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Latest Events / Latest NewsApril 4, 2022
Brand-new content to inspire and educate visitors at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022by FESPA Staff Visitors to FESPA Global Print 2022 (31 May – 3 June 2022, Messe Berlin, Germany) are set for an inspiration and education boost with the launch of two new content-led features: Sustainability Spotlight and the Associations Pavilion. Spotlight on Sustainability To enable speciality printers to make more sustainable and environmentally conscious choices for their business, FESPA will introduce its Sustainability Spotlight feature. Located in Hall 25 Stand C50, visitors can join presentations from several industry experts providing useful, informative and actionable advice around environmental best practice. Graphics producers and textile printers can also view a wide range of material samples on display and learn how to produce innovative but sustainable finished products that their customers will value. The headline sponsor for the feature is HP and the stand will be recyclable and reusable, made using products from Reboard Technology. During the event, industry experts will be hosting a series of highly informative talks on subjects including: Sustainable materials to use for graphics and textile applications; How to reduce energy consumption; Carbon footprint facilities and benchmarking; How to make supply chains more transparent; and How print professionals can avoid greenwashing. Commenting on the launch of FESPA’s new Sustainability Spotlight, Michael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo comments: “Building a successful and profitable business is every entrepreneur’s number one goal, but the print community has an obligation to sustainability too, and this is becoming a priority for print buyers. Becoming sustainable means understanding the whole operation and the opportunities and risks that need to be addressed, now and in the future. Our goal with the launch of Sustainability Spotlight is to inform the print community of the different options open to them as they progress along the path towards sustainable operations. We want to show print businesses how to meet changing customer demands, increase productivity and profitability, while making meaningful improvements to their supply chain and efforts to decarbonise.” Celebrating talent – FESPA’s Associations Pavilion This year’s event also sees the launch of the Associations Pavilion, celebrating the talent of FESPA’s international member community. The Pavilion gives members of FESPA’s worldwide network of Associations the opportunity to showcase their talent through samples of their screen- and digitally-printed work. Visitors to the South Entrance of the Messe Berlin are set to be inspired and learn how the diverse applications were printed and finished by members from 16 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Mexico and South Africa. Printeriors immerses FESPA in nature Back by popular demand, Printeriors will return to Berlin to connect brand owners, designers and architects with PSPs and manufacturers as they explore the latest trends in décor and design. Also located in the Messe’s South Entrance, the showcase will bring illustrations to life across a range of textiles, wallcoverings, furnishings, flooring, fine art, lighting and accessories. Once again, FESPA has collaborated with illustrator Jasper Goodall whose work is being curated and developed through design, manufacturing and onto finished products by FESPA Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan. Highlighting the multiple opportunities for printers in the world of interior and exterior décor, visitors will be immersed in an interactive world of flora and freshness of the natural world as they move through a collection of seven themes: Tropical Verdure; Nature’s Canopy; Opulent Lux; Aqua Mist; Surface Micro; Organic Flora; and Cacti Geos. Get wrapped up in the action with the return of ‘Wrap Masters’ The popular, high-octane World Wrap Masters Europe and Final is also back this year, in association with 3M as vinyl partner and HP as print partner. As in previous years, participants will be tasked with wrapping cars as well as surprise objects in a series of timed battles where they will then be judged by a panel of past Wrap Masters winners and experts. As many as 36 European wrappers will compete in the regional competition on the first two days of the competition. In the event’s biggest-ever final to date, 12 successful semi-finalists will then go head-to-head to compete for the title of World Wrap Master 2022. Michael Ryan concludes: “With new content streams and enthusiastic participation from our partners and Association members, FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 will be a must-attend event for the print community. Print professionals stand to gain so much by investing in time away from their day-to-day operations to boost their knowledge, network with peers and be inspired by other people’s creativity. With brand-new content streams, visitors will leave FESPA brimming with innovative ideas, fresh insights and valuable contacts, primed to make positive changes and enhance their offering.” For more information on FESPA’s event features, visit here. To find out more about FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 and to register to attend, visit here. Visitors receive a €30 discount on the cost of their entry ticket by using code FESM213. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/press-releases/brand-new-content-to-inspire-and-educate-visitors-at-fespa-global-print-expo-2022 ... Read more...
