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Industry Leaders Unite to Launch the Sustainable Print Mani…

An industry-wide working group today announces the launch of the ‘Sustainable Print Manifesto’, an independently developed, industry-wide initiative created to provide a simple, practical 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, not less, if it is to accelerate progress. Today, too many sustainability efforts remain fragmented - shaped by local regulation, technology limitations, individual company priorities, or regional nuances. The new Sustainable Print Manifesto aims to rise above these silos, offering a globally relevant blueprint for continual improvement, shared learning, and improved collective progress. The manifesto’s purpose is simple: to create a shared language for sustainable print. One that demystifies complexity and empowers every print business to take meaningful action to be more sustainable. Whether commercial print, packaging, wide format, textiles, labels or industrial manufacturing, the Manifesto is deliberately print-agnostic and compatible with any process, technology, or business model. Unlike traditional top-down standards, the Manifesto has no single author. It has been shaped collaboratively through 11 working-group meetings, a multi-stakeholder summit in Valencia, a series of webinars, and multiple in-depth articles. Over the past 12 months, printers, manufacturers, brands, retailers, technologists, consultants, and trade bodies have contributed insight, challenged assumptions, and co-authored a document designed to unify the industry around clear, actionable sustainability principles. Brands and retailers have also been consulted throughout its development, ensuring the document aligns with real-world requirements, expectations, and future-facing sustainability priorities. Rather than replacing the work of associations or existing frameworks, the Manifesto is designed to act as a neutral, unifying north star - one that sits above technical and regulatory silos and is accessible to any business, anywhere in the world. A clear set of 9 practical principles At the heart of the Manifesto is a set of nine practical, non-competitive principles that any organisation can adopt immediately. These principles focus on real-world actions that improve environmental performance today - without large investment or radical operational change. They include: designing print for purpose; producing efficiently; choosing better, lower-impact materials and inks; minimising waste; reducing carbon and energy consumption; improving water stewardship; applying finishing only where it adds value; recycling and reusing operational materials; and communicating impacts transparently using accurate, data-led reporting. Grounded in lifecycle thinking, the nine principles provide a universally relevant, accessible framework that scales for businesses of any size, in any sector, anywhere in the world. Towards a more collaborative, unified and ambitious future As the initiative grows, industry organisations, suppliers, printers, finishing companies, technology providers, and brands are invited to pledge their support. The ambition is to create a global community committed to learning, acting, and helping each other advance sustainable practice - ultimately positioning the print industry as a beacon of responsible innovation for the wider manufacturing world. Representing one of the founding partners, Carlos Lahoz from HP commented: ‘I believe in the value of print and the positive impact it has in the world. But I also believe that there's still room for improvement. To accelerate innovation and progress, collaboration is key. Collaboration built on trust and transparency, towards a shared goal. This is what this manifesto aims for, and this is why I pledge to its principles.’ This commitment to collaborative progress is echoed by many of the organisations backing the Sustainable Print Manifesto. Founding Partners and Supporting Associations To make this independent initiative possible, a group of visionary founding partners have provided financial and strategic support to underwrite its development. These 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 key global trade bodies, including: BPIF & IPIA (UK), VIGC (Belgium), and PRINTING United Alliance (USA). Call to Action The Sustainable Print Manifesto is now available for download, and all organisations within the print and packaging value chain are invited to read it and share it, action its suggestions and even pledge their support. While this document will continue to evolve as the collaboration grows, today it marks a collective commitment from across the industry to create a clearer, more coherent and more impactful pathway towards a sustainable future for print.

