New Zealand Printer March 2021

New Zealand Printer

March 2021

Adding value to New Zealand’s food chain

Register to attend for FREE today!

Two shows under one roof! foodtechpacktech.co.nz | mhlexpo.co.nz

A must attend for food & beverage professionals Food and beverage manufacturing is leading the way in the recovery of NZ’s economy. Are you finding it difficult to make time to find new solutions and meet new suppliers?

Time-poor visitors use Foodtech Packtech and the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo to find answers under one roof, catch up with existing suppliers, attend free seminars, join relevant workshops and meet specialists for advice.

PrintNZ helps out

Solutions start when you know your options, meet over 200 exhibitors at Foodtech Packtech.

How to be sustainable

2021

NZ Sign Expo on its way

Tues 13 – Thurs 15 April

virtual.drupa a reality

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Featuring

1987-2021

with

WIDE FORMAT

years in print

+Plus

Adding value to New Zealand’s food chain

Register to attend for FREE today!

Two shows under one roof! foodtechpacktech.co.nz | mhlexpo.co.nz

A must attend for food & beverage professionals Food and beverage manufacturing is leading the way in the recovery of NZ’s economy. Are you finding it difficult to make time to find new solutions and meet new suppliers?

Time-poor visitors use Foodtech Packtech and the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo to find answers under one roof, catch up with existing suppliers, attend free seminars, join relevant workshops and meet specialists for advice.

Solutions start when you know your options, meet over 200 exhibitors at Foodtech Packtech.

2021

Tues 13 – Thurs 15 April ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

Featuring

March 2021 Cover Story Foodtech Packtech

8 Foodtech Packtech: Organisers expect over 200 exhibitors and 4,500 visitors to attend Foodtech Packtech, New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging, and processing technology trade show at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland next month Features p14 - 45

14-16 virtual.drupa: The world’s most famous print trade show has pivoted and goes online in April with a raft of exhibitors and seminars; register now 18 Currie Group: Horizon has introduced iCE for finishing, including the new BQ-500 binding system, available from Currie Group 20 Konica Minolta: In Palmerston North, Freedom Plus has installed the country’s first Konica Minolta AccurioPressC14000

CONTENTS PrintNZ p10-12

10-11 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre discusses how to make sustainability a part of your business model 12 Comment: Get involved this year with PrintNZ’s initiatives and promote your industry, says Ruth Cobb Wide Format Plus p25-36

26 Fujifilm/Fuji Xerox: The two graphics giants have brought resin printing to the wide format market with the Epson R5000 printer 28 Computaleta: Capitol Signs has ordered the new HP Latex 800W printer from Computaleta 30 Total Supply: With its recent acquisition of Blue Print Imaging, Total Supply has expanded its portfolio 32 NZSDA: Membership of the NZSDA offers numerous benefits

22 Ricoh: A new Ricoh Pro C7210X digital production press has Super Print humming on Auckland’s North Shore

33 NZSDA President/Secretary: It’s all about the buzz for the NZSDA Awards, Conference and NZ Sign Expo

24 Soar Print: Pocket media company Z-Cards has chosen Soar Print to produce and sell its range

34 NZSDA Signee Spotlight: Bad Boy Graphix goes from strength to strength on the West Coast

31 Real Media Collective: Kellie Northwood shares her ideas to help move your business forward in 2021

36 Roland DG: Lily Hunter has some ideas to help you explain ink and media to your clients

38 Romano: Print legend Frank Romano says, despite the tough year we had in 2020, we can still achieve much in print with the right attitude 40 Visual Connections: Peter Harper gets excited about graphics in 2021, especially for PacPrint in September 49 Hubergroup: Ink and consumables receives a boost in the Wellington region with Hubergroup expanding its operation

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: Jean-Pascal Bobst, Ruth Cobb, Melissa Coutts, Peter Harper, Lily Hunter, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Kellie Northwood, Frank Romano CIRCULATION: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

newzealandprinter.co.nz

Advertiser’s index

Aarque 9, 39 APM 9 Currie Group 9, 19 Cyber OBC Eamar Plastics 50 Foodtech Packtech OFC, IFC Fuji Xerox 27 Graphic Lamination & Coating 5 Konica Minolta 21 McHargs 7 NZSDA 35 Visual Connections 41 Pride In Print 51 printing.com 50 PrintNZ 13 Ricoh 23 VPR Ltd 50 Wholesale Print 37

Packaging p42-49

42-44 DIC: Ink giant DIC sees packaging expanding this year 45 Bobst: The packaging equipment supplier sees positive signs for 2021 46-47 WorldStar Awards: Local companies have scored massive wins at this year’s WorldStar Awards

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

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

2021

Official Media Sponsor

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Printer Media Group New Zealand: New Zealand Printer, ProPack.pro Asia Pacific: ProPack.pro Australia: Australian Printer, ProPrint MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Wells – james@intermedia.com.au GROUP PUBLISHER: Brian Moore – brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz © Copyright 2021: Contents of this magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

March 2021

3

NEWS IN BRIEF KONICA MINOLTA has won 12 Buyers Lab (BLI) Awards from Keypoint Intelligence. All Konica Minolta devices acknowledged in the awards are from Konica Minolta’s new bizhub i-Series, underlining the successful relaunch of the company’s multi-functional print devices.

In addition to 10 BLI 2021 Pick Awards for its bizhub A3 MFPs, Konica Minolta secured the BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award. Konica Minolta was further acknowledged with the BLI 2021-2023 Most Colour Consistent A3 Brand Award.

HENKEL Australia has officially opened its upgraded Innovation and Application Lab in Seven Hills, Sydney. The company supplies adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. Daniel Rudolph, President of Henkel Australia and New Zealand, says, “Henkel’s customers are looking for the latest innovations to increase performance and efficiency, and improve their sustainability footprint. The upgrading of our Innovation and Application Lab allows us to test and tailor solutions to meet the requirements of the local market, ranging from the latest in product design and food safety standards to adapting to a circular economy.”

KOENIG & BAUER is establishing a dedicated sustainability department, which it says is immensely important for the future development of the company.

The new sustainability focus will work on five pillars: employees (social responsibility); environment (ecological responsibility); governance; society and outreach; and integrity and compliance. Dr Bernd Heusinger, who has served Koenig & Bauer in various functions since 1999, will have responsibility for the new sustainability remit alongside his current corporate office duties.

Heidelberg calls off Gallus sale Heidelberg has announced that it has not completed its planned sale of Gallus Group to Swiss packaging company, benpac holding.

The press giant and technology manufacturer says benpac failed to pay €120m ($200m) to Heidelberg by February 1, the day they had agreed to close the deal. Heidelberg will now examine various options for the corporate future of Gallus.

The five sites and 430 employees of Gallus Group will remain under the Heidelberg umbrella. In a statement, Heidelberg says, “Nothing will change for Gallus customers.

Heidelberg will continue to handle sales and service for the Gallus portfolio and their personal contacts with remain the same.

Gallus will continue on its path to boosting operating performance: with an independent set-

Still with Heidelberg: the Gallus Labelfire press up and specific focus on its flexographic printing market, Gallus made good operational progress last year under the Heidelberg umbrella.”

Gallus Group, based in Switzerland, produces conventional and digital narrow web reel fed presses designed for the labels and packaging sector.

Heidelberg bought Gallus in 2014 but said last July it would sell the business unit to create the financial scope for its realignment strategy.

The company says that, regardless of the deal with benpac not going through, Heidelberg stil benefits from its transformation programme launched last year.

Epson centre targets societal issues Epson has unveiled its Open Innovation Centre research laboratory in Japan in collaboration with the University of Aizu.

The centre has some lofty aims, intending to address large societal issues. Epson says it hopes to create new value in more enriched experiences in lifestyles, learning, working and the home through digital transformation.

Using the internet, cloud and other digital networks, Epson aims to integrate

products such as printers, scanners, and projectors together with services to offer solutions that help solve issues faced by society.

Against a background of changing societal requirements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the city of Aizuwakamatsu launched its Smart City Aizuwakamatsu programme at which it aims to harness information and computer technology to foster the growth of a sustainable and revitalised city that

supports fulfilled and comfortable lifestyles.

Epson established its new research laboratory after noticing significant synergies with the city’s efforts to forge a partnership among the municipality, residents and university to promote a digital transformation.

As the centre progresses, Epson says it will proactively participate in a range of new initiatives as it seeks to generate greater value for society.

NEWS for New Zealand - all the latest print industry news from home and overseas, delivered to your inbox daily Go to the daily news website

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March 2021

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NEWS Currie Group transition: David Currie steps down Currie Group has announced a strategic leadership transition that sees executive chairman David Currie stepping down from his executive role within the business after 51 exceptional years.

He will remain as chairman of the Group.

He says, “The company is well positioned with new partnerships and fresh talent coming on board and new products from existing suppliers. I look forward to remaining as active chairman, whilst also spending more time concentrating on family commitments and other interests.

“On reflection and after 51 years in the industry, having seen enormous changes in technology and people, there is still confidence that there is a great future. I am proud that my son Will represents part of my legacy as the third generation in the business, my father started in 1949.”

Rob Mesaros has commenced as chief executive officer at Currie Group. He began at Currie Group in August 2020 as a strategic executive

COLOR-LOGIC has announced the certification of the swissQprint Impala 3 printer.

Total Supply distributes SwissQprint in New Zealand.

Richard Ainge, chief technical officer at Color-Logic, says, “The swissQprint Impala 3 offers white ink and the ability to handle metallic substrate together with Color-Logic software. It also provides the opportunity to produce superior metallic images.

The qualification test sheets submitted demonstrated the superior printing capability of the printer.”

Transition at Currie Group: David Currie (l) and Rob Mesaros advisor. Exposed to all facets of the business, he has connected with partners and customers alike. He will take responsibility for leading the end to end business operation, with a focus on business strategy and growth.

Mesaros says, “It has been a pleasure getting to know all our key stakeholders and their teams over the past six months. Currie Group has a proud and successful history and strong

True North heads to TMA Australian-owned multinational print, print management, technology and logistics company TMA has completed the acquisition of True North New Zealand.

True North New Zealand, a managed services specialist, provides supply chain solutions and according to TMA, the acquisition has made the business one of the largest independent print managers in New Zealand.

Anthony Karam, TMA Group executive chairman, says, “With the acquisition of True North, TMA can now offer a truly comprehensive trans Tasman print management and logistics solution.

“Our specialised managed services and newzealandprinter.co.nz

IN BRIEF

technology solutions are at the forefront of corporate procurement in New Zealand and Australia.

True North will continue to operate under the True North brand.”

True North operates throughout New Zealand and specialises in 3PL, 4PL, print and logistics services as well as campaign management. In addition to government agencies, True North’s major client base includes many of the large retail, FMCG, hospitality and financial services organisations in New Zealand.

Most recently, TMA won a services contract with Australia Post to supply its print, print management and creative services to the postal services company.

cornerstone strengths.

“We have an enviable portfolio of class leading products and solutions, a deep and broad Australia and New Zealand service capability, unrivalled coverage, and a rich pedigree of talented industry experts for our customers to lean on.”

MANROLAND Sheetfed has placed its factory back into full production in anticipation of post-Coronavirus demand.

As vaccine rollouts around the world gather pace, the German press builder has cancelled short time working at its factory. Rafael Peñuela Torres, chief executive at Manroland Sheetfed Group, says, “We have observed a significantly increased number of projects for new machinery, especially in large size. In order to anticipate a higher demand for our printing presses we are increasing with immediate effect our factory’s output to shorten lead times.”

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March 2021

5

NEWS

Hi-Tec brings UV curable ink to market Digital ink manufacturer Nutec has expanded its UV portfolio with the addition of a new curable ink, Quartz Q50-RTR2.

Hi-Tec Ink supplies Nutec ink in New Zealand. Les King, managing director of Hi-Tec Ink, says, “This new ink features a high density colour gamut for bright, vivid images. Designed for many self-adhesive and flexible media applications, it is compatible across a broad range of print head types and comes packaged

Heimtextil moves to 2022 The world’s big textile show Heimtextil has announced a second postponement because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The annual exhibition had already rescheduled from January to May. Organisers have now canned that event, setting new dates of January 11-14, 2022. It will take place at the Messe Centre in Frankfurt, Germany.

Heimtextil features decorative and furniture fabrics; textiles for the bedroom, bathroom and table, wallpaper; and sun protection systems.

Only a few print-related shows will take place outside of China this year, with drupa and interpack among those that have rescheduled.

Les King, managing director of Hi-Tec Ink

in convenient five litre bottles. The experts at Nutec have developed this new solution for curing with conventional mercury vapour and LED UV lamps.

It suits high speed printing environments.

“As with all Nutec UV curable inks, it is free of NVC and complies to the latest regulatory standards.

Provided the inks are used in regular applications using suitable substrates, the printed images will last up to two years.”

Preview brings new online visitors to drupa Organisers have hosted the final drupa preview, highlighting the conference programme and knowledge transfer in the print and packaging community.

Video presentations and live web sessions with industry experts and partner associations focused on topics and global trends such as Industry 4.0, digitalisation, the circular economy, sustainability, e-commerce and the platform economy.

Over 5,300 visitors took advantage of the preview and now their attention turns to the four-day industry event virtual.drupa in April.

Sabine Geldermann, director Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf, says, “The four editions of the drupa preview days

Online crowds have given drupa organisers hope for the virtual event in April have enabled continuous exchange with the industry on a global level since October 2020. The success is also documented in key performance indicators and analyses on international reach, access by existing and new users, and the

significant increase in page views.

“These developments make us optimistic with regard to virtual.drupa; because the PR and marketing measures already launched internationally are also strengthened.”

Joint venture cements events partnership Australian industry associations, Visual Connections and the Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA), have announced a new joint venture.

The associations say the venture provides certainty for the future of the industry’s flagship events and cements their longstanding partnership which dates back more than 50 years. Andrew Macaulay, chief executive at 6

March 2021

PVCA, joined Peter Harper, chief executive of Visual Connections, to announce the new venture, saying it continues a longstanding friendship and working relationship between the two organisations.

Macaulay says, “PVCA and Visual Connections already co-host the industry’s leading trade shows, PacPrint and PrintEx, and our relationship has flourished for many years, through

name changes, mergers and industry transformation.”

Significantly, under different names, the two organisations co-hosted the first PacPrint exhibition in 1970.

