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    PostPress

    Print Decorating, Binding and Finishing

    2019 Aug/Sept

    Industry Influencer: Doreen M. Monteleone, Ph.D.

    Doreen Monteleone
    Doreen M. Monteleone, principal, D2 Advisory Group, and sustainability consultant for Flexographic Technical Association and RadTech International North America

    While it may be a hard connection for most of us to understand, Doreen M. Monteleone easily can explain how she went from receiving her Ph.D. in Coastal Oceanography to helping shape sustainability efforts in printing.

    “My interests evolved, and jobs changed,” she said. “I went from marine research to Clean Water Act issues to Clean Air Act issues for small businesses to all environmental issues for flexographic printing – added health, safety and sustainability – and then tacked on UV technology.”

    While Monteleone was working for Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), she was named New York State’s first Small Business Ombudsman, an opening created under the Clean Air Act Amendment of 1990. In that position, she worked with small businesses impacted by the new regulations adopted in New York.

    “That included the printing industry. When the state administration changed, I also was seeking employment closer to home [she had become a new mom],” she said of her move 23 years ago. “I learned about FTA’s desire to hire a full-time environmental director to help its members. It was a natural fit.”

    For the past six years, Monteleone has contracted with the FTA and RadTech International North America to address sustainability issues – a role PostPress finds influential in printing.

    What inspired your interest and studies in sustainability?

    I’ve always had a love of the environment. I also am a Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and am outside all the time. I want my descendants to live in a world that is in better shape than the one we live in now. I truly believe we can achieve that goal. We have much cleaner air, water and land than when I was a kid. Some people don’t realize that. But, we can continue to do better as we learn more sustainable techniques and develop better technologies. I feel that whether I give lectures on more sustainable gardening practices or on the benefits of more sustainable printing practices, I can help achieve that goal of a better future.

    Tell us about SGP and why the accreditation was created?

    About 12 or so years ago, Walmart came out with its Sustainability Packaging Scorecard for its vendors. That sent ripples through the manufacturing supply chain. We always hear about packaging and the impact of substrate. But, what is the packaging without the printing? Printing also is an important link in the supply chain. Printers turned to their trade and technical associations to answer the questions: ‘What is sustainability?’ and ‘How can I prove I am a sustainable printer?’ Our industry is fortunate in that the major printing associations have had a long, productive working relationship on environmental issues.

    My counterparts – Marci Kinter, Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), Gary Jones, SGIA (formerly with Printing Industries of America) and George Fuchs, National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) – and I had been working together for many years on a variety of environmental issues and joint conferences. But, now we needed to help our members and offer them a way to validate their sustainability efforts in a credible, transparent way.

    The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) was created out of several stakeholder meetings and a consensus that defined sustainable printing and established an independent certification program, not connected to any one association, but representing the entire industry. It was quite a learning process for all of us, and it brought us even closer as a group as we tackled all the elements of incorporation, board development, budgets, criteria development, databases, auditing process and on and on. We all had Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) experience, but here we were creating an entire company and certification program from scratch. We now are approaching the 11th anniversary of SGP.

    Can you discuss the steps a printer or finisher needs to take to become SGP certified?

    The established criteria for SGP certification are available on the website: www.sgppartnership.org.

    The criteria include best practices for printing and are specific to print processes as they were created by the printing industry for the printing industry. The criteria go well beyond a single attribute program like a paper certification and take a holistic approach. Everything from the office to the pressroom and finishing is included.

    • Printers must be compliant with relevant environmental, health, safety and labor laws.
    • They must implement the best practices in the criteria.
    • They must set goals and track metrics.
    • And, every two years, the printers must pass an audit by one of our very experienced SGP auditors.

    SGP took a huge step last year and released the SGP Impact Tracker to help printers through and maintain certification. Printers log into a cloud-based dashboard where they upload their requirements and track metrics. So, for example, when they upload energy metrics, like kWh of electricity, they can track usage, normalize it based on several production options and determine trends. The Impact Tracker can illustrate this as a graph and compare it to tons of carbon emissions saved and equivalent trees planted. It’s a great tool to demonstrate performance to management, staff and customers.

    How can being SGP certified create advantages for printers, finishers, binders and others in the industry?

    SGP helps facilities in many ways. Going through the certification process helps facilities get organized and truly evaluate their entire operation. Over the years, many printers have claimed they were sustainable but didn’t realize they have been overlooking other aspects of their operations. SGP requires them to set goals, and this keeps them on track to make improvements every year and validate their sustainability efforts. It is the only certification program for the printing industry in the United States and Canada. By becoming SGP certified, printers have a competitive edge. SGP continues to gain support from print buyers who are seeking out a more sustainable print supply chain.

    What changes or additions do you see SGP adding in the future?

    Toward the end of 2019, SGP will come out with a draft certification program for suppliers. We’ve been asked about this for a number of years. Recently, Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) joined the SGP community as a SGP Resource Partner (that’s what we call associations and educators) and is helping by sharing the experience of the former L.I.F.E. certification for suppliers. We expect to release the criteria for suppliers in 2020. SGP also is exploring expansion outside of the United States and Canada and into Mexico.

    What are your predictions for sustainable practices in the industry over the next five years?

    Sustainability is here to stay, and there is no doubt about that. As much as I try to be sustainable and environmentally conscious, I see it as even more important to my sons. The industry has made many advancements since the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the announcement of the Walmart Packaging Scorecard years later. We should be proud of how far we have come.

    I believe more print buyers will demand that their suppliers be sustainable and recognize SGP certification. More printers will become SGP certified as their customers demand it and their competitors get certified. More associations, like FSEA and RadTech, will join in SGP’s effort to spread the word about the benefits of sustainable printing and the certification program. There will be more advancements in the future, and no area of printing will be stagnant. There will be more sustainable inks, more efficient presses, better substrates, safer ways to print, etc.

    And, why not? It’s simple – sustainable printing practices are just good business practices. It only makes sense to strive to become more sustainable.

    Cost Saving Ideas When Choosing Engravings

    By Jeff Peterson, executive director
    FSEA
    CNC-engraved-micro-embossing-dies
    CNC-engraved micro-embossing dies can be an excellent choice for high-volume or repeat jobs where the life of the die is of utmost importance. All samples courtesy of h+m USA.

