New Zealand Printer February 2023

February 2023

Cover Story p4

4 People in Print Awards: On March 9, at Auckland’s Sorrento in the Park, New Zealand Printer Magazine and PrintNZ will host the 2023 People in Print Awards and Rising Star Awards. Save the date and join us for the celebration

Features p11-40

11 Think Laterally: 2023 offers an opportunity for fresh starts and renewed growth, says Mick Rowan

12 Durst: Martin Leitner, Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging, discusses the digital transformation trend

18-20 Konica Minolta: Taupo’s Quality Print has installed a new AccurioPress C7100 with impressive results

22-24 drupa: With 15 months to go, the trade show has booked around 900 exhibitors from 45 countries

33 Printerverse: Deb Corn says projects created with level one collaboration have always run smoother and turned out better

39 Kale Print: A first-time entrant in the Tauranga Business Awards, Kale Print succeeded across multiple categories

40 Opportunity: Meqa Smith says you can boost your profits by using a ‘Talent Bible’

Wide Format Plus p27-32

28-29 Aarque: Roland DG has announced new resin and UV inkjet printers to join its successful TrueVIS range of solutions

30 NZSDA Update & Secretary: A new year means new opportunities for sign makers, says Melissa Coutts

32 NZSDA President: Andy Lowe shares some of his insights as a Sign Awards judge PrintNZ p12-14

12-14 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre reports on the challenges we will face in 2023 and how we can approach them

15 Comment: Ruth Cobb encourages us to embrace the opportunities that 2023 will offer

Labels & Packaging p34-38

35 Sustainability: Katherine Rich discusses moves that could ensure recyclable packaging makes it to the right place

36-38 Packvertising: Andy McCourt explains how packvertising can help packages offer more to the consumer

Award winners in Tauranga: Kale Print marketing manager Tessa Rowe and general manager Peter Lloyd

NEW

PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744

EDITOR: 021 631 559

Bruce Craig - bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS EDITOR: 021 748 476

Piotr Wnuk - pwnuk@intermedia.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS:

Ruth Cobb, Deb Corn, Melissa Coutts, Andy Lowe, Andy McCourt, Iain MacIntyre, Katherine Rich, Mic

CIRCULATION: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

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+61 410 578 876

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ISSN 1171 7912

New Zealand Printer is mailed to members of the printing, packaging and graphic communications industry in New Zealand 11 times a year, February-December.

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GROUP PUBLISHER:

Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

© Copyright 2023: Contents of this magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

2023

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People In Print Awards to be held in Auckland on March 9

Kicking off the major events in this year’s New Zealand print, signage, and packaging calendar, the People In Print Awards and Rising Stars Of Print Awards will take place on March 9.

The Awards welcome Durst for the first time as Platinum Sponsor for 2023.

Represented in New Zealand by Aarque, Durst has been the Platinum Sponsor of the prestigious ProPrint Awards organised by New Zealand Printer magazine’s sister publication, ProPrint across the Tasman for the last two years.

Durst has also renewed its sponsorship of the ProPrint Awards for 2023.

Brian Moore, publisher at New Zealand Printer magazine, says, “We are excited to welcome Durst for the first time as Platinum Sponsor for the Awards.

“The other sponsors are Cyber, Starleaton, Konica Minolta, Wholesale Print and Currie Group. Support from suppliers for the Awards is growing and reflects their commitment to the industry as a whole and we are grateful for their readiness to sponsor the event.”

The People In Print Awards celebrate people across the industry sectors who have achieved excellence over the past

12 months. Their achievements can cover any number of areas. For example, nominations might relate to their work in a particular field of the industry, such as design, prepress, offset, digital, finishing, installation, or logistics.

In addition, the People In Print Awards include industry professionals who have made, or are making, a contribution to their community through their actions.

Another important area is sustainability and the environment.

Rising Stars Of Print Awards

Encouraging newcomers, and those who are beginning to make their mark, the Rising Stars Of Print Awards remind us that the industry grows stronger and more resilient with a continuous injection of new blood and fresh ideas. Previous recipients of the Rising Stars Of Print Awards are now carving their own path through their respective industry sectors with enthusiasm and energy.

Bruce Craig, editor of New Zealand Printer magazine, says, “It is great to see how businesses throughout the sector are able to grow through their emerging talent. Fresh ideas can help guide your business in a new direction and create revenue streams that you haven’t previously considered.

“We see many Rising Stars helping to expand the boundaries for the companies they work for, and we see others branching out on their own.”

New Zealand Printer magazine is running the awards in conjunction with PrintNZ. Ruth Cobb, chief executive at PrintNZ, says, “Once again, we are pleased to support the People In Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards.

“Recognising members of our industry that have contributed during the year gives us a chance to appreciate those who go above and beyond. We look forward to celebrating their achievements as we take the time to acknowledge them.”

Event details

What: People In Print Awards and Rising Stars Of Print Awards

Where: Sorrento In The Park, Auckland

When: Thursday, March 9 from 4pm

Email: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz

Phone: 021 631 559

After pandemic disruptions, we welcome the opportunity to bring the industry together for a night of celebration and networking

Print industry professionals will gather at Sorrento In The Park in Auckland for this year’s People In Print Awards and Rising Stars Of Print Awards

Presents the 2023

Generously Sponsored By PLATINUM

Save the Date!

Awards will be presented at Sorrento in the Park, One Tree Hill Domain, Royal Oak, Auckland, on the evening of Thursday, March 9 2023

Go here for your tickets to attend: newzealandprinter.co.nz/2023awards

GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSOR

IST METZ, has appointed Tim Sterbak new sole managing director, taking over from Christian-Marius Metz, grandson of company founder Gerhard Metz, who will concentrate his work in the holding company but continue to maintain close contact with his successor. Tim Sterbak also emphasises, “We are a strong management team from which Christian-Marius Metz is leaving socially, but not operationally. Our business development shows that we are on the right track. I am looking forward to the future at IST METZ.”

COLOR-LOGIC, one of the leaders in metallic colour systems and print embellishments, has released Pattern-FX Volume 7. When using the seven volumes and the 924 metallic colours in the Color-Logic Design Suite, graphic designers can access 776,160 predictable and reproducible embellishment patterns with just a few clicks. However, the number of print embellishments with scaling and rotation is unlimited. Moreover, graphic designers can blend metallic colours into each other for patterns or blend process colours into metallic colours for use on conventional or digital presses.

BOBST has committed to set near-term company-wide emission reductions by joining the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company is now formalising its targets and expects them to be approved next year. More than 4000 companies are working with the SBTi to reduce their emissions. Signatories are required to set targets, which are independently assessed and verified and aligned with the recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Companies must also disclose results every year.

Actega predicts further success of Ecoleaf metallisation technology

Actega Metal Print business, responsible for bringing the pioneering Ecoleaf sustainable metallisation technology to market, predicts continued success in 2023 with Harald Jasper, a new managing director, who took over the division’s leadership this year from Stephan Plenz.

Thorsten Kröller, Actega chairman, said, “A founding member and a key player in developing this innovative technology, Harald’s expertise has been integral in establishing Ecoleaf’s current structure. With an unrivalled understanding of the marketalongside customers’ needs.

Actega estimates a carbon footprint reduction of more than 50 per cent

“Jasper’s deep knowledge promises strong success for the company going forward. Following years spent perfecting it prior to launch into an ever-evolving market under his leadership, we believe that the market acceleration for Ecoleaf is imminent and will change the

Epson on CDP A List for tackling climate change

Epson has been placed on the prestigious A List for climate change by the international environmental non-profit charity CDP, which evaluates companies’ environmental activities.

CDP evaluates companies’ environmental activities on behalf of more than 680 institutional investors worldwide with a combined USD 130 trillion in assets. Over the past two decades, the company has created a system that has resulted in unparalleled engagement on environmental issues

worldwide and established a CDP, which provides a snapshot of a company’s disclosure and environmental performance.

The scores show organisations and their stakeholders where they are on the road towards operating in line with a 1.5-degree, deforestation-free and watersecure future. By disclosing over consecutive years, they can understand the trajectory of their environmental journey.

The results of the questionnaires are also used to assess companies in terms of environmental performance

industry forever.”

The success of Ecoleaf can be primarily attributed to the sustainability benefits of its foil-less decoration process for metallic embellishments. Initial calculations from Actega’s Life Cycle Assessment found that this technology can achieve a carbon footprint reduction of more than 50 per cent compared to cold and hot foil processes.

Advances in developing Ecoleaf for use across even more packaging applications continued in 2022. Trials in 2023 include its use for decorating shrink sleeves, in-mould labels and tube laminates. By exploring this wide-ranging variety of applications, the Actega team aims to bring the benefits of this technology to as many businesses and printed products as possible in the future.

for the world’s leading socially responsible investment (SRI) indexes used by ESG investors.

Out of the more than 10,000 companies evaluated, Epson was one of a small number to receive an A listing, an acknowledgement confirming the business as a leader in sustainability.

In addition to being an essential statement to institutional investors making ESG investment decisions, Epson believes that this prestigious listing sends a powerful message to customers looking for environmentally conscious products and services, as well as to business partners and other stakeholders.

XSYS increase prices of nyloflex products

XSYS has announced an increase in prices across its nyloflex product range, which reflects the rise of input costs the industry experienced throughout 2022. From February 2023, the company will implement a price increase ranging from 6 to 9 per cent on nyloflex flexographic printing plates.

According to Xsys, the industry is facing a perfect storm with record inflation and continuous supply chain constraints.

“During these exceptional times, it has been our priority to stick to our commitments: Deliver the highest quality

products to our customers in time and in full. We are proud to be one of the most reliable suppliers in the market,” commented Friedrich von Rechteren, global commercial VP at XSYS.

“At the same time, our operations and procurement teams have turned around every stone to offset the input cost increases without jeopardising our quality and service levels. Due to the success of these initiatives, the announced price increase reflects just a fraction of the input cost increases we are facing,” added von Rechteren.

The prices of essential raw materials like rubber,

photopolymers and films used in the production of plates have increased by more than 20 per cent since the beginning of 2021, XSYS said. In addition, transportation and energy costs are up by double-digit percentage points. There is a consensus among market experts that these elevated raw materials prices are the new normal.

“As a response to the structural cost increases, we continue our investments in researching next-generation flexographic plates and equipment for our customers,” said von Rechteren. “These developments will help our customers to improve their operations and be successful in their markets. Our customers are at the centre of everything we do at XSYS.”

Fujifilm added to CDP A List for its leadership in climate action and water security

Global non-profit organisation

CDP, known initially as Carbon Disclosure Project, surveys corporate climate action, water resource management and forest preservation. Approximately 18,700 companies participated in this year’s survey. The results of this survey are also used in the world’s leading Socially Responsible Investment Index (SRI Index).

Teiichi Goto, president and chief executive at representative director of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, said, “We are delighted that Fujifilm Holdings has been named as an A List in climate change and water security. Since clean water and air are essential for manufacturing photographic film, which is the starting point of the Fujifilm Group, environmental conservation is fundamental to our business activities. We will continue to contribute to society through proactive efforts such as decarbonisation, conservation of water resources and reduction of waste in cooperation with local communities and government

to resolve environmental issues around the world.”

Under Fujifilm’s corporate social responsibility plan, the group is working on addressing climate change and natural resource recycling, including water. Fujifilm has set a target of “reducing water usage of the entire Fujifilm Group by 30 per cent compared to the fiscal year ended March 2014 (FY2013) level” and is working to conserve water resources.

In addition, Fujifilm has set a target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the entire product lifecycle by 50 per cent by FY2030 in line with the 1.5°C target set in the Paris Agreement.

Fujifilm has launched the Fujifilm Group’s environmental strategy Green Value Climate Strategy, to manufacture with a lower environmental impact and to create products and services that offer excellent environmental performance. Fujifilm has also introduced internal carbon pricing as one of the indicators as a consideration for future investment decisions to accelerate the implementation of these measures.

IN BRIEF

OPAL AUSTRALIAN PAPER has set out several initiatives to provide its team members with some aid following the uncertainty resulting from its Maryvale Mill white paper production impact at the end of last year. Opal said it has been engaging in active discussions with the Victorian Government and union representatives about this situation and has reached an agreement with the Victorian Government ensuring that until mid-February, Opal team members who may be stood down will receive full pay.

