The Print Files

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Jan Arreza analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from May.

We begin our discussion by reviewing the refreshed National Print Awards, with the winners and special moments. We also assess the main themes revealed during PacPrint, including the increased diversification of business opportunities in print. We dig into the the reasons behind the mergence of DTF as a business opportunity for printers, exemplified by two print businesses making major DTF investments at PacPrint. <...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from April.

We begin our discussion by assessing the impact of US tariffs on the ANZ print industry, which may impact print for wine and pharmaceuticals being exported to the US, but more significantly for the whole print industry the government has created a five point plan in response, one point of which is a directive for government print to be procured within Australia where...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from March.

We start this month's episode by reviewing the federal budget and how it will impact the print industry, and especially the proposed ban on non-compete clauses in contracts. The discussion also explores the latest Smithers research report, which says dye sublimation printing will see soaring growth until the end of the decade, and we examine the latest print industry metrics and showing the...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from February.

We start off by reviewing the lockout at Opal Paper’s Maryvale Mill in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley due to industrial action which resulted in 308 workers having a month without pay. We assess whether print businesses could face similar conflict. Our discussion also explores the forecasted 20 per cent drop in job opportunities for print, with the increase in AI and automation. We look at w...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from November.

We start off this month’s edition by reviewing the Canva deal with HP to provide design-to-print for their customers, by facilitating local printing companies with HP Indigo and HP Large Format printers to supply the print. We also assess the Visual Media Association’s launch of the new Labels & Packaging Coalition, which has warned the federal government about regulations surrounding fibre-based packaging solu...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from October.

We start off by reviewing the extensive investment into printing presses in Australia and New Zealand purchased from Heidelberg, Komori, and Koenig & Bauer. Next is an update on TMA’s fight against the Philippines government over the $100m joint venture in a thermal printing operation. We also explore the rationale behind social media giant TikTok's decision to start printing books. The significant increase in...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from September.

We start off by reviewing a Smithers report which forecasts a 25 per cent of printed packaging and labels over the next five years for Australia and New Zealand, with automated workflows, robotics, and artificial intelligence playing a major role. The discussion also looks at some of the print businesses that are now investing for packaging. As packaging point grows, newspapers decline, we look...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from August.

We start off by reviewing Australia Post’s decision to cease the delivery of unaddressed mail by December. We assess how close we are to AI and machine learning technologies achieving fully automated print production.

Following this we discuss IVE’s increasing profits but static revenue, and its progress in its folding carton intentions. We check out the change in VMA's pres...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from June.

We start off by reviewing the decline of printed newspapers, with Rupert Murdoch, owner of Australian, UK and US newspapers, predicting that they will all be history in 15 years. We look at the implications of Meta’s withdrawal of $200m in yearly funding from Australian newspaper publishers, on both metro and regional areas. Following this, we assess the impact of the end of pr...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from June.

We start this month’s episode by reviewing the return of drupa in Dusseldorf, back for the first time in eight years. It had a 35% drop in attendance compared to the last show, with this in mind we assess the value of trade shows in today’s market. Throughout the discussion we explore the increased representation in software, automation, robotics and digitisation, and the...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from April.

We start off by assessing the $15bn Future Made in Australia manufacturing plan, which appears to have nothing in it for print, the country's largest manufacturing industry.

The discussion then moves on to unpacking the factors impacting in outdoor print, and the month's wide-format market movements, which have seen another big collapse.

We also explore the huge investments into...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from March.

We start off the discussion by reviewing the major trends for the upcoming drupa trade show, with a focus on sustainability, connectivity, AI, the platform economy and, and automation. We assess why packaging will play such a major part of the first drupa in eight years. The discussion also gives us an exciting overview of the upcoming forums, the growth in textile printing...

In the latest episode of print's podcast It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from February.

