Large Format Review - Business News

 

The market for digital print for textiles is forecast to grow from €114.6m in 2009 to just under €1bn by 2014, according to a new study by Pira International published in association with FESPA.

Based on primary research and expert analysis The Future of Digital Print for Textiles: market forecasts to 2014 breaks down the global market by end-use sector, print process, region and country, with five-year forecasts to 2014.

The study also provides an up-to-date overview of the latest technology developments, analysis of the competitive landscape and identifies specific market opportunities for raw material and print technology suppliers. FESPA members can benefit from a special 15% discount.

The key findings from the study include:

• The display/signage sector is driving the development of digital print for textiles as inkjet printers have had a longer experience in the market
• Textiles production has moved to countries with low labour rates, but digital printing may change that. Short runs and agile manufacturing are set to force some production back to North America and Western Europe. More of the cotton that is shipped from the US to China will stay at home, to be made into fabric that will be digitally printed locally to satisfy design-savvy consumers locally, while digital print will allow more designers to create and test new designs more quickly.
• Eco-solvent inks are replacing solvent-based inks as many of the older solvent machines are replaced, and environmental regulations in Europe and North America support the continued development and use of eco-solvent approaches.
• The total installed base of digital printers for textiles is forecast to grow to 52,800 units globally by 2014, a CAGR of 23.1%

Digital printing of textiles has been in effect since the mid 1990s with electrostatic (e-stat) and early wide format inkjet printers, either by direct printing (in the case of inkjet) and via dye sublimation transfer (inkjet and e-stat). Direct to fabric printers, combined with growth in textile applications such as soft signage and garments are driving the market for digital textile printing.

Because display/signage has been one of the first markets for inkjet printing, it is naturally the largest today. It is only in the last few years that dedicated fabric printers evolved and began to affect the garment, household, and other markets.

Inkjet printing is distributed globally. According to the study, the fastest-growing regions are the emerging markets of Eastern Europe and Asia, though it is important to remember that the pattern of growth is not the same for each country and region. Although there is a correlation between nations that are large textile exporters, it may not follow that digital printing will be dominant in those countries.

Marcus Timson, corporate communications director at FESPA explains FESPA’s support for the Pira study: “It was important for FESPA to gain a scientific view of the future direction of the digital textile market, and Pira was a credible partner to undertake such a comprehensive piece of analysis. FESPA’s screen printing heritage is such that printing onto textile has always been a very significant element of our events. More recently, our FESPA Digital shows have reflected the market’s migration towards digital textile printing for the short-run applications identified in the Pira study, and we have encouraged our community to explore the market’s potential through two Digital Textile conferences in parallel with these shows. The textile area of our flagship FESPA show has grown to the point where FESPA is now effectively the largest textile printing event in Europe, and the garment decoration segment will now have a dedicated zone at FESPA 2010, under the distinct FESPA Fabric banner. The Pira study, which is available at a discounted price of €3,555 for members of FESPA’s national associations, will help us to shape the events, products and services that FESPA creates to address the textile printing marketplace, and help our global community of print service providers to understand the opportunities that may exist for them in this segment.”

Reference is made to the joint press release by Canon Inc. (trading symbol CAJ) ("Canon") and Océ N.V. (trading symbol OCE) ("Océ") dated 16 November 2009 in respect of the intended fully self-funded, public cash offer for all issued and outstanding ordinary shares in the capital of Océ (the "Shares") by Canon at an offer price of € 8.60 per Share (the "Offer").

Canon and Océ confirm that good progress is being made on the preparations of the Offer. Canon and Océ filed notifications with the competition authorities of the European Union, the United States, Switzerland and Taiwan. The Océ Merger Committee (Fusiecommissie), the Océ European Works Council (Europese ondernemingsraad) and the relevant Océ works councils have been and are being provided with information regarding the Offer in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

Canon expects to submit a request for approval of the offer memorandum in respect of the Offer to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Stichting Autoriteit Financiele Markten or "AFM") before 8 February 2010, which is the date by which under Dutch law a request for approval must be submitted to the AFM. Senior management of both companies is working side by side to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Keying on the evolution of piezoelectric drop-on-demand (Piezo DOD) inkjet printhead technology from low-density scanning architectures to single-pass printing, a presentation made by FUJIFILM Dimatix CEO and President Martin Schoeppler was selected for top honors by attendees of the Information Management Institute's (IMI) Europe 17th Annual Ink Jet Conference held November 4-6, 2009 in Barcelona.

