Irish Printer Issue 4 2021

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I N V EST I N G IN THE

Sustainable growth at

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1 ISSUE 4 2021 04 News A look at what’s happening in the print industry

08 W&G Baird invests in robot technology The NI sheetfed printer has ordered two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers

10 Green goals mean good business Production inkjet can help you achieve your sustainability goals, writes Stuart Rising

18 Setting out your stall with countertop graphics Whether it’s generating new sales or improving brand awareness, countertop graphics can be an extremely valuable marketing asset, writes Shaun Holdom

15 Investing in the future

19 Accessible packaging unwrapped As we marvel at the athletes in the upcoming Paralympics, Two Sides takes a look at the latest packaging innovations designed for the disabled

20 ‘It’s exciting in a time that’s very challenging’ New technology at Anglo Printers has allowed the firm to adapt its business into new sectors

Chris Sandwell talks to Irish Printer about creating a dedicated distribution network for UniBoard and why the future looks bright for the paperboard distributor

22 Talk is not enough It’s time to do more than just check the box on ocean plastic, writes Conrad Mendoza

24 The Last Word With the help of its partners in THINK, P+D has created this impactful hoarding at Dundrum Town Centre

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ED’S LETTER Editor: Denise Maguire Email: editor@irishprinter.ie Creative Director: Jane Matthews Designer: Lenny Rooney Production: Claire Kiernan Contact: Irish Printer,

Welcome to issue 4 of Irish Printer for 2021.

For this issue of Irish Printer, we caught up with Chris Sandwell at Elliott Baxter & Co to talk about the company’s acquisition of UniBoard in 2019. Significant investment has gone into the brand since the EBB Paper team took over the reins at the paperboard merchant – a new state-of-the-art facility in Rathcoole, an extensive new range of paper products and a new distribution centre and sales office in Belfast. The company has also created its own distribution network, giving it complete control over quality and timings. The aim, says Chris, is to be a market-leading stockist of board and paper in Ireland and to provide new and existing customers with a reliable and efficient service.

For more on UniBoard’s plans over the next three years, turn to page 15.

Anglo Printers is another firm that’s kept busy over the past year and a half. When Covid hit, MD Padraic Kierans realised a change of direction was needed. Thanks to the Sustaining Enterprise Fund from Enterprise Ireland, Anglo has invested heavily in several new pieces of machinery that has allowed it to take full advantage of the thriving packaging sector. It’s also well positioned to capitalise on the commercial market once that segment of the economy starts to recover. Since Covid hit, a large number of print firms have managed to successfully change up their business and take advantage of any new circumstances. These people have shown leadership in the most challenging of times and should, says Padraic, be commended for that courage. After such a tumultuous 18 months, now’s the time to open up the economy and allow the industry to begin growing once again.

Ashville Media Group, Unit 55, Park West Road, Park West, Dublin 12, D12 X9F Tel: (01) 432 2200 Web: www.irishprinter.ie Printed by:

McGowans Print

Printed on: HP Indigo 10000 using Novatech paper supplied

by Antalis.

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 2021. All discounts, promotions and competitions contained in this magazine are run independently of Irish Printer.

The promoter/advertiser is responsible for honouring

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!

the prize. ISSN 0790-2026

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Expand into packaging with the New Speedmaster CX 104

Explore the special advantages of the new Speedmaster CX 104, which has been especially designed for flexible production and the changeover from commercial to packaging printing.

Experience an autonomous changeover as well as refinements such as drip-off and spot coating.

Find out how Heidelberg can help you achieve your goals

www.uk.heidelberg.com +44 (0) 844 892 2010

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4

4

NEWS

U P D A T E S

FUJI

McGowans’ Landa is on its way

First Look at Fujifilm’s new Jet Press 750S

At the time of writing, a new Landa S10 along

Following the announcement of the new

have been setting the standard for digital

way to McGowans HQ in Dublin. It’s hoped

Jet Press 750S High Speed Model at

quality in commercial print for some

that, thanks to its B1 format and ability to print

virtual.drupa 2021, Fujifilm recently

time now. The quality and the up-time

on any material, the new S10 will open up a

hosted the first live demonstration of

were already both so good that we looked

whole new revenue stream for the print firm.

the machine in action. The FIRST LOOK

beyond incremental improvements and

Mal and the team also expect the new

event, hosted at the Fujifilm Advanced

turned our attention to the speed, and

machine to bridge the gap between

Print Technology Centre in Brussels,

found a way to make it significantly

McGowans’ existing small format digital

demonstrated how users can quickly and

faster. The new high performance mode

offering and the large format corrugated

simply switch between high performance

opens up a world of possibilities for

division. Once the new machines arrive, a

and high quality modes. Attendees also

longer print runs that would usually have

couple of weeks installation and training will

learned which mode is best suited for a

been litho printed in the past, but

follow.

range of jobs, taking into consideration

crucially, users of the new model will

the ink savings as well as the time savings

retain the ability to deliver high margin,

of the high performance mode and the

high quality short run work as well. It

fact that there is no need for use of the

offers commercial printers unrivalled

Rapid Coagulation Primer.

flexibility in a rapidly changing market.”

Mark Stephenson, Product Manager,

The Jet Press 750S High Speed Model,

Digital Solutions, Fujifilm Graphic

which is also offered as an upgrade to

Systems Europe said: “The Jet Press 750S

current 750S users, will be commercially

and its predecessor the Jet Press 720S

available in Europe in the autumn.

with a Highcon digital cutter was making its

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5 value. Antalis is set to launch the new range in May

ANTALIS

2021.

