Enews June 2023

FSEA Announces Winners of 30th Annual Gold Leaf Awards

June 15, 2023

The Topeka, Kansas-based Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has announced the honorees in its 30th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition. Pearls are the traditional gift for married couples celebrating their 30th anniversary, but the FSEA celebrated with Gold, Silver and Bronze!

“Our FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition showcases how embellishments have become a catalyst in the printing industry,” stated FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “The creativity and technology used in the pieces we receive continue to amaze us every year, from greeting cards and book covers to folding cartons and wine labels.”

A record number of entries were received from countries around the world, including the US, Canada, India, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Denmark, Japan, South Africa and Taiwan. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners were honored in 47 categories during a reception held on Tuesday, June 6, at The Print Embellishment Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

As in 2022, two Best of Show honorees were revealed – one awarded to the best digitally finished piece and one to the entry displaying the best use of conventional finishing techniques.

Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was awarded the Best of Show: Best Use of Foil and Embossing for “RE/MAX.” Originally entered in the category of Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Miscellaneous Product, the team at Gravure Choquet had quite the task – take an already impressive, framed award that its client, RE/MAX Real Estate, had been using for years and make it even better. More than 35 versions of the award were manufactured. Each framed 20” x 14” award received between eight to 16 passes through the presses, with several passes of foil, embossing in register for the client’s logo and diecuts with perfect registration for the different categories of the certificates. A filler was integrated behind the certificates to create weight and depth between the two layers, with all the components assembled in a frame and integrated in a presentation box.

Best of Show: Best Use of Digital Embellishments was awarded to Post Press Specialties, Independence, Missouri, for Willy. Originally entered in the category for Best Use of Digital Foil (Self Promotion), the team at Post Press Specialties created the piece to demonstrate the company’s capabilities. The graphics were created in Adobe Illustrator, with small dots of opaque foil intermingled to create an image resembling a lithographic photo, producing foil halftone dots in different foil colors in a way none of the team members had ever seen before. “Willy” was created on a leftover scrap piece of board that the team laminated, and the project was created in an afternoon with fewer than 10 copies made.

The competition evaluates submissions that utilize a wide range of specialty finishing techniques, from foil stamping and embossing to specialty coating, film laminating, laser cutting, diecutting and cold foil applications. Submissions come in a variety of formats, including greeting cards, folding cartons, labels, promotional pieces, calendars and more.

Award winners in the 30th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards, along with the categories in which the submissions won, are listed in this press release. To view photos of the pieces submitted by the Bronze, Silver and Gold honorees, visit www.fsea.com.

The 2023 categories and winners:

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Hardback Book Cover
Gold: Yumi, Lakeside Book Company, Crawfordsville, IN
Silver: Pandora, Jostens, Clarksville, TN
Bronze: Polaris 2022, Jostens, Clarksville, TN

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Softback Book Cover
Gold: Swiat Druku (The World of Printing), Multifol Uszlachetnianie Druku (UE),Kraków, Poland
Silver: Superman, Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Bronze: Dallas Country Club, Performance Specialty Service, Dallas, TX

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Greeting Card (Creative)
Gold: Thanksgiving Gratitude, The Occasions Group, North Mankato, MN
Silver: Champagne Fireworks, BrightMarks LLC, Lenexa, KS
Bronze: Lafayette 148 Holiday Card, highresolution printing and packaging,
Manalapan, NJ

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Greeting Card (Difficult)
Gold: Happy Birthday Batman, Hallmark Cards, Inc., Lawrence, KS
Silver: 50’s the New 30’s, BrightMarks LLC, Lenexa, KS
Bronze: Part ICON Superman, Hallmark Cards, Inc., Lawrence, KS

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Greeting Card (Self Promo)
Gold: Gietz New Year Greeting Card 2023, Gietz AG, Gossau, Switzerland
Silver: Thumbelina Christmas Card, Dreyer Kliche, Copenhagen, Denmark
Bronze: Gravure Choquet Christmas card, Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Folding Carton (Creative)
Gold: Ciao Vince Camuto, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Silver: Surly Darkness Box, Studio on Fire, St. Paul, MN
Bronze: Sheer Science: Plexaderm Skincare Folding Carton, RRD Packaging Solutions, Durham, NC

