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features 17 II Customizing Catalogs

Digital Print Drives Resurgence in Catalog Demand 21 II Brand Protection

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departments Editor's Letter ....................................................................................4 Intrinsically Rewarding News Beat ......................................................................................... 6 Current Industry News Recent Events ................................................................................ 1 O Standard Finishing 360 Finishing.......................................................................................... 11 Expanding Markets Best Practices................................................................................ 14 Securing Sensitive Data Advertiser Index ............................................................................ 27 Companies Mentioned ................................................................ 27 Showcase ....................................................................................... 27

On the cover: Morgana's PowerSquare style binders are able to de­ liver finished books of up to 224 pages. See page 17.

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dpsmagazine.com Volume 27, Number 4 • ISSN: 1529-2320

EDITOR IN CHIEF Thomas Tetreault 0

Intrinsically ewarding

EDITOR Cassandra Balentine cbalentine rockportpubs.com

Compared to analog technologies, digital print inherently brings a variety of benefits when used to produce the same applications. f course the top advantage is the ability to uickly and cost effectively turnaround short runs featuring variable data allowing each piece to be uni ue. It also presents environmental advantages.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Melissa Donovan mdonovan rockportpubs.com ART DIRECTOR Sarah M. White swhite rockportpubs.com WEB EDITOR elissa ueller

This issue focuses on security with two articles dedicated to different aspects. ur cover story Customizing Catalogs specifically looks at how digital print and supportive finishing technologies are revolutioni ing a traditional application that is now seeing a surge in demand due to new capabilities.

This issue focuses on security with two articles dedicated to different aspects. In Brand Protection we review strategies and effects that today s digital printers are able to incorporate to thwart counterfeiting and tampering. e also discuss security from a networking standpoint. Securing Sensitive Data highlights ways that software and encryption tools protect sensitive data as it crosses between various mechanisms from hard drives to the cloud.

Finally we take a uick look at lamination in Expanding Markets. In addition to document protection this finishing tool is sometimes used to add value to digitally printed output. lso in this issue find a recap of the recent Finishing 360 event held at Standard Finishing’s MA-based demonstration center.

Cheers,

Cassandra Balentine, editor cbalentine rockportpubs.com

CONTRIBUTORS Kemal Carr, Olivia Cahoon, ina Ferrara ark anley ADVERTISING SALES PUBLISHER Thomas Tetreault 300 ewburyport Turnpike Ste. owley assachusetts 0 6 Ph 0 0 F edit rockportpubs.com

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SALES Amanda Doyon 0 0 F adoyon rockportpubs.com

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CORPORATE & PUBLISHING OFFICE 300 ewburyport Turnpike Ste. owley assachusetts 0 6 ROCKPORT CUSTOM PUBLISHING, LLC CHAIRMAN Jeffrey Jensen PRESIDENT & CEO Thomas Tetreault CONTROLLER Missy Tyler

Digital Publishing Solutions is published by Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC. Please send change of address forms to: 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969. © Rockport Custom Publishing, LLC 2025. Reproduction by any means of the whole or part of Digital Publishing Solutions without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Views expressed in the editorial pages do not imply our endorsement.

Subscription Rates: U.S. $41.65 per year, seven issues; single copies: $5.95, Canada and Mexico: $52.22 (U.S.D.), Other international subscriptions: $71.05 (U.S.D.) Vendors: We welcome your product news. Include prices, slides, photos, and digital files with your press release. Please forward product samples and media kits to Reviews Editor, DPS Magazine, 300 Newburyport Turnpike, Ste. 11, Rowley, MA 01969. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited product samples.

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Finishing 360 Highlighting Advancements in Digital Finishing

By DPS Magazine Staff

The future of digital print technologies is propelled by innovations in finishing and workflow. This Spring, Standard Finishing Systems showcased its latest solutions at its annual VIP customer event. The annual Finishing 360 event was held at Standard’s National Demonstration Center in Andover, MA, Taking place over two days—May 21 and May 22, 2025—visitors saw a lineup of automated Horizon and Hunkeler solutions, networked with peers, and gained finishing expertise from industry specialists.

Featured Solutions The main draw of the event was the North American premiere of the Horizon BBS56 Book Block Solution, a plow fold book block-making system designed for shortto medium-run production. It can be fully integrated with a Horizon perfect binder and trimmer for a complete roll-to-perfect bound book solution operating at speeds of up to 800 books per hour.

Each selection of the system, from unwinding and plow folding to cutting, gluing, and stacking, with delivery to the BQ-500 Perfect Binder and HT1000V Trimmer was demonstrated live.

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Also among its range of book binding solutions, Horizon’s newest perfect binder, the BQ-300 was showcased.

The device features enhanced automation and built-in, user-friendly features to enable efficiently produced, professional quality books.

Also shown, the Horizon SPF-200 Bookletmaker, which folds, stitches, hole punches, and trims booklets in one system at up to 4,700 cycles per hour.

Highlighting the power of a Hunkeler/Horizon Integrated Solution, the Rollto-Booklet solution was demonstrated, featuring Hunkeler’s Gen8 unwinding and cutting modules integrated with the digital, high-speed Horizon StitchLiner Mark V Saddlestitcher to deliver finished books from a roll.

The Hunkeler Roll-Fed Finishing solution Roll-to-Cut/Stack configuration was

shown producing straight and fully separated offset stacks from one- to four-up, delivering full-bleed products as small as 5.5 by four inches.

Further demonstrating automation and efficient workflows, several Horizon systems were connected to iCE LiNK, Horizon’s cloud-based bindery control system.