The board is sturdy and strong, with a natural texture and excellent converting properties. Eska maintains a promise that their boards lay flat and stay flat, even when they have been processed into end products and Eska Black is no different. Eska Black’s high rigidity adds to the luxury feel of the board while its clever 3-layer construction, with the core layer made of 100% recycled fibre, sandwiched between two deep black virgin fibre liners, results in a top quality, 70% recycled solid board. It’s available in three weights – 1000mic, 1500mic and 1750mic, all of which are easy to cut, die, crease, score, gouge, mill, punch, drill and emboss/ deboss.

Antalis takes board back to black

Steve Chappell, Graphical Board Development Manager at Antalis, said: “Eska Black is a solid black, due to its

Antalis UK and Ireland has announced it’s the exclusive

black core. It is a robust product that is very cost-

stockists of Eska Black, a black solid board with natural

effective. Like all of our products, it can also be fully

texture and minimal environmental impact. Specially

carbon offset via a choice of schemes offered by Antalis.

designed for luxury graphical and packaging

We are delighted that Eska Black has recently been

applications, this 100% sustainable board boasts

used for the cover and stand of the prestigious

minimal environmental impact, with maximum added

Dorchester 2021 calendar.”

Digital not always preferred option A new study conducted by the not-for-

transactional mail. The move to an

online, organisations are in danger of

profit organisation Two Sides and

online only society risks leaving older

thinking that digital is always the

independent research company Toluna,

people, the disabled, rural dwellers and

preferred option. However, this isn’t

has

those on low incomes disconnected.

always the case. 59% of UK consumers

overwhelmingly want the right to

Alongside the right to choose,

(55% EU) are increasingly concerned

choose how they receive their

consumers are also demanding that

that their personal information held

communications (digitally or printed)

they are not penalised for selecting

electronically is at risk of being hacked,

from organisations.

paper communication. 58% of UK

stolen, lost or damaged. Over 55-year-

Defaulting people online without a

consumers (54% EU) agree that they

olds are the most concerned (64%),

choice to save cost will impact those

should not be charged more for

however, a large number of younger

most vulnerable and at risk in our

choosing a paper bill or statement. The

people have the same worry (58% of

communities, according to the study.

study also found that if a UK consumer

25-34 year olds). Furthermore, even if

In the UK, 6.3% of all adults have never

were forced to move to digital by their

a consumer is moved to digital bills and

used the internet (Office of National

current service providers, 32% (29%

statements, it rarely stays “paperless”.

Statistics, 2020). Often, it is the most

EU) would consider switching to an

59% of UK consumers (47% EU)

vulnerable members of society that

alternative provider.

regularly print out hard copies at home

depend on traditional, postal,

In a society where everything happens

if they want a hard copy.

found

that

consumers

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6

At HP, our ambition is to become the world’s most sustainable and just technology company Enrique Lore CEO HP

HP

Image courtesy of Tim El-Helou

HP makes waves in a sea of change HP has teamed up with several major global organisations including

and major aquariums across the globe.

The Ocean Agency, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic

“At HP, our ambition is to become the world’s most sustainable

Commission and Adobe to inspire people to join the fight to protect

and just technology company,” says HP’s CEO Enrique Lores. “I’m

the World’s oceans. The company has become the official printing

proud of the work of our teams around the world; we are making

partner for the Ocean Decade Exhibition, an initiative that aims

great progress towards achieving our goals while identifying areas

to raise awareness of the importance of the ocean and inspire

where we must do more. If we simply stay the course, we will fail

greater knowledge and conservation around it.

to meet the magnitude of this moment. The pace of change in the

The United Nations has proclaimed 2021 - 2030 a Decade of Ocean

world around us is accelerating, and so must our efforts to create

Science for Sustainable Development as part of its drive to support

the future we want to see.”

efforts to reverse the cycle of decline in ocean health and gather stakeholders across the globe behind a common framework. This is intended to ensure ocean science can fully support countries in creating improved conditions for the sustainable development of the seas.

A Pizza the action for Carraig

The exhibition itself has seen the global creative community design

Carraig Print Litho Press recently completed an outdoor,

some truly stunning artwork that aims to transform the image of

heavy duty cafe barrier system for Pizzeria San Marco in

ocean science and conservation, raise awareness of the importance

Midleton, Co Cork. The print firm has been keeping busy

of the ocean and inspire support for action. HP has stated it is

this year; alongside its usual products and services and

proud to be the printing partner for the exhibition and will be

projects like the barrier system completed for the pizza

making use of its water-based inks and HP Latex printers, which

restaurant, the family-run print firm recently launched an

have all been designed specifically with the environment in mind,

online book printing service, coinciding with its 40th year

to produce the physical artwork. The artworks are also being made

in business.

freely available online so people can curate and create their own micro exhibitions in venues ranging from schools to universities

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EPSPN

7 Epson reaffirms commitment to business inkjet technology

Canon launches new Trimmer For faster production

With HP retracting from the only business print segment to

In a bid to help customers increase their

see growth over recent years, Epson has stated it views the

application production efficiency,

move as highly advantageous to its own growth potential and

improve automation and minimise

that of its channel partners. Remaining committed to its

downtime, Canon UK & Ireland has

indirect sales model, Epson is reassuring its partners that it

added a third-party inline finishing

will not be making a similar switch back to laser technology

solution to its portfolio – the SDD

or changing its technology portfolio. “Our award-winning

PTM7006 Press Trim Module booklet

inkjet technology is not the same as HP’s and while they have

trimmer.