MEMJET has opened a new factory in Sydney, which started the production of commercial printing machines in December last year. The printing parts are the brains of many of the world’s best-known printing machine brands, including Canon, Konica Minolta, PCMC, MGI and Gallus. Until recently, most print engine assembly was done overseas, particularly in northeast Asia. As such, this new factory in North Ryde shows its commitment to backing local supply chains and Australian innovation.

The range began in 2006 with the release of the Truepress Jet 520 series of document, transactional, book and direct marketing presses with Equios software. It has expanded to include full-colour machines, high-speed label presses, and

New logos are intended to clarify Screen’s development of products and solutions for each of the commercial/publishing, label and packaging markets

the upcoming Pac520P and Pac830F flexible packaging presses for sustainable paper and plastics.

Peter Scott, managing director for Screen GP Australia and New Zealand, said, “There are now over a dozen variants of our Truepress devices, each with specific target market benefits.”

He points out that Screen has been working to differentiate better its development of products and solutions for individual fields and to increase its ability

to deliver new value to its customers.

He explains, “We saw the need to delineate the three main categories more clearly. So, we have refreshed the branding to do this. This is particularly important as new devices roll in from research and development into the market. Each category also has specific front-end software requirements, catered for by versions of Equios and other thirdparty integrated software.”

The changes are intended to clarify Screen’s development of products and solutions for each of the commercial/ publishing, label and packaging markets. The company plans to begin shipping presses bearing the new branding in March 2023.

The categories are Truepress JET , commercial/publishing mono and colour; Truepress LABEL , self-adhesive and other labels; and Truepress PAC, flexible packaging, paper and film presses.

An increase in greenwash over the past 12 months has Two Sides concerned. It believes that banks, telcos, utility companies and government organisations have increased their claims that paper bills and statements are bad for the environment.

The claims include ‘Go Green – Go Paperless’ and ‘Choose e-billing, save a tree’. Two Sides says those claims are untrue and more about saving money than saving the environment.

The company says worldwide solutions developers have chosen the fifthgeneration printheads to drive digital transformation revenue across all industrial sectors. It adds that the milestone comes from confidence in the printheads’ versatility and ability to deliver consistent, repeatable, highquality results in testing industrial environments.

Ricoh’s MH5420/5421 series printheads are compatible with a broad range of inks, from water-based to UV, solvent, and oil. Original equipment manufacturers have invested in using them for various applications, including signage, textiles, labels, and industrial décor, as well as for developments in printed electronics, 3D, pharmaceuticals, and DNA printing. Ricoh adds that extensive technical and integration support for waveform design and jetting optimisation is core to the product offering.

Durst uses RICOH MH5420/5421 series technology, in conjunction with proprietary data electronics and automated matching algorithms, in many water-based and UV ink applications and as an integral part of its modular machine systems. According to Durst Group

500,000 milestone reached as worldwide solutions developers choose RICOH MH5420/5421 Series printheads

technology officer Georg Grossrubatcher, the reliability and robustness of the printheads help meet demand from industrial clients for high machine availability and print quality consistency. He stated: “We can meet these expectations only with reliable printhead partners who consistently drive their inkjet technology forward and keep an open ear for optimisation requirements in close innovation partnerships.”

Ken Nagao, general manager of Component Business Center, Ricoh Graphic Communications BU, Ricoh Company, commented: “The robustness, reliability and performance of Ricoh’s MH5420/5421 series printheads, our fifth generation of printheads, have allowed these, and many other, global partners to develop and launch new systems that have achieved tremendous sales. They have confidence in Ricoh’s technology. And the versatility of the printheads has also supported innovation in a wide range of sectors enabling acceleration of development while minimising the risk in time and cost.”

Kellie Northwood, manager for Two Sides Australia New Zealand, says, “Greenwashing is hugely damaging to an industry which has a very strong environmental record. Paper is a renewable resource from working forests, which are planted and harvested. This encourages the long-term growth of forests through sustainable and biodiverse forest management.

“Many of the organisations we engage with are surprised to learn that our planted forests have doubled in size from one million to two million hectares. What’s more, this number is growing.”

Globally, Two Sides has engaged over 1,900 organisations making misleading statements about paper. Of those, 880 have removed greenwashing statements from their communications. It lobbies for a change in messaging. In addition, Two Sides calls on governments to monitor misrepresentation.

Northwood adds, “It remains vital that greenwash is challenged. In this way, we can ensure the industry’s great environmental record is represented accurately. Further, we can stop livelihoods being damaged by the spread of misleading marketing messages. Paper is renewable, recyclable and an important part of our social inclusivity in an increasingly digitally divided country.”

Screen has refreshed product logos for its Truepress series brand of inkjet digital printing systems

Ricoh MH5420/5421 series printhead sales hit the 500,000 milestone

NZ PRINTER DIRECTORY & CALENDAR

People in Print Awards

Labelexpo Americas

March 9, 2023 | Auckland

September 13-15, 2022

Celebrating industry professionals who have achieved excellence over the past 12 months in areas that include their work across numerous sectors in the industry. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the website.

Chicago, USA

Apart from the latest technology and solutions, Labelexpo Americas this year features a full two-day conference programme and two masterclasses organised by the Label Academy on digital embellishment and self-adhesive materials. www.labelexpo-americas.com

newzealandprinter.co.nz

Print + Sign Golf Days

February 24, Christchurch

Wayzgoose 2022

March 10, Palmerston North

March 24, Wellington

September 17, 2022

Napier

Players of all skill levels are welcome so circle your diary and send in your registration now. All proceeds go to charity. printnz.co.nz

Visual Impact

The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft. www.inkianapress.co.nz

Foodtech Packtech

September 20-22, 2022

Auckland

May 3-5, 2023 | Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park Registrations have opened for the show, which features digital printing, signage, screen printing, trophy, engraving, design, airbrush art, together with workshops, seminars and demonstrations relating to a number of the industries exhibiting at the show.

visualimpact.org.au

Printopia

May 5-7, 2023 | Auckland

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise. www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz

All in Print China

October 11-15, 2022

Shanghai

The second Printopia Festival of Original Print promises a print-filled weekend of inspiring talks, demos, workshops, live printing as well as a print fair and exhibition. printopia.co.nz

Pride In Print Awards

June 23, 2023

Turning 30 this year, the country’s premier print awards brings the best of the best together for one night; this year at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland prideinprint.co.nz

More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”. www.allinprint.com

Sign + Print Expo

Letterheads

July 6-8 | Due Drop Inn, Auckland

October 21-23, 2022

Sign Foundry, Welling

This collaboration between NZSDA and PrintNZ brings suppliers, manufacturers together with signage and print professionals.

NZSDA Conference and Awards

July 6-8, 2023

The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke. www.letterheads.co.nz

The annual conference and Sign Awards will run alongside the Expo with the Awards evening taking place on July 8.

Interpack

May 4-10, 2023

Foodtech Packtech

Düsseldorf, Germany

September 19-21, 2023

The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals, and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise. foodtech.packtech.co.nz

The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors. www.interpack.com

GMS Pacific brings Sandon

Global products to Australia and New Zealand

everything it does, every cylinder it manufactures,’ added McNamara. “We have always looked for quality products supported by a company that invests in its products and drives innovation to create the best value and opportunity for its customers.

“We researched the market and felt there were a lot of ‘me too’ products that are good but not really focused and looking to drive their future. We were introduced to Sandon Global through an industry contact, who indicated the company might be looking for new representation in Australia. Both organisations share similar values, so it is a really good fit.”

Jake Roberts, sales director at Sandon Global, said: “Sandon Global is proud to partner with GMS Pacific. Both our companies are committed to setting the standard in our industry, from customer service to the delivery of quality products that meet the needs of our customers.

UK-based developer of anilox rollers, sleeves and cylinder Sandon Global has signed a distribution agreement with GMS Pacific providing printing consumables, tooling, and equipment to printers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Sandon has been visiting customers in Australia and New Zealand in recent weeks to demonstrate the quality of its products, which it expects to have an

immediate impact on the Australasian flexographic market.

Andrew McNamara, managing director of GMS Pacific, said the agreement would ensure that local label and packaging manufacturers “can access the quality anilox equipment they need and deserve”.

“Sandon’s well-earned reputation for quality and service is evident in

Amcor partners with Licella to deliver recycled content from

Australia’s first advanced recycling facilities

“We know Australian labels and packaging producers expect a high standard from the machinery. The Australian market continues to grow, and we can support that growth by partnering with GMS Pacific, which represents a significant number of market-leading brands. Together, we can help our Australian customers get value for money, better production quality and longer duration from their anilox.”

Environmental Protection Agency.

Amcor ANZ and Licella previously collaborated on Licella’s Feasibility Study, which validated a local supply chain for food-grade recycled soft plastic and demonstrated the proposed facility’s critical economic and environmental benefits.

Both parties will be undertaking further discussions on final terms and arrangements, subject to respective internal approvals.

Mike Cash, president of Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, said: “Amcor is proud to be part of the solution, supporting the development of new technologies and creating a local circular economy for soft plastics in Australia. We are proud to be able to help deliver a local supply of food-grade recycled content that can enable more customers to participate in a circular economy.”

Amcor Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Australianbased technology pioneers Licella Holdings to invest in one of Australia’s first plastic advanced recycling facilities.

As one of the first advanced recycling facilities to be built in Australia, the agreement supports Amcor and Licella’s commitment to creating a local circular economy for soft plastics in Australia and

helps advance Amcor’s target to achieve 30 per cent recycled content across its portfolio by 2030.

Located in Melbourne, stage one of the proposed facility is expected to process 20,000 tons per annum of waste plastic utilising Licella’s pioneering Cat-HTR technology, relying on collections activities to divert soft plastic waste from landfill or incineration. This project stage has already received approval from the Victorian

Dr Len Humphreys, chief executive officer of Licella Holdings, added: “Licella and Amcor share a vision for a more sustainable future for plastic. We are delighted to partner with Amcor as we develop our first Australian advanced recycling facility, with our Cat-HTR technology that enables soft plastic to be repeatedly recycled into food-grade post-consumer recycled content, which is rapidly increasing in demand both locally and globally.”

one of

Sandon Global, founded in 2004, is currently exporting its products to more than 50 countries worldwide

The agreement supports Amcor and Licella’s commitment to creating a local circular economy for soft plastics

THINK LATERALLY

Assess and refine – your plan for success

towards one common goal. Make sure to be realistic when assessing deadlines. If they are too tight, you may run out of time and resources before achieving your desired results.

Also, consider any external factors, such as interest rises, shipping costs, and general economic conditions. These might have changed and could impact your timeline and budget.

MICK ROWAN

The days are longer, the air is warmer, and the holiday lights that twinkled around you are starting to fade. You’re heading back to work (most of you, at least), so it’s time to eliminate the old, and pump energy back into your business. No matter what kind of year you had in 2022, 2023 is an opportunity for fresh starts and renewed growth.

Flexibility is the key in the modern business world, and adjusting quickly has become par for the course. So, tweaks to strategic plans and decisions have become essential for any business trying to stay ahead of the competition and reach its goals.

By the new year, most business plans in our part of the world should have been in play for six to nine months. So, it’s time to ensure you can still hit your targets. But it’s essential to look back and ask yourself what worked well, what didn’t, and why. Take time to analyse your current strengths and weaknesses so that you can make informed decisions moving

forward. Doing so will help clarify which areas of your business need improvement and where your team should focus its efforts this upcoming year.

Now that you understand where your business stands, it’s time to assess your goals for 2023. Make sure they are still achievable yet challenging enough that they push you outside of your comfort zone.

The first step to business planning for the new year is to set positive affirmations and reaffirm your goals. By using positive affirmations, you can flip the script on negative thoughts. Don’t laugh; your words have the power to rewire your brain. An article from the National Library of Medicine in 2015 revealed that simply reciting positive affirmations can increase ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) activity. This is the part of the brain responsible for perceiving ourselves and managing emotions.