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Folding Carton (Difficult)
Gold: Lord of the Rings Box Set, Studio on Fire, St. Paul, MN
Silver: Luxe Pack Promotional, Thoro Packaging, a Company of the Autajon Group, Corona, CA
Bronze: Clinique Folding Carton, McLean Packaging Corporation, Moorestown, NJ

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Folding Carton (Self Promo)
Gold: MCD 50th Anniversary Unfolding Box, MCD, Inc., Madison, WI
Silver: BOP Holiday Gift Box & Card Combo, Blue Ocean Press, Syracuse, NY
Bronze: Toad Box, Dreyer Kliche, Copenhagen

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Rigid Box (Creative)
Gold: Hard Cover The Awakening (Wynn Hotel), Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Silver: Union Horse Anniversary Release Box, BrightMarks LLC, Lenexa, KS
Bronze: NAPCO USA – “The Count” Spirits Box & Bottle Label, NAPCO USA, Sparta, NC

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Rigid Box (Difficult)
Gold: boxes No. 2, KURZ Transfer Products, Huntersville, NC
Silver: Three Sisters Apothecary Autumn Gift Set, Pacific Southwest Containers LLC, Modesto, CA
Bronze: NAPCO USA – “Black Cask” Spirits Box & Bottle Label, NAPCO USA, Sparta, NC

Best Use of Foil/Embossing/Diecut – Self Promotion
Gold: Diamond Packaging 2023 Calendar, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Silver: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter-Look Book 2023, Jostens, Clarksville, TN
Bronze: Putting Your Pieces Together Binder, On Line Bindery, Richmond, CA
Machinery Suppliers: Bobst, Sakurai

Best Use of Foil/Embossing/Diecut – Self Promotion (Industry Supplier)
Gold: Univacco – Rebuild Your Imagination, Univacco Foils, Tainan City, Taiwan
Silver: La Bellezza Salverá il Mondo (eng. Beauty will save the World), Carlo Gasperini & C., Prato, Italy
Bronze: Deck the Halls with Neenah, Neenah, Alpharetta, GA

Best Use of Foil/Embossing/Diecut – Self Promotion (Holiday)
Gold: Baugh Christmas carton, Baugh Graphic Finishing House, Indianapolis, IN
Silver: MCD 2023 Desktop Calendar, MCD, Inc., Madison, WI
Bronze: KURZ Transfer Products 2022 Holiday Cards, Subtle Impressions, Inc., Gastonia, NC

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Presentation Folder
Gold: EPF – E3D Self Promotion, Elite Print Finishing, Burlington, NC
Silver: Change the Way you View Folders, Folderworks, North Mankato, MN
Bronze: Hillwood Folder, Performance Specialty Service, Dallas, TX

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Client Promotion/Brochure
Gold: CARTES Client Promotion Brochure, CARTES, Moglia MN and Italy
Silver: Maggie Rose, Team Concept Printing & Thermography, Inc. , Carol Stream, IL
Bronze: Mother Earth Amplify Poster, Carlson Print Group, Eden Prairie, MN

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Label (Digitally Printed)
Gold: Ten Vintage “VENDEMMIE”, SOVEMEC Stampa Company, Nola, Italy
Silver: Arana (The Silver Spider), CARTES, Moglia MN and Italy
Bronze: Cantilever, Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine & Spirits, Napa, CA

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Label (Creative)
Gold: Vera Volente Elegance, MCC Label Paarl South Africa, Western Cape, South Africa
Silver: Black Carbon – Professional Grade Seasoning Blend, Blue Ocean Press, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bronze: HOPE Sauvignon Blanc, Bay Tech Label, St Petersburg, FL

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Label (Difficult)
Gold: Raymond, Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine & Spirits, Napa, CA
Silver: Mr. Black Starward Front, Multi Color Corporation Australia, South Australia
Bronze: Block Head, Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine & Spirits, Napa, CA

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Label (Self Promotion)
Gold: Whiskey label, Carlo Gasperini & C., Prato, Italy
Silver: Gietzerollo Liquor, Gietz AG, Gossau, Switzerland
Bronze: Thumbelina Nature labels, Dreyer Kliche, Copenhagen, Denmark

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Business Card/Stationery
Gold: On Line Bindery Business Cards, On Line Bindery, Richmond, CA
Silver: Tequilia Brand Ambassador cards, Print Panther Direct
Bronze: Sweet Notes, DataGraphic, Commack, NY

