Issue 358 - January | February 2026 www.printmonthly.co.uk 2026 Predictions We ask industry professionals what they foresee coming in the year ahead Page 21 Vivid’s “Razar” sharp solution Michael Walker looks at Vivid Laminating Technologies’ latest piece of kit Page 26 UPM and Sappi to join forces The two paper manufacturers have announced a new joint venture Page 08 Autumn Budget reactions Experts in the industry react to the latest government announcements Page 05 Industry Tips Colin Sinclair McDermott discusses competing on value not price Page 29 Toner-Based Kit ▲ Jonathan Pert dives into the latest toner-based printers in the industry Page 39 DEMONSTRATIONS AVAILABLE BOOK YOURS TODAY! MOLL INTERNATIONAL, LTD. OFFICE / SHOWROOM: +44 (0) 12685 60962 UNIT 13 BROCKS BUSINESS PARK, HODGSON WAY WICKFORD, ESSEX SS11 8YN, UNITED KINGDOM Apprenticeships 2026 55Page
CONTENTS Issue 358 January | February 2026 ISSN 2977-005X NEWS Industry 05 We cover the big topics in the industry, including new reports, proposals, and service delays Business 08 Environment Taking a look at new ventures and innovations regarding sustainable projects and solutions 11 Kit and consumables 12 People 15 Events 18 SPECIALS 2026 Predictions 21 We ask industry professionals what they foresee coming in the year ahead Under the Hood - Vivid Razar: Michael walker 26 A chance to learn more about Vivid Laminating Technologies’ unique piece of kit INDUSTRY TIPS: COLIN SINCLAIR MCDERMOTT 29 fresh Perspectives: Carly O'Neill 32 FEATURES Colour Management: Rob Fletcher 34 Toner-Based Kit: Jonathan Pert 39 Creasing, folding, and collating: rob fletcher 45 Guillotines: Rob fletcher 50 Apprenticeships: david osgar 55 IN THIS ISSUE 05 26 21 09 45 39 55 14 3 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 32 08
Hello and welcome to Print Monthly January/February! It’s a brand-new year and so comes a raft of fresh optimism and new ideas, coupled with the hard to shake Christmas hangover. As evident in this issue, there is plenty to digest from the end of 2025, as well as many things to speculate about going into 2026. From consolidations to government updates, and focuses on young people and diversification, this issue of Print Monthly provides ample amounts of inspiration and information to help our readers plan for the year ahead. One of the standouts for me is this edition's Industry Tips (page 29) in which Colin Sinclair McDermott highlights the value and trust that printers can offer customers. Instead of a race to the bottom when it comes to price, Sinclair McDermott suggests using trust, creativity, and communication as reasons for customers to choose small- and medium-sized businesses over large conglomerates. His words are definitely ones we can all relate to, and definitely important when understanding our value and how to best advertise the medium of print. This year’s Predictions special (page 21) is another great resource for re-evaluating objectives both internally and in the wider industry. Jane Wickens from Solopress, speculates that 2026 could be the year of print, a sentiment shared by many experts we spoke to who comment on digital-fatigue and the increasing amount of innovation taking place across print’s various sectors. Our Apprenticeship feature (page 55) is also an example of the growing talent that is being produced in the industry, and a great resource to learn from when nurturing talent within your own business. In this issue’s Fresh Perspectives (page 32), Carly O’Neill gives her perspective on entering the industry, and realising, as many young people do year on year, how important print is to our daily lives. The inspiration and determination from the industry to harness print’s potential, is clearly infectious, and is certainly something we’ll be embracing at Print Monthly this year. Stay tuned as we look to keep producing exciting multimedia offerings (in a variety of formats) as well the news and features that help our readers stay updated and informed. Happy reading! ISSUE 358January | February 2026 Publishing director: Page Tuck Production: Ben Mallon Contributors: Michael Walker, Colin Sinclair McDermott, Carly O'Neill Contact Editorial: 0117 980 5040 Sales: 0117 960 3255 Production: 0117 980 5041 Accounts: 0117 980 5042 Find us online www.printmonthly.co.uk Socials All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior consent of the publisher. The views expressed by contributors to Print Monthly magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editorial team and Link Publishing Ltd. takes no responsibility for any errors that may have occurred. The publisher also accepts no responsibility for the advertising content, including any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Calls may be recorded for training purposes. Link Publishing Ltd. retains the right to publish and re-publish any images or information sent to the publication. Link Publishing Ltd, Unit G, Link House, Britton Gardens, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1TF Editor David Osgar david@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Jan Thomas jan@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Manager Tim Hall tim@linkpublishing.co.uk Production Manager Ben Mallon ben@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn k.quinn@linkpublishing.co.uk printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 MEET THE TEAM VIDEO COVERAGE Scan the QR code to watch our video coverage over on our Print Monthly YouTube channel Commissioning Editor Jonathan Pert jonathan@linkpublishing.co.uk printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Feature Writer Rob Fletcher rob@linkpublishing.co.uk EDITOR S NOTE "So Jonny, let me tell you everything you kids need to know about making videos” – Mark Stephenson from Fujifilm quoted on LinkedIn Get your team or colleague featured in our next edition by emailing editor@printmonthly.co.uk SPOTTED AT RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE 2025! 4 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358