With affirmations in place, it’s time to reassess your goals. They may be ok as is, or perhaps you need to break them down into smaller milestones to track progress. Once you have a clear idea of your goals for the coming year, create an action plan for how you will reach them, this should include refining budgets and assigning tasks to team members.

Your goals should complement each other so that all business areas work together

Once you have refined and set your goals and objectives, it’s time to define strategies and tactics for achieving them. You’ll want to create an actionable plan with specific steps for reaching each goal. You may already have something in place, but it’s time to check if it still works in the current climate. This is where you’ll determine which activities need to be implemented to meet those targets. This could be launching a marketing campaign or developing a new product/service offering. Defining strategies and tactics also involves identifying potential risks to be addressed in advance if necessary, such as unexpected expenses.

The last step in updating and creating a successful business plan is developing measurement tools to track progress accurately over time. Developing metrics will help ensure that strategies are being implemented correctly and provide insight into whether objectives are being met. This way, adjustments can be made if needed. For example, you may need to bring on additional personnel. Metrics should include both quantitative data, like sales figures and qualitative data, such as customer feedback.

A successful business plan for 2023 doesn’t have to be overwhelming, just break it down into smaller steps. Start with realistic goals and objectives and from there, define strategies and tactics. Lastly, develop measurement tools for tracking progress. And if things don’t go according to plan, remember that adjusting your goals is always possible. Flexibility in the modern world is the key to success.

Mick Rowan has spent the past decade building printIQ into one of the most recognised software brands in the printing industry, and with over four decades of experience, Mick truly has ink in his veins.

You don’t need to be overwhelmed with your business plan for 2023

This year is an opportunity for a fresh start and the perfect time to reassess your business goals

Riding the global digital transformation wave

ML: The advantages associated with the digital world have not changed in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting supply chain crisis and the associated inflation are accelerating the label business towards a more digital production.

In particular, the ease of use and less staffing needed, the quick setup and production resulting in a quick delivery time, combined with a lower amount of waste and therefore lower environmental impact are key arguments to convince customers to invest in the digital transformation.

Q: The Tau RSC series has been developed as the most productive and reliable inkjet solution. What can you tell us about Durst’s strategy and innovations to fit the current and future market needs?

To mark the start of the new year, Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner shared his views on the global digital transformation.

Q: Could you explain what transformation stage – from conventional to digital – the European label market is in, and at the worldwide level?

Martin Leitner (ML): In my opinion, the European label market is already in a very advanced transformation stage, but still transforming very quickly. This development does not only apply to Europe, but can also be seen on a worldwide basis.

The main reason is that today’s digital production systems are at an extremely high level in terms of quality and offer a very competitive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). That is precisely why in today’s context, more and more customers are shifting jobs from conventional to digital, and substituting flexo presses with our Tau printing presses. I expect this trend to continue and even to accelerate in the coming months and years.

Q: In your opinion, what are the most important arguments to start as regards the digital transformation?

ML: Our vision is to accelerate the change towards a digital and resourcesaving label industry, while respecting the economic goals of our customers, providing high-quality printing systems.

Our RSC platform stands for the highest quality (native 1200x1200 dpi, high opacity and ink resistance, up to nine colours and 95 per cent Pantone coverage), best productivity (up to 510 mm, up to 100 m/min, operator-friendly E2E process) and future-proof TCO (ink and energy reduction, minimum production waste, optimised 360-degree software support). The combination of these three core aspects makes Durst the number one provider in inkjet label printing solutions.

Q: The digital world offers a high level of versatility. What kind of special applications have been produced by customers around the world?

ML: Our customers never cease to amaze me. I travelled a great deal after the COVID-19 pandemic and it is satisfying to see that they use our technology in a lot of different ways. Starting from self-adhesive labels for all kind of applications, to special security projects, which our customers can only produce due to the quality and productivity of the RSC platform.

Customers produce tubes, car plates, shrink sleeves, sachets, booklet labels

and many other applications. Often, customers try to push the boundaries of what we expected to be possible and it is extremely interesting and rewarding to follow these developments.

Q: Is there any special application in which the customer’s technical expertise played a decisive role?

ML: There are a few but what really astonishes me are some projects in the security field. Variable codes and variable micro text, combined with variable colours on special materials to create special holographic effects which are counterproof, is just one example. Moreover, if such projects are not just for a few thousand labels, but repeatedly for millions of labels, then I know the clients have found themselves in a unique position with our technology. In this case, the customer in fact created a new category, something which does not exist with other printing technologies and the goal to success is their deep understanding of the perfect combination of prepress, colour management and Durst’s RSC printing technology.

Q: Durst is working to increase the application possibilities of Durst Tau RSC. Is there any news about the IML or sleeves applications that could be announced to the market?

ML: Over the past few months, we have continued our work with selected customers and soon, we will be able to announce another milestone. For applications such as shrink sleeves and in-mould labelling (IML), printing is only one small element in the production of the final product.

If we consider, for example, in-mould labels, it is important to understand the material behaviour during printing and converting, the influence of the diecutting and, last but not least, the moulding process, which has a big influence on the final result. We are confident that in 2023 we are opening up to a few more applications which will provide our customers even more possibilities and which will make them extremely competitive.

Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner explains why the digital transformation trend will accelerate in the next few months

Durst product manager for label and flexible packaging Martin Leitner

PRODUCTION EXCELLENCE

P5 350/HS

The hybrid printer that elevates the efficiency in your production cycle.

For more information, please visit durst-group.com/p5350

Keep up the good work

Amidst new and returning challenges facing New Zealand business in general, the message to the country’s print sector is “keep up the good work” and double down on producing top quality, revenue-earning print with pride.

PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb says there is no denying that recent factors such as the rapid increase in interest rates, engineered mini-recession and the further rise of Covid-19 cases, will have some effect on confidence as businesses start the New Year.

She says, “Despite these challenges, our industry has proven just how resilient

we are and there are strong underlying factors supporting the print sector as it moves into 2023.”

Industry snapshot

Nonetheless, one key aspect of the latest PrintNZ industry snapshot has reflected a more subdued tone than at the start of 2022.

Cobb says, “Only 23 per cent of respondents expect business conditions to be better in 2023 compared to 28 per cent at the same time the previous year. Although, almost half (43 per cent) expect conditions to be the same, and the same number as last year (34 per cent) expect things to be worse.”

On the positive front, Cobb notes that 51 per cent of print businesses reported a higher turnover than in 2021 with a further 20 per cent reporting the same turnover.

She says, “It was also great to see that 88 per cent of companies had increased

their prices in 2022, although 100 per cent would have been a better outcome as every business in New Zealand has been subject to increased costs.

“Furthermore, this response was up on the 77 per cent who answered ‘Yes’ when we asked the same question last year, as price increases were starting to be felt. It was also good to see that the bulk of those increases were above the rate of inflation.

“Notable frustration with aspects of the government’s handling of the economy and concern over the potential impact of legislative changes were expressed in the survey’s comments section, in addition to ongoing supply chain, immigration and related bugbears.

“PrintNZ most certainly supports the call for a more business-friendly government in 2023.

“Our association will continue to actively lobby the existing government and has also been engaged with opposition parties as well, so that the print sector’s voice

Despite some pessimism, the local print industry looks in good shape to face the challenges that 2023 will bring

IAIN MACINTYRE

Positive: 51 per cent of print businesses reported a higher turnover last year than in 2021

will be heard no matter what the outcome is in September.”

Covid-19 returns

As 2022 drew to a close, Covid-19 case numbers were noted to be on the rise, including 40,098 cases being recorded in just one week in mid-December.

Cobb says, “While infections dropped back to 22,770 by early January, these numbers may well climb again as people return to work. If someone within your business tests positive, it is important to remember that they must isolate for seven days.

“Unfortunately, this will continue to create disruptions across all parts of the supply chain for some time yet, as we see

evidence of new strains that could result in reinfection.”

She reminds print businesses that the Leave Support Payment is still available for employees who are unable to work from home.

She adds, “This provides a payment of $600 for employees who work 20 or more hours or $359 for those that work less than 20 hours per week, and you’ll need the employee’s consent in writing to top this payment up from either sick leave or annual leave.”

Pride In Print turns 30

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the launch of what has turned out to be the hugely-successful Pride In

Print Awards campaign by PrintNZ’s predecessor, the Printing Industries Federation of New Zealand.

Cobb says, “The very first event in Auckland opened with a bang. It attracted 989 entries, with just 16 gold medals being awarded.

“The quality of work witnessed over the years since has continued to impressively improve and we are now annually averaging about 700 entries, with 160 gold medals presented.”

Additionally, the structure of the Awards has also continued to evolve to ensure maximum, ongoing relevance.

Cobb says, “The categories and processes recognised are regularly reviewed to ensure we reflect and recognise the work being produced in the current market.

“This year organisers have particularly made changes in the Publications and Packaging areas, while tweaking many other areas to create a more streamlined process for both entrants and judging. So, we encourage all entrants to carefully study the new entry forms.”

Exciting new initiative

PrintNZ and the New Zealand Sign & Display Association are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is expected to deliver significant benefits to both associations’ memberships.

Cobb says, “With both sectors undergoing continuous change and evolution, there are increasing areas of crossover and merging of technologies with regard to both printing and signage.

“The MoU will drive closer collaboration on many more projects and create greater synergies between our associations.

“We are very much looking forward to jointly hosting this year’s Sign & Print Expo in Auckland during July which will reinforce the blending of the two industries.”

Women In Print & Sign/People In Print & Sign

Following the sell-out Women in Print & Sign events in Auckland and Christchurch last year, which not only marked the campaign’s return after three years, but with expansion into the signage industry, Cobb expects this year’s events to be well embraced.

She says, “The noise, the buzz, the networking and overall success of these events were amazing. From owners to

Industry professionals are looking forward to celebrating Pride In Print turning 30 this year

It is likely that Covid-19 will continue to disrupt businesses in 2023

operators, and everything in between, this was a real celebration of the amazing women in our industries.”

Furthermore, the concept is being further extended this year, with the expansion of the People In Print branding.

“We intend to continue Women in Print & Sign in its own right, as there is clearly value seen in those events.

“But we also recognise the association can facilitate broader opportunities for industry networking and interaction, so we have evolved the complementary People In Print offering, which will see us host events that embrace the diversity of the people in our industry.

“We are currently in discussions with a mental health advocate who has worked closely with the printing industry in Australia and are looking to bring him to New Zealand in the first half of the year.”

Campaigns

Cobb notes the Printed In New Zealand campaign is gaining momentum.

She says, “The programme has both been refined and regionalised, with members now having the option to use either the Printed In New Zealand logo or, for one example, ‘Printed in Taranaki’. This provides a second layer to the promotion of ‘buying local’, drilling down to the hyper-local level.

“Now, more than ever, it will be important to promote both the efficacious and sustainable benefits of print.

“To this aim, PrintNZ is maintaining active involvement in the Value of Paper and Print (VOPP), Two Sides and Love Paper campaigns. We are collectively striving to ‘bust some myths’, and emphasise both the effectiveness of print as a channel and the sustainability drivers in both the print and paper industries.”

Key dates

Cobb emphasises that while there may be some caution about what 2023 holds for the sector, the PrintNZ team is looking forward to hosting and/or partaking in a full programme of events.

Among key dates confirmed thus far:

• Mainland Regional Charity Golf Day (Christchurch) – February 24

• People in Print Awards (Auckland)

– March 9

• Reg Dixon Memorial Golf Day (Manawatu) – March 10

• Wellington Charity Golf Day

– March 24

• Training Graduation Ceremonies (Christchurch/Auckland)

– March/April

• Pride In Print Awards (Auckland)

– June 23

• Sign & Print Expo (Auckland)

– July 5-8

Cobb says, “A full series of regional seminars are also planned for the first quarter of the year to update members on the raft of legislative changes that have been made in the last quarter of 2022.

“There have been many changes across the legislation landscape and it is important that businesses understand the impact.”

Benchmarking survey

Furthermore, Cobb welcomes the PrintNZ benchmarking survey also returning in 2023.

She says, “This will provide exclusive industry data on wage rates, charge out rates and financial benchmarks, all of which have been affected by the surge in inflation experienced in 2022.