Latest NewsApril 1, 2022
Environmentally sustainable curingFrom a sustainability point of view, traditional mercury UV lamps cannot compete with the benefits that UV LED curing technology offers to today’s print companies, writes Rachel Karambelas LEDs contain no mercury, produce no greenhouse gases or ozone, and have significantly reduced energy usage compared to mercury UV and high-energy IR dryers. Manufacturer of UV LED units and solutions Phoseon has pioneered the use of LED technology for UV light curing in industrial applications, offering equipment manufacturers a high-performance curing technology that also saves significant energy while eliminating greenhouse gases and dangerous mercury and ozone from the UV curing process. These UV LED products offer significant environmental improvements to current mercury-based products. ENERGY SAVINGS With traditional UV curing processes, the tremendous heat associated with mercury UV lamps required a significant amount of electricity to operate. By replacing the mercury UV LED lamps with UV LED curing systems, Phoseon customers have reportedly experienced energy savings of up to 85%. POLLUTION PREVENTION UV LED lamps offer better than 50% lower CO₂ emissions. The lamps generate no ozone and can eliminate toxic mercury in an entire category of industrial processes. With UV LED lamps, there is no need for fume extraction units to remove the harmful gases and ozone generated by mercuryvapor UV lamps. Converters can diversify their product lines and enter new markets without having to expand their floor space or expose employees to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harmful UV-C ozone. By removing its mercury stations and upgrading to 13 Phoseon FireJet LED lamps (FJ200), Italian printing company InDeco Serigrafia has been able to reduce its CO₂ output by over 67 tons annually. There is now no need for the firm to extract and re-integrate into the building the 23.5 million cubic metres of air previously required to remove ozone and the heat produced by the mercury lamps each year. WASTE REDUCTION Conventional mercury lamps have a very short lifetime and need to be replaced every 1,000–1,500 hours. LED curing lamps extend beyond 60,000 hours if properly maintained. Upgrading to UV LED technology eliminates these replacement costs, offering significant environmental benefits with the elimination of mercury. According to the business, Phoseon is the only company in the industry that can say that its products have “a proven lifetime of more than 60,000 hours” (we only count the ‘on’ time as turning UV LED lamps on and off is instant). Before switching to Phoseon UV LED curing technology, flexographic label printing firm Central Valley Label was spending close to $40,000 to $50,000 per year on spare parts for its old UV mercury presses. When the company switched to the Phoseon UV LED solution, that expense was eliminated. Central Valley Label reported that the presses with LED systems were so productive it was able to eliminate its night shift. MERCURY VS LED COSTS Although the initial costs may be lower than LED, the long-term costs for mercury – which continue to mount over the life of the system – are much higher. The long-term costs for LED on the other hand are zero. Consumables (bulbs, reflectors, lenses, shutters, dichroic filters, etc.) are a significant revenue stream for mercury UV manufacturers. Lost production, lost substrate and reoccurring consumable expenses can erode the profitability of the converter, whereas UV LED has little maintenance, no consumables and predictable performance. Phoseon UV LED allows the converter to focus on their work and to increase profitability. THE SUSTAINABLE CHOICE Today, major brands are requiring their suppliers to deliver more sustainable printing practices. The environmental benefits of UV LED curing in the printing process are numerous and significant. Phoseon Technology is fully committed to the wellbeing of the environment. Continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of the products that it manufactures, Phoseon LED solutions offer consistent and reliable power output, eliminate greenhouse gases, and remove mercury from an entire category of industrial processes. Source: https://www.specialistprinting.com/download/file/2226/ ... Read more...
Latest NewsApril 1, 2022
Top Interior Print Applications of 2021by Rob Fletcher Rob Fletcher takes a peek inside and picks out some of the best interior print applications and projects from 2021… Interior print remains one of the print industry’s key growth markets, with all sorts of clever and creative applications being created for use in a range of environments. Whether it is an eye-catching set of floor graphics in a shopping mall, or gigantic window graphics towering down over passers-by, there is plenty of innovation around in this segment. Here are our top 20 interior print applications of 2021… Superhero stickers Image courtesy of Kismet Decals Designer: Kismet Decals Description: Kismet Decals developed a new sticker product based on the popular Batman, Superman, and ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ properties. The wall stickers were available in three sizes, with the largest exceeding 6ft for certain designs. Making music Image courtesy of Eventureworks Designer: Eventureworks Description: Eventureworks used Vista Display ST-117 polyester warp-knitted fabric from Soyang Europe to create a printed backdrop for Scottish transitional rock band Skerryvore. Printed on a Roland Texart XT 640 dye-sublimation printer, the backdrop travelled with the band to gigs across the UK, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the US. On the right track Image courtesy of Avanti West Coast Designer: Avanti West Coast Description: Train company Avanti West Coast teamed up with the South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership local artist Jess Riley to produce this colourful installation at Wigan North Western Station. The piece was designed as a special representation of the town. Show what you can do Image courtesy of Antalis Designer: John Young Group Description: Sign and graphics company John Young Group used Coala WallDesign NW from Antalis to completely overhaul the interior of its premises, converting it into a showroom for customers to see its services in person. The company used a Roland SG2-540 to print graphics resembling a castle interior, as well as prints for whiskey room and a snooker themed room. Score a winner Image courtesy of Links