INDUSTRY | NEWS 5 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 The UK government has announced its latest raft of fiscal rules which look to improve the state of the economy. PwC, a provider of business advice, has described the Budget as a “tax and save budget” rather than a “tax and spend” budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) says Britain's households are facing a "dismal" rise in spending power as disposable income is expected to grow by just 0.5% annually over the next five years. Charles Jarrold, chief executive officer of the BPIF, comments: “While this year’s Budget may not have the catastrophic impact of last year’s employer NIC hike, there were some measures which will nonetheless raise the cost of employment and squeeze businesses further. The increases to National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW), though smaller than in recent years, continue to cause real anxiety and concern for our members.” Budget announcements from the government regarding business investment include a service providing advance tax certainty for large UK inbound projects, the retainment of full expensing for main-rate plant and machinery, and an extension to Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR). The government says it is not raising taxes on businesses overall, pointing to the fact it maintains the lowest CT rate in the G7 (25%) and is introducing targeting relief for SMEs and high street firms. The government also says that doubling eligibility for enterprise tax incentives along with UK list relief and ISA reforms will help businesses grow and attract investment. Jarrold adds: “This Budget was always going to be tough for the chancellor, but the business community has made it abundantly clear that loading more costs onto business will lead to lower investment, hampered productivity, and fewer jobs. “Taxing salary sacrificed pension contributions will see NI bills rise yet again, and the new levy on electric cars will either add costs or simply disincentivise the switch to EVs, with EVs the leading area of investment reported in our member surveys. We’re also concerned about the potential hit to members with a muted increase on rates for buildings valued at more than £500,000. We’ll keep a close eye on what the indicated 'transition support' measures will actually comprise of.” Jarrold highlights that the print industry has called on policies which promote investment and growth, pointing to the full expensing of leased assets as a welcome policy, but one that could have been broadened to include second-hand assets. Jarrold concludes: “Without bolder reforms to lower employment costs and encourage investment in people, skills, and equipment, it will remain challenging for businesses to contribute to the growth we all want to see.” Rachel Reeves [pictured centre] with the iconic red Budget Box as she leaves 11 Downing Street with other government officials Koenig & Bauer launches financial literacy initiative Koenig & Bauer has emphasised the importance of printed money with an educational project for children and a supporting white paper. Koenig & Bauer Banknote Solutions has launched a cash-based learning system called ‘MoneyBox’, which is designed to make financial education available to children and young people worldwide. Developed alongside educational non-profit, Aflatoun International, The MoneyBox system is based on the principle that financial understanding begins with physical interaction, especially for young people. The system includes a range of printed banknotes which serve as a central element in an interconnected learning system, following a specific plan that mirrors real challenges and decisions that learners will face in their lives. With four compartments for earnings, spending, saving, and borrowing, the aim is to make abstract financial concepts visible, relatable, and culturally adaptable. Alongside this, Koenig & Bauer has published a whitepaper to create awareness of the role of physical cash in the development of youth money skills. Royal Mail has announced that previously confirmed reforms to UK mail services will not be implemented nationwide until the first half of this year. International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail, announced a delay to its new delivery reforms in November 2025, including plans to end second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays and changing the service to every other weekday. The major changes to the Universal Postal Service (UPS) were announced in February 2025 and came into legal effect on July 28th 2025. Royal Mail has since been running a pilot scheme across a selection of delivery offices. Royal Mail recently disclosed that fewer than three-quarters of first-class letters were delivered on time over recent months, as they prepare for the upcoming service overhaul. Experts react to long-awaited Autumn Budget Royal Mail delays major service changes By David Osgar MoneyBox aims to make abstract financial concepts relatable, with printed banknotes and four compartments for earnings, spending, saving, and borrowing Mail solutions provider, Quadient, has labelled the news “a setback” By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
INDUSTRY | NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink 6 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) has reported the strongest growth in output and orders in the UK print industry for over three years. The BPIF’s Q4 Printing Outlook has suggested a major Q3 boost in the UK printing and printed packaging industries, which it says has triggered a “dramatic turnaround” in industry confidence. According to the latest BPIF Printing Outlook survey, both output and order levels have shown strong growth in Q3 above and beyond the positive forecasts from last quarter, with more growth forecast to come in Q4. Respondents to the survey are generally more positive, with fewer confidence concerns regarding the general state of trade. More than half (52%) of printers who responded to the survey were able to increase their output levels in the third quarter of 2025. Alongside this improved confidence, the survey also reflects positive changes regarding capacity utilisation, recruitment, cost control, and strategic plans to improve profitability. However, the BPIF has warned that last year’s Q4 Outlook report should be held as “a cautionary tale.” That report showed major improvement in orders and output for Q3, which provided a significant uplift in confidence. This was then “shattered by an underperforming economy and an Autumn Budget that was disappointing for business” according to the BPIF, reflected by a subsequent nosedive in confidence in Q1. Many specialists have warned that print and packaging companies are at risk of significant impact from upcoming changes to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) which received a significant update at the end of 2025. The EUDR law requires companies to ensure that natural commodities including paper, soy, and rubber sold in or exported from the EU market are deforestation-free and produced in accordance with relevant local laws. The rules are set to become mandatory for large- and medium-sized operators, and traders on December 30th, 2026 (this is another 12-month delay to the already revised date of December 30th, 2025), as well as micro firms and SMEs on June 30th, 2027. On November 26th, EU MEPS voted to simplify the complex rules which had originally received significant confusion. The proposed