“This information will be valuable for businesses to understand their place in the market, risks to the business and opportunities for change.

“But the output will only be as good as the input and that means we rely on enough members contributing accurate data to ensure meaningful analysis and results. So PrintNZ asks our members to please take the time to participate.”

Paper supply is among several issues print companies have faced in the past couple of years

Strategy: PrintNZ reports that 88 per cent of print companies increased their prices in 2022

PRINTNZ COMMENT

2023 promises challenges and change

The year ahead offers events, education, elections and everything in between.

business practices in key areas enabling businesses to benchmark their performance.

Education

This remains a key element of ensuring we have the skills our industry needs now and for the future. Training is a vital cog in the wheel. There are so many parts to the training equation, and this also continues to evolve at a rapid pace with the Review of Vocational Education well into its journey. With the constant changes and uncertainty of immigration, now more than ever, formal training will be vital to ensuring we grow our own talent.

As we kick off 2023, we know that this will be a year of challenge and change, but we will look to embrace the opportunities that are put before us.

Events

This year, we are excited to get back to our full events timetable, without the restrictions that have hindered us over the last three years. Our plans for 2023 include:

• Regional seminars. We look forward to delivering updates on both the ever-changing face of legislation and the work that PrintNZ is undertaking for industry. These will also provide an opportunity for our members to reconnect with each other.

• Apprentice of the Year. Our training graduations and Apprentice of the Year programme are underway as we recognise the passion and skill that the industry has developed.

• Pride In Print Awards. The

Awards programme turns 30 this year. It will be an amazing celebration and recognition of just how far the excellence and innovation in our industry has advanced. Mark June 23 in your diaries for the big night.

• NZ Sign & Print Expo. This is a collaboration between PrintNZ and the NZ Sign and Display Association. This two-and-a-half-day industry Expo will take place at the Due Drop Inn in Manukau City from July 6-8.

• Women In Print and Sign. Two sold-out events late last year signal the place that these events have in our calendar, and they will be back in 2023.

• People In Print and Sign. We will start to use this brand more as we host events covering the broad spectrum of our industries, working with our industry partners New Zealand Printer Magazine and NZSDA. The first event is set for March in Auckland, recognising the people that have made a contribution to the industry over the past year, along with our rising stars.

• Industry Golf Days. These events are used to raise funds for charity and education and again provide a key networking opportunity.

• Industry Survey. A full survey covering wages, charge-out rates, key ratios, skills and capital expenditure that will provide hard facts on

We also have the exciting opportunity to develop new smaller qualifications called micro-credentials. These will provide the ability for staff to undertake bite-sized pieces of learning on a specific topic. Where appropriate these can be stacked up to make a larger qualification, but overall will be useful for recognising the skills of your staff that work in unique areas.

Election

We started the first week back in January knowing it was an election year and an opportunity for change, but as I write this, Jacinda Ardern has just announced that she will stand down in February, so some of that change will come sooner than expected.

As the lead industry body, PrintNZ works across a number of platforms acting as the voice of the industry to ensure that members are both well informed and well represented. This is vital as we unravel the policies and promises of the political parties. What happens in October remains to be seen.

And everything in between

As an industry association, there is so much we do and even more we want to do for our members. We have grown substantially over the last three years by facing the challenges head on and making the most of opportunities presented to us. We will continue this into 2023, enhancing and expanding the work we do for the industry and acting as a unified voice for the industry.

RUTH COBB

Training is vital for ensuring we grow our own talent

Konica Minolta AccurioPress

C7100 excels at Quality Print

Taupo-based Quality Print provides a comprehensive range of printing services and products.

Owners Shawn and Cathy Vennell recently installed a new AccurioPress C7100, supplied through Konica Minolta New Zealand. Shawn says, “We were running the bizhub PRESS C1100, the predecessor to this new model. We had a great run with that machine, so it seemed natural to stick with the same colour.

“With printing leaning more and more to digital, it has been important for us to keep increasing our productivity in SRA3

digital and I believe we have achieved this with the C7100.”

When asked to compare the AccurioPress C7100’s print quality with offset, he replies, “As an offset printer by trade, I am biased in terms of the comparison but I must say, I have at times had trouble identifying which platform a particular job might have come from.

“We use the AccurioPress C7100 to produce business cards, books, reports, social stationery, labels and a range of business stationery. With the banner capability the AccurioPress C7100 offers,

we can run wider covers such as threepanel A4. It is a nice addition to the capabilities we now have.”

Other features that have impressed Quality Print are the optimised paper transport solution and the double swing registration system for improved paper compatibility and feeding accuracy. He says, “The C7100 feeds incredibly well and seldom has misfeeds, even with the large volume we put through it. It was also encouraging to learn about the eco-friendly Simitri V-toner, while the IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimiser is one of the single best improvements on previous models.”

Popular Taupo printer adds new Konica Minolta technology to its capabilities.

Shawn Vennell (l), co-owner of Quality Print and Apprentice of the Year finalist Russell Allen with the AccurioPress C7100

The team at Konica Minolta is committed to providing the best service and support. Shawn says, “These guys feel a little less corporate than some of the regimes we have known. During the install, it was super obvious that they communicated well to keep our downtime during the transition to a minimum. They were supportive and caring, getting us productive and back to keeping our customers happy.

“The service and support to date has been great but given the reliable nature of the machine, it’s pretty much routine on the maintenance side of things.”

Meeting new challenges

Guiding the company through the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, Shawn is realistic about what lies ahead. He says, “Like most of New Zealand, we are facing some staffing challenges. Currently, we are short of a designer and a little stretched in our offset department.

“It has been interesting, with so many years in the trade, seeing small to medium-size businesses further faced with harder and harder conditions. There

are several factors affecting this. Firstly, the cost and shortage of staff due to a weakened workforce is affecting business. Secondly, the cost increases from suppliers. We have seen massive increases across the board, with fuel going across all of these. Thirdly, not wanting to be pessimistic but, given the crazy money printing that’s gone on in the last two years, if you don’t see a recession in the near future, you are possibly missing the indicators.

“We currently have a reduced team of six full-time and three part-time staff who all share and contribute to a great culture that we have built our reputation on. The relationship we have with our team goes a very long way to help meet our printing deadlines with big smiles even when the deadlines are tight.

“Change is a constant and in our commercial printing business we are always working to keep abreast of trends and technology, and we reckon we have done a pretty good job of it. We embraced digital print early on and have been growing this platform for more than 20 years. This includes the outright purchase of the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C7100, updating our wide format poster

and light signage capability. It is great to be able to offer long run traditional offset printing from our Ryobi presses or manage a quick turnaround job off our digital platform.”

Training and education

Quality Print encourages ongoing education and personal development for its staff. He says, “Industry training is vital, and we support and encourage professional development, especially for our young trainees and apprentices. We are proud of their achievements and a recent apprentice graduate is now undertaking a Diploma in Print Management.”

Since completing his apprenticeship in 1988, Shawn has brought seven apprentices through their training. He says, “It has confirmed my belief in the trade training apprenticeships 100 per cent. It is a great way for young people to earn while they learn. We would like to thank Grant from Competenz for getting three of our most recent apprentices to the top 10 and Ruth and her team from Print NZ for general business support.”

“We work hard at providing tools for business to succeed, and I am proud of

The team at Quality Print have made a busy start to 2023 in the press room

DIGITAL

running a good culture and having a good work environment for the team.

“I do feel our industry has been through its toughest changes in terms of technology. A few years ago, the rate of change, when a lot of NCR jobbing work vanished overnight to tractor-fed run invoices that we once could produce, was a great loss to the small jobbing printer. About the same time, home desktop publishing became a thing, so our art rooms took a hammering, our designers upskilled and reappeared as people that have to untangle the weird and wonderful files that the unskilled come up with!

“I used to be pessimistic about whether our industry would last the distance, but now I think it will be around for a very long time providing we keep an eye on market trends.”

Community asset

Quality Print is heavily invested in the Taupo community. The company has won the Taupo business of the year award. He says, “Sponsored by Unison, these were amazing times and boosted our staff morale with us being able to stand on stage accepting the awards in front of 400 people.”

In 2015, Shawn was named ‘King of the Ring’ in the local Celebrity Boxing fundraiser, taking the trophy over 15 other fighters for the most funds raised, being $95,000. He received an additional $10,000 for his chosen charity, Greening Taupo, that he has worked closely with professionally and personally for 10 years. The group hosts community planting days and has contributed 300,000 native plants to the area. Shawn manages

32,000 native plants on Wairakei Drive, the entrance to Taupo. He says, “I must say that a town the size of Taupo makes you easily recognisable if you lend a bit of a hand. I am regularly congratulated on my efforts. While it is not done for business, it helps raise our profile.”

Six decades of quality printing

Quality Print began in the late 1970s when two men started a community newspaper. Still known as the Taupo ‘Weekender’ it was first printed at Quality Print, although financial viability eventually meant that the newspaper’s production went elsewhere.

Back then, the owners of Quality Print were hard working and from the trade; not dissimilar to today, in fact.

In 1986, Shawn Vennell was employed at Quality Print as a sheetfed printing apprentice. His time in the business saw it moving through the growing pains of the late 1980s, when the company moved to its present location.

He continues the story: “What followed was a dark time in the company’s history involving receivers and uncertainty before being recreated by an entrepreneur who had bought the Runanga Street building in a fire sale only months before Quality Print moved in, hoping they would be a worthwhile tenant. It was a good bet.”

In July 1993, Rex and Rebecca Mathieson purchased Quality Print outright. An integral part of their business plan was succession and early on they involved Shawn, promoting the idea that he would one day be a partner in the business. In 2000 this vision became a reality.

In 2008, Shawn and his wife Cathy purchased the Mathieson’s half share in the company and now own it outright. Since then, they have grown the company into the community asset that it is today. Shawn adds, “We very much enjoy working in this wonderful business that we have helped to build. It has been a 38-year career for me and wonderful to have Cathy involved for 20 of those great years.”

Boxing on: Shawn Vennell with the ‘King of the Ring’ trophy at a Taupo Celebrity Boxing fundraiser

BEYOND EVOLUTION

DISCOVER AGILITY THAT CREATES OPPORTUNITY

Global print and packaging sector backs drupa 2024

Exhibitors from 45 countries are already on board

Some 15 months out from the start of the trade fair, drupa has reached an important milestone: over 100,000sqm of net exhibition space has been booked by around 900 exhibitors from 45 nations.

The giant show promises innovations, technology trends, product portfolios and global launches when it runs in Düsseldorf from May 28 to June 7, 2024.

The list of registered exhibitors from the print and packaging industry includes renowned global players alongside up-and-coming new entrants along the complete value chain. Longstanding exhibitors include Bobst, Comexi, Duplo, EFI, Epson, Esko, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Horizon, Koenig & Bauer, Kolbus, Komori, Konica Minolta, Kurz, Landa, Müller Martini, Screen, Windmöller & Hölscher.

Organisers say drupa visitors can look forward to a distinctive customer journey with complex, automated workflows, processes and new machinery presented in operation. Despite the official deadline for registrations closing in October 2022, Messe Düsseldorf continues registering a strong demand for exhibition space, which can still be accommodated. At present, Germany is again the strongest exhibiting nation among the

Around 900 exhibitors have signed up for drupa 2024

top 10 followed by such countries as Belgium, China, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the USA.

reflects an industry that is highly creative and constantly taps into new vertical markets in the field of industrial and functional applications and solutions.

DRUPA

Ken Hanluec, Electronics For Imaging vice president of worldwide marketing, says, “EFI delivers vital innovations and opportunities for customers through digital print and, for us, drupa is a venue for digital’s best ideas.

“At drupa 2016, we launched a Nozomi single-pass inkjet press that is transforming the corrugated space. The 2024 show will be just as important for anyone seeking the next level of success in many segments of digital print.”

Sabine Geldermann, director drupa portfolio print technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, says, “Current booking levels and the positive verdict received by exhibitors make us very confident and optimistic, despite the geopolitical and economic challenges, that drupa 2024 will again be the world’s most important industry meeting place.

