

FESPA in Amsterdam on 19-22 March.

Duplo launches new booklet maker Ideal for medium to high volume production, Duplo’s newest booklet maker delivers a versatile range of

DBM-700 – the details

applications such as A4 landscape, catalogues,

» Max Booklet Thickness: 6mm

textbooks and calendars with automated precision, on demand up to 5,200 booklets per hour. The DBM700 is available with two or four stitching heads and gives a perfect-bound look and feel, according to Duplo. The company adds that the system represents a leap forward when it comes to expanding customers’ capabilities while achieving exceptional results, adding that it costs about 20% more than its predecessor, the DBM-600. Aimed at users looking for a step-up

(30 sheets of 80gsm, 120 page book) » 10mm (50 sheets of 80gsm, 200 page book) when using DBM-700S » Flat Sheet Size: Max: W 356mm x L 610mm Min: W 105mm x L 170mm » Finished Untrimmed Booklet Size 1-up Production: Max: W 356mm x L 305mm Min: W 105mm x L 85mm » Folding Capacity: 2-30 sheets. 50 sheets with DBM-700S » Max Stitching Capacity: 5mm (50 sheets of 80gsm)

in automation, Duplo says the new booklet maker

» Stitching Heads: Standard Fitting: 2x Hohner 43/6S

helps users create high-quality booklets with ease,

» 2x2 stitch

streamline their operations and improve revenue.

» Optional 4 Hohner Flat/Loop Heads

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2024

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KONICA MINOLTA

7 Jan Eisby celebrates 25 years at Vetaphone 2024 marks Jan Eisby’s 25th year at Vetaphone, a family business that was established in 1951 by his father Verner. The company is represented in more than 100 countries around the world and since 1999, sales turnover has

New Stacker from Konica Minolta Konica Minolta has launched the Plockmatic MPS XL, a multi-purpose stacker capable of stacking a wide range of media sizes.

The company says this long-sheet stacking greatly expands the banner-stacking capabilities of the company’s AccurioPress color production machines. The new Stacker can dock and undock from the production press system, while a stacking table that can be operated while undocked from the press – when connected to power – provides easy lifting, transportation and managing of heavy paper stacks. The new product is currently compatible with the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14000, C12000, C7100, C7090, C4080 and C4070 digital production presses.

increased more than tenfold. “The packaging market has seen dramatic changes over the past 25 years with the growth of filmic substrates and the development of new printing techniques like digital that have replaced the more conventional offset, gravure and flexo methods in certain sectors. At Vetaphone, we have always invested heavily in R&D and that allows us to reflect these market changes by continually developing our technology – this applies to everything from narrow web corona to sophisticated plasma treatment systems for special applications, and many others in between,” Jan said. Looking ahead, Jan sees an exciting and challenging future for packaging with developments in new production techniques, new substrates, new ‘intelligent’ packaging products to match

Fujifilm launches 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System

changing consumer habits and a marked

Fujifilm has announced the launch of its 46kUV Inkjet Printbar System, a new, integrated print solution for industrial production operations across a wide range of labels and packaging materials. The new System features a drop-ondemand design to streamline workflow with fast, industry-leading printing speeds of up to 150m per minute. It uses Fujifilm’s SAMBA printhead technology which, says the company, leverages the precision of silicon MEMS processing and sputtered PZT. The system also has a native resolution of 1200 dpi to cover a broad

improvement in environmental practices around the world. “Plastic now has a bad image in many people’s eyes, so it’s incumbent on those who work in the industry to change this perspective. That’s why Vetaphone has always believed in education because it is the only way that people, whoever they are, can make the right decisions.”

range of today’s label quality needs.

It’s available in various print widths including 254mm, 330mm, 432mm and 508mm to integrate into traditional printing processes, minimising the need for extensive training and process changes.

