Jules VanSant is the executive director at Two Sides North America, located in Portland, Oregon, – a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the unique sustainable features of print, paper and paper-based packaging. VanSant brings a high-profile presence to her position, with experience in a variety of roles in manufacturing, nonprofits and associations in the print and graphic communications space. Her focus is on truth in messaging around sustainability and greenwashing issues through marketing, direct outreach and community building. VanSant also is a partner at Bubble & Hatch Marketing and serves on several industry boards.

What are the mission and goals of Two Sides North America? How did the initiative for Two Sides begin?

Two Sides North America (TSNA) is part of the nonprofit Two Sides global network, which includes more than 600 member companies across North America, South America, Europe, Australia and South Africa. TSNA’s member companies span the graphic communications and paper-based packaging value chain, including forestry, pulp, paper, paper-based packaging, chemicals and inks, pre-press, press, finishing, printing, publishing, envelopes and postal operations.

TSNA began in 2008 to fill a need to elevate the environmental truth about paper and paper-based packaging. In common purpose with members of the graphic communications and paper-based packaging industry, TSNA aspires to ensure that in a world of scarce resources, renewable, recyclable and sustainable products can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Using a straightforward, balanced approach, TSNA is telling the sustainability story of print, paper and paper-based packaging using specific research and facts in the US and Canada. TSNA tackles the relevant environmental and social issues head-on with factual, authoritative information that exposes the myths, explains the industry’s true sustainability capabilities and gives stakeholders a solid foundation for making well-informed decisions about the use of print and paper products.

How do you see the printing/finishing industry embracing global trends, such as the circular economy and sustainability demands from brand owners and consumers?

TSNA bases its approach and work on the premise that “Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

TSNA sees the printing/finishing industry embracing global trends around environmental responsibility, prioritizing eco-friendly practices and sustainable materials. Many aspects of the production and recycling processes are part of a greater circular economy. Sustainability demands from brand owners and consumers continue to push improvements, as do national and local legislation.

Companies increasingly are adopting circular economic principles by implementing processes that reduce waste, promote recycling and encourage using renewable resources. Today’s industry leaders continue exploring innovative technologies and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional print and finishing materials and methods.

What are the biggest challenges the paper and printing industry faces as it relates to sustainability? How should the industry respond to successfully grow and thrive?

It’s exciting to see the ongoing focus on advancing environmentally friendly inks, films, coatings and overall recyclability. It’s important to tell the story, share the facts and get these in front of manufacturers, employees and, most importantly, consumers. But no matter how the industry advances, one of the biggest challenges it faces are the misconceptions and misleading language used in greenwashing claims.

Greenwashing is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as, “Disinformation disseminated by an organization to present an environmentally responsible public image.”

Environmentally conscious consumers rely on messages from corporations, government agencies and other organizations to inform their communication choices. Yet it is not uncommon for these organizations to make unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims that promote switching from paper to electronic communication as better for the environment, e.g., “go paperless – go green” and “go paperless, save trees.”

In a recent TSNA survey, 65% of Americans who had seen anti-paper greenwashing claims said they were influenced to switch to paperless communications.

What resources does TSNA provide Print Service Providers (PSPs) to help stop greenwashing and misinformation on print and paper?

TSNA provides Print Service Providers (PSPs) with a variety of resources to help combat greenwashing and misinformation surrounding print and paper. Some of the resources TSNA offers include:

Fact Sheets and Research: We create and keep updated informative fact sheets that debunk common myths and misconceptions about the environmental impact of print and paper. We also conduct in-depth research studies that highlight the sustainability and recyclability of print and paper products, providing the entire supply chain with data-driven insights to counter greenwashing claims while supporting sustainability messaging.

Campaign Materials and Industry Advocacy: We offer marketing campaign materials and messaging templates that PSPs can use to educate their customers and stakeholders about the sustainable attributes of print and paper. These include blogs, videos, social media posts, and print and digital ads. We also recently relaunched our Love Paper campaign (www.lovepaperna.org). In addition, we advocate on behalf of the print and paper industry, working to promote accurate information and challenge misleading greenwashing practices.

By leveraging these resources, PSPs effectively can combat greenwashing and misinformation, ensuring that accurate and balanced information about the environmental impact of print and paper is communicated to their clients and the public.

What are your predictions for the paper and print industry in the next five to 10 years?

TSNA already sees the paper and print industry evolving and adapting to prepare for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation and the impacts of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR). These will continue to influence consumer preferences and drive technological advancements and environmental considerations throughout the supply chain over the next five to 10 years. This will push a variety of trends in the print and finishing space, including:

Increased Focus on Sustainability: We anticipate a greater emphasis on sustainability throughout the paper and print supply chain, with manufacturers and individual companies continuing to expand their eco-friendly practices, material sourcing, utilization of renewable resources and reduction of environmental impact.

Digital Integration: The industry will see further integration of digital print technologies to streamline processes, improve efficiency and enhance customer experiences.

Innovation in Print Products: There will be continued innovation in print products and finishing techniques, focusing on the incorporation of embellishments that have improved the environmental footprint and can create a unique and customizable impact while providing value to customers.

Circular Economy Initiatives: The industry has continued to embrace circular economy principles, leading to increased recycling rates, reduced waste and a shift toward closed-loop production systems. This will continue well into the next decade.

Consumer Education: There will be a growing effort to educate consumers about the sustainability of print and paper, dispelling myths and promoting the positive environmental attributes of these materials. TSNA is at the forefront of providing fact-based data, resources and community to support these initiatives.

Overall, TSNA believes that the paper and print industry will continue to thrive and adapt to changing market dynamics, consumer preferences and sustainability challenges in the coming years, positioning itself as a sustainable, innovative and essential component of the modern business landscape. 

By Rob McCann, head of Service Products Portfolio, Bobst North America, Inc.

In today’s world of constant production demands, combined with shorter turnaround times and fewer resources, the significance of equipment maintenance often gets overshadowed. However, machine maintenance is not an optional task; it is required for operational success. From preventing costly and untimely breakdowns to optimizing performance and ensuring safety, the role of equipment maintenance cannot be overstated. This article takes a look at the various maintenance models and their benefits, along with tools to help measure the effectiveness of a company’s maintenance approach.

Industrial preventative maintenance is a strategy that aims to prevent equipment failure and reduce downtime by performing scheduled maintenance activities on machinery and other industrial assets. This type of maintenance involves identifying potential problems before they occur and taking corrective action to ensure that equipment continues to efficiently operate.

Preventative maintenance can involve a variety of activities, such as:

• Inspections: Regular inspections can identify potential issues before they become serious problems. This can include visual inspections, tests and measurements to identify signs of wear and tear, damage or deterioration.
• Lubrication: Proper lubrication can help prevent equipment failure by reducing friction and wear. Lubrication schedules often are based on OEM recommendations and can involve using specific types of lubricants, greases or oils.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning of equipment can help prevent issues caused by dirt, dust and moisture. This includes cleaning air filters, removing buildup from moving parts and ensuring that equipment is free from other debris.
• Calibration: Some equipment may require regular calibration to assure that it is operating within specified tolerances. This can involve adjusting sensors, instruments and other components to ensure that they are providing accurate readings.
• Replacement of worn parts: Over time, equipment may wear down or become damaged. Replacing worn or damaged parts can help prevent equipment failure and extend the life of the machine. It is far better to replace two worn bearings than wait until they fail and damage the driveshaft riding in them.