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Announcements/Invitation (Creative)
Gold: Acrylic Wedding Invitation, The Prettiest Pixel, Shawnee, KS
Silver: Flexjet Invitation, DataGraphic, Commack, NY
Bronze: Lawrence, Bella Figura for Boxcar Press, Syracuse, NY

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Announcements/Invitation (Difficult)
Gold: Florence, Bella Figura for Boxcar Press, Syracuse, NY
Silver: Class of 2023 Life School, Performance Specialty Service, Dallas, TX
Bronze: Foil on Deckle Edge, The Prettiest Pixel, Shawnee, KS

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Calendar (Industry Supplier)
Gold: Year of the Rabbit 2023 Calendar, K Laser Technology (USA) Co., Ltd., Santa Ana, CA
Silver: Multi-Dimensional KURZ Calendar, LPI – Letterhead Press, New Berlin, WI
Bronze: Kaname, Sakurai, Schaumburg, IL

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Calendar
Gold: Tokyo Bay Fish Calendar 2023, Ichikudo Printing Co, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Silver: Diamond Packaging 2023 Calendar, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Bronze: Globe 2023 Calendar, Globe Die Cutting, Metuchen, NJ

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Direct Mailer
Gold: Parkland Direct – Christmas 2022 Envelope, Parkland Direct, Forest, VA
Silver: Levin Rinke Direct Mail Die Cut Door Postcard, SunDance, Orlando, FL
Bronze: Parkland Direct – Saguara National Park Envelope, Parkland Direct, Forest, VA

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Miscellaneous Product
Gold: Re/Max, Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Silver: Waco Police Padded Document Holder, K & W Finishing, Baltimore, MD
Bronze: Wired Productions: The Black Label Collection, RRD Packaging Solutions, Durham, NC

Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Miscellaneous Product (Industry Supplier)
Gold: BEAUTY, H+M, Charlotte, NC
Silver: BOOK Whiskey, KURZ Transfer Products, Huntersville, NC
Bronze: Tampolamina, GTO, Srl, Casalgrande RE, Italy

Best Use of Holographics
Gold: 2023 Super Bowl Stadium Program, Hazen Paper Company, Holyoke, MA
Silver: Hazen Alabaster Holojet®, Hazen Paper Company, Holyoke, MA
Bronze: Father’s Day, Leanin’ Tree, Boulder, CO

Best Use of Embossing (Blind)
Gold: NFL Sleeve, DataGraphic, Commack, NY
Silver: Flower Garden, Dreyer Kliche, Copenhagen, Denmark
Bronze: Oscar de la Renta Bella Bouquet, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY

Best Use of Embossing (Registered)
Gold: Iconic Box, Studio on Fire, St. Paul, MN
Silver: Diamond Packaging 2023 Calendar, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Bronze: Special Edition 12″ Vinyl Gothic Luxury, Super Lustre Graphique

Best Use of Overprinting Foil
Gold: Unidisc 12″ Vinyl, Gravure Choquet, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Silver: Dad, Hallmark Cards, Inc., Lawrence, KS
Bronze: Pokémon Arceus VSTAR Ultra-Premium Collection, RRD Packaging Solutions, Durham, NC

Best Use of Refractive Foil (Micro-etched)
Gold: Analog x Digital, H+M USA, Charlotte, NC
Silver: Avrae, Multi-Color Corporation North America Wine & Spirits, Napa, CA
Bronze: Chateau Univacco, Carlo Gasperini & C., Prato, Italy

Best Use of Cold Foil (Carton or Label)
Gold: Hydroxycut Advanced, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Silver: Abercrombie & Fitch Away Weekend (Woman), Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY
Bronze: Metamorphia, Overnight Labels, A Premium Label & Packaging Solutions Company, Deer Park, NY

Best Use of Cold Foil (Promotion or Brochure)
Gold: Wallace Carlson Vinfoil Promo, Wallace Carlson, Minnetonka, MN
Silver: Las Vegas Skyline, Kenmore Envelope, Richmond, VA
Bronze: Burgopak x Windles Unicorn, Burgopak, London, UK

Best Use of Digital Foil (Self Promotion)
Gold: Willy, Post Press Specialties, Independence, MO
Silver: EPF – E3D Self Promotion, Elite Print Finishing, Burlington, NC
Bronze: Hunters Original artwork limited edition prints, Print Panther Direct, Ontario, Canada

