New Zealand Printer October 2021

New Zealand Printer

October 2021

The 2021 People in Print & Rising Stars of Print Awards in association with PrintNZ, will be presented in Auckland on Thursday, February 17 2022 Make a date to be there to celebrate with us Have your say and nominate today: nominations close Friday, November 19 Go to nzpawards.org

Waiuku’s Bill Deed No-jab no-job?

Packaging for Covid Talking mental health

1987-2021

with

WIDE FORMAT

years in print

+Plus

2021

AWARDS New Zealand Printer People In Print and Rising Stars Of Print Awards in association with PrintNZ

Nominations are closing soon for the 2021 Awards It’s time to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the people in print and rising stars of print in New Zealand

Nominations close Friday November 19 Awards Presentation Event to be held in Auckland on the evening of Thursday, February 17, 2022

Sponsors announced so far:

Nominate Now How can I get involved?

To enquire about nominating for the Awards, contact Bruce Craig, bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz, 021 631 559 To enquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Brian Moore, brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz, +61 410 578 876

nzpawards.org

October 2021 Wide Format Plus p27-35

CONTENTS Features p14-38

18 Aarque: With continuous investment in the industry and its people, Aarque’s positive strategy for growth includes new staff and new West Auckland premises

14 Konica Minolta: The AccurioLabel 230 digital label printing system now complies with the Swiss ordinance and Nestlé guidelines for food packaging safety

20 Wide Format News: Check out the new technology from HP; a new plant for Durst; and a pledge for the planet

16 Graph-Pak: Kale Print has installed its second D&K Neptune laminator, a fully automated B3 machine

22 Computaleta: Aaron Kemp, hardware manager at Computaleta, discusses the benefits a flatbed cutter can bring to your business

34 Fujifilm Business Innovation: An antimicrobial solution has arrived that is ideal for toner-based printing: Fujifilm Synthetic Media

24 Currie Group/EFI: New to the local market and offering the capabilities of many industrial size print engines, the EFI Pro 30h is already turning heads

36 Fujifilm Business innovation: The team at Fujifilm Business Innovation Supplies has expanded

26 Epson: Delivering a variety of applications for signage and print, Epson’s wide format solutions range across the market 28 Computaleta: Ellar Graphics has installed a new HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer, giving the company fresh opportunities to grow

38 Gamble: Man Anchor founder, and Böttcher Systems sales manager, Steven Gamble talks mental health Labels & Packaging p40-41

Advertiser’s index

Aarque 7, 18 APM 7 Computaleta 23 Contact Labels 7 Currie Group 25 Cyber OBC Eamar Plastics 42 Epson 27 Graphic Lamination & Coating 5 Konica Minolta 15 NZSDA 33 People in Print Awards IFC Pride In Print IBC PrintNZ 39 Ricoh 6 VPR 42 Wholesale Print 37

40-41 Supply chains: Industry thought leaders discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected food supply chains, leading to more food waste

30-31NZSDA: Andy Lowe has the solution for the industry’s staff shortage and Melissa Coutts says planning is well under way for the next NZSDA Conference and Awards 32 NZSDA Apprentice: Nick Lightfoot is this year’s NZSDA Apprentice of the Year 35 NZSDA Signee: Brothers Joss and Brendon Law have taken their father’s company to the next level PrintNZ p10-13

10-12 Helping Hand: Iain MacIntyre talks to Waiuku print legend Bill Deeds and his life in the industry 13 Comment: Ruth Cobb discusses the ‘No Jab, No Job’ policy

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER PO Box 32-395, Devonport, Auckland 0744 EDITORIAL: 021 631 559 Bruce Craig, Editor: bruce@newzealandprinter.co.nz CONTRIBUTORS: Ruth Cobb, Melissa Coutts, Steven Gamble, Andy Lowe, Iain MacIntyre, Peter White CIRCULATION: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Bill and Ngaire Deed look over the first editions of the Waiuku Star – his hobby paper from 1962.

ISSN 1171 7912

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

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

2021

Official Media Sponsor

New Zealand Printer is a member of the

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

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

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

Copyright © 2021 — Charted Media Group Pty Ltd

newzealandprinter.co.nz

October 2021

3

NEWS

Two Sides goes to war on greenwash

IN BRIEF KODAK Sonora Xtra Process Free Plates have received the Pinnacle InterTech Award, which recognises innovative technologies expected to have a major impact on the graphic communications and related industries. Kodak says its Sonora Xtra Process Free Plates combine all of the sustainability, quality, and performance of Kodak’s field-proven process free plate technology, but with faster imaging speeds, dramatically improved image contrast, and more robust handling.

This gives printers a decisive sustainability advantage along with superior performance across a wider range of press types and print applications.

BOBST has launched a pilot project aimed at promoting the industry move towards a circular economy. The current difficulties in sorting flexible packaging often result in down cycling, incinerating or placing in landfill, high quantities of material that could be recycled.

The project’s aim is to store production data and make the information usable for recycling the end products. This approach enables more precise waste sorting and recovery of high quality recyclates, supporting a functioning circular economy.

COLOR-LOGIC has announced the worldwide availability of its software for metallic printing and printing on metallic substrates is now available around the world. Mark Geeves, director of marketing at ColorLogic, says, “The popularity of Color-Logic software is evident, not just from the number of Color-Logic licensees, but the number and diversity of printer manufacturers incorporating Color-Logic in their sales presentations. Printers never cease to be amazed at the speed at which specialty files such as white ink masks can be prepared using Color-Logic software.”

The Two Sides campaign to stop greenwash has successfully challenged over 810 companies’ misleading anti-paper statements.

Many companies and organisations focus on switching their customers from paper to digital to cut costs, and they justify these actions with unfounded environmental marketing appeals.

Kellie Northwood, chief executive at Two Sides, says, “These greenwash claims breach established environmental marketing rules, causing huge damage to an industry which has a solid and continually improving environmental record.

“A healthy market for forest products such as paper encourages the long

Kellie Northwood, chief executive at Two Sides term growth of forests through sustainable forest management. Many of the organisations we engage are surprised to learn the truth. For example, New Zealand’s total planted tree farm’s standing volume is estimated to be 519 million

cubic metres with an average forest standing age of 17.38 years.

“Some greenwashing organisations have a huge reach and their unsubstantiated claims affect consumer perceptions of paper. Overall, this threatens a sector that employs 301,000 people in more than 8,519 businesses across Australia and New Zealand. There is significant financial impact of greenwash on the paper, print and mailing industry where these messages continue without challenge. Recent research found that in Australia and New Zealand alone, greenwashing threatens the loss of $8.27bn of value annually to the paper, print and mailing industry.”

Innovation Awards open for entries Fujifilm Business Innovation is encouraging local companies to enter the Innovation Print Awards 2021.

Now in its 14th year, the Innovation Print Awards welcome entries from customers in all the locations in the Asia Pacific region where Fujifilm Business Innovation has a presence. Entries close on November 12, 2021.

Judging criteria are output quality; degree of innovation; business effectiveness; and a newly added criterion, overall creativity. Organisers have included the new criterion to spur customer’s thinking on

the technical and creative applications of print. They see an increase in demand for flexibility and variance in the print industry such as personalisation and versioning. Also, printouts via various applications, on different types of paper and with specialty colours beyond CMYK. Independent judges from the print and creative industries will review all entries to determine the winners.

Apart from the application categories, a single winner will receive the ‘Best Innovation’ award.

Previously known as ‘Best of the Best’ award, it will go to

the entry that surpasses the four judging criteria.

All winners and runnersup will have their creative pieces featured in the Innovation Print Awards Winners’ Booklet. The company will promote these across its country websites, social media and publish them in the regional print and packaging magazine ‘Print Innovation Asia’.

Winning entries will also gain automatic entry into the Asian Print Awards 2021. They will also be part of a winners’ showcase at Fujifilm Holdings in Japan and in Graphic Communications industry events across Asia Pacific.

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

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

4

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS

printIQ continues its global expansion printIQ sales and marketing functions will move in country to its respective target markets overseas.

One of New Zealand and Australia’s most successful software businesses, printIQ will retain its Wellington headquarters.

The company has gone from strength to strength since it launched its print industry specific software in 2011. Its phenomenal rise has seen take up from companies in Australia, the US and Europe. Anthony Lew, founder and chief executive at printIQ, sees its global success as a driver for growth. He says, “Like many businesses, the Covid-19 pandemic’s ongoing impact has changed the way we work. Growth in the business has been predominantly driven out of the US and the UK. Managing marketing and sales out of a locked-down Australia has become increasingly difficult.

“Throughout the last 18 months, the business has experienced significant growth. Web-based, productivity software has been a standout performer with printIQ enjoying an

IN BRIEF ESKO has launched its latest plate making solution, the CDI Crystal 4260 XPS, aimed at delivering more automation, enhanced quality, increased simplicity and improved reliability to the plate room.

The new machine offers single touch operation using an intuitive screen interface.

Esko says that its XPS Crystal technology combines UV main and back exposure, using LEDs that always emit consistent UV light as opposed to traditional exposure frames, which use light bulbs with fluctuating output.

Global growth is driving changes at printIQ: Anthony Lew, founder and chief executive officer increase in adoption of cloud-based platforms.

“While it would be easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of a global pandemic, we have opted to embrace the opportunity.

This has seen us push harder into our key markets.

Transitioning the sales and marketing functions to run in country, alongside our target markets and customers, is an obvious next step for the business.”

“As part of the move, Adrian Fleming, global head

of sales and Mick Rowan, product director, will both depart the business. They will pass the baton over to the teams on the ground in the US and UK. We are grateful to Adrian and Mick for their efforts that have helped printIQ achieve great success. We wish them well in their future endeavours.”

EFI has joined SGP, the Sustainable Green Partnerships as a patron. Ken Hanulec, vice president of worldwide marketing, EFI, says, “EFI is proud to support the important work SGP does in our industry.

With our portfolio of solutions and programmes, from digital front end and integrated workflows that reduce material waste to carbon offset reforestation solutions included with single pass inkjet printers, to UV LED superwide format innovations that significantly reduce energy usage, EFI is a firm believer in SGP’s mission to promote and advance the sustainability of print.”

Opti-Flex becomes R3 NZ UK headquartered prepress specialist Reproflex3 has acquired Opti-Flex, and will merge it with its local organisation to create R3 NZ. Andrew Hewitson, Reproflex3 co-founder, says, “Opti-Flex is a highly regarded and trusted supplier of products and services to leading packaging businesses and brand owners in New Zealand. It is the perfect partner for Reproflex3.

“By tapping into the skills, technical strengths and expertise of both companies, we have the capability, resources, and cutting-edge prepress technologies to meet the increase in demand and new business potential the global flexo industry offers. This investment newzealandprinter.co.nz

will boost the quality and capability of services within the New Zealand prepress industry. The name change symbolises our joint commitment to build the business together.”

Opti-Flex has sites in Christchurch and Auckland.

Angus Cooper will manage the business as R3 NZ general manager.

He says, “Under the ownership of Jeff and Elaine Hogg, Opti-Flex has forged a reputation for embracing innovation using leading edge technologies to deliver outstanding print products for customers.

“We are delighted to join forces with Reproflex3.

They understand our business and have an excellent reputation for service and innovation within the industry.”

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

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

October 2021

5

Ricoh New Zealand Meet the Team

Craig Hutchinson Production Print Sales & Support Analyst

We’d like to introduce some of the Ricoh team that deliver your print experience so you can see the people that power our business. We’re starting with Craig Hutchinson from our Auckland office.

Industry Background I have spent 23 years in the print and graphics industry, working in areas including production management, artworking and colour management. I have been at Ricoh for 7 years and I have a fantastic team to work with. The company is really supportive in helping me further my education and knowledge.

Areas of specific interest I really enjoy problem solving for our customers and getting the best results from their digital tools. I like to apply my knowledge of the graphic creation process and my data and IT skills to practical applications, like the use of variable data, to makes jobs faster and more efficient.

What our customers say about Craig “Through Craig’s knowledge of variable data, teamed with his understanding of pre-press and design files we were able

Achieve Graphic Greatness

create a solution associated to ticketing for an international sporting event. This resulted in new business, new opportunities and a very happy customer.”

Jason Hall, ICG

“Craig has been vital in providing relevant training alongside the installation of specialized software.”