withdrawn from the business inkjet market in favour of

Exclusive to Canon, the SDD PTM7006

reverting to an old technology, we will continue to support

Press Trim Module can be attached

the advantages offered by our proprietary heat-free Precision

inline to a Canon imagePRESS C910 or

Core piezo inkjet technology. HP’s withdrawal from the market

varioPRINT 140 Series printer, enabling

is of huge advantage to us and offers growth potential for

fast production of brochures and

both Epson and our channel partners,” says Rob Clark, Senior

manuals in one streamlined operation,

Vice President of Epson Europe and Managing Director of

without additional handling or finishing

Epson UK.

steps. Trimming the long edge of

“While the laser technology HP has chosen to focus on can

booklets up to 6mm thick, the module

make some steps to become less carbon heavy, these

also flattens the spine to give a superior,

improvements will be incremental, not fundamental,”

professional appearance and makes

continued Clark. “The industry is looking for better, more

packing, stacking and distribution

sustainable technologies and Epson’s inkjet technology

easier. Customers can choose from two

answers this need. Unlike HP’s thermal inkjet and all laser

more options to further enhance booklet

technologies, our award-winning piezo inkjet technology

quality – a 2-side trimmer for full-bleed

requires no heat during the printing process so is by its very

applications and a square fold module

nature more sustainable – requiring far less energy and

to achieve a completely square spine.

generating less CO2. HP’s failure to make its business inkjet

Joseph Courts, Head of Product

technology viable is validation of ours. We remain 100%

Marketing for Canon UK & Ireland, said:

committed to it, and to our channel partners.”

“For print businesses, the pandemic has put fresh emphasis on the importance of automation and of adding value for customers. Finishing is key to both and we’re committed to offering the broadest possible choice of solutions, helping print producers to succeed by streamlining production and branching out into new application areas. With this new option from our finishing partner SDD, PSPs and inhouse print departments working with Canon digital toner printers can add a professional edge to their products, while cutting production time and costs.”

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8 INVESTMENT

The NI sheetfed printer has ordered two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers

W&G BAIRD invests in W&G Baird, the largest commercial sheetfed printer in Northern Ireland, has ordered the first two Heidelberg Stahlfolder P-Stackers

ROBOT

in Ireland and the UK. The company’s decision to invest in state-

over the past five to six years,” said Andrew Watson, Operations

of-the-art robot technology in its postpress department comes as

Director at W&G Baird. “We expect to see at least a 10% improvement

no surprise; W&G Baird is one of the most technologically advanced

in output thanks to this investment, by allowing the operator to

printing companies in the market and has a long-standing history

focus on setting up and optimising the machines and keeping them

with Heidelberg. W&G Baird already has four Heidelberg folders

constantly supplied. This in turn will improve our supply to our

and the P-Stackers will complement their two high-speed folding

customers. We also expect to see our run speeds increase as most

machines.

of the physical element of the job will now be handled by the robot.”

“Over its history, W&G Baird has always been at the forefront

Ian Trengrouse, Product Manager Postpress Commercial of

of new technology in print. We are the first commercial printer in

Heidelberg UK, said: “Heidelberg has always developed the next

Ireland to run our presses from reels instead of sheets, having

step in pushing the boundaries in folder technology. From buckle

invested in reel sheeter technology last year (including a Heidelberg

plate and folding roller automation, the PFX feeder, shingling of

Cut Star 105). We have been very closely following the developments

sheets throughout the individual folding unit, Push to Stop

of robotics in folding machines, so when Heidelberg brought the

technology and more incorporated into the Stahlfolder, the P-Stacker

P-Stacker to market it was an obvious step for us to make, to improve

is the next step in this progression and the perfect partner to the

the productivity of our bindery department as we have with printing

Stahlfolder P-series of machines. The highest level of productivity

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9 From buckle plate and folding roller automation, the PFX feeder, shingling of sheets throughout the individual folding unit, Push to Stop technology and more incorporated into the Stahlfolder, the P-Stacker is the next step in this progression and the perfect partner to the Stahlfolder P-series of machines

TECHNOLOGY is easily handled by the P-Stacker, leaving the operator to concentrate

and the employees of W&G Baird, who are pleased to see the long-

on other tasks. This could even be a second machine; we already

term investment in the business’s future. For their folding

have users running in excess of 30,000 folded sections per hour

operators, the robotics will make a significant improvement to

across two machines with only one operator manning both

the ergonomics of their role as they are currently lifting and

machines. This level of productivity is ground-breaking and truly

stacking paper by hand, something that the robots will now do.

impressive to see.

The customers of W&G Baird will also benefit from this

“W&G Baird have been long-time partners of Heidelberg, so it

investment as the company has adopted a lean manufacturing

was no surprise that they are early adopters of this latest technology.

approach. This is built on exactly understanding lead time, from

The P-Stackers will complement the two high-speed TX96

the moment the order is placed to finished goods being delivered.

Stahlfolders already running in the finishing department at Baird.

The increased output from the robotics will allow the company to

In fact, this will be the first installation of the P-Stacker in Ireland

reduce lead times and increase throughput, thus supplying their

and the UK, although the two units heading to Belfast will be

customers faster whilst maintaining competitive prices.

closely followed by more already ordered elsewhere in the marketplace.”

The past 18 months have been a difficult time for the company

2022 is the 160th anniversary of W&G Baird. This investment, along with other investments over recent years, will allow them to continue to offer their customers the highest level of service.