    Determining the right type of engraving(s) for a specific job is much more complex than simply placing an order over the phone to the chosen engraver. Engraving technology, as with every type of manufacturing, has changed tremendously over the last several years. If finishers, greeting card and folding carton manufacturers, and others are not taking advantage of these technology changes, then they may be adding unnecessary costs with the die(s) or by not utilizing other product offerings that can help save significant time on and off press.

    Refractive (micro-etched) engravings

    Refractive dies can be known by several names, including micro-etched, double-etched, refractive, micro-embossed and other trade names. So, it becomes somewhat confusing for the foil stamper when offering this technology to customers and ordering the dies from the engraver. It is important that foil stampers understand the technology and the differences in how the dies are made. Refractive dies can be produced in different ways, but the finished product is virtually the same. “Most engravers offering refractive dies have a library of patterns, both linear and circular, that can be centered on the image however the customer chooses,” said Metal Magic Vice President of Sales Mark Schumacher.

    Refractive engravings can be produced through the use of standard patterns offered by the engraver (which is less expensive) or multiple patterns can be used to create a custom refractive effect with the desired image. “We can create custom patterns for customers for unique personalized looks and security enhancements,” stated Greg Faddis, direct sales and technical support with UEI Group. “We also have new patterns for specific industries, such as food and beverage.”

    Refractive-engravings-magnesium
    Refractive engravings can be created in copper, brass and magnesium. Sample courtesy of Luxfer Graphic Arts.

    Refractive engravings are most commonly chemically etched into copper, but they can be produced in magnesium and brass as well. “We have seen an increase in requests for micro-etched magnesium,” added Doug Pendergast, national account director of Owosso Graphic Arts. “Customers can choose from a library of textures or supply their own patterns.”

    The same type of etched engraving also can be produced utilizing CNC technology, and many are not aware of this option. “A CNC-engraved ‘micro-embossing’ produces the same type of refractive or double-etched engraving as one chemically-etched into copper or magnesium,” explained h+m USA General Manager David Bohne. Using CNC-engraved micro-embossing dies can be an excellent choice for high-volume or repeat jobs where the life of the die is of utmost importance.

    Foil stampers should have a book of samples that illustrates how a refractive image can look on all types of printed materials. It is difficult to sell the use of refraction without the customer seeing true examples. Engravers have libraries of patterns and should have additional samples to showcase to potential customers.

    A refractive image can be a cost-saving choice when compared to a multi-level emboss or an image utilizing holographic foil. “This effect can be more cost effective than holographic foils because you have a one-time fixed die cost vs. an increased unit cost incremental to the run rate using higher-end foil,” remarked Bohne. “However, refractive dies offer a different effect vs. holographic and therefore it depends on the taste of the company seeking a suitable brand identity.”

    “Refraction can be a great alternative to sculptured embossing dies from a cost standpoint, but it really comes down to the desired look,” added Faddis. “The same can be said for using refraction vs. holographic foil.”

    CNC engravings

    Die-lock-up-systems
    Die lock-up systems can reduce lock-up time down to minutes, improving production runs and overall costs. Photo courtesy of UEI Group, Inc.

    The process of creating chemically etched and hand-sculptured engravings dates back decades, but the newer use of CNC technology to create dies is becoming a popular choice, especially for multi-up larger foil stamping jobs where consistency from die to die is very important. “Time and the ability to reproduce exact duplicate dies from one to the next are the key factors in using CNC over a hand-sculptured engraving,” stated Metal Magic’s Schumacher. “On the other hand, if the image is only one-up and will probably never be run again, then a hand-sculptured, multi-level engraving may be the best choice.”

    Although CNC-engraved brass dies are perceived to be more expensive – and, in most cases, with an initial order – foil stampers need to look long term to determine if they are a good investment. “For high run rates and repeat jobs, there can actually be a cost savings,” remarked Bohne. “Due to the longevity of brass engravings, CNC-engraved dies have the ability to maintain superior, crisp edges for one million plus impressions.”

    Faddis pointed out that it is best to let the engraver determine which manufacturing process is most desirable for the die – given that each engraver can offer different options. CNC brass dies certainly have their place in the decision process. “CNC technology has come a long way since it was first introduced,” continued Faddis. “Every engraver is different in its capabilities and technology.” Faddis also explained that foil stampers should look carefully and choose an engraver committed to making significant investments in improving their capabilities and technology.

    Other suggestions

    Planning ahead is key in saving costs with engravings. For instance, some engravers will provide a savings to the customer if multiple dies can be requested in one order. “Ganging a group of images is one of the biggest areas of cost savings when it comes to dies for our Owosso customers,” stated Pendergast. “For example, eight 4″ x 2″ images that can be ganged together can save the customer an average of 50% on die costs vs. the same dies run individually.”

    For larger foil stamping jobs, it can be beneficial to incorporate a lock-up system that not only provides high-precision engraved dies and pre-cast counters but also saves valuable time in locking up the dies on press. “UEI Group has developed several lock-up solutions for customers,” explained Faddis. “These types of systems can reduce lock-up time down to minutes, improve production runs and lower overall costs.” Just as it is important to analyze the overall long-term cost of an engraving, it also is important to calculate the potential savings of a lock-up system on press. For large format foil stampers where many of the jobs include multiple-up dies, a lock-up system or chase replacement system can be invaluable.

    With large sheet formats that include a multi-level embossed image, the cost of the dies can become prohibitive.  Metal Magic has developed a method of producing duplicate dies (dupes) that has come a long way from the original process.

    “The dupes that we provide are flat, hard and can last tens of thousands of impressions,” said Schumacher. “It is very difficult to see the difference in the impression of a duplicate die vs. an impression made with a brass die – and the cost savings using dupes can be quite significant for certain jobs.”

    Because most die costs are calculated by the square inch, any creative ways to minimize the size of the die can provide significant savings to the foil stamper. “Rather than ordering one die that may have two or three images on it with a great deal of blank area, there can be creative ways to break down the die into smaller pieces for each image area,” explained Bohne. “The downside is the slightly extra time to register additional dies on press.”

    However, Bohne went on to explain that a lock-up system with the dies pre-set on a carrier plate can help defer this extra set-up time with additional dies.

    The key to choosing the right engraving and maximizing cost savings is communicating with the engraver to make sure all the details of the job are understood. In addition, foil stampers need to look long-term when evaluating die costs and other costs involved with set-up and makeready. This can play into the type of die selected and the decision to be made if some type of lock-up system should be used on press. Keeping costs down is more important than ever with smaller margins. Knowing all of the engraving choices and choosing the right one is an efficient way to start.

