The new Acuity Prime FB30 and FB20 flatbeds offer high quality printing on a range of medias, supported by its five dedicated vacuum zones and optional jettable primer. This range is available at a cost effective price point and offers an excellent return on investment, and once you’ve had it installed, FUJIFILM’s nationwide service network will keep it printing!
With outstanding image quality and excellent adhesion to a broad range of rigid and flexible media, materials and objects, the Acuity Prime can produce an amazing variety of printed products for distance and close viewing. The vacuum table can handle almost any sheet material. It secures rigid and flexible media and holds it perfectly flat for high quality print across every sheet.
The option to print with white and clear inks, and to print directly to almost any material in perfect registration, enables the Acuity Prime to produce high value, creative work that could offer opportunities for new revenue. With the jettable primer option, the Acuity Prime can adhere to a wide variety of industrial media.
At Fujifilm we understand the value of production time and usability, so we designed the Acuity Prime with the operator in mind. With a new and user-friendly GUI, easy clean printhead maintenance and visible status lights for the ink tanks, operators are able to spend less time maintaining the machine and more time printing.
With variable drop-size printheads and highly pigmented inks, Acuity Prime printers lay down a thin ink film, which minimizes production costs, and in combination with a competitive system price, support an excellent ROI.
For more information contact the Wide-Format Team on 0800 242 646.
Finance avaiable though
12-15 Aarque Group: For over six decades Aarque Group has been one of the leading providers of digital printing solutions, offering Kiwi businesses the very best in printing technology, including the latest software, materials, machinery and finishing equipment — all under one roof
32-34 Interpack: After a two-year absence, Interpack will return in May
Wide Format Plus p45-52
46 NZSDA Update: Melissa Coutts discusses how planning for change can help your sign business
48 NZSDA Signee Insight: Raising industry standards is just one of the aims for Signee New Zealand this year
54-55 Increasing energy efficiency forms part of MBO’s investment in climate and environmental protection
56 Sustainability: Jo Pearson offers five ways to create value from your sustainability initiatives
57 Think Laterally: Mick Rowan discovers that his journey in print continues, despite changing his career direction
16-17 Introduction: Piotr Wnuk discusses how digital is making headway into this sector, with short-run costeffectiveness and print personalisation
18 BJ Ball: Short run label solutions from BJ Ball are proving popular with companies across the country
20 Currie Group: SSCG is forging ahead in labels with its new HP Indigo 6k Digital Press, supplied through Currie Group
22 Durst: At Labelexpo Southeast Asia, Durst showcased the capabilities of its Tau RSC E 330 5c press
24 Jet Technologies: Labelexpo Asia gave Jet Technologies a chance to join its industry partners and meet visitors from across the region
26 Spicers New Zealand: Ecofoil Digital and Gorilla Board are the latest solutions from Spicers
28-30 Labelexpo: Returning to Bangkok, Labelexpo Southeast Asia showed the latest technology and solutions
PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744
EDITORIAL:
Bruce Craig, Editor - bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz
021 631 559
CONTRIBUTORS:
Ruth Cobb, Melissa Coutts, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Jo Pearson, Kevin Ptak, Mick Rowan, Piotr Wnuk
CIRCULATION: brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz
DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES & SERVICE:
Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz
+61 410 578 876
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING:
Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz
DESIGN & PRODUCTION:
Sarah Vella - sarahvelladesigns@gmail.com
50 Starleaton: Mirage Visual is looking forward to installing a new Zünd G3 cutting table
PrintNZ p8-11
8-10 Helping Hand: Getting a handle on business insurance is vital right now, reports Iain MacIntyre
11 Comment: Ruth Cobb has the winners from the recent Mainland Region Charity Golf Day
36-37 Fujifilm Business Innovation: The company’s global president and chief executive officer Naoki Hama recently visited New Zealand
38-40 Fujifilm Business Innovation: Two Iridesse Production Presses are delivering quality and productivity to Gallagher Group
42 & 44 Konica Minolta: Inline finishing is a growing strength for Konica Minolta customers
ISSN 1171 7912
New Zealand Printer is mailed to members of the printing, packaging and graphic communications industry in New Zealand 11 times a year, February-December.
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MANAGING DIRECTOR: James Wells - james@intermedia.com.au
GROUP PUBLISHER: Brian Moore - brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz
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MIRACLON has expanded its leadership team in the AsiaPacific region with the recent appointment of Andy Yarrow as regional commercial director and Joerg Kullwitz as commercial lead to drive optimisation of customers’ gravure-to-flexo conversions. Based in Singapore, Yarrow will head up Miraclon’s APR sales, service and business management teams. He has over 23 years of printing industry experience across a wide range of markets and applications, including commercial print, sign and display, corrugated, ceramics and textile. Originally from the UK, for the last eight years, he has worked in the Asia-Pacific region in a variety of sales and leadership roles for Xerox, EFI, Océ and Kornit Digital, where he served as APR President. In his most recent position, he was responsible for kickstarting the operations of an innovative Israeli start-up, Twine Solutions.
EPSON has partnered with a Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2023. In addition to utilising Epson’s digital textile printing to reproduce his unique designs, Nakazato developed a part of his collection using a more sustainable textile production process. Epson’s dry fibre technology, which is used commercially to recycle office paper, and which requires virtually no water, has been adopted by the designer to produce printable non-woven fabric from used garments. The new fabric production process was revealed in Paris as part of a three-year collaboration between Epson and the designer and was used in the creation of items for the first time, showcased during his runway show.
Durst Oceania has confirmed it will be conducting a global search for new sales executives as the geographical reach of the business expands.
“Due to the ongoing success of Durst Oceania, we are now looking to grow the team and sales in the region as we broaden our reach into new markets,” Ashman said. “The two new sales roles will be for a label sales manager as well as for a wide format and textiles sales manager,’ Durst Oceania managing director Matt Ashman said.
“Candidates with global experience in sales as well as complementary cultural and language skills will be at an advantage as we embark into
new territories.
“We are also recruiting for an inside sales role responsible for pre-sales and after sales care and support. Along with this expansion, we will be recruiting additional field service engineers in New South Wales and the greater Brisbane area. All of these new team members will join our existing
dynamic and hard-working ‘Durst’ler’ family.”
Durst offers a friendly and flexible working environment with ample training provided.
The successful candidates with receive a competitive remuneration package aligned with experience and relevant skills for the role.
“We encourage applications from people looking to upskill and challenge themselves with a new career opportunity within our great industry. Durst is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all sectors of community,” Ashman said.
Contact Matt Ashman from Durst Oceania at matt. ashman@durst-group.com.
A B Graphic International (ABG), one of the global leaders in innovative labels and packaging solutions, has introduced laser perforation to its Shrink Sleeve SR –ABG’s seaming offering designed to meet the high productivity demands of the modern labelling market.
The laser perforation adds to and builds on ABG’s recent rebrand of the shrink sleeve range, including seaming (SR), doctoring (DR) and cutting machines (IC).
According to the company, by using a unique solvent application system with
The laser perforation adds to and builds on ABG’s recent rebrand of the shrink sleeve range
a motorised roller system (smartwheel), the SR creates a robust and reliable weld, ensuring that the web will not break when heat is applied. The application of the adhesive creates a flat,
clean weld that improves productivity, boosts product quality and helps reduce operating costs and waste.
The addition of laser perforation, which can be retrofitted to existing seaming machines, will provide quicker turnaround times and increased efficiency. Moreover, it does not require additional tooling as it uses the laser to make perforations.
All enquiries should be directed to Currie Group, the authorised distributor for A B Graphic International solutions in Australia and New Zealand.
Fiery, a provider of leading Digital Front End (DFE) technology for production and industrial printing, has separated from Electronics For Imaging (EFI). It will operate independently as a separate company while remaining owned by EFI’s owner, Siris Capital Group.
EFI and Fiery will have distinct areas of strategic focus that will enable them to serve their customers better and grow over the long term, with EFI as an industrial inkjet specialist and Fiery as one of the leading digital front-end (DFE) providers.
Jeff Jacobson, who led EFI as CEO following its 2019 takeprivate by Siris, will remain executive chairman of each business. Toby Weiss, longtime chief operating officer and general manager of Fiery, will continue to lead the business as CEO of Fiery. EFI has also appointed Frank Pennisi, a
veteran of the industrial and technology sectors, as chief executive officer.
“This realignment positions both EFI, now solely focused on digital inkjet for industrial applications, and Fiery, the leading global DFE provider, to win in their independent markets while maintaining the close partnership that has contributed to the success of each business,” commented Jacobson. “Digital imaging would not be where it is today without Fiery. Operating as a standalone company will only further strengthen Fiery’s market-leading position in providing innovative DFE solutions. Similarly, no company in the industry can match the depth and breadth of EFI’s industrial inkjet portfolio and I am looking forward to this next chapter of growth under Frank’s leadership.”
EFI will be solely focused
UK-headquartered KM Packaging has established an official business entity in Australia in Sydney.
KM Packaging has been exporting to Australasia since 1996, and outside of the US, it is the company’s second biggest export market. As a result of continued growth, the KM business is now at a scale that can support its further international development, which is a key part of the company’s long-term strategic growth plans.
John Shipley, KM’s business unit director for the Australian and European markets, said: “This expansion has been two years in the planning, and we are excited to build even stronger relationships with our partners and customers in the region. The move will allow us to explore new opportunities right across the chilled, frozen
Industry supplier
and ambient ready meal, convenience and fresh produce, and protein sectors.”
Tammy Spencer was appointed business unit manager (ANZ) based on the Gold Coast.
She has a wealth of industry experience and was most recently business manager for packaging and polymers with TCL Hofmann and previously with Multivac.
Spencer said: “KM has always had a strong reputation in the ANZ market. Customers spoke highly of its service and quality, so I knew it was a business with a strong customer focus and core values.”
on driving the analogue-todigital transition across the packaging and corrugated, display graphics, textile, and building materials/décor endmarkets for industrial inkjet. As an independent company, Fiery business will continue to provide DFE technology for digital production and industrial printing.
“Fiery solutions have always been about enabling digital print and making print engines better, and this is a milestone in furthering that mission,” added Weiss.
COMPUTALETA will host a Hardware Expo in Wellington in March. The two-day show, over March 15-16, will take place at the Southern Cross in Abel Smith Street. Arlette Farland, director at Computaleta, said: “The Hardware expo provides industry professionals with the opportunity to see the latest in signage and print-specific hardware technology from HP and Samsung. We will have live demonstrations with these solutions running throughout the show.
ESKO has launched Mox, a software package combining project management, digital proofing, and DAM in a single cloud-based product content tool developed to help growing brands bring quality products to market consistently, quickly, and sustainably. Mox delivers a host of benefits to businesses, including a Collaboration tool, bringing internal and external contributors together with the correct information to create and review before product launch.
Epson has expanded its range of PrecisionCore printheads with two new models, I3200(8)-S1HD and S800-S1, compatible with various inks used for industrial applications. The new products will be available from April 2023.
In addition to aqueous, UV-cured, and eco-solvent inks, the new printheads are compatible with oil-based, solvent, and other types of inks for digital printing applications in production printing.
Screen has announced it will introduce Truepress PAC520P, a high-speed, waterbased inkjet digital press for paperbased packaging substrates developed in response to the trend of reducing plastic material in packaging.
Screen showcased a prototype model of its new Truepress PAC520P at FachPack 2022 in Germany in September. It has been developed specifically for printing onto paper-based substrates, using waterbased, food-compliant inks for sustainable,
Fujifilm has expanded its series of highperformance RxD pigment dispersions for water-based inkjet ink formulation to include Orange PO71, Green PG7, and Violet PV23 pigments.
OGV colours are typically used to formulate ink sets that extend the gamut of a print system beyond the colour space achievable with CMYK, which is particularly important for achieving higher vibrancy, colour accuracy and matching brand spot colours in
Epson has expanded PrecisionCore rage with two printheads for industrial applications
The I3200(8)-S1HD is compatible with solvents with high solubility, giving this printhead the ability to meet the requirements for handling displays and photovoltaic cells. It prints with up to eight different colours of ink. Liquids of different types can also be jetted, enabling this printhead to adapt flexibly
to industrial printing applications. It delivers 1,200 DPI high-definition image quality, suitable for high-speed singlepass and multi-pass printing.
The S800-S1 is compatible with the same inks as the I3200(8)-S1HD, but the single-chip design enables it to print where space is limited and close to substrates with a 3D surface.
New printheads expand Epson’s offerings in the PrecisionCore series and enable the company to support a broader range of industrial and other digital printing environments for applications such as marking/coding, signage, and printed electronics.
The two new products are expected to increase the implementation of inkjet printing technology in new fields, particularly in industrial printing applications.
more environmentally friendly and easyto-recycle format for the products they buy. Meanwhile, brand owners demand shorter turnaround times with higher product diversification.
In response to these market trends, Screen has moved forward with product planning for its Truepress PAC 520P, offering lower environmental impact than conventional printing processes due to a drastic reduction in energy and material waste.
New inkjet press has been developed especially for paper-based packaging susbtrates
flexible packaging applications.
According to the company, one rapidly growing trend is reducing plastic material used in packaging. Many market research studies have shown that consumers perceive paper-based packaging as a
Building on almost two decades of experience in inkjet printing, the Truepress PAC 520P uses newly developed proprietary water-based pigment inks that comply with appropriate food-safety regulations for sustainable flexiblepackaging applications.
The system is expected to provide outstanding print quality and safety while maintaining exceptional throughput.
RxD pigment dispersions are used in Fujifilm’s aqueous ink developments for OEMs and are available to other ink formulators.
packaging, textile and commercial print applications.
Grant Murney, product manager of RxD inkjet pigment dispersions, said: “In developing the new RxD Orange, Green and Violet dispersions, we’ve carefully selected the best polymers and processing conditions to ensure optimum stability and print performance for our customers in line with the standard CMYK products already in the RxD product range.”
According to Fujifilm, RxD dispersions are highly stable and suitable for ink formulation across a wide range of applications. They are engineered with Fujifilm’s proprietary reactive dispersant technology, which uses a cross-linked polymer to create a secure cage around the pigment. This provides a stable dispersion that is compatible with a wide range of components used in inkjet ink formulation, enabling the design of stable ink formulations that meet demanding performance requirements.
Last year, Fujifilm announced a further expansion with a USD 47 million investment in its global RxD inkjet dispersion manufacturing capabilities, part of its commitment to meet the growing demand for new applications with aqueous inkjet inks.
