New Zealand Printer March 2022

New Zealand Printer

March 2022

Supporting the New Zealand Print Industry for over 25 years

People in Print winners Community News rises Growing your audience Turn on the green light

1987-2022

with

WIDE FORMAT

years in print

+Plus

The print market is changing, and the transition from analogue to digital technology is accelerating. Creating inkjet technology that drives the industry forward, we introduce a level of quality, speed, and usability that exceeds expectations and gives creative control to the user. We develop our products so customers can effortlessly reach the future and achieve their own goals.

With over 80 years moving forward, we never stop improving and creating value from innovation that helps change the world.

With print, the possibilities are endless.

Introducing the new High Speed Model • High performance mode of 5,400 sheets per hour • High quality mode for 3,600 sheets per hour of near offset quality prints www

.fujifilm.co Contact FUJIFILM New Zealand for information: P: 0800 242 646 E: ffnz.customerservices@fujifilm.com W: fujifilm.com/nz m/nz FUJIFILM and Fujifilm Value from Innovation are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation. ©2021 FUJIFILM Corporation. All rights reserved.

March 2022 Cover Story p22-23

Kurz: Embellishment expert Kurz has a proud tradition of working alongside the industry across New Zealand, while retaining a solid focus on sustainability Features p14-42

14 Fujifilm Business Innovation: A new Primelink 9070 printer has Potton & Burton humming 16 Currie Group: Landeman Print has installed a new Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder to increase its finishing capabilities 18 Konica Minolta: James Duffy, owner of Signature Press, discusses why he purchased a new Konica Minolta AccurioPress C4070 20 Fujifilm Business Innovation: At Republik, a new ApeosPro C810 printer is making a real difference

CONTENTS Wide Format Plus p40-49

40 Aarque: Opal Kiwi Packaging has installed a Zünd cutting table with a board handling system 44 Total Supply: The wide format supplier has expanded its rigid range to now offer 47 grades of boards 46 NZSDA Update: Yes, you can raise your price without losing your clients 48 NZSDA President: Change your thinking about sustainability, says Andy Lowe 49 Drytac: You can use mounting adhesives across a wide range of applications Labels & Packaging p38

38 Xeikon: New Xeikon technology offers broader options for automation in label making

24-36 People in Print: We celebrate the winners in this year’s People in Print and Rising Stars of Print Awards.

Nominations came from across industry sectors representing a diverse cross section of people working in the industry

Advertiser’s index

Aarque APM Cardy Contact Labels Currie Group Cyber Eamar Plastics EPSON FUJIFILM FUJIFILM Business Innovation GLC Konica Minolta Kurz NZSDA Pride In Print PrintNZ RICOH Think Laterally Total Supply VPR Wholesale Print

7, 41 7 13 7 7, 17 OBC 50 43 IFC 15 5 19 OFC, 21 47 IBC 11 6 50 45 50 37

42 Think Laterally: Mick Rowan explains why the benefits of working together should be irresistible PrintNZ p8-11

8-10 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre discusses the connections that community newspapers create for us 11 Comment: PrintNZ is working hard to help you succeed, so why not come and join us, says Ruth Cobb

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER

PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: David Allen, Ruth Cobb, James Duffy, Melissa Coutts, Jerry Hill, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Mick Rowan CIRCULATION: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

From left: Craig Paul, country manager Currie Group New Zealand with Landeman owners Tony Davis and Jason Ranson and the Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder

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

New Zealand Printer is a member of the

Printer Media Group New Zealand: New Zealand Printer.

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 2022: Contents of this magazine are subject to copyright and cannot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

DISCLAIMER This publication is published by The Intermedia Group Pty Ltd (the “Publisher”). Materials in this publication have been created by a variety of different entities and, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher accepts no liability for materials created by others. All materials should be considered protected by Australian and international intellectual property laws. Unless you are authorised by law or the copyright owner to do so, you may not copy any of the materials. The mention of a product or service, person or company in this publication does not indicate the Publisher’s endorsement.

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Publisher, its agents, company officers or employees. Any use of the information contained in this publication is at the sole risk of the person using that information. The user should make independent enquiries as to the accuracy of the information before relying on that information. All express or implied terms, conditions, warranties, statements, assurances and representations in relation to the Publisher, its publications and its services are expressly excluded save for those conditions and warranties which must be implied under the laws of any State of Australia or the provisions of Division 2 of Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof. To the extent permitted by law, the Publisher will not be liable for any damages including special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages (including but not limited to economic loss or loss of profit or revenue or loss of opportunity) or indirect loss or damage of any kind arising in contract, tort or otherwise, even if advised of the possibility of such loss of profits or damages. While we use our best endeavours to ensure accuracy of the materials we create, to the extent permitted by law, the Publisher excludes all liability for loss resulting from any inaccuracies or false or misleading statements that may appear in this publication.

Copyright © 2022 — Charted Media Group Pty Ltd

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March 2022

3

NEWS Fujifilm Business Innovation printers win BLI Awards

IN BRIEF KORNIT DIGITAL has opened its new ink manufacturing facility. The 11,000 square-metre facility incorporates advanced automation, sophisticated workflows, and innovative technologies and the company expects it to fulfil global demand for Kornit consumables for the next decade. Ronen Samuel, chief executive officer Kornit Digital, says, “This key milestone in our journey will ensure we can support the tremendous growth our customers are experiencing, for many years to come as we continue to write the operating system for sustainable fashion and textiles on demand.”

DRUPA has appointed Dr Andreas Pleßke as chairman of its committee. Chief executive at Koenig & Bauer, Pleßke succeeds the former chief executive of Koenig & Bauer, Claus Bolza-Schünemann.

Pleßke says, “It is a special honour for me to also succeed Mr Bolza-Schünemann in this circle and I would like to thank the committee members for their trust. I am delighted to proactively contribute to shaping the further development and global standing of drupa in my new position with a view to strengthening its selling proposal as the world’s leading trade fair.”

GLOBAL GRAPHICS SOFTWARE has been granted a US patent for its PrintFlat software that it says improves uniformity and removes unwanted banding from inkjet output, enabling digital production of a range of products including packaging, flooring and décor, and laminates. The company says PrintFlat is cost-effective, and can be added to any inkjet press already out in the field so print, packaging and signage companies can print more jobs digitally than previously and offer a wider range of printed products to their customers.

Keypoint Intelligence has awarded BLI Pick 2022 Awards to Fujifilm Business Innovation printers.

The Apeos C7070 has received the BLI Winter 2022 A3 Pick Award for Outstanding 70-ppm Colour A3 Multifunction Printer and the BLI Outstanding Colour Multifunction Printer for Small Workgroups Award went to the Apeos C325 series and ApeosPrint C325 dw.

Yoshimitsu Komatsu, general manager, Enterprise Document Solution Business Group, Fujifilm Business Innovation Asia Pacific, says, “The BLI awards have further augmented our drive to innovate more and deliver the best printers to our customers.

“These printers demonstrate Fujifilm Business Innovation’s commitment to constantly innovate.”

BLI Pick Award winner: The Apeos C7070 printer The Apeos C7070 offers AI-based predictive maintenance for remote control and up to 270 images per minute scan capability. It achieved a BLI accorded security rating of 9.5/10. Printing at 70 pages

per minute, it delivers 1200 dpi resolution and handles a variety of paper types, including long banner print of 1300mm. The company says the Apeos printers have “proved popular in Aotearoa over the last year”.

Scholarship programme opens The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA), has opened the 2022 ABA Scholarship programme for submissions.

ABA coordinates the programme in partnership with the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP).

The scholarship will enable a candidate the opportunity to undertake a Diploma in Packaging Technology valued at $9,000. It will give a second person the opportunity to undertake a Certificate in Packaging valued at $7,000.

Nerida Kelton, executive director at AIP, says, “The Diploma in Packaging Technology prepares students to take responsibility for packaging operations at any level through the supply chain.

“It provides an opportunity to study the principles of packaging materials and packaging processes.

“Delegates who successfully complete the Diploma equip themselves for senior positions within the packaging industry.

“The Certificate in Packaging meets the training needs of a variety of people involved in packaging and is appropriate for those wanting to enhance their employment and progression opportunities in the packaging and related industries. The certificate programme provides a detailed overview of packaging processes that broadens knowledge and adds value to business.”

Applications close on April 8, 2022.

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

newzealandprinter.co.nz Join the rest of the local print industry and sign up for your free newsletter

4

March 2022

newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS

Exhibitor registrations open for drupa 2024 Organiser Messe Düsseldorf has opened registrations for drupa 2024 exhibitors.

The show takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 28 to June 7, 2024.

Erhard Wienkamp, managing director of Messe Düsseldorf, says, “drupa is the global meeting place for the industry and stands for innovations and trends. Here we will see what impact the mega trends sustainability and digitalisation will have on processes, products, business models. We will discuss the future of a constantly evolving industry.”

The show will highlight the latest technologies along the industry’s entire value chain and will have a special focus on future and crossindustry technologies. The conference agenda topics include circular economy, automation, print and finishing 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, the platform economy, and connectivity.

Sabine Geldermann, director Print Technologies Messe Düsseldorf, says, “drupa 2024 presents itself with a new, dynamic look and feel for the start of exhibitor applications. The

HI-TEC INK, which supplies Nutec Digital Ink, says it has expanded its eco-solvent ink product range to cover more printer and printhead options than before. Les King, managing director at Hi-Tec Ink, says, “Nutec’s growing range of Diamond eco-solvent inks include options designed for presses using a range of different printheads. It has packaged its low smell, fast drying Diamond inks in an array of options including bottles, pouches and cartridges. The inks provide excellent media compatibility across a broad range of self-adhesive and flexible substrates.”

Preparing for drupa: Sabine Geldermann, director Print Technologies Messe Düsseldorf new motion design of our key visual combines classic graphic design with state of the art digital technology.

It is synonymous with dynamism, motion and especially with water as the most important resource on our planet. It also visualises the top themes digitalisation and sustainability, which drive the print and packaging industries, and confront them with new challenges while offering excellent opportunities.

“International faces represent the target group of drupa. We look

Sales on the rise for Heidelberg Heidelberg has seen its incoming orders rise 16 per cent in the third quarter of its financial year 2021/2022.

Sales also rose on the previous year by 20 per cent and EBITDA climbed by 36 per cent. The company attributes the operating improvement to an increased business volume and better margins as a result of its transformation.

Rainer Hundsdörfer, chief executive Heidelberg, says, “The success of our efforts to transform Heidelberg is becoming ever clearer. Our core business is doing well thanks to our high level of innovation and our focus on customer benefits. Also, our digital business models are making a key contribution.

“What’s more, the dynamic growth in demand newzealandprinter.co.nz

IN BRIEF

for electromobility solutions continues unabated. In this sector, we are systematically pressing ahead with our expansion outside Germany. In the future, we will continue the strategic development of our business model through acquisitions and collaboration.

“Overall, we are well positioned for the future.

Moreover, the healthy order backlog creates a sound basis as we look toward the start of financial year 2022/2023.”

Heidelberg has systematically geared the group toward profitable growth in the areas of packaging printing and digital business models.

It is also focusing on new technology applications, especially electromobility and printed electronics.

forward to networking in a fascinating atmosphere characterised by diversity.

The organic structures stand for aesthetics, design, and the beauty of nature.

The motto ‘we create the future’ underscores the clear commitment of the community to jointly and proactively participate in the continuous development and design of the sector.”

AVERY DENNISON has purchased Swiss RFID innovator TexTrace, which specialises in custom made woven and knitted RFID products, which can be sewn onto or inserted into labels and garments. Avery Dennison says the acquisition enables it to continue to innovate and drive adoption within the apparel sector and unlock opportunities in non-apparel segments. Brand labels with built-in RFID are an all-in-one solution for product branding, brand and theft protection, product availability, and consumer interaction.

THERMAL LAMINATING • MATT & GLOSS • SPECIALTY FILMS • ADHESIVE LAMINATING • HOT FOIL STAMPING & EMBOSSING • ENCAPSULATION & WIDE FORMAT • METALLISED FILMS • SCRATCH OFF INKS SPOT & OVERALL UV FINISHES • SPECIALISED COATINGS • INDEX TABBING • NEW LAMINATES • SCRATCH RESISTANT MATT • VELVET FEEL • SLURPEX SOFT CLOTH & CHAMOIS PRODUCTS

ALBANY • PENROSE • PETONE Unit 3, 343 Church St, PO BOX 12797, Penrose Auckland 1642, New Zealand, +64 9 636 8354 reception@glc.co.nz ww www.glc.co.nz w.glc.co.nz March 2022

5

Ricoh New Zealand Meet the Team

David Hanson Sales & Support Analyst

This month’s Ricoh team member is David Hanson. Based in our Wellington office, David provides valuable support and insight to our customers and team.

