Clarity Software is a leading MIS solution for sign-makers and print service providers. It manages all aspects of the business, from quotations to operational workflow and invoicing. To provide customers with accurate cost management information, Clarity requires users to input pricing and product details. They will now have secure access to William Smith’s product information through their designated area on the Clarity website. This integration not only saves time but also ensures that users have the latest information seamlessly integrated into their software systems.

Mikaela Bellew, head of business development for William Smith, commented, ‘After listening to feedback from our customers, we wanted to make it even easier for them to access simple pricing for their favourite products. Integrating our system with Clarity means customers have access to their bespoke price lists at their fingertips. Every material, tool and accessory within our portfolio is available, including leading brands 3M, Avery Dennison and Arlon, plus our own brand, VION. Everything from sign-making and digital print films, vehicle wrap and architectural wrapping materials.’

Sam Yarnall, sales and marketing director for Clarity Software Group, added, “Partnering with William Smith aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance customer experience. Our users, predominantly sign-makers and printers, will greatly benefit from accessing crucial product information directly within our system, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.’

Ms Bellew continued, ‘Service is of utmost importance to us. We are delighted to be partnering with Clarity to align our systems and further simplify the customer experience. This seamless integration means that customers have quick and easy access to custom pricing on the thousands of product lines we stock, and they can be assured pricing is accurate and up to date for a simplified ordering process.’

She went on, ‘We hope this is the start of a dynamic collaboration that will streamline our processes and improve the service we offer our customers to provide even more value in the long term. As two leading brands in the market, it makes perfect sense to align our efforts to help improve the sign and graphics industry.’

‘Collaborating with a reputable brand like William Smith brings immense value to both Clarity and our customers,” concluded Ms Yarnall. ‘Their extensive product range and reliable supply chain make them an ideal partner for streamlining processes and enhancing accuracy within our MIS.’

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The one-day virtual conference, which is free to attend, will showcase how businesses can adopt connected packaging to create engaging customer experiences, gather valuable first-party data and drive increased sales. Attendees will gain insights into the evolving landscape and discover new strategies to enhance their brand’s competitiveness in our digital world.

The Global Connected Packaging Summit 2024 will feature discussions and presentations from Ivan Gonzalez, CEO at online recycling platform Recycl3r, Thomas Vollmuth, head of brand owner management at developer of print technologies Koenig and Bauer, Gavin Ger, CEO and founder at Australian technology company Laava, and Mohamed Bassyouny, business development manager at packaging solutions supplier SIG.

Other speakers include Steve Wardle, senior manager for design operations and process at sustainable food company Kellanova, Rachel Sheldon, sustainability and innovation manager UK & IRE at sustainable plastic packaging specialist Greiner Packaging, Gregor Murray, from brand advisors Digital Commerce Global, Alice Rackley, CEO at QR code company Polytag and Katie Livesley, managing partner for digital display at customer growth agency Dentsu UK.

The speakers will share insights and expertise on key topics including QR codes, NFC, RFID, AR, AI, sustainability, reuse, innovative packaging approaches and how to effectively implement connected packaging. With more speakers to be announced in the next few weeks, attendees will also have the opportunity to network with a diverse range of industry professionals.

Last year’s event saw over 400 attendees including brands such as SIG, Kelloggs, Amazon, Tetra Pak, Danone and The PackHub. Attendees this year include Tetra Pak, Nestle, SIG, Laava, Recycl3r, Amazon and Greiner Packaging among others.

According to research from creative technology studio and conference organiser Appetite Creative in its third annual connected packaging survey released earlier this year there has been sustained interest in connected packaging over the last 12 months, with 82% of those surveyed stating they have used connected packaging, slightly more than the 81% that said so in the survey released in 2023, and considerably more than the 54% that stated this in 2022.

The conference will be presented by Jenny Stanley, managing director at Appetite Creative, who will seek to help attendees explore the value connected packaging can deliver across meaningful, unique and personalised customer engagement.

Ms Stanley commented, ‘We’re pleased to once again host the Global Connected Packaging Summit, and to welcome a wide range of experts to share their invaluable perspectives on the future of connected packaging and its impact on consumer engagement and brand experiences.

‘Our recent research shows the perceived value of data collection through connected packaging rising, especially in the context of the imminent demise of third-party cookie data. I’m looking forward to uncovering new ways brands can tap into this evolving technology.’

The post Speaker line up unveiled for 2024 Global Connected Packaging Summit appeared first on Digital Printer.