September 13-15, 2022
March 24, 2023
Chicago, USA
Wellington PrintNZ’s annual Golf Days will welcome players of all skill levels to a social and fun day on the course. The Ambrose competition will make it an even playing field with great prizes, including best gross, best nett, nearest to the pin and best-dressed team.
Apart from the latest technology and solutions, Labelexpo Americas this year features a full two-day conference programme and two masterclasses organised by the Label Academy on digital embellishment and self-adhesive materials. www.labelexpo-americas.com
www.printnz.co.nz
September 17, 2022
Napier
March 28-29, 2023
Crown Promenade, Melbourne
The Association of Handcraft Printers has a full day programme including visits to Imprimo in Havelock North and Neighbour’s Press in Hastings; a swap meet; as well as a barbecue dinner at the Napier RSA. This is a must attend event for all interested in letterpress and the craft. www.inkianapress.co.nz
The AIP Australasian Packaging Conference and the Australasian Packaging Innovation & Design (PIDA) Awards will be held in person for the first time since the pandemic. This year AIP also celebrates its 60th anniversary. www.aipack.com.au
September 20-22, 2022
April 26-28, 2023
Auckland
World Trade Center Mexico
Following on from record attendance at Mexican label summits, Labelexpo Mexico is the newest addition to the series and has been created to service the rapidly growing Mexican market.
www.labelexpo-mexico.com
The country’s largest food manufacturing, packaging and processing technology trade show brings industry professionals and decision makers together providing a forum for education, discussion, as well as sharing knowledge and expertise. www.foodtech.packtech.co.nz
October 11-15, 2022
May 3-5, 2023
Shanghai
Brixen, Italy
More than 1300 exhibitors will demonstrate their solutions across the 120,000 square metres of show space at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. Organisers expect more than 160,000 visitors from all over the globe as they open the “Oriental Window of the World Printing Industry”. www.allinprint.com
Following the success of the past few years, Durst is once again organising an Open House in 2023, the biggest to date. This is an exclusive event where customers from around the world will meet at the company’s headquarters in Brixen, South Tyrol, and get the chance to look beyond the surface and into the future of the digital label printing world. www.durst-group.com
Letterheads
October 21-23, 2022
Sign Foundry, Welling
May 3-5, 2023
The call has gone out for all signees to grab their brushes and head to Lower Hutt for the annual Letterheads event. This year’s theme is ‘Red and Blue’. Your hosts this year are Lydia Reeve and Duncan Rourke. www.letterheads.co.nz
Sydney Olympic Park
It’s been four years since the show was able to bring the very latest innovations for the print, sign, display, engraving and wider graphics sector to Sydney. Industry leaders will be showcasing latest products, innovations, and services. www.visualimpact.org.au
Interpack
May 4-10, 2023
May 4-10, 2023
Düsseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf, Germany
The global packaging industry will meet in Düsseldorf with a focus on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology for the food, beverage, confectionery, bakery, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, non-food and industrial goods sectors.
www.interpack.com
Interpack is a meeting point for the global packaging industry, where innovations along the entire value chain are presented, and the top trends are discussed. The focus is on packaging materials, packaging machines and related process technology. www.interpack.com
Floods and disasters bring planning into focus.
Unprecedented rain and subsequent flooding that particularly struck Auckland and the upper North Island, quickly followed by Cyclone Gabrielle bringing a National State of Emergency, has brought a renewed and heightened focus on business insurance considerations.
As the latest devastating events unfold, PrintNZ chief executive Ruth Cobb emphasises her and the association’s thoughts were with everyone affected. She says, “As well as the physical effects, this will be a very stressful time for many and I know that businesses will be doing their best to support their staff as they
work through this, while at the same time having their own issues and families to support.
“Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping and we have recently published some contact numbers and websites that may be of help during this time. The list can be accessed from the PrintNZ website and includes assistance for both material and emotional issues.
“Remember too that the PrintNZ team is here to help. Please reach out to us if we can assist you in any way.”
In light of these unprecedented developments, PrintNZ invited Marsh business development manager Mike Sanders to partake in a question and answer session for this special edition of Helping Hand. Sanders outlines his firm’s insurance partnership with PrintNZ and provides key considerations for members
whose businesses may have been badly affected by events as well as other general insurance advice.
PrintNZ: As the recent terrible weather events have graphically
illustrated, ensuring appropriate business insurance is imperative. What sort of policies would you recommend to New Zealand printers in this regard?
MS: The severity of weather events has highlighted the need for business owners to evaluate material damage and business interruption exposure, which is considerable for commercial printers. Even if there is partial damage, particularly to the building and printing presses, it may well stop the operations at the premises for a considerable period. As most printing presses are foreign made, a total loss or even a partial loss of printing facilities could stop production.
Marsh is seeing more insurers becoming averse to clients who do not have a strong valuation and risk management programme in place. New Zealand is seen as a country exposed to many natural disasters and this can mean that, without accurate information on assets, some clients may be deemed an unacceptable risk. To prepare for renewal, business owners can benefit from having an insurance review which can be provided to an insurer to demonstrate they have the right material damage values for their policy.
PrintNZ: The business threat from cyber attack appears to be another ever-growing concern. Are there specific policies on offer in this area?
MS: One of the findings in the 2022 Marsh and Microsoft Cyber Risk Survey was that the toll of almost three years of unrelenting workplace disruption, digital transformation and ransomware attacks means most leaders are no more confident in their ability to manage cyber risk than they were two years ago.
Cyber risk is pervasive at most organisations. An employee or vendor firing up their laptop from home brings risk. A user connecting a new product to the Internet of Things introduces risk. Deciding not to launch a new product, fearing cyber threats, is a risk.
Traditionally, the focus of print technology has been on performance and safety, not security. Therefore, businesses may have legacy print systems with unsecured and unpatched operational technology. As computers regulate the machinery and processes to produce products, any failure of such machinery following a cyber incident could result in a partial or total shutdown of the manufacturing process and serious business interruption.
PrintNZ: Is ‘key person insurance/ still relevant?
MS: A key person is any person in your business whose sudden loss would have an impact on your company’s wellbeing. Without this person, your business could suffer significant disruption.
The loss of a key person through death or disablement can have a significant impact on your business, resulting in significant damage to your bottom line, operations and reputation.
In a recent Mercer Marsh Benefits Five Pillars of People Risk Report, 67% of respondents deemed it likely that a key person risk would affect their business within the next three years and 55% stated that the loss of a key person would have a high impact on their business.
Our team of personal risk advisers can partner with you to find the right solutions to protect your business. We can help you:
• assess the key person and human capital risks for your business, providing insights and recommendations
• determine the best insurance solutions and negotiate competitive rates
• work with you to navigate the unexpected so you can focus on growing your business
PrintNZ: In the wake of these recent weather events, the insurance industry will no doubt be reviewing the extent and terms of coverage being offered. Do you have any thoughts on what print businesses should expect and/ or look for in their policies as a consequence?
MS: Business owners need to engage with their insurance brokers at least two months before their renewals so that they can get an understanding of what changes they will be expecting. This will allow businesses to re-evaluate their risk and implement controls within the organisation to mitigate any gaps.
The Marsh advisory team are specialists in assessing the critical risks that threaten business and the creation of risk management policies and procedures.
PrintNZ: What are some of the general to-dos you would highlight
for print industry businesses when attempting to recover from a catastrophic event while needing to file an insurance claim?
MS: With regard to flood and cyclone damage claims particularly, we recommend people take the following steps:
• stay safe
• do not return to properties or evacuated areas until it is safe to do so
• check buildings for structural damage and ensure gas, water and electricity are working
• check appliances are working
• try not to start flooded cars or electronic/electrical equipment until inspected by someone qualified to do so
• take reasonable steps to preserve property and, if possible, store it for later inspection by the insurer before disposal
• take photos or videos to document all damage
• take photos that show tide levels and if “black” (sewerage) or “grey” water was involved
• you can’t take too many photos!
• send an E-mail to yourself making a note of what happened and listing damaged items/loss
• if you have to dispose of stock or furniture and fittings, take careful notes and photos of what was damaged and in what way – insurers require proof of loss
• look out for the development of mold in hot and humid weather which can be harmful to health
• keep records of your expenses and set up a cost code
PrintNZ: How can Marsh assist with claims?
MS: The vast majority of policies will cover claims preparation costs, including the services of an independent claims
consultant. As independent claims consultants, we can:
• advise on strategy/policy response
• quantify the financial impact
• prepare detailed and documented submissions
• seek to maximise the settlement outcome and reduce delays
PrintNZ: Lastly, can you please provide an overview of the partnership between Marsh and PrintNZ?
MS: Marsh is proud to have been the insurance broking partner to PrintNZ for over six years. We provide members with a tailored package to cover the variety of risks and exposures that the print industry faces most often.
The industry is facing uneven demand and continued uncertainty, making budgeting and financial planning more challenging. Long-term recovery for print operators will require the adoption of new operating models, technologies and data-driven planning to forecast emerging trends, including enhanced safety considerations and rising consumer concerns.
At Marsh, we have designed a ‘print package’ specifically for the insurance and risk management needs of the industry. Our specialist team can assist business owners with creating a loss control programme that helps anticipate and manage risks.
Cobb emphasises to PrintNZ members: “One thing that has been highlighted following the recent floods is the number of businesses that are either uninsured or under-insured and this is a timely reminder of why we need the safety net that insurance provides.”
Russell Taylor Memorial Cup
For the closest to the pin shot –Jeff Packman, Industrial Solutions
Closest to the Pin Ladies Lisa Tamaki, Industrial Solutions
PrintNZ has a full calendar of events planned for 2023, and the first of the ‘sporting’ events took place on Friday 24 February when 64 players took to the greens at Waitikiri Golf Club for the Mainland region Charity Golf Day.
The day provided participants with a bit of sunshine, a bit of rain and a chunk of exercise. At the same time, they raised funds for the Full Colour Trust.
The Full Colour Trust is a charitable organisation serving the print and graphics industries in the South Island by providing funding to individuals and families who may not qualify for assistance through the usual channels, and can’t afford to pay for the help they need. The Trust has been going for 15 years, and has assisted many in their time of need in a variety of ways. Over the past 12 months alone it has generously gifted approximately $10,000 to families in the industry.
This year the Dale Hopkins Memorial Cup for Longest Drive was introduced. Dale, owner of Dunedin Print, sadly passed away in 2022. He was an avid supporter of the Canterbury Golf Day and made
the trip up each year to participate so it was fitting to be able to recognise his commitment to the event and the industry with this trophy. Simon Gallop from Inkwise was the inaugural winner.
Thank you to everyone that contributed to the funds raised – the players, and in particular the sponsors: BJ Ball Papers, Currie Group, Custom Cutting Formes, Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Inkwise, Leading Label Company, Servicom, Spicers Paper and Total Supply.
Best Gross:
1st: Custom Cutting Formes – Glen Mearns, Fraser Mearns, Duncan Mearns, Bill James
2nd: Servicom – Colin Dawson, Gary Eyre, Paul Webb, Johnny Main
3rd: BJ Ball #2 – Richard Cooke, Guy Noble, Dan Bushby, Mark Richardson
Best Nett:
1st: All Print – Steve Tansey, Simon Hay, Jeremy Booth, Bruce Chapman
2nd: Spicers #2 – David White, Nigel Williams, Brent Libeau, Bryce Coulbeck
3rd: Inkwise – Brent Goldsmid, Simon Gallop, Steve Gallop, Karl Stanbra
Dale Hopkins Memorial Cup
For the longest drive – Simon Gallop, Inkwise
For over six decades Aarque Group has been one of the leading providers of digital printing solutions, offering Kiwi businesses the very best in printing technology, including the latest software, materials, machinery and finishing equipment — all under one roof.
Aarque has a solid history of growth and adaptation to new and changing markets with roots reaching back to 1948, when a British firm, Harding & Hallden, was established in New Zealand, mainly as a coater and converter of sensitised media for the architecture, engineering, construction and survey industries. In 1968 it was renamed GAF Corporation, and in 1982 it was acquired by US-based Richard Quintus Anderson, who changed the name to Aarque.
The company underwent a series of NZ ownership changes in 1988 at the peak of the share market. Two years later, listed Australian Investment group Hancock Gore Ltd created a merger with Office Graphics, Smileys Wholesale, Littlejohns, Ace Drawing Office Supplies and Aarque Systems to form Aarque Graphics NZ Limited.
In 1992, 50 per cent of Aarque Graphics NZ was acquired by New Zealand shareholders, the Monte Carlo Group, to become the only Aarque name remaining worldwide, retaining a brand held in high regard in New Zealand.
In 2007 Aarque bought Frontline Technologies Ltd to continue its strategic focus in New Zealand. Three years later, it was rebranded as Aarque Group Ltd, creating dedicated industry task groups to meet the challenges of rapid, diverse growth in the digital print industry.
Tuscany Enterprises acquired 50 per cent shareholding formerly held by Australia’s Anitech and became 100 per cent New Zealand owned and operated.
In March 2014 Aarque Group acquired Alpha GMP Prographics, one of the leading suppliers of print finishing equipment and consumables in the NZ market. A few months later, the company appointed Leo Bult and Jason Bult as joint CEOs, succeeding Peter Bult.
Aarque Group joined forces with BJ Ball NZ in 2018 as part of the Ball & Doggett and a year later, the company acquired competitor business Jenrite to increase its offering to wide-format customers.
In 2021 Aarque Group’s head office in Auckland moved to a state-of-art office and warehouse facility in Henderson, Auckland.
The Aarque Group is uniquely positioned to offer New Zealand businesses specialist advice and digital print solutions across many industries.
The company prides itself on not just selling packages but bespoke solutions designed to improve profitability and speed to market while decreasing waste and adding new levels of automation to production floors across the country.
Being entirely independent, Aarque Group’s specialists can mix and match technology to suit the exact requirements
of each customer and develop a bespoke solution, including software, materials, rentals, services and consumables. Therefore, the team focuses on the customer’s needs first to understand printing volumes, target markets, production schedules, timings and other essential factors.
Once Aarque specialists understand the customer’s need, they create a customised package and an implementation plan before it is shipped. Each project is different, and it needs to synchronise with the customers’ plans and expectations — stringent processes are put in place at the installation of any equipment to ensure everything is up and running as it should be, leaving the team comfortable, safe, fully trained and supported.
EngView Packaging Suite, also offered by Aarque, is a CAD/CAM solution for structural design and preproduction of boxes (FEFCO & ECMA Standards) and POP/POS displays. It provides a wide range of tools that speed up and automate the day-to-day jobs of structural designers, graphic designers, diemakers and salespeople involved in creating, communicating, and producing packaging. It is integrated with Adobe Illustrator and helps professionals visualise the 3D model of the packaging with the product inside and apply graphics to the structure. The new Step and Repeat functionality directly
Zünd plug-in creates one-piece and multi-part packaging and threedimensional displays
multiplies the one-up design over the layout in Illustrator.