Best Use of Digital Foil (Carton)
Gold: Titleist Masters VIP Boxes, Curtis Packaging, Sandy Hook, CT
Silver: Double Lit, Elite Print Finishing, Burlington, NC
Bronze: D9 Gummies Tuck Top Boxes, The Anstadt Company, York, PA

Best Use of Digital Foil (Varnish Adhesive)
Gold: 2022 Las Vegas Raiders Season Ticket Books, Consolidated Printing, Van Buren, AR
Silver: Konica Minolta Shine and Evolution Direct Mail Campaign, Print Panther Direct, Ontario, Canada
Bronze: Sylvamo Papers Promotional Sheet, LPI – Letterhead Press, New Berlin, WI

Best Use of Specialty UV Coating – Screen (Raised, Textured or Glitter)
Gold: Special Edition 12″ Vinyl Gothic Luxury, Super Lustre Graphique, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Silver: Spring Hill College Seek More Brochure, SunDance, Orlando, FL
Bronze: that’s our nature, Jostens, Clarksville, TN

Best Use of Laminating Film (Holographic, Soft Touch or Other Decorative Film)
Gold: Legacy, Jostens, Clarksville, TN
Silver: 12″ Jacket Unidisc, R&L Lamination, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Bronze: Change the Way You View Folders, Folderworks, North Mankato, MN

Best Use of Special Diecut
Gold: Metallic Snowflakes, The Occasions Group, North Mankato, MN
Silver: Rev it Up, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Cards, Inc., Lawrence, KS
Bronze: On Line Bindery Wine Bottle Brochure, On Line Bindery, Richmond, CA

Best Use of Laser Cutting (Decorative)
Gold: KOVAL Dry Gin, Paragon Label (A Resouce LabelGroup Company), Petaluma, CA
Silver: Serene Forest, The Occasions Group, North Mankato, MN
Bronze: We are Back, Jostens, Clarksville, TN

Best Use of Letterpress
Gold: Stout Holiday Cards, Studio on Fire, St. Paul, MN
Silver: Amoret, Bella Figura for Boxcar Press, Syracuse, NY
Bronze: Love Embraced, The Occasions Group, North Mankato, MN

Best Use of Film Casting (Cast & Cure™)
Gold: Indian Life by David White, Visions, Inc., Brooklyn Park, MN
Silver: Great Nations Freaky Friday – Vapor Ringz, Rose City Label, Portland, OR
Bronze: Perennial Artisan Ales – Double Entendre, Cursive, Mason, OH

Best Use of Unique Fold
Gold: Luxe Pack Promotional, Thoro Packaging, a Company of the Autajon Group, Corona, CA
Silver: Happy New Year 2023! (Molly McCoy Self Promotion Piece), Molly McCoy Graphic Design, Oakland, CA
Bronze: Christmas Carol Bulb Fold Out, Team Concept Printing & Thermography, Inc., Carol Stream, IL

Best Use of Unique Binding
Gold: Sagittaria Calendar, Carlo Gasperini & C., Prato, Italy
Silver: Lucky Bag, Jostens, Clarksville, TN
Bronze: Poor Richard’s Press Creative Toolkit, Poor Richard’s Press, San Luis Obispo, CA

Best Use of Sustainable Design
Gold: Cold Transfer KPS slim (patent pending) Packaging, KURZ Transfer Products, Huntersville, NC
Silver: HOMETOWN HERO Infused Gummies (+POP), Hippo Premium Packaging, San Diego, CA
Bronze: Big Picture Farm Gift Box, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY

Best Use of Transfer Metallization
Gold: Hazen Paper 2023 Calendar “Chariots of Fire”, Hazen Paper Company, Holyoke, MA
Silver: Parkland Direct – City Scene Vector Envelope, Parkland Direct, Forest, VA
Bronze: Eilish No 2, Diamond Packaging, Rochester, NY

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) provides a wide range of resources to help companies remain profitable today and into the future. From cost-saving programs and educational opportunities to green initiatives proving the sustainability of foil decorated paper/board, the FSEA strives to provide its members with ideas, resources and solutions to grow in today’s marketplace.

To learn more, visit www.fsea.com.

Gallus Celebrates 100 Years in Business

June 14, 2023

On June 19, 2023, Gallus, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), will celebrate 100 years of business with the official opening of a brand new industry hub: the Gallus Experience Centre, located in St. Gallen, Switzerland, also home of the company’s headquarters. Designed to be a central touchpoint for the entire labels and narrow web landscape, the new center is dedicated to facilitating the future success of the industry, fostering collaboration to drive innovation and sustainability, and accelerating the industry’s “digital transformation.”