Signs Designer: Links Signs Description: Hastings-based Links Signs used Drytac Polar Grip to create a series of graphics at five London Underground stations to celebrate the Euro 2020 national team football tournament, part of which took place in England. The graphics included a football pitch and a design that integrated existing seating at the station to give the effect that fans were sat in stadium dugouts. Ahead of the pack Image courtesy of Signbox Designer: Signbox Description: Signage solutions provider Signbox won a number of awards for its work with Pernod Ricard UK. The project included a range of 3D lettering and signage alongside of stunning wallpaper backdrops, all of which were printed on Signbox’s HP Latex Series printers. And the Oscar goes to… Image courtesy of Shutterstock Designer: Various Description: Shutterstock launched its ninth annual Oscar Pop! poster series to celebrate the Best Picture nominees in the 93rd Academy Awards. Featured films included The Father, Judas and the Black Messiah and Promising Young Women. Going green at Wembley Image courtesy of MacroArt Designer: MacroArt Description: MacroArt installed more than 3,000sq m of graphics and signage at the EFL Papa John's Trophy Finals ‘Wembley Weekender’ held at Wembley Stadium in March 2021. The company used Kavalan, a PVC-free material from supplier CMYUK, ensuring the project was as green as possible. Changing rooms with Llewelyn-Bowen Image courtesy of wallpaperdirect Designer: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen / wallpaperdirect Description: Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, best known for his roles in UK interior design TV shows, launched a new range of printed wallpaper in the form of ‘Signature’. Included in the collection are designs such as ‘Club Tropicana’, ‘Copacobana’ and ‘Fantoosh’ (pictured). Get Back Image courtesy of Genius Music Books Designer: Tom Foolery Description: Pop artist Tom Foolery, together with Genius Music Books, launched a special series of posters and apparel to commemorate the worldwide release of ‘Get Back’ Peter Jackson’s six-hour documentary about The Beatles. Each poster depicted a famous performance by the much-loved band. Doing it for the kids Image courtesy of Crate & Kids / Domino Designer: Crate & Kids / Domino Description: Crate & Kids partnered with leading home design authority Domino on a new product collaboration focused on interior décor for children’s rooms. Part of this included print products such as bed linen, cushion covers and wall art, some of which can be seen here. Just desserts Image courtesy of MacroArt Designer: MacroArt / Nest Studios Description: MacroArt features again for this interesting project that saw it link up with retail design expert Nest Studios to create a unique retail space and interior for luxury desserts brand Creams Café. The project included window and floor graphics, lightboxes, fabrics, neon lighting, dibond signage and graffiti work. Celebrating graphic design Image courtesy of Herman Miller Designer: Herman Miller / Various Description: Amy Auscherman, director of global archives and brand heritage at Herman Miller, resurfaced a range of the brand’s most famous designs through a series of printed posters. The 15 designs were created between 1949 and 1979. Protect and decorate Image courtesy of WCD Designer: WCD Description: Calgary-based WCD used Drytac Protac AMP film with Microban antimicrobial protection to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 among workers at a local distributor’s warehouse, while also refreshing the interior of the building. The film was printed and applied to decorate the cafe and kitchen area, while the antimicrobial qualities of the film helped reduce the chance of mould growth and bacterial contamination on the surfaces. Work of art Image courtesy of Landor UK Designer: Loreal Prystaj Description: American artist Loreal Prystaj used Phototex self-adhesive fabric to produce an art installation for the ‘Around the Table’ exhibition at No.20 Arts Gallery in Islington, London. ‘Nude Pepper’ was displayed as an immersive kitchen space that invited viewers to “consume and be consumed” by its sights, scents, and sounds. Hot and spicy! Image courtesy of Lamin-8 Services Designer: Lamin-8 Services Description: Toronto’s Lamin-8 Services used Drytac's ReTac Smooth 75 polymeric PVC film to produce these colourful wall graphics for Mexican restaurant Jimmy Guaco’s. The eye-catching graphics were printed on an Epson S80670. Leading Edge scores with Bradford City Image courtesy of CMYUK Designer: Leading Edge Signage and Graphics Description: Leading Edge Signage and Graphics and CMYUK linked up with Bradford City, a football club in England’s League Two, to overhaul the interior of its Utilita Energy stadium. Leading Edge used Gecko Greyback PVC-free Kavalan from CMYUK to produce nine murals celebrating former players and famous moments in the club’s history. Shopping green Image courtesy of Sarah Barnard Designer: Sarah Barnard Description: Los Angeles-based designer Sarah Barnard last year launched Kale Tree Shop, a planet-friendly online store for green interior design products. Included in the range is an eco-friendly wallcovering in the form of Abutilon, boasting green features such as being PVC-free and are printed by water-based latex inks that carry the GREENGUARD Gold certification. Industry members to keen to learn more about opportunities in the interior print market can drop in on the dedicated Printeriors section of the FESPA Global Print Expo 2022. A celebration of interior design and decoration, this years’ Printeriors will be inspired by floral and fauna with artwork designed by Jaspar Goodall and curated by FESPA Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan. For more information on Printeriors and the FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, please click here. Discover the latest innovations and trends in interior printing at FESPA Global Print Expo 2022, Europe’s leading print and signage exhibition will reunite key industry professionals, enabling valuable networking and business building opportunities, supporting face-to-face conversations with suppliers and providing the opportunity to see the latest innovations and trends in speciality print. Register now and use the code FESG201 to receive a 30 euros discount and pay only 50 euros for your registration. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/features/top-20-interior-print-applications-of-2021 ... Read more...