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance

• Increased equipment reliability: By performing regular maintenance activities, industrial operations can minimize the risk of equipment failure and unplanned downtime. This will help make sure that equipment efficiently and consistently operates over time.
• Improved safety: Regular maintenance can help identify and address potential safety hazards associated with equipment, such as malfunctioning sensors, worn-out parts or leaking fluids. Addressing these hazards can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
• Reduced repair costs: Addressing issues before they become serious problems can help minimize repair costs. Preventative maintenance can help identify and address potential issues early on, reducing the need for expensive repairs or equipment replacements.
• Longer equipment lifespan: By maintaining equipment in good condition, businesses can extend the useful lifespan of their equipment. This can help reduce the need for frequent equipment replacements, which can be costly and disruptive.
• Improved productivity: When equipment consistently and reliably operates, it can help improve overall productivity by reducing the risk of unexpected downtime or interruptions to production schedules.

Time-Based Maintenance

This type of maintenance involves performing maintenance activities at regular intervals. For example, changing filters, lubricating moving parts or replacing worn-out components based on predetermined schedules defined by the OEM.

Condition-Based Maintenance

This approach involves performing maintenance activities based on the actual condition of the equipment. This can involve using sensors or other monitoring systems to track performance and identify potential issues. Maintenance then is performed as needed, rather than on a fixed schedule.

In the packaging industry, condition-based maintenance involves monitoring equipment condition and scheduling maintenance activities based on the equipment’s actual condition, such as impressions, vibration, temperature or pressure.

Predictive Maintenance

This type of maintenance involves using data and analytics to predict when equipment likely is to fail based off historical information. Predictive maintenance uses tools such as vibration analysis, thermography and oil analysis to identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Predictive maintenance can use machine-learning algorithms to predict when maintenance is needed and schedule maintenance activities accordingly if enough data is available.

Run to Fail

“Run to fail” maintenance is a reactive maintenance strategy that involves running equipment until it fails and then replacing or repairing it as needed. This approach sometimes is used in situations where the cost of maintaining equipment is higher than the cost of replacing it when it fails.

In a run to fail maintenance strategy, maintenance activities are not performed on a regular schedule, but only when the equipment already has failed. This can result in unexpected downtime and disruptions to production schedules, as well as potentially higher repair costs.

If equipment unexpectedly fails, it can lead to extended unplanned downtime, production delays and increased costs associated with emergency repairs or equipment replacement. Additionally, if a critical piece of equipment fails, it could impact other parts of the production process, leading to a cascade of failures that can be difficult to recover from.

Run to fail maintenance may be appropriate for equipment that is not critical to the production process and easily can be replaced or repaired. However, for more complex or critical equipment, preventative maintenance strategies typically are a better option. Overall, the decision to use a run to fail maintenance strategy should be based on a careful analysis of risk.

Choosing the Appropriate Maintenance Strategy

• Assess equipment criticality: The first step is to assess the criticality of each piece of equipment to the production process. Equipment that is essential to the production process or that has a high cost of failure may require a more comprehensive maintenance strategy, such as a predictive or condition-based maintenance model.
• Evaluate maintenance costs: The company should evaluate the costs associated with each maintenance model, including the cost of labor, parts and equipment needed to implement the maintenance program. This will help to determine which model is most cost-effective for the company.
• Consider available resources: The company should consider the availability of resources, such as skilled labor, equipment and software, needed to implement each maintenance model. If the company does not have the necessary resources, it may need to invest in additional training, hire outside resources or buy equipment to support the maintenance program.
• Determine the level of automation: Depending on the size of the company and the available resources, the level of automation in the maintenance model should be considered. Automated systems and sensors can provide real-time data on equipment performance, which can be used to implement a condition-based or predictive maintenance model.
• Implement a pilot program: Once the maintenance model that best suits the needs has been determined, a pilot program can be implemented to test the effectiveness of the program. The pilot program can help to identify any areas of improvement and refine the model before it is implemented on a larger scale.

By following these steps, a manufacturing company can determine the best equipment maintenance approach for their needs, helping to reduce downtime, extend equipment life and improve overall efficiency and safety.

The more organized the strategy, the more effective it becomes. Online tools, such as Maintenance Management Software (MMS), can provide detailed and structured plans.

Maintenance Management Software is a computerized system designed to help organizations manage their maintenance operations more efficiently. MMS is a type of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software that’s used to track and manage maintenance activities for a range of equipment, including manufacturing equipment, vehicles, buildings and other assets.

MMS software typically includes a variety of features and functionalities, such as:

• Work order management
• Asset management
• Inventory management
• Reporting and analysis

Measuring the Effectiveness of Preventative Maintenance

The success of preventative maintenance can be measured in several ways, depending on the specific goals and objectives. Common metrics that can be used to measure the success of preventative maintenance include:

• Equipment uptime: One of the most basic metrics for measuring the success of preventative maintenance is equipment uptime. By tracking the amount of time that equipment is available for production, the company can assess the impact of its maintenance program on overall equipment availability.
• Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): MTBF is a measure of the average time between equipment failures. By tracking MTBF, the company can assess whether its maintenance program is improving equipment reliability and reducing the frequency of failures.
• Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): MTTR is a measure of the average time it takes to repair equipment after a failure. By tracking MTTR, the company can assess whether its maintenance program is improving the speed of repairs and reducing downtime.
• Cost savings: A company also can measure the success of preventative maintenance by tracking cost savings. This could include savings from reduced downtime, fewer repairs and longer equipment life.
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): OEE is standard industry KPI. It’s a ratio of uptime, performance and quality. By tracking OEE, the company can compare against past “scores” and will signify the impact of its maintenance program on overall equipment performance.
• Maintenance backlog: Maintenance backlog is the amount of maintenance work that needs to be completed but has not yet been scheduled or completed. By tracking maintenance backlog, the company can assess the effectiveness of its maintenance program in prioritizing and completing maintenance activities.

Implementation

With all of the available options, how does a company choose the best fit? Where should it begin?

Here are some steps a company can take to begin implementing a preventative maintenance strategy:

• Evaluate existing maintenance practices: The first step in implementing a preventative maintenance strategy is to evaluate existing maintenance practices. This includes reviewing maintenance records and analyzing equipment performance data to identify common problems and areas for improvement.
• Define maintenance goals and objectives: Once the company has identified areas for improvement, it should define the maintenance goals and objectives. This includes identifying the equipment that is critical to production and setting maintenance targets for uptime, reliability and performance.
• Develop a maintenance plan: With the maintenance goals and objectives in place, the company should develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. This plan should include a schedule for preventive maintenance activities, such as inspections, lubrication and replacement of wear parts.
• Implement a maintenance management system: To manage the maintenance plan, the company should implement a maintenance management system (MMS). This software can help to automate maintenance activities, track equipment performance and generate reports on maintenance activities.
• Train personnel: To ensure that the maintenance plan is effectively carried out, the company should provide training to maintenance personnel. This includes training on equipment maintenance procedures, safety protocols and the use of the maintenance management system.
• Monitor and adjust the maintenance plan: Once the maintenance plan is implemented, the company should monitor equipment performance data and adjust the maintenance plan as needed. This includes identifying areas for improvement and making changes to the maintenance schedule or procedures to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Conclusion

As noted earlier, equipment maintenance is not an option – it is a vital requirement. It can make or break a production center. As seen, there are many factors to consider and numerous ways to achieve safe, reliable, productive and efficient machine performance. Choosing the best method calls for detailed analysis and careful planning. But in doing so, the benefits are clear. A successful preventative maintenance program additionally can lead to increased equipment uptime, improved product quality and reduced maintenance costs. 