Customers, prospects and stakeholders from some of the leading printers and converters across the globe are invited to the Gallus Experience Center on June 20-23 as part of the company’s inaugural “Gallus Experience Days.”

The event includes keynote presentations from world-leading experts in artificial intelligence (AI) and retail strategies – such as serial entrepreneur, top global digital transformation advisor and renowned AI strategist Andy Fitze, and published author, speaker and digital and AI consultant Katie King.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to attend supplier seminars, breakout sessions from key strategic partners, and tour of the landmark facility. Complemented with a variety of live artists, musicians, entertainment and on-site catering, the opening week celebrations will provide the ideal platform not only to mark Gallus’ centenary, but to unite minds and voices industry-wide.

PRINTING United Opens Registration for 2023 Event

June 14, 2023

PRINTING United Alliance, a member-based printing and graphic arts association in the US, announced that registration is open for PRINTING United Expo 2023. This global printing event serving markets across all printing segments will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 18-20.

With over a million square feet of equipment, technology and trends on display, attendees have the opportunity to see live product unveilings and demonstrations of the industry’s latest products and innovations across apparel, commercial, wide-format, industrial, promotional, label and packaging, mailing, shipping, fulfillment and more.

Attendees actively in the buying cycle or simply exploring the latest technologies and solutions will learn how to diversify and grow their business.

For more information and to register for the 2023 event, visit www.printingunited.com.

Mohawk, Fedrigoni Expand Partnership in North America

June 14, 2023

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc., a manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes based in Cohoes, New York, and the Fedrigoni Group, a global player in the manufacture of added value specialty papers for luxury packaging and other creative applications, premium wine labels and self-adhesive materials based in Verona, Italy, announced that Mohawk will be the North American distribution partner for Fedrigoni Specialty Papers, effective July 2023. This decision follows an announcement in September 2022 that the two companies had entered into a manufacturing agreement to expand the reach of specialty papers globally.

Mohawk’s distribution partners and community of creatives and printers throughout North America will have access to the wide Fedrigoni creative portfolio (with the exception of Fedrigoni digital papers, distributed exclusively by GPA), with special focus on supporting Fedrigoni’s Materia Viva (a vast collection of high-quality, high recycled content papers) and Sirio Pearl (pulp-colored papers and boards with a pearlescent surface) collections.

“Many exciting details will come with the launch of our growing partnership and the opportunity to bring this stunning collection of Fedrigoni papers to the North American market,” said Melissa Stevens, chief revenue officer of Mohawk.

To learn more, visit www.mohawkconnects.com.

Top 5 Ways to Turn Failure into Advantage

June 13, 2023

By Liz Stevens, writer, PostPress

“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing” – Henry Ford

Trying, failing and succeeding are part of the business environment. No one succeeds without trying, and no one ever tried without failing at least occasionally. Here are tips for finding value in the inevitable failures experienced by those trying to succeed.

In every new environment and each growth stage

A new business and a growing business must go through trial and error to advance. A new business always is going out on a limb; will the limb hold or fail? A business wading into a new market can get nowhere without taking the first risky step.

In all endeavors, there is potential achievement and the risk of failure. The odds often initially favor defeat, but they trend toward success with repeated enlightened attempts. This advice from the Forbes article, “11 Essential Next Steps for Business Leaders After a Setback,” ¹ applies to established businesses and new businesses alike.

Make adjustments to prevent future mistakes
When starting a business, one is literally walking into the unknown with uncertainties haunting every business move. With that said, expect a lot of mistakes as the business evolves. Continual failure is necessary for learning and future success. Leaders must adapt, take notes, adjust to protect the business and put measures in place to mitigate these mistakes from reoccurring. – Tian Derose, EAMA, Inc.

Failure is valuable

Every experience has value but sometimes it takes effort to identify it, especially when it comes to the value of failure. While not welcoming failure, successful businesspeople know that it will occur; they do not fear it or avoid reflecting on it. They know that failure can be a valuable and necessary aspect of learning, growing and improving.