Latest NewsApril 1, 2022
Speciality print: an industry in motionby FESPA Staff FESPA's Head of Global Business Development and Global Print Expo, Michael Ryan discusses the upcoming FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 and European Sign Expo 2022 exhibitions. Michael also shares his thoughts on the importance of live events in the industry. This week we’re launching the promotional campaign for FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2022. The countdown is on for the events, which will take place at Messe Berlin, Germany, from 31 May to 3 June 2022. We’re kickstarting 2022 with cautious optimism and believe it’s time for speciality print businesses to turn their focus to the future and explore the new opportunities that exist for them. And what better time to do that than at FESPA’s international event in Berlin, where we want visitors to ‘Experience Print in Motion’. Whether we’re talking about developments in technologies, expansion into new markets or the growth of exciting new applications, one thing is for sure: the speciality print industry is never static. It’s the opposite. It’s full of energy and dynamism, constantly on the move. In the almost 20 years I’ve worked at FESPA I’ve seen an array of exciting innovations and trends that have shaped our market. I’ve witnessed initial conversations develop into industry partnerships and ideas evolve into successful business ventures. But, most importantly, I’ve proudly seen FESPA play a fundamental role in the industry’s evolution. Year on year, we provide a platform that enables the speciality print market to come together to see hundreds of new product developments under one roof, chat with peers and make decisions that drive the future of their businesses. Personally, I thrive off face-to-face interactions, hearing from industry colleagues about their businesses, swapping stories and sharing thoughts on the direction of the industry. I absorb and learn best when I’m listening to real-life conversations, touching printed output and seeing technologies up and running. That’s why, after two years of event postponements and virtual alternatives, I was so thrilled for the revival of exhibitions and seeing the live action at FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 in Amsterdam last October. It was such a surreal feeling and it made me think that we don’t often take the time to stop and reflect. I found myself doing this a lot while I walked through the halls in Amsterdam. It was a powerful reminder of the value of a live FESPA event. The magical feeling in the halls just can’t be replicated virtually, however hard we might try. The excitement of reconnecting with friends and colleagues face to face; the smell of ink on paper; the anticipation of watching real hands-on competition between the World Wrap Masters finalists; discovering awesome décor applications in Printeriors; unearthing new ideas that you could never find with a quick Google search. Above all, I was overwhelmed by the sheer sense of relief and positivity from printers who were ready to set their business on the road to recovery. And with that as our focus, preparations for FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 are in full swing. This is a landmark event for our industry and we’re excited about welcoming even more members of our community. It’s time to look forward and explore how new investments could drive exciting opportunities for your business. And I believe that FESPA Global Print Expo 2022 is THE place to regain that business momentum, by getting a close-up view of the latest technologies, seeing how the supporting consumables perform, picking up new trends and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs who have experienced the same challenges as you. The beauty of a live event is that you never know what you’ll come away with. It could be a new product that enhances your business or a new application opportunity you learn about by speaking to an industry expert on the show floor. Whatever it is, it’s time to set your business back in motion and inject positivity back into our colourful, dynamic industry. We look forward to seeing you in Berlin! Register your interest here. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/blog/speciality-print-an-industry-in-motion ... Read more...
Latest Events / Latest NewsFebruary 23, 2022
Climate change risk assessment by Clare Taylor Clare Taylor discusses the importance of understanding the climate risks in your business. Doing so means you can take protective action, improve your business resilience and reassure customers of continuity of supply. As the third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment report was published in January, it seems timely to look at it, along with the UK Climate Risk Technical Report and the UK Climate Risk Business Briefing. A particular reason for doing this is one of the main findings: that small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) are less likely to have business continuity plans of any kind, and they lack the information and support needed to help prepare for risks from climate change. Many are unaware of the need for adaptation. In the UK, smaller businesses appear to be relying on insurance to cover them in case of extreme weather, whereas it may not. Although the analysis focuses on the UK, the risks apply more widely and are relevant to many locations. The Business Continuity Institute (BCI), an organisation with members in more than 120 countries, reported that in 2020 extreme weather was still a major cause of disruption to businesses despite being overshadowed by the impact the Covid pandemic was having as it built up around the world. The main risks to businesses Climate risks are regularly reassessed. Scientific knowledge and understanding of climate change and its impacts is growing, and the speed of change is increasing as more time goes by without enough action being taken to prevent greenhouse gases building up. The assessments also look at how society will be affected and what governments need to do, but the focus here is on business. Flooding In many areas the risk of flooding is expected to keep growing. Several factors are involved: prolonged, heavy rainfall or severe storms will increase, overloading surface water drainage systems and the ability of open land to absorb the water; rivers will become more likely to break their banks and coastal erosion and sea level rise are further risks. If you check the flood risk for your location, you can then take measures appropriate to your business. The risks to your business from flooding apply beyond your own location, so it’s important to check not just the flood risk for your site, but also to look at transport infrastructure and links to where your staff live, how deliveries of goods needed for production might be affected, deliveries out to customers and what measures your suppliers have in place. Other risks related to flooding are those from infrastructure: flooding of power supply and water and sewage works. Preparedness can include