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Contents JUNE

6-12 Update

A news roundup from the world of print

14 Star Business: Briner Signs

Briner Signs celebrates its 80th anniversary

16 Cover story: Durst tour highlights innovation

Durst’s European tour proves innovation is truly ‘Made in Durst’

20-25 FESPA 2025: Trends, technology, and takeaways

Highlights and insights from this year’s exhibition

26 FESPA Australia brings print community together

Key moments from FESPA Australia’s networking event in Berlin

28-30 Leaders connect at FESPA Global Print Expo

Familiar faces and industry leaders spotted in Berlin

31 Spotlight on Aussie excellence at FESPA Awards

Homegrown innovation recognised on the world stage

32-46 PacPrint 2025 in review

A recap of major product launches, innovations, and purchases

48-51 The faces of PacPrint 2025

A look back at this year’s premier print and signage event

52 CMYKhub shares preview of new HQ

A sneak peek of CMYKhub’s new state-of-the-art headquarters

53 Excellence in print celebrated at NPAs

The National Print Awards return with gala event

56 Case study: 1800 Projects

1800 Projects elevates capabilities with Canon Colorado M-Series

58 Comment: Charles Watson

Mental confusion and quitting: When is a resignation valid?

59 Comment: Andrew Ash

From hive to high performance: What bees can teach businesses

60 ProPrint Diary

Keep up-to-date with the latest industry events

A season of innovation

The past few months have been a dynamic period for the print industry, marked by two major events on opposite sides of the globe: FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin and PacPrint in Sydney.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 lived up to expectations, showcasing new innovations and bringing together forward-thinking leaders from across the print industry.

In line with this year’s theme, ‘Where Visionaries Meet’, FESPA Berlin served as a dynamic platform for networking among key decision-makers, sparking collaborations, and discovering the latest technologies driving the print, signage, and personalisation industries forward.

More than 14,000 unique visitors attended FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin,

surpassing 2024 figures by 10.5 per cent, with visitors travelling from 126 countries.

Just a couple weeks later, more than 3,800 visitors attended PacPrint, which offered a clear glimpse into the future, spotlighting key innovations and emerging trends set to shape the local industry in the years ahead. With 116 exhibitors, PacPrint 2025 was another meeting ground for industry leaders to explore the latest in print technology, sustainable solutions, and automation.

Both events echoed similar themes: sustainability, workflow automation, the integration of digital and traditional processes, and the growing importance of personalisation in print. Each show served as a platform for showcasing how businesses are adapting to new challenges through smarter, more sustainable solutions.

Together, FESPA and PacPrint reaffirmed that while the print industry is evolving rapidly, it remains united by common goals: innovation, efficiency, and quality. These shared insights and trends provide a clear direction for where the industry is heading next.

Editor Claire Hibbit, chibbit@intermedia.com.au

Editor Hafizah Osman, hosman@intermedia.com.au

Design and Production Manager Sarah Vella, svella@intermedia.com.au

Managing Director James Wells, james@intermedia.com.au

Subscriptions (02) 9660 2113, subscriptions@intermedia.com.au

Printed by Hero Print Alexandria, NSW, 2015

Mailed by D&D Mailing Services Wetherill Park, NSW, 2164

Claire Hibbit

Marvel Bookbinding transitions under Opus Group ownership

Marvel Bookbinding has been sold to Opus Group, but that appears to be the only change for the 39-year-old business.

Wayne Eastaugh and his son Richard are both remaining as directors of the company under Opus Group ownership.

“It was very important to Opus that from the last day of us owning the business to the first day that they owned the business, nothing has changed, and it is business as usual,” Wayne said.

“From Marvel’s perspective it is business as usual as we have no plans on going anywhere – we are 100 per cent in. We want the business to thrive, which it will, and we will still be directors of the company. I am 67, and this gives me an opportunity to wind back in a slow

Easy Signs delivers first Australian printed gazebos in 24 hours

Easy Signs has become the first business to locally manufacture gazebo canopies and walls in 24 hours.

“This is a huge milestone for us with 100 per cent of our product range now being printed in our production facility in Australia. This has given us full control over manufacturing speed and quality and allowed us to bring manufacturing jobs back to Australia,” Easy Signs co-owner Andy Fryer told ProPrint

“Our gazebos were previously printed in China and then matched up with hardware locally in the same way we originally manufactured flags and teardrop banners.

“We now manufacture the gazebos completely in-house with a high-quality polyester canvas printed on one of our three HP Stitch dye sublimation machines and finished on one of our six gazebo sewing lines that run 24 hours a day five days a week,” Fryer said.

“We claim this is the first time an Australian printed gazebo has been commercially available with a standard 24-hour turnaround time.”

According to Fryer, the company has seen a consistent uplift in sales since the 24-hour turnaround time was implemented.

“To achieve this turnaround time, our innovation team had to work hard to

manner,” he said.

“Our customers also stand to benefit from the new ownership as there could be opportunities from a group purchasing perspective as they may be able to access our stronger buying power.”

According to Wayne, the deal came about following an approach from Opus Group executive director, Richard Celarc.

“Richard got the ball rolling and made the initial approach – if it wasn’t for his

persistence and his ability to paint a picture of how the deal would work and benefit us as well as the industry, it wouldn’t have happened. Richard is a bookbinder by trade and his great passion in life is books. It is easy to deal with someone who has the same passion.”

Richard Eastaugh will remain with the business as general manager and understands the importance of the business to his father.

“Transitions normally have numerous hurdles, but this has been very smooth and seamless.

“Opus wants to gain access to our experience, and we are working with them – I think it will be a good marriage. There were initially a few worried faces, but the good news is the business is literally the way it was before.

“We also know there is capacity in our business, and we understand that the bottleneck for many printers is the bindery. We pride ourselves on employing good staff that love their job and love coming to work every day and take pride in their work.”

develop the right templates as well as the correct systems and processes. We also needed to go through several iterations and refinements before we reached the point where we are now as everything needs to be waterproof and this requires very specific stitching and manufacturing.

“To meet the 24-hour turnaround, artwork needs to be approved by 6pm the previous night and then it will be ready to collect or ship by 2pm the following day.

Once an order has been placed and the design uploaded, we aim to check that order within 30 minutes and provide a link to our proofing centre and once confirmation is received from the customer – we immediately commence production.”

Fryer said the company has also successfully duplicated this production and turnaround in the US, where the company has installed another three HP Stitch machines and a similar sewing line.

Easy Signs first opened its US operations with a $US2.8 million investment for a 6700sqm in March 2022, and was recently featured on the front page of the New York Times.

Earlier this year, the company was named a Lehigh Valley Top Workplace in 2025. The Lehigh Valley Top Workplaces is an annual survey, conducted in partnership with media outlet The Morning Call and Pennsylvania-based employee research and consulting firm, Energage.

Easy Signs also recently announced it has started selling rolls of labels for the first time in the company’s history following the installation of a new HP Indigo and ABG finishing equipment purchased almost a year ago at drupa.

Adam Parnell and Andy Fryer

A Zünd cutting table used for Easy Signs’ gazebo manufacturing

Richard and Wayne Eastaugh

oOh!media CEO Cathy O’Connor to depart

Cathy O’Connor has resigned from her role as managing director and CEO of oOh!media.

O’Connor will step down in the second half of 2025, after more than four years leading the company.

Company chair, Tony Faure said, “After more than four years leading oOh! and with the business performing strongly in CY25, Cathy has decided, and the board has agreed, that the time is right for new leadership to deliver the company’s next multi-year phase of strategy execution and growth.

“Cathy joined oOh! as CEO in the middle of the COVID pandemic and has been instrumental in leading the business through a period of significant change. She led oOh! through its most successful period of major contract wins, while implementing a disciplined commercial mindset and setting the platform for oOh!’s ongoing digital evolution.

“The board remains highly confident in the company’s strategy, focused on energising oOh!’s sales and go-to-market

Currie Group recognised as top Canon Colorado partner in APAC, 7th globally

Currie Group has been named the topperforming Canon Colorado partner in the Asia-Pacific region and has secured a position among the top 10 globally, ranking seventh worldwide.

The recognition comes from Canon Production Printing headquarters, which annually celebrates its leading partners driving success with the Colorado Series.

Since joining forces as a Canon Production Printing partner in September 2023, Currie Group has rapidly risen to become one of the top-performing partners globally. This achievement reflects the company’s dedication to delivering cuttingedge print solutions and its commitment to helping customers maximise the benefits of Canon’s UVgel technology.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from Canon Production Printing,” said Rob Mesaros, CEO of Currie Group.

“This achievement is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Canon,

approach, unlocking the full potential of our market leading network of 35,000 assets, and positioning the business to lead in the retail media segment.

“The board thanks Cathy for her leadership of oOh! through a transformative period. We are delighted that she will remain with the company until the second half of CY25 to facilitate an orderly transition.”

O’Connor said, “Leading oOh! for the past four years has been one of the most

the power of the Colorado M-series, and the dedication of our team in delivering best-in-class solutions to our customers. The demand for high-quality, efficient and versatile print technology continues to grow, and we’re excited to help more businesses unlock the benefits of UVgel.”

Canon Production Printing has

rewarding periods of my career, and I am incredibly proud of the team’s achievements, including the unrivalled success in attracting new asset contracts which underpin our future growth and the industry leading margins we delivered in an inflationary environment.

“The company now has real momentum, and a depth and breadth of new talent, to chart the course for continued growth. Having discussed with the board the next multi-year phase of execution ahead of oOh!, we have agreed that the company is now ready for new leadership.

“oOh! has developed one of the strongest teams in Australian media, including a leadership group that is among the industry’s most experienced, and I thank the team for their commitment and hard work. I strongly believe in the future growth and growing prominence of the Out of Home industry and that oOh! has the right strategy to lead this evolution and generate long-term value for our customers, our people and our shareholders, and I remain absolutely focused on the execution of oOh!’s strategy.”

The board has commenced a process with a global executive search firm to appoint a new managing director and CEO, with the process to be overseen by Faure and chair of oOh’s talent and culture committee, Philippa Kelly.

acknowledged Currie Group’s efforts in championing the Colorado M-series, highlighting their expertise in identifying ideal customer applications, showcasing the technology through demonstration facilities, and providing outstanding customer service.

“The response from our customers to the Colorado M-series has been exceptional,” said Paul Whitehead, business unit manager – sign & display, at Currie Group.

“The modular design, productivity, and unique UVgel ink technology offer unmatched versatility and reliability. Our team has worked hard to demonstrate how this technology can transform print businesses, and this award reinforces our commitment to delivering real value to our customers.”

Craig Nethercott, managing director of Canon Production Printing Australia said, “Currie Group’s achievement is a clear indication of what’s possible when the right technology aligns with the right partner. Their understanding of customer needs, combined with a proactive approach to showcasing the Colorado M-series and the unique advantages of UVgel technology, has made a positive impact here in Australia. This success is well-deserved and highlights how effective collaboration can drive market adoption of technology”.

Vivian Kooyman (CPPA), Rob Mesaros (Currie Group), Craig Nethercott (CPPA), and Paul Whitehead (Currie Group)

Cathy O’Connor

Wildstone doubles Australian team with three new hires

Wildstone has made three key appointments in its Australia team – increasing the size of its team to six – as the company continues to expand its local footprint.

The new recruits include Scott Sargeant as commercial director, Zaneta Pawlik as strategy and operations director, and Crystal Ku as senior legal counsel.

Sargeant joined Wildstone from oOh!media, where he spent more than 17 years. He began at the firm with a role in sales, before moving into billboard product management and later into commercial negotiations. At Wildstone, he will focus on growing the company’s national billboard portfolio through acquisitions, partnerships and the strategic digitisation of existing sites.

Pawlik also boasts significant out of home credentials, having previously worked for both oOh!media and Primesight (now Global). Prior to joining Wildstone, she was media, product and client success leader for APAC for Dentsu. In her new position, she will focus on driving sustainable growth and operational excellence, as well as aligning the local operations with Wildstone’s global activities.

Ku brings to the team more than 12 years of legal real estate experience, with her most recent role as senior legal counsel at Aqualand Australia. She has also previously held positions at Herbert Smith Freehills and Lendlease. Ku has taken over Australia-related legal work from the head office team, which had been

managing contractual documentation for the country’s growing number of deals from the UK.

Sargeant said, “I have always been passionate about the Australian OOH market. Having gained significant experience working for the country’s largest player, I’m excited to apply my expertise to further grow digital infrastructure across Australia in partnership with a multitude of media operators of all sizes”.

Pawlik said, “Wildstone’s vision aligns strongly with my own values around innovation, collaboration and purpose-led work. The chance to work alongside a respected leader like Noel Cook, in an environment that values both ambition and integrity, was inspiring. I knew this would prove a great opportunity to help build and transform a business during a pivotal stage”.

Ku said, “As the first legal hire in Australia, my main goal is to help the team achieve its goals; my aim is to free up the deal team so they can focus on the deals. Since moving

to in-house roles, I’ve really enjoyed getting closer to the business side of things and I’m excited to now be joining a company that is in such a rapid period of expansion”.

Noel Cook managing director of Wildstone Australia said, “Wildstone’s sale and leaseback model has done tremendously well in the company’s home market of the UK, and I’m really pleased it’s now been so well-received in the Australian market. Already we’ve seen a large amount of interest in our unique proposition from independent media operators across the country. Despite beginning operations in the market only a year ago, we’ve already been able to grow the team significantly and attract talented people into the business. I believe the business has a lot more growth potential in Australia”.

In March, Wildstone acquired Total Outdoor Media’s (TOM) entire portfolio of regional billboards in Victoria – the second agreement the company has struck in Australia since launching in the country last year.

Ball & Doggett has announced a new strategic partnership with Mimaki.

The partnership, which came into effect on April 1, sees Ball & Doggett become the newest home for Mimaki in Australia.

The extensive portfolio includes UV roll-to-roll, flatbed, and textile printers, as well as cutting systems, 3D printers, and laminators.

According to Ball & Doggett, the partnership reinforces Ball & Doggett’s position as a leading supplier in the sign, display, textile, and packaging industries, delivering not only product innovation but also world-class service, training, and

technical support.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mimaki to our equipment line-up,” said Rob Brussolo, general manager sign, display, and digital at Ball & Doggett.

“Mimaki’s cutting-edge technology and deep commitment to innovation perfectly align with our mission to deliver best-inclass solutions to the market. As Australia’s new HQ for Mimaki, we are well-positioned to provide our customers with unparalleled access, expertise, and support.”

Kohei Kobayashi, managing director of Mimaki Australia said, “Partnering with Ball & Doggett marks an exciting new chapter for Mimaki in the region. Their reach, reputation, and long-standing customer relationships make them an ideal partner. We look forward to expanding our presence together and delivering new value to Australian customers”.

To celebrate the partnership, Ball & Doggett is launching a suite of marketing activities including special Mimaki-focused episodes of their popular digital series, Joe Knows. These episodes will showcase product features, tips, and applications.

Ball & Doggett and Mimaki

Scott Sargeant, Zaneta Pawlik, and Crystal Ku

The partnership sees Ball & Doggett become the newest home for Mimaki in Australia

Lamont VIBE Conference announces speaker lineup

Speakers for this year’s Lamont Print & Signs VIBE (Visual Industry Business Education) Conference have been announced.

Held annually in Townsville, the conference offers a platform for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts to network, gain valuable insights, and stay ahead of industry trends.

The 2025 VIBE conference will take place in Townsville at C Bar on 11 July.

“Lamont VIBE brings together industry experts and thought leaders through a comprehensive conference program delivering a platform where they can connect, learn, and lead,” said Stephen Lamont, founder of Lamont Print & Signs.

“Through engaging presentations and interactive sessions conference delegates will discover the latest trends and strategies to benefit their businesses. They will learn effective and proven strategies deployed by industry leaders to add value and relevance in a technically evolving and innovative space.

“Lamont VIBE delivers the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections that lead to future collaborations and partnerships and

Zünd Australia expands local team

Zünd Australia has announced the appointment of Nathan Putnam as applications and service specialist.

Based in Sydney, Putnam joins the team as the company continues to strengthen its presence across the Australian market.

Dale Hawkins, Zünd Australia managing director, said Putnam brings valuable passion, expertise, and technical skills to Zünd Australia, enhancing the team’s capabilities and improving responsiveness to NSW-based customers.