One of the supplier packages available at Aarque Group is Durst Corrugated Smart Shop, a web-to-print software designed to implement the right sales scenario for your specific clientele and shop type. It enables customers to select their desired packaging type, enter the required size and choose their print image. Variable designs for different languages or special promotions are generated with a click and placed in the shopping cart.
Zünd Design Centre (ZDC) is an Adobe Illustrator plug-in for creating one-piece and multi-part packaging and three-dimensional POP/POS displays. At its core is an extensive library of parametric designs. Customers can choose a template from this collection, enter their dimensions, and complete their design with logos, patterns, text, and other elements. The 3D preview function makes checking designs easy and enables exporting from ZDC for presentations or proposals. In the next step, ZDC generates a printable PDF from the finished design.
Lastly, PackLib is a module software integrated into the PLMpack platform, allowing the management and the use of 2D, 3D and parametric libraries of packaging and POS/Display. It is designed to optimise the packaging system and includes graphic navigation, standards libraries, an intra-company exchange platform, animated 3D visualisations, parametric resizing and downloading models. PackLib comes as a free add-on with Summa F-Series cutters.
Regarding print job performance, the media materials used are crucial. Print providers must distinguish which substrate
will give the best outcome when dealing with digitally printed applications. When deciding the optimal substrate for a specific print task, the essential factor is the customer’s end use. Here, Aarque specialists are happy to share their knowledge and experience to ensure optimal results.
The company offers a wide variety of materials. One of them is Koru Corrugated Board, a lightweight, versatile, eco-friendly substrate which maintains rigidity whilst offering the flexibility of cutting and creasing. It is ideal for printing direct or mounting and offers clay-coated products a smooth white surface for superior printing results. The company also stocks Onyx Flut corrugated twin-wall polypropylene sheeting designed for signage, displays, packaging, protection of surfaces and many other industrial applications. It combines light weight with high strength, durability and impact resistance. It is nontoxic, UV stabilised, water- and chemical resistant, making it weatherproof for any
environment. Furthermore, Onyx Flute is food-grade approved.
Moving onto polypropylene, Aarque has a wide range of ViPrint Polypropylene products, including Polypropylene, designed to meet the creative demands of the graphic arts industry. Sheets have been corona treated on both sides, making them suitable for UV offset, screen, UV digital and latex flatbed printing. The entire line has exceptional finishes that are flexible, durable, light and resistant to water and many chemicals. It is ideal for many innovative designs as it can be folded, creased, cut, welded, riveted, perforated and embossed. It offers some of the best chemical and moisture resistance in class. Where sustainability is essential, Aarque specialists suggest the ViPrint Eco line with sheets made from 50 per cent postindustrial recycled material and 50 per cent virgin material.
The printer is more than just a machine. It is the powerhouse that helps achieve flawless work. It can command the speed, volume and final quality of each project. Because it’s such a critical component, you need the Aarque specialists to ensure you are making a wise choice with confidence. With no lack of options to choose from, each type of printer has different merits.
The HP Latex R Printer series can help to expand product packaging services to include high-value speciality boxes for retail applications, short-run decals, packaging labels, and packaging prototypes. HP Latex inks deliver the glossiest white and the most vibrant colours - and HP Latex ink flexibility enables better folding and bending
HP Latex R Printer series can help to expand product packaging services to include high-value speciality boxes for retail applications
without cracking compared to some UV printer ink-based technologies.
The HP Latex R1000 Plus Printer is designed for various hybrid applications, including signage and displays; the growing portfolio offers choice, value, and versatility while featuring innovative technologies. Its larger brother HP Latex R2000 Plus, can handle boards of up to 2.5 metres wide and rolls up to 100kg.
Roland TrueVis AP-640 is a premium 4-colour Resin printer with fast drying inks, excellent durability and optimum usability designed to build and expand any sign and graphics business with a wide range of applications, low running costs, and quick drying benefits.
For the perfect finishing touch Aarque specialists offer Roland Camm-1 GR2 professional wide format cutter built to fit seamlessly with a print-then-cut workflow and deliver a fast, flawless results.
Canon Arizona 135 GT is designed as a true flatbed printer with professional quality, providing unparalleled, sellable print quality at speeds of up to 34.2 sqm/ hr on almost any rigid or flexible media. It features exceptional print quality thanks to the VariaDot greyscale printing technology. It uses advanced drop-size selection techniques offering greater uniformity for flawless photo-realistic images with great colours and white.
Canon Arizona 6100 Mark II Series sets the standard for speed, reliability, ease of use, rigid media application versatility and high-quality productivity. It offers repeatable registration with
platform to make the increasing complexity of large-format printing much more manageable. The P5 350 is the hybrid solution for roll and board printing up to 11.5ft (3.5m) and reaches in the high-speed version productivity of up to 7,000 sqft/h (650 sqm/h). Fast media change, easy maintenance handling and full safety make printing more efficient. The P5 platform provides optimum performance from Pixel to Output.
thermal overprinting: no more delays, disruption, waste or inconvenience. No more pre-printed label inventory, production downtime, lost orders or late shipments.
The Epson ColorWorks CSC4010 features an Epson-engineered PrecisionCore TFP printhead delivering ultra-sharp text and precise barcodes. It also produces varying droplet sizes that, coupled with a 1,200 x 1,200 DPI resolution, can produce a vast gamut of vibrant, accurate colours, smooth gradations and fine image details. The CWC4010 uses highly durable pigment-based inks with gloss or matte versions available to best suit the labelling application.
A slightly larger version, the Epson ColorWorks CS-6510 is a highly dependable 8-in commercial inkjet label printer covering the full spectrum of label sizes for enhanced productivity and versatility.
If durability is a factor, then the Epson ColorWorks C7500 can be the perfect solution as it uses the DURABrite Ultra ink, which is ideal for customers who want durable prints and who primarily want to print onto matte or GHSapproved BS 5609 media.
excellent corrugated substrate hold-down utilising the HF-High Flow Vacuum. It is an easy-to-integrate, high-volume true flatbed flagship printer purpose-built for a wide range of rigid media applications.
If you are looking for a solution for flexible production in every printing environment, then Durst P5 is the answer. It is a fully integrated technology
The Epson ColorWorks series has been designed to simplify the print of highquality, customised colour labels, tickets and tags in-house, as and when needed –from print to product in minutes. Epson’s on-demand inkjet colour label printers eliminate the traditional problems of
For longer runs, printing presses are the most suitable option. Aarque offers Epson SurePress L-4533 Digital Label Press, which incorporates Epson’s acclaimed MicroPiezo inkjet printhead technology with multiple heads combined in an array that moves laterally over a fixed platen. Each head contains hundreds of micro-fine nozzles that are precision engineered to ensure ultra-precise drop formation and
placement. This press offers excellent colour with a quality finish – 6 colour pigment aqueous ink set with an enhanced gamut + white, selectable black ink for coated and uncoated stocks, selectable over-print, and optional integrated colour management.
For high productivity, Durst Tau 330 RSC is the choice and the benchmark in productivity and flexibility with an actual print speed of 80 m/min, a native resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 DPI and up to 8 colour stations. Customers can achieve flexo-like productivity in a 24/7 environment, where even challenging label designs with small negative text or skin tones are produced with competitive TCO. It is available in standard colour configuration CMYK, orange, violet, green, and white optional.
As digital label printing grows, labelprinting houses realise the need for all-inclusive digital printing systems that provide value-adding features for producing fully finished labels. Further processing of printed labels and packaging can significantly impact and be a decisive factor in a customer purchasing decision and differentiation on the shop shelf. Aarque group specialists can also help in the final packaging and labelling production aspect.
The company offers a wide range of commercial laminators developed by Bagel Systems, a Spanish equipment manufacturer focused on developing and
manufacturing added-value laminating equipment for graphic arts and packaging. The Aarque Group offers the entire range of laminators starting from entry models and ending on highly automated Falcon B1, featuring a touch screen, user-friendly interface, quick fast film reel loading, secure high-speed performance system, automatic balance heat temperature and pressure or intuitive device adjustments.
If space is at a premium, Aarque can also offer a compact design of Grafisk Maschinfabrik (GM) machinery. The equipment is developed in Denmark, where for over 40 years, the company has engineered best-in-class solutions for the self-adhesive label converting, finishing and flexible packaging industry. GM DC330Mini is the latest generation of digital label finishing machines. It features new electronics, a newly-designed control panel and an updated user interface. Based on the DC330 platform designed and improved over eight generations – the
DC330Mini has a strong and highly proven background. Its smaller brother, the GM DC350 Nano, is an ultra-compact, costeffective unit for self-adhesive lamination, semi-rotary die-cutting and length slitting of label web widths up to 350mm.
Regarding digital cutting at an industrial level, Aarque offers unbeatable Swiss technology from Zünd. Its cutting systems and automation solutions sustainably increase the profitability of packaging production. A wide range of product offerings includes anything from automatic tool changers to collaborative robotics and fully integrated production lines with total material-handling automation for lights-out production.
Digital print technology offers nearly endless personalisation capabilities. It is also true for Summa flatbed plotters and cutting systems from the F Series. They are used to finish packaging that is usually made of printed cardboard. A flatbed plotter from Summa is ideal for making customised packaging. Because the multifunctional head holds up to three modules, it can perform different techniques on the material in one simple job, such as cutting and making folding lines.
In short, Aarque Group not only supplies equipment designed for every need but also offers unrivalled after-sales service and support nationwide. When it comes to printing, downtime is not an option, and the group does everything it can to ensure the printers are always fully functional.
Aarque Group has engineers right around the country to maintain and service machines. It also offers comprehensive colour management and profiling services, workflow optimisation and customised training.
If you would like to partner with Aarque and learn more about Aarque’s extensive product range and support services please see www.aarque.co.nz
Durst says it is challenging 4-colour flexography with its Tau RSCi inkjet press, shown for the first time also at the Labelexpo Americas 2022, printing at 1,200 x 1,200 DPI resolution at 100m/min on a 20in web in four colours, with flexo units both before and after the digital engine.
Global consultancy Smithers, has released a new study, “The Future of Package Printing to 2027”, forecasting that the labels and printed packaging markets will continue to increase in demand.
Data charts show that a global market worth of USD 456.3 billion in 2021 will increase to USD 473.7 billion and then grow at a CAGR of 3.1 per cent to reach USD 551.3 billion in 2027.
While flexo will remain the most widely used print process, the greatest expansion will come from digital print for packaging – with a CAGR of over 10 per cent forecast through 2027.
Print service providers are poised to reap the benefits of significant R&D investment by digital OEMs.
For a long time, digital was slightly behind analogue methods. Still, with the latest developments on the market, this speed barrier is slowly diminishing as machines such as the HP Indigo V12 Digital Press.
It is the first Indigo press built on nextgeneration HP Indigo LEPX architecture. It prints up to six colours at 120 linear metres per minute, using six in-line imaging engines running simultaneously; new high-definition imaging; up to 12 colours on press capabilities; and onepass, high-speed finishing capabilities provided by AB Graphic.
“The V12 is our Series 6 press, and it is completely redesigned from the ground
up. The V12 is a press that has been in development for several years. It runs narrow-web at a speed of four times faster than anything we’ve seen before, powered by HP Indigo Liquid Electro Photography technology (LEP),” said Craig Walmsley, HP Indigo A/NZ country manager. “We call it a V12 as we’re able to run 12 colours on it simultaneously. The V12 Press has the power of multiple flexo presses, in the one system. The speed of the press is only matched by its versatility, technical capabilities, and print quality, all of which sets a new benchmark for performance. For label manufacturers, this press will lead to new business opportunities including brand protection, smart packaging, sustainable packaging, and diversification into flexible packaging. The HP Indigo V12 Digital Press is tomorrow’s print technology, today.”
HP Indigo and AB Graphic equipment is supplied and supported by Currie Group in ANZ.
Inkjet doesn’t typically require frequent parts replacements and offers several advantages, including zero waste, higher robustness, and expanded colour gamut with fewer inks when compared to the traditional and current toner-based digital print technologies. According to Durst, printers can achieve 98 per cent of Pantone colours with just eight inks. Inkjet is also approaching production cost closer to flexo, without its click charge or print tax, and considering media and time saving.
“We see first-hand the digital print and finishing space continue to evolve. This combination is going to play a huge part in the way labels and packaging are produced,” commented Graham Blackall, national equipment sales consultant, Aarque Group Limited and a distributor of various brands, including Durst, Epson and GM in New Zealand. “As manufacturers broaden their product offerings, marketers need to react quickly, which drives adaptable just-in-time fulfilment at the packaging and label production end –digital meets these needs.”
Screen, which has been at the forefront of inkjet printing for many years, develops
While flexo is still widely used across labels and packaging markets, digital is making headway with short-run cost-effectiveness and print personalisation.The HP Indigo V12 can print as fast as analogue with greater production agility, redefining digital label printing Screen’s press is available in a low migration option to meet food packaging-compliant regulations
presses for labels and paper packaging in various formats from 330mm to 830mm. The company sees the future growth of digital coming in one-pass digital/hybrid presses, where printers are able to both print and finish labels efficiently.
2023 will be a year with numerous announcements as Screen continues its growth in the ANZ market with Jet Technologies.
“Whilst we are still strong believers in flexo, ultimately, as technology continues to improve and commercialise, the ability of digital will keep on improving, and the cost will continue to fall until it is the dominant print technology,” said Jack Malki, director of Jet Technologies, offering Screen equipment in the region. “That said, there are and will be more varying digital technologies, so, for example, inkjet is on the ascendancy now over toner, but who knows what the future holds?”
From the printer’s perspective, in the long run, digital printing is likely to be the direction that perhaps all print is heading.
“It won’t happen tomorrow, but it definitely feels like it’s edging that way,” said Alex Straight, technical director at Auckland-based Rapid Labels. “In saying that, though, when I started my apprenticeship, there was always talk about conventional machines becoming obsolete in the very near future with digital presses being developed.
“That was over 30 years ago, and flexo is still going strong, as is offset. Letterpress, however, was the first to wind down. Its demise occurred when digital machines were still running at relatively slow speeds.
If we take this as a learning of what the future holds for flexo, then surely, with the increased running speeds of digital, flexo could be the next print process in its sight.”