physical measures to protect your building, contingency plans for remote working, arrangements for temporary relocation, and plans for alternative distribution routes and supply chain disruption. Checking that your insurance offers the protection you need is also important. Heatwaves The report also reviews risks from the increased occurrence and duration of heatwaves; there is much that can be done to prepare for these as well. Risks to productivity include equipment, some of which may not operate well at higher temperatures, as well as people and how they will be affected. If it’s possible to reduce working temperatures by improving insulation and shading or temporarily changing shift patterns, this will save the financial and environmental costs of increased reliance on air conditioning. Hotter drier summers, where these are predicted, can lead to subsidence in clay soils: if that is the geology in your location, then keep a watch for signs of it and check your insurance policy documents. Water scarcity Linked to such weather is a risk to water supplies. Taking steps to reduce your water consumption is something that can offer financial savings, so worth doing regardless. Depending on where you are, your business continuity plans may need to include what to do in case of temporary water restrictions. In the supply chain, some of the water-intensive industries are already exploring what they can do: for example, reducing how much water is needed in textile dyeing. Financial risks The report also highlights financial risks, not just the direct consequences of being affected by extreme weather, but more generally. Insurance costs are expected to rise and insurance to even become unavailable in some cases; having good adaptation plans makes a business less of a risk to insurers so can help with this. Access to capital may also be reduced: if a business applying for a loan is not taking sufficient action to adapt to the changing climate, the lender may consider the risk too high. Other financial risks are increased costs caused by disruption to infrastructure or supply chains: after Hurricane Harvey in the US in 2017, fuel prices increased across the country. Supply chain disruption Increases in severe weather, flooding and infrastructure problems are expected to continue causing disruptions to supply chains. The Third UK Climate Change Risk Assessment Technical Report quotes a number of research studies carried out by BCI, McKinsey and World Economic Forum. Previously, it seems that many businesses had not been taking enough account of supply chain resilience in their procurement processes to be able to respond to disruptions. However, the report notes that Covid “highlighted the vulnerability of extended global supply chains, built on lean manufacturing principles in general”, so this is likely to change: when the report was written there had not yet been a full analysis. For the next Climate Change Risk Assessment, recommendations include looking at the learning from Covid. Although the risk assessment makes gloomy reading, it’s important to see it from the point of view of what we can do about it. As well as working to reduce climate change, there’s a lot that can be done to manage the risks. We also need to watch out for new regulations to manage climate change as these will have their own effects on business. The main message from the report is: ‘Be prepared.” Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/features/climate-change-risk-assessment ... Read more...
Latest NewsFebruary 22, 2022
Designed to be SustainableThe Verdigris blog by Laurel Brunner The ideas behind the Circular Economy aren’t much talked about in the grass roots printing business, but some of the principles are starting to creep into conversations. Three main objectives underpin a circular economy: design products to eliminate waste and pollution; keep products and materials in use for as long as possible; and support the regeneration of natural systems. It might be by accident but changes to how print media products are designed and produced, are bringing our industry into closer alignment with Circular Economy principles. Print Service Providers (PSP) printing on paper substrates obviously contribute to recycling and regeneration. Printers produce most of their prints on paper and efforts to improve plastics recycling continue to gain ground. Digital printers often specialise in high value short run work produced on demand and in the required quantities. This is obviously less wasteful than the disposable print created on spec in case someone might want it. They also deliver high value print products that consumers want to keep. We treasure work such as photo albums and family posters especially if it is customised. Packaging printers are designing packaging to minimise materials and waste for brand owners who want greater environmental sustainability for their products. And across printing methods, printers are raising the quality of their output whilst simultaneously improving production efficiency to minimise waste. Beyond digital printing companies are using other techniques to enhance value, such as innovative screen technologies that help optimise output quality on different substrates like kraft or uncoated papers. This takes digital colour management a step further, because it exploits screening technologies within the colour managed workflow. It’s also an approach companies can take to get older presses to perform better. We have spoken to a number of printers using new screening methods who say that the technology has also made possible very fast start-up and improved chromatic stability on long runs, as well as easier cleaning. It all makes for more sustainable production. Innovation of this sort allows print buyers to use different printing methods with greater confidence. We’re seeing a clear migration away from gravure printing for instance. Sometimes it’s to offset or flexo, but for short run work it’s often to digital printing. Buyers can trust that there are PSPs around who will deliver, including digital printers. We are not yet seeing a clear preference for any particular digital printing technology, but inkjet is starting to gain ground in some packaging applications on the basis of improved quality and speed. As brand owners start paying more attention to how print products are designed, PSPs are well placed to help. Technology that allows for control over run lengths, improved ink usage and recyclability all make a positive contribution to the sustainability conversation. And that’s a big positive for the Circular Economy of print. – Laurel Brunner This article was produced by the Verdigris Project, an industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how environmentally friendly business management can help improve their bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the following companies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Miraclon, RicohSplash PR, Unity Publishing and Xeikon. source: http://verdigrisproject.com/blog/designed-to-be-sustainable ... Read more...