“I’ve known Nathan for many years and know the potential he brings to the table and a business like ours. His passion, expertise, and technical skills strengthens our offering to Zünd Australia and allows us to react even quicker to customers that are NSW-based,” Hawkins said.

“Service is everything when it comes to finishing and Zünd cutters. Cutting can be quite complex, even though Zünd does a very good job of simplifying it. There still

better ways of doing business.”

Speakers include Vincent Nair, Stephen Lamont, Andrew Acton, and Dr Jo Lukins. Vincent Nair is CEO and president of Smartech Business Systems. Nair has more than 26 years’ experience in senior executive positions for Fortune 500 technology companies including HP, Unisys, WIPRO Technologies, Lucent ALCATEL Technologies and Fuji Xerox. He is also an experienced board director and board chair with cross-jurisdictional enterprise governance expertise in complex markets across Australia and Asia.

Stephen Lamont is the founder of Lamont Print & Signs, a leading trade signage manufacturer based in Townsville. With more than 18 years in the industry, Lamont has built one of regional Queensland’s most advanced large-

format printing operations, with a strong focus on sustainability through technology. His session, ‘Creating a culture that attracts and retains talent’, will explore how businesses can build and nurture a workplace culture that not only draws top talent but also keeps them engaged and committed for the long haul.

Andrew Acton is director and founder of Explore Property group. He is a secondgeneration real estate agent and has extensive experience operating successful real estate businesses. Acton is a mentor to others in the industry and has key coaching and support skills in real estate agent practice, business operations, property management and leadership. Acton had developed highly awarded real estate businesses within franchise groups prior to creating Explore Property.

Dr Jo Lukins is a performance psychology expert who delves into the minds of individuals, teams, and organisations seeking to understand what makes them tick and assisting them to reach their potential. Lukins holds a PhD in psychology, has more than 30 years’ experience, and a breadth of knowledge in the sport, organisational, and educational domains. She has been delivering programs in resilience and expert performance across the Australian Defence Force for the last decade, including the School of Special Operations. In her presentation, Lukins will provide attendees with strategies for wellbeing and performance.

Confirmed sponsors of the event include Durst and Spicers.

is a requirement, from time to time, particularly with new applications, to have the experts come in and have a look at some of the ways things are getting done and advise correctly, and that’s Nathan.”

Putnam said, “I have been working with Zünd products for almost a decade and have known the team for a long time. It’s a great team and culture, and I look forward to getting my ‘nerd back on’ with this team”.

In March, Zünd Australia officially opened

its local headquarters in Cheltenham, Melbourne. Zünd Australia first started operations in March 2024 and moved into the new Cheltenham premises in September 2024. The 150sqm showroom features two fully operational cutting systems: a G3 L-2500 1800 x 2500 model and an S3 M-1200 model with an extension table. It is also available for customers to experience in-house demonstrations and user training. The building includes the offices for Zünd Australia.

Nathan Putnam and Dale Hawkins

Stephen Lamont

VMA urges industry to be vigilant against cyber crime

The Visual Media Association (VMA) has released a warning to its members following the recent cyber security attack on TMA Technology, a subsidiary of multinational print, print management, technology and logistics company, TMA Group of Companies.

The VMA is urging all members to remain highly vigilant, to review and update their cyber security policies, and to ensure incident response protocols are current and robust.

“Cyber security is no longer a backroom IT issue. It’s a whole-of-business risk management imperative,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA.

“As an industry that manages large data files, proprietary creative assets, intellectual property and essential customer communications, we must take the threat of cyber-attacks seriously and act pre-emptively.

“From our small businesses to our

AFC and Epson Australia to develop smart factory blueprint

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) and Epson Australia have launched an initiative to evaluate the potential for an AI and digitally powered smart factory to advance Australia’s clothing manufacturing capabilities.

The organisations are seeking a qualified research partner to conduct a six-month feasibility study that will create a detailed blueprint for a pilot facility combining digital design and print, automation, and AI technologies to revolutionise local production.

The announcement comes after the AFC unveiled its commitment to developing Australia’s first-ever National Manufacturing Strategy for the fashion and textile industry. This smart factory feasibility study will evaluate how cutting-edge technology can form a key pillar in rebuilding sovereign manufacturing capabilities.

A clothing smart factory is an automated production facility that enables on-demand, customisable garment manufacturing with minimal waste and fast turnaround times. By bringing together digital design and print and advanced manufacturing

largest production houses, cyber threats do not discriminate. Every business, regardless of size or structure, must have appropriate protection measures in place. Prevention is the best line of defence, and preparation is critical.”

The VMA has re-released resources as a reminder and to assist members in strengthening their digital resilience. These include checklists for essential

technologies with AI-powered systems and analytics, smart factories enable quick, flexible production runs that respond rapidly to market trends without the high minimum order quantities that can result in overproduction.

Jaana Quaintance-James, CEO of the Australian Fashion Council, said, “This smart factory initiative addresses multiple challenges facing Australian fashion manufacturing, from supply chain disruptions to skills shortages. Our sector is at a critical tipping point. The feasibility study will validate whether a smart factory pilot program can be commercially viable while delivering broader benefits as part of an integrated advanced manufacturing ecosystem”.

Craig Heckenberg, managing director of Epson Australia said, “Epson is committed

safeguards, guidance on employee training to recognise phishing scams and ransomware threats, and templates for cyber incident response plans. Additionally, the association is calling on suppliers and partners to review their digital security protocols to ensure endto-end supply chain security.

The VMA also highlighted that the consequences of cyber breaches extend far beyond data loss. Downtime, reputational damage, financial penalties, and legal liabilities are real risks businesses face without adequate safeguards.

As the industry increasingly relies on digital technologies and remote access systems, the attack surface for cyber criminals has expanded. With the evolving complexity of threats, such as targeted ransomware campaigns and supply chain infiltrations, the VMA is calling for a sectorwide commitment to uplift digital defences.

“Cyber security is a shared responsibility across the industry. A breach in one part of the chain can compromise the integrity of the whole. By working together, sharing knowledge, and staying alert, we can create a resilient and secure industry landscape,” said Northwood.

to supporting innovation in Australian manufacturing as we believe Epson’s digital textile printing technology can help build a more sustainable world and improve lives. Our partnership with the AFC and this blueprint and initiative will help local brands, big and small, have access to smart manufacturing capabilities that match their scale and ambition. For smaller brands, it means producing high quality garments locally, on demand. For larger companies it offers a blueprint to implement smart factory practices within their operations. As a result, we see a future where Australian made sustainable fashion will set the global standard, leading not just in design, but also in ethical, high-tech manufacturing”.

Before committing significant resources to establish a smart factory, the AFC and Epson recognise the importance of thoroughly validating the concept and learning from other local and international examples. The comprehensive six-month study will assess market viability, technical requirements, operational models, financial projections, and social and environmental considerations to create a detailed implementation roadmap.

“The smart factory concept represents a transformative shift toward ‘rapid agile’ on-demand manufacturing,” Heckenberg said.

“Rather than speculative production, this approach enables creating products in response to actual consumer demand, simultaneously addressing profitability challenges and environmental concerns.”

Consequences of cyber breaches can extend far beyond data loss, including reputational damage, financial penalties, and legal liabilities

Craig Heckenberg managing director of Epson Australia

Industry pioneer Briner Signs continues legacy of innovation

One of the longest-operating signage companies in Melbourne, Briner Signs, has celebrated its 80th anniversary.

Briner Signs, a prolific player in Victoria’s real estate and commercial marketing scene, has celebrated a monumental milestone –chalking up 80 years of operation.

The business, founded in 1945 by sign writer, Les Briner, still carries his name to this day, servicing the Victorian marketing scene with outdoor, point-of-sale, real estate, and commercial advertising solutions.

It has been behind some of the most recognisable brands in the state including Crown Casino, Mercedes Benz, and, albeit briefly, a bold project for Niki Lauda’s airline, stringing up a banner on the Rialto building to literally fly in the face of then Melbourne Grand Prix sponsor, Qantas.

“Niki Lauda came to us and said, ‘I want to put a big sign on the Rialto’,” reflects Briner Signs managing director, Con Tsakonas.

“We said we won’t be able to do it, and he said, ‘no problem, I know the owner’. So, he got permission to put a Lauda Air sign

wrapped around the Rialto. I think we wrapped it on a Monday, and the Grand Prix started on Thursday.

“Qantas obviously wasn’t happy, but Lauda got his sign up there for a couple of weeks.”

The bold job for an F1 legend is one of several anecdotes Tsakonas can share following his more than 30 years at the business, beginning as a contractor before eventually becoming managing director.

“The technology we have now, in regard to production and installation, has come a really long way. It is a far cry from when I joined, in quite a short amount of time,” he said.

Briner began with its sole proprietor until the business was purchased in the mid-tolate 1940s by Joe Lombard in partnership with Brian Stegley, following their return from military service.

With Lombard managing the day-to-day operations of Briner, Stegley served as

director. At the same time, he was developing noted manufacturing business, Stegbar.

Under Stegley, Briner operated under The Stegbar group of companies, which was floated as a public company at the time. With financial support, Briner carved out the major share of the real estate sign industry.

“We do specialise in the real estate industry, and have for a long time, but essentially the business can be split into two – real estate, and commercial – where we’ll supply businesses and commercial signs which advertise, identify, and promote businesses and products,” Tsakonas said.

“Briner stepped into the real estate side of things under Brian McNamara where it became the bread and butter of the business.

“Brian brought me in, and over time, the business has evolved in line with technology developments – and that

Briner Signs is understood to hold around 18 per cent of the real estate board market in Melbourne

has given us the capacity to deliver on commercial production, as well as continuing to see where we can improve our real estate side.

“A lot of our commercial work complements our real estate clients so it’s quite cohesive between the two.”

Under Tsakonas’ leadership, Briner has become a pioneer in the industry, implementing custom robotics to assist in production, cutting edge printing hardware, and intuitive online platforms to assist in every step of the customer journey – from enquiry to installations – by Briner’s fleet of drivers.

“I would say we have spent in excess of $10 million over the past 15 years on continuous improvement and automation,” Tsakonas told ProPrint

“In 2000, we were warned that the internet was going to change the whole approach to real estate. I remember getting calls from a couple of agents asking me how I felt about the internet, and I said, ‘I don’t know much about it’. They told me they wouldn’t need sign boards anymore and that my business was finished. That year, business doubled because the internet pushed us to go digital and build our own online system.

“The system we built removed a lot of the manual processes, which then led us to look at other manual processes within our operations. It steered us to then introduce automation and robots into the production process and by doing that we eliminated manual handling processes from 10 people to two.

“We got more efficient, we got quicker, smarter, and we built a better-quality board. From there, the company progressed further.

“The investment has matured now, but there was high risk involved at the time of introducing those processes. We were building automation that had never been built before.

“Looking back, we were sort of a bit naïve with not only the investment, but the financial risk we were taking as well. I think a bit of naïvety has been key to our success – some might call it stupidity – but it paid off for us in the end.”

Briner Signs is understood to hold around 18 per cent of the real estate board market in Melbourne, with about 40,000 real estate signs produced a year.

“We do around 300 boards a day, and instead of working 24 hours around the clock, we’re working seven hours – we’ve tripled our business without having to

double our staff. The workplace environment’s better, there’s less repetitive work for our staff, and they’re getting trained and upskilled working with the technology,” Tsakonas said.

Briner also recently tripled its capacity for output following the installation of a new swissQprint Kudu UV LED flatbed printer.

Purchased at drupa last year, the printer is the second of its kind in Victoria and one of four currently in Australia.

Since its installation late last year, which was managed by Pozitive sign & graphic supplies, it has already had a measurable impact on Briner’s capacity to produce its broad product range en masse.

Briner’s new printer allows for printing up to 304 square metres per hour, a marked

improvement from its previous machine which reached a max of 50 sqm per hour.

It features 10 colour channels, a 3.2m by 2m print area, 30 print heads and a 1350 DPI maximum resolution. Additionally, Briner now has capacity to create vibrant signage utilising neon inks, previously unavailable to clients.

Briner’s new printer will also fast track the distribution of a recently launched product offering set to provide a solution for ‘one and done’ signage.

“We’ve just launched a new product, a 600mm by 450mm A-frame which was designed to allow for foam board inserts, eliminating the ‘stripping’ process and removing double handling. The client can change the message on the A-frame without needing to return it to Briner and can have multiple designs for single A-frame,” Tsakonas said.

Looking to the future, succession planning is on the cards for Tsakonas.

“I do want to eventually phase myself out, and not because I can’t do it, but I think you need young blood to reenergise the business. I’ve always been taught that you must leave something in the company for the next generation,” he said.

“When I look back at the history of the business, we didn’t want to be the biggest; we wanted to be the best.

“The argument will always be, is the real estate industry going to need real estate boards? The internet said it wouldn’t, but it has done the opposite. Hopefully, I can leave a legacy that someone else will want to take for the next 80 years.

“We look forward to bringing the 80 years of experience behind us to the forefront with the added benefit of innovative technology.”

Briner Signs managing director Con Tsakonas

Briner has become a pioneer in the industry, implementing custom robotics to assist in production

‘Made in Durst’: Tour highlights innovation and technology

Durst Oceania recently concluded its fourth European tour – once again demonstrating that world-class printing quality, ingenuity, and innovation is truly ‘Made in Durst’.

Durst, a global leader in digital printing and production technologies, recently hosted its fourth pre-FESPA European tour – a three-day event designed to foster networking, share industry insights, and offer an exclusive preview of the company’s latest printing solutions.

The tour, led by Matt Ashman, managing director of Durst Oceania, featured a visit

to Durst’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Brixen in northern Italy, as well as a cultural stop in the picturesque town of Kufstein, Austria. The event brought together industry professionals across Asia Pacific for a blend of innovation, collaboration, and European heritage.

Durst Group, a third-generation familyowned business co-owned by Harald Oberrauch and CEO Christoph Gamper, has

been a leader in digital printing technology since its founding in 1929. Today, the company employs more than 1,100 people globally – an increase of 10 per cent over the past year – and is renowned for the quality and reliability of its advanced solutions across the global graphics, ceramic tile, labels, packaging, and commercial corrugated packaging sectors.

The Durst P5 Platform – Powering the future of print

During a guided tour of Durst’s headquarters in Brixen, delegates were given a firsthand look at its technologies and heard more about the thinking behind the company’s flagship solutions.

At the heart of the showcase was Durst’s extensive P5 platform, a standout example of its commitment to innovation and customer-centric design.

“The word ‘game-changer’ is used too often, but the P5 platform truly earns the title,” said Ashman.

Ashman explained that the P5 platform was developed in response to customer feedback and built to be scalable –designed to evolve with both Durst and its customers’ needs. Combining advanced hardware, hybrid flexibility, and integrated software, service, and ink solutions, it delivers a true end-to-end offering.

“We set out to create a unified platform that could grow with us and our customers,” he said.

“The P5 has been incredibly successful in achieving that. Many of our innovations are not only available now but can also be retrofitted to existing machines.”

Ashman said the recently launched P5 X marks a new direction for Durst, but it builds on the proven strengths of the P5 platform.

The new PX 5 is a ‘true flatbed’ with roll-to-roll capability to fill a mid-market position in the company’s P5 large-format printing portfolio.

The PX 5 is designed for ease of use, featuring ergonomic handling,

Jamie Xuereb (Mediapoint), John Bryson (Durst), Charlie Hatzi (Mediapoint), Neil Brener (JCDecaux), Ewen Donaldson (Vivad), Matt Ashman (Durst), Troy Cavanagh (ImageBox), and Brett Addison (Durst) in Kufstein, Austria

multifunctional LED status bars, intuitive media registration with a pin system, and automated safety functions for a smooth and secure workflow. Operators benefit from a smart interface and advanced job management, supporting up to 12 independent print queues for efficient multitasking and reduced downtime.

“The P5 X complements the other products in the P5 portfolio and is the true flatbed machine that everyone has been asking for from Durst for some time. The market needs a machine like this with the flexibility, reliability and functionality that Durst customers have come to expect,” Ashman said.

AI meets advanced automation in Durst’s latest print solutions

Another focus of the tour was Durst’s increasing emphasis on software. From automation to artificial intelligence, Durst’s expanding software portfolio is designed to deliver smarter, more connected workflows.

The company’s portfolio includes end-toend workflow solutions for seamless automation and AI-powered applications to optimise production processes.

