PRINTERS DIGEST MAGAZINE

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Issue 16, Vol.98, September-November, 2021

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Issue 16, Vol.98, September - November, 2021

PAPER MILLS REVITALIZATION, SOLVING 70% OF NIGERIAN PRINTING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

MERGERS AND ACQUISITION

- A PANACEA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIA PRINTING INDUSTRY-

THE POWER OF INTERESTS DEDICATION AND TIMELY DELIVERY MOVED YALIAM PRESS FROM PRINT BROKER TO A MULTI-BILLION NAIRA ONE-STOP PRINT SHOP -YALIAM PRESS CHAIRMAN

VOLUME 98

THE TEAM EDITORIAL BOARD/ MEMBERS Chairman: Dr. Rotimi Oladele Sir John Onuegbulem Alhaji Aliyu Gudaji Mrs Bunmi Adetayo PRESIDENT/CEO Tunde Obokhai DIRECTOR Matilda Obokhai BUSINESS MANAGER Norah Okpara HEAD OF PRINTING SERVICES/ EDITOR Juliet Nnajiofor- Uyi DISTRIBUTOR Cosmas Etuk ART DIRECTOR Precious Ugwuoke- Mba EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Print Consultant

I am not quite sure about what paradigm shift really is, but I think that it is something we changed the way we view it over time. " A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.”

Unknown author Print business all over the world and most especially the Nigeria printing industry have continued to come to terms with the negative effect of the pandemic to their businesses.

Although, many organizations have started full operations, but at a reduced or negative margins for the foreseeable future unless dramatic changes are made from the effects o f t h e g l o b a l p a n d e m i c t h at crumbled most businesses. The more forecasts suggest that liquidity is likely to become a greater concern, 3A PRINTERS DIGEST 4A PRINTERS DIGEST

EDITOR’S INK

THE SHIFT IN THE PARADIGMS

the more important and urgent it of election, postponement of the will be to seek for additional annual general meeting and the resignation of the Chairman of the sources of capital. institute's advisory Council few Re c o g n i z i n g t h a t t h e p o s t- days after the Printers National p a n d e m i c r e a l i t y w i l l b e Conference. permanently different from the p r e - p a n d e m i c n o r m a l , We have our cover story on heavy organizations should not wait to dependence on the importation take action. Whereas companies of paper in Nigeria a major may not achieve profitability in the challenge facing the Nigeria same ways as before, recognizing printing Industry and more this paradigm shift as one that is engaging stories all inclusive in not simply going to revert back will this edition. enable organizations to make informed financial decisions For constant updates on events as looking forward rather than it unfolds in our industry, visit: www.printersdigest.com.ng backward.

Above all, what you will find in the p a ge s o f P R I N T E RS D I G EST Print market globally are shrinking MAGAZINE is a collection of well t h e r e b y p r o m p t i n g r a p i d researched articles written by consolidation among commercial real, honest and down-to-earth and traditional print companies folks who work hard to stay and the Nigerian printing industry informed to enable us give you the is not left out of these challenges. best. I love to hear from you.

Printers Digest Magazine captured P l e a s e d r o p m e a n e - m a i l in details a way forward for the (printersdigest@gmail.com) print business owners in Nigeria during the recently held Webinars Juliet NNAJIOFOR-UYI on MERGERS AND ACQUISITION- A +2348035837934 PANACEA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIA PRINTING INDUSTRY and MAKING PRINT BUSINESS PROFITABLE AGAIN; HOW READY IS THE PRINTING INDUSTRY? Also, this edition have incisive stories on the events of the past months in the Nigeria printing industry that played out the power of interest and influence in the activities of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) that saw the cancellation

TEL; +234 908 709 8103, +234 803 301 6066

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Executive Watch: Power of Interests (Pg 6a-7a) Industry NewsUse Regulation to Revive Ailing Print Industry- Printers To FG (Pg 8a-9a) Court Injunction and The 3rd AGM Postponement (Pg 9a-10a) Printers Reacts Over CIPPON Advisory Chairman's Resignation (Pg11a-12a) Special Report on Webinar: DCS Held Webinar on Making Print Business Profitable Again; How Ready is the Printing Industry?(Pg 13a-14a) Interview: The Job of Being in a Council is not a Tea Party-CIPPON President(Pg 15a-16a) Printing has a Contribution to the Country GDP, Election will not Fix Paper Problem- VP CIPPON, Onuegbulem (Pg 17a) Skysat Printing Machine will Provide Solutions to all Businesses in Nigeria - Ramzi Debs (Pg 17a) What They Think: A Post-Covid Market Place (Pg 18a-19a) Print Fashion: What Your Shoes Say About Your Business (Pg 20a) Branding Digest: Steve Babaeko Emerges “Creative Personality of the Decade” as Gov. Sanwo-Olu Pledges Support for Industry (Pg 21a-22a) NBC, Coca-cola Present Start-up Equipment to Vulnerable Nigerians (Pg 22a-23a) Cover Story: Paper Mills Revitalization will Solve 70% of Nigerian Printing Industry Challenges (pg 24a-26a)

Packaging Digest: Pharmaceutical Packaging Market Value to Reach Us$ 191.21 Bn By 2027 (Pg 2b -3b) Publishing Digest: NIBF Sets to Introduce Awards Drive More Participation (Pg 4b) Finance Digest: Nigeria to Partner with Bitt Inc to Launch ‘Enaira' Digital Currency (Pg 5b) FG Borrows Sensibly, Responsibly -finance Minister (Pg 5b) Print Health: Mental Health Is Just As Important As Physical Health; What Printers Should Know (pg 6b-7b) Print Innovation Technology: An Industry That Is Always A Step Ahead (pg 9-10b) Feature Story: Mergers and Acquisition - A Panacea For The Development of the Nigeria Printing Industry (pg 11-13b) Print Management: Using Delegation To Develop Your Staff (Pg 14 -15b) Print Marketing: Webinar : An Effective Modern Marketing Tool. (pg 16b) Global News: Ricoh Has Announced The Appointment Of Josero As A Uk Reseller For Its Full Range of Direct-to-garment (DTG) Printers and the Very Latest Generation Of Wide Format Latex Printers.(pg 17b) Environmentally Friendly Print Emerging As Key Industry Trend (pg 18-19b) Investment, Competition Remains The Only Key To Solve Printers Problem (pg 19b) Mimaki Pushes Creative Boundaries In Industrial Printing With New Highperformance and High-quality Direct-to-object Inkjet Printers(pg 20-21b) Hubergroup - Laments Price Increase, Blames Massive Rise in Raw Material and Transport Costs (Pg 21b) X

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Print Personality: Dedication and Timely Delivery Moved Yaliam Press From Print Broker to a Multi-billion Naira One-stop Print Shop -Yaliam Press Chairman (pg 24-26b) Pre-press: The Confusion and Miscommunication About Image Resolution(pg 27b) Press: Printing for Less: Here's A Simple Way to Save on Full-color Printing(pg 28b) Post Press: How Smart Finishing Can Enhance Value (pg 29b-30b) 5A PRINTERS DIGEST

THE POWER OF INTERESTS

By: Tunde Obokhai

going through

h av e t o m a ke m o n e y fo r

A cursory review of current themselves using the story of events that have created a fighting for the charter status for temporary impasse in the wheel the industry – This INTEREST can of progress of the Nigerian be called the CHARTER CABAL. printing industry revealed the Another INTEREST that is presence of these INTERESTS fighting to control the soul of

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OWER and the I N T E R E S T o f

fighting for the heart and soul of this industry is very salient and powerful. They are often not the industry.

professional printers but handle stakeholders are two The first INTEREST represents most of the choicest print jobs fundamental keys to growing a stakeholders who strongly that emanate in the industry. successful institution of repute believe that they have the right They make money from the depending on whether it's used to all that concerns the industry industry but are often not keen because of their contribution to positively or in a negative way. o n i s s u e s re l at i n g to t h e obtaining a charter status for the “People with high power and development of this industry. industry. They think the industry i n t e r e s t n e e d t o b e ke p t They use different measures to to be their personal property. satisfied, while people with high protect their selfish interest to They have refused to quit the i n t e r e s t n e e d t o b e ke p t the detriment of the industry. In stage of the leadership of the informed”, as the saying goes. t h i s g ro u p , y o u w i l l f i n d This aspect of satisfaction institute even after spending politicians, contractors, retired doesn't take cognizance of the more than a decade in office. government officials, investors, interest of the public who do not They use the tool of age, deceit, etc. A lot of them make use of have the power to influence any intimidation, and manipulation age, experience, academic decision taken.

The events of the past months in

to attract sympathy to their qualifications, social media to course. further their INTEREST. I call this

our dear industry have shown They sincerely and genuinely do INTEREST – NONCHALANT the power played by three not have anything to contribute CABAL different INTEREST groups that to the growth of the industry. Now let us look at the 3rd t h r e a t e n e d t o h a l t t h e They do not have any meaningful INTEREST – this represents p ro g re s s i v e re st r u c t u r i n g business in printing in Nigeria – people who are dynamic, process that the institute is They take any advantage they y o u n g , e n t r e p r e n e u r i a l , 6A PRINTERS DIGEST

innovative, creative who ventured into the print combination of the ideals of CHARTER CABAL and business in the last three decades.

NONCHALANT CABAL in their camp, they

They are largely responsible for the changes that immediately began to slow down the innovative have given a new image of the print business in and creative moves by this group using various the eye of the public. They are print professionals orthodox methods. These actions within the by business not by education. They have stakes camp of the CHANGE CABAL began to rock the and a future in the industry. They see print progressive boat of the industry until it finally business like any other business that can thrive in brought to a temporary halt in July 2021 Nigeria if there are good business ethics, level The effect of the current situation is the p l a y i n g g r o u n d , i n n o v a t i o n s , e t c . reemergence of long-forgotten INTERESTS, the They began by working behind the scene, thereby CHARTER CABAL suddenly sprung up attempting causing a change in their small place of influence to take the reins of the industry through a planned as they watched events unfold, and waiting for stakeholder's convergence, whilst the nonchalant the day for their ultimate manifestation.

CABAL is exploring the possibility of ensuring their

Then just like a thunderbolt, they took charge INTEREST is protected. And for the CHANGE with the change Mantra and began to be the voice CABAL, they are undaunted by the setback but in the industry. As expected, within a short space this time taking more caution to sanitize their of time the whole nation began to take notice of house, block all loopholes and reposition the the industry, the industry became a voice in industry for greater height. Where does this leave us? First, we must know and understand the various strata of government.

The industry began to envisage rays of light of hope at the end of the dark tunnel, the wheel of progress of the industry began to move in the right direction. This group became the envy of all stakeholders as they continued to overcome barriers to break into new frontiers in the Nigerian

presence of these three INTERESTS and their agenda, secondly, we must identify which of them is most appropriate in moving the industry forward, and thirdly we must not seat on the fence and allow the wrong INTEREST to take the reign of the industry.

business environment. This interest is called the As you read and reflect on the issues raised in this article, I encourage you to seek and be influenced CHANGE CABAL As CHANGE CABAL made great strides and enjoyed support from stakeholders in the

by the INTEREST that will truly MAKE PRINT BUSINESS PROFITABLE AGAIN

industry, they failed to cover their back and this SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE led to the emergence of a fifth column having a

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USE REGULATION TO REVIVE AILING PRINT INDUSTRY- PRINTERS TO FG He noted that a national policy would solve significant portion of the current challenges facing the industry.

"There is an obvious distortion in the equilibrium of the printing related economy of the nation resulting in the current predicament of our ailing industry.

PRESIDENT /CHAIRMAN-IN-COUNCIL OF CIPPON, MR. OLUGBEMI MALOMO,

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he Chartered Institute of Pro fe s s i o n a l Pr i nte rs o f Nigeria (CIPPON) recently lamented that foreign printers have monopolised the market making it impossible for Nigerians to freely import paper into the country.

The President and Chairman-inCouncil of the Institute, Mr. Olugbemi Malomo, said the ease of doing business in the country has allowed foreigners to come unhindered to retail level, thereby denying the industry opportunity to build capacity.

Olugbemi spoke at the second edition of the Institute's annual National Conferences in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital with the theme: "Using Regulation To Revive The Ailing Printing Industry".

Olugbemi also regretted that the

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obvious distortion in the equilibrium of the printing related e co n o my o f t h e n at i o n h a s resulted in the current predicament of the "ailing" industry.

According to him, Nigeria currently prints over 1.2 billion books annually and a significant part of them is printed outside Nigeria.

His words: "There is an obvious distortion in the equilibrium of the printing related economy of the nation resulting in the current predicament of our ailing industry.

"Such distortions include the unhindered printing of educational material and election material particularly, outside Nigeria to the detriment of the local economy.

For instance, the President said, t h e p r i nt i n g o f e d u cat i o n a l materials and election materials particularly are done outside Nigeria to the detriment of the local economy.

"The ease of doing business in Nigeria has allowed foreigners to Olugbemi expressed concern that come unhindered to the retail large number of printing jobs level of our industry , competing including ballot papers are done with locals with abroad to the detriment of the indigenous professional printers.

Olugbemi who raised alarm over This, he said, is not due to lack of capacity of the Nigerian printers but "because people are taking advantage of outdated government policy."

hike in the cost of paper, disclosed that over three trillion naira worth is imported into the country annually, constituting a strain on the country's foreign exchange.

The CIPPON disclosed that, Nigeria imports N3trillion worth

foreigners, who he said, had almost hijacked the industry from the real practitioners.

of papers annually.

He quizzed "Are we going to continue to be helpless and hapless ?”

“The printing industry is capable of generating billions of naira for the country as revenue, but unfortunately, the industry is not well co-ordinated.

"Every election year there is always a disruption on the election supply chain system due to printing of ballot paper abroad.

What will happen to our electioneering system if there is a new wave of pandemic where local production is not intentionally developed?"

“Both the government and the institute need to work together to fully tap into the multi-billion naira potentials in the industry.

Earlier, the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, in his address, charged the Federal Government to rescue the industry from imminent collapse caused by the

“The printing serves as a veritable ground of providing millions of incursion of foreigners into the jobs for the teeming youths, that is industry. why the industry needs to be He stressed the need for the properly regulated and rid of protection of practitioners from quacks,” Oladele said.

COURT INJUNCTION AND THE 3RD AGM POSTPONEMENT

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he postponement of the Annual General Meeting of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria in July came with mixed reactions over the decision of the institute to postpone the AGM less than 48Hours to the most anticipated AGM and election for the new executive of the institute.

As reactions continued to trail on different printers WhatsApp groups over the election guidelines which saw some of the intending candidates' disqualified for not meeting up with the election criteria set up by independent electoral committee of the institute.

spearheaded by one Jumoke Owaeye who was inducted as a member into the institute in December 2020, even though we were never served nor invited by the court as part of the process of obtaining an injunction as stated by the Nigeria Judicial Council Reacting, some of the disqualified candidates took to (NJC), however as a responsible Institute we had to the social media platforms to express their angry postpone the AGM". alongside their supporters.

