New Zealand Printer June 2021

New Zealand Printer

New flatbed fits with environmental focus

June 2021

CQ Print gets Vybrant look from Fujifilm

Top Five Apprentices Awards events looming Don’t panic over paper PacPrint welcomes you

1987-2021

with

WIDE FORMAT

years in print

+Plus

BOOK A DEMO AT OUR AUCKLAND TECHNOLOGY CENTER AND RECEIVE A FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI 11 CAMERA!* * WHILE STOCKS LAST, COLOUR OF CAMERA MAY VARY TO THE ONE SHOWN

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The FUJIFILM Vybrant UF10 is a true flatbed printer offering high-quality printing on a range of rigid and flexible media, supported by four dedicated vacuum zones.

With performance that is suitable for print volumes up to 7,500m² per year, the Vybrant is ideal for businesses looking to grow their wide-format capability.

Using Fujifilm Uvijet inks, you can produce vibrant colours using minimal ink to help reduce production costs.

16m² per hour in production mode Versatile 6 channel CMYK with White Handles flexible and rigid media up to 51mm thick Four dedicated vacuum zones to minimize masking Long-lasting, low energy LED curing system Fujifilm Uvijet UV cured inks Anti-crash sensor and Anti-static bar For more information or book a demonstration, contact the Wide-Format Sales Team on 0800 242 646.

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All applications are subject to Financier’s lending and credit criteria and approval is at the sole discretion of the Financier. **Flexi Commercial operating lease agreement terms and conditions at wideformatprinters.co.nz

wideformatprinters.co.nz

June 2021 Cover Story p14-16

Fujifilm Business Innovation: A new Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 flatbed LED printer has created a buzz at CQ Group in Christchurch and its capabilities means the new solution fits perfectly with CQ’s commitment to the environment Features p18-39

18 Currie Group and EFI: Find out what you, and the industry at large, have to gain from this partnership 20 Romano: Frank ponders the state of machine operation in the industry and what to do with the old ones 22-23 Konica Minolta: A new Auckland showroom lets us see the latest Konica Minolta solutions 24-25 PacPrint: You can get a good return on your investment in this show

CONTENTS PrintNZ p8-12

8 Comment: Ruth Cobb takes a half time break to review the year so far 10-12 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre meets our Top Five Apprentices Wide Format Plus p27-37

30 &32-33 Epson: We see the new Epson dye sub printer and talk to Epson Australia boss Craig Heckenberg 31 Floor graphics: Drytac’s Brad Haupt sees a good future for floor graphics 34 NZSDA: The NZSDA Awards entries judges have seen “high calibre work” 35 NZSDA President: Work hard but also take time to smell the roses 36 NZSDA Signee: Aaron Lane has a magnetic attraction to print and signage

Advertiser’s index

Aarque 7, 29 APM 7 Currie Group 7, 19 Cyber OBC Eamar Plastics 50 FUJIFILM Business Innovation OFC, 17 FUJIFILM NZ IFC Graph-Pak 13 Graphic Lamination & Coating 5 Graphic Machinery NZ 7 Konica Minolta 21 NZSDA 37 PacPrint 2021 49 Pride In Print IBC PrintNZ 9 VPR 50 Wholesale Print 43

26 Deb Corn: Learn how to keep your current customer base secure 38-39 Real Media Collective: What is happening to our paper supply? Kellie Northwood investigates Labels & Packaging p40-48

40 Xeikon: The digital specialist is the first company signed up for Hunkeler Innovationdays 41 AIP: We need more people trained in the ‘fundamentals of packaging’ 42 WPO: Covid has made sustainable packaging processes even more important 44-45 Highcon: Find out the secret to this digital company’s success 46-47 Food packaging: What does ‘safe food packaging’ mean in 2021?

48 Orora: Sustainable packaging can improve your bottom line

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: Ruth Cobb, Deb Corn, Melissa Coutts, Brad Haupt, Nerida Kelton, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Brian Moore, Kellie Northwood, Anneline Padayachee, Pierre Pienaar, Frank Romano CIRCULATION: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

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Ben Scott (l), production manager at CQ Group with Patrick Crosby from Fujifilm Business Innovation alongside the new Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 flatbed LED printer

ISSN 1171 7912

DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES & SERVICE: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz +61 410 578 876 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz DESIGN & PRODUCTION: Carrie Tong – carrie@i-grafix.com

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June 2021

3

NEWS IN BRIEF HEIDELBERG has far exceeded its own growth predictions in e-mobility. Despite increased growth investments, Heidelberg has already achieved a positive margin for its Wallbox electric vehicle charging stations. Since moving into this segment, three years ago, using its in house expertise and innovation knowhow, Heidelberg has increased its market share, selling some 45,000 wallboxes since 2018.

Having just commissioned a second production line, the company aims to achieve a further doubling of capacity by the end of the year.

EPSON and National Geographic have partnered to promote the protection of the world’s permafrost, the frozen ground beneath the polar regions of the earth. Their Turn Down the Heat campaign follows a scientific prediction that the world’s permafrost will thaw entirely by 2100 leading to raised sea levels and the release of 950 billion tonnes of methane into the atmosphere.

They aim to raise awareness of how people can reduce their own impact of global warming, from homes to offices and other businesses. Epson says its pioneering range of printers with Heat-Free Technology, reduce environmental impact by using low energy and few replacement parts POLAR celebrates its 115th anniversary this year. The family-owned company from Hofheim, Germany, has risen from a regional manufacturer to become a leading manufacturer in cutting and die-cutting.

It prides itself in producing durable, precise, and modern cutting machines. In addition to high-speed cutters, the broad product portfolio also includes components and systems that can be used to optimise cutting and die-cutting processes. This includes network integration and efficiency-enhancing automation concepts.

Power of Print gets underway The Real Media Collective has launched the ‘Power of Print’ seminar series aimed at delivering knowledge and expert speaker content to build strong sales and business skills.

Kellie Northwood, chief executive at The Real Media Collective, says, “Our members, and the broader industry, responded well across the ‘Rebuild Together’ series we ran last year. We achieved over 24,000 engagement points for the webinar series and with the feedback being so strong we were determined to build an annual series.

“The Power of Print conference programme has run in the UK for over a decade now and we wanted to launch a similar programme here for the benefit of our members and industry.”

Running from June 23 through August, the series features weekly interactive

Kellie Northwood, chief executive at The Real Media Collective webinars focusing on various subject pillars.

Speakers include Charles Watson, from The Real Media Collective, who will talk through the Australian and New Zealand Budgets and what they mean for industry. Leon Wilson, of Revolution Print, will explore how printers can build a brand that brings in more customers and Gordon Loch, from List Factory,

will explain how printers can upstream their services through data management and list facilitation services for their customers. Other speakers include customers providing insights into what they need when seeking print and mail services.

Each webinar session will be recorded and available for future listening or download. A ‘Class Notes’ document will be issued to attendees and The Real Media Collective members the following day with printed materials distributed at the conclusion of the series.

Konica Minolta, Media Super, and Australia Post are the initial supporters of the programme. Northwood adds, “We encourage members to listen to the webinars each week with their teams and discuss the content, then share the class notes to really engage and learn.”

Ricoh adds gold and silver to Pro C7200X Ricoh has added gold and silver to its Ricoh Pro C7200X series special colours.

They are the Pro Print Cartridge Gold C7200 and Pro Print Cartridge Silver C7200 for the Ricoh Pro C7200X series colour production printers.

The Pro C7200X Series can use the fifth colour toner as a special colour in addition to the conventional CMYK, enabling high value added special printing.

Ricoh says the newly added gold and silver toners add a classy effect to print materials. The use of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toners enable the expression of a variety of metallic colours and broaden the range of designs.

Ricoh says the toners for the fifth colour station on the Ricoh Pro C7200X series deliver great visual impact for high value added print. The company says that brand owners

increasingly look for differentiation and cut through in their printed communications and the additions can significantly enhance digital print enhancement capability.

Applications include catalogues, posters, flyers, direct mail, business cards, greetings cards, tickets, invitations, certificates, and packaging. Ricoh will make the two new toners available on new and existing Ricoh Pro C7200X series presses.

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June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS

Stylianou joins Packaging New Zealand Packaging New Zealand has appointed Georgie Stylianou as its government relations manager.

The former journalist, press secretary and ministerial adviser has worked for ministers under the National and Coalition governments. As a senior ministerial adviser in the coalition government, she had responsibility for the $3bn Provincial Growth Fund. She worked on the $3bn Infrastructure Fund; helped establish the new independent Infrastructure Commission; and managed the One Billion Trees policy.

Harry Burkhardt, president Packaging New Zealand, says, “Georgie will ensure we talk to the right people, helping us have a proactive rather than reactive approach.

“Our industry is experiencing significant headwinds. We want Packaging New Zealand to have a voice at the table when it comes to policy and regulation development. We

IN BRIEF WINDMÖLLER & HÖLSCHER (W&H) has moved its in house prepress technology, a Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution from Miraclon, to a new plate room for quicker and easier accessibility. Grant Blewett, chief commercial officer at Miraclon “We really value our partnership with the team at W&H, who shares a similar vision about where the flexo industry is moving to. Since the equipment has been installed in 2019, it has worked virtually uninterrupted for demonstrations and application development tests.”

Georgie Stylianou, government relations manager for Packaging New Zealand also want to offer solutions and spread some of the good news stories that exist across our industry.”

Stylianou says, “Without the private sector, the government would operate in a vacuum. While it knows that, the government can sometimes forget about the knock-on effect of its day to day decisions. I love helping businesses problem solve and work more collaboratively across

government and other key stakeholders. I am enjoying working with Packaging New Zealand. We have a good exchange of ideas.

There is huge scope for the organisation to become a go-to voice for the sector.

Burkhardt adds, “Georgie’s experience across government and the media will help Packaging New Zealand continue our work as a respected advocate for the packaging sector.”

EFI has appointed Todd Zimmerman as its new vice president and general manager, Display Graphics. He comes to EFI from Fujifilm USA, where he spent a decade and a half in a variety of executive roles.

Scott Schinlever, chief operating officer, EFI Inkjet, says, “Todd brings a wealth of valuable knowledge to a role that is key to EFI’s ongoing success. His experience and management style are significant assets to accelerate an EFI Display Graphics portfolio that offers best-in-class technologies today, and is poised to deliver breakthrough technologies in the near future.

Pantora opens new colour features Colour science and technology specialists X-Rite and Pantone have unveiled a new Pantora desktop feature, which targets colour and appearance data management in digital design and production workflows.

Pantora now connects with the Ci7000 Series, MAT12, and MetaVue VS3200 spectrophotometers.

It enables brands and suppliers to quickly capture or import spectral and appearance data into the application. Using Pantora, they can create virtual material samples for paints, plastics, metals, fabrics, and meshes. They can store, edit, and share digital material files using appearance exchange format files across product lifecycle management, CAD, newzealandprinter.co.nz

and 3D rendering software.

Matthew Adby, appearance product portfolio manager, X-Rite, says, “The latest release of Pantora makes digital material scanning accessible to a broader audience by allowing brands and suppliers to leverage their existing colour data and measurement devices.

“The Pantora desktop application simplifies the management of a large volume of complex colour and appearance data. It acts as the epicentre for appearance workflows connecting digital material capture sources with output destinations. You can now import a measured material sample, or connect to an X-Rite spectrophotometer, to measure a physical sample directly into Pantora.”

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June 2021

5

NEWS

Morgana releases the DigiFold Pro XL Morgana Systems, a Plockmatic Group company, has released the DigiFold Pro XL creasing and folding machine.

Morgana has developed the new machine from the Digifold Pro. Equipped with the latest version of the patented DynaCrease creasing system, the unit incorporates a suction feeder that handles stock sizes from 210mm to 1300mm in length.

The heavy-duty automatic creasing and folding system complements mid to high volume digital and offset production presses.

Morgana says its DigiFold Pro XL fits perfectly with long-sheet capabilities of today’s production printers.

It features a pull-out extension that handles sheet sizes up to 1300mm as standard. Applications include landscape booklet

Bigger and faster: the Morgana DigiFold Pro XL covers, book covers for oversized perfect bound books, and multi-panel brochures.

Using Morgana’s DynaCrease, operators can swap out the creasing blades without the use of tools.

An additional Static Crease option enables operators to apply different crease profiles in one pass.

Changing the Static Crease

blade for a perforation tool provides the full range of crease and perforation options, such as tear out coupons and reply cards.

Morgana’s DigiFold Pro XL can fold up to 6,000 A4 sheets per hour. Using the crease-only mode, it can produce up to 7,500 sheets per hour. The feeding unit has a maximum loading capacity of 200mm.

A top fed vacuum feeder ensures stable production for long runs. The operator panel allows for input of sheet size, media type, and thickness. With this information, the Pro XL can automatically set the speed, roller gap, and fan settings.

It uses an air knife system for sheet separation and offers full cross perforation and up to five inline perforation/scoring wheels. The unit can produce up to 30 creases per sheet (static crease). It also has a belt stacker for folded sheets and a delivery tray for crease only jobs.

The loading and unloading areas have an open design to make it easy to monitor performance and to help make changing from job to job fast and efficient.

The new open feeder design can feed a range of media.

Imagetec New Zealand supplies the Digifold Pro XL locally.

Raw materials and logistics costs cause price rises German press manufacturing giants Heidelberg and Koenig & Bauer have announced price rises.

In a statement, Heidelberg, says, “In order to cushion the disproportionately sharp rise in material, logistics, and other procurement costs, Heidelberg will be moderately increasing the prices for its equipment business with immediate effect. This adjustment is being made in an economic environment of rising demand and costs for raw materials and is a necessary step to continue offering customers innovative solutions and first-class service.

“The focus is on customers with their requirements to optimally develop and utilise business potential through state of the art technologies, innovative solutions and with new business models.

With a view to the decisive factors, such as process 6

optimisation and intelligent, operator-independent productivity, Heidelberg offers the smart print shop.

