From technology and operations to leadership and market insight, these articles reflect where professionals in print decorating, binding and finishing focused their attention in 2025. Together, they highlight the topics, challenges and innovations that resonated most with our readers throughout the year. As we move forward with the first issue of 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back at the PostPress articles that captured the most interest in 2025 – offering a snapshot of the conversations and priorities that shaped the year and continue to influence the road ahead.

1. Equipment Maintenance Strategies
   In today’s world of constant production demands, combined with shorter turnaround times and fewer resources, equipment maintenance often gets overshadowed. Yet, proper machine maintenance is essential to operational success — from preventing costly and untimely breakdowns to optimizing performance and ensuring safety.
   
   
2. Luxury Meets Sustainability: The Enduring Appeal of Embellishments in Luxury Packaging
   Simplicity is a key theme in today’s packaging trends, driven by consumers’ preference for modern, minimalist designs and their heightened sensitivity to sustainability. In the luxury goods market, brand owners and packaging designers must balance high-end embellishments with the increasing demand for eco-friendly, recyclable packaging that still conveys a sense of luxury.
   
   
3. Direct Mail Study Reveals the Impact of Print Embellishments
   The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) recently concluded a study to measure the impact of print embellishments on direct mail response rates. In partnership with Charlie’s Car Wash, FSEA produced a targeted postcard campaign advertising one of Charlie’s newest locations. All postcards were digitally printed (4-color process), but only half included offline digital inkjet embellishments.
   
   
4. In a Design Bind? Try These Unique Binding Options
   Most designers and others in the graphic arts arena are familiar with techniques like saddlestitching, perfect binding and mechanical binding options such as plastic coil and Wire-O. However, they may not be aware of other available specialty binding methods that can elevate a project to the next level.
   
   
5. The Beauty of Dazzling Print: Cast and Cure Adds Sparkle to Carton
   Cast and Cure^TM from Breit Technologies is a sustainable, affordable decorative coating process that integrates “casting” and “curing” techniques to create holographic, ultra-high gloss and matte embellishments. The Carlson Print Group (CPG) has produced a wide range of stunning products using Cast and Cure technology, including its recent promotional folding carton titled “The Beauty of Dazzling Print.”