This year’s big three marketing trends are advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, hyper-personalization as well as changes to privacy and data protection systems. The emergence of digital ads and mass e-blasts has been tough on the industry, but as privacy comes under scrutiny, businesses must prioritize consumer trust so that they can obtain stronger data to meet company objectives (i.e. growth as well as new markets and product lines). Data collection With the implementation of privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and ..read more

The Print Wisdom career mentorship program completes another successful session. Organized by consulting firm Connecting for Results in collaboration with Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP), Print Wisdom has provided TMU’s Graphic Communications Management (GCM) students with the opportunity to find counsel from experienced print professionals this past school year. Designed to help students make a smooth transition from school to the workplace, Print Wisdom pairs students with seasoned industry professionals enabling them to seek career advice, guidance and mo ..read more

Drytac names Anne Sierakowski as product manager for North America. Sierakowski will play a key role in product strategy development at Drytac. This will include assessing the market landscape for major trends and emerging technologies, as well as conducting research to understand core customer needs and requirements. Aside from this, Sierakowski will work closely with engineers and designers to ensure Drytac products align with customers’ business goals. She will work with prospects, customers, distributors, and industry peers, as well as attend trade shows, open houses, events, and sales mee ..read more

X-Rite introduces Autura Ink, a cloud-based ink formulation and quality control solution that enables ink suppliers, printers, and packaging converters to accelerate ink development. It is a centralized platform for all formulation, storage, approval, retrieval, and quality control needs for offset, flexo, gravure, and screen-printing inks. “Autura Ink is built on a serverless and secure architecture that can be easily implemented due to its highly intuitive user interface, minimizing the need for operator training. It integrates with X-Rite spectrophotometers, including the eXact 2 family, an ..read more

How would you describe your print production process? Seamless? Friction free? As smooth as it can be? If the answer is ‘no’ to any, or all, of these descriptions you are not alone. Today’s printing industry is defined by two significant movements. The first is the continuing analogue to digital transition that is driving print service providers’ (PSPs) technology evolution. The second is keener focus on sustainable efficiency. Jobs are processed, printed, and delivered faster, and with a reduction in waste enabled by the digital print on demand production of only what is required. This result ..read more

Printing United Alliance releases its newest iLearning+ industry courses. Alliance members receive a 20 per cent discount on courses, and students and educators have complimentary access to iLearning+ throughout the year. iLearning+ is used in over 35 countries since its launch in 2022. The newest additions to the platform cover a range of topics, such as: Expanded Colour Gamut Printing Instructor: Ron Ellis, owner, Ron Ellis Consulting This course offers in-depth insights into expanded gamut printing, covering traditional and digital applications. From theory to practical demonstrations, gain ..read more

Mohawk expands its Superfine product line to include 16 new folding board items engineered to be scored and folded to create packaging. The expanded offering within the Mohawk Superfine portfolio includes two shades, two finishes and four weights. “Mohawk Superfine’s legacy takes another innovative step forward,” said Melissa Stevens, CMO at Mohawk. “Known for flawless print results for offset and digital printing, expanding into packaging was an important next step for our customers who entrust their branded materials to Superfine. Engineered for packaging, the Mohawk Superfine Folding Board ..read more

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) celebrated excellence in the flexography industry by honouring winners of its 2024 awards during the association’s annual four-day technical conference and exhibition, held earlier this spring. “This year’s list of distinguished recipients further reinforces the broad spectrum of capabilities, companies and individuals who set the standard for excellence in our industry,” said Brad Pareso, FTA president. The Excellence in Flexography Awards is widely regarded as the industry’s most renowned annual flexographic print competition. Among the 52 award-w ..read more

Jennifer McConnell has been in the printing industry for almost 25 years. She spent most of these years at MET Printers. In October 2023, McConnell took up the role of operations director at Royal Printers in New Westminster, B.C. Established in 1932, Royal Printers is a family-owned company. McConnell’s focus at Royal Printers is to maximize overall efficiencies of the plant, foster an empowering staff culture and assist in creative solutions that’ll set up the company for long-term success. McConnell is also passionate about creating meaningful career pathways for students interested in the ..read more

Xeikon shares more details about the next evolution of its Panther inkjet technology ahead of the world premiere of Xeikon PX3300HD, a new 1200 dpi digital press that will be launched at Drupa 2024. Developed for high quality labels, the five-colour machine offers a 330-mm printing width and speeds up to 70 m/min. Additionally, Xeikon PX3300HD utilizes a newly developed ink series, PX-Cure LED HD. “As inkjet technology continues to mature, there’s a clear need to update Xeikon’s Panther portfolio with a higher resolution option to meet specific customer requests. Consequently, we’re now introd ..read more