"We are going to use this situation to test the integrity Responding, the institute released an official of our institution and use it as a DETERRENT against statement titled: STILL ON PRESSING THE RESET future occurrence.

BUTTON -POSPONEMENT OF AGM. According to the As a first step we have sent a petition to the NJC statement, “The postponement of the AGM came against the Judge that purportedly signed the petition. about because of a circulating court injunction 9A

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Let me also assuage the public on the tenure of the current council: In accordance with section 12 (1) and (2) of the Act which states that: 1. The Council shall keep proper records of accounts on behalf of the institute in respect of each financial year and proper records in relation to those account and shall cause its account to be audited within six months after the end of each year by auditors and in accordance with the guidelines supplied by Auditor General for the Federation.

2. The account shall be submitted to the members of the institute for approval by them at the next Annual General Meeting.

“There exists a window of six months for the AGM to be held and in the event that the time elapsed” we shall apply the “doctrine of necessity” as there can't be vacuum in leadership.

It's not a question of not wanting to conduct election or elongating one's tenure in office, it's a question of some people who should still be learning the ropes stopping the election.

It's also ironic that the same people that stopped the election on frivolous basis, which cannot stand the water of a competent court of law are now claiming the tenure of the current council has expired. What exactly is their motive for going to Niger state, where they of their legal representative don't reside? It's certainly a mischievous thing that everyone should rise up and condemn.

The question that should be on everyone's lips is why will someone that is six months old in an institution go to court to halt the wheel of progress of the Institute?

industry to decide if you are ready for the change we are bringing or not, as we have demonstrated that for some of us “it's not a do or die affair” But we are ready to lead and set the path to that change with your continuous support.

However, I want to assure you that what we have been through are developmental change process that every successful and enduring institution must pass through, and it shall pass...... if we pull together and stand against it. It's a confirmation that we are hitting the “hornerun” and we need the industry to take a stand with us". The statement reads "Without any doubt the electoral committee in her quest to conduct a transparent and credible election set a very high standard and far-fetched guidelines which more or less turned out to make the election to appears as a “selection” process and which I personally believe is not entirely politically correct.

The Council, the highest decision making body in the institute in her wisdom therefore met and made changes to some of the guidelines.

THE CHANGES INCLUDES: Ÿ Removing payment as at when due restriction Ÿ Throwing the election open to members

disenfranchised because of the restriction Ÿ A new date for the AGM as soon as the court

impasse is over.

The electoral committee will further communicate full details to the members at the right time". The statement stated

MOVING FORWARD “Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward” “Together we are stronger, together we are unbroken and together we To discerning this is nothing but a calculated and can do anything”. coordinated attempt by “strongmen” working behind the scene and using the litigant as pawn to As the saying goes “In the multitude of counsels prevent change, discredit us and entrench the there is safety” In the coming days the leadership will “status quo” by derailing the good work we have be holding consultative meetings with major been doing. It shall certainly fail". The statement stakeholders across the country with the view of carrying everyone along, mending fences, forging stated stronger bond and building an enduring Institute.

More so, another statement from the institute Together we will make printing profitable again. states: "To add credence to our postulation, you will Long live the printing industry, long live CIPPON, long notice that all the Brouhaha are coming from a live Nigeria". It stated. particular location in the industry. it is now left for the 10A PRINTERS DIGEST

PRINTERS REACTS OVER CIPPON ADVISORY CHAIRMAN'S RESIGNATION why he resigned at a critical time when the institute was having challenges.

Responding, Alhaji Amfani stated that he was appointed by CIPPON to chair the advisory committee board but due to workload and other engagement, he had to step down but emphasized that he will always support the growth and development of the industry in his own capacity and advised the institute to look into all the pending matters and address the aggrieved accordingly.

When asked if he has rescinded his resignation after some practitioners took to the social media platforms to plead with him for a change of decision, he said: " I have written an official letter to the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria on my resignation as I was given a letter on appointment but until now, I am yet to The Social Media platforms of the printing receive feedback from them". He said. space were thrown into a state of commotion with the news of the resignation of the He added that collaboration and support for Chairman of Advisory Board of the Chartered every practitioner are key. "tribalism, Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria religious and ethnic differences should be eradicated for our industry to grow.

(CIPPON), Alhaji Yahaya Amfani recently.

"Leadership is about inclusion and everyone The news came as a shocker to many should be carried along". He said practitioners who took to the platforms to plead with the Chairman to reconsider his In an official statement from decision as the industry still needs his the CIPPON titled, STILL ON advisory role as a father especially at the P R E S S I N G T H E R E S E T current state of the industry which saw the BUT TON (PART 3), the postponement of the Annual General president Mr. Olugbemi Meeting, Court injunction and cancellation Malomo said: "It was a rude of election. shock to receive the Printers Digest magazine contacted the resignation of the chair of former advisory board chairman to know 11A PRINTERS DIGEST

the advisory committee, a day after the postponement of the AGM and to see the resignation all over the printing social media platform at a testing period in our industry.

The chairman has often described our tenure as “a beacon of light at the end of a dark tuner”. It was therefore surprising to see such.

Because of my high esteem for the advisory chair, the next day I boarded a flight to Abuja, not giving in to the tiredness and stress of the past days and in the company of the 3rd Vice President, Comrade Babajide Salako and along with the other council members in Abuja visited him in his factory and pleaded with him to rescind his decision to resign.

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He assured us of his continuous support citing workload for the resignation and we are ever grateful for his numerous advises while chairing the advisory committee and wish him well in his future endeavors.

As the saying goes “In the multitude of counsels there is safety” In the coming days the leadership will be holding consultative meetings with major stakeholders across the country with the view of carrying everyone along, mending fences, forging stronger bonds, and building an enduring Institute.

Together we will make printing profitable again". The statement stated

SPECIAL REPORT ON WEBINAR

DCS HELD WEBINAR ON MAKING PRINT BUSINESS PROFITABLE AGAIN; HOW READY IS THE PRINTING INDUSTRY? by: Juliet Nnajiofor-Uyi

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he drive for a total restructuring of the Nigerian Printing Industry to a profitable sector is an advocacy campaign that has come to stay in the sector.

Recall that the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria recently launched an advocacy campaign programme titled: 'Let Nigeria Print Jobs Remain in Nigeria'. Several media publication were made on this campaign drive and DCS Integrated Media took the bull by its horn to keep the campaign alive with her flagship on "Making Print Business Profitable Again in Nigeria Webinar Series.

In an opening remarks by the program director and moderator of the first series of the Webinar on Making Print Business Profitable Again with the theme: 'Let Nigeria Print Jobs Remain in Nigeria', The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DCS Integrated Media Limited, Mr. Tunde Obokhai said: "I believe in this industry; I have educated myself enough to know what it requires to grow this industry. The purpose of this webinar is to support the initiatives of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers in Nigeria led by the President and Chairman-InCouncil, Mr. Olugbemi Malomo the proponent of this initiative, who set the ball rolling. He is doing an outstanding work in leading the council".

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M r. O b o k h a i s a i d : " A s a n organization, we thought on how to bring our vision to supporting and making Print business profitable again. We thought that by creating an opportunity for public discuss with the aim of ensuring that people understand the whole essence of making print jobs remain in Nigeria and how to motivate support to bring that into reality. We have written several articles on this subject to support the initiative of CIPPON on Printers Digest magazine and we said that we should go beyond our magazine; we should go into the social Media space and support this advocacy of ensuring Printing Jobs remain in Nigeria". He stated The support of local businesses has become very important and crucial particularly with the advent of COVID 19. Statistics has shown that 60% of whatever you spent patronizing any local business stays in that community". Mr. Obokhai said.

He added: "Today, we are looking at the subject of Making Print Business Remain in Nigeria with the special focus of how prepared are we? How prepared should one be before he can say, 'let's print Nigeria print jobs remain in Nigeria'? Are we ready in terms of technology? Are we ready in terms of capacity? Are we ready in terms of man power? In terms of funding? If we go through this

advocacy and we are unable to meet the needs of customers, then we might have failed at the end of the day. I don't want us to fail". He said Speaking at the Webinar, the President and Chairman-InCouncil of Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Mr. Olugbemi Malomo said: "Printing once upon a time was profitable. I remember particularly in 1986, I got a job for about N42,000 Naira, I made N22,000 Naira profit and that was enough to buy a land at Okoko Maiko area of Lagos State for N3,000 Naira, buy a good Tokunbo car and get decent accommodation and do many other things" .

Over the time, this changed. "We have come to a level that people are leaving printing to other profession. Printing is in danger of extinction and that was what motivated us to come up with a campaign to ensure that Nigeria printing jobs remain in Nigeria and printing becomes profitable again. if we want to grow our economy as a nation, we must increase patronage of businesses that are in our country and that's why you see some country introduces policies to ensure local businesses thrive and that goes a long way to support the creation of employment in order to ensure profitability of the business".

Malomo said.

SPECIAL REPORT ON WEBINAR

"Lot of people came into printing and there wasn't really any rule for printing. People were doing what they like and that affected the industry until in 2007, when some people pursued regulation and that got us the Chartered statues. For us to make print business profitable again, the first thing is to identify who a printer is through regulation, categorize through clusters to move towards making print business profitable again and lets continue with the advocacy of getting in government who is the biggest spender to patronize our local industry". Malomo emphasized.

banned the printing of security matters by foreign print companies in 2013 and how those foreign companies were expecting they fail but they did not and that has made company like ours and others to have the kind of capacity we have today".

"We must be solution providers to surpass the expectation of our customers and that is what is happening in every business today. Domestication of an industry will not necessarily push down prices like we are expecting but focusing on the quality of what we are offering, the quality of staff you have is what stands you out". He said.

The Managing Director of Heidelberg Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Ogilo emphasized on the urgent need to know why print jobs are taken out of the country.

"We cannot solve a problem without knowing the root cause. Also, we need to know the type of jobs taken overseas for printing that we cannot do in the country with the aim of trying to enumerate why those jobs really go out. Every business is driven by customer needs. To satisfy customers, you must have the right machines to meet their needs." He pointed out.

The Managing Director/CEO of FAE Limited and the chairperson of Printing Publishing & Allied group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Princess Layo Okeowo during the discussion called on the government to support the industry through strong policy that will ensure Nigeria print jobs remain in Nigeria.

Dr. Rotimi Oladele, an associate professor of entrepreneurship and retired Managing Director of Megavons West Africa stated that the industry must build structure to support the system if it has to take advantage of the outcome of ensuring that Print Jobs Remain in Nigeria. Capacity to support manpower, technology and investment alliances are key to achieving this objectives. Dr. Oladele said.

Dr. Oladele's words: " I am happy we are having two panelists that have spoken about financial expert but my question is what have we done with the bank?

What has the bank done with us? How many banks have printing and publishing desk? Nobody cares.

This is where we must begin to create more demands. We have the demand sources- our education, our commerce, our security and also our administration. The volume is high but we need competence, we need turnaround time, we need appropriate technology to do this if we must succeed and do printing for sustainability". He stated

The Managing Director/CEO of Afkar Printing and Publishing, Dr. Adesola Falaiye said Printing was at time profitable, what happened? what went wrong? o f c o u rs e w e h av e g o v e r n m e n t p o l i c i e s , infrastructure decline, corruptions, complication in running the business , human issues, etc all contributed to the decline in the profitability of the printing business. Now the question is, how ready are we? that's objective I want to talk from the point of the regulator- CIPPON, how ready are we as a body to make print business profitable again? I believe we should be able to resolve some issues as a collective body operating within this industry.

Training people in the business of managing printing businesses is key. I am not sure there is a department in school doing management of printing business.

What are the customers getting abroad that we are not giving them here? Customers satisfaction value matters a lot it's not just about profit and that comes back to training.

There should be a strategic innovation in terms of technology. they talked about leveraging on financial connection, technological connection, and all of that. Printing equipments are very expensive we have different experts that are not able to afford the technology to carry out their works. Can we talk to Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Superflux government for funding? CIPPON should support Nigeria, Mr. Gabriel Okonwo during his speech training of the professionals in the act of business encouraged businesses to take advantage of realities and that is important and crucial. that they find themselves. "When government 14A PRINTERS DIGEST

Interview

THE JOB OF BEING IN A COUNCIL IS NOT A TEA PARTY AN EXCERPT FROM THE ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH THE PRESIDENT OF CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL PRINTERS OF NIGERIA (CIPPON)

Q: Starting from the restructuring of the institute when you assumed office and how far you have come? How would you describe this journey?

A: We came in and it took us about three months before we could have access to the institute's account. Coronavirus pandemic came like one year, so practically speaking, we only had less than a year to work for a two-year tenure.

The second thing is that it was a pioneering effort because we started from scratch and we can't remove the human ego because everybody in the council feels that they are potential presidents and that is what happened when something is just been pioneered.

Some of the people in the council don't understand what council is all about but they see it as an opportunity where they are representing a particular region, so if anything wants to come from a region they are representing, it has to come through them and that resulted to a lot of skirmishes.

The job of being in a council particularly at the pioneer stage is not a tea party.

If you want to become a council member to add to your CV or to be a ceremonial council member, i have advice for you maybe you should wait for another 20 years when there will be a new structure but if you look at an institute like ICAN that has structure, the president is more of a ceremonial leader. The structure takes time to develop and for CIPPON, the 15A PRINTERS DIGEST

standard structure is not there yet. people, you develop a career. In We started with putting together a CIPPON, we play two different framework to guide us because no functions for the institute - the one puts a structure without advocacy and the business function. foundation.

We set up committees and some of the committees couldn't do anything. The painful aspect is the education committee which is paramount to us as an institute for members' training. When you train

The people in academia have the opinion that the institute is theirs and mind you, those people that got the chartered didn't study printing. They have their

Interview businesses and they want better business When we came in, they told us that they applied environment and thus their intentions of getting the twice for affiliate and the formal leadership turned charter statues. them down. So, we said to them , if you want to be They have entitlement mentality based on their course of study. We gave them the opportunity to build a vibrant curriculum for us but nothing was done. The institute was to have an Education Summit, unfortunately, we didn't get anything from them but I later realized that it was a ground conspiracy that they did not want to do anything, and am saying this with full sense of responsibility. The world is moving fast, if you don't move along you will be left behind . They asked us to pay them to put the curriculum together for the institute and that was one of the lowest points for me in these two years.

I am not a leader because I want to be popular, no!

Leadership should be able to confront issues and that was what we have done with CIPPON's framework and we have done the beat we think we could. Have we done well? I can't answer that, I will leave the public to judge that.