Macaulay continues, “While many things have changed over the past 50 years, the strength of our partnership, built on the intrinsic relationship between the industry’s suppliers and its businesses, has continued unabated.”

Harper agrees and looks forward to the year ahead. He says, “We have always been guided by our commitment to supporting a sustainable future for our industry, through education, sponsorships, grants, industry events and networking opportunities.

“The PacPrint, PrintEx, Visual Impact and Label & Packaging expos are foundational in supporting both industry businesses and their suppliers.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS

Call goes out for women in print stories March has received the designation Women’s Print Herstory month from industry organisations Girls Who Print and the Printerverse.

The initiative takes place during Women’s History Month to align the telling of stories that empower and inspire the “fierce fabulous females of print, as well as young women and students entering the industry or considering print as a career”.

Girls Who Print launched Women’s Print Herstory month in 2019. This year, it calls on women in the industry to share their career and success stories through social media using the hashtag #PrintHERstoryMonth.

Deborah Corn, Girl #1 at Girls Who Print, says, “Women’s Print HERstory Month has never been more important. The pandemic is disproportionately removing women from

the global workforce and staying visible, celebrating our presence and successes loudly in a male-dominated field, is up to us.

“Everyone can show their support by following the #PrintHerstoryMonth hashtag stream and engaging with the content. A ‘like’ or a reshare or a retweet is an acknowledgement that the achievements of women in print matter.

“This mission is also a call to action to global businesses across all segments of the print industry to seize this

opportunity and put the incredible female leaders who manage teams, develop technology, and shatter sales targets in your company front and centre, and share the incredible achievements of women in print with the world.

“There are no limitations when it comes to how to engage with Women’s Print Herstory Month.

Participants are encouraged to create or share content that celebrates the amazing women in the industry and send it out through social media using the hashtag #PrintHerstoryMonth.

“If you are in need of content, GirlsWhoPrint.net is creating a library of Q&A blog posts with community members, Podcasts From The Printerverse has a Girls Who Print podcast series, and many of the industry organisations around the world have ‘Women in Print’ initiatives worth highlighting and sharing.”

She adds that print shops can also set examples for their communities, and especially for workforce development, by participating in #PrintHerstoryMonth.

Kelly Mallozzi, Girl #2 at Girls Who Print, adds, “Simply put, you need to tell them, and we need to hear them.

“Leading by example and celebrating women and the value they bring to print businesses has never been more critical to the future of the industry and our ability to attract younger generations to it.”

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March 2021

7

PACKAGING

Foodtech Packtech heads to the ASB Showgrounds

F

Foodtech Packtech will feature the latest technology oodtech Packtech, New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show, has run for over 20 years.

Free to attend, the event brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion and the sharing of knowledge and expertise, critical in the sustainability and growth of the industry. New Zealand’s largest trade exhibition organiser, XPO Exhibitions runs the event.

Foodtech Packtech has rescheduled from last year to run from April 13-15. Visitors will have the chance to come face to face with experts in the industry. The show highlights the latest technologies; new developments; and fresh concepts for the food and beverage manufacturing and packaging technology industries.

The event has already booked over 200 local and international exhibitors.

Organisers expect over 4,500 visitors, many of them involved in one of New Zealand’s fastest growing industry sectors.

That includes customers and suppliers from every aspect of material flow management along the supply chain.

The show covers a range of industry sectors including logistics, materials handling, food and beverage, retail, packaging, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, transport, 8

March 2021

Over 4500 visitors expected during the three-day show

Visitors can talk one on one with experts at the show engineering, technology, and government.

Exhibitors familiar to readers include Aarque Group, Aldus Tronics, Bluestar, Busch, Esko, Hally Labels, Heat & Control, Jenkins Freshpac Systems, JL Lennard, Minipack Quickshrink, Oji Fibre Solutions, Spicers Paper, The Packaging Forum, Visy Industries, and Wedderburn The show now co-locates with the Materials Handling & Logistics Expo. This enables vistors view the most up to date materials, equipment, services, technology and innovations in relation to logistics and supply.

Seminar programme The show also features a comprehensive seminar programme, which includes the Digital Lean Introductory Workshop where attendees can learn how to boost business productivity with Industry 4.0.

Callaghan Innovation manufacturing expert Robert Blache will facilitate the workshop. He will explore how to expand on existing Lean capabilities and maximise use of digital technologies through Digital Lean. The three-hour interactive workshop targets businesses that already have a Lean culture in place.

The seminar includes a brief overview of basic Lean concepts; a hands on exercise based on a real-world case study to identify Lean capabilities and extend them to Industry 4.0 solutions;

Industry 4.0 success stories Examples of how Industry 4.0 is an extension of Lean principles; and advice on implementing Digital Lean in your business and what to ask service providers.

Nerida Kelton, executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging, will present Sustainable Packaging Design. This session answers the question: what should your Sustainable Journey look like? Kelton will discuss how to implement Sustainable Packaging Design into a business; the new Sustainable Packaging Guidelines; and will showcase best practice award winning examples of sustainable design across Australia and New Zealand.

She will also present a session on the state of the industry in packaging, where she will discuss waste targets and challenges across New Zealand and Australia in sustainability.

Another feature of the show is the Business Growth Hub, which offers specialist contacts, knowledge and advice to achieve business success.

Organisations involved include the Food Innovation Network, Auckland Unlimtied (formerly Ateed), the New Zealand Food Awards, Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand Trade Enterprise, and the The New Zealand Institute of Food Science & Technology.

Visit foodtechpacktech.co.nz for more information about Foodtech Packtech. newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER DIRECTORY - PMS 308

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PRINT CALENDAR Foodtech Packtech

Pride In Print Awards

PacPrint 2021

April 13-15, 2021 ASB Showgrounds, Auckland New Zealand’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show, rescheduled from September 2020, will attract more than 250 local and international exhibitors and some 4,500 trade visitors.

June 25, 2021 Cordis Hotel, Auckland Entries have opened for our national print awards competition but the final entry cut off is March 31 so make sure to get your best work together and send it in.

September 28 to October 1 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Since 1970, PacPrint has provided a platform for suppliers and visitors to get together and generate business opportunities through the latest technologies, solutions, and trends.

www.prideinprintawards.co.nz

www.pacprint.com.au

NZSDA Conference and Sign Expo

Fespa Global Expo

July 8-10, 2021 Auckland The rescheduled AGM, conference, awards, and NZ Sign Expo will still feature everything that would have happened last year, plus more. The awards event acknowledges outstanding design and craftsmanship across a range of sign making methods.

October 12-15, 2021 Amsterdam, The Netherlands Organisers have moved the show again. 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.foodtechpacktech.co.nz

virtual.drupa April 20-23, 2021 Online After suffering its first cancellation in 69 years, drupa will take place in its usual location of Düsseldorf, Germany in May and June, 2024.

Meanwhile, Messe Düsseldorf has opted for a four day online event, citing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as the cause of the cancellation.

www.drupa.com

Print4All

www.nzsda.org.nz

Pack Print International

May 3-6, 2021 Fiero Milano, Italy A new show that goes beyond the traditional segmentation of the commercial, editorial, and industrial printing market today. It offers a broader showcase and a varied selection of solutions.

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.print4all.it

www.pack-print.de

newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.fespa.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

March 2021

9

helping hand

No complacency on

N

ew Zealand’s print sector looks like breaking new ground in the drive to sustainable operations during 2021.

The sector sees the benefits of existing initiatives increasingly realised and exciting new developments on the horizon. Praising the industry for having come a long way in reducing its environmental footprint, in particular over the past couple of decades, PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb nonetheless warns that we need to avoid complacency now and in the future.

She says, “The awareness of the need for sustainability continues to grow throughout the world and that is undeniably and rightfully impacting on day to day business decisions.

“Those printers who are moving proactively in this area are not only acting in a moral sense but are also pragmatically protecting the longevity of their businesses. The two go hand in hand.

“We want to be seen as a leading industry; a case study of how industries can adapt to the sustainability challenges they are faced with.

There is already a significant groundswell in this area in our sector and I look forward to us continuing to move collectively in the sustainability direction.”

In this vein, she says one or more of the following certifications and accreditations will soon become prerequisites for sustainability conscious New Zealand printers: • Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) • Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) • ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) • Toitū Envirocare

Increasing efficiency Soar Print managing director Fred Soar, whose firm is aligned with all four 10

Jenkins Freshpac has placed sustainability at the forefront of its business model

IAIN MACINTYRE

The move to a more sustainable industry continues as everyone looks to ‘do their bit’

programmes and was the first New Zealand printer to achieve carbonzero certification with the latter, firmly endorses the sentiment.

He says, “I think a lot of people might initially think of it as just compliance. They say, ‘I do this stuff anyway’, but having that third party verification of your standards is pretty important to illustrate that you are not just green washing.

“What I have also found through these initiatives is you always learn something new and it always saves you money.

A lot of it is about being more efficient and less wasteful.

“So, it really is a no brainer for people to become involved and do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint, to make sure they’re minimising waste, waste to landfill and fuel consumption, because it just means you are running a leaner ship and it’s the smart way to do things.”

He also sees the mounting consumer pressure for printers to ensure the sustainability of their operations. He says, “More and more businesses are becoming aware of what they are consuming and what waste they are generating, and they will want to know what your company is doing to reduce its impact on the environment.

“What we do feeds into what they will use, so they want to check that it is coming from a well managed operation, that is doing its best to reduce its

carbon footprint. “In turn, that definitely does open doors and new opportunities.”

While praising the New Zealand print sector as a whole for its proactiveness in the sustainability area, he offers some pointers for those who may be struggling.

He says, “Look at your energy consumption, power particularly. Beware of things like overheating or overcooling office areas and over-lighting factory areas, particularly on night shifts.

“Talk with your suppliers about what consumables you receive from them that you can’t recycle. Find out if they do offer recycling streams and if they don’t, ask them why.

If they take it back from you, please ask what they are doing with it, so you know it is not just going into landfill.

“Whenever we buy a bit of equipment now, we look at the energy consumption, what happens at its end of life, but also the consumables, how recyclable they are. We don’t want to be increasing our waste to landfill.

“The main thing is that you will save money by doing it.

Even if you are a climate change denier, you have nothing to lose.”

Soar emphasises the need for all New Zealand businesses, be they within the print sector or otherwise, to ‘do their bit’ to enable this country to meet its objectives under the Paris Climate Change Agreement. He

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

helping hand

drive to sustainability

Sustainability now essential: Jamie Lunam, general manager at Jenkins Freshpac says, “I guess the first step for a lot of companies is to measure and that’s not as complicated as it seems. It is really analysing your energy bills, water usage and recording things like your waste to landfill and making sure you have your recycling streams established.”

Essentially sustainable Jenkins Freshpac general manager Jamie Lunam, whose firm has also placed sustainability at the forefront of its business model, strongly endorses environmental programme accreditations.

He says, “It is moving from optional and ‘nice to have’ to becoming essential.”

As well as being particularly important where food is involved in international transportation, he also notes the value of such accreditations in illustrating the environmental lifecycle of paper.

He says, “Not all supply chains of paper are equal and can’t all be deemed sustainable. That is where those certifications and qualifications really come into their own to give the supply chain and end consumer some confidence.

How much was recycled content? Was the forest it came newzealandprinter.co.nz

Everyone needs to ‘do their bit’: Fred Soar, managing director at Soar Print from certified as sustainably managed?

“New Zealand’s print sector is doing a good job of differentiating in the use of sustainable and innovative packaging. It might be innovative in that it is better for shelf life and lessening food waste or it is sustainable in that it is made of fully recyclable inputs. That is, it might still be PET, but it is 100 per cent postconsumer recyclable.

“We are only getting started on that journey. You are seeing really big brands like Zespri making some bold targets around 2025 to become 100 per cent recyclable and or compostable, and momentum with other bigger players, such as T&G and the grocery retailers.

“However, there are some quite high barriers to break through. For the smaller players, they might have just invested in new packaging lines and haven’t yet got their return on investment. So, we are working closely with such stakeholders to determine how we can make a change to their existing operating environment.

It is not necessarily a big step change, but it is change in the right direction.”

Among numerous innovations Jenkins Freshpac

has introduced to reduce plastic in packaging, its Enviro Pac trays supplied to a mushroom marketer, comprise 100 per cent homecompostable materials.

Lunam says, “We do a lot of those. Traditionally, they were a plastic clam shell. Now, product visibility and printed real estate is maintained but we have reduced the plastic consumption by perhaps 95 perhaps in weight. So, you can make significant reductions in plastic by using that format.”

He adds that moving away from a plastic punnet to cardboard packaging, as Jenkins now supplies to an apricot marketer, creates more real estate for printed communications. He explains, “With a plastic punnet, which comes in rigid form, you really only have one or two surfaces that you can put a label on.

Whereas, while you are losing some product visibility with board, it has a trade off in that there is much more room for communicating with the consumer.”

He notes a similar outcome for Jenkins Freshpac’s Sormapeel packaging line, now gathering solid momentum with citrus marketers globally.

He says, “There is still plastic involved but 50 per cent less than the conventional equivalent. The printed real estate through the middle is paper instead of traditionally plastic.”

Welcoming the growing momentum towards sustainability in the New Zealand print sector, he also embraces a maturation of understanding on the subject.

He says, “We have worked on this for over a decade. When we started, it felt cold and lonely as we peddled our wares, so it feels great to now see some momentum.”

He concludes, “People have begun to realise that there is no silver bullet. They now say, ‘I am not going to get rid of all of the plastic, but I can make a contribution, even if it is 25 per cent of it’. They feel better doing something rather than nothing.”

March 2021

11

Help us to help you Taking an active role in industry initiatives will help your business

A

t the start of each year, we review the services we provide to our members and we set in place a plan for what we want to achieve during the year for our members and for our industry.

Last year saw this plan completely disrupted. However, we have hopes that this year, despite having already experienced a couple of hiccups along the way, we can put those plans into play and deliver the projects we have identified as being important to the members and to the industry in 2021.

Working in an industry organisation, we find that in order to complete these tasks, we often rely on contributions from our members to help deliver these projects to their full potential. That input may be by way of feedback on proposals, input to surveys, participation in working groups, or simply being a sounding board. We depend on that input to ensure that what we are doing is what the industry wants and needs.