Industry Leaders Unite to Launch the Sustainable Print Mani…

“We are keen on forging connections with new clients”

C Six General Trading LLC has announced its participation as a wholesaler and distributor at the FESPA Middle East 2024. Mabin Philip, Operations Manager, said: “As a dedicated supplier, we stand ready to meet the diverse needs of businesses in the Signage, Interior Designing, Events & Exhibitions, and 3D Printing sectors. Our commitment is unwavering, aimed at providing our esteemed clientele with top-notch materials of impeccable quality at the most competitive prices. Behind our success lies a dynamic and well-informed team, constantly updated and motivated to deliver unparalleled service to our clients. At C Six General Trading LLC, we understand the critical importance of efficiency and reliability in the supply chain. Hence, we are pleased to offer free delivery services across the UAE on a '24 x 7' basis. In addition, our commitment to swift service extends to a unique 'two-hour delivery system' in Dubai and the fastest delivery timelines in other areas. In essence, our participation is not just about showcasing our products; it is an opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to providing the best service in every possible way. The C Six team is poised to engage with industry professionals, forging new partnerships, and contributing to the success of businesses across diverse sectors. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce our inaugural participation at FESPA as an exhibitor. As we prepare to showcase our brand and product strength, we are eager to make our presence known in the market and highlight the extensive stock we maintain to support our esteemed clients. FESPA provides us with a unique platform to extend the reach of our operations, and we are keen on forging connections with new clients from various parts of the UAE during this prestigious event. Our commitment to delivering excellence in the printing industry is reflected in the diverse product range we offer, and we are excited to unveil our latest arrivals tailored for our targeted industries. In our pursuit of providing value, we aim to introduce cost-effective substitutes for products that are traditionally expensive in the market, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality. This strategic approach empowers our clients to enhance their competitiveness within the industry. “At the exhibition, we will diligently showcase our major product categories, offering attendees a firsthand experience of our commitment to innovation, quality, and client support. Our team is dedicated to making our presence at FESPA not only memorable but also an opportunity for industry professionals to explore the possibilities and partnerships that await. Join us at FESPA as we embark on this exciting journey, showcasing our dedication to excellence and reinforcing our position as a reliable partner in the printing industry. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of a comprehensive range of cutting-edge products tailored to meet the evolving needs of the printing industry. Committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and sustainability, our focus is on empowering our valued clientele with a diverse selection of 3D printing materials. At the core of our offerings are raw materials designed to cater to various 3D printing technologies. Our extensive product line includes PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS filaments, each available in a spectrum of colors. In our commitment to sustainability, we proudly offer virgin granules, recycled and recyclable granules and resin ensuring that our products align with eco-friendly practices. As pioneers in the industry, we also provide an array of supplementary materials and tools for model-making elements and post-processing tools. This holistic approach allows us to deliver a complete package, ensuring that our clients have access to everything they need for their 3D printing endeavors. One of our key pillars is sustainability. We understand that the printing industry is continually seeking environmentally conscious solutions, and we are dedicated to meeting that demand. Our current offerings are just the beginning – stay tuned for more sustainable and eco-friendly products in the pipeline. By choosing our products, you are not just investing in quality materials; you are investing in the future of your industry. Join us in embracing innovation and sustainability as we pave the way for a more eco-conscious and technologically advanced printing landscape. “In an age captivated by the allure of the digital realm, navigating the competitive landscape of the printing industry demands a delicate balance of pricing and quality. However, challenges do not equate to stagnation; rather, they present opportunities for growth. As long as humanity endures, so do the prospects for advancement. It is our perspective on these opportunities that transforms the limitations and side effects of digitalization into avenues for progress in the realm of digital printing. As dedicated suppliers, we recognize our responsibility to empower our clients to stand out in terms of both quality and pricing. Our approach revolves around the continuous introduction of innovative, economical, and sustainable product categories. As we stride forward, we ensure that environmental considerations are woven into the fabric of our offerings. Step by step, we pledge to champion the cause of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, thereby contributing to the preservation of our precious Mother Earth. Remaining at the forefront demands more than adaptability; it necessitates a commitment to being informed and visionary. Rather than succumbing to myopic perspectives, we choose to explore new opportunities through exhaustive market research and pioneering product developments. This commitment not only fortifies our clients' ability to innovate and compete but also instills in them a sense of social responsibility. Our mantra is simple: Be Sustainable, Grow Sustainably. This ethos resonates not only within our organization but extends to our clientele, fortifying them with the tools to achieve the same. By choosing our products and services, you are not just embracing a supplier; you are joining a movement towards a more sustainable and innovative future. Let us collectively shape a world where sustainability is not just a goal but a way of life. “Amidst the currents of change and dynamic developments in the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stands poised for substantial growth, projected to reach a remarkable 20 to 30% by the year 2024. Notably, this surge is anticipated to be fueled significantly by the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions. Within the GCC, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerges as a key player, placing substantial emphasis on the adoption of sustainable printing products, particularly in the domains of digital printing and related industries. The UAE's pronounced commitment to eco-conscious practices not only reflects a regional trend but also underscores the burgeoning significance of sustainable solutions in today's rapidly evolving market. From our vantage point, the opportunities presented by sustainable printing solutions are tantamount to their digital counterparts. As the UAE charts its course towards a future marked by environmental stewardship, the demand for eco-friendly products in the digital printing sector is set to surge, offering a landscape ripe with potential. In this scenario, our commitment to providing cutting-edge and sustainable solutions aligns seamlessly with the forward-looking vision of the region. We recognize that the opportunity to contribute to the sustainable growth of the GCC is not just a business proposition but a shared responsibility. As we anticipate the imminent growth spurt, we invite industry stakeholders, partners, and visionaries to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.”