    PACK EXPO Returns to Vegas

    Pack Expo 2019Held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 23-25, 2019, PACK EXPO Las Vegas features a show floor with 900,000 square feet. With more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art packaging equipment, materials and containers, automation technologies, digital packaging solutions and other supply chain solutions, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will draw in some 30,000 professionals from all packaged goods industries. Attendees come from all vertical industries including corporate, general, plant and project managers; engineers; production supervisors; purchasers; operations and quality control professionals; package designers, brand managers and marketers; and logistics and supply chain management personnel.

    While attending PACK EXPO Las Vegas, attendees will see the technology in action, examine equipment at full scale, spot trends and connect with experts, exploring the best solutions available. Educational sessions are free and include the Innovation Stage, The Forum and Reusable Packaging Learning Center. Additionally, the Foil and Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) will feature Gold Leaf Award winners on display in the Showcase of Packaging Innovation, allowing attendees to check out the winners from categories such as Best Use of Cold Foiling-Label/Carton, Best Use of Foil/Embossing-Folding Carton-Creative Design, Best Use of Foil/Embossing-Folding Carton-Technical Difficulty and more.

    The Innovation Stage features 30-minute sessions on industry breakthroughs, presented by suppliers throughout the day. Some of the topics include Branding Through Packaging Innovation, Avoiding the Landfill, Use of HPP in Food and Beverage Industry, Applying Cobots in Packaging Applications and much more.

    Pack ExpoThe Forum is new at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this year, and it offers attendees a unique, interactive learning experience in free, 45-minute sessions on the latest industry trends. Hands-on activities, small group discussion and Q&A sessions will be included each day of the show. A host of leading organizations will hold the interactive sessions, and seminar topics will cover planning for career success in packaging, understanding overall equipment effectiveness, using packaging design to enhance the consumer experience, education and workforce development best practices, and standardizing factory acceptance test procedures.

    Opportunities to learn about the benefits of reusable packaging will be available as well. Attendees can discover how investing in reusable packaging assets may increase not only sustainability in supply chains but also cost effectiveness. Reusable transport packaging products and services from various exhibitors can be explored at the Reusable Packaging Pavilion. Additionally, experts and end users will offer presentations discussing best practices for incorporating reusables into supply chains as part of the Reusable Packaging Learning Center. Other convenient pavilions include The Containers and Materials Pavilion and The Confectionery Pavilion.

    PRINT 19 Reveals Red Hot Tech

    PRINT 19Coming to Chicago’s McCormick Place North, October 3-5, 2019, PRINT 19 will offer many opportunities for learning, networking and more. Those in attendance will see what’s RED HOT at the PRINT 19 event, network with peers and attend the Celebrate PRINT 19 Opening Reception on October 3. Some 80-plus learning sessions will be available to attendees, in addition to TechWalks, the hot ticket from PRINT 18. Lastly, learning sessions, or TechTalks, hosted by manufacturers will offer help in learning about products and services.

    There will be three full days of educational seminars fostering collaboration. For creative leaders and future leaders, PRINT 19 provides a forum to inspire the development of new ideas and products to move business forward. These education sessions will promote collaboration between those who create and those who imagine, with the focus on the future of print and the print industry. Dozens of sessions will be available, and they will range in topics from business management to sales and operational improvement to hands-on labs and more.

    PRINT 19PRINT 19 is full of groundbreaking vendor products and equipment, and it can be a challenge to get a look at all the innovative products on display. To showcase the newest products at the annual PRINT 19 event, the Association for PRINT Technologies is bringing back the RED HOT Technology Recognition Program. RED HOT Technology features technology or equipment that has come to market within the past 12 months. The on-site event guide will indicate where each RED HOT Technology is located in the Exhibit Hall, and each recognized product will have RED HOT Technology markers. Each of these technologies then is eligible to win one of the RED HOT Vanguard Awards based on its merit as a game-changer in the industry.

    Multiple opportunities also are available for students and educators. Workforce Solutions is designed to increase awareness among those exploring and/or presenting career paths. It promotes networking opportunities for educators and industry colleagues alike. Nonprofits, universities and corporations will be on hand. Next, a Student Career Fair will be offered for educators, students and recent graduates to meet a group of industry employers. For a four-hour window on October 3, participating companies will be on hand at PRINT 19, directly outside the Vista Ballroom. Here, students can view participating company information online, along with current job openings, internships and apprenticeships. Lastly, Career Day also will be held on October 3, allowing hundreds of high school students and teachers to check out the latest technologies and learn about careers in printing and graphic communications.

    Thayer Long, Association for PRINT Technologies president, said this is an exciting year for the event because it will offer a taste of the future direction for the association and organization. “It’ll be the last of its kind because starting in 2020, we’re taking PRINT into a joint venture with Labelexpo; it’s a big year for us as we transition,” he explained.

    The show will offer thought-provoking and exciting content. An invitation-only CEO lunch on Friday will be made available to printers. The lunch is intended to generate thoughtful discussion and idea sharing about the future of the industry and PRINT because “progressive printers feel there’s no better time to be in the industry than right now,” Long said. The technology on the show floor also is something he emphasized. Hundreds of manufacturers will support the industry as well as their customers, and many will showcase new solutions on the show floor. Long said to stay tuned for announcements to be made at this year’s event regarding 2020.

    “I think people will learn more about the label side of business and what the relationship with Labelexpo means for the industry here in the US, and for our audience of printers that are interested in the label side,” Long said. “I think being able to take advantage of the partnership that’s been created between us and Labelexpo will be a great benefit to the attendee and the exhibitor.”

    The following PRINT 19 exhibitors may be of interest to PostPress readers:

    • Absolute Printing Equipment Service, Inc. #1025
    • B&R Moll, Inc. #2001
    • Baumer hhs Corporation #858
    • Brandtjen & Kluge #847
    • Capital Adhesives #2454
    • Colter & Peterson #405
    • C.P. Bourg, Inc. #117
    • D&K Group #121
    • Duplo USA Corporation #621
    • Foil & Specialty Effects Association #2451
    • MBM Corporation #424
    • PVC Spiral #221
    • Rollem International #1239, #1539
    • Spiel Associates, Inc. #2401
    • Spiral Binding #1521
    • Standard Finishing #810
    • The Challenge Machinery Corporation #118
    • THERM-O-TYPE #2034
    • W.H. Leary Company, Inc #2058

    New Industry Opportunities at PRINTING United

    PRINTING UNITEDThe learning is endless at PRINTING United, held October 23-25, 2019, at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. This reimagined tradeshow was built on the foundation of the SGIA Expo. It will feature the latest technologies and innovations on the 724,000-square-foot show floor, with educational sessions, half-day intensives and luncheons taking place in the meeting rooms. This newly relaunched event will continue to provide access to the latest solutions for apparel, graphics/wide-format and functional printing applications, while also extending into the commercial, packaging and in-plant printing segments.

