Issue 354 - May / June 2025 www.printmonthly.co.uk Die-cutting ▲ Looking at the solutions and technology available in 2025 Page 66 Xerox PrimeLink Michael Walker looks under the hood of the new C9200 Series Page 28 How to Become a B Corp We ask advice from businesses about achieving this eco-credential Page 43 Textile Printing We explore this lucrative part of the industry in the wake of new releases Page 60 Inkjet Printers Jonathan Pert takes a look at the latest inkjet printers available on the market Page 55 Training and Entry Points We speak to experts and organisations about recruiting the next generation Page 47 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
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3 CONTENTS Issue 354 May / June 2025 www.printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 ISSN 2977-005X NEWS Industry 06 We look at the latest stories in the industry covering charity work, publications, and more Business 09 KIT & MEDIA 10 Software 12 Packaging 14 People 16 Events/THE print show 2025 18 SPECIALS Under the Hood: Xerox C9200 Series 28 COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: LT Print 32 INDUSTRY TIPS: COLIN SINCLAIR MCDERMOTT 36 Q&A: Michael RyaN, FESPA 39 becoming a B corp business 43 Training & Entry Points 47 Examining the ways to train the next generation of printers FEATURES Direct-to-object printers 51 Inkjet printers 55 Textile Printers 60 Die-Cutting 66 Recycling schemes 72 IN THIS ISSUE 26 08 47 16 18 06 39 72
ISSUE 354May / June 2025 Publishing director Page Tuck Production Shaun Edwards Contributors Colin Sinclair McDermott, Rob Fletcher, Michael Walker 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 Graphic Designer Ben Mallon ben@linkpublishing.co.uk Accounts Kathryn Quinn k.quinn@linkpublishing.co.uk Office therapist Skye printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Printed on Sappi Magno Satin from EBB Paper CBP00015512002182040 May / June 2025 - Issue 354 4 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Hello and welcome to Print Monthly May/June! It’s been a great start to Spring this year as the sun has been shining throughout April and the Easter period. While I’m sure many people have been using the time to take much-needed holidays, we’ve been busy with a few behind the scenes changes here at Print Monthly, some of which will be evident in this issue. First off we have the first edition of Under the Hood written by industry expert, Michael Walker (page 28) who is taking over the reins from Brian Sims. After consistently writing about the latest pieces of machinery in print and signage for Print Monthly for over a decade, Brian has decided to embrace retirement. I want to thank Brian for all his fantastic contributions and the commitment and care he put into his work. I’m sure I speak for all previous editors who worked with Brian in saying it was a pleasure to work with you and I hope you enjoy your retirement. Another legend to thank after his many years of work at Print Monthly is our production manager, Shaun Edwards, who has decided to pursue new ventures in the world of publishing. Shaun (Shauny to those in the office) has always been a great source of knowledge and humour at Link Publishing, so I’m sure I speak for everyone at the company in thanking him for his hard work and commitment to the magazine. From his variety of pranks, great advice (famous words from his Nan included), and lunchtime treats, Shaun will be truly missed at Print Monthly. Thank you Shauny! With colleagues moving onto pastures new, this of course means we have new additions to the team. I’m happy to welcome our new graphic designer, Ben Mallon, and our new sales colleague, Lucas Naylor. Both Ben and Lucas have already brought a great amount of enthusiasm to the team and are very excited for The Print Show in September (our first big preview of the show can be found on pages 21 to 27). The rest of this issue is a great dive into various important considerations in the industry including advice on becoming a B Corp (page 43), running a business following a MBO (page 32), and the latest considerations in the worlds of inkjet printers and die-cutting machines (pages 51 and 62). Happy reading! EDITOR S NOTE MEET THE TEAM VIDEO COVERAGE Scan the QR code to watch our video coverage over on our Print7 YouTube channel Multimedia Journalist Jonathan Pert jonathan@linkpublishing.co.uk Sales Executive Lucas Naylor lucas@linkpublishing.co.uk Shaun Edwards taking some time out with our office therapist, Sky Dave
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INDUSTRY / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Non-profit community interest company (CIC), wishesjust4you, has called on printers, packaging companies, carton manufacturers, and paper merchants to donate surplus art and print materials to help support its mission to bring joy to children with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities. The organisation was created by founder Bill Stillman out of a desire to bring joy to children and young people living with lifelong disabilities and illnesses. The organisation works closely with children’s hospices and schools, across the UK. The organisation welcomes donations of clean, reusable materials, including but not limited to paper and board textiles, foam, bubble wrap, and any surplus art supplies. Those interested in supporting the initiative have been encouraged to contact Bill Stillman directly, either by email at bill@wishesjust4you. co.uk or by phone at 07342945690. Print press manufacturer, HEIDELBERG UK, has announced a partnership with Glastonbury Festival. Glastonbury is an internationally renowned five-day music and performing arts festival which takes place on 1500 acres of farmland in Somerset and is attended by over 200,000 people. This year’s line-up includes Olivia Rodrigo, The Prodigy, The 1975, Neil Young, Charli XCX, Rod Stewart, and many others. For 2025, HEIDELBERG UK is officially partnering with the Glastonbury Festival Free Press, the official festival newspaper, throughout the event. Now in its 12th year of production, the newspaper is printed in the Theatre & Circus fields of the festival on a vintage 1957 seven-ton HEIDELBERG cylinder press, with tens of thousands of copies printed by hand each year. These copies are distributed for free around the festival at different locations and times. Alongside the newspaper, a series of collectible posters are printed with a different