“To this end, all Speedmaster models in small, medium, and large formats are equipped with the new Push to Stop functions and a cloud connection as standard. This means that all customer groups can enjoy the steadily growing range of cloudbased software solutions and benefit from future developments. Interesting innovations in the field of intelligent assistance systems and AI impressively demonstrate what is already possible today and where developments will go in the coming years.”

Heidelberg’s sales team members will contact customers directly. Rainer Hundsdörfer, chief executive at Heidelberg, says, “The current price development of raw materials shows an unprecedented upward momentum.

“Primarily due to the high demand from China as well as the global topic of electromobility, procurement costs have risen significantly in the short term. In recent months we have exhausted all possibilities to avoid an imminent price increase. We want to grow together with our customers and continue to be a reliable partner to them in a changing market environment. The moderate price increase that is now necessary will allow us to further expand our innovation leadership and is therefore also an investment in the future.”

Koenig & Bauer has announced a “price adjustment for its entire product portfolio”.

It cites the reduced availability of raw materials such as copper, plastics, additives, sheet metal and wood, and higher shipping and logistics costs as factors for the price rises.

Another cause, the global chip shortage, has resulted

in reduced capacities and long lead times for industrial customers.

Ralf Sammeck, member of the Executive Board at Koenig & Bauer, says, “The price adjustment comes in an environment of increasingly scarce resources and is a necessary step to enable us to continue offering our customers the quality, customised solutions and reliable service they expect from us.

“The global challenges facing the industry would have to be mastered together to maintain our innovative strength.

“The innovative technology of Koenig & Bauer’s highly automated presses and their special selling points in automation, makeready times and inline processes bring economic benefits to users and enhance their future viability. The moderate price increase enables further innovations and is thus an investment in the future for the industry.”

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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Print Service & Supply Businesses - Stay in Front Stay in front of your prospects, New Zealand Printer readers, with an ad in the New Zealand Printer Directory. Pay just $150 ex gst a month over 11 issues and get noticed by the people who need your goods or services. The Directory is published monthly near the Print Calendar at the end of the NZP news section.

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PRINT CALENDAR NZSDA Awards

Printing United

Printing South China

July 10, 2021 The Cordis Hotel, Auckland The NZSDA has moved to a mix of live and online for its Conference, Awards of Excellence and Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021. But it still promises a great party for its gala event.

October 6-8, 2021 Orlando, Florida, USA The major US print show. Programmes for all industry segments include apparel decorating, wide format, commercial printing, package printing and converting, and textile printing. The expo features new printing technology and solutions.

March 2022 Guangzhou, China With 28 years’ experience, this one-stop platform for technological and business exchange in China’s printing industry with exhibitors of printing machinery and other printing related solutions.

Organisers expect 1500 exhibitors to show their solutions.

www.nzsda.org.nz

Pack Print International September 22-25, 2021 Bangkok, Thailand A collaboration between Messe Düsseldorf Asia, The Thai Printing Association and The Thai Packaging Association, this show covers the latest trends in the packaging and printing markets, especially for the Asia Pacific region.

www.pack-print.de

PacPrint 2021 September 28 to October 1 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre With the opening of the Trans-Tasman travel bubble, PacPrint organisers are excited to welcome New Zealand visitors to the event that provides a platform for suppliers and visitors to get together and generate business opportunities through the technologies, solutions, and trends.

www.pacprint.com.au

newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.printingunited.com

Fespa Global Expo October 12-15, 2021 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Organisers have moved the show but they still have the backing of exhibitors wanting to provide an innovative wide format showcase. It will run alongside the European Sign Expo and Sportswear Pro exhibitions.

www.fespa.com

Print & Digital Convention October 20-21, 2021 Düsseldorf, Germany This show will present solutions for combining classic print communication with digital and online strategies in practical applications. It offers orientation, perspectives, and a range of new concepts targeting future-oriented business planning.

https://tdm-e.f-mp.de/einfuehrung

www.printingsouthchina.com

Sign & Digital UK March 22-24, 2022 NEC, Birmingham, England Sign & Digital UK facilitates the UK’s largest network of sign and display manufacturers, distributors, resellers, installers and end users. It showcases a wide range of the latest and most innovative products and services.

www.signuk.com

Interpack May 4-10, 2023 Düsseldorf, Germany This is the rescheduling for the largest event in the packaging industry. Interpack specialises in the packaging process within the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food, and industrial goods sectors.

www.interpack.com June 2021

7

The halfway mark

I

t is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the year.

Following a couple of small regional lockdown hiccups at the beginning of the year, we have been able to operate a little more freely in recent times but I think everyone is conscious of how quickly this can change, as witnessed in Melbourne recently.

This nervousness, along with the downstream effects of the more serious situation in other parts of the world means that we are not quite on the right side of the ‘business as usual’ marker just yet.

There are a broad range of projects that have required PrintNZ’s time and attention in the first half of the year and I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a brief review of what we have been working on for the industry, some of which fits into the ‘business as usual’ category, and some of it still focussed on navigating the Covid-19 pathway.

Despite the arrival of vaccines, we are not quite on the right side of the ‘business as usual’ marker advantage of it. However, if you are in a position where you do need imported talent, we have also assisted a number of members in getting this across the line.

Training The Review of Vocational Education is a major overhaul of the vocational education framework commenced by the Government in 2019.

While it stalled slightly during 2020, it is very much back in play now and moving at a rapid pace. This complex piece of work has required a substantial amount of our input to ensure that we maintain our presence in the training space. We will continue to work closely with Competenz as it transitions into the new organisation, as well as looking at opportunities where we can better assist the industry to train.

Fees-free training for the industry has arisen as a result of the tightening of immigration settings. These, alongside the Apprentice Boost programme which provides a contribution to an apprentice’s wages, provide a great opportunity for businesses to grow their own talent. This is necessary now more than ever so we encourage you to take 8

RUTH COBB

With six months of 2021 almost up, Ruth reviews the year so far and plan for the next half

Legislation As Labour reached their own halfway mark in their term as government, they have increased their activity on the legislative front. In the short time since April 1, we have seen an increase in the minimum wage, a doubling of sick leave, a provision for bereavement leave to cover miscarriages and more solid discussions around Fair Pay Agreements.

PrintNZ continues to monitor this activity and provide submissions and present to Select Committees where these changes will impact business.

Lobbying We have been working on a number of issues in the background, some with success, and some a work in progress.

There is an ongoing focus from the government on packaging, and in particular waste. We work closely

with Packaging NZ in this space, in particular engaging government and officials in understanding the need to see those two things as separate matters, not one and the same thing. This issue is going to continue to gain momentum and we will ensure we stay aligned with it.

In addition, we have been working on behalf of independent community newspapers on two fronts. The first to secure an allocation of government advertising for their publications which we are pleased has seen some success. The second is more broad and involved trying to secure a clear directive on the ability for publications to continue to operate should there be an escalation of alert levels again. The current non-lockdown period has proven a good time to educate government on the role of paper and print in the economy and the importance of maintaining that line of communication at all times. Alongside that there are conversations about the importance of manufacturing to the New Zealand economy.

Member support A core pillar of PrintNZ’s work is the services we provide to members on a daily basis and this remains a constant stream of work. From the functional aspects such as health and safety audits, employment related issues and wage rates, through to acting as a sounding board, we are here first and foremost to assist our members where we can.

Pride In Print Awards It is great to be able to wrap up the first six months of the year on such a high. It has been an absolute pleasure being involved in the organisation of the Awards and we are looking forward to celebrating with you and reminding everyone just how great our industry is.

Here’s to the next six months and hoping that, along with vaccinations and vacations, we can move from cautious to ‘can do’.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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Freephone: 0800 654 455 / Email: info@printnz.co.nz Visit our website: www.printnz.co.nz PrintNZ is more than an industry association. We partner with our members to make their businesses the best they can be.

helping hand

Top five head to final stage David Jack (l), Trust4Skills with Alexander Cameron-Brown from Peacock Brothers

C

ompetition has heated up in the BJ Ball Papers Print Industry Apprentice of the Year.

PrintNZ has named five candidates to take the stage on June 25 at the 2021 Pride In Print Awards gala dinner in Auckland, where one will become Apprentice of the Year.

Whittled down from an initial worthy 12, the Top Five Print Apprentices of the Year are: • Alexander Cameron-Brown, Peacock Brothers (Auckland) – BJ Ball Papers Packaging Apprentice of the Year • Travis Jordan, Soar Print (Auckland) – GAPF Digital Apprentice of the Year (joint) • Craig Murray, Global Culture (Christchurch) – Trust4Skills Screenprint Apprentice of the Year • Todd Nicholls, Webstar (Masterton) – Heidelberg Offset Apprentice of the Year • Karl Pearson, Printcraft 81 (Masterton) – GAPF Digital Apprentice of the Year (joint) 10

June 2021

Andrew Glover (l), national sales manager at BJ Ball Papers with Travis Jordan, Soar Print

Best part of their work

IAIN MACINTYRE

PrintNZ has named five outstanding individuals as the finalists in the Apprentice of the Year

We asked the top five apprentices: “What initially attracted you to the industry? and What do you enjoy most about your work?”

Having entered the sector in 2014 as a warehouse team member with Adhesif Labels, Alexander Cameron-Brown moved to Peacock Brothers two years later.

He says, “I had an opportunity to start an apprenticeship there and I wasn’t going to turn that opportunity down. I was attracted to the industry as I was looking for a change from automotive and excited by finding an industry, I knew nothing about.

“This has kept me engaged throughout the years as there is always something new and exciting to learn about.”

In regard to his current role as production manager, he says, “I most enjoy the problem solving as well as trying to figure out how to do new and exciting things with our team and machinery.”

Travis Jordan says, “Before joining the industry, I was in between jobs, not knowing what the future may have in store.”

In 2014, the opportunity arose to join Soar Print, initially as a casual member of staff.

He says, “When I started with Soar, it was a new world to me. It is an incredibly diverse business with some amazing equipment and ever-evolving technology. It is intriguing.

Everyone has their skill set and the processes are so involved.

“The pride that people take in their work and the teamwork within the company is second to none.

“I feel privileged to be a member of Soar’s Rocket Digital division, now as labels and flexible packaging team leader. I love being a part of the company’s continuing evolvement.

“As employees we are able to innovate and our ideas are heard before they are tried and tested.

“Turning over some truly beautiful products, and making our clients’ printed visions come to life, has to be my soft spot.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

helping hand

in Apprentice of the Year Tony Sayle (l), president PrintNZ with Craig Murray, Global Culture

Having worked in the finishing side of the print industry for most of his career, Craig Murray joined Global Culture in 2017 as a trainee on six-colour and 12-colour TAS printing machines, and soon after, he received the offer to undertake an apprenticeship.

He says, “I have always loved the idea of expressing myself on a t-shirt. The way it can express who you are and what you are into, and the power it has to put a smile on your face when you see one that catches your interest.

“At a single glance it holds so many emotional responses such as safety, security, patriotism, nationality, humour, pride, trust and unity. You can convey all of those instantly when you place them on clothing.”

An assistant head printer with Global Culture, from which he is currently on a global pandemic-enforced sabbatical, he nonetheless looks positively ahead. He says, “Three years have shot by very fast, and I know that this chapter of my life will have opened more newzealandprinter.co.nz

opportunities for the future. I now have the knowledge and confidence to face any problems that I may have in the industry.”

Todd Nicholls came to the industry by pure chance. He says, “I started in 2012 as a casual in the bindery at Webstar, then progressed to an assistant on one of the presses and was then offered an apprenticeship.

“At the time I needed a job.

This popped up and it just progressed from there.”

In regard to his current role as both printer and assistant, he says, “I enjoy running multiple presses, heatset and coldset, at Webstar.”

Karl Pearson was drawn to an offset print apprenticeship as a school leaver in the United Kingdom in 1998. He recounts, “I didn’t want to go from secondary school and straight in to full-time college/ university, so I liked the idea of an apprenticeship.

“I had this idea of what printing was like from my school work experience where I spent a couple of weeks at a printing company that produced

football programmes for my favourite football team. This introduced me to the digital design and the Mac prepress workflow of the time.”

Of his current role in prepress and as a digital printer, he says, “Although I started as a guillotine operator within Printcraft and completed my binding and finishing apprenticeship, the opportunity to then undertake a digital apprenticeship has meant I am now doing a job that I have always wanted to do from the school work experience days.”

Advisors’ comments Competenz training advisors continue to play a key role in the apprentices’ studies.

Last year’s onset of Covid-19 meant advisors and trainees could not complete the full complement of scheduled faceto-face meetings. We asked Competenz training advisors Grant Alsop, Steven Jack, and Murray Pearce to share their Continued on page 12 June 2021

11

helping hand

Continued from page 11 Trevor Howard (l), operations manager at Webstar Masterton with Todd Nicholls

thoughts on their interactions over the past four years with the Top Five Print Apprentices of the Year.

Grant Alsop was training advisor to Alexander CameronBrown and Travis Jordan.

Alsop says, “Alex CameronBrown was always ‘engaged’ during his apprenticeship, and he completed his assignments in “a timely manner, and to a high standard.

“He always provided good evidence showing his ability to print quality work. He was promoted to production manager during his apprenticeship, which shows the respect his manager had for him and his growing ability with not only machine operating but his people management.

He is continuing his learning and has enrolled into a Level Five Print Management Diploma programme.

“He is very worthy of his place in the Top Five Apprentices of 2020.”

Describing Travis Jordan as an “enthusiastic learner”, Alsop says, “Travis regularly had assignments ready for the quarterly assessment visits. He took great pride in producing top-quality assignments. All of his assignments were well 12

June 2021

Peter Watson (l), managing director of Printcratft 81 with Karl Pearson

researched and presented as a finished book, displaying his design and digital printing skills and were consistently of an excellent standard.

“He could always talk about the work he did with knowledge and enthusiasm. He is highly regarded by his management.