Greg Daniels, PrintLounge

In my spare time Mountain biking, Snowboarding.

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

Combining people, process and technology to deliver outstanding outcomes

You can get in touch with us at contact@ricoh.co.nz

Ricoh New Zealand www.ricoh.co.nz

www.ricoh.co.nz/cip

m

NEW ZEALAND PRINTER DIRECTORY & CALENDAR People in Print Awards February, 2022 Nominations have opened for the People In Print Awards and Rising Star Awards.

These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate excellence in the industry across a range of sectors. Take a few minutes to nominate a deserving industry professional now.

Printing South China March 4-6, 2022 Guangzhou, China With 28 years’ experience, this one-stop platform for technological and business exchange in China’s printing industry with exhibitors of printing machinery and other printing related solutions.

Organisers expect 1500 exhibitors to show their solutions.

printingsouthchina.com

Labels Foil Stamping Embossing Creasing Die Cutting Perforating Kiss Cutting

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

(09) 274-7370

admin@contactlabels.co.nz

www.contactlabels.co.nz

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

- PMS 308

- PMS BLACK

Please respect legend colours integrity

signuk.com

Auspack

m

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

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

auspack.com.au June 28-July 1, 2022 Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre Covid-19 has led to the further postponement of the region’s largest print show. Organisers remain keen to welcome New Zealand visitors to the event that helps generate business opportunities through the latest technologies, solutions and trends.

m

PacPrint 2022

m

interpoint.eventsair.com/nzpa/ nzpanom/Site/Register

- PMS 308 - PMS BLACK Please respect legend colours integrity

Y MACHINEERD WANT

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

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

pacprint.com.au

NZSDA Conference & Awards July, 2022 Queenstown ‘Innovate – Integrate – Motivate’ is the motto for next year’s NZSDA Conference & Awards. Apart from the NZSDA AGM, the event includes a trip to the historic Walter Peak Station; a look at how local wineries innovate their businesses, and the annual awards dinner. Registrations open at the end of November.

nzsda.org.nz

newzealandprinter.co.nz

Graphic Machinery NZ Ltd l Printing & Packaging Equipment l Machinery Sourcing & Relocation l Import / Export Sales - New / Used l Policart Die Cutting Anvil Covers l Solema Graphic & Board Machines l Plant Valuations & Inspections

Machinery Wanted

Considering Cashing up Surplus Equipment?

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

Contact: John Lunt Ph: +64 21 817 455 E: sales@gmnz.co.nz W: www.gmnz.co.nz October 2021

7

NEWS

HP unveils new smart printing system HP has launched HP+, a new smart printing system aimed at small businesses and consumers.

Oliver Hill, country manager, HP New Zealand, says, “HP+ is a fundamental shift in the printing experience. We’ve brought our best printing innovation together into one smart system. From category leading hardware, to Instant Ink, New Zealand’s first print subscription service, to the HP Smart App now being in the cloud, each of our enhanced experiences for HP+ are designed to meet the changing needs of Kiwis.

“Smart printer consumers and small businesses today have higher expectations on devices to meet their expanded needs. For example, 70 per cent of consumers believe smart tech makes life easier.

With the new HP+ cloud

Ink to your door: HP says you never need to run out of ink with its new system ecosystem, consumers and small businesses can stay connected and secure.”

Features include: Cloud Resiliency automatically detects and fixes connectivity issues; Smart Security monitoring helps detect and prevent malware attacks; OS Printing enables printing from virtually

anywhere on any device; Private Pickup lets you hit print now and pick up later when you’re at the printer; Smart Dashboard helps you manage your printer in one convenient place; and HP customer support.

HP’s Instant Ink launched in April 2021, a monthly subscription

service delivers ink to your door before you run out.

It also delivers recycling satchels as cartridges run low. You can mail empty cartridges directly to the Close the Loop recycling facility, which recycles them with zero waste to landfill.

With HP+, customers receive up to six months of Instant Ink4.

The HP Smart App has more than 48 million active monthly users. It offers the ability to print and scan from virtually anywhere.

Features include advanced scanning, mobile fax, and productivity features and easy access to Google Drive and Dropbox.

With HP+, HP has introduced its Forest First programme that sees the company planting trees and protecting forests.

Instant Ink runs alongside the HP zero waste to landfill cartridge recycling programme.

Newspaper readerships grows Nearly three million New Zealanders now read or access newspapers in an average seven day period via print or online platforms, according to research company Roy Morgan, which has released its readership results for New Zealand’s print newspapers and magazines for the year to June 2021.

It shows that some 2.96 million, or 71.7 per cent, of

New Zealanders aged 14 or over now read or access newspapers in an average seven day period via print or online platforms.

Michele Levine, chief executive officer at Roy Morgan, says, “The standout performer is again the New Zealand Herald with a total cross-platform audience of over 1.84 million, unchanged on a year ago.

The New Zealand Herald is

read by over four times as many people as any other newspaper.

“Leading newspapers to grow their cross-platform audiences over the last year, despite all the disruptions to normal life caused by Covid-19, were the Otago Daily Times, up 12.7 per cent; Taranaki Daily News, up 11.6 per cent; and Southland Times, up 14.8 per cent.”

“The country’s other large newspaper publisher, the Stuff group of newspapers brings together 10 of the country’s leading newspapers. In the latest figures, Stuff newspapers grew their audiences included the Dominion Post in Wellington, The Press, the Sunday Star-Times, Taranaki Daily News, Southland Times and the Manawatu Standard.”

New Xaar printhead has users in mind Inkjet printing technology manufacturer Xaar has unveiled its latest solution, the Xaar Irix printhead.

Graham Tweedale, general manager of Xaar’s printhead business unit says, “The Xaar Irix printhead is designed with the user in mind, ensuring accurate, reliable and easy print for coding 8

and marking; wide format graphics; and additive manufacturing applications.

It delivers efficient, effective and impressive results, time after time.”

Xaar says the new printhead provides highly accurate ink drop delivery.

It combines individually lasered nozzles and Xaar’s AcuDrp technology, which

calibrates each nozzle and provides uniform drop velocity and volume for improved image quality at longer print distances as well as high code recognition for coding and marking applications. It targets increased reliability and uptime over a range of operating conditions as well as enhancing factory

calibration for more consistent printing across different images and fluids.

A non-disposable technology, it has a long life for minimal environmental impact with no cartridge replacement necessary. This helps minimise waste and improve the sustainability credentials for Xaar Irix users.

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

NEWS

Epson: climate perceptions don’t match reality Epson’s recent global survey has revealed what the company calls a climate reality deficit.

The company has announced the results of a recent survey showing a gap between climate reality and people’s understanding of its catastrophic effects. The research covers over 15,000 consumers across the world.

Questioned about their views on humanity’s ability to avert a climate crisis, close to half of all respondents (46 per cent) state they are very or somewhat optimistic with 27 per cent very or somewhat pessimistic.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that some human driven climate change will take millenia to reverse.

However, recent global events suggest a triumph of optimism over evidence and a damaging climate reality

Reality versus perception: Epson believes companies can make a difference to climate change deficit, which ignores the warmest July ever recorded; wildfires in Europe; North America, and Asia; and floods in China, Columbia, and Germany.

Craig Heckenberg, managing director at Epson Australia and New Zealand, says, “This is a wake up call for everyone. Governments,

businesses, and individuals should work together, make the right decisions and inspire the right actions.

“One way in which Epson is helping to create a sustainable future for all of us is through our patented Heat-Free technology. It uses up to 94 per cent less energy when compared

to an equivalent laser printer or copier. Heat-Free technology helps industries around the world move towards a more sustainable future. Epson is confident, with the support of our customers, that we can achieve the same result when it comes to printing.

The Climate Reality Barometer survey suggests the time has come for companies of all sizes to play a bigger role. Yasunori Ogawa, global president of Epson, says, “The discovery of the climate reality deficit shows that awareness coupled with action, will be critical to tackling the emergency.

“Epson’s goal is to bring this awareness and the technologies needed to action transformational change. While we know there is a long way to go, we believe we can build a better future.”

Rebrand creates Are Direct for Ovato Ovato’s new owner Are Media has rebranded its former retail distribution business in Australia and New Zealand as Are Direct.

Recently, competition authorities in Australia and New Zealand approved the sale of the business to Are Media, a 16.4 per cent shareholder of Ovato.

Are Direct will continue

to distribute Are Media’s magazine and those of local and international publishers to thousands of outlets across New Zealand and Australia.

Jane Huxley, chief executive officer at Are Media, says, “It is very much a case of business as usual.

I’m delighted to welcome Are Direct’s team to the

Are Media family, meaning the deliveries and service support our partners have come to expect are not only maintained but enhanced.”

Around 250 employees of Ovato Retail Distribution have made the transition to Are Direct across both countries with Tony Edwards continuing to lead the company’s division

in New Zealand. He comments, “As the largest magazine publisher in Australia and New Zealand, Are Media is committed to the magazine business and we are keen to ensure Are Media titles, and those of other magazine publishers, have a secure route to market for many years into the future.”

Heidelberg joins 4evergreen alliance Heidelberg has joined the international alliance 4evergreen.

A cross industry alliance targeting fibre-based packaging, 4evergreeen has a goal to raise the overall recycling rate of fibre-based packaging to 90 per cent by 2030.

Susanne Haase, 4evergreen programme director, says, “Here at 4evergreen, we believe in the power of a holistic approach and newzealandprinter.co.nz

we are bringing together stakeholders from the entire value chain to make fibre-based packaging more recyclable. The commitment Heidelberg is demonstrating toward environmentally friendly products and developing new technologies to boost circularity is central to our work.”

Rainer Hundsdörfer, chief executive officer at Heidelberg, says, “Environmental protection

and sustainability are global issues that are also becoming increasingly important in the print media industry.

“For many years, Heidelberg has promoted environmental and sustainability initiatives when developing and manufacturing machinery and units. We are also looking to drive forward and further improve options in terms of recyclability and

the use of resources during production in the growing packaging segment.”

Heidelberg says it continuously expands its green portfolio, with machinery, units, and especially consumables such as Saphira Eco products. As far as possible, it manufactures these on the basis of renewable raw materials and how they contribute to the end products’ recyclability.

October 2021

9

helping hand

Five decades at the helm – a

T

Bill Deed at his 1938 Linotype machine, which he recently relocated to the Waiuku Museum oday, a successful multi-business owner and active member in the community, Bill Deed recalls what has developed into a lifelong commitment to and passion for the print industry, began quite incidentally as an about 10-year old in 1961.

Naturally inquisitive, on his way home from school, a young Bill Deed would call in on his sister Joyce as she went about her first school leaver’s job as a bindery assistant at the local Waiuku News.

He says, “It wasn’t long before I was offered an after school job carrying the newspapers from the handfed Wharfedale press and folder to the staff in the bindery, as they rolled them ready for delivery the next morning.”

His role also entailed sweeping the floor and cleaning out the paper bins, which provided a key resource of offcuts that helped indulge a 10

October 2021

IAIN MACINTYRE

We join print legend Bill Deed as he reflects on his time in the industry

passion for writing. He says, “With the writing, I was able to expand my other interest in life: ships. I used to write stories for the Waiuku News when I was 11 and the News gave me the title of their ‘teenage shipping enthusiast’.”

His highlight story filled the entire front page of the Waiuku News in February 1963. It was a feature on the centennial of the wrecking of the HMS Orpheus on the Manukau Harbour bar with a loss of 189 lives, still New Zealand’s worst shipping disaster.

During this period, he began producing his own four page newspaper, the Waiuku Star.

Having taught himself the type case layout, he handset the type and printed the newspaper using an old hand platen press, which was surplus to the News. Including advertising supplied by a handful of Waiuku businesses and printed gratis, the newspaper’s 25 copies were circulated to family and friends.

The 1964 sale of the Waiuku News to the Franklin Times in Pukekohe disrupted his initial plans to commence an apprenticeship with the former.

However, as he was then the only remaining compositor in Waiuku who could set type, he was to prepare the Waiuku supermarket advertisement for the Franklin Times every week over the next couple of years.

In 1966, he left Waiuku College and began a printing apprenticeship with his former foreman of the Waiuku News, Ron Dally, who had by then launched the Waiuku Gazette and was also printing other commercial work.