Industry Background I have been involved with digital printing since the first PostScript laser printers arrived in 1985. In 1992 I started working in the production print area as an analyst supporting frontend software and hardware for everything from design studios to large scale transactional printing systems. Have supported many different software solutions from PageMaker/ Freehand through to the latest Creative Cloud solution, many different Variable Data Printing packages and the roll-out of stand-alone and integrated Colour Management systems.

Areas of specific interest Variable Data Printing and Colour Management are two areas I enjoy working in. Fine tuning documents and images to get the best results with the fastest ripping and printing times and the best possible quality is always satisfying.Using my knowledge of colour management and the tools available to enable customers to get high quality repeatable output is another part of my job I really enjoy.

What others say about David Dave is so passionate about everything digital with experience that goes back to the early days of computerisation in print.

We have had the benefit of Dave’s expertise for over twenty years. His advice is never biased and that means a lot in our industry. His understanding of current technology and how to overcome random problematic results has got us out of trouble more times than I can remember.

Wayne Mallo, Valley Print Limited

Achieve Graphic Greatness Combining people, process and technology to deliver outstanding outcomes

In my spare time Building or restoring cars from fabrication through to final finishing then driving them when I’m not looking after our large gardens.

David is one of a team of seven vastly experienced commercial print specialists at Ricoh New Zealand that boast over 180 combined years of experience across the industry. All are available to assist with equipment, workflow or software applications for your business, and can be contacted regardless where you are in New Zealand You can get in touch with us at contact@ricoh.co.nz

Ricoh New Zealand www.ricoh.co.nz

wwww.ricoh.co.nz/cip ww.ricoh.co.nz /cip

m

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER DIRECTORY & CALENDAR Auspack

auspack.com.au

Fespa Global Print Expo May 31 - June 3, 2022 Berlin, Germany Hundreds of exhibitors will showcase their latest innovations and product launches across graphics, décor, packaging, industrial and textile applications across eight halls. Visitors can also see the World Wrap Masters.

Labels Foil Stamping Embossing Creasing Die Cutting Perforating

fespa.com

Pride In Print Awards June 17, 2022 Christchurch Te Pae, Christchurch’s brand new events venue, will host this year’s premier print awards gala event. Tickets will soon go on sale, so watch this space and keep an eye on the website to secure your tickets to share the excitement of the night with fellow print professionals.

(09) 274-7370

admin@contactlabels.co.nz

Kiss Cutting

www.contactlabels.co.nz

4A/157 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041.

- PMS 308

- PMS BLACK

Please respect legend colours integrity

prideinprint.co.nz

pacprint.com.au

NZSDA Conference & Awards July 6-8, 2022 Queenstown ‘Innovate – Integrate – Motivate’ is the motto for the New Zealand Sign & Display Association’s Conference and Awards. The event includes the NZSDA AGM, a trip to the historic Walter Peak Station; a visit to local wineries, and the annual awards dinner. Registrations are open.

Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz

m

June 28-July 1, 2022 Melbourne With Omicron having peaked in Ausssie, the signs look good for a return to Melbourne for the region’s largest print show. Organisers want to welcome New Zealand visitors to the event that helps generate business opportunities through the latest technologies, solutions and trends.

m

PacPrint 2022

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May 17-20, 2022 Melbourne The southern hemisphere’s largest event for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical processing and packaging sectors brings together thousands of leaders to experience world-class equipment, technology and solutions. The show also features educational and networking opportunities.

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Y MACHINEERD WANT

• Consulting and Machine Recommendations Sourcing • Export/Import Sales • Machinery Inspections & Valuations • Plant Relocation OFFICE: 09 8367577, ALEX MOB. 021 975 477 sales@apm.co.nz www.apm.co.nz

Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz

nzsda.org.nz

Foodtech Packtech September 20-22 Auckland The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion and sharing knowledge and expertise.

foodtech.packtech.co.nz newzealandprinter.co.nz

Stay in front of your customers ...

Rent this space for just $150 ex gst per month.

Craig Paul 027 655 4267 sales@curriegroup.co.nz

Email Brian Moore for details: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

March 2022

7

helping hand

Community newspapers c

Former CNA president and life member Brian Neben and Reay Neben, managing director Times Media

Hyper-local: David Mackenzie, president CNA

We can’t overstate the value of our community newspapers

going on in your community?’, 29 per cent responded ‘reading our local paper/magazine’. The result was a huge surprise to 2degrees, but not to us.

“The importance of the role these papers play in getting information into local communities has been further illustrated through the pandemic. They employ local journalists and are one of the few places you will still find stories on the local sports teams/ games, students at school that excel and those hard-working people that do amazing things in their communities etc.

“This fact was ultimately recognised by a decision of the government to reverse an initial decree during the first Covid-19 lockdown that only daily newspapers would be considered ‘essential media’ and allowed to continue printing.

“Following impassioned lobbying by the Community Newspapers Association (CNA) alongside PrintNZ, the government promptly changed its position. Moreover, not only did it permit regional papers to print, it has awarded the sector about $250,000 worth of advertising over the last 14 months from the Ministry of Health, fully recognising the audience they reach with key pandemic messaging.”

C

ommunity newspapers continue to play an unmatched role in providing information and connectivity, with the value of the free publications arriving weekly in letterboxes throughout the land emphasised during the pandemic.

PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb says unequivocal evidence to the fact was provided in a relatively-recent 2degrees survey, with the sector’s status further acknowledged by the government being persuaded to change a notable lockdown policy.

She says, “In late 2018, as part of its ‘#GoodChat’ research project, a nationwide 2degrees survey revealed that community papers and magazines remained the leading source of local news for Kiwis, despite fierce competition from digital and social media.

“Of over 2000 New Zealanders asked ‘What is the main way you find out what’s 8

March 2022

IAIN MACINTYRE

Strong feedback CNA president David Mackenzie says the feedback he has received from members, which represent over 80 mastheads across about 40 publishers, is that community newspapers remain “strong”.

He says, “They are true local newspapers. They are ‘hyperlocally connected’, which makes them extremely relevant to their readers.

“Staff are located within their communities and they are passionate and active contributors, which further builds connection.”

Observing that many of the major daily newspapers appear to have somewhat “turned their backs” on aspects of local news, such as club sport, Mackenzie emphasises this remains a staple item for his sector.

He says, “Community newspapers absolutely consider covering club sport as a key part of our role and close relationships are formed with clubs in our local areas.

“Although of course sports and other events have been interrupted during the pandemic, we consider that communities are crying out for even more trusted information when they turn to their local newspapers during these times.

“Like all businesses, newzealandprinter.co.nz

helping hand

connect us to each other

Deb Wright, general manager Integrity Community Media community newspapers have felt the impact of Covid. However, the publishers that I speak to remain optimistic for the future of their newspapers.

Integral role Integrity Community Media general manager Deb Wright, whose firm’s mastheads collectively represent a monthly distribution of 156,730, proudly concurs that local newspapers serve an integral role within their communities.

She says, “Our main business activities involve all the aspects of producing a portfolio of successful monthly farming lifestyle publications, each with a regional focus covering Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay. “We also publish two weekly community newspapers: The Kaipara Lifestyler, which covers the area from Wellsford through to Mangawhai, across and through Dargaville to Pouto, and up to the Waipoua Forest; and the Weekend Lifestyler, our newest publication, that covers the Bream Bay area of Northland.

“These newspapers are an integral part of communities and we pride ourselves on giving our readers the stories they want to read and our advertisers newzealandprinter.co.nz

a publication that is worth marketing in.”

Integrity Community Media, which currently employs 27 full and part-time staff working both from its Dargaville office and other locations around the North Island, is eyeing the launch of a new publication.

Wright says, “With our current publications the goals are always the same: make them a good read and take care of our team and customers.”

Local connection vital Leanne Chamberlin, director and editor at Miller Media, which in 2019 acquired the Pohutukawa Coast Times, also feels bullish about future prospects for her publication and the sector overall.

She says, “Our goal at the moment is just to keep treading water in the current Covid-19 environment as there has been a slight downturn in advertising, and obviously our bottom line has taken a hit over the past two years when Level 4 protections prevented us from publishing.

“There are some pretty big challenges ahead and we’ve seen the larger print news players struggle.

“For us smaller players, connection with our local communities has been our

Miller Media director/editor Leanne Chamberlin saving grace and we are still managing to make it work with the support of local advertisers.”

In this vein, she values the ongoing role provided by the CNA, to which her publication has been a member “for many years”.

She says, “Most independent community newspaper publishers are very connected to their communities, but at the same time they tend to work in silos. The CNA offers its members a really valuable opportunity to connect to others in the industry.

“The CNA conference, when Covid doesn’t cancel it, is a great way to share experiences with your peers and to gain insights from industry experts that we wouldn’t get otherwise. The CNA and PrintNZ have also been very supportive and helpful throughout the pandemic.”

From the perspective of publications such as hers, which has a circulation of 6400 and employs a five-member team as well as “26 delivery kids”, Chamberlin very much invites further business model guidance.

She says, “It would be great to see the CNA putting some thought into ‘where to from here’ in terms of how independent Continued on page 10 March 2022

9

helping hand

Continued from page 9

Positive outlook

Times Media managing director Reay Neben with the Howick & Pakuranga Times 50th Anniversary issue community newspapers can continue to benefit their local communities as well as remain profitable in an increasingly online environment.

“We’re okay for now thanks to the loyal support of local businesses who see the value in print, but in another decade the readership demographic is going to change significantly, so we’ll need to find a way to keep community papers relevant and profitable.

“I see this as really important because we play such a vital role in sharing fact-checked and relevant hyper-local information to our readers. Without us, where will credible local news come from?”

As an aside, she has strong reservations about the sector adopting a model of paid subscriptions, when contrasted against “the interests of our communities”.

She explains, “Some of our most vulnerable or disenfranchised people would be alienated from local news as a result. It would be great to see the CNA doing some research into what’s being done elsewhere which might shine a light on how we can adapt our business models.”

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March 2022

Reflecting fondly on an almost 50-year association with the CNA, Times Media managing director Reay Neben is emphatic the organisation remains as relevant as it was when formed as the Country Newspapers Association in the late 1950s.

She says, “As young publishers we were in awe of these men.

The knowledge, advice and enthusiasm they shared with us gave such support and they were at the end of a phone when issues arose and you just needed a little advice.

“This was why so many small community newspapers joined the association: to meet with like minded people and discuss ideas and new technologies with your peers. A lot of talking took place at the bar after the formal part of the conference ended and the ideas flowed, friendships were formed. This continues today.”

She proudly recalls in the 1970s becoming the first woman to serve on the CNA’s executive.

She says, “This was such an honour and I proudly flew down to Wellington to Newspaper House to attend my first meeting. A woman in a man’s world that was for sure. This was the time of change.”

She adds that the mid1980s to the early-2000s were “golden years” for the CNA. She says, “The large newspaper organisations across the country saw the benefits of belonging to CNA as did new independent publishers.

“CNA was an opportunity to showcase the quality of the newspapers produced by all the member papers. Technology was starting to change at a rapid pace and the twice-annual conferences were the best way that suppliers could demonstrate their wares.”

She says the number of members “hugely increased” over this period, during which her husband, Brian, served two terms as president (before subsequently being honoured with a life membership).

She adds that an ongoing highlight on the association’s calendar remains the CNA annual awards.

She says, “To be judged against your peers is such an honour and continues to be the big incentive to do better.

“We, like all papers, strive

to produce a newspaper that is the heart of the community and provide a voice that is not heard in major media organisations.

“Warren Buffet said, when buying another of his many community newspapers, ‘No one gets tired of reading about their children’s school, local sports clubs and about what is happening in the area around their largest investment, their home. These issues are of no importance to large national media, but to the community, essential’.”

She remains passionate about the CNA and the value of its ongoing role in the sector.

She says, “The guidance and friendship from the members has served me very well and belonging to an association that is proactive and informative has been reassuring.

“During lockdown, with all the lobbying to government to gain advertising, Ruth and David worked tirelessly for our members.

“That’s what is CNA, and it's here to stay.”

CNA and PrintNZ partnership PrintNZ has provided secretarial and management services to the Community Newspapers Association (CNA) over the better part of a decade as the partnership between the two associations continues to flourish.

Cobb explains, “We have done so for about eight years now and we now also run their annual awards.

“During the pandemic these services have stepped up to include substantial lobbing on behalf of the sector and we now also act as a clearing house for government advertising.

