Printing Industry Commentary & Analysis

All in One vs. Hybrid: Living in Perfect Harmony

Published October 4, 2023

There aren’t a lot of all-in-one application-specific solutions that can address “all” application requirements. However, there is a lot of development among packaging press and converting machine manufacturers to address the new shifting market requirements. Ultimately application requirements can be fairly disparate, so a modular hybrid solution will undoubtedly provide the widest range of process adaptability.

At the Speed of Retail: Web-to-Pack Offers a Myriad of Opportunity and Complexity in the World of Online Consumerism

Published October 3, 2023

Orders are increasing for short-run, on-demand packaging to satisfy shifting consumer purchasing requirements. While converters and web-to-pack systems are being developed to operate at the “speed of retail,” there are many opportunities, complexities and value- added offerings not seen in commercial print.

Label Production Strategy at Xeikon

Published October 3, 2023

David Zwang talks with Robert Welford, President of Xeikon, about digital label production and Xeikon's product strategy.

Digital Labels’ HP Indigo-Driven Growth

Published October 2, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Chris Henderson, President of Digital Labels. Henderson and his partner founded the company in 2010 with an HP Indigo 6000 and has added capacity—predominantly more HP Indigos—in the years since. Digital Labels also does some flexible packaging.

Product Spotlight: PRISMAcolor Manager—On Cloud Nine

Published September 26, 2023

Canon’s PRISMA offerings include a wide range of applications and tools to help optimize print production workflows and digital printing production. These solutions have amassed over the life of PRISMA and have adapted to the changes in technology and production requirements, as their use requirements have changed significantly over the years. David Zwang takes a close look at how PRISMA has evolved, focusing especially on a recent addition to the software suite: PRISMAcolor Manager.

Today’s Graphics’ Evolution from Trade Typographer to Digital Printer

Published September 25, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Jack Glacken, CEO of Philadelphia-based Today’s Graphics. Founded 46 years ago as a trade typographer doing typesetting, the company moved into color separations, then offset printing, and is now heavily involved in digital printing, largely using HP Indigo presses.

LabelExpo Europe: Back Again and Going Strong!

Published September 19, 2023

LabelExpo Europe is the biggest of all the LabelExpo events, and truly a global event. There were lots of new digital, inkjet and hybrid press and converting solutions in the exhibit halls. Automation and Sustainability were the overriding and common themes.

Bennett Graphics Sees An Advantage in Production Inkjet

Published September 19, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with David Bennett, President of Bennett Graphics, about his recent installation of an HP PageWide Advantage 2200 press. The 2200 is Bennett Graphics’ first production inkjet press, and was acquired to increase capacity for the company’s growing direct mail work.

Cris Ray Printing’s Labels and Packaging Journey

Published September 18, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Joseph Marro, VP of Operations at Cris Ray Printing. Based in Farmingdale, N.Y. and founded more than 50 years ago by Farro’s grandfather, Cris Ray Printing is a longtime flexo-based label-printing shop. The company added its first HP Indigo press in 2006. In the past year and a half, the company has expanded into packaging.

Labelexpo Europe 2023 Opens in Brussels

Published September 14, 2023

David Zwang talks with Jade Grace, Managing Director of Labelexpo, about Labelexpo Europe 2023, running this week in Brussels, Belgium. Though called "Labelexpo Europe," the Brussels event is the global event for the labels and packaging market, drawing attendees from 140 countries.

Etiflex’s Ari Vonderwalde on the Flexo-to-Digital Transition

Published September 5, 2023

David Zwang talks with Ari Vonderwalde, Director General of Etiflex, a 42-year-old Mexican label printer that has expanded into many different verticals, including food, pharmaceutical, and automotive. The company has 21 flexo presses and has added three digital presses as the company transitions to digital.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Xeikon

Published August 29, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at Xeikon.

Label Source's Journey from the Basement to Production Inkjet

Published August 29, 2023

Label Source started in a basement in 1991 and has since expanded organically and through acquisition with a host of different types of printing equipment, including production inkjet. David Zwang talks with COO Michael Wrigley about the company's journey.

The Panther at Xeikon Keeps On Growing!