    Presenting a wide array of printing technologies from more than 500 exhibitors in a one-roof approach provides a strong return on investment for attendees. With technology blurring the lines between print industry applications, segments are converging and creating opportunities for printers to expand into new markets. Additionally, PRINTING United will showcase profitable applications to help attendees better serve existing clients, as well as new prospects.

    In addition to over 100 educational sessions, PRINTING United will feature a 4,000-square-foot Experience Zone, where more than 90 print applications demonstrate how print impacts consumers. Furthermore, three amphitheaters on the show floor feature exhibitor education, thought-leadership sessions and press conferences.

    Whether a printer, supplier or student, PRINTING United offers unique opportunities to showcase talents. Submissions to certain PRINTING United competitions will be displayed on the show floor in the Golden Image Gallery.

    The following PRINTING United exhibitors may be of interest to PostPress readers:

    • Absolute Printing Equipment Service, Inc. #9955
    • B&R Moll, Inc. #10341
    • Baumer hhs Corporation #11145
    • Challenge Machinery #8503
    • C.P. Bourg, Inc. #7811
    • D&K Group, Inc. #10062
    • Duplo USA Corporation #8408
    • Foil & Specialty Effects Association (listed under Plastics Decorating) #11834
    • Gerber Technology #8833, #8850
    • Heidelberg USA #10143
    • Hohner Stitching Products #11348
    • Luxfer Graphic Arts #10664
    • MBM Corporation #10355
    • MBO America #9951
    • Konica Minolta/MGI #9536
    • Mohawk #8459
    • Muller Martini #10543
    • My Press Needs, LLC #7658
    • Neenah #11535
    • Nobelus #10141
    • OWOSSO Graphic Arts, Inc. #7958
    • Rollem International #10351
    • Sakurai USA, Inc. #1420
    • Scodix Ltd #8616
    • Spiral Binding #11641
    • THERM-O-TYPE #11559

    Are Your Profits in a Bind? Samples Sell Capabilities

    by Deborah Corn, Intergalactic Ambassador to the Printerverse
    PrintMediaCentr

    Earlier this year, I was invited to present a keynote at the FSEA Binding Summit, which was held the day before the 2019 Odyssey Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. Now, sometimes when I am asked to speak, I scratch my head because I am just not sure what I could offer that would be a fair exchange in value for attendees’ time. Quite honestly, being asked to speak at the Binding Summit was one of those moments, and I respectfully declined. The folks from FSEA talked me off the “no” ledge and convinced me I was the right woman for the keynote job … They wanted to shake things up a bit. That was something I could deliver! Deborah The Disruptor was going to Georgia. Now, I just needed to formulate a presentation.

    Understanding the print service provider

    My experience with “bindery” comes from my 25-plus years buying print for ad agencies and global brands. It was limited to knowing that bindery included all the finishing I needed for my work, and that bindery processes had to be accounted for in an estimate. I would know I needed something trimmed, scored, folded, glued, diecut, varnished and so on – but, I didn’t always know how or where that happened. That was not my concern; it was my printer’s problem to work out. That is how the system works.

    It also is “the system” that print buyers – even those with giant global brand budgets – cannot dictate or influence the choice of bindery partners for their print service providers (PSPs). We only can ask for what we want achieved, and printers either can find a way to offer it or pass on the job. It either will be cost effective or it won’t. The more bindery services that PSPs send out (rather than performing in-house), the higher the cost for the job. Work can be won or lost based on this line item in the request for proposal.

    While that information is not new, what is important is the in-house vs. outsource pricing advantage for PSPs. And, the printers need that advantage, so they are buying equipment. The finishing manufacturers are answering the call by making machines smaller, easier to use, adaptable to needs and affordable.

    Sending finishing work out of a print business now is an act of desperation, not a business strategy. So, what is a trade finisher or trade binder to do?

    Show the buyer what exists

    Project-Peacock
    When buyers and designers see things they didn’t know were possible, everyone wins. Photo courtesy of Project Peacock.

    For the past two and a half years, I have been traveling with industry partners on a mission to share new opportunities and innovations for print marketing with print customers at agencies, brands and corporations through my program, Project Peacock. We have met with more than 1,100 buyers, designers and students to date. In March of this year, I took the program out of conference rooms and into event spaces by launching the Project Peacock Print Fair. Now – with more Peacock partners to show off their stuff and more room – PSPs have been invited to attend along with the print customers.

    In every city we have visited, Project Peacock has generated print business. The attendees see things they didn’t know existed, or were even possible, and they are working with new service providers to execute these print innovations in their own companies’ promotional and packaging designs. That fact got me thinking that the trade finishers need to step up their education and marketing game in order to generate new business from new and existing customers. So, that was my message at the Binding Summit, and to my surprise, it really energized the room.

    The concept is relatively simple. Trade binders and finishers should create meaningful, topical samples of their capabilities for their PSP partners to show to their customers. The finishers can create and distribute customized sample kits to their PSP customers, only sending materials for the capabilities each PSP doesn’t have in-house. Using the Project Peacock model, PSPs can use those kits to show off a wide variety of finishing and bindery options to their customers and educate them on the possibilities available for future projects.

    Based on the results from Project Peacock, the print customers will be enlightened and perhaps inspired to try something new they didn’t know existed. When that happens, everyone wins – customer, PSP and finisher.

    The presentation was well received (for the most part). The concept I outlined takes time, effort and money, and that had an influence on the reaction I received since those three items are sometimes in short supply. In addition, some in the room would prefer the finishing manufacturers to stop selling directly to PSPs to keep food on their plate rather than go through any reinvention of their business model, but – psssst – that is not going to happen. The manufacturers have to eat too, and they have more mouths to feed. After I spoke, a few attendees came up to me with wide, panicked eyes and blood-drained faces … these were the people I reached! They heard my message and were ready to look beyond the cost, time and effort needed. They heard “do something or die.”