“Up until Covid-19 prevented it from happening in 2020, the CNA has run a successful annual conference and awards evening, which is well attended. The annual conference provides both key learnings and networking opportunities for members who are often small businesses operating alone.

“We see CNA as a valuable part of our organisation and we feel passionate about ensuring the niche organisations we work with are able to access services that support their objectives and their members.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Keeping it local, let the world know

PNZORG0000 Keeping print in New Zealand is more important than ever.

Use this logo so both you and your customers can demonstrate the part you are playing.

Apply to PrintNZ on info@printnz.co.nz or phone 0800 654 455

W O R K I N G

F O R

O U R

I N D U S T R Y

A N D

O U R

M E M B E R S

E V E R Y

D A Y

We are working for you – so help us to help you

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rintNZ’s strap line is ‘Working for our industry every day’ and that is exactly what we do, never more so than over the last two years as we have learned to navigate completely new ways of doing business (and living) as a result of Covid-19.

PrintNZ is a membership organisation and there are benefits to both parties. Not all of those benefits and outcomes can be measured in dollars and cents, but they all provide value to the industry and often to your individual business.

For us, the benefit comes from representing the collective strength of the industry, working with our members, and the pleasure that comes from securing successful outcomes for both individual businesses and the industry as a whole.

Part of our role as an association is to respond in times of crisis. In the early stages of Covid-19, we made the decision that we would ensure that all of our industry was represented and informed, regardless of whether they were members of not. We have continued to provide valuable information and resources across the board so that no-one missed out.

We have been generous with our time and information, and that has been possible because of the businesses that have continued to support us through their membership, ensuring that we can do what needs to be done. And we have welcomed new members over the last two years that have recognised the value of having an industry association and how it can help their business.

So it would be really great if there were more of you who took the chance to get on board and contribute to the big picture, but also take advantage of what’s in it for you. Here’s a reminder of a few of the core things we deliver.

Access to expert advice Every day we provide assistance to member businesses, giving them advice that potentially saves them thousands of dollars.

Employment advice, health and safety; they can cost you a 12

March 2022

RUTH COBB

PrintNZ is here to help our members succeed

PrintNZ is here for you, especially in the hard times fortune if you get it wrong. We want to make sure our industry is known for having fair, compliant employers.

Education and training Even if you don’t undertake training yourself, you will have benefited from having access to skilled staff to work in your business. Now more than ever, training is vital to ensuring there is an ongoing supply of skilled workers.

We work hard in this space to ensure that businesses have access to up to date training programmes at minimal cost.

Promoting the industry The more people that understand the important role that print plays in the economy, and how effective and sustainable it is, the better that is for your business.

We give our members the tools to promote print to their customers and provide them with data that will support the choice of print. Collectively, we can provide consistent messaging to a broad crosssection of businesses and consumers to tell the good story of print.

Lobbying A big part of the role of an industry association is to lobby on behalf of its members to ensure their interests are protected, particularly when we are faced with the rapid

change that has happened over the last five years, firstly under a Labour government, and secondly with the onset of Covid-19.

We have the ability to rapidly seek feedback from members and put forward their viewpoints to try and bring balance to issues that could impact our members and the industry as a whole.

Extraordinary circumstances This is where having an industry association is so important. We are able to respond quickly and through channels and at levels that many individual businesses do not have access to. It is our job to take the lead, analyse issues look for solutions and deliver these out to the membership.

As an industry association we want to see our members succeed, ensure that our industry has a good reputation, and that there is a secure pathway to the future.

Today, as I write this, there are 12,000 new cases in the community, including quite a number of them in printing businesses which is going to create unprecedented disruption. We are here to help the industry work through that.

PrintNZ is 114 years old this year and we want to make sure there are many more years to come. Do your bit for your business and for the print community by joining us on the journey. newzealandprinter.co.nz

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DIGITAL

Potton & Burton’s Primelink makes a quality connection enables me to output high quality proofs that are using the same profiles as our Asian printers.”

Independent publisher shares local success with help from Fujifilm Business Innovation

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nnovative independent publishing company Potton & Burton has installed a Primelink C9070 digital press, supplied through Fujifilm Business Innovation.

Robbie Burton, publisher and managing director at Potton & Burton, says the Primelink C9070 fits well with the company’s philosophy of producing premium quality books. He says, “We have a strong focus on quality with our publishing.”

Based in Nelson, Potton & Burton has earned a strong reputation for the photographic books it has specialised in for decades. Far more involved than most publishers in the actual production process, Burton says, “I handle all of the colour correction and quality management myself, so anything that makes this process function well is something I am always chasing.”

The two main shareholders in the company are Burton and photographer Craig Potton, who started the company in 1988.

Burton joined as publisher in 1990.

As one of the largest independent publishers in New Zealand, Potton & Burton produces a range of printed material including New Zealand non-fiction books for adults and children, calendars, and maps which it sells to “every bookshop in the land”.

Burton says, “At one point, we had 18 employees, but two and half years ago, in the face of sliding book sales, we decided to downsize the operation in an effort to remain more nimble and focused. Consequently, we contracted out our distribution operation, which was a significant part of our business, to Bateman Books in Auckland.

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Quality and versatility

Premium quality: Robbie Burton, publisher and managing director at Potton & Burton, with the Primelink 9070 “We are now down to four permanent employees, along with a range of freelance editors and designers, a move that has worked very well for us, and enabled us to ride out the chaos of the pandemic in good health, and continue to focus on producing high quality books.

“In the bigger iteration of the company we had a larger printer off which I could run high quality proofs that our offshore printers could use for matching on press. With the downsizing of the business however, we did not have the room, or the volume of work to justify keeping this large printer, so for the last few years I have been contracting this work out.

“I have really missed the convenience and speed of having a printer in the office, so you can imagine my delight when the team at Fujifilm Business Innovation briefed me on the Primelink C9070, an office-sized printer but which

Potton & Burton is taking advantage of the innovations in the new printer.

The Primelink C9070 prints up to 70 pages per minute in colour, and up to 75 pages per minute in black and white. It prints on coated and uncoated stocks up to 350 gsm and delivers a resolution of at 2400 x 2400 dpi and it supports a variety of paper sizes, from postcards to banners.

Fujifilm Business Innovation says the Primelink C9070 incorporates some of the innovative technology available on the company’s advanced production models, enabling easy setup and automated workflows.

Burton says, “It makes a huge difference to the quality of what we can do, as we can get our files exactly as we want, print proofs, courier these off, and know with great confidence that our printers can match them. It is a really foolproof, efficient and economic system.

I spent years travelling to Hong Kong and China to press-check our books, something that is now a thing of the past with this system.”

He is also impressed with the digital front end and software that the Primelink C9070 offers. He says, “The Fujifilm RIP and software is working extremely well, and gives us the kind of control that is really important in high-end colour printing.

“The whole package is a fantastic piece of technology, which I can’t recommend highly enough.

“Even after three decades of making books, I’ve lost none of my enthusiasm for making good books, especially when the quality of production matches great content, and I so appreciate any tool that makes this easier. The Primelink C9070 is one of those.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

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FINISHING

Landeman adds Horizon for a quality finish

From left: Craig Paul, country manager Currie Group New Zealand with Landeman owners Tony Davis and Jason Ranson and the Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder

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ocally owned and operated Landeman Print & Display has gone through numerous changes since Ken Landeman founded the company in the 1970s.

Present owners Jason Ranson and Tony Davis have decades of experience in the industry. Jason’s father was in the trade and through one of his contacts, an apprenticeship opportunity arose for Jason in a prepress department as a photo lithographer. After qualifying, he worked at a much larger prepress house becoming foreman, then general manager.

In the late 1990s at the age of 26, he left and started his own prepress company.

He says, “With prepress changing and most printers no longer outsourcing, we gradually moved away from prepress into printing and signage. We did a lot of work for Landeman and through this relationship, an opportunity came up in late 2014 to buy Landeman.

“Over the years, Landeman purchased and merged a number of print companies, including Davis Print, which brought Tony on board. He is a qualified printer and general manager.

“We have a varied clientele from large corporates in retail to the small one person businesses, and pretty much everything in the middle.”

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March 2022

Currie Group supplies high productivity Horizon finishing

Recently, Landeman Print & Display installed a Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder.

Jason says, “We had machines coming to the end of life and we had a need for better quality and finishing, especially on heavier stocks, to meet our clients’ needs. The Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder is a quality product. It can crease, fold, and perforate – all in one compact unit.”

Craig Paul, country manager at Currie Group, says, “The Horizon CRF-362 Creaser and Folder handles a vast range of printed material. Its high quality creasing is ideal for preparing perfect bound book covers.

“By selecting up or down creasing, you can produce spine, hinge, and flap creases and you can set up six different folding patterns using the icon based touch screen. Its two fold knives handle high quality folding, even on heavy stocks.”

Landeman finds working with the team at Currie Group easy. Jason says, “While this was our first purchase from Currie Group, it was extremely seamless. The time from quote to install was less than a week.

“I have known Craig Paul for over 20 years. The pricing was very competitive and Craig has always provided great service and advice.

“Since we installed it, the Horizon has helped speed up production with its ease of

set up and the fact that we no longer have to use two or three machines to complete the one job. It is great to have a quality product that actually does what it is supposed to do.

“It has made a big difference now that we can crease and fold heavier stocks accurately from the digital press, maintaining the highest quality output. We are keen to try different things with the Horizon but we haven’t had it long enough to do so.

“We have found it very challenging in the current Covid-19 climate. The industry seemed to bounce back quite quickly after Auckland came out of the four-month lockdown, but things have slowed considerably with the Red Light change. Issues around stock supply and price increases are putting pressure on this industry, among many others.

“With the pandemic ongoing, we have to be sensible about any purchases we make but we must also keep looking forward.

“We enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve their projects. Work is never boring because every job is different. We can be printing a magazine one day and doing signage or display work the next.

“As a smaller printing company, we don’t try to compete with the bigger printers; we simply work to our strengths.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.curriegro up.co.nz

DIGITAL

AccurioPress C4070 exceeds expectations at Signature Press

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James Duffy, owner of Signature Press, between Konica Minolta’s Mark Northin (l) and Rob Whiting with the AccurioPress C4070 ost print shops these days are now familiar with going back into the market every four to five years to upgrade their digital toner press and in doing so, inviting the four main players in the field to pitch their latest and greatest machines and what they now can offer.

Four years ago, we decided to stick with the supplier we were currently with, as we had been impressed with the print quality, performance and reliability, and we enjoyed the relationship formed over the last five years with that company.

We signed up for another four-year term with their updated version, which offered a range of features such as quicker print speeds, a fifth colour option of white, clear or fluorescent colours, better click rates.

And again, we enjoyed a great relationship with the team. But nine years on from not going to the market left me this time thinking, “We need to see what else is out there”.

Nine years is a long time, and the progression in this field is changing at a rapid pace.

So, we invited the four main players in this field to show us what was on offer that best suited our output quantity and typical work type.

The outcome I felt was, for most part, that all of them have a very good product now with

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March 2022

James Duffy, owner at Auckland based Signature Press, describes his experience with the company’s new Konica Minolta AccurioPress C4070

comparable print quality, speed and versatility.

So, what was going to make one stand out from the rest?

Firstly, with Covid lockdowns happening and business uncertainty, overall operation cost had to be a big factor.

Secondly, we had enjoyed excellent back up service and call out response times with our previous supplier and we needed to be assured that this was going to be the case going forward if we did change suppliers.

Thirdly, we wanted a machine that had excellent suction feed systems for more controlled feeding of stocks; excellent registration capabilities; and colour control measures that check the sheets on the fly to maintain perfect colour consistency throughout the run.

Also, being offset printers, we want the digital print to look and feel as close to offset as possible.

After a lot of deliberation, Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C4070 stood out from the rest.

Of particular interest for us was Konica Minolta’s new IQ 501 unit that is an option for the new press.

The IQ unit can perfectly align front and back prints in one sheet pass allowing for perfect alignment and super quick make-readies.

The intelligent IQ 501 also scans each sheet and corrects registration, colour density and

tone on the fly. Another add-on feature was the high capacity banner tray option. This allows us to print sheets up to 762mm long and 330mm wide and duplex 300gsm allowing us to easily produce A4 six-page brochures and landscape A4 perfect bound covers for books.

The AccurioPress C4070 was replacing the older 3070 model and at the time, they had arrived in Australia but were not yet available in New Zealand.

We were given approximate lead times for installation, but Covid was always going to hinder shipping times and cause delays.

Rob Whiting, and the team at Konica Minolta, kept us up to date with what was happening and once the machine arrived, it was quickly installed and up and running.

Konica Minolta assured us they are here for the long haul and are developing new technology to ensure they stay at the cutting edge of the digital print market.