ISSUE 1 2024 IRISH PRINTER

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Northside Graphics has been acquired by a UK private equity firm

Richard Campbell, Managing Director, Northside Graphics

PAVING THE WAY FOR

FUTURE GROWTH Northside Graphics has been acquired by Bestport

Neil White will remain as consultants and Non-

Private Equity, a private equity investment firm

Executive Directors within the Northside business,

based in London. Since 2010, Northside has been

with Richard Campbell continuing as Managing

operated by Gary and Neil White who, aided by

Director. Richard Campbell said: “Our business has

Managing Director Richard Campbell, have led the

achieved exceptional growth and success in recent

transformation of the business to focus on online

years and we have every confidence that this will

digital printing. With a staff of over 70 Northside,

continue going forward with Bestport as our

who won three accolades at the Irish Print Awards

majority shareholder. Bestport’s investment paves

in 2021, operates four ‘upload and print’ websites in

the way for further expansion and investment across

the UK and Ireland – DigitalPrinting.ie,

all areas of the business, ensuring our customers

TradeDigitalPrint.ie, DigitalPrinting.co.uk and

continue to benefit from exceptional quality,

TradeDigitalPrint.co.uk. It’s expected that

service, the fastest turnaround times and an even

Bestport’s investment will help Northside to

greater range of innovative products.”

accelerate its Ireland and UK growth plans through

James Stoddart, Managing Partner at Bestport,

a combination of organic growth and strategic

added: “The demanding nature of the B2B market

acquisitions.

means dynamic businesses like Northside are well

Former Astron CEO David Mitchell will assume the

positioned to scale – especially given the fantastic

role of Chairman on the Board of Northside.

business that Gary and Neil White have built, which

Mitchell previously acted as Chairman in print and

puts the customer at the forefront of all they do.

document management focused businesses M2

We’re delighted to partner with the Northside team

digital Limited, Euro Druck Services and Dublin-

as they continue their impressive run of growth and

based pharma services business Perigord. Gary and

expand the business across the UK and Ireland.”

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2024

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28/02/2024 15:44

Anthony Byrne, Operations Director, CoverUp

11

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INVESTMENT

CoverUp has invested in an EFI Matan 5m UV LED dedicated roll-to roll printer from CMYUK

Dublin-based print firm CoverUp has added an EFI Matan 5m UV LED roll-to-roll printer from CMYUK to its line-up. In 2022, the firm acquired an EFI VUTEk Q5r, also from CMYUK, which has significantly boosted its production efficiency allowing for faster

Output up at

COVERUP

turnaround times and greater volumes. It joins a plant

performance with mesh, Anthony immediately decided to purchase

list that includes a 3.2m UV LED digital flatbed printer,

it. A fast installation was crucial, so CMYUK delivered and installed

dye sublimation technology, CNC router and a digital

the printer in five weeks.

cutting table.

On-site training went very smoothly. “We were well up with it since

The Matan 5 replaces an older HP printer and is

the RIP was the same as the one used by the Q5r, so there wasn’t much

designated for all of CoverUp’s mesh printing needs.

new to learn. We just had to get used to the loading and cleaning

“We decided to dedicate the Matan 5 to mesh because

processes. By the end of the first day, we were operational and even

it’s a challenging material that tends to create a lot of

started printing specific jobs. When it comes to

overspray,” says Anthony Byrne, Operations Director

maintenance, mesh requires more frequent filter

at CoverUp. “This way, we avoid exposing the Q5r to

changes due to its messier nature. Other than

any of these issues.”

that, the maintenance is pretty much the same

CoverUp was the first in the world to purchase an

as the Q5r,” he says.

Previously we were managing two rolls a day, but can now complete five to six

EFI VUTEk FabriVU 340i in-line dye sublimation

The EFI Matan 5 offers output up to 353 sq m

printer in 2018, when it replaced an M-Tex printer.

per hour with a true resolution of 600dpi. It

Over the years the firm, which is one of the country’s

supports a portfolio of Matan optional features

largest finishers of banners and building wraps, has

and software, which can transform it into an

built a trusted relationship with CMYUK for its

all-in-one multi-purpose printer. Additionally,

materials supply, so when it came to purchasing a new

a single operator roll loader maximises efficiency by 300%, ensuring

EFI VUTEk Q5r, there was never any doubt about

that only 40cm of material is wasted per roll, boosting savings and

where to go.

overall productivity. “After installing the Matan 5, the speed of our

When looking for a printer dedicated to mesh work, Anthony contacted Sue Hayward (Commercial

mesh output work has tripled. Previously we were managing two rolls a day, but now can complete five to six,” says Anthony.