Q: Ok, let's talk about different advocacy programs of the institute, starting with “LET THE NIGERIA PRINT JOBS REMAIN IN NIGERIA” and we also know that there have been other advocacy programs A: The first advocacy we started with was institutional integrity. We are in an industry where we don't trust one another and like I said the industry did not hold the past leaders accountable so people do not see us as a serious set of people.

our affiliate, you have to obey your rules. If your rules said you can only be president for two years or three years, you have to before we can make you our affliate .I don't think there is anybody in the association executive that is in his 40s all of them are in their 60s. So, the question is how are you going to build the future?

And because of this, they started fighting us. We are the leaders of the institute today, people don't like me saying this, I have said it, all the same, I and my colleagues keep sleepless nights to see that this industry moves forward. The best things others can do is to line up and follow us and if you cannot follow us election is coming, contest and come on board to do this work, is as simple as that. So institutional integrity is key. Once we get that right and we have the foundation, we can build upon that foundation.

We know that we will certainly succeed.

Currently, we are part of the trust fund value chain, until we came in, the institute was not part of that group. We also connected ourselves with The Nigerian Copyright Commission.

We came up with an advocacy program of 32 pagesPriority for the printing industry and we got the recognition of the Ministry of Information and Culture and our advocacy of “LET NIGERIA PRINT JOBS REMAIN IN NIGERIA" that is very key because There are lot of associations leaders in the industry we believe that if all Nigerian jobs are printed in who since inception has been in the office for the Nigeria, a lot of printers will have jobs to do past 10 to 15 years. We cannot develop a profession The institute is the leading light of the industry. There in this manner. There is a particular body in the are things we can achieve together and some of us industry for an instant, for about 30 years, they only that are leaders are not there because we are looking for contracts but to make our industry better. have two presidents.

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Interview PRINTING HAS A CONTRIBUTION TO THE COUNTRY GDP, ELECTION WILL NOT FIX PAPER PROBLEM- VP CIPPON, ONUEGBULEM

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rinting paper remains a global commodity for all pick up because there are still restrictions on physical Printing Industry in the world. An asset every events. printer wants to purchase and take to the next level.

He emphasized that the current council has done Research has it on record that top notch executives better compared to the previous council, "Under my are trying their best to provide a lasting solution to supervision, we have an identified Office with the recent challenge of paper in the industry. training facilities which is still ongoing, in terms of membership, we have been able to organize printers, According to the second vice of Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, CIPPON, Sir John people now know that there is an institute that looks Onuegbulem stressed that COVID-19 really affected after the activities of printers, there is awareness. a lot of things.

“We are also trying to see how we can keep Nigeria jobs from going outside. He emphasized the need for "The paper business is a worldwide cartel, the cartels are the ones that fund the mill, unfortunately for Nigeria print jobs remain in Nigeria. We are also Nigeria, we have everything imported and that is the piracy especially with non-printers in the country. greatest problem of paper".

He stated that for CIPPON to function properly, Stakeholders must be ready to make things work, if He explained further that the paper business is bouncing back gradually; the printing industry you ask around how many printers actually belong to generally is affected by the COVID in almost all CIPPON, licensed, quite a few. segments, although there were some segments in it is easy to criticize the executives but these guys the industry that didn't shut down during the need money to work, without money, it is impossible, pandemic, the Signage industry, the packaging also money is made through subscriptions of sector, the farming industry and so on. members, a lot of printers haven't been registered, those that have been registered are not consistent Onuegbulem stated that COVID-19 has an effect on the economy; printing has a contribution to the with their payments nor renewals, Election is not the country's GDP. The commercial printers are yet to only thing to focus on, necessary inputs must be put in place to make work available for all.

SKYSAT PRINTING MACHINE WILL PROVIDE SOLUTIONS TO ALL BUSINESSES IN NIGERIA- RAMZI DEBS he Director at Skysat H e e x p l a i n e d f u r t h e r t h a t machines. We are promoting the Technologies Limited, Mr. production printing machine has solutions in Nigeria, He explained.

Ramzi Debs said: “the been replaced with C4065, C4070, demand for printers in Nigeria has and C4080 which are doing well in e n h a n c e d m y b u s i n e s s a s the printing market. customers are moving from ''Skysat and its team are launching smaller printing machines to more interesting products for larger ones for effective and packaging solutions, embellishing reliable workflow”. machines, Ink tank models to

T

He added that his company has launched new model machines which have drastically replaced the previous ones and satisfied customers demand rate.

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reduce the cost of printing in cooperate offices''.

We have a lot of solutions to offer to the market. We can see the growth increment in printing

Commentary & Analysis Despite 2021 Rebound, Print Equipment Market Faces Increased Competition Through 2020s, Smithers Data Finds - By John Nelson

A POST-COVID MARKETPLACE

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he experience of COVID-19 will accelerate trends that were already established pre2020. Most analog markets are forecast to decline at an increasing rate, and digital printing will increase its relative share of print output. There will be fewer unit sales, leaving OEMs selling fewer but more expensive machines, and creating an impetus to develop smart operations and value-adding customer services.

High-volume publications work—magazines, newspapers, catalogs, directories—have all continued to decline. This is affecting sales of analogue presses in particular. Overall sales of analog equipment will decline at a1.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for 2022–2026.

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Post-COVID print volumes are forecast to decline, and run lengths of whatever physical print orders remain will be shorter. This will strongly favor digital printing.

Inkjet and other press output will grow, partially through taking work from analog print lines and p a r t i a l l y t h ro u g h e n h a n c e d va r i a b l e i m a g i n g c a p a b i l i t y creating new markets.

for the printed output of their presses declines. The effects of the pandemic have brought this decline into sharp focus and it is not clear whether companies affected worst can shed cost fast enough. In response to this threat, nearly all analog OEMs are investing in greater on-press automation to improve responsiveness and turnaround.

F o r p o s t- p u r c h a s e s e r v i c e support, many machines are now sold already linked into a protoi n d u st r y 4 . 0 p l at fo r m w i t h multiple sensors providing realtime monitoring. These can be used to improve press performance, and schedule Analog Technology maintenance intelligently. To Offset equipment manufacturers serve existing customers the same have been badly hit as the demand technology is also be sold as a The only major analog print process that will resist this downward trend is flexo, mainly due to its popularity in longer-run packaging and labels; flexo sales will increase at a +0.9% CAGR for the same period.

retrofit option.

2021–2026 there will be more scrutiny on the cost of consumables as these are magnified when print service providers move onto longer print runs.

Hardware vendors will be pressured to review their pricing strategies if they are to be successful in selling systems into higher-volume print markets.

Automation, including quicker plate engraving and change over, helps to address another issue: the shortage of skilled analog press operators. With fewer manual steps, press uptimes are increasing, and print rooms can operate with fewer highly skilled Selling in an Online World staff.

Many analog OEMs are pursing this as part of a twintrack strategy, where they are simultaneously developing their own digital print options—either fully inkjet or hybrid. This involves cooperation with existing inkjet technology suppliers, but analog press builders can enhance this with their knowledge of media handling and finishing systems, with some new models designed directly inside existing flexo or offset architecture.

A Digital Future Inkjet will see the highest growth rate across 2021–2026, as handling and print quality continue to improve. Inkjet users will benefit from access to more high-productivity machines now entering the market. Dwindling needs for flatbed wide-format machines means the installed base of inkjet machines overall will be static across 2022–2026, h o w e v e r. I n c o n t r a s t , t h e n u m b e r o f electrophotography presses in operation will rise.

With drupa and other print shows cancelled, OEMs have moved to more online sales channels to promote their latest equipment. This is also dovetailing with the increased demand from users for more immediate and smart post-sales support.

With only limited participation at the rescheduled drupa 2021, the pre-existing four-year development cycle culminating in the launch of new presses at the Dusseldorf event has now been broken. Even though drupa will return in 2024, times have changed with more sales pitches, demonstrations, and user conferences happening online. For further realworld engagement, OEM sales and marketing teams will instead target smaller more specialist exhibitions.

Regional Shifts Overall, countries in East Asia have been best managing the spread of the pandemic. This means they have led the recovery from the pandemic, with China almost unique among major economies in recording positive economic growth for 2020. This is creating a new focus for press sales into Asia in H1 2021, which aligns with the broader trend for 2021–2026. In contrast, sales in Japan fell by -2.9% CAGR in the five years to 2021, but with a regional share of 23% by value, is still Asia's second largest print equipment market.

It will take over some work from analog in graphics and some publications work, including books and short-run marketing media, but the major boom markets are in packaging. Labels has been the initial entry point for many digital print OEMs, who are seeing the future road to success in diversification.

This includes both adaptation of narrow-web presses to print on an array of flexible packaging media and dedicated models for print on cartonboard and Asia will remain the largest regional market corrugated substrates representing 38.3% of all new press sales in 2026, as Bespoke e-commerce packs are one segment that well as a thriving market for second-hand has boomed across the past 18 months. Sales in this equipment. Across the same period to 2026, channel will continue to grow, creating a market for Western Europe's sales will decline by -0.5% CAGR, sales of smaller presses for installation and in-house while in Eastern Europe sales will fall by a-2.2% CAGR. The outlook for North America is more positive. printing with larger e-commerce sellers.

For OEMs, sales of proprietary inks to its inkjet Smithers forecasts growth at a +0.9% CAGR for the operators are an important revenue stream. Through same period. Latin America will shadow this with +0.7% CAGR forecast 19A PRINTERS DIGEST

90 percent of your personality is reflected in your choice of shoes.

WHAT YOUR SHOES SAY ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

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hoes, you see, will make or break your outfit.

You probably didn't notice it or realize but your choice of footwear goes beyond your sense of style, they reveal so much about your business and send out either the positive or negative signals about you and your business.

you need to rethink your choice. It used to be that your socks should match whichever was darker between your hem or your shoes but now socks are the style statement that ties used to be. If attending a cocktail function or black-tie event, look for dark shoes that are highly polished.

For women, open-toed sandals can often look wrong with business dresses, so you need to choose your shoes wisely. Avoid anything too strappy and go for a substantial heel.

You also need to invest in a pedicure if wearing these as no one wants to see ugly, calloused feet at the office. If you can't wear a heel, make sure your flat shoes have a business-like look to them. Definitely avoid heavy orthotic shoes for work. Choose a patent loafer over a ballet flat or flat sandal and unless you work in a very relaxed office, leave the trainers for the weekend.

They convey a thin but useful slice of information about the wearer. Although shoes aren't usually the first thing that others judge about you, it is at the top of the list of things that can reveal much about who you are.

Your shoes will show others who you are. Scruffy shoes will suggest you are lazy and do not care, “comfortable” shoes are often worn by those who score highly for being practical and pragmatic.

Vertiginous heels suggest you are comfortable with who you are and, providing you can walk with purpose in them, can be quite intimidating.

There's a few rules of style with shoes when it comes to matching them to your outfit.

For men, a belt and shoes should match when wearing a business dress. Lace-up shoes are smarter than slip-ons, as are shoes with leather soles.

If you can imagine a school boy wearing your shoes, 20A PRINTERS DIGEST

BRANDING DIGEST

STEVE BABAEKO EMERGES “CREATIVE PERSONALITY OF THE DECADE” AS GOV. SANWO-OLU PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY mounted the Cannes Advertising Festival global stage in France to delivered a keynote with focus on “Telling the Authentic African Story”.

STEVE BABAEKO

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It is also noteworthy that the X3M Ideas also emerged winner the “Outstanding Creative Agency o f t h e Ye a r ” a t t h e e v e n t .

Underscoring the feats recorded by the industry winning international laurels and thereby drawing the global attention to Lagos, the governor who also won the “Political Brand Personality of the Year” at the event, acknowledged that year-on-year, our creatives harvest laurels from international festivals around the world because our industry is fully developed to lend its resources to the imaginations of 'creative rebels' like Steve Babaeko, Lanre Adisa, Kelechi Nwosu and Israel Jaiye Opayemi, who lead a generation of fertile minds to create exciting campaigns that put our country on the global map, he explained, while reiterating the growing importance of the industry.

teve Babaeko, Chief Creativity Officer /CEO, X3M Ideas and President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) has emerged the Outstanding Creative Personality of the Decade at the just concluded 8th edition of the Marketing Edge Marketing Excellence Awards, just as the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised his further support for The self-proclaimed 'Marketing Industry advocate' added, “I am committed to its continued growth”, the creative and marketing industry. pointing out, “that is the reason we are building a resilient and livable City that you and your clients will The grand marketing event which held last Friday in Lagos at the Podium Centre which also featured the someday be proud of.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted, “the infrastructure we are creating are gradually giving you the scenic settings you require for great Television Commercials that can earn more prestigious laurels from across the world”, revealing further that when his administration was crafting the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, the Creative Industry and the Technology sector are Steve was in 2019 selected by Adweek's as one of the some of the sectors the government had in mind at global Creative 100 otherwise known as “Most the conception of our Fibre Optic Project.

Fascinating People in Marketing, Media and Culture for the Year” while in June same year, Steve was “With the laying of 6000 km of Fibre Metro Network hosted by the organizers of the prestigious Cannes across Lagos, our government is surely giving your Lions Advertising Festival as the AAAN President operations the needed leg to show up at the governor, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Lagos State brand, and self appointed brand advocate of the marketing industry, is another feather to Babaeko's stars studded hat and another testimonial that AAAN has a round peg in a round hole as president.

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BRANDING DIGEST

appropriate places at the right time”.

The governor also confirmed his administration's readiness to support the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards. “Since our name is involved, we will provide the support to make it greater than ever before”, he promised while imploring all to begin to use the platform of LAIF and similar initiatives to draw the attention of the world to Destination Lagos.

Speaking on the event, the AAAN President said that the industry in general is encouraged as the governor's statements and expression of confidence on the industry.

“I see the Governor as being altruistic in his promises and pledge to support the industry and our programmes and to also recommend our services to

his colleagues in the governors' forum and the federal government as a huge morale booster”.

Babaeko promised that in line with Gov. Sanwo-Olu's request, industry players under the aegis of AAAN and the clients will continue to support the Lagos state vision by using their professional know-how to continue to showcase the state to the world for the right reasons.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Publisher/CEO, Marketing Edge Publications, Mr. John Ajayi explained that this year's award is one with a special attraction and uniqueness as “it was organically planned and designed to reboot, re-start and reenergize the social, intellectual and entrepreneurial landscape of the Nigerian IMC. We are particularly excited to organize this award event to celebrate some of the best and brightest in our industry”.

NBC, COCA-COLA PRESENT START-UP EQUIPMENT TO VULNERABLE NIGERIANS

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n furtherance of its efforts to support communities and governments to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, The Coca-Cola System in Nigeria, comprising Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) and Coca-Cola Nigeria Ltd, has donated business start-up equipment to women and youths in communities in Aba, Abia State and Port Harcourt in Rivers under its post COVID-19 community interventions.