We review IVE’s plan to build a $150m a year folding carton business, assess the successful results of its first half, and assess the growth opportunities for others in the folding carton area. The discussion also gives us an insight into upcoming events with drupa in May, and the VMA’s Power of Print running from the 15 March. We explore how the prin...

In the latest episode of print's podcast "It's Been A Big Month in Print," industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from January.

We start off by reviewing the changes in leadership seen at top tier print operations Pegasus and Southern Impact, and explore their current state and ambitions as they seek to build on the platform their former leaders have left them with. We also discuss Screen’s 20,000 CTP installation milestone and the impact CTP has had on the industry. The discussion then moves to un...

In the latest episode of print's podcast It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from October.

We start off by reviewing the push for diversification among print businesses, highlighted with IVE's purchase of Jacpak to produce folding cartons, Colemans purchase of an HP Indigo 6K for label printing, and Onpack’s purchase of the Hinterkopf for direct-to-can printing.

We also discuss succession, in the light of Southern Impact passing of the leadership baton, as Heath Nakervis steps up...

In the latest episode of print's podcast It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from September.

We start off by reviewing Kwik Kopy’s growth vision and business model, following its shift in management and services. We then consider the four big trends coming out of Labelexpo, and look at the opportunities in packaging, and explore IVE’s intentions to enter the folding carton market. We discuss the ongoing ramifications of the judgment against native forest logging, with the Came...

In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from August.

We review the boost in print from the Women's World Cup, discuss the concerns surrounding casual employment law, and get an insight into IVE’s expansion plans following its full year results, which revealed almost $1bn in revenue. We discuss the biggest print job of the year, for the Voice referendum, and analyse the immense distance print has travelled, in both customer relations an...

In the latest episode of print's podcast It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from July.

We review the factors surrounding the increased adoption of folding cartons, and implementation of inkjet and digital can printing. We also discuss the launch of recyclable PET egg cartons, the drop in outdoor print revenue, and the boost in print due to the Women's World Cup. 

We wrap up by discussing the explosion of pink across Australia from Barbie advertising.

In the latest episode of print's podcast It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from June.

We start with a review of the ongoing ramifications of the end of white paper manufacturing in Australia, with the closure of a second paper line at Opal, the lifting of the copier paper tariffs, and the planned launch of the Maryvale Energy from Waste project. Still on Opal we assess the significance of the planned closure and relocation of the Heidelberg West...

In this episode from print's podcast, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson dissect the big stories, issues and trends emerging in ANZ print over the month of May, providing informed analysis and commentary.

We review the lack of focus on business in the new Labor budget, discuss the introduction of mandatory staff payment for company shutdowns, and celebrate the Graduate of the Year, Angus McGrath. We also discuss the exciting return of print events with a focus on the Women In Print seminars.

Packaging remains a key topic for print businesses, we get an...

In this episode from print's podcast, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson dissect the big stories, issues and trends emerging in ANZ print over the month of April.

We discuss recent developments at AusPost, which are turning positive print and mail, we review the non-stop rise of digital outdoor media and assess what it means for outdoor print, we consider the factors behind the recent closures of newspapers and of trade label printer Foxcil. Contrarily, we review the promising capital investments into print, and the return of industry exhibitions with interpack in Dusseldorf, Visual Impact in...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, talks with Sonia Shwabsky, CEO of major print franchise group Kwik Kopy, about how she is leading the 92-strong group into new opportunities.

We get an insight into how Kwik Kopy creates its strategy, understands the winds of change, and runs its operations to grow its franchisees businesses. We also discuss how businesses need to pivot to meet the opportunities in the new world, with a focus on the efficiencies offered by digital systems, and the benefits of a healthy workplace culture.

Sonia also explores female representation in the print...

In this episode from the industry's podcast, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson dissect the big stories, issues and trends emerging in ANZ print over the month of March.

We discuss TMA’s entry into heatset web with the acquisition of Spotpress, and analyse IVE’s large half year revenue surge to $500m. We then assess how print associations are working to attract young talent to the industry, and reveal some positive developments for the print industry in the AusPost saga.