In his article, “The smart way to learn from failure,” ² author David Robson described the “ostrich effect” that some people employ to avoid facing bad news, disappointment or failure. “Devaluing the source of your disappointment is just one way your mind may avoid coping constructively with failure,” wrote Robson. “Another coping mechanism is to hide your head in the sand, shifting your attention away from the upsetting situation so that you don’t have to process it.” To illustrate this, Robson recounted a study by university researchers to gauge people’s memory of positive and negative experiences.

The people were asked to choose one of two answers to identify objects, and then were told of their hits and misses – a chance to learn from success and failure. In a second round of identifying objects, the participants had learned from their hits but scored no better on their earlier misses. To delve deeper, the researchers conducted another study, asking new participants to review the earlier study participants’ hits and misses, and then to identify the same objects. These people consistently scored higher – they had learned from another person’s hits and from their misses. The takeaway: people often forget their own mistakes but are quite able to learn from someone else’s mistakes.

How, then, to help people recall failures rather than forgetting them? Choosing to view failure as a learning experience rather than as a loss is a good starting point. Approaching failure as an opportunity to learn why the failure occurred and to then apply those lessons moving forward can remove the stigma of defeat. The Forbes article ¹ offers a valuable suggestion:

Approach failure like an experiment
… how we handle failure sets the tone for our culture. We focus on the outcome, do our best to avoid shaming our colleagues and approach it almost empirically like a science experiment. Consider what variables you need to change to achieve a different result.– Brian Shore, elevēo

Own failure and seek feedback

Successful business leaders know that failures will happen and that value can be derived from examining them; they openly own their failures and ask for honest feedback. Two things manifest by owning failures and welcoming reactions: leaders model a valuable trait for others to emulate, and leaders receive helpful input for addressing the cause of the failure.

In his TIME article, “Why Your Team Needs a Failure Philosophy,” ³ author Roi Ben-Yehuda noted that most organizations “are hyper-focused on end results, have a low tolerance for experimentation, and provide little time for reflection, all of which create an environment incompatible with learning.” One way to make the most out of failure is to have a business culture with a healthy failure philosophy. During interviews, ask about candidates’ attitudes toward failure. During onboarding, describe the company’s positive philosophy toward failure. In team meetings, acknowledge errors, then search for teachable moments.

Ben-Yehuda had another tip. “Creating rituals around your failure philosophy – a practice adopted by some of the world’s most innovative teams – also helps make failure feel less lonely and more instructive.” In a final point about leaders owning their failures, Ben-Yehuda quoted Navy Seal Team 6 Commander Dave Cooper: “The most important words a leader can say are, ‘I screwed that up.’” For leaders with the courage to freely admit screwups, wrote Ben-Yehuda, “the question isn’t ‘Will we fail?’ but rather, ‘How will we learn from our failures?’”

Analyze failure

Before the “do’s,” here’s an important “don’t” from Steven L. Blue’s Industry Week article, “6 Important Business Lessons I Learned from Failure.” ⁴

Don’t analyze success
Don’t ever waste time on why something went right. Of course, you should always analyze how you might have done better, but that should not be your focus. You should always do a deep dive on your failures for the lessons they hold.

To learn from failure, examine it closely with a post-failure audit, including analyzing the variables and their weaknesses as a scientist would do following an experiment. Here is how Christian Busch, director of the global economy program at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, described deriving value from failure in Suvarchala Narayanan’s Strategy+business article, “Connecting the dots in an uncertain world.” ⁵

Conduct project funerals
When a project – for example, a new technology that was brought to market – doesn’t work out, the respective project manager “lays it to rest” in front of colleagues from other divisions and reflects on why it did not work out and what can be learned from it. This is not about celebrating failure – it’s about celebrating the learning from failure. What often happens is that people in the audience “coincidentally” connect it to a project that they are working on, and elements of the project are then unexpectedly repurposed for another use.