Rob McCann is the head of Service Products Portfolio at Bobst North America, Inc. He may be reached at 973.226.8000 or by email at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.bobst.com.

This article is reproduced with permission from the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking’s monthly magazine, The Cutting Edge, June 2024.

The IADD is an international trade association serving diecutters, diemakers and industry suppliers worldwide. IADD provides conferences, education and training programs, a monthly magazine, online resource library of 750+ technical articles, industry experts to answer technical questions, publications and training manuals, recommended specifications, videos and more. IADD also presents Odyssey Expo, a bi-annual tradeshow and innovative concept in technical training featuring a hands-on Techshop where training programs come alive in an actual working diemaking and diecutting facility inside the exhibit area. Visit www.iadd.org or call 815.455.7519 for more information.

By Liz Stevens, writer, PostPress

Diamond Packaging (Diamond) of Rochester, New York, rose to the top in the 2024 FSEA Gold Leaf Awards with its winning entry for Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Calendars. The company put together a three-month corporate calendar, as is its custom for creating promotional items, and created a piece that truly is a work of art – or, actually, several works of art. Dennis Bacchetta, director of marketing at Diamond Packaging, gave PostPress the inside scoop on this show-stopping creation.

“This calendar features several decorative options,” said Bacchetta, “including printing, specialty coating, foiling and embossing – all designed to support the packaging design ideation process.” It also showcases the type of decorative effects offered by Diamond Packaging that can transform brands in a cost-effective manner. The 2024 calendar celebrates famous works of art from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art movements originating in late 19th century France. It is the company’s first calendar designed so that recipients can change the artwork, depending on style or mood, bringing the museum gallery experience to a home or office setting. “The calendar reproduces four masterpieces displayed in a gilded gold frame,” Bacchetta explained. “The four artworks are Vincent van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ Édouard Manet’s ‘Boating,’ Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s ‘Figures on the Beach’ and Henri-Edmond Crossin’s ‘Landscape.’” The three-dimensional picture frame features side closures with locking tabs, allowing the recipient to choose among the four pieces of art and change which one is featured in the frame. Diamond even added an artistic touch to the shipping package for the piece, envisioning it as a constructed wood artwork shipping crate complete with a ‘Fragile’ stencil.

The overall main piece is in a long vertical format with four panels. The top panel presents the three-dimensional gilded frame hanging – with one’s choice of artwork – beneath a small picture light on the blue wall of an art museum. The second, third and fourth panels present the continuation of the blue museum wall; they are spiral bound with fine metal, each with a one-month calendar that shares its upper spiral binding. The third and fourth panels include wainscoting and molding on the museum wall, and the fourth (bottom) panel depicts the museum’s hardwood floor and two cushioned viewing benches.

Bacchetta explained that the calendar was crafted with several objectives in mind. “The design,” he said, “was chosen to illustrate many of Diamond’s capabilities, including creative design, multi-color UV printing, UV gloss spot coating, cold foiling, multi-level embossing and intricate diecutting.” Another objective was to showcase the type of decorative effects that cost-effectively can elevate customers’ brands, including cold foiling and specialty coatings. “We also wanted to create a colorful, beautifully decorated structural and ornamental piece,” said Bacchetta, “that users will want to have near their desks.” A final objective was to promote the use of Clearwater’s ReMagine™ paperboard – made with 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) fiber – to consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands looking to address growing trends in sustainable packaging.

“As a calendar,” said Bacchetta, “it can be enjoyed all year, continually reinforcing Diamond’s brand. As a capabilities piece, it can be used longer than one year, which increases its shelf life and utility.”

Production Details

The paper stock used in the production of Diamond’s 2024 calendar includes Clearwater ReMagine 30% PCW paperboard for the calendar header and backers, Domtar Cougar Smooth 80# Text paper for calendar pages, and Clearwater Candesce^® SBS paperboard laminated to E-flute corrugated fiberboard for the artwork packing/shipping box.

The calendar’s final design captures the essence of four individual artwork pieces through a carefully chosen combination of multi-color UV printing, cold foiling, UV textured specialty coating, multi-level embossing and intricate diecutting for each piece. “The graphic design of the self-promotional pieces communicates the company’s high-end branding and sustainability initiatives,” said Bacchetta, “while imparting unusual depth and distinction through creative design, material selection and specialty effects.”

The effects and embellishments include tightly registered coatings that were used to enhance the design and highlight the individual calendar components. The museum wall features UV matte, and UV satin coating was used on the wall’s wainscoting and molding. UV satin coating was used on text to add contrast. For van Gogh’s ‘The Starry Night,’ specialty coating was applied, giving dimension to the brush strokes. For Crossin’s ‘Landscape,’ two coatings were applied to create a subtle contrast between the color and white areas. Renoir’s ‘Figures on the Beach’  features DiamondTexture specialty coating, which was applied to the sand in the artwork to create haptic feedback.

Diamond Packaging enlisted four systems to produce the calendar. Printing was handled by a Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 offset press (with FoilStar cold foil unit). A Bobst BMA foil stamper/embosser provided the embossing finesse. Diecutting was done with a Bobst 102 CER diecutter/blanker/stripper. Gluing was applied with a Bobst Masterfold 110A-2 (gyro).

Diamond also used cold foils and embossing to produce the calendar. “Silver cold foil, supplied by Univacco,” said Bacchetta, “delivers shimmering metallic effects on the gilded gold picture frame and the Diamond Packaging text. Holographic ‘wave pattern’ cold foil, supplied by KURZ, adds more realism to the water in the Manet ‘Boating’ artwork.” Bacchetta described how embossing lends distinction and depth to the design. “Many components,” he said, “were embossed, including the picture frame, wainscoting, molding and the leather viewing benches. Multi-level embossing tastefully was applied to the individual artwork pieces to add even more depth, combining to offer visual and tactile effects that promote consumer interaction.”

The company overcame challenges that arose from the need for ultra-tight registration, the requirement for consistency of color in all components of the overall piece and the desire to produce the piece in a cost-conscious way. “One challenge was maintaining consistent color among all four of the components (header, backers, shipper),” said Bacchetta, “all of which were on separate forms. Tight color control was maintained by using closed-loop scanning spectrophotometry.” Another aspect that presented a challenge was the need for extremely tight registration of the UV gloss spot coating, the DiamondTexture specialty coating, the cold foil and the multi-level embossed areas. Bacchetta stated that this challenge was met by optimizing the production layouts to best support the registration requirements. “And in general,” said Bacchetta, “we strove to incorporate all of the value-added processes in as few production steps as possible. We achieved efficiency through the use of more sustainable inline converting methods, including cold foiling and specialty coating. This reduced material and energy compared to offline processes.” 

For more information, visit www.diamondpackaging.com.

By Erin Blank, contributing writer, PostPress

We’ve seen the headlines. We’ve read the data. We’ve experienced it firsthand. The printing, converting and affiliated industries are facing a troubling reality. Experienced workers are retiring or transitioning to other fields at a record pace, often without qualified replacements to step in. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, three of the top 30 occupations projected to see the largest job declines over the next decade are all within these sectors. With struggles mounting across the broader manufacturing landscape, what can the industry do to ease the pain? To address this challenge, PostPress spoke with print and packaging companies, along with leaders from universities with graphic arts programs, to uncover effective strategies for navigating the challenges of employee retention and recruitment in today’s market.