theme each year, which are sold during the course of the festival. The 70-year-old HEIDELBERG press is reportedly still in perfect running condition. As part of this year’s official partnership, HEIDELBERG will also provide an apprenticeship to a young person from the festival and its partners. This apprentice will receive training as a printing machine engineer. Glastonbury Festival 2025 will run from June 25th to 29th. The Free Press section will operate on all five days of the festival to produce thousands of copies of the Free Press newspaper, as well as creative posters and other promotional items for sale. Launched in 2013, Glastonbury Free Press provides news from the festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset Printers called on to donate unused materials to charity Koenig & Bauer and Siemens announce strategic partnership Koenig & Bauer and Siemens have announced a strategic collaboration, to further develop Koenig & Bauer’s modular machine automation system. The standardised modular automation platform allows machine-builders to create and maintain an accurate and synchronised virtual representation of their machine, allowing for testing and checks to be done on the digital version to avoid costly hold-ups, breakages, or other errors. The concept of the ‘digital twin’ can also allow engineers to check on issues virtually without the need to physically travel to the machine, saving resources, time, and cost. The announcement comes as part of Koenig & Bauer’s strategic goals to transform into a major digital solutions provider. On April 1st, the German manufacturer’s Digital Unit, which previously operated under the Koenig & Bauer Group umbrella, was spun off from the holding company into a wholly owned subsidiary. Sandra Wagner, previously vice president of Digitalisation at the company, has been appointed managing director of the new Kyana subsidiary. [L to R] Florian Stappenbeck, Michael Thomas, Marten van Rossum, and Christian Steinmaßl Paper and packaging manufacturer, James Cropper, has partnered with paper artist Nathan Ward on a new project titled ‘Message in a Wrap’. The project, which coincides with James Cropper’s 180th anniversary, was designed to highlight James Cropper’s recent partnership with premium whisky distillery, Bruichladdich, on an award-winning bottle wrap made from its 100% renewable Moulded Fibre material. Last year, James Cropper partnered with the whisky brand to introduce its Luxury Redefined packaging range with a ‘fully sustainable’ bottle outer wrap. For the collaboration, Nathan Ward, an award-winning artist specialising in papercraft, created a 3D diorama made entirely with material made from Moulded Fibre pulp. The project represents Bruichladdich’s Isle of Islay distillery alongside James Cropper’s historic Burneside mill, with elements such as clouds, trees, houses, and a bridge all crafted from Moulded Fibre and paper. The entire diorama is encased inside an enlarged Moulded Fibre wrap for a Bruichladdich bottle. Ward’s previous collaborations include work with GF Smith, Penguin Books, Antalis, and Santander. The diorama represents Bruichladdich’s distillery alongside a James Cropper mill By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert 6 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 HEIDELBERG partners with Glastonbury Festival James Cropper commissions 3D diorama crafted from paper wishesjust4you facilitates children with life-limiting illnesses to create pieces of art
Importance of books, news, and reading continues to be emphasised INDUSTRY / NEWS 8 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 Books and paper have continued to be championed over the last few weeks with several initiatives and projects to champion news, books, and paper. Recently, a Coventry University researcher brought together experts, archivists, and community groups to create a network to preserve the historical archives of local newspapers. With local newspapers transitioning to digital formats and closing their physical offices, the physical materials accumulated over the years – such as photographs and article cuttings – are in danger of being lost. According to Dr Rachel Matthews, who has 15 years of experience working in the local newspaper industry, without a formal system to save physical archives, or a recognition of their importance, most material is simply thrown away. Matthews works at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Arts, Memory, and Communities. With this new project she is collaborating with Gary Collins, an experienced archive specialist, to develop a new approach to acquiring, cataloguing and making physical archives more accessible. The project will develop guidelines for the salvage of newspaper records, working with stakeholders to map existing newspaper collections in the Midlands, understand current preservation efforts, and identify areas where additional support is needed to ensure their long-term sustainability. A central aspect of the project, funded by a grant from The National Archives, is the development of a comprehensive toolkit to guide people in preserving newspaper archives effectively. Four workshops will bring together specialists in cataloguing, intellectual property rights, and digital preservation, which will collectively shape the toolkit’s content. Back in March, World Book Day was celebrated again by children and adults around the world. This year World Book Day highlighted research from the National Literacy Trust that reading is at its lowest levels since records began in 2005 with only one in three children saying they enjoy the activity. Research by World Book Day and Beano Brain found that children are much less likely to grow up as readers if their parents don’t read. With all this in mind World Book Day has encouraged the use of the increasingly popular mediums of podcasts and audiobooks to encourage gateways into reading books. Similar research by reading charity, The Reading Agency, revealed what it labels as a growing reading crisis, especially among younger adults. Nearly half (46%) of UK adults surveyed by The Reading Agency said that they struggle to focus on reading due to distractions around them. The figure rises to 55% among the 16-24 and 35-44 age brackets, and 52% for those aged 25-34. In response, the charity is relaunching its Road to Reading national campaign this year, which supports people to read 30 minutes each week for ten weeks while providing a range of tips