“His place in the Top Five Apprentices of 2020 is well deserved.”

Steven Jack describes Craig Murray as being a “pleasure to deal with”. Jack says, “Craig is always happy to see you and is always wanting more work to do.

“He is alwayskeen to learn more and this shows in what he does and the way he goes about it. Craig is a human sponge when it comes to learning about screen printing.

“His passion for what he does is reflected in the presentation of his work which has been a pleasure to read and mark.”

Malcolm Pearce says Todd Nicholls was “eager to learn” and presented well-researched assignments.

Pearce says, “During his apprenticeship, Todd was given more responsibility and instead of this slowing him down with his assignments, he continued to produce assignments as per the goals we set.

“He was keen to move up in the company. He has a very positive attitude.

“I hear a lot of excuses in the course of my work as to why assignments are either late or not even attempted. But Todd never failed to return assignments on the agreed date despite being a busy man both at work and at home.”

Pearce was also the training advisor for Karl Pearson. Pearce says, “Karl was a studious apprentice who sought to learn all he could about each assignment”.

“He had a thirst for knowledge and doing things correctly. Karl’s attention to detail was extraordinarily good.

His work was researched above and beyond the expectation of each assignment, which showed in the detail of his work. His presentation was faultless.

“Karl had already completed a binding and finishing apprenticeship with his company prior to moving to the digital and prepress department.”

We also say a special thank you to BJ Ball Papers, Heidelberg, Trust4Skills, Print Finishers Association and Competenz and their continued support for the Apprentice of the Year Awards. newzealandprinter.co.nz

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COVER STORY

CQ Group gets Vybrant look fro Ben Scott (l), production manager at CQ with Patrick Crosby from Fujifilm Business Innovation

Environmental focus fits with new Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 flatbed printer

C

hristchurch-based CQ Group has recently installed a new Vybrant UF10 wide format flatbed printer, supplied through Fujifilm Business Innovation.

Owners David and Nicolette Parsons founded the company, generally known as CQ, 20 years ago and are familiar with Fujifilm printing technology.

David says, “We had a good run with the last Fujifilm machine.

It was reliable and offered good print quality and the Vybrant UF10 is even better.

“The Vybrant is actually cheaper to run than the old machine. We are impressed with the LED curing. It does not need the heat for curing and it allows us to run a broader range of substrates and that means we can offer more to our customers.

14

“Running cost is a significant part of operating a print business and this is where the Vybrant is interesting. On paper, it might seem slower, but the reality is you can run it faster and at a lower cost.

This mainly comes down to the mode select.”

Grant Blockley, national wide format specialist at Fujifilm Business Innovation, says, “The Vybrant UF10 is a true flatbed printer offering high quality printing on a range of rigid and flexible media. The dedicated four zone vacuum system ensures the media is held firmly in position to maximise quality when printing on a variety of media.

“Its high speed performance enables print volumes of up to 7,500 square metres per year.

With the Vybrant UF10, CQ will increase its wide format capability at a cost effective price point.”

David continues, “It is a beast. It arrived here by truck on its own special pallet for transport. They forklifted the pallet into our building.

Installation was about a week, and we had no difficulties in working out how to operate it.

“The Vybrant platform is several years old, so we knew we weren’t ordering a product close to its initial release time.

It is not a ‘ground up’ new solution, so we feel confident in the technology.

“We had several reasons for choosing it over other printers.

We obviously considered print quality and we have tested it.

In theory, on a flatbed, fine text doesn’t matter but you have times when you want higher resolution, and it is definitely better with the Vybrant.

“Since installing it, we have found less banding, and the colours are more accurate. It is a subtle improvement but, from a printing perspective, when you get it right the first time, there is less wastage. This is important for CQ because we are working all the time to be more environmentally friendly.”

The Vybrant UF10 uses Fujifilm’s leading Uvijet UV ink. It combines variable drop sizes from 7 to 21 picolitres.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

COVER STORY

om Fujifilm Business Innovation CQ Group commits to sustainability

En route: the Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 required its own pallet for transport

Installing the Fujifilm Vybrant UF10, David Parsons, from CQ, says: “It’s a beast.”

Blockley says, “It delivers excellent results, with the ink able to adhere to a range of media whilst having superb solvent resistance. The patented MicroV ink dispersion technology delivers consistent quality, reliability and a wide newzealandprinter.co.nz

colour gamut.”

David adds, “The ink feels better, and it fits well with our environmental approach. It is not just the ink. The Vybrant also handles a wide range of media, and, in the wide format space, it has been traditionally

Everyone talks the talk about sustainability and the environment, but CQ has made it a priority.

With a firm focus on improving its sustainability, CQ has put a comprehensive environmental management system in place and achieved Toitu Envirocare Gold standard in December 2019.

The Kiwi owned and operated company takes pride in its commitment to the environment.

Nicolette says, “As New Zealanders, we feel a strong responsibility to protect the beautiful land we live in. Accordingly, we seek to actively manage our operations so that we have a positive effect on the environment.

“As we work to be at the forefront of looking after the environment, we have a number of strategies to help. For example, selecting more environmentally friendly papers and substrates.

We also take an active part in educating our customers about the positive role our industry plays in improving the environment. Print has a good story to tell.”

CQ has committed to: • Keeping waste products to a minimum by recycling and reusing • Conserving energy by managing our machines effectively and efficiently • Investing in the most efficient and eco-friendly technology available • Using environmentally friendly products wherever possible • Educating staff and customers in ways to protect the environment • Sourcing paper from sustainable sources • Offering customers a full range of recycled paper stocks • Promoting Print on Demand • Promoting its Reuse initiative difficult to find media with a good green story. The Vybrant gives us good options for more environmentally friendly printing. It also prints on craft paper. It is not as media Continued on page 16 June 2021

15

COVER STORY Continued from page 15 sensitive as other machines.

It is also really good to double side a poster with the Vybrant.

It provides really accurate registration.

“From a service perspective, we feel confident in how Fujifilm Business Innovation and Fujifilm New Zealand work so well together. They have all the knowledge and experience required, and they provide the support we need. Having said that, the new machine works seamlessly.

All-digital printing CQ offers the full range of digital printing services to a broad variety of clients.

It employs about 18 staff members, mainly in print and production roles.

David says, “We have always been a digital print company and we have a long standing relationship with Fujifilm Business Innovation. We were in our early 20s when we started out in the industry, and we actually worked for them. At some point, we thought, ‘Why not do this ourselves?’ so we started CQ. We were the first all-digital print centre in the country.

“Patrick Crosby and his team at Fujifilm Business Innovation have been wonderful to deal with. We run other technology from Fujifilm Business Innovation including the Versant 3100 and the Versant 180.”

Recently, CQ moved its site to the corner of Birmingham Drive and Wrights road.

Nicolette says, “We filled 13

Greener: the Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 fits well with CQ’s focus on environmentally friendly solutions furniture trucks, and numerous vans and cars. We have settled in we are all enthusiastic about our new location.”

David and Nicolette have guided the company through some tough times. He says, “The earthquakes showed how

resilient we could be, and we have been lucky in that we could reach out and help other Christchurch businesses.”

Nicolette adds, “We will continue to introduce more environmentally friendly solutions to CQ.”

Fujifilm Vybrant UF10: high print quality and high performance Offering a range of features to simplify production, the Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 is available as a six channel printer with CMYK and two White channels as standard.

Blockley says, “The Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 incorporates a range of features to maximise productivity and quality, including an anti-crash sensor to avoid damage to the printheads and an anti-static bar that eliminates static on the media surface during printing.

“Additional automated functions are also featured on the Vybrant. These include automatic nozzle stabilisation to allow auto spitting, automatic height measurement, and an automatic banding reduction system. The Fujifilm Vybrant UF10 offers these benefits: 16

Grant Blockley, national wide format specialist at Fujifilm Business Innovation

• Productivity – In Production Mode, it prints up to 16 square metres per hour • Colour versatility – Six channel CMYK with White as standard • Accuracy – Variable drop sizes from 7 to 21 picolitres • Wide media capability – It handles flexible and rigid media up to 51mm thick • Environmentally friendlier – The long lasting LED curing system uses less energy • Water cooled LEDs • Minimal masking – With four dedicated vacuum zones, masking is minimised • Special ink – Fujifilm Uvijet UV cured inks • Anti-crash sensor • Anti-static bar that eliminates static on the media surface

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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WIDE FORMAT

Currie Group and EFI partnership offers more Companies combine proven technology with comprehensive support and service

R

ecently, Paul Whitehead, business unit manager Sign & Display for Currie Group and Brett Addison, business development manager ANZ at EFI, visited New Zealand.

In January, the companies announced that EFI had established a new distribution partnership with Currie Group for New Zealand and Australia.

The partnership confirms both companies’ commitment to the region and enables their respective customers to broaden their capabilities.

Whitehead says, “Currie Group delivers technical service and support of the highest possible standard. We also distribute a range of quality equipment and consumables such as HP Indigo. It makes sense for us to partner with EFI, which offers world-class UV LED solutions.”

Addison agrees. He says, “The combination of market presence and scalability makes it a logical decision to work together. Currie Group has proved itself in the production print space, which is now a mature market.

“We are talking to print companies about how we can help their businesses, raising awareness of our credentials.

We have discussed how they can leverage parts of the business.

“Leverage is knowledge, consumables, parts and the various different factors that contribute to turnaround times and uptime. Customers can access the leverage that Currie Group and EFI offer.

For example, having a service technician only a few hours away is more than helpful to a business needing more uptime.”

Whitehead says, “There are parallels with the HP Indigo, which is also at the high-end of digital print production.

People who build business around top technology don’t want downtime. They don’t want to buy an orphan. We offer support and service at that high level. We understand production and complexity.

18

From left: Brett Addison, business development manager ANZ at EFI; Paul Whitehead, business unit manager Sign & Display for Currie Group; and Craig Paul, country manager New Zealand for Currie Group “Our scalability means that parts, consumables, and people are available.

“Although signage and display with wide format printing is seen as high-value, it was once thought of as slow turnaround. Support for those systems was next day service or three-day service but that has changed. We live in a ‘now’ society; print is same day and wide format fits into the same bucket. Currie Group and EFI have a service offering that matches market demand.”

Open day success Globally, EFI is proven technology. Whitehead says, “EFI solutions are second to none. The range of innovations available through EFI’s line up of roll-to-roll, flatbed and hybrid printers opens up new possibilities for our customers.”

Recently, Currie Group and EFI held an open house in Melbourne, which was booked out. Among the highlights was the EFI Pro 32r+, a 3.2m roll-to-roll LED printer, which offers productivity up to 256 square metres per hour and low power consumption. Its ‘cool cure’ LED technology extends the range of supported substrates; lowers operating costs; and satisfies customer requests for a greener print solution with low VOCs, lower power consumption, and less waste and consumables. With four colours (CMYK) plus optional white ink or optional clear ink, it turned a few heads.

Addison says, “The Pro 32r+ has a massive wow factor. The versatility of running white and clear is one thing but the ease

of use is massive. It opened people’s eyes. It is certainly a conversation starter.”

“The open house was a success, and we look forward to showing Kiwi customers the solutions in person. When you have a company of between five and 10 employees, they need to see the machine; to be in front of that machine; and to have that experience. Working with Currie Group, we can give them that experience.”

Whitehead says, “Currie Group customers, and those who came to the open day, are already running successful print businesses, producing a range of printed material. So, they already have a massive head start for moving into wide format.

“Also, EFI has more entry level technology coming such as the Pro 30h hybrid printer announced at virtual.drupa.

For other technologies, that often means start at entry level and grow. But with EFI, entry level comes from the top down.

It is impressive.”

Both Addison and Whitehead see a solid future for Currie Group and EFI working together. They also see it as their customers’ digital future.

An offset printer by trade, Addison says, “I resisted the future but transitioned to digital because it can offer so much to the market. It makes these products more affordable to more people and opens new revenue streams for print companies with non-traditional print buyers.

“Currie Group and EFI are looking forward to growing long standing relationships with our customers.”

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

COMMENT

Who will run our machines?

Go to the rear of any printing company and you will find an array of old machines gathering dust

Change is the only constant when it comes to printing machinery. Here, Frank Romano, reflects on how this evolution makes it hard to find good operators and creates a rising tide of obsolete machines.

I

n 1995, when I was teaching full-time, I had a call from a printer. He was seeking an operator who could run his Heidelberg press. It was a four-colour Speedmaster 72 introduced in 1974. Mechanical devices can last multiple human lifetimes if you take care of them and this printer wanted to run a 21 year old press with a 21 year old graduate. He thought schools trained operators for specific presses.

Thew 1980s and 1990s saw an explosion of multi-colour presses, from KBA, manroland, Komori, Ryobi and others.

Some of those presses are still in use and the problem is finding people with the mechanical and printing skills to run them.

Printers hang on to their devices for a long time. Go to the rear of any printing company and you will find 20

FRANK ROMANO

an array of old machines gathering dust. It is as if the printer thinks that those machines may actually be used again. It is proven that one new printing press can equal the productivity of two or even three older presses. New printing presses are extremely efficient. They can reduce labour by half or more. They are now as electronic as they are mechanical.

For a modern press, the manufacturer will train operators. But 20 years or more from now, they may not.

This problem goes beyond printing presses.

The old Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner is parked in Dubai.

It will never sail again. This is not because it isn’t seaworthy or that its engines do not work.

It is because all the wiring and electronics that control the ship are 1950s vintage.

We have two problems.

Firstly, finding operators for our mechanical systems and secondly, dealing with obsolescence.

In the old days you could teach offset fundamentals with a lowly offset duplicator. Every printing programme from middle school to college had a small press and the operators of the four-up and eight-up presses came from that base of users. Today, only a handful of schools in the United States have a four-colour press to teach with.

I remember a newsreel about training pilots during WWII. They sat with sticks in their hands to simulate the controls of the plane. It took a while to develop training simulators.