As with every printing technique, digital has its long list of pros and cons. It offers incredible quality and low costs at low volumes compared to traditional printing. It introduces variable data printing flexibility and short lead times.
According to Alex Straight, the biggest advantage of digital print is its ability to print unique images and data. “No two printed images need to be the same. It opens a whole new world of print. Unique QR codes, numbering and the option to make changes to any job without the cost of making more plates. These are some of the digital print’s greatest advantages that conventional machines can’t do,” he said.
“Our customers see the flexibility of the digital press as a key feature in our multifaceted print market,” added Aarque Group’s Blackall. “Our customers want to cater to a broad range of market demands; volumes vary — so having a printer that can create a sign-off proof or prototype on demand without wasting metres of media and time — results in a payoff for the customer and the manufacturer.”
Jack Malki thinks that the benefits are many, and it is difficult to focus on just one, but the one he appreciates the most is being able to print right now exactly what’s needed, no matter if it is one SKU, many SKUs, personalisation or whatever else. “Here and now is always a powerful tool,” said Malki.
All these factors explain why digital print is poised for such considerable growth. So, what are the disadvantages?
“Cost and productivity are still the major disadvantages,” agreed Jack Malki. “If the digital print was as economical and productive as flexo, then there would be no place for flexo (or other print technologies), but right now, that is not the case.”
On the other hand, Aarque’s Graham Blackall is convinced that digital production has no disadvantage when printers have defined their supply requirements. “Digital Print caters to demand between alternative production methods; it delivers flexibility across media types, volumes and high quality. Ultimately the customer benefits from a production base that can cater to their requirements, big or small.”
Printers in the digital space see more highly embellished labels. Regarding digital printing, it’s not unusual for the customer to reallocate the money they have saved on plate costs, smaller dies and add something special to their label.
“Perhaps a sculpted emboss or textured foil, a micro embossed security feature or a floating foil. Anything that can give them a point of difference and a greater shelf presence compared to their competitors,” confirmed Alex Straight.
For carton packaging, it is the on-demand fulfilment, managing volumes, storage requirements vs product going to market. “Customers want to remain relevant and compete in the store aisle, so it’s vital they have a supplier that can respond to these demands with efficient print and finishing solutions,’ said Blackall. “Labels are not dissimilar; there are more and more boutique products coming to market, and large brands are diversifying with variants – you only need to look at the beer market to see the evidence of change there.”
Jack Malki added that hybrid, in-line presses is where he sees the customer’s interest just now. “Clients are asking how they can print and finish in one pass, with one operator, and that is very much possible today,” he said.
In the next issue of our magazine, we will be analysing all things offset. Contact Piotr Wnuk (pwnuk@intermedianz.co.nz) if you want to participate and share your market view.
New Zealand has a reputation for producing great wine, healthy honey, boutique soaps, and any number of wonderful consumer goods.
Rachel Foye, marketing manager for BJ Ball, says, “Many of our great Kiwi companies start out small, often hand applying labels at first, and then growing to machine applications. The challenge for printers becomes: How do you help support that growth while giving them a distinctive label stock that makes their product stand out?”
Wausau Coated is a boutique label products manufacturer based in Wisconsin, USA. The representative for Wausau Coated New Zealand likes to remind us that their company does 80 per cent custom products. They are constantly asked to do weird stuff, new stuff and innovative stuff. The ones they like become stock lines, giving the rest of the world access to some amazing label face stocks.”
A few years ago, BJ Ball launched a few of the Wausau label products in roll formats. As the orders grew, the company received comments from customers that they wanted a way to trial them, or to use them for limited edition runs, for example, 200 high-end whisky bottle labels. Rachel says, “Wausau Coated has taken this feedback on board and has moved into the sheet fed market.
“Those shorter run jobs needed to be digital, so we were relieved when the spec sheets listed them as HP Indigo and dry toner suitable. We wanted to put the stocks through their paces in New Zealand, so that we had some samples to give to customers. However, it was a tricky time to try and launch a new product: the stock got delayed and Auckland went in and out of lockdowns, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“At BJ Ball, we persevere when we know we have a product that can improve our customers’ business. When we were finally able show the product to printers, they all loved it. In fact, we ran out of stock of four SKUs within a week. The promo had to go on pause until more stock arrived. We know no one likes to be shown samples of something they can’t have. We chose four face stocks from the range to highlight with its printed samples. Although there were wood veneers and
crimson flocked options, we started with the more budget friendly SKUs as they will be more popular. Bryce Carleton has photographed the four labels shown on this page showing the value of the Wausau solutions:
Recycled Natural Kraft Permanent Adhesive (Kombucha label). Digitally printed on an HP Indigo with a clear Scodix enhancement over the string to give a raised effect without needing to emboss. The brown solid shows good ink adhesion and a consistent coverage. This label’s face stock is made with 100 per cent recycled fibre which is also FSC certified C102086.
FSC certified. There is also an Eggshell Felt option available which is cream in colour.
Estate #8 Permanent Adhesive (Gin label). Digitally printed on a Fujifilm Iridesse incorporating a show stopping fluoro pink toner. The florals in the background are a subtle grey (CMYK) topped with a clear toner. This face stock contains wet strength properties and is FSC certified.
Bright White Felt Permanent Adhesive (Sauvignon Blanc) – Digitally printed on a Fujifilm Iridesse incorporating a silver toner moon which contrasts nicely with the grey (CMYK) waves. This face stock contains wet strength properties and is
Black Vellum Permanent Adhesive (Syrah label). Digitally printed on an HP Indigo with a few hits of white ink. The black raven watermark is just black ink creating a wonderful contrast of the matt stock with a gloss hint in the ink. This face stock contains wet strength properties.
She concludes, “We look forward to discussing how BJ Ball can help printers use the Wausau label products, and our other label solutions.”
2022 was a milestone year for an Auckland printer Soar Communications Group (SCG).
for shrink sleeves, new inks including metallics, fluorescents, invisible red and green for brand protection applications and new varnishes from leading partners for higher durability.
“When Currie Group offered us a deal on the HP Indigo 6K, I knew we were just about to get more control and be able to do even more things. We have done some cool products already, but we are still in a trial mode, in my opinion. All the software HP developed makes a huge difference. We have done an interesting project for a product containing milk and or cream, so it perishable very quickly. Thanks to the new press, I created a shrink sleeve using the new silver that blocks the light and the packaging itself, adding shiny metallisation to the label.”
Wshaking off the Covid misery, SCG pressed through with its ambitions by combining two successful companies and expanding its machine park.
SCG brought two companies together, coalesced two groups of talented people into one, moved headquarters and installed new equipment to expand its capabilities even further. These achievements are magnified by the fact that the new business, combining 80 Soar Print staff and 100 ICG staff, remains independently owned.
Soar Print brought print, logistics, mailing and packaging expertise. The Image Centre Group (ICG) complemented this offer with its deep knowledge and expertise in the creative/content side of print, publishing and large format.
While servicing different clients, Soar and ICG have had an open and strong working relationship for over a decade. In the same way, as both businesses were built on the family-led values of each of the company’s founding fathers, also their CEOs at the time, Fred Soar and David Atkins, decided to manage the company side-by-side.
This merger strengthened the overall offering of both businesses and created more significant opportunities for their clients and teams. It paved the way for an exciting future and allowed operating as an independent Kiwi-owned business.
It was clear from the outset that the consolidation would command bigger premises. In February 2022, ICG kicked
off the rebrand by moving into a new 5,000 sqm headquarters in Mount Wellington, with the Soar team picking up any printing slack during the transition. By May, all operations were established at the new site, which ensured a seamless transition for clients, staff, and key suppliers.
“It was quite an incredible time,” Brian Landry, general manager of SCG, recalls. “A lot of staff from both sides came together on weekends to help move stuff and break walls down. We pulled all the electrical cables, big, thick, fat cables, out of the walls and reused them in the new building.”
People are undoubtedly the core of the business, but they could not succeed without quality equipment.
The company runs a Heidelberg CX 102 and an eight-colour B1 Komori long perfector among the other production equipment that it has at its disposal. There is also a brandnew racing stud in its stables, an HP Indigo 6K Digital Press, which, a few months after the installation, still impresses Brian Landy, general manager at SCG.
“The automation ability, with its new frontend side, is what excites me,” said Landry. “And we’ve only touched on that because we’re still in the training stage with the prepress guys and recreating die templates; we have around 4,000 to go through.”
The new HP Indigo powers the Rocket division of the company specialising in labels, which was also using the HP Indigo 6800 press to produce shrink sleeves.
The HP Indigo 6K can deliver more applications using higher opacity white
Engineered for higher productivity and faster colour, the HP Indigo 6K Digital Press is the new model of the highversatility HP Indigo 6000 series. The press introduces Spot Master, HP Indigo’s next-generation colour automation technology. It uses a patented algorithm for fast and accurate colour matching, enabling converters to reach brand colours within minutes with high colour consistency and uniformity across the entire print frame, ensuring every package looks the same no matter when or where it was printed.
“Digital is the future; it’s not going away. What is really amazing is the quality we get from the HP Indigo 6K. It enables us to keep offering our personal attention to each client, work with start-ups, introduce our customers to Mosaic and Collage and expand their design abilities. Last year was one hell of a year for us. And it was right the way to the end. This year is all about consolidations, streamlining and automation. And we’re very excited,” concluded Landry.
“The long-standing relationship with SCG is exactly what Currie Group stands for,” said Mark Daws, director of labels and packaging ANZ at Currie Group. “We continue to work with local printers to sell quality equipment and create relationships built on trust and full understanding of customers’ needs. I am delighted that we were able to find the best solution for SCG by working closely with Brian and listening to every technical need he mentioned. I am certain our cooperation will not end here, and I look forward to seeing future success and growth in SCG’s business. We are proud to be a partner on their digital journey.”
on the stand included Thomas Bodner, a service engineer who travelled from the company headquarters in Brixen, Italy, to showcase Durst’s holistic approach to print and automation by presenting the Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software working with the Tau RSC E 330 press. (video walkthrough is available on the New Zealand Printer website).
Durst Workflow is a tailor-made solution for the printing industry to prepare customer data for printing and finishing. Data preparation typically requires recurring tasks that can now be automated, freeing up valuable time for other tasks. This software combines automation and product-specific data preparation to decrease production costs.
Durst Group has gathered tremendous interest from regional audiences hungry for innovations and the latest technology developments in the labels and packaging space during the recent Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2023 show in Bangkok, Thailand.
The company showcased its Tau RSC E 330 5c press working in unison with the Durst printer-software ecosystem and providing visitors access to experienced industry experts.
“We are people, and we like to interact with each other that’s why we have shows like this one. It was the first time I was at the show, and I think it went very well. We have seen a significant amount of people,” commented Thomas Macina, global sales director for labels and flexible packaging at Durst.
“I heard some statistics that only on the first day we had more people coming through the doors than for the entire duration of the last edition in 2018. What surprised me was that we have seen printers not only from Thailand but also from surrounding regions. So, we met people from Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Uzbekistan,” added Macina. “Converters from all
surrounding regions are flocking here, and most were stopping by our booth.
“I think we were the only digital inkjet manufacturer at the show with a 1,200 DPI machine. I believe all visitors can see the difference in print quality between Durst and the other inkjet players. I have spoken to several visitors who have seen this machine for the first time and have questions. Some customers know us, already have an older version of our presses, and are considering an upgrade.”
The RSC E has been designed by Durst to evolve and grow with the business and is equipped with native 1,200 DPI resolution. It offers converters an economically attractive entry into successful Tau RSC technology. The press comes fully equipped with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software and optional Durst Smart Shop software, enabling web-to-print technology.
According to Macina, some of the most prevalent trends and most often requested functionalities by the Labelexpo visitors were workflow and automation options.
This is precisely what Durst has set out to showcase during the show. The team
On the other hand, Durst Analytics is a web-based software that leverages printer’s data to provide easily accessible and interpretable dashboards, all available on a single screen.
All software packages are individually expandable and can be used for label, corrugated, textile and large-format printing.
Durst is gearing up for an open house event to dive deeper into automation, workflow, and other functionalities offering printers time savings and reduced production costs. The event –Beyond Label Open House – is scheduled for 3 to 5 May in Brixen, Italy.
For the full Labelexpo Southeast Asia review, please turn to the next page
Durst was one of the few European manufacturers arriving at the Labelexpo show with an impressive equipment lineup.Durst showcased its Tau RSC E 330 5c press working in unison with the Durst software Thomas Bodner, a service engineer from Brixen, Italy, presented Durst’s holistic approach to print and automation
P5 350/HS
The hybrid printer that elevates the efficiency in your production cycle.
For more information, please visit durst-group.com/p5350
Screen L350UV SAI series deliver:
• NEW High opacity white
• Industry-leading productivity (up to 60m/min)
• Highest reliability (>93% Uptime)
• Ability to upgrade on site
• Chiller for thin and heat-sensitive substrates
• Reverse feed (material saving)
For more information, please contact us here:
David Reece• Expanded colour gamut
• Up to 7 colours including blue, orange & white
• Hybrid integration ready
• Fully supported by local factory-trained technicians
• User-friendly EQUIOS workflow integrates with MIS
P: +61 2 8399 4999 M: +61 488 190 290 dreece@jet-ap.com / 19 Rosebery Ave. Rosebery, NSW, 2018
Gorilla Board
A premium GC1 hi-bulk board with a high white shade, premium double coated surface, Gorilla Board is suitable for freezer applications and is direct food contact safe.
This recyclable solution is also biodegradable. It has PEFC and ISO 14001 certifications.
Marco Smolcic, Packaging Category manager at Spicers New Zealand, says, “This range offers a great value paperbased packaging solution that fits with our sustainability strategy.
“Samples are available now with stock available in 295 and 325 gsm in 720 x 1020 LG and 1020 x 720 SG. Also, available upon request in 215, 235, 250, 270, 295, 325, 350, 380 gsm.
Spicers New Zealand has increased the number of environmentally friendly solutions for the local market by expanding its portfolio of digital printer paper with Ecofoil Digital and its range of packaging products with Gorilla Board.
The company has serviced the industry’s paper needs in New Zealand for over 100 years, whilst maintaining a strong international identity with operations in Australia and Asia.
In recent years the business has expanded its product portfolio with diversified products, including sign and display substrates, via Total Supply, as well as industrial packaging consumables, via Universal Packaging, and this expansion continues with exciting and innovative new products such as Ecofoil Digital and Gorilla Board.
Specifically developed for the HP Indigo, dry toner and UV inkjet digital print markets, the Ecofoil Digital range of silver metallised foil board enables you to create foil embellishment inline, using your existing digital press, without the need for any additional capex investment.