“Our software development – and our software team – has grown at an exponential rate,” Ashman told tour attendees.

Matthias Summerer, sales management –software and solutions – Durst Group, told delegates the company is making significant investments in software development to optimise every stage of the production process.

“We recognise that software is the foundation of true automation,” he said.

“What sets Durst apart is that we’re the only print manufacturer offering a complete, end-to-end software ecosystem. Our solutions are designed to be as flexible, modular, and scalable as possible.

“Each module can be integrated not only with Durst systems but also with nonDurst systems, making it adaptable to virtually any production environment.”

Durst Lift ERP is a cloud-based ERP/MIS software which provides a single integrated platform to run every aspect of a print business. The process is automated and streamlined, from taking a customer’s order online, into pre-flight and manufacturing, and all the way though to customer delivery. Durst Workflow Plus is a fully featured RIP and pre-press software production suite.

New AI-powered tools developed by Durst are designed to enhance the processes

Matt Ashman presents at Durst’s headquarters

The open house brought together industry professionals from across Asia Pacific

Attendees were given a guided a tour of Durst’s state-of-the-art showroom in Brixen

and make technologies more performant and accessible.

Notably, Durst’s Image Tracking Tool utilises a camera or smartphone to instantly capture and identify prints in real time, ensuring seamless job tracking and enhanced process reliability.

Durst’s new AI-based Upsampling feature intelligently reconstructs low-resolution files to ensure crisp, high-quality output, even when the original file provided by the customer lacks sufficient resolution.

Durst Group also recently acquired callas software, one of the leading providers of prepress automation and PDF technologies that plays an essential role in many print workflows – either directly or as an OEM component in prepress product.

In the coming months, the collaboration between callas software and Durst Group is expected to deepen, leveraging synergies and accelerating the development of an open, vendor-independent software platform for the print industry.

Labels leading the way

Ashman said Durst is focused on delivering flexible solutions that help customers diversify into new markets – whether it’s wide-format, packaging, or labels – with labels standing out as a key area of growth.

“Labels has been massive growth for Durst and we have some of the most advanced label solutions,” said Ashman.

Among these solutions is the Tau 340 RSC. With print speeds of up to 80m/min for the

upgraded version, a native resolution of 1,200dpi by 1,200dpi and up to 8-colour stations, the Tau 340 RSC enables customers to achieve flexo like productivity in a 24/7 environment. It can be also equipped with the revolutionary Durst Hawk Eye technology to automate print quality. Applications for the machine include variable data and speciality packaging.

Further solidifying its commitment to the packaging and labels space is Durst’s partnership with fellow family-owned Italian company OMET to develop hybrid printing systems.

The jewel in the crown of the Durst and OMET partnership is the KJet, a new digital and flexo hybrid machine tailored for the label and flexible packaging market. It is the second joint development by the companies after the XJet.

The KJet combines the ‘cylinder-base dual-servo’ flexo technology from OMET with the robustness and reliability of Durst’s RSCi digital printing engine. The companies say it also offers operators a seamless experience with its user-friendly interface and ultra-short web path. This design minimises waste and reduces setup times, showcasing the advantages of digital printing.

“This partnership brings together two industry leaders, combining their strengths to deliver much-needed innovation to label converters across the Oceania region,” Ashman said.

Durst will host its next tour dedicated to label innovation ahead of Labelexpo, which takes place from 16-19 September 2025 in Barcelona.

Brett Addison (Durst) and Neil Brener (JCDecaux)

Jamie Xuereb (Mediapoint) and Troy Cavanagh (ImageBox)

Ewen Donaldson (Vivad) and Matthias Summerer (Durst Group)

John Bryson (Durst) and Jamie Xuereb (Mediapoint)

Neil Brener (JCDecaux) and Matt Ashman (Durst) and Brett Addison (Durst)

Highlights from FESPA: Trends, technology, and takeaways

From cutting-edge print innovations to sustainability in focus, here’s a roundup of some of the standout launches and emerging trends that defined this year’s FESPA showcase.

FESPA Global Print Expo 2025 along with its co-located shows – European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience – recently served as the leading destination for innovators and decision-makers in the speciality print sector.

Over four days, thousands of print service providers and sign makers from across the world globe gathered to discover cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends, and expert knowledge through live demonstrations and educational sessions.

Spanning eight halls at Messe Berlin, the event showcased over 580 international exhibitors and featured more than 100 product launches, offering visitors unparalleled access to the forefront of the print world. ProPrint recaps some of the major highlights from this year’s show.

Agfa unveiled two new inkjet systems at FESPA Global Print Expo – the Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS and the Onset Panthera FB 3216.

According to Agfa, the new Jet Tauro H3300 XUHS is Agfa’s fastest hybrid press to date.

The Tauro XUHS features up to 1,280 m²/h of raw speed, 12 rows of print heads for maximum throughput, and four or seven colour configurations – including options for extra redundancy in dark colours and enhanced light/mid-tones.

The Panthera FB3216 is built to sweep through print jobs at breathtaking speeds,

Agfa unveils new inkjet systems

Spanning eight halls at Messe Berlin, the event showcased over 580 international exhibitors and featured more than 100 product launches

Arnaud Calleja presents at FESPA

The collector’s edition of the Ciervo H2500 hybrid printer features a unique design by Belgian street artist DZIA

reaching up to 1,514 m²/h, or 296 beds per hour. The Panthera adapts to your workflow with a range of automation options, including manual, ¾ automation (laytable + unload robot), autoloader + unload robot, dual robots (loading and unloading), and dual-flex (laytable + dual robots).

“We are accelerating the pace of innovation,” Arnaud Calleja, vice president of digital printing solutions at Agfa, said in Berlin.

“We started the upgrade of our portfolio several years ago, and we’re seeing the fruits of these efforts now with the innovation that is accelerating,” he said.

“We are a technology driven company and through this innovation we continue to grow year-on-year, and we plan to double the size of this business in the next five years.”

Last year, Agfa released the Anapurna Ciervo H3200 and quickly followed up with two more innovations – the H2500, now touring every major show this year, and the H2050.

The is H2050 smallest in the herd, this 2.05m model is compact yet powerful, balancing footprint and productivity with a top speed of 133 m2/h.

With a 2.5m width and redesigned print engine, the H2500 is known as the workhorse of the group, handling

everything from banners to coated textiles at speeds up to 169m²/h.

The 3.2m H3200 excels in large-format applications, offering speeds up to 192 m²/h and seamless roll-to-roll performance.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Agfa’s Anapurna range at FESPA Berlin, a collector’s edition of the Ciervo H2500 hybrid printer, featuring a unique design by Belgian street artist DZIA, was on show at FESPA, with only 10 units available worldwide.

Canon showcased its latest wide format portfolio developments at FESPA Global Print Expo.

Aligning with FESPA’s theme of ‘Where Visionaries Meet’, Canon showcased its collaboration with partners and highlighted how it can satisfy the large format graphic needs of customers, helping them push the boundaries to expand their commercial scope.

On the stand, the Arizona 2380 GTF flatbed printer with FLXflow technology with roll media option for flexible printing from roll-to-roll, demonstrated its uniquely intelligent way to not only ‘Hold’ and ‘Float’ media, but also perform an ‘Instant Switch’ between the two modes for easy media handling.

Canon highlights next-generation large format printing solutions

As true flatbed printers, the Arizona series can work accurately and highly efficiently with various rigid and flexible substrates, including more challenging media such as cardboard, wood or glass, offering vast application possibilities ideal for a retail or hospitality environment.

Optimising the workflow, PRISMA XL Suite samples showed how PRISMAelevate XL can be used to create printed layers to a height of 4mm, helping users create standout, tactile artwork for elevated print applications that enhance and expand their product offering – including braille signage.

Watch Rashed Chughtai demonstrate the AGFA Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS at FESPA Berlin

Canon showcased the Arizona 2380 GTF flatbed printer with FLXflow technology

Over four days, thousands of print service providers and sign makers from across the world globe gathered in Berlin

FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO 2025

Highlighting to PSPs and print factories its productivity, modularity and in-field upgradability, the award-winning UVgel roll-to-roll printer, the Colorado M-series, printed a variety of large format graphics applications live on the stand.

The extensive and premium range of applications it can print will be presented with bright and bold wallpapers, window graphics and soft signage made possible with several options, such as the hasslefree white ink, FLXfinish+ technology for printing both matte and gloss at the same time, and FLXture for subtle surface details.

Speaking to ProPrint, Canon Production Printing (CPP) Group’s Steven Badger showcased the latest upgrades, as well as a new AI tool that helps support the creation of elevated print applications on Canon Arizona printers.

“The Colorado is a true workhorse for most of our customers. It’s the product that enables our customers to get home early on weeknights and not have to come into work on the weekends. So, it’s really expanding the application range for customers that already have a Colorado or new and potential customers,” he said.

Badger also highlighted Canon’s new prototype AI-powered print tool that helps support the creation of elevated print applications on Canon Arizona printers.

“What we’re trying to show here is that through the integration of AI, we can drastically reduce the time of our print output,” Badger said of the prototype.

“I think this is really just the beginning of the how AI is integrating with print and with our technology to give us these fantastic results.”

ProPrint understands numerous P5 500 TEX iSUB machines were sold within hours of the new 5m printer hitting the market –although a machine has not been confirmed as sold for the Australian market at the time of writing.

According to Durst co-owner and CEO, Christoph Gamper, the new machine is a “game-changer” for the category.

“With a 5.2m print width and innovative in-line fixation technology, this printer enables a one-step direct-to-fabric process, combining high performance, brilliant colour output and production efficiency for sustainable and high-impact visual applications,” Gamper said at the tradeshow.

“The Durst P5 TEX iSUB is a water-based printing system designed for super wide soft signage and fabric applications, enabling direct printing on polyester fabrics with brilliant, vivid colours using Durst Sublifix ink.

“Its unique contactless IR-inline fixation technology ensures colour consistency, sharpness, and high-quality print quality across the entire printing width.

spearheading into an arena where just a couple of companies have tried previously.”

Ahead of the company’s 90th anniversary next year, Gamper confirmed the turnover for the Durst business now exceeds €400 million, which represents more than a 10 per cent increase on the €360 million reported during the company’s drupa press conference a year ago. Durst has also increased its workforce by 10 per cent to more than 1100 people – up from the 1000 people reported a year ago.

EFI showcases latest roll-to-roll, hybrid, and flatbed LED inkjet printers

EFI unveiled its latest roll-to-roll, hybrid, and flatbed LED inkjet printers.

“FESPA is where vision meets possibility, and we’re here to help our customers see what’s next,” said Todd Zimmerman, CRO of EFI.

“We’re delivering the versatility, image quality, and production-level performance our customers need to stay competitive and profitable. Our newest technology, showcased at our booth, was developed to help businesses lead with confidence in a fast-moving market. Our EFI experts are ready to meet with visitors, understand their unique needs, and recommend the right solutions to help them succeed.”

Durst launches new P5 500 TEX ISUB with water-based ink

Durst launched the P5 500 TEX ISUB 5m dye sublimation printer that uses waterbased inks for soft signage and textile printing at FESPA Global Print Expo.

The new machine complements the P5 350 TEX ISUB that is already in the market for media up to 340cm wide.

“This is a versatile all-rounder for retail, trade fairs, flags, short-term outdoor advertising and textile printing. It supports both direct-to-fabric printing and transfer paper printing, delivering exceptional flexibility and efficiency in a one-step process.

“We are here at FESPA for the graphics market – and in our world this is represented by the P5 family. The P5 500 TEX iSUB is one of the most interesting machines at the show – it features technology we are very proud of and

The 3.2m wide EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid flatbed/roll-fed LED printer is designed for print providers looking to make the move to higher-volume, productionlevel printing.

The VUTEk M3h hybrid printer handles board, sheet, or rolled media up to 5.08cm thick, giving print businesses the opportunity to explore new materials and/or applications and differentiate their offering without compromising on print quality or productivity.

Four colours plus white, multilayer printing up to five layers in a single

Watch Matt Ashman demonstrate the new five-metre P5 500 TEX iSUB dye-sublimation printer with inline fixation at FESPA Berlin

Watch Steven Badger demonstrate the use of AI to create elevated print on Canon Arizona printers

Watch Steven Badger demonstrate upgrades to the Colorado M-Series

Durst co-owner and CEO Christoph Gamper says the P5 500 TEX ISUB is a “game-changer” for the category

The 3.2m wide EFI VUTEk M3h hybrid flatbed/roll-fed LED printer

Durst demonstrated the P5 X true flatbed for the first time in Berlin

FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO 2025

pass, and its optional clear ink give print providers the ability to produce highervalue applications, helping them to gain new customers, increase volume from existing ones, and improve profitability.

Another highlight from EFI was the new EFI Pro 30f+ flatbed LED printer, which builds on the legacy of its predecessor.

The flatbed printer features a large 3.05m x 2.04m printable area with bleed printing and can handle media up to 10cm thick. The Pro 30f+ printer is equipped with EFI’s industry-leading white ink, up to five-layer printing in a single pass and new highperformance ProGraphics+ Series UV LED inks.

Optional clear ink offers dual properties, enhancing an image to add extra pop to colours or special effects to graphics, as well as providing protective qualities.

EFI also demonstrated the high-speed VUTEk Q3h XP hybrid and VUTEk X3r roll-toroll LED printers. The VUTEk Q3h XP printer offers high-quality imaging, versatile production level printing, and advanced media handling and automation options.

The 3.5m VUTEk X3r printer, engineered for the high-volume production of indoor and outdoor applications, features integrated automation, software, and hardware to support full-shift unattended printing, deliver a complete print-tofinished-graphic workflow system, and take image quality at production-level speeds to a new level.

Epson unveiled its new SureColor S8160 eco-solvent printer, the latest addition to its large format signage printer range.

Replacing the SC-S60600 and SC-S60660L models, the new 64-inch S8160 is a nextgeneration eco-solvent signage printer that offers outstanding productivity,

exceptional image quality and a wide colour gamut in a compact, user-friendly design.

The SureColor S8160 features Epson’s latest 2.64-inch PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead, designed for exceptional reliability and longterm performance. It ensures minimal downtime, while advanced technologies –including an integrated temperature sensor, nozzle verification, and nozzle replacement system – work together to deliver consistent image quality, precise colour accuracy and improved workflow efficiency.

It also features a six-colour UltraChrome GS3 ink set, including light cyan and light magenta, delivering smooth gradations, vibrant colours and sharp detail. It supports a wide range of materials, including vinyl, canvas, film and wallpaper and roll media up to 1,626mm wide. making it a versatile choice for high-quality printing. The inks are GreenGuard Gold certified and lowVOC, reducing environmental impact without compromising print quality.

For uninterrupted high-volume production, the new S8160 printer features dual ink slots per colour, enabling hot swapping and allowing ink replacement without pausing print jobs.

The next-generation SureColor S8160 also allows for flexible ink configuration, enabling the installation of either 800ml or 1,500ml of any colour to optimise workflow efficiency while minimising plastic waste.

Specifically engineered for ease of use and maximum productivity, the S8160 features a compact, flat-top, low-profile design and clear top window with integrate lighting for easy monitoring. The printer also includes an advanced auto tension control system and a media lifter, making media setup simpler and more precise.

For the best intuitive user experience, the printer is equipped with a 4.3-inch tiltable touchscreen, featuring animated instructions for smooth operation.

Finally, the printer comes with Epson Edge Print Pro RIP software for seamless integration and Epson Cloud Solution PORT, providing comprehensive reporting, tracking, and cost analysis tools to help businesses streamline operations and maximise profitability.

in conjunction with Barberan and the Acuity Triton with Aquafuze ink technology, which was first previewed by the company at drupa last year.

Also on show at FESPA was the Acuity Ultra Hybrid Pro with full automation, which was also seen for the first time at drupa.

For the ultra-high production end of the market, Fujifilm and Barberan have developed a single pass inkjet solution available in two configurations. At the top end sits the HS6000, capable of production volumes up to a staggering 6000 sqm/hr, while a smaller, lower volume alternative, the HS3000, which was launched at FESPA.

With a slightly smaller footprint, slightly lower speed and a lower investment cost – the HS3000 opens up the possibilities of single pass inkjet to a much broader audience.

Fujifilm introduced new ink technology, Aquafuze, after more than a decade of research and development. The ink produces thin-film, low-pile prints with sharp detail and a smooth, scratchresistant finish – eliminating the need for a topcoat.