simplification would mean that the responsibility of products would be held by the companies that first introduce the product onto the market, and not the operators and traders, meaning items like books and magazines would be excluded. Although most paper in Europe comes from sustainably managed forests where the cycle of planting, growing, and logging is carefully controlled, many experts worry about the ramifications and knock-on effects this legislation could have. Many experts are also concerned that if the UK does not introduce a broadly equivalent regime then the UK market could then become a destination for higher-risk materials that cannot enter the EU. Trevor Willis, senior sales manager (EUDR) at technology company, iov42, says: “EUDR is not limited to non-EU deforestation. It focuses on whether products are associated with deforestation or forest degradation anywhere in the world.” In response to the legislation, iov42 created Interu as an IT Solution designed to allow organisations operating in the European marketplace to satisfy the legal reporting requirements of the EUDR. Interu has been developed by iov42 to satisfy the legal reporting requirements of the EUDR BPIF reports “dramatic turnaround” in industry Solopress has announced the publication of ‘The Way That Life Goes On’, a new poetry collection by 102-year-old RAF veteran, Eddie Habberley [pictured right], who flew Spitfires during the Second World War. Printed by Solopress as a 60-page, square-format perfect bound book with matt laminated cover, the collection was released on Remembrance Day. Written over many years, the poems explore Eddie’s experiences in war and peacetime, his lifelong love for his late wife Peggy, and his fascination with flight, philosophy, and the natural world. In 2022, aged 99, Habberley took the controls of a Spitfire once again during a commemorative flight from Biggin Hill, almost eight decades after his wartime service. Speaking about the new book, Habberley says: “It is a great experience for me to get my work published, something I never expected. I am excited to see the first book.” EUDR proposals become subject to more change Solopress prints Veteran’s poetry collection The BPIF says more than half of printers increased their output levels in Q3 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
Paper and material specialists, UPM-Kymmene and Sappi, have announced that the two companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent to create what they call “the Joint Venture”, in response to structural changes in the European graphic paper industry. UPM and Sappi say the graphic paper venture would operate as an independent company which would be managed internally with resources and decisions agreed within shareholders boundaries. The Joint Venture has been adopted in order to “rationalise” supply in what UPM calls an industry “burdened by declining demand” as well as structural overcapacity, and high energy costs. Marco Eikelenboom, chief executive officer of Sappi Europe, comments: “To remain competitive and sustainable in the long term, consolidation is needed. Consolidation will contribute to a more robust and resilient European graphic paper industry, safeguarding security of domestic supply for the printing sector.” The venture is speculated to create annual synergies of about €100m (£87.4m) through asset optimisation, portfolio rationalisation, logistics optimisations, as well as sourcing operational and efficiency improvements. Sappi cites the reason for the venture as the “erosion” of the graphic paper market alongside overcapacity and low utilisation rates of assets. The rising costs of energy in Europe, recent trade tensions, and tariffs have all been cited as causing disruption to trade flows and resulted in increased Asian exports to the European Union (EU). The new Joint Venture, which is seen as a way of creating a more “efficient, adaptable, and sustainable graphic paper business", will include the entire UPM Communication Papers business as well as Sappi’s graphic paper business in Europe. The Joint Venture will be owned equally by the two companies with a 50/50 split. The planned perimeter of the venture includes eight of UPM’s paper mills in Finland, Germany, UK, and the USA. Sappi would contribute four mills throughout Finland, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. Based on the letter of intent, UPM and Sappi’s contributions would equate to a combined enterprise value of €1,420m (£1,196m), excluding the value of expected synergy benefits. The enterprise value of UPM Communication Papers is €1,100m (£961.6m) while Sappi Europe is valued at €320m (£279.7m). UPM would receive cash proceeds of €613m (£535.9m) and 50% shareholding in the Joint Venture, while Sappi would receive cash proceeds of €139m (£121.5m) and 50% shareholding in the venture. After the closing of the transaction, the Joint Venture is expected to raise debt to fund the purchase prices payable to both companies leading to independent finance by the venture, meaning it will be able to secure additional funding in the future without any recourse to the shareholders. Negotiations regarding the details of the deal are apparently ongoing, with definitive agreements expected to be signed during the first half of 2026. The proposed transaction is subject to review by the European Commission and relevant authorities in the US, UK, and China. BUSINESS | NEWS UPM and Sappi to join forces By David Osgar [Pictured] Marco Eikelenboom, chief executive officer of Sappi Europe 8 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink Sappi’s Gratkorn Mill in Austria produces its Magno range of coated papers
Ecommerce brands announce merge Printful, Printify, and Snow Commerce have officially announced the launch of FYUL, the new name for the single company housing the three brands. The two print-on-demand (POD) services have combined with ecommerce solutions provider, Snow Commerce, to make FYUL, with the ambition for the brand to become “the engine that powers all ecommerce merchandise, made on demand.” Pronounced ‘fuel’, the name was created by joining the apex of the names Printify and Printful, forming a new brand name that aims to take the technology and supply chain capabilities of both companies together into one platform. The news comes just over a year after the announcement of the merger of Printful and Printify, which was undertaken with the aim of combining the two companies’ technologies, resources, and fulfilment solutions. The three existing brands that make up FYUL will continue to provide their customers and partners with their existing services, with the hope that the collective FYUL platform can increase its reach, capabilities, and adaptability. As well as unveiling the new name, the