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PANTONE REVEALS TWO COLOURS OF THE YEAR FOR 2021
For the first time since 2016, Pantone has chosen two colours of the year instead of the usual one signifying the unifying nature of humans that give strength and hope in the face of challenges.
“The selection of two independent colours highlight how different elements come together to express a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting, conveying the idea that it’s not about one colour or one person, it’s about more than one,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute while announcing the two Pantone colours of the year for 2021: Ultimate Grey (Pantone 17-5104) and Illuminating (Pantone 13-0647), a vibrant yellow.
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The organisation said these two independent colours “come together to create an aspirational colour pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day”.
Illuminating was described by Pantone as “a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power” while Ultimate Grey, “is emblematic of solid and dependable elements which are everlasting and provide a firm foundation”. And most importantly, this colour “quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience”.
According to Pantone; “The union of an enduring Ultimate Grey with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a colour combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”
DUPLO INTRODUCES NEW ENTRY-LEVEL BOOKLET SYSTEM FROM EXISTING MACHINES
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Combining two of its existing machines into a new entry-level package, Duplo launches a brand-new Duplo 150 Booklet System that can produce up to 2,400 booklets per hour aimed at helping its customers to grow.
Duplo 150 Booklet System comprises the DSC-10/60i, a heavy-duty collator feeding system along with DBM-150 bookletmaker and trimmer. The DSC-10/60i provides users with the power, reliability and flexibility to handle a wide range of material with consistent results, including heavy stock, laminated or pre-folded, and whether produced on a digital or offset press. On the other hand, the DBM-150 is a compact integrated system that sets up automatically from job memories to staple, fold and fore-edge trim to create a booklet or flat document.
Duplo said the system’s ease-of-use is further enhanced by staple heads which use easy-change cartridges and can be replaced with a loop version to form ring staples suitable for filing. Again, a new software connection between the two machines aids quality, easy-to-use and versatile solution capable of handling automatically a wide variety of booklet formats from smaller-than-CD to A4 portrait finished size without interruption.
For when booklets are not required, the collator can feed to the right side and collect sets in a simple jogger or deep pile stacker. This can be used when preparing NCR sets, packs of marketing material, or documents to be coil or perfect bound.
WITH BOOMING DEMAND FOR ELECTROMOBILITY, HEIDELBERG DOUBLES PRODUCTION CAPACITY FOR WALLBOXES
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- Second production line taken into operation at the Wiesloch-Walldorf site
- Electric vehicle owners prefer charging system for private use
- Heidelberg among the market leaders for wallboxes in Germany
- Focus on European rollout
With growing demand for charging solutions for electric vehicles in private use and current market projected to grow over 20 percent annually, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) – already one of the most successful wallbox suppliers on the German market – is set to serve the rising demand in this sector more effectively and thus strengthen its market position even further by starting a second production line for the manufacture of its wallboxes at its Wiesloch-Walldorf site. In doing so, the company is planning to roughly double production capacity by April this year.
Heidelberg is now manufacturing the Heidelberg Wallbox Home Eco and Heidelberg Wallbox Energy Control models with various cable lengths and customization options for the German and European markets in two-shift operation on two production lines. “The market for wallboxes is booming. Our production capacity is being used to the full and we’ve established ourselves as a successful supplier on this market of the future. By taking into operation a second production line, we can respond to the high customer demand more effectively. In doing so, we’re systematically pursuing our growth plans on the highly promising electromobility market,” says Heidelberg CEO – Mr. Rainer Hundsdörfer.