The beneficiaries, who had earlier been trained by a local NGO, Genius Hub, on behalf of the CocaCola System, received shoe-making and tailoring impactful interventions, implemented the program equipment to start their businesses and begin their with funds from The Coca-Cola Foundation. journey to self-reliance.

The beneficiaries, who beamed with smiles while receiving the equipment, expressed gratitude to the The Coca-Cola System, which has always supported its stakeholders and communities with positive and Coca-Cola System, noting that the gesture would 22A PRINTERS DIGEST

BRANDING DIGEST

improve their economic status.

“I am very grateful for this sewing machine and other fashion designing equipment given to me, and I want to thank you, Nigerian Bottling Company and CocaCola Nigeria. You have not only given us fish, but you have also taught us how to fish,” one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Gift Ejike, said.

Another beneficiary and a community leader, Elder Azubuike Erondu, also commended the NBC and Coca-Cola Nigeria for the intervention, describing it as a more sustainable approach to helping communities overcome the economic disruptions caused by the pandemic. “ The NBC and Coca-Cola Nigeria have done excellently well for us, and we are grateful. This is a timely intervention, especially for people who are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. The pandemic affected businesses and brought untold hardship on many people. But through this intervention, we have gained valuable skills and received start-up equipment and support to launch our businesses and create value,” Erondu said.

According to the Director of Public Affairs and Communications, NBC, Ekuma Eze, the intervention, tagged 'Making a Difference', 'was a continuation of the Coca-Cola System's support for Nigerians adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

implementing partner, Genius Hub, for the diligent execution of the program and reiterated the System's commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.

Also speaking, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, said: “Without a doubt, entrepreneurship remains a veritable tool to promote economic empowerment and build a sustainable economy for the benefit of us all. This is why, for the past 70 years, we have remained committed to continually unlock new vistas of opportunities for our people and communities to thrive. “

The 'Making a Difference' program is the latest COVID-19 and post-pandemic intervention by the Coca-Cola System in Nigeria. The company launched a food relief intervention to support vulnerable households in the wake of the pandemic. The System also donated over 13 million centilitres of its beverages, including Eva premium table water and soft drinks, to provide hydration and nourishment for “We also recognise the critical role and contributions patients and healthcare workers at Isolation and of the micro, small, and medium enterprises Treatment Centres across different states in the (MSMEs) sector to the Nigerian economy. Therefore, country. this intervention will not only lift the beneficiaries out of their present predicament, but it also presents Besides, both companies also supported the Federal an important avenue to stimulate the growth of this Ministry of Health and NCDC to develop risk communication materials to complement the important sector. government's public education and mobilisation Ekuma, who assured that the equipment grant was a initiatives in the fight against the Coronavirus precursor to many more rewarding programs to outbreak. support host communities, commended its Source: Brandessence “We are witnesses to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially to families, small businesses, artisans and other vulnerable Nigerians.

As a responsible organisation committed to the growth of our communities, we believe this initiative will support and empower vulnerable people in our communities to regain their feet post-pandemic.”

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PAPER MILLS REVITALIZATION WILL SOLVE 70% OF NIGERIAN PRINTING INDUSTRY CHALLENGES by: Juliet Nnajiofor-Uyi

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eavy dependence on the importation of paper in Nigeria has remained a major challenge facing the Nigeria printing Industry.

No doubt paper remains the number one global commodity for printers and for Nigerian printers who depend heavily on importation have more sour stories to tell on the negative impact of this dependence on their businesses.

It is no longer news that printers have continue to lament on this challenge but what is news is that stakeholders have taken it upon themselves to continue this call until the government strictly executive favourable policies that will ameliorate their sufferings as businessmen and women under the print value chain.

countries patronage has gradually become a shade of itself requiring a bailout. The sector is almost comatose forcing local paper consumers to depend on importation. As a result, the cost factor for paperbased productions has remained on the rise, forcing a scale down in activities locally.

At its peak, there were three vibrant paper mills oiling the paper needs for the sector -Nigeria National Paper Manufacturing Company Limited, Iwopin, Ogun State, for production of Bond paper; Nigeria Paper Mills, Jebba, Kwara State to produce Kraft Paper, and the Nigeria Newsprint Manufacturing Company Limited, Oku- Iboku in Akwa-Ibom, State to produce Newsprint.

The mills were established to curb importation of Many practitioners have said that the business of papers thereby helping to save foreign exchange and printing is in danger of extinction if drastic measures also bring down the cost of paper-based educational are not taken to address the paper challenge and materials. other related issues as it concerns the growth and Also, through the late 19th century to the early 20th development of this sector. century, Nigerian newspapers leveraged effectively The once vibrant industry that enjoyed neighbouring from availability of newsprint to play a politically 24A PRINTERS DIGEST

progressive role in public life. They were instrumental to the grant of political independence The meeting was a wake-up call to all stakeholders in and also in the pursuit of economic emancipation. the paper industry, Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, printing practitioners and investors to Through their publications, they were able to raise proffer a lasting solutions to the continuous rise in the socio-political and economic consciousness of price of paper on daily basis which according to Nigerians thereby preparing them for self- practitioners is about to shut the doors of print independence. Research has shown that the Sunday business in Nigeria if urgent attention is not given to Times from the stable of the Daily Times had once their plea circulated a million copies in a single edition The program was an avenue for dialogue between These were aside the source of employment creation paper merchants and printers. Major printers and and value generation for which the paper sector importers aired their views on the challenges they generally was known. Today, the once vibrant sector face with paper and their customers. has become a shadow of itself requiring a bailout.

The sector is almost comatose forcing local paper During the speech presentation of the President of consumers to depend on importation. the Institute, Mr. Olugbemi Malomo said that the Lamenting, a Lagos state based printer- Mr Akinbade current Council organised the meeting in order to Kolawole said that paper prices has gone up drastically. "We are in between the paper merchants solve the common problem of escalating paper cost and the end users of papers. Forex accessibility, port that affects every print practitioner in Nigeria. congestion, exchange rate, import duty and more are some of the major challenges affecting paper price. According to him, if for any reason, anything Forex is the most critical part of these challenges. Can happens to paper, printers will be out of business. we put pressure on the government to solve this "Without printers, there would not be any need to issue? He asked sell paper. This is symbiotic to maintain". He said.

Akinbade further stated that the increase on the price is making the industry to be at the mercy of paper merchant cabals who hike price almost every day without considering the negative impact it has on their businesses as printers they cost jobs for clients and wait for approval before executing the jobs.

"Whatever we are printing is at risk. We now have alternatives, if the price is not reasonable I see no reason doing print business in this country". He stated.

Another printer, David Henry stressed that; "We have deliberated so much on paper, the paper merchants are accused of insensitivity of price and extortion. They are our small gods who give us price and we have no option than to buy from them. If the professional printers are selling off their machines, then, there will not be paper to sell, we demand for a meeting point".

Abayomi Ajayi added that small business scale In a bid to identify and proffer solutions to the printers are the worst hit by the price as they had to continuous hike in paper price, the Chartered deal small and medium scale clients and at the end of Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria ( CIPPON) the day, they do not get enough return from their businesses. had severally organised meetings involving Major Paper Merchants in Nigeria to dialogue on the cause Responding to Printers complain, Lady Lizzy Ikenua of incessant paper price hike and the way forward of Kerie Dee Limited, major importer of paper fact-finding and consultative meeting.

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explained that without printers, her company will not be in business. According to her, the major problem affecting paper merchants is quoting an initial price which automatically changes with new paper price and most times, we the merchants are at lost.

"Accessing Forex from our end is appalling. It is not an intentional practice, the increment is not from our end. Most times you realise you are selling at a lost after quoting a price, the situation is horrible". She stated Mr Obisesian Gbenga of Starbeint limited said that the challenges faced are common among all practitioners, not just between paper merchants and the printers but all practitioners under the value chain of printing. "Forex rate is a major ache for printers. Some of our machines were brought from abroad with the use of forex. We don't have control over forex which delays our transaction, and the Central Bank of Nigeria is not helping matters as they increase dollar rate almost every day" He said

employment opportunities to the unemployed among us. He said "The new competition now is collaboration. We need to work hand in hand for the progress of Paper Price in Nigeria". Malomo said Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of Pulp, Paper & Wood at the Industrial Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Ajayi-Ade Olumuyiwa said: "The increment of paper price is a major concern to us. We are working on special intervention fund for paper sector which will be accessible for all and we guarantee that this will be implemented". She stated.

A representative of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and The Chairperson of the Printing, Publishing and Allied Group of LCCI Princes Layo Okeowo stated that the way out of the present

"I am a marketer of news print, bulk paper, hard paper of all brands. I Import this commodities. In China, there is no place to store your goods in the container before exporting down to Nigeria. I bought a five container items and was told by my supplier that I can't push in the whole five, I was able to bring in just two which means the remaining three goes back to the local markets. We are facing challenges that printers are not aware of, the Nigeria custom is another issue we have to deal with. Obisesian said Proffering solutions to the challenges facing the industry, the president of CIPPON, Mr. Malomo stated that the institute is working on a short and long term solution to paper challenge in Nigeria.

"We will not allow our neighbouring country Ghana to take our business from us. The production of paper mill should be adopted in our country. It is our duty to ensure security of lives and properties through the creation of employment opportunities and CIPPON is working hard to develop the printing business in Nigeria in order to develop capacity and aid 26A PRINTERS DIGEST

paper crises was for stakeholders to come together under a cluster of investors to establish paper mills specific to different needs in the market. “We can have a papermill by forming clusters of $5million investment. We have so many species that can be developed like the jute mallow plant leaves or sugar cane to make paper. Paper mill is a goldmine ready to be tapped” She stated.

EVENT

PHOTO NEWS AT PRINTERS NATIONAL PRINTERS CONFERENCE 2021

2nd left MD superflux Nigeria Mr. Gabriel Okonkwo, CIPPON PresidentMr. Olugbemi Malomo and Mr. Babs Fashanu

CIPPON Members -Mr. Sam Odimayo, Dr. Daniel Itanyi and MD of Superflux Gabriel Okonkwo

Eloho Gideon and Canal Member

NUPPPPROW National President- Comrade John Ushie

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CIPPON Council Member Mr. Niyi Adesoye, Federal Government Printer Mr. Ittu Tommy Ittu, Babs Fashanu and Clement Koko

PHOTO NEWS AT PRINTERS NATIONAL PRINTERS CONFERENCE 2021

Exhibition Ground

Mr. Malomo and Babs Fashanu

Showcase of Adire Prints

CIPPON Secretary-Mr. Akin Oduwole

Panel of discussants

Showcase of Adire Prints 28A PRINTERS DIGEST

paperboard boxes and PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING MARKET t e m p e r a t u r e - c o n t r o l l e d aceutical VALUE TO REACH US$ 191.21 BN BY 2027 pp aacckkaaggi ni ng .g Pphraor m ducts are manufactured using a variety of raw materials that include paper & paperboards, plastics & polymers, aluminum foil, glass, and others.

Primary packaging products are made using materials for example glass, plastics & polymers, and aluminum foil.

Growth Factors

ccording to Precedence Research, the global pharmaceutical packaging market value was estimated at US$ 98.83 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach US$ 191.21 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 8.6% from 2020 to 2027.

The report contains 250+ pages with detailed analysis.

A

The report provides the overall revenue of the global pharmaceutical packaging market from 2016 to 2027, considering 2020 as the base year and 2027 as the forecast year. The study includes drivers and restraints of this global market. It offers a thorough analysis of the market revenue status, growth, future trends, and forecast of the global pharmaceutical packaging market for the period from 2016 to 2027.

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Pharmaceutical packaging is commonly defined as the packaging materials used for the packaging of pharmaceutical products. These materials are manufactured using drugcompatible materials that provide identification, protection, as well as ensure the reliability of the enclosed drug. Primary and secondary solutions of packaging are largely used to protect the enclosed product from biological, chemical, mechanical, and climatic hazards.

Growing pharmaceutical industry especially in the developing countries because of high spending on healthcare infrastructure growth along with rising health awareness in the countries expected to prominently drive the market growth. Further, increasing demand for patientoriented drugs and medicines is the other most important factor that triggers the demand for pharmaceutical packaging solution.

Demographic trends that include rising population along with rapid aging of population expected to fuel the requirement for pharmaceutical products, thereby propels the growth for pharmaceutical packaging solution over the analysis period.

In addition, increasing demand for generic drugs because of their affordability along with development of new drugs further projected to drive the market g ro w t h fo r p h a r m a c e u t i c a l packaging during the forthcoming years.

Blisters, bottles, caps & closures, labels & accessories, pouches & strip packs, pre-filled syringes, vials, pre-filled inhalers, jars & canisters, ampoules medication tubes, and cartridges are part of the primary packaging product segment. However, secondary Various packing solutions used for packaging solutions include pharmaceuticals effectively

prevent the contamination as well as they offer drug safety along with the convenience in transportation and handling. Hence, pharmaceutical packaging is required for balancing several complex factors. Apart from this, high cost of these packaging solutions due to anti-counterfeiting efforts and stringent regulations is likely to hamper the market growth.

Thus, rising packaging costs is one of the major challenges faced by the manufacturers of pharmaceutical packaging solutions.

Regional Snapshots North America is commonly known for the technological advancements along with product innovations that motivate drug manufacturers to offer advanced packaging solutions within the pharmaceutical industry. Major factors contributing towards the growth of the region include advancement in nanotechnology used for manufacturing processes coupled with the technological innovation, rising demand for blister packaging and drug delivery devices, to the pharmaceutical packaging market.

The United States anticipated being the largest pharmaceutical packaging market in North America because of its advanced drug production facility that commercializes new and sophisticated therapies that require specialized packaging solutions. However, the Asia Pacific expected to grow at a prominent rate over the analysis period owing to rising health awareness and disposable income in the region.

Report Highlights North America led the global market and account for a value share of around 38% in 2019 due to significant presence of leading pharmaceutical players in the region The Asia Pacific projected to witness the fastest growth rate of nearly 12% over the forthcoming years owing to rapidly increasing population along with steady economic growth in the region Primary pharmaceutical packaging product segment captured the maximum value share of nearly 75% and projected to retain its position over the analysis period The secondary product segment projected to witness

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a CAGR of approximately 7.5% over the forecast period owing to significant usage in logistics &transportation In 2019, pharmaceutical manufacturing held the largest revenue share of around 36% and projected to maintain the same trend over the forthcoming years due to increasing demand for better medical facilities Increasing preference for outsourcing service rather than investing on the establishment of packaging infrastructure projected to propel the growth of contract packaging segment Key Players & Strategies The global leaders in the pharmaceutical packaging industry are present on both regional and local level that turns the market into fragmented. Further, these market players are focusing prominently on the product development and enhancement. In the wake of same, they invest significantly on the R&D sector. This strategy of the leading industry participants also helps them to maintain their position as well as to grab maximum hold on the global market.