“With around 75 per cent international attendance on the exhibitor side, drupa occupies an outstanding position by global standards. The range, variety and staging of innovations are unique and will once again provide a glimpse into the future of this industry. With ideal prerequisites for exhibitors and visitors to network intensely and drive forwardlooking projects.”

The show promises an in-depth knowledge transfer and interaction with experts from all over the world on the impacts of global megatrends and associated new business models as well as opportunities for the sector. It features special forums like the drupa cube conference area and drupa next age (dna). The exhibition area for newcomers sees startups and young talents alongside long-established exhibitors of crosssectoral technologies.

Other highlights include touchpoint ‘packaging’ for visionary and smart packaging solutions and touchpoint ‘textile’, which includes the installation of a textile micro-factory. Touchpoint ‘sustainability’ is dedicated to sustainability and circular economy themes.

Organisers say that, with its agenda, drupa hits the tempo of the time and

Exhibitors eager for drupa 2024

Dr. Andreas Pleßke, chief executive at Koenig & Bauer and chairman of the drupa committee, says, “2024 still sounds far away but drupa is already pretty near for Koenig & Bauer. There is great anticipation to be able to experience exciting innovations hands-on again at the world’s most relevant industry trade fair.

“Many things have changed compared to planning in previous years. The gap between the digital world and the machinery in operation needs to be bridged. For visitors this means new worlds to be experienced.

“As an exhibitor we will do our utmost to make the leading topics digitalisation and sustainability graspable. Fortunately, the industry is pulling in the same direction here and Messe Düsseldorf sets the stage for this.”

Markus Gorlt, head of global marketing and network for Ferag, adds, “In our view, the situation of the industry is currently very tight due to the higher costs of materials and energy, for example. Precisely for this reason, our objective and message for the coming drupa 2024 is clear: our customers should feel that Ferag is a reliable and innovative partner in the long term especially in the fields of service, support and spare parts supplies.

“The trends and innovations driving us include flexible and sustainable manufacturing technologies, new

Sabine Geldermann, director drupa portfolio print technologies at Messe Düsseldorf

Dr. Andreas Pleßke, chief executive at Koenig & Bauer and chairman of the drupa committee

Ken Hanluec, vice president of worldwide marketing at Electronics For Imaging

Dr. Ludwin Monz, board chairman and chief executive officer at Heidelberg

Markus Gorlt, head of global marketing and network for Ferag

DRUPA

disruptive business models, automation and increased efficiency for our customers as well as future leasing models for our plants.”

Dr. Ludwin Monz, board chairman and chief executive officer at Heidelberg, says, “For us, drupa is a showcase for our leading technologies and innovations in commercial and packaging printing. Heidelberg wants to continue to shape the future of the print media industry and we look forward to seeing our customers again in Düsseldorf in 2024 under the motto ‘we create the future’.”

technology contributes to greater sustainability and we will highlight the enormous potential for digitalisation in the sector.”

Olaf Lorenz, general manager for global brand management at Konica Minolta, says, “drupa is the bedrock for our industry. Educational, informative, and inspirational. There is a real appetite for live events, and we can’t wait to be there.

“As a global technology leader, Konica Minolta will again have a major presence at the exhibition. With our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility goals, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to our stand to help them rethink possibilities, ignite their creative ideas, and see the potential in print.

“drupa provides a perfect platform for us to demonstrate the latest technology and improvements to further identify and unlock the digitalisation potential for our customers.”

Hermann Veismann, general manager business unit printing and finishing at Windmöller & Hölscher, says, “drupa is the most important leading trade fair for the print industry, which is why we will again be present in Düsseldorf in 2024. There, W&H will showcase innovative solutions for a wide variety of challenges on the basis of its printing press portfolio. In addition to launching new products, we will demonstrate how much print

Ken Zhao, co-founder of HanGlory Group, says, “drupa is a very important event for HanGlory Group, which helps us to stand on the big stage of the printing industry to show the world our development and achievements in the field of digital inkjet printing.

“Now, facing the constantly changing and evolving future, HanGlory Group has decided to again participate in drupa 2024. It offers a valuable opportunity for us to further integrate into the international market of digital inkjet printing to create more excellent products, services and solutions that are more in line with international market requirements. Seizing opportunities to embrace the potential future, HanGlory Group sincerely looks forward to communicating at drupa.”

Swapnil Patel, management executive at Line O Matic Graphic Industries, says, “As

the world’s leading trade fair for printing and packaging, drupa 2024 provides an excellent networking opportunity.

“We expect ground-breaking innovations and sustainable solutions in line with global challenges. We are already counting the days and are excited to showcase our new range of products to the world market at drupa 2024. Our product range will help our customers gain high production volume with lower running costs. In a way, it will create a competitive edge to sustain a highly competitive world market.”

Dirk Schröder, sales division manager for paper, film and special markets at Erhardt+Leimer, says, “We create the future’, the drupa slogan, is also our claim. As a leading process automation provider, we are constantly working on forward-looking solutions. We can hardly wait to present to trade fair visitors our new EL.NET-technology based on a digital, connectable, IoT-enabled and web-based system architecture in addition to our drive technology or inline inspection products.”

Olaf Lorenz, general manager for global brand management at Konica Minolta

Hermann Veismann, general manager business unit printing and finishing at Windmöller & Hölscher

Swapnil Patel, management executive at Line O Matic Graphic Industries

Dirk Schröder, sales division manager for paper, film and special markets at Erhardt+Leimer

Ken Zhao, co-founder of HanGlory Group

Roland DG launches VersaSTUDIO

GS2-24 desktop vinyl cutter

their unmatched reliability, precision and value. The GS2-24 is ideal for various applications, including sports apparel, T-shirts, indoor and outdoor signage, vehicle decoration, office displays, sales promotion tools and more. It supports a maximum cutter pressure of 500 gf and a maximum cutting speed of 850 mm/sec. It can cut a wide range of materials with high productivity and precision, from thin heat transfer sheets and window films to thick paper and even rubber sheets for sandblasting, as well as popular vinyl.”

Roland DG Corporation has begun the worldwide sales of the newest addition to its VersaSTUDIO series, the GS224 vinyl cutter, which was previously available in only limited regions.

The VersaSTUDIO lineup includes a wide range of

IN BRIEF

UK-headquartered flexible packaging and lidding film supplier KM PACKAGING has established an official business entity in Sydney to support customers in Australia and New Zealand. KM Packaging has been exporting to Australasia since 1996, and outside of the US, it is the company’s second biggest export market. As a result of continued growth, the KM business is now at a scale that can support its further international development, which is a key part of the company’s long-term strategic growth plans.

ESKO has launched Mox, a software package combining project management, digital proofing, and DAM in a single cloud-based product content tool developed to help growing brands bring quality products to market consistently, quickly, and sustainably. Mox has been developed to help small-tomedium-sized consumer brands meet the challenges of today’s omnichannel market, work more efficiently, and deliver right-first-time packaging and marketing content on time.

digital devices, including a vinyl cutter, printer cutters, engravers and a laser decorator. Their compact sizes, easy-to-use operation, and affordable prices make it possible for those without expertise to quickly produce various profitable, high-

quality products.

Tony Miller, president of global sales and marketing at Roland, said, “The GS2-24 announced today is our latest desktop cutter. Since 1988 when we introduced the first cutter/plotter, we have sold more than 500,000 due to

The included Roland CutStudio design software makes it easy to create cutting data such as text, simple shapes, and illustrations. It can also extract outlines from image data.

The GS2-24 has dedicated plug-in software for outputting directly from widely used design software packages, Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.

Computaleta repeats HP Partner of the Year Award win

environmental journey.

“Congratulations Computaleta, and thank you for your continued commitment and outstanding efforts.”

Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta, says, “It has only been 20 months since we broke ground with HP Hardware. To win this award for the second year in a row shows the high impact we’ve made in such a short time.

Sign and graphics distributor

Computaleta has repeated its HP Partner of the Year Award win in the Digital Manufacturing category.

Computaleta was also a nominee for the HP Sustainability Partner of the Year. In addition, Aaron Kemp, hardware manager at Computaleta,

was nominated for the Sales Person of the Year Award.

Wayne Shaw, New Zealand business manager for HP Sign and Display, says, “In the past 12 months, our industry has faced many headwinds. Despite this, Computaleta has continued to deliver exceptional service, exceed sales targets, and fully engage with HP’s

“I am beyond proud of our team members, for this is their achievement. I would like to recognise the hard work and expertise of our technical team: Alex Tse, Miguel Portillo, Ian Rickerby and Stephan Vorster. They go above and beyond every day to help our customers get their machines humming. Also, Aaron Kemp’s sales experience and knowledge of HP is unsurpassed.

She concludes, “In HP, I could not ask for a better partner, and I look forward to another great year in 2023.”

From left: Wayne Shaw, HP New Zealand business manager Sign and Display; Arlette Farland, director Computaleta; and Aaron Kemp, hardware manager, Computaleta

Roland VersaSTUDIO series is the perfect solution for people who want to start a new business

Roland DG announces new resin and UV inkjet printers

Aarque Group to supply Roland DG’s latest solutions

Roland DG has expanded its TrueVIS printer line up with new resin and UV inkjet models. The company has announced the worldwide launch of six new models in the best-selling TrueVIS Series of large format inkjet printers and printer cutters: the AP-640 Resin Printer, the LG-640/540/300 high productivity UV printer cutters, and the versatile, costeffective MG-640/300 UV printer cutters.

Aarque Group supplies Roland DG solutions in New Zealand. Darrin Weir, national sales manager at Aarque Group, says, “This is an exciting release from Roland DG with its first resin-based printer, the AP-640. Built on the proven TrueVIS platform it is a great addition to the Roland DG portfolio.

“We expect our market to adopt this technology quickly, given the water-based resin inks provide quick drying durable prints with a high quality and vibrant print result.”

Resin printing redefined

With over 28,000 users worldwide, TrueVIS embodies Roland DG’s legacy of premium, high-quality print solutions. As the latest addition to the award-winning

TrueVIS Series line up, the AP-640 Resin printer offers a range of benefits.

Roland DG’s first resin printer features new water-based TrueVIS resin ink to provide quick-drying, scratch-resistant, and safe results on a wide range of applications. Weir says, “The TrueVIS AP-640 redefines resin printing with high colour saturation on a wide variety of materials. You can expand your sign and graphics offerings to include flags, roll-up screens, textiles and wallpapers.

“Low running-costs, and its quick-drying benefits make the TrueVIS AP-640 Resin printer a perfect fit for the New Zealand market. It offers a natural expressiveness that takes advantage of the media texture and is ideal for environmentally friendly applications. It works well on a wide range of substrates, with great support for wallpaper, paper, cloth and PVC-free media and produces easy to laminate prints.

“Simple and easy to use, this printer will integrate seamlessly into existing Roland DG Printer workflows and user environments. Equipped with two new piezo printheads in a staggered formation with variable dot technology, it also has a new optimiser, which helps the colour

ink droplet to form a fine dot for best expression and detail.

“Other handy features include a 7” full colour touch panel for simple operation; easy ink pouch replacement; pinch rollers positioned for easy media installation; automatic calibration and media gap correction; and the new VG3 take-up unit.”

TRUEVIS AP-640’S KEY FEATURES:

Quality prints – newly developed water-based resin ink and the True Rich Color 3 pre-set work together to ensure high colour saturation, resulting in vibrant colour and natural looking prints. Excellent durability – scratchresistant and safe results on a wide range of media.

Instant drying – drying time is virtually eliminated thanks to a built-in heating unit.

Improved ink capacity – new 700ml high capacity ink pouches are easily replaceable, supporting economic and environmental printing operation. Software – it comes with user friendly, feature filled RIP software, and the Roland DG Connect app to remotely monitor your device and keep it running at optimal levels.

Roland DG has released its first resin-based printer, the AP-640

Low running costs – high pigment, quick drying resin inks let you produce more output with less ink, effectively reducing running costs.

New printer cutters

Roland DG says the LG Series and MG Series UV models enable high-definition output and special printing capabilities, including three-dimensional expressions for tactile applications such as artwork reproduction and Braille.