Director, CMYUK) for some advice. He didn’t have

The investment has enabled CoverUp to expand its customer base

the budget for a new model, but wondered whether

and enhance throughput speed. “With the addition of the Matan 5 to

CMYUK had something to offer from its ex-

our production, we anticipate this positive trend going forward. We’re

demonstration, second users or refurbished large

pleased to serve as a dynamic print supplier to the trade, operating

format printing equipment. Sue located a refurbished

behind the scenes. Furthermore, our extensive finishing services

Matan 5 printer from EFI and arranged an online

guarantee that we can meet all customer requirements comprehensively.”

virtual demonstration for Anthony, given the printer was in Israel. After witnessing its impressive

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Investment in new technology at Anglo Printers is allowing for greater efficiencies and outputs

Anglo Printers has invested in a MBO CoBo-Stack from Komori – a completely automatic collaborative robot that needs no protective cage.

The robot delivers perfectly stacked pallets of printed products post folding; it picks up the stacks from the table and deposits them on pallets, reducing physical demands on operators. The

13 TECHNOLOGY

AUTOMATE toINNOVATE

pallets can be positioned on both sides of the

Investment in a new Komori Apressia CTX132

delivery, allowing for uninterrupted operation.

Guillotine Flowline, a system that incorporates six

While the MBO CoBo-Stack is filling one pallet, the

machines combined into one flow, is also allowing

operator can move the loaded pallet away and prepare the next empty pallet.

Along with the robot, Anglo has also purchased the new 100th anniversary edition of the MBO K-80 Super KTL Folding Machine, with A80 Delivery.

According to Managing Director Padraic Kierans, the new equipment means shorter delivery times, high precision folding, mark free delivery, automatic stacking and convenient operation.

The Apressia delivers a brilliant, fast and very productive paper and board cutting and stacking system

Anglo to further automate its processes. “The Apressia delivers a brilliant, fast and very productive paper and board cutting and stacking system. Using Smartcutter, our prepress team send JDF info from our prepress workflow to the Apressia and the cuts are performed automatically, without any human intervention post loading. It’s an excellent system and we’re delighted with its efficiency and output so far,” says Padraic.

KOMORI APRESSIA CTX 132 FLOWLINE The Apressia CTX132 Guillotine Flowline is a combination of six machines – Apressia Lift 127, Apressia Paper Jogger 114L, Apressia CTX132, Apressia Turning Gripper BDG3e, Apressia Front Table Loading BAVB and Apressia Unloader 120. The six machines work as one to bring automation and robotic assistance to the guillotining of print jobs. It is, says Padraic, the first of its kind in Ireland.

The system can receive CIP3/4 data files from the prepress department, setting out precisely how the cuts are to be positioned for a particular job. Then, all the necessary data is sent to the Flowline for automatic cutting and removal of paper waste for recycling.

Sheets are then pushed in and out of the Guillotine before moving to the Unloader for folding or packing.

The arm of the Turning Gripper is robotic and enables fully mechanical lifting and turning of the paper pile in the Guillotine bed. This automation will, says Padraic, bring huge benefits to Anglo Printers. “It will speed up production and enable us to guillotine larger jobs much quicker and more accurately. It also frees up staff to work on other jobs and machines, while the robotic sequences and task scheduling moves and lifts the paper through the guillotining processes.”

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C Y B E R S E C U R I T Y

Quentyn Taylor at Canon outlines how print firms can reduce the threat of cyber attacks in 2024

SAFETY FIRST

What changes do you expect to see in 2024 when it comes to cybersecurity?