His presentation, titled "The Paradigm Shift To Single Pass," can be downloaded at www.imieurope.com free of charge.

Piezo DOD inkjet is an extremely versatile digital printing technology that knows few boundaries and can be used in a broad range of applications from basic coding to graphic communications on a grand scale, and for printed electronics manufacturing, photovoltaics and assaying biological substances at the molecular level. "This broad capability also poses a unique set of challenges – such as for new manufacturing methods and materials required to deposit a diverse and growing range of fluids and inks with increasing precision and speed," Mr. Schoeppler remarks. "I am pleased to have had the opportunity to present this information, and honored that the audience found it so valuable."

In the presentation, Mr. Schoeppler highlights FUJIFILM Dimatix' 25 years of innovation and excellence in inkjet printheads design and manufacturing to take his audience on a guided tour of the increasingly sophisticated printhead architectures, fabrication methods, jetting technologies and market forces that have led to new generations of Piezo DOD inkjet printhead products aimed at an expanding spectrum of applications.

He also explores FUJIFILM Dimatix' expertise in three areas pivotal in paving the way to single-pass implementations – advanced jet design and modeling; silicon MEMS and machined carbon fabrication; and its VersaDropTM jetting technology.

FUJIFILM's implementation of these and many other advanced technologies applies to many of its products, including the PerformaTM Sapphire printheads and ScanPAQ Head Array for high-performance graphics, the InspiraTM series for specialty printing applications and EnduraTM series for materials deposition. Its new-generation SAMBATM inkjet technology – a single-pass implementation being developed jointly by FUJIFILM Dimatix and FUJIFILM Corporation – is a "printhead on a MEMS chip" that packs 2048 jets per module at 1200 dot-per-inch spacing, and is capable of pulsing fluids higher than  100,000 cycles/second (100 kHz) – the highest jetting frequencies yet developed.

The IMI Europe conference is one in the IMI series covering ink jet, thermal, laser, high speed digital printing, textile, industrial and other forms of digital printing that draw more than 2,000 professionals to various events in the United States and Europe annually. Designed to give participants a thorough assessment of technology and market development trends that will determine inkjet's role in the overall printing marketplace, the formal and informal sessions provide a unique, interactive environment for leading hardware, consumables, components, system integrator and user company representatives to network and to develop an improved understanding of the forces shaping the evolving digital printing industry.

Fueling business with new  B2B international clients and development of new channels

Founded in 1999, Duomedia Public Relations celebrated its 10th anniversary with an event at Dolce Hotel, Belgium, for clients, journalists, partners and the European team. At this occasion a video was released, hosting viewers into Duomedia’s office, illustrated with client and journalist testimonials. view video 10 years all about you
Duomedia fueled its business by adding new clients including Kodak, Punch Graphix (Xeikon), Ricoh Europe, Grapo and DiMS! For 2010 further growth is anticipated, supported by an increased presence in the UK and Italy, and the installation of an Advisory Board.

PR is much more than press relations. It includes communication of messages and values to a company’s stakeholders. In close cooperation with clients, Duomedia leverages PR programs with advertising, newsletters, testimonials and other activities on a cross-media and multichannel level.

 

International Trade Technology PR

Duomedia supports start-ups and multinationals including Alwan, Bekaert, Taleo, EskoArtwork, Enfocus, Atlantic Zeiser, Presstek and many more. Trade Technology PR programs are implemented to industrial and technical markets across Europe by Duomedia's dedicated team, and internationally through partners in Hong Kong and the US.

"Decision-making processes are more complex in B2B than in the consumer market, which is more individual and emotion-driven. Technology communication requires special skills and tools to create understandable messages.