Investments in Automation
For many print and packaging companies, investments in modern equipment and automated technology are helping assuage the labor shortage. “We’re investing in all aspects of the business, with the main objective of being more productive with the company’s existing workforce,” said Jon Tardiff, president of JS McCarthy Print + Packaging, one of the oldest and largest print and packaging companies in New England. Today’s printing and converting equipment, equipped with advanced automation and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, requires less manual labor than ever before. This technology allows machines to be operated by smaller crews while also significantly increasing output.

Not only does new technology help ease the challenges of a shrinking workforce, but it plays a crucial role in retaining existing employees. When companies invest in tools and resources that simplify employees’ jobs, it fosters greater employee engagement and loyalty and reduces the likelihood that they will seek opportunities elsewhere.

According to Shawn Pereira, CEO of Spectrum Custom Packaging in Fremont, California, “Introducing new technologies provides team members with opportunities to learn and grow within the company while enhancing their satisfaction in producing high-quality products. These investments also help us promote our culture of working smarter, not harder.”

Many companies are discovering that in addition to enhancing the efficiency of current employees, modern technology is attracting a younger generation of new workers. As ‘digital natives’ continue to infiltrate the workforce, more individuals are seeking roles that involve less manual labor and increasingly are drawn to working with systems powered by advanced technologies like AI.

“I think when we talk about print and packaging in a ‘manufacturing’ sense, it’s often left up to the applicant to interpret what kind of workplace they’d have,” said Tardiff, “but when they come in and see the new technology, automation and robotics, it makes the industry very exciting for the younger generation.”

Retainment Through Training and Strategic Employee Programs
Beyond capital-intensive investments, prioritizing training and developing robust internal programs are essential for retaining current employees. With graphic arts organizations shrinking, independent skills training programs are becoming increasingly difficult to find, but online courses are available through organizations like the Printing United Alliance and some Printing Industries Association, Inc. (PIA) affiliates. Brodnax 21C Printers in Dallas, Texas, offers its employees access to PIA MidAmerica’s ‘MidAmerica U,’ an online platform that provides fundamental print and graphics training.

Jimmy Singer, principal at Brodnax, said, “With the technology everchanging, whether the operator is a veteran of 35 years or just fresh to the industry, everyone has the opportunity to learn something new.”

Training is robust in certain regions, but there is room for improvement, as Pereira highlighted the need for more resources near his plant in central California. To address these gaps, companies are directly partnering with manufacturers to offer employee training focused on maximizing equipment performance. Additionally, some organizations are developing their own internal training programs covering a variety of topics, including lean manufacturing, safety and management skills. Many also are adopting cross-training initiatives to develop their workforce for new opportunities while creating a safety net in the event of unexpected resignations.

“Providing training for our employees signals to them that the company cares about them and wants to invest in their career and professional growth,” said Singer. “It also makes them more confident in their day-to-day work and increases overall job satisfaction.”

Outside of training, companies are implementing various employee programs aimed at improving retention. At Spectrum, Pereira and his team have developed an ‘Employee Maturity Model,’ which allows team members to choose a growth path within the organization and work toward gaining specific competencies necessary for new roles. He said, “We align their goals with the company’s objectives and establish incentive compensation plans to support their achievement. This approach encourages employees to contribute at higher impact levels, increasing their earning potential and fostering a culture that promotes long-term loyalty.”

For JS McCarthy, company culture means putting emphasis on work-life balance, social opportunities and the financial wellbeing of its workforce. In 2019, the company became 100% employee owned (through an ESOP). Tardiff noted, “Once employees understand the financial rewards of employee ownership, they are much more likely to stay with us.”

Attracting a New Workforce
While these initiatives will support companies in attracting a new workforce, the latest generation entering the job market also is prioritizing strong workplace culture and flexible scheduling options. This includes accommodation for alternative work hours, personal time off and hybrid working environments.

“Students today are looking for employers that concentrate on work-life balance,” said Patrick Klarecki, professor of Graphic Communications at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. He also emphasized the importance of engagement from the very beginning. “This generation is eager to make meaningful contributions and improve their workplaces from day one, rather than simply being ‘clock punchers.’ If they feel easily replaceable, they quickly will look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Dr. Eric Weisenmiller, associate professor for Graphic Communications at Clemson University in South Carolina, sees similar trends with his students. Clemson boasts one of the largest Graphic Communications programs in the country, with 370 students currently enrolled in the university’s four-year program. Weisenmiller said, “Graduates seek self-driven work schedules that prioritize quality of life alongside their professional responsibilities. They are seeking direction and an ability to latch onto a path that either will buy them into the company or set them on a path for growth.”

For companies willing to embrace a more progressive environment, the shift could have considerable return on investment in the long run. “Other industries are doing these things,” said Klarecki. “If we want the quality of talent in our businesses, we need to be – at the very least – at a similar level as other industries to attract new graduates to work for us.”

Beyond changes within individual workplaces, the leaders of both print and packaging companies and universities agree that the industry, as a whole, must improve its marketing efforts, particularly in targeting younger audiences.

“Businesses need to start advocating and educating at the secondary school level, so that young people consider the opportunities in printing, packaging and other applied sciences,” remarked Dr. Bruce Myers, associate professor of Packaging and Graphic Media Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. With few graphic arts programs available in high schools, Myers said print simply is perceived by this demographic as limited to newspapers – “an image that doesn’t accurately reflect the growth potential available in the industry.”

Graphic communications educators widely believe that to truly thrive as an industry long-term, advocacy for careers in print and packaging needs to start early. Dr. Doug Younger, professor of Graphic Communications at Pittsburg State University in Kansas, suggested that print companies become partners with area schools that teach graphics and assist with their curriculum or allow field trips to their facilities.

Pittsburg State currently has an impressive 131 students enrolled full-time in its Graphic Communications program, with an additional 52 minors. Younger added, “While print and packaging are used on a daily basis, most people do not think about the careers involved in producing these items. Helping provide career awareness to students at an early age is key.”

Companies like Brodnax 21C Printers have started such early education initiatives. Singer’s team has been working alongside PIA MidAmerica to help develop more educational programs for secondary schools. He even recently submitted a letter to the Texas Education Agency to advocate for more print and imaging programs in his area. He said, “Knowledge transfer, continuing education and continuity are going to determine who prevails as a strong printing company in the future.”

JS McCarthy Print + Packaging has begun offering summer employment opportunities for high school and college students, with the end goal of recruiting for future long-term positions. Tardiff said, “We’ve realized we need to start building our pipeline much earlier. Often, potential applicants picture a dated facility. Once they understand they’ll be working with cutting-edge technology and partnering with well-known brands, people are much more interested in joining our team.”

For Spectrum Packaging, Periera concluded, “I used to believe that finding good people was difficult, but our shift in mindset, company culture and operational strategies has changed that perspective.”

Although the industry should not anticipate an influx of skilled pressmen and machine operators, printing and converting companies have numerous strategies they can employ to attract the right talent. Given the success of graphic communications programs at colleges throughout the US, companies can benefit from collaborating with local universities that provide these courses. Most of these programs require internship experience, providing opportunities to build a pipeline of potential employees. Additionally, forming partnerships with local PIA affiliates to create outreach programs targeting high school students is a smart first step toward educating the future workforce about the dynamic and high-tech world of print and packaging. 

Edited by Cori Watkins, contributing editor, PostPress

The outlook for the print finishing and embellishment industry in 2025 looks to be promising. The year ahead appears to be shaped by market trends, economic conditions, workforce challenges and new innovations. As the demand for high-quality packaging, personalized products, unique finishing techniques and digital embellishment continues to rise, companies likely will experience growth, though not without some hurdles. While challenges stemming from labor shortages, supply chain obstacles and the high cost of producing sustainable products are unlikely to resolve in the near future, new technologies using AI and smart automation will benefit companies with faster turnaround times, more precise quality control and lower operational costs.