Our first two projects for the year, one for the members and one for the industry, both require your participation.

Firstly, the project for the members: updating of the PrintNZ Survey. This is one of our most sought after membership offerings and a week very rarely goes by without me being asked for this information. We were unable to do it last year, but it is back on the project board now and will be released in April with an online input form. We will seek data on wages, charge out rates and financial ratios, all of which will allow you to benchmark your company against others in the industry.

The survey covers a broad range of positions and functions in the industry and 12

RUTH COBB

Spread the word: we should all get behind print promotion campaigns we will provide data both nationally and regionally, provided we have enough responses to break the information down to that level and that is where you come in.

The information we put out is only as good as the information that comes in so please take the time to fill it in and return it.

We combine the formatted data with overarching industry statistics about the size and shape of the industry and this provides a rounded snapshot of our industry. The results prove valuable for members when looking at wage reviews, pricing structures and providing data to banks and investors, and we use it when lobbying government and promoting the industry.

Which leads on to the project for the industry: promoting the benefits of print.

This message needs to be spread much further than just our own industry. We need everyone to understand that print plays a vital role in the economy and it does it in a way that is doesn’t damage our environment.

There is amazing collateral available from the Two Sides and Value of Paper and Print campaigns. During 2021, we hope to develop this further, particularly the sustainability aspect of print and paper.

There is a growing focus on

sustainability with the Climate Change Commission currently preparing its recommendations for government about the actions it believes everyone needs to take in order to address climate change in New Zealand. We believe that print and paper have a good story to tell and can already demonstrate that, as an industry, we have substantially reduced our carbon footprint over the last 20 years. In fact, we believe we can go further.

We need everyone to get the message out into the market place across as many platforms as possible; whether that be by use of graphics on your website, including information in your customer mailings, preparing presentations for customers that include facts and figures and sharing on social media. We will make the resources available to members and the more companies that participate, the further the word will spread.

While PrintNZ spends a lot of time working with members on an individual basis, the work we undertake on behalf of the industry requires a collaborative contribution to ensure that the outcomes are representative of the industry and are meaningful.

Please help us to help you by actively participating in the work we do.

March 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.

DRUPA

Industry prepares for

Despite no physical event this year in Düsseldorf, drupa organisers will still fly the flag for the printing industry with a virtual show featuring over 100 participating companies from 23 countries

A

s virtual. drupa, taking place from 20 to 23 April, is approaching, exhibitors are starting to design their online showrooms; video and live presentations as well as virtual meeting rooms are in preparation.

Registration for exhibitors has been open since the end of January, and the current booking status is very positive, with around 100 exhibitors from 23 countries, as well as 5,000 pre-registered visitors from all around the world already preparing for the virtual industry event.

What the show offers The Exhibition Space section is now continually providing an overview of registered exhibitors of virtual.drupa.

A number of national and international key players, including Bobst, Esko, Kama, 14

March 2021

Register for the online drupa show now

Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Müller Martini, Windmöller & Hölscher, as well as Platinum Event Partner Leonhard Kurz and Gold Event Partner DuPont de Nemours, have already confirmed their involvement.

Exhibitors will be able to enhance their digital presence at virtual.drupa in their own online showroom, where they will showcase their core competencies, technologies and products, as well as innovations. In addition, experts will stage and present them in live web sessions, offering visitors from around the world the opportunity to interact directly, ask questions and learn more about their products and services.

For a more individual approach, virtual meeting rooms will be available at the Networking Plaza, where up to four participants will be able to have a more in depth, personal exchange.

Lead generation in particular will be promoted through

customisable matchmaking: from mid-March, visitors will be able to conduct a targeted keyword search in order to contact exhibitors and make appointments 24/7 throughout the four-day event and beyond, as the matchmaking function will remain in place until the end of October 2021.

An intelligent algorithm will learn from individual searches and hits, supporting contact searches and offering suggestions for connecting with relevant companies and contacts.

The Conference Area offers exhibitors and visitors an additional high-quality, 2,160-minute programme based on global trends and pertinent industry topics.

International industry experts, brand owners and speakers from vertical markets will deliver presentations in two continuous live streams, providing valuable knowledge transfer using case studies, keynote speeches and insights. newzealandprinter.co.nz

DRUPA

virtual.drupa in April

Sign up as soon as you can: virtual.drupa visitors can register for free at https://virtual.drupa.com/ where they can also get an initial overview of the exhibitors’ product offer Global best-selling author and consultant Michael Gale and British designer James Sommerville, who has substantially influenced the iconic Coca-Cola brand, will launch each conference day with inspirational keynote speeches. These will be followed by presentations of the five drupa special forums: drupa cube, touchpoint packaging, touchpoint textile, drupa next age, and 3D fab+print. The four hot topics of artificial intelligence, the circular economy, connected consumers and the platform economy, which will continue to have a decisive impact on the industry, will serve to guide participants through the four day event. Since there is such a broad range of inspirational topics on offer, visitors will be able to plan their personal agenda early, from mid-March.

Just as they would at a face to face event, visitors will have the flexibility to dip in and out of the virtual special shows and newzealandprinter.co.nz

then attend Live Web Sessions in the exhibitor showrooms.

Platinum Kurz In February, exhibitor Leonhard Kurz registered as exclusive Platinum Event Partner for the virtual event.

The company sent a clear message for an in-depth industry dialogue at virtual. drupa. explains Walter Kurz, chief executive of Leonhard Kurz, saying, “drupa has been the flagship trade show for the graphic arts industry since 1954. With our participation in the virtual.drupa 2021, we are profiting from its charisma. We are pleased to use this platform to bridge the long gap between the last real drupa and the next one.

“Kurz has big news to report that is relevant to the industry right now. At the same time, the international nature of drupa allows us to present our innovations to companies on all continents worldwide.

Visitors to the virtual.drupa will find, among other things, real, implementable solutions for circular economy and PET recycling at Kurz. In addition, we will present groundbreaking developments in Digital Embellishment. We will show a machine from the Kurz Group that changes digital embellishment with high end functions.”

Konica Minolta Joerg Hartmann, president and managing director at Konica Minolta Business Solutions Germany and Austria, says, “In times when face-to-face events (which we all miss) are not possible, we are very pleased that a virtual platform has been created. These formats offer manufacturers, suppliers, producers and interested parties the opportunity to exchange ideas and shape the future of print together.”

Continued on page 16 March 2021

15

DRUPA Continued from page 15

W&H has a fresh focus Hermann Veismann, head of the printing division at Windmöller & Hölscher also sees this virtual industry meeting as an unmissable opportunity for visitors and exhibitors. He says, “drupa was, and remains, the industry’s international meeting point.

It brings people, exhibitors and innovations from all over the world together, even digitally. W&H will be presenting innovations focused around ‘efficient production, sustainable products and Packaging 4.0’ at virtual. drupa. In addition to W&H CI flexo and gravure printing presses, visitors will be able to learn more about the latest automation and assistance systems. We are looking forward to having a lively exchange.”

With 5,000 registrations already, drupa organisers are excited to offer the chance for industry members to participate in the online show but they will have to bring their own coffee

Bobst innovates ar drupa François Martin, head of marketing and communication at Bobst Group, says Bobst has innovative applications in packaging production and design. He says, Bobst intends to share its vision for the packaging world and to present solutions across the industries we serve. We believe that the future of packaging production will be based on four key pillars: connectivity, digitalisation, automation, and sustainability. During the conferences we will hold, and by visiting our virtual booth, visitors will be able to understand where we want to go with them. virtual.drupa provides an opportunity for all traditional exhibitors to share their vision for the industry and to outline major innovations that support printers and converters to meet the needs and demands of their customers in a targeted manner.”

Hot topics up for discussion at virtual.drupa include artificial intelligence, crcular economy, connected consumers, and the platform economy; all will impact the industry

Register now Visitors can already register for free at https://virtual. drupa.com/ where you can get an initial overview of the exhibitors’ product offer. Organisers say that registration will enable everyone to plan their participation in the virtual event as efficiently as possible.

16

March 2021

During the show, virtual meeting rooms will be available at the Networking Plaza, where up to four participants will be able to have a more in depth, personal exchange newzealandprinter.co.nz

FELLMAN

Make 2021 a year of engagement Successful engagement in your business depends on your understanding of the relationships you have and their context

E

ngage is an interesting word.

You can engage in war, or in horseplay. You can engage a clutch. You can be engaged to be married. In each application, the word means something different.

As it applies to your business, though, here is the definition I would like us to use. Engage: to cause someone to be interested or involved in an activity.

What activity? It depends, on which of the three critical constituencies we are talking about, your customers, your employees, or your suppliers. I hope you will agree that these are the three groups which are most important to your business.

The customer activity is pretty straightforward. You want them to buy from you. But please consider, there is a difference between customers and not yet customers. So let me rephrase, the customer activity is to continue to buy from you. The not yet customer activity is to give serious consideration to joining your customer ranks. In both cases, your best strategy is a level of communication that probably goes beyond the status quo.

I would ask you this question: Do you have happy and loyal customers?

Assuming a positive answer, I would follow up with this: Do you know that, think that, or merely hope that? As many printers have learned the hard way, thinking and hoping are not good customer retention strategies.

The point is, you must know, and the key is to really engage on the subject of customer satisfaction.

I might suggest that you begin the engagement with this question: Is there anything about our current relationship that you would change if you could? Be prepared to prompt a deeper discussion, because the deeper the engagement, the more likely it is that you identify little things that make big differences.

How about your not yet customers?

Ask the same question, but in this case, about their current supplier. Your prospect is someone else’s customer, right? If they are completely happy with that supplier, you have little chance of success. But if you can identify some level of dissatisfaction, it gives you leverage. You can make the argument that they (the current supplier) may be very good, but you are even better.

Please compare that to a less engaged, but more common approach, newzealandprinter.co.nz

Opportunity: understanding the importance of enagement can have a powerful and positive effect on your business where the salesperson merely presents the perceived benefits of doing business with his or her company.

Sure, that works sometimes, but a more engaged strategy will likely work more often. With your employees, the key issue is how engaged they are right now. Where would you place each one in a range from showing up to earn a paycheck to understanding and sharing your values and working with you to reach your goals?

Again, this is a situation where you must know. It is an opportunity that begins with a question, or several.

Do you feel like you understand our values? Do you feel like you understand our goals? Do you feel like you have a voice in all of this? What could I/we do to make you feel more engaged? The benefit of an engaged workforce can be significant.

A study by The Hay Group suggests a 31 per cent improvement in productivity. Pie in the sky? Maybe.

But I would ask this, how about a 10 per cent improvement in productivity?

Would that be worth some investment in engaging with your team?

Finally, please consider the value of suppliers who are true partners, as opposed to people/companies who simply sell. My question is, do you take full advantage of your suppliers’ expertise? Do you ask them to help you (a) solve immediate problems, (b) identify future opportunities and (c) maximise each other’s profitability?

I might suggest starting a supplier engagement conversation in this way: I’d like to talk about what I want from you, what you want from me, and beyond that, what you think you can do for me that I might not be thinking about.

Bringing this full circle, if you were invited to have that conversation by one of your customers, would you welcome that opportunity? If so, you see the value of real engagement!

Dave Fellman is the president of David Fellman & Associates, Raleigh, NC, USA, a sales and marketing consulting firm serving numerous segments of the graphic arts industry. Contact Dave at dmf@davefellman.com. Visit his website at www.davefellman.com March 2021

17

FINISHING

Currie Group and Horizon herald a new iCE age

H

orizon Smart Factory solutions focus on helping print companies achieve efficient processing through automation.

Supplied in New Zealand through Currie Group, Horizon finishing solutions save time and labour with high quality robust technology. Now, however, Horizon has added the capability to connect individual systems to form networks, delivering a fully automated, end-to-end integrated Smart Factory.

The company has introduced iCE, which stands for intelligence, integration, interaction, connectivity and efficiency. Horizon says this makes production as efficient and smart as possible. Print companies can minimise production steps, shorten makeready times, and reduce production costs using a high level of automation.

Fast binding The new Horizon iCE Binder BQ-500 delivers increased productivity and offers flexibility and high-quality binding.

The company says its fifthgeneration binder excels at, and is the most productive binder, for book-of-one production.

For longer runs, it increases productivity with reduced setup time and improved system efficiencies. This fully automated four-clamp perfect binder comes in a completely new design and has also been significantly improved in all aspects.

The BQ-500 supports both EVA and PUR hotmelt glue. Horizon has made two different tanks available and interchangeable for each glue type. It achieves up to 350 cycles (EVA) or 1000 cycles (PUR) per hour. Horizon adds that, thanks to consistent automation, the BQ-500 enables efficient variable book production with a book block thickness of 1 to 65mm. By varying the individual book block thicknesses up to 5mm, around 800 books can be produced per hour in highest quality. Even with a difference in thickness of 65mm, it can still produce 500 books per hour.

18

Connected features number among Horizon innovations

Productivity and quality: the new Horizon iCE Binder BQ-500 A specifically designed template feature enables nonskilled operators to produce high quality books. The BQ500 can store knowledge from a skilled operator in custom templates to produce consistent high-quality books by any operator.

The BQ-500 can connect with various options to extend capabilities. Options include a cover slitting unit, cover reject unit, elevator unit, glued book block feeder, loose sheet book block feeder, and in-line three knife trimmer.

Later this year, Horizon will offer more options for further increasing the BQ500’s flexibility and versatility.

Future modules targeting optimised production of book blocks for hardcover production includes the End-sheet-feeder ESF-BQ; the fully automated Gauze unit GF-500; and the inline book block feeder LBF500, which can feed loose-sheet book blocks, folded signatures as well as pre-glued and sewn book blocks.

Versatile trimming The new Horizon compact three-side trimmer HT300 offers operation inline, nearline, or as a stand-alone machine.

In the inline configuration with BQ-500, up to 300 books per hour can be produced. If multiple books are stacked, the system reaches 900 to 1200 books per hour.

A major innovation is the automatic press adjustment based on the measured book thickness. This enables a material-friendly, creasefree production. The HT-300 ensures a precise cutting result with its new double

cut function. Operators can easily adjust the cutting depth, controlled by servo motors, on the touch screen.

The HT-300 offers versatile applications by processing six and eight page flap covers.

The head and foot trimming takes place first. During front trimming, the lower and upper support plates push open the flaps of the cover, which are not trimmed.