He says, “When it first started, the Waiuku Gazette was printed offset, a new innovation of newspaper production. In fact, it was printed on the first dedicated newspaper press installed in New Zealand, a Vanguard press at the Ribbon News Pictorial newspaper in Papakura.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

helping hand

personal profile of Bill Deed

The collapse of the Waiuku News building in 1969 Three years later, the Franklin Times closed the former Waiuku News office as a commercial plant and this provided the opportunity for Dally to purchase the Wharfedale press and Linotypes among other machinery.

He recalls production of the Waiuku Gazette then changed back to Letterpress, in what he describes as an “often somewhat happy go lucky” approach to deadlines.

He says, “I would catch up with Ron on the Linotype sometimes at 8pm and I would go home and ask my mother to wake me at 3am to go back and help. Often, I would come back to find him asleep and no further progress having been made.

“The old Model Four Linotype was knackered and used to jam when ‘dissing’ the matrices from the previous line set. So, to get Ron making speedier progress, I would help hand ‘dis’ the lino matrices into the magazine.

This became the only two-man, newzealandprinter.co.nz

manually automated Linotype in the world.”

The same year, disaster struck the business. Construction had begun next door to turn the former Waiuku News office into a new ASB Bank and, following the digging of foundation trenches, a wall collapsed over the Wharfedale and other printing equipment in the morning of July 14, 1969.

“The National Bank manager lived across the road behind his bank and he thought with the noise somebody had blown up his safe. Fortuitously, the accident happened before we were at work, because we would have been working alongside this wall that day.”

Given insurance issues and other delays, he opted to transfer his apprenticeship to Commercial Printers Papakura.

He achieved best marks in the country in the first-year qualifying examinations and gained both a Trade Certificate and Advanced Trade Certificate

ahead of time. Eyeing an opportunity to start a part-time printing business of his own, he purchased a Tip Top hand platen printing press and a hand operated guillotine, which he duly setup in a garage behind his parents’ house.

He says, “I remember my first printing job for a local butcher, a small card they used to fill in with animal slaughter details.

The butcher gave me words of advice to always be conscious of clients’ delivery times. ‘Don’t leave them waiting’, which was often what had been happening previously.”

In 1974, he purchased a Model Eight Linotype machine from the Northern Advocate which he installed and operated from his father-in-law’s farm poisons room for many years.

A recent clean out of his present factory revealed the original handset type used for the butcher’s job.

Continued on page 12 October 2021

11

helping hand

Continued from page 11 Although he concedes that the butchery business actually closed down decades ago, he remarks, “I kept it. You never know when they may come back and order them again.

“This year we moved my Linotype, which I still use for commercial jobs occasionally, and my original hand platen, to Waiuku Museum to replicate the old Waiuku News office in a streetscape the museum has built. I have owned the Linotype for 47 years.”

In 1973, he won the New Zealand Printing Federation’s scholarship to study at the Melbourne College of Graphic Arts. To complement his study, which majored in offset, he was provided with employment at three different companies, which he recalls also provided a further learning opportunity.

A week before departing for Melbourne, he married his longtime girlfriend, Ngaire Thomson. After spending a year in Melbourne, the couple returned with a commitment to take the business to the “next level”. Of course, it eventually it became a full-time operation.

He says, “It has been a long and

The Jane Gifford, restored to a sailing vessel and in 1992, it ran excursion trips on the Manukau Harbour in a project led by Bill Deed 12

October 2021

Bill and Ngaire Deed look over the first editions of the Waiuku Star, His hobby paper from 1962. hard 50-year journey, but it has had its rewards.”

In 1995, the couple purchased an Office Products Depot shareholding and incorporated this business alongside the printing works in Waiuku.

In 2008, another branch was launched in Pukekohe and three years later sons Glenn and Darryl also came into the business.

However, a costly downturn also struck the business in 2011, necessitating a restructure and several tradespeople being made redundant. Deed duly came back into the factory, Darryl assumed management of the printing operation and Glenn became operations manager of the Office Products Depot division.

Bill Deed says he still enjoys “working at the coalface” and operating printing machines.

He says, “The lead, which is supposed to kill you, and printers’ ink, still run in my blood. And that will never change.”

Outside of the workplace, he remains heavily involved in community work and in 1994 was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal.

These interests and activities have included: • forming and chairing a committee to restore the vintage sailing scow Jane Gifford in Waiuku between 1985 and 1994; • being awarded Life Memberships to the Waiuku Museum Society, Glenbrook Hockey Club and Counties Hockey Association;

• playing an instrumental role in saving the Manukau Heads Lighthouse dome and currently serving as chair of the Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust; • providing 21 years’ service in local government, until the formation of Auckland Council; • owning and working as an announcer on several radio stations; • owning local newspapers, including currently owning and operating the West Franklin Breeze; • continuing to serve as a Justice of the Peace; • recently undertaking destination and enrichment speaking on cruise liners (interrupted by the pandemic); • continuing to play competitive field hockey (now in his 57thconsecutive year); Regarding future plans, he quips that if his two sons had the opportunity, they would no doubt urge him to, “retire, ‘so we can get on with the job similar to what you wanted on the first day you started school’.

“However, they know that with my lifelong interest in printing, it will be hard to just shut the door on it and find somebody to fill my shoes.

“Starting in this transition, we are phasing out the original WJ Deed Printing name in favour of a more modern name of Go Graphics to strengthen my sons’ roles in our business.

“May it continue for another 50 years.” newzealandprinter.co.nz

Vax a nation – Shot Bro’ As the nation moves closer to its vaccination target, where do businesses stand in relation to the no-jab/no-job policy?

T

his is the topic on everyone’s lips at the moment, including the members of our industry. While the subject can be polarising, I will continue to promote this as the best thing for our industry, our businesses, the families that work in them and NZ Inc. We want to live our lives as safely as possible and minimise the significant health impacts Covid-19 can have. Vaccination to date has proven to be an important part of this with the graph above showing the risk of both contracting Covid-19 and subsequently needing hospitalisation if you are unvaccinated. It speaks for itself.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, every business must provide a safe and healthy workplace for their employees and vaccinations will become a key tool in managing the health and safety risks Covid-19 creates, as well as ensuring business continuity and New Zealand’s reintegration back into the global economy as borders reopen around the world.

New Zealand cannot remain closed for business for much longer if it wants to retain its presence on the world stage.

The inability to have surety of travel both in and out of New Zealand is hindering a lot of economic activity, which has flow on effects for our industry.

The new traffic-light Covid-19 protection system announced by the prime minister will bring us a step closer to the removal of restrictions, but it will place an even higher emphasis on the requirement for individuals to be vaccinated – with businesses being encouraged to support the vaccination certificate programme in order to maximise their potential newzealandprinter.co.nz

to trade freely and receive financial support.

No-job/no-jab

RUTH COBB

While the vaccination certificate programme confirms that a business has the right to refuse entry to those that are unvaccinated, there is currently no change to the ability for a business to implement a broad, unconsidered, no-job/no-jab policy.

While there may be some roles within a business that will ultimately be determined should be carried out by a vaccinated person, there is a rigorous process to get there and we must not lose sight of the fact that not every person is able to get vaccinated.

A risk assessment must be undertaken and it must be done in consultation with the people that carry out that role, to evaluate the chances of them being infected with the virus and spreading it to others, both those in your workplace and in other workplaces they may interact with.

Risk assessments are an established health and safety process and based on two key factors, Likelihood x Consequence = Risk.

The Likelihood factor takes into account the circumstances in which the employee works and how likely it is they would be exposed to the virus.

The Consequence factor is relatively easy to figure out.

If an employee gets Covid-19 they could be a transmitter and even a super spreader, which

presents a high level of risk to the ability to provide a safe workplace to employees.

Once the level of risk for a role is assessed, there is also a process of controls to be reviewed to determine actions that can be taken to either eliminate or minimise the risk.

Again, the controls associated with each role, for both vaccinated and unvaccinated employees will likely be different.

With no single control as is often the case in the standard hazards we are used to reviewing, there will almost certainly be a combination of control factors that need to be implemented to ensure that you continue to operate safely.

However, it will be reasonable in some risk circumstances to include vaccination as one of those controls, and it will be possible to require those personnel to be vaccinated.

For new employees it is likely you will be able to make an offer of employment contingent on proof of double vaccination in the same way you can make an offer contingent on providing a negative drug test result and a suitable police check, although this will need to be managed carefully as people have a right to choose not to be vaccinated and cannot be discriminated because of it.

We all want to feel safe, and the more people that are vaccinated the harder it is for Covid-19 to spread. So please, on behalf of our industry, if you are able to be vaccinated, in the words of Nike: Just do it.

October 2021

13

LABELS & PACKAGING

Key considerations for food packaging

K

onica Minolta has recently received confirmation that its AccurioLabel 230 digital label printing system complies with the Swiss ordinance and Nestlé guidelines for food packaging safety. The AccurioLabel 230 produces food-grade safe toner labels for indirect packaging.

Safe food packaging extends the shelf life of fresh food and drink products, transports produce further, reduces food waste, and improves sustainability.

Consumer demand is pushing manufacturers and distributors to deliver shorter runs of packaged goods at a faster pace; however, manufacturers and packaging businesses need to maintain food-safe practices throughout the supply chain no matter how small the order is or how fast it is required. This includes making sure the packaging is safe for the end consumer and the contents inside remain uncontaminated, as well as making sure the packaging is on brand.

Food packaging plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the food by: • Protecting the food during lengthy storage times, rough handling processes, and shipping.

• Keeping the food safe from external elements including contamination, heat, and physical damage.

• Improving shelf life and maintaining freshness.

• Preventing tampering and physical damage.

Added assurance While New Zealand and Australia have their own industry body, Food Standards Australia New Zealand, many standards followed across both countries come from the US and Europe.

This means compliance with Swiss Ordinance and Nestlé guidelines gives Konica Minolta customers added assurance that the AccurioLabel 230 meets global standards.

The Swiss Printing Inks Ordinance is a set of legislated provisions for packaging safety.

It describes the conditions relating to printing inks for 14

The team at Konica Minolta discuss the importance of compliance with food safety guidelines

The Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 230 digital label press non-food contact surfaces of food contact materials and lists some of the suggested permitted substances used in the manufacturing of inks for food contact materials. The Swiss Ordinance applies to all food packaging made in Switzerland, but also for all imported food packaging.

It has a two-part positive list with approved substances for the printing of food packaging.

By selecting the Nestlé Guidance Note on packaging inks as a basic requirement, the Swiss Ordinance also shows relevance over national borders.

Supermarkets now demand that manufacturers adhere to the new legislation to make sure all food is safely packaged.

Manufacturers need to understand and be aware of the changing environment and the raw materials they use to make the industry as safe as possible for the end consumer.

Compliance considerations The recent pandemic has also emphasised the need to produce goods onshore and decrease reliance on global supply chains. This creates opportunities for local manufacturers and packaging businesses; however, they also have a responsibility when ramping up operations.

There are many requirements and consequences to consider in producing legally compliant food packaging.

When choosing raw materials, manufacturers should base

decisions on analysis by accredited laboratories to comply with purity criteria and ban lists.

During production, it’s important to establish quality control and safety by appropriately processing all materials under controlled process conditions. When the product is finished, it must be traceable on all levels and guaranteed to be inert through conformity evaluation, preferably with external testing laboratories.

The AccurioLabel 230 label printer offers increased productivity, job flexibility, operability, and excellent image quality. As an affordable digital label printing solution, it works well for business expansion and collaborative use with analogue machines.

Innovative technology in the AccurioLabel 230 provides good light fastness and excellent colour gamut.

Customers can have peace of mind knowing that they can adhere to safe food packaging regulations for indirect packaging at the highest level.

Chris O’Hara, national production print manager for Konica Minolta New Zealand, says, “Complying with food safety requirements can make label printers more competitive, driving growth.

“For any questions on the AccurioLabel 230 and how we can help, please phone me on 021 266 8079; visit konicaminolta.co.nz/ home; or email chris.ohara@ konicaminolta.co.nz.”

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

RETHINK EFFICIENCY WITH THE ALL NEW ACCURIOPRESS C14000 SERIES

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 www.konicaminolta.co.nz/AccurioPressc14000series

FINISHING

Kale Print boosts finishing with second D&K Neptune laminator

R

ecently, Kale Print installed a D&K Neptune B3 fully automated laminator, supplied through Graph-Pak. Brent Kale, production manager at Kale Print, says, “We already have a D&K Neptune laminator, the larger one, which we bought a few years ago through GraphPak. What we needed was a laminator that could handle our digital work, which is increasing. We have always completed a lot of digital work; it is one of our busy departments.