How to implement automation in printing operations

It is becoming necessary in printing operations to automate as much as possible to gain efficiencies. But before you begin your planning processes, look at your current state to ensure that you understand how works happen today. Kodak, a global technology company focused on print and advanced materials and chemicals, explains the vital role of automation in printing operations and how to do it properly. Read on. Single system of record that reliably gathers data from business and production systems If you have that system of record, you are in the perfect state to take on end-to-end automation. If you have multiple points of data collection that have never been integrated, there is still a path to automation. Still, your planning may take longer to accommodate identifying the required data and the processes that use them. Standard processes for order taking, job specification, and order management When there are standard processes, planning for automation can leverage them to speed implementation. When the procedures to take orders are different for every sales channel, it is hard to standardize order intake. When the process of capturing job specifications varies by sales team member and orders are managed without a strategic view into machine usage and job deadlines, some work will be required before automating and making those processes more efficient. How many spreadsheets are used to track jobs, components, or processes? Every business has some ad hoc processes tracked on spreadsheets, whiteboards, and notepads to keep mission-critical items front of mind. There is nothing wrong with them, but when they become the sole source of truth about a job or a process, they add risk to production. Some organisations justify using spreadsheets by putting them onto shared-access servers so that all authorized constituents can easily access them. It sounds like a great idea, but over time you may find that copies are sitting on individual desktops, and the shared copy is no longer the reliable source of information. Knowing what you have as you plan for automation will help you size the effort. Moving to that automated environment creates a single system of record that is reliable and can be integrated into adjacent business and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Planning for automation You could find some processes that appear easy to automate, add some new tools, and call that your automation plan, but there is a better path. It starts with knowing what is possible. New options in cloud-based workflows bring the same powerful options to smaller shops as the largest shops enjoy. With minimal investments and immediate implementation, shops with a single digital press can build an efficient workflow that will scale using the same technology as a mid-size shop with a mix of offset and digital devices. And these modern cloud-based production workflow solutions can help in any segment, whether the work you produce is graphically-rich static content or uses data-driven processes to execute variable content targeted to a specific recipient. Today’s automated production workflows are built to integrate MIS and ERP tools, Web-to-Print solutions, and e-commerce options. This approach should be high on your list as you consider automation options because it brings a robust IT infrastructure to the table. Automating individual processes glued together with manual interventions isn’t the accomplishment that brings the most benefit. Considering automation requires a dive into every action involved, from the point of estimation and sale to the final delivery to the customer. Planning is the active event designed to identify the touchpoints and the best approach to reviewing each step, the people involved, and the current tools used. Start by articulating your strategic goals for 2022. You may be looking to expand into a new industry or print segments. Your current workload may require more capacity. You may want to acquire more capabilities, either through buying more equipment, optimising workflows, or buying a company. As you consider your strategic plan, itemize the candidate processes for automation to move you toward those goals. Don’t be surprised if you identify current manual processes as critical roadblocks. Strategic goals are long-term and inform the way the business runs. There will be some work to do to build the bridge from strategy to implementation, and that is where tactical planning becomes essential. Tactical goals are more than solving today’s bottleneck. They work within the strategy to consider implementing new software and processes while keeping production moving. Think of it as changing the tires on a car while it’s in motion. There will be practical concerns as current processes are replaced by automation, including how and when to move off tools that are no longer providing value. Tactics should support the strategic goals and solve the business' specific challenges without adding more hurdles to creating an automated environment. Build the strategic plan for automation to consider the practical implication of automating the current processes, including goals for gaining buy-in from the team members in each department, who may be asked to change how they do their jobs or change positions to accommodate the planned process modifications. Look for onramps to the fully automated business environment for every element in the tactical plan that enables lower cost and higher margins. A part of tactical planning includes your approach to daily operations. To create an efficient environment in 2022, consider a standalone Operational Plan to document the expectations for each department, interface points between departments, and the key performance metrics that will help everyone stay on the strategic course. Automation does not eliminate the need to understand the production touchpoints. The best practice is to document what should happen if you lose access to the automation, too. The last step in planning for automation is to build the appropriate contingency plans. Cloud-based automated workflows protect you from onsite server disruptions and mitigate much of the risk associated with onsite installations when paired with a disciplined backup strategy. What to do next If you plan to automate your print workflow in 2022, look for scalable and easy platforms to integrate with your core business systems. Ensure that your chosen technology partner lets you automate each task within prepress and production and then map those automated tasks together to ensure that each type of job takes the correct journey through each process. Learn your options, and then create a plan that works for you.