Growth market of electromobility – Heidelberg further expands charging systems portfolio with focus on European market
Heidelberg began production of the Wallbox Home Eco, a model for quick and easy charging in the private and semi-public domains, in summer 2018. Following the sales launch in Germany, from this year it is also selling the model through intermediaries on numerous European markets. In fall 2019, the model came out top in comparative testing by German automobile association ADAC. This was followed in October 2020 by the unveiling of the Heidelberg Wallbox Energy Control with integrated load management. Networked to support simultaneous charging of as many as 16 electric vehicles, it thus provides an attractive charging solution for apartment buildings, multi-vehicle garages, and company/hotel parking lots. Grants of EUR 900 are currently available from KfW Bank for the purchase and installation of such equipment in Germany. The company is manufacturing both Wallbox models to proven Heidelberg quality standards, with a high-end stainless-steel front for the Wallbox Energy Control. With an RRP from EUR 490 for the Wallbox Home Eco and EUR 790 for the Wallbox Energy Control, Heidelberg therefore offers one of the best value for money private charging systems on the market.
In the last two years, Heidelberg has already supplied customers with over 35,000 Wallbox systems. The company is also planning to significantly increase sales volumes amid the continuing growth in demand. “We’ve got big plans for electromobility, including for the coming financial year. Given the growing appeal of electric vehicles in many European countries, we’ll be significantly expanding our sales activities on those markets,” adds Hundsdörfer. “The quality and value for money are just right and are set to win over many new customers.”
The Heidelberg Wallbox systems are available from Amazon, electrical retailers, wholesalers, numerous energy suppliers, and certified electricians.
AGFA RESHUFFLES OFFSET SOLUTIONS ACTIVITIES
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Leading prepress solutions provider – Agfa-Gevaert Group (Agfa) has expressed the intention to reorganise its Offset Solutions activities into a stand-alone legal entity structure and organisation within the Agfa-Gevaert Group.
According to a release made available to WHERE To Print from Agfa, the intended reorganization is part of the strategic transformation programme for the Agfa-Gevaert Group meant to improve profitability and to address significant decline in market demand. Therefore, Agfa is reviewing its offset business model, simplifying its organization and streamlining its product offering because it believes these steps taken will; “secure our position in this industry and to restore profitability.”
To Agfa President and Group CEO – Pascal Juéry: “The group’s profitability was affected by the ongoing issues in the offset Printing Industry, which accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PRINTING UNITED ALLIANCE AND IDEALLIANCE ANNOUNCE INTENT TO MERGE
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PRINTING United Alliance and Idealliance have announced the intent to merge the two organisations.
The Board of Directors at each company have unanimously voted in favour of the merger. Last year, SGIA and PIA officially merged to become PRINTING United Alliance, the largest, most comprehensive printing and graphic arts association in the country. This new venture with Idealliance will further support the association’s investment into the long-term success and fortitude of the industry.
“Over the past few years, PRINTING United Alliance has focused on bringing those efforts and institutions that are having the greatest impact in printing together under one roof,” said Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “We are excited that Idealliance may join us as the preeminent standards, training, and educational association in our industry. Our media outlets and reach into various printing segments, the many events we conduct, including the PRINTING United Expo, and membership of more than 6,000 companies will all serve to strengthen and expand the work of Idealliance as an ‘association within an association,’ both domestically and internationally, and through its mission will continue to help our industry thrive.”
“Idealliance is renowned as a leader in certifying and training color management professionals around the world,” said Dick Ryan, CEO, Idealliance. “To continue moving Idealliance’s programming forward, this merger will provide significant growth opportunities through PRINTING United Alliance’s robust platforms and aligns with many of the association’s current offerings and strategies for success. In partnership with PRINTING United Alliance, we aim to provide global standardization, training, and certification programs for the printing and packaging supply chain to all graphic communications professionals. This partnership will allow us to expand efforts into new markets to train and certify professionals, processes, and systems around the globe. Together, we seek to serve the printing and packaging industry better than ever before.”
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The proposed merger of the two organizations will be finalized on March 1, following consideration by Idealliance members at a meeting of active members on January 28, in accordance with Idealliance bylaws. For more information, visit PRINTINGUnited.com
PRINT UV 2021 CONFERENCE OPENS FOR REGISTRATION
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Organisers of PRINT UV 2021 have announced the opening of registration for the 2021 annual Print UV Conference, under its new theme “Vaccinate your Business with PRINT UV”, and with firm dates set for March 31st – April 2nd 2021 to be held in-person at the Wynn Encore Resort, Las Vegas.