“We looked around at quite a few machines. We chose the D&K Neptune for several reasons. First, it offers ease of operation and it is user friendly.

Second, it is a robust, solid machine that can take a lot of work. It runs every day. Also, it runs a wide range of stock weights and types and is an all round reliable machine.”

Automation key for B3 The D&K Neptune B3 laminator fills a need in the sector where automation continues as a matter of necessity. Tom Ralph, managing director at GraphPak, says, “The digital market continues to grow and it was inevitable that D&K Neptune would launch a B3 model.”

Significantly, it is a fully automated SRA3/B3 model, which matters because finishing shops can’t achieve these kinds of results with hand feeding. With a compact

Kale Print laminator operator Shane Fisher with the D&K Neptune B3 laminator

Busy digital department at the Bay of Plenty’s biggest printer welcomes robust and reliable laminator

footprint of less than 2m x 1m, the D&K Neptune B3 laminator takes up not much more space than hand-fed models, and it weighs in at around 350kg. It has a deep pile feeder and will run stock weights of 115gsm to 350gsm at speeds of up to 15 metres per minute meaning that it will laminate 2,000 SRA3 sheets per hour. It also has an easy to operate touch screen control panel.”

Kale continues, “The D&K Neptune is a solid and reliable machine. We like that it is easy to use and it can also do a longer sheet. It also gives us a

sleeking foil adaption.

“It is a big benefit to complete this work in house.

With the shorter runs and quick turnarounds that the market demands, you don’t want to be outsourcing this kind of work.

“Since we bought the first laminator, we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Graph-Pak and, despite having the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, we were able to install the new machine with no hassles. Tom Ralph is a great guy, really easy going and Graph-Pak is a good operator, quite efficient.”

D&K Neptune B3 laminator offers a raft of features for finishing With digital run lengths ranging from one to thousands, fully automated finishing has become more widespread. Manual feeding simply can’t keep pace with the demand from digital presses.

Ralph says, “D&K Neptune has answered the market’s need for an affordable compact and fully automated laminator. With this solution, print companies can stay ahead of the trend for higher volume digital production.”

16

He lists the D&K Neptune B3 laminator’s features: • Compact footprint of less than 2m x 1m • Deep pile feeder runs stock weights of 115 gsm to 350 gsm at speeds of up to 15 metres a minute • Touch screen operation • Easy installation • Maximum laminating width of 370mm • PLC controlled

• • • • • • •

Compact footprint Adept at running litho or digital output Heated chrome top roller Pneumatically controlled rubber nip roller Decurl bar that you can adjust on the run Burster type sheet separator Extended feed table options – 66cm, 74cm, and 88cm • Optional rewind unit for foiling • Graph-Pak service and support

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT +Plus

Aarque continues its investment in the New Zealand market NZSDA Apprentice of the Year • HP releases new printers • Law gets creative

WIDE FORMAT

Aarque continues to invest in

D

Servicing the industry: Aarque has moved its headquarters to a new building in West Auckland espite constant change over the past three years, Aarque Group has retained a solid focus on the needs of its

customers.

Leo and Jason Bult, co-chief executives at the company, have guided Aarque through its acquisition by BJ Ball, after JPP (now Ovo) acquired BJ Ball; the acquisition of Jenrite; and the Covid-19 pandemic. The management team at Aarque retains a positive attitude and a belief in the strength of its staff and customers.

Jason Bult says, “Over the past three years, we have experienced significant changes in our business. We looked at the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdowns positively. Living through Covid is giving us a chance to reinvent and reshape the business.

“We have had the opportunity to focus on what we are good at and what clients want. From the business point of view, we have gone well and we have also travelled well in terms of staff welfare.

“We have had meetings with all our departments and we realise that it is about maintaining the business during lockdown so we are ready to get up for the next stage. For example, we have a 18

Applying a positive strategy during uncertain times enables Aarque to continue its investment in new solutions and people for the local industry

Zoom meeting every Monday morning for sales. It is a good platform to set everyone up for the week. We also make full use of the traditional platforms. In terms of management, we are learning to be more relaxed.

“Like other suppliers, we are aiming for growth but that has to happen sensibly. For instance, we are taking touch points out of the business and we have got rid of duplication.

Smart investment is the key.

“Aarque receives strong support from its owners. They are investing in our good ideas and they have given us the ability to live our dream. When you are a business owner you think what do we want to do.

We still have the dream, the passion, and the drive that we first had. We still enjoy the challenge.”

One family under one roof Aarque has moved its headquarters to a new building in West Auckland. Bult says, “We signed up the new premises 12 months ago. It has enabled us to bring our Auckland warehousing under one roof. Some of the team have already started calling it Central Park.

“It works really well to have everyone in the same building, one family under one roof. We are excited and the new place looks great; sharp and cool.

The new premises is about Aarque servicing the industry with the best solutions and support. It combines the best parts of Aarque and our team is looking forward to welcoming customers once things open up. We have gone from a large showroom to a slightly smaller showroom but it is a real showroom with no wasted space.”

The company continues to invest in new solutions for the industry as it fights its way through Covid.

He says, “Suppliers have struggled and that has presented us with a specific set of challenges. Last year, we took a punt to double down and we have seen a constant stream of containers coming in over lockdown. The lockdown has quietened business, for some to quite a large extent, but we anticipate a boost after it ends.

We have a big install list for hardware including some big kit.

“Our rigid programme has gained momentum and we are padding out our media with a range of additional solutions.

For example, we have new car films from Mactac. We have taken advantage of the lockdowns to clean up old stock, consolidate, and to invest in new stock. We are also excited about our display products. Lately they have been going gangbusters.

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

the industry and the people

Watch this space: Aarque has a number of new product launches planned for its new showroom Aarque will bring new solutions to the market soon.

He says, “One thing we are seeing is that people are reinvesting in their businesses.

Whether that is from growth or from replacing older equipment. We are looking forward to announcing some awesome product releases over the next few months. Keep watching this space for the details.”

Belief in people Aarque has also invested in new people. He says, “We need to provide the best environment for our own staff members.

“Having face to face contact is important. We have hired new account managers and sales specialists, some of them are well-known in the industry.

Like other businesses, we have seen some retirements, while some of our younger staff members have headed overseas for some experience.

“It has been a tough challenge to find staff as knowledgeable and capable as the people who have moved on, but we feel confident in the new team members.

“Staff morale has remained at a high level. Throughout the pandemic, I have spoken to everyone, and the uncertainty that other businesses talk about is not a major issue. I believe one of the reasons that newzealandprinter.co.nz

we have been able to push through is that we are working on building such a strong platform for growth. Also, we are encouraging everyone to get vaccinated. As a major supplier, we want to ensure our staff and customers are as safe as we can make them.”

A flexible operation The lockdowns have brought changes in attitudes around work patterns. He says, “We definitely see a change in how a number of our team members will operate. Working from home has become more accepted and we anticipate that many staff members will want to continue to do so where appropriate.

“It doesn’t appeal to, or work for, everyone but we can see that, for many staff members, a mix of home and office will become the norm. For example, our back end admin team has not really come back since last year. Many of them will probably appreciate a break from home life.

“Hot desks are here to stay. We give our sales team members total flexibility in terms of the office/home paradigm. They really enjoy the face to face communication with our customers and we encourage them to plan their days around what works best.

Our tech staff and logistics

staff obviously have to be on site. Where possible though, we offer flexibility because we understand the different situations for our staff members.

“So, it is no longer about a nine to five; there is a different way to communicate. You can do all of this as a business where you trust your staff.

“The philosophy is to continuously rebuild and reinvest in our people. In something of a flatmate scenario, we are sharing BJ Ball facilities in Wellington and Christchurch.

“One thing that the industry has missed is the trade shows.

We see Europe opening up again and it looks like the global market can’t wait for the face to face to restart. Networks are so important for everyone in the industry.

“Trade shows give us the opportunity to connect with the rest of the industry and for Aarque, as multi-branded supplier, it always feels great to see them all under one roof.

“Kiwis love to travel and we love to get together at overseas shows.

He concludes, “This is a great journey and it is great to share it. It is frustrating at times, but it is worth it when you believe in the people and when you believe in what you are doing. Seeing people realise their potential is thrilling.”

October 2021

19

WIDE FORMAT NEWS

Kavalan PVC-Free Pledge for the Planet takes off Taya Groups has launched the Kavalan PVC-Free Pledge for the Planet, a call to action for environmental change, in the form of a video highlighting the prevalence of greenwashing.

The video shows how the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) process can help substantiate these claims.

Vincent Lin, vice president, Taya Groups, says, “This is a declaration of intent that says ‘enough is enough’.

Our video reflects the huge amount of research and analysis completed on our Kavalan range of PVCfree products. It enables us to detail how much difference Kavalan can make in the wide format banner industry. It paints an insightful and at times shocking picture of the severe environmental threat we face.

Taya Groups says its PVC-free products can make a difference for the wide format banner sector “Knowing the facts and fighting disinformation can help the industry to protect our planet more effectively.

“Products claim to be ‘100 percent recycled’, ‘eco-friendly’, ‘sustainable’, ‘recyclable’ or ‘zero-waste’.

How do we know we are getting the full story?”

The video addresses the severity of the climate crisis and discusses how the wide format industry can play a part in the effort to reduce the effects.

Steve Lister, global retail sustainability strategist, appears in the video where he explains the LCA

process and its usefulness in eradicating misleading statements, replacing them with verified data. He says that PVC film has a devastating impact on the environment.

Stark Digital supplies Kavalan solutions in New Zealand.

HP unveils new Designjet and PageWide printers HP has introduced a range of new DesignJet and PageWide XL Pro devices for large format.

The DesignJet Z Pro uses chromatic RGB HP vivid photo inks to achieve 93 per cent Pantone coverage. Features include high definition nozzle architecture printheads and dual drop technology. HP says these reduce visible grain and eliminate the need for light coloured inks.

It promises prints with clear details and contrasts.

A cloud based solution, the HP PrintOS Service Centre application, enables a single, real time view of all ongoing service cases, and updates that are accessible anytime and anywhere.

These new printers use 30 per cent recycled plastic in their manufacture.

The process uses over eight half-litre plastic bottles. They are fully compatible with large format FSC certified papers and a range of recyclable HP media.

HP has also announced three new HP PageWide XL Pro printers. They print on boards, card stock, and paper from A2 to B1, and thickness up to 10mm.

The HP PageWide XL Pro 5200 prints at up to 20 A1 pages per minute and 400 square metres per hour.

The HP PageWide XL Pro 8200 prints at 30 A1 pages per minute and 500 square metres per hour.

The company says applications for the printers have expanded

into two-sided, short term retail posters, which can be managed with HP SmartStream. Other features include a versatile stacker, inline folders, and auto switch.

The HP PageWide XL Pro 10000 prints up to 700 square metres per hour, or 1,000 B1 posters per hour on different materials including paper, boards, card stock, and cutsheets.

It also features the first HP large-format auto sheet feeder and versatile stacker.

Durst and Vanguard see customer opportunities Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a US company that Durst Group acquired last year, will establish a European branch beside Durst Group in Brixen, Italy.

Vanguard manufactures UV flatbed, roll-to-roll and single pass printers for the signage, decoration, business equipment, industrial and packaging sectors. The company will occupy a 5,000 square metre factory adjacent 20

to Durst’s headquarters but will retain its US headquarters. It remains an independent company under the leadership of founder and chief executive David Cich.

The Brixen location will help the two companies leverage technical and administrative synergies.

The close proximity offers customers the advantage that all current printing systems in Durst Group’s

overall portfolio can be seen and tested.

Christoph Gamper, chief executive at Durst, says, “With the formation of the European branch, we are bringing the Vanguard printer portfolio, which has proved extremely successful in the US, to the European markets and are opening up new customer segments.

“Despite the difficult pandemic period, this is a clear signal to the market

for large format printing systems. With this step, we offer our customers new opportunities for production excellence. Also, we do this in combination with innovative workflow and ERP solutions. It is a complete production chain from pixel to output.”