admin in News July 22, 2022

Estimable estimators

If they were lucky, the human estimators had an adding machine or desktop calculator to help with the figures. A busy medium-sized printer might have 10 or more full time estimators. Finding and keeping that many specialised estimators could be tricky, as the work was exacting but hardly exciting. Computers were an obvious solution, but the knowledge of how to program for such specialised calculations wasn’t. One of the first UK companies to crack it was what was to become Imprint Business Systems, which is still going strong after 42 years. Today its customers in print and packaging run into the hundreds and many of them have used Imprint systems for at least 25 years. Like most of the early MIS developers, Imprint grew out of the needs of a particular print company, which then used the experience gained to sell to a wider circle or printing and packaging companies. The late 1970s and early 1980s saw a lot of computer estimating start-ups, often with printing company roots. Some of Imprint’s original UK competitors from 40-odd years ago have also survived and prospered independently, such as Optimus (originally Optichrome Computer Systems Ltd, or OCSL), DDS (Accura) and Tharstern, while others were taken over by the ever-expanding EFI empire (such as Prism, Radius, Shuttleworth and Technique). A few others have either merged, or closed, or both. Imprint itself was founded in 1978 by Glennys Bourne and Jonathan Richards. Originally the pair had worked together at the art book printer Shenval Press in Harlow. Richards was general manager, later a director of Shenval, but had learned programming skills at college. Bourne went on to run the nearby Caterpillar Press. Bourne says that the reason for writing the original computer estimating program was a shortage of the trained human variety. “You could not get estimators for love nor money,” she says. So the first estimating program was written to suit the needs of Shenval Press and Caterpillar Press. Bourne saw the potential for Imprint beyond the needs of Shenval and Caterpillar, so the latter was sold to concentrate on the new business. “The Imprint name describes the company well and has stood us well over the years,” says Richards. “As for why the name was chosen, it just seemed a good fit at the time.” Both are still very much involved today. Bourne is CEO, while Jonathan Richards says he’s “allowed to be chairman on high days and holidays”. However, time marches on and their children Will Richards and Nick Bourne have also joined Imprint – the latter now being MD. Today Imprint is based in High Easter, in the countryside between Chelmsford and Bishop’s Stortford, handily close to the M11 and Stansted airport. It employs 16 people in an often overlapping mix of management, programming and customer services roles.