Fujifilm launched two new products in Berlin – the HS3000 single pass machine

Aquafuze technology combines the benefits of UV LED and water-based inkjet printing, offering strong adhesion to various media without requiring a precoat primer or optimiser. It operates with lower energy consumption and reduced temperature drying compared to conventional water-based systems. Additionally, it benefits from low-odour output, meets safety compliance standards, and enhances jetting stability by minimising nozzle blockages.

Epson unveils next-generation SureColor S8160 eco-solvent printer

Fujifilm expands portfolio with dual product launch

Watch Epson Europe product manager Chris Davies demonstrate the new SureColor S8160 at FESPA Berlin 2025

Watch Ken Hanulec from EFI discuss the VUTEk M3h printer

Replacing the SC-S60600 and SC-S60660L models, the new 64-inch S8160 is a nextgeneration eco-solvent signage printer

The HS3000 opens up the possibilities of single pass inkjet to a much broader audience

The Acuity Triton, with a 1.6m print width, delivers exceptional quality at speeds of up to 15 sqm/hr

Fujifilm launched Aquafuze with the debut of the Acuity Triton at FESPA. This advanced printer, manufactured in Japan by Mutoh, has been specifically designed to harness the power of Aquafuze, offering a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional water-based printing systems.

The Acuity Triton, with a 1.6m print width, delivers exceptional quality at speeds of up to 15 sqm/hr while ensuring instant drying for immediate finishing, cutting, or laminating. Thanks to the low temperature drying of the Aquafuze ink, the Triton minimises nozzle blockages, improves jetting stability, and significantly reduces energy consumption.

David Burton, director, Fujifilm WFIJ Systems said, “We’ve listened carefully to industry needs and designed these solutions to meet real market demands, backed by Fujifilm’s unrivalled service and support.

“At Fujifilm, our philosophy is clear: rather than rushing to market, we evaluate industry trends, identify competitor weaknesses, and deliver superior solutions tailored to evolving customer needs. FESPA Berlin 2025 marks the introduction of three transformative products set to become industry benchmarks”.

The Acuity Triton featuring Aquafuze will be rolled out in phases, region by region, dependent on dealership agreements in place.

Mimaki presents new vision, structure, and strategy

Mimaki Europe unveiled its new vision, structure, and go-to-market strategy against a backdrop of new products making their debut at FESPA Global Print Expo.

Mimaki’s new technology and ink products represented more than 50 per cent of the company’s product line-up being demonstrated live on its stand at FESPA.

FESPA GLOBAL PRINT EXPO 2025

These latest solutions include the new Mimaki UJV300DTF-75 printer.

The UJV300DTF-75 enables product customisation and value-added printing on items of all shapes and sizes, including those with uneven or rounded surfaces, as well as sign and interior décor applications.

The UJV300DTF-75 uses a transfer printing method, where the design is printed directly on a glued film, applied to a transfer sheet which is then applied to the object. This further expands application and creative possibilities with reduced risk of misprinting. Equipped with proprietary silicon film pinch rollers, according to Mimaki, this printer addresses issues such as film peeling off or glue being removed, maintaining print stability for desired quality and accuracy.

Also showcased for the first time at FESPA was its next generation of UV inks, ELS-170 and ELH-100. The range abides by EU’s REACH regulation (SVHC regulation) and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. The UJV300DTF-75 uses a unique combination of the two: ELH-100 (hard ink) for white and clear, and ELS-170 (flexible ink) for CMYK.

Two new printers, the JV200-160 and Tx3301800, also made their debut at the show. A roll-to-roll printer, the JV200-160 uses ecosolvent inks and offers reliable signage production with outstanding print quality.

Created for the textile and apparel markets, the Tx330-1800 is equipped with a dual ink set capability to switch

between textile pigment inks and dye sublimation inks for a more diverse range of applications in one machine.

Ben Carroll from Velflex said the new Mimaki UJV300DTF-75 represents the first roll-to-roll UV DTF unit released by a major brand, making it a significant and exciting launch.

“We’ve seen how DTF transfers have transformed apparel decoration in Australia, and now UV DTF is set to do the same for those wanting to diversify into hard goods,” Carroll said.

“For businesses looking to brand hard goods – just as they do with apparel – this technology is a game changer. It’s a userfriendly, well-designed solution that we’re excited to bring to the promotional products market.”

As part of its new corporate vision, Mimaki Europe also launched a refreshed strategy at FESPA, focused on both ‘horizontal growth’ – expanding into new markets through innovative product introductions – and ‘vertical growth’ by supporting everything from entry-level to industrial-scale print production, as well the promotion of Arjen Evertse to director sales – the first locally appointed member to join the Mimaki Europe board of directors.

Watch Justin Kirkland discuss the Acuity Triton with Aquafuze water-based ink technology at FESPA Berlin

Watch Ben Carroll from Velflex introduce the Mimaki UJV300DTF-75 roll-to-roll DTF printer launched at FESPA Berlin

The UJV300DTF-75 enables product customisation and value-added printing on items of all shapes and sizes

FESPA Global Print Expo returned to Berlin for the first time in three years, with next year’s event to be held in Barcelona

FESPA Australia brings print community together in Berlin

FESPA Australia hosted its annual event at FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, uniting leading printers and suppliers for an afternoon of networking.

1. FESPA Australia’s networking event has become a key fixture at FESPA Global Print Expo

2. Ben Carroll (Velflex) and Jack Matheson (Shann Group)

3. Julian Lowe (M-Power Software) and David Stuart (Colormaker)

4. Andy Fryer (Easy Signs), Ewen Donaldson (Vivad), Matt Ashman (Durst), Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging), and Phil Trumble (Pozitive)

5. Abe Weiszberger (Stick-On-Signs), Russell Cavanagh (Mutoh), and Nigel Davies (FESPA)

6. Damian Nielsen (ASGA) and Daniel Watts (Coritex)

7. Mark Canavan (Graphic Art Mart) and Ewen Donaldson (Vivad)

8. Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging) and Ambrin Begum (M-Power Software)

9. Scott Patterson (Melbourne Signage Concepts) and Brett Addison (Durst)

10. Tim Best (Autex Acoustics) and Adam Parnell (Easy Signs)

11. Wayne McIntyre (Celmac) and Dori Stoican (HP)

12. Yianni Moratidis (GENR8 Printing) and Rashed Chughtai (Agfa)

13. Gavan Moore (Easy Signs) and Wayne Hood (Spicers)

14. Gary Di-Losa (Select Textiles), Romeo Sanuri (Next Printing), Ben Carroll (Velflex), and Alfred David (Pozitive)

15. Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), Neil Brener (JC Decaux) with Jamie Xuereb and Charlie Hatzi from Mediapoint

16. Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), Claire Hibbit (Printer Media Group), Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania)

17. Kai Hennig (Carr Group), John Carr (Carr Group), and Neil Brener (JCDecaux)

18. Jamie Xuereb (Mediapoint), Justin Kirkland (Fujifilm), and Rob Brussolo (Ball & Doggett)

19. Lisa Michalanney (Signageworld), Ambrin Begum (M-Power Software), Ewen Donaldson (Vivad), and Damian Nielsen (ASGA)

20. Julian Lowe (M-Power Software), Julia Watts (Pattern Room), and Brett Addison (Durst)

Industry leaders connect in Berlin at 2025 FESPA Global Print Expo

FESPA Global Print Expo gathered industry leaders from across the globe, creating a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of cutting-edge ideas in the world of print and signage. ProPrint spotted a few familiar faces among the crowds.

1. Amanda Strait (Easy Signs USA), Gavan Moore (Easy Signs), Andy Fryer (Easy Signs), Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Phil Trumble (Pozitive), and Adriano Gut (swissQprint)

2. Charlie Hatzis (MediaPoint), Jamie Xuereb (MediaPoint), Bruno Mendes (Spandex), Matt Ashman (Durst), and Brett Addison (Durst)

3. Glenn Coleman (Coleman Group) and Steven Badger (Canon)

4. John Bryson (Durst) with Mark Jackman and Javier Gonzalez from Flash Graphics

5. John Carr and Kai Hennig from Carr Group

6. Michael Ryan (FESPA) and Ben Carroll (Velflex)

7. Phil Trumble (Pozitive) and Ewen Donaldson (Vivad)

8. Neil Brener (JCDecaux), Yianni Moratidis (GENR8 Printing), Rob Brussolo (Ball & Doggett), and Steve Warn (Ball & Doggett)

9. Chris Gardiner (The Print Factory), John Bryson (Durst), Nigel Spicer (Cactus Imaging), and Brett Addison (Durst)

10. Phil Trumble (Pozitive), Lisa and Derek Michalanney (Signage World), and Alfred David (Pozitive)

11. Scott Schinlever, Ken Hanulec, Todd Zimmerman and Frank Pennisi at the EFI press conference

12. Arturo Morales (FESPA Mexico), Rafa Menendez (Plastgrommet), and Michael Ryan (FESPA Global)

13. Shaun Holdom, Dave Burton, and Oliver Mills from Fujifilm

14. Christian Harder, Christoph Gamper, and Andrea Riccardi at the Durst press conference

15. Rafa Menendez (Plastgrommet), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), and James Smith (Eurotech)

16. Richard Starkins (Admar Creations) and Matt Ashman (Durst)

17. Russell Cavanagh (Mutoh) and Alfred David (Pozitive)

20. Patrick Moore (Beaver Paper), Jack Matheson (Shann Group), and Chris Weiler (Beaver Paper)

21. Mandy Cai (IEcho), Rob Brussolo (Ball & Doggett), and Steve Warn (Ball & Doggett)

22. Amanda Lowe (Drytac), Jack Matheson (Shann Group), and Steve Payne (Drytac)

23. Peter Lucas (GMS Pacific) and David Preskett (Kongsberg)

24. Wayne McIntyre (Celmac) and Frederikke Bruland (Fastsewn)

25. Phil Trumble (Pozitive) and Randi Kerkaert (Summa)

26. Romeo Sanuri (Next Printing) and John Bryson (Durst)

27. Daniele Gallucci at the Elitron stand

28. Paul Cripps at the EFI stand

18. Stephen and Greg Broadley from Broadley Signs with Steven Badger from Canon

19. Russell Cavanagh (Mutoh) with Louise and Grant Cunningham (All Print Graphics)

Global spotlight on Aussie print excellence at 2025 FESPA Awards

Three standout Australian companies were recognised among 278 global entries for innovation and excellence in print at the 2025 FESPA Awards in Berlin.

At the 2025 FESPA Global Awards, held during FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, Sydney-based Next Printing took home a coveted Gold Award, while Cactus Imaging and Image Box were each honoured with Silver Awards, highlighting Australia’s commitment to print excellence on the world stage.

Established in 1991, the FESPA Awards are the industry’s longest-standing accolades, celebrating the visionaries who set new benchmarks in quality and innovation in print and signage.

Across 18 specialised categories, this year’s awards celebrated excellence and creativity across print, signage, packaging, vehicle wrapping 3D, special effects and more.

This year’s awards also recorded 278 entries this year from more than 30 countries, proving to be more in-demand than the 2023 Awards, which received around 210 entries.

“The FESPA Awards are dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements of the print industry over the past 24 months,” Duncan MacOwan, head of events and marketing at FESPA, said at the awards ceremony.

Newly appointed FESPA president Daniel Sunderland said the purpose of the FESPA Awards is to celebrate and recognise excellence in our vibrant and creative industry.

“This year, we received an outstanding number of entries to the FESPA Awards –278 to be exact. This truly shows the vast level of innovation and excellence across specialty print,” Sunderland said.

“Although the purpose of [the FESPA Awards] is to celebrate outstanding ideas and concepts that are brought to life through print, it’s also a time to recognise the commitment and work ethic of each and every one of you who deliver the highest levels of quality and service.”

Next Printing won Gold for the Display and POP on Paper and Board Award for its Barbie@ Grill’d display.

Next Printing completed the refit of a Grill’d casual dining restaurant in The Galeries in Sydney, transforming it into Barbie’s Dreamburger Diner to coincide with the launch of the Barbie movie.

Barbie’s Dreamburger Diner was centred around the concept of immersing burger lovers in a pink dreamworld, where they could sit and enjoy pink burgers surrounded by fun Barbie-inspired ‘instagrammable’ décor.

The production team used Artios CAD, Adobe CC, along with Luxien Keyshot to remodel the existing restaurant into a fully immersive Barbie experience. The construction included the use of 13 print materials, mainly using FSC

certified Re-Board, along with floor graphics and dye sub textiles.

Print production involved a combination of UV with a Durst P5 350 HS and Océ Colorado with UV gel and HP 638 Stitch. The project was cut and finished using Kongsberg and Zünd CAD cutting technologies before being fully installed onsite in one night.

“The judges commented that this project stood out because it involved meticulous planning and consideration to ensure the temporary remodelling was convincing in every detail,” MacOwan said at the awards ceremony, which was held on the second day of FESPA Global Print Expo at Messe Berlin.

Romeo Sanuri, managing director of Next Printing, told ProPrint, “We are very honoured to have won Gold given the high quality of other entrants in the category. Sustainability is built into everything that we do, and we are so proud that our work has been recognised on a global stage”.

Cactus Imaging received Silver in Display and POP on Plastic for its Ladbrokes signage at Taree Racetrack in Taree, New South Wales.

The greyhound racetrack branding required 720sqm of vinyl and 200sqm of Alupanel. The high coverage red was consistently printed throughout using a Durst P5 3.5m hybrid UV printer and sealed with UV coating to double the life of the image. The entire project was installed within 24 hours.

Melbourne-based large format printer ImageBox was also recognised, receiving Silver in Printeriors for its High Forest by Mirvac display suite.

The High Forest visitor exhibition centre included a wide range of display graphics including screen printed natural timber panels, 3D laser cut black acrylic with metallic gold faces. In addition, 3mm ACM acrylic and self-adhesive vinyl was mounted to steel panels printed with a swissQprint Nyala with additional clear UV Varnish and white ink to create structure and texture in the reproductions of wildlife.

Christophe Aussenac (FESPA), Romeo Sanuri (Next Printing) and Daniel Sunderland (FESPA)

Christophe Aussenac (FESPA), Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging), and Daniel Sunderland (FESPA)

Christophe Aussenac (FESPA), Troy Cavanagh (ImageBox), David Asker (ImageBox), and Daniel Sunderland (FESPA)

PacPrint 2025 in review

A recap of the major product launches, key purchases, and standout moments.

Banner Solutions acquires HP Latex FS50W from Smartech

NSW-based Banner Solutions invested in an HP Latex FS50W “sight unseen”, purchasing the machine from Smartech at PacPrint 2025.

The purchase marks Smartech’s first sale of the HP Latex FS50W.

Banner Solutions owner Kevin Sherrell said, “Our old machine, a 10-year-old HP Latex 3100, which we upgraded from a HP Latex 3000, is reaching the end of its life. We needed a contingency plan. We’ve still got the 3100, which we use and plan to keep running for a little while.

“We heard about the new technology of the Latex FS50W and were very surprised by what it could achieve. I did a bit of research on it and have now invested in the machine sight unseen. I believe this machine will be good for our business and the industry,” he said.

“I’m a return customer of HP Latex and that is a testament of the quality of its machines. It’s also been very easy working with the Smartech team, so I look forward to continuing that relationship with them.”

The HP Latex FS50W drives higher margins with up to 30 per cent wider gamut and prints a wide range of signage and décor applications with consistent colour and quality. It takes a maximum media width of 3.2m and prints colour at speeds of up to 89 m²/hr and white at up to 54 m²/hr.

Smartech NSW sales manager and national product manager of sign and display Brett Wark said, “It is an absolute pleasure to deal with Banner Solutions and be part of the opportunity to provide it with this exciting new product. This machine that we’re showing at PacPrint is the actual machine that will physically be installed at Banner Solutions, and we look forward to getting it in”.

Briner Ads strengthens print fleet with another HP Latex FS50W from Celmac

Victoria-based Briner Ads purchased another HP Latex FS50W from Celmac at

Ryan Sherrell (Banner Solutions), Kevin Sherrell (Banner Solutions), Brett Wark (Smartech), Chris Bowden (HP)

PacPrint 2025, after purchasing the first one just 12 weeks prior, making it the first company in the market to own two HP Latex FS50W machines.