FYUL team has already begun relocating into ‘FYUL House’, a 9,000sq m dual-building workspace in Riga, Latvia, which expands on the site of Printful’s previous central location. While the move-in has officially started, building work is not yet fully completed. All installation, furnishing, and setup work is ongoing and planned to be finalised by end of Q1, 2026. Fujifilm announces new UK partnership Fujifilm has announced a new partnership with Document Solutions (UK), a UK-based provider of printing and document management services. The partnership aims to support businesses across Yorkshire and the North East of England with a range of Fujifilm’s latest Apeos multifunction printers (MFPs). Originally launched in the UK and Italy in April of 2024 and expanded the following year with new monochrome A4 and A3 devices, the Apeos range is designed to provide high print quality, advanced security features, resource-efficient technology, and reliability. Established over 15 years ago, Document Solutions operates from offices in Newcastle and Teesside, supporting more than a thousand local organisations with print and document services. Document Solutions will offer Fujifilm’s range of Apeos printers By Jonathan Pert 9 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 BUSINESS | NEWS Sylvamo to be exclusive ColorLok producer International paper company, Sylvamo, has announced that it will serve as the sole authorised producer of paper certified under the ColorLok technology standard. Beginning in January 2027, Sylvamo papers – including its brands and private labels – will exclusively carry the ColorLok certification and display the ColorLok logo on packaging. ColorLok is an internationally recognised performance standard for high-quality printing, designed to deliver vibrant colours, sharper text, and faster drying times across both inkjet and laser printing. The technology works by incorporating a special additive during paper production, which helps pigments stay near the surface of the sheet. The additive is designed to result in richer colour intensity, darker blacks, and reduced ink absorption. The ColorLok standard is designed to deliver vibrant colours, sharper text, and faster drying times HEIDELBERG UK embraces scented prints HEIDELBERG UK has announced a new collaboration with Celessence, a specialist in ‘microencapsulation’ technology, to utilise the sensory impact of scented prints. Using Celessence’s encapsulated fragrance technology, scent can now be embedded directly into printed materials. When touched, these microcapsules release fragrance, making printed pieces more multi-sensory. Suzanne Powell, chief executive officer at Celessence Technologies, says: “Scent in print has the ability to completely change the way in which consumers react to printed media, and we are delighted to be in partnership with HEIDELBERG.” Celessence has previously worked with a global network of printers to enhance products with the dimension of scent, including for books and magazines, packaging and labels, jigsaw puzzles, and point-ofsale (POS) materials. With the HEIDELBERG collaboration, the microencapsulation technology can now be added to a range of the machine manufacturer’s presses, unlocking an array of potential applications in commercial, packaging, and label printing. The Celessence Ultra Coat product – a 30% capsule and 70% blend formulation – can be mixed on-site and applied economically via coating units. This allows for a heavier film weight compared to traditional dry offset products, delivering a stronger sensory experience. According to the company, Celessence meets all current environmental regulations and is REACH-exempt, with all fragrances used by Celessence also being IFRA-certified. By Jonathan Pert
ENVIRONMENT | NEWS Epson Europe has released its latest sustainability report, highlighting milestones including the external validation of its decarbonisation process. This year, Epson secured official validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its greenhouse gas reduction targets, committing to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2050. Epson's sustainability efforts have also been recognised by environmental assessment platform, EcoVadis, which awarded the company a Platinum rating for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Part of Epson’s sustainability efforts in the last year has been the advancement of its partnership with container logistics company, Maersk, to decarbonise its supply chain. Through Maersk’s ‘ECO Delivery Ocean’ programme, Epson has increased its anticipated container volume shipped using low-carbon fuels such as green methanol and biodiesel. According to Epson, this shift reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 82%. An industry-wide group of companies within print has announced the launch of the ‘Sustainable Print Manifesto’, an independently developed initiative created to provide a simplified and universally relevant framework to increase sustainability across all print sectors. The project is grounded in the belief that the print industry must collaborate more if it is to accelerate its progress and limit its environmental impact. According to the initiative, too many sustainability efforts currently remain fragmented – shaped by local regulation, technology limitations, individual company priorities, or regional nuances. By contrast, the Sustainable Print Manifesto aims to offer a globally relevant blueprint for continual improvement, shared learning, and improved collective progress. The manifesto was reportedly built from 12 months of consultation, discussion, and refinement, with figures from across the industry taking part. Founding partners of the initiative include HP, CarbonQuota, Gallus, Domino Printing Sciences, FuturePrint, Sun Chemical, Nazdar, Kavalan, io.tt, CPI Books, The PackScout, CIMPRESS, and Bespoke. The manifesto also has the backing of trade bodies including the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA), Flemish Innovation Center for Graphic Communication (VIGC), and PRINTING United Alliance. At the heart of the Sustainable Print Manifesto is a set of nine principles that aim to be practical and non-competitive, which any organisation can adopt. The Sustainable Print Manifesto is now available for download, with all organisations within the print and packaging value chain invited to read it and get involved. The manifesto is supported by a wide range of organisations and associations within print Epson announces sustainability milestones Organisations launch Sustainable Print Manifesto Epson’s sustainability goals include committing to achieve a carbon-negative footprint by 2050 By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert Futamura, a Japanese manufacturer of cellulose films and packaging products, has announced a solution to help reduce the quantities of microplastics generated from glitter products. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles less than 5mm in size, which can be either intentionally manufactured at that size (primary microplastics) or created when larger plastic items break down (secondary microplastics). A report by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in 2020 suggested that 42,000 tonnes of intentionally present microplastics were being released into the environment annually. Glitter has been particularly criticised in recent years for its contribution to microplastic pollution in oceans and soil. According to Futamura, biodegradable glitter can be created from its NatureFlex materials, which will safely degrade in the environment it was disposed of after use without producing harmful microplastics. The NatureFlex range of cellulose films have demonstrated wastewater biodegradability, as well as degradability in marine and soil environments. The ecological features of NatureFlex also allows it to comply with REACH regulations that came into effect in October 2023, aiming to place restrictions on microplastic production. Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK has announced the launch of its new ‘World on Loan’ consumables recycling programme. Delivered in partnership with its new recycling provider, Waterloo Business Management (WBM), the updated service is designed to offer a streamlined, zero-landfill solution for recycling genuine Konica Minolta printer consumables. As printer cartridge waste is classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), Konica Minolta’s new programme offers a fully compliant recycling solution that collects, inspects, and processes used consumables for the recovery and reuse of raw materials. The programme accepts a wide range of genuine Konica Minolta consumables including toner cartridges, bottles, drums, and maintenance kits. Every collected item is processed using methods that prioritise recycling and minimise ecological impact. No waste is sent to landfill, and materials are repurposed into polymers and other reusable resources. As part of the programme, transfer notes and recycling certificates will also be available for download within ten working days, in order to support ISO14001 and EMAS compliance. Secure collection boxes are supplied free of charge as part of the scheme Biodegradable glitter proposed by Futumura Konica Minolta announces zero-landfill solution Unlike conventional glitter, NatureFlex films are made from biodegradable cellulose derived from wood pulp By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert 11 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358
printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS 12 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 First HEIDELBERG Jetfire 50 sold in the UK Micropress has announced its investment in the UK's first HEIDELBERG Jetfire 50, with the aim of strengthening the commercial printer’s growing digital inkjet print offering. The latest Jetfire press is designed to integrate seamlessly with HEIDELBERG’s Prinect workflow portal, with the aim of improving efficiency through automation. Part of HEIDELBERG’s latest generation of inkjet technology, the Jetfire 50 is designed to offer high-speed performance and exceptional image quality. Micropress was also the first UK company to purchase the drupa 2024 model of HEIDELBERG’s Speedmaster XL 106-8P. Speaking of the purchase, Rob Cross, joint managing director at Micropress, says: “We first invested in inkjet technology at the start of 2024, and it has proved extremely successful for us. In fact, we’ve now reached capacity. We needed an additional machine to cope with growing demand, and the Jetfire 50 fits that need perfectly.” According to Cross, the digital inkjet area of the business had become a bottleneck in recent months, which the Jetfire investment directly tackled. “There’s also genuine excitement about being early adopters of the Jetfire 50 and pride in being the first UK business to bring it online,” Cross adds. The Jetfire 50 will play a critical role in supporting the upcoming launch of Press Print, Micropress’s new online print platform. Scheduled to go live soon, Press Print is a new channel designed to make it easier for customers to order what they need, when they need it. HEIDELBERG also recently announced the launch of two new computer-to-plate (CtP) automation solutions integrated into a single line, with the release of its new Compact Pallet Loader (CPL) and Compact Bender. In conjunction with the Suprasetter 106/A106 platesetter models, the CPL enables fully automatic loading of printing plates into the systems. Integration into the Prinect workflow also means the CPL supplies the CtP system with printing plates fully autonomously, in line with the job structure. At the end of the process, the new Compact Bender plate bending system concludes the fully automated processing of the offset plates. When combined with an optional barcode recognition function, the system makes it possible to supply the plates required for the printing process – pre-sorted according to printing press, job, and plate set – without any manual intervention whatsoever. The Jetfire 50 is a B3 water-based inkjet printer Edale announces refreshed press line-up Edale, a Canon company focusing on flexographic printing and converting solutions, has announced a refresh to its range of label and folding carton presses, to further align its offering with Canon’s portfolio. The news, which was teased to the industry ahead of Labelexpo Europe in September, will see new names for Edale’s existing range – the Edale LabelLine FL4e and LabelLine FL4p for labels, and Edale CartonLine FL6p and CartonLine FL7p for folding cartons. The refresh sees the introduction of new performance tiers, namely the Essential (e) range engineered more for day-to-day production and the Precision (p) range designed for premium applications and higher volumes. The refreshed models also adopt a more cohesive industrial design that aims to reflect Canon’s core aesthetic, helping customers to recognise the platform, tier, and intended use of the machine. The news is part of a major growth strategy by the UK print manufacturer, including the recent appointment of Lachlan Buirds as managing director, and Rob Brown as sales and marketing director. The refreshed Edale CartonLine FL6p integrates a number of print solutions Xaar details braille printing capabilities Industrial inkjet manufacturer, Xaar, has unveiled its latest whitepaper, showcasing how its Versatex Printbar can be used to produce braille packaging embellishments. Using the Versatex Printbar print engine module, users can implement high build varnish embellishment to support variable data printing for blind and partially sighted users. The information about Versatex’s braille capabilities was also delivered at two presentations, namely at Labelexpo Asia in Shanghai, and Packaging Europe’s Digital Print for Packaging (DPP) Conference in Berlin. Versatex offers two dedicated modes for braille printing tailored to different production needs. In High-Build mode, it delivers dot heights of 200µm at up to 19m/min, which is reportedly rated most comfortable by blind readers. The mode is designed to ensure well-shaped cells with precise spacing for optimal fingertip recognition. Versatex is designed as an ‘outof-the-box’ solution which can be integrated into new machine configurations or retrofitted onto existing presses, available for both left-to-right and right-to-left press directions. Versatex offers a High-Build mode and a High-Speed mode By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert
KIT & CONSUMABLES | NEWS Pureprint Group has unveiled a new wave of investment to expand its digital print and on-demand production capacity, responding to continued growth across its publishing, brand, and ecommerce client base. Pureprint’s latest kit investment includes significant upgrades to the group’s Uckfield Digital Plant facility, alongside the relocation of digital print and binding equipment to its Ashford Colour site in Gosport. The investment also includes a substantial expansion of the Group’s HP Indigo press fleet. The Uckfield site has welcomed two new HP Indigo 7K presses and one HP Indigo 18K press, while the existing two HP Indigo 100K machines at the site are set to be upgraded to 120K models in early 2026. In addition, two HP Indigo 7900 presses and a Horizon BQ-470 PUR binding line have been relocated to the Ashford Colour site, further expanding production capacity for shorter-run, high-quality digital work. This brings Pureprint’s total HP Indigo fleet to seven devices. Complementing the Indigo expansion is a suite of new finishing technology designed to enhance the Group’s on-demand and personalised product capabilities. New installations include a Horizon BQ-500 PUR binder with in-line HT1000 variable trimmer, an Autobond 76 Mini Laminator, Zeno 360 IND Case Making and Casing-In Systems, and a Duplo 648 with inline folder. As part of the project, Ashford Colour has also been linked to Pureprint Group’s connected technology platform, meaning both sites can now be utilised for on-demand production and intelligent routing of jobs. The latest round of investment follows similar commitments from Pureprint earlier in the year, including a new Durst P5 350 HS press and PLASTGrommet banner lines at Pureprint Imprint’s Newcastle plant. Another major investment in 2024 at its Uckfield plant saw the installation of a new eight-colour HEIDELBERG Speedmaster XL 106-8PL, replacing the previous four-colour model. Pureprint has also recently announced a number of new staff members, including Glenn Hylands as its group operations director, a newly created role introduced as the company enters its centennial year. Hylands joins Pureprint from CPI Books UK, where he spent two decades building expertise across the digital manufacturing sector. His experience includes leading multiple production sites, installing inkjet and bindery technologies, and championing print-on-demand (POD) within the publishing sector. In his new role, Hylands will be focusing on integrating Pureprint's expanding number of digital print sites and driving group-wide operational projects, as well as shaping the next phase of growth in Pureprint’s offering for publishers and online brands. One of the new HP Indigo 7k presses is unveiled at Pureprint’s Uckfield site Commercial printer, GD Print, has installed a Morgana EBA68 Guillotine with SpeedCut, making them the first in the UK to do so. The kit purchase is part of a company-wide £250k investment programme by GD Print, focused primarily on futureproofing operations. The online printing services specialist, which is based in New Milton on the South coast, invested in Plockmatic Group’s next-generation programmable guillotine to handle sheets from its new Konica Minolta AccurioPress C14010s, which supports long sheets up to 1300mm or 900mm in duplex. The company is already an existing Morgana Systems customer, having previously bought a Morgana PowerSquare 224 last year. GD Print also recently invested in a Konica Minolta AccurioPress 7090 ENHANCED, a recently released upgrade to the standard C7090 designed to deliver quicker turnaround times and greater media flexibility. GD Print purchases new guillotine in UK first By Jonathan Pert [L to R] Jordan Perry, head of print department, and Craig Dobbs, managing director, both from GD Print Westcolour, a paper wrapping business based in Cornwall and Bicester, has detailed its latest investments, including the purchase of a HP PageWide Advantage 2200. The press investment comes at the same time as the expansion of a new 15,000sq ft facility in Granville Way, Bicester, which the company sees as a “bold step forward” in delivering print, packaging, and fulfilment services to customers in the UK and beyond. The company’s website highlights its commitment to the environment as it credits itself as one of the first mailing companies in the UK to eradicate as much plastic from its supply chain as possible. Westcolour’s new factory unit includes 600 pallet spaces of racking, vastly increasing its fulfilment and storage capabilities. The HP investment opens up the company to new opportunities with products like stationary, direct mail, greeting cards, and direct mail – all with new personalisation and finishing capabilities. Westcolour invests in HP PageWide By David Osgar [L to R] Andrew Bowden and James Ward, directors of Westcolour with their new HP PageWide Pureprint purchases arsenal of kit amid expansion By Jonathan Pert printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink 14 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358