    Subtlety has never been my forté.

    Building a sample center

    Sample and Resource Center and conference room at Art Laminating and Finishing in Atlanta
    The Sample and Resource Center and conference room at Art Laminating and Finishing in Atlanta allows print service providers
    to bring clients to a centralized location to view samples.

    One of those attendees was Phil Blalock from Art Laminating and Finishing in Atlanta. He told me he was inspired, and he was going to assess his ability to create a new sample program when he returned from the conference. A few days after I returned, I received an email from Phil. Not only did he assess, he ACTED! He decided to create a Sample and Resource Center, and the company was beginning construction to accommodate it. The sample center would allow PSPs to bring their customers to a dedicated showroom and for meetings to take place in new conference rooms.

    “We’re showing more than 200 finished samples,” Phil told me. “These are samples showing what the Bindagraphics family of companies can do – things we can do at our facility in Atlanta or those we could do in our Baltimore facility.”

    Art Laminating also has displays set up from vendors, such as a foil stamping supplier that has dies on display along with foil options. With more vendors on tap, customers will be able to stop by the sample center to see the entire spectrum of materials and processes available when they’re designing a print project. And, to get PSPs in the door, Phil is asking printers to use Art Laminating as the location for their customer meetings – and even buying their lunch!

    The Sample and Resource Center already is receiving rave reviews from printers, including Mark Stanko from New London Press. He told Phil, “The Resource Center was perfect for me and my customer to visit to work out details on a specific project. While there and viewing various samples, a new foil stamp box project came directly from this.”

    Phil knows that education is an ongoing problem and the binding and finishing partners are being left out of the picture when a print project is in the works. When he heard me speak – as a representative of the buyers who are craving this knowledge and not finding it – he went on a quest to help print buyers see the possibilities.

    I am so grateful to the FSEA for not taking my “no” for an answer. I am equally grateful to every attendee in that room. They took the time to get themselves to an event and participate for the future of their business and the industry. And then, there is Phil. He sat down for my keynote with one business model and stood up with a new idea to build upon – and build he did, literally and figuratively. There is no greater reward than his success!

    Finish Long and Prosper!

    Deborah-CornDeborah Corn is the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse, providing printspiration and resources to print and marketing professionals through her website, PrintMediaCentr.com. She has 25+ years of experience working in advertising as a print producer and now works behind the scenes with printers, suppliers and industry organizations to help them create meaningful relationships with customers and achieve success with their social media and content marketing endeavors. For more information, visit www.printmediacentr.com.

    Elevating Magazine Covers with Embellishments

    by Katy Ibsen, managing editor
    PostPress

    First impressions mean a lot, especially for print magazines and catalogs. A cover image carries significant responsibility, capturing enough of a reader’s attention to be picked up. Iconic artwork isn’t going away, but many publications now are incorporating texture and specialty effects on covers for added impact.

    “Neurological studies show that humans gather their information through all senses, and people remember things longer and more clearly if they address more than just the eyes,” said novum Editor-in-Chief Christine Moosmann. “Consumers quite happily spend more money on packaging that is well designed and uses a paper with interesting haptics or elaborate printing.”

    novum is known for eye-catching covers that feature a variety of applications, but the magazine isn’t alone. Overwhelmingly, consumer, business to business (B2B) and catalog publishers are seeing embellishments as a critical value-add to differentiate themselves from competitors or to elevate their brand.

    PostPress explores this trend by visiting with a few magazine publishers that have found print embellishments beneficial to their brand awareness.

    Worth magazine

    WorthWorth is a global media brand connecting to an audience that embraces worth beyond wealth. “Worth informs and inspires a community of affluent, influential and aspirational individuals to be their best selves,” said Amy Petriello, art director.

    The quarterly print magazine regularly uses spot gloss for its masthead/logo and dull UV on the balance of the cover to create a matte effect.

    “We almost always feature an original illustration on the cover and have [art] submitted to us as vectors, so that the illustration can have spot UV applied on portions we’d like to highlight,” she added.

    Worth’s “Power 100” edition, recently released, features a 4-color silver metallic ink with gloss UV coating.

    “This is our 10th Annual Power 100 issue, about the most powerful people in the world of global finance, so it is a special issue that we wanted to celebrate,” she said.

    According to Petriello, postpress applications have helped to emphasize Worth’s covers, which showcase beautiful lasting artwork, intended to be kept, displayed on coffee tables and collected.

    novum – world of graphic design

    novum Magazinenovum, a cult design magazine, was founded in 1924 under the name of Gebrauchsgraphik. Published in German, English, French and Spanish, novum is read by designers all over the world.

    “Now in its 95th year, novum has certainly written design history and still has a very high standing in the design community,” said Christine Moosmann, editor-in-chief.

    As one would expect, a design magazine strives to set itself apart and novum doesn’t disappoint readers with its captivating covers, featuring many variations of specialty applications. In 2000, the brand began experimenting with fine papers and various print finishing techniques on the cover.

    “In the beginning, we just did it for fun, but we got a strong response from our readers. They loved the papers, the finishings and the inspiration they got this way,” said Moosmann “Eventually, paper manufacturers and printers realized that our covers were a great marketing tool for their products and services. So, whenever a new paper or a new printing technique came up, we got the chance to try it out on our cover – designer’s heaven!”

    While Moosmann believes specialty effects are an important element of communication today, they can be overused.

    “It is important to use papers and finishings intelligently,” she said. “A lot of ‘bling bling’ foils do not necessarily make a successful product. Sometimes, a rough paper combined with an unusual printing technique will do the trick. It is important to design with care; readers and consumers can sense that.”   

    A sampling of novum covers include foil on the entire cover, diecut stacking dolls and even a cover which featured a playground for stickers found inside the magazine. The cover of the August 2019 edition showcased a highly pigmented silver on deep black cardboard for a visual and textured effect.

    mg

    mg MagazineServing the cannabis industry is mg magazine, a B2B publication covering retail, business and branding. According to its publisher, Darren B. Roberts, the magazine’s mission was to create a reflection of who is really behind the industry, not just on a manufacturing level, but on a legal level.

    “We strive to put out an image that represents the level of professionalism, skill and education [in cannabis],” he said. That mission allowed the magazine to be more creative.