PostPress asked three industry professionals to weigh in with their thoughts on the upcoming year: Stefan D. Congram, global director, Design Centers & NPI, Cartamundi, a manufacturer of playing cards, trading cards and board games; Steven Roberts, president, Elite Print Finishing, a print finisher specializing in both conventional and digital embellishment technologies; and Warren Werbitt, print consultant, The Print Whisperer, a business management, executive coaching and network facilitation consultancy.

What major trends or changes are anticipated in the print finishing and embellishment industry for 2025?

Congram: We continue to see strong market demand for highly collectible cards within the space. The rarity of cards and exclusivity of alternative art and collaborations are growing. Serialization or numbering is very popular and will continue this way in 2025.

Roberts: Our industry has seen a good bit of consolidating by the larger corporate packaging and commercial printers. Yet, our population continues to grow. The larger corporate folks, I think, are taking their customers for granted – just assuming that they will continue to send the current business to a farther off location and be willing to pay the freight or not have the same customer service that they once had. It seems they want to cut costs and overhead. This has opened up more overflow for our traditional finishing companies and the smaller, more local packaging and commercial printers.

Werbitt: I don’t own a print business, but from what I see and hear when talking to print owners, a lot of the same challenges still are there. Many owners need to get a better grasp of their business basics before they even can think about major trends. That said, technology is going to keep moving forward – more automation with presses, finishing, software… you name it. AI is huge right now, but most people only see it as a tool for chat or simple writing. The real potential of AI is so much bigger, like helping automate workflows and giving better insights. The leaders in the industry will be the ones that grab these opportunities and run with them. Smaller shops, though, might find it harder due to limited resources.

As the print finishing industry prepares for 2025, what economic conditions will impact companies?

Congram:I wish I had a crystal ball to answer this! If there are changes to peoples’ disposable income, they will directly affect the industry – positive or negative. Trading cards were very resilient through COVID-19, as people stayed indoors and nostalgia grew. With new players and games coming into the market, there is an increase in the size of the pie, but more importantly, I believe there is a significant redistribution within that pie as consumers make choices to play new games or stick with what they know.

Roberts: Doing more, but the bottom line won’t be as fruitful. So, companies will be working harder for less.

Werbitt: The current economic climate, with inflation and rising costs, definitely will put pressure on the print industry. It’s tough because, in hard times, companies often cut back on spending for equipment and marketing. But, funny enough, doubling down on marketing during these times could be a game changer. Print businesses are going to need to be sharp – keeping costs in check, smart pricing and making sure clients see the value they are getting. This year, more than ever, owners have to ensure their operations are tight and client relationships stay strong.

For 2025, will there be significant changes in the demand for print finishing and embellishing services and products? If so, what might be driving these changes?

Congram: Yes, we see continued growth in the demand for embellishments related to authenticity and brand security. Custom pattern foils, security foils and tactile varnishes, as well as digital embellishment, now are taking off. We see and hear on a consistent basis that customers and competitors are looking for digital embellishment options to either serialize, secure or decorate cards for end users.

Roberts: It does seem that consumers are looking for more of an alternative product vs. the normal conglomerate products that have been around forever. This has spawned several new companies that are entering the market and seem to be looking for higher-end packaging to have their product stand out vs. the other.

Werbitt: I do think there’s going to be more demand for embellishments, especially from brands looking to make their products pop. Things like foil stamping, embossing and spot coatings will continue to be a go-to for standing out. But investing in these areas isn’t for the faint of heart – companies have got to know the market well. The real push for these services will come from what consumers love and what actually drives sales.

Are there print finishing and embellishment techniques that will gain a bigger market share in the next three to five years?

Congram:Yes. There are significant opportunities in both the digital printing space and digital embellishment space to not only offer variable data and decoration, but also to port these smaller-quantity, highly embellished cards from traditional techniques of offset printing and stamping into the digital space.

Roberts: Easy – digital embellishment will gain exposure, and folks will catch on that they are getting something
done that cannot be done by conventional finishing techniques.

Werbitt: I could make a guess, but honestly, it’s the consumers who will decide what’s hot. Techniques like digital foiling and inline embellishments that make shorter runs more flexible and affordable probably are going to grow. Anything that’s eco-friendly and aligns with sustainability also will get more attention as brands try to meet those green expectations.

How is the push for sustainability influencing companies, and what new practices or technologies are emerging in response?

Congram: Many brands (especially new brands) are very receptive to the elimination of single-use plastics and working to have greener products. Traditionally, in our business, shrink wrap, cello wrap and PET flow wraps are mainstays and still great ways of sealing and securing products. However, there is a willingness to pay a small premium to use paper options instead of plastics. We see brands making sustainability a part of their message to the consumers, and we have seen positive feedback from the market because these now are perceived as “new.”

Roberts: Some folks are pushing sustainable solutions but not all are willing to pay for it after they see the price difference.

Werbitt: From my chats with people in the industry, it’s obvious that while everyone says they care about sustainability, not everyone is ready to pay more for it. There’s a lot of talk, but the real action varies. The companies that truly make sustainability part of their DNA are the ones that stand out. Others might do just enough to say they’re involved for the marketing boost. We’re seeing biodegradable substrates, eco-friendly coatings and energy-saving processes become more common. But here’s the thing – sustainability has to be practical. If it leads to crazy costs or other problems, it’s not going to fly. Striking a balance between going green and keeping things running smoothly is going to be key. Overall, the print industry is at a crossroads where technology and sustainability are merging. The ones that adapt, invest wisely and align with consumer and environmental needs will come out ahead.   

Submitted by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC)

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), located in Springfield, Massachusetts, announced the top winners of its 81st annual North American Paperboard Packaging Competition. These folding cartons and rigid boxes represent some of the best paperboard packaging manufactured by North American converters over the past year.  

Package of the Year 

Diptyque Advent Calendar Holiday 2023 

Submitted by Pusterla, US, Inc.  

The Diptyque Advent Calendar box is superb, sitting at the intersection of luxury, sustainability and outstanding consumer experience. Fulfilling Diptyque’s request for a reusable jewel box, Pusterla sweetened the holidays with this multi-level, structurally complex and tactically engaging keepsake. Offering elegance and an element of surprise, consumers open the upper section to reveal… a whole second level with even more gifts and goodies! The beautifully designed piece features multiple compartments nestled within the larger structure, and the magnetic cover allows the box to stand upright when open, adding functionality and yet another element of elegance. Pusterla nailed it, crafting a keepsake that consumers will hold onto well beyond the holidays. This reusable advent box is more than packaging – it’s a lasting treasure. 

Folding Carton of the Year 

The Masters Prov1 Vintage Family  

Submitted by the Curtis Packaging  

The Masters Prov1 Vintage Family by Curtis Packaging takes luxury paperboard packaging to a new level. These extraordinary folding cartons don’t just look like leather – they even feel like it, redefining what a carton can be. Made to showcase golf products at the Masters Tournament, the cartons needed an innovative yet timeless and classic design. Curtis delivered, masterfully replicating the look and feel of two different types of leather. The soft, supple brown “leather” is treated with soft-touch coating and finished with debossing, while the black “leather” is treated with grit UV coating. The Curtis team then enhanced the contrast between the dark and light areas by applying grit in the light areas and gloss varnish vignettes and digital coating accents in the darker spots. The Masters logo, emblems and all the metallization were created digitally. The unique structures, bold logo and, of course, the luxurious leather make the Masters cartons a standout gift that fans can enjoy long after the Tournament’s final hole. 
 