Some of the key players operating in the market are Becton, Dickinson and Company, Amcor Plc, AptarGroup, Inc., Gerresheimer AG, Drug Plastics Group, Schott AG, West Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Owens Illinois Inc., Berry Global, Inc, SGD S.A., WestRock Company, International Paper Company, CCL Industries Inc., COMAR LLC, and Vetter Pharma International among others.

NIBF SETS TO INTRODUCE AWARDS TO DRIVE MORE PARTICIPATION

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he Chairman of the Nigerian Book Fair Trust (NBFT), Gbadega Adedapo at a press conference said the body will introduce series of awards for the members of constituent bodies under categories such as

Chairman of NBFT-Gbadega Adedapo the Best Author, Best Book Seller, Best Literary Work, Best Printer, Best Librarian and Best Publisher. "This we believe will drive more participation…The selection criteria and the Award Committee would be unfolded soonest.” He said The NIBF is organized by stakeholders in the book ecosystem such as the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council(NERDC), Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Booksellers Association of Nigeria (BAN), Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Nigerian Library Association (NLA), Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Reproduction Right Society of Nigeria (REPRONIG) and National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS). According to the Chairman, the main objective of the fair is to promote the reading culture of Nigerians as well as other Africans.

Explaining the rationale behind the integration of the virtual platform, Adedapo said: “In spite of the ups and downs that the world has been witnessing over a year now due to the COVID-19, all is now set to organize the 20th edition of Nigeria International Book Fair. The last one year has made us realize that any enterprise without online presence will die naturally. As a trust, we embraced the new normal as this year's book fair is hybrid in nature; a hybrid experience- physical and virtual participation.” He 4B

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stated.

Speaking on the programmes of events, the Chairman revealed that “The programmes for the book fair were carefully put together to harmonize the interest of women, discuss the strategies to empower women in the book value-chain for the benefits of all and sundry.” He said One of the board of trustee, Mrs. Ronke Orimalade, who spoke on the theme: Awakening the Giant in Women for the Growth of the Book Ecosystem justified the theme of the event, saying: “Women have been in the forefront of bookselling over the years. Even in those days, many women did a lot to promote the sales of educational books. Those who were not educated knew the colours of the prescribed books for the various classes and used that knowledge to get the books to the market place.” She said The latest directory of constituent members of the NIBF by the Booksellers Association of Nigeria and the Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA), Dr. Wale Okediran's newest

NIGERIA TO PARTNER WITH BITT INC TO LAUNCH 'ENAIRA' DIGITAL CURRENCY

The Central Bank announced plans to launch its own digital currency later this year after Nigeria barred banks and financial institutions from dealing in or facilitating transactions in cryptocurrencies in February.

Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele said the eNaira would operate as a wallet against which customers can hold existing funds in their bank account. In a recent statement, Emefiele said the

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he Central Bank of Nigeria has said it will work with Bitt Inc as a technical partner in its bid to launch its own cryptocurrency, the "eNaira",.

currency would accelerate financial inclusion and enable cheaper and faster remittance inflows.

FG BORROWS SENSIBLY, RESPONSIBLY -FINANCE MINISTER

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he Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, has said that the borrowing level for Nigeria is still at 23 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), adding that government borrowing is sensible and responsible.

She explained that the government was borrowing to invest in critical infrastructure like: power, water, roads and rails required to enhance business productivity in the country.

According to her, the government is borrowing with a very close consideration to the sustainability of the borrowing. "The borrowing level for Nigeria today is still 23 percent of the GDP. I have said it several times that the problem we have in Nigeria is that of revenue and when you look at the country that are within the peer group with Nigeria, there are some that had 50 per cent growth that are now at about 70 per cent growth.

“We are at 53 despite the escalated borrowing we had to deal with in 2020 also in 2021 to get a good grip on the economic situation that was occasioned

by COVID-19 pandemic and in our case due to the crash in crude oil price.

“We are borrowing sensibly we are also borrowing to invest in critical infrastructure like power, water,

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roads and rails which are investments that are required to enhance business productivity in the country today.

“These businesses will grow, they will not only pay taxes, they will also employ people. If we don't do this, we will regress even from where we are today.

It is a necessary investment so we are borrowing responsibly.

“We are making sure what we are borrowing is applying to major infrastructure that will return revenue in the near future” she explained.

MENTAL HEALTH WHAT PRINTERS SHOULD KNOW

people who have mental struggles to feel less alone in this world and inspire them to find peace within themselves and seek solutions as early as possible.

Mental Wellness is a serious business that every business conscious individual should pay adequate attention to.

According to the World Health Organization, mental wellness is defined as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

To boost your mental health, focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables along with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Dark green leafy vegetables in particular are brain protective. Nuts, seeds, and legumes, such as beans and lentils, are he adage that says: "Health does not always also excellent brain foods. come from medicine. Most of the time, it comes from peace of mind, peace in the heart, peace in the Sometimes, stress and depression are severe and soul. It comes from laughter and love." Unknown can't be managed alone. For some, eating disorders develop. If you find it hard to control your eating author habits, whether you're eating too much or too little, This adage can best describe the importance of your health may be in jeopardy. If this is the case, you Mental Wellness. According to the late American should seek professional counseling. Asking for help is poet, memoirist, and actress Maya Angelou, she said, never a sign of weakness or failure, especially in "You may not control all the events that happen to situations too difficult to handle alone. you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them".

Proven Ways to Achieve Mental Wellness The symptoms of internal struggles are not always visible. Anyone might be having personal difficulties Get plenty of sleep. Adults should get as close to 8 without making their suffering obvious to everyone hours of sleep per night as they can. Although every and our society often attaches a negative stigma to individual's body differs sleep is essential for learning individuals with these kinds of issues, believing that it is shameful to talk about them. However, this is not true. A lot of people struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These problems are not always openly discussed in society, but it is important to talk about them since they can affect people just as much as physical diseases.

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Our selection of mental health awareness is to help

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and improving daily productivity.

recharge.

Stop to enjoy small aspects of the day. Enjoying the small things may seem cliché but it is important to personal contentment. Try taking a walk on your break at work to appreciate the beauty in nature.

Use a stress ball or some other stress reliever. The way we handle stress directly affects our health. A common method to deal with stress is a stress ball.

Just squeeze the frustrations away!

Perform a random act of kindness. Helping others volunteering or simply doing one random act of kindness can improve self-esteem. Self-esteem improves mental wellness in a variety of ways including a self-empowering sense of social connectivity.

Yoga. Yoga is a fantastic tool for reducing anxiety and depression. It modulates stress response systems."

Although some forms of yoga may be too strenuous but in general offers great mental and physical wellness benefits.

Pet a dog. Dogs provide emotional support by providing companionship to individuals. Simply petting a dog every day can improve one's mental health.

Exercise. Exercise contributes to cardiovascular health. Improved cardiovascular health leads to better emotional stability and reduced anxiety.

Deep breathing exercise- This exercise can lower your heart rate blood pressure and breathing rate.

This subsequently allows your body and mind to

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Eat breakfast. A lack of nutrition can lead to fogginess in brain function. Ensure you eat nutritious breakfast daily to help your mental wellness Although these activities do not serve as a "cure" for mental disorders they are helpful and important for maintaining good mental health. Always remember that some mental issues can be serious - so always seek help from your physician or a professional

AN INDUSTRY THAT IS ALWAYS A STEP AHEAD.

By Akin Oduwole, CEO @ Technology Global Services

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oming from the Information Te c hnology (I T ) se c tor, agreeing to a salary that turned out to be one third of what I was earning, it was as if all sense of logic was lost. Preparing for my interview at one of the biggest printing machine manufacturing companies in the world brought out the research part of me, I studied an industry that wasn't only a service industry but could also double as manufacturing depending on how you look at it. I checked out cost of the printing equipment and what was termed medium was more expensive than the high end servers and applications (hardware and software) that we deployed in those big banks or educational institutions in my field engineering 8B

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life in the IT world. I knew I was coming to learn, I knew I was coming to pioneer. So researching all that was researchable about printing became my way of life.

In the 18th century guinea pigs began to be used by medical researchers as laboratory animals because they have many biological similarities to humans, thus the origin of the phrase 'being a guinea pig' . So I knew I was going to become a guinea pig for an industry that was full of potential which many foreigners reaped in the area of equipment sales and after sales support. Ask the big printers of the years pre-2000 to understand how much they spent on bringing in engineers to maintain their printing machines.

My journey started by getting the required training, I remember when I was applying for a printing professional status and I attached over a dozen certificates and asked if they wanted more, I was told “No thanks” in the most sarcastic manner I have ever heard in my small life. Learning is key to succeed in this industry that is always a step ahead.

For those asking if learning alone is enough, remember the quote “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

That was Benjamin Franklin speaking, I didn't think training was enough, I had to move to the place of applying what was learnt. You won't understand my predicament till you understand that there was no Nigerian Prepress Engineer

before me, I depended on friends, trainers, entirely bunch of resource people abroad. My first truest shock was when I had a particular problem and was on the phone with my second level support guys who said “Akin, sorry we have never seen such problem and as a matter of fact from our design such can NEVER happen“, yet I was sitting in front of a machine exhibiting the problem. Pioneering spirit isn't for conquering the world but for improving the quality of life!

Shortly before this we had to live with a tedious way of making a postscript file from our designs before it ca n b e s e nt t h ro u g h a n i m a ge s ette r, t h e manufacturers don't design using Corel draw so they cared less about how we got by, understanding how we can create postscript drivers to ease our operators stress of sending Corel draw files to our imagesetters became imperative, we learnt by solving our own unique problems. Getting a few break throughs did very well in my confidence building stage of working in a field where only foreigners played at that time, to be honest this “poor black boy” needed all the confidence.

Fast forward to today, I have learnt the hard way that when I see a problem that the manufacturer of an equipment hasn't seen before it will most likely be linked to two major things – Our temperature/ humidity or our source of power supply. That particular problem turned out to be caused by the frequency generated from the customers generating set, when you are left to figure out your problem you will think of everything and ask every possible questions, the generator guys had come for servicing and have ramped up the revolution because there was a complain that the gen loses power when some equipment come on, this action in turn has increased the frequency. In Nigeria we run with 50Hz with really steep tolerance, my international resource person was right he had never seen such a problem before, he has never had to install any equipment powered by a generating set.

Brain Roberts was right when he said “Pioneers are the ones who get the arrow in their back”. Should I start to show the wound of arrows in my back on

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being a part of installing the first Direct Imaging (DI), I mean the real DI and not the digital machines we call DI in Nigeria today, I had to join the team because the mechanical and electrical guys needed someone who understood operating systems and applications that this industry that is always a step ahead had incorporated within that purely mechanical press. Indeed the story of hybrid printing “no be today” as the concept of DI was to merge prepress and press in one technology. Or is it the wounds of when I personally installed the first Computer to Plate (CTP), or leading and bringing up to speed the loads of engineers now in the industry who have become bigger and even more experienced and knowledgeable than me in their various rights? Or should I speak about introducing some cutting edge technology like the chemistry free technology that eliminated all chemical waste and turned a polluted prepress room “green” and healthy? Or is it the pioneering, and deploying a dedicated CTP for the newspaper sector? Knowing fully well that the newspaper business is not structured like its commercial counterpart, because they sell perishable goods, newspapers not on the news stand by 6 a.m. will be useless, hence they needed a CTP that could meet up with that specific need. I must say it was intriguing to install the fastest newspaper CTP in Africa, a 150 plates per hour CTP was a big deal 13 years ago. Time will however not permit me to look at direct to garment (DtG), and its story of the good, the bad and the ugly or the introduction of textile printing equipment and the improvements that came with such, also hopefully I will one day have some opportunity to talk about our most recent partnership with ESKO – a company with integrated solutions for the flexography printing sector…

As the world started coming out of the shock that the COVID-19 pandemic brought, there was big confusion everywhere, I remember making some predictions and one was that Nigerian engineers should brace up, I urged them to bring all they have learnt globally to our local level and help use engineering to start solving difficult problems, one clear example was that I said they must start looking

at how inkjet large format machines can be converted to print textile, which means positioning a business that was tied to events (lifestyle and trends) which unfortunately was hard hit by the lockdown and COVID restrictions for gathering and lost all form of profitability, I did urge that we should see how engineers can help convert those machines to print on textile instead. I said then that there is no evidence that wearing clothes (soft fashion) and home decoration (like curtains, bedsheets and chair covers) would be replaced by any alternative anytime soon. Over a year after, so many large format machines have been successful converted to print DTF (Direct to film) transfers. And I honestly think this is a good place to start.

By the way DTF is an improved transfer, using waterbased nano droplet inks, this inks are treated after they get on the film with DTF Powder or pretreat Powder as they are called in other quarters.

This is a hot melt powder made of polyurethane resin and grinded into adhesive powder. It's used to cover the print before the process of pressing begins. This film is then heat pressed on the fabric to transfer the prints. I have heard many people trying to use the DTF as a replacement for DTG (Direct to Garment) but no, they serve different purposes. Where DTG still has the best picture realistic prints, it also still has the best hand feel which we can never compare with the DTF rubbery like feel – close to the screen printed shirt feel, we however must give it to the DTF's ability to print on a wide variety of fabric type especially sports wear which is a big thing in T-shirt printing today. I am glad also that my prediction of seeing much more equipment's that will be built for multiple purposes is also coming to pass. As DTG and DTF can coexist we are beginning to see manufacturers of DTG printer adapting them to be able to print DTF films. I personally will route for this hybrid machine any day, the advantage is that we can with one machine print DTG and DTF which places one a step ahead.

I predicted that training will become a big thing again, it is obvious that for some reasons there has been some skill or knowledge gap in our workforce in the p r i n t i n g v a l u e c h a i n , h e n c e t h e g ra d u a l disappearance of innovation and the pioneering spirit. It is impossible to pioneer what you don't know 10B PRINTERS DIGEST

else it will amount to the proverbial blind leading the blind, a ditch is in any case inevitable. I totally align with David Attenborough thought “We only know a tiny proportion about the complexity of the natural world. Wherever you look, there are still things we don't know about and don't understand. There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them”.

Training is a must for those who will lead the new printing establishment. Meanwhile the pandemic has made life easier as we can now learn from the comfort of our homes or offices. We are waiting for the pioneers of this Global Learning Platform.

With my sojourn in the printing industry, I need not look too far to see that the industry likes those who are a step ahead. In this industry we have seen pioneer species express freely and at the same time make money when others are complaining…

To stay ahead Pioneer species needed again and again…

Pioneer species are hardy species which are the first t o c o l o n i ze ( t a ke o w n e r s h i p o f ) b a r r e n environments or previously biodiverse steady-state ecosystems that have been disrupted (e.g. by fire, pest or in our case the pandemic). In geography some lichens grow on rocks without soil, and eventually break down the rocks into soil for plants in the coming generation. Where are those pioneering species ready to make printing palatable for the next generation? This species ARE ALWAYS A STEP AHEAD!