The integration brings together Esko WebCenter, a web-based platform tailored for CPG and pharmaceutical teams to manage aspects of the packaging management workflow from creation to approval and distribution, with GlobalVision’s automated proofreading platform, Verify. The result means a unified and user-friendly workflow that streamlines quality inspections and ensures 100% accuracy, compliance, and print readiness.

A key feature is the single-Click file inspection tools for compliance. The built-in automated text compare, spell check, graphics, barcode and braille inspections ensure that files are compliant with global regulatory requirements by checking files as they move through the WebCenter workflow.

Security and data protection with the closed-loop integration is said to ensure that files leaving WebCenter are securely transferred to Verify, prioritising data security and protecting sensitive information.

Another feature is the seamless artwork management workflow. This reduces the number of revisions needed, improve productivity, and create more synergy in the artwork management workflow by connecting Verify to WebCenter, allowing for single click file transfers between the two.

The Verify integration in WebCenter brings together speed, precision, and security to address the challenges faced by artwork, labelling and quality control teams to save time and maintain compliance by automating proofreading throughout the artwork management process.

Michael Malz, chief product officer at GlobalVision, commented, ‘Esko and GlobalVision teams have been hard at work for many months to bring this new integration to life. Accessing GlobalVision tools from within the WebCenter workflow has been a key function our shared customers have been requesting, as it brings quality inspections right where users need them.’

Jan De Roeck, Esko director of marketing, industry relations and strategy, added, ‘We are dedicated to developing solutions that accelerate the go-to-market of packaged goods. We are always keen to ensure our customers are making the very most of their Esko software and we are delighted to have worked with GlobalVision on this integration.’

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The high-speed UV inkjet press, AccurioJet 60000, is explained to be capable of producing 6000 sheets per hour along with duplex printing capabilities. The press produces high image quality and reproduction stability across a range of media, taking advantage of Konica Minolta’s inline sensors and a spectrophotometer to automatically monitor printing conditions.

Visitors to Konica Minolta at drupa will also be the first to see the AccurioPress C84hc, which uses high chroma toner. Free from the restrictions imposed by the colour gamut of ordinary toner, prints are said to be more consistent across bright and vivid colours.

The company will also introduce Myiro colour management tools for graphics arts applications. Developed by Konica Minolta’s Sensing Business Unit, these tools include spectrophotometers for colour management and high-speed auto scanning.

Konica will be joined on the stand by MGI (MGI Digital Printing Systems) showing its new JetSeal and inline die cutter, as well as launching an advanced version of its AccurioPro Colour Manager software suite.

Also joining Konica Minolta will be Industrial Inkjet (IIJ), a specialist in bespoke inkjet customisation, which exclusively uses Konica Minolta print heads in its products; and Plockmatic, a supplier of finishing options, as well as Acco and Fiery.

Konica Minolta will also be running fully automated production lines driven by artificial intelligence, and will show the use of robotics that includes the premiere of a Cobot arm.

Jon Hiscock, head of production and industrial print at Konica Minolta (UK), stated, ‘As a major player in digital production printing it is our mission to promote and support the shift from analogue to digital print. In doing so, we will build a world where high-value-added printed materials are created efficiently with minimal environmental impact.’

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The P5 Pack series is a printing option tailored to the production of corrugated displays and packaging. The P5 350 HS Pack combines the versatility of a P5 hybrid printing system with the ability to print on a wide range of materials used in the POP/POS and retail markets.

Andrea Riccardi, head of product management, graphics at Durst, commented, ‘The modular design of the P5 technology platform enables us to develop new products for a wide range of applications. We identify market requirements and incorporate them into our development process. The P5 350 HS Pack is another result of our customer-oriented approach and expands our P5 portfolio.’

As part of the P5 Pack series, Durst is introducing a new ink set that is tailored to the requirements of display and packaging printing. The Luvera LED ink is characterised by low odour and high abrasion resistance. With this new ink, Durst has covered a wider colour gamut to give displays and packaging a high level of vibrancy. The Luvera inks are also Ikea and IOT-Mat compliant. 

The P5 Pack series is equipped with a material guide and a pressure rollers system, aiming to ease production. The series’ automated corrugated edge holders avoid collisions between the print heads and the substrates. The width and height are set automatically by selecting the media channel in the software, reducing set-up time.

In addition, the vacuum system increases the suction power on the print belt by approximately 40% compared to the conventional systems. This means that heavy and warped corrugated boards can be flattened and printed cleanly.

The P5 Pack series also includes the sensor-controlled Multitrack six function, which is managed by six independent printing queues, enabling up to six corrugated boards to be printed in parallel by manual feeding.

