Blog

Here at Ricoh, we like to keep a handle on the key issues within the print industry. In the blog below, Stewart Cobby discusses the rise of e-commerce in the large format print sector - and the opportunities and potential pitfalls to look out for.

As an industry, we have been discussing the hazards of PVC for more than 15 years and whilst steps have been made in the right direction, products made with PVC continue to be far and away the most commonly used.

Graphics can be incredibly impactful, changing a room - or even a whole building - with colour and design. But it's not necessary to fight what's already there, or to ignore the natural finish of the surface. Applying a mural or decal to bare bricks or concrete can really complement an industrial space or heritage property.

Prior to the pandemic, textile printing was one of those things we´d probably all considered. Perhaps for printing flags, fabric banners or soft signage? Or for supplemental production such as interior décor and soft furnishings? Maybe even for direct-to-garment T-shirts, sportswear printing and short-run fashion designs?

It’s been a tough year for nearly everyone in the printing industry, so it’s reassuring that Dan Plomin of Westamerica Communications’ wide format division answers our first question on an optimistic note: “We’re actually not doing too badly – we’ve been fortunate.” We suspect it’s not so much to do with luck as with the fact that, over the years, Westamerica has proved itself to be a smart and forward thinking business.

While there may be a plethora of print hardware available on the market, investment in a management information system (MIS) can be essential to ensure it is operating to its full potential and producing the highest quality work.