MERGERS AND ACQUISITION

- A PANACEA FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGERIA PRINTING INDUSTRYJuliet Nnajiofor-Uyi

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rint market globally are shrinking thereby prompting ra p i d co n s o l i d at i o n a m o n g commercial and traditional print companies and the Nigerian printing industry is not left out of these challenges.

Commercial printing deals have and will continue to be driven by distressed assets and changing print industry demographics.

The printing industry is fragmented and fragmented industries inevitably consolidate.

Whether it is an investment from private equity, a strategic merger or an acquisition, the M&A 11B PRINTERS DIGEST

activities in the printing industry One of the group members of All are going strong for both buyers Print Naija WhatsApp Franklyn and sellers.

Akinyosoye commented on the When DCS Integrated Media campaign material publicized with Limited announced that it was this information: "There is nothing c o m i n g u p w i t h a We b i n a r wrong with a family running discussion lined up with experts to businesses and handing over to d i s c u s s i o n M e r g e r s a n d next generation. Mergers and Acquisition as a panacea for the Acquisition is great but it must be development of the Nigerian driven by a purpose and a need. printing industry in its Making Print It must be right to potential Business Profitable Again Webinar investors and it must be clearly Series, few print practitioners said defined. The challenge is most well, that makes sense, while people don't understand the others saw it as dead on arrival concept of family business. Most with the "me and my family printers completely alienate their mentality" business acumen.

family members in the running of their businesses.

Their children study courses not related to Printing and you expect them to come take over the management of the business, when they refuse and you start sourcing investors or wondering what went wrong. succession plan is systematic and deliberate".

He said.

& Acquisition For a small merger you have to start with 500 million Naira then the turnover increases. That merger is called a small merger. Turnover means 500 million to 1million naira. You need to evaluate the merger, then you notify the commission. Make sure that the turnover after accessing is capable of what you want to do.

This article is centered on how the acquisition benefits both companies and their respective customers as well as the industry at large. An exciting Mr. Babs Fashanu during the panel of discussants move into discovering various opportunities talked on Standardization a key in managing embedded in the M&A process! associations. "We need to have a common direction and put ourselves together. The association of manufacturers have set up some structures with Current State: other associations like publishers, printers and the What is happening? managing sector to see to their common challenge The printing industry is in a period of contraction. A d e c l i n i n g e c o n o m y w i l l a m p l i f y p r i n t i n g which is paper. For instance, if we find out today that paper has a fixed price and the other day it has gone declines. A declining market will hurt the smaller, up without prior notice, then the paper suppliers, general commercial printers the most. As a result, end users and customers are now beginning to look there will be more liquidations and disappearance of at it. We need to regulate to create a standard many of these companies. approach to pricing.

According to an associate lawyer at Tonbofa Law Practice Nwosu Uchechi Nice, she said that Mergers and Acquisition is when two different people joined to start up a business and partnership is an agreement between two people in other to make profit.

The Managing Director/CEO of AFKAR Printing and publishing Nigeria Dr. Florence Adesola Falaiye, threw the question, "Is printing business ready for mergers and acquisition? You have franchise and you have partnership. Partnership is when you come together to make your business better. Then we have collaboration, what we have been doing in the Mergers and acquisition are two different things. A printing industry is collaboration and so coming back merger is when two entities joined in combination to the question. Is printing business ready for business to form a business/ merge. An acquisition in mergers and acquisition? other hand is exercising control over another person.

To collaborate, what do you need? Number one you A merger is a bond between two people just like need your Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). husband and wife that come together to become If you are going into merger, you still need your MOU one. to state the laid down rules to guide parties involved.

I will give you practical example at AFKAR we call Before you go in to merger with a company, you must ourselves a-one stop shop printing and publishing ask yourself, what is my intention of going into this company. whenever we get jobs from our client that merger? what are the company's structure and are outside what we can execute in-house, we have liability? Ensure you value the company you are companies that have the kind of policy that we about to go into merger and acquisition with, before represent, when we get such jobs, we take them to you can continue with the whole process of Mergers do. we don't do it because we have partnership, we 12B PRINTERS DIGEST

have collaboration and that's merger. That brings CIPPON and mergers and acquisition in. When government get involved and meet us. Mergers and acquisition become easy to identify.

into Mergers and Acquisition .”Mr. Kayode Alonge stated.

The Managing Director/CEO of Gific Printing Solutions Mrs. Ngozi Ukachukwu, said "So, I am going to answer this question, "Is Merger an option The Managing Director/CEO of Printway Limited Mr. Kayode Alonge during the discussion program said for startups? We have started doing what we called "Now we move to whether mergers and acquisition collaboration which I think is also part of merger. would build capacity? My answer will be yes because in the real sense one of the reasons why merger and “ There have been some difficulties in that, acquisition is usually considered by the opponent is difficulties in trust. When we are talking about because there is an available gap and a need that collaborating, we have to look for a company that is needs to be addressed. good. Everybody does not need to have all the big We look at capacity whether human capacity, machines in the world to be a good printer. Still now a funding, machinery, you want to input process and lot of people goes to China to print without knowing technology.” any print company in Nigeria. So, if we can link up with such people its going to help us a lot. There are “I believe that merger and acquisition capacity so many big companies we can recognize, there are building is well achievable and whether Small so many big companies we can print with here than Medium Business Scale (SMBS) are ready to embrace printing in China. COVID period opened people's merger and acquisition? Yes! SMBS are ready. What eyes so we cannot even go to China to print, . Why am seeing personally is the knowledge gap lack of must we print abroad? Nigeria is big enough to do awareness of where to get or where to find solutions that so we should learn to collaborate and learn to be to their problems. He said. able to get it right" she advised.

Futhermore, he asked “What is the mission of the founder? The mission of whoever that is setting up the business. Do you think you are going to be around for the next 50-80 years and you will still be as strong as you are when you are starting up? So, this is one question an SMBS must answer the call whether when you are staring it or not. These businesses must not die in our hands. These businesses can live beyond what it is today. These businesses will grow bigger; it can do better than what it is right now. So, when people begin to have this awareness, I strongly believe that at some point they will consider mergers and acquisition as an option. So, what you must be thinking when that is not happening is who is going to own this business, who is going to take over from me? It will get to a point that your knowledge will not match to the standard and so we must key 13B PRINTERS DIGEST

According to the MD/CEO of Kofsol Group of companies. Kofsol Olaosebikan: she stated that change is a natural thing and is expected for anyone that wants to run the business There are different types of mergers and acquisition but pointed the need based on area of specialty.

Merger is a great way to maintain this industry.

Mergers and acquisition bring a lot of opportunities to print business because you can also merge your store, its not only your company. You may still be in business and merge your machineries”.

MD/CEO of then Planet Press, Mr. Simon Uchenunu added that Why not have 1% of large organization than 100% of most small one. We really cannot have everything. He stated

USING DELEGATION TO DEVELOP YOUR STAFF

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elegation is one of the many roles of managers to get work done. If used in the right perspective, managers can reap even other advantages inherent in delegation.

From my observation, I have noticed that a lot of print business owners hardly delegate task or even when they do, they limit it to certain areas and because of this they wear themselves out with work, wanting to be the graphic designer, the estimator, the accountant even an operator if possible.

The truth is that delegating tasks to your staff have more advantages than disadvantages.

Doing it will help you develop your staff overtime to the point that they will confidently take up responsibilities and do it well even in your absence. The advantages is that - It will enrich their work, build their managerial skill and help them to remain committed to the goals of the organization.

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job with some help. This is how people develop and staff development should be one of your major objectives whenever you delegate.

2. Select Assignment that will stretch your staff The essence of developmental delegation is to build staff confidence so that they can handle unfamiliar tasks, though the aim may not be achieved if they fail on the first try. As you delegate jobs as a manager, also motivate staff by As a result of delegating, Managers delegating tasks that are interesting and print business owners can and that challenge them, but discover hidden abilities of their shouldn't be to break them. staff in the course of carrying out a delegated task and this can help 3. Treat any mistake as a learning prepare them for the next level in experience A successful approach to develop the organization.

Tr u l y, d e l e g a t i o n c a n b e a y o u r s t a f f i n t h e c o u r s e o f rewarding tool for your staff delegation is to let them make development as long as you keep mistakes on their own. If the outcome isn't too great, just allow to the principles shared below: them do it wrong the first time so that they can appreciate the right 1. Try not to delegate to the most way the next time. If they make a capable staff only mistake on an assignment, don't Most times, Managers are tempted to consistently delegate make a big issue out of it, because if task to the most capable staff you penalize them for their errors in members. Know that if you the process of learning, you will continue to do that, the strong will discourage staff members and get stronger, but the weak will only undermine their confidence. If you get weaker. But by distributing make them fear corrections and assignments across the board, you criticism, they will hardly take any will be building a team of staff that risk and consequently perform is versatile and good performers, poorly. To guard against mistakes, as well as a handy group you can remember to assign only tasks with rely on in case of emergencies. high chances of success and always When you want to delegate to ensure upfront that your delegated someone who have less than ideal assignment is clearly understood. experience, skills or knowledge, s e l e c t t h e s t a f f w h o h a s a 4. Take note of the teaching willingness to learn how to do the moments

At the point when staff members come to you for quick inquiries or to share their opinion, know that they are very much open to growing their knowledge and mastering new skills. At this point, the teaching moments precisely turn into the delegation moment.

As Calano and Sulzman write: Training and delegation are two sides of the coin. As a manager, if you develop sensitivity to teaching moments you will become a far more effective delegator and leader.

If you are looking to use delegation to develop your staff's managerial skills, and to improve their performance and ability to carry out more responsible work, then there are particular key ground rules to which you must also adhere. Among

5.Know that you 'll be a role model Be sure to be an effective role model because your staff will normally follow your example. Research shows that staff initially learn how to organize, make decisions, manage time, deal with crises, run meetings, and handle problems by observing their managers.

6. Trust your staff ability to carry out the assignment You must believe in your staff and support them to succeed with their delegated assignments. If you trust your staff sufficiently to delegate projects in the first place, that trust must be carried through to the

these are the following: Ÿ Delegate the objective and not the procedure: You are interested in their result, so let them do it their own way, as long as they are clear on the required outcome. Offer to help but don't force your methods on them. Ÿ Delegate authority, not just responsibility.

Authority is needed to get a job done, but sets the limit upfront, like budget deadlines, resources and the parameters of their authority. Ÿ State standards of performance. The final result will reflect on you, so help yourself and the delegate by setting your standards before time.

completion of the project. Show your confidence in them by word and deed by not always looking over their shoulders or interfering with their strategies, or bouncing on them when they make mistake. If you give them the chance, as time goes on, their confidence, sense of responsibility and powers of judgement will grow, and you will be able to trust them with more demanding and responsible tasks.

7. Set the foundation for success 15B PRINTERS DIGEST

Ÿ Delegate but don't give up the task. Remember that accountability rest with you. Monitor the task through periodic feedback. Offer help only if it is asked for or warranted.

Ÿ Give credit for task well done. It speaks well of you when a delegated task turns out well so by letting your staff shine, both you and the organization benefit.

O

WEBINAR : AN EFFECTIVE MODERN MARKETING TOOL.

ne thing every business strives to achieve in the course of its operations is to reach its prospective customers faster, easier, and cheaper with their products and services. And so, they explore various marketing communications tools to achieve this. Over the year's businesses have used traditional platforms like TV, Radio, and Print media to reach out to their customers but with the advent of online technologies and capabilities organizations have now resorted to using social media platforms to communicate their products and services to their market. Recently, a new system for effective engagement with potential customers by businesses was introduced into the marketing communication space.

This system is called the Webinar meeting platform.

This platform enables business to engage one-on-one with suppliers, as well as one-on-one and one-onmany with existing and potential customers, can do wonders for any business. Webinars make it possible for businesses to do exactly that, helping them reap a variety of benefits from cost and time savings to better branding value and an enhanced online presence.

Utilizing Webinars can be rewarding for any business out there, irrespective of its industry of operation.

What is a Webinar Just like a seminar or convention, a Webinar helps businesses bring together a wide and varied group of people, albeit over the internet. To host a webinar, you will need to find a webinar platform that will help you share your presentation with others online. This webinar software will let you create your own virtual online meeting rooms that you and your attendees will use to view and follow the presentation.

Presenters can also share their desktop screens, files, and any open applications on their computer or mobile device, with their audience during the presentation.

It is worth mentioning that webinars are quite different from simple marketing videos, in that the audience follows your presentation in real time.

Furthermore, the presenter and audience can engage with each other, leading to the sharing of highly insightful information.

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The Benefits of Webinar In today's digital age webinar has been discovered to be amongst the best marketing communication platforms.

We shall now look at a few benefits of the Webinar platforms.

1. Increase Online Content: Content The Webinar services help to increase the amount of content available to interested parties online. Webinars help you to address common questions and concerns from prospective customers suppliers or employees.

It helps to create a wide and rich collection of information that is relevant to both current and future human assets of your business.

Most Webinar platforms like Zoom meeting usual come with recording functionality to record to their presentations, including Q&A sessions, for future reference. These recordings can also be converted for use to grow your organization's online content for a more vibrant online presence in the long run.

2. Enhancing Company' Authority in the Market One way you can establish yourself or your organization as an authority in the market you serve is by creating and hosting Webinars that are packed with insightful and valuable information for your audience.

Once your audience gets through your Webinars and finds them to be informative, because they address their primary concerns and questions, they are bound to start looking at your business and your brand as an authority in your field.

3. Extensive Reach: Reach Through the use of Webinars, businesses have access to a global audience. Webinars and video conferencing also facilitate one-on-one, as well as one-to-many, virtual meetings between business representatives and other stakeholders in an efficient way, without the need to waste resources on unnecessary travel.

4. Better and More engagement with Audience Webinars are among the most effective digital marketing tools available to businesses today. One of the main reasons for this is that they are better at holding the attention o

RICOH HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF JOSERO AS A UK RESELLER FOR ITS FULL RANGE OF DIRECT-TO-GARMENT (DTG) PRINTERS AND THE VERY LATEST GENERATION OF WIDE FORMAT LATEX PRINTERS. visits and were very impressed with the latest Ricoh Latex models. They fill a gap in our product range, and we see Ricoh's increased focus and continued expansion within the large format digital print market as a very positive step.