To maximise production potential of the printing system, the P5 Pack series, as all P5 printing systems, can be equipped with the proprietary Durst Workflow Rip/colour management and analytics software such as the Durst Automat MT.

With this new option for the automatic feeding and stacking of boards, up to four lanes can be processed in parallel. The multi-lane operation of the Automat MT works together with the Multitrack six function of the P5 350 HS Pack and is said to result in clean and fast media separation, even with difficult synthetic boards and thin substrates.

Continuous and stable production is ensured by pneumatically controlled flaps that prevent the materials from slipping during the loading and unloading process. The entire printing process is continuously monitored by surveillance cameras. The feed and delivery tables have also been further developed to ensure smooth transportation of the boards.

‘With the Automat MT, we can map different levels of automation, ranging from three quarters to full automation. This allows us to raise our customers’ productivity to a new level,’ stated Christian Harder, vice president of sales at Durst Group.

The availability of the P5 Pack series is planned for Q3 2024.

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Through this initiative, Clean Agency also developed an LCA tool that EFI customers can use to analyse their CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions as part of overall packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR).

According to the LCA, printing corrugated materials on an EFI Nozomi digital press reduces global warming potential (GWP) by approximately 50% when compared to analogue printing technologies.

Seri McClendon, CEO of Clean Agency, said, ‘No printing plates, less energy, less waste, and just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing all contribute to CO2e reductions for corrugated printing on EFI’s Nozomi digital press.

‘Packaging is a major contributor to Scope 3 emissions, so we not only partnered with EFI to conduct the LCA but also to build a calculator that enables users to quantify related kilograms of CO2e for specific packaging printing volumes and applications.’

Evandro Matteucci, EFI’s vice president and general manager of building materials and packaging, stated, ‘The insights substantiate digital print’s positive impact on sustainability as well as our overall commitment to our own and our customers’ sustainability goals.

‘The LCA tool is a key value proposition for all users, as the ability to demonstrate clear footprint reductions not only aligns with ethical values but also enhances brand reputation and competitiveness in the market.’

In 2023, UK converter Caps Cases has claimed to have saved 300,000kg of CO2e when compared to analogue production methods, following its investment in the world’s first EFI Nozomi 14000 LED single-pass UV LED inkjet press.

Trevor Bissett, CEO of Caps Cases, commented, ‘According to our calculations, our largest customer avoided 60,000kg of CO2e by switching to Nozomi digitally printed packaging in 2023. To have the ability to communicate this calculation and its impact provides a strong testimonial for our digital print solutions and indicates our commitment to being a sustainable manufacturer.’

The post EFI’s Nozomi cuts CO2e by 50% against analogue print appeared first on Digital Printer.

The Co-I series is described to harness the ability of printing intricate graphics, with CMYK plus orange, red, clear, white, and primer inks, on substrates, including plastic, leather, wood, and metals with flexibility. The printers are capable of accommodating objects up to 242mm in height and 100 kg/sqm in weight, catering to three-dimensional applications. The ergonomic table design is said to facilitate the installation of tilted devices, to ensure precise printing on gently curved or uneven surfaces.

Tony Miller, Roland DG’s president of global sales and marketing division, commented, ‘Based on their material and application needs, customers can choose the best solution from five different models, including three 64in width models with a choice of three different table sizes with vacuum beds, and two 30in width models, one with a vacuum bed.’

The integrated control panel and features such as static electricity remover and automatic printhead cleaning are claimed to make for an easier operation and stable print quality, in limited workspaces.

Co-I series printers come with VersaWorks 6 software, Roland DG’s Rip, which processes PDF, EPS and PostScript files which auto-generates white, gloss and primer layers with one button.

The Co-I series also supports cloud-based services, including Roland DG Connect, for more efficient business operations and growth, with better support in the event of errors, operational visibility and easy profit calculations. It also features PrintAutoMate for businesses like e-commerce that require continuous output in large batches.

Mr Miller concluded, ‘The diversification and individualisation of consumer needs has led to an increasing demand for timely and flexible responses that are attentive to the needs of each individual customer.

‘Interest in on-demand printing, which enables speedy production of what is needed, when it is needed, and in the required quantity, are growing year by year. VersaObject’s direct printing solutions bring numerous benefits and competitive advantages to customers’ businesses, including shorter delivery times, reduced costs, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact while enabling the creation of new business opportunities.’

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Ms Hodgson has joined Signbox after 14 years at Octink. During her time there, she project managed signage contracts whilst running a small team of junior project managers. She then became head of project management, looking after a team of over 20 project managers before taking on the role of general manager at the company in 2020.