Full Circle Finishing 360 featured personalized group demonstrations as well as highlighted Standard’s pre-owned equipment and service programs, showing print professionals how to succeed with the latest technology breakthroughs in print finishing. dps 1. & 2. This Spring, Standard Finishing Systems held its annual VIP customer event, Finishing 360, at its national demonstration center in Andover, MA.

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Expanding Markets

Protect and Enhance Digitally Printed Output with Lamination

By OPS Magazine Staff

Laminating is a popular finishing technique with big potential in both web- and sheet-fed digitally printed applications.

Lamination offers both practical and aesthetic uses, including extended UV protection, adding chemical and abrasion protection, and enhancing or modifying the look of digitally printed output.

For some print providers, lamination is including tactile finishes and holograph­ "Toners and digital inks used for digi­ an occasional need. To many others, it ic patterns. "We've also seen wider adop­ tal prints don't play nicely with tradition­ may be a daily requirement. "By adding tion of laminating equipment that can al laminate films," explains Neil Drever, the capability in house a printer is able give prints texture through embossing product consultant, Skandacor. "Tradi­ to include long-lasting/durable print as and shining effects using on demand tional laminate films are made for offset a key additional sales benefit," states digital cold foils," suggests Truan. prints, which are easier to adhere to.

Ray Hillhouse, VP sales and marketing, However, because of the high oil content Advancements for Digital Output in toners and digital inks, digital prints Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit.

Print providers are discovering ways to More laminators target shorter run are notorious for peeling and other ad­ offer more applications and types of lami­ lengths and smaller sheet sizes for the hesion issues."

As smaller digital print shops start of­ nating that can be done with a single asset, digital print space. fering lamination, factors like com­ suggests Jeff Truan, strategic account solutions specialist, Nobepactness, user friendliness, etc. lus. Many pretreat laminates are become make or break. "T hese Toners and digital inks used for used to increase bond strength shops typically have limited floor digital prints don't play nicely with while choosing newer adhesives real estate and younger, tech-savvy that reduce the previous high traditional laminate films.

1. Nobelus offers a range of laminate costs of digital lamination. finishes and thermal laminating systems.

- Neil Drever, product consultant, Skandacor In terms of value enhance­ 2. Morgana provides a more traditional ment, more laminate finishes laminating solution with the Laminator Pro 450. are available than ever before,

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rolls. Specifically, the Gfp 663TH 63-inch top heat-assist roll laminator features swing-out supply shafts, rear-rewind with inline trimmers, electronic nip control, counter and onboard label printer, and preset production lengths so operators won’t have to physically stand in front of longer runs helps frustrated shop owners while better managing inventory loss and/or reducing waste.

Inspired Output 3 staff members. So big, clunky, machinery doesn’t suit the fast-paced environment of these shops,” notes Drever.

“Quicker machine setup times and practices that create less waste through reprints and waste sheets help increase productivity and decrease lead times.

Advancements in laminating systems also mean operators have to be less technical to get high-quality results,” adds Truan.

Another important development in recent years is the emergence of lowcost digital laminating solutions. “These have been developed particularly with the needs of the short-run digital sector in mind. At the vanguard of this type of machine have been our partners at Intec. The ColorFlare range of digital laminator products require no dies to be manufactured. As that typically happens with an external supplier it means significant time and cost savings, which in turn can lead to the potential for better margins for the printer,” says Hillhouse.

The shorter run length of digital means that fully automatic feeders aren’t always practical. “There’s very little sense in setting up an automatic feeder to run 50 sheets. So we’re seeing more demand for semi-automatic feeders, which offer the perfect middle ground for shops with run lengths too long for a manual feeder, but too short for a fully automatic machine,” suggests Drever.

If you look specifically at laminating flexible digitally printed output, Sam Crosby, dealer manager, Graphic Finishing Partners (GFP), says the technology has remained relatively unchanged over the past 25-plus years. “It’s primarily due to the straightforward process of two rollers putting a flexible film over a flexible or rigid print. While always looking for ways to make laminating more consistent while adding efficiencies like temperature, speed, and pressure presets.”

Gfp has developed a way to better manage costly inventory and reduce waste while making better use of partial

COMPANIES MENTIONED

See page 27 for more information.

COMPANY

WEBSITE

Graphic Finishing Partners (GFP)

gfpartnersllc.com

110

Nobelus

nobelus.com

111

plockmaticgroup.com

112

skandacor.com

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ockmatic ro p Skandacor

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Digital print providers witness huge gains in a range of areas due to advancements in lamination, according to Truan. “In the past, value-add lamination was seen mostly as a niche offering with the majority of printers outsourcing post-print lamination. But Truan says this has changed significantly as differentiation becomes more important.

“In fact, lamination has become almost a requirement in many spaces due to the need to enhance digital print in hypercompetitive markets.”

Drever believes that in order to stay competitive and increase profits, PSPs need to have a better solution for customers. “The progressive printers offering embellishment and in-house print finishing are the ones who are gaining traction and bringing embellishment more mainstream.”

Truan agrees, noting that marketing pieces are more crucial for brands, which leads to higher value packaging, special attention to tactile finishes like soft-touch and rough-touch options, and visual enhancements that draw the attention of consumers to increase the chances of interaction. “In an increasingly virtual age, we are actually seeing increased response rates at the mailbox for laminated direct mail, and we expect this trend to continue growing. Lamination is also becoming more important for protection purposes, such as keeping book covers from scuffing during shipping and ensuring collectible

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items with attractive, unique finishes that remain in pristine condition long term.”

Drever notices a lot more print providers going beyond the typical traditional gloss, matte, and soft-touch lamination. “A lot of people offer creative options such as foil under a 10-mil laminate, incorporating metallized boards or films, etc. Another application that’s becoming more common is laminated Teslin. When done with a 10-mil laminate film, even though the final result often isn’t edge sealed, it makes a nice, thick, completely waterproof card.”