Latest NewsSeptember 18, 2021
Important FESPA Global Print Expo 2021 travel updateby FESPA staff Restrictions on fully-vaccinated travellers to The Netherlands from designated ‘very high-risk countries’ will be lifted with effect from 22nd September 2021, meaning that printers and sign-makers from these countries can travel to FESPA Global Print Expo and European Sign Expo 2021 in Amsterdam (12-15 October 2021) without fear of needing to quarantine on arrival. Travellers who have proof that they are fully-vaccinated with an EU-approved vaccine can now enter The Netherlands freely, with no mandatory quarantine period. This proof can be provided by means of the EU Digital Covid Certificate (DCC) or equivalent certification from non-EU countries. The list of very high-risk countries currently includes the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, India, South Africa, Thailand, and much of Latin-America, so this positive development is significant for many potential international visitors to the October 2021 event. Further information is available from The Netherlands government website. FESPA CEO Neil Felton comments: “Travel to The Netherlands from most of mainland Europe was already seamless for holders of the EU DCC. This lifting of mandatory quarantine for fully-vaccinated visitors from ‘very high risk’ countries is important, because it will give even more printers confidence to make firm plans to visit FESPA 2021. We know that there’s a strong appetite from printers all over the world to get back to our live event, refresh their industry knowledge and see for themselves the hundreds of product innovations that will be seen in public for the first time at the show. There are now no practical travel barriers for most printers who want to be at FESPA 2021.” Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is continuously increasing its operations. An update of all destinations and frequencies can be found at here. Proof of double vaccination will also enable access to the RAI Exhibition Centre and the FESPA/European Sign Expo exhibition area. The Dutch government’s announcement was accompanied by other adjustments to social distancing measures, and FESPA’s COVID arrangements will be updated accordingly. For up-to-date information, visit here. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/press-releases/important-fespa-global-print-expo-2021-travel-update... Read more...
Latest NewsSeptember 10, 2021
20 Beautiful Doors and Entrances created with Wide Format Printingby Sonja Angerer Entrances can either positively or negatively impact a building. Today, with the help of wide format printing, there are many ways to successfully print creative and attractive doors and entry zones. Sonja Angerer shares a few examples of how designers and sign makers have partnered to create beautiful doors and entrances in the recent years. Munich Away Client: Munich Airport Purpose: This beautiful entrance zone was designed for the outdoor space between Munich airport terminals T1 and T2. The small middle door opens to a temporary stadium where travellers were able to watch the Football World Championship in 2018. Info: www.munich-airport.de Breakfast at Chanel´s Client: Chanel Purpose: When the famous Kurfürstendamm Berlin Chanel shop was redecorated in 2016, a pair of digitally printed columns were built in front of the shop to compensate for the ongoing construction. Info: www.chanel.com Welcome to Berlin Client: Tegel Airport Purpose: Tegel Airport Berlin closed at the end of 2020, but for years the structure remained at the entry level drop-off zone. Over the years, numerous famous brands use it for advertising purposes. Info: www.berlin-airport.de Watch closely Client: Fünf Höfe Mall Purpose: This wrapped glass door was used to advertise the Exhibition “Die Lust der Täuschung” at Kunsthalle München from November 2018 to January 2019 at the Fünf Höfe Premium Mall where the museum is located. Info: https://fuenfhoefe.de/lust-der-taeuschung/ Cavemen Client: Postojna Cave Purpose: This door opens and leads to the Postojna Cave Vivarium at Posojna / Slowenia where visitors can catch see the famous Olm (Proteus Anguinus). This little underground creature lives up to 100 years and can survive for several years without food. Info: www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/attractions-in-the-park/vivarium/ The Enchanted Book Store Client: Unknown Purpose: This wrapped back door belonged to a books store at Munich Maxvorstadt University quarters. The shop has been closed down for several years now, yet the installation still remains. Grand Entrée Client: Staatsbetrieb Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden Purpose: When the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister at Dresden (Saxony) underwent some renovations in 2018, this digitally printed entrance was created to ensure visitors knew that it was still open. Info: www.skd.museum Always On Time Client: IWC Schaffhausen Purpose: The IWC Schaffhausen Fine Watches brand shop at Munich is undergoing redecorations. The sign reads: “We don´t know when we will be able to open this shop. But be sure it will be right on time.” Info: https://www.iwc.com Knocking on Heaven´s Door Client: Benediktinerstift Admont Purpose: This may look like a beautiful historic piece of art, but it’s actually a wrapped fire-retardant automatic door guarding the many treasures of the Benediktinerstift monastery in Admont (Austria). Info: www.stiftadmont.at Let´s Play Client: Unknown Purpose: These billboards were part of an exhibition at the entrance of Berlin’s main train station in 2018. It showcases friends and relatives of the German football national team who express their solidarity with the players and wish them good luck. Salt of the Earth Client: Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden Purpose: The Berchtesgaden Saltmines have been operating since 1517. Today, visitors can experience certain parts of the mine with the help of a small underground railway system. This is the main waiting area and gift shop. Info: www.salzbergwerk.de Hallstadt Hideaway Client: Unkown Purpose: This contour-cut ancient priest figure guards the street entry to a Hallstadt (Austria) guest house. The small town near Hallstadt lake welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year in its narrow streets and alleys, so most of the private property is barred with walls for some