"Additionally, we are growing our media side of the business; entry into the Latex market is important to u s a s p a r t o f o u r s o c i a l responsibility to move forward in a more environmentally friendly ffective 1st September 2021, large format printers and add way." the two businesses will green and orange ink to the set-up. In terms of the DTG printers, Sarah partner to deliver these advanced Three staggered Ricoh print heads Winterbottom adds: "Ricoh's DTG printing solutions to end-user achieve class leading print speeds printers enhance our impressive customers throughout the UK. of 46.7 sqm/hour on outdoor high array of hardware solutions and Ricoh's DTG printer range includes speed four colour mode and 25 enable businesses to diversify and three models: the entry level sqm/hour on indoor standard four e n t e r i n t o t h e b o o m i n g Ricoh Ri 100, the mid-range Ricoh colour mode. As well as running promotional and personalised print Ri 1000 and the commercial print the expanded gamut inks, print markets. We already have a Ri100 focused Ricoh Ri 2000. They have operations can also run double i n o u r s h o w r o o m r e a d y t o been specifically developed to CMYK for increased productivity, showcase to our loyal customers meet the needs of promotional and CMYK and white for transfer and can't wait for the Latex printing on items such as T-shirts, materials, metallics and dark demonstration printer to arrive." cloth bags, hoodies, sweatshirts, substrates.

Stewart C obby, I nk j et Sale s socks and more.

Josero will also be supplying its M a n a g e r ( U K ) f o r R i c o h ' s customers with original Ricoh inks Commercial & Industrial Print G ro u p , c o n c l u d e s : " We ' r e The businesses are also renewing for use in the above machines. their Latex print partnership to According to Sarah Winterbottom, delighted to sign Josero as a encompass the latest generation Managing Director of Josero: reseller for our Latex and DTG print of Ricoh Pro L5160e and Ricoh Pro "Ricoh is a globally recognised and solutions. The company is going L5130e extended gamut wide respected company within the print from strength to strength, and we format Latex printers. Based on i n d u s t r y a n d c o m m e r c i a l very much look forward to working Ricoh's market leading inkjet head customers have real confidence in with the team to deliver our proven technology solutions to customers and ink technology expertise, the brand. throughout the UK." these printers are an evolution "We undertook extensive in-house from the successful Ricoh Pro L5160 and Ricoh Pro L5130 Latex testing and made a number of site

E

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ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRINT EMERGING AS KEY INDUSTRY TREND

M

ore environmentally friendly printing is fast emerging as a key industry trend for the

reduction in the average run length for many print jobs will magnify this impact.

2020s.

Ÿ The rapid adoption of bio-based solvent and

With the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issuing a 'Red Alert' for climate change on 9 August, brand owners and consumers are increasingly searching out and choosing solutions that minimise carbon emissions and waste.

water-based inks, with the current generation of vegetable oil inks already promising over 50% recycled content, and reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

This is examined in detail in the new Smithers report – The Future of Green Printing to 2026 – published today. It is a trend that will increasingly reward print service providers, inks and consumables suppliers and OEMs, that invest in more sustainable solutions over the next five years, and beyond.

This will evolve into specific opportunities at each stage of the print value chain. Among the highlight topics Smithers' expert research identifies are: Ÿ Cutting wastage in make-ready and set-up will favour wider use of digital (inkjet and electrophotography) print systems. A forecast 18B PRINTERS DIGEST

Ÿ Increased sales of sustainable substrates,

including recycled fibre and virgin paper grades accredited to sustainably forestry schemes. For PSPs there is an onus to limit use of virgin materials, and print on recycled paper grades when a premium surface is not necessary. Ÿ A consistent trend in packaging is to substitute away from existing plastic packaging to fibre-based alternatives. Printers can capitalise on this trend by retooling their print lines to support these less uniform substrate. Ÿ There is interest in developing new fibre sources

for printing papers, such as bamboo or agricultural by products; as well as a limited impact from wider

Ÿ use of recycled plastic and biopolymer substrates

in some packaging applications Ÿ Investment in print processes that minimises

secondary raw material use, such as reduced water consumption for wash off Ÿ Greater support for technology platforms that

enable the collection and reuse of print materials, both in industrial closed loop and consumer recycling streams.

Simultaneously the desire to implement more planet-friendly working practices will support a reordering of print businesses: Ÿ The trend to reshoring production and printing

improves supply chain security, and can also deliver saving on carbon emissions and wastage in transit

printing models, with a single server assigning job requests most efficiently across its network of presses and end-users. This can also extend into the integration of web-to-print platforms for consumer sales.

With 2021 set to be a pivotal year for the world's efforts to contain climate change, these and other important timely trends for the industry are examined critically in – The Future of Green Printing to 2026. It profiles the evolution of circular economy principles, key legislative initiatives, the impact on analogue and digital print processes, and all major print product segments (Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Advertising, Catalogues, Commercial, Security applications, Transactional print, Printed décor and textiles, Packaging, and Labels).

Ÿ Larger organisations can switch to centralised

INVESTMENT, COMPETITION REMAINS THE ONLY KEY TO SOLVE PRINTERS PROBLEM

T

he results from a survey conducted before the outburst of COVID-19 shows a global an industry that remained positive during challenging global economic conditions.

It was revealed that the Packaging and Functional market sectors are better placed than Publishing and Commercial market.

North America remains afloat but confidence has slipped in Europe and across all other regions.

Research indicates that developing regions were held back by concerns about political instability and corruption, while developed regions are nervous of an inevitable cyclical economic downturn.

There is constant pressure on margins but increasingly the better companies counter this by continual innovation. Investment plans remain strong, as printers and suppliers all recognize the need to remain competitive.

An increasing number of Commercial and Publishing printers are attempting to diversify into the other

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two markets. Financial measures confirm these trends with margins struggling in all market sectors, but Publishing showing the clearest evidence of an active decline in revenues.

For several years printers have responded to the constant pressure on margins by increasing turnover and keeping costs to a minimum. However, printers are recognizing the need to innovate by launching new products and services in their existing markets or by entering new markets. Hence, investment plans remain strong.

Finishing is the most popular investment target followed by Print technology and then PrePress/Workflow/MIS. While finishing plans vary too greatly to allow any forecasting, we can comment on planned Print technology investments. Digital toner cut-sheet color is most popular, followed by Sheetfed offset, but there are significant variations by market.

MIMAKI PUSHES CREATIVE BOUNDARIES IN INDUSTRIAL PRINTING WITH NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND HIGH-QUALITY DIRECT-TO-OBJECT INKJET PRINTERS

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imaki Europe, is set to open the door to new print applications with the launch of its latest product innovations.

The company has unveiled four new high-speed, high-quality direct-to-object UV LED inkjet printers – the 190% faster(1) UJF7151plus II and the new UJF-MkII e S e r i e s , co m p r i s i n g t h re e advanced, small format solutions.

7151plus II is equipped with eight printheads, which enable dual four-colour (CMYK) ink configurations. This, in turn, allows faster print speeds of up to 190% compared to the previous UJF7151plus model. The new system also breaks new creative boundaries with several features developed to enhance image quality, such as the MFD2 (halftoning) processing functionality to further control dot position. The result of this increased control is sharper edges and finer lines as well as fewer colour irregularities. been specifically developed to ensure our customers can increase their competitive edge and boost profitability,” says Arjen Evertse, General Manager Sales at Mimaki.

“By expanding and enhancing our UV LED product range at such a crucial time for the industry, we aim to provide industrial printers with the cutting-edge technology needed to grow their businesses.

For printers currently operating in other markets, these new solutions represent an opportunity to break into this diverse and successful s e c t o r, u t i l i s i n g o u r m o s t innovative UV printers yet and supported by the industry's leading m a n u f a c t u r e r . ”

All four additions to the market portfolio will be commercially available in December 2021 and take industrial print and marking to the next level. The printers feature an array of new capabilities designed to deliver significant quality and performance benefits, enabling UJF-7151plus II - Combining robust, users to explore new applications h i g h - s p e e d p r o d u c t i o n w i t h a n d i n c r e a s e p ro d u c t i v i t y. o u t s t a n d i n g i m a g e q u a l i t y

The UJF-7151plus II's six-colour configuration includes light cyan and light magenta to enable more accurate colour reproduction and it can achieve 1800dpi image resolution, providing superior definition for high-quality applications. In addition, the new printer's innovative Colour Gloss functionality adds a glossy finish to hardened colour inks, enabling users to create new, distinguishing textures and details that ensure their products stand out from the crowd even without the use of clear varnish.

Load capacity has also been increased to 30kg, making the printer capable of handling high quality print jigs and ideal for accurate printing of heavy media, such as wood, metal, and glass, in “Once again, Mimaki is leading the Designed for seamless and reliable way with new solutions that have high-speed production, the UJF- industrial print environments.

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UJF-MkII e Series – Three new small format printers that are big on quality The brand-new series of UJF-MkII e printers sees the introduction of the UJF-3042MkII e, the UJF6042MkII e and the UJF-3042MkII Ex e to the already comprehensive Mimaki portfolio. The three new models offer cutting-edge image quality and stability for printing onto an extensive variety of soft and hard media, including leather, wood, acrylic, metal, and glass .

The UJF-3042MkII e and UJF-3042MkII Ex e feature a print area of 300mm x 420mm, while the UJF6042MkII e offers a larger print size of 610mm x 420mm. All UJF-MkII e Series printers feature new MFD2 processing for exceptional image quality as well as an improved gap check sensor. This laser sensor detects media placement to prevent printheads from making contact with the material during printing. It can even detect transparent materials for superior accuracy and highly controlled

media detection. In addition, the new printers provide improved usability to the operator by adding visual guidance on the 3.45inch full colour display.

Cutting-edge, performance enhancing features included in all four new UJF printers The new additions for the UJF printer series all feature MDL (Mimaki Device Language) commands support, which enables automated workpiece transfer. This capability allows users to control the new UJF printers from external production systems and peripheral devices. This enhanced automation not only increases user control and productivity but reduces manual operator intervention to increase efficiencies.

The new models also incorporate RasterLink7 as standard RIP software, supporting one-product-ata-time printing. With this latest software platform, numbering and variable data printing has never been easier, providing users with significant time and production efficiencies.

HUBERGROUP - LAMENTS PRICE INCREASE, BLAMES MASSIVE RISE IN RAW MATERIAL AND TRANSPORT COSTS

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or some time now, the rise in raw material costs and the shortage of freight capacity have been putting pressure on co m p a n i e s wo r l d w i d e . T h e printing ink industry has also been severely affected, as transport costs and the costs of pigments (including titanium dioxide) and petrochemical raw materials such as resins and solvents have continued to rise massively over t h e c o u r s e o f t h e y e a r. hubergroup, an international 21B PRINTERS DIGEST

manufacturer of printing inks and speciality chemicals, is therefore now reacting with worldwide price increases.

The company emphasises that it is working hard to minimise price increases for customers by using the global supply network, examining other sourcing methods, and using alternative raw materials. Nevertheless, a price increase is unavoidable.

Heiner Klokkers, CEO of h u b e rg ro u p , ex p l a i n s : " T h e

satisfaction of our customers is our top priority. To ensure that we can continue to offer them high-quality printing inks and raw materials in the future, it is unfortunately essential in the current situation that we reflect the significantly increased procurement costs in the prices of our products. Our field staff around the world will shortly be informing customers personally about the specific effects and is of c o u rs e av a i l a b l e t o a n s w e r questions at any time.".

XEROX ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF CAREAR SOFTWARE BUSINESS Friday, September 03, 2021. Press release from the issuing company

N

ew CareAR Service Experience Management Care, Inc., who will serve as CareAR's President.

Platform valued at $700 million post-money Now combining DocuShare's content management system, XMPie's cross-media platform, and Xerox's valuation and attracts $10 million investment from PARC Alto AI artificial intelligence engine, the Service Now . expanded CareAR service experience platform will Norwalk, Conn. – Xerox Holdings Corporation support service workforces with the visual tools and announced the formation of CareAR, A Xerox access to data that are needed to consistently deliver Company, which consolidates CareAR, Inc., high quality service experiences for service DocuShare® and XMPie under a single holding employees and end-customers, all while lowering the company named CareAR Holdings. CareAR received a operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions of $700 million post-money valuation following a $10 service providers. The backbone of the new CareAR® million equity investment from ServiceNow, the platform is the augmented reality technology Xerox leading digital workflow company that makes work, gained through the acquisition of CareAR, Inc., work better for people. announced earlier this year, which integrates with CareAR will be led by Xerox President and Chief ServiceNow® Field Service Management and allows Operations Officer Steve Bandrowczak, who will service technicians to tap into the knowledge of more expand his current role to also serve as CareAR's experienced technicians through live, AR assisted Chairman, and Sam Waicberg, the original founder of instruction.

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rolls, thereby lowering carbon emissions for service organizations. And better-informed employees make for a safer workplace.

"Xerox has positioned CareAR to deliver capabilities that service-intensive industries need, with real-time instruction, visual tools and access to data at the tip of is designed to be industry agnostic and integrates seamlessly with digital workflow leader ServiceNow's platform, ensuring an end-to-end approach to work orders, cases and incidents, and delivering high quality customer outcomes and service experiences for enterprises across multiple industries. The company's augmented reality technology is disrupting the service delivery ecosystem and addressing key sustainability and workforce challenges, including: Empowering support workforces with the visual tools and access to data that are needed to consistently deliver high quality service experiences for service employees and end-customers, all while lowering the operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions of service providers.

any user's fingertips, all driven by predictive artificial intelligence,” said Xerox Vice Chairman and CEO John Visentin. “By creating a platform that is intuitive to a digitally native workforce, and with investment from ServiceNow, we believe CareAR will define and grow the Service Experience Management category, disrupting industries at a time when it's needed most.”

“Our customers have never more urgently needed workflows that deliver greater operational efficiencies, better customer and environmental outcomes, and improved safety,” said John Ball, senior vice president of Customer Workflows at ServiceNow. “Our investment reflects our belief that CareAR has

Helping solve workforce talent issues – primarily associated with a retiring workforce. As the current w o r k fo r c e a g e s i n t o r e t i r e m e n t , s e r v i c e organizations will no longer be able to rely on the apprenticeship-based training that has sustained service businesses for decades. CareAR will help leverage and optimize experienced employees' time and allow inexperienced workers to draw on a repository of knowledge curated by CareAR's predictive AI capabilities.

the potential to deliver world-class, enterprise-grade augmented reality. Customers using CareAR's a u g m e nte d re a l i t y to ro u te wo r k t h ro u g h ServiceNow's leading workflow platform can better solve problems remotely, speeding resolution times and reducing the need for expensive on-site visits, which also reduces carbon emissions dramatically.

Together, we're delivering powerful enterprise

Supporting service employers' sustainability and service experiences for the new world of work.” social responsibility goals. CareAR facilitates remote preventative and maintenance-based actions, thereby reducing initial and follow-on technician dispatches. Lower dispatches result in fewer truck

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Dedication and timely delivery moved Yaliam Press from Print Broker to a multi-billion Naira One-Stop Print Shop -Yaliam Press Chairman

P

rint Personality page celebrates achievers in Nigeria printing space who have stood the test of time to remain in business.

This edition, brings the success story of a giant in the industry who has supported the growth and development of the industry in his capacity and has worked as the Chairman of the advisory board of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria before his resignation in July 2021.