We also review Reacon’s acquisition of MMW3Degrees, Opal's investment into flexible corrug...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, talks with Kellie Northwood, CEO of PVCA, on how the employers' group has been able to achieve major wins for the print industry, which will benefit all printers.

We review the factors that contributed to the restoration of all nine print apprenticeships to the subsidy list and how the PVCA fought for its successful return. We also get an insight into the PVCA's ongoing work to ensure the print training is funded and aligned with industry needs

Kellie also shares how the PVCA worked to ensure the government's original plan...

In this episode from the industry's podcast, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson dissect the big stories, issues and trends emerging in ANZ print over the month of February.

We discuss the PVCA’s big wins for print apprenticeships and the Voice print. We assess the implications of Australia Post's ongoing travails over letters. We highlight the tragic closure of papermaking Opal’s at Maryvale Mill. We review the growing move from plastic to fibre-based packaging, and what it means for print businesses, and lastly, we celebrate achievements for outdoor media in Australia.

LINKS:

In this episode, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson dissect the big stories, issues and trends emerging in ANZ print over the month of November.

We discuss controversies surrounding multi-employer bargaining streams, reflect on the highlights from our recent Print21+PKN Packaging News LIVE event which focused on digitally printed packaging, and we review how the Supreme Court ruling against Vic Forests may impact print.

We wrap up by covering the month's Melbourne mergers, ePac’s launch of its cloud system, and the continued increases in postal costs.

LINKS:

Multi-Employer Ba...

In this episode Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson review yet another busy month in print. We discuss the exciting news of Kelly Northwood’s new role as CEO of PVCA, and what the priorities for the newly merged association will be. We assess the new government's first budget, and its impact on print.

Print sectors under analysis this month include digitally printed packaging, with the news of ePac’s record breaking order for Indigo presses, and we discuss the upcoming PKN+Print21 Amplify and Engage event, slated for 9 November in Melbourne, which will focus on the opportunities for...

In this episode Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson review yet another busy month in print, as we highlight the new board of the merged PVCA. We consider the limitations of the fee-free TAFE programme.

Print businesses of all kinds are looking for new revenue streams, we analyse the latest report from Smithers, which points to digital packaging print as a sector set for turbo-charged growth, and that discussion leads into an assessment of the upcoming Print21+PKN LIVE event, which is focused on the opportunities in that surging sector. Amplify & Enlarge will run on 9 November in Melbourne...

This episode is the second in a series that focuses on the new technology and trends that were on show at PacPrint, incorporating extracts from some of the 34 interviews that Print21 livestreamed from the exhibition floor.

We start the episode with Print21 editor Wayne Robinson talking to Arnon Goldman, general manager for Asia Pacific at HP Indigo, about their 100K, 15K, 7K and 6K digital presses. The next segment is Grant McHerron's chat with Matt Johnson, CEO of Trimatt Systems, about the launch of their Trimatt 1170 digital colour printer which is targeted at printing on sustainable products.<...

In this episode Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson review a very busy month in print, as the financial results for the big players came in.

Packaging was the key theme of August, we analyse the big moves by IVE, Amcor, ePac and Opal, and discuss what it means for the rest of the print industry, as the sector becomes increasingly attractive.

As the government mandates a 43 per cent reduction in emission levels we look what steps different print businesses are taking to get there, including one planting a forest to offset its emissions, and another...

This episode is the first in a series that will focus on the new technology and trends that were on show at PacPrint, incorporating extracts from some of the 34 interviews that Print21 livestreamed from the exhibition floor.

We start the episode with Print21 editor Wayne Robinson talking to Robert Mollee, sales director at Kodak Australia, about the company’s new Sonora Xtra process free plates, and its Ascend digital packaging press. The next segment is Wayne's discussion with Trevor Crowley, GM Sales at Xeikon, about the new inkjet printer Xeikon had at the event.