Duomedia has developed an expertise in this field and built a network of specialist writers and translators." comments Anja D’Hondt, Managing Partner and Founder.

“The business model we developed over the past years has proven very successful supporting clients to increase brand awareness and market visibility. We are working very cost-efficiently, repurposing content across different media and spreading messages through several channels and countries.”

Developing new channels and media

Lutt Willems, Partner at Duomedia since 2000, adds: "Our cross-client multivendor press conferences for major trade events, hereby sharing travel costs for journalists and organization efforts, are an example of a creative and flexible approach."

Also on the advertising side, the bread and butter of trade magazines, approaches have become more creative, assessing the return on marketing investment with click rates on websites or other measurement tools. Publishers develop online channels complementary to print publications, organize round tables or other events, and offer branded content. view video
Other new services include video testimonials and online reputation management, applying social media like Youtube, Twitter, blogs and forums as channels for its clients messaging and community management. This is now only just developing in business markets across Europe, whereby Duomedia manages its own accounts on Youtube and Twitter.
“We needed a PR agency that understands our wide solutions portfolio and the diverse markets we are active in, managing the program centrally and implementing locally with our regional Kodak teams. Duomedia does a tremendous job for us, pro-actively and independently managing all PR activities with our internal stakeholders,  including a monthly e-newsletter, a multitude of customer testimonials across Europe, as well as press conferences and events.” says Patrick Hamilton, PR Director for Kodak EAMER.

PR raises visibility and provides journalists with easier access to information

A recent online satisfaction survey amongst 60 clients and journalists across Europe indicated a 90% satisfaction level on the services the Duomedia team is providing - mostly appreciating the high responsiveness and personal, professional approach.

All clients responded their PR remains currently the most important vehicle to drive their brand awareness, even more important during an economic recession. Their main motivation for PR amongst clients is (in order of importance): raising visibility, communicating with stakeholders, introducing new products and supporting industry event attendance. Trade journalists find that Duomedia as PR agency adds value by (in order of importance): providing easier/faster access to information, high responsiveness, online press office, offering of press materials and improving their relations with vendors.

The future looks bright

“For the future we plan a further professionalization and internationalization, leveraging our current presence in certain countries and markets, and expanding into new segments. We are broadening our service offering into areas like social media, online newsletters and video testimonials. Strategic consulting services have been upgraded with the Communication Scans, marketing consulting and training programs like Managing Media Relations for client spokes people. We look forward to a bright and challenging future, and another successful decade.” concludes Anja D’Hondt.

"Win with EFI" Series Provides Tips to Digital and Superwide Format Printers for Managing Business Successfully in 2010

As a difficult year draws to an end for most people in the print media industry, EFI® invites printers from Europe to sign up for a series of free-of-charge webinars where EFI's executives and technical specialists will provide insight in market developments, and how companies can take advantage of them to manage their business for success. The four webinar sessions will take place in December. Anyone can register for the "Win with EFI" webcasts via www.efi.com/euwin to learn more about topics including:

• productivity and ease of use for new digital printing applications
• digital label printing choices and considerations
• gaining control of your colour supply chain
• turning superwide format productivity into business success

Eighteen million digital printing professionals can't be wrong
Monday 7 December, 3pm CET

In this webinar, presenters Terry Garvey and Philip Linstead will guide listeners through core digital printing applications and technologies and explain their benefits. With eighteen million users worldwide, EFI's Fiery digital print solutions are the most widespread print workflow. The webinar gives a concise overview on what Fiery can do for your business now and in the future, with a sneak preview into what's coming!
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Digital label printing choices and considerations
Tuesday 8 December, 3 p.m. CET

Label printing is full of choices - analogue or digital? UV inkjet or toner? VDP? white ink? This webinar by Sean Skelly and Jason Oliver looks at the dazzling array of solutions out on the market and touches upon advantages using EFI Jetrion UV inkjet systems, such as cost savings, minimising waste and producing high-quality work that rivals analogue processes. They also discuss short-run printing opportunities in many lucrative markets such as pharma, food and beverage, and durable labels. Includes a brief overview of EFI's financing offerings for label printing systems.
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Gaining Control of the Colour Supply Chain
Thursday 10 December, 3 p.m. CET