They listened to our requirements and put together a very competitive proposal. They have been very accommodating with meeting our requests for a seamless changeover.

The installation process went smoothly, and we have been up and running with the AccurioPress now for just over three months. During that time, the machine has outperformed my expectations. newzealandprinter.co.nz

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DIGITAL

Apeos pushes productivity at Republik for a mixture of colours. It automatically detects if RGB images, such as photos, are ‘Portrait’ or ‘Scenery’ and corrects them to match the characteristics.”

Fujifilm Business Innovation supplies high quality ApeosPro printers

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ward winning advertising agency Republik recently installed an ApeosPro C810 printer, supplied through Fujifilm Business Innovation.

Paul McNamara and business partner Craig Abbott own Republik, which employs 18 full-time staff members and “numerous contractors”.

McNamara says, “Republik started back in September 2001. We do all forms of above and below the line advertising creative and production; direct mail; digital and social media; planning and management.

“We need a machine that can deliver high quality colour printing and proofing and the ApeosPro does exactly that. We had several reasons for choosing it over other machines. To start, it has a small footprint. It gives us unbelievable print quality at a high speed. Also, we use it to print textured stocks and substrates.”

Exemplary results

Nadine Hollows, studio manager at Republik, with the ApeosPro C810

High image quality Ross Tottenham, manager for EDS products at Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand, says, “The ApeosPro C810 has the world’s first LED printhead to achieve 2400 x 2400 dpi high resolution. Its LED printheads, which are compact and have high image quality, have evolved to be sharper and higher definition.

It uses Super EA Eco toner with

the industry’s smallest toner particles for smooth gradation and it handles a range of stock and weights from 52gsm to 350gsm, offering a banner length print of 330mm.

“Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) comes standard with the ApeosPro C810. This allows you to maintain print quality by scanning dedicated charts to automatically calculate the appropriate adjustment values.

This quick and simple user operation removes the need to remember fine calibration values.

“Its Graphic Print (GP) Controller provides high image quality and productivity with 1200 × 1200 dpi highresolution RIP processing and 10-bit smooth gradation correction for reproducing text, thin lines, and gradations. It also has a 3D calibration that allows for colour adjustment of CMYK single colours and

Republik has put the ApeosPro C810 to good use since the installation. McNamara says, “The ApeosPro manages all our scanning and printing requirements, from printing out invoices and miscellaneous office paperwork, to colour proofing and high quality limited run booklet printing.

Before we installed it, we could not do high quality colour printing on heavier weight textured stocks. Now, we can.

“One of the major benefits is that we can print high quality content onto textured stocks and get an exemplary result.

And now we can print SRA3, so we can print A3 with bleed. The other great feature is that we can print extra long sheets for banners etc.

“With our present setup, we don’t have space for the finishing unit but it would be awesome to have one.”

Republik has a strong relationship with the team at Fujifilm Business Innovation.

He says, “They have been our chosen print technology provider since our inception.

They keep us at the leading edge of digital print technology.

“The team at Fujifilm Business Innovation, from the account management team, the technology specialist that looks after us, and the service team (not that we’ve had to use them with this printer) are all quality and service focused. They are seriously good people to be working with.”

ApeosPro C810 delivers a range of benefits for Republik Fujifilm Business Innovation lists the ApeosPro C810 features: • Professional Output Quality • High resolution LED printhead print output offers 2400 dpi resolution • Vibrant colours with Super EA Eco toner and its smallest toner particles for smooth gradation • Gloss function 20

March 2022

• Clear reproduction of images with fine lines and small text • High productivity level with continuous operations • Durability and ability to handle core output and high volume printing.

• Low wear photoconductor drum with long life reduces the frequency of drum replacement

• High capacity paper feed up to 7360 sheets • Replace toner and add paper without stopping the print jobs in progress, and maximise machine runtime • Maintain print quality with easy adjustment • Inbuilt standard Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) to easily and quickly adjust the print quality • Top print speed of 75 ppm newzealandprinter.co.nz

RECYCLABLE. COMPLETE.

VERIFIABLE. KURZ

LEONHARD KURZ (AUST.) PTY. LTD. Unit 4, 81 Frenchs Forest Road Frenchs Forest, N.S.W. 2086 Sydney Australia Phone +61 1300 00 5879 salesaust@kurz.com.au www.kurz.com.au

With KURZ transfer technology, only extremely thin and demonstrably pollutant-free decorative layers are transferred, not foil. Therefore, the recyclability of products finished with it is clearly not impaired.

Learn more: www.kurz-graphics.com/nofoil

COVER STORY

Green leader Kurz invest Embellishment expert retains a solid focus on sustainability

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remier sponsor for The People in Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards Kurz has a proud tradition of working alongside the industry across New Zealand.

Stephen Pratt, managing director of Leonhard Kurz Australia & New Zealand, says, “People are the lifeblood of any business and the old adage holds just as true for the print industry today.

It is great to finally see a category of industry awards that specifically recognise and honour the amazing achievements of some of the outstanding people working in our industry. Just as significantly, it is important to recognise those new faces who are forging a successful path in our industry and best of all, these awards will be peer nominated. Kurz New Zealand is proud to be involved in supporting the 2022 People in Print Awards and Rising Star Awards.

“We are especially pleased to see so many individuals and companies taking up the challenge to make our industry more sustainable through their work. And we salute all of the winners of People in Print Awards and Rising Stars of Print Awards.”

For the past 25 years, Kurz has serviced the New Zealand print industry as the market leader in stamping foils.

Stephen says, “Today, Shawn Cross and his Auckland based team continue to deliver Kurz outstanding products and services to all our customers, who we thank for their ongoing support.

“While Covid restrictions on business are challenging at present, the market’s appetite for metallised transfer coatings continues to remain strong. We are seeing high demand for our products in wine and beverages, FMCG, Pharmaceuticals and the Food sectors, all of which are driving growth. Smart brand owners and designers are specifying

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March 2022

“People are the lifeblood of any business,” says Stephen Pratt, managing director of Leonhard Kurz Australia & New Zealand stamping foils to elevate their packaging to enrich and create high quality, luxury effects, clearly differentiating their brands and products from their competitors.

“Foiling and embellishing is a specialised business and many of our customers see Kurz as a business partner providing full service and expertise to help them deliver additional value to their customers. Kurz has resources on our website for designers, packaging and label converters, foil stampers and digital printers alike.

“As a global leader in thin film (hot and cold transfer coating) technology, Kurz develops and manufactures decorative and functional transfer coatings for a range of applications, from the packaging and printing industry through to the automotive, electronics, card and textile sectors.”

Safe and sustainable Kurz Stamping Foil is fully recyclable and deinkable.

Stephen says, “Kurz is often asked about the sustainability and recyclability of our products and this is a topic close to the hearts of the Kurz family.

“There is a common misconception that foil is transferred to the substrate during hot stamping and cold transfer, creating a composite (laminate) that is difficult or even impossible to recycle. But that’s not correct!

“Although foil is used for both processes, it only serves as an intermediate carrier

for Kurz’s finishing products.

The actual finishing is an ingenious sequence of ultrathin varnish or metallisation layers separated from the intermediate carrier in the machine and transferred to the material to be finished by heat and pressure during hot stamping or pressure and adhesive during cold transfer.

“The coating itself does not affect the recyclability of the product. Plastic packaging with finishes from Kurz can be mechanically recycled, coated paper and cardboard can be recycled as usual or sometimes even composted.

“In the recycling process, deinkability is a crucial requirement for paper and cardboard. This means that printing inks and other surface treatments such as finishes, paints, and fillers from the paper fibre can be dissolved to produce new paper from the cleaned ingredients.

The International Research Association for Deinking Technology (INGEDE) has certified many Kurz transfer products, both cold-transferred and hotstamped, as deinkable. New certifications are constantly being added to Kurz’s other products and innovations. The deinking residue is usually used thermally to generate electricity and process heat (steam) in paper mills.”

Long-term commitment Kurz is making brand and product protection greener.

With a decades-long commitment to environmental newzealandprinter.co.nz

COVER STORY

sts in the industry’s future

With a determined focus on sustainability, Kurz Stamping Foil is fully recyclable and deinkable

As part of its long-term commitment, Kurz is making brand and product protection greener and climate protection, Kurz continues pursuing a longterm sustainability strategy for all of its products. Under the motto ‘be a green leader’, the company has set the goal of further expanding its claim to leadership in the area of sustainable product solutions and concepts.

Stephen says, “Kurz continues to lead the way in life cycle thinking for the future. The latest product release in our Trustconcept brand protection and verification solutions will support customers wanting to significantly improve their ecological footprint with the help of environmentally friendly brand security labels.”

As Kurz increases the sustainability of security labels, significant influencing factors include the source and value chain of the materials used. For example, renewable materials can replace fossil raw material sources. This leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Another option is the re-use of waste and by products from other industrial processes and newzealandprinter.co.nz

their incorporation into the compound of the label. Kurz uses materials made from recycled components in both the plastic and paper sector, or the material can simply be reduced to the absolute necessary minimum weight in order to improve the carbon footprint of a product.

In addition to the responsible procurement of the materials used and their suitability within the usual production and decoration processes, it is also important for Kurz that the products can be processed in the existing recycling streams.

New sustainable labels Recently, Kurz created five new Eco Label variants to help customers make its products more sustainable in the future, without sacrificing the quality to which they are accustomed.

Kurz also continuously works on the development of further sustainable solutions.

Stephen says, “The Kurz Premium Eco Label, a woodfree, yet paper-like label, impresses above all with its

high quality, durable, mattegloss surface with a soft-touch feel, 80 per cent of which is made of a waste product from marble decomposition.

“The rPP Eco Label, a white plastic label, largely made from recycled packaging film, can hardly be visually distinguished from conventional standard polypropylene labels and is in no way inferior to these in terms of its known product properties.

“With the wbPP Eco Label, Kurz provides its customers with another sustainable alternative to conventional plastic labels. The transparent outer material used here is made with residues from pulp production and is therefore practically a wood-based plastic label.

“For the light Eco Paper Label, the use of materials has been reduced to the necessary minimum weight, which means it noticeably improves the ecological footprint. The primary energy requirement, freshwater consumption, and the emission of climate damaging carbon dioxide can be demonstrably reduced here.

“This also applies to the PCR Eco Paper Label, which has 99 per cent post-consumer recycled fibres, without losing any of its brilliance.”

He points out that, despite the ecological advantages of using the new labels, Kurz never compromises on quality or durability. He says, “The new Kurz Eco Labels, which protect products against counterfeiting with the tried and tested Trusteal Protect thin-film technology, are in no way inferior to the previous labels in terms of design and security.

They ensure unambiguous authentication of the product and enable identification or seamless supply chain management, for example, by means of a QR code.

“With the new Kurz ‘Eco Label’ line, TrustConcept combines high-quality brand and product protection with a strong environmental awareness, thus creating modern, contemporary, and above all sustainable alternative solutions in the fight against product and brand piracy.”

March 2022

23

in association with

People in Print and Rising Stars of Print Awards

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elcome to the People in Print and Rising Stars of Print Awards for 2022.

While the Covid pandemic has prevented us from hosting a live event, we have taken the opportunity to feature the awards winners in this issue of New Zealand Printer Magazine. It would have been easy to cancel the awards for the year and hope that the pandemic will go away so we could host them again next year. However, that would have ignored the amazing work that our awards winners have done since our inaugural event.

So we are thrilled to publish the winners in this issue of New Zealand Printer Magazine.

The past two pandemic years have affected everyone. Some sectors of the economy have suffered devastating and catastrophic damage, while others have suffered to a lesser degree. Correspondingly, the print, signage, labels, packaging and associated sectors have felt the pain.

The People in Print and Rising Stars of Print Awards celebrate those who have achieved excellence over the past 12 months. That encompasses a number of areas such as their work in a particular field of the industry, for example prepress, offset, digital, finishing, design etc. It also recognises people in the industry who had contribute through their service to and work in the community; their contribution to sustainability and the environment; and welfare of colleagues in the industry.

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March 2022

This year, nominations came from across industry sectors, so we know that the award winners represent a truly diverse cross section of people working in the industry, from corporate managers to small business owners and experienced press operators to newcomers.

We acknowledge and thank the support we have received from our Platinum sponsor Kurz New Zealand. Also thanks to our Gold sponsors: Aarque, Cardy, Currie Group, Cyber New Zealand, Epson, Fujifilm New Zealand, Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand, Konica Minolta, NZSDA, Pride In Print, PrintNZ, Ricoh New Zealand, Spicers New Zealand/Total Supply, and Wholesale Print.

