by Melissa Larson, contributing writer, PostPress Pundits have been predicting the death of direct mail as a marketing tool for at least 20 years. It would be swiftly overtaken by targeted electronic blasts, online clickable links and a host of other e-tools, they said. Fancy the idea of mailing a printed piece to a physical address! A statement on the website of the Data … [Read more...] about Direct Mail Still Boasts Marketing Advantages
Industry Trends
Most-Read Stories of 2016
PostPress With two full years of PostPress magazine under our belt and work on the first issue of 2017 well underway, we paused to see the topics with which our readers spent the most time in 2016. We found that readers often check through archives of The Binding Edge and InsideFinishing – the predecessors to PostPress. The following stories, published in 2016, were the top … [Read more...] about Most-Read Stories of 2016
The New Classic: Neenah Revisits Old Typefaces
by Brittany Willes, editor, PostPress The word is out: Paper is in. In a world overrun with digital media, studies have shown that people crave the tactile sensations and experiences that only paper can provide. As a result, companies are striving to find new and exciting ways to entice customers with paper texture. Neenah Papers, Alpharetta, Georgia, has gone a step … [Read more...] about The New Classic: Neenah Revisits Old Typefaces
Economic and Print Market Update and Outlook
by Dr. Ronnie Davis, senior vice president, Printing Industries of America America's printing industry has experienced healthy growth over the past couple of years with printers' shipments, prices and profits trending up. Print generally has outperformed other manufacturing sectors in shipment growth, according to US Census of Manufacturing data. The Institute for Supply … [Read more...] about Economic and Print Market Update and Outlook
Preparing for the Future in a Changing Commercial Printing Marketplace
by Melissa Larson, contributing writer, PostPress Sometimes it is difficult to lift your head up from the day-to-day operations in your plant and try to take a look at the big picture. Sure, there are plenty of orders right now, but what about in six months? Is it better to invest in new equipment or hire an extra operator? And, do you have the right mix of expertise to go … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Future in a Changing Commercial Printing Marketplace
Studying the Response: Foil Attracts Consumer Attention
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, PostPress Capturing consumer attention can result in big business, and those involved in print and packaging know that "shiny on the shelf" is an advantage for those looking to stand out in the retail aisles. Thousands of successful product launches can be associated with the use of a high-visibility enhancement, but rarely is solid data … [Read more...] about Studying the Response: Foil Attracts Consumer Attention
FSEA Economic Survey Reveals Industry Trends
by Dianna Brodine, managing editor, PostPress The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) periodically conducts surveys to gather information on relevant business topics, including wage comparisons, market conditions and economic updates. In 2009 and 2011, the FSEA asked its members to answer a series of 20 questions designed to assess the effects of the economic … [Read more...] about FSEA Economic Survey Reveals Industry Trends
Trends in Label Decorating
by Melissa Larson, contributing writer, PostPress It can be argued that more technology and artistry has gone into label decorating than any other aspect of modern packaging. Label converters have become proficient at adding textures, foil effects and other postpress wizardry to produce labeled containers that demand to be picked up, touched and taken home. Business … [Read more...] about Trends in Label Decorating
Direct Mail Makes a Comeback
by Brittany Willes, editor, PostPress The direct mail industry may be sympathizing with American writer and humorist Mark Twain, who once was said to declare, "Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated." After years of lower volumes affected by the predicted takeover of digital communication, direct mail has re-established itself as a vital means of connecting … [Read more...] about Direct Mail Makes a Comeback
Trends in Folding Cartons Boost Shelf Impact: Eyeing Market Growth, Brand Owners Look to Decorating Techniques
by Melissa Larson, contributing writer, PostPress Folding cartons can be printed more economically, decorated more inventively and marketed to a broader assortment of brand managers than ever before. However, the success of a folding carton still comes down to shelf impact – that connection the package makes with an individual shopper. No one understands that better than … [Read more...] about Trends in Folding Cartons Boost Shelf Impact: Eyeing Market Growth, Brand Owners Look to Decorating Techniques