and guidance. printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine FESPA launches new charity initiative The Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) has announced the launch of The FESPA Foundation, a new sister organisation to FESPA dedicated to encouraging sustainable practices. With the strapline ‘print for good’, the Foundation aims to encourage environmentally positive practices throughout the speciality print and visual communications industry, as well as channelling resources into community support and educational outreach programmes. As part of its principal activities, The FESPA Foundation will encourage exhibitors of FESPA’s various trade shows and events to produce printed applications that can enrich educational environments for children in underprivileged communities, thereby reducing printed waste from FESPA exhibitions worldwide. The Foundation will then facilitate the collection, transportation, distribution, and installation of these print materials in the beneficiary communities via international and local partners. FESPA will also begin collecting in-kind and monetary donations for the Foundation to further support communities, which it aims to distribute via local charities and community outreach programmes. Fujifilm has announced price increases to a range of its consumables and services in response to cost pressures it has experienced in the European market. According to the manufacturer, although inflationary trends have stabilised since 2024, Fujifilm Europe continues to be affected by challenges including increased labour costs, elevated freight and warehousing expenses, sustained energy prices, and higher costs from suppliers. These pressures have resulted in the need for Fujifilm to implement what it has referred to as ‘double digit price increases’. Commenting on the price increases, Taku Ueno, senior vice president of Fujifilm Graphic Communications, says: “Ongoing market pressures leave us with no option but to revise our pricing structure. These adjustments are necessary to ensure we can continue delivering the quality and reliability our customers expect.” The increases, which vary depending on the product category, took effect from April 1st, 2025. Fujifilm announces price rises FESPA recently released a video detailing a project of the Foundation in South Africa According to research from The Reading Agency, 30 minutes of reading a week can lead to a 20% boost in reported life satisfaction
BUSINESS / NEWS Independent print company, Blue Sky Printing, has recently celebrated ten years in business. The anniversary has aligned with its recent achievement of surpassing 200,000 completed orders. Based in Essex, and a new location in London, Blue Sky Printing began in 2015 when James Callaghan and Jon Webb spotted a gap in the market for high-quality and customer-focused printing in their local area. Initially started as a pop-up stall in The Meadows Shopping Centre, the duo soon moved to a small shop and “never looked back”. The business produces a range of print services, with a particular focus on wall art, giclée printing, and photo printing. Blue Sky also offers photo gifts, business printing, and in-store services. In July 2024, the company announced the launch of London Film Lab, an extension of Blue Sky Printing situated in the creative hub of East London. The location is dedicated to the specialised fields of film development and fine art printing. London Film Lab is a demonstration of the diverse needs of photographers and the integration of print, film, and photography services. The location can handle film types such as 35mm Film and 120 Film and is also capable of ECN2 processing and E6 Film developing. Callaghan and Webb say they have been committed to offering high-quality print services since day one offering services that aren’t widely available on the high street such as Chromaluxe aluminium prints, fine art printing, and high-end business printing. Blue Sky’s work led to its exclusive partnership with Hahnemühle, one of the world's oldest fine art paper manufacturers. Blue Sky Printing celebrates significant milestone [L to R] James Callaghan and Jon Webb, founders of the company Northern Irish print business completes multi-million-pound acquisition Northside Graphics operates four ‘upload and print’ websites in the UK and Ireland Northern Irish online digital printing platform, Northside Graphics, has announced the acquisition of Belfast printing shop, Media Design and Print. The deal will reportedly boost Northside Graphics turnover to £11m and grow employee numbers to over 80 in total. In 2024, the digital printing platform announced a major investment by London-based Bestport Private Equity, which it said would accelerate its UK and Ireland growth through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. In the first of these strategic acquisitions, Media Design and Print and its ten employees will move from its base in Belfast’s Newtownards Road to join Northside at its Dargan Crescent headquarters, also in Belfast. By David Osgar Tradeprint, a UK-based trade print service provider (PSP) for the trade, has made the strategic move to expand operations into the Republic of Ireland. The expansion has been done in order to meet market demand from Irish businesses, which include print managers, print resellers, creative agencies, and design studios. Tradeprint says it has established itself as a trusted partner in the UK market, with products manufactured at its headquartered site in Dundee, Scotland. As part of the expansion the company has curated a product catalogue tailored to the Irish market which gives customers an “optimised ecommerce experience”. Anthony Rowell, sales & customer success director and sustainability lead at Tradeprint, says: “We are excited to bring some of Tradeprint’s extensive range of print products and services to the Republic of Ireland. “The demand from the Irish market has been overwhelming, and we are committed to offering an ecommerce experience that reflects our dedication to quality, speed, and customer service.” Tradeprint has ensured it meets the expectations of Irish customers by providing accurate pricing in Euros with local payment gateways that adhere to Irish taxation, import duties, and shipping regulations. The trade printer has also ensured it has customised product descriptions, a white label shipping service, and a dedicated customer support team for Irish customers. The company concludes: “Tradeprint has taken significant steps to ensure that the Irish expansion provides a white label shipping service, competitive pricing, and the usual commitment to high-quality and fast turnarounds.” Tradeprint makes strategic expansion into Ireland Tradeprint, based in Dundee, has expanded ecommerce operations into the Republic of Ireland Parseq invests £500k in Yorkshire facility, creating 20 jobs Parseq, a UK-based independent managed service provider, has announced the opening of a new secure print facility at its site in Rotherham, South Yorkshire. Parseq has reportedly invested almost £500k in print technology and other machinery for the new facility, which will be staffed by a team of 20 people at full capacity. The new secure print facility is Parseq’s third in the UK. It has been established to provide further capacity to meet growing demand for secure print services from both UK and international customers. Parseq is a global producer of personalised secure print products. Its products incorporate a range of fraud prevention features, multiple layers of encryption, and other security measures. By David Osgar By Jonathan Pert 9 www.printmothly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354
10 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Konica Minolta has unveiled its latest generation of its AccurioPress series with the launch of the C14010/S and C12010/S production presses. The C14010/S and C12010/S presses are designed for commercial printers along with those specialising in enterprise document printing such as central reprographic departments and in-plants. The presses aim to offer consistently high performance and speed, achieving print speeds of up to 140ppm and 120ppm respectively. The S models also come with fifth colour capabilities, allowing businesses to explore new creative avenues with specialist inks. The machines come with six new Intelligent Media sensors designed to offer a significant advancement in automated print management. The sensors can identify paper type, weight, and size automatically, aiming to ensure optimal print settings without additional operator input. Konica Minolta Business Solutions UK has also recently announced what it has dubbed “the world’s first inline finisher to offer lamination directly after the print process.” Konica Minolta has launched its new GBC CL-401 inline laminator, which offers production and finishing versatility for its AccurioPress range of high-volume digital production presses. AccurioPress customers using the CL-401 will be able to produce completed laminated documents in one step, with automatic detection of foil types and sizes. The solution enables both direct two side application as well as the option to laminate only one side of a graphic. With the addition of an inline trimming unit, the TU-510, the CL-401 aims to deliver full endto-end inline production which replaces the labour and cost of the usual process of finishing offline, thereby improving turnaround times. Konica Minolta announces host of new solutions The C14010/S and C12010/S presses include IM-105 sensors which automatically adjust image positioning to eliminate alignment errors Kodak releases SONORA Ultra plates to market Kodak has announced the large-scale roll out of its KODAK SONORA Ultra process free plates, the latest update in the SONORA line. The SONORA Ultra Plates, which were first introduced at drupa 2024, are now in full-scale production following a successful test program in Europe. The plates boast significant performance improvements over previous releases, according to Kodak. Reported features of the KODAK SONORA Ultra include stronger image contrast, white light exposure tolerance, and plate image stability than competitive products. The plates will be produced in Osterode, Germany, aiming to offer European customers of Kodak faster, more sustainable, and more reliable deliveries. According to Kodak, 30 years ago, the unveiling of thermal plate imaging technology was the starting point for the transformation of the computer-to-plate (CTP) market towards thermal imaging. By Jonathan Pert Bagel Systems releases new B3 laminator Tech-ni-fold releases new creasing solution Print finishing manufacturer, Techni-Fold, has announced the launch of Technicrease, a retrofit creasing system designed for web-fed printing, converting, and finishing lines. Developed and manufactured entirely in the UK, the Technicrease system is a patented inline rotary creasing cassette designed to eliminate fibre cracking on labels, packaging, and folding cartons. Technicrease offers a fully mechanical design developed to run at full press speed with zero electronics and motors. Particular focus has been given to remove operator downtime. Its inline performance reportedly matches press speeds with no lag or bottlenecks. The solution also offers auto-calibration capabilities via an operator-set calliper gauge. New Gallus announces global launch of MatteJet technology Gallus Group, a subsidiary of manufacturer HEIDELBERG, has announced the global commercial availability of a new finishing module for its Gallus One digital inkjet label press. The Gallus MatteJet technology allows converters to produce digital labels inline with a matte finish, without the need for integrated flexo units or post-processing equipment. The technology can be retrofitted to existing Gallus One presses. Initially unveiled at Labelexpo Americas 2024, Gallus announced the global availability of the module on March 26th at its Gallus Wine Label Day event in St. Gallen, Switzerland. According to a statement from Gallus, the development of MatteJet was accelerated due to “strong market demand”. Spanish manufacturer, Bagel Systems, has announced the release of the DIGIFAV B3, a double-sided digital laminator engineered for the B3 format. The DIGIFAV B3, which will be distributed throughout the UK by Duplo UK, boasts reported production rates of up to 2,000 sheets per hour in SRA3. Features include advanced digital hot foil stamping capability. As opposed to traditional methods, the solution integrates a multifunctional digital hotstamp module. The system provides a diverse palette of finishes, replicating metallic and holographic finishes while introducing flood varnish spot matt and spot super gloss varnish effects. According to Gallus, the value of the global wine label market is estimated at over $3.5bn (£2.7bn) and is projected to reach $5.8bn (£4.5bn) by 2033 KIT & MEDIA / NEWS By Jonathan Pert Each Technicrease will be built to order and tailored to fit the specific press model it will work with Bagel Systems solutions have been distributed in the UK for the last 4 years by Duplo UK