Rigid Box of the Year 

Old Emmer Toasted Barrel 

Submitted by TPC Printing & Packaging 

Beauty and strength go hand in hand with TPC Printing & Packaging’s rigid box for Old Emmer Toasted Barrel whiskey. With a perfect blend of protective elements and aesthetic appeal, this package offers a premium unboxing experience that reflects the luxury of the whiskey it holds. The smooth click of four strategically placed magnets snapping shut provides a satisfying closure and demonstrates attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. The contrast between the high-shine gold foil and matte, soft-touch laminate enhances the package’s visual appeal, making it stand out on any shelf. The rigid structure offers superior protection and adds to the high-end feel, ensuring the package looks as good as it performs. TPC’s Old Emmer whiskey design is a testament to commitment, quality and elegance, making it a truly outstanding rigid box. 

Innovation of the Year Award  

PETCollar™ Shield Plus  
Submitted by Smurfit WestRock 

The paperboard packaging industry has worked hard over the last half-decade to create incredible, sustainable alternatives to plastic in the multi-pack beverage segment. While each design powerfully contributes to the circular economy, the judges of PPC’s Competition have never seen one quite like Smurfit Westrock’s PETCollar™ Shield Plus for Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages’ PET bottles. The innovative design features an integrated, brick-shaped handle that connects with the bottles at many points, providing stability and easy consumer handling with recessed finger holes. A top-applied clip with inner reinforcement panels holds the bottles, and a top panel with manually locking tabs connects the layers and reinforces the structure. Additionally, with five available panels for graphics, the design offers unique, maximized brand visibility. With PETCollar™ Shield Plus, small nuances in design make a big impact, all combining to create an innovative new entry into the beverage market. 

Sustainability of the Year Award 

PETCollar^® Eco

Submitted by Smurfit Westrock 

Today, paperboard packaging manufacturers are helping some of the world’s largest CPGs meet their environmental commitments. To advance the lofty goal of using 100% recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable packaging by 2025, PepsiCo tasked Smurfit Westrock with transitioning its eight-pack Gatorade packaging from flexible plastic to recyclable paperboard – and Smurfit Westrock delivered! The PETCollar^® Eco features two cold-glued layers of CarrierKote paperboard with serious strength for transportation, handling and consumer use. With its unique handle design, consumers conveniently can pick up the pack using only two fingers – while remaining confident in its structural integrity. What’s more, the design uses significantly less board than a fully enclosed carton while offering a fully printable surface for branding and shelf presence. Strong, functional, beautifully branded and sustainable, PETCollar Eco is a stellar example of the paperboard packaging industry’s unwavering commitment to consumers, the environment and future generations. 

  

Judges’ Award for Wow Factor 

Chanel Logo Display Box 

Submitted by Pusterla US, Inc. 

The stunning Chanel Logo box from Pusterla US, Inc., had the competition judges asking, “How did they even make that?” Pusterla created a rigid box in the shape of the iconic Chanel logo, perfectly to scale, with a large cutout that seemingly defies the laws of physics in its structure. Intended as a point-of-sale display, the package’s matte white finish and beveled edges are clean and beautiful, with complex curves offering an entirely fresh take on a familiar logo. The real magic comes when the box is opened, revealing continuous curves with no supports and luxurious gold foil that perfectly matches the brand’s aesthetics. 

Judges’ Award for Positive Change in Packaging 

Nestlé Australia: Quality Street 

Submitted by Graphic Packaging International

A wonderful example of positive change in packaging, Graphic Packaging International helped Nestlé Australia transition its iconic Quality Street tub from plastic to 100% recyclable paperboard. Ultimately, the beautiful carton contributes to Nestlé’s lofty goal of making all its packaging recyclable or reusable and reducing virgin plastic use by a third, all by 2025. Designed to shake up the confection category at Christmas time with a new, sustainable solution, the carton features an octagonal structure, which is reminiscent of the original tub, and an innovative fifth panel serving as a tamper-evident closure (one that eliminates the need for plastic wrapping). Another feat, the new packaging maintains its predecessor’s packing speed, with the design of the corners offering reinforcement to hold up to the rigors of distribution and merchandising. The new Quality Street carton is a testament to how packaging can drive meaningful environmental change without sacrificing brand identity or consumer appeal. 

Judges’ Award for Excellence in Printing 

Luxe Pack Box 

Submitted by Autajon Packaging 

The Luxe Pack self-promotion box by Autajon Packaging exemplifies a seamless integration between high-end aesthetics and technical precision. The design elevates the user experience through thoughtful printing techniques: silkscreen UV printing mimics water droplets inside and outside the box. Meanwhile, a rich copper leaf pattern adds dimension to the soft-touch surface. These details, paired with the frame view tray and book-style opening, create a luxurious and dynamic unboxing experience. Despite the challenges of maintaining crisp scores and clean finishes on an all-black carton, Autajon successfully delivered a package that stands out for its flawless execution and tactile appeal. Not only a display of printing prowess, the Luxe Pack Box is a strategic fusion of art, functionality and brand storytelling that leaves a lasting impression. 

Visit PPC’s website to see all the winning entries and learn more about the North American Paperboard Packaging Competition at www.paperbox.org/programs/carton-competition.

For 95 years, PPC has served as the premier North American association for converters of paperboard packaging and their suppliers. PPC works to grow, promote and protect the paperboard packaging industry while providing its members with resources and tools to successfully compete in the marketplace. For more information, visit www.paperbox.org.

By Kevin Abergel, CEO, Taktiful

Digital embellishments have revolutionized the printing industry, offering new possibilities for enhancing printed materials with visually striking and tactile effects. These techniques, particularly those based on inkjet technology, have gained significant traction in recent years due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness for short runs.

The printing industry has long relied on standards to ensure consistency, quality and interoperability across various processes and technologies. These cover things like color management, file formats, data exchange and print quality. However, the rapid advancement and sophistication of digital embellishment techniques have outpaced the development of corresponding standards, creating a gap in
the industry.

This increasingly is problematic as digital embellishment becomes more prevalent. It affects quality control, hinders widespread adoption and potentially impedes innovation.

This article aims to establish whether there is a need to create standards for digital print embellishments, and if so, who should lead this effort and what should these standards cover?

The Importance of Standards in the Printing Industry

The printing industry has a long history of standardization, with organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), APtech (CGATS, B65), ICC, Printing United (G7), Fogra, Ghent Workgroup, etc., playing crucial roles. These standards have been instrumental in ensuring quality assurance, interoperability and consistency across different printing processes and technologies.

Cheryl Kahanec, CEO of Quantum Group, a large commercial print, fulfillment and mailing supplier based in Morton Grove, Illinois, emphasized that certifications play a crucial role in printing, especially in regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals. The landscape of required certifications has evolved, she said, with a growing emphasis on environmental and safety standards. “Those types of certifications are not any longer just… whether you have recycled content,” she added, underscoring the need for printing companies to adapt to the compliance requirements of their clients.

She pointed out that “there are no real certifications, no real standards,” in digital embellishment, which poses challenges for brands. Kahanec also highlighted the potential risks, particularly for products aimed at children, stating, “if a child takes this printed piece and puts it in their mouth, we need to make sure it cannot cause any harm.” She believes that as the market matures, “we’re going to start getting picky,” and anticipates a future where digital embellishment processes will require certification similar to traditional printing standards.