ISSUE 4 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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10 SUSTAINABILITY

Production inkjet can help you achieve your sustainability goals, writes Stuart Rising

GREEN MEAN GOOD GOALS BUSINESS As a commercial printer, how comfortable are you with your

publishing (highly targeted content based on streamlined data

environmental credentials? Are they solidly green or perhaps a few

workflows and automated production processes, resulting in lower

shades lighter that you’d like them to be? Have your customers or

page counts) and programmatic print (linking marketing automation

prospects started to ask you about them yet? If not, they will soon.

platforms and highly-automated print production workflows). If

So if you’re able to demonstrate now that you’ve established solid

you’d like to find out more about these business models, you can

sustainability goals and that you’re making clear advances towards

read our reTHINK Commercial Print guide at https://www.canon-

achieving them, that could give you a real competitive advantage.

europe.com/business/insights/articles/rethink-commercial-print/.

In addition, potential customers will be more likely to view you as

Through the use of production inkjet technology however, the

the kind of progressive company they want to work with; after all,

environmental benefits of digital printing can be raised to an even

they’re probably also under pressure from their own customers to

higher level. If we start with print heads, most inkjet sheet- and

show that they’ve set up clearly defined sustainability policies and

web-fed production printers use piezo print head technology, which

are putting those into practice.

works by rapidly passing an electric charge through a piezo crystal

If you currently print predominantly on offset or other non-inkjet

that flexes and in doing so, forces a drop of ink out of a nozzle of

technology, reducing your environmental impact and boosting your

the print head. Engineered for precision and durability, these print

reputation for sustainability are just some of the substantial benefits

heads have a lifetime of thousands of hours and only need to be

you could achieve by moving to inkjet production printing. By its

replaced after years of use. The long lifetime of the print heads is

very nature, digital printing offers many sustainability benefits,

also aided by the close interdependency between the print head

such as less waste and chemical-free production thanks to the

technology and inkjet inks, resulting in minimal maintenance costs.

reduced make-ready and set-up time, together with the cost-efficient

As for inkjet inks, the most environmentally friendly are

production of shorter runs matched to actual demand, even down

stringently manufactured aqueous pigment inks. Being water-based,

to a run length of one. Being a digital process, the efficiency of digital

the inks emit low odours, do not carry any substances of very high

printing and its consequential sustainability benefits can be

concern (SVHC) and are free of mineral oil, aromatic hydrocarbon

maximised and the risk of human error minimised by putting in

(MOAH) and saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH). Look for process-

place fully automated workflows managed by software.

colour inks that are listed in the Nordic Swan database of approved

Digital printing also gives access to more sustainable business

printing chemicals and that show good deinking properties according

models, such as on-demand printing (sell first, then print), dynamic

to INGEDE method 11 when combined with appropriate substrates.

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11 Stuart Rising is Head of Commercial Print, Production Printing Products at Canon UK & Ireland

sustainable benefits to seek out when considering what inkjet press to invest in. For a start, energy consumption – while a press that is robust enough for heavy duty 24/7 operations is a given, there are inkjet presses that feature low energy consumption per printed page, some even meeting the Nordic Swan requirements. Then, allied to durability, are longevity and upgradability; as “digital” machines have at times been associated with “built-in obsolescence”, look for an inkjet press that has proved itself in the market and offers a clear upgrade path for new features and speed enhancements, maximising the lifetime of the system and making it truly sustainable. An inkjet press that has been built to last and to operate round the clock, especially one that incorporates preventive maintenance concepts, is most likely to deliver the high levels of uptime and productivity required, and potentially up to 10 million impressions per week.

Finally, an inkjet press that can be refurbished and has multiple Solvents used and produced in the manufacture of inks, coatings

parts that can be recycled will also add to your sustainability

and paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), human-

credentials. So look for a supplier that maximises the economic life

made chemicals that may have adverse health effects. However,

of its inkjet presses with a high refurbishment rate and that recycles

sustainability-conscious suppliers ensure that the VOC emissions

within industry standard recycling processes a high percentage of

of ink and paper conditioning products remain well below the levels

the parts in its presses.

allowed by governmental guidelines. In addition, some inkjet printers

With sustainability becomingly an increasingly important topic

use innovative technology to further reduce the impact of VOCs.

for commercial printers, it is even more of a reason to think about

For example, some drying technology uses a sufficiently low

moving some, if not all, your work to production inkjet and assessing

temperature that any VOC particles that do enter the paper fibres

which technology partner is going to be best for your business. Not

are not released into the air, which means that no exhaust air cleaning

only does Canon offer a range of production inkjet presses to suit

is required. Other printers also have integrated exhaust air cleaning

every application and run length, but for us sustainability is also a

systems that completely eliminate VOC emissions. And, of course,

key consideration from the very start of the development of a Canon

any inkjet production printer worth consideration should be

inkjet press – we use sustainable and/or recycled materials and

compliant with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous

energy-efficient manufacturing processes and we eliminate

Substances (RoHS) directive.

hazardous substances wherever possible. If you’d like to find out

Having highlighted the main sustainability benefits that can be

more about the sustainable aspects of Canon’s production inkjet

gained through adopting inkjet production technology, if they’ve

presses, download Canon Production Printing – a sustainable

given you real food for thought, there are also other features and

partner.

ISSUE 4 2021 IRISH PRINTER

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NEW

Green & Orange Ink

TAKE YOUR COLOUR OFF-THE-CHART 250388_DPS_Neopost_AMA_IP JulyAugust 2021_V1.indd All Pages Untitled-2 1

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Roland’s richest and most vivid TrueVIS colour

The VF2640 large format printer has been

output yet that allows you to perfectly target

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and “twomode” takeup unit.

the quality standards of your competitors.