The Chairman /CEO of Yaliam Press Limited - a one-stop printing press with state of art printing equipment, Alhaji Yahaya Amfani is a personality to reckon with in the industry.

Here is an excerpt from our one-on-one interview session with him on his journey to becoming one of the major stakeholders in the Nigerian printing sector.

Q: As a businessman who has stood the test of time, could you share with us, your journey into the printing sector, dating back to the inception of your business?

A: I started printing over 30 years ago. During my undergraduate days, I collect printing jobs from my colleagues, take them to town, get them printed and bring it back with my commission on them. when they pay me, I go back to the town and pay my printers, that was how I started. By the time I graduated, I already have Seven staff working for me. When we started fully in 1989, we had few staff but currently, we have over 200 staff under our employment.

A: For over ten years, I was running around carrying plates, running impression from one shop to another. from there, I bought the small A4 printing machine, followed by Kord machine.

From there, we bought 3 colors XMP then 4, 5, 9 colors machines, that was how we gradually got Q: Quite inspiring! Could you share with us, what to where we are today. the process was like starting with absolutely no resources?

Q: An inspiring journey to greatness. You didn't 24B PRINTERS DIGEST

just get to where you are today, you worked for it

with all my colleagues to give them the

A: You don't have to wait to get all you need to start. You have to start to generate income to fully establish yourself. You can make small money and raise capital using the people who are ready and that was what I did for almost ten years. I took my jobs to them, supervise the printing and deliver to my clients on completion.

necessary support in getting the government involved through favourable policy formulation and execution especially the big-time printers, I don't know why a lot of them are not interested in the advocacy campaign. It is not enough to pay for certification and that's the end of it, NO! You can't keep asking what has CIPPON done for you?

Q: For those 10 years, what was your driving We all know that whatever CIPPON is doing is for the interest of all. We need everyone's support force? to grow this industry. We need financial support, A: Zealous! I have made up my mind to fight we need your connection and a lot of our poverty and that was what kept me going all colleagues are connected to the government. those years of little beginning. Don't forget I read graphic design at one of the subsidiaries of We want government attention that is why I am Ahmadu Bello University, so that generated my calling on my colleagues that have those enthusiasm. Honestly, dedication to duty and connections to use them for the growth and timely delivery were my key factors in building a strong business for me. Integrity is number one for me. I operate an open policy. There are lots of smaller printers who have assurance and they are doing well today and we are still doing that.

development of our dear industry. Most of us who are big-time printers are not much interested in the activities of CIPPON, we are few who are actively involved in CIPPON's activities.

(On the Institute Advocacy Campaign?

Personally, I support CIPPON and every of the institute's programs and I am calling on my I am a strong advocate of let Nigeria print jobs colleagues to do the same. Unity is what I have remain in Nigeria. I don't take my jobs outside the been preaching. country. I am with the Chartered Institute of We need the cooperation of every stakeholder Professional Printers of Nigeria on this campaign. to move this industry to a greater height.

So, we are calling on the government to hear us Q: Absolutely Sir, practitioners should seek to add because, without the government's support, we value to the growth and development of the cannot make any progress but when we have institute. government support we can achieve it.

A: That's why CIPPON should ensure all There is so much for CIPPON to do. I am pleading practitioners are registered with the institute.

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Currently, there is a price war among printers and we are working towards conquering this menace called price war. We have to stand on our ground to ensure a profitable industry for all.

For instance, if you can get the publishers in Nigeria to trust us, instead of taking those jobs outside, we can build more capacity if they say we don't have the capacity. Also, with government support, we will source the materials where we can print at an affordable and competitive cost. Let them give us the opportunity, let them start reducing the volume of what they take outside the country. Some of us have invested billions of Naira on equipment and jobs are not coming and you have to pay salaries.

A: There is progress but not as much as I want to see it. We want government support. I told Mr. Olugbemi Malomo - the President of Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), to carry everyone along in all his activities. As a leader, people will criticize you and will not appreciate your effort. You brought yourself to serve, nobody should intimidate you.

Do what you have to do and leave a legacy, that is what leadership is all about Q: Why did you leave lecturing to venture into printing fully?

A: I had a burning desire for business and I am happy to have created employment opportunities for others.

Q: Yes, the government has a great role to play if the printing industry must compete favourable Q: Words of encouragement from you to printers out there who sees you as a great source of with its overseas counterparts inspiration, especially at this challenging time.

A: We are sure CIPPON is making an effort to ensure that only printers execute print jobs in A: Don't give up! those of you that start with Nigeria because I can say that 60% of the jobs are impression, be patient, be consistent, I never gave up. whenever you are angry just stand there printed by non-printer. That is our challenge. and say am going to succeed because we are Q: You talked about some of the Abuja printers working so hard to see that all of us get the trying to regulate price under different clusters, government's support. how do you see this working in the nearest future Q: How do you relax? for the growth of the industry?

A: Categorization is the number one thing and A: Relaxation? Smiles…. even when sleeping, you cluster formation is equally good but it has to be will hear me call impression, Kord, etc ……. managed with care otherwise we will have Smiles. I am old but am still working that is the life problems in the future. of a printer. We hardly rest for the development Q: Sir, you have been a great source of inspiration of this nation and also to feed our families. to many and have contributed to the growth of this industry, are you satisfied with the state of the industry?

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PRE-PRESS THE CONFUSION AND MISCOMMUNICATION ABOUT IMAGE RESOLUTION

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n printing, the term Resolution refers to the sharpness and detail of images. Higher resolution means more image detail. Lower resolution means less image detail.

Generally speaking, resolution is the degree to which the eye can distinguish the varying components of an image. On a more technical level, the term resolution refers to a numerical measure of the clarity and sharpness a device, such as a computer monitor or printing press, can create an image. Common measures of resolution include pixels per inch (PPI) and dots per inch (DPI).

Resolution is Often Misunderstood Ÿ What does resolution mean? Ÿ Why can't I use website images for my brochure?

next to each other to create visually recognizable images such as photos or text. The resolution of web images is generally 72 PPI (pixels per inch), which is regarded as low resolution.

Ÿ What is the minimum picture resolution for Because lower resolution images contain less detail, printing? they take up less storage space and load quicker on a The problems with image resolution are some of the display screen…which are good traits for website most common issues encountered by commercial images. However, less detail is a bad trait for printed images. So as a general rule, images from websites do printers. not reproduce well when printed.

Many artwork images we receive to print do not have Printed Images the high resolution needed for crisp printed output.

For instance, images gathered from the web are low A printing press works by applying dots of ink or toner resolution and will appear jagged and blurry when onto paper. The varying colors of these dots and their spatial relationship create the printed images we printed on a commercial press. recognize as photographs or designs. The more dots The concept of resolution seems simple, but there is that are used, the sharper and cleaner the image (up actually a lot of confusion and miscommunication to a point). Most digital and offset printing presses about it…even within the printing industry itself. For print at a resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch). 300 example, PPI (pixels per inch) and DPI (dots per inch) DPI is considered high resolution and the minimum are terms which are often used interchangeably. DPI for quality printed output.

Pixels and dots are similar concepts, but they are not Since the high resolution artwork files used for the same thing. Because many seem uncertain about printing are created with graphics software, they the concept of resolution, it is important to engage originally exist in digital (pixel) form. High resolution the service of an experienced graphics person to files are generally large in size because they contain create artwork files used for printed materials. so much detail, but that's okay when it comes to printing. Prior to press output, sophisticated Web Images software converts the color information of each pixel Web images are digital images. Thus, they are into the various dots needed to recreate the artwork created from electronic pixels. Pixels are little onto the printed piece. individual box-shaped units of color that bump up

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PRESS

PRINTING FOR LESS: HERE'S A SIMPLE WAY TO SAVE ON FULL-COLOR PRINTING

I

f your organization uses full-color business cards, postcards, flyers, door hangers, or any other common item printed in full-color ink, you may be able to attain a lower cost by working with a printing company that has gang run capabilities.

When is a Gang Run used?

To take advantage of gang run savings, all of the printing jobs in the press run must share the same paper and ink specifications. This makes the more popular printed items like business cards, postcards, flyers, simple brochures and door hangers better What is a Gang Run? A gang run, also known as a combination run or candidates for gang runs. combo run, is a print industry term for grouping In fact, a gang press run can significantly lower the multiple smaller jobs into one large production run. price of many popular items printed in full color, Gang runs are used in conjunction with offset particularly smaller orders which might have printing presses, which produce very high quality otherwise been too cost prohibitive if produced by their own separate offset press run. printing.

Does a Gang Run work well for all Full-Color items?

Even though offset presses produce high-quality printing, they often have substantial set-up costs. No. Some projects are better suited for their own Normally, these high set-ups costs would make an press run instead of being printed along with other offset printing press too cost prohibitive for a shorter jobs. For example, if the project requires an exceptional degree of color control, such as an annual production run. report or flagship brochure, a gang run may not be the However, by printing similar jobs from a multitude of best option. customers all at the same time, the cost of each job is Also, if the project requires a unique type of paper, a substantially reduced. This is because the set-up special print effect or any other uncommon costs- like plate charges and other press preparation specification, then gang running will likely not be an costs - are distributed across many jobs, not just available choice. applied to one job.

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HOW SMART FINISHING CAN ENHANCE VALUE

o select the finishing method that best communicates the value of the content, you must first understand how the final product will be used and its audience. Print salespeople have the opportunity to expand the finishing conversation beyond product, technique, and price. Document finishing is a bit like the real estate market—"curb appeal,” first impressions, and attention to detail can communicate insurmountable value. Ÿ Sales organizations that are eager to accept any

and all deals may act in haste, consequently overlooking the nature of the finished project and its intended lasting impression. Ÿ In today's business environment, many print

buyers have other responsibilities and may not understand the consequences of making the wrong finishing decision.

not always easy to quantify the impact of an intelligently finished document, it is easy to understand the risks associated with improper finishing.

Not All Business is Good Business!

Print buyers often come to the table with predetermined specifications and a clear vision of their printing needs. By the time they reach out to your company, they're generally testing for fit or trying to determine if you can get the job done. Sales organizations that are eager to accept any and all deals may act in haste, consequently overlooking the nature of the finished project and its intended lasting impression.

Introduction

As an example, consider something as simple as a business card. Suppose your prospective client wants to redesign his/her business cards and has requested a glossy coating on both sides of the card.

Finishing options can be confusing to clients, but an expert would know enough to avoid this functionality issue.

There is no shortage of finishing options in our industry—the shortlist includes binding, embossing, die-cutting, foil stamping, lamination, scoring, drilling, and UV coating. The way in which a printed piece is finished directly influences the worth of the project and can even promote (or demote) a brand's image. For example, a perfect-bound book will generally be perceived as higher quality than a saddle-stitched one. Similarly, the right finishing options can bring a much higher value to a presentation or proposal.

Imagine the value you could provide to that print buyer if you took the time to truly understand why they might want a glossy coating on both sides of their business cards. Odds are good that the buyer believes that this will make the cards mor durable and improve the perception of his/her brand.

However, anyone who has ever carried a fully coated business card will know that it's almost impossible to make notes on coated cards. Pandemic aside, note-taking on business cards is a common practice at live events and trade shows.

To s e l e c t t h e f i n i s h i n g m et h o d t h at b e st communicates the value of the content, you must first understand how the final product will be used and its audience. Print salespeople have the opportunity to expand the finishing conversation beyond product, technique, and price. Document finishing is a bit like the real estate market—"curb appeal,” first impressions, and attention to detail can communicate insurmountable value. Although it's

In today's business environment, many print buyers have other responsibilities and may not understand the consequences of making the wrong finishing decision. These print buyers can benefit from your experience and knowledge about what will work well and what to avoid when applying finishing touches.

Ÿ Print service providers can support print buyers by

taking inventory of their printing products and fostering a better sales experience.

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Rather than jumping on every order to make a quick sale, guide the print buyer in the selection of a

f

inishing solution that will elevate his/her brand. In the case of business cards, one option might be to direct the print buyer toward specialty ink effects like metallics, fluorescents, or spot/flood coating to create a high-value, unique appearance on the front.

Meanwhile, a silky-soft uncoated back side would enable any note-taking. Sharing your expertise on how and when to use different techniques can be invaluable to your print buyer. In this case, the ultimate value would be an impactful yet functional business card. That's a much better outcome than a client who is highly dissatisfied because the products that they ordered from you turned out to be largely unsuitable for their intended purpose!

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questions might include:

Ÿ What is the shelf life of this document or project?

Does it warrant wire binding over coil binding? Ÿ Who are the intended recipients/readers of the

document or project? What aspects might be most appealing to them? What types of finishing options would make your document stand out so that recipients would take interest? Ÿ What types of offerings is this document or project competing against? Would specialty inks or spot coat images generate more interest or improve its visibility? Ÿ How will the document or project ultimately be

used? Is there a need to write on the product or document? If so, it's important to select the best A printed piece that incorporates eye-catching and finishing options. engaging characteristics can capture the attention of Ÿ In the case of pamphlets or booklets, will it be the most discerning customer. Due to the highly necessary to tear out pages without damaging the competitive nature of most industries, print buyers entire product? Which binding will work best, and must continue seeking ways to communicate quality should certain (or all) pages be perforated? and prestige with their printed products. This will be of particular importance in the post-COVID world, Ÿ Is the product or document aligned with the value where the transition to digital has accelerated and of the solution it represents? print volumes are declining. Although print will have Ÿ How durable does the product need to be? Will it its place in the ecosystem for quite some time, need to withstand the elements? buyers are striving to cut costs by “printing smarter.” The Bottom Line The right finishing techniques can make publications, When it comes to printed communications, your marketing collateral, postcards, and business cards print buyers want alternatives, creative ideas, and beg to be touched. The finishing elements of these effective solutions. Particularly in today's “digital communications will trigger a sensory response that first” environment, print buyers are thinking beyond makes them more memorable and inherently mere ink on paper—they want their printed valuable. communications to capture the attention of their Using Finishing to Foster Loyalty

Ultimately, all print buyers want to attract loyal customers that will tell others about their positive experiences and keep coming back for more. A CEB survey of 5,000 individuals at client organizations revealed that the overall sales experience was the most important determinant of customer loyalty.

Print service providers can support print buyers by taking inventory of their printing products and fostering a better sales experience. Help your print buyers plot their offerings on a continuum, then ask probing questions that can highlight the risk or value of applying various finishing options. These 30B PRINTERS DIGEST

audience while elevating the impression of their brand. Print can still deliver a “wow” factor, especially when the print provider understands the ultimate purpose of the final product. The right finishing touches can make all the difference in terms of functionality, customer satisfaction, brand perception, and loyalty. As a print service provider, it's your responsibility to educate time-pressed print buyers about high-performing finishing options and how they can improve the value and functionality of their offerings By: By Karen Kimerer