15 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 PEOPLE | NEWS Formara Print meets Rachel Reeves Essex-based printer, Formara Print & Marketing, was invited to a reception at 11 Downing Street hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves. The reception was designed to celebrate SMEs across the South East and Eastern regions, bringing together politicians and business owners to discuss the support of entrepreneurship. Formara was invited to the parliamentary event following a recent visit by member of parliament (MP), David Burton-Sampson, the Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh. Formara’s managing director, Andy Pond said: “Meeting Rachel Reeves and discussing the crucial role SMEs play in driving the UK economy was a true honour.” [L to R] MP David Burton-Sampson with Andy Pond Print On Me, based in Caldicot, Monmouthshire, has won Welsh Stationery Company of the Year at the Welsh Wedding Awards, which took place at the beginning of November in Swansea. The company is owned by Grace Hussey who is the daughter of Peter Flynn, owner of International Graphic Supplies (IGS), a UK-based press and pre-press equipment supplier which specialises in a range of different branded machines and parts. Hussey set up her print and stationery business in 2019 after helping a friend with last-minute wedding signage. Hussey was able to use Flynn’s showroom printer and cutter to produce a variety of products for the wedding which led to other wedding guests asking for her to do the same for their special days. UK print association, Print Scotland, has appointed Michiel Molenaar, director of Irvine-based packaging solutions provider, Kennedy Smith, as its new president. Founded in 1997, Kennedy Smith is a supplier of bespoke packaging solutions in Scotland, specialising in solid board carton packaging. The company has invested in a range of new equipment, most recently a new Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 complete with full inline colour control. Speaking about his perspective, Molenaar says: “Perhaps it is as a relative outsider that I can see the huge opportunities ahead for an innovative, creative, and productive print industry here in Scotland. Print Scotland can and will respond to the current climate by moving with the times and investing in the latest printing technology to develop and enhance our productivity.” Molenaar takes over from long-serving president, Susan Graham of Midlothian-based FLB Group, and will serve a minimum two-year term. Commenting on Molenaar’s appointment, Graham says: “Print Scotland is delighted to have as its new president an industry leader with a hugely successful background in the packaging sector and the determination and drive to take our industry forward.” Richard McCombe, managing director of Coatbridge-based Graphic Warehouse, has also been appointed as the new vice president of the association. In a message on LinkedIn following the news, McCombe comments: “This is a privilege I do not take lightly. Our industry is full of talented, hard-working people, and I’m committed to supporting Scotland’s next generation of print professionals.” [L to R] Departing president of Print Scotland, Susan Graham, with new president, Michiel Molenaar Print business wins Welsh Wedding Award Print Scotland appoints new president [Pictured] Grace Hussey at the Welsh Wedding Awards By Jonathan Pert By David Osgar James Cropper hires new head of business development James Cropper Paper & Packaging has announced the appointment of Mike Gibson as its new head of business development, as the company aims to accelerate its expansion into new markets and product opportunities. Gibson, who initially joined the materials manufacturer as business development manager in May, brings more than 25 years of experience across the paper, packaging, and corrugate industries, with expertise spanning carrier bags, food, and merchant packaging. Gibson’s previous positions include senior roles at Cepac, H-Pack, and ARC International in the US, where he collaborated with corrugators nationwide and contributed to products including Marks & Spencer’s paper bag for life. Pete Lunn returns to Kyocera Kyocera Document Solutions UK has welcomed back Pete Lunn as its head sales lead after almost four years away from the company. Lunn previously worked for Kyocera UK for 18 years, rising from the role of reseller manager to become its sales director. In the intervening period, Lunn worked as a business development manager for Academia, an IT services and consulting group based in Hemel Hempstead. In his new role as head sales lead, Lunn will be tasked with helping to accelerate Kyocera’s UK channel strategy and deepen support for dealers nationwide. The appointment comes at a time of change within Kyocera’s wider UK operations and its global print offerings. By Jonathan Pert [Pictured] Mike Gibson, new head of business development at James Cropper Lunn previously worked for Kyocera Document Solutions UK for 18 years
EVENTS | NEWS 18 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 The Power of Print seminar took place last November with over 200 representatives from print, paper, publishing, packaging, and media attending the event. The seminar, organised by Two Sides and the British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF), in partnership with Canon, returned to the historic Stationers’ Hall venue for its 15th edition. A range of keynote speakers discussed what the future holds for the UK print and associated industries, with topics as diverse as the state of the economy, utilising AI and behavioural data, and how to calculate and utilise consumer trust. In his opening address, Jonathan Tame, managing director of Two Sides UK, said: “This is our opportunity to provide a day of education that will inform and inspire you with ideas on where print sits within the world of multimedia communications.” Charles Jarrold, chief executive officer of BPIF, began with an overview of the current state of the UK print industry. Among his insights, which were identified as part of the BPIF’s ‘State of the Industry’ and ‘Quarterly Report’ research papers, Jarrold highlighted that although “our industry has been through so much significant change”, many sectors have bounced back in recent quarters. Tom Ridges, chief executive officer of Herdify, followed up with a joint talk alongside Ben Briggs, managing partner of Join the Dots. The two software and media planning specialists talked through how companies can harness AI software which can track offline social influence, allowing them to understand where their brand is gaining traction and therefore provide more targeted, bespoke advertising. The Herdify concept, which is aimed at brands with smaller marketing budgets, is based on the principle of "herd mentality," which suggests people are highly influenced by the purchasing decisions of those they know and trust in their local area. Another highlight of the event was from Clive Booth, a filmmaker, photographer, and brand ambassador for Canon. He discussed his latest project, ‘The Silence After Applause’, which captures raw, intimate portraits of Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers moments after leaving the stage. While speakers such as Greg Brooks from software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, io.tt, and the aforementioned Ridges and Briggs championed the many exciting and revolutionary uses of AI, Booth’s mention of the struggles of creatives