ProPrint understands the total financial commitment by Briner Ads for both machines purchased through Celmac, including consumables, will be approximately $1 million this calendar year.

Briner Ads has been an avid user of HP products, with its relationship spanning about 15 years. It currently owns six HP Latexes in large format and three in the smaller formats, including the HP Latex 3100, 3500 and two 3600s. All six HP Latex machines bought by Briner Ads have been purchased through Celmac.

Briner Ads managing director Con Tsakonas said the first HP Latex FS50W, purchased a few weeks ago, was already “installed, running, and proving itself,” making the decision to invest in a second unit a “no-brainer”.

“We can’t fault HP machines. We’ve tried other machines but always fall back to the Latex machines not only because of the quality of the machines but also the serviceability – Celmac has always been there whenever we’ve had an issue or needed support,” Tsakonas said

Celmac CEO Wayne McIntyre said Briner Ads’ purchase of two HP Latexes within weeks of each other is “an incredible endorsement for the HP Latex products”.

“Briner Ads now has six 3m-wide Latex machines at its site. All of its production is reliant on the Latex quality of ink and performance of colour,” McIntyre said.

“Customers trust that we deliver with HP Latex. Briner Ads has tried every other option – with UV and so on – it has stuck with Latex as it has a great quality profile and is a great product in the marketplace.”

HP A/NZ country manager large format printing Craig Hardman said, “At HP, we’re very excited that Con has trusted us again with a new machine. He’s been a longterm customer of HP and through Celmac,

we’re excited to continue that relationship. Con has invested in our latest technology and is the first in the market to own two HP Latex FS50W machines. We look forward to continuing that relationship with him through Celmac. That pairing of HP technology and Celmac service in support of Con is allowing him to do what he needs to do every day.”

Celmac delivers HP Latex R2000 to Factory One

Celmac secured another sale at PacPrint, delivering an HP Latex R2000 to NSWbased Factory One – just a day after announcing the sale of an HP Latex FS50W to Briner Ads.

This is the second HP Latex R2000 that Factory One has purchased from Celmac and the machine exhibited at HP’s PacPrint stand has been installed at Factory One following the trade show.

Factory One managing director Andrew Hall credited the company’s growth – from $1 million to nearly $7 million in turnover since he took over seven years ago – to the purchase of their first R2000 printer from Celmac in late 2019.

Celmac NSW state manager Jonny Rumney said Hall’s decision to purchase a second R2000 from Celmac – aimed at boosting capacity for acoustic panel production – was “a no-brainer”.

“Latex was the preferred choice for Factory One over UV because with UV, the ink seeps into the acoustic panel, the lamps cure, and that traps the wet ink, which leaves an odour. The customers don’t like that. With Latex, it is odourless and because there’s a thin layer of ink, it doesn’t affect the acoustic properties as much as UV ink would,” Rumney said.

At the close of PacPrint, Celmac managing director Wayne McIntyre reflected on the event, saying the company had confirmed multiple orders and had several leads that will translate to sales.

“The HP R-Series, especially the R530, has been of interest to many. We probably

sold a dozen of them at the show. The iEcho also got a lot of interest – we sold between eight to 10 machines at this show and have solid leads that could become sales,” he said.

“We also sold the HP Latex FS50W to Briner Ads yesterday. The month of May has been incredible for us. PacPrint has been fantastic, and this is the best show ever for Celmac. It has exceeded our expectations and it’s timely because we’ve had a lot of new products to show. The response has been amazing.”

CMYKhub boosts specialty print capacity with AGP DTF from Kissel + Wolf Australia

In a bold step to expand its specialty print capabilities, CMYKhub announced the acquisition of the AGP DTF-T653 printer from Kissel + Wolf Australia.

The move is set to enable CMYKhub to offer ready-to-press direct-to-film (DTF) transfers – an ideal solution for resellers with heat press equipment but without the overhead of owning a DTF printer.

“We saw the AGP DTF-T653 printer at Visual Impact last year and thought ‘wow that’s a robust machine’. We’ve also been wanting to work with Kissel + Wolf for several years so we thought that’s the one for us,” Glen Francis, national communications manager at CMYKhub told ProPrint.

“It’s our first move into DTF. Initially we’ll be offering film to the customer to then be able to press onto garments themselves. We’re not in the market yet of holding dozens of different colours and sizes of different apparel. Many of our trade customers are already geared up for apparel decoration – they have the heat presses but haven’t made the leap to DTF printing. With this new service, we’re bridging that gap – delivering high-quality, full-colour printed film they can simply press and sell.”

Beyond resale benefits, CMYKhub will also use the AGP DTF-T653 to bring uniform production in-house.

Chris Bowden (HP), Craig Hardman (HP), Con Tsakonas (Briner Ads), and Wayne McIntyre (Celmac)

Jordan Wood (Kissel + Wolf) with Glen Francis, Shannon Nankervis, and Dayne Nankervis from CMYKhub

This is the second HP Latex R2000 that Factory One has purchased from Celmac

“This machine delivers on multiple fronts. It opens new opportunities for our resellers, and it enhances our own operations by improving control, turnaround times, and cost-efficiency on internal uniform production.”

Jordan Wood, marketing and communications manager at Kissel+Wolf Australia told ProPrint, “We’ve had a lot of excitement around AGP and the AGP DTF-T653 printer over the past year and a half. We’ve sold around 15 machines throughout Australia and New Zealand and we’re getting great communication back as well as multiple repeat buyers. CMYKhub is soon going to be just around the corner from us in Tullamarine and we’re excited to help them step into this new space and provide custom, short run flexible textile printing”.

Epson showcases new eco-solvent flagship - the SureColor S9160

Epson showcased its newly launched eco-solvent flagship, the SureColor S9160, as its hero machine at PacPrint 2025.

Joining its younger siblings, the S7160 and S8160, this 64-inch model sets a new standard in signage printing by delivering exceptional image quality, an expanded colour gamut, unparalleled productivity, and a compact, user-friendly design.

The SureColor S9160 is equipped with Epson’s latest user-replaceable 2.64-inch PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead and utilises an advanced 11-colour ink set, including red, orange and an all-new green, as well as opaque white ink, which can be used on clear or dark substrates to add versatility and enhance colour.

This printer also stands at the forefront of eco-friendly innovation with approximately 30 per cent of the plastic used in its hardware made from recycled materials, reflecting Epson’s ongoing commitment to reusing resources and reducing waste.

The S9160 also offers the opportunity to install either 800ml or 1,500ml sizes of any of its low VOC UltraChrome GS3 ecosolvent inks which reduces environmental footprint and plastic waste.

In addition, the company also took the wraps off a new SureColor S8160 ecosolvent printer, the latest addition to its large format signage printer range.

Replacing the SC-S60600 and SC-S60660L models, the new 64-inch S8160 is a next-generation eco-solvent signage printer that offers outstanding productivity, exceptional image quality and a wide colour gamut in a compact, user-friendly design.

“This year’s PacPrint is the most vibrant ever for Epson – hence our theme of ‘Come Alive with Epson’ where we demonstrated new products producing the brightest of colours in displays spanning photo, signage, merchandise and labels,” Epson Australia managing director Craig Heckenberg said.

Fujifilm BI Australia announces partnership with Vivid Laminating

Fujifilm BI Australia has become the first authorised distributor for Vivid Laminating Technologies in the Asia Pacific region, specifically for the Australian market.

The partnership leverages Vivid’s expertise in laminating and print finishing solutions to address the growing demand for finishing technology across Australia’s packaging, labelling, and print industries.

Fujifilm BI Australia head of graphics communications Steve Fisher said the company recognised the opportunity to enhance its cutsheet finisher portfolio by addressing a market gap for die-cutting solutions as customers increasingly look for more cost-effective solutions for a broader range of applications.

“We’ve been looking for a technology for the Australian market that can set us apart from other players in this field. And today, we’re signing a strategic, exclusive partnership where Fujifilm BI will be the distributor of the new Vivid technology,” Fisher said at PacPrint 2025.

Fujifilm BI graphics communications head of Oceania and senior general manager Yoshitaka Nakamura said,

Priscilla Dickason and Craig Heckenberg with the Epson SC S9160

Steve Fisher (Fujifilm BI Australia), Bruce Cozens (Vivid Laminating Technologies), and Yoshitaka Nakamura

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of sale equipment, as well as ancillary machinery and pre-owned equipment.

Among its broad portfolio of brands, which includes AOPACK, Wonder Digital, Century, and Fengchi, Graffica also represents Guowei, a leading Chinese brand known for its intelligent paper cutting technology.

According to Graffica director Neil Southerington, a highlight at PacPrint was the introduction of Guowei’s latest range of guillotines, distributed in partnership with Robert Allan from Melbourne-based Allan’s Graphic Engineers.

“There are plenty of cheaper brands on the market, but our focus has been on the mid-range – not the high-end – because production volumes have shifted,” said Allan of the new Guowei range.

“Many businesses aren’t running fullscale, all-day cutting operations anymore; they’re doing shorter runs, and these machines are perfectly suited for that while remaining competitively priced.

“They’re also strong on service and support, with fast turnaround on parts and real-time assistance from China. We can get immediate answers for our customers and that’s what they want.”

According to Southerington, Graffica also reported strong interest in its new range of automatic box makers from AOPACK at PacPrint, along with WonderJet’s latest digital printer – reflecting a growing trend of commercial printers moving into packaging and custom box production.

“The WonderJet brings some impressive new technology to the custom box market,” Southerington said.

“We’re seeing more demand for short-run, personalised packaging, and this machine is a great fit for that.”

Other key products on the Graffica stand at PacPrint included its range of Century range die cutters. The automatic flatbed die cutting machines are applicable for cutting corrugated boards, laminated paperboards and carton boards used in the printing and packaging industry, with a maximum sheet size of 2500mm by 1620mm. These reliable and high-precision flatbed die cutting machines aim to meet the growing demand for manufacturing corrugated boxes and POP/POS displays.

Machines also on show from Graffica at PacPrint included the CartonFold Pro – a carton folding machine that is available in 650, 850, and 1100 models with auto-set and job recall, as well as the CorrFold range – a selection of corrugated folder gluers that are available in 1450, 1700, and 2300 formats.

Southerington said Graffica reported strong engagement at PacPrint, with both new and returning customers showing interest in its finishing solutions.

“We’ve sold several cutting tables, and PacPrint has been a great opportunity not only to connect with new potential customers but also to catch up with existing ones who are now considering adding another machine,” he said.

Hero Print invests in Zünd G3 L-2500

Hero Print invested in a Zünd G3 L-2500 digital cutter with 3.6kw router at PacPrint, after seeing the machine at drupa last year.

Hero Print general manager Alex Coulson said he had been interested in the Zünd G3 L-2500 since drupa, noting it outperformed all other machines it was compared with.

“The machine we saw at drupa was the first Zünd we had seen. We went there with the intention of seeing the Zünd and were really impressed by the machine,” Coulson said.

“We had heard, by reputation, how good Zünd’s machines were and what they were all about. We had staff that had operated Zünds come through and say it is the benchmark. So, we went to drupa with five machines on our list to see, of which the Zünd was one of them, and it topped them all.”

Initially, Hero Print plans to use the Zünd G3 L-2500 primarily for producing signs and stickers, while also exploring opportunities to expand into other areas of their business.

“We could potentially use the Zünd and move into areas like packaging – the Zünd will suit us the best for that. We’re very excited about the potential of the machine,” Coulson said.

“What we’re doing as a company is trying to add value in areas that people might not have thought of from a trade printing perspective. We’re taking a plunge of faith with this purchase; We don’t exactly know what doors it will open up, but we know that there will be some opportunities that

arise from it and we can go to markets that we can invent. The Zünd is a really good pathway in doing that.”

Zünd Australia managing director Dale Hawkins said, “We’ve been talking to Hero Print for about a year and there was a thorough due diligence done. Hero Print meticulously went through every component, did a thorough investigation and assessment, and only after that said they wanted to move forward with the Zünd. We know what the Zünd is capable of, and we’re looking forward to delivering it for Hero Print”.

HP unveils latest generation of large format print solutions

For the first time in Australia, HP unveiled its latest generation of water-based HP Latex large-format printing solutions – the HP Latex 730 and HP Latex 830 Printer Series at PacPrint 2025.

Following last month’s innovations announced at HP Amplify – including the all-in-one HP Latex R530 and HP PrintOS Production Hub – the unveiling of the new series reinforces HP’s ongoing commitment to innovation in large format printing, delivering an unrivaled portfolio of hardware, software solutions and services.

The HP Latex 730 and HP Latex 830 are designed to deliver high-impact print quality, enhance productivity and costs for small and medium-sized print shops while continuing to differentiate with a sustainability edge.

“With the introduction of the HP Latex R530, L730 and L830 Printer Series, we’re reaffirming HP’s commitment to empowering print service providers with cutting-edge, sustainable technology,” said Craig Hardman, A/NZ country manager large format printing at HP.

“These next-gen solutions combine exceptional print quality, breakthrough productivity, and operational simplicity, designed to help our customers grow efficiently in a competitive market. Together with innovations like the HP PrintOS Production Hub, we’re delivering an unmatched ecosystem that redefines what’s possible in large-format printing.”

Alex Coulson (Hero Print) and Dale Hawkins (Zünd Australia)

Jeremy Brew and Craig Hardman from HP with the HP Latex 730W

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ImageBox buys Canon Colorado M-Series from Currie Group

Melbourne-based ImageBox Group purchased its first machine from Currie Group at PacPrint – a Canon Colorado M-Series printer.

ImageBox director Dominic Borrello said he invested in the machine to expand on ImageBox’s roll-to-roll capability.

“We can see that the Colorado will assist us in consolidating our current fleet of smaller format printers to gain better efficiencies. It will also allow us with the technicality and flexibility to output to various medias, with the potential of being more creative in how we lay down the ink –with matt and gloss options,” he said.

The Canon Colorado M-Series is a wide format print system with exclusive UVgel ink technology.

The modular, high-productivity machine also features print speeds of up to 159 m2/hour, FLXfinish+ technology that delivers on high quality output, a new automated maintenance system, energyefficient LED curing system, instant-on operation, and PRISMAguide XL which supports the easy preparation of many multilayer print jobs.

“The Colorado enables us to go to market with a point of difference with its UVgel

capability. It also has some great advantages – it is productive, prints are instantly ready, no heat/heat-sensitive media is required, it allows for dimensional stability for wall graphics and produces colour consistency over long-runs and over time, which is cost-saving,” Borrello said.

“Another reason for purchasing the machine is the confidence we have in Currie Group. We need the machine to be well supported, and I have the confidence that Currie Group and Paul Whitehead, who I have known for several years, will deliver on the service level and personal attention to this transaction and the continued maintenance of the machine.”

Paul Whitehead, business unit manager –sign and display at Currie Group, said the Canon Colorado, particularly with its UVgel technology, enhances ImageBox’s existing range by boosting quality and productivity in roll-to-roll printing.

“The Canon Colorado offers ImageBox a point of difference as it is adaptable and has an application gamut not offered on some of ImageBox’s other technologies. It allows ImageBox to experiment with different applications to take to its customers. The machine complements what the business does, as well as the rest of ImageBox’s portfolio.”

New Mimaki UCJV330-160 signals growth for Imagination Graphics

Imagination Graphics purchased a new Mimaki UCJV330-160 through Spicers at this year’s PacPrint, with the investment expected to unlock new market opportunities and enhance the Sydneybased company’s service offerings.

The new Mimaki UCJV330-160 purchased by Imagination Graphics is a state-of-theart UV LED print-and-cut solution, designed for high-quality, high-speed output across a wide range of applications. It features advanced layering technology, instant drying, and low energy consumption, making it ideal for signage, decals, window graphics, and more.

“It’s an upgraded version of the model we previously purchased through Spicers,”

Imagination Graphics director Emmanuel ‘Budgie’ Buhagiar told ProPrint

Buhagiar said the company had used the Mimaki UCJV330-160’s predecessor, the UCJV300, for more than six years, and felt it was the right time for an upgrade.

“The Mimaki UV wide-format printer supports white ink and clear coatings, allowing for multiple ink layers and special effects. It’s three times faster than our current printer, which will be a huge advantage for the kind of work we do –especially bespoke short-run labels and signage,” Buhagiar said.

“It integrates seamlessly into our existing setup, and since we’ve used its predecessor, we already know how reliable and capable it is; and with its new features it will also open up new market opportunities for us.