admin in News July 22, 2022

Agfa Avinci CX3200

Avinci CX3200 is 3.2 m wide dye sub textile printer capable of printing on polyester-based textiles What is it? Agfa’s Avinci CX3200 is a highly reliable and convenient soft signage printer that can print directly to fabrics and onto transfer paper. It uses an off-line calendar unit to ensure perfect fixation. Agfa’s dedicated dye sublimation roll-to-roll printer will enable you to create vibrant, high-quality prints on polyester-based fabrics up to 3.2 m wide, including a broad range of in- and outdoor soft signage applications, as well as interior decoration. The Avinci CX3200 boasts a rich color gamut and delivers deep black, perfect solids, accurate spot color mapping and smooth tonal rendering that is particularly noticeable in skin tones. The Avinci inks are characterised by their flexibility, image longevity and outdoor resistance. They offer stable jetting performance and deliver the same high-quality results, batch after batch. An off-line calender unit fixes the color deeply into the structure of the polyester-based fabrics while evaporating the carrier fluid. When was it launched at what are the target markets? It was launched on June 22, 2021, and aimed at soft signage industry, sports wear, fashion industry and home décor. Avinic CX3200 is a 3.2 m wide Dye Sub Textile printer capable of printing on polyester based textiles. Does it replace an earlier product? It replaces the earlier model of DX3200. The Avinci CX3200 is driven by Agfa’s Asanti wide-format workflow software. Color accuracy is provided by the easy-to-use color management. Using their Calibrated Print Mode feature, new media can be calibrated and profiled in less than 15 minutes, after which the new profiles can be used to guarantee print quality. Asanti controls and automates the entire printing process from file intake to finishing, maximising productivity. Its comprehensive integration of file handling, color management and preflighting guarantees smooth and error-free jobs. The web-based Asanti Production Dashboard offers a view on your running production. It summarizes the jobs produced and reports on quantity printed, media usage, ink volumes enabling you to control your production and to manage your print shop optimally. What is the USP? It allows you to print directly on textiles and capable of print on transfer paper media as well. Single person media loading and low inks consumptions are another features. High productivity and a robust design for reliable printing at all times, vibrant prints and a wide color gamut; fine detail rendering; extensive applications scope; low ink consumption; convenient operations and a fast changeover between jobs are another features. Avinci produces good results with a minimum of jetted ink. This low ink consumption is based on Agfa’s renowned Thin Ink Layer technology: a smart combination of particular ink characteristics and our Asanti workflow software algorithms that tune the ink quantities perfectly to the required image quality mode. What training and support are available? Full in house training and support available from Agfa UAE and Belgium. Complete and integrated solution are available for printer, inks, workflow software, worldwide service and applications support. How productive is it? It prints at speed of 250 Sqm per hr on express mode. Being able to print directly to fabric is easy and ideal for fast handling and for special applications such as flags, where print-though is needed. Transfer paper allows for super sharp prints, eliminates any set-off, and limits media waste to a minimum. In addition, it extends the application scope to sportswear and fashion garments, as well as home décor prints on non-coated polyester fabrics. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is approximately $220k stand alone printer and requires a separate calendaring unit. How many are in use? Currently, the latest CX3200 are around 11 units around the world. Specifications 3.2m Dye sublimation Printer Kyocera print heads 4 colour printer CYMK Direct to garment capable to print on transfer paper Max speed of 250 sqm Stand alone printer Resolution up to 600 x 1800 dpi Media types: Polyester-based fabrics, or transfer paper used to create banners, indoor wall graphics, shop decoration, outdoor advertising, light boxes, trade show displays, flags and high polyester-based blends “Agfa Avinci CX3200 was launched in June 2021.”