New workflow Horizon has called its new cloud-based workflow iCE LiNK and has made all the machines of the new iCE series ‘iCE LiNK ready’. Older Horizon machines can be upgraded to connect them to the cloud-based workflow software. This enables monitoring and analysis of production processes in real time, making them even more efficient. It collects and sends the key performance indicators of the individual systems, to the cloud, where they are analysed and graphically displayed. The dashboard can be accessed from a PC or mobile devices.

Monitoring allows the overall efficiency of the finishing systems to be calculated and increased.

It also ensures preventive maintenance intervals and remote maintenance, reducing downtimes.

Horizon will make iCE LiNK available as a subscription on an annual basis in three upgradeable versions: IoT Basic, Automation, and Enterprise.

The latter versions will come online later this year and will enable the integration of a JDF/ JMF workflow and the fully automated production control and monitoring of all jobrelated data.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

DIGITAL

Freedom Plus grabs New Zealand’s first AccurioPress C14000

P

almerston North based Freedom Plus has become the first New Zealand company to install the Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14000 digital press.

The new machine went into the busy print shop in the first week of January. Dan Wheeler, owner of Freedom Plus, says, “We basically upgraded from the previous Konica Minolta model. We bought the fully configured C14000. It has everything on it including the IQ unit and full inline finishing.

Our operator required minimal training after installation.

Last year, Freedom Plus acquired Graphic Press in Levin. Wheeler says, “We were quite patient in terms of waiting for the C14000 and its arrival meant we could transfer our old Konica Minolta machine to Graphic Press.”

With resolution equivalent to 3600 x 2400dpi and enhanced media capability up to 450 gsm, the AccurioPress C14000 prints at 140 pages per minute and has double the toner capacity of earlier models. It enables duplex banner printing up to 900mm and simplex banner length capability of 1300mm, combined with envelope and embossed media capability.

He says, “The machine has been flat out since we installed it. It gives us the long sheet size, which is handy for booklets. It is a beast in terms of productivity; it prints at 140 pages per minute no matter the weight. It does not slow down for the card weight; 450gsm is no problem. The heavier weight is key.”

High IQ Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Quality Optimiser (IQ-501) comes standard with the AccurioPress C14000. The IQ-501 can improve labour efficiency by as much as 30 per cent while at the same time reducing waste. Complementing the IQ-501, Konica Minolta’s Auto Inspection Unit scans each image looking for print anomalies when compared to a proof image and checks output data for integrity.

20

Manawatu print shop confirms Konica Minolta as its digital production print supplier

Chris O’Hara (l), national production print manager at Konica Minolta New Zealand with Dan Wheeler, owner at Freedom Plus, with the country’s first Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14000 digital press He says, “Like most print shops, we want more speed and higher quality and those were the two main reasons we bought the C14000. There is also the fact that the IQ unit takes care of registration and colour accuracy. It automatically and continuously measures and manages colour to ensure our first print in a run matches the last.

“It is configured for automatic density correction and front to back registration.

The colour accuracy is uncanny and the C14000 will reject any mistakes then carry on printing; quality is assured.”

The media detection sensor comes standard on these models. It can detect the stock and recommend the best media settings, eliminating time consuming paper settings and operator error, reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Inline saves time Freedom Plus opted to equip its AccurioPress C14000 with the TU-510 versatile trimmer unit. This four-edge trimmer, creaser and perforator, allows full bleed finishing support for the likes of banners, rack cards, brochures, direct mail and offers a dedicated business card cutting option.

Wheeler says, “Most of our print goes in as a full bleed and comes out ready to go in a box.

So, when we produce booklets with full bleed, it slices the

bleed off and makes the booklet four edge trim.

“The full automation felt a bit weird at first because we no longer take the printed material to an offline device, so missing that step was a bit of a mind game confusion thing. We have become used to it and we are confident it is what it is.”

Freedom Plus supports the local community producing printed material, such as raffle books, for free.

He says, “Finishing inline means we can collect the collated and stapled raffle books, all good to go. Inline finishing has streamlined our processes.

“Our partnership with Konica Minolta goes back about 15 years. We wanted to stick with them. The people in the Konica Minolta team are brilliant, and the service levels are awesome.”

Chris O’Hara, national production print manager at Konica Minolta New Zealand, says, “We are excited with the installation at Freedom Plus.

“The AccurioPress C14000 suits the high volume colour environment and we look forward to helping Dan and his team to continue expanding and streamlining their operation.”

Wheeler concludes, “The C14000 gives us a real point of difference, especially in digital. This machine is what we dreamed of having back in the day.”

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEVER STOP DELIVERING The new AccurioLabel 230 offers enhanced productivity, job flexibility, operability and excellent image quality at an affordable system cost, making it the perfect solution to ensure you always deliver high quality labels on time, every-time. Printing at an impressive 23.4 metres per minute and with a compact footprint, this label press is perfect for label converters looking to convert to digital technology as well as those entering the label market.

To book a demonstration on the new AccurioLabel 230 simply visit

konicaminolta.com.au/AccurioLabel230

DIGITAL

Ricoh accelerates production at Super Print

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Productive: Super Print directors Alan Wild and Conrad Ellin with the Ricoh Pro C7210X digital production press ased in Takapuna on Auckland’s North Shore, Super Print produces a full range of printed products.

Directors Alan Wild and Conrad Ellin started the business in 1990 and, over the years, have stayed abreast of the continuing changes in the industry.

Recently, Super Print installed a Ricoh Pro C7210X digital production printer.

Wild says, “Our previous lease had expired and we looked at the offerings from different companies before settling on the Ricoh machine.

Ricoh gave us an excellent deal.

In hindsight, we have totally made the right decision.

“The Ricoh Pro C7210X has made our bottom line a lot healthier. With the Ricoh, we have similar productivity that we had with two machines previously. It gives us precise front and back registration and the print quality has improved.”

To achieve higher print quality, the Ricoh Pro C7210X imaging system uses vertical

The Ricoh Pro C7210X digital production printer has increased productivity and print quality at Super Print

cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL), ultra-fine PxP chemical toner and an oil-less fusing system. A low toner pile height minimises glossiness.

With a wide colour gamut, the toner allows Super Print to produce vivid lifelike colours with smooth tonal gradation.

Wild adds, “In the work we do, colour consistency is essential. We serve a diverse range of clients including design companies, who understand the importance of brand colours.”

The company also completes general print work for the likes of print brokers and retail customers. He says, “We have some walk in customers as well. We do a bit of everything.

In a sense, we have a boutique offering but inside a wide range of printing services.”

Super Print has clients across the country.

Wild says, “Of course, most clients are in Auckland. We get great satisfaction in getting clients their jobs on time and doing quality work for them.

Changes in digital printing have

made the business completely different from when we started.

“In 1990, we were a fast print shop using silver master plates with one-colour presses. At one stage, we had four print shops across the city. However, since then, it made good business sense to consolidate everything into the one shop. You can dilute what you do if you spread yourself too thin, and fixed costs are greater if you have multiple shops.”

An early digital adopter, Super Print has embraced changes in the industry, giving the company an edge in flexibility.

Wild adds, “We have learned to adapt in an evolving industry. When we started, there were no computers involved, no websites, and no smart phones. Adapting quickly has kept us healthy.

“With Covid-19, we have taken several steps to keep the business healthy and operating effectively. The purchase of the Ricoh is part of that process.

The pandemic kind of forced our hand on that.”

Ricoh Pro C7210X offers Super Print a raft of capabilities Key features of the Ricoh Pro C7210 include:  Supports media weights of 52 to 360gsm  Handles gloss and matt coated offset media, textured card and carbonless paper  Offers an extensive on board media library containing settings for a variety of branded media  A media management tool allows settings to be shared between devices  Prints at 95ppm 22

 Full engine speed maintained at all paper weights  Auto duplex long sheet printing up to 700mm  Print quality comparable to offset  Vivid lifelike colours, smooth tonal gradation and fine lines  Low toner pile height minimises glossiness  Precise front/back registration with added automatic quality control

 Trained operator replaceable units for ultimate uptime  Easy jam removal with animated guidance and LED lights  Colour range includes white, clear, neon yellow, neon pink and invisible red. By switching colour stations over, you can include both white and clear  White + CMYK can be printed in a single pass enhancing impact on coloured media

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

RICOH NEW ZEALAND WWW.RICOH.CO.NZ

POCKET MEDIA

Z-Cards production and sales now under Soar’s roof Companies expect lower pricing with latest announcement

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ocket media card company Z-Card has chosen Soar Print to take over the exclusive sales for Z-Card in New Zealand.

Soar Print already manufactures Z-Cards and the companies believe keeping sales and production under one roof will benefit Z-Card customers with lower pricing for its printed formats in 2021.

Rodney Serhan, managing director of Z-Card Asia Pacific, says that, with a history of leading the New Zealand print industry in sustainability, Soar Print makes the perfect sales and production partner for Z-Card New Zealand. He says, “We are excited about broadening our already fruitful partnership with Soar Print and we look forward to seeing Z-Card’s growth in New Zealand markets.

Family-owned Soar Print works across industry sectors

Versatile: Z-Card offers several different formats such as tourism, councils, government, education, pharmaceutical, automotive, sports as well as agencies and designers. James Timpson, Z-Card account manager at Soar Print, says, “We help clients communicate effectively through print. We guide them on the most suitable print format for their campaign and what will bring them maximum return on investment. Z-Card is protected by a worldwide patent that gives us the right to call ourselves the sole producers of this clever, engaging and compact product.”

Convenient card

Z-Cards offer a convenient way to find event information...

... and dining options 24

Travel writer and consultant for British Airways George McDonald invented Z-Cards 20 years ago. Timpson says, “The Z-Card has the convenient form factor of a credit card or small passport making it more likely for customers to keep the printed material, as they would likely prefer the more durable and portable option compared to a simple leaflet.

“This innovative communications solution is printed on a single piece of paper with a card attached to the front and back. The Z-Card gives customers a choice of a four, six, or eight panel size to accommodate applications that range from detailed maps to simple restaurant menus.

Clients can customise their

Z-Card to include extras such as card holders, inserts, or custom covers.”

The Z-Cards offer several formats. He explains, “The original Z-Card remains the best-selling product with over two billion produced worldwide. The C-Fold single concertina is a great lower cost option for conveying smaller amounts of information.

Applications include vouchers, support banners, and product information.

“The K-Fold, also known as the coupon king, is the ideal format for delivering promotional coupons or vouchers. It can incorporate a response mechanism with options such as tear-off panels.

The Book Fold enables secure branding as a tactile marketing tool that engages the end user.

The Z-Book cover is hinged down one side creating the more familiar feel of a book. It can contain any of our insert variations.

“Soar Print has made a commitment to innovative solutions, so having Z-Card as part of our offerings makes an ideal fit.

“During the start of 2021, we will embark on a massive direct mail drive sending out the latest and greatest Z-Card samples from global campaigns across all industry sectors.

It’s about adding Z-Card to their existing suite of printed products.”

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT +Plus Craig Moore and Grant Blockley with the Epson R5000 at the Fuji Xerox Technology Centre

Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox bring the Epson R5000 printer to the market Total Supply buys Blue Print Imaging l Computaleta signs Osram l Matching media with ink

WIDE FORMAT

Resin rates high for Fujifilm and Fuji Xerox wide format

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uji Xerox and Fujifilm have installed the first new Epson SureColor R5000 printer in New Zealand at the Fuji Xerox Print Technology Centre near Auckland airport, ready for demonstrations.

Grant Blockley, national wide format specialist at Fuji Xerox New Zealand, says, “The 162cm (64 inch) Epson SureColor R5000 delivers accurate and consistent output with superior colour and support for a wider variety of substrates. You can produce a diverse range of signage and display products with a faster turnaround.

Epson resin ink produces no odour and does not require the out-gassing time of solvent. The R5000 uses lower temperatures throughout the printing and curing process, not just at the end. Craig Moore, sales and training specialist at Fujifilm New Zealand, says, “This helps the R5000 to deliver high quality printed products on a wider range of substrates. The backlit prints are outstanding.”

Print and signage companies can install the R5000 in a wide range of environments with reduced health and safety concerns. The efficient drying and curing process enables prints to be produced and laminated quickly for faster job turnaround.

Blockley adds, “The new Epson SureColor R5000 offers predictable and consistent output with superior colour and image quality. It delivers exceptional print performance and colour control through its dual PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads and Epson Precision Dot Technology, that enables enhanced media support.”

Long-life PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads support variable sized dots with a smaller minimum drop size for an enhanced gamut and finer gradation. As Piezo printheads are not subjected to thermal degradations, they 26

Craig Moore (l), sales and training specialist at Fujifilm New Zealand and Grant Blockley, national wide format specialist at Fuji Xerox New Zealand with the Epson SureColor R5000 printer

New printer offers higher quality and productivity with no gassing out

last a lot longer while producing more accurate and consistent droplets. He says, “When printheads do need replacing, operator replacement boosts uptime and productivity.

Precision media tracking and temperature control ensures colour, image sizing, and positioning is consistent from edge to edge, top to bottom, and print to print.”

The printer’s advanced auto tension control and integrated high-precision auto take-up systems enable efficient production with precise dimensional and sisal stability. Moore says, “This increases product quality, while reducing material waste and labour. Quality levels have been designed to suit the most demanding applications, including window displays and tiled wall coverings.

The R5000 uses a new sixcolour UltraChrome RS ink set with a water-based formulation that cures at low temperatures for enhanced media support.

Moore says, “The ink produces durable images that suit indoor and outdoor applications in a variety of environments including schools, hospitals, hotels, shops and homes.”

The ink ships in compact and cost-effective 1.5 litre pouches.

The SC-R5000 has a delivery

system that holds up to eight pouches, including an optimiser and maintenance liquid. The maintenance liquid works in conjunction with self-cleaning print heads to ensure reliable operation with minimal manual maintenance. The SC-R5000L has a dual supply that holds 16 pouches with auto hot swap for extended unattended operation.

Epson Cloud Solution Port, a new service, provides customers with enhanced management and monitoring tools. Operators can access performance and status information directly or remotely. It also facilitates enhanced backup and support with Epson engineers able to directly work with customers to rapidly resolve issues and action repairs, when required.

Blockley concludes, “We look forward to demonstrating the new Epson SureColor R5000 wide format printer.”