Producing sophisticated printing products from design through production to output is not much different from a classic supply chain - except digital colour is the focus. This webinar discusses how XF Solutions facilitate the seamless exchange of colour jobs between all pertinent parties regardless of location, while still guaranteeing consistent colour output and the benefits of remote proofing will be addressed with Web Control Center, a web-based application that connects, monitors and controls proofing and printing at all remote sites in a production workflow. This is a must-attend webinar presented by Oliver Luedtke and Frank Hueske for anybody who wants to understand how big brands control their print jobs.
To register, go to www.efi.com/euwin

Turning superwide format productivity into business success
Friday 11 December, 3 p.m. CET

Some superwide format digital printers are faster than others, but how do you take this speed and high performance and turn it into profit to improve your bottom line? This Webinar offers helpful tips from Ken van Horn and Emmanuel Swolfs on achieving these two goals using EFI VUTEk® printers and inks. It also discusses practical tips on how to make a printer work to its capacity. Includes a brief overview of EFI's financing offerings for superwide printing systems.

"I think it is a good thing EFI are now bringing their 'Win with EFI'  webinars to our time zone," said Mark Evans, Operations Director at DS Smith Multigraphics in Bradford, England. "We specialise in retail print and display work for very demanding customers, and meet their demands using a portfolio of EFI technology, including VUTEk printers, EFI RIPs, proofing and management information software. I am looking forward to hearing how EFI sees markets and technologies develop next."

To register for the 'Win with EFI' webinars, go to www.efi.com/euwin

A series of free of charge expert panel debates at Ipex 2010 will tackle some of the most critical issues facing the print industry today. Produced by world print authority, Pira International in association with Ipex, the Great Print Debates will bring together experts, thought leaders and high-profile industry representatives from 18-25 May 2010.

“The printing industry needs more debate and discussion” explains Frank Romano, Professor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology and Great Debate chairperson. “We are at a crossroads in terms of new printing technology, changes in customer marketing and challenges to print. We need to band together to develop new markets, new print products, and new ideas - and convince the world that print is still an important and viable form of communication.”

Four pressing questions will be considered: More than ink on paper: how should printers be selling print?, What will the printer of the future look like?, Will an Ipod for publishing kill printed media? and Green print: is it worth it? With full audience participation and interaction, the Great Print Debates will take expert commentary, lively debate and audience interactivity to a completely new level.

The Debates come at a critical time according to Pira Consultant and Great Debate chair, Sean Smyth. “The industry is in an unprecedented period of change, exacerbated by the deep recession. Cash conservation is a short-term tactic, not a strategy to build a successful business. These debates provide an opportunity for industry players to put their heads above the parapet and think about how their businesses, and their careers, might progress satisfactorily under new conditions.”

Joining Sean Smyth and Frank Romano as Debate chairs will be Neil Falconer, Senior Consultant, Pira International and Laurel Brunner, Digital Dots. Panellists include Rob Haak, President, SPIKIX; Adam Dewitz, Director of Technology, WhatTheyThink.com; Stephen Goddard, Environmental Leadership Program Manager, Hewlett Packard and Marcia Balisciano, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Reed Elsevier. For a full list of panellists see http://www.ipex.org/greatprintdebates

Audience participation and interaction using simple polling technology will allow real-time feedback and drive the questioning of the panel chair, pushing the experts out of their comfort zone. Looking forward to the Debates, Laurel Brunner of Digital Dots reminds the industry, “It's all too easy to forget that understanding important issues only comes with interaction and participation.”

Debate participants will take away an exclusive study with scenarios and forecasts to 2020. With input from a special panel of authoritative print and publishing experts from around the world,
Print to 2020 will provide a unique global summary of the major challenges, threats and opportunities facing the printing industry. Building upon the themes discussed at the Ipex/Pira forums, the study will offer an exclusive roadmap for how these issues are likely to develop over the next ten years. Print to 2020 is published by Pira International.

The Great Debates will take place from 13.00 - 14.00 in the Printers’ Profit Zone.