We also express our gratitude to Ruth Cobb and her team at PrintNZ for their ongoing and positive support for both the awards and for New Zealand Printer Magazine.

Although we could not have a live event this year, we are still looking forward to some live events that can take place later in the year. The Pride In Print Awards travel to Te Pae in Christchurch on June 17. Last year’s Pride In Print Awards gala evening gave the industry a real shot in the arm and we know it will be even better this year.

Another calendar event is the NZSDA Conference and Awards set down for Queenstown from July 6-8. This will be the first chance in two years for Signees to gather.

And, across the Tasman, PacPrint is scheduled to run from June 28 to July 1 in Melbourne.

Finally, congratulations to all our People in Print and Rising Stars of Print Awards winners.

newzealandprinter.co.nz

PLATINUM SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

Aarque I Cardy I Currie Group I Cyber I EPSON I FUJIFILM I FUJIFILM Business Innovation Konica Minolta I NZSDA I Pride In Print I PrintNZ I RICOH I Total Supply I Wholesale Print

David Atkins SCG The recent merger of Image Centre Group (ICG) with Soar Print to form SCG sees David continuing as an innovative leader in the New Zealand print and media community. He possesses invaluable experience from his time assembling a top

team of specialists at OCG, which he transformed and positioned as one of the country’s premier multi-media production companies, while retaining the values of the family-owned business that his father Syd started.

Ricky Baker Stuff Producing the DomPost and other titles keeps Ricky and his team busy at the best of times, but keeping Stuff going strong through the pandemic has thrown plenty of curve balls Ricky’s way. However, he takes pride in, “the way the everyone in the team

has managed to cope with it all. The first lockdown was tough, but last year we rebounded well. It is still tough and this year will be the big unknown. Importantly, we will face it as we go, and we have plans in place.”

Bridget Batchelor Caxton Design & Print Excellence Caxton has operated as a successful business in Christchurch for over 85 years.

Bridget has guided the company through a number of changes over the past few years and now, with Covid here, she takes great pride in leading “the amazing staff of Caxton

though incredibly trying times. Caxton is a great team and by working together we have overcome all challenges we have faced.

There are a lot of things to look forward to, but really the end of Covid-19 would be the ultimate in good news.”

Aidan Bennett Benefitz Since its inception in 1988, Aidan has worked to make Benefitz a diverse business covering a range of industry sectors, with a community-oriented focus. Benefitz has a reputation for thinking outside the box and getting the job done in a professional and

timely manner. Aidan credits his co-directors and team at Benefitz for the company's ongoing success. A recipient of a Queens Service Medal, Aidan also works on the local Community Board and is involved in numerous community initiatives.

Soni Bhavik Soni Design Soni realised a dream when he founded his own company six years ago, working out of his garage. A natural entrepreneur, he has grown the company using his abilities in design and digital print solutions. He says, “I am using all manner of marketing tools at

newzealandprinter.co.nz

my disposal, such as direct marketing and press advertising, to continue building the business. I find this both exciting and rewarding. Now, I am looking at offset as well as digital print. I love taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.”

March 2022

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Sunny Bhutoji NorthStar Design & Print Last year, Sunny moved his business to a bigger location. He says, “With Covid, business fluctuated a bit but we kept going.

Now, in a new area and looking for new business, we believe the relocation will bring a positive change and we look forward to

that. 2020 and 2021 were difficult but we were able to bounce back and meet the challenges that came along. The industry is a demanding one but, if you are on your game, you will find that it works for flexible businesses.”

Sam Blenkiron Mirage Visuals Sam has taken Mirage Visuals to the next level with a mix fresh ideas and new technology. He says, “The best thing about what we do is customer satisfaction. We really enjoy working with our customers to get the best results. Like everyone, we have

dealt with the waves of the Covid pandemic and we have managed to make it through so far. Business is good right now and we want get to the new normal, with a flexible attitude, and keep the company moving in the right direction.”

Jonny Broderick Broderick Printing & Design Always upbeat, Jonny Broderick says he feels grateful to have been able to meet the challenge of “keeping everyone employed during Covid”. The company continues to provide a diverse range of innovative printing products and never compromises

on quality. He adds, “It is always exciting to come to work and take on new projects because you never know where they will take you. One of our advantages is that we have such a great team and we love what we do.”

Michelle Burrows Speedprint Michelle and her husband Glyn bought Speedprint in 2015 and have built the business up using a mix of the latest technology and a “dedicated team that strives to always provide exceptional quality printing, design and large format services”.

Michelle says, “We are exceptionally proud of our team and the achievements we have all made. Covid has proved challenging and everyone has pulled together to get through it. We enjoy providing exceptional service to our customers.”

Martina Carroll Freedom Plus Rising Star Martina’s work at Freedom Plus covers prepress, digital print, graphic design and “a touch of admin when things get hectic. I really enjoy the innovative attitude of our team and the way this job is constantly evolving. There are always new

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aspects to master and new technologies for us to explore. It is exciting when we think that, when we started, we were operating out of a garage. Now we are bursting out of a factory. I look forward to seeing where we go next.”

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Raja Chakrabarti Allied Press Raja has just completed his post graduate diploma in Occupational Safety Health and Safety Management at SIT, while steering his staff through the Covid pandemic. He says, “The team has worked really. It makes such a difference when you have a great, self

motivated team of people. We have completed done preventative maintenance and dropped call-outs significantly. Print quality has risen as well, so I have to admit it has been a pretty good year all things considered.”

Glenn Climo 5Digital As a director at one of the country's most innovative print businesses, Glenn is described by his fellow team members at 5Digital as a “hands-on printer who is always willing to go the extra mile to not only get the job done, but to also do it to the

highest possible standard". Always available for a chat, his work ethic is an inspiration to those around him. A former Apprentice of the Year, he has spent his entire working life in the industry and he shows no signs of letting up now.

Brian Cornes Beacon Print At Beacon Print for the past 22 years, Brian says he still really enjoys coming to work and dealing with “whatever challenges come my way. It is interesting how different each day can be and it is quite rewarding to be able to get people's messages across to their

audience by using the power of print.

Although I have seen many changes in the 34 years I have been in the industry, that fact has not changed. Print has a truly special place in the community as a trusted source of information.”

Bryce Coulbeck Leading Label Central to Leading Label’s success, owner Bryce Coulbeck has a positive attitude to running the company and shares that with his team. He says, “I love having the opportunity to expand the business and we have used the latest technology as a major

factor in achieving our growth goals. Of course, this has to be an ongoing process and a major factor is keeping the team up to date and informed of our progress and plans. Basically, if everyone else is happy, then so am I.”

Jill Cowling Blue Star Group Jill has nothing but praise for the staff and management at Blue Star as it made its way through the pandemic. She says, “We use the word resilient a lot. It has actually been more about our people and how they have worked amazingly with us – the stakeholder,

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shareholders, customers, and staff to make sure we can keep doing what we do. We proved we could not be broken. My communication has been a big ‘Thank you’ to our staff. People have been scared but they have shown how amazing they are.”

March 2022

27

Sean Davidson Geraldine Signs With several initiatives underway, Sean is moving his business in the right direction.

He says, “We have plenty of work happening and we are still expanding the business. We are four years in and making it work and it is good. We have taken on new staff and that

has made big difference. They key to keep things moving forward is to keep changing up just keep tweaking and dial in all our systems and productivity. We are custom designing our own management system and doing a bit of marketing work.”

Darryl Deed Go Graphics Darryl has expanded his business by taking it into different areas of production. The former Apprentice of the Year finalist believes the industry is moving in the right direction with advances in technology making a difference to what he can provide

for his clients. He says, “We are producing a more diverse range of printed products for our customers. I am really excited by the possibilities that the industry offers, especially in terms of employing different and innovative technologies.”

Christina Drummond Windmill Press Basing her new business in Palmerston North, Christina is enjoying the challenge of making letterpress products for a diverse market from her home-based studio. She says, “Palmerston North has everything you need without being too big. Letterpress is

still great to work in. I had just the one Heidelberg platen but I have since purchased another one for foiling. I love what I am doing. Right now, Covid is a challenge with wedding stationery but we are hoping that will change soon.”

Lawrence Evans Redshift/Wholesale Print As one of the most visionary print leaders in the country, Lawrence continues to try new directions with his nationwide print service.

New equipment and new ideas are keeping his Wholesale Print enterprise busy as the country’s largest trade printer. He says, “The

opportunities for creativity and innovation are as exciting now as they have ever been. It doesn’t matter whether companies approach it through digital, offset or other technologies, the industry should look forward to a strong future in print.”

James Fletcher Sharp Print Finishers The experience at Sharp Print Finishers certainly reflects the current state of the industry. James says, “Mainly, it has been steady with a few ups and downs. The packaging side continues to be strong and is expanding across the industry. However, the

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conventional print side is slower and that is to be expected. We are happy with where we are. I love the different work we do. The diversity that this job offers and the different print products make coming to work worthwhile.”

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Graeme Foote Fusion Print Looking forward to getting back to normal once the pandemic is finally over, Graeme says, “Through Covid, overall it has been reasonable. With Omicron heading our way, we don’t want to get sick but we have plans and we really want to get back to being able

to trade in a normal way. Also, I would be keen to go to an industry event, whether it is a trade show or the Pride In Print Awards. I believe it is important to meet your peers and gain a shared understanding of the challenges we all face.”

Gary Furness Crucial Colour Leading one of the country's high end print companies, Gary says the past few years have thrown more than a few curve balls, from supply difficulties to pandemic restrictions. Crucial Colour continues its output of high quality printing across the

board. He says, "Despite all the challenges we have faced recently, we believe strongly in providing the best service to our customers and without a doubt, the most important part of that is the quality of people we have here at Crucial Colour.”

Dave Gick Logick Print & Graphics Three-time Pride In Print Supreme Award winner Logick Print & Graphics will once again enter the competition. Dave says, “It’s important to support the industry and PrintNZ does just that. There is still a demand for high end specialised printing

and we are proud of what we do. Right now, we think that once Omicron takes hold, the supply chain will be affected so we have had discussions about planning for if we get it.

The sitution now is different for everyone and we hope to get to the new normal soon.”

Theresa Holmes Blue Star Collard Respect and regard for her team and clients are significant for Theresa. She says, “Determination and team work are significant factors. As a business, our broad range of clients and equipment have also helped. The team members are so willing

and flexible. They have been working together for each other and for our clients, being willing and flexible. The growth in our packaging business is a plus and it is exciting to see the development, internal training and promotion of the next generation.”

Mike Horler Horton Media A love of print keeps Mike Horler as enthusiastic about his job now as he has ever been. He says, “The work is good at Horton Media. We now print all Auckland Stuff community publications and we are still holding our numbers at the Pride In Print

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Awards. The smell of ink still makes me feel great when I walk around here. Keeping 30 people employed under Covid has been a big a challenge, especially under Auckland’s lockdowns but it is pretty awesome how everyone has pulled together.”

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Tim Houlden APC Innovate The recent acquisition of Jazz Print has kept Tim Houlden busy and he is now looking forward to business as usual with customers. The company is the country’s leading designer and manufacturer of point of sale solutions and packaging and has won

over 100 gold medals at the Pride In Print Awards, testament to the quality of its work.

He says, “Our approach has always been to provide the very best service to our customers and our team can take pride in its achievements.”

Ricky Howes Brebner Print Brebner Print has an impressive service offering. Ricky says, “Achieving and maintaining Toitū enviromark gold certification is something that our team is proud of as we continue to find ways to reduce our environmental impact. Over the

last two years, we had some long serving staff leave, which gave us the opportunity to employ new talent with fresh ideas and energy. The challenges that we have faced together over this time have galvanised us into a tighter and stronger team.”

Jeremy Hunt Big Brown Industries ‘Always positive’ is Jeremy’s motto. He advocates for recognition of the craft in his work. He says, “In the future, signage will embrace technology but remember tradition. The new technology comes thick and fast but there is a lot more call for old

traditional signage. We need to utilise both.

The old dogs need to learn new tricks, myself included. Having said that, the future is looking great and we have had to expand to ensure we are still around. Of course, we will need some help.”

Travis Jordan SCG As Apprentice of the Year, Travis knows he has found the right occupation. He says, “I love the sense of respect we have for one another in the print industry. We all share our tough days and our good days. I am really excited to continue to innovate and

grow alongside the ever evolving technology that we have up and coming within the industry. I want to step out of my comfort zone to try something new. I am excited to see where the industry may take me in the future.”

Graham Judd Inkiana Press After setting up a mobile Albion press, Graham saw his plans to travel the country, teaching letterpress initially curtailed by Covid. But he has realised his ambition and continues to teach letterpress techniques.