Key features • Enhanced media support • Superior colour gamut and gradation • Superior colour and sisal accuracy/consistency • Long lasting printheads for a reduced running cost • Higher durability with CoverPlus extendable up to five years.

• Easy loading and reduced maintenance • Print speeds up to 116.5 square metres per hour • Prints offer an enhanced level of scratch resistance • GreenGuard Gold, AgBB, REACH and French-VOC certification • Touch control panel and seethrough platen cover • User adjustable multi-stage multi-element heating system • Adjustable optimiser application for enhanced image quality • Ultra-sonic media status monitoring and heavy duty crash guards • Ships with Epson Edge Print RIP and accounting costcontrol software

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

Maximize productivity, quality and versatility with Epson Resin ink technology

Epson’s first water-based resin ink large-format printer range delivers astonishing print quality out of the box. Discover signage printing with superior colour matching consistency, quick drying, scratch resistance and instant lamination.

For more information of our products and services, please visit promotions.fujixerox.co.nz/graphicarts

WIDE FORMAT

Capitol Signs: at the leading edge of print Busy signage shop looks to expand with the new HP Latex 800W wide format printer

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uckland based signage and wide format specialist Capitol Signs, has become one of the first companies in New Zealand to purchase the new HP 800W Series Latex printer.

As a market leader in corporate brand roll outs throughout New Zealand and globally, Capitol Signs ordered its HP Latex 800W printer from Computaleta late last year.

Now, as one of only a handful of companies in New Zealand to get their hands on one of these machines that officially launched globally on February 3, they look forward to having their new machine installed in a matter of weeks.

For some time, Justin Smith and Matt Anderson, directors at Capitol Signs, had discussed replacing their existing ecosolvent-based printers.

Smith says that clients expect signage and printing companies to deliver faster turnaround times, but ensuring the solvent ink was properly outgassed meant an up to three-day delay for customers.

He says, “Speed to market and satisfying our clients is our main driver and we knew

Matt Anderson (l) and Justin Smith, directors at Capitol Signs we could only do that by eliminating that outgas time.”

Smith and Anderson researched the market and concluded that latex technology could be the answer. They contacted HP channel partner, Computaleta, to see if it could help. Smith continues, “Their service has always been amazing, and we like that because they are New Zealand owned, they are nimble, flexible and can move quickly.”

The new HP Latex printer will enable Capitol Signs to grow its market offering.

He says, “The new machine expands our quiver and adds so many more arrows to our print bow. Speed, quality, the white ink – having the ability to print double sided on clear and environmental safety, were all factors in our decision to purchase the new printer.”

White ink added

On its way: Capitol Signs looks forward to installing the HP Latex 800W wide format printer soon 28

The new 800 series printers use HP recyclable water-based inks.

HP’s four new printer models in the 700 and 800 series range use the HP Eco Carton, a cartridge made with cardboard material, reducing carbon emissions by 60 per cent and the amount of plastic used by 80 per cent.

Aaron Kemp, print hardware manager for Computaleta, says the new models help print service providers diversify their offering to meet more

challenging customer needs.

He says, “The new HP portfolio delivers faster workflows that help businesses hit deadlines, while sharpening that sustainability edge.”

The new range consists of four devices: the HP Latex 700 and 800, and the HP Latex 700W and 800W. The latter models offer white ink capability for the first time in this category. Kemp says, “HP calls it the ‘whitest white ink available on the market’ because it does not yellow over time. It enables print businesses to produce neater outlines and add more contrast to darker supports. It also comes without the complexity previously associated with white ink. For example, it offers automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning, reducing manual purging.”

Updated printheads, possessing more nozzles and producing speeds of up to 25 square metres per hour allow the HP Latex 800 and 800W to offer 50 per cent higher productivity levels compared to previous models. This enables printing vivid colours and finer image and text details at even faster print speeds than before.

Kemp concludes, “As a nationwide Kiwi company, we are very pleased to be able to support our customers, wherever they are, with service and support that is second to none.”

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT NEWS

Computaleta lights the way with Osram LED Computaleta has signed an exclusive channel partnership agreement with German multi-national Osram to provide LED modules and drivers for illuminated signage to the New Zealand market.

Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta, says, “It will be of tremendous benefit to the industry to have this quality product available for the first time. When it comes to government, corporate and everyday work, Osram is what New Zealand signage companies are looking for in terms of consistency and safety.

“We want to offer sign makers high quality matched LED modules and drivers that they can rely on, with a technical support that is second to none, and we can do that best with Osram.”

The company offers a patented square lens technology that achieves ideal uniformity by reducing black spots.

She says, “This technology also decreases the number of modules usually required. It lowers

Lighting it up: Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta with LED lighting specialist, Aaron Morrison the overall system costs through easy installation and simple replacement during maintenance. The final product minimises light pollution and is real time adjusted according to daylight, reducing electricity costs. This, paired with halogen-free construction, makes for

a safer, more sustainable product. Computaleta will stock a comprehensive range of LED modules and drivers for backlit light boxes and channel letters, flexible LED, and sidelit applications ensuring signage companies can provide maximum freedom of design.”

Darren Miruzzi, head of sales for Osram Australia and New Zealand, says, “We are excited to team up with Computaleta because of what it represents in the New Zealand market: an excellent reputation, an enviable market network and, most importantly, a comprehensive understanding of the signage industry.”

Computaleta has hired signwriter and LED lighting specialist, Aaron Morrison, to head up its LED Lighting Division. For the last seven years he has been quoting, making, and supplying effective illuminated signage to the Australian market.

Morrison will provide a technical service to signage companies, advice on product and map light boxes, and channel letters to ensure correct illumination, and ease of installation.

Osram, one of the world’s largest lighting manufacturers, has won numerous high profile awards for its sustainability and for the quality of its technology.

New Durst press doubles the print speed Durst has unveiled the latest member of its P5 family, the high-speed Durst P5 350 HS press, which operates at twice the speed of its predecessor, delivering a production rate of 600 square metres per minute.

Unveiled at a global virtual launch in December, the press has Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman anticipating keen interest in Australia and New Zealand customers.

He says, “We at Durst have not rested and the new P5 350 HS is a triumph of innovation and real world functionality you have been asking of us. I am proud to bring these devices to the Oceanic region in 2021.”

He believes the speed enhancements of the new P5 350 HS make this press the most productive hybrid printer in the market. This new model includes the newzealandprinter.co.nz

same features as the P5 350 including the versatile multi-roll and the multitrack six option.

Configurable with up to nine colour channels including light colours and white, and varnish for special multilayer printing applications such as ‘Day & Night’, ‘In & Out’, and up to 12 layers hapt-printing, the new P5 350 HS was part of a broader launch of new products from Durst, all aimed at driving up productivity through automation and innovation.

The company also unveiled its Automat inline feeding technology; an enhanced Durst software offering; a full LED ink portfolio; and details of a new partnership enabling non-Durst printers to use Durst Workflow.

The new fully automated inline board feeding and

stacking solution can be combined with the new P5 350 HS. It comprises two lanes for increased productivity and speed. It can handle board sizes up to 3.5m wide and 2.2m long with a loading capacity of 90cm.

Durst Group sales director of its graphics segment, Christian Harder, says, “The launch of our latest family Durst P5 member, the P5 350 HS, is an important statement of our firm commitment to continue to be at the forefront of innovation in the large format market.”

The company has produced a new inkset, a hybrid ink suitable for a variety of roll to roll and board media. The company calls this a future-proof ink for use with its full portfolio of LED printers. Durst has been steadily building

its workflow offerings in line with its end to end thinking for 360 degree business solutions aimed at the Smart Factory concept to streamline production and processes. These include Durst Smart Shop, Workflow, Analytics, Lift ERP, and Durst Automat.

Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer at Durst, says, “We’re looking forward to the future. I am confident that in 2021 the economy will recover and, in some fields, be even stronger than before. So, we will continue what we do best: innovating with passion.

“In 2019, we launched the P5 platform and we now have more than 100 systems around the globe. This is a great achievement so a big thank you to all of our customers, partners and our great Durst team members across the world.”

March 2021

29

WIDE FORMAT

Total Supply expands with Blue Print Imaging purchase

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t the end of February, Total Supply and Blue Print Imaging officially joined forces. The companies say that customers can expect “the same great product, same great people and same great qualities that they have trusted for decades”.

As leading suppliers to the New Zealand sign and graphics market, Total Supply and Blue Print Imaging represent top brands such as Mimaki and 3M. Morgan John, general manager of Total Supply parent company Spicers NZ, says, “The combination of the two businesses will deliver a robust product portfolio, adding new offerings in screen printing, grand format hardware, substrates, and textiles with a wider reach across the sign and display sector. Together, the companies offer many synergies that will continue to grow stronger together, for example, 3M films, Mimaki hardware, Siser heat transfer, and a core range of rigid substrates.

Over the coming months, the businesses will move into the Total Supply branches in Christchurch, Wellington and the newly transitioned 10,000 square metre Auckland site. This will see one of the largest national footprints in the industry with over 20,000 square metres nationally.

Employing almost 40 staff across the three sites, Total Supply uses these facilities to supply the market nationally, with the potential to reach over 2,000 customers in all corners of New Zealand with overnight service.

Total Supply will shortly announce how the two businesses will merge and go to market. For the time being, the two brands will continue to operate separately with business as usual.

For almost 60 years, the Total Supply business has served the graphic art and sign industries under various entities such as Letraset and Esselte. In October 2014, 30

Capacity: Total Supply’s new 10,000 square metre site in Auckland

Latest acquisition broadens their joint portfolio and service offering

Spicers NZ acquired Total Supply. This enabled Total Supply to utilise Spicers NZ’s local infrastructure and additional products. Total Supply continues to operate independently.

In 2017, growth continued with the inclusion of Sign Technologies, making Total Supply the largest distributor of illuminated signage materials in the industry.

When Rick Day and Geoff Milliken founded Blue Print Imaging in 1994, the company had a focus on screen printing.

In 2000, it created a digital division with wide and grand format machinery and print materials. This latest change sees Day retiring from the business, while Milliken will join the Total Supply team as business manager.

Morgan John says, “We welcome Geoff and the team at Blue Print to our business and wish Rick all the best for a relaxing retirement.

“The group approach also ensures access to the world’s largest manufacturers in our market and Total Supply is in the distinctive position of being a distributor representing the global brands of 3M, Avery Dennison and Arlon.”

Total Supply will rapidly expand its hardware offering by adding first class brands including SwissQprint, Dilli, Tekcel, Fotoba, and Exile.

As New Zealand’s home for Mimaki hardware, the company will supply the full range of printers including latex, solvent, UV, flat bed, 3D, textile, and sublimation. Steven Brown, Total Supply hardware

manager says, “Bringing on Blue Print Imaging opens Total Supply up to have one of the widest selections in the New Zealand market. This is all supported by the now national team of six technicians with of decades experience across all platforms.”

John adds, “We are delighted to announce this news. The investment makes good on our plans to continually invest in our paper, industrial packaging and sign and display businesses.”

Morgan John, general manager of Spicers NZ and Total Supply

Geoff Milliken, business manager at Total Supply

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

REAL MEDIA COLLECTIVE

The future is now

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ith each new year that breaks, we face the same crystal ball questions exploring the best future forecasts from across the industry. However, if we have learnt anything from 2020, no year can be predicted with certainty and each year brings change, demands agility and favours the brave.

Embracing change Covid-19 has demonstrated that organisations that could not flex to changing conditions, bend to customer’s new demands, respond to varying staff levels, workflow supply chain distribution cycles and more are those less likely to have navigated a stable pathway through the pandemic year.

The forced nature of the Covid-19 crisis has the opportunity to make our businesses stronger than they were. I know of members who completely changed their clients across the period, began producing masks, promotional sanitiser and more to mitigate reduced volumes in other areas of their business.

The systems, processes and training for their staff across these changes has now built a stronger team, a new client base and insight into how to diversify their businesses for future opportunities. Our industry customers will also change as many retailers have disappointingly announced a shift away from print to digital, despite research demonstrating the significant loss of customer engagement and loyalty to such decisions.

Digital is not the one and only solution and customers have taken their money and demonstrated this. As an industry, we must develop the story of the wonderful marriage between print and digital; demonstrate more than a QR code, move to AI technologies and added value exploration from print to customer engagement, data collection and customised printing solutions that unite the traceability of digital solutions.

Print and digital offerings newzealandprinter.co.nz

Not a binary choice: you can cobine print and digita for a successful campaign, as opposed to working with one or the other differ, yet when united, are powerful strengths that do not compete with each other.

Printers will need to connect the dots for their customers to ensure print is part of the ongoing journey.

KELLIE NORTHWOOD

This year, we face the choice to embrace change as we look for future success

The demands of agility TRMC has never worked so collaboratively with other industry associations as we have throughout the pandemic, and we look forward to the year ahead to continue those working relationships and expand on the projects that we have started to develop.

Associations, businesses, and customers will be more agile and open minded to working together. Mergers, consolidation, strong supply partnerships and more will be a strong trend to keep our recovery momentum throughout 2021.

Associations must represent more for members than legacy manufacturing outcomes, we must assist the new wave ahead as printers move from a 100 per cent manufacturing mindset to one that delivers connectivity to digital channels, changing mindsets to sales approach and new supply chain partners entering the market. Training, expertise, research and case studies will be key in this regard.

Courage and vision Those with a focused determination to brave the new world will be those we will see explore new product ranges, services, workflow solutions, customer engagement strategies, research and sales pitches. The courage to embrace change, remain agile and flex to a post-crisis era will drive passion and optimism, not only our customers, but also our future success.

The 2021 year ahead will retain an air of recovery, a dedicated focus on connecting digital marketing solutions with print to drive increased return on investment for our customers, relevance for the physical characteristics of print that are unmatched by any other channel and the courage to drive a new vision across our businesses in a manner we only began to journey through in 2020.

Kellie Northwood is the chief executive officer of The Real Media Collective, the industry association representing paper, print, mail, publishing and packaging sectors across Australia and New Zealand. Northwood is also the executive director of the Australasian Paper Industry Association. Contact: hello@thermc.com.au March 2021

31

Taking pride in what we stand for

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any ask, “What are the benefits to joining the NZ Sign & Display Association?”

A fair question and top of mind in reply: support, mentorship, and comradery.