should serve as a warning that this revolution should work in tandem with the continued support of human endeavour. Another example of this balanced approach came from Roger Wright, waste strategy and packaging manager at Biffa. While his speech praised the increasing industry push for recyclable materials and reduced waste, he also noted that a lot of materials and packaging manufacturers still don’t go far enough to create what he labelled “an inclusive, harmonised system with the circular economy in mind.” Among the other important messages at the event, Trewin Restorick, founder of social enterprise Sizzle, spoke about how difficult meaningful sustainable actions are in a time of disruption, scepticism, and political backlash against environmental practices. AI came into Restorick’s topics of discussion as well, with him noting its transformative influence while also pointing out the gigantic energy cost of creating such complex computational systems. As Tame said in his closing address at the tail-end of the conference: “It’s up to us tell our story.” If the Power of Print is anything to go by, the print industry still has many inspiring stories to tell, with industry innovations and changes happening faster than ever and an engaged community pushing to stay right at the cutting edge. Inspiration takes centre stage at Power of Print 2025 By Jonathan Pert Prints from Canon ambassador, Clive Booth, were displayed as part of the event Eve Stansell, planning director for Marketreach, spoke about a campaign calculating consumer trust for print printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink
The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) has announced the launch of new Corrugated and Textile events for FESPA Global Print Expo 2026. The print and signage exhibition, which takes place at the Fira Gran Via venue in Barcelona for 2026, also returns once again with the co-located European Sign Expo and Personalisation Experience. The new Corrugated and Textile events will aim to offer focused exhibits and content for packaging and display manufacturers, as well as textile and garment producers. The Corrugated event, which is a joint venture with industry publication, Brunton Publications, aims to provide a dedicated platform for manufacturers of corrugated cardboard packaging and display solutions to meet suppliers of materials, machinery, workflow software, and other technologies. In addition to 1,500sq m of exhibition space, Corrugated’s conference programme will explore topics including new EU legislation, cyber security in the modern box plant, emerging opportunities offered by AI, and the role of national and international trade associations. The Textile event is designed for visitors who work with printed textiles including garments, sportswear, and interior décor. The event will be designed to serve as a concentrated platform for producers of these applications to explore industry trends, see the latest innovations, and exchange knowledge and expertise. FESPA Global Print Expo is already colocated with European Sign Expo and the Personalisation Experience FESPA Global Print Expo to launch Corrugated and Textile events Two Sides UK has announced the return of Love Paper Week for 2026, with the second edition of the event running from February 2nd to 6th, 2026. Launched by the paper advocacy group, Two Sides UK, last year, Love Paper Week is designed to highlight the unique role of paper in our everyday lives while promoting its strong environmental credentials. In its first year, Love Paper Week introduced a number of tools including brochures, web banners, and other promotional items for organisations across the print, paper, and packaging sectors to tell the story of paper’s sustainability. Two Sides has predicted expanded activity and broader participation this year, with the aim of helping showcase paper as a vital, sustainable, and creative medium in today’s digitally integrated world. Josh Birch, campaign manager for Two Sides UK, says: “Love Paper Week is about giving the industry a collective voice to challenge myths, share facts, and celebrate the benefits of paper with both businesses and consumers.” Research from Two Sides shows that despite progress, many consumers still underestimate paper’s environmental impact. For example, many believe paper recycling rates are low, yet Europe recycles an impressive 75% of paper, the highest recycling rate of any material. Two Sides also highlights the lack of awareness around the fact that European forests, which provide the raw material for paper, are growing in size and are managed under strict sustainability standards. To support the campaign, Love Paper is once again providing free, ready-to-use resources for organisations to share during the week, including social media posts, graphics and videos, email footers, and other digital assets, as well as official Love Paper Week branding. Birch adds: “From printers, publishers, and direct mail specialists to packaging manufacturers, paper manufacturers, and distributors, Love Paper Week is an opportunity for everyone in the sector to get involved and showcase the positive story of paper.” The campaign aims to promote paper’s strong environmental credentials Love Paper Week returns for 2026 The Printing Charity’s Annual Luncheon returned at the end of last year, providing the print industry with a chance to celebrate print’s commitment to employee wellbeing. Due to increased demand for tickets, this year’s event was held in the new and larger Plaisterers’ Hall in the City of London, with more than 220 people from the print industry and allied trades in attendance. During the Luncheon, guests heard from the Printing Charity’s 2025 president, former prime minister Theresa May. In her speech to attendees, May said: “Print is a sector that is in step with the times. The print medium is an authentic, trusted and tangible record which has stood the test of time. It is not a relic of the past – it is a thriving, dynamic and essential industry that touches every part of our country.” Printing Charity chair, David Phillips, then shared a message to attendees from His Majesty the King, who is a Printing Charity patron. Phillips also shared information about the charity’s impact with assembled guests through personal stories from people supported by the charity in the last 12 months. Printing Charity Luncheon returns for 196th edition In her address, Theresa May said: “Print is a sector that is in step with the times” By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert EVENTS | NEWS 20 website: www.printmonthly.co.uk January | February 2026 - Issue 358 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine printmonthly_signlink
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==