privacy. Info: www.hallstadt.de/tourismus Who’s that Guy? Client: Unkown Purpose: This decor is most likely street art, as it appeared one day at a Berlin residential building door. But then, who knows? This is Berlin, right? Info: www.visitberlin.de Vorsprung durch Technik Client: Audi Purpose: The wide format Audi billboard advertises their latest sports car at the main entrance of Munich airport Terminal 2. Info: www.munich-airport.de Diamonds are a girl’s best friend Client: Cartier Purpose: Digital print is always useful when building require redecorating, as wide format banners help to make the construction site appear more attractive for customers. This is even more important and applicable for luxury brands. Info: www.cartier.com Doors To the City Client: Deutsche Bahn AG Purpose: A locker for your luggage is usually a door to the city, because no-one likes go sightseeing carrying heavy luggage. Here is an example of on at Berlin Main Station. Info: www.bahn.de Here be Bikes Client: Landeshauptstadt München Purpose: The wide format printed poster was displayed at the entrance of the Munich KVR, the central municipal office for passports, legal marriage and other essential citizen services. It was designed to help the city’s campaign to become more bike friendly. Info: www.greencity.de/projekt/radlhauptstadt-muenchen/ Mountain Home Client: Nationalparkzentrum Haus der Berge Berchtesgaden Purpose: Established in 2013, Haus der Berge offers unique insights into the Berchtesgaden Alpes, people and wildlife of the area. It’s the main information centre of the National Park. The columns and digitally printed floor graphics feature on the ground floor entrance inviting visitors in. Info: www.haus-der-berge.bayern.de The show must go on Client: Lanxess Arena Purpose: Lanxess Arena is one of the biggest multifunctional arenas worldwide, with seating for 20,000 people. The main entrance area advertises upcoming events. Info: www.lanxess-arena.de My Body is a Temple Client: The Nivea Haus Hamburg Purpose: provides unique wellness experiences, using only products from well-loved German household brand Nivea. It was redecorated recently and will open again in early September 2021. The entrance features translucent glass decoration foil prints. Info: https://www.nivea.de/nivea-haus/nivea-haus Discover the latest innovations in UV printing at the Global Print Expo 2021, Europe's leading exhibition for screen and digital wide format print, textile printing and signage. Discover the latest products, network with like-minded individuals and explore new business opportunites. Register now and use promo code FESH101 to receive a discount of 30 euros. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/features/20-beautiful-doors-and-entrances-created-with-wide-format-printing ... Read more...
Latest NewsSeptember 10, 2021
DTF (Direct To Film): A new way to personalisation textile printingby Sonja Angerer Textile printing remains one of the most popular sectors in the digital printing industry. Direct-To-Film (DTF) is a new technique of decorating fabric that has been introduced into the market. What DTF and how can printers’ profit from it? Looking at any fashion store it is evident that printed shirts and apparel are popular for all customers of any age group. Personalized sportswear and office attire are also in high demand. Due to this demand, many printers have invested in buying some sort of apparel printer. With Direct-To-Film (DTF for short) another option for apparel (and roll textile) has recently been introduced. For printers with a pre-existing apparel printing business, this technology is even more applicable as the cost of investing in DTF is rather modest. Some Direct Textile or Digital Sublimation printers may be able to change their printer to a DTF simply by changing the inks. Caption: T-shirt printing is booming, but with the new DTF technology, this could change once again. Image credit: S. Angerer What is DTF? Direct-to-film or DTF in a textile context means printing with dedicated DTF CMYK inks onto a hot or cold peel PET film with app 0.75 mm thickness. White ink is required as a foundation to ensure the colours also stand out on dark fabrics. The printed film gets covered in a hot-met adhesive powder while the ink is still wet. In smaller operations, this is usually done manually. For industrial scale productions, automated shaker solutions are available. The powder needs to be applied as evenly as possible, with any excess being removed. Then the film is processed in a curing oven or heat press at about 160 degrees Celsius. In a heat press, the top plate may not touch the glue in the process, a 4 to 7 mm gap is recommended. The film with the full-coloured, pre-glued motive is then transferred to the pre-pressed fabric. This process is also referred to as “curing”, and it takes about 20 seconds on a 160 to 170 degrees heat press. Most vendors recommend a silicon sheet on top to protect the print. When the fabric has reached room temperature again, a cool peel film can be removed, leaving only the printed motive behind. Hot peel film for DTF is less common, but this is more efficient, as it may be peeled off immediately after opening the heat press. With either film, weeding is not required, as only printed parts have been glued and therefore adheres to the fabric. As a last step most experts recommend spending a few seconds post-processing in the heat press to enhance washability and rub-fastness. The DTF process works with natural fibres like cotton or silk just as well as artificial materials like polyester or rayon. With its white ink layer, DTF prints look just as good on dark and strong coloured fabrics just as on white and pastel textiles. The print itself is stretchable and does not crack easily. The whole workflow is similar to T-shirt printing with an OKI white toner printer, but with inks instead of toner. Also, it is not yet possible to add metallic or neon colours with DTF as it is with the OKI process. Caption: Gröner offers the Gronal DTFJet One especially for DTF transfer printing (screenshot from the YouTube video). How Do I Get Started with DTG? There are quite a few vendors that offer starter DTF packages, including initial training and dedicated DTF printers like the Gronal DTFJet ONE A3+ and DTFPro Inspire 1800 desktop solutions. There are also some printers for film rolls like the Busy Bill. Many six colour printers like the popular