Brooke Painter, Digital Papers Category manager at Spicers New Zealand, says, “This exciting new range enables
customers to create and reproduce foilembellished designs that are simply not possible via any other process. With its added sustainability benefits, we believe this offering is unique in the global marketplace. Samples are now available.
“As the only sustainable and commercially viable foil board range on the digital market, Ecofoil offers all the creative benefits of a metallised polyester but with three huge differences: it is certified plastic free, recyclable, and has FSC certification. Ecofoil Digital is proven to run at commercial speeds with no buildup of static. A true one-sided foil-board substrate, it delivers significantly higher gloss levels comparable to metallic inks or metallic substrates.”
Brooke points out that Ecofoil Digital is a foil-board substrate rather than a selective foil embellishment such as hot foil or digital foil, so there are no limitations in the amount, size, complexity, or number of foil colours that can be created in a single pass. He adds, “Ecofoil Digital is compatible with all known post-press processes, including folding, bookbinding, embossing, debossing, foiling, UV varnishing and laminating.”
Ecofoil Digital stock is available in 162gsm self-adhesive label; 260gsm / 405µm GC1 Board; and 300gsm / 330µm Satin card.
“Ideal applications include packaging for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors; chocolate and confectionery; FMCG packaging, greeting cards, point of sale, swing tags and posters.”
Brooke adds, “Spicers New Zealand believes in leading by example. In everything we do, the impact on our environment is always taken into consideration. Our FSC, PEFC, Enviromark and Environmental Choice certifications and Zero Waste programme are examples that we continue to manage environmental initiatives that impact our operational footprint.”
The second edition of Labelexpo Southeast Asia returned to Bangkok in February 2023 to host printers and converters from the region.
Regional printers and converters flocked to Bangkok, intrigued to see the latest developments available in the label and packaging printing space and preview trends which will potentially drive the market this year.
Regional printers long awaited this year’s edition of the show after events planned in 2020 and 2022 were postponed in the wake of the pandemic. Tarsus Group, the organizer of Labelexpo Global Series, was impressed with the multi-national attendees flocking to Bangkok to see the latest labels and packaging technologies developments.
“Labelexpo Southeast Asia launched in 2018 in May was the most successful launch event our company has ever had,” Tarsus Group event manager for Labelexpo Southeast Asia Richard Quirk said.
According to Tarsus, the first edition of Labelexpo Southeast Asia was the
region’s biggest label and package printing event, attracting 7,934 attendees from 62 countries.
“We were due to have the second edition in 2020, and we were forced to cancel and then postpone. So, this is the first time we’ve been back here for nearly five years,” added Quirk.
This year the exhibition featured more than 170 exhibitors across the label and packaging supply chain and 7,448 delegates from 84 countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, India, Singapore and Vietnam.
“I am delighted to report that the show was up to our expectations, if not exceeded them. The show floor was bustling,” added Jade Grace, portfolio director at Tarsus Group. “There was a lot of machinery on show, and we’re thrilled to receive positive feedback. The exhibitors were seeing a lot of international visitors, which we’re pleased
about because we’ve invested massively into marketing in Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia, and it’s nice to see that our efforts are translated on the show floor.”
Indeed, despite a much more compact show floor than those in Brussels and Chicago, the equipment at the show was impressive, with an interesting mix of technologies, both from global and regional manufacturers.
According to the Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence report published in September 2022, the Asia Pacific (APAC) digital printing market is anticipated to grow significantly in the region and outpace other printing technology. This trend was visible on the show floor.
Durst Group occupied one of the central stands, which gathered significant crowds hungry to experience the Tau RSC E 330
“The printers are looking for something unique that could bring them better TCO, given the fact there is a lot of cost pressure in the market right now. This is especially evident with companies starting to enter the labels market. They are quite cautious as well. We met potential customers asking for costeffective solutions but still delivering the quality which would allow them to compete in the market,” said Conrad Mendoza Jr., growth and innovation lead in Asia Pacific at Epson.
Konica Minolta showcased the AccurioLabel 400 in the region for the first time after the official launch at Labelexpo Americas last year. According to the company, the press was initially designed to offer an affordable entry point into high-quality digital printing for small-to-mid-sized label converters.
5c press working in unison with the Durst printer-software ecosystem.
The RSC E has been designed to evolve and grow with the business and is equipped with native 1,200 DPI resolution. It offers an economically attractive entry into successful Tau RSC technology. The printer comes fully equipped with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software and optional Durst Smart Shop software, enabling web-to-print technology.
“We were the only digital inkjet manufacturer at the show with a 1,200 DPI machine. I believe all visitors could easily distinguish the difference in print quality between Durst and the other inkjet players,” Durst global sales director for labels and flexible packaging Thomas Macina said. “I have spoken to several visitors who have seen this machine for the first time and have questions.
Some customers know us, already have an older version of our presses, and are considering an upgrade.”
Epson presented industrial and ondemand colour label solutions: the SurePress L-4533AW water-based ink machine and SurePress L-6534VW UV ink press, showcasing flexibility in customized label printing for retailers, SMEs and factories.
The L-6534VW, which gathered significant interest, is an inkjet label press with LED UV curing ink, enabling high-speed printing suitable for producing labels and packaging with outstanding scratch and weather resistance. The space-saving design integrates all of the functions required for production, such as Corona treatment, White ink, digital varnish, and curing unit.
The AccurioLabel 400 incorporates Konica Minolta’s technology, including the Intelligent Quality Optimizer (IQ520) colour management functionality for real-time colour stability and registration control. The new press features a fifth well for white toner to expand creative label applications and many automated control features for highly productive output.
An interesting addition to the show floor was Chinese manufacturer Flora, promoting its J-330S, a compact 5-colour digital UV inkjet machine designed as a compact and fully integrated single-pass platform.
The machine uses the new circulation Epson S3200 600 DPI printhead and can run with speeds up to 60m/min to offer high productivity and flexibility. The 350mm print width can support a wide range of applications.
According to the company, the single-pass technology with non-contact printing and one-step forming can deliver consistent printing quality. It offers one-step personalization with shorter set-up time, minimal tool cost and optimal workflow connection while reducing waste.
Despite the apparent domination of digital technologies in Bangkok, Malaysian manufacturer Sen Label showcased high-speed full servo intermittent UV flexo and UV LED letterpress.
Press Systems Group (PSG), one of the leading Southeast Asia distributors of printing products covering the flexo, offset and gravure markets, presented three Rhyguan machines, including the Top-330-2 semi/full-rotary die-cutting and inspection system configured with one flexo printing unit incorporating additional equipment, including GEW LED-UV curing systems, Sandon anilox roll, Swedcut doctor blade and Innova mounting tape.
New to the show was the Digital Embellishment Trail, successfully introduced at Labelexpo Americas last year. Participating companies included Kurz, Grafotronic, Domino and Epson, which offered samples and a team of experts to demonstrate the possibilities of variable embellishment.
Grafotronic, a Swedish/Polish company founded in 2004, promoted two machines at the show. The first one, CF, is a compact, modular digital label finisher configured with a flexo unit for spot varnish, semi-
rotary die, automated loading, slitting station, and standard rewind units.
“This machine can run up to 100 m/min, but the newly developed die-cutting unit can operate with up to 150 m/min speeds. What’s unique about this unit is that despite its extreme speeds, we were able to minimize the waste to only 30cm when switching jobs,” said Mathias Malmqvist, vice president of sales and marketing at Grafotronic.
The company was also showcasing its HI3 inspection machine developed for 24/7 production environments, available in widths between 13 and 22in, running with speeds of up to 400m/min.
Armor-Iimak promoted inkanto and other thermal transfer ribbons developed to offer resistance, legibility and print medium (uncoated, coated paper, synthetic, textile, flexible packaging). Its products come with a lifetime guaranteed and Certificate of Conformity to provide traceability to end-users.
Cosmo Films showcased a wide range of products, including flexible packaging, label, lamination, packaging, synthetic paper and industrial films, and its newly launched products — PET-G shrink label films and Cosmo Plastech.
Zhuoli Imaging Technology featured thermal transfer ribbons with selfmanufactured PET film. Its main products include wax, wax/resin, resin, nearedge ribbons and colour ribbons. These products are manufactured in compliance with RoHS and REACH regulations and have ISEGA and UL certifications.
In the conversations with New Zealand Printer, many brands present at the show in Bangkok confirmed they are preparing major product launches for the upcoming Labelexpo Europe in Brussels in September 2023.
HP has booked the largest stand available on the show floor in prime position, so we can only speculate that the V12 will be showcased in Belgium after its launch at Labelexpo Americas 2022 in Chicago.
Lombardi, an Italian family-owned flexo and hybrid press manufacturer, has taken the second-largest stand and promised a significant technology launch.
“We are already preparing for the show in Brussels. All I can say at this stage is that something big is coming. We have been working very hard perfecting new technology so it will be ready to be launched in Belgium,” said Nicola Lombardi, marketing director at Lombardi Converting Machinery.
Lombardi has also hinted that Australia and New Zealand are desirable markets, and the company has firmly put them on its expansion plans. The Italian company is currently gearing up for the first installation in Australia.
Other sizeable stands are already reserved for Mark Andy, Omet, Screen, Bobst, Durst, Konica Minolta, ABG, Grafotronic and Domino, all promising to show some exciting innovations, so with just a few months to go, the European edition of the Labelexpo show will be one not to miss.
After six years of absence, interpack returns in May with 18 halls, targeted exhibition areas, new speciality shows, forums and a few exhibitors from the region
According to feedback from the industry, the pandemic showed that digital alternative events were seen as a plus that provided added value, but meeting in person at a trade fair is irreplaceable in terms of generating new contacts and building trust, which is massively important.
However, despite the absence of the physical show, interpack has been supporting its exhibitors and visitors in different ways.
“On our digital channels, we continuously accompany the industry, share valuable knowledge and initiate discussions,”
interpack project director Thomas Dohse said.
“We also provide business and communication platforms in key growth markets and regions.”
According to Dohse, more and more people worldwide are buying more and more packaged products. This demand must be met and is the basis for growth. The industry is, therefore, highly relevant.
“Added to this are changing consumer habits, for example, in e-commerce, which positively impacts economic expectations. But of course, it’s not that simple because
the packaging industry is facing a profound transformation,” Dohse said.
“The year 2022 was marked by the effects of the Ukraine war, disruptive supply chains, the energy crisis and inflation. Added to this is the major issue of sustainability. For example, brand owners and the packaging industry are increasingly focusing on the goal of climate neutrality, sustainable packaging, and resource conservation. This is also about technological advances. Without digital technologies, change cannot be shaped.”
Over the past six years, Messe Düsseldorf had the opportunity to host some
interpack alliance trade shows. Most recently, in Egypt in December 2022 with Food Africa and pacprocess MEA – which attracted over 25,000 visitors – took advantage of the excellent investment climate and, together with the exhibitors, took important steps into a significant sales market on the African continent.
“Here, too, it became clear in many discussions that despite all the challenges facing companies, the opportunities for growth are great. This applies to developing regions as well as saturated markets. Processing and packaging are significant industries of the future,” Dohse said.
Messe Düsseldorf estimates that around 2,700 exhibitors from around the world will present leading technologies at this year’s edition of interpack and showcase packaging trends from the entire value chain accumulated within the last six years of forced absence during the pandemic.
The entire exhibition was booked out already a year ago, with other interested companies registering for the waiting lists.
“We are delighted that we are once again “fully booked”. This year’s interpack has an extremely high status. There has never been more need to meet. Since the last interpack in 2017, the market, political and social conditions, and above all, technological progress have changed drastically,” Dohse said.
“We look back on a long tradition and have always been as close as possible to the industry since 1958. This is incredibly important in helping to drive the packaging and processing industry forward.
“interpack is the central place where the industry comes together from all continents. Here, the industry takes advantage of the opportunities offered by a leading trade show to demonstrate the industry’s capabilities, discuss current trends and set the course for the future.
“Here, you can see machines and complete process technologies live in action. If you’re not here, you’ve definitely missed out. I like to compare it with the Olympic Games, which every athlete marks in the calendar years in advance.”
To live up to its status as the flagship of the global processing and packaging industry trade shows, interpack has introduced a new slogan, “Simply Unique”.
Dohse said, “interpack is the flagship of the global processing and packaging industry. It is unique in terms of its dimension, diversity, innovative strength and internationality.
“Nowhere else do you meet the entire industry in one place, and nowhere else do you have this density of innovations and premieres. “Simply unique” is our self-image, claim and promise to our exhibitors, visitors and partners.”
Interpack is always rounded up by its special themes that pick up on the trends for the coming years. According to Dohse, in 2023, sustainability and all of its facets will be even more significant than it has been in years past, which means that this year, interpack will be tackling this set of themes in cooperation with its partners.
“The two major megatrends of our time are undoubtedly digitalisation and sustainability, which have a major impact on the processing and packaging industry. Both will determine interpack 2023,” Dohse said.
“Let me briefly touch on the sustainability issue. In addition to the social movement, we are also talking about a central economic factor here. Europe is to become climate-neutral by 2050. This goes hand in hand with a resource-efficient and competitive economy.
“The circular economy is one of the most important building blocks. How can recyclability be improved? How can we produce in a climate-neutral way? How can we increase the amount of content to be recycled? Which materials are suitable for which products? interpack exhibitors have answers.”
In the past, interpack’s special themes have always grabbed the public’s attention, for example, Save Food, which aimed to reduce food waste, or the concept of the innovation parks, which demonstrate smart solutions and approaches for specific issues, which are now a firm favourite at the other international trade fairs held by the interpack alliance.
“We focus on highly relevant trend and future-oriented topics for our target groups, for example, with our spotlight talks and trends lecture forum, which features presentations, case studies and interactive sessions with top experts and industry pioneers,” Dohse added.
“We have the theme of co-packing and packaging innovations with several
award ceremonies at the show. And we are looking forward to our first TV studio with live reports and talk shows from interpack. Save Food also continues because it is really close to our hearts. The processing and packaging industries are important players in the fight against global food losses.”
With still a few weeks to go, exhibiting companies started presenting their businesses individually and introducing their contacts and product innovations in the exhibitor and product database, which is now available on the interpack’s website.
“Companies need to present their businesses and products optimally, not only in the trade fair halls but also online. The new exhibitor profile makes this possible,” Messe Düsseldorf CEO Wolfram N. Diener said.
“We are increasingly focusing on platforms that we can offer our customers in both physical and digital form. On our online portals, our trade fairs run 365 days a year. They are the first points of contact for their respective industries. In order to offer our customers the greatest possible benefit, we stay in regular contact with them and continuously develop our digital services such as the online portals.”