Aug. 2, 2022

Epson – SureColor SC V7000 Flatbed Printer

Epson's first UV large format printer offers exceptional image quality, Shihab Zubair What is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 is Epson's first UV large format printer, offering exceptional image quality. The V7000 is ideal for printing eye-catching retail and outdoor signage, window displays, hoarding panels, packaging, promotional goods, and décor products. It includes Epson’s Micro Piezo printhead with ten newly developed original inks, for accurate colour reproduction for spot and corporate colours. It allows businesses the flexibility to print on a range of media up to 80mm thick including acrylics, polycarbonates, PVC, glass, aluminium, metal, polyester, foam board, styrene, wood and stone. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing and, with the 4-zone vacuum system, it offers real flexibility for production environments. When was it launched at what are the target markets? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021 within the Middle East region, building on the success of Epson’s award-winning range of SureColor S Series signage printers. The V7000 allows sign and display makers to expand their portfolio of products, to deliver high quality, fast and reliable results on a variety of different media. Does it replace an earlier product? The SureColor SC-V7000 proudly marks Epson’s entry into the UV flatbed signage print market. As Epson’s first UV large format printer, it provides unique features to differentiate and enhance our offering to the signage market. Every feature of the Epson SureColor SC-V7000 has been designed with the customer in mind. This is a robust and affordable UV LED flatbed signage printer capable of fast and quality printing on a wide range of media – any type of surface, despite the size, thickness, or weight. This is in addition to Epson’s successful product solutions such as the Epson SureColor SC Series of eco-solvent and resin ink printers. For instance, for environmentally friendly organisations, Epson’s SureColor SC-R5010 Series has the capacity to include a resin ink solution, offering print service providers and creative design agencies the ability to produce a wide range of signage in a more sustainable way, without compromising on the results. For a larger ink capacity, Epson offers the SureColor SC-R5010L. What is the USP? The Epson SureColor SC-V7000 provides exceptional image quality, productivity, usability, and safety. With the unique Epson Micro Piezo printhead, the printer has ten newly developed original inks and 3-layer high-speed printing. It helps print with ease and safety with automatic measurement of media thickness, a multi-zone vacuum, and a printhead crash prevent function, Epson Edge Print, proximity sensors. What training and support is available? Epson manufactures all the components for the SureColor SC-V7000, including printheads, inks and software, in order to reach the consistent quality levels that our customers expect. The Epson Cloud Solution PORT is a cloud-based system from where you will be able to monitor equipment across several sites, or several printers across one site, from the production floor or remotely, and assist the control of production. This enables efficient production planning, increased uptime and enhanced support. Epson Production Monitor is part of the Epson Cloud Solution PORT suite of apps and allows you to examine the production status in real-time. If an issue occurs, it can be corrected efficiently with minimal disruption to the print run. How productive is it? The SureColor SC-V7000 enables businesses to print at high speed with a maximum print area of 2.5 metres by 1.25 metres. The printhead layout enables simultaneous high-speed printing, with white ink and varnish, without losing productivity. What does it cost? How is it sold? The recommended retail price (RRP) is around AED 330,563 (US $90,000) and it is sold through authorised partners in the Middle East. How many are in use? Currently two printers have been installed in the UAE, and we are scheduled to install a few more in December and further into 2022. Specifications UltraChrome UV 10-colour inkset Printing resolution of 720 x 1,440 DPI Outstanding print quality High-speed simultaneous printing even when using white, colour and varnish Printheads, ink, firmware and software with an ink tank capacity of 1,000 ml Price from AED 330,563 “Epson SureColor SC-V7000 was launched in April 2021.”

Aug. 2, 2022

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