“Print UV is back, and this time better than ever, and with greater intensity to our market than ever before.” said Hans Ulland, Conference Co-founder and Vice President of Print UV Productions, Inc. “After taking a one-year break during the outbreak of the COVID Pandemic, we want to thank all of sponsors for holding steady with us while we worked through this unprecedented situation. Not only did our sponsors stay committed to the event, but our attendees did as well, with over 90% maintaining their paid registrations until we could become operational again!”
Originally because of the timing of the ongoing and uncertain situation in the US, organisers were going to push the Print UV conference event out another year to 2022, but after many requests were received by both attendees and sponsors, a “Hybrid” solution for Print UV 2021 was developed.
“We will be holding on onsite event as normal at the Wynn Encore Resort for those wanting to travel safely and surely, and who are craving the value of in-person networking that so many of us dearly miss in our industry” said Ulland. “We will also be holding the event online with on-demand replay this year for those that will still profit from key information on UV printing, but are not yet ready or able to travel, and we are proud to introduce our Hybrid Print UV option for them!”
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To register for either the In-Person or Virtual / On-Demand options to attend the 2021 Print UV Conference, please visit www.printuv.com and follow the “Register Now” links. An early bird registration rate for on-site attendance is available through February 19th. On-site attendance will be limited this year due to COVID safety requirements, and those wishing to attend in person are encouraged to register early.
SAPPI INCREASES PAPER PRICES
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Sappi Europe is to increase the price of its coated and uncoated woodfree paper grades by 8% to 10% across Europe with multiplier effect across the globe.
Sappi in a statement said the increase is attributed to: “decreasing profitability combined with large, sudden cost increases, both in raw materials and logistics make a price increase unavoidable” just as it also introduces new barrier coating technology for functional paper packaging at its specialty mill in Alfeld, Germany.
According to Barry Wiersum, Sappi Europe Chief Executive: “expanding the use of our proprietary barrier coating technology underpins Sappi Europe’s drive to maintain our leading position in barrier coated paper as well [as] the commitment we have with our customers in developing innovative future focused packaging solutions which contribute towards a sustainable future”.
SIGN & DIGITAL UK MOVED TO MAY
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With uncertainties in travel restrictions, UK’s biggest wide-format event – Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) 2021 has been rescheduled to May in the hopes that a 10-week extension will enable more time for the coronavirus pandemic to have eased.
Initially planned take place from 2 to 4 March 2021, the show organiser – Faversham House said the wide-format event is now to hold from 16 to 18 May 2021 and will open on a Sunday for the first time, in Hall 5 of the NEC.
Jenny Matthew – Event Director believed that: “With the positive news of the vaccine rollout, and the government indicating a return to normality for the events industry by Easter, we felt a 10-week extension to our March dates would give us, and our exhibitors, the time needed to deliver a safe and successful show.
“In addition to planning for a COVID-safe exhibition, we have taken the opportunity to reimagine the traditional exhibition format. We have reviewed all aspects of exhibiting and have looked at how we can drive down costs for our exhibitors without compromising on quality, simplify the whole exhibition experience and ultimately deliver more value to our exhibitors and visitors. With an already packed floorplan we look forward to bringing more exhibitors on board, and welcoming the industry back, in May 2021.”
APRIL’S ISA SIGN EXPO GOES VIRTUAL
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The forthcoming ISA – International Sign Expo 2021 in April will now be virtual according to a statement from ISA Board of Directors.
“Given the current state of the pandemic, we believe that the only solution will be for ISA Sign Expo 2021 to become a fully virtual event taking place over the same dates, April 7-9, 2021” the statement reads in part as it also notes that; “We’ll continue to closely monitor the ongoing developments with the coronavirus and the related effects of it. While the opening of the event is not for a few months, we must make decisions now about whether ISA can host an in-person event.
“Over the last year, ISA has developed a number of extremely well-received virtual experiences, including The Wrap Experience, The Link…Install and The Link…Soft Signage. Using the expertise, information and feedback from those events, we believe that we can deliver an outstanding experience, complete with the ability to explore new products, learn from experts and connect with peers”.