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printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine VB Media, an e-commerce platform built for the print industry, recently supported Tradeprint to successfully expand its print offerings into the Irish market. Tradeprint utilised VB Media’s print e-commerce solutions to establish a dedicated online Irish storefront, allowing the company to serve new customers without the challenges of a complex setup. VB Media utilised recent enhancements to its platform, designed to accommodate businesses expanding into new regions, to assist in the integration. This was coupled with the application of Tradeprint’s mature API technology and its team of in-house developers. Tradeprint’s relationship with VB Media began seven years ago when the two companies partnered to offer Tradeprint products on a VB Media website. The integration was created to offer an off-theshelf solution to those that wanted to leverage Tradeprint’s new Connect API, but without the expense of having their own developers create a solution. Updating to the Windows 11 operating system (OS) may cause driver compatibility issues, loss of functionality, and security vulnerabilities for print technology according to print and IT solutions firm, Kyocera Document Solutions UK. Windows 11 is the latest major release of Microsoft's Windows OS, released in October 2021 as the successor to Windows 10, which was released in 2015. With support for Windows 10 due to end on October 14th, 2025, many businesses are already in the process of moving over to Windows 11. Recent research cited by Kyocera has shown that between September 2024 and January 2025, Windows 10’s presence in business organisations decreased from roughly 67% to 60%, while Windows 11 grew from 23% to 30% in the same period. In a publication by Kyocera, the company warns that despite the many benefits the new OS may bring to businesses, there are some risks to print devices that companies should be aware of before switching. Among the issues highlighted are potential driver compatibility issues. Steve Pearce, group head of marketing at Kyocera Document Solutions UK, says: “Windows 11 may not support some older printer drivers, which can lead to functionality problems, or printers not working at all.” Pearce also asserts that, as with all OS upgrades, there is a potential for loss of functionality of both hardware and software, especially when using older technology. The latest Windows 11 release, an update to version 24H2, was released on February 25th VB Media facilitates Tradeprint’s expansion into Irish print market HP protects against “quantum computer attacks” with new releases At its Amplify 2025 Conference, HP unveiled what it described as the "world's first business printers to protect against quantum computer attacks." Quantum computers use principles of quantum mechanics, like superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations, potentially solving complex problems faster than classical computers. While the technology is early in development and widely theoretical, it has been predicted that quantum computers could potentially solve problems that are currently impossible for even the most powerful supercomputers. HP used the Amplify 2025 event to launch its new 8000 Series printers including the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501 printers. The new printers are designed with quantum resilience in mind, with the printers’ new ASIC chips designed with quantum-resistant cryptography. The technology enables the use of digital signature verification to protect firmware integrity against quantum attacks. The new solutions are designed to integrate into existing Zero Trust Network architectures, with the aim of helping organisations to take a unified approach to security strategies. Digital print manufacturer, Durst Group, has announced the acquisition of technology company, callas software. Callas is a provider of prepress automation and PDF technologies which play a role in print workflows either directly or as an OEM component in prepress products. Durst Group has made the acquisition to strengthen its software strategy and development. In a statement on the purchase, Durst says the objective is to promote “intelligent, seamless automation between machines, software, and print processes.” Durst aims to use the partnership to accelerate the development of an open, vendor-independent software platform for the print industry. Callas will play a key role in connecting isolated solutions with the goal of enabling print service providers (PSPs) to achieve greater efficiency, scalability, and flexibility. Following the purchase, callas software will remain autonomous in its management and product development, operating as an independent company. While existing customer relationships at callus will reportedly remain unaffected, expanded integration options will be provided through access to Durst Group’s software technologies. [L to R] Dietrich von Seggern, chief executive officer of callas software, and Christoph Gamper, chief executive officer and coowner of the Durst Group By Jonathan Pert By Jonathan Pert 12 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 Windows 11 upgrade "may harm print devices" Durst target software innovation with tech company purchase SOFTWARE / NEWS By Jonathan Pert