Limit retrospection

Accept the inevitability of failure, own it, acknowledge its value, find its lessons. Then carry on. This Forbes article excerpt ¹ wraps it up and puts a bow on turning failure into advantage:

Reflect but do not wallow
After a failure in business, honest reflection is essential to unlock any valuable lessons that can be learned. Then, quickly move on. Do not wallow; instead, examine the situation with an honest eye, adapt and move forward. Leaders who strive to create an environment that normalizes openly discussing failure gain valuable insights and allow for greater opportunities for success the next time around. – Ronke Komolafe, Integrated Physical & Behavioral Health Alliance

References

Forbes Business Council, “11 Essential Next Steps for Business Leaders After A Setback.” March 27, 2023. Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/03/27/11-essential-next-steps-for-business-leaders-after-a-setback/?sh=1708567362cf.
David Robson, “The Smart Way to Learn from Failure.” October 21, 2022. BBC.com. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20221019-the-smart-way-to-learn-from-failure.
Roi Ben-Yehuda, “Why Your Team Needs a Failure Philosophy.” August 8, 2022. TIME.com. https://time.com/charter/6204322/failure-philosophy/.
Steven L. Blue, “6 Important Business Lessons I Learned from Failure.” April 20, 2023. Industry Week. https://www.industryweek.com/leadership/strategic-planning-execution/article/21264377/failure-is-the-gift-that-keeps-on-giving.
Suvarchala Narayanan, “Connecting the Dots in an Uncertain World.” September 16, 2020. Strategy+business. https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Connecting-the-dots-in-an-uncertain-world.

Labelexpo Europe Moves to Barcelona in 2025

June 13, 2023

Tarsus Group, organizer of the Labelexpo Global Series, has announced that Labelexpo Europe will move from its current location at Brussels Expo to Barcelona Fira for 2025. The move does not affect the upcoming Labelexpo Europe 2023, which will go ahead as planned at Brussels Expo on September 11-14. The move to Barcelona in 2025 comes after extensive consultation with label industry stakeholders and takes advantage of the excellent facilities both at the Fira venue and in the city of Barcelona.

“The benefits for both our exhibitors and visitors in moving Labelexpo Europe to Barcelona are clear,” said Jade Grace, portfolio director at Labelexpo Global Series. “We have reached maximum capacity at Brussels Expo, and the Fira heralds the next phase for Labelexpo Europe’s growth. The bigger halls promote an easier flow of visitors around the show and the infrastructure lends itself to the technical needs of our exhibitors. The modern halls are equipped with a ventilation system to continuously replenish the air and the fast, complimentary wifi can link up to 128,000 concurrent users. There are extensive catering options and the venue has a strong commitment to green energy and sustainability – the Fira has over 25,000 solar panels installed on the roof.”

Fira de Barcelona provides convenient access to the city of Barcelona with its world-class hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. Barcelona offers more than 40,000 hotel rooms, estimated to be double that currently available in Brussels. Hotel block booking with discounts has already been confirmed by the organizer. The venue is a 15-minute drive from the international airport and is located on two metro lines.

To learn more, visit www.labelexpo-europe.com.

Roland DGA to Hold Open House Event

June 13, 2023

Roland DGA, headquartered in Irvine, California, will host a special open house event at its Atlanta Imagination Center on June 27, 2023, making it easy for print professionals within the region to see the latest Roland DG technologies in action. Roland DGA will conduct live, hands-on demonstrations of recent product introductions, such as the TrueVIS™ LG Series UV printer/cutters, TrueVIS™ AP-640 Resin printer, VersaOBJECT™ CO Series flatbed and hybrid UV printers, and new Rotary Rack attachments for printing directly on cylindrical objects with Roland DG flatbeds. In addition, the Atlanta Open House will enable attendees to get a firsthand look at larger Roland DG products that are not commonly found in reseller showrooms, like the IU-1000F high-volume UV flatbed printer.

Those attending the event also will have an opportunity to discuss their business needs with Roland DGA’s product managers and obtain expert advice on which Roland DG solutions best suit their specific requirements. With the opening of its Atlanta office just a year ago, Roland DGA now offers resellers and potential customers in the region a place for product demonstrations on a regular basis – without the need to travel to or wait for industry events – while hosting trainings and special events.

“With this open house taking place in our Atlanta office, it will be convenient for prospective customers in the southeastern US to attend, get familiar with our newest products, and discover how these amazing devices can help build their respective businesses,” said Dan Johansen, Roland DGA’s vice president of sales. “Along with the informative product demos and one-on-one consultations, there will be food, drinks, and plenty of excitement.”

For additional details on the Roland DGA Atlanta Open House, or to register online to attend the event, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/roland-dga-atlanta-office-open-house-tickets-627434101287.

Baumer hhs Opens Second Plant in Krefeld

June 13, 2023

Baumer hhs, a manufacturer of proprietary solutions for industrial gluing and quality assurance, has seen steady growth ever since it started doing business in 1986. After relocating in early 2014 to new headquarters at its main site in Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany, the company already needs to expand production capacities. On May 1, 2023, Baumer hhs opened a second plant, a short distance from its main location. The new building offers some 900 square meters in added production and storage space to support future company growth.