“Both Mimaki and Spicers were very supportive throughout the process and worked with us to provide a great deal,” Buhagiar said.

Laurence Tan, national hardware sales manager at Spicers said, “We’re proud to see the Mimaki UCJV330-160 find a new home with a valued customer. This machine represents the next generation in UV print-and-cut technology, and it’s exciting to see businesses investing in equipment that truly elevates their production capabilities”.

Roger Corby, Mimaki NSW channel sales manager said, “We’re excited to strengthen our relationship with Imagination Graphics after its second purchase of a Mimaki print and cut production machine through Spicers. We believe the addition of the UCJV330-160 printer will triple the company’s print production speeds alongside its everfaithful UCJV300. We wish Imagination Graphics all the best and congratulate the team on its purchase”.

Konica Minolta launches next-gen AccurioPress C14010S and C12010S

Konica Minolta launched its nextgeneration AccurioPress C14010S and

Paul Whitehead (Currie Group) with Luke Parisella and Dom Borrello from ImageBox

Andy Cocker and Yohei Konaka from Konica Minolta

Roger Corby (Mimaki Australia), Emmanuel ‘Budgie’ Buhagiar (Imagination Graphics), and Laurence Tan (Spicers)

AccurioPress C12010S production presses at PacPrint.

“We’re incredibly excited to officially launch the AccurioPress C14010S at PacPrint 2025,” said Andrew Cocker, general manager of sales at Konica Minolta.

Cocker said the AccurioPress C14010S opens “a gamut of opportunities, revenue streams, and applications for customers”.

“The AccurioPress C14010S and C12010S set a new standard for what’s possible in the print industry,” he said.

One of the most anticipated features of the AccurioPress C14010S and C12010S is the introduction of white toner, a transformative addition for businesses looking to elevate their print applications.

The ability to print in white unlocks a range of creative possibilities, enabling printers to produce high-impact designs on dark, coloured, and transparent media.

“White toner is a game-changer for creative design. It empowers print businesses to differentiate themselves and offer premium, high-margin applications,” Cocker said.

The AccurioPress C14010S and C12010S aim to deliver exceptional performance, achieving print speeds of up to 140 pages per minute (ppm) and 120 ppm, respectively.

The AccurioPress C14010S and C12010S feature six Intelligent Media Sensors, that identify paper type, weight, and size instantly for optimal print settings every time without additional operator input.

The new CMYK + white toner is high-opacity and achieves exceptional coverage in a single pass, making it ideal for premium applications, further expanding offerings for the new models and helping businesses tap into new revenue streams.

For larger and more demanding projects, the systems accommodate long sheets up to 1300mm simplex and 900mm in duplex, providing unrivalled flexibility to meet customer demands.

Mimaki unveils four new products

Mimaki unveiled four new products at PacPrint, marking a significant shift in its global launch strategy.

Traditionally, new Mimaki technologies debut in the US and Europe, with Australian customers typically waiting three to four months before gaining access.

This year, however, Australian customers experienced a breakthrough – the latest

innovations revealed at ISA and FESPA were showcased at PacPrint in Sydney, putting Australia on the front line of Mimaki’s global product rollout.

The new products included:

UJV300DTF-75: Mimaki’s first UV-curable Direct-to-Film (UV-DTF) printer. Building on the global success of its DTF technology with more than 2,500 units sold since 2023, this model combines Mimaki’s maintenance-free platform with more than 20 years of UV printing expertise. It features a new pinch roller for improved precision and uses SVHC-free UV ink, aligning with strict EU environmental standards and setting a new benchmark for safe, high-quality DTF production. This will be commercially available in Australia from July 2025.

JV200-160: An entry-level printer powered by the same high-performance engine used in the 330 series. As a sibling to the CJV200 Print & Cut series, the JV200 delivers intuitive operation and consistently professional output, ideal for businesses seeking quality with simplicity.

3M MCS: Mimaki’s SS21 solvent ink, known for its rich colour and durability, is now officially certified by the 3M MCS Warranty. This first-ever certification for Mimaki’s solvent range strengthens its value, particularly in vehicle wrap applications where the JV330/CJV330 and SS21 are already trusted by brands such as Brad Jones Racing.

Tx330-1800: A next-generation textile printer builds on the legacy of the Tx3001800 with enhanced productivity and print quality. It incorporates Mimaki’s latest 330-series engine and supports BlueSignapproved TP410 pigment ink, making it ideal for both educational settings and industrial textile production.

Officeworks adds Konica Minolta and Fujifilm BI machines

Officeworks announced its investment in several machines at PacPrint, including a Konica Minolta AccurioShine 3600 and, in

a separate deal, three Vivid Laminating VeloBlade solutions from Fujifilm BI.

Konica Minolta has been a partner of Officeworks for around 10 years and the purchase of the AccurioShine 3600 marks Officeworks’ first venture into embellishment.

Konica Minolta Australia account manager Elisabeth Mitchell said, “Officeworks has been really interested to get into the embellishment space and this machine caught their eye when they first saw it at drupa.

“Based on our relationship with them, and what we were able to show them at drupa, it got them across the line. So happy customer, very happy customer. We now work with them in the office production and industrial print spaces.”

The AccurioShine 3600 is an inkjet spot UV coater that incorporates innovative varnish technology by MGI. It enables digital spot UV varnishing and digital hot foiling in a compact solution that forgoes the need for screens, plates, or dyes. The fully digital solution features artificial intelligence (AI) registration technology and an eco-friendly LED curing system.

The AccurioShine 3600 aims to let printers provide 2D and 3D gloss and digital hot foiling effects at a reasonable cost and without the complicated steps of conventional systems. It can be used from the prototyping stage to full production printing.

It also supports a large range of media sheet sizes up to a maximum of 750mm and is equipped to enhance printouts such as name cards, greeting cards, photobook covers, and packaging on demand.

It also supports Variable Data Printing (VDP) to add more impact to tickets, personalised packages and labels, invitations, and oneto-one marketing collateral, among other high visual print products.

Konica Minolta Australia production and industrial print general manager Andrew

The Mimaki team at PacPrint

Yohei Konaka, Adam Todd, and Elisabeth Mitchell from Konica Minolta, with Rebecca Sweeney, Luke Sturdy, and Lee Meadows from Officeworks and Andrew Cocker (Konica Minolta)

Cocker said, “The AccurioShine’s going to open up new opportunities and new revenue streams for Officeworks and this will allow them to deliver greater products to all of their customer base”.

As for the purchase of three Vivid Laminating VeloBlade solutions, it followed the announcement of Fujifilm BI Australia and Vivid Laminating’s distributorship deal, making Officeworks the first company to purchase under the new Vivid partnership.

Penrith Museum of Printing brings history to life

Amid the latest in wide-format, inkjet, and high-speed toner printers, PacPrint visitors were intrigued and surprised by a striking display of operational historic printing machines.

The exhibit was proudly presented by volunteers from the Penrith Museum of Printing, offering a nostalgic contrast to the cutting-edge technology on show.

Among the standouts, was a working replica of a 1770 wooden “Common Press” followed by a cast iron 1843 Columbian Press which was used to print the “Carcoar Chronicle” while the same model Press used to print the weekly editions of the Sydney Morning Herald in the 1800s.

A foot treadle operated Platen Press and a hand operated desktop Platen press circa late 1800s were also demonstrated. Also featured were type cases, a Ludlow line casting machine circa 1940 and examples of composed formes of posters, press ready.

On display was a two-volume reproduction of the Gutenberg Bible as well as early editions of SMH, the Land and Bulletin Magazines as well as samples of meticulously hand engraved wooden Printing blocks featuring a variety of images.

The Penrith Museum of Printing’s display at PacPrint was made possible thanks to IVE Group, which arranged the transport of the historic machines.

The Museum stand generated a lot of interest and enquiries about visiting the Museum and booking group tours.

printIQ showcases complete print workflow automation

At PacPrint 2025, printIQ proudly sponsored Infigo and CYANfix on its booth to demonstrate the transformative power of fully automated print workflows. This strategic collaboration brings together three industry-leading solutions: printIQ’s comprehensive cloud-based MIS system, Infigo’s advanced web-to-print platform, and CYANfix’s automated preflight and proofing technology.

The combined solution creates a seamless end-to-end system that maximises automation across the entire print production process, from initial online ordering through to final delivery. By integrating web-to-print capabilities with sophisticated pre-press automation, print businesses can eliminate manual intervention at critical workflow stages, dramatically reducing human error and operational costs.

This powerful partnership enables print companies to streamline their operations, improve accuracy, and enhance customer experience while scaling their business efficiently. The automated workflow eliminates double data entry, reduces production bottlenecks, and ensures consistent quality throughout the production cycle.

Together, printIQ, Infigo, and CYANfix are revolutionising how print businesses operate, delivering intelligent automation that drives profitability and growth in today’s competitive marketplace.

Ricoh showcases automation and sustainable print solutions

Ricoh unveiled its latest innovations at PacPrint, including the Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster – a new solution designed to simplify complex colour management.

“If you have a fleet of machines, a key concern is being able to produce the same colour on each of the devices; that is something we can simplify,” Ricoh Australia production print senior product and marketing manager Henryk Kraszewski said.

The Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster provides easy, fast, and accurate colour management capabilities, and ensures consistency from system to system and job-to-job.

According to Kraszewski, with the Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster, users can print calibration sheets on each device, scan them in about 80 seconds, and within minutes standardise colour output across all machines – making colour consistency simple and efficient.

The second key feature is job reprints –when a customer requests a previous job, the system makes it easy to reproduce it with consistent colour accuracy, ensuring reliable results every time.

Kraszewski said even without knowing the original stock or print conditions, the Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster can scan both the customer’s sample and your current output, helping quickly achieve a close colour match.

“Simply by scanning [the material] in this device, we can get a much closer match in just a few minutes – with no colour skills required – and the customer walks away happy. Even though the print may not be what you normally deliver, what’s most important is the customer’s happy that it matches the original.”

Ricoh also showcased an innovative application where it transformed plasticbased gift cards into a more sustainable fibre-based alternative, using its Pro C9500 cutsheet printer to run 800-micron card stock.

Label interest drives leads for Screen

Screen GP Australia managing director

Peter Scott said PacPrint has generated a

Watch Henryk Krazewski discuss the Color Adjuster at PacPrint 2025

Watch Henryk Krazewski from Ricoh discuss sustainable alternatives for PVC gift cards

Museum volunteers Reg Boonzaier, Ralph Bennett, Lynda Hyde, Bob Lockley (President), Anita White (Treasurer), Robbert Braat, John Berry (Vice President), and Maurice Brown

Yasu Takahashi and Henryk Kraszewski from Ricoh Australia

At PacPrint 2025 printIQ proudly sponsored Infigo and CYANfix on its booth

strong pipeline of leads, reflecting growing interest from commercial printers in the expanding labels and packaging sector.

“We’ve had a strong turnout with several high-quality leads coming through. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the level of engagement and truly appreciate the industry’s support for the event,” Scott said.

Unlike previous PacPrint exhibitions, Screen chose not to display equipment on its stand this year, instead showcasing samples and providing information on its full range of print-on-demand solutions.

“We’ve come in the past with a label press that takes four days to install and two days to decommission, so this time around we didn’t think that would be necessary and I think we made the right choice,” he said.

The print samples presented at PacPrint 2025 included labels – where Screen, through its partner Jet Technologies, has a major foothold in Australia and New Zealand with the Truepress L350UV series – to other forms of packaging production such as the Truepress PAC 520 – designed to produce recyclable, sustainable paper-based wraps and packs that replace micro-plastic producing hydrocarbon-sourced plastics. Screen also presented samples of production from its Truepress PAC830F.

“We’ve seen strong interest across the board, which has been really encouraging. We’ve connected with several attendees who weren’t previously familiar with us and now have a clear understanding of what we can offer,” he said.

“The label press has been the most talkedabout product at our stand, closely followed by our high-speed inkjet solutions.”

Scott said the event has attracted interest from offset printers who currently outsource label work but are now looking to enter the label market in a more serious way.

“We’ve spoken with many offset printers who currently outsource their label

printing but are now looking to bring that capability in-house,” he said.

“Additionally, with the strong presence of sign and display printers at the show –many of whom are producing small runs of stickers – we’ve seen interest from companies considering their next step. While we may not have a solution for them right now, they now know who we are and what we offer, which sets the stage for future conversations as they grow.

“The show has generated a healthy pipeline of leads. There’s clearly a strong and growing interest in labels and packaging because it is becoming such a growth area.”

The Shann Group unveils global partnerships and innovation

At PacPrint 2025, The Shann Group proudly highlighted its growing global partnerships, featuring leading brands such as Drytac and Mimaki, as well as Beaver Paper.

An Australian-owned business with a 70-year legacy of serving a wide range of industries, The Shann Group announced a significant milestone earlier this year by signing a distribution agreement with Mimaki in April.

Through this partnership, Mimaki will leverage The Shann Group’s extensive distribution network to expand the availability of its products across Australia, offering broader market reach and enhanced customer support.

“Drytac and Mimaki have established strong partnerships in North America and Europe – we’re proud to bring both brands Down Under and introduce them to our sign and display customers,” Jack Matherson, national product manager, The Shann Group, said.

Drytac, known globally for its high-quality adhesive-coated materials, offers cuttingedge solutions for window, wall, floor, and outdoor applications. Combined with Mimaki’s advanced inkjet technologies – including solvent and UV

printing – these materials open the door to unique and versatile signage and graphics display possibilities.

“This partnership will deliver us unique applications for our sign and graphics display customers,” Matherson said.

In addition to the sign and display segment, The Shann Group also spotlighted key partnerships serving the textile industry. Collaborating with both Mimaki and Beaver Paper, Shann is extending its offerings to include advanced solutions for soft signage and apparel printing.

“Our partnership with Beaver Paper and Mimaki enhances our textile range. We’re passionate about the apparel industry being a 70-year-old company that has supplied to the textile trade for a very long time. It’s an industry we’re very proud to be a part of, and proud to continue to be a part of, and we will continue to bring new innovations that haven’t been seen in the local market before.”

Neschen laminators a standout success for Stick on Signs

Stick on Signs enjoyed a successful week at PacPrint 2025, with CEO Abe Weiszberger saying its range of Neschen laminators were “a hit” at the four-day event.

“The top-of-the-range Neschen laminators have been extremely popular at PacPrint,” he said, on the last day of the tradeshow.

“Visitors have been particularly interested in the ColdLam 1650 and 1650 SW. We have been demonstrating them all week. We’ve received amazing responses and sold out completely.”

The Neschen ColdLam 1650 is ideal for mounting and laminating up to 1650mm

Watch Jack Matherson discuss The Shann Group’s partnerships at PacPrint

Peter Scott and Claire Ayaki from Screen

Phillip Bouchard, Abe Weiszberger, and Alex Bouchard from Stick on Signs

Jim Hyde, Jack Matherson, and Iman Monem from The Shann Group

width. This machine includes a heated top roller, fully adjustable up to 70°C, for enhanced lamination. It is suitable for a lot of different materials, like laminating and mounting films.

The in-feed table with a built-in adjustable trough makes the handling of large-size media easier. The table swings up allowing full and easy access to the rollers when webbing the machine. An additional control panel at the rear of the machine gives optimum output control and simplifies the webbing process even further.

As for the Neschen ColdLam 1650 SW, it is a further development of the Neschen ColdLam 1650 laminator. The Neschen ColdLam 1650 SW offers all the advantages of the Neschen ColdLam 1650 and comes with two swing-out shafts. Handling is therefore particularly easy.

The laminator is ideal for mounting and laminating prints with a width of up to 1650mm. The machine has a heatable upper roller, which warms up cold material for processing. The laminator is suitable for processing a wide range of materials such as cardboard, photo paper and MDF boards.

The feed table with integrated unwinding tray allows easy handling of large-format media. Folding up the feed table and the control panel on the rear allow for improved control. The roll-to-roll functionality makes it easy to rewind material. The processing speed is infinitely variable up to 8m/min via the control panel. The external brakes can be used to adjust the winding tension.

Stick on Signs also confirmed the sale of a Neschen ColdLam 1650 SW to Red Exhibitions & Displays at PacPrint.

In addition to the Neschen laminators, Stick on Signs showcased its DG Dimense and Nekoosa products.