FOR MORE INFORMATION T 1850 33 44 55 | +353 (0) 1 6250900 | E info.ie@quadient.com

graphics.quadient.ie/VF2

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For more information contact:

Partnering with:

Richard Styles, Sales Director, Litho Supplies E: richard@lithosupplies.ie T: 087 2342881

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Available in

SMALL, MEDIUM and

01/09/2021 12:46

LARGE

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I N V E ST I N G IN THE Sustainable growth at

Sustainable growth at

Sustainable growth at

Ashville Media’s online digital publications are now available to view our website

www.ashville.com/library Ashville ISSUU Half Page Advert.indd 1

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I N V E ST I N G IN THE

Chris Sandwell talks to Irish Printer about creating a dedicated distribution network for UniBoard and why the future looks bright for the paperboard distributor

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16 It’s been a busy couple of years for Elliott Baxter & Co Ltd (EBB Paper). In 2019, the UK-based paper merchant acquired UniBoard,

leading stockist of board and paper, capable of getting orders to people quickly and on time, every time.

a leading carton board merchant based near Dublin. From the off,

Investment alone won’t attract new customers, says Chris.

the intention was to invest in the business and position the brand

Providing a wide supply of products and meeting customers’ needs

to the forefront of the cardboard supplier market. The first step

in terms of efficiency, quality and delivery, will define the company’s

on that journey was to move the business to a purpose-built,

success. “We’ve got to prove to customers that we’re good at what

state-of-the-art warehouse in Rathcoole, thus increasing storage

we do, that the products we supply are of the highest quality and

capacity to 12,000 pallets. Staff numbers at UniBoard have also

that we can be competitive. We don’t expect an easy ride but we’re

jumped from 20 to 30, creating 10 new jobs in the process. “We

confident that we can deliver on all levels and we’ll be targeting

moved from a mish mash of four or five warehouses to a facility

both new and existing customers with our broad range of products.”

where we can house our whole operation under one roof. We also launched a full stock range of paper products aimed at the commercial print sector, including many of Europe’s leading grades such as

Business growth

Sappi GalerieArt, Horizon, Soporset and Navigator.

Despite Covid, 2020 was a good year for

That move has allowed us to target different segments

UniBoard. Ten percent business growth

of the marketplace,” said Chris Sandwell, Group Sales

was attributed to a buoyant print

& Marketing Director - UK & IRE, at Elliott Baxter &

packaging sector and an ongoing robust

Co Ltd. In April 2021, the company also opened a

demand for products from this segment.

distribution centre and sales office in Belfast, with

Demand in packaging is, says Chris,

the intention of creating a dedicated distribution

being driven by the different ways people

network. “We used to outsource 85% of our logistics;

are consuming products. “Consumers

from the 1st of September this year, we’ll be in a

were certainly buying more food

position where we can insource 90% of our logistics.

products in supermarkets than they

To allow that to happen, we have invested in five large

were in restaurants. Packaging

vehicles and two transits.”

requirements changed so that has

Distribution

created additional demand in that area.

Pharmaceutical packaging, another area

Creating its own distribution network has given the

in which we operate, also seems quite

company control over quality and timings. Excellent

buoyant.” The ongoing anti-plastic

service is key at UniBoard; having its own distribution

campaign, a movement that has spread

network has only served to strengthen its commitment

worldwide, is also driving people away

to customers. “When you’re using third party logistics

from plastic-based solutions to

outfits, you can’t guarantee when they’ll deliver but

recyclable alternatives, says Chris.

in our world, we can deliver on that promise. Other

“Board paper is one of those alternatives.

factors also come into play; in the food packaging

It’s cost-effective, it’s strong and we’re

sector, maintaining the integrity of goods on a lorry

seeing a gradual transition in that area.

is very important. If you’re using a third party, you

That growing demand has led to a

can’t guarantee what else is going onto that lorry with

shortage of supply of wood fibre-based

those goods. There could potentially be a contaminant.

products into European markets. The

When we’re distributing, we only distribute paper and

consumption of those materials is rising

board. We have implemented and continue to maintain

on a global scale, a trend that’s putting

a high level of compliance and integrity.” After

pressure on demand.”

significant investment in both products and distribution the aim, says Chris, is to be a market-

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We want to continue to build and invest in infrastructure and create local jobs and opportunities for local people. Part of that growth lies in commercial print; at the moment the paper side is a small percentage of our turnover.”

Chris Sandwell, Group Sales & Marketing Director - UK & IRE

Challenges There are, says Chris, a myriad of challenges facing the different sub-sectors of the print industry, not just the oversupply issue outlined above. When it comes to commercial print, the main area of concern is around supply. “There’s also the transition from litho to digital, declining run lengths and making sure that as a product, we stay relevant. For the packaging sector, the challenges are quite different. As an industry, we would usually be operating on a five-week lead time from order to manufacture to delivery; today we’re looking at between 20 and 25 weeks. That’s a significant difference and an issue that’s being keenly felt in the sector.”

Ambitions Over the next three years, Chris and the team are aiming to continue to grow the business by double digit percentage and above all, ensure that growth is sustainable. “We want to continue to build and invest in infrastructure and create local jobs and opportunities for local people. Part of that growth lies in commercial print; at the moment the paper side is a small percentage of our turnover.” At EBB in the UK, over 70% of its business is focused on paper. “We see a real opportunity to grow that side of the business at UniBoard. We’re highly experienced in the paper marketplace and we will bring that level of expertise and what we believe is a competitive buying advantage to the Irish market.” With significant investment having gone into distribution, stock and sales, now’s the time to knuckle down and ensure customer service is the top priority, says Chris. “Although EBB is a large company, it’s still a family-run, independently owned business. That ethos is central to how we operate and how we treat our customers. Right now, our job is to make sure we have excellent availability of our market-leading brands and a reliable service for our customers across Ireland.”