Matt Ashman, managing director Durst Oceania, says the Vanguard acquisition allows Durst to diversify its range to suit all markets.

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

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

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

www.aarque.co.nz

•

focus@aarque.co.nz

•

Freephone 0508 22 77 83

WIDE FORMAT

Summa cutting solutions can enhance your work Aaron Kemp, hardware manager at Computaleta, discusses the benefits a flatbed cutter can bring to your business.

C

omputaleta recently became a Summa distributor in New Zealand.

The art of cutting doesn’t need to be complicated, time robbing or expensive. With the current technology available, you can achieve next level finishing with ease.

When size matters Jobs take time, effort and skills to finish manually. A flatbed cutter will save you precious time and money and you can obtain excellent accuracy using automated cutting systems, especially when you want to cut a variety of substrates and applications. Summa’s range of flatbed cutter sizes serve everyone.

To decide which size best fits your business, ask the following questions. What is your core business? Do you focus on specific applications or as many as possible? How flexible would you like to be in offering new applications or solutions?

Which material sizes do you process most frequently? How much do you want to invest?

How much space do you have for a flatbed cutter?

Summa brings versatility When you aspire to grow your business, you need to take on any job and you need a cutting system that can handle whatever you throw at it.

The modules on Summa’s F Series flatbed systems will hold up to three tools at once, so you can perform three different techniques in the same job. You can process an endless gamut of substrates quickly, including corrugated boards, foam boards, MDF boards, PVC, acrylic, magnetic materials, aluminium composite media, roll material, and textiles, including mesh fabrics, flags, and banners 22

AARON KEMP

Versatile: The Summa F1612 cutting table

Optimise your workflow

Options to boost efficiency

Turnover more work faster with these features: • A vacuum system holds the material in place with air suction ensuring a smooth and effortless finish.

• The conveyor system delivers a controlled feed of the media: A conveyor belt, secured around the table, in combination with pneumatically-driven media clamps enable you to cut large material lengths and produce large production runs.

• The Roll Support System enables your roll-to-roll jobs • Tandem Mode lets you divide the active working area into front and back processing areas, so you can safely load and unload material on one end of the table while cutting the material on the other end.

(Available on the larger flatbed systems) • The Operator Zone enables you to divide work into a cut only zone and an operator zone; it feeds all material to the operator zone automatically. The cutting head moves no further than the cut zone, so you can safely reach the cut material at the front of the machine.

• Poster Trim allows you to cut without the need to retrieve any cutting data information or files first. The built-in camera system on all F Series sizes automatically, scans the black printed frames, and starts to cut immediately without any operator intervention.

• Easy maintenance as all Summa products are robust, durable, and long lasting. Top quality build keeps maintenance to to an absolute minimum.

• The Automated Depth Control (ADC), available on all F Series models, simplifies tool, knife or bit changes and calibrations significantly. It automatically sets the best knife/bit settings for optimal cut quality.

• Barcode recognition boosts ease of use and takes the complexity out of cutting different files in one job.

The barcode option sets up the device automatically by reading the barcode on the material and recognizing the entire job, so you can leave the machine unattended whilst cutting large rolls of material (overnight), cutting continuously, job after job.

Ease of use is key If you are tired of complicated systems and software, the Summa flatbeds offer the following solutions: • GoProduce Software enables you to easily tailor the software functionalities you use the most and to choose the right settings for the material.

• F-Performance ensures the performance of the F Series flatbed finishing systems will increase up to 40 per cent. Advantages include faster up, down and turning movements of the cutting head, most remarkable when using the Kiss-cutting tool.

Summa finishing solutions enable a seamless print and cut workflow solution across sign making, soft signage, packaging, and digital print. If you want to know more, please contact me at aaron.kemp@ clgroup.co.nz

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.cigroup.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

Currie Group and EFI introduce the Pro 30h

C

urrie Group and EFI have introduced the latest innovative EFI wide format solution to the New Zealand market, the EFI Pro 30h hybrid printer.

Since the companies announced that Currie Group would supply and support EFI wide format solutions, in January of this year, they have completed an enormous amount of work behind the scenes to make it easier for customers to access the technology and support.

Paul Whitehead, business unit manager for Sign and Display at Currie Group, says, “Many sign and print companies have seen EFI, with its superwide format printers that deliver high end and high quality solutions for print service providers with higher volume needs, as occupying a specific position in the industrial space. EFI’s larger machines have a deserved reputation for delivering top quality, using a raft of innovations. The EFI Pro 30h brings those high end smarts to address the needs of the entry level production market place.”

Currie Group offers more for EFI customers. He continues, “Currie Group occupies a special position in the local industry, supplying high quality hardware such as HP Indigo and consumables, as well as supporting customers with first-rate service.

Rigid and roll-to-roll Wide format printers need to handle jobs across the sector.

The EFI Pro 30h is designed to meet any challenge thrown at it.

Whitehead says, “One of the reasons the EFI Pro 30h appeals so much to the local market is that it covers pretty much everything you want to do in wide format printing along with superior image quality and environmentally friendly benefits.

“It expands your capabilities, versatility and productivity; all at an attractive price point.

And that all matters, because, nowadays, you need to do everything, whatever your customer wants.”

24

The EFI Pro 30h hybrid printer offers numerous benefits

New to the local market and offering the capabilities of many industrial size print engines, the EFI Pro 30h is already turning heads

With the ability to print on a wide variety of substrates, the EFI Pro 30h allows you to offer a broad range of applications.

Commercial printers, sign shops, and in-plant printers will benefit from its rigid and roll-to-roll capabilities as it delivers productivity of up to 241 square metres per hour. As a standard feature, continuous board printing enables you to capitalise on the printer’s full production speeds with large boards or multiple small boards. Other features include fast and easy changeover from rigid to flexible printing as well as dual-roll printing for greater throughput.

A fully enclosed image area keeps the production area dust and debris from getting in and around the carriage. It also has a dual touchscreen graphical user interface available on the front and back of the printer for ease of operation. The advanced media-platen vacuum system has six chambers each with their own independent vacuum power controls for hold down, preventing media movement.

This CMYK printer comes standard with two channels of white. It features UltraDrop Technology seven picolitre printheads with greyscale printing up to 1200 dpi, and a magnetic linear drive for better drop placement, resulting in a greater colour gamut.

Whitehead says, “EFI white ink leads the industry in brightness and opacity, and can be imaged like any other colour, in greyscale, up to 1200 dpi, and using our multilayer printing

with up to five layers in a single pass.”

“The EFI ProGraphics UV LED XA ink was developed with high adhesion properties for printing on an extensive range of rigid and flexible media, including corrugated plastics and other materials with adhesion challenges.

“EFI’s hybrid and LED curing technologies help deliver quicker turnaround times and give you the ability to print on new substrates, including high-value specialty substrates, opening doors to more applications and creative opportunities. The EFI Fiery proServer Core digital front end features FAST RIP acceleration technology, plus RIP and print on demand functionality and the ability to print pre-ripped files.

“The EFI Pro 30h green credentials include the ‘cool cure’ LED technology that gives you the ability to do more for less. Its instant on/off and less maintenance features increase uptime and productivity. You can lower operating costs with significantly less energy consumption: 1.8 kW instead of 10 kW, and the lamps are only on during printing. There is less waste trying to find the right cure level, and fewer consumable parts. Other benefits include low VOCs and less waste.”

He concludes, “Currie Group’s entry to the sign and display sector with EFI offers new opportunities in wide format and we look forward to discussing them with you.”

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

https://l.ead.me/bc ARCX

© 2021 ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. | WWW.EFI.COM

www.curriegroup.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

Epson offers solutions across the wide format spectrum Epson’s wide format solutions cover a variety of applications for signage and print

A

s the wide format sector adapts to the challenges of an ever changing market, Epson offers a range of printers that meets those challenges head on.

SureColor V7000 Epson’s first flatbed printer incorporates eight Epson MicroPiezo printheads. Each head features 1440 microfine nozzles with variable size dots as small as four picolitres for images with a wide gamut and fine gradation.

You can apply White and Varnish as spot colours for enhanced detail and finish. It prints on a range of substrates including paper, film, corflute, vinyl, canvas, aluminium and acrylic and produces image quality to suit the most exacting applications including signage, POS/POP, premium packaging, décor, custom cabinetry and fine art.

Key features include media support up to 80mm thick; a 1.25m x 2.5m bed with multizone vacuum; an integrated ioniser and media height sensor; an eight colour + white + varnish UltraChrome UV ink set; and production speeds of up to 15m2h with up to three ink layers in a single pass.

The company ships the SureColor V7000 complete with Epson Edge Print RIP software and Flatbed Controller software.

SureColor F10060 Epson’s first 193cm (76”) large format printer is a sophisticated, dye-sublimation machine for textile production.

Applications include soft signage, fashion, sportswear, home furnishings and décor.

The high volume SC-F10060 features four of Epson’s latest 12cm PrecisionCore Micro TFP printheads that each incorporate four print elements.

Active nozzle status monitoring and advanced self-cleaning ensure consistent high quality output at up to 255m2h. The printer supports media rolls 26

Using resin ink, the Epson R5000 Series printers enable fast job turnarounds up to 193cm wide and 60kg in weight. It features an 80L bulk ink system; a 155GB buffer memory, high-speed networking, and onboard step and repeat. Precision feed management and a compact double-sided dryer enables fast roll to roll production with consistent tension and parallelism for quality sublimation.

A 23cm colour touch panel display and a transparent platen window with integrated lighting help ease of operation.

Downloadable EMX profiles enable rapid setup with common media types. An integrated RGB camera helps deliver easy profile adjustment and fast configuration with new media.

Other features include single operator loading, an industrial style signal lamp, an ink system with automatic hot swap. It ships complete with Epson Edge Print and Edge Dashboard software.

SureColor F3000 This direct to garment printer leverages dual printhead technology and a bulk ink pack system, which offers low ink cost and minimised waste compared to cartridge systems.

The SureColor F3000 touts all new automatic garment height adjustment and easy user maintenance features to increase production and reduce downtime for garment print shops creating custom apparel.

It is ideal for digitally printing custom garments on a variety of fabric types including cotton, linen and rayon. Using a dual 6.6cm PrecisionCore printhead, it offers true one pass printing for both colour

and white ink and it houses the first bulk ink system integrated into an Epson direct to garment printer.

The automatic printhead height adjustment is set based on garment thickness and texture for optimal print quality without user interference, and it easily switches between thin t-shirts and thick sweatshirts with less downtime between garments.

Built for reliability, the SureColor F3000 features an ultra-durable linear rail system and CNC milled print carriage, designed for years of production, and features user serviceable parts, including printheads, and low maintenance time ideal for high production print on-demand service providers, fulfilment houses and in house print on demand production.

SureColor R5000 Series The 162cm (64”) SC-R5000 and SC-R5000L address the existing industry challenges of working with latex inks.

For exceptional print performance and colour control the R5000 printers uses an extra large 6.6cm printhead and Epson Precision Dot Technology. Precision media tracking and temperature control ensures colour, image sizing and positioning is consistent from edge to edge, top to bottom, and print to print.

Epson resin ink produces minimal odour and does not require the out-gassing time of solvent. Printers can be installed and operated in a wider range of environments with reduced safety concerns.

The efficient drying and curing process enables prints to be produced and laminated quickly for faster job turnaround.

Additional features of the SC-R5000 include an advanced multi-element heating system, ultra-sonic media status monitoring, heavy duty crash guards, advanced remote reporting through Epson’s new Cloud Solution PORT service, and comprehensive CoverPlus for up to five years complete with the option of user head replacement. The SC-R5000L features the addition of a dual ink supply with hot swap facility.

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

UV INK

E C O - S O LV E N T I N K

DY E S U B L I M AT I O N I N K

RESIN INK

PIGMENT INK

Total Signage Solutions from the Vendor You Can Trust.

Epson’s signage and décor printers deliver higher image quality with superior colour and

gradation. They offer wide media support and cost-effective production backed with

on-site CoverPlus extendable up to 5 years. From indoor POS, outdoor signs, back-lit

displays, window decorations, banners and vehicle wraps to wall coverings, floor stickers, custom cabinetry, flags and merchandise, Epson has the selection for you.

www .epson.co.nz/progra www.epson.co.nz/prographics phics

WIDE FORMAT

Ellar Graphics adds valu

A

Jeremy Gibson, managing director at Ellar Graphics, with the HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer uckland-based large format print company Ellar Graphics has added an HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer

to its line-up.