    “Most B2B publications are not spending money and exploring what can be done in print – some industries don’t require it,” he said. “I think that for B2B, service companies or products, whether they be printed products, panels or whatever it is they are putting out there, it’s important that they reflect the personality and the people of the industry. And in this particular industry, you have a mix of professionalism and creativity.”

    mg has achieved respect within the cannabis marketplace, elevating itself as a creative, yet trustworthy resource for industry leaders. In part, it has reached that designation as a result of its attractive covers.

    An edition that covered the vape sector featured a multi-layer emboss with both high and dull varnishes. The “50 Best Companies to Work for in Cannabis” featured a matte varnish, gold foil and trapped emboss. Roberts explained that mg wanted to represent all the various sectors of the industry on the cover, which was designed by The Hybrid Creative.

    “Applications really do have an impact. And it does matter,” said Roberts. “Just the coating that you use on the cover will keep somebody reading the publication longer … and it’s all on a subconscious level. It’s very fascinating.”

    Sustainability with Ecofoil®

    Crystal Ecofoil
    Crystal’s Ecofoil process allows foil to be added to the inside pages of magazines or brochures at a feasible cost.

    Mark Kempster, Managing Director of Crystal Press Ltd, has seen brands and publishers wanting more and more foil embellishments, with multiple colors and more complex foil designs. To achieve this, many have used a metallized polyester (MetPol) material and printed over the top. However, sustainability has become an serious issue for MetPol users due to it being a PET laminated stock which cannot be recycled. As a solution to this issue Crystal recently launched its range of Ecofoil boards that apply the foil without the need for the lamination process. The Ecofoil board range contains no PET or any other plastic product so it is 100% recyclable and can be branded as such.

    “In my opinion the use of MetPol is one of the single biggest issues facing the packaging industry and it seems likely that it is only a matter of time before there is a huge backlash against packaging materials that contain MetPol. However with the introduction of Ecofoil there will still be a cost-effective and practical way to produce foil-based packaging in all run lengths,” stated Kempster.

    The Ecofoil process also provides an economical way to add a metallic foil to other pages within a catalog or magazine beyond just the cover. Crystal has one customer who has used hot foil stamping on its covers for several years; however, switching to its Ecofoil process has allowed them to add foil within the inside pages of their high-end brochure at a feasible cost.

    “Ecofoil has created a massive change in our business,” concluded Kempster. “I believe it will become the biggest part of our business within the next 12 – 18 months.”

    From the Printer With Love

    Direct SupplyPrinters are equally in tune with the emerging trend of distinguishing covers. Chris Haag, director of sales at Royle Printing, spoke to the printer’s role in helping deploy embellishments to create unique catalog covers – which must stand out among other printed matter.

    “We have actually seen an uptick in interest in applying creative covers in particular to printed materials, whether that’d be in catalog form or magazine form,” he said. “Both of those segments are exploring it, and there has been a recognition that print provides a much more tactile delivery of information than electronic means.”

    Royle’s capabilities include gloss and matte UV in line on the web press; gloss, dull or satin varnish on sheet-fed press; soft touch, UV or aqueous coatings in line; strike through (such as spot gloss UV) with a dull varnish; and reticulated strike through UV.

    According to Haag, cost of applications is a factor for many publishers, suggesting that embellishments often are used for annual, anniversary or special issues.

    Diesel Forward“You’re going to see those [applications] in a higher value catalog that is displaying products that are higher dollar volume, and in particular those catalogs are meant to have a one-year shelf life. So, we see them a lot in those applications,” he said.

    Examples of catalogs printed by Royle include Direct Supply and Diesel Forward.

    In general, Haag has seen an increase in applications over what was used 10 years ago. As for the next 10? Hopefully, more of the same.

    “People are recognizing that print is really mission critical to a multichannel approach. And so, even brands that might live and start online are coming into print. And then, once they get into print, they’re looking for ways to stand out in the mailbox and raise response rates, too.”

    PVC Spiral Supply’s Marlon EZ Flex 100 Coil Inserter and SlanTIS Sleeves

    by Lara Copeland, contributing editor
    PostPress

    PVC Spiral Supply’s headquarters in Boise, Idaho, also is home to several major companies, as well as multiple large manufacturing facilities across several industries. The company maintains a second manufacturing and warehouse location in Tampa, Florida.

    Specializing in the manufacturing of spiral coil and binding equipment since 1993, PVC Spiral Supply has since become the largest single coil manufacturer in the US. The company offers more than 50 colors and 100 diameters of pre-formed coil kept in inventory. Working with more than 140 dealers nationwide, its coil can be shipped almost everywhere in the US within one day. In addition to offering plastic coil binding, plastic coil filament, wire binding supplies, spiral binding accessories and 3D printing PLA filament, it also features forming and binding equipment. And one such product, the efficient Marlon EZ Flex 100 coil inserter, improves productivity.

    A standalone coil inserter may be very helpful for high-volume applications and print shops that already have a coil binding punch. Designed to assist with getting the plastic spiral onto reports and documents, instruments like PVC Spiral’s Marlon EZ Flex 100 coil inserter will spin the coil right onto the pages. Users only need to get the coil started on the book.

    The EZ Flex has an adjustable roller for high performance, as well as easier and more accurate coil insertion. It inserts plastic coil of all diameter sizes and different pitches up to two inches thick. Additionally, sizes can be switched with a simple turn of a knob. “There is no other manual system available that is as flexible to handle any pitch,” Lonnie Bramon, sales, marketing and management at PVC said. “When it is coupled with the patent-pending PVC Spiral-designed SlanTIS Sleeves, the user no longer needs to insert thick books by hand.”

    In addition to use with the optional Marlon 350 crimping unit, the EZ Flex 100 coil inserter is designed for use with any size of the optional StanTIS coil binding sleeves. Extremely simple to use, the sleeves help produce a bound book in no time by securely holding a document while providing for the curved binding spine that conforms to the radius curve of the plastic coil binding element. The color-coded sleeves come in red, blue, yellow, green and black, and the colors align with document sizes. They are especially helpful for fast coil insertion on large coil documents due to the larger pitch diameter. Furthermore, for documents larger than one inch (or 25 mm), it is recommended to switch to a 3:1, 2.5:1 or 2.231 mm turbo coil pitch configuration.

    Made in the US, customers have responded enthusiastically to the coil inserter. Bramon reported that clients appreciate liberation from inserting “really thick books” by hand. “This makes the task much easier and much more productive,” he added.