WIDE FORMAT

Applications include promotional items such as banners, signs, vehicle graphics, stickers and labels, as well as providing customisation services for apparel and personal items like smartphone cases.

Weir says, “Combining the flexibility of print and cut, the benefits of UV-LED printing and TrueVIS heritage, the TrueVIS LG and MG Series come in a variety of models and sizes to suit your business, so you can add new dimension to graphics printing. With high-definition output, special printing capabilities, and the added power of premium-quality UV-LED printing technology, you will be able to offer your customers even more products.

GENERIC KEY FEATURES

Quality prints – the combination of ultra-high-definition print technology and specially formulated UV ink lets you accurately reproduce colours in a wide colour gamut. Fast drying – fast drying print for quick turnaround and finishing. Software – they come with userfriendly, feature-filled RIP software, and Roland DG Connect app to remotely monitor your device and keep it running at optimal levels.

Low running costs – long life print heads and ink-clogging prevention ensures long life and sustained quality.

LG SERIES KEY FEATURES

Quality and speed – new staggered print heads and new UV-LED lamp for high image quality and high speed. Automated media calibration saves

time and material.

Easy-to-use – intuitive 18cm LCD touch screen control panel and one-touch media clasp make loading media rolls easy for a single operator.

Available ink – CMYK, Gloss, White, Red, Orange, Primer (750 ml).

Integrated take-up unit – newly designed, adjustable take-up unit accommodates rolls of different sizes.

MG SERIES KEY FEATURES

Entry model – affordable price, compact size.

Available ink – CMYK, Gloss, Red, Orange, Primer (500 ml), White (220ml). Optional extras – take-up unit, Extension Table ET-30/64 for semi-rigid media, Tension Bar for shrink film applications.

Continuous improvement

With these new models, the TrueVIS line up has expanded to include three ink types, UV, Resin and Eco-solvent, each with different capabilities. Together with the four ECO-SOL models previously launched in March 2022, the TrueVIS line up expands to a total of 10 inkjet devices.

Tony Miller, president of the global sales and marketing division at Roland DG, says, “In response to changing industry, environmental and social trends, we felt it was important to increase the number of options available to our customers so they can choose the best solution for their particular application requirements.

“No matter which printing technology they choose, our customers can count on the same industry-leading TrueVIS print quality and reliability.”

The Roland DG AP-640 features new water-based TrueVIS resin ink to provide quick-drying, scratch-resistant, and safe results

The TrueVIS AP 640 has a full colour touch panel for simple operation

Next generation printer cutter: The Roland DG LG-640

MELISSA COUTTS Secretary NZSDA

It feels like a long time since a new year has given us some good vibes, so we are excited to bring a tonne of fun, inspiration and learning in 2023.

In the first quarter of the year, regional meetings in Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston North and Christchurch will focus on your biggest assets: your people.

Advantage Business will give tips and insight into investing in your people, business growth strategies and implementation of systems. Industry experts will share their knowledge on Adobe Suite, wrapping skills and LED. Health, safety and wellbeing are top priorities, and our network partners will offer advice and support in these areas.

All meetings are sponsored by just one supplier, and a supplier spotlight will conclude the meeting, presenting new products, services or education on new technologies hitting the market.

Print + Sign Golf Days in Christchurch, Wellington and Palmerston North will

take place the day after the respective regional meetings. The meetings and golf days offer a chance to start the year by making new connections, reuniting with old ones, engaging in some social banter, and overall, just having some fun.

During February and March, PrintNZ will host meetings throughout the country advising print and sign members on legislative updates for 2023. These meetings will give you the information your business needs to head into the new year with confidence, and the real advantage of being ready and prepared for when you need to put it into action.

From July 5-8, our joint Expo will welcome suppliers, sign makers and printers to Auckland. With floor space in high demand, we anticipate a sell-out due to both sign and print coming together. So please contact us to book your stand.

For all sign makers and printers out there, mark the dates in your calendar; the Create, Make and Innovate Expo is going to be a goodie. The coming together of two like-minded industries under one roof offers the perfect platform to see inspiring technologies from a broad range of suppliers; a must-see event.

The NZSDA conference will run alongside the Expo and the NZ Sign Display Awards will take place on July 8, after the Expo concludes.

To register your interest in the Expo, Conference or Sign Awards, contact the Secretary at the NZSDA. We are here to help you and your business achieve better outcomes.

Secretary Note – Focus on training

Signee NZ is making a fresh start for 2023, and leading our training arm is Laura McConchie who started with us in December.

Laura comes to us with an in depth knowledge and experience of training and communications, holding the relevant qualifications to train and assess our current Signees, plus any additional courses we introduce throughout the year.

We are extremely lucky to have Laura on board, supporting the sign industry and engaging with high schools throughout New Zealand, helping to deliver individual visits, team meetings and Expos. A big focus for Signee this year, and beyond, is to strengthen our already established foundation platform. This will see us offering more courses, providing specific knowledge, and providing that gateway from high schools to our industry. We are creating an awareness of the most unseen industry there is.

Laura will work closely with Competenz, Te Pūkenga and the WDCs to ensure that our apprenticeships, and those implementing the changes to the standards, are held accountable, putting in place appropriate actions and learning outcomes.

Working together with Competenz in the future will be important as we look at introducing some new measures for those employers training apprentices.

Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is another process that we want to make easier for those that have never gained a qualification and would like to fast-track their way to becoming a qualified sign maker. We will release more details on RPL later in the year.

It is an exciting time as we move forward doing our best to future proof the sign making industry. We have goals in place to face the many challenges and changes that 2023 will bring as we encourage our members to succeed in their learning and training.

Judging the Sign Awards - what you need to know

with the judging criteria and rules. As in previous years, the judging panel is asking all entrants to utilise the details section of the entry form to explain the entry fully. This aids in the judges’ decision making process.

Sometimes pictures just don’t quite cut it and invariably, the entry explanation details can make or break the final result. The more details you give on the point of difference, and especially the amount of input your company had into the overall creation of the entry, the better your chance of answering any questions the judges may have. Let us know if you created the logo; if you suggested the images used; if you installed the entry and what issues you faced; and if any design elements used were stock images.

The NZSDA Sign Display Awards celebrate excellence within the signage industry. The awards committee continually reviews and adjusts the awards categories and processes to keep the awards up to date with technology and innovative production techniques.

We welcome feedback from entrants and find it extremely valuable to this reviewing process.

This year after reviewing feedback, we have implemented some adjustments to a number of categories and created another new category: External Facades. We will make the details of these changes and the new category available on the awards website.

Judging consists of three rounds. The first round generally involves three judges,

individually looking at each entry. All the entries are reviewed with each judge making a shortlist for the category. If two judges select the same entry in their short list, that entry moves on to the second round.

Round two sees the judges scrutinising each entry and scoring it based on each category’s specifications and judging criteria. Each entry then receives an overall score. This process is again mostly completed by the judges individually.

For the third round, the judges meet with the convenors and all the entries are reviewed once again, one by one. The judges discuss their opinions and deliberate the pros and cons of each entry. For a judge, this is usually a great experience. It proves the value of a varied judging panel with different points of view and opinions on the priority of judging criteria; the topic of much debate at times. The entry is then awarded its medal, not on first second third basis but more on an overall quality level.

The decisions and opinions the judges make are guided by not only the images on the entry but also largely by the details provided on each entry and compliance

Every year sees entries excluded because of one simple rule not being followed. The judging relies on each entry being completely anonymous to avoid influencing judging in any way. Because of this, no identification of the company entering can be seen or read in the entry. So don’t have your staff in the images with their work shirts on; don’t have your vehicles or building in the background of the images; and don’t identify your company in the entry description.

As a judge, there is nothing more frustrating and unfortunate than disqualifying a great piece of signage from an award because of a silly slip in the detail’s wording or an image which shows the origin of the entry.

We try to make the entry category descriptions and details as clear as possible but we still get feedback that some entrants can’t find the correct category for their entry. If this happens please feel free to call the awards convenors via our association secretary Melissa Coutts to ask to clarify any details for a category. Better to take the time to call and clarify than waste an entry.

One entry has just as much chance of winning an award as multiple entries. More is not necessarily better. These awards are created to recognise excellence, so enter your most outstanding work and get it in as soon as you can.

Andy Lowe shares some insights into the judging process and provides some tips for your entries.

ANDY LOWE President NZSDA

Last year’s Supreme Award winner: High Rider, Low Rider by Identity Signs

Collaborate with your print customers

produced in partnership with Inkish.TV, and shares collaborative success stories featuring print customers, their printers, and the paper, press, finishing, and technology partners of the printers.

The secret to earning referrals and long-term loyalty with print customers for their printing and print marketing needs is really no secret. Creative collaboration is the key to success.

On the lowest end, we have information exchange and administrative collaboration: emails, calls, job status, pricing, billing, and so on.

The next level is a contribution collaboration: suggestions for improvements cost savings and so on for supplied estimate requests and project files. The pinnacle, level one, and the Holy Grail of collaboration is collaboration before a project is conceived.

In my personal experience, projects created with level one collaboration have always run smoother and turned out better.

In many cases, better than anyone expected because our agency printing partners brought us ideas we didn’t have, presented better ways to execute, and introduced new printing and finishing techniques and technologies we didn’t know existed.

Phygital partnerships

As we move closer and closer to a meta-world, human relationships will be the significant differential in how a print customer purchases, and why.

I believe collaboration is so critical to the future of print, that I have invested the last six months developing the Project Peacock Network, streaming printspiration for printing and marketing professionals, and playing at ProjectPeacock.TV.

The first series, Project Peacock: Print Production, is original programming

Several episodes are live, with more to follow in the coming weeks. In the first three episodes, we learn three ways to successfully collaborate with print customers, and even win an award for it!

The first episode focuses on collaboration using multiple substrates and variable data in a multi-piece campaign and features Trekk director of client services Emilee Christianson, Copy General vicepresident and general manager Laura d’All and production inkjet printing technology from Canon Solutions America.

The second features collaboration on paper choice with Midland fine paper sales manager Marie Langdon talking about creating complicated crossovers for typography that required testing. J&J account executive Tom Latendresse addresses the topic of precise finishing and how his team achieved the result intended by Nathaniel Cooper, creative director at Design Ranch for their client.

The third episode addresses the topic of collaboration for replicating the colour of Astrobrights Lift-Off Lemon with ink to match across multiple substrates and print samples. It features Neenah marketing manager Michele Pistone and FEY Printing president Scott Gasch, and includes how Neenah collaborated with Design Army on the concept, and the colour testing Fey initiated and provided.

Tell your own story

In the process of developing the first industry streaming network for Printspiration, I realised an amazing content library of free how-to information is also being aggregated. In that, I also know it can get complicated to share content starring another printer, paper mill, merchant, press, finishing, and technology partner that isn’t in your ecosystem, no matter how much the story of collaboration would resonate with your customers. So, get your own!

Project Peacock: Print Production is back on the road to film in 2023. Visual Impact Sydney / Label & Packaging Expo in May 2023. Coincidence? I think not.

We must plan our filming schedule now, especially if Project Peacock is heading Down Under.

Visual Impact Sydney / Label & Packaging Expo exhibitors, we can create Project Peacock episodes in your booth or in your demo centre with your team and customers.

You already have ecosystems, so get together with your partners and show the rest of the industry how it all works and benefits print customers, marketers, and creatives.

While ‘muster’ is the most common collective noun for peacocks, a group of peacocks is also referred to as ostentation or a party, or a pride.

Pride is the reason a peacock was chosen to represent this ongoing customer education initiative. I wanted to show off the amazing things we can do, that customers are completely unaware of, and give them the resources, connections, and tools they need to create and produce printed materials that delivered or exceeded their intended results.

After engaging with more than 4000 print customers worldwide since 2017, the mission of Project Peacock continues because it is working. And through the streaming platform, we can now reach, educate, and share prinspiration around the world.

Deborah Corn is the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse at Print Media Centr, a Print Buyerologist, international speaker and blogger, host of Podcasts From The Printerverse, cultivator of Print Production Professionals, Head Girl in Charge at Girls Who Print, host of #PrintChat, the founder of International Print Day and the founder of #ProjectPeacock.