Purchased through HP channel partner Computaleta in July, the HP R1000 will deliver value and new applications for Ellar Graphics.

Jeremy Gibson, managing director at Ellar Graphics, says that the R1000 Plus has given the company confidence to offer clients new, creative and sustainable ways to produce jobs. He explains, “We were fortunate to earmark a new unit relatively quickly, which arrived in record time, especially with the freight issues that many industries have been experiencing. The planning and execution was perfect with zero impact on our production during the install.

“For Ellar, it’s the confidence in knowing that we can offer our clients new and creative ways to produce jobs that not many other companies have the access to. We immediately saw the benefit of being able to have that conversation with our customers and see their excitement in what we can now supply.”

Ellar Graphics can now support short run packaging 28

A new HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer gives Ellar Graphics fresh opportunities to grow

and point of sale work. Gibson says the company is impressed with the new printer’s environmental credentials; the HP Latex inks are odourless, water-based, and Ecologo certified.

He says, “Direct printing to rigid substrates that can be 100 per cent recycled was the first must-have for our clients and for us. It allows us to target sustainable large format print work with Latex inks and to pair that with recyclable products.”

Versatility and flexibility Ellar Graphics can now support short run packaging and point of sale work. In the short time it has had the R1000, the company has produced wall graphic panels for events; a nationwide campaign for floors; windows and point of sale media; and coloured concrete sample swatches for DIY enthusiasts.

Gibson says, “The biggest thing we have noticed is the versatility it offers and what’s possible with the latest HP Latex ink system.”

“Investing in the HP R1000 Series Latex printer was the obvious choice for Ellar Graphics. We tested the recently released HP 800W roll to roll printer. However, with our current fleet of Latex and

UV printers, we felt this was not a large enough step up from what we could already offer our clients.

“Installation of the R1000 Plus offered everything other machines can provide and then some. The quality and vibrancy you come to expect off a roll to roll printer is now direct to corrugated boards without the UV printed ‘lawnmower’ effect.

“We can target sustainable large format printing options and produce work, that we had previously run on our other machines, but now with lower running costs and faster production times.”

Supporting local Several key factors made the choice to partner with Computaleta an easy one for Ellar Graphics, not the least of which was its knowledge and experience.

Gibson says, “I believe Computaleta has the best hardware team in New Zealand, and they know HP inside and out. We like to keep things as local as possible, too, to keep downtime to a minimum, and Computaleta can achieve that.”

Working alongside Computaleta director Arlette Farland, and national hardware manager Aaron Kemp made the purchase a seamless and quick process. He says, “Our history

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

WIDE FORMAT

lue with the HP R Series

Seamless process: Installing the HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer at Ellar Graphics with Aaron and machinery goes back to when the second generation HP Latex printers were released. Technicians Miguel Portillo and Alex Tse have been looking after our HP printing fleet since day one and my preference was to have the same hands working on our new R1000 for servicing and maintenance.”

Aaron Kemp says, “Print service providers worldwide are reinventing rigid printing with the HP Latex R Series Printer. It is the first hybrid printer to use water-based, environmentally friendly HP Latex inks. With six colours and a new industry-first white ink that doesn’t yellow over time, the R Series produces prints with fantastic image quality and vivid colour, preserving the substrate’s look and feel.

“Computaleta is excited to partner with Ellar Graphics and help them bring the HP Latex R1000 printer on board to grow their business.”

Doors of opportunity Founded in 1972, family-owned and operated, Ellar Graphics began in the home of the late Harry Roos’s basement. Quality and innovation has become a mantra for the company as it has earned a reputation as a respected and successful wide format digital print house newzealandprinter.co.nz

catering for clients across New Zealand and Australia.

Ellar’s East Tamaki facility covers two floors and contains an impressive array of the latest printing solutions. From automated digital cutting systems to the latest in HP Latex printing technology, it can create a wide variety of work. The company has developed the knowledge and ability to provide a huge range of services for new and existing clients.

In 2020, Ellar Graphics also committed to installing its first flatbed cutting system, a Summa F Series F1612, allowing it to automate its finishing.

Gibson says, “Implementing the HP R1000 Plus with the Summa cutting system has opened doors of opportunity for us. We are excited about the possibilities and potential this combination will have for the team at Ellar and our customers.

“Our small but dedicated team is experienced and excited about the direction that we have shaped over the last 12 months. Where we have seen unprecedented challenges, we have also witnessed amazing growth in the industry, not just for Ellar Graphics, but across printing and signage supply in general. We have increased our capacity to cater to the demand

and look forward to where the future is taking us.”

“The Summa F Series F1612 cutting table is the perfect addition to the business as we required a solution to our large volume digital print runs and point of sale graphics. It wasn’t till we saw the time savings of automating our finishing with technology that we knew this was another worthy investment for Ellar Graphics.

“Implementing the Summa cutting system with the HP R1000 has opened doors of opportunity for Ellar Graphics.

We are excited about the possibilities and potential this combination will have for the team at Ellar and our customers.

“Location was also a big factor to consider when selecting Computaleta. Based in East Tamaki, our ability to pick up urgent ink, print head and maintenance consumables or media from their Onehunga branch makes the logistics so much easier and quicker than the alternatives. We like to keep things as local as we can with our suppliers to keep our downtimes to a minimum.”

He concludes, “We are impressed with Computaleta’s workmanship and follow up support. As Computaleta’s first HP R Series installation, we feel proud to be a part of this milestone.”

October 2021

29

President Post – If we build it, they will come, so let

L

et’s change, let’s get serious about training more tradespeople.

We all sit back and complain about how hard it is to get good staff with good skills, yet we do nothing to change it.

I speak with a lot of sign makers in my role both across New Zealand and in Australia.

The majority are screaming for staff, all pushing their current staff members too hard, not to mention themselves, working all the hours under the sun just trying to get the work out the door. It is a huge issue in our industry and is only getting worse.

So, what can be done about it? Well, it’s simple really, we must train more sign makers.

The critics will tell you, “Ah, young people today don’t have any work ethics. I don’t have the time to train anyone. Don’t the ITOs do the training?”

We can make excuses all day, and while we do that nothing changes. So, let’s just do it.

There are still plenty of young people, and for that matter older people, out there who want to work and gain a career. Take the time to interview some candidates and get invested in the ones that want to work and learn. Every apprentice I have spoken to over the last couple of years says the same thing, I really

ANDY LOWE, PRESIDENT NZSDA

The solution to the current shortage of staff is quite simply to train more sign makers, says Andy Lowe

Too much specialisation: We need to stop “pigeonholing’ staff want to learn the trade and create cool signage and maybe have my own shop one day.

So, they are keen, they want to learn, they want a future but honestly, I believe it is us the employers that are failing and creating this shortage of staff by not keeping these future signees engaged and developing a passion.

A lot of shops have started to employ trainees just to get staff and keep producing. While this is an understandable approach, it is simply not working. In the last few years, New Zealand has had an apprentice dropout rate in the 60 to 70 per cent range, not to mention those that aren’t formally indentured. I believe there are two main reasons for

this. First, specialisation or pigeonholing staff. Production techniques in our industry have changed, I am seeing very few shops who have one person complete a job from start to finish.

Most employees are put in a position such as running the printers, or applying prints, or wrapping cars and then, that’s it. Great for the immediate problem of smoothing production and getting the jobs done but it comes with one huge problem: boredom.

The younger generation, not known for its patience, wants it all now and can’t understand the concept of ‘doing your time’.

So, for us to protect our future and create a bigger pool of

The 2022 Sign Makers Conference & Awards is hea Melissa Coutts looks forward to the NZSDA conference and awards event in 2022

N

othing is ever achieved in your comfort zone.

Planning for events these days is a risky business. After two years of no expos and no conferences, the New Zealand Sign and Display Association will bring 30

MELISSA COUTTS, SECRETARY NZSDA

the ‘Innovate – Integrate – Motivate’ Conference & Awards to Queenstown in July 2022.

Although Expo 2020 was postponed to 2021 and then cancelled, the decision to not hold an expo in Auckland for 2022 was a big call for our suppliers. However, all of them believed the industry needed to come together and reconnect outside of Auckland.

Registrations will open at the end of November. The Association believes that the industry needs a boost; some motivation; and some inclusivity. So, let’s all come

together as like minded sign makers from near and far to engage, connect, learn and most of all, have fun.

Traditionally, our conference kicks off with the AGM. We will follow this with the welcome dinner and an excursion on the mighty Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to the historic Walter Peak Station.

The next day, headlined ‘The Big Day Out’, features visits to local vineyards, where tasting is not top of mind. Instead, we will get their take on innovation and integration within their businesses and how differently

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

t’s get serious about training and apprenticeships trained sign makers we need to put aside the immediate dollar and concentrate on the future dollars for our businesses, the dollars created by our trained and qualified staff.

What is a tradesperson?

If you want a factory worker for your signage process plant, then please don’t employ someone under the guise of an apprentice/trainee sign maker. An apprentice is there to learn, to develop the skills and experience to become a well-rounded professional sign maker, or the correct term a tradesperson.

The definition of a tradesperson seems to have been lost or rather changed.

We hear, “I am a tradesman, but I don’t do installs. I am a tradeswoman, but I don’t know how to paint a wall. I am a tradesman, but I don’t know how to use a digital printer.”

A tradesperson knows how to use all the tools and an apprentice is never going to get those skills if we the employers don’t teach them.

The current trade apprenticeship is four years, I don’t know about most of you, but I knew just enough to get into trouble after four years and that was back in the day when shops were full of sign tradespeople and not

technology. So, it’s going to take commitment to your businesses future and making the time and maybe sacrificing instant profit to protect our sign shops’ future.

I have seen large shops with around 20 employees have to almost stop their production because one part of the machine has a sickie, others with monthly staff drop-offs from boredom and lack of inspiration.

Imagine knowing that all your team is interchangeable and that they all love what they do and are passionate about our industry. These people exist, they are around us, and they just need leadership, training, and inspiration to develop the passion for their job that is needed to keep them in the industry.

The second reason we struggle to keep trainees in our industry is the mighty dollar.

As an industry, I believe we are not rewarding our good employees enough, the younger people coming through need to see a good solid future with the potential to create a good lifestyle from their earnings.

We simply don’t offer that enough.

In my early career, I was being paid $20 per hour when the hourly rate average for sign shops was $45, now the average rate is between $70 to

$120, and we still want to pay our tradespeople $25 to 30 per hour average. So, we have less trained quality staff available and getting less and less and we want to pay them the least amount we can. That simply isn’t sustainable and if we want to build our businesses and create a stronger industry it must change.

It is up to us. Let’s back ourselves and employ more trainees, train them well, teach them the satisfaction of creating cool bits of art not just products, they will develop the passion and see a good future ahead. Let’s pay our tradespeople well and give them a future with us and the opportunity to improve their skills and once again be proud to be called a Trade Qualified Sign Writer.

If you don’t have the skill base to teach a certain element of your trainees learning, use the NZSDA network of fellow sign makers, reach out and talk to them, offer your knowledge to their trainees, ask for theirs for yours. Together we can fill the skilled staff problem and make the future of employment a better and easier one.

Talk to NZSDA today about our Signee Prevocational Training program or about putting your trainee through the official trade apprenticeship.

ading to New Zealand’s adventure capital this can look. After lunch, get prepared for some action on ice with a spot of curling. Lastly, the Fire and Ice experience at the Ice Bar, an ice carved environment, that offers defrost drinks and a live ice carver.

When you have had enough of the cold, Little Blackwood is right next door, a cosy venue with an open fire.

The final day is all about learning and challenging your thinking. We will hear from some inspiring adventurers and local legends including Justine Troy, the kiwi battler who co-founded the vodka newzealandprinter.co.nz

brand 42 Below. This company changed the way New Zealand and investment communities perceived growth brands and established a new style of marketing along the way.

Justine will challenge you

to think differently to create change.

The flag ship event that the NZSDA brings to the industry, the NZ Sign & Display Awards of Excellence, will conclude the conference on Friday, July 8, at the Skyline. It is a chance to do something different, step out of your comfort zone and journey via gondola, with beverage in hand, to the peak of the mountains to celebrate the very best in sign making from throughout New Zealand.