Epson L800 series can be transformed into a DTF printer by simply changing the inks. Dedicated DTF inks function with many market-leading Epson print heads, so only DTF consumables like ink, film and adhesive powder are required to begin. Printers with a pre-existing business in apparel printing will most likely already own a heat press and/or curing oven. They may already run a dedicated textile RIP. However, it is not easy to transform files for DTF printing with every RIP, as usually, the white ink must be printed first of the mirror-image required for DTF. There are dedicated RIPs available like the Gröner Digital Factory V.10 DTF Edition or the ColorMatch DTF Wasatch Softrip DTF edition. Ergosoft 16 is sometimes recommended for DTF printing. As compared to sublimation inks, the DTF colour gamut generally is a bit smaller and less vibrant, so a bit of colour tweaking may be required for optimal results. Caption: Unlike sublimation printing, the DTF transfer process can be used with just about any fabric for apparel. Image credit: S. Angerer Which printers should get into DTF? Printers with a pre-existing customer base in apparel, sportswear or workwear printing should be able to set up a DTF workflow in addition to or even to replace their current technology with minimal time, cost and effort. As neither pre-treatment nor weeding is required, the DTF process is faster and less tedious than Direct-to-garment (DTG) and more versatile than textile decoration with standard hot-press film or flockfoil. The print quality of DTF is generally good, with a textile grip even better than some DTG processes, though some consider it slightly worse than with a standard sublimation print. However sublimation print requires a polyester pre-treatment or polyester / polyester blend surface which is not desirable for fashion or workwear-items. DTF is a fairly new digital printing technology. Printers that invest now may have to replace equipment sooner than expected to ensure top quality and reliability, which may be a detriment for those waiting before any serious investment is considered. On the other hand, printers who incorporate DTF now will be ahead of their competition in a highly interesting market, so testing the waters ASAP may still seem advisable. Discover the latest innovations in garment printing at the Global Print Expo 2021, Europe's leading exhibition for screen and digital wide format print, textile printing and signage. Discover the latest products, network with like-minded individuals and explore new business opportunities. Register now and use promo code FESH101 to receive a discount of 30 euros. Source: https://www.fespa.com/en/dtf-a-new-way-to-personalisation-textile-printing... Read more...
Latest NewsSeptember 10, 2021
Packaging waste still not sortedby Laurel Brunner It’s been clear for several years that technical advances in the graphics industry are giving way to materials innovations. And as packaging moves into pole position as the most dynamic of print applications, developments in this field are becoming more than interesting. Sustainable packaging innovation focuses on a number of areas, and inventions that hit all of them well will be the most successful. First off, the materials must remove waste from supply chains, be that pre- or post-consumer, of the packaging materials themselves and of their contents. Such requirements place considerable demands on the design of the package and its composition. Laminates that preserve foods that can be heated for consumption way down the line have been available for a while. Printability is assured, but recycling such materials remains a considerable challenge. The packages must also be convenient to use and not rage inducing. Efficient delivery of their contents that is also not rage inducing must be assured. The packages must be cost effective to produce for rapid turnarounds. Obviously the printability and recyclability of the material matter but there are still too many unresolved questions relating to recycling. Increasing awareness of pollution and food safety place additional pressures on packaging supply chains. Standards such as ISO/TS 22002 can help but only go so far. This series of documents focuses on food supply chain recommendations, specifying prerequisite programmes on food safety in catering, farming, and packaging/manufacturing. But as a Technical Specification it can only provide recommendations rather than requirements. As of now there is no part in this series under development for recycling. Much work is underway in the sorting and detection of laminates, although it will take years to gain real traction. For example V-Shapes, a developer of polypropylene single dose sachets, is working with Tomra a producer of customised sensor-based sorting systems, to identify the V-Shapes packages in waste streams. The V-Shapes sachets are constructed of various materials including a substrate from Sihl GmbH specifically designed for recyclability and for use in inkjet printing. The V-Shapes materials are also compatible with Sihl GmbH’s Artysio recyclable packaging films for inkjet printing with water-based inks. The Tomro sensors can be tuned to identify these materials in a waste stream so that they can be routed for the appropriate recycling method. Hitting all the targets for safe and sustainable packaging is not easy. But it begins with cooperation and openness to new ideas, plus a considerable dose of imagination and luck. In working together V-Shapes, Tomra and Sihl have created a viable model with the potential to up-end current recycling expectations. For the foreseeable future these innovative materials will be lost in an ocean of waste that still cannot easily be sorted, but that won’t be forever. This article was produced by the Verdigris Project, an industry initiative intended to raise awareness of print’s positive environmental impact. This weekly commentary helps printing companies keep up to date with environmental standards, and how environmentally friendly business management can help improve their bottom lines. Verdigris is supported by the followingcompanies: Agfa Graphics, EFI, Fespa, Fujifilm, HP, Kodak, Miraclon, Ricoh, Spindrift, Splash PR, Unity Publishing and Xeikon. Image credit by Marcell Viragh on Unsplash https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/features/packaging-waste-still-not-sorted... Read more...

Screen, Digital and Textile Printing