We all know that FESPA is the place to be when it comes to screen, digital and textile printing. However, with so many brands looking to capture end-users’ hearts, WHERE To Print magazine during the show spoke with one of African gurus in the sector – Mr. Dov Meyers – Sales Director at Selby, Johannesburg South Africa based CHEMOSOL (PTY) LTD on new trends in the sectors and what players should look out for and do in order to remain relevant. His valuable insight is excerpted below:
WHICH DIRECTION IS THE PERSONALISATION INDUSTRY MOVING?
I believe the trends are more towards on demand branding with the immediate satisfaction being the requirement, as can be seen with online shopping with delivery within 20 to 40 minutes. This now prevails for products being ordered with customization and personal individualization.
WHICH PRODUCTS DO YOU THINK ARE FOR THE FUTURE LOOKING AT ISSUES AS SUSTAINABILITY, ADAPTABILITY TO THE AFRICAN REGION AND OF COURSE RETURN ON INVESTMENT?
Sustainability in the African context is quite complicated, with Multinationals demanding lower carbon foot print, yet cost is out of reach of most individuals, resulting in less margins to the suppliers that brings about foreclosures or job reduction. This leads to the use of more automation in the workplace as well as modern equipment that is productive based on the customization that can be achieved.
THE ADVENT OF UV HAS CHANGED A LOT OF PERSONALISATION SERVICES; HOW DO YOU THINK PLAYERS CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES IN UV?
In context – UV curing using the latest LED technology may require more initial outlay, but (when) used with the latest range of inks available, help companies reduce emissions and used new inks that have been developed for a Green environment. These systems allow for shorter setup; thus, individualization is easily achieved.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO OPERATORS ON SERVICE OFFERINGS AND DIFFERENTIATION?
Look at your customer base and go back to the roots of servicing the “Bread and Butter” requirements that will result in the volumes required to remain profitable. Based on this, do your homework and invest in new technology where you can see growth now and in the short term. Markets are forever developing and you need to keep adapting in line with the needs and requirements of your customers.
WHICH ENTRY LEVEL BUSINESS CAN AN INVESTOR ENTER IN DTF/ PERSONALISATION SEGMENT?
We have found it essential to work with partners that truly look after your needs in all sectors. These are the companies that are always developing new line based on the clients’ requirements, yet at the same time always working on current lines to make them remain productive, thus all current equipment can still be used productively. In the screen printing industry, the industry leaders, being Marabu, SEFAR and Kiwo to name just a few are and always will develop this segment of the market. In the DTF field we have partnered with Hanrun Paper due to their vast knowledge of the clients needs. The range of equipment and supplies offered for DTF, UV DTF and Sublimation is vast, with a competent sales and technical team that will be able to support you every step of the way.
ANY ADVICE ON SOURCING THE RIGHT PARTS AND CONSUMABLES FOR MACHINES ESPECIALLY INKS AND MEDIA?
As mentioned above, we are comfortable with the service and support we receive from Hanrun Paper as they are always developing new solutions to improve the final product customers demand. This is a one stop solution that produces and creates a package that meets our customers’ requirements.
FOR ONE WHO WANTS TO INVEST IN A PARTICULAR MACHINE; WHAT KIND OF SUPPLIER/ PARTNER SHOULD ONE LOOK OUT FOR?
You need to find a reliable partner. We have spent the time and research to do just that. You need to be confident that your supplier will be with you through the whole journey. Consistent supply of consumable and equipment that you can rely on is key.
ANY TREND IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU’VE OBSERVED THAT PLAYERS CAN WATCH OUT FOR?
The industry is still developing at such a rate that new reliable entry level system will be the most important space. The demand for high production systems are already emerging with high quality volumes of 30SqM/Hour emerging. Expect these to develop further to double the speed, based on the transfer film coatings produced and specialty inks that can handle the speed.
These developments and the popularity of the segment have led to substantial price reductions, but be aware that consistency and high quality come at a price due to the production with high quality equipment and choice of raw materials, as well as the QC (quality control) required to maintain these necessary requirements.
FINALLY, WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN ATTENDING THIS YEAR’S FESPA AND WHERE THEY MET AND HOW?
We always find that attending FESPA and similar exhibition or conferences are essential in keeping up to date with market trends, seeing existing suppliers and working on future projects to keep our customers at the forefront of technology.
TELL US BRIEFLY ABOUT YOU AND YOUR COMPANY?
CHEMOSOL has been supplying the printing industry since 1968. We are a progressive company that looks after the needs of our clients regarding branding techniques be they Screen Printing, Pad Printing, Sublimation Printing, Digital Transfers, Laser Cutting and Marking. These cover the equipment required as well as the auxiliaries used to brand these items.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