As we strive to continue to better lead a more credible and knowledgeable sign making industry, offering nationwide training, better apprenticeships, business benefits and networking opportunities number among some of the ways we encourage our members to increase their business knowhow and knowledge.

Did you know that you will only truly benefit from belonging to an association if you give back and put in the time and effort and only then you will reap the benefits.

Some people will join industry associations for the use of the logo and for the tender submissions and that is all good, but if you want more for your business development, for your employees, for recognition and inspiration, then you need to get involved.

Now is the time for you to choose your one way you will be involved for 2021. It may be a small start but at least you are stepping in the right direction.

Some may be sitting back, waiting to join the association to see what happens. They might be waiting for the right time but here is the thing: there never is a right time, the right time is now.

Get on board Let’s discuss some of the reasons to get on board and start doing good things for your business and the industry.

To begin with, we have benefits such as individualised Health and Safety programmes and pre-qualification documents for all types of sign businesses developed by our very own signage expert, Lewis Thompson.

Our partners Red Cross offer discounts on first aid kits and courses. Plus, download the free Red Cross App so you know 32

Get together: NZSDA members gather at the conference, awards, and expo

Melissa Coutts discusses the benefits of belonging to the NZSDA

what to do in an emergency as it guides you step by step. And if you complete the pre-course learning sections on the app, it will take hours off your first aid course workshop, meaning less time out of work.

Do you need to rejig your business insurance? Then we have the expert you need for your sign business that is specific to your location and size of business, developed by a local Christchurch company, called Business Insurance. Just contact Nick Tremewan.

What about employment worries or needing advice?

Employsure can assist our larger sign businesses, but if you are a small business of three employees or less, we have a dedicated employment lawyer that will assist your needs. It is complimentary until engaged officially. The NZSDA provides current employment contracts to those that require them. Plus, in 2020, we published our official Signage Salary Guide.

Like other Associations we have office stationery buying group discounts with Office Max; petrol and diesel

discounts with Kiwi card; and Hirepool and Accessman discounts nationwide, covering all your hire needs.

If all of that does not have you interested yet, please wait.

There is more.

Networking and referrals continue to number among the top reasons for belonging to the NZSDA. Whether it be at a Conference, Expo, Awards evening or just at the industry golf day, many sign makers come together to chat about the year that has been, inspire each other with new innovations and technologies they have experienced, seek advice from those knowledgeable legends, reach out to the NZSDA nationwide network to assist with an install or refer business and most definitely to celebrate and acknowledge excellence of the craft at the Awards of Excellence. Whichever way they do it, they attend, they concur, and they come back. They get back what they put in and more.

Now it is your turn.

To enquire on membership contact 0800 0800 52 or email secretary@nzsda.org.nz.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

President Post – and the winner is…

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he New Zealand Sign & Display Awards of Excellence, the sign industry’s premium gala event, sees guys and girls who are more used to paint and vinyl stuck to the bottom of their shoes and spreading sunscreen over the parts of their bodies not covered in high vis gear, get the opportunity to go all out with the grooming with evening wear, cocktails, and fine dining.

Blow the cobwebs off the old high heels, send the favourite cocktail dress to the dry cleaners, and rent or buy that smooth looking tux. You must do an awards night at least once in your career and, for me, it is a real highlight.

As an entrant, seeing your efforts displayed alongside work by some of the premium sign makers in our country feels

ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA

Get along to this year’s Awards night in Auckland; you won’t regret it

both humbling and exciting.

Coming away from this event with an award marks a great achievement and something to take pride in. However, winning is only one part of the journey and not really the biggest or most satisfying one, compared to building a successful business.

As business owners and sign makers we strive to make our businesses better, improving quality and innovation in how we do things and what we create.

You don’t need a bearded, leather satchel wearing marketing graduate, with pointy shoes to tell us that having a point of difference in the operation and marketing of our business is paramount to success.

Striving to be the best is a real powerful point of difference. Each new job can

be special, another potential award. Applying the dedication and effort needed to reach the standard can only make the final product better. Promoting to your potential clients and becoming known for high quality national award worthy work will become the most powerful weapon in your marketing arsenal.

The next time a fresh faced kid comes into your shop looking for, “some of those magnetic sign things” for his new Ute, maybe picture him driving away in his national award winning vehicle wrap.

And when that does happen, do you think he is going to tell his friends?

Get your photos ready, get online and put in those entries.

Book your tickets and get yourself to the NZSDA Awards of Excellence, Auckland 2021.

See you there.

Secretary Note – it’s all about the buzz

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hile some in the industry see attending a conference as outdated, after what last year presented us with, many are now seeking to re-connect and attend live events more than ever.

Technology advanced quickly last year, and we all managed to embrace it as it happened around us.

We discovered new ways of working together from our home environments. We used different platforms, like zoom for meetings and webinars; we experienced virtual viewings at online expos and conferences; and although we saw changes in our working lives, we could still be present, albeit virtually.

The way we worked instantly became easier and more versatile. We adapted quickly which created no boundaries to the way we learned, researched and networked. However, we know nothing can replace the newzealandprinter.co.nz

MELISSA COUTTS, SECRETARY NZSDA

This year, signees can feel the conference and expo buzz at the event or online

feeling of being present at a live event, the sense of emotional connections, hearing the commentary, the laughter from those in the room. All these factors create the buzz of being present in a real-life situation.

Equally as important is making time to visit on a one to one basis. Engaging a connection will form a good bond, which makes a difference to your relationship, especially when a name can be put to the face.

Instantly, when trust forms, you have that feeling of being valued and important, plus being approachable ensures accountability for the service provided.

These connections, whether in a room of people at an event or during one on one meetings, are invaluable to our well being.

We all like to feel connected.

It is just how we all tick. It is how we get inspired, how we get motivated and how we become creative. It is all about the buzz.

Now, when events take place, those that can attend will, those that cannot attend will have the option to view virtually.

So, whether the focus is to be in the loop with daily on floor deals and specials at an expo or to learn through speaker sessions at a conference through live feeds, the involvement is an important way to feel valued, extending that buzz far and wide.

At the NZ Sign Expo and the NZSDA Conference 2021 we will bring the buzz far and wide with live feeds via our social channels at the expo, plus streaming live speaker sessions from Terry Williams and Hannah McQueen.

The Annual General Meeting for the NZSDA will take place via zoom the week before conference, allowing the suppliers and sign makers more flexibility with Expo setup.

We are jumping on board with technology this year, while ensuring the buzz is kept real.

March 2021

33

Bad Boy has a good attitude for sign making

Bad Boy Graphix team, from left: Leeanne Hunter, designer (who has recently left); screen printers Jo Palmer and Lucy Hands; Damian Hands, responsible for everything; and Jason Beaton, signage legend

G

reymouth Signs sounds like a solid name for a sign business but Bad Boy Graphix sounds better.

Five years ago, Damian Hands almost named his nascent business after the West Coast’s biggest town. However, friends reminded him that a previous employer had called him a “bad boy”, so he went with it and has not looked back since.

His journey into sign making started when, as a freelance graphic designer, he completed some design work for a local sign company, which subsequently offered him a job.

His tasks also included signage work and screen printing clothing and he learned quickly.

He says, “I loved the work I was doing, but unfortunately I didn’t get along with my employer and, after we went our separate ways, I used my first home savings and set myself up to make some basic signage to pay the bills at home.

“The name Bad Boy Graphix sounds a bit edgy and sharp and it has proved popular with customers. Starting out with just my wife Lucy and I in the business, we saw the workload take off. We now employ six staff: two installers, a designer and myself, plus two doing screen printing, mainly clothing. I feel lucky to have an amazing crew backing me. They all love their jobs, pushing hard to be better at what they do all of the time.”

34

West Coast sign maker goes from strength to strength

The business gives him a chance to design and produce outstanding work. He says, “I really enjoy seeing our ideas come to life. It is also great to produce work that makes our customers happy. We service the West Coast and we take real pride in our work.

“Being on the West Coast, we can’t really specialise in one area. We offer a full signage service, vehicle wrapping, branding, team uniforms, work uniforms etc. We have recently started tinting vehicles and building windows.”

Bad Boy Graphix also sponsors and supports the local community. He says, “We are also grateful that we find ourselves in a position to participate in and support our community and there are many ways we can do that.”

Like other sign businesses, Bad Boy Graphix faces some big challenges.

He says, “Not having enough hours in the day is probably something that we have in common with other businesses in the industry. It is often a matter of planning and scheduling to fit our clients in but always be prepared for the unexpected.

“Cashflow can be an issue, especially when you are just starting out in business. So it pays to be prepared but also to take each day as it comes.

“Another challenge is in training staff, which can take a while. Training staff is a long term investment. With continuity, we always get there.

For us, cooperating with other signees and print shops is a no brainer. We are tied in with a few now. We have great communication between us. Having access to other businesses enables us to give our clients the finished product they are looking for.

He encourages other signage businesses to join the New Zealand Sign & Display Association. He says, “NZSDA is a great group to be a part of. It offers a wide range of services and gives us helpful advice. We have had the chance to take advantage of the services NZSDA has to offer.

“We are looking forward to attending the NZSDA Conference, Awards and the New Zealand Sign Expo. We have entries in this year’s awards and we hope people are blown away with our work.

“Supporting NZSDA is part of supporting a healthy industry for the future. The industry is in a good place and moving forward in a positive fashion. For instance, it is making improvements in sustainability with advances being made to help reduce waste.

“It feels good to play our part in that and we are also looking forward to taking advantage of new technology as it becomes available. We will keep busy with staff training, improving our time management, and moving the company forward.

We have grown so quickly in just five years that I sometimes have to pinch myself.”

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

3 Events, 3 Days, 1 Location.

- We Make it Easy!

The NZ Sign & Display Association brings to the industry new technologies and innovations direct from the suppliers floor, learning sessions and notable speakers that will inspire to want more, celebrations and acknowledgements where the winners take all. The NZ Sign Expo, NZSDA Conference and Awards of Excellence will be held in Auckland from the 8th

EXPO

SHAPING THE FUTURE

- 10th July 2021. Shaping the Future is the theme for 2021, so come along and draw on the knowledge and expertise of our key suppliers, and our sign maker legends, experience new technologies and innovations - just be part of what will become a positive move forward to shaping the future of our Industry.

We will be working together with our exhibitors to showcase to the floor the very best in innovations, technologies and systems. A big focus will be involving and connecting with those industries that link into aspects of sign making. Having other industries attend the NZ Sign Expo will be a key advantage for our exhibitors as we create the pathway and better understanding of Sign & Display technologies, processes and innovations.

This prestigious national event recognizes and acknowledges outstanding design and craftsmanship across a broad range of signmaking methods and technologies. The overall standard of entries is high and the competition is fierce. Sponsored by many of New Zealand’s leading sign and graphics suppliers, the annual awards will be held at The Cordis, Auckland on the 10th July 2021. Entries close 10th May and website is open.

If you have completed a project that deserves national recognition for both your business and your client enter today!

Equally we love to celebrate and acknowledge our rising stars of the industry of which we have our Signee Apprentice of the Year Award. Submissions are open for this and close on the 10th May, head along to our website to find out more.

CONFERENCE SHAPING THE FUTURE

At Conference we welcome experts in their fields telling their stories and sharing advice on topics such as...

‘Change’, ‘Business grit’, ‘Digitalisation’, and Mental Well Being’ . If you haven't registered already, ensure you do so before the 26th March to get your early bird rate.

0800 0800 52 www.nzsda.org.nz secretary@nzsda.org.nz

WIDE FORMAT

Matching applications to technology

U

nderstanding how print media and ink technology work is one of the keys to making profits in wide format.

My kids love visiting Roland DGA headquarters to see all the different types of printers and the cool things our inkjets can produce.

They typically ask me to print on a variety of things, ranging from banners and stickers to clothing and backpacks. While they know that there are different printers for different types of print jobs, they are still too young to understand the differences between an eco-solvent, UV or dye-sublimation model.

In their minds, all I need to do is put an object into whichever printer I choose, and it will magically come out with their customised design printed on it. When I try to educate them, I get blank stares, followed by a request to custom print another item.

I have spoken to a variety of people at trade shows, and even friends, who have expressed an interest in learning more about digital printing. Whenever I do so, I break it down to the types of inks and what they can use those inks for. This helps match the application to the best print technology.

Here is a quick breakdown of ink characteristics that I give them. I hope this can help you explain this to your customers too.

Dye sublimation Water is the carrier liquid for dyes in this process. You print onto a transfer paper, the output mirrored and looking dull and unimpressive at this stage.

Sublimation takes place at the heat press, where the inks are transferred from the paper onto a polyester fabric or polyester-coated rigid substrate.

At 204°C, the solid inks from the paper turn into gas and penetrate the polyester, This is when the colours bloom and become vibrant.

Dye sublimation is ideal for textiles such as apparel or soft signage, but it is also used for promotional items, décor and metal photo panels.

36

Eco-solvent: Roland DG’s new True Vis VF2-640 offers a wide colour gamut with green and orange ink

Eco-UV: Roland DG’s new VersUV LEC2 printer cutters use powerful LED lamps to optimise print quality

Eco solvent

LILY HUNTER, ROLAND DGA

How do you explain how to the best print solution to your clients?

Mild solvent is the carrier liquid for the pigments. During the printing process, the solvent ‘bites’ into the media and deposits the ink pigments. The heat from the printer platen evaporates the solvent, leaving the output vibrant and dry.

These are extremely versatile inks that can be printed onto a variety of media, like decals, posters, signage, canvas and heat transfer paper, allowing for many different types of applications.

UV As with eco-solvent, mild solvent is the carrier liquid for the pigments.

The UV inks lie on the surface of the media or blank, before a UV lamp goes over the printed area to cure or dry the inks. You’re able to build up the ink layer and create a variety of textures on either rolled material or flat material.

The output is dry and can

have a glossy, satin or matte finish, depending upon the UV lamp and curing process. This printing technology is good for signage, promotional products and even fine art.

Pigment Just like with UV, the inks lie on top of the surface of the fabric, typically cotton based products. Colours are vibrant, but the inks still need to be cured, which is done on the heat press. Unlike dye sublimation, the inks do not penetrate the fibres, but are cured on the surface.

Lily Hunter, product manager for Textiles and Consumable Supplies at Roland DGA in California, oversees Roland’s textile and dye sublimation printer portfolio, as well as the company’s media product line. She joined Roland DGA in 2013 after 14 years working for Arlon Graphics.