Films like Skandacor’s UltraGrip laminate line are specially formulated with an aggressive adhesive for digital prints.

Insourcing this type of lamination enables printers to increase margins in competitive spaces, offering brands more rapid turnaround times, and increase

their top line revenue. “More brands are asking for ways to differentiate their products in increasingly competitive markets, and the value-add features modern lamination offers provide a perfect way to create unique designs that appeal to multiple senses,” adds Truan.

Estimated Value The value lamination adds can vary between job size and market, but there tends to be a higher margin with digital lamination. “This is typically because of the short-run length and quick turnaround times that digital print customers usually require. On average, you can expect a 50 to 80 percent profit increase,” shares Drever.

“From what we have seen with our own customers, we estimate that the physical value of print and packaging can

increase revenue by more than 40 percent in many spaces, while margins are growing as much as ten to 15 points. This growth is most likely due to the greater importance brands place on differentiation,” offers Truan.

The value lamination can bring varies greatly. “For example, from 500 soft-touch business cards, which might add a small profit increase—let’s say $25—to a rush job of 500 backstage passes with 10-mil laminate that could bring a large profit increase—up to 80 percent,” says Drever.

Modern Lamination Laminators support the digital print space by targeting shorter run lengths and smaller sheet sizes with features like semi-automatic feeders. In addition to protection, these devices also add value to prints. dps

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41

best practices

Securing Sensitive Data Encryption and Authentication

By Cassandra Balentine 0-------------------------------------------

Brand protection and security cover a wide array of topics, extending well beyond printing. "Safeguarding sensitive data involves advanced technologies and strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to threats that could compromise a brand's integrity and customer trust," admits Suzi Hagay, director of workflow solutions, Landa Digital Printing.

Ravi Koul, senior director, product mar­ is printed more than once. Additionally, practice of integrated encryption/de­ keting office technology and Mark De­ access to the data is strictly limited-if cryption of data into the entire workflow Sarno, director security and compliance allowed at all, explains Hagay. of design and production, and production access control and monitoring as engineering, Kyocera Document Solu­ tions, observe a significant rise in the Security Features it relates to safeguarding information. demand for enhanced security printing The latest trends in safeguarding sensi"Solutions like Xerox Secure Print solutions over the past five years. "Many tive information include data encryption, ensure that documents are encrypted of our clients have transitioned to sys­ invisible security features, access con- before they are sent to the printer, pro­ tems that require authentication to ac­ trol, and secure print release. tecting confidential information throughTamir Hativa, head of security print- out the entire printing process. This en­ cess printing devices. This means users must verify their identity before they can ing, HP Indigo, notes the increased cryption prevents unauthorized access, utilize the printer, adding an exensuring that sensitive data re­ mains secure at all times," com­ tra layer of security."

Organizations are increasingly Issues such as phishing at­ ments Matthew Raab, director of global portfolio marketing, tacks, unauthorized data ac­ interested in monitoring who is printing cess, and data leaks must be Xerox Corporation. what, when, and from which location. addressed. In highly secure sce1. The Xerox Versant 280 incorporates narios, codes are generated on - Ravi Kou I, senior director, product marketing security features like story networking the fly just before printing and office technology and Mark DeSarno, director and data protection 2. Kyocera's products security and compliance engineering, Kyocera are automatically deleted from offer an extensive range of configurations the database to ensure no code that ensure both security and productivity.

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The basis for protecting customer’s sensitive information is through using encryption and security protocols. “The industry is moving to TLS v1.3 and FIPS 140-3 certified encryption methods to help to protect customer data at rest and in transit along with the latest in storage drive security products to protect encryption keys using Trusted Platform Module so that data is erased after job succession. We also see demands for more security printing features within Zero-Trust networks, Cyber Resilience within the HCD platform, and network connections and preparations for future Quantum computing,” says Mark Sinanian, VP of marketing, Canon U.S.A., Inc. Koul and Desarno explain the architecture of remote, on-demand print job release. “This functionality allows users to send print jobs to a network and then

release them from any device connected to that network when they are ready to collect the printed documents. This ensures that sensitive documents are not left unattended at the printers and can only be picked up by authorized users.”

Moreover, Koul and Desarno see a growing need to track user activity within these systems. “Organizations are increasingly interested in monitoring who is printing what, when, and from which location. This tracking capability not only helps in maintaining security but also aids in auditing and compliance processes.”

Functions like engine-level file control allow users to control where and how jobs are printed. For example, Jeroen Van Bauwel, director solution design, Xeikon, says Xeikon’s digital workflow allows for granular control. Print jobs are restricted to specific engines, ensuring that sensitive

files are not inadvertently or maliciously routed elsewhere, and engine-specific locking ensures that even if data were accessed, it couldn’t be executed on unauthorized systems.

Using a host of flexible authentication methods, administrators control who has access to a printer, and to which features.

Sinanian says this can be done using a PIN, username and password, or card log in with the addition of an optional card reader. Restrictions—such as access to color copying and scanning functions— can be applied by individual, group, or through customized roles. You can also define whether to allow unregistered users, such as visitors, to log in as guests and then specify their level of access.

“Administrators can set requirements for passwords, such as expiration period, lockout time, and complexity. They can

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3 even access the device remotely with extensive control, from changing permissions to monitoring activity—even turning on or off devices or locking down specific equipment or functions,” adds Sinanian.

Some systems also provide protection with data erase features used to overwrite previous data on a solid-state drive. Sinanian says this is designed to help limit stored data from being read/written on PCs or a different printer. “These models feature the ability to turn on a function to help verify that the device boot process, firmware, and applications initialize at startup without any alterations or tampering by malicious third parties. Select models support automatic recovery of boot 3. Kyocera’s technology facilitates secure data transmision and storage as well as accommodates the need for versatile and scalable solutions.

