Reconomy combines technology and skills to enable businesses to better manage their resources, helping to reduce waste, optimise their supply chains and contribute in a meaningful way towards the circular economy.

While this involves working directly with print companies, Reconomy has also partnered with several leading manufacturers and distributors, supporting its customers with textile waste management. One such partnership is with Soyang Europe, whereby printers using materials from Soyang Europe can responsibly dispose of their waste.

This partnership came about three years ago with the support of Fespa UK. Reconomy was working on sustainability initiatives with Fespa, while Soyang Europe is a long-term member of the association.

The process works with Reconomy providing customers with a baler to prepare their textile waste. Soyang Europe then collects the bales when delivering new products to customers, with the waste taken to its facility in Altham in Lancashire ready for bulk collection and transportation to a recycling facility for processing.

‘It was a perfect fit,’ said Reconomy’s director Jon Hutton. ‘Soyang has always been proactive in wanting to offer their customers, and the wider industry, waste management solutions for their products.

‘Sustainability is a hot topic for several reasons. Brands and consumers are looking down the supply chain for environmental credentials, so it’s therefore a driving factor in how to not only maintain and gain business, but how a printer positions themselves for the long term.’

Mark Mashiter, managing director at Soyang Europe, added, ‘It provides our customers with an outlet for their waste. This works well with local customers when we deliver orders to them; we can bring any textile bales back with us and store them in our yard until they are collected.’

Originally, Reconomy had sourced a solution for recycling PVC banner and polyester fabrics at a UK site, whereby waste was blended with other polymers to produce low grade products. While this process ended when more desirable material became available to the market, a recovery route was soon set up and, with the support of Wheeldon Brothers, waste could now be diverted from landfill to renewable energy.

However, recycling has since been re-established and material is again being used in manufacturing processes. Coupled with its use for renewable energy, all of this is helping work towards a circular economy.

An additional benefit to the service is that Soyang Europe is willing to take other supplier’s waste textiles along with its own. This option is available to customers using their own transport within a set radius of Soyang Europe’s facility and when making deliveries.

‘Soyang Europe wants to be part of the environmental solution and not the problem,’ Jon said. ‘The take-back scheme provides a platform for printers to demonstrate their sustainability by providing customers with an outlet for their recycling waste.

‘Several customers have engaged with Reconomy further and are now collecting their own clients’ end-of-campaign textiles, integrating this with the collection of their materials. All loads are tracked, and Certificates of Recycling can be issued once the material has been processed.’

The work does not stop here for Reconomy, with Mr Hutton saying the company will continue to work with Soyang Europe, Fespa UK and its wider membership base to provide more sustainable solutions to the UK industry. 

‘It’s our aim to continue to be a driving force in educating the industry on the importance of recycling and developing circular economies,’ Mr Hutton said. ‘This, with the continued support of Soyang Europe, will ensure more customers take up this service.’

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For this project, Stylographics was tasked with creating an eye-catching display that would help draw the attention of passers-by and tempt them into the store to view some of the latest products from Marc Jacobs. The design featured a bold black and white pattern that was to stretch around the entire window frame.

With this in mind, Stylographics opted to use Print Floor, a PVC flooring material from Soyang Europe. This material is suited for use in applications such as floor graphics and retail displays. Stylographics used its Durst P10 250HS UV inkjet printer to print the design onto the material.

Siobhan Storey, marketing manager at Stylographics, said, ‘Having used Print Floor from Soyang Europe for a number of years and on a whole range of projects, we knew straight away that this application would require the same solution. What stands out for us and what we like most about Print Floor is that it is a very hard-wearing and reliable product; we rely on it time and time again for all sorts of applications.’

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Based at Soyang Europe’s headquarters in Accrington, the new site houses a range of printing equipment, sewing machinery, flatbed printers, reel-fed printers, routers and cutters, all of which will be available for live demonstrations during visits, plus its own ranges of digitally printable wide-format and super-wide format media and surface coverings.