Projects created with level one collaboration have always run smoother and turned out better

DEBORAH CORN

Industry partners can bring us ideas that we didn’t have

GM launches the DC350Flex+ premium embellishment line for labels

cutting, can be added at extra cost for new orders or retrofitted to expand the reach.

“We have learned in the past few years that even when times are tough, consumers are still prepared to pay a premium for a little bit of luxury to treat themselves, which means that brand owners are looking for ways to add a luxury look to their labels,” GM CEO Uffe Nielsen said.

“The cost, however, is always the main factor, so label converters need highquality machinery with high productivity that can deliver without breaking the bank.”

Danish converting equipment specialist Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM) has launched DC350Flex+, a premium label embellishment line developed for converters interested in entering luxury packaging markets, such as high-end wine, spirits, and cosmetics.

The new 350 mm-wide

IN BRIEF

MONDI has received eight awards at this year’s WorldStar Global Packaging Awards, recognising the best ideas, innovations and technologies with a focus on sustainability, product protection and enduser convenience . Markus Gaertner, CEO of Mondi corrugated packaging, said, “Together with our valued customers, we work hard to create distinctive solutions that serve societal needs and receiving prestigious awards like these is incredibly satisfying for our hard-working teams.”

UPM packaging papers have been certified as industrially compostable, according to the EN13432 standard. These include barrier papers – UPM Prego, UPM Asendo; coated one-side papers – UPM FlexPack, UPM UniquePack, UPM UniquePack Strong; Specialty kraft papers – UPM Solide Lucent.

The new compostability certification gives fibre-based packaging an edge compared to fossil-based packaging, which typically take hundreds of years to decompose, fibrebased materials may turn into soil within weeks.

finishing line features the 50-ton hot stamping module, which uses multiple foil streams and offers a turning tower for larger designs. It can run at speeds of up to 70 m/min and comes with an integrated reducing waste foil saver and QuickMount technology for faster mounting of embossing plates.

Other standard features include the die-cutting unit able to run at speeds of up to 80 m/min in semi-rotary mode and 130 m/min in full rotary, and the flatbed screenprinting unit for various varnish effects or high-impact screen colours.

Additional modules, such as digital varnish and laser

The Industry 4.0-ready line can operate as a standalone unit or be set up to run in-line with a digital printing press. Its broad capabilities are integrated into an optimised footprint machine measuring 7.7m by 1.6m by 1.7 m for the standard configuration.

Aldus-Graphics in Australia and Aarque Group in New Zealand are distributors of GM equipment in the region.

Color-Logic certifies Dantex label presses

Dantex has joined the array of press and printer manufacturers, enabling printers to offer Color-Logic metallics to their customers. The UK-based manufacturer’s Pico label presses have been officially certified for use with the Color-Logic Metallic Color System.

“Color-Logic is pleased to certify the Dantex Pico range of label presses for use with Color-Logic. With the certification, Dantex joins the broad array of press and printer manufacturers, enabling print providers to offer Color-Logic metallics to their customers

confidently,” commented Mark Geeves, director of Color-Logic sales and marketing.

“Dantex offers a full range of presses with opaque white inks that make using ColorLogic simple. Noted for their extremely small droplet size, Dantex Pico label presses produce high quality at high speeds. Dantex presses are available through a global network of sales subsidiaries and distributors,” added Geeves.

Justin Nowell, digital manager at Dantex, said: “Dantex is pleased to partner with Color-Logic and offer our

customers assurance that their metallic files can be produced predictably and reliably, even from job to job over time.

Consistency in label colours is extremely important to Dantex customers, and ColorLogic reliably extends that consistency to complex metallic images and solid colours.”

Dantex offers a wide range of label presses. Dantex launched its next-generation Pico UV inkjet series at Labelexpo Americas 2022, which includes four different modular print platforms, from entry-level to full hybrid, 8-colour and highspeed models.

The new embellishment line is easy and simple to operate, backed up by online support and remote diagnostics to ensure maximum uptime

The latest Dantex Picojet 1200 has been launched at Labelexpo Americas 2022 and is the latest version of the acclaimed PicoJet 254

Finding the best labelling recycling system for New Zealand

and to support alignment by all value chain players.

A technical team has been performing a review of New Zealand-specific outcomes for packaging materials. This team consists of waste collectors (councils), material sorters, and processors, and the work involves a waste audit and member survey to confirm materials outcomes.

The food and grocery sector has made huge strides around sustainability in recent years, with companies making significant changes and/or setting themselves commendable targets around making their packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

Many of those targets are not far away, at 2025. For others, complexities in finding suitable alternatives mean change is further out, but I know they’re working hard to make them as soon as possible.

Now, a recent move promises to make those changes even more effective by ensuring recyclable packaging makes it to the right place.

The move is around the further uptake in New Zealand of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL).

This is an on-pack labelling scheme that helps consumers recycle correctly and supports brand owners to design packaging that is recyclable at end-oflife. It cuts through the confusion by identifying all components of packaging and how they should be disposed of.

The ARL was developed by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) in partnership with environmental notfor-profit organisation Planet Ark and PREP design, and is similar to the On-

Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) which has been used in the UK for over 20 years.

The ARL labels are already on 80,000 SKUs in New Zealand but there’s room for much more uptake, as can be seen in Australia where they have just passed 250,000 SKUs on-pack.

The move that could boost uptake in New Zealand is the Food & Grocery Council entering into a new partnership with APCO. They are in no doubt increasing the uptake here and supporting brand owners to adopt the label will give consumers critical information that will increase recycling rates and resource recovery, and ensure credibility in consumer information, and I can’t disagree.

Some 69 per cent of consumers say they check the label on packaging before recycling, so making the instructions clear and reflecting the collection and recycling system could make a big difference to recycling rates and divert material from landfill. And with more than 95 per cent of scannable barcodes on packaging now common across New Zealand and Australia, one labelling system makes perfect sense.

FGC and APCO are designing a roadmap to raise awareness, to not just increase the number of companies using ARL but also to ensure it’s fit for purpose by using software that is reflective of the market,

FGC began supporting the adoption of the ARL last year after a Ministry for the Environment report said it was the best recycling labelling approach, based on its evidence-based system that ensures packaging with the label can be successfully recovered. It is also recognised by the UN Environment Programme and Consumers International as one of the leading labelling systems globally for its clarity, accessibility and reliability.

This move forward comes on the heels of the Government’s Transforming Recycling document that proposed the sort of actions the sector has been pushing for. They cover three areas: a container return scheme to incentivise people to return beverage containers to a collection site for recycling or refilling in exchange for a $0.20 refund, improved kerbside recycling, and separation of business food waste from rubbish by 2030.

FGC is a supporter of most aspects of the proposals, but we do have some significant concerns, including: the $0.20 refund is too high and would result in a significant cost-of-living impact; standardising kerbside recycling would mean 48 per cent of councils would reduce what they currently collect; and forcing businesses to separate food waste from rubbish would be unnecessary regulation and contrary to regulatory best practice.

Read the submission here: https://www. fgc.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ NZFGC-Sub-to-MfE-19-May.pdf.

Katherine Rich is the CEO of the NZ Food & Grocery Council www.fgc.org.nz

A recent move promises to make sustainability even more effective by ensuring that recyclable packaging makes it to the right place

How packaging can be emotional as well as functional

By Andy McCourt

Conventional marketing wisdom says that, to sell more FMCGs, you need to advertise across the five main media – TV, print, radio, outdoor and online/social media. However, the emergence of the ‘pack’ itself as an advertising medium, driven by digital variance and personalisation, presents some compelling arguments for exploring new possibilities.

Purchasing decisions made by ‘looking on the shelf or POS display’ represent the largest percentage of consumer buying decisions. Add ‘looking online’ for the home delivery folks and it is a well-established fact that packaging appearance and perceived brand promise are as vital as ever for market share.

The statistics vary depending on whose research is used, but the parameters start at around 60 per cent and go as high as 82 per cent. That’s between six and eight out of every 10 shoppers make their final buying decisions in-store.

Sure, brand loyalty and special pricing, points and competitions can make a

difference before entering the aisles but few consumers these days make a shopping list with brand names in them.

Brand X baked beans are more likely to be just ‘baked beans’ on the list and if a ‘brand Y’ shrink-wrapped pack of four cans at a dollar per tin sits alongside the $2 product – there’s an 80 per cent chance that will make the sale.

This isn’t guesswork, verified research from bodies such as Inmar Intelligence Inc. and the Multisense Institute of Sensory Marketing have been researching and helping brands, retailers and healthcare systems since 1980, to make it possible for their consumers to do more, save more, connect more, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

That change includes massive increases in footfall in-store post-pandemic. Inmar says that 75 per cent of consumers altered their brand preferences in 2021, and 80 per cent are actively looking for the best deals, no matter what brand, when they visit stores. That figure could go even higher given skyrocketing food and FMCG

prices due the energy crises and conflicts such as that in Ukraine.

So, whatever the package, it can work harder, offer more, engage the consumer and boost customer satisfaction if it uses a little something extra – such as Packvertising.

Buzzword or opportunity?

The practise of advertising on packaged goods is not new, but embracing the ‘Packvertising’ philosophy is, as evidenced recently by SAPPI – originally South African Pulp & Paper Industries and now a global solutions company active in 150 countries.

Sappi hosted an interview episode of what it calls the ‘Blue Couch’ series, which investigated what is meant by ‘Packvertising’ and how brand manufacturers can best present their products at the point of sale, taking onboard all the sensory and emotional factors that influence us all.

Olaf Hartmann, managing director of the Multisense Institute for Sensory Marketing explained in an academically

Whatever the package, it can work harder, offer more, engage the consumer and boost customer satisfaction if it uses a little something extra – such as Packvertising

(l-r) Sappi’s Lars Scheidweiler and the Multisense Institute for Sensory Marketing’s Olaf Hartmann at the Blue Couch Packvertising interview

researched way that, apart from protecting goods, performing a function and fulfilling legal requirements; packaging is a communications medium and Packvertising should appeal to all of the senses, since we are all automatically and constantly influenced by small, sensory stimuli.

This goes all the way back to primeval instincts, such as sensing danger from wild beasts, sensing safety or sensing threats.

The average human makes up to 35,000 decisions a day based on automatic ‘fast brain’ stimuli. This prevents overloading the ’slow brain’ (known as System 1 –automatic, fast and System 2 – slower, cognitive, biased – (ref: ‘Thinking Fast, Thinking Slow’ book by 2002 Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman).

Not psycho-babble: it’s who we are

This may all sound like psycho-babble but Kahneman’s System1/2 research is used by all major FMCG brands to increase sales. It can even affect whether a person will donate to a charity.

Hartmann cites a study where people were approached in the street to donate to a worthy charity. They handed the targets one of two clipboards explaining the benefits that their donation would achieve and the bona-fides of the charity. One clipboard had a smooth surface on the back and one had a rough, almost sandpaper like surface.

The results were, that three per cent of those holding the smooth surface clipboard donated, while 26 per cent of those holding the rough surface donated. Hartmann explained that this was because the roughness signalled “danger, I must do something” to the automatic System 1 brain – something he compared to rocks and caves and “the breath of a Sabre-Toothed Tiger”. It’s like the primeval instinct of fight or flight.

Having said that, Hartmann noted that it is all contextual: “We don’t buy brands, we buy categories. We need to understand the context in which the brand is perceived by the customer,” he said.

Drill buyer wants a hole, not a drill

signals can affect buying decisions and substrate choice for labels, cartons and boxes is as important as the printed graphics and embellishments that may be used in the converting process.

He said, “The way people make purchase decisions in the face of overwhelming choice is very complex. Subconsciously, the brain is constantly at work making judgements about sensory signals such as touch, smell and sound. To attract customer attention, manufacturers should not only pay attention to functionality when selecting packaging material, but also never lose sight of the tactile experience”.

Of importance to converters, Scheidweiler emphasised that creative Packvertising designs must be achievable in production – and sustainable.

“Consumers must have a good feeling about buying the product and knowing that the materials used and their ultimate recyclability, adds enormously to that emotional feeling of satisfaction.”