As technology rapidly evolves, so do cyberattacks. Therefore, the biggest challenge for the print industry next year is to understand

how their business is being targeted and information exploited, so businesses can work at pace to deliver ground-breaking innovation

to reduce the threat and deter attackers. For instance, ransomware is a well-established technique used by cyber criminals that continues to evolve with new technology. In 2024, we will see the

nature of ransomware become more diversified as criminals move down the value chain to smaller enterprises. Businesses can also expect the ‘dwell time’ of attacks to reduce dramatically, as attackers want to stay under the radar. This is because smaller organisations are easier to target, as they don’t have the robust resources or cyber resilience in place to establish a proper cybersecurity team or defence mechanisms. It is suspected that virtually every company

will be impacted in some way in 2024 as ransomware criminals start to impact the smaller companies that make up the supply chain of the largest companies. Companies need to understand who is in their supply chain and how they can insulate themselves from this risk. This can be achieved by a combination of diversification/removal of single points of failure, as well as rolling training and assessments out to key critical parts of the value chain.

What measures should be taken in print security in 2024?

Despite the evolution of cyberattacks, businesses remain

Companies need to understand who is in their supply chain and how they can insulate themselves from this risk

dangerously behind in the uptake of security technology. Many businesses still rely on outdated legacy infrastructure that provides limited protection and in some cases, is without any authentication or authorisation process. So, the first step towards robust cyber hygiene, is to become familiar with the cyber premise of your business and establish a foundational understanding of information security. By implementing the basics, businesses can protect their data from the free reign of cybercriminals. Simple measures include isolating printers from open networks, which makes it more difficult

IRISH PRINTER ISSUE 1 2024

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15 By establishing a forward-thinking plan for their data, that includes quantum-safe algorithms and encryption, businesses can be on the front foot of their protection and stay vigilant to the rapidly changing landscape

for criminals to redirect the print route, with valuable information

Therefore, the advantage of AI technology, for now, remains on

sent to their own device. Additionally, organisations should look

the side of the defenders. AI driven capabilities can help businesses

to use different authentication methods for different types of data.

identify and mitigate risks and automate the process of recovery

Businesses must be clear about which of their assets require the

and repair. However, it is important that with this new technology,

most protection and isolate sensitive data from other vulnerabilities.

businesses do not neglect the basics of a strong security

Put simply, you wouldn’t use the same key to unlock a storage

infrastructure. Processes such as multi-factor authentication,

cupboard which also unlocks your safe. So, it’s essential that this

patching and perimeter assessments, remain crucial in responding

same approach is taken with cybersecurity.

to imminent cyberthreats. When it comes to security and cyber hygiene, it is important to remain agile to emerging technologies.

How do you see regulation and policy around security changing in 2024?

In the coming years, conversations around quantum computing will continue to develop. So, businesses will need to pre-empt the

We’re already seeing crucial regulations taking place. For instance,

transformative effect that quantum computers will have on

in the UK the security industry has an encouraging outlook on

information security. By establishing a forward-thinking plan for

2024 with the PSTI (The Product Security and Telecommunications

their data, that includes quantum-safe algorithms and encryption,

Infrastructure) Act, set to come into effect in April. This policy

businesses can be on the front foot of their protection and stay

will enforce minimum security requirements for consumer IoT

vigilant to the rapidly changing landscape. In light of these

products and aims to improve the transparency of products that

developments, the stakes of cyber insurance are also much higher.

are compliant under the Act. This PSTI will also act as a preface

Businesses should consider the full extent to which their current

to the developing Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) that is expected to

policies protect them from emerging threats and future technologies.

be implemented in 2027. As a leader in information security, Canon

As the lines of responsibility become more nuanced and the terms

is directly involved in the development of the CRA and is committed

of cover differ from case to case, the true value of cyber insurance

to advocating for increased industry action. As a result, Canon

will be found in well-rounded services, such as breach investigations

believes new regulations and policies for the technology sector

and ongoing risk management.

must be developed with security at its core. Businesses should be using and what protections are available. As regulation becomes

What are three pieces of security advice for businesses in 2024?