He is proving to be a wonderful advocate for

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the power of print. He says, “I have collected type from various places and it is enough for some variety at the workshops. I have to admit that, as I have entered my retirement years, I have become a little obsessed about letterpress printing.”

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Aarque I Cardy I Currie Group I Cyber I EPSON I FUJIFILM I FUJIFILM Business Innovation Konica Minolta I NZSDA I Pride In Print I PrintNZ I RICOH I Total Supply I Wholesale Print

Brent Kale Kale Print Production manager at Kale Print, Brent continues a family tradition in printing. As a member of the Kale Print management team, Brent is a key contributor to the strategic direction of Kale Print and is also a judge at the Pride In Print Awards. He says,

“We believe in updating our technology, always with an eye on trends within printing and in other sectors. If you don't do that, you can get left behind. It is quite an interesting time to be in the industry and we are excited about the prospects.”

Christophe Kiou Monster Print One of last year’s Rising Stars, Christophe has strong ambitions to take his business to the next level. However, he admits that is not easy in these pandemic times. He says, “It really is an interesting and challenging time to be in printing and we have survived; we

are okay. We are looking for more stability and growth and we will put plans in place for that to happen. The Covid-19 pandeemic has slowed things down, but we did well to make it as far as we did and we intend to stick around.”

Brian Landry Soar Print One of the country’s most knowledgeable and experienced print managers, Brian helped Soar Print, now merged with ICG to form SCG, retain its position as a leading Kiwi print company. He shares the philosophy that quality matters and takes

that into account when purchasing new equipment. He says, “Other companies have bought new gear based on speed and output but quality is a major factor in printing and we don’t ever compromise on that. I love seeing what new technology can bring.”

Pat Leitch Centurion Print A flexible attitude has seen Pat guide Centurion Print through a number of challenges, including a near catastrophic fire several years ago. He has continuously evolved the company with new technology and equipment as well as acquisitions of

other print companies. He says, “There is still a place for craft and traditional print skills in the industry and it can go hand in hand with the latest technology. Print has a great future but you need to understand the trends.”

Nick Lightfoot Signbiz Tasman The 2021 Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021 is enjoying his role at Tasman Signbiz. He says, “I love being involved with everything from design work, to manufacturing to installation. It is a physical job and there is a lot of customer involvement, so it is quite a

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big process. It is totally worth it too; pressure and deadlines help you focus. At the end of a job, it is quite cool to stand back and take a look at what you have. It feels great knowing I have the capability to deliver what the customer wants.”

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Peter Lloyd Kale Print Since he joined Kale Print, Peter has taken the business to a new level with accreditation’s such as FSC and more recently working on environmental accreditation Toitu Envirocare. Kale has recently purchased Advocate Print, a project

where Peter has been instrumental in its success. He says, “We have had a busy time since I joined the company and I have loved every minute of it, especially developing new services for our customers and watching our team working together as a cohesive unit.”

Nick Marsh 5Digital At 5Digital, Nick has taken the opportunity to explore the true potential of digial print production, bringing “an offset discipline to a copy shop mentality”. He says, “Print was once just a communication mechanism but now it is a visual benchmark. In such a small

market, we must achieve perfection, and with a smile. Having said that, our size means we are nimble; we can change direction quickly and we don’t need to ask anyone for permission to try something out of the box.”

Don Matheson ABC Photosigns After acquiring Original Print and Real Estate Signs, ABC Photosigns has consolidated its position as the leading real estate graphic signage company in Auckland and products. Don says, “For us, it is very much about producing high quality work for

our clients and part of that is leveraging the value in the latest technology that we use.

We have always had a policy of keeping up to date with developments and we are grateful to our suppliers for their support, especially during the pandemic.”

Steve Matthews W-rapt Labels Digital print maestro Steve has successfully moved into labels with W-rapt. He says, “Since we launched W-rapt, we have been peaasantly surprised with the amount of work we are getting; it has been really good.

The lockdowns actually created

opportunities and we have seen people getting their online presence up and running. The Covid situation has changed the way many of our team members operate, so we have made a concerted effort to keep everyone informed and on board.”

John McDowall McDowall Print John started as sa printer in 1984. He and his wife Jocelyn own the business. Their sons Joseph and Philip have also joined the team. John says, “Our two sons are keen to push me sideways eventually, but I enjoy coming to work. I am always looking for new

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ideas to make it more exciting. The last couple of months have been the busiest in two years. There is no shortage of work. We did have a quiet patch after Covid first arrived but since then, the work has really picked up.”

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Aarque I Cardy I Currie Group I Cyber I EPSON I FUJIFILM I FUJIFILM Business Innovation Konica Minolta I NZSDA I Pride In Print I PrintNZ I RICOH I Total Supply I Wholesale Print

Johnny McHarg McHargs The country’s oldest print finishing company is doing all it can to keep its customers satisfied in a trying time. Johnny appreciates what McHarg’s has, saying, “It has been easier in Christchurch than in Auckland. We have actually taken on a

couple of new staff members. It will be interesting to see how we all deal with the next wave of Covid. This is an unknown but we will work to keep everyone on board. If we get it right, this won’t drag on longer than it needs to.”

Sean McMahon Southern Colour Print Southern Colour Print’s work goes all around the world and has won numerous awards both here, with the Pride In Print Supreme Award and global awards. Sean says, “While the pandemic has affected everyone, I am grateful to work alongside

this amazing group of people here at Southern Colour. They are always willing to take on new challenges they have not seen before and that attitude plays a big part of our success. Another factor is our suppliers and customers, who are great to work with.”

Matt Mills Fuzed Always looking to innovate, Matt says, “Our continued drive to better ourselves and the products we make is what we go back to.

Considering the year we went through, I believe we have come out in a good place. the future is exciting and we look forward to

meeting the challenges ahead. The lack of events and industry engagement makes it harder to retain that drive. Last year’s Pride In Print Awards was crucial for the industry.

Those kinds of events inspire us and drive our passion forward.”

Tegan Mills Fuzed Keeping her head and heart in her work, Tegan says, “Despite what is going on, we have worked well over the past couple of years. Business can still boom but collaboration is key. I am excited about some of the really cool products we will be

bringing out this year; they are awesome and our customers are going to be really excited. We are looking at targeting our markets in different ways, understanding that we need to be creative. People are looking for cost-effective print solutions.”

Tim Morris Laserfoil Design and Print Winning the Letterpress Process Award at Pride In Print for three of the last four years gives Tim the chance to call Laserfoil “New Zealand’s best letterpress printer”. He sees the company increasing its output but refuses to compromise on quality. He says,

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“For me, it has to be more than just ‘ticking boxes’. We do more and more high end jobs so it is exciting. Even though we find ourselves in a difficult economic climate right now, that shows customers are looking for something special and distinctive.”

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Rajesh Mudundi Five Star Print Colleagues describe Rajesh as a “people person” who is always looking to deliver the most appropriate solution to his customers.

He says, “For me, it is vital to always be thinking ‘outside the box’ because the world is not going to come to us with solutions.

Instead, we need to be offering our clients a range of possibilities for their businesses and organisations. It is the same with our team. I always want them to feel they can make any suggestion to improve a product or service offering.”

Todd Nicholls Webstar Masterton Apprentice of the Year Final Five Finalist Todd has impressed his colleagues and trainers with his appetite for work and learning on the job. They describe a diligent workmate with a can do attitude who who enjoys the responsibilities that go with

keeping the giant presses at Webstar humming. He says, “I enjoy running multiple presses, heatset and coldset. I started here in 2012 as a casual in the bindery and after I had the chance to work on the presses, things took off for me.”

Margriet O'Reilly Pinc With a goal of keeping all of the team employed at Pinc, Margriet has approached the past two years with a strong spirit and solid work ethic. She says, “We look after each other and through some difficult times we have found that it has worked out all

right. We all know the hospitality and travel industries have suffered but, on the positive side, a lot of people have made it a focus to support local businesses. We are still really enjoying the work that we do and we look forward to more of it.”

Karl Pearson Printcraft 81 Apprentice of the Year Final Five Finalist, Karl is described by his trainers as a man with “a thirst for knowledge and doing things correctly. Karl’s attention to detail is extraordinary". Now a prepress/digital printer, Karl says, “Although I started as a

guillotine operator within Printcraft and completed my binding and finishing apprenticeship, the opportunity to then undertake a digital apprenticeship has meant I am now doing a job that I have always wanted to do.”

Tony Sayle Jenkins Freshpac Former PrintNZ president, Tony has been involved in the printing and labelling industry since 1994 when he became international marketing director for Sinclair International in 1994. He returned to New Zealand in 1999 to head up end to end

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packaging solutions company Jenkins Group. He is also a director on the Jenkins Group Boards in Australia and New Zealand. His enthusiasm for training has seen him taking industry roles with the CMITO, now merged with Competenz.

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Aarque I Cardy I Currie Group I Cyber I EPSON I FUJIFILM I FUJIFILM Business Innovation Konica Minolta I NZSDA I Pride In Print I PrintNZ I RICOH I Total Supply I Wholesale Print

Steve Sheppard PrintLounge Running one of Auckland’s busiest print businesses, Steve has navigated PrintLounge through the pandemic well. He says, “Things are okay right now. We worked our way through the challenges. It was okay with few major issues but it has been tough

on our customers in the travel sector and hospitality industry. We managed to fill any holes we had and hopefully it is upwards and onwards from here. We know we can get through this and we are looking forward to extending the business in other areas.”

Fred Soar SCG Despite the ongoing isssues with Covid, Fred sees “an interesting year ahead with the ICG merger with Soar Print producing SCG. He says, “ICG and Soar Print share a similar philosophy about work and we know that both our teams get on pretty well. We’ve

helped each other out with work over the years, and now we’ll be able to better help our clients with a greater offering and capacity. I’m excited by what a combined offering will further achieve in our sustainable best practices.”

Dylan Southan Southan Print With a love for the printing industry, Dylan has taken the opportunity to show his talent and skills in his young company. With ink in his veins – Dad Cyril is a Pride In Print Supreme Award winner – Dylan has made a great start to living up to Cyril’s reputation,

alreeady securing some awards of his own.

He says, “I love this job and could not see myself doing anything else. Each day brings a new set of challenges to overcome. Our clients are our lifeblood, so we strive to always do our best work.”

Steve Spear Omnigraphics Steve describes the decision to expand the company’s operations to Christchurch as a logical step. He says, “Last year was not so bad for us but the year before was crazy, so we looked at our options and, considering the amount of work we have in the South

Island, it just made sense to have a base in Christchurch. We are excited and it has come at a good time for us. In a time of crisis, you can either batten down the hatches or look for opportunities. We chose to do the latter.”

Logan Sutton Future Graphics With Future Print “ticking along”, Logan says, “We are living in interesting times and we are coping with the various challenges like the new rules and restrictions and what happens if someone is a close contact and so on. We are managing to keep busy. The

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signage side is good and we have a lot of rollover from last year. We just have to keep on top of it and take care not to overstretch financially. We continually look at different scenarios to make sure we are heading in the right direction.”

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Jacques Swanepoel Textiles Alive An upbeat attitude and some serious lateral thinking is seeing Textiles Alive dealing well with the recent economic downturn face by its customers. Jacques says, “We have done surprisingly well. Yes, the event industry is on its knees, but we have gone into other

business strategies, delivering offshore. For us, it is about looking at non-traditional industries. Many people are worse off than us and we do fell fortunate. Out wider, other industry sectors are in good shape. I can’t see the doom and gloom lasting.”

Liam Talbot Torque Digital Moving Torque into a custom-built 1700 square metre headquarters facility has not slowed Liam’s impetus in developing the business. New technology and an emphasis on quality service deliver is seeing Torque “sustainably implement systems across the

company to better bring our clients’ visions to life”. He says, “We love the creativity we can put into our work, using our knowledge and skills to produce exceptional work. It is a challenge for sure but always a privilege for me to work with so many talented people.”

Dan Wheeler Freedom Plus Growth is playing a huge part of Freedom Plus’s success. Recently, it acquired Graphic Press and its progress shows no sign of slowing. Dan says, “In the past two years, we have expanded, tripling our business.

Bought Graphic Press. Our goal is to double

our business in the next three years. We have invested in plant and equipment and MIS and it has built a foundation for growth to occur. It feels awesome to have these initiatives coming on line. This is a great industry to work in.”

Russell Wieck NZME The country’s largest newspaper has relied heavily on Russell leading his team through the pandemic. He says, “Obviously, you have to follow the guidelines. It is about engaging the people and getting everyone on board.

Everyone has their own level of uncertainty

around Covid-19 and it has been rewarding to guide them. The biggest challenge is coming but we will face it when it gets in the door. Having sound processes in place is key and you have to have faith in your team members to do the job.”