Challenges Arising from the Lack of Standards

The lack of standards makes it difficult for designers and brands to adopt digital embellishments widely, as they cannot ensure consistent results across different providers or regions. This also creates inefficiencies in supply chain and production processes.

Some argue that the lack of standardized terminology is creating confusion and potentially slowing down the adoption of these innovative technologies. Sabine Lenz, founder of PaperSpecs, an online hub for graphic designers and brand owners who print, highlighted this issue. “We’re confusing them,” Lenz said. “And the more we confuse them, the fewer decisions they will make for print and print embellishments. We all know a confused mind doesn’t make any decisions.”

The problem stems from the fact that different manufacturers and printers often use their own branded terms for similar technologies. Lenz explained, “One designer was looking for soft-touch coating, and her printer called it ‘velvet touch coating.’ And where’s the difference? There is none; it’s marketing.”

This extends beyond just coatings. Lenz added, “There is cold foil, my printer has cold foil. What is that? Or, oh, my printer has Lux FX or has glaze. What is that?” These varying terms for similar processes may lead to unnecessary confusion and hesitation among designers.

This is not just an inconvenience; it’s potentially hindering the adoption of digital print embellishment technologies. Lenz asserted, “We want people to buy print, but on the same hand, we’re confusing them with all the different wordings and the different terminologies that we’re using.”

The solution, she feels, lies in clear, concise education about these technologies and their benefits. “We as an industry cannot expect designers to drop just about everything to learn whatever fancy-schmancy terminologies we come up with,” she said.

David Stevens, senior manager of product development at gaming card publisher Wizards of the Coast, said, “I do think that at some point in time there needs to be a standard nomenclature on how we refer to this. I think that that’s probably the first need.”

Amnon Naschon, who spent more than a decade at Shutterfly in senior roles, including senior director of research and development, played a key role in introducing digital embellishments to the company’s product offerings. Shutterfly conducted focus groups to determine optimal embellishment characteristics, informing his practical approach to standardization.

He said there is no question that standardization would be beneficial to end customers trying to produce the best holiday cards, photobooks or any other embellished output. As for what these standards should cover, he suggested three or four attributes that would improve customers’ overall satisfaction with the product.

These include the height of the polymer, the shininess or gloss levels and the characteristics of foils used in embellishments. He proposed creating standardized levels for these characteristics.

Naschon also noted the confusion caused by inconsistent terminology, stating, “there is way too much lingo that is not clear to the customers.” He suggested developing standardized terms and definitions for different embellishment techniques and effects.

He also highlighted the need for guidelines on the strengths and limitations of digital embellishment technologies, drawing a parallel to the RGB vs. CMYK color models. This approach, he believes, would help designers and brands better understand and utilize digital embellishment technologies effectively, ultimately driving adoption and innovation in the field.

What Should Be Standardized?

If standards for digital print embellishments were to be adopted, they likely would encompass several key aspects of the printing process.

Standardized terminology would be crucial for consistent communication of embellishment techniques and effects across the industry.

Standards could include file formats, such as standard names for embellishment layers within PDFs. There could be guidelines for font sizes and weights or thicknesses suitable for various embellishment techniques, ensuring readability and quality.

Paper and other substrate types and their compatibility with different embellishment methods could be categorized for guidance on which work best with specific effects. There also could be specifications for foils, such as metallic gold and silver, detailing their appearance and reflective properties and optimal application methods.

Scodix acknowledges the need for standards in digital print embellishments but recognizes the complexity too, due to the diverse technologies and materials involved. April Lytle, brand manager for Innovation, highlighted several areas where standardization could be beneficial, with terminology being a primary concern: “The biggest thing is, do we call it varnish? Do we call it polymer? Do we call it something else? It’s the clear effect that has the biggest controversy, I think, behind what it’s going to be called.”

As for what could be standardized, Lytle suggested focusing on foil appearance across different application methods. “I think going through and standardizing like the density in the shade of foil after it’s applied could be super-helpful.” She also proposed establishing universal color codes for specific effects in file preparation: “Maybe clarifying, for example, for gold, use 100-percent magenta mask’ or ‘for clear use, 100-percent cyan mask,’ making that a little bit more universal.”

However, Lytle noted that substrate standardization particularly is challenging due to the variety of materials and their interactions with different embellishment technologies. She suggested that creating comprehensive standards would require collaboration among industry players: “You would have to have the major players all sitting around a circle in this table working together to create something like that.”

Nick Bruno, CEO of Harris & Bruno International, highlighted the critical need for objective, data-driven standards in the digital print embellishment industry. “Standardization is not just about maintaining uniformity; it’s about leveraging data to drive quality and innovation,” Bruno stated. “By establishing clear metrics for elements such as foil adhesion and detail resolution finesse, we can ensure that brands can expect consistent, high-quality results across various substrates, including the often-challenging uncoated papers.”

Bruno also acknowledged the complexities involved in enforcing these standards across different manufacturers. “One of the biggest challenges we face is ensuring that these standards are universally adopted and enforced,” he explained. “It’s essential that we have a unified approach to measuring key aspects of material compatibility. This will not only enhance the reliability of our products but also foster greater collaboration and trust within the industry.”

Toward a Standard Descriptive Language

Standardization of descriptive language would play a crucial role in enhancing the digital print embellishment process in several ways:

1. Consistent terminology: it would establish a common vocabulary for describing embellishment techniques, effects and materials across the industry. This would reduce miscommunication between designers, printers and clients.
2. Improved workflow: standardized terms would help to ensure that everyone from client to design to production understands exactly what embellishments are being requested and how they should be applied.
3. Quality control: standardized terminology would make it easier to define, measure and compare different embellishment techniques.
4. Automation: a standardized descriptive language could facilitate the development of automated systems for interpreting design files and setting up embellishment processes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
5. Training and education: standardized terminology would make it easier to develop training materials and educational programs, so new professionals would learn a consistent set of terms and concepts.
6. Cross-platform compatibility: a standardized descriptive language could help ensure that embellishment requirements are interpreted consistently across different software and printing systems.
7. Client communication: It would provide a clear, standardized way to describe embellishment options to clients, helping them to better understand the possibilities and make informed decisions.

Who Should Lead the Standardization Efforts?

The question of who should lead the standardization efforts is complex and multifaceted. Industry bodies such as the Digital Embellishment Alliance, the Association for Print Technologies (APTech, owner of WhatTheyThink), Printing United, Ghent Workgroup and others could play a significant role, leveraging their experience in developing and implementing standards across various industries.

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has nearly 300 members, including active practitioners and industry suppliers. It plays a crucial role in educating and supporting companies involved in graphic arts finishing.

To address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by digital embellishments, the FSEA formed the Digital Embellishment Alliance about two years ago, recognizing “the differences on that side of the embellishment tree.”

Jeff Peterson, executive director of FSEA stated, “We can drive standardization of terms and definitions as an association.” The FSEA sees inconsistent terminology as a significant issue, and Peterson said, “Standardizing and defining the terms used in digital embellishments can help educate the industry and eliminate confusion.”

While he acknowledged the potential for more comprehensive standards in the future, he sees terminology standardization as the crucial first step. He suggested, “Standardizing terminology can go a long way in helping the industry. Once it’s started, it doesn’t mean it’s finished.” The FSEA views standardization as an ongoing process, with Peterson also highlighting the need to clearly define what constitutes an embellishment in the digital realm.