The database gives visitors a better overview of exhibitors offering the option of convenient sorting of products, filtering according to personal interests and making contact before the trade fair. In the run-up to interpack, the platform also offers the feature of saving preferred exhibitors, products and events in the “myOrganizer”.
Dohse said, “When exhibitors from the other side of the world come to us, it is always something very valuable. At interpack 2023, we are looking forward to no less than five exhibitors from Australia: Composite Materials Engineering, Glory Tins Australia, Heat and Control, ICEE Containers and tna solutions. In addition, there were around 500 trade visitors from Australia and New Zealand at the previous interpack trade shows.
“We will see many new things, for example, production worlds with more efficient machines and higher levels of automation, resource-saving processes, optimised supply chains, new digital services, material innovations and countless more. We are excited about all the announced premieres and the next step into the future.”
interpack will take place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from 4 to 10 May, 2023. Further up-to-date information on the trade fair is available at www.interpack.com.
Fujifilm Business Innovation
global president and chief executive officer Naoki Hama made his first visit to New Zealand in December as part of a region-wide trip to meet the local Fujifilm teams and learn more about their operations first-hand.
He was appointed to the top role in April 2022, after former chief executive officer Hisanori Makaya became chairman of the company’s Board of Directors.
Hama brings a deep background and understanding of commercial print technologies and innovation to his role, following terms as executive vice president leading the Graphic Communications business while concurrently serving as Fujifilm’s general manager of the Inkjet Business Division.
In all, he has nearly 40 years of experience working across Fujifilm’s diverse business units, including the company’s display materials division and
advanced marking research laboratory.
It is noteworthy that both of Fujifilm Business Innovation’s top executives have experience in graphic communications and production print technology; Makaya was also previously executive vice president leading the same division.
Local Fujifilm Business Innovation
New Zealand managing director David Jupe is no stranger to the graphic communications sector either, having previously led a number of organisations in New Zealand and Australia.
Hama’s trip followed visits earlier last year from Makaya and the company’s
executive vice president and director of Asia Pacific sales operations, Masashi Sakamoto. All three of the Fujifilm Business Innovation’s most senior executives, Makaya, Hama and Sakamoto, have now visited the local operation.
Jupe says, “We were honoured and humbled that New Zealand was at the top of Hama-san’s list to visit now that he is able to travel. Our team was excited to meet him and showcase our work to help customers on their digital transformation journey.”
Accompanying Hama was Fujifilm Business Innovation’s head of Oceania, Takashi Otani, who travelled from his post in Sydney where he is also the managing director for Fujifilm Business Innovation Australia – a position he has held since November 2021.
There was a busy itinerary for Hama’s visit, beginning with an early arrival to the company’s head office on Landing Drive in Mangere. He was greeted by senior members of the local team and offered a tour of the facility’s substantial showrooms, printing operations, warehouse and workshop where the company refurbishes machines and harvests reusable parts through its product stewardship programme.
Hama also made time for a townhall address to staff, simultaneously livestreamed to the company’s 750 employees nationwide.
In his remarks, Hama covered his personal background and career progression, including an impressive stint playing prop for a top-tier rugby team in Japan during his university years, and vision for the company’s digital transformation journey and relentless pursuit of new solutions to help customers.
He said, “Our growth strategy is to become our customers’ trusted partner in driving business innovation. Australia and New Zealand are very important to our company. My focus is on how we can realise the potential of these regions, because Oceania has huge potential for growth.”
He also made particular note of a large wall graphic appearing in the reception area of Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand’s Landing Drive office featuring the company’s mission statement: to never stop finding ways to help Kiwis work smarter. Hama remarked how closely that statement mirrors his vision for the global company and working closely with its customers.
He ended his remarks with a challenge for the local team to continue trying new things and innovating. He said, “It’s important to try new things, even if they don’t always succeed. The point is to try.”
He also stopped in at the Grafton offices of CodeBlue, the managed IT services division of Fujifilm Business Innovation, added in 2020 through the company’s acquisition of print and technology company CSG in Australia and New Zealand. The last several years have been a boon for CodeBlue’s growth, as demand for IT services has accelerated in response to Covid-19 lockdowns and as more companies transition to flexible and hybrid models where employees are working from home more often.
Jupe said, “We see CodeBlue as a key component of our solutions portfolio. Our ability to offer new solutions in addition to our print technologies is really going to be a key area of focus for our continued growth.”
Hama took a similar view on the importance of expanding product and
solutions lines into new areas to stay relevant for customers’ needs. He added, “Not only in New Zealand, but in Japan and globally too, our customers are looking to us to help with new answers to emerging business challenges. Our challenge is to work alongside our customer to find innovative new solutions, and never stop challenging the status quo.”
The company’s belief in innovation and continued investment in commercial print was evidenced in the new Revoria B2 toner-based press showcased at the International Graphic Arts Show in Tokyo in November, and in a recent refresh of the company’s wide format inkjet lineup.
As a souvenir of his trip, Hama was presented with an autographed Black Ferns jersey by David Jupe. Though the names on the jersey have recently captured the attention of fans around the world following their World Cup victory, meeting the local team at the Fujifilm office will perhaps be the most memorable highlight of Hama’s visit.
He said, “We see Fujifilm Business Innovation New Zealand as leading the way in the future direction of our company. The way digital transformation has accelerated in New Zealand serves as an indication to the rest of the company about how technology trends are likely to continue around the world and help steer the future direction of our company.
“I enjoyed meeting the New Zealand team and will certainly look forward to coming back to see them again; hopefully, it won’t be too long.”
David Jupe will take the stage at the Pride In Print Awards in June, with Fujifilm Business Innovation returning as Patron of the annual event.
Hamilton-based Gallagher Group has run its own print house since 2008. Currently the company runs two Iridesse digital Production Presses and a Nuvera 288 monochrome EA Digital Perfecting Production System, supplied by Fujifilm Business Innovation.
Steve Brown, print house manager at Gallagher, says, “We enjoy a strong relationship with Fujifilm Business Innovation. Two years ago, after running our old digital presses until their effective end of service life and noticing that they were needing more service the longer we ran them, we decided to look for some newer equipment to give us more capability and productivity.
“At Gallagher we are conscious of where our dollar is spent and the value we get out of it, so we conducted a project testing the major print equipment suppliers, and the Iridesse came out on top.
“The Iridesse is a much quicker engine than our previous machine. Also, with the addition of a bright pink toner, we can hit our difficult Gallagher bright orange brand colour. This means that we have better looking print to complement our products in the marketplace and can run more jobs through our internal print house.
“The other advantage of the Iridesse is that the ease at which our operators can diagnose and fix an issue, and also to perform operator maintenance tasks on them. We run a just-in-time schedule that means that we print our products the day before they are required in our assembly facility, so we need two Iridesse machines to accomplish any sudden increase in demand. It also helps when one of the machines is undergoing maintenance.”
Among other things Gallagher supplies print solutions for farmers including equipment. It prints a range of material on the Iridesse presses that complement
its business. Output includes booklets, manuals, brochures, and header cards. Steve adds, “We also do labels, such as low-tack labels that are applied to the front of our solar panels and are removed by the farmer before use in the field.
“The Iridesse presses have definitely expanded the work we do, for example, the bright pink toner mentioned before. It means our product managers can look into our internal print operation before considering outsourcing the work.
“We do not have an offset printer. We consider short to medium runs to be our bread and butter, and this means that we do not have excess inventory that can become damaged or out of date.
“We love the quality from the Iridesse machines. The solids are solid, the gradations are smooth, and the finished print has a nice silky feel. The print is consistent end to end and side to
side across the page, and even handles oversized prints well. We are especially impressed with the registration that is a step up from the old press as well.”
Productivity has increased. He says, “Apart from the boost of speed, the consistent quality print we get from the Iridesse presses means fewer reprints and we can be more confident of sending our material from the press down the finishing lines. We also find that the prints come out nice and flat, and that helps with our manual handling.”
The Iridesse presses have also allowed Gallagher’s print house team to expand its creativity. He says, “One of the cool applications we have used the press for recently is producing extra-large wraps for our gate cables. We can print our wraps two or three-up on a 900mm sheet and send it straight from our press down our slitter-cutter machine. This gives us a finished product that can be sent straight to our assembly line.
“The Iridesse has a fantastic controller that allows easy setup of queues and imposition. For a great many of our jobs, it’s as simple as dropping the job into the controller, selecting a queue, and hitting the print button with the print arriving to the tray we want it to arrive, all imposed and ready to go. Loading the paper trays is a breeze, and the machine interface is easy to understand as well. So, if we need
to make adjustments to the machine, assess or fix quality issues, or adjust the parameters of how the stock is handled, then this can be done with relative ease.
“Our customers love the printed products we make with the Iridesse presses.”
In 2016, Gallagher installed a Nuvera 288 monochrome EA Digital Perfecting Production System. He says, “The Nuvera has two engines, rather than one. So, we can switch one engine off and use the other one exclusively. Also, the press is compatible with the Watkiss PowerSquare, and this is important to us because most of the black and white printing we do is finished as a stapled booklet.
“The Nuvera runs at 288 pages per minute, which is a huge increase in productivity over the press we had previously, which was about 120ppm.
We also find that the print quality is good, with solid blacks, fine lines, and nice gray-scaling. It also suits our lean methodology, printing to order, the day before it is required.
“We have Plockmatic booklet finishers on both our Iridesse machines and a Watkiss PowerSquare on our Nuvera 288. These finishers run inline, and both models have page rotators to achieve maximum productivity and square fold, front edge trim as well as side edge trim.
The Nuvera 288, with a Watkiss bookletmaker, pumps out manuals at such a rate that we complete around 98 percent of our work off the back of the machine in booklet form. This is a real time saver and fits our lean operation.
Having our own finishing capability enables us to turn around our jobs straight from the paper tray to a finished product with the click of a mouse. So, we have no need to outsource our finishing to a third party, which would incur both an extra financial expense and time expense.”
Staying close to the Fujifilm team, Steve has a monthly catch up with both the Fujifilm Business Innovation Hamilton branch manager and service manager. He says, “They let me know about all the latest equipment, and any technical issue which can be improved. They have arranged training for our staff with things like preventive maintenance tips on the Iridesse to ensure we keep running.
“I know that the Fujifilm Business Innovation team is always willing to help us out at a moment’s notice. I have found all the team members easy to get on with. They are professional, right from the top down to the technical staff who fix the machine. This is a testament to the company policy. Recently we had a stock issue with a wide format anti-static material where we found it to be falling off the solar panels at the distributors,
we reached out to Fujifilm Business Innovation and they set us up with an alternative stock which meant we could keep production going.
Steve Brown started his career at GEC, in the UK, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. He says, “I mainly worked on making aircraft parts and defence material, which I must say was very interesting.”
He also worked for a company called Callendar Aeroparts, where he “setup a new kind of throttle adjusting blades for the Rolls Royce engine. It was an eight-month project and required some outside the box thinking. In the early 1990s, I took up a manager’s position to run the weekend shift in CNC Milling department and managing 30 staff. This department worked closely with Rolls Royce designing and manufacturing wide core fan blades (these are the big blades at the front of Rolls Royce Engines). Even now when I get on a plane, I wonder if I had a hand in the engine.”
His journey into print began in 1996, when he and his partner immigrated to New Zealand with their three children. He says, “I was looking for a lifestyle change, and we wanted to give the children a better start in life.”
Arriving jobless in a country with seven percent unemployment, Steve went door knocking, “I just kept asking for a job”.
I worked at Greens Taps and then Nova Packaging, which is where I got the printing bug. Amcor bought Nova and moved it to Auckland. I wanted to stay in Hamilton, and I was fortunate in finding a supervisor’s position in Final Assembly at Gallagher Group in December 1997. I thought I would only be there a short time, but 25 years later...”
He says the Gallagher print house came from a need for the company to have its own printing. He says, “I was working in the final assembly area, and we had a problem with manuals not being available for products. Around this time, Sir William Gallagher purchased Cardex, and some parts were moved to Hamilton to carry on production, which I was overseeing. Among these was a black and white multi-function printer. I grabbed it, began printing the manuals, assembling them with colour covers supplied from Norcross.
“The volumes increased, and we progressed through several production presses until we got to our present setup. Reaching out to Fujifilm Business Innovation back in 2010 was a good move. Once we met them, we had an instant connection, and began to strike up a very good relationship.
“One of my directives was to look for a digital printer which could produce the Gallagher orange brand colour. I was aware of the iGen machines but, as luck would have it, the Iridesse came out with the pink option, enabling us to produce the Gallagher orange.
“Our two Iridesse presses meet all our current production needs, and the support is first class.
“The print house has evolved over the years, and we have installed machines for wide format and finishing. What this means from a business perspective is we can now control most of our branding in-house and meet our business needs at the drop of a hat.
The Gallagher print house has faced some trying challenges with Covid-19 and stock availability. Steve says, “We have pulled together as a team and worked through this by prioritising our most important business needs.
“The culture here at Gallagher is firstclass. That is one of the reasons I have stayed so long. There is so much diversity here, even within the print house team: we have two from England, two from New Zealand, two from India, and one Albanian. It is a pleasure when I arrive at work on a Monday morning to hear all the different stories from the weekend.
“We feel that we belong to family at Gallagher. This is a testament to Sir William Gallagher and his executive leadership team.
“Our chief executive officer Kahl Betham keeps us all informed via monthly videos. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, these become weekly, which helped us make it through.”
Expanding its inline finishing portfolio, Konica Minolta offers New Zealand customers 16 inline finishers with a combined 44 options for configuration onto those finishers.
Chris O’Hara, production manager for Konica Minolta New Zealand, says, “Within our portfolio, we have seven different booklet finishers, ranging from 80 to 200 logical page saddle stapling. Depending on the individual finisher,
options include square binding, inline creasing, three-edge trimming and A4 landscape booklet making. We also offer a Perfect Binder, producing up to 600 logical page or 30mm thick perfect bound books with a wrap-around, trimmed to size cover.
Our TU-510 Inline Trimming, Creasing and Perforating Unit has proved transformational for many of our customers, allowing them to trim a print
job to finished size; trim small jobs such as business cards and rack cards to finished size; apply multiple creases in the cross-feed direction; and apply multiple perforations in both cross-feed and paper-feed directions.