COMPANIES MENTIONED

process for self-resiliency. During operation, Trellix Embedded Control can be turned on to utilize a whitelist to help protect against malware and tampering of firmware and applications.”

Multi-factor authentication is also integrated into print workflows to further safeguard access to sensitive data. Raab explains that by requiring multiple forms of identification, it ensures that only authorized personnel can access confidential documents.

“These advancements are part of a broader trend toward implementing more comprehensive, multi-layered security systems that protect sensitive information across its entire lifecycle,” adds Raab.

For data storage, Koul and Desarno say the implementation of AES256 certified encryption coupled with a secondary level TMP chipset cypher enhances security and ensures that sensitive information remains protected against unauthorized access and data breaches.

“Furthermore, secure communication is facilitated using cloud-based SHA-2 384, TLS 1.3, and HTTPS protocols, providing robust encryption during data transmission. These advancements collectively offer comprehensive security measures to safeguard sensitive information in modern environments.”

Cloud Considerations With most of the U.S. corporate infrastructure migrating to cloud-based solutions, See page 27 for more information.

COMPANY

WEBSITE

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

usa.canon.com

INFO# 115

HP Inc.

hp.com

116

Kyocera Document Solutions

kyocera.com

117

Landa Digital Printing

landanano.com

118

Nanografix Corporation

nanografix.com

119

Xeikon

xeikon.com

120

Xerox Corporation

xerox.com

121

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Koul and Desarno say Kyocera products are adeptly designed to integrate seamlessly with clients’ new and existing platforms. They offer an extensive range of configurations that ensure both security and productivity. These configurations are meticulously crafted to support the diverse requirements of modern enterprises, enabling them to maintain high-security standards while optimizing their operational efficiency. “Kyocera’s technology not only facilitates secure data transmission and storage but also accommodates the growing need for versatile and scalable solutions in today’s dynamic digital environment,” they note.

Many cloud-based printing technologies offer access controls to provide users agility and flexibility for both in-office printing and remote workplace hybrid printing and scanning while providing security features. To that end, Canon offers uniFLOW Online.

Koul and Desarno point out that the integration of cloud-based OAuth2 protocols for Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Entra) and Google authentication services are trending in security. “This technology enables secure, token-based authentication that allows users to access applications without repeatedly entering their credentials.”

Secure and Protected Print Security should be a top consideration in any print environment—whether it is in a print shop or a copy room.

“You need a sophisticated and professional IT department that is constantly implementing new methods in order to safeguard sensitive information for both the clients and company,” states Dan Lieberman, CEO, Nanografix Corporation.

Koul and Desarno note that the overall shift towards these advanced security printing measures reflects the increasing concern for safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access in corporate environments. dps

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Hillhouse cautions that producing targeted catalog mailings do require one additional item to create the perfect solution—data. “And not any data. Good data needs to be current—sieved for dead, divorced, and change-of-address issues. The level of detail may also vary.

Does the data provided need to include product purchase information, or more family and lifestyle information? If so, there may be legal issues to consult and abide by in any given territory. These need thorough investigation before deciding which binding style to invest in.”

Dubuque believes shorter catalog runs mean more job turnover. “On legacy finishing machines, more job turnover means more downtime and less throughput as operators manually switch from one job to the next. Automation nearly

eliminates that downtime, allowing print service providers (PSPs) to process more catalog applications more efficiently and in a shorter amount of time than ever before. Automation optimized by artificial intelligence (AI) will also continue to play a

Stepping Up with Automation With the help of automation, catalog production is modernized with streamlined workflows, error reduction, scalability, and integration.

Automation is essential for the future of short-run catalog production, especially in markets where run lengths are low but job variety is high. “Automation ensures speed, accuracy, and minimal reliance on skilled operators,” states Sajith.

The latest digital print and finishing equipment solutions are equipped with automation. “From prepress to finishing, automated solutions reduce manual intervention, minimize errors, and enhance production speed. For example, Muller Martini’s Connex Workflow System ensures seamless integration across all stages of production, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustments for consistent quality and output,” offers Caruso.

Hillhouse points out that automation is likely to play a critical role in all print production, and inline finishing might be a major part of that for catalog production. “Downstream of post-press, automation will already have played a big part in the sifting of data, the preparation of that data, and the presentation of the information within the printing of the page. In finishing, the use of quick response (QR) codes, or similar technologies, can help to direct the specific job into one particular production channel.”

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and in some cases, eco-friendly materials.

The latest in digital production presses, supporting finishing, and workflow tools make this type of application easier and more cost effective than ever to produce.

Digital print technologies are transfor­ mative for catalog production, enabling shorter runs, faster turnaround times, and unparalleled customization. "Businesses can produce niche, personalized catalogs that resonate with their target audiences.

Additionally, digital printing makes it cost effective to produce smaller quantities, opening up opportunities for business­ es of all sizes to leverage catalogs as a marketing tool,'' suggests Raquel Caruso, marketing manager, Muller Martini.

Catalog applications benefit from ad­ vancement in digital and inkjet print tech­ nology, agrees Don Dubuque, director of marketing, Standard Finishing Systems.

"Recently, we've seen leading print man­ ufacturers introduce a new generation of inkjet printers that further close the gap with offset printing in terms of quality and support for a wider range of formats and substrates. Finishing manufacturers have also stepped up their game with equipment that pairs up well with these new printers. This is great news for cat­ alog customers looking to reduce costs 1. Morgana's PowerSquare style binders are able to deliver finished books of up to 224 pages.

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without sacrificing quality, environmen­ tal responsibility, or the flexibility to test more layouts, designs, and customization options to capture the attention of dis­ tracted consumers. Expect to see more catalog applications produced digitally as this new generation of print and finishing equipment continues to be installed on production floors."