Next up...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, talks with Mark Wroblewski, Segment Sales Manager at tesa tape Australia & New Zealand. We discuss the importance of high-quality tapes, how tesa maintains its standards, and the importance of sustainability to the industry. We also get an insight into the exciting Twinlock reusable sleeves and the new FEX-EA tape, helping to improve efficiency, sustainability, and remove air bubbles from the process.

We wrap the episode with a look at tesa's history and global operations, including its ongoing innovations, and collaboration with industry to improve processes.

For more...

In this episode Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson discuss the collapse and future of Ovato, looking at why the company went into administration, what happens now, who the potential bidders are, and what it all means for the wider industry.

We then look at print businesses that have been rebranding and recalibrating this month, as they seek to leverage their skills into new areas, and highlight the importance of focused leadership.

Finally we mourn the loss of Peter Clarke, who made an immense contribution to the print industry over his 59 years in...

In this episode Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson join us direct from PacPrint 2022, and discuss the many businesses, impressive exhibitor stands, and exciting products and services they have seen during the event. The discussion also covers the large number of printing solution purchases made during the show, looking at what people are buying and why.

We also celebrate the National Print Awards and the Print 21 Hot Picks technology awards (LINK: www.print21.com.au/events/print21-lists-the-pacprint-hot-picks).

We then get an insight into some of the big stories in this month of...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, talks with Sue Threlfo, General Manager, Production & Industrial Print at Konica Minolta and president of PacPrint, about what's on offer at this year's show and the evolution of the print industry.

We start with a review of the forum program and the need to book early, which leads to a discussion of the trade show's organisation, the opportunities for socialising and the events on offer during and outside of the show. Sue also notes the benefits that the TRMC merger will have for the show.

The discussion...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, and Lindy Hughson, publisher of Print21 and PKN Packaging News, bring us a review and analysis of the major developments, issues and trends emerging in the ANZ print industry during May.

This month's edition was recorded at the Auspack trade show in Melbourne, which had a big focus on sustainable printing this year. We discuss Detpak's innovation to enable its clients to move from plastic to fibre-based packaging, as well as developments from other packaging printers including Opal and Zipform.

The sustainability theme this month continues as...

In this episode, Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, talks with Kellie Northwood, CEO of the Real Media Collective (TRMC) about the upcoming intended merger of TRMC and The Print and Visual Communications Association (PVCA), of which Kellie will become the CEO.

We start off by discussing the process required for the merger, then we look at the benefits that a united voice will bring to its members, as well as what it promises for the print industry’s channels to Government. We then get an insight into the merged association's future strategy, and its active campaigns.

...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, and Lindy Hughson, publisher of Print21 and PKN Packaging News, bring us a review and analysis of the major developments, issues and trends emerging in the ANZ print industry during April.

We start this month's episode by reviewing the intended merger of the two biggest associations in the print industry, TMRC and PVCA, which is good news for the industry.

The discussion then moves on to the shock closure of Ovato Heatset New Zealand, and the paper supply issues which impacted them, and what that means for...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, and Lindy Hughson, publisher of Print21 and PKN Packaging News, bring us a review and analysis of the major developments, issues and trends emerging in the ANZ print industry during March.

We start with Australian businesses setting up shop in the USA then move on to the liquidators of the Sydney Allan company taking the former directors to court, which progresses into a consideration of the industry's concerns with preferential payments. The episode then looks at potential supply issues due to ongoing strikes and the war in Ukraine before moving on to...

Wayne Robinson, editor of Print21, and Lindy Hughson, publisher of Print21 and PKN Packaging News, bring us a review and analysis of the major developments, issues and trends emerging in the ANZ print industry during February.

This episode discusses the impacts on the print industry of delays in goods being received from overseas, the increasing price of shipping, and the subsequent need for printers to put their prices up. We then turn to papermaking giant UPM, where the longest paper strike in Finland's history is having an impact on supply for commercial and publishing papers, and on...