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18 INVESTMENT

Whether it’s generating new sales or improving brand awareness, countertop graphics can be an extremely valuable marketing asset, writes Shaun Holdom When it comes to capturing the attention of and interacting with people in today’s fastpaced world, retailers, brands and other settings need to think creatively and consider how to best use their

SETTING OUT YOUR STALL WITH

COUNTERTOP GRAPHICS

environment to their advantage.

Countertops are the point where a

Then there are

business will have one of its first

customer service

interactions with its customers. They are

and slide over the counter, causing issues for the consumer and brand alike.

desks in settings such

Drytac has a range of permanent and

as shopping malls.

removable options, suitable for either short-

including retail, restaurants, bars, gyms,

Graphics placed on these

term or longer-term installations and offers

medical settings, hotels, schools and present

countertops could feature a map of the

FDA-approved laminates for accidental food

an incredibly unique way of connecting with

shopping centre, as well as a QR code that the

contact, opening up a plethora of opportunities

people.

consumer could scan to access an online

in the food and drinks sector.

prominent features in many locations

Much like the walls that surround them

version of that same mall map. In education,

For those countertop projects in hygiene-

and the floor underneath, countertops are a

students could scan a QR code that takes them

sensitive high traffic environments such as

blank canvas and offer all sort of opportunities

to a digital learning portal that allows them

medical facilities, Drytac’s Protac AMP film

when it comes to placing graphics. Be it

to access more materials online.

with Microban antimicrobial protection is the

generating new sales, improving brand

These are just a few examples, but the

ideal solution. When harmful microbes meet

awareness, providing information or

possibilities for countertop graphics are

the film, the cell walls of the microbes are

promoting products, countertop graphics can

seemingly endless. By working with your

disrupted and are unable to reproduce, which

be an extremely valuable marketing asset.

customers, you can come up with all sorts of

in turn cuts the risk of bacteria spreading.

While these graphics may be used by many

unique and thought-provoking ideas that could

While your customers will almost certainly

brands for decoration and raising awareness,

add a whole new dimension to marketing and

be aware of the advantages of window, wall

there is also the potential to add useful

branding strategies.

and floor graphics, they may not have thought

functionality to further boost interaction with

In terms of the type of material you should

about using their counters to interact with

work with, Drytac has a host of high-quality

people. The addition of graphics to countertops

Take for example a fast-food restaurant

and reliable products ideally suited for

offers all sorts of benefits in many

counter; here, graphics could be installed to

countertop graphics. Adhesive technology

environments and by working with reliable

display a menu and highlight special offers on

featured in Drytac’s products means the

materials, you can access these untapped and

food, as well as instructing customers how to

countertop graphics will not slide when

profitable opportunities.

order their food online via a printed, scannable

installed. This offers a significant advantage

Shaun Holdom is the Global Product Manager

QR code integrated into the design.

over traditional printed mats that often slip

at Drytac

people.

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INNOVATION

ACCESSIBLE PACKAGING

UNWRAPPED Anyone who’s ever wrestled with a piece of packaging that seems

packaging for its Xbox Adaptive Controller to be intuitive and easy

to have been designed to be as difficult to open as possible should

to open, while providing an enjoyable unboxing experience. The

consider that no matter how tough the task, it’s a lot tougher if you’re

packaging has no plastic wrapping or twist ties and features a

disabled. From the simplest cardboard box to the most complex

number of mechanisms such as loops that can be pulled with one

multilayered system, packaging is often designed around the product

hand causing it to pop open, hinges and a slide-out controller tray.

rather than the person, which can make life a lot more challenging for those with a disability.

Inclusive Deodorant

But companies and brands are starting to realise that packaging

Launched earlier this year, Degree Deodorant launched ‘Degree

should be designed for everyone, regardless of disability, and that

Inclusive’, a new product that featured packaging specifically

good packaging can also serve as a vehicle for inclusion,

designed for people with an upper limb disability. For those with

personalisation and social connection. “With accessible packaging,

limited hand and arm movement, taking caps off tubes and bottles

you want to give the customer options and design as many routes as possible,” said Kevin Marshall, Creative Director of Design at Microsoft. “Users should interact with the product on their own terms.”

is at best difficult, at worst impossible, but ‘Degree Inclusive’ makes the process a lot easier. Equipped with a hook to make the deodorant stick easier to pull down, the packaging also includes magnetic closure, improved grips and a large applicator so the

Boxes For The Blind

deodorant can be applied in just one swipe.

Navigating a supermarket and finding the right products can be a huge challenge for

Autism-Friendly Treats

those with sight loss, so Kellogg’s has added

For autistic children, going to school can

a scannable code to its cereal boxes to make

present a unique set of challenges – having to

them more accessible. The ‘Navilens’ code allows those with a smartphone to scan their environment and access relevant information, with users able to locate the codes from up to 3m away. So in a

deal with new places, new situations, new routines and new people. But packaging can provide a sense of comfort for those on the spectrum who respond positively to tactile stimuli.

food store, someone with sight loss can walk up and down an aisle

Designed for its Rice Krispies bars, Kellogg’s Love Notes are heart-

and quickly locate an item, as well as receive spoken information

shaped stickers made from textured material such as fleece, satin,

on ingredients and allergy warnings.

velour and fake fur that can be attached to treats by parents and carers to bond with their child during the day. Notes can also be

Easy-Open Packaging

written in the centre of the stickers to provide even more reassurance.