The printing problem becomes more acute when you look at digital printing systems. Because they came into the industry in the last decade, the suppliers have helped with training.

Because there are few standards in their operation, skills are not always transferrable from one system to another. And no school can afford the majority of them to teach on.

I am sitting right now in a museum surrounded by old machines. We can still run the mechanical devices. But the personal computers from 1985 are useless.

Of course, this is not a new problem Printing underwent many changes in its 500-plus year history. Printers know that there will always be the next version, the next device that is better, faster, cheaper than the one they have.

Suppliers and printers must come together to develop more standardisation so that skills are transferrable from one device to another. There is little we can do about technology changes except analyse what is coming and budget for it.

There will always be change.

And the need to manage it.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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DIGITAL

Konica Minolta officially ope

d Brett Hjorth lsh, Geoff Henry, an From lef t: Graham Waonal New Zealand from Brother Internati

Dan Wheeler (l) , Freedom Plus Conferenz with Luis Porto from

New showroom highlights the latest Konica Minolta solutions

R

ecently, Konica Minolta hosted the grand opening of its new Auckland showroom.

Guests enjoyed hospitality at Dilly’s Café beside the new Auckland showroom before moving next door for the ribbon cutting.

Eric Holtsmark, managing director, Konica Minolta New Zealand, welcomed guests to the event. He said, “This

22

From left: Jim W PrintNZ; and Ra alker, Advanced Print Design; Ruth Cobb, ed Hanoosh, Al pha Print

other Manuel Efaraimo, Brmatic Chris Toll from Plock

showroom represents our continued investment in the region. Konica Minolta is here to support our customers with an outstanding service team. In addition, we have a showroom where customers can experience our innovative solutions.”

Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the event. He said, “We welcome Konica Minolta and we are impressed with the values it brings. Its values of openness, honesty, respect, and integrity are vital to business success.

Innovators and creators are solution providers.

aland with International New Ze

“It is great to see this passionate and customercentric team here. Having Konica Minolta here is good for Auckland and good for our economy.”

Konica Minolta New Zealand also supports its local corporate social responsibility partners Yellow Brick Road, and Kiwi Harvest. Yellow Brick Road provides mental health support for families who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges. Kiwi Harvest redistributes food that would otherwise go to waste. Katarina Piercy represented Kiwi Harvest at the event.

Brenda Wells and Jade Caulfield, from Yellow Brick

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

DIGITAL

pens Auckland showroom

from ara and Rob Whiting From lef t: Chris O’H vis from O-Tech Minolta with Zana Tra

Konica

Konica Monolta ’s Eric Holtsmar k and Chris O’Ha ra

Michael Barnet cuts the ribbon from the Auckland Chamber of to of fically open Co the showroom mmerce

Road, spoke on behalf of chief executive Vicki Lee, who could not make it to the event. They said, “Having the support of Konica Minolta New Zealand will go a very long way for a charity like ours. Demand for our services is growing exponentially and we do not turn people away.”

Eric Holtsmark added, “Konica Minolta New Zealand and Yellow Brick Road have a natural synergy. Through this partnership, we look forward to contributing to the local community in which we operate. In addition, this is in line with Konica Minolta’s global corporate social responsibility goals.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Access to demonstrations Based in Penrose, the new showroom gives customers access to demonstrations of award winning Konica Minolta products and solutions.

On the floor is its range of technology including the AccurioPress C14000, AccurioLabel 230, and bizhub iSeries. Software solutions arriving soon include print management, data migration, and document management.

Chris O’Hara, national production print manager, Konica Minolta New Zealand, believes the new Auckland showroom will create a buzz.

He said, “It is exciting to

h Belinda Wells rcy, Kiwi Harvest wit From lef t: Katarina Piem Yellow Brick Road and Jade Caulfield fro

have a showroom so close to our customers. Here, they can experience our innovative technology firsthand. Certainly, this hands on experience is often a critical factor when making an investment in their business.”

Holtsmark added, “Since establishing our direct local presence in October 2020, Konica Minolta New Zealand has gone from strength to strength. This is testament to the team’s knowledge and expertise, loyal customers, and strategic alliance with our distributor for the A3 office range of multifunction printers, Brother International New Zealand.”

June 2021

23

PACPRINT

Whole of industry appro

P

acPrint organisers say the event will be ideally timed for New Zealand businesses to capitalise on better-than-expected economic conditions postCovid, with leading suppliers primed to assist as the first details emerge of what visitors can expect to see at the September show.

They add that PacPrint comes at an interesting time in the world, with businesses adjusting to a new postpandemic normal, with greater freedoms and a more robust and promising economic outlook than many had expected.

In New Zealand, and in Australia where PacPrint will take place, the first business events held since Covid restrictions eased have attracted excellent and, in some cases, record attendances and levels of business transacted.

With travel bubbles between the two countries now operating, vaccination programmes picking up pace, and respective governments taking a calmer approach to the odd, inevitable cluster, all seems set for a bumper edition of the region’s leading show, and feedback from both suppliers and industry businesses indicate they are more than ready for the chance to attend an in-person event.

Peter Harper, chief executive officer of the show’s organiser, Visual Connections, says, “Industry expos and events are already being held successfully in Australia, including at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, which is gaining plenty of experience in hosting Covid-safe shows.

We are confident that we will deliver a show which is not only safe and accessible, but which could potentially be the most significant in PacPrint’s 50-plus year history.”

While PacPrint is based in Melbourne, the event has a long history of partnership with New Zealand and, particularly over the past decade, has almost become the default exhibition for the industry in New Zealand as well as for Australia and the surrounding region.

24

PacPrint offers a chance for visitors to review, rebuild and reconnect

PacPrint has a long history of partnership with New Zealand As in past years, the majority of the exhibitors at PacPrint, have strong ties across the Tasman.

Harper says, “This year, well over 50 leading suppliers have already signed up to exhibit, including many of the industry’s leading names, and we are in negotiations with many more who are still finalising the space they need to showcase their latest solutions.”

Currie Group will once again take the show’s largest stand, with HP, Roland DG, Fujifilm Business Innovation, Spicers, Epson, Konica Minolta, and Mimaki all close by.

Graph-Pak, Starleaton and Europoles will also feature prominently, with other market leaders including Print IQ, Xeikon, Positive, Screen, Hexis, Mutoh, Paper Handling Equipment, Wilenco and more also centrally located.

The Visual Impact Expo and Label & Packaging Expo will be boosted with the inclusion of some of the industry’s most respected names, from Pozitive, Multicam, Hilton Laminating and Alfex, to Aldus, Trotec, Shann, Velflex, Sign to Badge Solutions, Rodden Graphics and Elizabeth Machines, among others.

A raft of smaller stands, many of them quite familiar to New Zealand businesses, will provide plenty of variety and interest, even for niche markets.

While many exhibitors are still finalising their plans, the indication so far is that the expo will feature a typically

diverse showcase of products spanning not only all industry sectors, but also the entire production process.

Solutions on display will include MIS and software modules, output devices including cut-sheet digital and wide-format devices and associated finishing technologies, flexible packaging and label converting, textile and garment printing, 2.5 and 3D technologies, soft signage and display systems, vehicle wrapping, LED and illuminated signage solutions, and a huge range of media from papers and boards to films and synthetic substrates, and even textured laminates.

Organisers say the colocation of three events holds the key to unlocking this diversity for visitors. First, PacPrint brings its familiar mix of print, digital print, finishing and related technologies and services. Second, Visual Impact broadly covers sign, display, wide-format, engraving, textiles, and graphics. Lastly, the Label & Packaging Expo focuses on this growing sector.

Harper says, “We strongly believe in co-location as a way of delivering additional value to all visitors to these shows because it guarantees that each business will find solutions which suit their particular sector and business focus, while exposing visitors to new ideas that fall outside what might be their normal scope of interest or investigation.

“The adage is true that we ‘don’t know what we don’t

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

PACPRINT

roach for PacPrint 2021 know’. At a trade show, you have a chance to see things you would not necessarily go looking for, pick up on things you have missed, and happen across solutions you may not even have realised existed.

“I always find it fascinating reading our post-show surveys, the number of people who report on unexpected discoveries they’ve made – and of course, new connections they have forged with people who can help them take their business forward.”

He adds that seeing such a wide range of industry trends first-hand also tends to put your own business in context, providing a much clearer indication of the directions the industry, and your customers, will take, and how you can meet their changing needs.

He says, “Above all, it’s that chance to discover, learn and be inspired that industry expos like PacPrint deliver so effectively. They provide an important chance to step away from your business and from the distractions of the ‘day-today’ routine and to get some much-needed perspective.”

Information and ideas As well as the vast amount of information provided by the exhibition itself, PacPrint provides an opportunity for learning and professional development, with the popular PacPrint Forum Series of seminars and panel presentations making a return in 2021.

The programme, almost finalised, will feature sessions on business, finance and IR, industry trends and market intelligence, digital technologies, leadership and more.

Harper says, “We have lined up some really inspiring keynote presenters, impressive experts and panels of industry leaders to share their wisdom, expertise, ideas and opinions on a wide variety of topics.

There will be sessions on everything from trends in beverage packaging, to signage regulations, to business valuations, partnerships, and sales. newzealandprinter.co.nz

“Our team is working hard behind the scenes to make sure there is something for everyone in this programme, and we have set aside space for a theatrette on the show floor, making it easy to attend the sessions of your choice without having to leave the exhibition.”

“It is also worth noting that a number of exhibitors will be providing the opportunity not only to see their solutions demonstrated on stand, but to attend quite detailed ‘how-to’ workshops and even try their hand at various techniques.”

Taken together, this means visitors who make the time and effort to attend trade shows like PacPrint invariably find that the investment pays dividends.

Harper concedes, “With so many challenges in today’s market, we know it can be difficult for business owners, many of whom are SMEs, to set aside time to come to these events, and of course that’s amplified if you’re not already in Melbourne.

“The evidence from past shows, however, is that those who do attend invariably believe they get exceptional return on that investment. In fact, our post-show analysis consistently demonstrates that the vast majority of visitors say they have been ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied with how their expectations were met.”

The reasons, of course, vary from person to person, but broadly speaking, Harper says trade expos give people the opportunity to keep up with trends, identify potential new opportunities, evaluate technologies, and connect with suppliers to make important

The first business events held since Covid restrictions eased have attracted excellent attendances and levels of business transactions

investment decisions (and often access special show deals).

He explains, “With the world emerging from probably the most testing and disruptive couple of years it has ever faced, PacPrint 2021 is perfectly timed to help businesses meet the distinctive challenges of a post-pandemic market.

He believes that the fasterthan-expected economic recovery in the Australia and New Zealand region is a good reason to consider investments which may help you capitalise on new opportunities. He adds, “Even in an industry characterised by change and disruption in normal times, 2020 and 2021 have been uniquely challenging, so there really has never been a more important time to review the market and our own businesses, rebuild to meet changing demands and new opportunities, and reconnect with the people who have the expertise and resources to partner with you as you move into the future.”

Harper points out that the PacPrint 2021 theme, ‘Review. Rebuild. Reconnect’, is designed to neatly summarise the opportunity it provides. He says, “PacPrint, Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo will help you gauge what’s changed, work out how to revitalise areas which may have suffered during Covid, and also possibly identify new trends and market opportunities that could turn into valuable new revenue streams.”

With travel now an option, it is also an opportunity to plan a weekend break in one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities. The MCEC is surrounded by restaurants and bars in the vibrant Docklands precinct, and Melbourne is renowned for its sporting events and shows.

PacPrint 2021, Visual Impact Melbourne and the Label & Packaging Expo are co-hosted by the Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA) and Visual Connections. They will run from September 28 to October 1 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Please visit www.pacprint.com.au for all the latest information.

June 2021

25

TALES FROM THE PRINTERVERSE

Keep your current customers away from your competitors Now is the moment to secure your customers, and find new ones looking for a change

that can help you provide data for decisions. I’ve seen a plethora of articles in printing trade publications about the direct mail moment, power of personalisation, standing out with paper and substrates, and incorporating QR codes into printed materials. Use them as examples to show customers how print can provide a bang for their bucks.

S

ince last month, I have seen a pattern developing. Printers are focusing on customer retention, and print customers are focusing on finding new partners. That means now is the time to secure customers, and find new ones looking for a change. Here are three ideas to get you started:

1. Did you know?

Your current customers are more than likely unaware of all that you can do; they only know what they do with you.

Circle back with everyone you have ever worked with and send them an appropriate update on your services that falls under a friendly ‘Did You Know?’ and not hard sales: Did you know we can print wide format with texture? Did you know we can print directly on fabric? Did you know we can print with white ink? Did you know we can print twice as fast as the last time we worked together?

When you get responses, find out everything the customer prints without you – not where, only what. Don’t cross a relationship line.

Circle back with information about those items and develop a ‘Try Us’ promotion to get some of that work into your shop or funneled to your partners.

2. Back to business Vaccinations are on the rise and some form of returning to the office is on the horizon. Look at your current customers and assess what their needs may be when they reopen or bring their at-home workers back.

Are there new hours?

New procedures? Does the building, office park, or property management have new rules? Develop a ‘return to work’ promotion that includes 26

Survival of the fittest

Keep your focus on adding value to every order, to every customer, to every potential customer, and to every interaction along the way

DEBORAH CORN

everything customers need for their office and include a menu of items for an employee ‘welcome back’ kit. Go a little further and anticipate what workers may need to feel safe. Every company may have different needs, so make sure your pitch is hyperpersonalised for each company you reach out to. We are talking about customer retention. Make them feel special and not one of a 100 on your pitch list.

3. Data for decisions It’s critical to provide some form of ‘proof’ that there is ROI for the marketing spend when many businesses are running on fumes. In this instance, it’s also how you can keep customers and find new ones with the same information, customised for your targeted recipient.

Do internal research first.