stronger, we expect to see more vendors step into their duty of

Looking forward to 2024, it is essential that all businesses prioritise

care and design products with not just innovation in mind, but

cyber hygiene. Action should be taken immediately to implement

security and accessibility as well. In 2024, Canon is taking its own

basic defences such as multi-factor authentication and reviewing

measures to improve its cybersecurity offering. At Canon we

the logs that are already generated. Additionally, for businesses of

continue to focus on expanding our toolkit so that we can provide

any size, simplicity is key for a good cyber defence. Start by

our partners with an all-inclusive security offering. With the ISO

investigating your cyber footprint and understanding what your

27001 certification in information security, Canon is dedicated to

business looks like to an attacker. Don’t forget the suppliers and

covering all aspects of information security, from policy compliance

up and down stream suppliers who may also be targeted. By

to proactive risk management and integrated defences – covering

establishing a strong plan that covers all bases and sticking to it,

all bases for a robust and resilient workflow.

businesses can be proactive in preventing cyberattacks. Finally,

able to make more informed decisions about the tools they are

investing in the security skills of your workforce and ensuring all

Looking into 2024 and beyond, what emerging technologies will impact the cybersecurity industry?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to dominate conversation in 2024 and will have its own implications for the security industry.

Fortunately, AI has not yet transformed the nature of cybercrime,

employees are familiar with the business’s defence is crucial. Once trained in cybersecurity, employees can act as your best line of defence as they will learn to mitigate risks when they arise.

Quentyn Taylor is the Senior Director of Information Security and Global Response at Canon EMEA

with most criminals using the same tried and true approaches.

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EXHIBITION

A new exhibition marking the centenary of Irish postage stamps is currently on display at the National Print Museum

MINIATURE

A new exhibition at the National Print Museum explores the role of stamps in charting the evolution of Irish cultural identity over the last century. ‘Miniature Masterpieces: 100 years of Irish Stamps’ is a joint exhibition between An Post and the National Print Museum that celebrates a century of postage stamps in Ireland. Dedicated to the history, design and production of these miniature masterpieces and Irish cultural ambassadors, the exhibition displays not only a wide selection of Irish stamps but also original artwork, design proofs, printing plates and other treasures from the An Post Museum & Archive, some of which will be on public display for the first time.

Supported by the Government of Ireland, Miniature Masterpieces will run at the National Print Museum until May 2024. Visitors will be able to view on a digital database the range of stamps issued by the Post Office since the printing of the first official Irish stamp in 1922 and chart the evolution of Irish cultural identity as represented in stamp design over the

‘Miniature Masterpieces: 100 years of Irish Stamps’ is a joint exhibition between An Post and the National Print Museum

last century. From the official

culture through stamp design.

“This exhibition acknowledges the contribution of all involved in Irish stamp production but, above all, it pays tribute to the stamp itself and invites our visitors to take time to think about this unassuming fragment of coloured paper,” said the exhibition’s curator, Stephen Ferguson,

overprinting in Irish of British King George V

who is the Company Archivist & Museum Curator at An

stamps and the symbolism of the first Irish

Post. “At first glance, a stamp is just an everyday object in

stamp designs in 1922-23, to today’s confident

the corner of a letter but, on closer inspection, it’s a work of

expressions of Irish identity in fashion, music

art, a symbol of identity and a unique prism through which

and urban street art – the exhibition explores

we can view and reflect on the formation and development

the changing interpretation of Ireland and its

of the Irish State.”

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MASTERPIECES stamps in representing Ireland and its people over the last century and encouraging people to look differently at themselves and the world around them.

“It also invites visitors to consider the continued value of the postage stamp as a miniature representative of Ireland across the world and to envisage how it will continue to evolve in this digital age. We look forward to welcoming people of all ages to our exhibition and hope they will enjoy delving into the fascinating story of Ireland’s postage stamps.”

An illustrated exhibition booklet, Miniature Masterpieces

Visitors will be able to view on a digital database the range of stamps issued by the Post Office since the printing of the first official Irish stamp in 1922

– Cultural identity, artistic expression and a century of Irish stamps, by the exhibition’s curator, Stephen Ferguson, draws on additional material held in the An Post Museum & Archive and elsewhere to accompany what is the first major display of Irish philatelic material for many years. In response to the rich heritage of Irish design celebrated in Miniature Masterpieces, the National Print Museum has collaborated with graphic designer Niall McCormack and letterpress printer Mary Plunkett to create an original artwork. Inspired by the work of celebrated designer Patrick