In New Zealand, Aarque Group supplies Roland DG wide format print solutions.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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ROMANO

Making 2021 a great year for printers

2020 was the year many will be happy to forget as the industry now looks ahead at recovery

A

nother year lies ahead of us.

The last one was not so hot.

History books may skip over 2020, calling it a non-year. Here are some suggestions for a happy and prosperous 2021.

Stay informed Our technology is improving every day. Whether you need more productivity for offset or digital or other areas of the plant, there are many alternatives. Perhaps too many alternatives. I attend many seminars and conferences and I am yet to attend one where I have not heard a good idea that could improve some aspect of production or increase sales.

Read. Listen. Learn.

Streamline operations Robotics have entered the printing industry. We have had automation for some time.

Remember when automatic plate loading was introduced

by Komori in 1993? And JDF workflows in 2000? Think how jobs are delivered over the web nowadays with virtual proofs returned. These were new ideas once. Just one new idea can be worth its weight in gold.

Ultra-efficiency is your goal.

Many of the skillsets of the old printing industry are now programmes and apps. New presses and digital printers are very efficient and produce more print with less labour than ever before.

38

FRANK ROMANO

Printing industry legend Frank Romano offers fresh insights into how printers can get ahead in 2021 and move on from a difficult year

Invest in new products

Buy and use wisely

Growth comes from selling more of what you produce.

But it also comes from selling new things that you can also produce if you have the right technology. Entering new markets will become more important as traditional markets begin to see softness.

Eschew the attitude that ‘if you build it, they will come’.

Do your homework and invest for good reasons.

That homework should include trade journals, websites, virtual trade meetings, research reports and any other source of information. And give new ideas the benefit of the doubt.

It is said that in 20 years, most of your income will come from print products that do not exist today.

A good example is wide format inkjet. It was introduced in the late 1990s and today is a major source of income for printers.

Perform test runs with actual jobs. Check with other users.

Consider leasing. Cutting costs should be a relentless activity.

But using technology to enter new markets is perhaps more important than ever. Many traditional printed products are being replaced by digital alternatives. Look for new areas of growth.

I expect a constant stream of new technology in 2021. Large trade shows may not run in 2021 but the new stuff will keep on coming. Many organisations are running virtual events.

Thus, the market as it is will be the market we deal with for the next year. There will always be surprises.

Thus, if you want to acquire new devices and systems today, you will find excellent alternatives. A major trend is the move to B1 and B2 digital sheet-fed printing systems. Cutsheet digital machines are now handling additional colours and large sheet sizes, and some can print special effects.

Roll-fed digital printers are selling very well because they are very efficient.

Offset will always sell. One new offset press can replace two or even three older presses and their workflows are more and more automated.

2020 has challenged us as no other year has. We have learned to adapt and change and, yes, survive.

Printers are tough folks. We made it through 2020 and we will rise again. All the best for 2021.

Measure and analyse Keep good records on productivity and all plant operations. Knowledge is power. Look for bottlenecks and communication issues.

Review how your customers deal with you and strive to make it as easy as possible.

It is axiomatic that we still make most of our money with old technology.

But the time is coming when new technology can make a difference in your plant. Your data will tell you why.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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TRADE SHOWS

Keeping a finger on the pulse

L

ast turned out to be a really challenging year. Here in Australia, we began with the bushfire crisis and things got much worse with the pandemic, which led to all of the economic uncertainties that were created. We’ve been At Visual Connections, we have been acutely aware of the impact of these events on our members and the wider industry, extending acrossw the Tasman to those of you in New Zealand, as well as on our own operations.

While some areas like packaging and labels are quite resistant to economic shock, others were hit harder as businesses looked for ways cut back on expenses across the board.

2020 was the year when the buzz words ‘agility’ and ‘responsiveness’ got real.

Businesses had to be more creative to survive. Business shifted from the physical to the virtual, like our own virtual trade show, and we saw industry businesses pivot to produce everything from social distancing floor decals and signage, to sanitiser stations and sneeze screens.

In 2020, Visual Connections created the industry’s first ever virtual trade show. We actively participated in important lobbying and industry promotion efforts, and we progressed initiatives to attract new talent to our sector and ensure access to training.

It was a tough year in 2020, but it was great to see how the industry embraced the virtual trade show, with thousands of visits, hundreds of sales leads and a slew of sales proving the appetite for innovation is still there.

Having said that, I know many will agree that nothing really beats the in person experience and we’re in a fortunate position in this region, with PacPrint in Melbourne in September looking like the first reliable option globally to get together for an on site expo.

To prepare itself this year, the industry needs to keep a finger on the pulse of this evolving market, identify 40

Peter Harper says PacPrint helps businesses equip themselves for success

PETER HARPER

Peter Harper shares his thoughts on the year ahead for the graphic arts industry

new opportunities, and find a way to deliver on the new requirements of a new world.

One thing that 2020 did for us was it demonstrated how resourceful and innovative we can be, and I truly believe that could work to our advantage as we look to expand our horizons in 2021 and beyond.

Businesses in our sector are generally already very good at adapting to change and planning ahead.

It’s also always valuable to take time to work on the business as well as in the business.

There has probably never been a more important time to review what’s happening, rebuild or replace things which are no longer working, and reconnect with your market so that you can set a clear direction for success.

Things will pick up quite noticeably this year, but it is going to take time and some sectors will take longer to recover than others. It’s going to be more of a marathon than a sprint, and I think we need to be realistic as we move forward.

For Visual Connections, we’ll continue to focus on our mandate to support the ongoing strength and sustainability of our industry through education and training, exhibitions and networking opportunities, sponsorships and grants,

lobbying and talent acquisition.

We have a lot of exciting plans for 2021 which we’ll look forward to sharing in due course, but chief among those will be events like PacPrint, which will help businesses equip themselves for success in what is a very different, very dynamic market.

We know from experience that these events provide an unrivalled opportunity to see new technologies and services, connect with the experts, and network with others.

Co-locating with the Visual Impact sign and display show and the Label & Packaging Expo, this year’s PacPrint offers the perfect place for Australian and New Zealand industry businesses to gather the ideas, information and inspiration they need, and to invest in their future success.

We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne.

Chief executive officer Peter Harper oversees operations for Australian print, graphics, and signage industry suppliers’ association Visual Connections, which runs PacPrint, which will co-locate with Visual Impact and the Label & Packaging Expo set to take place from September 28 to October 1 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

PRESENTED BY

// 28th September – 1st October 2021 // Bays 1-11, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

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DATES // Tuesday 28 September 2021 // Wednesday 29 September 2021

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// Thursday 30 September 2021 // Friday 1st October 2021

2021

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PACKAGING XXX

DIC drives indust F rom its headquarters and main factory situated in Sydney, DIC Australia and New Zealand manufactures and supplies printing ink and other surface coatings for the full range of printing and packaging applications.

A network of service factories in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Melbourne provides ink and other printing solutions for both countries.

While it has become ubiquitous through its core business, the manufacture and sale of printing inks and coatings, DIC Australia and New Zealand also markets a range of world class adhesives along with press chemicals and other print consumables.

With an annual sales turnover more than $A120 million, the company employs around 150 people across both countries.

Richard Kemp, chief operating officer for DIC Australia and New Zealand, says, “Much of our success and reputation comes from the strength of our technological expertise: our people. Every individual in our organisation plays a role in maintaining quality. Nearly 30 per cent of our staff work in a technical capacity.

“As part of the largest ink group in the world, we have access to a global network that covers market trends, product development, and servicerelated initiatives.”

The DIC liquid ink product range, specifically designed for Australian and New Zealand conditions, derives from the DIC Group worldwide and locally developed technology streams.

He says, “As part of the largest ink group, which includes the likes of Sun Chemicals, we can access the widest product and business solutions for local printing and converting operations.

“We have access to market leading products in water-base corrugated, solvent-base and radiation curing, for diverse markets from wide web flexible packaging through to narrow web label and envelope printing. The reach of the DIC

42

Ink colossus places a focus on social value and the environment

Among its aims, DIC intends to build a wide range of global number one businesses that evoke its Color & Comfort brand slogan

DIC packaging innovations include films that reduce waste

Reducing plastic waste numbers is among the environmental issues that DIC is addressing Group of companies enable us to complement our ink range with laminating adhesives, specialty coatings and ink effect products.

“Our team members share a commitment to helping DIC retain its reputation as a world class supplier. We consult with our customers to understand their needs and we use this information to constantly improve the value of not only our products but also service offering.”

A sustainable industry As the world contends with climate change, the printing and packaging industries recognise environmental concerns as a reality. DIC has long understood the need

to address these concerns and, in 2007, the company established a project team to examine the issues, following which the company has made a commitment to sustainability.

Kemp says, “DIC research and development teams must carefully assess the potential impact of any new product on the environment.

“We will not use or supply certain materials where adequate, independent data indicates there is an environmental hazard.

“We have a policy of working to continually minimise the effect of our operations. To this end, we provide data to the relevant regulatory authorities and contribute to group reports. We assess the information, and we review

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

PACKAGING XXX

try sustainability During the Covid-19 pandemic, DIC has worked to keep supply lines open for packaging companies and converters

deliver both convenience and lower environmental impact.

“For instance, our ability to successfully grow our packaging businesses depends on us effectively confronting such challenges as the need to reduce plastics and eliminate marine plastics. We understand that the key to how much our packaging business contributes to society sits in our ability to provide packaging solutions that help increase social value by advancing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials.”

Packaging innovations

Lidding film: DIC has created easy-peel anti-fog film

Cheers: DIC looks forward to helping customers achieve their goals in 2021 and beyond the likely consequences of our actions based on the best available evidence. We base the information that we provide to customers and partners on relevant and sound scientific data.”

DIC has ensured that all staff are aware of, and work in accordance with, the policy.

The company can draw on international competence and information to address specific questions that arise.

Kemp adds, “As a leader in our industry, DIC continues to contribute by supplying leading products that fit with our corporate social responsibility policy and market approach.”

Climate change, marine plastics, falling birth rates, longer lifespans, and a change in social structures newzealandprinter.co.nz

accompanying the rapid increase of digital technologies number among the concerns the company is addressing.

It has established the DIC Sustainability Index, a proprietary index that allows DIC to measure the social value of its products. The company uses the index to assess the environmental impact of products, from raw materials procurement through disposal and social contribution, and when customers use its products, from shipment until the end of their useful lives.

Kemp says, “Traditionally, we focused on improving convenience, but we must now balance that with environmental impact. The industry’s survival hinges on our collaborative ability to

At this year’s Tokyo Pack, which took place at Tokyo Big Sight in Japan during February, DIC took the opportunity to share its updated vision for a more sustainable future.

Kemp says, “The DIC booth ran with the theme, ‘The Power of Packaging’, which expresses our vision to develop diverse technologies for multiple applications. DIC took the opportunity to complement the physical booth with an online virtual presentation.”

The booth featured inks and coatings; films; adhesives; pigments; and healthcare and colour. The company introduced over 50 new packaging products and solutions designed to meet changing social demands.

For example, DIC’s new mono material offers a laterally tearable packaging film which reduces waste. Another new product called ‘Approach’ offers packaging companies an alternative to reduce marine microplastics waste.

The Covid-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of labels and packaging. DIC has made a strong commitment to the packaging sector. Robert Elmer, Solvent Base Liquid Ink business manager for DIC Australia and New Zealand, says, “We supply a complete range of inks across the board and our packaging division is one of our largest.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, supply has become Continued on page 44 March 2021

43

PACKAGING Continued from page 43 an issue across most industries.

DIC has done particularly well to keep up the supply of its products to customers. The DIC Group established a global supply chain management unit, which has helped the company to move swiftly through emergencies such as the pandemic or major disasters.

Elmer says, “For our packaging customers, supply chain flexibility is important as we supply ink to 60 per cent of the Australian market and, in New Zealand, about 80 per cent of the market. We deal with all the major packaging companies.

As part of his role, Elmer talks regularly to printing and packaging professionals and he reports positive feedback on the company’s initiatives for sustainability. He says, “For example, compostability is an area we see a huge amount of interest. As with everything, you need to have the correct certification. There is also an interest in water-based inks, especially for the high volume, fast turnover corrugated market.

“As the largest ink supplier in the world, we have a responsibility to continually innovate and look for positive ways to impact the industry.

This means expanding our outlook. For instance, we supply UV labels for the wine industry; we produce inks with security features; as well as pigments and resins.

One of the important factors in making all this possible is our team members, who are often ex-printers or laboratory trained experts; experience and industry knowledge is vital for DIC.”

DIC looks to improve convenience and balance that with environmental impact

DIC said the key to how much its packaging business contributes to society sits in its ability to provide packaging solutions that help increase social value by advancing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials

DIC has established its Sustainability Index, a proprietary index that allows the company to measure the social value of its products concentrates and Corroflex ink series specifically to meet the needs of the corrugated printing market, both post and preprint as well as associated applications such as multiwall sacks, envelopes and other fibre based printed substrates.

Its ink series extends to water-based lamination whites and water-based inks for paper cups, both PE coated and other finishes.

Specific requirements DIC has also designed its range of Accubatch ink colour

The company has inhouse compliance capability that enables it to provide customers with a high level of comfort and confidence that the inks supplied meet various end use applications and specific end user compliance requirements.

Kemp adds, “DIC also supports the entire suite of narrow web ink products that enables narrow web printers of all sizes to enter untapped markets.

Our UV and water-based technology are ideal for printing processes that include prime labels, brand protection, RFID and flexible packaging. We continually invest in innovative solutions in technologies involving narrow web printing.”

While the packaging sector continues to grow, DIC has seen a fall off in its newspaper markets.

Elmer says, “Areas like coldset and heatset have declined. Covid closed a few publications such as magazines, and some mailers but the steadiest market in 2020 was undoubtedly packaging.

People still need to buy food and household products; this provides the packaging market an increased level of robustness that does not look like changing too much.

“Of course, so much depends on what happens with the virus.

One thing we noted was how panic buying by consumers can create surges in demand.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Kemp, Elmer, and the team at DIC Australia and New Zealand, are excited at the prospects for packaging and printing in the region.

Kemp adds, “This year, we will look at implementing new strategies and innovations that we could not make happen last year. We look forward to helping our customers achieve their goals in 2021.”