Interview customers that did work with you last year and get some fresh and topical customer testimonials. For the bigger wins, create case studies you can share that show doing business with you, and through print, works! Do industry research.

Many of the manufacturers and suppliers have been pumping out white papers and other forms of research

My final advice here may seem a bit out of place, but it’s super important to share. Do not, under any circumstance, discount your products or services.

As a matter of fact, raise your pricing, right now before the world enters the next ‘normal’ and needs to market again. Back to that vantage point, I have spoken to many printers and industry suppliers over the last two months and the supply chain is still very fickle with paper pricing and availability driving a lot of that, at least here in the US. You cannot be left without any margin or profit so plan ahead and make sure you buffer costs for supply chain items and things you can’t control.

Keep your focus on adding value to every order, to every customer, to every potential customer, and to every interaction along the way. With print customers currently playing musical chairs with printers, you don’t want to be left standing alone when the music stops.

Deborah Corn has more than 25 years of experience working in advertising as a print producer. She 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.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT +Plus

Epson unveils its new dye-sublimation printer Playford-Browne joins Durst l Good future for floor graphics l Finding the right balance

WIDE FORMAT NEWS

Durst takes next step in its Oceania strategy Durst has appointed Ashley Playford-Browne as its new sales manager for Large Format Print and Textiles.

Matt Ashman, managing director for Durst Oceania, welcomes the well known industry specialist. Ashman says, “Durst has increased its footprint with new technology and product innovation. Therefore, it was essential that I found a suitable and experienced sales manager.”

Playford-Browne has worked as a wide format specialists with Fujifilm.

Most recently, he worked at digital textile experts Kornit Digital. Prior to that, he worked in prepress.

Ashman says, “Ashley will steer the large format and textiles business within our portfolio in Oceania.

What attracted me to Ashley is his sales acumen, his industry knowledge and his widespread respect in the region.

“With Ashley on board, we see Durst going from strength to strength. We

Expansion at Durst Oceania: Ashley Playford-Browne (l), new sales manager for Large Format Print and Textiles and Matt Ashman, managing director continue to help businesses in the Oceania region grow following the recent challenging trading period.

“This is the next step in the evolving strengthening strategy of the Durst Oceania team to support and service our valued and

longstanding customers in the region.”

Ashman sees the global growth in textiles as a significant trend and points out that Durst has responded to this growth with the recently released P5 TEX iSUB

dye sublimation printer.

He says it offers next level productivity. The new device can print direct to polyester, so it does not require a calender unit.

In addition, an integrated finishing unit enables stitching inline.

Fespa visitors want a live show Recent research conducted among Fespa audiences reveals a strong appetite for the next live event.

Fespa says 73 per cent of respondents see trade shows as an essential platform for reviewing and making future product purchases. Neil Felton, chief executive at Fespa, believes industry professionals want live shows. He says, “Our audience has told us they need access to hands-on product demonstrations.

They want to participate in face to face meetings with multiple suppliers to support their recovery.”

The first Fespa live event in Europe since May 2019 takes place at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from 12 to 15 October 2021. It follows the postponement of all events during 2020 and early 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Registration has opened for the event, which 28

Registration has opened for the Fespa Global Expo 2021 has the motto. ‘Bringing Colour Back’.

The event will focus on supporting print communities with sustained business recovery following last year’s challenges.

Organisers aim to deliver a Covid-safe environment.

Felton says it gives visitors and exhibitors the first chance to connect in person in over 18 months.

He adds, “Industry members see the Fespa Global Print Expo as a key milestone in their forward planning. Considering all information currently available to us, we are re-launching Fespa 2021.

We feel confident that we can offer participants a live event that takes all possible health and safety precautions. We can still

fulfil their key expectations of a Fespa show as an interactive, multi-sensory experience.

“Occupying six exhibition halls at the RAI, printers and sign makers will see the latest innovations in screen, digital, wide format, and textile printing. We expect to host over 300 expected suppliers. Other features include Printeriors and World Wrap Masters.

It will inspire visitors with the latest ideas, applications and materials in interior décor and vehicle wrapping.

“European Sign Expo, the largest European exhibition for non-printed signage and visual communications, will again co-locate with Fespa Global Print Expo, enabling brand owners and communications professionals to explore opportunities beyond print.

Entry to the event is free for members of a Fespa national association or Fespa Direct.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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WIDE FORMAT

Epson unveils the SureColor F10060H dye-sublimation printer New printer offers an output of 245 square metres per hour

minimisation with the ability to produce superior output quality.

pson has announced a new high speed dye sublimation printer with support for media up to 195cm wide.

The SureColor F10060H features six ink lines including the traditional CYMK along with two more that can be configured for either Light Cyan (Lc) and Light Magenta (Lm) or Fluorescent Pink (Fp) and Fluorescent Yellow (Fy).

The CYMKLcLm configuration targets customers who seek to produce premium quality output with maximum image quality. It enables more precise and accurate colour with fine gradation and reduced grain. In addition, it particularly suits output that include images of people, product and locations and environment. Epson says it makes skin colours look outstanding; equipment vibrant; and beaches, trees, and skies, appear rich and captivating.

The FpFy configuration suits customers producing sportswear, work and emergency clothing, merchandise. In addition, it aims for soft signage requiring a fluorescent component.

The company says that images produced with fluorescent ink are bright and intense with high reflectivity.

Traditional dye sub printers only apply fluorescent inks as a spot colour. The SC-F10060H, however, can also apply them as a continuous tone mixed with other colours to provide a full rainbow.

The new printer features a total of six next generation PrecisionCore printheads, each with 3200 nozzles. The heads support Variable Sized Dot Technology (VSDT) and feature active inkless nozzle status monitoring. To ensure maximum image quality with minimum wastage, the printer undertakes auto nozzle

In the dye-sublimation sector, customers demand fast turnaround and reliable operation. They also expect consistent and accurate output.

With these requirements in mind, Epson says it has developed a machine that sets new standards in terms of standards in quality, reliability, and durability.

Designed for easy operation. it features a large 23cm colour touch panel display and a transparent platen window with integrated lighting.

Downloadable EMX profiles facilitate rapid set-up with common media types. An integrated RGB camera enables easy profile adjustment and fast configuration with new medias.

With the original four-colour SC-F10060, and now the new six-colour SC-F10060H, Epson carefully considered workflow.

It has built the new printer so a single operator can load the printer. An integrated media lifter and dual front and rear feed controls make this an easy process. It also features an industrial style signal lamp and an ink system with automatic hot swap.

The SC-F10060H ships complete with Epson Edge Print and Edge Dashboard software. Additionally, it supports a new service called Epson Cloud Solution Port (ECSP) that enables detailed production monitoring and advanced status analysis.

The new ECSP system enables Epson to offer remote support and accelerated repair.

This enables direct analysis of problems for service agents to attend with appropriate replacement parts. To ensure maximum up-time, Epson has enabled an optional user selfreplacement for printheads.

As with all its large format printers, Epson backs the new SC-F10060H with a comprehensive service package that offers cover up to five years.

E

30

Reliable and easy to use

The new Epson SureColor F10060H dye-sublimation printer features six ink lines

Epson’s Cloud Solution Port offers remote monitoring

The Epson PrecisionCore Micro TFP print head replacement and incorporates advanced self-cleaning.

The Epson SC-F10060H supports production speeds up to 245 square metres per hour on rolls up to 195cm wide and 60kg in weight. To ensure cost-effective operation, it supports ultra-thin media, and it incorporates a high-precision auto-take up with a bulk ink system. This system holds up to 120 litres with dual storage and auto hot swap.

Like its four-colour siblings, the SureColor F10060H is a sophisticated, dye-sublimation machine for textile production aimed at high volume producers. It combines speed, efficiency, and production-cost

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

Future looks good for floor graphics

Floor graphics have played a significant role in the battle against Covid-19

Find ways to take advantage of floor graphics, says Brad Haupt

W

hile floor graphics have been a staple part of the industry for some time now, the pandemic of the past year or so, and the need for social distancing signage, has seen the popularity of these applications skyrocket.

Floor graphics have played a significant role in the battle against Covid-19, helping us keep a safe distance from each other when out and about, as well as directing people around one-way systems in a whole host of environments including shops, schools, and vaccination centres.

With floor graphics having showcased their undeniable value during times of Covid, it is now time to look to the future to see what sort of a role these applications might have as we begin to move out of the pandemic and towards a more ‘normal’ world.

Take notice If there is one thing that is unquestionable about floor graphics, it is that consumers do take notice of these applications, something that was noticeably clear to see when it came to social newzealandprinter.co.nz

BRAD HAUPT

Creativity can make floor graphics more distinctive

distancing markers and oneway systems.

Customers are always looking down at their phone, so why not give them something else to look at and showcase your products at the same time?

Consumers’ new found familiarity with floor graphics also opens a host of opportunities for new forms of interaction. For example, retailers can print specific offers on the graphic and direct the customer to where this can be found in the store. A play on the one-way systems that we have become used to in Covid time, if you will.

A study by the Centre for Advanced Retail and Technology reported sales increased by 17 per cent for products featured on floor graphics in their product aisles.

Get creative While Covid may have slowed and limited creativity in some sectors, this was certainly not the case for floor graphics, as retailers and brands took the opportunity to explore the many different ways they could use this media to promote their products while keeping people safe.

Some excellent conceptual examples could include a proposed floor graphic encouraging shoppers to remain at least six tubes of Pringles apart from each other, while a DIY brand might feature a giant tape measure on its social distancing graphics.

What makes floor graphics so distinctive is that they can be used in almost any environment that you can think of and for all sorts of reasons.

Be it promoting new products in shops and supermarkets; serving as way-finding directions in hospitals and event venues; or even educating pupils and students in schools, colleges, and universities.

Floor graphics come in such an array of forms they are sure to have a major role to play in the post-pandemic period and beyond.

This flexibility is also true in terms of the surfaces that floor graphics can be applied to, both indoor and outdoor. Films and vinyl are suitable for use on floor tiles, wood laminate flooring and short pile carpet indoors, as well as concrete, asphalt, tarmac, and concrete tiles outside.

When it comes to floor graphics, there is no single product that will work on all jobs; it is down to you to establish which is the most effective and suitable solution for each individual project.

Once equipped with the right material, you can then get creative and continue to stretch the boundaries of what has become an incredibly innovative and imaginative sector that will only continue to grow.

Brad Haupt is the territory manager for Drytac USA Midwest and Southwest.

June 2021

31

WIDE FORMAT XXX

Capitalising on Craig Heckenberg, who took on the role of managing director at Epson Australia just before Covid-19 hit, has taken the business through one of the most unpredictable times in history

I

n late 2019, Craig Heckenberg was promoted from general manager at Epson Australia, becoming its managing director and replacing Bruno Turcato.

Shortly after taking on the role, Heckenberg was faced with challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, amplifying his role as a leader within the business.

Heckenberg shares his nsights into what this looked like in the early days of the global pandemic, and his future plans for the business.

Q: It has been about 18 months since you took on the MD role at Epson Australia. What are some of your achievements in that time?

Craig Heckenberg (CH): In the first four months of my role, I was focused on the environmental changes within the organisation. My plan was to use that time to lay the foundation to start building a new era for Epson in the ANZ region. But after four months, the global pandemic hit and from that point on, it was all about navigating the organisation through uncharted territory, since it affected the way all of us lived or worked.

In the initial stages of the pandemic, our immediate priorities were looking after the wellbeing of our staff and ensuring they had the necessary support from senior management to provide our customers and business partners with critical products and support services.

32

Epson Australia managing director Craig Heckenberg at the recent launch of the company’s SurePress L-6534VW industrial UV digital label press

Q:

What did you have to do to transition the business though these unusual times?

Having a great team around you makes any type of transition smooth, especially in the face of a global pandemic.

The unpredictability of last year was our biggest challenge but working together with a common purpose, we were able to make quick decisions to minimise the impact of the virus on our staff, business and customers.

Some of the early challenges we faced were around managing people and supply.

With all the media reports of people being laid off and industries shutting down, people were naturally quite anxious about their own job security.

Leading from the front and reassuring the team that we will get through this together was a huge relief to everyone and it meant that they could focus on looking after our

CH:

customers and each other without worrying about their jobs. The other challenge we faced was around supply, as everyone was setting up remote working spaces, they required printers, scanners, and projectors so the sudden increase in demand was definitely a challenge for everyone in the supply chain.

However, the strategies that we set ourselves pre-Covid didn’t really change that much throughout the pandemic.

We have a long-term vision for our business which always provides us with a degree of certainty, even if everything around us was uncertain at the time.

We know what is required to transform our own business long-term, but it was the tactical side of things that we needed to do at certain stages throughout the pandemic. That changed in order for us to adapt to whatever challenge came our way.

Budgets were realigned based on new priorities and our

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT XXX

market trends ability to provide support for customers changed quite a bit in terms of providing customers with remote services using video.

Q: CH:

What is your assessment of business requirements in 2021?

We should all be cautiously optimistic about our prospects in 2021. Whist our region is doing exceptionally well in containing the spread of the virus, other countries are still doing it tough. And whilst we can still expect more disruptions throughout 2021, strong economic conditions are creating new opportunities for businesses to grow.

We witnessed many businesses throughout 2020 adapt to their new environment and create new business opportunities to survive and thrive. For example, gin distilleries pivoted to making hand sanitisers, bringing in opportunities for label printing and supplies.

In addition, with more manufacturing coming back on shore, there will be new opportunities opening up for local printers.

They should be reviewing their own capabilities and aligning them with the trends that they’re seeing in the market.

Advancements in digital print technologies are also helping Australian printers explore new opportunities to attract new customers, as well as increase production capacity to meet demand.

We are talking to businesses each and every day about new printing solutions to support interior design, signage, labels and textile production, which are all being driven by consumer demand for customisation, personalisation and quicker turnaround times.

Locally, PacPrint is a couple of months away and with a lack of tradeshows in recent times, it’s one that we are looking forward to.