Roland Woods Razz Print After 24 years, Roland considers printing his life. He says, “I have been operating machines since I was eight years old and I still get a thrill out of running them and putting ink on paper. We have good clients who have been supported. The industry

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March 2022

changes and you need to be proactive, especially in terms of your relationships with customers and with suppliers. It is very much a matter of putting the right systems in place so that our people can take their talents and skills to their potential.”

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LABELS & PACKAGING

LCU Series lifts Xeikon’s digitisation levels

X

eikon has launched its LCU Series with two label converting units, the Xeikon LCU350 and the Xeikon LCU33.

The company says it has designed its label converting units with modular and scalable architecture for added flexibility, cloud connection, and full integration. The Xeikon LCU350 offers the new modular platform for added flexibility and scalability to support business growth, while the Xeikon LCU33 is a basic version and entry level choice.

Jeroen Van Bauwel, director for product management at Xeikon, says, “A key value of our new Xeikon LCU series is in the various different options and levels of investment available to suit the customer’s requirements.

“As with many of our digital solutions, we have designed the Xeikon LCU series to adapt and grow with our customer’s business needs.

Through our Xeikon Solution Services, customised versions and different configurations are possible as the customer’s business grows. This depends on the application and volumes required, and that can be a basic varnish through to automatic laser die-cut capability and wider web versions up to 520mm.

“The integration of the units in the Xeikon LCU series along with cloud connection offers full automation possibilities for both process and information exchange across all equipment.

The Xeikon LCU Series is designed to work inline and offline with both Xeikon’s Panther and Cheetah digital presses.”

Automation features With Xeikon’s LCU series, automation is available for processes, such as optional automatic turret rewind or optional die plate change.

It is also available for job information, which allows data transfer to different units, giving transparency and insight to the operator of the various status and functionality of the converting steps.

Operators can monitor every process: lamination, die-cutting, slitting, winding, 38

March 2022

Entry level: The Xeikon LCU33 label converting unit

New technology offers broader options for automation in label making

hot foiling, and screen printing.

The varnishing station comes with increased varnishing width and varnishing register, and an easy upgrade to spot varnishing. Xeikon says its new LCU series is highly accurate in terms of precision for cutting and precise registration.

Options for expanding functionality include additional flexo stations to avoid changeover between different varnishes; automated laser die-cutting to avoid die plate changeover and increase turnaround speed; auto die plate change to reduce setup time; and hot foil and screen printing stations to expand application range.

The die-cutting speeds range from semi-rotary at 80 metres per minute to a maximum full rotary of 130 metres per minute.

Xeikon digitisation Xeikon has increased digitisation in three ways.

First, the Xeikon LCU series has built in cloud connectivity for data collection and remote service. The collected data is translated into key information that helps operators in their day to day decision making.

Second, it offers machine to machine interfaces on Xeikon’s Panther 2.0 UV inkjet presses and Xeikon’s Cheetah 2.0 dry toner presses.

Third, human-machine interfaces give additional autonomy to the operator.

Van Bauwel says, “From the converter’s point of view, not only will they now have the latest fully automated and high quality finishing and embellishing capabilities, but they will also have the flexibility to customise the finishing department and combine a number of different processes to maximise their label applications and extend their label portfolio to grow their business.

“Xeikon is also addressing customers who are on a smaller budget. The Xeikon LCU33 is an entry-level model designed for smaller business operations.

It is an attractive investment, upgradeable and market competitive.

“With our new LCU series, all processes are now connected in one smooth process from file to finish. With the cloud connection, the operators can now rely solely on the capabilities of the Xeikon machines.

“Converters today are constantly searching for new technologies and equipment to enable them to meet the high levels of demand from brand owners for the latest sophisticated and unique embellishments plus highquality finish to attract consumers.

“With the new LCU series, our customers will have all they need to take the next step to full digitalisation in label production and manufacturing.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT +Plus

Zünd proves its worth in a high productivity environment :

Total Supply expands rigid offering Thinking sustainably Raising your prices

WIDE FORMAT

Aarque brings Zünd to Opal Kiwi Packaging

N

ew Zealand’s leading supplier of fibre packaging, Opal Kiwi Packaging provides tailored customer solutions through its local manufacturing sites based in Auckland, Hastings and Christchurch. It specialises in manufacturing innovative, purpose-built corrugated fibre cartons and boxes for a range of key New Zealand markets including fresh produce, meat, seafood and poultry, FMCG, wine and beverage, and industrial.

Recently, the company installed a Zünd G3 XL L-3200 cutting table with board handling system at one of its Auckland sites.

Supplied through Aarque, the Zünd cutting table has numerous innovations the company can use to its advantage. Emma Webb, general manager of the Specialty division within Opal Kiwi Packaging, says, “We offer to our market the ability to provide corrugated product with quick turn around on small runs, and the Zünd helps to provide the cutting equipment for speed to market as tooling is not required. We purchased the Zünd cutting table because of the quality of the machine. It is also important that we have the New Zealand support based in Auckland as we do with the Aarque team.”

The company’s New Zealand Specialty Packaging business offers bespoke packaging solutions for small, medium or large businesses. This includes everything from packaging design to manufacturing material and point-of-purchase displays for retailers.

Working with a diverse range of customers and market sectors, Opal, requires technology that it can rely on.

Webb says, “The Zünd handles everything we throw at it in full production mode, from large cartons to high end displays.

Before we installed the Zünd, we had an older machine running this type of work but the Zünd has really added further capacity to our service offering.

“Anything that can be cut from corrugated board, we can run on the Zünd!”

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March 2022

Zünd cutting table with board handling system at home in a high productivity environment

Board handling made easy: The Zund G3 XL-3200 cutting table with board handling system at Opal Kiwi Packaging

Board handling Aarque Group has supplied Zünd cutting tables for a number of years. Steve WiltonJones, national equipment sales consultant at Aarque Group, says, “Zünd cutting tables deliver high productivity and unparalleled quality across numerous applications and their modularity gives you options for your business. Opal chose the Zünd BHS (board handling system), which extends operating time while decreasing operating costs.”

The Zünd BHS unit can feed multiple sheets at once to make full use of the cutting area. This ensures maximum throughput even with smaller format media. An off-load conveyor and stacking system deposits cut boards in a stack on the pallet. Depending on the job, this stacking process eliminates the need for bridges to hold cut pieces in place and enables separation of cut parts.

It allows you to select processing methods. Up to three different methods can be used for any given job with no need to interrupt production for tool changes. During loading, the system automatically scans printed QR codes and retrieves corresponding file information.

It processes different material thicknesses up to 110 mm and a stack height of 1.5 m enables longer uninterrupted

operating time. Operators can remove finished stacks without interrupting the production process.

Wilton Jones adds, “Modularity means you can expand their use as your business needs dictate. Their full automation saves you time and money.”

Opal Kiwi Packaging has provided packaging products locally for a number of years, however, the name Opal only appeared in the market last year when Orora sold its Australia New Zealand packaging division to NPI from Japan. Opal has three divisions in New Zealand. Webb says, “The packaging industry is in good shape with lots of positives, especially when the New Zealand economy is doing well. As most consumables travel to market in a box of some format, Opal Kiwi Packaging provides this to our customer base.

“This is the first major project where we have worked closely with Aarque. We already knew some of the team there as Aarque supplies us with HP digital ink for our Scitex printer.

“We have found that Aarque has a similar mindset to our business. Like Aarque, we believe that good working relationships and working alongside customers is a key way to do business.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Modular cutting systems for maximum efficiency • Fully automated operation • Maximum productivity • Module-based - highly versatile • Proven across many cutting applications

Contact us for your individual consultation Aarque Group are New Zealand’s leading supplier of Zünd digital cutters

www.aarque.co.nz

•

focus@aarque.co.nz

•

Freephone 0508 22 77 83

THINK LATERALLY

The benefits of working together should be irresistible!

Y

ou’ve worked hard to build your business, buying, or making the right equipment, employing great staff, and offering a service that you’re genuinely proud of. You know your offering is exceptional and has the potential to separate you from the competitors.

But how do you go about letting people know that you’re here and ready to help?

Your website is up, you’ve got a social presence, company brochures, and a dedicated sales team, busy knocking on doors to get the word out, but is it enough? How do you get potentials interested in what you have to offer?

The cold hard fact is that orders probably aren’t coming in the way you’d planned and as a consequence, you’ve got excess capacity and or stock to show for it. Something is missing from the formulae, just as it has been for many companies before you. The question is: Are you visible enough to your potential market, and if not, how do you engage and expand your audience?

That’s where a long-term marketing strategy comes in, and it’s absolutely essential to your business success.

Your growth will be stifled without a cohesive marketing plan in place that focuses on empowering potential customers, building lasting relationships with your audience and creating content that entertains and educates.

You need to get the word out about your business and, at the same time, make a lasting impact.

A perfect place to start is your brand identity, the key to distinguishing yourself from your competitors. If you want to separate your business from the competition, you need a unique narrative that will resonate with potential customers.

You need to connect with your audience at a deeper level so they can see the benefits of partnering with your business. If you get your value proposition right and hit the sweet spot, you’ll create a firm and lasting connection.

The goal is to introduce yourself with an authentic story that captivates and

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March 2022

Learn to use inbound marketing, content marketing, blogging, and social media

MICK ROWAN, THINK LATERALLY

Mick Rowan shares some insights into how you can engage and expand your audience

arouses your audience. You want to show your potentials that your brand is the perfect fit and make them feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves. If you can engage them, their emotional connection will grow. With a well-crafted narrative in place, you can start to connect at a social and emotional level and begin building a genuine bond across multiple forums.

Your audience will be seeking answers. You need to engage them with your expertise and provide the information they need.

Remember that people care about their needs above all else; the “What’s in it for me?” clause is a legitimate effect.

So, focus on solving problems, providing information, and educating your audience, rather than just selling. If you do, your potentials will become your customers, and your customers will become advocates for your brand, the ultimate outcome.

It’s all about the content; well-crafted content captivates, engages, and connects with your online audience. However, the delivery methods can vary depending on the audience you’re targeting.

You might be thinking that a blog is dull or tedious, but when you deliver a well-crafted, informative blog that answers questions, it will drive traffic to your site every day of the week. When you regularly blog content that answers your audience’s questions, you become a thought leader and

a go-to resource. The same is true for eBooks; if they solve problems, they’re valuable assets.

You don’t want to overwhelm the audience with information, but you should answer their questions and ensure the narrative focuses on what’s important to them. By taking the time to educate and entertain potential customers without trying to sell to them, you build trust and increase the likelihood that your brand will be front and centre when they’re ready to engage.

The plan should provide ongoing access to your expertise via blogs, booklets, and social media channels, so your customers will always have reason to return. You become a trusted thought leader, and your potentials become your brand advocates.

So, if the idea of inbound marketing, content marketing, blogging, and social media is new to you, then you should start to investigate now. The payoff can be enormous in attracting more leads and customers to your business; it’s relatively low-cost and can be scaled up or down as needed.

But don’t wait too long; the competition is only getting tougher.

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

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Total Supply grows its rigid board offering Sustainability a strong focus for leading consumables supplier

major bonus. Small or maxisized visuals can be laminated onto the substrate to achieve excellent results.

KAPATech lightweight sheets have a polyurethane foam core and aluminium cover layers, which make them suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. It is flame retardant.

FOREX Classic, the premium sheet in the Forex family of white expanded rigid PVC sheets, offers superior mechanical properties and high surface quality.

E

xpanding its range of rigid substrates sees Total Supply now offering over 47 grades of rigid boards.

Cam Harris, general manager at Total Supply says, “We have come a long way since 2014, when Spicers acquired Total Supply and expanded the sign and display division to include paper, synthetics, rigids, packaging and display boards and hardware.

Total Supply offers an extensive sustainable rigid range, which includes Corpack (corrugated board); Re-Board (structured board); Dtec Matt Board (paper sheets); Superfine Hi-Bulk (paper boards); D Board (paper boards); and the newest edition: Dispa, which launched in February.

Cam says, “Dispas core structure is truly unique and unlike any other paper based board in the market. It has exceptional rigidity for POS display and hanging signs.

“Our Cyclone polypropylene also falls into our sustainable portfolio being exclusively recyclable through the Zero Waste Initiative. Whilst still in its infancy, we have managed to divert almost 20 tonnes of waste polyprop from landfill and transform it into fence posts through our partner Future Post.”

To launch the new complete range and also celebrate its 60th Anniversary, the company has put together a new rigid locker. Decked out in ‘Total Red’ and featuring some 1960s graphics, the locker is available via Total Supply sales representatives.