CEO of the National Print Museum, Carla

Scott and the distinctive Irish landscape, McCormack has

Marrinan Funder added: “At the National Print

designed a limited-edition letterpress print that responds

Museum, we are dedicated to championing

to the design and printing processes found in Irish stamps.

print and making its impact upon the world

According to McCormack, it is a contemporary piece that

visible to all. Through our working collection

captures the importance of the landscape to ideas of

of printing presses, we strive to preserve the

Irishness.

knowledge and craft of letterpress and to draw

Produced by Mary Plunkett in a limited edition of 50 on

attention to the presence of print and design

the National Print Museum’s Vandecook #4 press, the print

in the overlooked objects we use every day. The

is available to purchase (€40) at the National Print Museum

Miniature Masterpieces exhibition does just

and online shop. All proceeds go to the National Print

this by examining the role of Irish postage

Museum, a registered charity.

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THANK YOU TO OUR

SPONSORS 26TH APRIL 2024

VISIT

DATE

www.irishprinter.ie/ awards for more information #PRINTAWARDS23

@PrintAwards

Clontarf Castle Hotel, Clontarf Dublin 3

@IrishPrinterMagazine

For All Enquiries Contact: Jill Thornton, Event Manager Email: jill.thornton@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 01 640 1700

@IrishPrinterMagazine

Sponsorship Enquiries Contact: Trish Murphy, Sponsorship & Sales Director Email: trish.murphy@ashvillemediagroup.com Phone: 086 837 9246

Irish Printing Federation

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COVER STORY Chris Sandwell, Group Sales & Marketing Director at EBB Group, talks to Irish Printer about the company’s growth plans for 2024

to the

CHALLENGE

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20 How is business at the moment?

Business is varied across the different sub-sectors of the industry. Since the start of 2023, we’re seeing a lack of demand and confidence in the paper market. On the paper side, we ended 2023 on a quiet note and that inactivity has continued into 2024. Over the past 18 months, the decline in consumption of printed papers across Europe has been well

We have taken turnover from €15 million to over €30 million

publicised and has had a significant impact on local markets. Last year alone, we saw a significant decline in paper across Europe; you would expect to see single digit decline every year but we’re seeing dramatic falls. On the packaging side, business has been affected by over ordering at end user level. That’s balancing

out now and we’re going back to more normal levels of consumption. We’re very confident about the consumption of board; paper is less predictable and all we can hope for is a slow-down in decline. I don’t think we’ll see growth there.

How concerned are you about the decline in paper?

We’re certainly concerned but from our perspective we believe that we will continue on our growth trajectory, whether that’s organically or through acquisition in Ireland or the UK. We are more diversified now than we have ever been and still very much focused on maintaining high local stocks and excellent service.

Since purchasing UniBoard in 2019, how has the acquisition affected Elliott Baxter & Company?

great acquisition; it’s now fully incorporated and benefits from being part of the Group, but is still very much about local presence and management.

We’re into year five now and it’s been very successful for us.

Is recruitment an issue?

In that time, we’ve been able to double the size of the

Recruiting can be a challenge but we’re fortunate in that we’ve got a

company and we’ve taken turnover from €15 million to over

very settled work team now, both in Dublin and Belfast. We’re not

€30 million. We relocated our Dublin operation from its

looking to recruit at the moment. Our focus is on developing the team

original premises into a state-of-the-art facility in Dublin

and ensuring we provide customers with the very best service.

and we also have a small operation in Belfast. Capacity has increased from 4000 pallets to 13,000 pallets of availability on the floor in Ireland, specifically for the Irish market.

Employee wise, we’ve gone from nine to over 30 and that’s

What are the biggest challenges facing EBB Group?

Our mill suppliers across Europe and the rest of the world are facing

across the Dublin and Belfast facilities. With UniBoard, we

challenges around higher input costs. That’s having knock-on effects

inherited a business that used third party transport for its

on the rest of the market, so we’re tasked with meeting the demands

distribution. We flipped that and today, 95% of our

of our customers along with demands from our mill manufacturers.

distribution is carried out in-house. UniBoard has been a

In the past 12 months, we have seen mills across Europe being forced

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price of raw materials. Our customers are very important to us, as are our suppliers. As a stock merchant, we need buy-in from both.