While FSEA certainly has the experience and knowledge of embellishment, APtech has ANSI accreditation to support national and international standards development, so its standards can be accredited, as well as having the ability to reach a wide audience with its recent acquisition of WhatTheyThink. Perhaps the best course of action would be a joining of forces that could bring both sides together for the betterment of the industry.

Conclusion

The need for standards in digital embellishments, particularly those based on inkjet technology, is clear. The benefits of standardization – including improved quality control, increased market adoption and facilitated innovation – outweigh the challenges of developing and implementing these standards.

Without a common terminology and associated standards, digital embellishment manufacturers and users may not be able to develop their markets adequately and run the risk of losing out on mainstream adoption.

Moving forward, it is recommended that the industry takes a collaborative approach to standardization, involving key stakeholders from across the value chain. A consortium approach involving diverse stakeholders, including industry bodies, leading manufacturers, brands and perhaps government agencies, could ensure that the resulting standards are practical and widely accepted.

By establishing a common language for describing digital print embellishments, the industry significantly could improve communication, efficiency and consistency in the embellishment process. This would benefit designers, printers and clients alike by reducing misunderstandings and ensuring that the final product matches the intended design.

A standardized framework also could facilitate innovation by providing a common ground for technological advancements. This could encourage collaborative development and industry-wide progress, rather than siloed innovations by individual companies. 

Reprinted with permission from WhatTheyThink magazine. For more information, visit whattheythink.com.

By Kary Radestock, executive director, Strategy & Sales, Treeform Packaging

The cannabis industry in the US continues to experience significant growth and transformation. Its size is expected to triple over the next 10 years, according to American News Hour – from USD 101.48 billion in 2023 to USD 297.51 billion in 2033.

Legalization efforts at both state and federal levels have expanded, with over half the states allowing recreational and/or medical use. This has led to increased investment, job creation and tax revenue. However, challenges remain, including regulatory inconsistencies, banking issues and ongoing stigma. The industry also is navigating market saturation in some states, leading to price fluctuations. Overall, while the cannabis market shows great potential for further expansion, it faces hurdles that could impact its trajectory.

Reclassifying marijuana to a Schedule III narcotic would have broadly positive implications for US operators, despite falling well short of federal legalization (deschedulization). This move would end the effects of IRS Code Section 280E, which has weighed on heavily plant-touching companies by disallowing deductions for traditional business expenses, inflating their federal tax burden. Though this Schedule III narcotic still would be illegal at the federal level, normalizing its use could bolster legislative support for increasing industry access to interstate commerce, traditional banking services, equity markets and R&D incentives, per Bloomberg Intelligence.

The cannabis industry is witnessing several key packaging trends that reflect both regulatory requirements and consumer preferences.

1. Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging is gaining traction, with brands increasingly opting for biodegradable, recyclable, PCW and/or reusable materials to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Child-Resistant Features: Compliance with safety regulations has led to a rise in child-resistant packaging, ensuring that products are safely and effectively stored away from children.
3. Innovative Designs: Brands are investing in unique and eye-catching designs to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, often incorporating vibrant colors, decorating treatments and creative shapes.
4. Smart Packaging: Many brands are exploring technology-enhanced packaging with features like Augmented Reality (where compliant) and QR codes that provide additional information and enhance the consumer experience.

Overall, the cannabis industry is focusing on packaging that meets regulatory standards while also enhancing brand identity, shelf presence and consumer engagement.

The industry utilizes many different types of packaging containers for their varied and ambitious product lines. The current make-up of materials used in the marketplace today is as follows:

• plastic (including flexible pouches) – 50%;
• glass – 36%;
• tin – 8%; and
• paper – 6 %

Plastic is the fastest growing category due to its superior barrier properties, attractive decorating techniques and low price-point.

“More and more brands are switching from paper boxes to flexible pouches due to price compression,” remarked Ryan Goldman, partner, Treeform Packaging.

Dave Goldman, owner of Treeform Packaging, added, “Cannabis brands are reevaluating packaging often as the market evolves and adjusts rapidly – far faster than the food and beverage space. We see shifts from glass to pouches, from rigid boxes to paper boxes, and from pouches with many SKUs to generically branded pouches with labels differentiating the SKU.”

While metallic decorating processes (hot foil stamping, cold foil transfer and digital foil) and embossing still are trends in cannabis packaging as brands seek to create more visually appealing and premium products, they tend to be reserved for the luxury brands. These decorating techniques offer several benefits:

1. Luxury Appeal: Metallic finishes can enhance the perceived value of the product, attracting consumers looking for high-end items.
2. Brand Differentiation: Unique textures and finishes, such as soft touch in addition to gloss/raised UV coatings, help brands stand out on crowded shelves. Embossing creates a tactile experience, making the packaging more memorable.
3. Enhanced Visuals: These techniques allow for intricate designs that can convey a brand’s identity and story more effectively, using colors and textures that resonate with target audiences.
4. Sustainability Considerations: As brands increasingly focus on eco-friendly practices, many are exploring ways to incorporate these decorative techniques without compromising sustainability, using recyclable or biodegradable materials.
5. Consumer Engagement: Eye-catching designs can enhance the overall consumer experience, encouraging purchases and fostering brand loyalty.

Overall, these decorating techniques continue to be popular as brands aim to elevate their packaging and more deeply connect with consumers.

“The key ingredient in brand packaging is assisting clients with various options,” Goldman said. “Our job as packaging experts is to listen to their needs and views of their brand and then assist them in finding the best-priced products for the best value that allows them to make money.”

While the industry continues to suffer from over-regulation and regulatory inconsistencies, optimism persists. An interesting trend is that many leading cannabis brands now are entering the hemp industry, which was bolstered by 2018 Farm Bill. In December of 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law. It removed hemp, defined as cannabis and derivatives of cannabis with extremely low concentrations of the psychoactive compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis), from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

The passage of the 2018 Farm Bill has led to the misperception that all products made from or containing hemp, including those made with CBD, now are legal to sell in interstate commerce. The result has been that storefronts and online retailers have flooded the market with these products, many with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims. Hemp-derived cannabinoids appear in a wide variety of products, including foods, dietary supplements, veterinary products, cosmetics and more. Some of these products contain high doses of Delta-8 and Delta-9 cannabinoids, which can cause significant psychoactive and sometimes intoxicating effects, drawing concern from parents and regulatory bodies such as the FDA.

In summary:

1. The cannabis industry is the fastest growing industry in the US despite the hurdles it faces.
2. Operators are forced to streamline their operations and their packaging to survive the heavy burden of the current regulatory framework and tax structure.
3. Luxury brands will continue to utilize premium packaging materials and decorating techniques to elevate their brands and encourage consumer engagement.
4. Sustainable packaging utilizing compostable, recyclable and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials continues to show strong growth due to regulatory requirements in many states.
5. Traditional cannabis companies are entering the emerging hemp market to bolster sales and capitalize on this underregulated industry.

There are enormous changes that will occur within the cannabis marketplace in the near and long-term future. Packaging will be an important part of these changes, and print and embellishments certainly will be a part of what will take place in the future. 

Kary Radestock brings over 30 years of award-winning print and packaging expertise and has worked with some of the top brands in the world. In 2016, she founded Hippo Premium Packaging to fill a need for professional and compliant packaging to the rapidly evolving cannabis industry. In her current role as executive director, Strategy & Sales at Treeform Packaging, she continues to work closely with the cannabis and hemp industries developing compliant packaging that helps her clients increase market share and navigate to a more successful future. For more information on Treeform Packaging, visit www.treeformpackaging.com.