Packaging can be a real challenge for the disabled, with many unable

Two Sides promotes the responsible use of Print and Paper

to open the increasingly secure boxes required for delivery and

which, when sourced from certified or sustainably managed

protection. Fortunately, some companies have started to recognise

forests, is a powerful and natural communications medium

this problem, including Microsoft, who recently designed the

www.twosides.info

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20 INVESTMENT

New technology at Anglo Printers has allowed the firm to grow its business into new sectors

‘IT’S EXCITING IN A TIME THAT’SVERY CHALLENGING’ When the pandemic hit, Padraic Kierans at Anglo Printers knew

a growth area or niche that we could latch onto outside of what we

that some aspect of the business had to change. Commercial was

were already doing,” said Padraic, Managing Director at the firm.

flat and showing no signs of improvement and so the firm decided

Once the financial planning was complete, the firm was eligible for

that investment in technology to allow for entry into other markets

the Sustaining Enterprise Fund. This was a tripartite investment,

was the only way to weather the storm. The first step was to engage

says Padraic, with finance coming from Enterprise Ireland, Bank

an accountancy team to carry out a financial analysis of the business.

of Ireland and Anglo itself. “Between the three of us, we were able

“That was very helpful as we had been trying to figure out what

to come up with the funds for several pieces of new equipment

direction the business was headed in. We knew we didn’t want to

which has left us in a very strong position.”

fundamentally change everything, but felt that we needed to find

With two existing B1 Komori presses on the floor, the firm’s presence in the packaging sector was already established. “In saying that, we weren’t really going after that market in any significant way. Although we already had a very good B1 die cutter, we decided to invest in an Easymatrix 106 B1 die cutter and also added a ROLLAM 800 carton gluer, which was supplied by Portman Graphics. That meant that now we could print, die cut and glue any carton sleeves or boxes for the packaging sector in-house.”

Adding a finishing arm to the business quickly opened a lot of doors, says Padraic. “We realised there was an appetite for this sector. Last month, it accounted for about 20% of our overall revenue and that figure is only going up. At this moment in time, both B1 presses and both die cutters are busy with packaging. That’s a good omen for us going forward.” Investment in technology didn’t stop there; Anglo also purchased a Heidelberg foiling machine, converted by B&H Engineers in the UK, along with a Muller Martini Saddle Stitcher. The latter

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will, says Padraic, come into its own once the commercial market recovers. “When we get back to stronger levels, we’ll be able to offer better productivity and increased speed of service. It gives us more options in terms of flexibility thanks to its eight stations, which increase speed of output by about 40%.” The converted Heidelberg

frustrating when you see the rest of the world moving a lot quicker

machine allows the firm to add foil to any of its packaging products.

than us. I know it’s a balance and I understand it, but I also

“We’re now able to add more finishes and add value to the end

understand that over 90% of the adult population has had at least

product. That’s a new element that’s growing for us.”

one jab. There has to be a bonus for the vaccinated and that should

Investment has also gone into Anglo HQ, resulting in additional

be the opening up of the economy and sectors to bring people back

workspace. “During Covid, it was obviously a less busy time so we

to events. That whole industry, whether it’s arts or music or sports,

decided to structurally look at everything and see how we could

hasn’t been treated fairly and doesn’t have as strong a lobby as some

add more workspace. We transferred most of our digital department

other sectors. If the vaccinations are working, then we have to learn

onto a new 4,000 sq ft mezzanine floor, which freed up space on

to live with Covid.”

the ground level and allowed us to put in extra packaging equipment.”

The firm has managed to retain all its team, despite Covid. “Our

Anglo’s ‘Covid-19’ online store encouraged the firm to take a closer

staff have been amazingly resilient right through the pandemic.

look at its overall web offering. “Once we created our Covid webshop,

They’ve stuck with us and we’re extremely grateful to them. I would

we set about completely reimagining our web presence. We now

be very optimistic in terms of the opportunities that are developing

have a fully integrated web offering, which is linked back to our

for us. I firmly believe it’s a matter of riding out the storm and

MIS. That has been another very positive outcome from Covid. Our

getting to the other side. The problem is that it’s hard to determine

new business development manager is also driving new business

how far away the other side is.” Since Covid hit, a large proportion

and has proved very successful so far.”

of print firms have pivoted their business to reflect what’s happened

New technology at Anglo has placed the firm in an excellent position;

in the economy and should, says Padraic, be commended for that.

right now it can take advantage of the thriving packaging sector

“There are some great leaders in our industry that have managed

and once commercial comes back up, it’ll be full steam ahead. “It’s

to turn their ships in different directions and take advantage of any

exciting in a time that’s very challenging. You’re flipping between

new circumstances that have arose. In a very challenging time, they

the opportunities that are presenting themselves in some parts of

have shown leadership; now’s the time to open up the economy to

the industry and weaknesses in other parts. One day is great, the

allow the sector to begin growing once again.”

next not so much.” Traditionally, about 30% of Anglo’s business would derive from events. “Until we see a significant resumption of events, I think commercial print will remain weak. It can be

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Growth

22

P L A S T I C P O L L U T I O N

It’s time to do more than just check the box on ocean plastic, writes Conrad Mendoza

TALK

Plastics pollution in the world’s oceans – most of us were at

perspective of a businessperson who sells materials, including

least somewhat aware of the problem. The issue took on fresh

some made from plastic and many that are applied to plastic

urgency in 2018, particularly across Asia, when a diver named

and as a citizen and consumer. Here’s what I see – we’re losing

Rich Horner posted a YouTube video of himself in the waters

the race against plastics pollution and dramatically so in the

off Bali, in a popular area called Manta Point. Horner’s camera

part of the world that I call home.

didn’t capture many of the eponymous creatures often found

In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy, citing the journal Science,

there. Instead, it showed him swimming through what appeared

reported that eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped

to be an endless underwater galaxy of multicoloured snack

into the world’s oceans every year, with more than half coming

wrappers, bags and other garbage suspended in the current.

from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

Even if we thought we understood the problem, here was new,

UN Environment concurs, noting that 60% of all plastic in

graphic evidence that humanity is treating our precious oceans

the ocean comes from just six countries, all of them in Asia.

like a landfill.