“With Konica Minolta now offering extended sheet sizes up to 1,300mm by 330mm, the TU-510 allows for a fourpanel A4 brochure to be printed, creased and trimmed, all within the press itself,
The digital revolution continues with the highly evolved, all NEW AccurioPress C14000 series designed to ensure you never stop printing. These high speed digital colour presses offer next level automation for ultra-efficient, high volume colour printing. Packed with an array of impressive features, powerful inline finishing options for high productivity and with in-built technology, they offer unparalleled quality and consistency print after print.
To rethink efficiency, simply visit konicaminolta.co.nz/AccurioPressC14000series
While technically not a finisher, Konica Minolta’s Automated Quality Inspection option is configured at the start of the finishing modules and will automatically inspect the quality of every printed image, comparing it against a sample image and inspect for quality defects such as deletions, spots/hickeys, lines and so on. When detecting a quality defect, it will take remedial action which is configurable by the operator and can range from stopping the engine, trying to resolve the issue, automatically logging a service call and/or noting the defect and on which sheet it appeared in a end of job report.
He sees a focus on bringing value to customers with solutions designed to take the print job from prepress to invoicing in the fastest possible time, with the least amount of hands touching the job. He says, “By reducing processes and increasing productivity, we can help you achieve higher levels of profitability. The installations of our new finishing units over the past three years has seen that very transformation for our customers.
delivering fully automated production of a premium print product for our customers.
“For NCR jobs where with the TU-510 configured, we are now about to print, number, inspect for data integrity, collate and perforate the job all automatically, within the one press. That significantly reduces makeready times, labour input, processes and process staging times resulting in faster turnaround times, increased productivity and increased profitability for our customers.
“Additional new finishers joining our portfolio over the last year are the Plockmatic SD-435 and Plockmatic SD-450 booklet finishers designed in collaboration with Konica Minolta. These versatile booklet makers produce exceptional finishing quality and are designed to accommodate our extended paper sizes allowing booklet making sizes from A6 through to A4 landscape. They enable you to produce corner and edge stapling, folding, spine forming and full bleed trimming all combined within the one easy to use system.
“With the ability to print up to 200 logical page booklet capacity, accommodate a sheet size up to 620mm long and produce approximately 40,000 booklets per month, this is a great option for our customers. The ability to produce A4 landscape booklets has given our customers a fully automated process for producing this premium product, again resulting in high automation, high productivity, fast turnaround times and increased profitability.
“In addition to our book finishing options, other options included in our portfolio offer inline hole punching, inline wire binding, large capacity stacking, six-way folding and insertion.
Chris says, “This replicates an offset printer pulling quality check sheets during a print run to inspect, but it does it for every sheet. With our Data Validation option configured, it will automatically inspect up to 32 data fields on an image inspecting the integrity of the data, taking remedial action if a defect occurs and producing an end of job data integrity report.
“These two options, when configured, allow for unattended operation of the press while delivering the confidence that every image will be inspected against the sample. We regularly see press operators comfortably operating multiple devices and/or processes with the confidence that the quality does not need to be inspected during a print run. This significantly reduces labour input and increases productivity. Importantly it significantly reduces waste which facilitates environmental goals and combined, these options significantly improve profitability for our customers.”
Chris stresses that, while these options do increase the investment value of the press, every decision is based on a business case and return on investment. Importantly, the quality automation and finishing options are compatible across our entire colour and mono range. He explains, “In practice, a customer can configure an option, such as the TU-510 Trimmer Unit, onto our AccurioPress C4070, but then experience volume growth which necessitates them to move to a faster press such as the AccurioPress C14000. The finisher module simply moves to the new engine reducing the investment level of that upgrade.
“Our customers also recognise that the finishing units can be used on multigenerational presses. This means that when they come to upgrade, so long as the finisher is compatible, they can take it forward to the next engine, thereby reducing the investment level and importantly, keeping their cost base as low as possible.”
“Our commitment doesn’t end there. Konica Minolta’s Research and Development division constantly assesses our customers’ needs, analysing our ever evolving industry and developing new technology to bring value to the printing industry. We anticipate the launch of new finishing options in the near future. Again, they will prove transformational for our customers.
After 35 years of being represented in New Zealand by a reseller, in 2021 Konica Minolta launched into New Zealand as a direct subsidiary of Konica Minolta Incorporated.
Chris says, “Our initial focus was on Auckland and Wellington and we expanded quickly through the North Island. Having established a fantastic base of quality customers, built the infrastructure along with a team of highly experienced service engineers, analysts and sales professionals, it is now time for us to expand into the South Island. Over the last couple of months, we have recruited staff in Christchurch and final negotiations are underway for our new Christchurch Showroom and Branch which will open in the next month or so.
“We continue to build our team with a focus on highly experienced, credible and personable members to support our customers. As a service led business, we place great importance on our service delivery and that imperative will continue.
“Having established our production print business in New Zealand, we will now leverage Konica Minolta’s global success with our industrial print portfolio which incorporates our industry proven B2 inkjet press, the AccurioJet KM-1e, our global success in the label vertical with the AccurioLabel 230 and the new AccurioLabel 400, and with our extensive range of digital embellishment solutions incorporating digital varnish, foil and embossing.”
He concludes, “There’s so much to do and so much value to bring to the New Zealand Printing Industry. We are extremely excited about the path ahead.”
that align with our industry. All these initiatives encourage trainees to enter sign making.
Signee New Zealand offers a Foundation Course that provides learners with a place they can access and understand the basics of sign making, and gain their first aid certificate, as well as completing an EWP (elevated work platform) course. When a learner completes this prior to entering the industry, they place themselves within reach of any sign business. Why wouldn’t you want to employ a learner who is already a step ahead with their basic knowledge, drivers licence, first aid, and EWP course completed.
Many of us by now would have experienced and or seen how quickly disasters occur, not only in our own country, but worldwide.
Globally, discussions are ongoing on how warning signs were ignored and the lack of preparation in making changes that could have prevented, or at least mitigated, the effects of recent disasters. As we prepare for dealing with further disasters, we must still maintain our lives and our businesses. There is no doubt that preparation holds the key to successfully navigating the changes that are coming.
The New Zealand Sign & Display Association believes that it can provide a good foundation for what you may need to know so that you can run your business successfully, champion your people, be acknowledged for outstanding achievements, and know that the information, knowledge and expert advice shared is valued, worthy and beneficial.
This year, we renew our focus on training, workshops, upskilling and attracting more people into our industry. More and more sign businesses are needing more employees in their businesses, and we do not have enough of them that are experienced and skilled in the pot to choose from.
The only short-term answer for many of you in our industry right now is to train your own staff. This is off-putting for so many of our members because training comes with time constraints and over 60 percent of our membership are small to medium businesses that struggle to sustain a training environment. However, we need to consider the alternative. To put it bluntly: employing an eager to learn young gun that has a driver’s licence is simply a no brainer compared to being short staffed and turning away work because you are short staffed.
You are not on your own. Signee New Zealand is the training arm of the New Zealand Sign & Display Association and it can assist with connecting the right people for you and your businesses.
This year, we are attending expos at high schools; expos with Ministry of Social Development; careers evenings at youth centres and tertiary education facilities
In addition to the Foundation Course, Signee New Zealand will also offer Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop courses for all levels and specialised courses on the pillars of sign making. These will include the likes of hand lettering and LED Illumination and they can align with supplier training courses like the 3M Applicator courses and Roland DG Academy courses. There are several valuable training courses that align with the industry through our network partners here in New Zealand and in Australia.
Signee New Zealand is designed to help learners and businesses prepare themselves for success by providing access to knowledge and skills.
The New Zealand Sign & Display Association has established several new business partnerships for 2023. Our partners have committed to attending our regional meetings this year and will share their advice, insights, and services on a number of topics to help you ensure your business can run at its best. Topics they will cover at the regional meetings include company cultures and your people; succession planning; implementation of systems; IT and file management; health, safety, and well-being; as well as need to know legislative changes.
As we all grapple with the changes taking place right now, the New Zealand Sign & Display Association is intent on helping our members, and the industry in general, to find solutions for the challenges they face. If this means changing your mindset, then please give it a go.
Remember, change is inevitable; plan ahead and get prepared.
within the sign industry. Te Kāhui Kāhu, an independent government business unit, provides assurance that social service providers can deliver quality services and assess organisations against social services accreditation standards to make sure these are met.
Asubsidiary of the New Zealand Sign & Display Association, Signee New Zealand was created to improve the industry standards in sign making by providing expert knowledge and skills.
Signee New Zealand has commenced 2023 with an application for Level Four accreditation, with Te Kāhui Kāhu, to run courses for job seekers looking to work
Before running a job seekers programme under contract with the Ministry of Social Development, Signee New Zealand must gain accreditation. However, last year a trial course took place in Christchurch. The course didn’t need accreditation due to being a trial. It was a success with six job seekers gaining full time employment afterwards. For businesses able to employ a job seeker at the end of the course, additional financial support through Work and Income may be an option if eligibility is met.
In addition to offering pre-vocational training focusing on the six pillars of sign making, Signee New Zealand has set itself many more objectives this year. These include developing partnerships for access to further training; updating current course resources and streamlining learning; attending career expos.; asa well as providing pastoral care of trainees and engagement with those within the industry to share skills and experience.
So, if you want to learn more about Signee New Zealand; or if you have a new person started at your business that needs a good foundation of learning; or if you are simply keen to pass on your knowledge and take on one of our signees, please contact Laura at signee@nzsda.org.nz.
Apprentice of the Year Award. This award highlights the outstanding work ethic and craftsmanship of one top apprentice.
Computaleta sponsors the Apprentice of the Year 2023, which gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the rising star that possesses the skills, drive, and willingness to learn and work hard to achieve exceptional creative outcomes.
If you have a well-rounded apprentice who demonstrates not only spades of talent but portrays traits that we see important to the industry, such as commitment, innovation, and diversity, then please nominate them.
Submissions close on May 26. The apprentice must have completed their apprenticeship within the past 12 months and before May 1, 2023. Or they must be in their final year.
Every year, the New Zealand Sign Display holds its flagship event, the Awards of Excellence, with sign makers from throughout the country
gathering to celebrate the industry’s finest work. During the Awards of Excellence, we also celebrate one of our most encouraging initiatives, the
Last year, Jacob McClenaghan from Signlink Graphics in Hokitika took out the Apprentice of the Year award and received over $4000 in prizes thanks to sponsor Computaleta. Jacob also won an award for a wrapped vehicle in the 2022 Awards of Excellence.
Australia and their commitment to their New Zealand business gave us the confidence we will be well supported with our investment in New Zealand.
“Experience and service played the biggest part in our decision to move forward with Starleaton. From the first scoping meeting on the machine, we knew the right questions were being asked. They really took the time to understand our business and made suggestions around requirements.”
Palmerston North-based Mirage Visual has purchased a Zünd G3 cutting table through Starleaton.
Due for installation this month, the Zünd G3 cutting table will expand capacity and finishing capabilities for the company.
Sam Blenkiron, director at Mirage Visual, says, “Zünd is a proven name in the market. The table is precise and robust, and the Zünd software, connecting with our management systems, ticks all the boxes for our requirements with reporting and production data.”
The new machine has an impressive pedigree. Ashton Lines-Sherwood, national sales manager for Starleaton New Zealand, says, “Since 1984, Zünd has designed and manufactured modular cutting systems and has gained a global reputation as a market leader. The technological superiority of its cutting tables comes from an insistence on high quality standards, modular design and focus on customers’ requirements.”
“The Zünd G3 cutting system will enable Mirage Visual to deal with a comprehensive range of substrates such as aluminium, composite materials, cartons, plastics, corrugated cardboard, twin-wall sheets, rubber, paper, foam, wood and textiles.
“The system is modular, so Mirage Visual can add a number of options to its configuration. All options and tools are designed to be building blocks and
can be easily and cost-effectively added. What applies to our cutting systems, also applies to our service in terms of exceptional performance, precision and reliability. We have trained and experienced specialists to assist whenever required.”
Sam sees the new addition fitting well with the company’s workflow. He says, “The new machine will increase our finishing capacity and redundancy to our other cutting table. Essentially, it will allow us to streamline our workflow.
“We have opted for a double bed, allowing us to work the machine in a tandem mode that will make longer-run work easier.
“The double bed also matches some of the larger sheet sizes we work with. We are looking forward to increased efficiency with the larger table. For example, the double bed can run two full sheets in tandem.
“Our team members are always reminding me how we need a bigger boat to fit all this in, and we will have to make space for it because it is an additional cutting table, not a replacement. We will need additional power and we have managed to secure a neighbouring property to provide that.
“This is the first machine we have bought from Starleaton, which is a well-known industry name in Australia, but we haven’t previously heard a lot about them. Like us, Starleaton is a family owned company and has been in business for over 40 years. Their operation in
After successfully making its way through the Covid-19 pandemic, Mirage Visual is looking to strengthen its relationships with customers. Sam says, “We managed through the pandemic by remaining focused on moving forward with the ability to pivot when required with a strong focus on technology and front-end automation.
“Now, our total focus is on building long standing relationships with clients and suppliers who support us, and in turn, we support them. We operate in quite a competitive market, so support for customers always wins in my book.
“Touch wood, we are tracking okay and we can continue to provide the best service to our customers. However, we always have additional capacity for the right client or type of work. It’s often very easy to take on the wrong sort of work so I am mindful to stick to what we are good at and what we deliver well. The Zünd allows us to continue doing that and we are excited with the opportunities its capabilities open up for us.”
Enjoy total exibility with our Zünd Tool & Module rental program
Supported by local Zünd technicians & trained Zünd operators for hire
Industrial inkjet specialist Mimaki has developed TxF150-75, its first direct-to-film (DTF) printer and heat transfer pigment ink PHT50 for DTF. Equipment sales will commence in April 2023, targeting textile and apparel printing applications.
The new equipment was launched at the company’s Global Innovation Days event by Mimaki Europe’s EMEA product manager Mark Sollman, who presented the new printer as an extension of its 150 Series printer/cutters.
The TxF150-75 is an inkjet printer with a maximum printing width of 80cm for producing DTF print transfer sheets. The PHT50 heat transfer pigment ink for DTF, consisting of five colours (CMYK and white), is scheduled to obtain the ECO PASSPORT certification by the end of March, which is essential for obtaining the international safety standard for textile products “OEKO-TEX”.
To overcome ink ejection defects and white ink clogging frequently occurring when using DTF printers, Mimaki has
HP has launched its newest high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press, the HP PageWide C550. This advanced single-pass platform is designed to help converters optimise manufacturing costs and improve operational efficiency for the production of corrugated packaging.
Based on the technology of the C500 press, the C550 aims to offer enhanced productivity and value to the industrial packaging industry.