    Technical details

    The EZ Flex 100 Coil Inserter shipping weight is 23 lbs. SlanTIS Sleeves are available in eight different sizes, 2″, 1¾”, 1½”, 1¼”, 1″, ¾”, ½” and ¼”.

    Election Watch: It’s the Economy, Stupid

    by Chris Kuehl, managing director
    Armada Corporate Intelligence

    As far as elections are concerned, “It’s the economy, stupid” has been the refrain for a while now. It essentially asserts that, when it comes right down to it, the only thing voters really care about is the economy. That may not be as true for the election in 2020 as it has been in past years, but the topic still will command a lot of interest as the focus shifts from attracting the hard-core primary voter to influencing the vast middle of the voting population. At this point in the campaign, it is a little hard to pinpoint exactly what the field of Democrats have in mind as far as economic policy, but some themes are emerging. In fact, there appears to be a substantial difference between the two wings of the Democratic party – progressives and moderates (or traditionalists).

    Thus far, little attention has been paid to the issue of economic growth or any of the currently pressing issues affecting the economy: No focus on the labor shortage that has hampered many businesses as they try to expand, no attention to the trade war or tariff issue, no mention of what to do with US trade partners, no discussion of how to address the nation’s infrastructure needs, no comment on R&D needs … and so on. It is likely that some or all of these issues will start to emerge as the election grows closer, but it has been hard to argue that the economy under Trump has been faltering. The key issue now is whether the economic weaknesses that have started to appear will merit more concern a year from now.

    The four most discussed economic issues among Democrats involve health care, education, minimum wage and equal pay. A related issue is taxation, as there will have to be additional revenue to support the programs that have been suggested. There also has been some attention paid to regulation as a means by which to address other issues, and these will have an impact on business and the economy as well.

    Health care

    At the top of the list is health care, and the mantra from some in the Democratic field is “Medicare for all.” There are a range of suggestions that vary from a totally government-funded medical system to some hybrid between public and private, but the focus of the entire conversation is how to pay for medical care. There are essentially three players in the system – the patient, the health care provider and the entity that pays for the care. Ultimately, the patient pays, but the question is how. Currently, a complex system exists that revolves around private insurance – which each person is responsible for acquiring. Once a person reaches retirement age, the Medicare option appears, and the government pays the health care provider while the patient pays through their role as taxpayer. Most Medicare recipients also carry private insurance as a supplement. Medicaid is offered to those who have no means to acquire their own insurance. To expand Medicare/Medicaid to all means that private insurance either vanishes or is drastically curtailed, and the government pays all the bills – meaning, the taxpayer pays all the bills. The obvious economic issue is where the additional funds will come from, and there are only two options: Raise revenue with new or expanded taxes or cut funding from other programs to finance health care. Neither of these options will be popular, and it is very doubtful that either option would pass through both Houses of Congress, although some hybrid plan might have a shot.

    Education

    The second issue that has attracted early attention has been education. One issue is access, and the other is student loan debt. The origins of the problems are similar. Over the last couple of decades, education has become very expensive, as state legislatures have steadily reduced their financial support, and the schools have been developing bigger budgets. Tuition has skyrocketed, and now there are many people who have been priced out of higher education and millions more who are dealing with paying off the debt they incurred. The solutions offered by Democratic candidates have varied from offering free university education to everyone to forgiving all student debt. There are economic implications involved with either plan. The offer of free education would overwhelm the current education system and would demand very swift expansion, a challenge that would be hard to meet, given the limitations on qualified instruction. More salient is the issue of devaluation. Should the college degree become as ubiquitous as the high school diploma, it loses most of its influence and provides no advantage to the holder of that degree.

    The issue of student debt has been affecting the economy negatively for years. Those who have taken out a significant amount of debt have been limited later, finding themselves unable to buy homes as easily or engage in other economic activity. They have been slow to start families and often find their employment options limited. Granted, the majority of those who finished their college education and chose a major with economic upside have had little problem paying on their loans, but there are thousands who have been struggling. The potential of a government offer to pay off these loans would be an expensive proposition and – once again – the issue becomes the source of the revenue. The other issue is fairness. Those who have been paying their loans or have already paid them are not getting any break at all – only those who are not meeting their obligations. It seems to be sending a rather awkward signal that one is better off refusing to honor one’s obligations while demanding that somebody else pay for it.

    Minimum wage

    The third major issue has been the minimum wage. The current federal minimum is $7.25 an hour and, if one assumes a 40-hour work week, that adds up to $290. If one works all 52 weeks of the year, that equals an income of around $15,000. The poverty rate for a family of four is $25,750, and the median household income is $65,372. It is obvious that $15,000 a year is insufficient for a family. If the rate was moved to $15 an hour, the annual income would be around $31,000 – but that assumes a 40-hour work week for all 52 weeks.

    The questions are complex. It starts with who the minimum wage is for – is this designed for the teen just starting to gain job experience or the casual part-time worker? That was the original intent, but today there are thousands of people who are raising families with these low-paying jobs. The bigger question is how the business community will react to the higher wages. They face the reality that all of their employees will be demanding a raise. The guy that was making $15 an hour will demand more if a new and inexperienced worker now is getting $15. The business knows that its labor costs will approximately double, and that will require a response. The vast majority will reduce the size of the labor force through the addition of machines and technology, and that will mean less opportunity for the low-skilled or inexperienced worker.

    Equal pay

    The last of these issues is equal pay. The average pay for women still lags that of men doing the same job. It is estimated that women working full time make 80% of what men make. There are many factors in play – everything from the jobs that are being performed to longevity – but even the most optimistic estimates have women paid around 90% of what men make for the same jobs. Addressing the pay gap is hard to do legislatively, and that means more reliance on the regulatory system. It is unlikely to have a major impact on taxpayers but could add to labor costs for businesses that would need to address the gap.

    The ideas that are being discussed by the Democratic candidates thus far are painted in the broadest of strokes and clearly are aimed at galvanizing the base. At this point, the contest is between the two wings of the Democratic Party, and economic issues largely have taken second place behind more emotional issues, such as racism and immigration. The one constant thus far is that these policy suggestions will cost a great deal of money, and this burden falls on a country that already has a record level of national debt and a record deficit that constantly require the raising of the debt ceiling.