Open daily, the facility will run in the style of a print house, with solutions ranging from narrow width machines up to 5m roll printers, in addition to finishing equipment to complement this hardware. Included in the print machinery on display is the Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 5m-wide printer, sold by Soyang Europe under a partnership agreed last year. Soyang will be running its wide range of specialist materials on all the printers in-house, allowing visitors to gauge for themselves the quality and how they perform in a print house environment. 

‘If you come to Soyang, it’s not just a normal demo site where you’ll just go and see machines; you’ll see an actual facility with one and a half million square metres of material in it,’ Soyang Europe managing director Mark Mashiter said. ‘That shows how we support the industry in terms of stock levels. It’s not just about machinery, it’s about the media as well and, specifically, the right media for the right printer.

‘We want to be different; the printers will be used all the time as we will be producing our own samples, so there will always be something running in the demo room.’

The new space is being overseen by Gareth Newman, an experienced industry expert who joined Soyang Europe as Technical Applications Manager earlier this year. Mr Newman will be on hand to guide visitors through the options available from Soyang and to match solutions to their requirements.

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Sign & Digital UK was one of the first shows to resume its normal schedule after the interruptions of the pandemic years, with a respectable showing in March 2022, and is back this year with increasing confidence as the industry continues to recover from the lockdown periods of interrupted business.

Industry names already confirmed include Roland DG, EFI, eProductivity Software, Epson UK, Morgana, Premier, Hexis UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies and swissQprint. According to organisers Faversham House, there will also be a host of familiar – and maybe not so familiar – exhibitors ready and waiting to welcome visitors from across the sign and large-format digital printing world.

Event director Jenny Matthew says, ‘Last year we had a great show, even though the country was just getting used to the idea of getting out again. However, this year promises to be a no-holds-barred celebration of all that is good and great in the wonderful world of sign-making and large-format digital printing. I have spoken to many people who say that SDUK 2023 will be their first opportunity to see the latest technology and innovation for several years, and they can’t wait.’

In addition to the array of exhibitors on the show floor, there are other features at the show, designed to educate and inform sign-makers of all shapes, sizes and experience levels. One of these is the UK Wrap Battle 2023, hosted by Hexis, will run throughout the show, giving visitors a chance to see the very best practitioners of the vehicle wrapping trade as they demonstrate their skills in a battle of speed and accuracy to claim the title of Best UK Installer 2023.

Meanwhile, the Sign Studio aims to have something for everyone in vinyl signage, from novices to veterans. Running every day, this features live demonstrations and practical workshops hosted by experienced sign-maker Paul Hughes. These sessions will allow visitors to learn more about the basics of vinyl application, vehicle livery, wall coverings and other uses for the material.

‘I will give practical, hands-on demonstrations designed to inform people looking to take their first steps in vinyl application and those wanting to add to and develop their skills. There will even be something for more seasoned pros on the hunt for the latest tips and tricks,’ says Mr Hughes.

Explanations forthcoming

Complementing these are the SDUK Explains Lounge and a brand-new feature, the Sign Surgery, both hosted by the International Sign Association UK (ISA–UK). Throughout the show, there will be daily presentations and panel sessions covering the big issues affecting sign-makers and wide-format print providers. The topics covered in these will include sustainability, overcoming the skills shortage challenge and how to grow your business.

Building on last year’s outing, the Explains Lounge will host a comprehensive programme of presentations designed to engage, inform and inspire. All of the sessions are free to attend and there is no requirement to pre-register.

Event Director Jenny Matthew explains, ‘We have invited experienced experts in their field to explain how to make your sign business more successful. They will look at various important topics, such as when it’s right to outsource or take work in-house, how to win more tenders, and how sign-makers can work together to build their businesses.’

Panel beating

Daily panel sessions bring a range of industry experts together to discuss the big issues affecting the signage industry. On Tuesday 28 March, a group of experts from BPIF and POPAI will examine the danger of ‘sustainability satigue’. They will discuss how to reinvigorate the market to keep sustainability in focus and benefit themselves, their customers and the planet.