A Growing Digital Application The shift to digital printing offers catalog producers agility, improved turnaround times, personalization, reduced waste, and an enhanced customer experience.

The demand for personalized, da­ ta-driven marketing materials is on the rise, and catalogs are no exception. The flexibility and efficiency of digital print make it ideal for producing customized catalogs that cater to specific customer segments. A representative from Xeikon feels that this trend is particularly evident in ecommerce, where businesses lever­ age personalized catalogs to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.

"The resurgence of catalogs as a mar­ keting medium is evident, particularly in digital print environments. In today 's digital-first world, catalogs offer a tangi­ ble, personalized experience that con­ nects with customers on a deeper level.

As ecommerce continues to expand,

catalogs serve as a complementary tool, driving engagement and conversions,'' adds Caruso.

"If you can mail a potential customer the latest information on products that you know they are interested in it makes all kinds of sense. The biggest desire is, of course, a sale, but you are also appealing to the 'green' lobby with reduced paper, less physical product to mail, and more purposeful, targeted print,'' comments Ray Hillhouse, VP sales & marketing, the Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit.

Pallippuram Sajith, managing direc­ tor, Bindwel Technologies, India, agrees, noting that with digital printing, brands create area-specific messaging, adapt content frequently, and produce limited batches without waste. "This shift de­ mands finishing systems that match dig­ ital print in agility."

As brands move toward targeted, da­ ta-driven marketing, Jean-Baptiste Bar­ dinet, commercial market director, Lan­ da Digital Printing, says personalized and localized catalogs are becoming more relevant than ever. "Digital print, with its flexibility and responsiveness, is perfectly suited for this evolution."

Improved turnaround times are anoth­ er benefit of digital print and finishing in the catalog space. Sajith points out that in India, where catalogs are more com­ monly distributed as handouts, newspa­ per inserts, or in-store leaflets-rather than mailed-there's a growing need for cost-effective and quick-turnaround solu­ tions that still offer the premium feel of a high-end product and new machines support that balance. "Digital print has opened up new possibilities in the Indian market-especially for regional brands, local retailers, and niche product sellers.

While traditional direct mail catalogs are not common here, there is high demand for hyper-localized catalogs and promo­ tional booklets that accompany newspa­ pers or are distributed in stores."

There is some work to be done to ensure the success of these solutions.

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2 larger role in catalog production, as PSPs will use AI to analyze large amounts of data for more dynamic and effective tar­ geting for customized catalogs with the ul­ timate goal of driving customer behavior."

Bardinet believes automation is a cor­ nerstone of next-generation catalog pro­ duction. ':-\.t Landa, we collaborate with a range of global and regional workflow providers to offer end-to-end automation­ from job onboarding to print execution and finishing. Beyond MultiPress, we in­ tegrate with systems such as Kodak and Esko in Europe, as well as EFI and Avanti in North America. This broad connectivity minimizes manual intervention, reduces errors, and allows PSPs to scale efficient­ ly while maintaining consistent quality. In a segment like catalogs-where high vol­ ume meets high variability-automation delivers both speed and profitability:'

On the Horizon Over the past several years, Dubuque points out that some consumer-facing companies have phased out their print 2. The Muller Martini Prinova saddle stitcher is ca­ pable of 9,000 cycles per hour and can be changed over incredibly quickly thanks to its individual feeder.

Bindwel Technologies

Landa Digital Printing

catalogs in favor of digital campaigns to save money. However, some marquee brands are reintroducing their print catalogs in combination with digital campaigns. "This suggests that there is a resurgent demand for print from consumers, much like we're seeing in the book manufacturing space, and these combination print/digital cam­ paigns enhance customer engagement and drive sales. And, because the cat­ alog runs are more limited, brands can experiment with different formats and different substrates that make the cat­ alog more memorable. With cost sav­ ings from automation in both printing and finishing as well as the cost savings from digital printing, even non-luxury brands are starting to experiment in this way."

Trends in this space include hyper personalization, interactive elements, sustainable materials, integration with ecommerce, and enhanced finishing.

Caruso agrees, pointing out that cata­ logs are designed to complement digital campaigns, often featuring QR codes or augmented reality elements to bridge the gap between print and digital.

bindwel.com

landanano.com

Muller Martini

mullermartini.com

Standard Finishing Systems

standardfinishing.com

Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit

Xeikon

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plockmaticgroup.com

xeikon.com

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Bardinet sees a shift toward shorter, more targeted runs with premium finishes and personalized content. "Brands are re­ discovering the power of print as a tactile, emotionally engaging medium-particu­ larly in luxury, travel, and high-end retail sectors. At the same time, sustainability is becoming a key differentiator. With wa­ ter-based inks, recyclable substrates, and less waste, Nanography is helping our customers meet these new expectations.

We also expect continued growth in digi­ tal embellishment and data-driven catalog campaigns that blur the line between print and digital experience:' When it comes to finishing, Hillhouse sees a lot of catalog production switch­ ing to inline finishing, especially per­ sonalized products. "There are a lot of targeted shorter runs of catalogs being printed and finished inline. Longer runs are still "being produced, but these tend to be printed lithographically, and there­ fore offline," he shares. ':-\.s catalogs evolve from being just sales tools to brand-building pieces, finish­ ing technology must evolve to deliver flexi­ bility, speed, and a premium tactile experi­ ence-even in small batches," notes Sajith.

In Summary Catalog production is suited for many industries. From fashion to home goods and travel, businesses are able to lever­ age the latest in print and finishing tech­ nologies to produce custom catalogs that enhance customer engagement and drive sales. "These personalized catalogs have proven to be effective tools for building brand loyalty and achieving marketing objectives," states Caruso.