14 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Paper, packaging, and visual communications provider, Antalis, has announced the purchase of a multi-million-pound UK packaging company. The business, aptly named The Packaging Company, was purchased by Antalis as part of its strategic aim to expand its presence, product offerings, and service capabilities within the UK packaging market. Established in 1994 in the Midlands, The Packaging Company has grown to a calculated annual revenue of £3.2m with a team of 24. It’s product portfolio includes a wide range of packaging tapes, tools, dispensers, and protective packaging solutions. In a statement about the acquisition, Antalis has highlighted The Packaging Company’s creativity and customer-focused approach as factors behind the purchase. Antalis has already begun what it describes as a “smooth transition process” aiming to ensure uninterrupted service for all of The Packaging Company’s current customers and partners. Hervé Poncin, chief executive officer of Antalis, says: “We are delighted to welcome The Packaging Company (Midlands) into the Antalis family. “Its expertise in bespoke packaging and manufacturing complements our dedication to delivering innovative and tailored solutions. This acquisition embodies our commitment to developing high-performance, sustainable, and reusable packaging options, empowering us to meet evolving market demands effectively.” Nicholas Thompson, managing director UK and Ireland for Antalis, adds: "The talented and dedicated team at The Packaging Company (Midlands) is known for their creativity, exceptional service, and customer-focused approach. “We will unlock new opportunities together, delivering even more innovative, sustainable, and customised packaging solutions to delight our customers." Antalis expands UK packaging presence with major purchase Antalis’ UK head office is situated in Coalville, Leicestershire New initiative launched to promote creative brand packaging The Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA) has announced the launch of a new initiative designed to promote the use of packaging as a vital consumer engagement channel. The Interactive Brand Packaging Network (IBPN) aims to serve as an authoritative body for establishing measurement standards, best practices, and developing ROI frameworks for brands to utilise connected packaging within media and marketing strategies. The stated goal of the network is to “create an industry-wide ecosystem that elevates packaging from purely a product container into a strategic media asset for brands.” The IBPN will launch with a dedicated stream at the AIPIA’s upcoming World Congress in Amsterdam on June 23rd and 24th. The stream will be headlined by Patrick Collister, former executive creative director of Ogilvy & Mather. By Jonathan Pert ACTEGA partners with Fujifilm to integrate ECOLEAF technology Saica Group creates UK jobs with multi-millionpound investments Saica Group has announced multiple major investments in the UK arms of its flexible and corrugated packaging divisions, building new facilities, upgrading equipment, and creating new jobs in local areas. Saica Flex, the flexible packaging division of Saica Group, has received a multi-million-pound investment, designed to strengthen Saica Flex’s position in the competitive flexible packaging market and support rapid growth. The €7.1m (£5.9m) investment includes an array of new technology, namely a new printing press as well as updated conversion equipment including specialised perforation units, an advanced hole-punching system, and a high-speed slitting machine. The investment in Saica Flex is also predicted to create up to 20 new local jobs in the Wigan area, with 11 recruits reportedly already hired. Packaging Innovations reports record number of visitors Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 received the highest ever visitor numbers in its history according to organisers, Easyfairs. The UK packaging trade show, which took place at the NEC Birmingham on February 12th and 13th, saw a reported 7,424 unique visitors this year, higher than any previous year. The annual event featured over 450 exhibitors showcasing their latest packaging solutions as well as 96 expert speakers across three stages, multiple dedicated zones, and an awards show. The 2026 edition of the event has already been announced, with the trade show set to take place on February 11th and 12th next year. ACTEGA, chemical manufacturer for the print and packaging industry, has announced a new partnership with Fujifilm to integrate ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF solution to Fujifilm products. The ECOLEAF solution enables the production of metallic label embellishments and is designed to have a significantly improved environmental profile and intricacy in comparison to traditional foiling methods. By moving from traditional foiling techniques to ECOLEAF metallisation, printers and converters remove the need for PET carrier film and foil reels. This can significantly reduce waste and plastic consumption and cut CO2 emissions. With ACTEGA’s new partnership with FUJIFILM Integrated Inkjet Solutions, All ECOLEAF units can now be equipped along with the FUJIFILM 46kUV Inkjet Printbar to print a higher resolution trigger image consistently. This year’s winners of the 2025 Packaging Startup Awards PACKAGING / NEWS By Jonathan Pert
Manufacturers And Distributors Of Wide And Grand Format Media And Hardware www.soyang.co.uk STANDARD NEXT DAY DELIVERY FOR MEDIA & INK 01945 232564 01945 232564 15 www.printmothly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354
16 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine The Printing Charity has announced Baroness Theresa May as its 2025 president. The former prime minister, now a member of the House of Lords, stood down as member of parliament (MP) in 2024 after 27 years in government. She is the second woman to hold the position following fellow conservative, Nicky Morgan, in 2024. The role has been undertaken by a range of political figures, including former prime ministers. The charity, previously known as the Printers' Charitable Corporation, has existed since 1827. May will be the keynote speaker at the charity’s 196th Annual Luncheon, which will be held in the City of London on November 13th, 2025. Speaking of her appointment, May says: “Print plays a vitally important part in ensuring that as many people as possible can have access to information they need to know. “While the ways in which we receive information has proliferated over the years, I know through a long career in politics – and the many thousands of campaign leaflets I have delivered – the vital role that print plays, and will continue to play, in terms of getting a message across. I am therefore delighted to be the Printing Charity’s 2025 president.” Printing Charity chief executive officer, Neil Lovell, adds: “Baroness May has worked tirelessly, both in office and since her political retirement, against social injustice. For someone of her experience and stature to acknowledge the ongoing critical role of the print sector in modern life through taking this honorary role is a real honour for our industry.” Theresa May appointed as Printing Charity president Theresa May, who served as prime minister from 2016 to 2019, is currently a member of the House of Lords Landa appoint new VP of marketing as