Wednesday’s panel session (29 March) will be hosted by Women in Sign-Making, focusing on the role of men in supporting women in sign-making. On Thursday 30 March, the panel will examine the skills shortage affecting sign-makers up and down the country. They will discuss the pain points for the sign industry, and highlight the key actions companies can take to overcome them.

Successful surgery

A new feature for 2023, the Sign Surgery will take place alongside the Explains Lounge and will be an informal environment where visitors can put questions to ISA-UK directors. Craig Brown, CEO of the ISA UK, says, ‘The Sign Surgery will be a vibrant and welcoming place where visitors come to discuss the issues and challenges most important to them. ISA members with decades of experience in all areas of sign-making will be available throughout the show to answer questions and discuss real business issues. We have seen and lived it all in signage as a group, and this is a rare opportunity to share this knowledge with fellow sign-makers.’

Ms Matthew concludes, ‘The Explains Lounge will be based in the heart of the show and we have put together a schedule that should have something of interest and value for everyone attending the show. Whether you are a small start-up looking to gain vital knowledge and advice from experienced industry experts, or a more seasoned professional wanting to keep up to speed with the latest developments, we have something for you on the Explains Lounge.’

Exhibitor highlights

Materials from Drytac for the large-format print and signage applications will appear on a variety of stand across Hall 2 at the NEC, where they will feature in product demonstrations from Epson, Roland DG, Soyang Europe and Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services. Experts from Drytac will also be in attendance to answer any questions.

Workflow and MIS specialist eProductivity Software (EPS) eProductivity Software is promising an exclusive first look at what it touts as ‘a revolutionary new mobile app that will change the way you approach installations, invoicing and delivery’. The rest of the company’s Productivity Suites and other modular solutions will be in action, with opportunities to speak with experts, about improving workflow, increasing efficiency, or expanding capabilities. Specific technology areas covered by EPS include web-to-print, imposition and print MIS/ERP solutions, backed by live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, plus expert consultations and advice.

Visitors to Mimaki distributor Hybrid Services’ stand will be able to view the new direct-to-film (DtF) TxF 150-75 printer that also made its debut appearance at Printwear & Promotion Live in late February. The Mimaki DTF works on cotton, polyester and polyester blended materials, and the print can be applied to both light and dark coloured fabrics. DtF offers a simpler workflow compared to other garment printing methods, and the inks are Oeko-Tex Eco Passport certified.

Also present on Hybrid’s stand will be the dye sublimation TS330-1600 and the other models in the 330 series of printers, the solvent print-only JV330-160 and its integrated solvent printer/cutter sibling, the CJV330. All three models share a common 1.6m platform, claiming high performance and productivity, coupled with ease of use. On the flatbed UV side, printers at opposite ends of the size spectrum will also be on show, with the A2/A3 format UJF Series displayed alongside the JFX200-2513EX 8 x 4-ft model. Both offer direct to substrate printing on a wide range of materials and items.

Morgana and Intec are partnering to exhibit a full range of die-cutting solutions. This includes the AeroDieCut, which uses existing wood and steel dies for cutting, creasing, perforating, embossing and debossing. For a full digital approach, the highly automated new ColorCut SC6000 is said to provide an ideal entry point. Flatbed die-cutting options from the Intec stable include the creasing and cutting dual-tooled flatbed ColorCut FB775 and ColorCut FB9000 Pro models, which deliver high performance and ‘unparalleled’ media control via creasing forces of up to 1.5kg and a cutting force of up to 1.2kg. Morgana’s top-of-the-range Valiani Integra is suitable for working with thicker substrates and targeted the world of signage and packaging.