You recently recruited a compliance manager. How important is sustainability to the Group?

It’s extremely important for us and we demonstrate it in lots of ways.

Our fleet of low emissions vehicles comply to the Euro 6 emissions standard, meaning increased engine efficiency, better fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. Our customers want us to be as sustainable as possible and so investment in initiatives and processes that improve our sustainability credentials is key. Mill manufacturers in Europe are also spending a lot of money on sustainability in order to comply with European legislation. Currently, some of the legislation that’s being imposed on European manufacturers is not being imposed on manufacturers outside Europe. It’s a fine balance between supporting our European mill suppliers and understanding their requirements from a legislative point of view. As a company we must take sustainability seriously, from both a customer and supplier perspective. We created the new compliance role to ensure we’re fully up to speed with the sustainability agenda and that we make the right decisions based on the correct information. There’s a lot of

We’re focused on being better at what we do best, which is offering our clients an excellent service

greenwashing out there so it’s essential that we make informed choices and understand the legislation and the facts.

Do you think there’s a lot of greenwashing in the print industry?

No, I don’t think so. I think in general, there’s a lot of greenwashing in everyday life. Our raw materials are trees and water, so we’re at the forefront. We’re always going to be a high profile sector. I think some of the greenwashing that goes on is down to ignorance. People just don’t understand the topic very well and that’s why we have created the new compliance manager role within our business.

to close down, which reduces choice and volumes across the industry. In 2023 one of our key suppliers, Sappi, closed two of its mills due to falling returns. If European paper manufacturers can’t get higher returns, I think they’ll opt out of making paper. If they can’t afford to opt out, they’ll be forced to go by the wayside. So that’s our biggest challenge over the next six to nine months – dealing with customers

What are the ambitions at EBB Group in 2024?

Our ambitions are to grow and be profitable. We aim to increase our market share and develop sales in new areas. I think we’re very much focused on being better at what we do best, which is offering our client base an excellent service.

that aren’t getting the returns they want and the rising

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P R I C I N G

How do you know what prices to set for your products and services? Ella Faulkner gives her take on how to set your print package pricing

The It’s true that price is far from the only factor in a customer deciding to choose your print services. The quality of your work, speed of delivery, expert advice, ease of relationship and your ability to

is

fit in last minute jobs when they really need it can all be important in deciding which print shop to use.

However, even if it’s not the deciding factor, price will always be a factor. If the price is too low, not only do you miss out on income you could be enjoying, you also potentially set expectations for the future, making it difficult to raise prices later because you’re seen as being at the ‘budget’ end of the market. Price too high and people may either choose not to use you in the first place or take their business elsewhere.

By understanding your true value to customers, you can gain a clearer understanding of where you should pitch your print prices

HOW TO SET YOUR PRINT PACKAGE PRICING Print package pricing, then, is about balance. But how do you achieve it?

There are many factors that play into setting your print pricing. Cost can be one issue for printers. No business will last long selling products and services for less than they cost to supply. So as a baseline, it is vital to understand the cost of your business, its print materials and crucially for print shops, how those costs break down across the packages you offer.

An ink or toner cartridge, for example, has a certain cost, but you’ll get lots of individual prints out of each one, so you need to understand the cost per item.

Your costs will be divided into the fixed cost of things like print shop rent, vehicles, equipment hire or monthly purchase costs and wages.

Variable costs will include energy, papers, vinyls, inks and other print essentials. Print management software can make it easier to identify individual unit costs.

Then there is value; what is it that customers value most about what

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23 PRINT PACKAGE PRICING MODELS Going into further detail on this final point, there are several ways that printers can ensure a healthy profit margin. You can reduce costs by shopping around or ordering in bulk and you can change your perceived value by choosing a higher quality print material or promoting its durability, waterproofing, ecocredentials or UV resistance.

But out of all the above factors, none is more variable than margin. By choosing your approach to profit, you should finally be able to settle on a price for your print packages. Options here include bulk discounts. Consider pricing individual projects higher than bulk orders, where set up times per unit will be much less, so you protect profit margin for both types of order.