There is a lot to be said about face-to-face communication, newzealandprinter.co.nz

especially within an industry like ours. PacPrint is wellpositioned to bring the industry together once again and create new opportunities for all of the local print industry to evolve and grow.

We will be there to show our support for the industry and to demonstrate some of our newest solutions.

Q: CH:

How will Epson support printers to deliver on these needs?

Epson’s got a wide range of products and services that will help print businesses capitalise on these trends in décor, signage, labels and textiles. We also have a global network of customers and partners, which can help create an ecosystem that local businesses can work with to offer additional solutions to their customers.

In relation to services and support, Epson is focusing its resources on developing intelligent software solutions which are integrated into our products and provide valuable insights into productivity and printer performance.

This also will enable us to provide proactive support to our customers so that they can produce more jobs with minimal downtime.

Due to the scalability and flexibility of our PrecisionCore inkjet technology, Epson is well positioned to lead the transition from analogue to digital and in doing so, create new opportunities for the industry to grow.

We have a broad range of ink technologies which support many print applications.

For example, we have pigment and UV inks for labels, dye sublimation inks for textiles, as well as solvent, UV and resin ink for signage.

So, our customers can explore new opportunities in partnership with a brand which has successfully supported New Zealand printers for over 25 years.

Q:

What can the New Zealand and Australian

industry expect from Epson in the coming months?

The New Zealand and Australian print industry can expect to see more new products and services this year.

We are not standing still.

We have had two launches encompassing multiple products, including our new SurePress L-6534VW industrial UV digital label press, in the last six months alone.

That’s a reflection of the company’s desire to continue to innovate, as well as provide new products and services for our customers, to enable them to overcome their challenges and thrive in the future.

Epson seeks to create new value by leveraging its efficient, compact and precision technologies.

We aim to improve the environmental performance of our products and business operations so we can play our part in creating a sustainable future for everyone.

Epson will continue to provide more new products and services that will help offices and print businesses transform in a variety of different ways, by raising productivity and lowering its environmental impacts.

One such initiative is our advanced PaperLab product, which efficiently and securely recycles printed documents to create new paper for re-use in the office.

This paper recycling system will create a circular economy by transforming office printing. On the production floor, Epson will continue to pave the way for digital printing in the commercial and industrial sectors by developing new platforms that can efficiently be deployed to meet the demands of short-run production of signage, textile and label products.

And while the industry can expect many new and exciting solutions, Epson remains committed to supporting our customers and the industry to evolve and grow for many more years to come.

CH:

June 2021

33

Awards entries top class

T

he NZSDA is pleased to advise that the judging for its 2020/21 Awards of Excellence has now been completed.

The final judging day was both rewarding and challenging as the judges came together in person to discuss the top 10 in each category.

This year, the judges completed three rounds of qualifying, with the first two being completed online.

Round one was the qualifying round, the second was judged on percentages given on each category, the final round then presented the top ten in each category.

So much discussion was provoked throughout the day, and at times lengthy deliberations by our judges.

However, overall, there truly were some first-class, top notch entries across various categories from throughout the country.

The standard was high, which was pleasing for the judges but at the same time, it made their task even harder in having to choose the deserving winners.

This year, we had a guest judge from outside of the industry, Elliot Stansfield from Studio South. Elliot with his wealth of knowledge and understanding of design and execution of projects, was “wowed” at some of the entries, as there were truly some standouts.

Elliot advised that being invited on to the panel of judges has been a great experience for him and has given him a greater understanding of the depth and versatility of our industry in sign making.

What an industry to be involved in or associated with, such talent, such creative minds, and creative makers. All the judges felt very privileged to have judged this year’s entries.

Awards night This year’s awards night promises to be one to remember, especially given we 34

Melissa Coutts says this year’s NZSDA Awards competition proved hard to judge

This year’s awards gala dinner promises to be one to remember

At the awards, attendees can see winning entries on giant screens have not had the chance to get together as a community.

Like other years, there will be a display of all entries via large TV screens above head height at the pre-dinner drinks area. These will remain until the closing of the evening. A 2020/21 gallery of entries will also be available on the awards website to view after the awards for both winners and all entries.

The People’s Choice Award is back again this year.

However, we have tightened up the process and have renamed it the ‘Industry Choice Award’.

It is only available to those that are within the industry, with one vote per registration.

The winner will be announced at the end of the Awards

of Excellence evening. It is timely that we advise of the dress code for the Awards of Excellence and like our entries this year being next level, top notch, first class – we would also like to encourage you all to carry this theme through with your dress code and behaviour on the evening.

It is a first-class event, so we expect first class dress code and behaviour throughout the evening. If you are unsure what to wear, we have put up dress code options on our website and we will be sharing them on social in the lead up to the event. We also encourage our sponsors and suppliers to engage with your guests to ensure they are all aware of the expectations for this event.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

President Post – Balance is a hard thing to find

M

y opinion.

As business owners we all know the success of our venture ultimately comes down to bloody hard work and dedication to achieving our goals. The harder we work the better the returns will be in the long run.

Success is great and what we are taught to strive for in our lives and everyone’s idea of what success is, is different.

During my career, I have been lucky to have had many business friends and associates who I have learnt from over the years. Some things learnt from these peers and applied in my work life have been detrimental to my home life and vice versa. But the most important lesson, which has only come to light with me in the last few years, is ‘balance’.

We all only get one ride of the merry go round of life, so we better enjoy it. I have watched friends work themselves to death, marriages driven apart, children grow without parents around to grow with them, all for the want of success.

Do you really need to finish this invoice before you go home?

Does the fascia actually have to go up on Friday, rather than going tramping for that long weekend with the kids?

The opportunities to make money and grow your business will always be there; your kids and your peace of mind may not.

I love running a business, I love the achievements my career has afforded me, but

ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA

Take time to stop and smell the roses It feels great to do what you love…

…And it is also feels great to do what your family loves the thing I most love is the realisation that ‘balance’ is my new definition of success.

Stop and smell the roses, have that extra day off, catch that football game with the

kids. These are the things we remember. These are the things that are more important.

Now, what are you doing, sitting around reading my drivel? Get back to work.

Finding the right balance Work-life balance involves managing the juggling act between paid work and your other important activities.

It means finding ways for your work to not completely crowd out the other things that matter to you, such as your personal hobbies and interests; time you spend with family; participation in community activities; voluntary work, personal development; and general leisure and recreation pursuits. newzealandprinter.co.nz

Research indicates that improving the balance between our lives at work and outside of work brings benefits for employers and employees. Keep in mind, however, that a ‘one size fits all solution’ does not exist.

In a tight labour market, employers providing work-life balance and flexible work options can gain a competitive edge, creating a larger recruitment pool. They will also find it easier to retain staff. Diversity WorksNZ

research shows 69 per cent of professionals in New Zealand say work life balance, including flexible working, is their top priority when seeking a new role.

The effects of a poor work-life balance include stress, lower productivity, and even absenteeism. Employees’ health and wellbeing; job satisfaction; and motivation to do better can improve with successful worklife balance strategy in place.

June 2021

35

Magnets attracts a love for print and sign making

A

commitment to trying anything crazy has helped Aaron Lane build a successful print and signage company, alongside the country’s largest magnet supplier.

He says, “We have two divisions: the magnet hardware store and pure sign and print.

In the late 1960s, it was a hardware manufacturer and when we bought it 37 years ago, it was making magnetic hardware.”

Willing to try any job, Magnets NZ has a reputation for out of the box thinking

From offset to magnets Prior to Magnets NZ, Aaron worked in an offset printer role for a company that printed wallpaper in Glenfield, Auckland.

Unfortunately, just as he was due to start his apprenticeship, the printing business closed and he found himself looking for a fresh start.

He says, “It had been a straight out of school job and I enjoyed it. I have never lost that passion for printing. After it closed, I looked at a magnet business with my father and that is how Magnets NZ was born. We grew it from two people working four hours a day to around 25 full-time staff now.”

Initially, Aaron worked with his father for 15 years, but he sadly passed away 22 years ago.

At that point, Aaron took it on himself and moved the business toward printing and signage.

He says, “The magnets business does well and it has grown so much but I had such a feeling for print that I knew I wanted to pursue it.

“The first thing we looked at was fridge magnets, which is print related. When the digital machines came in, the work morphed into signwriting. We were using the first Compucut machines. Since then, we have used everything, from hand painting to plotters to the latest printing technology.

“So, from when we started print and signage, about 20 years ago, we have seen it become a full blown separate business and it has been a great ride.”

36

Snow wonder: Aaron Lane, Magnets New Zealand owner, at Snow Planet with his work on show

Custom creativity Based on Auckland’s North Shore, Magnets NZ specialises in niche work, earning a reputation for its capability to “do something different”.

Recently, Magnets NZ covered the walls at Snow Planet.

He says, “It was fun covering the entire wall area. We do a lot of custom boutique work; a lot of quirky projects and quite a few one hundred per cent off the wall projects. We work with many agencies, and they know that we have really creative people here. We love making crazy cool stuff.

“From day one, I tried to explore weird and wacky ideas.

We like to put it out there and do something different. We are not a big fish, but we will always dip our toes in. I am always into new and different technology and what we can use it for. We are always up for it.

“We are a lifestyle type of business. The workers here; we are a family. We don’t have a super management system.

I will sweep the floors and we don’t have that killer attitude.

We just want to help people.”

Magnets NZ has won awards across several sectors but only began entering competitions five years ago. He says, “We would kick ourselves for not getting around to entering work because we were always ‘too busy’. But at some point, we just said, ‘We have to show what we

can do. We won some awards, and subsequently, we have done well. We believe in supporting the NZSDA awards as this also supports the industry. Also, it is a pride thing.”

Balancing act He finds time a serious challenge.

He says, “Because we are always so busy, getting a work and home balance for the team members is challenging, especially with weekends and night shifts. Another challenge is balancing cashflow. When you have big jobs and you are ordering stock, you need money up front.”

What advice would he give a young Aaron? He says, “I would say stick with what you believe in and go for it. You are on this planet for just a short time, so enjoy the ride.”

And what advice does he have for someone starting out in the industry? “Find your passion and find the right company to align with. Learn as much as you can. Never settle for second best. And of course, they key is always to work hard.

“The best thing about this work is the people. We have a cool team and I consider myself really lucky.

“We do our own thing, and we don’t get tied down with the politics. We have a philosophy to help everyone.”

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

NZ Sign & Display

Saturday 10th July 2021 | The Cordis, Auckland

The Awards of Excellence has always been the flagship event for the NZSDA, it is prestigious, its national and it recognizes and acknowledges outstanding design and craftsmanship across a broad range of sign making methods and technologies.

Every year it receives hundreds of online entries from all over New Zealand, but this year was a little different as we allowed 2 years worth of entries to be considered for awards. Acknowledging Excellence is the primary purpose of the NZ Sign and Display Awards, and this year we are pleased to say that the overall standard of entries was next level, it was fierce and the entries did ‘wow’ our judges on many occasions. Our Awards evening will be sponsored by many of New Zealand’s leading sign and graphics suppliers, whom will be joining us on the night to hand out awards and to celebrate the successes over the past few years. Join us, come together, one night only to celebrate and connect with other industry like minded colleagues.

Get intouch with us today to find out more on 0800 0800 52.

Proudly sponsored by:

REAL MEDIA COLLECTIVE

Paper Planes: what th The future twelve months of paper imports needs a consolidated industry approach

T

he Australasian Paper Industry Association, APIA, is the powerhouse of companies servicing our industry for all things paper, from mills, local and off-shore, to merchants and distributors in Australia, and

KELLIE NORTHWOOD

New Zealand. In its simplest terms, APIA is the body that represents our largest raw material providers – paper.

Whilst a long-established industry body, APIA, it could be argued, has really found its feet and developed a clear purpose to work within the industry to drive mutually beneficial outcomes for all.

The appointment and merged partnership with The Real Media Collective, provides me with the opportunity to work with the APIA Board and connect commercial print matters with the supply chain.

It has proven a marriage of success with a mutual submission to government across the Waste Export Ban delivering an extension for graphic paper grades, partnership to State government across EPA and paper recycling definitions and now joint approach to the ‘Love Paper’ campaign to promote the environmental and social inclusion credentials of paper.

The APIA Board has a committed focus, to ensure the availability and continuity of fibre-based products into the Australian and New Zealand

The impact of international freight price increases has affected the costs of pulp pricing, which has mounted upward pressures on paper costs 38

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

REAL MEDIA COLLECTIVE

he pulp is going on? marketplaces. Through its members, APIA is bringing innovation to market and reinforcing the benefits of a sustainable approach to manufacturing of collateral using fibre-based products.

A key role in achieving this missive is to inform industry, where fibre-based products are an important input, of the latest trends and developments affecting the industry. Secondly, it is to also ensure that our industry has a voice with policy makers at all levels of government to ensure policy works with industry and understands how industry works.

Key projects for 2021 include the Love Paper campaign to promote the power of paper and print, government policy and lobbying across single use plastics and the recyclability of fibre-based products and critical in the current landscape is the review and preparedness of global pulp price increases.

Throughout Covid-19, the APIA team watched with keen interest to the impact of international freight price increases across paper pricing.

The global pulp consumption across non-graphic paper ranges was quickly becoming a matter of growing importance.

As reported in late 2020

by Bloomberg.com, ‘‘Global supplies of the material used to make paper, paper cups, tissue and cardboard are tightening as Chinese demand recovers and after high-cost producers cut output in reaction to a pandemic-fuelled price slump. ‘‘That is good news for low-cost companies like Sao Paulo-based Suzano, which has started to ratchet up prices, and ratchet they have, with increases in Hardwood pulp of 25 per cent plus since August 2020.’’

Pulp producers are being affected in two ways, production challenges and those driven but changing consumer demands.