    Chris Kuehl is managing director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. Founded by Keith Prather and Chris Kuehl in January 2001, Armada began as a competitive intelligence firm, grounded in the discipline of gathering, analyzing and disseminating intelligence. Today, Armada executives function as trusted strategic advisers to business executives, merging fundamental roots in corporate intelligence gathering, economic forecasting and strategy development. Armada focuses on the market forces bearing down on organizations. For more information, visit www.armada-intel.com.

    What’s Next for the Bindery?

    by Hallie Forcinio, contributing writer
    PostPress
    Duplo’s DC-746 slitter/cutter/creaser
    Duplo’s DC-746 slitter/cutter/creaser all-in-one digital color finishing system represents the ideal companion to medium- to high-run digital printers.

    Bindery operations face numerous challenges. Whether a trade binder/finisher or a department within a commercial printer, binderies must combat a proliferation of shorter runs, growing demand for product differentiation and shortages in skilled labor, plus the need to make a profit and deliver jobs on-time with a faster turnaround.

    Several factors are impacting the rising number of short-run jobs, including shorter intervals between updates, more personalized products, a shift from offset to digital printing and the need for just-in-time inventory.

    The increasing market share occupied by shorter runs encourages commercial printers to establish or upgrade in-house binderies.

    “Trade binderies still tend to handle the higher volume, longer run lengths,” said Paul J. Steinke, national sales manager, Standard Finishing Systems. “In many cases, it’s hard to send out a job if it’s short run and very quick turnaround.”

    Demand for product differentiation prompts the creation of unique, captivating pieces such as particularly small or particularly large books, gatefold covers, waterfall pages or a book made from six differently sized sheets. The latter can be produced on the iSaddle system from Duplo USA Corp., which is capable of running 4,500 books an hour with up to 120 pages.

    “We are constantly looking for what we can provide to make a binder offer unique solutions that also allow them to charge a premium,” said Rick Salinas, vice president of marketing at Duplo.

    But, the biggest challenge for binderies, in-house or trade, are labor costs and staffing difficulties. “Just about every customer that we bring into the demo center is worried about hiring and retaining operators,” said Steinke.

    Automation

    orizon RD-4055
    Designed particularly for short runs, the Horizon RD-4055 rotary die cutter diecuts, creases, perforates, slits, hole punches and rounds corners in one process.

    As a result, equipment is becoming more automated and user-friendly, with features like icon-based touchscreen user interfaces, which simplify operation for an operator who may be less skilled and less likely to be dedicated solely to bindery tasks. There’s also a trend toward standardization of user interfaces so operation is similar machine-to-machine.

    “With the growing challenges facing the printing industry to find skilled labor, Duplo has focused on automating the difficult set-up processes,” reported Salinas. “This allows binders to train staff much quicker, and the skill level required to produce high-quality books has been greatly reduced,” he explained.

    With automation being top-of-mind at many binderies, it’s no surprise that the most popular equipment from Duplo are its DC-616, DC-646 and DC-746 slitter/cutter/creasers. Describing the machines as a “bindery in a box,” Salinas said, “With a single machine, you can create a highly complicated finished piece in a single pass with very little operator skill required.”

    Examples include a tent card with start/stop perf or a coupon card with start/stop perf in both directions with a fold-over tab that can be completed on one machine in one pass. “Add our IFS integrated fold system and we can create the complicated piece all the way to the final fold in one pass,” he explained.

    Duplo iSaddle System booklets
    The Duplo iSaddle System combines PC-based programming and intelligent feeding with scoring and folding technology to produce thicker, flatter booklets at rates of up to 4,500 booklets per hour.

    “Our partnership with EFI utilizing EFI Jobflow [print automation software] means many steps can be completely automated,” said Salinas. Finishing is reduced to loading the paper and hitting a green button. The machine feeds the sheet, reads the barcode, calls up the finishing template sent via Jobflow and the entire finishing process is completely automated.

    Horizon brand cutters and trimmers, stitchers and binders, and diecutters – the top sellers at Standard Finishing Systems – offer similar capabilities and meet the JDF standard.

    “That means the JDF data to print the job now can be networked to bindery equipment,” said Steinke. The result is greater accuracy. “Everything works from the same job file so there is less chance of operator error.”

    Nevertheless, short-run automation has been a tough sell to trade binderies. According to Salinas, many are missing a golden opportunity to support hundreds of small printers that just do not have the equipment or space to produce jobs in the 5,000 to 50,000 run length. “Targeting this group is critical for the survival of trade binderies,” he said.

    Meanwhile, bindery equipment makers strive to stay ahead of marketplace needs. In fact, Duplo studies the industry to identify trends and determine what is needed to help trade binders succeed.

    “I spent the entire week with two engineers from [Duplo’s] factory visiting trade binders in the Chicago area looking at the challenges they are currently facing. More than that, Duplo studies all the steps from set-up to completion to see where steps can be simplified, improved or eliminated,” said Salinas. “It is a very time-consuming process but vital to creating the next industry-disrupting breakthroughs.”

    Both firms rely on regional managers to help stay in touch with customers. In addition, Duplo utilizes a dealer reseller network and strategic partnerships with all the major digital press manufacturers.

    Standard Horizon BQ-480
    The Standard Horizon BQ-480 perfect binder easily
    accommodates runs of one. Automated adjustments for roller height, nipping height and side glue application minimize setup time. Interchangeable glue tanks simplify switch between PUR and
    EVA adhesives.

    Standard Finishing Systems uses the information gathered from its regional managers to provide feedback to Horizon, which is headquartered in Japan where an extensive Research and Development department continuously invents new products.

    “We also bring customers into our demo center,” said Steinke. Tradeshows are another avenue for customer contact. “We participate in all the major shows, as well as smaller shows and events organized by digital print vendors like HP and Canon.”

    What’s next?

    Salinas predicts the golden opportunity in finishing lies in embellishment.

    “Studies have proven that unique print and unique finishing drive response rates. These types of pieces also drive a premium price,” he said. “Trade binders need to start looking at how to create the unique and different that allows them to stand out and avoid the commodity finishing trap.”

    Steinke believes the labor situation will continue to influence efforts to reduce touchpoints in the printing and finishing process. This will translate into ever-higher levels of automation and integration between machines.

    “We already are seeing more requests to interconnect binders in line with trimmers. The fewer times a piece has to be touched, the more efficient the manufacturing process, the quicker the turnaround and the lower the risk of waste,” said Steinke.