The BN-20D desktop printer marks Roland DG’s entry into the direct-to-fabric sector

Premier will be showcasing products from its extensive range of display graphic media including key brands such as Contra Vision, Neschen, Ultraboard, Ritrama and Plexiglas. The company’s team of experts will be on hand to deliver product information, demonstrations and advice on how to transform spaces with memorable, innovative retail displays and graphics.  There will also be live competitions running throughout the course of each of the three days, with some prizes up for grabs and one or two special guest appearances.

PrintiQ will be returning to the show with an increased stand presence and more demonstrators following its success at last year’s event. The MIS developer will bring its latest software, which delivers business intelligence information and builds a managed workflow solution that allows users to see accurately where they are making or losing money and provides data to underpin actions. Among the various modules to be shown are Quote Intelligence, Payment Gateways, Shipping Manager, plus rich API interfaces that connect and drive online systems to create a complete automated ordering and tracking service from ‘quote to delivery’.

A range of wide-format print solutions will be shown by QPS, including a Colorjet Verve 2513 UV flatbed printer running throughout the three-day event, using Nazdar inks., which will also be featured in their own right. QPS will also be able to discuss how DuPont Artistri textile inks, for which is a distributor, will work with ‘almost any’ printer and are suitable for multiple textile applications including apparel, fashion accessories, interior design, exterior flags and signage, soft furnishings, active wear, garment decoration and direct-to-garment printing.

Roland DG will show the new TrueVis models announced in January 2023, including its first resin printer, the AP-640 and the MG & LG series of UV print-and-cut machines. Alongside these newest machines, the VG3-640 and SG3-540/300 printer/cutters will be displayed. Roland hasn’t confirmed but it seems highly likely that the company’s baby DtF printer, the BN-20D, which was shown at Printwear & Promotion Live, will also feature.

Soyang Europe and Josero will demonstrate hardware from manufacturing partners Fujifilm, Jetrix and Mimaki, as well as display an applications wall with products created using its own wide- and super-wide format digitally printable materials. The latter will include non-PVC banner materials, textiles, wallcovering and décor media, plus self-adhesive floor coverings.

Another returning exhibitor from 2022 is SwissQprint, which will be running live demonstrations of the high quality Nyala 4 flatbed UV printer, along with the roll-fed Karibu. Information about other models, including the Kudu, the most recently introduced high-end UV flatbed model capable of over 300sqm/hr output and with 10 configurable colour channels, will also be available. Specialist applications including neon inks, texture printing and 3D effects will be shown in addition.

Show stalwart Trotec will be back too, with a range of product demonstrations, including the biggest of its large-format laser cutters, the SP3000. With laser power options up to 400W, a 3210 x 2210mm working area and a host of productivity features, the PS3000 is designed for demanding production environments and enables an optimised workflow that complements the print process. In addition, Trotec will give live demonstrations of the Speedy 400 Flexx and Q500 laser engraver and cutter systems, which both offer high-quality laser finishing for printed products. The company’s range of sheet materials, including engravable laminates, wood and acrylic, will also be on display.

Vivid Laminating Technologies will be showcasing all its major product ranges: the VeloBlade Nexus range of wide-format digital die-cutters, the Matrix systems for lamination, foiling and special effects, and the Easymount systems for wide-format lamination. Vivid staff will also demonstrate the company’s Zip Core packaging software, which is has been designed to optimise packaging design from start to finish, and the VeloTaper fully-automated flatbed taping system, a patented innovation designed and developed in-house by Vivid in the UK.

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The show, which provides advice and learning opportunities for business owners, is aimed at all those involved in the production of signage and displays. The show floor will feature live demos from new and returning exhibitors including: Roland DG, Epson UK, Premier, Hexis UK, The Magic Touch, Tecna UK, Vivid Laminating Technologies, swissQprint, Morgana Systems, Soyang Europe, Trotec Laser, Graphtec GB, WorksThing, Very Displays, Automatic Letter Bender UK, TT Market Elektronik, Boxford Holdings, Ex-Cel Plastics, HPC Laser, Stanford Marsh l Plot-IT, Amaya Sales UK, D&K Europe, Global Erecting Sign Services, ITC, AXYZ Automation, Marabu UK, Clarity Software, and many more.