The continued global growth in fibre-based packaging has provided new growth opportunities for pulp producers. However, tissue pulp still represents at least 40 per newzealandprinter.co.nz

Board members of APIA, the powerhouse of companies servicing the industry for all things paper

The producer price index commodity shows vast and increasing costs of wood pulp cent of the market, according to Pulp & Paper Canada.

Prices have also risen in Europe, with Bloomberg.com reporting again that observers are predicting that they will get up to $850 this year.

This represents another 25 per cent increase in cost.

RISI, the authority on reporting in this area, recently headlined ‘Pulp prices poised for further gains in Europe in April’, suggesting the increases have taken hold and APIA is working within its realm to review, understand and comprehend the impact of these global demand shifts.

How will this affect us?

Don’t panic.

We have seen this before; at least once a decade or in line with global economic conditions where pulp prices increase, mounting upward pressure on paper and other end product prices.

There will inevitably be some short-term price increases, which in the current landscape seems logical as the world tries to find its feet again.

The best thing we can do is prepare, engage and communicate. We need to work through the next 12 months understanding supply may tighten, and freight conditions and pricing will continue to challenge the market.

This is why promoting our channel is now more critical than ever to stabilise, if not increase, demand.

In addition, we also need to maintain value in how we sell paper and print products, and understand everything we possibly can about fluctuating global pulp prices.

Kellie Northwood is chief exeecutive officer of The Real Media Collective, an industry Association representing the paper, print, mail, publishing and distribution companies across Australia and New Zealand. Northwood also holds the executive director position for the Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA).

For more information contact: 03 9421 2296 or hello@thermc.com.au. www.therealmediacollective. com.au June 2021

39

LABELS & PACKAGING

Xeikon first to book a slot at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022

D

igital specialist Xeikon has confirmed its attendance at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022.

With a focus on high performance digital printing and finishing, the event takes place from February 21-24, 2022, in Switzerland. The Lucerne Exhibition Centre will host this 14th edition of the show, the ninth time Xeikon has participated.

Dimitri Van Gaever, market segment director for graphic arts at Xeikon, looks forward to the show. He says, “We are excited for our attendance at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022. This will be the first live exhibition to take place in the Graphic Arts sector following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During these past months, Xeikon has completed an important milestone by introducing its Sirius technology. It is the cornerstone of Xeikon’s new roll-fed duplex presses.

“The successful commercialisation of its next generation dry toner technology stack confirms Xeikon’s commitment to the graphic arts market. The company’s journey of full colour, digital print production started more than 30 years ago. Xeikon continues to innovate and bring to market advanced, added value technologies and systems.”

Advanced solutions At Hunkeler Innovationdays 2022, Xeikon will showcase its latest digital print production solutions. Xeikon says these solutions offer overall equipment effectiveness and best in class total cost of ownership.

The Xeikon SX30000 is the most productive full colour duplex press of the Sirius family. Xeikon’s new Sirius technology powers the press, which runs at a printing width of 508mm on a broad range of substrates at 30 metres per minute. A focus on toner development, imaging technology, fusing technology and media conditioning has 40

With a raft of innovations, Xeikon signs up for the show in February 2022

The Xeikon SX30000 is the most productive full colour duplex press of the Sirius family seen more than 400 design changes and developments compared to the previous generation. It can print on heavy substrates at high speeds. A new fuser and a patented new crossflow cooling system improves print quality levels at high speeds.

The company adds that the entry level Xeikon SX20000 also offers leading performance.

This comes at a lower price point but benefits from the technological developments of the flagship press.

From its Panther family, the Xeikon PX30000 UV inkjet press offers a cost-effective and fast time-to-market solution for short to medium run flexo jobs. It enables label printers looking for faster turnaround times, reduced production costs and lower complexity to explore the new business possibilities that digital printing offers.

Equipped with eight printing stations, two of which it uses to achieve high opaque white layers at maximum speed, this UV inkjet label press is driven

by Xeikon’s X-800 digital front end, all geared to maximise digital print manufacturing.

For flexibility and a wider range of applications, the press has extended colour gamut capability, with a choice of two configurations, six or seven colour, and full colour management controls. It offers a maximum speed of 70 metres per minute.

Van Gaever, says, “The Graphic Arts market has gone through a difficult

time. However, we are now seeing a bounce back and growing volumes. Printers in these sectors have become more aware and open to increasing and optimising their manufacturing processes.

Digital printing and Xeikon’s Sirius technology can be their dependable cornerstone to facilitate their strategies. We know that seeing is believing.

“The return of Hunkeler Innovationdays offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to dive into our new production lines.

There they can understand the value on offer to the challenges they face.”

Philipp Fritschi, project manager for Innovationdays at Hunkeler, says, “Hunkeler Innovationdays is now a well established gathering in the printing industry calendar.

After an abnormal period brought about by the global pandemic, we can physically bring the industry together in February 2022.

“Print is tangible. At this meeting place, the digital world becomes physical.

Visitors gain an insight into the versatile scenarios with a high practical relevance.

Industry owners, managing directors, management and experts in high performance digital printing will sit around a physical table where they can evaluate printed output and assess the latest developments in digital printing and finishing. We are delighted to welcome Xeikon to our 2022 event in beautiful Lucerne, Switzerland.”

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING

Taking the necessary step changes

2

020 was certainly an unusual year. During the pandemic, the packaging industry was recognised globally as an essential service, and many companies that catered for the food and beverage sector had a very busy year. In addition, packaging material suppliers that catered for the ecommerce category also had a very demanding year.

2020 did present many challenges though, as supply chains were closed or difficult to access. There were delays in shipments and deliveries and at times, packaging materials were hard to access due to limited supplies.

When Covid-19 hit in early 2020, the AIP was very lucky that the institute had already established online degrees and courses available for the industry.

Where the Institute needed to pivot was moving the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards online and creating a virtual ceremony that was the first of its kind in the industry.

In addition, we adapted our five-hour training courses into virtual programmes and building a platform to offer a four-day, 20 session, 28hour biennial Australasian Packaging Conference.

Last year, the AIP offered over 25 webinars, seven training courses, a four day conference, a two day awards ceremony, and a site tour, all virtually.

The AIP also partnered with many sister associations and tradeshows across the globe and ran a broad range of webinars series in 2020 and again in 2021.

As the reach of the AIP covers all of Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia, the virtual educational programs have been a huge success and will be continued in 2021.

From the conversations in the industry, it is evident that moving towards a more circular packaging design is a key challenge that people need assistance with.

We have seen an increase in people looking for training in the fundamentals in polymers, plastics and flexible packaging. newzealandprinter.co.nz

We need more packging training, says Nerida Kelton

Nerida Kelton, Executive Director, Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, there is no silver bullet for sustainable packaging design, recyclability, or how to move to a more circular economy.

Some companies and countries have only just started on the path, whereas others have the resources to be able to achieve outcomes more quickly.

We need to recognise and encourage companies making step changes, no matter how small. We also need to support developing countries with their sustainable journeys and providing them with guidance and expertise wherever possible.

As every country has a different perception or definition as to the term ‘recycling’ and what they classify as recyclable, every packaging technologist needs to look at the recyclability of the packaging in the country and countries they sell the item in, and be honest on pack about the recyclability.

This is why I believe the OPRL and the ARL are great on pack tools for consumers to easily understand. On pack communication needs to be truthful and honest. If your packaging or material

is not certified to be home compostable in the country in which it is sold then don’t confuse the consumers with misleading terms that could end up contaminating the waste and recycling stream.

In Australia, since the 2025 National Packaging Targets came into effect, we have also seen even more people working ‘around’ packaging that are not packaging technologists. Many have been tasked with the 2025 National Packaging Targets but unfortunately, have not been trained in the fundamentals of packaging technology.

We would like to see more people trained in the fundamentals of packaging, which our training courses are developed to provide.

I am excited to see new material advancements, new technology launches and even more companies making significant changes to become more circular and more sustainable.

I look forward to seeing more developments in the mono-material area, more reusable and refillable alternatives, and hope to see an increase in the use of postconsumer recyclate being used in all polymers.

June 2021

41

LABELS & PACKAGING

Learning from our experiences

F

rom a global perspective, Covid-19 has hugely impacted on our industry. Issues were varied and everyone better understood its impact in the latter half of 2020.

Thisinvolved both raw material supplies and packaging users because many products were being exported from Asian countries and lockdowns and closures caused disruptions for a period of time.

Air cargo was at the 50 to 60 per cent mark at its lowest, however, is now at 90 per cent of what it was before Covid, showing good signs of recovery.

There are still some concerns about Covid being transmitted through packaging, especially from colder environments. From a scientific perspective, yes it can happen, but it depends on a number of variables.

The ecommerce sector also grew. Varied figures from around the world show a 15 to 25 per cent increase on ecommerce. People are buying more online, especially during the months of high Covid transmissions as they try to stay away from retail outlets.

This then puts the requirement on packaging to deliver.

To meet the increasing demands, businesses were bringing out and using their mothballed machines that were becoming obsolete alongside their newer equipment. Some businesses also pivoted from their usual lines of business to offer personal protection equipment material that was in high demand. This alleviated the reliance on imported products, as countries started to produce solutions for themselves. This is still the case and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts before we revert to ‘normal’ again.It has also created opportunities for people to earn more money by creating employment in areas that we’ve never thought of previously, like in product deliveries beyond the food space. I’m amazed at how people have rallied and coped, given the extreme conditions, to be able to satisfy their local market in a very short space of time. It is encouraging that the industry, globally, was able to quickly get back on track.

42

Packaging faces new challenges, says Pierre Pienaar

Pierre Pienaar, President, World Packaging Organisation (WPO) At WPO, we met once a week during the pandemic, and we meet once a month now to discuss what’s happening in packaging with regions across the world. There were a lot of developing countries, especially within South East Asia, that required our assistance. We mainly focused on the technical advisory side of assistance, in addition to the sustainability and recycling education that we have been doing. We also ran a number of webinars to educate businesses across the world.

Covid-19 was a wakeup call not just for our industry but all industries. It is one of the greatest pandemics since the times of the Spanish Flu. Prior to Covid, we were all complacent that such an event could happen so we were all caught off-guard when it did.

Who is to say a similar situation would not happen again in the future? So, we need to be prepared for such instances in the future.

In saying that, we have learnt since and have geared ourselves better now. Even for WPO, this has taught us to respond quickly to the events

unfolding across the world.

Regardless of the pandemic, businesses should not lose sight on the sustainability side of things. If anything, it has made it more important to be sustainable.

The industry, more so than ever before, needs to focus on mono materials. We have the technology available to produce mono materials, manufacture and recycle; there are so many benefits for it.

The flexible packaging area is where most challenges lie, so this presents itself as a sustainable solution.

As for WPO, we will continue to educate into the future. Most importantly, we will be focusing on the education of younger people. When I say younger people, I mean right back to Grade 1 level.

For the past 14 years, I have been teaching young people about the basics of packaging and these young folks remember what they learnt at that age without the need for any notes.

It becomes muscle memory.

The sooner we teach that next generation, 20 years from now, they will do the right thing.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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LABELS & PACKAGING

Highcon progresses in packaging

W

hilst the bosses of many businesses have nothing but bad memories of the Covid year 2020, Shlomo Nimrodi, chief executive officer of Israeli digital print finishing company Highcon Systems, is not among them.

His business passed many milestones in 2020, not least of which was a highly successful IPO (initial public offering) which took the business just two months to lock and load.

But then, the TASE (Tel Aviv Stock Exchange), known to locals as The Bursa, is booming.

Announcing the successful completion in November 2020 of an IPO of shares on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, Highcon raised $45m from leading Israeli institutional investors in an oversubscribed offering, resulting in a $165m ($230m) valuation following the offering.

Nimrodi is no stranger to the IPO: he spent the last seven years prior to joining Highcon as chief executive officer of Ramot, the largest centre for innovation and entrepreneurship in Israel at Tel Aviv University. During his seven years there, the centre powered 85 start-up companies and licensed some 150 technologies to multinationals around the world.

The going hasn’t been so easy all year though; when drupa was postponed earlier in 2020 and Highcon was stuck with $10m worth of inventory that was to have been exhibited, then sold, Nimrodi faced his biggest challenge since signing on as chief executive in March 2019.

After several frustrated attempts, government funding was secured to make up the shortfall in revenue, and the Highcon team went from strength to strength, ratcheting up the business to the next level.

Digital technology pioneered

by Highcon bridges the gap between agile production and design flexibility delivering cutting edge responsiveness, just-in-time production, short runs, customisation of structure and design, and the ability to perform a wide range of applications in-house and on-demand.

44

Shlomo Nimrodi, chief executive officer at Highcon: the recent oversubscribed Highcon IPO was the fourth that he has led

BRIAN MOORE

New Zealand Printer publisher, Brian Moore, speaks with Israeli digital finishing pioneer, Highcon Systems

Highcon’s Euclid and Beam digital cutting and creasing products are installed at folding carton and corrugated packaging customer sites around the world.

Founded in 2009 by Aviv Ratzman and Michael (Miki) Zimmer, the company is headquartered in the town of Yavne, near the city of Ashdod and half an hour from Tel Aviv by train.

Highcon creates proprietary technology for digital cutting and creasing solutions for post print processes in the folding carton and corrugated carton industries, covering a wide range of formats, substrates and applications.

Its solutions recognise three major global trends which are driving change in the industry: e-commerce, sustainability and omni-channel sales and marketing.

The company’s patented digital cutting and creasing process brings all the known

benefits previously associated with digital prepress and printing workflow to the existing analogue finishing market.

Whilst other businesses may have slowed at the onset of Covid-19 early last year, Nimrodi saw it as an opportunity for positive change.

As the pandemic began to sweep the world, he added a quotation from Charles Darwin to his email signature: “Those that survive are not the strongest or the most intelligent but the most adaptable to change”.

Nimrodi says, “Little did I know that this small quotation would really set the tone for us once the first wave of Covid-19 hit and everybody kind of got into a shock situation.