“We’re still selling the DG Dimense. We still have a demo machine that we’d like to clear before the new machines come in. The older machine does the same as the new machines – it just looks slightly bulkier. It’s a good deal for the price,” Weiszberger said.

“We also showcased the Nekoosa range at PacPrint. We are one of the largest distributors for Nekoosa, from the US, worldwide.”

swissQprint Nyala Gen 5 makes strong debut for Pozitive

Pozitive sign & graphic supplies showcased some of its latest advancements in print and finishing technology at PacPrint, bringing together high-end printing, precision cutting, and

workflow automation in a fully integrated production environment.

“The turnout exceeded our expectations –it was much busier than we anticipated,” Phil Trumble, managing director of Pozitive, said.

“We captured a significant number of leads, including several hot prospects, so we’re feeling very positive about the overall results. It was great to see so many attendees arriving with an open mind, genuinely interested in exploring what’s new in the market.”

A key highlight was the first-ever Australian appearance of the swissQprint Nyala Gen 5, alongside Summa’s flatbed and roll cutting solutions.

“What we found with everything that we showcased at PacPrint is that we really surprised people – we showed them something completely different from what they expected,” Trumble said.

“Sure, we can print posters and banners all day, like many other machines out there. But while others might match us in output, they often fall short on quality, speed, or versatility. What we aimed to demonstrate is what truly sets swissQprint apart – the unique capabilities others simply can’t offer. The feedback we received reflected that: ‘Finally, something new; something exciting!’.

“It’s the applications that open doors for customers – and as those doors open, they enable our customers to have more meaningful, higher-level conversations with their own clients.

“They can still deliver the everyday run-ofthe-mill print work, but they can now offer something exciting and different too. It elevates their business and sets them apart in a competitive market,” he said.

“A lot of clients are asking, ‘What do I do next?’. Being able to show them the possibilities in person carries so much more impact. Seeing it firsthand gives

our message real weight and helps them envision new directions for their business.”

Pozitive also announced the sale of a Summa F1612 to Aussie Safety Stickers, which Trumble describes as its “smallest footprint machine, yet incredibly capable”.

“It’s one of the most popular models in the Summa series that we offer. Aussie Safety Stickers had been exploring their options for quite some time, but after seeing the live demo at the show and experiencing just how automated and easy to use it is, it became a no-brainer for them,” he said.

Pozitive’s Neon Room at PacPrint was another major highlight.

“No one in Australia has showcased neon like that before. We’ve featured neon in previous shows, but in a much smaller format. Neon isn’t going to suit every campaign – it has a niche market – but ultimately, it’s about showing clients something fresh, creative, and unique. It’s about offering ideas they won’t find anywhere else,” Trumble said.

Following PacPrint, the Nyala Gen 5 will be relocated to Pozitive’s new showroom in Emu Plains, where the team plans to host a series of brand-specific open house events, building on the success of their recent launch.

“Our previous open house events were more broadly focused on showcasing our overall offering. Moving forward, especially after the success of PacPrint, we’ll be tailoring our open house events to specific equipment. That way, when people attend, they’ll be seeing exactly what they’re interested in – a much more targeted and relevant experience,” Trumble added.

Phil Trumble from Pozitive

PacPrint reported attendance of more than 3800 visitors over four days

The faces of PacPrint 2025

A look back at the highlights from PacPrint, this year’s premier print and signage event.

1. David Gamper, Benji Marsh, and Yianni Moratidis from Genr8 Printing

2. Ben Browning and Brent Nassibian from 1800 Projects

3. Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group) and Angus Scott (LIA)

4. Adam Parnell (Easy Signs), Jonny Rumney (Celmac), Paul Whitehead (Currie Group), Peter Charlton (Alloys), Andy Fryer (Easy Signs), and Keith Ferrel (Cactus Imaging)

5. Bruce Craig (Printer Media Group), Matt Ashman (Durst Oceania), and Graham Blackall (Durst Oceania)

6. Chris Williams (Cactus Imaging), Justin Kirkland (Fujifilm), and Glenn Moffatt (Cactus Imaging)

7. David Scott and Steve Scott from Industrial Printing with Angus Scott (LIA)

8. Jacob Peck (Death Clique Printing), Chris Symes (Print Geek Group), and Timothy Schmidt (Print Geek Group)

9. Jeremy Brew (HP), Neil Brener (JC Decaux), Grant Hoban (JC Decaux), and Wayne McIntyre (Celmac)

10. Sean West, Martin John West and Marty West from Blueprint Digital with Dale Hawkins and Lars Bendixen from Zünd

11. Ruth Cobb and Linden Hoverd from PrintNZ with Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group)

12. Tracey Kingdom (Aldine Printers), Laurence Tan (Spicers), and Robbie Kingdom (Aldine Printers)

13. Kirsty Woodhead (Breen Printing), Shannon Nankervis (CMYKhub), Dayne Nankervis (CMYKhub), Luke Woodhead (Breen Printing) and Jaz Allen (Breen Printing)

14. Brent Wilson (Xmpie), Enda Kavanagh (HP) and Chris O’Hara (Konica Minolta)

15. Chris Bowden (HP), Julia Watts (Pattern Room), and Daniel Watts (Coritex)

16. Jaxon Crocker (ABC Copiers) and Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group)

17. Sarah Moore (Visual Connections) and Peter Harper (LJH Investments)

18. Karen Lawler (Cactus Imaging) and Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group)

19. Matt Mills (Fuzed) and Anthony Jackson (Currie Group)

20. Kellie-Anne Clifton and Richard Wong from Easiframe

21. Catherine and Tom Eckersley from Eckersley Print Group

22. Patrick Shields and Denih Gipsonia from Blak

23. Kelvin Gage (Hyble) and Chris Morrison (Mimaki Australia)

24. Shaleen MacGregor and Ali Farid from PakPro

25. Dominic Borrello (ImageBox), Ewen Donaldson (Vivad), Paul Whitehead (Currie Group), Mariano Imbrioscia (Vivad), and Luke Parisella (ImageBox)

26. Lachlan Murphy, Elliana Taylor, Kirsten Taylor, Cam Prissman, Jenny Neumann, Jesseca Taylor and Madison Taylor from Taylor’d Press

27. Penrith Printing Museum team

28. Ian Martin (Ferag/Visual Connections) and Mitchell Mulligan (Böttcher Australia/ Visual Connections)

29. John Berry (Penrith Museum of Printing) and Robert Neale (Smurfit Westrock)

30. Mark Daws (Currie Group) and Craig Walmsley (HP)

31. Matt Tangey (Currie Group) and Karen Lawler (Cactus Imaging)

32. Mick Harrold and Damian Nielsen from ASGA

33. Mitchell Mulligan and Scott Le Lievre from Bottcher Australia

34. Gary Di-Losa and Aaron Pryde from Select Textiles

35. Jack McFarlane (Avery Dennison) and Simon Vella (WrapStyle Sydney)

36. Paul Cunningham (Epson) and Brenton King (Hybrid Software)

37. Roger Corby (Mimaki) and John Bryson (Durst)

38. Ryan Sherrell and Kevin Sherrell from Banner Solutions with Brett Wark from Smartech

39. Wayne Hogg (OBH), Michael Richards (Howden Printing), Anthony Jackson (Currie Group), Paul Sanelli (Konica Minolta)

40. Melissa Dempsey and Danielle Dobson from Konica Minolta with Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group)

41. Jim Hyde, Jack Matherson, and Iman Monem from The Shann Group

42. James McGrath, Benn Murphy, and Byron Steyn from Clarke Murphy Print

43. Margareth

and

Murniawati, Stephan Kim,

Claire Pascua from HP

44. Sean Bicknell and Raymond Moio from Print Media Group

45. Shane Easton (Norwood Industries) and Brett Addison (Durst)

46. Shaul Costis and Craig Walmsley from HP

47. Corben Johnson and Daniel Lamont from Lamont Print & Signs

48. Simon Carmody (Spot Productions) and Kevin Pidgeon (Lithocraft)

49. Trevor Crowley (Xeikon) and Rayne Simpson (Koenig & Bauer)

50. Peter Dennis (Sign Projects Australia) and Steve Fisher (Fujifilm BI)

51. Chris Morrison (Mimaki) and Paul Callaghan (Asian Print Awards)

52. Hassan Dolati (Signarama St Kilda) and Warren Davey (Pozitive)

53. Mark Easton and Parveen Akther from Print Media Group

54. Henryk Kraszewski (Ricoh Australia) and Ron Gottlieb (Ricky Richards)

55. Kelvin Gage (Hyble) and Enda Kavanagh (HP)

56. Terry Crawford (Epson) and Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group)

57. Peter Musarra and Kenneth Beck-Pedersen from Carbon8

58. Jeremy Brew and George Duricic from HP with Tim Gardener (Celmac)

59. Connie Kosanovic (Visual Connections) and Lisa Michalanney (Signageworld)

60. Craig Heckenberg (Epson), Phillip Trumble (Pozitive), Craig Hardman (HP), and Steve Fisher (Fujifilm BI)

61. Peter Scott and Claire Ayaki from Screen GP

62. The Pozitive team

CMYKhub shares preview of new HQ at networking event

Trade partners and industry guests were given a first look at CMYKhub’s soon to open state-of-the-art headquarters during an exclusive networking event.

Following the second day of PacPrint in Sydney, CMYKhub hosted a networking event for partners and suppliers, providing attendees with an exclusive preview of its new, state-of-theart factory in Melbourne.

Emphasising the importance of adapting to market change, Dayne Nankervis, CEO of CMYKhub, shared that the trade printer is making significant long-term investments – including its new factory and multiple new printing machines – to boost productivity and support the broader print community.

The new premises, located in Keilor Park near Tullamarine Airport, will represent twice the space of the current offices in Heidelberg that are spread out over six separate locations. The new headquarters

on Wright Road will also feature 500sqm of office space across two levels.

“We are investing in the industry,” he said.

“We’ve built a new factory that will take a long time to pay off. We have a brand-new press and a new offset press being installed at the moment, a new digital machine being installed in two weeks, and we’ll be moving around 60 machines in three weeks’ time.”

Nankervis said the new facility will enhance operational efficiency and secure supply chains, reinforcing the message that print remains a viable and thriving industry.

“There’s significant risk in printing. But with us doing this, it secures print,” Nankervis said.

“In the last five years we’ve invested $20 million in print equipment, which is equipment for every printer in Australia to use – it’s not our equipment, it’s everyone’s,” he said.

“We’re not going anywhere; we’re not selling the company and we’re not looking to get out. We’re not looking to do anything other than continue to supply to everyone in Australia. Our model is built on small businesses using us.

“This factory solidifies that because this is our factory. We’ve never had the ability to have a workflow that is pre-designed. Our ability to consistently get the work out Australia-wide is just going to be incredible and this should, we hope, improve everyone’s ability to supply their clients everywhere in Australia.”

Isabella Ora (Emroy Creative Group), Karen Mandile (CMYKhub), Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group), Lynne Kelly (CMYKhub), and Rhys Kelly (CMYKhub)

Zack Hakimi (CMYKhub), Shannon Nankervis (CMYKhub), Joe Lobsey (CMYKhub), and Ash Harrigan (Snap Franchising)

Dale O’Neill (Spicers), Grant Brenchley (Express Envelopes) and Frank Gauci (Express Envelopes)

Glen Francis, Dayne Nankervis, and Shannon Nankervis from CMYKhub

Kirsty Woodhead (Breen Printing), Erin Thorsen (XRX Business Centre Townsville), Luke Woodhead (Breen Printing), and Jacinta Allen (Breen Printing)

Paul Whitehead and Matt Tangey from Currie Group

Adam Davy (The Print Company), Paul Norton (CMYKhub), and Sarah Marsden (CMYKhub)

Luke Sturdy, Matthew Dundules, Rebecca Sweeney, Archie Apostolou, Teghan Caltabiano, Tim Trant, and Ryan Taylor from Officeworks

Luke Sturdy (Officeworks), Glen Francis (CMYKhub), and Luke Allison (CMYKhub)

Watch a sneak peek of CMYKhub’s new headquarters

Mimaki Australia recognises top distributors at PacPrint celebration

Mimaki Australia celebrated its top-selling distributors during an exclusive event held following the opening day of PacPrint in Sydney.

The event featured the presentation of distributor awards, which were first introduced by Mimaki at an event held during Visual Impact in Brisbane last year, acknowledging the company’s topperforming partners.

Mimaki Australia national sales manager Jason Hay welcomed attendees and expressed his appreciation for their continued support and dedication to promoting the Mimaki brand throughout Australia.

“This is our second gathering in 12 months to recognise how important our dealer network is to our brand and our growth,” Hay said.

Hay also acknowledged Mimaki Australia managing director Kohei Kobayashi, who joined the Australian business in April 2024, and thanked Mimaki Asia Pacific sales director Shiko Sakaguchi.

“Without your support and without Kohei’s support, we don’t have events. We appreciate everything that you do for our brand in Australia and Asia Pacific,” he said.

For the first time this year, Mimaki Australia introduced a new internal award

to recognise outstanding performance within its own team.

“At the end of the day what we want to do now is set a legacy in regard to making sure that people who come and work for Mimaki understand their true value,” said Hay.

The inaugural honour for topperforming hardware salesperson for 2024/25 was presented to NSW channel

manager, Roger Corby.

Accepting the award, Corby expressed his gratitude to Mimaki Australia and the company’s dealer network for their outstanding support.

Distributor award winners included Velflex, Graphic Art Mart, Embroidery Source, Spicers Australia, and Spandex Asia Pacific.

HVG Graphics Media farewells Bob Ryan after 35 years

HVG Graphics Media farewelled Bob Ryan, who recently retired after 35 years, at an exclusive event in Sydney which honoured his legacy to the print industry.

The event, held during PacPrint, brought together colleagues, industry partners, and friends to celebrate Ryan’s extensive career in the industry.

Widely respected for his dedication and deep industry knowledge, Ryan was instrumental in HVG’s growth and success.

Richard Lucas, general manager of HVG Graphics Media, praised Ryan’s contribution during the celebration.

“Congratulations on a fantastic tenure,” Lucas said, commending Ryan for his “passion, resilience, and perseverance”.

Ryan expressed thanks to colleagues and friends for their support over the years, reflecting on the importance of

adaptability in a changing industry.

He noted how much the business has evolved since he joined in 1989 and credited his journey to the strong teams he worked with.

“Thank you to everyone for being here tonight – all the friendly faces I’ve come to know over the years,” Ryan said.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learnt is that the older you get, the more flexible you

have to be. If you don’t, you get left behind. [The company] has come a long way since 1989 when I joined. It’s been an interesting and a steep learning curve, and I’ve learnt that it’s always important to have a good team around you. Thank you to all of you, a lot of friends I have made through the company throughout the years. It’s been a real pleasure, and I hope we stay in contact, and I wish you all the very best.”

Peter Townsend (Graphic Art Mart), Shiko Sakaguchi (Mimaki), Carmen Ciappara (Printer Media Group), and Kohei Kobayashi (Mimaki Australia)

Distributor award winners included Velflex, Graphic Art Mart, Embroidery Source, Spicers Australia, and Spandex Asia Pacific

Richard Lucas, Bob Ryan with Jason Rewse from HVG

Kohei Kobayashi, Roger Corby, Shiko Sakaguchi, and Jason Hay from Mimaki

The HVG Graphics Media team

Excellence in print celebrated at 2025 National Print Awards gala

Recognising outstanding achievements in printing, the National Print Awards ceremony took place on the third day of PacPrint in Sydney.

The winners of the 2025 National Print Awards (NPAs) were revealed at a gala event in Sydney, following the third day of PacPrint.

Hosted by the Visual Media Association (VMA), the evening drew more than 400 guests who gathered to honour outstanding achievements in commercial and digital print, packaging, and visual media.

Under this year’s theme, ‘Celebrate & Elevate’, more than 30 award recipients were recognised across a wide range of categories, including Commercial Print, Digital Print, Packaging & Labels, Sales & Marketing, Creative Services & Prepress, and the coveted Major Awards.

The 2025 Major Awards honoured Zaidee Jackson from Ball & Doggett with the Australia Women in Industry Award and Isobel Clark from Flying Colours who received Emerging Talent of the Year. Jackson and Clark each received an exclusive professional development opportunity – a fully funded trip to the United Kingdom to attend the Power of Print conference and an international networking tour in November.