Ms Hodgson commented, ‘I have known about Signbox for a long time, and I know they are a forward-thinking company with a fantastic culture for innovation and excellence in sign-making. I am also keen to get more involved in new sectors and products, there is great potential to do this with Signbox.’

Mark Bartlett, managing director of Signbox, said, ‘Hayley brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the industry. She has delivered and overseen some truly incredible projects, as well as having an extensive background in account management, business strategy and senior leadership. She will play a pivotal role in taking Signbox into a new and positive era of innovation and success for our company.’

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With the UK technically in recession after two successive quarters of falling GDP, including a worse-than expected fourth quarter of 2023 as household reined in Christmas expenditure in response to rising retail prices and borrowing costs, it doesn’t seem like the most optimistic time for commercial print, often seen as a bellwether of the economy.

But doom and gloom is very much not on the cards for the UK’s trade print sector, where investment continues and ambitious growth targets are still being set. The positive attitude is perhaps

best exemplified by Where The Trade Buys’ (WTTB) Gary Peeling, who says, ‘Fear can be paralysing for businesses and being afraid can have a knock-on effect on demand and growth.

‘Reacting less and acting more will be our watchwords, going forward; you can’t wait around for bad – or good – fortune, both come and go.’

Richard Campbell, the new MD at Northside Graphics, which runs the TradeDigitalPrint websites for UK and Ireland, sees it as more of the same. ‘The biggest challenge to our business is the same one as it’s always been, the macro environment, which is challenging in both of the markets in which we operate, UK and Ireland,’ he says.

‘Costs are going up and customer expectations also continue to grow. So we are doing what we have always done; keeping a keen eye on pricing to make sure our customers are getting really good value.’

A focus on value and competitive pricing is arguably business as usual for the competitive trade sector, but Tradeprint’s Anthony Rowell alludes to ‘pivotal issues’ affecting both printer and their customers:

‘The rapid development in both automation and digital printing methods demands that companies remain well-informed about technological progress to maintain their market edge. Additionally, ongoing disruptions in supply chains are impacting the availability and cost of essential materials.

‘This is further intensified by increasing environmental issues. The demand for sustainable and eco-credible printing solutions is escalating, driven by both regulatory bodies and consumer preferences. Moreover, there is a shift in customer expectations, with an emphasis on quicker delivery times, bespoke products, and superior quality at competitive rates.’

It’s also the case that the political maxim ‘never waste a good crisis’ applies here. Steve Wenlock at Flexpress notes that ‘every situation presents opportunities, as well as threats, so we just work harder to exploit whatever opportunities may be present’, while Mr Peeling agrees and summarises his call to action thus: ‘Don’t wait for the environment to be perfect, it never is’.

Why go trade?

That sounds like a pretty comprehensive description of the issues facing all printers, so what is the trade printers’ pitch? Do current circumstances merit altering the proposition, or merely strengthen existing reasons for looking outside your own factory to get things printed?

Mr Wenlock feels it bolsters the existing rationale, arguing, ‘Financial pressures and political uncertainty are making a lot of smaller printers ever more cautious about investing in expensive equipment to fulfil occasional orders. It makes far more sense, particularly now, to outsource to a capable and trustworthy trade printer that can produce what you need reliably and cost-effectively.’

Mr Campbell concurs, suggesting that this is already happening: ‘Our sales continue to grow on our trade sites, which indicates where the industry is going in terms of buying habits and the move to online. We see a growing number of printers choosing to use us rather than continue trying to produce the work themselves or get someone locally to produce it.’

An automated Müller Martini binding and trimming line supports book-of-one production at WTTB.

Macauley Hardeman of Route 1 adds, ‘We don’t believe these reasons for using a trade supplier will fundamentally change, although we are seeing an increasing number of partners focusing more on customer-facing aspects of their operations,’ suggesting that at least some printers are prioritising winning business over the act of producing it.

Mr Peeling backs that view too, saying, ‘Trade printers have always provided capabilities, solutions and expertise that would necessitate several years of internal development and significant capital investment for companies to establish [themselves].’ ‘The invaluable expertise we collectively bring to the table is pivotal. Through outsourcing, trade resellers can focus their time and effort on cultivating closer relationships with key customers and identifying project streams that yield optimal margins or demonstrate strong demand,’ he adds.

For Mr Rowell, it’s about understanding customers’ needs and motivations. ‘We recognise that print projects aren’t ‘widgets’– they have meaning and applications and are often an important driver to support our customers growth with a human touch,’ he says.