part of expansion goals Digital press manufacturer, Landa, has officially announced the appointment of Simon Lewis as its new vice president of marketing. Lewis enters the role with over 30 years of experience in the digital printing industry. This includes having previously worked for HP for 15 years, rising the ranks to head the manufacturer’s Indigo Channel strategy and programs worldwide. In his new role, Lewis will lead the company’s global marketing strategy, focusing on driving brand growth, customer engagement, and market expansion. The company has highlighted Lewis’ expertise in strategic marketing, product positioning, and business development as being key reasons behind the appointment, specifically in supporting “disruptive technologies”. Rob Fletcher The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) has implemented a series of strategic reforms including changing its leadership structure and introducing new members to its council. A series of changes come as part of the IPIA’s two-year rotational leadership structure. Charles Rogers, managing director of Portland Media, has moved to become IPIA president, Alasdair Browne, director at Abbot Print, has stepped up to become chair and finally, Mark Stephenson, business development manager at Fujifilm Europe, has become vice chair. The restructure has been made to strengthen the association’s delivery of membership support and print industry stimulus, according to the organisation, as well as to foster collaboration and growth within the print industry. The IPIA has also announced the election of three new council members – Sarah Lees, head of marketing and communications at Compass Business Finance, Pete Horwood, commercial director at Imprint MIS, and Mike Hughes, managing director at Latcham. Rounding up the changes at the organisation, the IPIA has also been re-structured, with the council now centred around four ‘strategic imperative committees’, each led by a designated chair. The committees will be supported by working groups, aiming to ensure that they can actively shape the future of the print industry. IPIA implements strategic and structural reforms James Cropper hires new managing director Paper, packaging, and advanced materials manufacturer, James Cropper, has announced that Paul Barber has joined as the company’s new managing director of paper and packaging. Barber comes to the role with more than 25 years of experience in the paper and packaging industry, most recently as managing director of the Coveris Group. PEOPLE / NEWS Jonathan Pert Simon Lewis’ previous experience includes roles at Highcon Systems and HP Jonathan Pert [L to R] Charles Rogers, Alasdair Browne, and Mark Stephenson – members of the IPIA council Pictured: Paul Barber, James Cropper’s new managing director of paper and packaging
18 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine Manroland global roadshow lands in the UK Manufacturer of lithographic print presses, Manroland Sheetfed, recently held what it dubbed a “groundbreaking moment” for the company with its ROLAND Evolution World Tour at Potts Print facility in Cramlington. The event was seen as a significant milestone for the company as it was the company’s first roadshow appearance since joining the Langley Holdings family. In attendance was Mr. Anthony Langley, chairman of Langley Holdings, and his sons Bernard and William Langley. The roadshow meant the demonstration of two R7000 Evolution presses running simultaneously for visitors to experience. Manroland highlighted the quietness of the machines and their reliability, which Manroland says is testament to the work of the UK and German teams of the company. Manroland adds that it always wanted to demonstrate it is more than “just a carton press manufacturer” as the highlighted R700 Evolution and R900 Evolution presses are capable of processing a large range of substrates. During a demonstration at the event, the R700 ran paper as light as 32gsm. The event featured a projected video detailing the features of Manroland presses along with the Knightrider theme song, which complimented the colourful lights and eighties theme of the event. This was followed by an opening speech from Daniel Godbold, managing director of Manroland Sheetfed UK. Within his speech, Godbold spoke in more detail about the company's machine offerings, saying: “You want maximum uptime, you want a robust machine, you want staff trained to the highest standards; then you want a Manroland Evolution.” Godbold also emphasized: “Manroland has machines out in the field that are over 30 years old and still running at full speed with minimal running costs. Now take that build quality and integrate 30 years of technological advancements. You have a low-maintenance press that makes ready in minutes, offering incredible uptime and color control systems that ensure your clients receive the highest print quality to represent their brand.” According to the company, the event garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, who praised the innovation and interactive nature of the experience. Visitors were able to engage directly with the experts behind the technology and see various demonstrations of the presses. The event was led by Godbold and Mirko Kern, chief executive officer of Manroland, along with the help of Gitika Hariyan who, according to the company, brought a fresh energy and innovative approach to organising the event. As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the UK stop of the ROLAND Evolution World Tour was not just about showcasing Manroland’s latest technology, but also its commitment to growth, customer satisfaction, and sustainability – using its 150 of years of experience to drive the company forward. Godbold summarised: “This is just the beginning. Let’s continue to drive innovation and shape the future of print together.” [L to R] Bernard and William Langley from Langley Holdings By David Osgar and Jonathan Pert EVENTS / NEWS
| ROLAND 700 Evolution Elite | ROLAND 700 Evolution Speed | ROLAND 900 Evolution A Langley Holdings plc company. The Evolution of Print. manrolandsheetfed.com Manroland Sheetfed UK Ltd Tel +44 (0) 20 8648 7090 E info.gb@manrolandsheetfed.com Light years ahead. Presenting the ROLAND Evolution. Powered by innovation. Designed for perfection. The next generation of sheetfed printing is here. In 2025 Manroland Sheetfed continues to host a series of Evolution World Tour events. Pictured: the flagship ROLAND 700 Evolution Elite.
printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine EVENTS - THE PRINT SHOW / NEWS 21 www.printmothly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 Konica Minolta will return to The Print Show this year to showcase its AccurioPress C14010S production press, which has a top speed of 140ppm Trade print specialist, Route 1 Print, will be back at The Print Show 2025, seeking to build on the success it has had in recent years at the event Printaply, which supplies solutions across the print, food, and finishing industries, recently signed up to exhibit on Stand P365 Print.com will return to The Print Show in 2025 equipped with its signature stroopwafels after a successful debut at last year’s event Premier Paper Group, a regular exhibitor at the show, will attend and showcase products from across its portfolio Morgana Systems, the finishing technology partner that is part of the Plockmatic Group will be bringing returning with a variety of solutions to the 2025 show Following a flurry of sign-ups in recent weeks and months, we pick out some of the latest companies that have signed up to exhibit at The Print Show 2025 this September Who is exhibiting at The Print Show 2025? Online print business Solopress will also be back at The Print Show to speak to new and regular customers at this year’s event InkTec Europe, the large-format print manufacturer behind the popular Jetrix brand, has confirmed that it will once again exhibit
EVENTS - THE PRINT SHOW / NEWS printmonthly PrintMonthlyMagazine 22 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 The Sign Show, a new industry event that will be co-located with The Print Show for the first time this year, has announced details of a special feature ahead of its debut called ‘School of Wrap’. Free to access, this area, located at the centre of The Sign Show 2025, will cover everything from vehicle wrapping to architectural wraps, offering valuable insight into these markets. While the full timetable will be revealed closer to the event, visitors can look forward to live demonstrations from wrapping specialists, Q&A sessions with industry experts, as well as the opportunity to try out wrapping vehicles, furniture, and various other items first-hand. CVi Group, a provider of industry-specific training programmes and contract labour within the wrapping sector, will be leading the vehicle graphics area, while All Print Supplies and Space Architectural Interior Films will showcase opportunities in architectural wrapping. In addition, FESPA UK will support the area through its Waste Accreditation initiative, the industry standard for print, signage, and graphics in the UK, recycling waste generated at the area. “The School of Wrap will serve as the centrepiece of what is shaping up to be an incredible debut event,” says Chris Davies director of both The Print Show and co-located Sign Show, adding: “We’re absolutely delighted to be working with some of the leading names in UK wrapping talent and opening visitors’ eyes to opportunities within this creative sector.” Valuable Insight Vehicle wrapping highlights at the inaugural edition of the School of Wrap include sessions on wrapping theory, such as preparation, film capabilities, and the key factors to consider, as well as a closer look at the particular properties of vehicle wrap film. Visitors will also gain insight into install-specific tools and vehicle preparation methods, as well as the opportunity to view live demonstrations of tricky applications including wing mirrors. As for architectural wrapping, highlights include an introduction to the sector and the many opportunities for growth, a look at the type of products used in these applications, and expert advice on what tools to use. Attendees can also learn about substrates and preparing surfaces for wrapping and view live demonstrations of specialist corner detail finishing. Driving the Industry Forward Commenting on the feature, Tiffany Parkin, architectural manager at SPACE Architectural Interiors, says the event will celebrate innovation, creativity, and the latest advancements in architectural signage and interior branding. She adds: “We’re excited to collaborate with industry professionals, exchange ideas, and contribute to an event that continues to drive the sector forward.” Chris Edwards, director at CVi Group, who will be leading the vehicle wrapping area, says: “For me, it’s about helping educate people that don’t have the knowledge but want to learn, or those that feel they should know more but are not confident enough to ask for help.” Suzi Ward, managing director of FESPA UK, and Jon Hutton, director at FESPA UK, add: “As part of our Waste Accreditation initiative, we will work closely with the show to capture and responsibly dispose of material waste generated throughout the School of Wrap.” School of Wrap will be hosted with wrapping specialists CVi Group, All Print Supplies, and Space Architectural Interior Films, as well as FESPA UK THE PRINT SHOW AND CO-LOCATED SIGN SHOW TO HOST ‘SCHOOL OF WRAP’ ▲Visitors can gain specialist insight into vehicle wrapping ▼The School of Wrap will cover architectural wrapping as well as vehicle wrapping
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