Also look at loss leaders; try to undercut the market by offering at or below cost prices on some print packages, where you know you can recoup any losses through cross sells, upsells and repeat business.

Linked to this is loyalty building – increasing margin for first-time customers and offering discounts to longer standing customers helps lock you do? It may be that you offer huge print runs at rock bottom prices, in

in loyalty. The opposite of this is to

which case you will need to price keenly and keep a constant eye on the

try out introductory offers to attract

competition to ensure you’re always one step ahead.

customers to you and away from

On the other hand, your business may be built on niche capabilities or

Be aware of what the competition is doing so you can factor it into your calculations

competitors. Once a price conscious

the ability to produce work of a quality that beats your peers. Here, you

customer is with you though, you will need to keep offering value

may be able to charge more for the work you do because price isn’t your

to stop them wandering off again.

only competitive advantage. By understanding your true value to

Another great way to lock in repeat business is to give trade

customers, you can gain a clearer understanding of where you should

customers preferential account terms, such as a line of credit

pitch your print prices.

giving them a few additional days/weeks to pay, loyalty offers and

You should also consider what your competitors are doing. We are not suggesting that you should look at your closest competitor and simply do

the occasional freebie to say thank you. In return, you could secure larger trade accounts.

what they do; there are too many variables that may set you apart to make

Finally, consider whether your customers make regular orders

that a wise strategy. But it is important to be at least aware of what the

of certain products. If so, you can offer tiered print packages with

competition is doing so you can factor it into your calculations if necessary.

scaled prices so they can pay a flat fee every month to get the

And if low print package pricing is one of your major selling points, you

print they need. This is great for customers that want to even out

will need to be extra vigilant to ensure you are always competitive.

their print spend to achieve monthly cost consistency and equally

Finally, but perhaps something that should be considered before

good in terms of protecting your profit margins.

anything else, is margin. Every company is in business to create customers and sell to them and it can only keep doing that if it earns more than it spends. That means factoring in a profit margin on each of your print packages so that each one earns you a little more than it costs to produce.

ELLA FAULKNER works in Internal Sales at Soyang Europe

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The Production Print Manager at MJ Flood Ireland on solving problems and finding a balance between work and home life

TALKING TO

TALKING TO How did you get into the print industry?

I began my career in the print industry when I joined MJ Flood as a service engineer. I’ve always been interested in figuring out how things work and fixing them, so I was drawn to the technical challenges and problem-solving aspects of the role. Over time, I developed my skills and became the lead production print specialist.

What do you like and dislike about the industry?

MARK LYNAM

Favourite film?

A very difficult question to answer, but one I keep going back to is

I love the constant innovation and how the industry keeps evolving.

‘Whiplash’. I was heavily involved in music in my early years and

However, the competitive nature of the market means that those

there is just something about this film that really resonates with

who cannot afford to move with the times are often left behind.

me.

How has the industry changed since you first started?

What’s your favourite band/musician?

Since I began my career in the print industry, there has been a significant shift towards digitalisation and automation. The adoption of digital printing technologies has revolutionised the way businesses approach printing.

What do you see as your biggest success in life?

Finding a balance between my career achievements and personal fulfilment. Whether it’s nailing a big project at work or spending quality time with loved ones, striking that balance has been key to my happiness.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

It was probably when I worked in a bookmakers many years ago.

The job just wasn’t for me, plus I was never really into gambling.

What’s your dream job?

Leading the professional printing division at Konica Minolta Europe.

I’m all about technology and innovation and being at the forefront

Vulfpeck.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My wife never fails to crack me up. She doesn’t even mean to half the time, but some of the stuff she comes out with is just hilarious.

What superpower would you most like to have?

If I could choose a superpower, it would be the ability to teleport.

I do a lot of travelling in my role, so the ability to cut out long drives and flights would allow me to get a lot more done. Also, who wouldn’t want the ability to snap their fingers and instantly be transported to The Bahamas?!

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who made a positive difference in the print industry in Ireland and beyond.

Life is…

An adventure.

of that in a leadership role would be incredible.

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