The entire interview can be seen on this link: https://www.sappi-psp.com/theblue-couch-series

Seven paths that take you on the road to Packvertising

Effective Packvertising should harness the System 1 heuristic, automatic, sensory decisions that then send signals to the brain’s System 2 to form what is known as cognitive bias. We all have it whether we like it or not – we are irrational in this respect, we form habits and ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ irrationally.

Put very simply, for example, the System 1 brain may deduce “I am thirsty, I need to drink”. It sends this information to the System 2 brain, which might decide “I’ll pull into this 7-11 store” and then use cognitive bias to decide what kind of drink it will buy.

To underscore this, Coca-Cola knew about it as long ago as 1915 when it briefed a bottle designer to: “Create a bottle so distinct that it could be recognised by touch in the dark, or when lying broken on the ground.”

Coke may not have called it Packvertising 107 years ago – but that is what its soft drink bottle achieved.

He used the well-known marketing proverb that a person buying a 5mm drill doesn’t really want the drill – he or she wants a 5mm hole. Beyond that, they really want a sturdy shelf for a wall and even further, they may want to create a new look for a room within their house, along with the appreciation of their family for being creative, caring and a DIY whizz. Does this sound like Bunnings – the ultimate category-killing success story – to you?

Lars Scheidweiler, head of packaging Solutions at Sappi, explained that sensory

Sydney-based packaging design consultancy Grounded Packaging, started up as recently as 2019 by New Zealand-born Ben Grant and Josh Kempton, is on a mission to create circular packaging economies and eliminate plastic waste in our oceans. Grounded also knows all about Packvertising and has published seven tips towards achieving it:

1. Bring your brand to life

In Australia our biggest supermarket holds more than 20,000 products and in other parts of the world, it is close to double that. Ironically, we’d probably struggle to name 50 of those brands.

“All about reaching the emotions”

– Olaf Hartmann, MD of the Multisense Institute of Sensory Packaging

Bad hair day or good pasta day? The packages speak for themselves

PACKVERTISING

2. Treasure the brand’s unique packaging assets

These assets play a critical role in helping brands get noticed. With our brains always looking for shortcuts, these assets are effective because they trigger recognition, meaning and memory, in categories loaded with competition.

3. Let the product speak for itself

Ben Grant gives the example of Russian designer Nikita Konkin, who took packaging design to another level, by allowing the product features to come to life, creating surprise, joy and more importantly aiding how one navigates the range. The picture ‘speaks for itself’.

4. Make a real statement on shelf or online – anywhere

Grant uses the example of Monday Haircare. Using a monochrome pink package, they are making a statement that is reflected in their sales. The brand is flying off shelves, selling 10 bottles of its shampoo and conditioner every minute.

6. Respect and embrace sustainability

Grounded cites the team at Zero Co, who are turning ocean plastics into home-cleaning and personalcare products. And in the process of eliminating single-use plastics from laundries, kitchens and bathrooms.

with production choices, context and the increasing amount of research data that explores the inner motivations of consumer decision making.

However, modern production methods, material choices and the short-run

5. Make packaging a part of the brand experience for consumers

Anything is possible when it comes to making packaging part of the brand experience. From the unboxing to employing the packaging as part of gameplay, to integrating technology into the experience, such as augmented reality linked by QR codes.

Sustainability is not just essential, it is a powerful Packvertising strategy.

7. Balance freshness with consistency

What this means is keeping what makes the packaging unique while injecting new life. Absolut Vodka is referenced as a brand that continues to deliver on this time and time again. They employ limited edition packaging designs that look like works of art.

(Acknowledgement: www.groundedpackaging.co )

In summary

Effective Packvertising can be a complex undertaking, combining design creativity

nature of digital converting can make testing, adjusting and re-testing relatively inexpensive compared to older mass production methods. The results are speaking for themselves – a wellresearched, tested and implemented Packvertising campaign will boost sales and market share for all brands, big and small.

The product still needs to live up to the promise – all good marketing starts with a great product but, the saying “If you build a better mousetrap, the world won’t beat a path to your door” still holds true. You need to extol the benefits, reach the emotions, persuade and convince.

To paraphrase the old adage: “It pays to Packvertise!”

Standing out – Monday Haircare made sure their products get noticed

Beer six-pack rings are notorious for harming sealife. Saltwater Brewery make theirs from biomass – you can even eat them

Absolut Vodka keeps consistency of its product but ‘packvertises’ with fresh, localised graphics in multiple versions

Kale Print sweeps three major business awards

First-time business awards entrant scores wins across categories

partly as you do so much for our wider community groups and not for profit organisations as well.”

Stephen and Jill Kale founded the company in 1985 and it is still family owned and operated. Kale Print employs 40 staff across three manufacturing sites in Tauranga, Rotorua and Whitianga. The company has a reputation for delivering the highest levels of service and print quality. Peter says, “The awards gave us an opportunity to test ourselves and our business; to benchmark ourselves against the best of the best; and to seek opportunities for growth and development.

Kale Print recently won three major prizes at the Tauranga Business Awards in the categories for People and Culture, Customer Experience and Service Excellence.

The Bay of Plenty’s largest printer was also a finalist in the Continuous Improvement category and in the overall Tauranga Business of the Year Award.

A first time entrant in the awards, Kale Print had good reasons to participate. Peter Lloyd, general manager at Kale Print explains, “We really felt the culture we have nurtured over recent years and our high staff retention was a key driver of Kale Print’s significant growth in the last four years.

“Feedback we received from clients showed us they were really impressed with our level of service and quality of print production. So we decided to survey our entire database. We were overwhelmed with the volume of responses and to achieve a Net Promotor score of 93.

“So, we felt we were in great shape to compete in this year’s Tauranga Business Awards. We thought that, to be a finalist, or to win a category, would be great recognition for all the hard work our team put in every day.”

Awards organisers say the annual Tauranga Business Chamber awards shine a light on every corner of the region’s business

community. The awards allow entrants to “reflect on their business and receive recognition for where they’ve been, where they are, and where they’re planning to go. It is an opportunity to test yourself and your business, to benchmark yourself against the best of the best, and seek opportunities for growth and development”.

Through the Covid-19 pandemic, most businesses had to adapt, and this year’s event sought to celebrate those businesses that came out of the pandemic stronger because they adapted and innovated.

A panel of judges independently audits each entrant using a specific set of criteria. Entrants must meet a minimum threshold of 80 per cent through the judging process to qualify as either a finalist or a winner. All entrants receive the opportunity to present their business in front of judges.

Recognition for hard work

Commenting on Kale Print’s success, the Tauranga Business Chamber said: “Your family-own values, combined with your professionalism and dedication to serving the community, has led you to being leaders in the Western Bay business community for many years. Congratulations on all your successes and achievements. Long may it continue.”

Matt Cowley, chief executive officer at the Tauranga Business Chamber, added, “Thoroughly deserved Kale Print,

“It has been such an incredible journey to be a part of. We have an incredible team. We couldn’t have entered these awards without the results to prove we deserved to be an entrant. The evening and results were wonderful recognition for the effort put in over the last four years.

“The awards recognition has given us a wonderful way to finish off what’s been another challenging year in the world of print. We will continue to grow and seek opportunities to further enhance our offering, forever guided by the needs of our clients.

The company is working toward achieving carbon zero certification in 2023 and will continue to support the Pride In Print Awards. Peter says, “We love participating in the Pride in Print Awards. This year will be extra special being the 30th anniversary.”

He concludes, “I would like to thank our clients and suppliers for all their support as we look forward to the challenges that 2023 will bring.”

Accepting the award for Customer Experience: Kale Print Marketing manager Tessa Rowe and general manager Peter Lloyd

Kale Print founder Stephen Kale accepting the award for Service Excellence

Want to boost profits? You need a Talent Bible

this and do things that fail to harness the power of their people.

That’s why we created the Talent Bible.

To win in the market today, businesses need a way to get their teams individually motivated, and then working together focused on the same goal, doing things the right way, coming up with new ideas, taking advantage of opportunities and not wasting time on the wrong stuff.

Some of the most common issues our clients have had include:

• Lack of a shared set of guiding principles to follow

• Lack of belief in the mission the business exists to fulfil

• Lack of connection to the business through shared customs

• Lack of understanding of how the business makes money

• Lack of awareness about their specific role in creating value in the business

• Lack of clarity and buy-in among team members about the vision for the business

Heading into the last quarter of 2022, it feels like the buoyancy we all felt at the start of the year with COVID restrictions lifting has been replaced by the heaviness of economic trouble ahead.

With monthly interest rate rises, cost of living increases and everything in the supply chain getting more expensive by the day, cash-flow and profitability have once again become the primary focus for all businesses.

There’s only so far cost-cutting can get you though, so the next step has got to be about finding creative ways to maximise revenues and improve productivity.

Human beings are hard-wired for a sense of both individual and shared purpose. We crave a clear mission and to belong to a group.

The Human Operating System (the way we’re hard-wired) drives everything we do, but most in business don’t understand

And the impact of these has been everything from disengagement and lack of motivation through to lost sales, unhappy customers and management wasting time on performance issues.

The bottom line is that this lack of shared clarity and focus always costs money and often costs opportunities.

A Talent Bible solves this problem by creating a ‘single source of truth’ about what it is your company exists to do, what the vision and mission are, why this matters to the world and how things need to be done to turn this vision into a reality and ensure that the work they are doing every day really makes an impact.

You can include as little or as much as you feel is relevant and use mixed media to tell the story in a way that brings your brand to life for your team.

This Talent Bible will unite and inspire your existing team – and help you to attract, align and activate future team members too.

So how do you get started?

• Create a committee with representatives from each department

• Appoint a committee chairperson to run the project

• Set aside a day to capture key information and decide on the timeframe and format of the Talent Bible (in a workshop style setting)

• Step 1 Capture: Discuss and collate the company vision, mission, business model, competitive strategy, customs, key values or guiding principles as well as the founding story and any other relevant customer or team member stories that illustrate why you do what you do or the importance of doing it the way you do it

• Step 2 Communicate: Get the information written in a way that you’re happy with (on brand) and then use a tool like Canva for document layout inspiration (customise for your brand colours), add images and video if you’ve got it

• Once your committee have all approved the document, start the process of sharing this with your entire team. The way you do this will depend on your business size and structure.

Once you have a Talent Bible, use it to regularly reinforce key content in team meetings and feedback discussions. Always refer to it when giving team members feedback on why something worked or didn’t work.

Remind people of the vision and mission at every opportunity (bonus points if you can do this with your actions and not words), foster important customs and reward behaviours that live the values.

Having this document will align your entire team and using it well will activate their full potential which will help you to boost your profits.

To unlock profitability through emotional engagement in marketing and communications, Meqa Smith launched The Unforgettable Agency, which she currently heads as its strategist.

A Talent Bible creates a ‘single source of truth’ about what your company does, what the vision and mission are, why this matters and what must be done to turn this vision into reality

MEQA SMITH

Having a Talent Bible will align your entire team and using it well will activate their full potential

Employment Help Needed?

Eamar is a leading producer of customised PVC and polypropylene packaging and stationery products.

We have more than 30 years experience tailoring our products to the specific needs of our customers. Our skilled staff and 'can do' attitude mean you are limited only by your imagination.

Call: Viv Poppelwell 0274974997

Email: viv@vpr.co.nz

www.vpr.co.nz

If we do not already manufacture the product you seek, we will find a way to do so. With our sister company, Tabbing Services, we provide a complete solution for all your packaging and stationery requirements.

So come and see us first!

11b Culperry Rd, Glendene, Auckland 0602 Ph: 09 836 9069 www.eamar.co.nz

It takes more than just motivation to succeed; that's why we're here

We specialise in helping businesses, not-for-profits, and start-ups create a compelling vision, brand identity, and value proposition so powerful that people can't help but become die-hard fans!

But we don't just provide solutions; we empower people to find them themselves Our goal is to help organisations see things from a different perspective so they can decide what comes next on the journey towards success!

A product or service? No, it's an experience!

EARLY BIRD ENTRIES CLOSE: 10/02/2023

ENTRIES CLOSE: 10/03/2023

SAVE TIME, ENTER ONLINE: ww w.prideinprintawards.co.nz