To back up their arguments and deliver what they promise, our trade printers are continuing to invest in a variety of directions. At Tradeprint this means technology – advanced printing techniques, automation and using AI to boost efficiency and quality – as well as expanding the range of services and product catalogue to include more customised products, self-serve design tools, an ‘amazing’ range of prepress and design options, plus a Resource Hub and sustainable solutions, according to Mr Rowell, who also points to the company’s buying strength as part of the Cimpress group. Direct connection with clients’ e-commerce via API is also offered, something that Solopress has also done, reducing transactional costs and admin overhead.

At WTTB, a 2024 goal is to overhaul the online pricing engine for ‘core’ categories, in order to enable customers to get an immediate price on most specifications of most key products. ‘First often secures the order, this new pricing engine will mean fewer delays waiting for a bespoke estimate,’ explains Mr Peeling.

Improving the user experience is also central to Northside’s plans, with both the UK and Ireland trade websites having recently been re-launched with a ‘completely different look and feel’, according to Mr Campbell. Further products recently added include labels on a roll, a bespoke products service and 13 same-day delivery products, with a ‘large pipeline’ of further new products to come in 2024.

The focus at Route 1 is very much on books, following the acquisition and integration of Kingsbury Press into the Wath-Upon-Dearne production site. ‘We’ve recently rolled out a significant expansion to our perfect bound book range, with new stock options and hardcover variants. Books will continue to be our main focus, so you can expect to see the introduction of additional binding types, innovative embellishment options, and much more throughout the year,’ confirms Mr Hardeman.

The South Yorkshire production capability will no doubt be bolstered by the addition of the company’s second Landa S10P B1 digital press, scheduled for the spring of 2024. Route 1 probably outscores just about everyone in terms of spend, too, with the Landa being part of a £5 million planned investment; further details of this are expected to be announced later in 2024.

Mr Wenlock says, ‘For us, it’s less about introducing new products and more about improving what we already do,’ but that still requires investment. He says £500,000 has already been spent this year, with a highlight being the purchase of a Duplo DuSense DDC8000 B2 digital embellishment press, which will enable ‘sensory spot UV and metallic foils to be applied to a greater range of products, ‘more cost-effectively and faster than ever’.

No drupa delay

It looks like the imminent drupa isn’t causing any delay to investment plans, though its influence on the market is undeniable. ‘We are always looking three to four years down the line, so drupa 2024 will probably not change our plans but may help to inform us better,’ opines Mr Campbell. Mr Rowell is enthusiastic about the return of the event, noting, ‘I think the anticipation of new technology announcements presented at the event will significantly shape future investment strategies in our amazing sector’.

At WTTB there’s no hanging around for possible announcements, it’s a case of buying available kit as and when it’s justified. Mr Peeling gives the example of Müller Martini PUR and case-binding equipment installed in September 2023, which he says supports one-book publication through to offset runs and operates with zero makeready thanks to the use of job barcodes in the trim area of the books.

Summarising the outlook, Route 1’s Mr Hardeman says, ‘We have entered 2024 with cautious optimism. No doubt there will be some big challenge that hits us all this year but the one thing we’re confident in is the amazing ability of UK businesses to adapt and make it work!’.

Tradeprint sees opportunities across the board, from direct mail to promotional and gift offerings to exhibition graphics, plus work that should arise from the expected general election, whenever it comes. ‘We think there’s some great opportunities for growth out there and we are super-determined to grow in a sustainable, profitable way,’ enthuses Mr Rowell.

Mr Campbell at Northside perhaps puts it most succinctly for everyone: ‘2024 is about continuing to do what we have always done while offering an even bigger range of products and services to our customers.’

If you’re not already using trade services to benefit from their equipment and expertise, it’s surely worth taking a look – there’s nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.

This article was first published in the February/March 2024 issue of Digital Printer, which you can read online here. 

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Unlike adhesive-based films, KernowJet Kling utilises a speciality coating that mimics the properties of traditional window cling without the need for adhesives. This is said to ensure easy application and removal, making it ideal for temporary signage, promotional displays, and decorative applications.

Arnoud Mekenkamp, European and Asian channel manager at Kernow Coatings commented, ‘With its advanced coating and superior performance, KernowJet Kling offers a game-changing solution for businesses and individuals seeking high-quality window film options.’

The product offers PVC-free composition being made from polypropylene, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC-based window films, reducing environmental impact without compromising on quality according to the company.

Other claimed benefits include a repositionable design allowing for precise placement and hassle-free adjustments. The film’s compatibility with UV and latex wide-format printers allows the product to offer high print quality and vibrant colours. The flexibility of the product, because of its white and clear variants, also means KernowJet Kling can meet a variety of applications and design preferences for the customer.

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