Sajith adds that digital print tech­ nologies allow for localized printing closer to distribution points. "When you combine this with fast, automat­ ed finishing, you get catalogs that are short run, high quality, and immediate­ ly deployable-a powerful tool for mod­ ern marketers in both developed and developing markets." dps

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anti-counterfeit marks with variable codes. Brand protection companies are developing the ability to generate these variable codes for both track-and­ trace and authentication purposes," adds Hagay.

Holograms are also used in packag­ ing as a deterrent against counterfeiting.

"Traditionally, they've appeared on rigid, boxed products. However, the trend to include holograms on flexible packag­ ing continues to grow. Holograms are typically standalone decals-either em­ bedded into a substrate or affixed with permanent adhesive. Their effectiveness lies in how difficult they are to replicate.

However, one major drawback is that decals can be removed and reused on counterfeit items," shares Jeff Leto, VP of sales, NBi FlexPack.

Dan Lieberman, CEO, Nanografix Corporation, points out that each security feature has to be unique and smartphone applications must be able to decipher en­ crypted optical information that is hidden in either holograms or other optical struc­ tures where the information is unique for each security feature.

1. HP Indigo presses support security printing for brands with UV inks, accurate printing, Taggant inks, microtext, and a variety of integrated security part­ ners. 2. NanoCast instant Holography is a disruptive technology by Nanograf1x that can be used on any printing press.

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Anti-Counterfeiting/Tampering The demand for advanced anti-counter­ feiting and authentication solutions has driven significant innovation in security printing, with key trends emerging in multi-layered security features like digi­ tal watermarks, invisible inks, and quick response (QR) codes, which Matthew Raab, director of global portfolio mar­ keting, Xerox Corporation, says make counterfeiting more difficult.

"Xerox combines these technolo­ gies with specialty imaging solutions, such as MicroText Mark, GlossMark, and Infrared Mark, which provide both covert and overt security elements that are challenging to replicate. These inno­ vations enable businesses to integrate customized security features-such as holographic printing and invisible text­ into both static and variable data jobs, ensuring that each document is uniquely protected and reducing the risk of dupli­ cation," says Raab.

Features like UV fluorescing inks offer a powerful layer of invisible securi­ ty-revealing their presence only under ultraviolet light. This makes them an ide­ al solution for combating counterfeiting and fraud, while also enhancing the au­ thenticity and trustworthiness of printed materials. Beyond security, these inks enable precise tracking, tracing, and

verification across logistics and supply chain documents, adding both protec­ tion and intelligence to every print.

"Incorporating advanced security features digitally, especially those that integrate into existing workflows with­ out added complexity, reflects Canon's commitment to innovation in secure document printing," comments Katsuhi­ ro ''.Jerry" Matsufuji, VP, digital printing products & solutions, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "Our partnership with Arcis Solutions exemplifies this by embedding hidden security patterns directly into full-color images, visible only upon photocopy, providing an effective countermeasure against counterfeiting."

Komori's primary area of security printing is with presses that it makes for the banknote and passport print­ ing markets. These are large scale, non-digital presses that are used to print highly secure government-issued prod­ ucts. In this market, the use of secure substrates, inks, and features such as foils and threads is mature, with inno­ vation being evolutionary rather than revolutionary. "We see this as a prime area where digital technology can offer something new to this market-not only for banknotes and passports, but other securely printed documents-driving li­ censes, visas, certificates, vouchers, tick­ ets, tax stamps, etc.," says Steve Craig, group general manager and operating officer, Security Press Business Group, Komori Corporation.

In fact, Komori issued an in-house banknote, which for the first time includ­ ed features printed on its digital press­ es-a digitally printed serial number; a series of unique origami birds, in which every note had a different variation; and these unique variations were linked to the serial number, giving two unique fea­ tures on every document; and a digital invisible screen that can only be read us­ ing a smartphone application (app), and which verifies the unique serial number and phoenix design combination.

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For applications like tax stamp printing, Jeroen Van Bauwel, director solution design, Xeikon, estimates that some companies have spent considerable resources on the development of new features that can be enabled via digital printing in recent years, like the generation of unique designs and hidden variable codes.

In the past, holograms used in applications like flexible packaging were primarily for visual appeal, achieved through repeating patterns manufactured into the film itself. These designs could be easily duplicated by sourcing the same film.

Plus, because the hologram extended throughout the entire package it often creates a loud psychedelic effect that isn’t always desirable. “NBi FlexPack’s eBeam cast and cure changes that. It allows brands to place holograms only where they want them—adding visual impact and security without overwhelming the design,” notes Leto.

The rise of mobile authentication, QR codes, and serialization also transform how users and authorities verify products. “Track and trace and supply chain visibility systems become standard in tax stamps and pharmaceuticals. Variable data printing enables unique IDs and digital twins, linking physical items to blockchain or secure databases,” offers Van Bauwel.

Some of the latest trends and advancements that Tamir Hativa, head of security printing, HP Indigo, sees in relation to security printing for anti-counterfeiting/tampering engage consumers using different methods such as gaming interactions to authenticate products as well using their mobile phone to provide them with additional product information such as the digital product passport.

Van Bauwel says multi-layered security combines overt and covert elements.

“The traditional ‘one-feature’ approach is no longer sufficient. Brands and governments adopt multi-layered security strategies to stay ahead of counterfeiters.”

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When considering an enterprise setting, Ravi Koul, senior director, product marketing office technology and Mark DeSarno, director security and compliance engineering, Kyocera, point out that Kyocera multifunction printers have implemented sophisticated anti-counterfeiting measures that are activated when legal currency, checks, or sensitive 2 documents are scanned or copied. “These security features ensure that attempts to duplicate such documents will result in an error or limit the reproduction to B&W prints only. This functionality serves to deter unauthorized duplication and helps maintain the integrity of critical documents.”