3A Composites This range of sheet materials includes Forex and Foamalite rigid foam plastic sheets; Kapa lightweight foamboards and Dispa paper boards.

Dispa is 100 per cent recyclable. Made from FSC certified paper, it has a non‑directional core layer for optimal flatness and dimensional stability, yet it is 44

March 2022

Re-board

Cam Harris, general manager of Total Supply still lightweight. The equally high level of rigidity, lengthwise and crosswise, is one of its main advantages over corrugated cardboard. Dispa also suits diecutting or processing with CNC technology and is certified for HP Latex Inks.

FOAMALITE x-press is a light-weight and easy to use expanded rigid PVC sheet. Its white, smooth and uniform surfaces make it the material of choice for outstanding printing results. Thanks to its degree of whiteness, FOAMALITE x-press ensures a very high fidelity of colours.

KAPAPlast, a lightweight foamboard with a polyurethane foam core, has white, plasticcoated paperboard covering layers (primer finished) on both sides. The primer finish ensures printability and crisp images.

It is moisture repellent and wipeable.

KAPAmount is a lightweight flame retardant foamboard with aluminumreinforced, paperboard covering layers in white, and a polyurethane foam core.

The aluminium-reinforced covering layers enable cold lamination by machine, even with solvent-based adhesives.

Both the board’s outstanding flatness and its rigidity are a

Driven by a concern for the environment, award-winning Swedish inventor Karl-Gustav Ericsson engineered the original Re-board paperboard in the 1990s.

Re-board Premium is a creative board for building 2D and 3D paper constructions. A smooth and strong top layer in virgin fibres ensure it stands up to crisp folding and demanding finishing. The print quality is the one of luxury goods packaging. Re-board white, a low-reflecting surface, provides readability and quality image reproduction, with high gloss contrast. It recycles as paper.

House heroes Total Supply offers a range of house brands and products.

These include Skybond ACM Aluminium Composite Panels; Plexflute Corflute; Dtec Matt Board (paper board); Superfine High bulk; Cyclone Polypropylene sheets; which are recyclable through the Zero Waste Initiative; Artfoam foamboard; and D Board screen board.

As it prepares to celebrate 60 years of supplying quality solutions to the New Zealand market, Total Supply is taking a chance to look back on the many changes the company, and the industry, has undergone during that time.

Cam says, “As our customers have adapted to the market forces in their work, so has Total Supply so we can provide the best service and solutions.

“We look forward to celebrating our anniversary with you all during the year.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Wider range of rigid products now available Flute Polypropylene Plexflute 3.3mm Plexflute 5mm

Foamed PVC Foamalite Xpress 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 10mm Foamalite Xpress Black 3mm Forex Classic White 1mm Forex Classic 19mm

Foam Board Artfoam Fl 5mm, 10mm Kapa Plast 5mm, 10mm, 19mm Kapa Plast 10mm Kapa Mount 5mm, 10mm Kapa Tex 5mm Kapa Tech 5mm, 10mm

Structured Board DISPA Display Board 2.4mm, 3.8mm Corpack E Flute Corpack B Flute Corpack Twin Cush EB Flute Re-board Premium 10mm, 16mm Re-board Print White Core 16mm Re-board Kraft 10mm

Paper & Synthetics Dtec Matt Board 200gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm Cyclone UV 172gsm Cyclone Matt 340gsm Superfine Hi-Bulk 355gsm

Screen Board D Board 1.0mm D Board 1.5mm D Board 2.0mm D Board 3.0mm

ACM Panel Skybond ACM Lite 3mm White/Black Skybond ACM Lite 3mm White/Primer Skybond ACM 4mm White/Black Skybond Digital 4mm White/White Skybond ACM 5yr 4mm White/Primer Skybond ACM 4mm Brushed Silver/Brushed Gold Skybond ACM 4mm Red/White Matte

Contact your Total Supply representative to see the range!

YEAR ANNIVERSARY

0800 800 668 www.totalsupply.co.nz totalsupply.co.nz

Raising rates without losing customers Melissa Coutts offers some tips on making it through a rates increase intact

S

ometimes you simply need to raise rates to keep your business viable.

Many businesses worry about raising prices because they fear customers will leave them.

It is a real fear and is often based upon past experiences.

However, when you face increases in operating costs, raw materials, labour expenses and so on, at some point you may have to raise prices.

This isn’t for purposes of gouging customers or skimming bigger profits; it is a matter of survival, but survival means getting the process right.

You need to keep up your volume of sales, avoiding a customer exodus, while using a price increase to sustain the necessary margin. Rate increases are a reality for many businesses, but with a plan you can keep your customers, your staff, and your margins.

When the time has come to raise your rates, use these five strategies to avoid a customer exodus, or a backlash and retain your good reputation.

Offer clear explanations When explaining a rate increase to customers, make certain that you have a short, straightforward, and common sense explanation.

You and your team will be asked, so be prepared, and make certain that everyone has the right and same answer.

It may be about the increased rate in health insurance for your employees; maybe raw materials have increased in price, or you’re getting hit hard by fluctuations in shipping and or supplier rates.

Just make sure you know how to explain the reasons behind your decision making to both your staff and your customers.

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March 2022

Raising prices isn’t a cash grab; it’s a matter of survival

Avoid death by 1000 cuts If you have decided that you need to raise rates, set a rate that you can live with for as long as possible.

Customers can deal better with a rate increase if they know that it will hold steady for a while. When you make frequent little increases, you create uncertainty, and that has more adverse consequences than a single large raise that customers can plan around.

Manage internal dramas The employees who have the greatest amount of daily contact with your customers will hear the most feedback about any rate increases and may have already faced regular pressure to keep rates stable, so now, when they are asked to pass along a price increase, they might just slightly freak out.

Don’t ignore this internal drama, instead, manage with your first and best explanation for your own team. Your people need to understand the issues, the trade-offs you considered, and the message.

There’s just one thing you cannot do: Tell them one

story and then ask them to tell customers something different.

You need to have one single explanation that is true.

Play favourites Personally contact some of your most important customers, those who are larger or more strategic, or both and explain the changes coming.

It is a mistake to let them get the news through an email or a salesperson. A price increase, even if understandable, is still going to be seen as bad news, so it should be communicated effectively from one executive to the other, not by front line people.

If possible, offer options Sometimes you can change service agreements or performance clauses, and even product features to offer some rate increase relief.

If these options are available to you, then you should consider opening the conversation.

When “nice to have” bumps up against “need to have” with a price trade off, customers often change their definition of what they do in fact “need to have”. newzealandprinter.co.nz

! w o N t u O s n o i t a r t s i g e R mme &

Progra

NZ Sign & Display Association Sign Makers Conference

Innovate · Integrate · Motivate 6 - 8 J U LY 2 0 2 2 Q U E E N S T O W N

President Post – Turn on the green switch

I

ncreasingly in these modern times, we hear people banging on about sustainability and the future of the planet. How seriously should we take all this information? Are we, and they, over reacting? Are things that bad?

Almost every day, I read another report on ice caps melting, temperatures rising and animals losing habitat and while there are many opinions on the severity of the situation we can all pretty much agree the problem is not just a real one but a huge one.

Get up now from your desk and grab a coffee, take a walk around your sign shop.

Everything we use day to day is either aluminium, vinyls, plastics, chemical solvents, silicones or some other environmental nasty that is designed to last as long as possible outdoors.

Now go and look in your bin.

I had a small three-man sign shop and every week we would throw away approximately five cubic metres of this stuff, not to recycling, as none existed in our town, but into land fill to sit and leach nasties into the earth over a few hundred years.

Depressing much? Hell yeah.

We are all busy. We are all trying to make a dollar and pay our employees and build our businesses. We don’t have time to spend worrying about the environment and to go around hugging trees. Unfortunately, human nature being what it is, change is a hard thing that usually involves cost.

“Yeah Yeah, so what do you want me to do about it?” I hear you scream.

Let’s turn on the ‘green switch’ in our heads. Let’s start thinking more about how we complete our jobs and what products we use to do it. Just making these two things part of our quoting and day-to-day procedures will bring about huge change for the better for our planet and make us feel great that we are doing the best we can to help out.

Education is our best tool to do this. Talk to your suppliers find out what other 48

March 2022

ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA

Changing our thinking will go a long way to making our world a better place to live in

Sustainable solutions choices there are in substrate and materials for each job, let your customer know they have choices, they may not want to spend more for these products but it has honestly surprised me how many of our customers have said yes once they know there are options.

Most of our suppliers have developed, or are developing, more environmentally sustainable products and the only way to increase their efforts and bring the pricing down on these products is to create a higher demand for these rather than the less environmentally friendly option, the rise of ACM is a prime example of this demand and higher supply bringing prices down.

Recently, I quoted on a 25m long by 5m high sign on the back of a large tilt slab building.

The client had asked for large router cut ACM letters attached to the wall, I guess because it was what he had seen his

neighbour’s sign company use. When I asked him why we didn’t just paint it on the wall he was astounded that could be done, yes really. So not only did we spend a heap less on materials to complete the job we did it in the most environmentally sustainable way available to us.

“We don’t do hand painting,” I hear you say. You have a vinyl plotter because a demand has been created for sticky letters; you have a printer for the same reason. Finding a brush man and having him train your staff to complete large painted lettering is a lot cheaper than a vinyl printer, and once your staff are capable, it gives your business a new product to sell with all the feel good attributes and it up skills your work force and everyone wins.

Just simply thinking about what more sustainable choices we have will make a great difference; not just in Aotearoa but also worldwide. newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

Understanding the true value of using mounting adhesives

M

ounting adhesives, sometimes referred to as double-sided adhesives or doublesided mount film, were used extensively in the early days of digital imaging but their use has waned as the availability of specialty adhesive-backed media has increased.

However, this practice is by no means obsolete, with mounting adhesives still having plenty to offer the modern day print business due to the fact they can be used across a wide range of applications.

So, what is a mounting adhesive?

The construction of a mounting adhesive consists of two layers of adhesive separated by a carrier film and protected by a release liner. Most mounting films used in digital imaging utilise pressure-sensitive adhesive, but there are also some heatactivated versions available to the market.

Most mounting films are self-wound, meaning they come with one release liner leaving one side of the adhesive exposed as it winds off the roll, while some products come with two protective liners.

Going back around to the main point, in these modern days of specialty adhesivebacked media, why would you need a double-sided mounting film? Simply put, it offers an excellent solution for a wide range of jobs and application work.

First off, mounting adhesives allow for double-sided printing on the front and back of media, which opens up the use of a product in a number of areas and offers a tremendous amount of flexibility to the user.

Mounting adhesives also allow the printer to address various needs for permanent, removable, and repositionable applications for work such as wall and window graphics, again increasing the overall level of flexibility for the user and allowing them to take on all sorts of work.

Focusing on application types, mounting adhesives

newzealandprinter.co.nz

JERRY HILL

Jerry Hill, vice president of sales at Drytac, discusses the issues around mounting adhesives

Mounting adhesives are an excellent solution for a wide range of jobs and application work

Customer preference may play a part in whether or not you need to use mounting adhesives allow users to make their own decals out of any type of media.

This is especially beneficial when you need to address fast turnaround work or produce a job quickly and may not have any adhesive-backed media to hand.

It also lets you use existing media that you may have in stock, especially for short runs, saving both time and money.

Similarly, flexibility can also be seen when working with photographic film and papers that are liquid processed, which in turn means an adhesivebacked version is not practical, leaving mounting adhesives as the ideal choice.

Offset printers also understand that they can create print jobs faster and cheaper on the press and then apply

the adhesive rather than print directly to adhesive-backed media. As such, this technique allows them to win more jobs.

Also, it is important to consider customer preference.

Some end users have certain media that is specified for a print job and may not be available in an adhesive-backed version, so it may be that your only option is to use mounting adhesives to complete the job at hand.

The bottom line is that mounting adhesives can help save money, solve specialty needs and most importantly, enhance the creative process of building digitally printed graphics.

Stark Digital supplies Drytac solutions in New Zealand.

March 2022

49

NZP CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise please email brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

Employment Help Needed?

Whether you are an Employer or an Employee Viv can help as we offer a full recruitment service across all positions for the print, label, packaging, signage and related industries.

Call: Viv Poppelwell 0274974997 Email: viv@vpr.co.nz www.vpr.co.nz

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

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

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

So come and see us first!

PRINTNZ REGISTERED MEMBER

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

When it comes to business, the only constant thing is change. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, you need to start thinking laterally.

Logo details; PMS 3258 Aqua, PMS 431 grey hello@thinklaterally.com.au I www.thinklaterally.com.au

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March 2022

newzealandprinter.co.nz

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