What a way to end a conference that will be like no other.

October 2021

31

Hands-on, creative work turns designs into quality signs

O

ne of the highlights of this year’s New Zealand Sign and Display Association Awards was the Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021, which saw Nelson’s Nick Lightfoot take out the prize.

The 24-year-old, who works at Signbiz Tasman (formerly The Sign Shop) in Nelson won the award for the work he completed during the final two years of his apprenticeship, 2019 and 2020. This follows a gold and two silver awards he won in 2019 at the NZ Sign & Display Awards of Excellence.

He says winning the Signee Apprentice of the Year 2021 means everything to him and he believes his apprenticeship in sign making has helped him become a better artist.

He says, “My creativity grows every day and my imagination has expanded.

Having this qualification means I can continue being a sign maker wherever I go and I plan to stay one for as long as I work.

“I truly owe it to my managers and co-workers for the training and opportunities they have provided me to get me where I am today.”

He enjoys interacting with customers, discussing ideas and designs, as well as all the processes, including placing finished product on cars and buildings.

He says, “I love being involved with everything from design work, to manufacturing signs, to installing them. It is a very physical job and there is a lot of customer involvement, so it is quite a big process.

“It is totally worth it too. At the end of a job, it is quite cool to stand back and take a look at what you have A career as a sign maker always loomed as one of Nick’s preferred options. He says, “I was always interested in graphic design and I like to think I have a creative mindset.”

At Waimea College, he counted painting, graphics, and design among his favourite subjects. This helped nurture his creativity and he took the opportunity to pursue a career in which he could keep improving his skills. He started 32

NZSDA Apprentice of the Year Nick Lightfoot at work at Signbiz Tasman

Peter White talks to NZSDA Apprentice of the Year Nick Lightfoot

working for the Sign Shop after completing the Gateway Programme in his last year at school.

Fresh challenges Recently, The Sign Shop became Signbiz Tasman. He says, “My role has changed dramatically since winning the Apprentice of the Year. I am now in charge of graphic design at Signbiz Tasman.

“It was a bit nerve wracking at first, but I am feeling really good about the change. Being thrown in at the deep end forces you to concentrate on what you need to do to get the job done. I have the capability to deliver what the customer wants.

“Obviously, completing my apprenticeship has helped with this. There were design oriented papers in my apprenticeship and it also helped give me the discipline to know I can take on new challenges and succeed. In fact, I love trying new things. I enjoy the pressure and the deadlines are good because they help you focus when you need to get the job pumped out.

“Signbiz Tasman is a small company, just four staff, so it has been interesting becoming part of Signbiz. I am enjoying the interaction with customers; it feels good

being on the front line. It is a matter of me making sure that the customer gets what they need. Listening to what they want, I am able to make suggestions and offer advice on a range of possibilities for their jobs. I want to exceed their expectations. Our customers are mainly businesses.

“You need a lot of creativity because the job is mostly down to design. You want people to go past your sign and say, ‘Wow, that is very in your face’.”

His future is in sign making.

He says, “I will continue to enter my work the NZSDA Awards of Excellence. It gives sign makers a great chance to get their work seen.

At high school, I was conflicted about all the other career options out there. I thought about doing graphic design courses; going to university to become an art and design teacher; or becoming a qualified painter and decorator, but in the back of my mind, I have always considered this a trade I could enjoy and succeed at. I could not be happier with how things worked out.”

“Eventually, I want to own my business but for right now, Signbiz Tasman is where I want to be.”

For more information on apprenticeships in sign making, please visit the website www. signee.nz

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

www.signee.nzsda.org.nz

MEDIA

Fujifilm Synthetic Media saves time and costs

F

ujifilm Business Innovation has partnered with Kernow Coatings, a global leader in optimised high performance coatings for print, security, engineering, and industrial substrates to bring Fujifilm Synthetic Media to the New Zealand market.

The durable coated polyester material has been designed specifically for dry toner-based digital printing presses. Paul Smith, head of Specialty Media at Fujifilm Business Innovation, says, “Fujifilm Synthetic Media delivers high print quality, extreme handling strength, flexibility, weather resistance, and durability but with no need for additional lamination. You will reduce production time and costs using this exciting new solution.

“Fujifilm Synthetic Media acts like paper but with tear resistance, water immersion resistance, stiffness, flatness, and thermal stability. You can write on it easily and stamp certificates or watermarks and it delivers outstanding dry toner adhesion for sharp high definition images. Also the finished product is durable and resistant to water, alcohol, and chemicals.

“Fujifilm Synthetic Media’s high opacity enables duplex printing even on the thinnest media.”

Other synthetic media can jam when used in digital production presses. He says, “A feature of Fujifilm Synthetic Media is its excellent anti-static properties. You will reduce the risk of materials jamming and save time and cost through not having to re-print.

“Unlike other synthetic media, Fujifilm Synthetic Media will not melt on your fuser, contaminate your digital press, have toner wipe off on the sheet, or create issues with static. Other synthetic types, such as PP, PVC, and PE, can and do cause these issues.

“Fujifilm Synthetic Media is made to last and can withstand multiple cleaning, handling and tough environments such as rain, snow and sun and whilst it may seem cheaper using laminated paper, when you take into consideration the labour and time involved it can be up to 35 per cent less expensive to use Fujifilm Synthetic Media.”

34

Toner-based presses can print on this antimicrobial synthetic PET substrate

Where cleanliness is of the highest importance, Fujifilm Synthetic Media stands out as an antimicrobial solution

Hygienic solution The Fujifilm Business Innovation team takes a proactive approach to the market. Smith, “With an innovative mind set, Fujifilm Business Innovation is always willing to embrace new product initiatives.

“One of these is to make Fujifilm Synthetic Media antimicrobial. The antimicrobial film works to destroy bacteria in three ways: cell wall binding disrupts growth; ions in the layer

Fujifilm Synthetic Media has numerous applications

interfere enzyme and energy production; and it and it also interrupts bacteria DNA replication.

“The environment we find ourselves in today means cleanliness is of the highest importance and we understand that hygienic solutions are necessary for applications that are handled many times over.”

When hygiene matters Applications for the Fujifilm Synthetic Media as an antimicrobial solution include menus, signage, planning applications, manuals, plant tags, delicatessen spikes, playing cards, and so on; basically, any situation that involves materials handled by different groups of people.

Baker says, “With hygiene now of paramount importance to businesses, antimicrobial agents, like the ones in Fujifilm Synthetic Media, have been proven to be a beneficial addition to surfaces by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

“Fujifilm Synthetic Media can be cleaned with soapy water, bleach or safely disinfected with a wide variety of alcohol and solvent based cleaning agents without removing or damaging the surface.

“The technology used is proven to inhibit the growth of microbes by up to 99.94 per cent, along with inhibiting the growth of common food poisoning bacteria on treated surfaces.”

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

Law brothers get creative with the business

W

hakatāne based Law Creative started as Law Signs 40 years ago.

Founder Garry Law’s sons Brendon and Joss took ownership of the business in 2014. Brendon says, “Dad is an old school signwriter who went through the changes in technology from brush to digital. He is happily retired now, fishing.”

Brendon and Joss didn’t grow up dreaming of running Law Signs. Brendon says, “As a young man, I couldn’t get out of town fast enough. I went overseas, but eventually returned and begged dad for a job. I started out sweeping the floors.”

Since taking over, they have structured the business differently. With a creative background, Brendon runs the design studio and Joss runs the production team. Brendon says, “It is a distinctive setup.

The graphic design studio is almost independent of the sign shop. When you have design skills, they can end up sidelined if you have to spend too much time in production. It is a professional studio where we do a mix of high end work, design for print publication, web design and of course, wide format design.”

The business has gone from strength to strength on the back of making that change to the business. He says, “We had the advantage of having a succession plan in place when we took over so we could hit the ground running. We get along well and we now have a staff of 15.

Law Creative has earned a reputation with its clients that gives the team a licence to exercise its creativity. He says.

“Our clients give us a lot of trust and the budget we need to push those creative boundaries.

We were quite hungry to start with but as we have progressed, we have found it easier. It is much more rewarding “We are trending towards larger more long term projects rather than just day to day projects. I love having a project I can get my teeth stuck into.

Whakatāne is a real cauldron newzealandprinter.co.nz

Creative: Joss (l) and Brendon Law from Whakatane-based Law Creative

Whakatāne sign company evolves for the 21st Century

when it comes to Maori art and culture and we do a lot of work in that space. We work a lot with several local Maori artists, which gives us a lot of creative licence.”

The right attitude Facing similar challenges to other businesses, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the team at Law Creative remains open to the possibilities on offer, and there are many possibilities.

Brendon says, “Managing workflow is a challenge as we don’t want to say ‘No’, to people. We have a number of legacy clients who we need to take care of. We balance that responsibility with the larger jobs and projects that we are offered.”

Garry Law left his mark on the business with the attitude he gave his sons. Brendon says, “One of the most critical lessons we learned from our father was the necessity to keep evolving and adapting.

He really drilled that into us.

You can’t rest on your laurels.

If you have the right attitude, technology equals freedom in terms of time and efficiency.

Dad used to say, ‘If you always

do what you have always done you won’t always get what you always got’. So we see it as case of diminishing returns if we just do the same work over and over. It is also about an attitude of abundance; there is plenty of work out there.”

Brendon and Joss understand the significance of taking good care of Law Creative’s customers. Brendon says, “We listen to our customers. When you have empathy with the clients, you can put yourself in their shoes and design for their outcome, not for your own aesthetics. Authenticity is a must. Sales works as a transfer of enthusiasm. Someone can tell from a mile off when you approach them from a genuine place.

“You do have to trust your instincts. If you care and if you come from the right place, a niche will open up for you.

This is where we find ourselves right now. We have a niche from being ourselves. This has happened organically.

“I don’t mean to make it sound like we’ve made it though, it’s still hard yakka, but we’ve definitely walked through the fire and feel like we’re on the right track for us.”

October 2021

35

MEDIA

Fujifilm Business Innovation expands its supplies team Specialty media continues to grow

T

he Fujifilm Business Innovation Supplies Team provides a nationwide service, delivering the latest premium solutions to the market.

Paul Smith, head of Specialty Media at Fujifilm Business Innovation, says the team has great news for customers. He says, “Responding to the needs of our customers, we have grown our team of supplies specialists. In fact, we have doubled in size. With such an energetic group of dedicated professionals, our customers are assured of receiving great service.

“Partnering with businesses across Aotearoa, we have positioned the team to provide high quality supplies to help local businesses operate more effectively. Our six dedicated team members deliver an easy and efficient supplies management process.”

Fujifilm Business Innovation has also increased its warehouse storage. Paul says, “The increase in warehouse storage enables us to keep our quality media stock on hand.

That means you can be assured we will despatch your order straight to your door as soon as we possibly can.”

Fujifilm Business innovation is global. He says, “As part of the Fujifilm global team, we

The Fujifilm Business Innovation Supplies Team, from left: Matthew Phillips, Margot Armstrong, Nisha Dean, Paul Smith, Angela Jones, and Paddy Shrives deliver our customers premium quality branded product at globally discounted prices.

Having the power of Fujifilm behind us helps give our customers the edge they need in a competitive market.”

He is excited about the latest products that the company has added to its portfolio. He says, “Our new anti-microbial synthetic paper is a waterproof, tear-proof, laser printable paper with an anti-microbial

germ killing coating. For floor graphics, we have introduced copier-printable floor adhesive stock with anti-slip properties, allowing you to print floor signs on any toner printer. These are just two of the outstanding products we have ready to go.

“Anyone wanting to find out more about how we can help your business, please contact us 0800 483 769 and visit www.fujifilm.com/fbnz/printsupplies.”

Fujifilm Synthetic Media protects Jacobsen swatch samples One company that is making solid use of its partnership with Fujifilm Business Innovation is nationwide flooring solutions company Jacobsen, which is using Fujifilm Synthetic Media as covers for its swatch samples.

Kaye Stichbury, marketing, product management, and support manager at Jacobsen, says, “There are a number of reasons we use the Fujifilm Synthetic Media as covering for our samples. First, it does not tear. Second, it prints well and with a clear definition. In addition, the colours and print quality are excellent.

“Previously, we had struggled with colours so when we get something that works as well as this; we are pleased with it. Also, it is waterproof. We have a Fujifilm digital press, which we call Big Bertha.”