Authentication By leveraging cutting-edge digital printing technology such as those discussed above, it is easier for businesses to authenticate documents and create highly secure, counterfeit-resistant materials.

Hativa feels that digital authentication is the most important trend, which takes away the need for training inspectors and border police and letting a well-defined algorithm verify a product or a document.

“This can be in addition to physical or conventional authentication.”

“One of the fastest growing trends is the use of unique, item-level identifiers— serialized QR codes, barcodes, or alphanumeric strings enable secure verification at every stage of the supply chain,” says Van Bauwel.

Smartphone-based authentication and digitally embedded watermarks are also utilized.

“With global smartphone penetration, end users are now part of the authentication chain,” shares Van Bauwel.

He points out that integration with mobile apps also enable geolocation,

usage tracking, and consumer engagement analytics.

Digitally embedded watermarks can be verified using specialized readers or apps but are nearly impossible to detect or reproduce by counterfeiters.

“Authentication in security printing is no longer about proving something is real—it’s about making it uniquely identifiable, verifiable, and traceable in real time. Technologies like digital serialization, smartphone scanning, and invisible codes, are transforming authentication into a dynamic, data-rich ecosystem,” shares Van Bauwel.

Leiberman stresses that when it comes to authentication, each security feature has to be unique and smartphone apps need to be able to decipher encrypted optical information hidden in either holograms or other optical structures.

Increased Demand Many industries rely on security printing solutions to protect their products and brands against counterfeiting, tampering, and also for authentication.

The demand for security printing functions is increasing, Van Bauwel says this is not only in terms of volume, but in complexity, sophistication, and strategic importance. “This trend is driven by a mix of global risks, regulatory changes, brand protection needs, and technological opportunities.”

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Craig points out that according to re­ ports from the World Trademark Review (W TR), global counterfeiting activity is on the rise, with European Union au­ thorities detaining 31 percent more fake goods in 2021 than the previous year and counterfeiting claims before U.S. courts now accounting for 40 percent of all trademark disputes, tripling over the past five years. ''An OECD/EUIPO report from 2021 with the most recently available data on the global trade in counterfeit and pirat­ ed products estimates that internation­ al trade in fake goods amounted to as much as $464 billion in 2019, or 2.5 per­ cent of world trade. The report is based on customs seizure data, which included almost 6,000 customs seizures of coun­ terfeit labels. This trade in counterfeit goods includes the assembly of counter­ feit and pirated products from imported materials. Brand protection security fea­ tures are aimed at deterring, detecting, and providing evidence of tampering, ensuring the security and integrity of the supply chain; providing assurance to consumers that they are buying genuine, safe, and quality products; and prevent­ ing losses caused by theft, breakage, or waste," shares Craig. "We therefore see 3. Xeikon provides tailored solutions for the complex and evolving world of security printing.

2411 dps II July 2025

that the demand for security printing in brand protection and in personal identi­ ty will remain high."

Van Bauwel warns that global coun­ terfeiting is now a multi-trillion dol­ lar problem affecting industries from pharmaceuticals and luxury goods to tax authorities. "Security printing is in­ creasingly seen as a first line of defense in supply chain integrity and product validation. But also governments and regulatory bodies are tightening con­ trols around excise goods-alcohol, to­ bacco, and cannabis; pharmaceuticals; secure documents; and child toys. This has significantly increased demand for high-integrity printed assets, often with digital traceability and audit capabili­ ties-a space where digital print tech­ nologies shine."

Hativa says brand protection has shown significant growth, the highest in security segments as well as governmen­ tal security printing.

The need to protect sensitive informa­ tion, reduce counterfeiting, and ensure authentication has driven this growth and adoption. ''As fraud concerns rise, businesses increasingly use specialty imaging to add an extra layer of protec­ tion to documents such as statements, event tickets, certificates, and coupons," confirms Raab.

Hagay sees significant interest in security and brand protection solutions among print houses, converters, and print buyers. However, she points out that implementation and deployment are ultimately determined by the brand owner who selects the most appropri­ ate anti-counterfeit solutions for their specific requirements. This selection and deployment process is extensive, involving thorough evaluation by a brand's quality assurance and quality control departments.

"Once the solution is selected and implemented, replacing it becomes extremely difficult. Despite growing in­ terest and increasing numbers of com­ panies developing security and brand protection solutions, adoption of these technologies is-in my own opinion-rel­ atively slow," admits Hagay.

Digital Print and Security Digital print technologies, with their ability to contain large levels of infor­ mation, data, and to assign unique values to each item or product, offer a next-generation deterrent in the fight against counterfeit goods, suggests Craig. ''Analog processes can be coun­ terfeited but traceable and readable in­ formation is embedded in digital print.

These systems offer next-gen protec­ tion for secure documents."

When used correctly and by an au­ thorized source, Hativa points out that digital technology is able to create highly secured packaging for products or governmental documents, as it pro­ vides a unique ID and ever-changing background and security elements which can be interconnected. "The ben­ efits of digital printing in general make it easier to produce."

Unlike conventional print methods, Van Bauwel says digital workflows elimi­ nate many of the vulnerabilities that can be exploited in traditional production en­ vironments, including the elimination of intermediate steps and physical plates.

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“Conventional printing methods require physical plates, which can be copied, mishandled, or reused for fraudulent printing. In conventional printing the security is often created by combining multiple processes—every step in the process generates intermediate waste, semi-finished products, and stocks of secure products— all of this can lead to potential fraudulent leaks. In digital printing there are no intermediate reproduction steps, reducing the number of potential access points for sensitive data.”

