By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, PostPress Greeting cards present an interesting case study of an industry that easily could have been destroyed by the rise of the internet and digital communication. Yet, printed and embellished greeting cards have remained resilient throughout the last several years, raising the question: why are consumers still drawn to tangible, printed … [Read more...] about Greeting Card Industry Stays Strong
Industry Trends
Challenging the ‘Paperless Ideal’: The Sustainable Reality of Direct Mail
By Jules VanSant, executive director, Two Sides North America Many business owners striving to adopt eco-friendly practices have begun to view direct mail and other responsible paper use with skepticism based on false information and “greenwashing.” However, the paper and mailing industries have long been proactive in implementing sustainable practices that not only mitigate … [Read more...] about Challenging the ‘Paperless Ideal’: The Sustainable Reality of Direct Mail
Direct Mail Study Reveals the Impact of Print Embellishments
Contributed by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association With all the tools that marketers employ today, statistics clearly illuminate the power of direct mail. However, to make authentic connections with a targeted direct mail audience, brand managers need to utilize tactics that will resonate. Unless a direct mail piece strikes an immediate emotional tie through … [Read more...] about Direct Mail Study Reveals the Impact of Print Embellishments
The Neuroscience of Touch
How the sense of touch creates physical and emotional experiences that engage customers, drive sales and build brand loyalty. By Vicki Strull, design strategist, Vicki Strull Consulting As designers, marketers, printers and converters, most of us can’t help but think about the power of touch when we think about the essence of print marketing and packaging. Over the past … [Read more...] about The Neuroscience of Touch
Trading Card Trends 2024
By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, PostPress The trading card industry continues on a positive trajectory. Just the sporting trading card industry alone expects to reach over $2881.7 million by 2028. The industry was strong before the pandemic, but COVID-19 sparked a resurgence that has continued today and is expected to continue well into the future. Other trends that have … [Read more...] about Trading Card Trends 2024
Steady Growth for North American Folding Carton Market Predicted Through 2027
Submitted by the Paperboard Packaging Council As the world began to move on from strict measures to control the spread of COVID-19, 2022 started to provide the first insights into what the ‘new normal’ would be. Stuck in quarantine and flush with stimulus cash, consumer spending on goods during the pandemic drove an unexpected surge in carton demand. Normalization trends have … [Read more...] about Steady Growth for North American Folding Carton Market Predicted Through 2027
From Print to Finishing: 4.0
Submitted by Messe Düsseldorf Continuously networked, digitally controlled, quality-monitored, fully automated, vertically integrated from the sensor to the cloud, and horizontally integrated across company boundaries – these buzzwords summarize the most important technology trends on the way to Industry 4.0. What is more important for users is what concrete benefits they will … [Read more...] about From Print to Finishing: 4.0
The Importance of Paper in Learning and Literacy
By Kathi Rowzie, president, Two Sides North America Over the last two decades, technology has become part of almost every facet of our lives. The expansion of broadband, smartphones and portable technology has changed how we communicate, access information, work and learn. While many of these changes are positive, there is growing evidence that this isn’t always the case. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Paper in Learning and Literacy
Year-End Economic Outlook: Here We Go Again
By Chris Kuehl, managing director, Armada Corporate Intelligence Rather suddenly, the threat of recession is back. Many had been predicting the downturn would occur as early as Q3 of last year. However, growth numbers consistently exceeded expectations (2.6% in Q3, 2.9% in Q4, 2.3% in Q1 of this year and another 2.3% in Q2). Then the biggest shock yet – growth in the third … [Read more...] about Year-End Economic Outlook: Here We Go Again
Looking to Shine in 2024? The Latest Trends in Finishing, Embellishment
By Erin Judge, writer, PostPress In a world mired in digital proliferation, brands continue to seek out innovative ways to make a lasting impact with consumers. Instead of digital disruption, many are turning to creative print and finishing techniques to appeal to buyers. Embellishments like foils, embossing and specialty coatings bring value and life to folding cartons, … [Read more...] about Looking to Shine in 2024? The Latest Trends in Finishing, Embellishment