“I believe that it’s only going to make us a better organisation, I really do.

“We realised that we need to harness our personal

Highcon’s Beam 2C digital cutting and creasing solution meets stringent demands for corrugated packaging; non-crush process, customisable to enable rightsizing and light-weighting of packaging

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING commitments to the company’s future and unfortunately, we had to part ways with about 20 per cent of our employees very early on in the process.

“Every individual employee gave up a certain percentage of their compensation and we spoke to all of our suppliers and reached an understanding on the open debt.

“We communicated with our customers much more frequently than ever before, making sure they knew we intended to keep up the supply chain because we’re not just selling equipment, we’re also selling consumables and providing services.

“We changed many of our tactics to provide remote maintenance and remote monitoring.

“It has been a challenge because, obviously, if you need to replace a part, you need to replace that part: you can’t do it virtually.

“We managed, even during the height of the Corona, to fly people to our customers and fix their machines. But I would say we did shift a big portion of our support activity to online, working remotely.”

Following the successful flotation of the company on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in November, Highcon sought to bolster its board of directors and executive management team with the appointment of leading industry figures, among them Alon Bar-Shany, former general manager of HP Indigo, who assumed the role of chairman of the board.

During his tenure at HP Indigo as general manager, BarShany was globally recognised for having grown that company by more than US$1bn ($1,39bn) in revenues.

Prior to that he ran the HP Indigo business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, led the worldwide Indigo channel business and was chief financial officer of Indigo at the time of its acquisition from Benny Landa by HP. Highcon’s seasoned board of directors includes Benny Landa, founder of Indigo and chairman of the Landa Group.

Bar-Shany says, “I am looking forward to joining the Highcon board and taking part in the ongoing digital transformation of the printing and packaging industry.

“Highcon has been a pioneer in the digitalisation of the postprint part of the process which, newzealandprinter.co.nz

Well known in New Zealand trhough HP Indigo, Alon BarShany was appointed chairman of the Highcon board in January

Digital veteran, Benny Landa, an early investor in Highcon, is a member of the company’s board

after the growing adoption of digital printing, is where many bottlenecks now occur.

“I have known Shlomo for 25 years and in fact, he recruited me to Indigo. I have been following the company and its customers for quite a while and will be supporting Shlomo and the management team to ensure the success of Highcon customers, which will be a key driver for the company’s ongoing growth.”

In January, Highcon and EFI announced they had entered into a global partnership agreement, the goal of which is to offer customers an integrated, end-to-end business productivity and workflow solution, providing a flexible foundation for digital growth.

EFI’s packaging and corrugated suites aim to deliver off the shelf productivity benefits that target specific business areas to reduce waste and inefficiency in the packaging production process, driving cost savings with integrated ecommerce, enterprise resource planning, and shop floor data collection.

In the coming Highcon Euclid and Beam software release, Highcon customers can integrate with EFI’s MarketDirect PackCentral online customer ordering portal and EFI Auto-Count 4D software, which automatically collects accurate, up to the minute production data for digital presses and cutting devices.

The partnership will significantly improve lead times for printed material development by delivering a fully optimised supply chain that brings together buyers, converters, and digital converting equipment through robust two-way connectivity.

The comprehensive platform delivers value to businesses

that are looking to improve efficiency, manage and optimise paper and inventory, reduce process waste and improve profits by leveraging automation.

Nimrodi says, “We are excited about working with EFI towards an end to end digital solution, Nozomi and Beam platforms, coupled with workflow automation that will answer the market needs for sustainability and Industry 4.0 manufacturing efficiencies.

“Collaboration with other industry players in the digital space is a critical part of our go to market strategy and we will continue to drive this strategy demonstrating our commitment to provide the best comprehensive solution to the inherent limitations in the conventional process.”

When we will see Highcon in Aotearoa? Nimrodi has a soft spot for New Zealand where he and his wife spent a month hiking in 2019. He is keen for Highcon to be represented down under sooner rather than later.

Vice-president of sales at Highcon, Jens Henrik Osmundsen is currently responsible for sales in Australasia. He says, “Currently we have one of our corrugated solutions installed at a leading company in corrugated packaging in Australia and we have seen strong interest for our solution from other corrugated companies.

“We are also seeing strong and growing interest for our solutions for folding cartons.

“We do not currently have a representative in New Zealand or Australia, but we are in touch with several parties who have expressed interest in representing our solutions in the two countries for both the folding carton and corrugated segments.”

June 2021

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LABELS & PACKAGING

Redefining what ‘safe food’ means in a

M

eeting consumer needs (and wants) is essential when it comes to product positioning. However, consumers’ needs are not static, and can change especially if their perceived safety and security is altered.

The world we live in, trade in, and eat in is no longer the same pre-2020. Whilst the need for food has not changed, 2020 has changed the way we interact with each other and view our existence in the world around us.

2020 has provided us with many growth opportunities including writing a rule book for a mutating viral pandemic in real time, establishing the efficiency of sharing knowledge and globally working together to create vaccines, the importance of three ply face masks, and presenting producers and consumers with the unusual task of what to do with excess lobster that cannot be sold to the usual international markets.

Everything from the speed of vaccine clinical trials through to disposal of excess dead bodies is being reinvented all around the world in developed and developing countries. No one is exempt it seems.

Nevertheless, one thing that is constant across the globe is that lockdowns have highlighted the basics of Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs such as safety and physiological survival coming to the forefront of consumer purchases with toilet paper, mince, porridge, flour, rice and pasta being stockpiled and even fought over.

Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs is essentially a theory for motivational behaviours as proposed in 1943 by psychologist, Abraham Maslow. It is commonly used in marketing for product positioning. The premise builds on the theory that human behaviours are based on different levels of motivation from the fundamentals of physiological needs required to stay alive (for example, food, water, warmth and rest) and safety (like security, employment, resources, health) followed by 46

Whilst the need for food has not changed, 2020 has changed the way we consume food – and packaging should be reflecting it

DR ANNELINE PADAYACHEE

The food and packaging industries need to re-evaluate their product offerings and product values in light of changing consumer needs

love and belonging, esteem, and finally the pinnacle of selfactualisation, where one can become the most they can be.

However, in order to reach the top levels, the requirements for the previous level must be obtained.

And this brings us to the hoarding behaviours of toilet paper, mince, rice, pasta, flour and oats.

Toilet paper, mince, pasta, flour, rice and oats could be argued as being the most basic, staple items that can be purchased. Steady, constant, unaffected by weather or seasonal changes, yet have shot to stardom as the most popular items to be purchased and hoarded during 2020.

The reason for this popularity is self preservation, which is directly driven by physiological and safety needs, the fundamental basics of Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs. No matter how amazing a product is in terms of contributing to self-actualisation, esteem or even a sense of love and belonging, self-preservation trumps all other needs.

The meaning of ‘safe’ So, what does this mean for the food industry?

The food and packaging industries needs to re-evaluate their product offerings and product values in light of consumer needs in this changing world.

Throughout the world, ‘safe’ and ‘health’, the fundamental needs of human survival, have shot up to pole position.

While these themes have been around previously, they have partially reverted to the basics of self preservation for consumers in the new Covid-19 world that we live in. Assessing these needs through the lens of Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs and consumer purchasing behaviours can help the food industry to reposition their product offerings in line with shifting consumer needs.

‘Safe’ means transparency and technologically advanced authenticity. For many consumers, food safety is a given. There has been an expectation that the food provided in supermarkets must

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING

an era of heightened self preservation authenticity at the farm gate, but may also be adapted to consumer facing goods.

However, more simpler techniques that are currently available include temperature sensitive radio frequency identification (RFID) technology marrying with the Internet of Things.

Temperature sensors incorporated into the RFID tags track and trace transportation and storage of conditions through the supply chain and this information may be accessible to consumers in real time via an integrated QR code.

The question food companies need to consider is what does ‘safe’ mean to their consumers, and how best can they provide that information to them.

‘Safe’ may mean authenticity and production hygiene.

If you’re toilet paper however, safe means a readily available supply.

What ‘health’ means

meet a minimum standard of safety, with certifications of organic, GMO-free, HACCP and ISO accreditations plus marketing terms like ‘clean’ and ‘minimally processed’ equating to safety.

This isn’t good enough anymore. Given that there is a link to Covid-19 and a food market in China, food safety within the supply chain and country of origin is a pressure point for many consumers.

The use of QR codes exposing consumers to the behind the scenes manufacturing and farming practices is one thing, and will increase with packaged goods.

However, research is being explored into the use of valueadding QR codes with DNA barcoding technologies in order to ensure species authentication, and laser etching of braille-style 2D QR coding on the surface of fresh produce as a way to alleviate consumer fears and control food fraud and abuse through the food supply.

DNA tracking of microbial spores is also being explored as a mode of assessing food newzealandprinter.co.nz

‘Health’ means not starving, and also losing weight.

Considering health is part of the ‘safety’ layer of Maslow’s hierachy of needs, close to the bottom of the pyramid, it’s definitely a basic in self preservation.

Quarantine and lockdown means consumers are unable to access their food supply whenever they feel like it.

A basic necessity of health and survival is access to food, hence the food hoarding behaviour we have seen.

However, courtesy of quarantine and work from home, the flipside of storing food so that you don’t run out is the ‘Covid Curves’ or ‘Quarantine 15’, referring to number of pounds of weight one has gained.

Stress, a sense of lack of control, being forced to stay at home for longer hours may be leading to more comfort eating and possibly less physical activity resulting in weight gain.

Whilst it’s still early days to assess the impact on Covid-19 on weight gain and obesity prevalence, a preliminary self reporting online survey of 1200 adult participants found 22 per cent believed they had gained five to 10 pounds as a result of longer hours at home.

It is imperative that the food industry does not repeat the 1980s diet era mistakes as consumers have access to more information.

There is scope for food companies to present food products in convenient individual portion sizes in line with dietary guideline recommendations and/or highlight satiety properties of ingredients with function (for example, protein and satiety) in simple, substantiated health messages that allows consumers to take ownership and control of their food intake.

A lack of understanding and culinary skills adds an added layer of fear to consumers if they can’t get mince, or pasta. Nutritionally designed meal kits that allow for some meal prep at home (beyond a microwave) provide both convenience and weight management servicing the fundamental needs of health.

Ask yourself what does ‘health’ mean to your consumer in today’s world.

When push comes to shove, and our survival is being challenged by something outside of our control, we revert to modes of self preservation. Face masks, hand sanitisers, elbow taps, minimising interacting with anyone who could potentially infect us, and stockpiling staples like loo roll, mince, flour and pasta.

When fear abounds, trust needs to be re-established.

Given the position the food industry is in, with smart use of innovative technologies and convenient enablers, there is a lot of scope to reposition brands in the heart of consumers using food products.

As the saying goes, the way to the heart is literally through the stomach.

Dr Anneline Padayachee is an award winning scientist and published author named as one of Australia’s leading science communicators. Dr Padayachee is an independent consultant in Australia and overseas, and is also an adjunct senior lecturer with the University of Queensland and Associate Academic with / the University of Melbourne.

June 2021

47

LABELS & PACKAGING XXX

Orora innovates, recycles and provides sustainable packaging

W

ith Orora being one of the key local players in sustainable beverage packaging, New Zealand Printer sister publication Beer & Brewer spoke to Orora Beverage Cans sales manager Adam Johnson (AJ) about beer packaging and sustainability.

Q: Tell us a bit about Orora and what you guys do?

Adam Johnson (AJ): Orora is a leader in sustainable beverage packaging – we make aluminium cans and glass bottles. We are one of the largest beverage can suppliers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, and our glass business operates one of the largest glass making plants in the Southern Hemisphere.

Q: AJ:

Can you share any industry trends regarding beer packaging?

Consumers are telling our customers they want to reduce their impact on the world and buy products in recyclable packaging. In response, we are working closely with our customers to develop innovative, recycled and sustainable packaging solutions. Global surveys, such as the McKinsey Packaging Survey, are also reporting that consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of packaging.

Q: AJ:

Are the products you make sustainable? Are they recyclable?

Absolutely. Orora’s efforts to reduce its impact on the planet are guided by the concept of a Circular Economy, where a continuous loop sees sustainable packaging manufactured, used, recycled and transformed into new packaging. Orora’s cans and ends are manufactured from aluminium that contains more than 63 per cent recycled content. Our glass bottles are manufactured from a mix of virgin raw materials and recycled content, called 48

The company is working closely with its customers to develop innovative, recycled and sustainable packaging solutions

Orora prides itself on producing premium quality packaging that performs optimally throughout the supply chain

Orora works closely with its suppliers to ensure that the recycled content of its products is maintained and increased over time ‘cullet’. We are a significant recycler of cullet in Australia and we’re currently working towards our goal to achieve 70 per cent recycled content for Orora Glass.

Q: AJ:

Does using recycled packaging affect the quality?

Not at all. Aluminium and glass are both infinitely recyclable without any compromise on quality. We pride ourselves on producing premium quality packaging that performs optimally throughout the supply chain.

Q: AJ:

What else is Orora doing in sustainability?

At Orora, sustainability is fundamental to everything we do. We’re working closely with our suppliers to ensure that the recycled content of our products is maintained and increased over time. We’re also looking at improving sustainability outcomes across our whole business, beyond the products we make. For example, as a manufacturer we need a lot of energy to

keep our plants running, so we are investing in renewable energy sources.

Orora has long-term power purchase agreements in place with wind farms to supply renewable energy for volumes equivalent to 80 per cent of Orora’s total electricity requirements in Australia. We also have solar panels installed at most of our manufacturing sites, which collectively generate around 770 MWh and offset around 487 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Q: AJ:

What are you focusing on next?

Environmental sustainability remains a significant focus for Orora, and the beverage industry more broadly, as we continue to invest in technology as well as research and development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase recycled content.

Sustainability will continue to be a key driver into the future, and we are actively looking at ways to further invest in this area and deliver against our objectives.

June 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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