Jenny Matthew, event director for SDUK said, ‘With over 30 years of heritage as a national trade show, SDUK evolves each year to offer the best value to our exhibitors and showcase the very latest advances in technologies and applications for our visitors. After recent challenging years, the time was right to evolve the branding and introduce a new fresh and modern look for SDUK along with some new show plans to meet the business needs of the industry.

‘We’ve invested heavily in market research and created an SDUK Working Group to make sure we have our finger on the industry’s pulse. Feedback from 2022 has been phenomenal but we’re not standing still – our visitors want to see a broader range of exhibitors and more learning opportunities, so we’ve developed more reasons to exhibit by introducing an innovative new exhibition format that lowers costs; and created new show and marketing packages to deliver increased return on investment.

‘Visitors also asked for better networking opportunities and we’re working hard on some innovative and fun new ways to do this to ensure SDUK remains an unrivalled meeting place for the signage, display, and print industry. There are so many business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike. Watch this space for all the updates.’

Sign & Digital UK will take place at the NEC, Birmingham from 21-23 March 2023.

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Showcased at Fespa 2022 earlier this year, the latest range of products includes bio-based and bio-attributed materials, produced using 100% recycled PES yarn fabric, while the coatings are obtained from non-petrochemical and non-fossil resources.

The Fujifilm Acuity Ultra R2 Printer distributer will offer the new Biotex products alongside a portfolio of other materials from Endutex – including the Print Collection, which features traditional PVC materials up to 5m wide, and the X Collection of PVC-coated products for use in textiles, wallcoverings and flooring work.

Also distributed by Soyang Europe is the Terratex Collection, a range of 100% PVC-free textile and banner materials up to 5m wide, and the Recytex Collection of 100% recyclable banner materials.

Soyang Europe’s managing director Mark Mashiter said, ‘We’re delighted to be offering this latest range of planet-friendly products to our customers. With customers demanding an increasingly sustainable service from their print partners, these new materials will allow print service providers to respond by delivering high-quality, eco-conscious work for multiple applications.’

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The company, which manufactures a wide range of media for wide- and superwide-format media, was awarded the certification by CarbonQuota after its greenhouse gas emissions were assessed from 1 January to 31 December 2021.

During the 12-month period, Soyang Europe observed 204 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from its Calder House facility on the Altham Industrial Estate in Accrington. To achieve carbon neutrality, a company must commit to emissions reductions and then cancel out carbon emitted by an activity by reducing or removing an equal amount of carbon through verified schemes.

Managing director of Soyang Europe Mark Mashiter said, ‘We have worked extremely hard to implement a number of innovative schemes including minimising our container loading into 40-ft containers to reduce carbon by maximising space, investing in two low emission trucks from Mercedes, and ensuring any carbon we emit from our manufacturing operations is offset.

‘In addition, all our company cars and forklift trucks are electric, our warehouse lighting is LED and we also use solar energy. However, the hard work does not stop here, and we will continue to explore new ways to make the business even more sustainable moving forward.’

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The company, which manufactures and distributes digitally printable wide-format and super wide-format media, described Mr Anstey as ‘an incredibly knowledgeable expert in the wide-format print market’ who ‘brings with him a wealth of experience from his time working with a number of distributors and hardware resellers in the sector.’

In his new role Mr Anstey will work with Soyang Europe customers, helping them to identify the materials they need to succeed in the modern market. He will also play a major role in the company’s ongoing growth plans, with Soyang reporting that demand for its range of products and solutions has significantly increased in recent months.

Speaking about the appointment, Soyang Europe managing director Mark Mashiter commented, ‘We’ve gone from strength to strength as a business – having grown to six separate production lines and holding 1.5million square metres of stock in our 70,000sqft facility – and Mitch’s valuable experience will help us to continue and support this growth.’

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