DIC: acting locally and globally One of the world’s leading diversified chemicals companies, DIC turns 113 years this year.

Forming the core of the DIC Group, a multinational organisation comprising 174 companies in 64 countries and territories, DIC commands the top share of the global market for printing inks, a core business since its establishment. Since its 1986 acquisition of the Sun Chemical Group, DIC has built an 44

integrated global structure and management team.

The more recent integration of the Colors & Effects business, which DIC acquired from BASF, will further expand the DIC Group’s global presence. Among its aims, DIC intends to build a wide range of global number one businesses that evoke its Color and Comfort brand slogan. It also has an objective to deliver corporate value through diversity, earning

respect and admiration from the global community. DIC will work with employees, customers, and stakeholders to create value and enhance the DIC brand.

Two of DIC’s strategies for its business portfolio transformation are targeting areas of social value through environmental impact reduction, and providing economic value through growth, profitability, and capital efficiency.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

PACKAGING

Shaping the future of the packaging world Bobst Group chief executive Jean-Pascal Bobst has high hopes for packaging in 2021

2

020 will be remembered as unexpected and transformational.

Brand owners face increased competition and pressures around shorter times to market, smaller lots sizes, optimal protection and colour consistency. These factors, along with the rise of smaller companies, associated with new business models including e-commerce, and the need to fulfil sustainability commitments, are leading the packaging industry into a profound transformation.

It is therefore an opportunity to drive more agility and sustainability. In early 2020, Bobst announced a new industry vision aimed at connecting all packaging stakeholders throughout a new value chain to enable quality, efficiency, control, sustainability and proximity.

This vision, shaping the future of the packaging world, is based on four pillars: connectivity, digitalisation, automation and sustainability.

Within this vision, we announced Bobst Connect, our software-based offering for digitalising and connecting all products.

The vision is now becoming reality with new products and solutions and with a new company structure to be even more customer centric, less complex, and more agile, delivering more innovations.

In 2020, the folding carton and corrugated board industries were marked by an overall acceleration in e-commerce due to global online retail growth, where quality, waste reduction and goods protection are fundamentals. For folding carton, sustainability, increasing global regulation and demand for short runs and customisation also grew in importance.

In 2021, we expect to see a continued increase of short production with higher value newzealandprinter.co.nz

Jean-Pascal Bobst, chief exectutive at Bobst Group

and premium packaging, meaning small volumes and cost efficiencies for converters, requiring greater automation.

We expect significant growth in Asia, specifically China, propelled by increasing personal incomes and development of traditional retail and e-commerce products. From a product perspective, we believe that the Speed Pack, the fully automatic corrugated box packer that bundles boxes as they exit the folder-gluer, will become a new industry standard.

In labels, 2020 will be remembered as the opening of a new chapter for the industry. Bobst did not participate in the first chapter of the digitalisation of label production, but is now in the second chapter, combining high quality, high productivity and low cost of ownership.

Looking ahead to 2021, the digitalisation will be the main driver for labels.

All converters will seek for complete end to end digitalised solutions to optimise their production floor. All that can be digitalised will be, enabling converters to deliver faster, with better quality and less waste, answering the growing demand for on-demand labels production.

Looking forward to 2021, we also foresee an acceleration at the converter level for sustainable solutions, leading to increased investments in printing and coating equipment, both vacuum and wet coating equipment.

We strongly believe that plastic packaging, well produced and well recycled, has a future and we are committed to make it happen.

In 2020, experiencing disruptions and limitations in terms of travel, the word service resonated differently, and high quality remote services has never been more important. For 2021, we expect remote assistance to grow further. Quality control solutions will also gain in importance as the best way to reduce waste, reduce claims and increase profitability. The Bobst one inspection offering is part of the Bobst commitment to make zero fault packaging a reality.

In summary, 2020 was unexpected but it accelerated underlying trends and made decisions more obvious.

Connectivity, digitalisation, automation and sustainability will be the cornerstones for the future of packaging and we want to achieve this with meaningful innovations.

March 2021

45

PACKAGING

Kiwis and Aussies combine Award wins mark an incredible feat for local packaging companies

L

ocal companies have scored wins at the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

Nerida Kelton, executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) says that 10 Australian and New Zealand companies gained international recognition with 13 awards across seven categories in the awards.

She says, “Winners from Australia and New Zealand combined, received the fourth highest amount of WorldStar Packaging Awards in the world behind Japan, China and USA. This is an incredible feat for the Australia and New Zealand region.

The World Packaging Organisation (WPO) runs the WorldStar Packaging Awards. The New Zealand and Australian winners come from the annual Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards which acts as the exclusive feeder programme for the two countries into the WorldStar Packaging Awards.

The categories where the New Zealand and Australian

and Earthwise br ew Zealand’s N r fo y or eg sehold Cat eaning range on in the Hou cl Pact Group w r cent rHDPE household of PCR 75 pe

Platypus Print Packaging won in the Fo

46

od Category fo r the Youfoodz

Meal Kit

designs received recognition are: Food, Beverage, Labelling & Decoration, Health & Personal Care; Household, Packaging Materials & Components and Transit.

Planet Protector Packaging was recognised in three categories and NCI Packaging/Birdstone Collective in two categories.

There are a number of New Zealand and Australian entries in the WorldStar Special Awards, which will not be announced until the 2021 virtual WorldStar Awards ceremony.

This year’s PIDA entries closed on March 5 and the winners will be announced later this year with time and date to be advised.

NCI Pa the La ckaging and for the belling and DuluxGrou paint c Por ter’s Pa Decoration p won in C ints su an ran perior ategor y ge crafted

verage s n in the Be Ecolean wo r the Bannister Downnge fo ra ry d o g se ri te Ca illed pasteu Dair y WA ch

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

PACKAGING

e for award wins WorldStar The WorldStar Packaging Awards 2021– Kiwi and Aussie winners WorldStar Packaging Awards Food Category • Planet Protector Packaging for the Lobster Protector • Disruptive Packaging for Uniqcor for cold chain environments • Platypus Print Packaging for the Youfoodz Meal Kit • Sealed Air Brand Protective Packaging for TempGuard recyclable pre-packaged, temperature sensitive goods WorldStar Packaging Awards Transit Category • Planet Protector Packaging for the Lobster Protector

WorldStar Packaging Awards Beverage Category • Coca-Cola Amatil for 100 per cent recyclable rPET bottles • Ecolean for the Bannister Downs Dairy WA chilled pasteurised range • Brownes Dairy for Australia’s first renewable gable top milk carton WorldStar Packaging Awards Household Category • Pact Group for New Zealand’s Earthwise brand of PCR 75 per cent rHDPE household cleaning range • Birdstone Collective and NCI Packaging for the DuluxGroup Cabot’s Ready Bucket

tegory for in the Food Ca on w g in ag ck r Pa Planet Protecto ector its Lobster Prot

Coca-Cola Beverage Amatil won in the per cent reCategory for its 1 00 cyclable rP ET bottles newzealandprinter.co.nz

WorldStar Packaging Awards Packaging Materials & Components Category • Planet Protector Packaging for the Lobster Protector WorldStar Packaging Awards Health & Personal Care Category • Pact Group for the New Zealand Earthwise Glow Labs brand of PCR 100 per cent rPET bottle range WorldStar Packaging Awards Labelling & Decoration Category • NCI Packaging & DuluxGroup for the Porter’s Paints superior crafted paint can range

Pact Gro Categor up won in the brand o y for the New Z Health & Perso f PCR 10 e n 0 per cealand Ear thwiseal Care nt rPET bottle raGlow Labs nge

n, AIP Nerida Kelto

rector executive di

March 2021

47

LABELS & PACKAGING NEWS

A B Graphic installs 2000th turret rewinder A B Graphic International (ABG) has reached a global milestone, installing its 2000th Vectra turret rewinder.

Currie Group supplies ABG technology in New Zealand.

ABG’s 200th machine, a Vectra ECTR, went to the largest, privately owned label converter in the US, Cleveland, Ohio-based Omni Systems.

Since it began manufacturing turret rewinders in 1995, ABG has seen its entry level ECTR 330mm, 430mm or 530mm web widths, become the rewinder of choice for many self-adhesive label manufacturers.

Aimed at increasing production speed and workflow efficiencies, the fully upgradable ECTR

Global milestone: ABG has now installed 2000 of its entry level turret rewinders offers a range of options including automatic core loading, finished roll closure with print and apply label application, and a camera inspection system.

Dave Lawson, director of ABG’s Middleton on the Wolds turret rewinder production site, says, “Reaching 2,000 Vectra orders is a significant

achievement in 25 years.

The landmark reflects our global reach and the excellent professional relationships we have developed with key customers, and without our loyal and dedicated team at ABG we would not be celebrating this milestone.

“We now look forward to innovating and updating the designs so we can provide our customers with increased efficiencies for the future. We are particularly proud that Omni was our 2000th order, which was especially fitting given our long association.”

Working inline or offline as a standalone solution with a separate unwind module, Vectra turret rewinders target shorter lead times, reduce inventory and cut waste.

EFI partners Highcon for finishing Highcon Systems and EFI have entered into a global partnership agreement.

Ken Hanulec, EFI vice president for VP worldwide marketing says, “We see the digital corrugated market as being a strong growth area.

The EFI Nozomi solutions have become a part of the industry and, as part of our holistic view of the marketplace, we identified Highcon as being the leader in the next step in the digital process: digital finishing. Its digital cutting and creasing solutions enable the kind of on-demand production that drives customer success.

We are excited about the potential of addressing the market together.”

The companies aim to offer customers an integrated, end to end business productivity and workflow solution, providing a flexible foundation for digital growth.

Gaby Matsliach, EFI senior vice president and general manager for productivity software, says, “At EFI, we have constantly focused our efforts on driving customer productivity and have released a

comprehensive Suite of productivity solutions for the packaging industry. I have been impressed by Highcon’s similar drive for customer efficiency and we are delighted to partner with them in optimising digital procurement and production workflows.”

EFI and Highcon see the partnership improving 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.

Shlomo Nimrodi, chief executive at Highcon, adds, “We are excited about working with EFI towards a genuinely 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.”

Rescheduled Interpack set for May 2023 The next interpack will take place from May 4-10, 2023 at the Düsseldorf Trade Fair Centre.

Show organiser Messe Düsseldorf set this date in agreement with its partners and committees. It says that, provided all goes to plan, interested companies from the packaging sector and the associated 48

processing industry will have the opportunity to register online at www. interpack.com from the end of March and the beginning of April provided all goes to plan.

Exhibitors who received approval for the cancelled interpack 2021, which organisers cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic,

have already had the chance to reserve their stand positions for 2023 and can now rebook when they register.

Oriented towards the supplier sector for the packaging and processing industry, interpack will run alongside the components show. You can register for components in the same

period as interpack by accessing www.packagingcomponents.com.

The show organisers will regularly provide information on industry trends and innovations up until the next edition of both trade fairs. Messe Düsseldorf will continue to build the online presence of the shows.

March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

CONSUMABLES

Hubergroup expands its Wellington operation

F

or the past 27 years, Hubergroup’s Wellington branch has serviced the area from Wellington to Napier on the east coast and up to and including New Plymouth on the west coast.

The inks and consumables supplier had four Wellingtonbased staff working at the branch and one working off site as an in-plant technician. The capital city is also the home base of Huber’s national sales manager Peter Achilles.

At the beginning of February, due to new business that the company has recently successfully acquired, it has brought a new member, Perry Davies, on board.

Judy Bell, Hubergroup Wellington regional manager, says that with seven full-time staff, the region’s printing professionals can expect quality service from an experienced team.

She says, “The majority of the staff who work out of the Wellington branch are long term ‘Inkies’. Peter Achilles and I have worked together for 31 years. Our longstanding association with Huber ink

Expansion includes a move to larger premises

started 27 years ago. Conrad Gray, in his capacity as Hubergroup’s Wellington Operations manager, has a vast technical knowledge as a result of having spent over 40 years in the industry. He oversees all the lab work and manufacturing in Wellington, assisted by Kylie Achilles (24 years’ service).

Sam Conning, who joined us in 2020 is a recent addition to the team. Covering our Wellington liquid ink business is Vincente Montero Jr.” She is excited about growing the team and the business. She says, “We will be leveraging Perry’s expertise in chemistry and his many years of experience in this region as we expand into the coldset web market. Perry is both well-known and well respected in this area and is a welcome addition to our company.”

Due to organic growth as well as this expansion further into the web market, the lab/ warehouse at Aglionby Street, where the team had worked from for the last eight years, was no longer fit for purpose, so they had to find a bigger site.

Subsequently, Hubergroup has

moved its Wellington branch to 60 Victoria Street Petone, giving it almost double the warehouse space. Bell says, “This also makes a welcome move closer to our major clients.

“Any business growth is exciting in a time where we tend to see more contraction than expansion in the marketplace. Over 18 months ago, Hubergroup New Zealand set itself the target to add to our existing heatset business and move into the New Zealand coldset web market, whilst maintaining its focus on quality, service and innovation.

“Through no small amount of perseverance from the management team and staff involved, we are delighted to have this come to fruition.”

Hubergroup shows no signs of letting up. She concludes, “We have enjoyed servicing the Wellington region over the last 30 years and want this to long continue, new business for us adds vibrancy and diversity which will enable us to sustain the level of service we currently extend to our customers… and expand into the future.”

Hubergroup in the capital city, from left: Sam Conning, ink mixer/general hand; Peter Achilles, national sales manager; Judy Bell, Wellington regional manager; Kylie Achilles, ink technician; Perry Davies, Southern regional web manager; and Conrad Gray, Wellington operations manager

NZP CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise please email brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

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CALL OR EMAIL FOR DETAILS: maree.hansen@printing.com 021 820 474

Classifieds New Zealand Printer Classifieds make business happen Advertise here to offer used or surplus equipment or consumables to businesses across New Zealand.

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March 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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New Zealand : Unit 22, Ground Floor, 6 Ken Browne Drive, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand Tel: (64) 7 949 7722 Sydney : 38 Victoria Street, Beaconsfield, NSW 2015 Australia Tel: (61) 2 9318 0099 Fax: (61) 2 9318 0399 sales@cyber1976.com www.cyber1976.com

Singapore - Tel: (65) 6272 8936 Thailand - Tel: (66) 2 682 3411-4