It’s not for a total lack of trying. Many consumers across Asia

After Horner’s video went viral, there was some initial reaction

are ready to move away from single-use plastics and help build

from consumer goods companies, governments and NGOs.

a circular economy in which plastic packaging is recycled into

But like much of the response to plastic pollution, it all felt a

new packaging and stays out of the waste stream. I know from

bit routine, like ticking a box to demonstrate concern. In the

my work with consumer brands that surveys show something like 60% of consumers want to buy sustainably-

In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy, citing the journal Science, reported that eight million metric tons of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans every year, with more than half coming from Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and China

produced products but right now, those products are usually priced too high for many people in Asia.

Brands and manufacturers have taken steps in the right direction. Many have announced sustainability goals that include commitments

end, it didn’t really address the problem and we all went back

to increasing recyclable packaging over the next several years.

to our lives. A couple of months later, a plastic grocery bag

But, so far, these efforts have not been enough to stem the

was discovered in the Mariana Trench – the deepest part of

plastics tide. Sustainable plastics packaging remains a niche

the Pacific.

product, because brands know that consumers in most of the

As a business development director for Avery Dennison, I live

world can’t pay the higher cost it commands.

in Singapore and travel throughout the Asia Pacific region for

Meanwhile, governments in the Asia Pacific region offer a

work. I’ve observed the problem of plastics pollution from the

patchwork of regulation that supports meaningful plastics

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IS NOT

ENOUGH recycling in some areas, but not others. Japan, where I lived for

plastics is high, can afford them.

several years, is often held up as a model for the region. Other

To be sure, some collaboration among all these stakeholders is

countries are struggling to handle an overwhelming amount of

happening. Global consumer brands are sponsoring recycling

plastic waste and one by one, countries across Asia are following

initiatives and exploring alternative packaging. At the same time,

China’s lead in banning the acceptance of foreign waste, forcing

as someone on the ground in Asia, where pollution from ocean

countries to come up with solutions. For many, the primary outlet

plastic is most dire and impossible to ignore, I also want to say –

at present is landfill. All in all, government, companies and

we all need to do more, faster.

consumers seem to be looking at each other, saying, “You go first.”

How can we knock down the barriers that still prevent government,

But as the video from Bali remind us, this strategy isn’t working.

corporations and NGOs from collaborating most effectively? How

Everyone is waiting for the moment when greater demand for

can we put our vast innovative capacity to work to get rid of single-

sustainable packaging drives volume high enough for costs to

use packaging and create waste management systems across Asia

come down and for ocean-friendly packaging to become the rule,

that can handle the rivers of plastic literally flowing through our

rather than the exception. But after many years, that moment has

countries? How can we clean up our oceans, on which everyone,

yet to arrive and our oceans are telling us that we can’t afford to

everywhere, depends, before it’s too late?

wait any longer.

These are the conversations all of us should be having wherever

It is apparent that, for meaningful change to happen, governments

suppliers and customers in our industry convene and we must

across Asia must create laws and infrastructure that facilitate

follow up those conversations with quick, decisive, meaningful

recycling and limit single-use plastic packaging. Meanwhile, brands

action. Because if Rich Horner’s video and the countless tons of

and manufacturers of packaging materials must work together to

garbage amassing in our oceans have shown us anything, it’s that

increase the amount of recycled plastics in packaging and boost

talk is not enough.

the numbers of consumers who recycle. We must collaborate to bring down the cost of sustainable packaging, so that consumers in parts of the world where incomes are low and use of single-use

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24

INNOVATION

With the help of its partners in THINK, P+D has created this impactful hoarding at Dundrum Town Centre

THE POWER OF

PRINT You may think overbranding a

material that we could adjust and

hoarding is a simple job but quite

reposition during application. We

often, it’s not and if the right

also needed to make sure we could

consideration isn’t taken, it can

reposition the vinyl without

cause issues down the road. P+D

pulling up the vinyl underneath,

had previously branded this

but also settle in and get a strong

hoarding in Dundrum Town

adhesion. Thanks to the expert

Centre using Orajet 3554 to get a

help of Ian Scott and our long-term

strong bite against the fresh

supplier SD+, we selected and

plasterboard when initially

tested Orajet 3551 to ensure

installed. The hoarding then

stunning results,” said Ciaran

needed to be updated and

Bowe, Sales Director at P+D. A

rebranded with new graphics going

collaborative effort has ensured

over the existing vinyls. “We

the premium brand got the finish

needed to ensure we got a coverall

and result it deserved.

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Irish Print Awards 2021.indd 1

29/06/2021 11:55

Water based pigment inks - lowest environmental impact of any printing ink.

Photo realistic high quality and speed - 30 plus 48 sheets per hour Billboards, bus shelters, out of home advertisng Ideal for all outdoor and indoor posters

Find out more at mcgowansprint.com

Untitled-2 1 1C_McGowans_JM_IP JulyAug 21.indd 1

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