“In recent years, we have introduced a number of pioneering innovations to the market, which packaging manufacturers had desperately been waiting for. We originally had planned our headquarters to allow for generous expansion, but because of the strong demand for our solutions, we have outgrown the facility and now need additional production and storage space. We are thrilled to have found it, close to our main site, in a new business district in Krefeld-Uerdingen,” said Dr. Frauke von Knoop, head of Baumer hhs’s three production sites in Krefeld-Uerdingen and Berlin.

At its new site, Baumer hhs also has additional conference rooms for in-house meetings. They free up existing rooms at headquarters for meetings with customers from all over the world, who travel to Krefeld-Uerdingen to visit the hhs solution center and work with company specialists to test innovative applications in industrial gluing and quality assurance.

To learn more, visit www.baumerhhs.com.

Print & Digital Convention 2023 Wraps Up Successful Event

June 13, 2023

With around 1,200 participants, the sixth Print & Digital Convention, held May 16-17 in Düsseldorf, Germany, came to a successful close after bringing together numerous experts from the print and media industry. This year, the focus was on trending topics such as sustainable media production, programmatic print, multi-channel publishing and value-added printing. It included an exclusive group of around 70 exhibitors, including Canon, FKS, Horizon, Konica Minolta, KURZ and Xerox, that shared creative solutions and exhibits, as well as 47 speakers who shared their expertise and insights in a total of 38 lectures.

“The Print & Digital Convention is an absolute heart and soul project. We are proud to see how this format has developed over the past few years,” said Rüdiger Maaß, managing director of f:mp. “Our great thanks go to the exhibitors, speakers and partners who consistently drive the concept in constant exchange with us. We also are particularly delighted with the approximately 20% new exhibitors, who not only enhance the ranges for our visitors, but have also provided many new ideas and impulses.”

Ranging from digital transformation and print in a modern marketing mix to sustainable finishes, the latest topics, trends and views were discussed.

“Here, brand owners, agencies and media producers find concrete solutions allowing them to efficiently implement their marketing strategies,” said Sabine Geldermann, director drupa, printing technologies Messe Düsseldorf. “The Print & Digital Convention also convinced attendees this year again with its strong practical relevance, concrete applications and the comprehensive know-how conveyed in the talks. This success shows us that we are on the right track and our themes and ranges strike a chord with the sector.”

The next Print & Digital Convention will be held as part of drupa 2024, a trade fair for printing technologies, held from May 28–June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany. In a special area, partners of the convention can introduce themselves to the international drupa audience. In addition, the Print & Digital Convention will organize one congress day at the drupa cube, the central stage for pioneering content. Official guided tours of drupa also will be organized by the Fachverband Medienproduktion. The focal themes of these guided trade fair tours will be sustainability, finishing and programmatic print.

For more information, visit www.drupa.com and www.printdigitalconvention.de/en.

WestRock Launches 2022 Sustainability Report

June 13, 2023

WestRock, a provider of sustainable paper and packaging solutions based in Atlanta, Georgia, has published its 2022 Sustainability Report, including details about the comprehensive efforts the company is making to advance industry-leading sustainability efforts for and with its customers, and to imagine and deliver on the promise of a sustainable future.

The report includes environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies, activities and performance for fiscal year 2022, and tracks progress toward the refreshed commitments set last year on an action-oriented course for the future. Some of the key advancements across its three strategic sustainability pillars include:

Supporting people and communities: Spent more than $1 billion with nearly 3,800 small and diverse-owned suppliers, exceeding its spending goal of $975 million.

Bettering the planet: Made progress toward its scope 1 and 2 science-based targets (SBTIs), with a 5.6% reduction from its 2019 baseline. Provided disclosures informed by the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.

Innovating for customers: Found new ways to replace plastic with fiber-based materials, enhancing circularity by partnering with customers on recycling initiatives and advancing alternative packaging solutions such as EnShield®, CanCollar® and BoxSizer®.

Providing corporate governance: Established the WestRock Sustainability Council of functional leaders from across the enterprise and strengthened the governance of its sustainability program at the board of directors’ level.

The full 2022 Sustainability Report can be found at www.westrock.com/sustainability.