36

Jacobsen has partnered successfully with Fujifilm Business Innovation

Run sizes can run from just one to anything over 100 SRA pieces. She says, “As an importer and distributor, we supply to flooring companies nationwide. The product goes on a sample we supply, usually as a swatch book of colours of a particular flooring. It holds technical information on the back and an image on the front.

“Before we started using this system, we outsourced all of our printing. By doing it in house, we can do the smaller runs so much quicker and that saves time and money.

Generally, our customers need the swatches in a hurry so on demand printing is one way of achieving that. However, we also like to have a quantity of swatches in storage and ready to go.

“It has helped our business immensely.”

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

YOUR CALENDAR DAYS ARE NUMBERED 2022 is less than three months away, and now’s the perfect time to start thinking about getting calendars and wall planners ready.

Get prepared for the year ahead, register now or browse our range of calendars and wall planners online at www.wholesaleprint.co.nz or chat to the friendly team, 0800 289 774.

New Zealand’s largest & most reliable wholesale print company for trade print prices 0800 289 774 | www.wholesaleprint.co.nz

www.wholesalepri

nt.co.nz

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Let’s talk about mental health

A

s a passionate advocate for positive change in the way we address mental health in our community, I often get asked what I believe is the key to improving mental health and I say it is simply ‘education’.

Now, I know a few of you will be thinking education?

How is education going to support someone with an acute psychotic disorder or a person having thoughts of suicide?

It is simple. Like any other illness the sooner you seek support and treatment the sooner you will be well.

Having an educated community with even the most basic level of mental health literacy can kick start a chain reaction to support positive health with prevention and early intervention.

Prevention, early intervention, and education go hand in hand. With education, we provide so many opportunities to improve mental health through a few key areas.

• Community perception and awareness; • Normalisation of healthy communication around mental health; • The ability to identify changes in health; • Proactive preventative lifestyle and complementary changes; • Early clinical intervention; • Clear referral pathways; • Reduction in misdiagnoses; • Understanding risk factors such as biological, psychological and social.

Each of the above points are an opportunity to reduce risk, improve recovery times, severity of illness and risk of illness recurring.

In this article, I am going to talk about Australian mental health statistics. When we look at a snapshot of Australians’ mental health today, we see that one in five people aged between the ages of 16 to 85 will experience a common mental illness in a 12-month period.

The three most common mental illnesses in this age bracket are anxiety disorders, depressive and bipolar disorder followed by substances use 38

STEVEN GAMBLE

Steven Gamble has worked in theprinting industry since he was 16.

Alongside his current role as sales manager for Böttcher Systems, he advocates for increased mental health awareness across a variety of sectors and community groups

Man Anchor founder Steve Gamble delivers some useful mental health insights at a recent Women in Print breakfast disorder. The breakdown of that would look like is this.

1. Anxiety disorders 14.4 per cent (males 10.8 per cent and females 17.9 per cent); 2. Depressive and bipolar disorders 6.2 per cent (males 5.3 and females 7.1); 3. Substance use disorder 5.1 per cent (males 7.0 and females 3.3) Important in the above statistics is the fact that 11.5 per cent live with one disorder and 8.5 per cent live with two or more disorders.

Now, if we were to stop here with this basic bit of insight into mental health in our community, what would it do?

It would help us: • Recognise how common mental illness is; • Think about the people in your life and their health; • Take a check of your own health.

One other factor heavily influenced by education is the number of people living with a mental illness not seeking treatment. Of the three most common illnesses, only 35 per cent of people seek clinical support (59 per cent of people with a depressive disorder, 38 per cent with anxiety disorder and 24 per cent with a substance use disorder).

There are several reasons this occurs, and I am happy to say that many of these perceived barriers can be removed through education as: 1. People do not know they are unwell; 2. They do not know who to

talk to or where to start; 3. Cost and time that it takes; 4. They are afraid of the stigma related to illness; 5. That burden of the illness itself is preventing them; 6. The availability of care; 7. That they have been for help and felt they have not been heard.

The impact of mental health education with prevention and early intervention can drastically change the landscape of health in our country.

As we look at it now, it is the third highest ranked disability behind cancer and cardiovascular disease.

To support and build a better understanding of mental illness within our community and industry, I believe it will be a positive step to unpack the common mental illnesses over the next few editions of New Zealand Printer.

This will support positive growth in our mental health literacy and create an opportunity to look after ourselves as well as those around us.

We will address anxiety disorders, depressive/bipolar disorder and substance use disorder.

We will look at where this disorder is born from, who it affects, what are some of the risk factors and identify potential signs and symptoms and treatment.

If you feel you are in crisis or need support, Lifeline is there 24/7 on 0800 543 354.

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

Keeping it local, let the world know

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

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

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

W O R K I N G

F O R

O U R

I N D U S T R Y

A N D

O U R

M E M B E R S

E V E R Y

D A Y

LABELS & PACKAGING XXX

COVID-19’s impact on food

T

he shutdowns and closing of borders during the Covid-19 pandemic has severely disrupted global supply chains, affecting the food and packaging sector. With a lack of agricultural workers in many countries, plenty of food packaging plants were closed and consumers started hoarding food in fear of limited supplies. Industry thought leaders say this hoardingnhass contrubuted to a lack ofreusable or returnable packaging in the market.

During a recent and World Packaging Organisation webinar series session, these thought leaders addressed how Covid-19 continues to impact the role that packaging plays in food waste and food insecurity.

Dr Srini Srinivasan, president of the World Design Organisation, says one of the biggest challenges that the industry is facing today due to Covid-19 is a disarray of food systems.

He says, “In the past, supply chains were well-oiled machines but come Covid-19 and its associated restrictions, our ability to buy and consume have been challenging.

Therefore, the global demand for food, especially fresh food, has plummeted.

“This has resulted in a lot of food waste. At normal times, there is around 40 per cent of food that goes into waste but Covid-19 has caused these numbers to increase.”

According to Dr Srinivasan, companies are cutting losses by reducing production rates, which in turn has resulted in numerous job losses. This in turn, is increasing the food insecurity in some countries.

He continues, “People are also fearing the possibility of sustainable packaging transmitting Covid-19, so they are going back to single use plastics and other materials.

“Suddenly, the engine that was well oiled and running has come to a stop.

“Now, we need to find different ways and design new systems as to how we can create a better economy for the food industry related to packaging.

This is a challenge we are going

40

Industry thought leaders discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected food supply chains, leading to more food waste

The general consensus is that we need to find different ways and design new systems to lower food waste and food insecurity to be facing for the next few years, until we find a way to get out of it.”

Dr Srinivasan adds that the pandemic has changed the buying habits of consumers, from in store to online, which has necessitated changes in design.

He says, “This new habit isn’t going away. Therefore, for e-commerce to flourish, we need to evolve packaging to be able to withstand transportation, or delays in refrigeration, for example.

Additional design elements are needed to preserve food under certain circumstances.

“Design elements have also got to factor in the freshness or readiness of produce for consumption. Costs will increase, for more money to be spent on design, but this will be compensated in other savings such as time.”

Dr Manfred Tacker, course director of packaging technology at the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, says Covid-19 has brought about a greater need for packaging, as people feared that the coronavirus would be passed on through unpackaged products. He adds that there

was a greater demand for convenience food and food with long shelf life as people were panic buying large amounts of food to store.

He says, “With Covid-19 infection rates fluctuating, there is a lot of money flowing into the economy. There is also an added pressure on packaging, as many flexible barriers are not recyclable and needs to be redesigned.

“But as this happens, we need to think about increasing food security. There is strong pressure in reducing the complexity of supply chains and in establishing local productions; and we also have to look to creating green and circular economies to be able to protect our world.”

Dr Tacker says consumers demand hygienically packaged food. With more recyclates emerging in the market, these products need to be safe.

He explains, “The chemical safety of recyclates is very important. We need to develop ways to measure their toxicity and if there is any migration upon food contact.

“This will make sure that a circular economy is possible for plastic packaging and other materials as well.”

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

LABELS & PACKAGING XXX

waste and food insecurity

However, when considering compostable packaging, he says a lack of a material stream for the collection of compostable packaging means it is incinerated with normal waste.

He says, “This is a problem that needs to be solved in the near future as otherwise, this will present a big obstacle to compostable and biodegradable packaging.”

Nerida Kelton, executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging, sees significant issues with food waste on a global level, especially as a result of Covid-19. She believes global food systems are currently weak and fragile.

She says, “When you’re looking at numbers, in terms of tonnage, we’re looking at 500 million tonnes of waste per year. When you look at it from a consumption perspective and with a value in place, you’re looking at approximately $500 billion a year in food waste.

“We need to re-envisage the food systems, and we need to look at design.

“During the pandemic, we’ve noticed that we have significant increases of waste, we have levels of losses in perishable agricultural produce, a newzealandprinter.co.nz

significant restriction of movements regarding hamper transportation, and surging job losses which have increased the demand of food banks.

“Covid-19 has shown consumers what the true role of packaging is, which is to protect, preserve, contain and transport.

“Now more than ever, we need to start communicating the important and significant role that packaging plays in minimising food waste. We have a long way to go but people are beginning to understand its value.”

Kelton adds that the Australian Institute of Packaging has worked on introducing safe food packaging design guidelines with industry that are designed to minimise and prevent food waste using innovative design features that can contain and protect food, preserving its shelf life.

“What we’re trying to do is create an awareness and understanding with packaging technologists around the world to consider all elements that can potentially minimise food waste across the supply chain.”

This includes circular design, palletisation, tamper evidence, looking at nutritional

aspects, active and intelligent packaging, portion control, easy opening and resealability, controlled dispensing and inclusive design, on-pack communication and clear communication around date labelling such as ‘best before’, ‘use by’ and ‘good after’.

Kishan Singh, Global ammbassador for the World Packaging Organisation says the Covid-19 lockdowns in South Africa have also seen a ruling around a ban on alcohol affecting the country.

He says, “While metal packaging plants continued to run food packaging, demand for all alcohol beverages in cans dropped to zero within a week.

“This went on for about four months so there was an excessive supply of aluminium in the country.

“Also, given that there was restrictive movement in South Africa, the impact of this was that waste pickers for recycling came to a standstill. This resulted in a surplus of postconsumer packaging now left in the field.

“Now that we’re coming back to the new normal, we are seeing a slight imbalance in the system. This will definitely take some time before this imbalance is restored.”

Singh adds that with more consumers staying home in South Africa, people have opted to buy goods and food that lasts longer.

He says, “Most of this is solved by metal packaging.

So, you’ll find lots of canned products being sold and therefore, the demand on metal, generally, has seen an increase.

If I had to project, over the next five to 10 years, I foresee metal packaging taking a bigger chunk of the packaging pie globally because of its intrinsic value and its ability to be recycled.

“In South Africa, going off 2018 stats, we are recovering about 78 per cent of metal packaging post-consumer, which is recovered and reutilised.

“This is a good number and very comparable with European benchmarks. Because of this, I see a preferred choice with metal packaging.”

October 2021

41

NZP CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise please email brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz

Employment Help Needed?

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

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.

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

So come and see us first!

PRINTNZ REGISTERED MEMBER

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

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

You can advertise for a single month - or all 11 issues over a year (we don’t publish in January) and save!

(New: prepay for a full year’s advertising and save 10%!)

Whether you have goods or services to sell (or that you want to buy), have a business for sale (or want to buy one) or you have a job to fill, NZP Classifieds works hard for you! yourAqua, printPMS ads431 work Logo details;Now, PMS 3258 grey

even harder for you - online too!

NZP Classifieds ads are found at the back each issue - always in the same place, for easy reference.

Many readers look at the NZP Classifieds first when they start reading their monthly issue of NZP. Email Brian Moore brian@newzealandprinter.co.nz for details

42

October 2021 newzealandprinter.co.nz

ENTRIES NOW OPEN PRINTED IN NZ

Patron

Media Sponsor

Sponsors

Save time & enter online:

wwwww.prideinprintawards.co.nz w.prideinprintawar ds.co.nz Early bird entries close: 11/02/2022 Entries close: 11/03/2022

Friends of the Awards: Sealed Air (Hamilton), Wholesale Print Blue Star Group (New Zealand) Limited, Soar Print, Contact Labels & Print Finishers

www.cyber1976.com