It uses HP’s Thermal Inkjet technology and true water-based inks to deliver consistent offset print quality at fast production speeds, while also supporting packaging converters’ circular economy goals.
With a speed of 90 linear metres per minute, the C550 press is capable of producing high-quality flexo and litho boxes at a constant speed, without
adopted a degassing ink design that uses aluminium packs as the printer’s ink packaging form, as well as a white ink circulation function MCT (Mimaki Circulation Technology).
The new printer also features Mimaki’s NCU (Nozzle Check Unit) and NRS (Nozzle Recovery System) technologies to support stable operation and ensure continuous printing without stopping the operation.
Mimaki says that DTF printing eliminates the need for plate preparation and weeding, which have been difficulties
in conventional printing methods. Since it enables unattended printing process operation, it is rapidly being adopted in the market as a technology contributing to labour savings.
The TxF150-75 is scheduled to go on sale in April 2023. The recommended specifications for the film used to create the transfer sheet, hot-melt powder, powder application equipment, postprocessing machines and heat press transfer machines will be provided to customers at the time of sale.
slowing. It will also help converters to optimise inventories, reduce obsolescence, and accelerate turnaround times through digital printing technology.
By enabling improved economics, greater production versatility and more sustainable packaging solutions, HP said the C550 press presents a significant opportunity for business growth for converters facing increasing supply chain pressure. It allows them to say ‘yes’ to jobs that require flexibility, which can only be achieved with digital production.
HP post-print corrugated solutions general manager David Tomer said, “HP is continuing its investment in the packaging market to create new opportunities for packaging converters and brands to benefit from the analog to digital transformation.
“We are very excited to deliver the C550 press to the corrugated industry. It is built on the field-proven success of
the C500 press and allows converters to economically produce flexo and litho boxes at high speeds without slowing down the press.
“We are constantly working on innovative solutions that not only improve post-print stability and productivity for converters, but also meet the quality and flexibility demands of brands for packaging.”
Available for installation later this year, the new press supports increased plant capacity and helps reduce manufacturing costs for corrugated packaging production.
Corrugated packaging specialist, Saica Group, has ordered the C550 for its operations in Viana, Spain. The company is committed to digital transformation and using innovative technologies to respond to the growing demand for shorter and customised runs. The press is set to be installed later this year.
The VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association asks its member companies about their plans, solutions, and challenges on the road to a circular economy. What can the industry do to minimise the ecological footprint of packaging and other printed products?
In this interview, Thomas Heininger, managing director for MBO Post Press Solutions explains how the MBO team is looking for efficiency potential on all fronts. The company is taking unconventional, but successful, paths towards the goal of climate neutrality.
VDMA: By the middle of the century, the leading industrial nations want to have
a climate-neutral economy. Is this goal realistic in your view?
TH: I am convinced of that. We should even do it much sooner because we see the consequences of climate change everywhere. My family had a ski lift near Munich. I learned to ski there as a child. This lift could no longer be operated because it hardly snows at medium altitudes. And in the summer, we had no school attendance at 27° C. Today’s children would hardly still be in school. The changes are drastic and threaten the existence of many people. The costs of climate change increase the later and slower we act. Metaphorically speaking: we are sitting on a powder keg and the fuse is very short.
VDMA: What are you doing to minimise the energy demand of your production?
TH: It starts in small ways. We finance our employees’ bicycle leasing and annual tickets for public transport; we operate a growing fleet of electric cars and hybrids as company cars; we have LED lighting everywhere; and we consistently invest in photovoltaics, which covers two-thirds of our electricity needs. In Portugal, we are building another plant with a peak output of 700 kilowatts. And this will not be the last. Because at current energy prices, a PV system pays for itself in less than two years. But that’s not what matters to us. First and foremost, we want to be fit for the future. This can only be achieved if we adapt to change.
This reaches deep into our corporate culture. We encourage our employees to continue it at home. If they charge their company cars at their own solar system, we pay for it. Our trainees independently planned and realised a covered charging station for ebikes in a project. They won prizes for it at the state level, and we market their solution in the region.
When I started here, the company had no apprentices. Now there are 15 to 17 in total every year, partly because word gets around that they learn in meaningful projects with us. We are also currently planning and examining a four-day week. I am convinced that it is good for our employees to recharge regularly and then get more done with fresh energy. Of course, one more day off also reduces our energy needs.
VDMA: How do you support your customers in producing more energy efficiently?
TH: With around 400 employees, we are a small medium-sized company specialising in finishing solutions. The potential for savings is limited, as are our human resources. One of the ways we solve this is by assigning masters’ theses to mechanical engineering students. In one of these projects, a student systematically worked on optimising
Thomas Heininger, managing director for MBO Post Press Solutions
unnecessarily large amount of power when idling or constantly starting up.
VDMA: What role does the topic play in your research and development?
TH: It’s about the question of whether we should optimise technology, which in principle has hardly changed for decades, in small steps as before, or throw all that overboard and think completely anew. That is what we are dealing with.
What does a folding machine look like when it is realised with the most modern development and production methods, and in which productivity and energy efficiency are in the foreground from the first stroke of the design drawing?
I am convinced that, as a company we can improve on all fronts, and must always be prepared to rethink our processes and our products. Buildings, heating, and cooling are as much a part of this as our own power generation and mobility. Everything is connected. We are challenged as a society and as a company to think and implement change holistically. To this end, we also invite experts from different fields to get to know new points of view, to rub up against them and to be inspired.
the air flows in one of our folding machines. By using a more efficient pump, an improved control system and simulation-based optimisation of the airflow and nozzles, which we subsequently manufactured additively, the energy requirement of this machine is significantly lower.
The master’s thesis was a 1.0 and of course, we hired the student directly. Projects like this, which don’t end up in a drawer but lead to sustainable improvement, are a way of not only finding skilled workers but also retaining them. That’s what it’s all about.
Demographic change is underway. In 10 years, the German economy will lack seven million workers. But back to energy efficiency. Often it runs almost unnoticed, for example, when it is primarily a matter of eliminating inhuman monotonous manual labour and increasing productivity. We have a largely autonomous 4.0 chain, in which an autopilot is integrated, that supports production planning and enables automated signature changes. A camera-supported fold quality control ejects misfolded sheets and a cobot stacks the folded sheets. At the same time, energy consumption is reduced in a steady production process that runs smoothly despite frequent job changes. This is because machines consume an
VDMA: What would you like to see from legislators on the road to climate neutrality?
TH: I would like to see investments in climate and environmental protection written off more quickly. I think that would speed up many decision making processes. As we said at the beginning, we have to become faster.
I would also like to see legislators setting the framework conditions more consistently so that innovations find their way into the market more quickly. Lax regulation has the effect that cheaper, usually more inefficient technology is bought. As a country that exports key technologies of the future all over the world, we have to stay ahead of the game. Strict regulation forces industry to innovate, which then finds markets worldwide.
The VDMA Printing and Paper Technology Association is the mouthpiece of around 170 manufacturers of equipment and systems for the printing and print processing, paper manufacturing and converting, and auxiliary materials and equipment sectors from Europe. It thus represents around 90 per cent of the industry. The trade association offers its members services, for example on topics such as trade fairs, public relations, technology and research.
communications objectives to support this. Under each objective define the supporting evidence or messages.
4. Think about your packaging
Packaging is a very effective communication tool, especially where you don’t have a big above-the-line marketing communications budget.
Many New Zealand alcohol brands are proactively implementing sustainability practices within their businesses. They’re committed to being environmentallyconscious and socially-just, yet they’re not effectively showcasing what they do. Is this an opportunity missed?
Consumers today are looking for sustainable brands, and customers are extending their ranging with a focus on sustainable brands or looking to underpin their own brand by offering drinks lists aligned with green or socially-conscious credentials.
Traditionally, many liquor brands have created a premium through their production processes. Things such as French oak barrels, interesting flavour additions, co-fermentation, botanicals, or perhaps it’s even the personality behind the brew that were the focus of marketing and brand strategies.
As we look to creating brands fit for today and into tomorrow, sustainability needs to have a much greater focus. How can you effectively communicate your sustainability initiatives to grow your brand?
By embedding sustainability into your business strategy, it will define how you do business. It will also outline what you
are going to do and what your long-term aspirations are regarding sustainability.
This provides rich story telling content which easily lends itself to being a key pillar of your marketing communications. What’s more, reviewed annually you can track your progress, or even better, publish a sustainability report to house on your website and share through your digital marketing channels either as a whole, or broken down into bite-sized chunks.
2. Provide sustainability context in your communications
Frame up the impacts you are making within a wider sustainability context. This will communicate to people how what you are doing contributes to greater community and global goals.
You might link your goals to government targets, for example net zero emissions by 2050, or underpin them with relevant Sustainable Development Goals, such as climate action or gender equality.
When doing this, take care not to make environmental or social claims that mislead or exaggerate and be sure that you have the evidence to back up your claims, if ever anyone were to ask.
3. Repeat, repeat, repeat
If you want to strengthen your sustainable brand positioning, then repeat your sustainability messaging often and across all your marketing communications channels in a consistent and straight forward way.
Use different examples of what you are doing, to ladder back up and underpin your sustainability goals. You can do this by developing a communications plan that outlines your sustainability communications goal and three core
You can use well-designed packaging to attract and acquire sustainability conscious consumers at point of sale. Take a look at other product categories and you’ll note there are some very strong calls to action with regard to sustainability.
Consider incorporating iconography or infographics on your label, QR codes or investigate the latest in AR technologies to communicate your sustainability stories, claims or certifications right on your label or carton.
Many people don’t know what alcohol brand they are going to buy until they are in the shop – so give them a reason right at the point of purchase.
5. Be authentic and be you
Be honest and authentic about things that you know aren’t perfect, things you know need to change or areas that you could do better. Very few businesses are 100 per cent sustainable. Let people know it’s in the plan to address these items and what small steps you might be taking to head in that direction.
By being open and honest, you build trust with both your consumers and your customers, and you stay in control of your own authentic sustainability story.
Globally, sustainability awareness and demand are growing – so head into 2023 by effectively communicating your initiatives. Develop a strong sustainable brand platform and set yourself up for future growth well beyond.
Jo Pearson is the owner/director of The Collective Impact Limited, working with companies to develop business and sustainability strategies that strengthen brand value and contribute to the financial sustainability of the organisation. For more information, visit www. thecollectiveimpact.co.nz.
Business sustainability consultant Jo Pearson offers five ways to create value from your sustainability initiatives through effective marketing communicationsJO PEARSON
Enter UltraColour. It uses a new technology supplying the trade with heat transfers with the look and quality of screen printing. UltraColour was a Sydney-based business that moved to Brisbane in 2020, doubling the size of its floorspace in the process and investing over $600,000 in additional equipment.
After a four-decade journey in the print industry, I decided to turn the page and explore a new chapter. Saying goodbye was bittersweet. I had beautiful memories made with remarkable people doing extraordinary things the world over, but it was time. So, I sold my shares in printIQ and undertook a much-needed break from work to decide which story would begin next.
I wanted to challenge myself and do something inspiring, so I sat down and created an exhaustive pros-and-cons list. My only musts were that it had to be creative (check) and involve writing/ branding/marketing (double check). But there was another layer too; I wanted to design something I could source locally. So not only could people get their hands on a unique product, but they’d also like to buy it out of admiration for its idea.
Driven by my passion for running, I decided to enter the game. So, I drafted a plan to develop an activewear range with products I could design and test out on the track. It was perfect; it allowed me to pull together my skills and set off headfirst into developing a brand narrative,
building a marketing strategy, and pounding that pavement.
IAM was born, a local activewear brand crafted from nature’s finest fabrics. But that’s where my story of leaving the print industry stopped.
After sharpening my Illustrator skills during my years in prepress, I was fully prepared to take on the challenge of designing garments. Not one for settling with mediocrity; it took some serious tweaking until I’d achieved the level of quality that I was chasing.
Next came the fabric selection, and I soon decided on Merino wool for its moisture-wicking, temperatureregulating, and exceptional comfort. With all of that taken care of and checked off the list, production could finally commence.
I had prototypes of my tanks, tees, long sleeves, tights and even a fleecy jacket and my logos designed and ready to have screens made for printing. However, I soon hit a roadblock. Screen-printing my expensive Merino fabric in low volumes was problematic, to say the least.
But when one door closes, another opens. I soon found myself navigating through an unfamiliar realm of garment printing techniques: Direct-to-Garment (DTG), Direct-to-Film (DTF) and Direct-to-Vinyl. I had spent much of my career in R&D, so researching new technology was right up my alley, and I loved every minute of it.
Combining the latest technology with some traditional methodology, they produce tens of thousands of transfer orders daily for their trade-only customers. Their self-developed process involves a HP Indigo 7600 Digital Press printing digital sheets, bolstered by Ino screen printing lines, adding a layer of white ink before applying powder glue and an essential drying step. The result is nothing short of magic. Their innovative take on technology has revolutionised how short-run custom work is done - streamlining setup and eliminating downtime.
After being astounded by the quality of the product, I decided to get in on the action and become more than just an admirer. So, with two heat presses added to my sewing arsenal, I was back at it as a bona fide manufacturer.
Who knew it would ultimately lead me back to it when I decided to shake up my life and leave the print industry? UltraColour’s heat transfer technology has made my activewear line even more exciting, bringing new colours, designs and endless possibilities!
By exploring this new medium, I’ve learned something new while developing and creating something exciting of my own! This venture to make locally designed, sourced, and manufactured activewear certainly hasn’t been easy, but I can proudly call myself a local manufacturer again.
My journey back to print gives me a chance to paraphrase the adage: you can take a person out of the printing industry, but you can’t take the printing industry out of a person.
Mick Rowan has spent the past decade building printIQ into one of the most recognised software brands in the printing industry, and with over four decades of experience, Mick truly has ink in his veins.
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!
11b Culperry Rd, Glendene, Auckland 0602 Ph: 09 836 9069 www.eamar.co.nz Logo details; PMS 3258 Aqua, PMS 431
We specialise in helping businesses, not-for-profits, and start-ups create a compelling vision, brand identity, and value proposition so powerful that people can't help but become die-hard fans!
But we don't just provide solutions; we empower people to find them themselves. Our goal is to help organisations see things from a different perspective so they can decide what comes next on the journey towards success!
PATRON 2023MEDIA SPONSOR 2023
ENTRIES CLOSE: 10/03/2023
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SPONSORS 2023
Friends of the Awards: Blue Star Group (New Zealand), Contact Labels & Print Finishers, SCG, Sealed Air (Hamilton), PhilStic Labels, Wholesale Print