Eckersley Print Group was awarded the Environmental Sustainability

Achievement in recognition of its contributions to sustainability within the industry. Southern Impact received the Workplace Culture & Wellbeing Achievement Award, and Cameron Ellis, City of Armadale received the award for Industry Employee of the Year.

Industry Supplier of the Year was awarded to Henryk Kraszewski from Ricoh, and MCC Australia was presented the award for Print21 Printer of the Year. The Industry Service Award honoured Wayne Robinson from Print21.

Other key winners included Bambra Press, who took home the Judges’ Choice/ Excellence in Craft award for its Bella McGoldrick – Visa Issues project and the Commercial Print – Embellishment: Paper, Binding & Finishing award for its Macquarie Rise Property Brochure.

MCC Australia won Commercial Print: General Print for Multicolor Lark The Christmas Cask and Packaging and Labels: Labels for its Libation Front and Back Set, as well as strong finalist positions and highly commended recognition.

IVE Group was recognised in the category Labels and Packaging: Packaging for Starward Panettone Christmas Box and as the winner of Creative Services & Prepress:

Design for its Hendrick’s Grand Cabaret PR Kit.

Rawson Print & Packaging won across several categories including Commercial Print: Specialty & Miscellaneous, as well as Creative Services & Prepress: MultiChannel Campaign – for its Montecito Property Brochure.

Spicers had success with the Commercial Print: Leaflets & Flyers & Brochures award for its Environs Volume 3, as well the award for Creative Services & Prepress: Branding + Identity for The Vellum. Carbon8, Greenigo, Morgan Printing, and Sunprint also took home accolades for their outstanding contributions.

“We reworked every aspect of the awards with our members and industry stakeholders. I am proud we can announce that the awards are now financial once more and this provides sustainability to a strong future awards program recognising excellence,” said Kellie Northwood, CEO of the VMA.

“Further, as a not-for-profit organisation, every dollar we raise is put back into initiatives for the industry and this year all funding from the awards will be placed into a fighting fund to bring all Australian government print work back into Australia shores.”

The complete list of winners is available on the VMA website.

The Visual Media Association hosted the NPAs The

IVE Group’s Geoff Selig honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

The late Geoff Selig was recognised at the National Print Awards for decades of leadership, innovation, and outstanding contribution to Australian print.

The late Geoff Selig was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Print Awards in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the Australian print industry.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Selig family by Geoff’s older brother Paul Selig, who delivered a heartfelt tribute reflecting on Geoff’s legacy.

Geoff, who tragically passed away while on holiday in Europe last year, was executive chairman of IVE Group at the time of his death.

Paul traced the family’s legacy back to 1921 with their grandfather’s founding of The Link newspaper in Balmain.

Geoff’s formal entry into the industry began in the mid-1980s after studying economics. Originally stepping in as a temporary accountant, Geoff remained in the business for nearly four decades, helping lead its transformation and expansion.

A pivotal figure in industry consolidation, Geoff played key roles in the growth of BlueStar Australia and later IVE Group.

Under his leadership, IVE grew into Australia’s largest printing and marketing communications company, employing

more than 2,000 people and generating $1 billion in annual revenue.

Paul said Geoff’s strategic vision and dealmaking acumen drove more than two dozen acquisitions, helping shape the modern Australian print landscape.

“From 2012 to today, IVE has continued to supplement its organic growth with strategic acquisitions and has completed 28 acquisitions across multiple sectors. Geoff was the driving force behind most of these acquisitions.”

Paul said Geoff was also pivotal in the IPO of IVE Group.

“Following the success of the IPO, IVE, led by Geoff, closed a number of significant acquisitions,” Paul said, noting the acquisitions of Franklin Web, Salmat, Active Display Group, and JacPak among the standouts.

His close collaboration with industry leaders and long-time colleague Matt Aitken was also highlighted as central to this success.

“Matt possesses incredible capability as well as the drive needed to succeed. Matt, like Geoff, loved the chase for new business and they became a formidable team for many years, working closely together to

land some of the largest print contracts awarded in this country,” Paul said.

“I know Geoff was very fond of Matt and I personally got a lot of pleasure out of watching those two guys chase down major accounts.”

Paul emphasised Geoff’s deep passion for the industry and his tireless work ethic, crediting him with helping secure the future of commercial print in a challenging and evolving marketplace.

In closing his tribute, Paul reflected on the personal values and leadership qualities that defined his late brother.

“Geoff loved people and was an extremely compassionate person,” he said.

“He knew unequivocally that executing a brilliant strategic business plan was little use if you didn’t have the right culture and the right people in the business.

“Geoff maintained contact with many people at IVE at all levels of seniority in the business and always had time for a staff member if they knocked of his door.

“He was generous to a fault, a hard worker, he had a strong and strategic mind, and he was a skilled negotiator. He admired and respected the leaders of the business and invariably garnered loyalty from all who worked closely with him.

“There is some irony that Geoff, who accidentally landed in the print industry 39 years ago just to help his father out for a few months, ended up working in it for the rest of his life, and with the help of the IVE team, was a key driver of significant transformation in shaping the industry over a period of almost 40 years.

“Geoff left the IVE business in excellent shape. It is a strong and resilient business with highly diversified revenue streams. But most importantly, it has a world-class management team and a dedicated workforce led by Matt.

“I know for a fact Geoff would be extremely confident that the business has been left in a very good and safe pair of hands.”

Paul Selig delivered a heartfelt tribute reflecting on his brother’s legacy

CASE STUDY

1800 Projects elevates capabilities with Canon Colorado M-Series

The Canon Colorado M-Series has redefined performance at 1800 Projects, enabling the Sydney-based signage company to deliver high-quality, durable large-format solutions faster and more efficiently, solidifying their position as industry leaders.

1800 Projects, a leading signage and branding company, is renowned for delivering high-quality, fastturnaround solutions for major venues, events, and corporate branding.

To maintain its competitive edge, the team – led by Ben Browning and Brent Nassibian – sought a reliable, high-performance printer that could meet the growing demands of their clients. The decision to invest in the Canon Colorado M-Series has since transformed their operations.

The challenge

Prior to adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series, 1800 Projects faced several hurdles. Meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high print quality was a constant challenge. Relying on external print providers often led to delays and reduced control over project timelines. Test print waste also created inefficiencies, and ensuring the durability of outdoor branding – especially for stadiums – was a persistent concern. The company needed a solution that would streamline production, reduce external dependencies, and deliver consistent, long-lasting results.

The decision-making process

To make an informed investment, the team explored various technologies – including latex alternatives – and ran outsourced test prints to assess performance.

“Attending trade shows and witnessing the printer’s reliability firsthand solidified our confidence,” 1800 Projects managing director Ben Browning said.

Insights from industry peers also influenced their decision. At a recent 3M conference, conversations with business owners already using Canon and 3M products reaffirmed the value of investing in premium materials and advanced technology.

Transforming production with the Canon Colorado M-Series

Adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series was a turning point. The printer’s UVgel

technology delivered exceptional image quality while optimising ink usage – both cost-effective and environmentally responsible. Bringing 90 per cent of print production in-house drastically improved turnaround times and operational efficiency.

The M-Series enabled 1800 Projects to confidently handle large-scale projects such as Allianz Stadium and Matildas event branding. Superior adhesion and print durability ensured outdoor graphics stayed vibrant and intact longer than traditional methods. The printer’s ability to handle eco-friendly substrates such as eco boards and display board further aligned with their sustainability goals.

Real world impact: Stan office branding

One of 1800 Projects’ most ambitious projects involved branding more than 400 square metres of Stan’s corporate office –across multiple surfaces within just two weeks. The job demanded full-wall and window graphics with complex layering, transparency effects, and quick turnarounds on revisions. The Colorado’s speed and reliability enabled seamless last-minute artwork changes without compromising quality.

“Without the Colorado, executing a project of this scale on deadline would’ve been impossible,” said Browning.

Overcoming industry challenges

1800 Projects continues to innovate beyond printing. For stadium graphics, they adopted a technique using waterproof outdoor poster paper applied with wallpaper glue, avoiding peeling and extending lifespan, methods that, combined with the M-Series’ advanced capabilities, keep them ahead of competitors using lower-quality solutions.

The impact: A new era of printing

Since adopting the Canon Colorado M-Series, 1800 Projects has significantly improved efficiency, met tight deadlines, and delivered premium results with greater consistency. Reduced reprints and in-house control have expanded their service offerings and led to exclusive contracts and referrals. Their reputation for quality has made them a go-to provider for stadium-wide branding projects.

“What 1800 Projects has achieved with the Colorado M-Series is a great example of how technology and vision come together,” Steven Badger, head of sales and professional services at Canon Production Printing Australia, said.

“Their innovative spirit and drive to push boundaries is exactly what the Colorado was built for – fast, flexible, high-quality production without compromise.”

Looking ahead

With the upcoming release 4.5 firmware update, the Canon Colorado M-Series will gain new soft signage capabilities, increasing its versatility for future projects. 1800 Projects remains committed to staying ahead through innovation and cutting-edge printing technology.

Integrating the Canon Colorado M-Series has set a new standard for excellence at 1800 Projects. Their ability to deliver high-quality, durable, large-scale branding solutions at speed has solidified their position as industry leaders. Whether branding stadiums, offices, or events, Canon’s technology is the backbone of their success – fuelling creativity and delivering outstanding results.

Ben Browning and Brent Nassibian

The Canon Colorado M-Series’ UVgel technology delivers exceptional image quality while optimising ink usage

Mental confusion and quitting: When is a resignation valid?

Can employers accept a resignation made during a claimed mental health episode?

VMA’s Charles Watson examines the implications of a recent Fair Work Commission ruling.

In a recent Fair Work Commission decision, the question of whether an employer may accept a resignation tendered during a claimed mental health episode was squarely addressed.

The Commission considered the jurisdictional issue of whether an employer’s acceptance of a late-night resignation email constituted an unfair dismissal, in circumstances where the employee later alleged the resignation had not been genuinely intended.

The employee sent a resignation email at 4.31am stating he resigned effective immediately. The employer formally accepted the resignation. The employee later sent a follow-up email requesting his resignation be disregarded, citing stress. He later submitted he had been suffering from paranoid delusions and did not intend to resign. Despite efforts by several co-workers and a union representative to intervene, the employer declined to allow the employee to withdraw the resignation, citing that it had already been processed.

The legal framework

Under section 386 of the Fair Work Act 2009, a person is dismissed if their employment is terminated at the initiative of the employer. However, this does not apply where the employment ends due to a voluntary resignation. The Commission has recognised that in some instances, a resignation, although apparently voluntary, may be invalid. The Full Bench has held that an expression of resignation which cannot reasonably be regarded as

voluntary may not operate as an effective resignation capable of acceptance by the employer.

Commission findings

In this recent decision, the Commissioner confirmed that:

1. An employer is generally entitled to treat a clearly worded resignation as effective.

2. Where a resignation is given in the ‘heat of the moment’ or under emotional distress, it may not be valid.

3. However, for the resignation to be set aside, it must be shown that a reasonable person in the employer’s position would have understood the employee did not intend to resign, and that the employer knew or ought to have known that.

In dismissing the unfair dismissal application, the Commissioner was satisfied that at the time it was sent, the employee was in a state of ‘mental confusion’. However, the Commissioner was not satisfied that at the time it received and acted on the resignation, the employer was aware of circumstances that would have caused a reasonable person in its position to question whether the employee truly intended to resign.

Although colleagues and a union representative raised concerns later that same day, the Commission drew a clear distinction between the acceptance of the resignation and the subsequent refusal to allow its retraction. That distinction proved critical. The Commission stated

the decision was a tough call, if not a harsh one, but the fairness or otherwise of the employee’s decision was not the subject of these proceedings. By the time he sought to retract his resignation, the employment had come to an end.

Although expressing sympathy for the employee, the Commissioner concluded the employer’s conduct did not constitute a dismissal as it was not at their initiative. The Commissioner also reiterated that there is no statutory resignation ‘cooling off’ period in Australian law and the Commission cannot impose one.

Implications for employers

This decision offers important guidance for employers dealing with resignations, particularly in emotionally charged or uncertain circumstances:

• If a resignation is clearly expressed and there are no immediate signs of impaired decision-making, it may be valid even if the employee later asserts it was made in error or under duress.

• The key consideration is what the employer knew, or ought reasonably to have known, at the time of acceptance.

• While employers may choose to allow retraction of a resignation, they are not legally obliged to do so unless exceptional circumstances are evident at the time.

While sympathy may lie with employees facing mental health challenges, this decision confirms that the legal test remains an objective one. Ultimately, this decision reinforces the importance of maintaining clear internal processes for handling resignations and ensuring any doubts about an employee’s capacity or intention are explored before acceptance and not after the fact.

Charles Watson is GM – IR, Policy, and Governance at the Visual Media Association

This article is of a general nature and guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

An employee’s state of mind at the time of resignation can raise serious legal and ethical questions for employers

Credit: Jacob Wackerhausen

From hive to high performance: What bees can teach businesses

If your business struggles to move from planning to doing, here’s what the beehive can teach you about creating a team – and a culture – that executes with purpose.

Walk into any strategy meeting and you’ll likely hear a long list of great ideas: new client initiatives, marketing plans, system upgrades, and new product ideas. Yet months later, many of those plans remain just that. Plans.

This isn’t just a print industry problem –it’s a business-wide epidemic. Execution is where ambition dies.

So, who is getting it right?

Bees.

A beehive doesn’t need a project manager to chase deadlines or a whiteboard to track priorities. It just works. Every member plays their role. Every task gets done. Every decision supports the survival of the hive.

As a family business accountant and CFO with experience guiding print businesses through complex financial landscapes, I’ve learnt that businesses can achieve a similar level of focused execution when they align roles, processes, and financial strategies.

If your business struggles to move from planning to doing, here’s what the beehive can teach you about creating a team – and a culture – that executes with purpose.

1. Structure by function, not ego

In a hive, each bee’s job is determined by what the colony needs and what the bee is suited for – not by hierarchy or entitlement. Young bees tend the larvae, while older bees forage. Every role serves the mission.

Forget bloated organisational charts and vague job titles. Build a team structure around real functions – production, finance, sales, customer experience, and cash flow management. Make sure every person knows what they own and hold them accountable to achieving the agreed outcome.

Execution flows when individuals are given real responsibilities, the resources to execute, and are held accountable for their performance. Don’t waste your time on fancy committees that don’t have a clear line of responsibility and accountability.

2. Empower decisions at the right level and foster accountability

When bees decide where to build a new hive, they don’t wait for one leader. Scout bees collect information, share it with others, and gradually build consensus. It’s smart, adaptive, and fast.

If every decision flows through the owner, execution will always bottleneck. Delegate real authority to the right people – and trust them to act. Train them to know when to escalate and when to run with it.

Execution needs trust, not control.

3. Make action and communication part of culture, not motivation

Bees don’t need a Monday morning pep talk. Their environment and instincts drive them to work. In business, motivation is useful – but unreliable. Systems are better.

Build a culture of doing by embedding execution into routines:

• Weekly stand-ups with clear goals

• Shared progress boards or dashboards

• Regular accountability check-ins

• Remove distractions

Don’t wait for people to feel inspired –build a system that demands progress.

4. Build redundancy – not dependence

No hive depends on a single bee. Likewise, your business shouldn’t rely on one “key

Your business might not buzz like a beehive, but it can run with the same clarity and ability to execute

person” for operations, financial knowledge, or client relationships.

Cross train your staff, document processes clearly, prepare successors for every leadership role – even yours.

5. Think of advisors as scout bees

Scout bees explore beyond the hive, returning with insights and direction. That’s what the right advisors do for your business: they offer external perspective, reduce blind spots, and help navigate change.

Build a strong network of advisors, starting with your accountant and finance team.

6. Stop overthinking and start executing

The hive thrives because it’s built for action. There’s no confusion, no committee paralysis, no half-finished projects. Everything serves the mission, and every bee plays their part.

Your business might not buzz like a hive, but it can run with the same clarity and ability to execute. Structure your teams right, give your people the tools and authority to act, and build habits that make progress non-negotiable. Because in business, results come to those who can get things done.

Andrew Ash is a business advisor, fractional CFO, and tax agent. He can be contacted at pfbconsulting@outlook.com or 0412 055 814.

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The ProPrint Awards will be held on 17 October at Shangri-La Sydney

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