The virtual event will be FREE for all attendees and provide access to the latest products, ideas and connections to help you grow your business. Registration for ISA International Sign Expo 2021 – VIRTUAL is now open, and you can register to attend at www.SignExpo.org/
PACKAGING INNOVATIONS POSTPONED TO JUNE 2021
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Top packaging show in the UK – Packaging Innovations has been adjourned to June 2021 as coronavirus related restrictions continue to impact the events industry across the United Kingdom.
The event, which had been due to take place on 3 and 4 March 2021 at the NEC, Birmingham will now be held at the venue on 17 and 18 June 2021.
Show organiser – Easyfairs said the decision to postpone the event was made in close consultation with its exhibitors, visitors and partners. “Our top priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our exhibitors, visitors and staff. I would like to thank them all, and the wider packaging community, for their ongoing support and commitment to the event,” said Renan Joel, Divisional Director for Easyfairs UK & Global’s packaging events noting further that; “It is clear that the industry is just waiting for the day that it can meet in person and reinvigorate those valuable business relationships and opportunities that come from face-to-face interaction.”
FESPA PUSHES BACK FLAGSHIP EVENT AGAIN
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For the third time,the global federation of national Associations for the screen printing, digital printing and textile printing community – organisers of Global Screen Print & Digital Expo – FESPA have been forced to reschedule the 2021 exhibition to now hold seven months later than was initially planned this year.
Fespa’s flagship exhibition, which is co-located with European Sign Expo, will remain at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam, but rather than its original March 2021 date will now take place from 12 to 15 October next year, seven months later than was initially planned.
With Amsterdam RAI, the venue of 2021 show, moving all international events out of first quarter of 2021 (FESPA was originally scheduled for March), the flagship exhibition which is co-located with European Sign Expo, will remain at the RAI exhibition centre in Amsterdam, but will now take place from 12 to 15 October 2021.
FESPA CEO – Neil Felton stated that the decision to move the event for a third time was not due to lack of exhibitor appetite or concerns over delivering a COVID-secure event, it was simply a reflection of the challenges surrounding international travel restrictions. “The situation regarding cross-border travel into The Netherlands is uncertain at this point. Since our exhibitors are now at the point of having to make detailed logistical plans and commit further costs to be at our events, we believe that the right step is to move to our October 2021 contingency dates, enabling us and our participants to plan with greater confidence.”
KOMORI EXPANDS CONTINENTAL PARTS FACILITY
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Foremost Japanese press manufacturer – Komori is upping its European service and parts setup with an additional spare parts warehouse at its Utrecht base – site of Komori’s 4,500sqm European HQ and demo facility.
The press manufacturer said that the; “rapid response, quick delivery and extended support across a broader product and supplies portfolio” was the driving force behind the decision.
Komori’s Utrecht site is currently working with World Health Organization guidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is providing online training programmes, customer demonstrations, and R&D facilities.
It would be recalled that Komori also has a European parts operation based in Leeds that supplies Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
FLINT INVENTS NEW PRE-PRESS ARM
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One of world’s largest ink maker – the Flint Group has created a new division combining Xeikon’s pre-press business and Flint’s flexo wing, and has revived an old brand name as its signature – The Xsys operation.
Aimed at meeting market needs, Xsys will be headed by President Dagmar Schmidt, who held the same role at Flint Group Flexographic. She said; “This repositioning includes not only a new name, but more importantly a new vision and mission,” Schmidt said while noting that; “We are here to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry, into the lives of our customers, partners and colleagues, using brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.”
The new entity fresh identity includes the message: “Print solid. Stay flexible”, and its slogan is “Be Brilliant”. The flexo, letterpress and plate-making brands included in the division include: Nyloflex, Nyloprint, ThermoFlexx, Catena and Rotec.
In a related development, Vice President – Global Commercial, Friedrich von Rechteren said he believed the business had advantages over rivals because of the portfolio of products; “We have equipment, software and a whole portfolio so we can touch all the different steps of the value chain and also combine them,” he stated.