Further, digital print allows every printed item to be individually tracked. “Digital workflows enable precise job-level and item-level tracking. Every printed piece can be uniquely identified, logged, and traced back to its source data. Integration with serialization and audit systems ensures full traceability from file creation

to final output. This creates a closed-loop, verifiable chain of custody for secure print jobs,” adds Van Bauwel.

One of the most powerful safeguards in Xeikon’s architecture is that the printable file never actually exists in a transferable form. “With Xeikon’s secure workflow, the print-ready bitmap is generated on-the-fly during the print process. There are no static output files— e.g., PDFs or imposed layouts—that could be intercepted, copied, or modified prior to printing. This means the actual printable content only lives ephemerally inside the engine, effectively making data interception or duplication virtually impossible,” says Van Bauwel.

Hagay feels that digital presses such as those from Landa are well suited to meet the demands of security and brand protection. “In specialized markets like

pharmaceuticals and luxury packaging the demand for fine details, micro-text, invisible watermarks, and variable codes is increasing. Landa’s ability to print at high resolution with precise color control makes it an ideal solution.”

Moreover, digital printing greatly improves the efficiency of printing variable codes. “Landa’s technology supports custom, unique code printing of each printed piece, or impression. Instead of using an offset machine followed by an offline inkjet to print variable codes, everything can be accomplished in a single pass, making the process faster and more cost effective,” says Hagay.

Hagay adds that some brand protection solutions (e.g., Alpvision) enhance security by applying coatings that change appearance under different conditions. Landa’s inline coater, which can

INFO #5 dpsmagazine.com

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be UV or water-based, can significantly streamline this workflow.

Solutions like NBi FlexPack's tech­ nology for holograms offers a cost ad­ vantage over traditional holographic de­ cals and films that are expensive. "With eBeam cast and cure, standard films can be used since the hologram is part of the finished coating. While there is a cost for the embellishing film used to create the impression in the coating, it can be re­ used to produce over a million pouches before needing replacement. Depending on pouch size and quantity made, the cost per unit can be as low as just a few cents," says Leto.

5. Xerox offers several solutions specifically designed for security printing on its production presses through Xerox Specialty Imaging technology.

In the markets NBi FlexPack ser­ vices, which include nutraceuticals, pet, snack, and particularly cannabis, brand security has become more of a concern.

"While determined counterfeiters may still attempt brand identity theft, eBeam holographic images make it significant­ ly more difficult and cost prohibitive for these thieves. At the same time, eBeam holographic images help authenticate brands and aid them in standing out in today's increasingly crowded retail envi­ ronments," says Leto.

Leiberman says digital printing is well poised to introduce new technol­ ogies such as NanoCast. "The new developments are to be able to print holograms, optical structures, lentic­ ulars, moires, and lithographic effects

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Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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Komori America

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Landa Digital Printing

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Kyocera Document Solutions Nanografix Corporation NBi FlexPack

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26 II dps II July 2025

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that are variable-each is differ­ ent from the next-on any printing press. No more outsourcing for the security printer."

Further, solutions like Canon's ColorStream series of inkjet print­ ers are able to utilize specialty inks beyond standard CMYK, including MICR, fugitive inks, and UV-flu­ orescent inks. These inks help in creating security features on printed documents, such as checks with MICR encoding or documents with tamper-evident functions.

Invisible security available with Xerox Specialty Imaging technol­ ogies, such as MicroText Mark and GlossMark, embed covert security elements in documents, making them difficult to tamper with or replicate.

"These features are especially valuable for protecting high-security documents like certificates, tickets, and coupons," notes Raab.

Advanced Security Digital print technologies inherently bring advantages in terms of security print-first and foremost being variable printing. However, advanced technolo­ gies are integrated into hardware and software and also found in effects capa­ ble in the inks and finishing processes found in digital production workflows.

"Security printing is evolving-becom­ ing more data-driven and layered with complex requirements. Digital printing technologies, combined with intelligent software, inline modules, and secure workflows, are now at the forefront of this transformation;' attests Van Bauwel.

"The flexibility that digital printing offers is essential in a world where counter­ feiting adapts quickly, and print security must stay ahead."

Find more on the topic of print effects and technologies that center around se­ curity and brand protection online at dps­ magazine.com in the form of a webinar as well as web-exclusive editorial. dps

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INFO #10

INFO #9

AD INDEX INFO# Company

Page Website

INFO# Company

Page Website

2

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

2 canonproductionprint.com/pursue

6

Muller Martini

5 mullermartini.com

3

Duplo USA

7 duplousa.com

7

Nobelus

13 nobelus.com

10

Graphic Whizard

27 graphicwhizard.com

1

PressWise by Smartsoft

19 presswise.com

4

InSoft Automation

9 insoftautomation.com

9

Shark Finishing Machinery

27 sharkmachinery.com

5

Komori America

25 komori-america.us

8

Signs365

28 signs365.com

11

Kyocera Doc. Sols.

15 kyoceradocumentsolutions.com

COMPANIES MENTIONED Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

Company

INFO#

Alpvision

100

Komori America

103

Nanografix Corporation

106

Standard Finishing Systems

129

Bindwel Technologies

125

Kyocera Document Solutions

104

Nanografix Corporation

119

Xeikon

108

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

101

Kyocera Document Solutions

117

NBi FlexPack

107

Xeikon

120

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

115

Landa Digital Printing

105

Nobelus

111

Xeikon

130

Graphic Finishing Partners

110

Landa Digital Printing

118

Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit

112

Xerox Corporation

109

HP Indigo

102

Landa Digital Printing

126

Plockmatic Group Offline Business Unit

128

Xerox Corporation

121

HP Indigo

116

Muller Martini

127

Skandacor

113

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July 2025 || dps || 27

INFO #8