Published August 29, 2023

Xeikon has been developing high-resolution digital (EP) presses since 1988, They decided to dive into production inkjet in 2017. David Zwang and it has been an interesting journey. David Zwang talks with Johan Van de Velde,Inkjet Product Manager, about Xeikon's journey.

Strawbridge Studios Takes School Pictures and Yearbooks into Digital

Published August 29, 2023

David Zwang talks with Brendan Collopy of Strawbridge Studios, a 100-year-old school picture and yearbook printer. The company had been operating offset presses and has replaced them with digital equipment including a Canon Prostream 1800.

Corrugated Packaging: Designing for the Future

Published August 22, 2023

E-commerce is growing fast and needs to better focused on customers’ packaging needs. The movement and transport of product is very different for e-commerce than it is for brick-and-mortar applications. As a result, there is probably a need to have its own channel-specific solutions.

Phoenix Innovate’s Inkjet Journey from the Perspective of the Customer

Published August 22, 2023

David Zwang speaks to Chris Dubach of Phoenix Innovate about how the company and its sales reps talk with customers about production inkjet printing vs. other technologies such as offset and electrophotography.

From Broker to Printer with HP Indigo Digital Printing

Published August 22, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Dan Thompson, founder and CEO of Italic Press. Italic Press started as a print broker, but realized that to take advantage of digital printing, they needed to own the equipment. They started down their digital printing journey with HP Indigo.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Ricoh Production Inkjet

Published August 15, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at Ricoh Production Inkjet.

From Desktop Printers to Production Inkjet—What an Evolution!

Published August 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Scott Fish, President of Tri-Win Direct. Launched in Fish's apartment 28 years ago with no print industry background, the company has evolved to becomea successful printing and mailing company. The company started with desktop inkjet printers and now runs Ricoh high-speed production inkjet—and keeps on going!

Ricoh’s Early Entry into Production Inkjet

Published August 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Mike Herold, Director of Global Marketing for Ricoh about the the company’s production inkjet journey. It started with IBM and drop-on-demand inkjet, and Ricoh has been working on innovation and upgrades to enhance the performance and quality.

Allied Printing’s Ben Fournier at thINK

Published August 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Ben Fournier of Allied Printing, a 74-year-old, third-generation family-owned commercial and direct mail printer. The company operates a variety of offset equipment and has a large digital department, which includes production inkjet equipment, for its direct mail work.

(Un)Packaging Reality Report 2023

Published August 14, 2023

RRD has completed their second annual report on the state of the packaging market. Lisa Pruett is the President of the RRD Packaging and Labels Solution group and shares some interesting insights with David Zwang of where we were and where we are going.

Reduce, Reuse, Rethink: Sustainability Isn’t a Linear Issue—It Requires a More Circular Approach

Published August 8, 2023

Printed products are varied, as are the processes used to create them. The focus on design, production, use and disposal of these products will continue to be scrutinized in the context of a circular economy as environmental pressures increase. Since print is a complex of interconnected processes, there are many areas that could be affected by sustainability efforts and the measurement of the carbon footprint. How do you measure what ‘could’ reach into every aspect of the printing business, from process, to people, to profitability?

Knight Abbey Bets on Digital Printing

Published August 8, 2023

David Zwang talks with Tonya Spiers of Knight Abbey, a 40-year-old Biloxi, Miss.-based commercial printer that produces direct mail marketing, invitations, scratch-off cards, and other materials for the gaming industry. Once primarily an offset shop with some digital equipment, it has recently expanded into rollfed inkjet with a Canon Prostream.

Impact’s Pete Studer on the Production Inkjet Transition

Published August 1, 2023

David Zwang talks with Pete Studer, CEO of Impact, a 39-year-old company that started in the direct mail business and has expanded into other types of printing. The company operates all-digital equipment, and started working with Canon in 2015 to add production inkjet.

Broadridge’s Naveed Choudry on the Transition to Inkjet

Published July 31, 2023

David Zwang talks with Broadridge’s Naveed Choudry about his 30 years with the company and Broadridge’s early adoption of production inkjet printing technology.

"Customer First": Canon Solutions America’s Ed Jansen at thINK

Published July 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon Solutions America’s Ed Jansen at the recent thINK Ahead 23 conference about Canon’s “customer-first” philosophy and how it affects how they interact with customers, as well as where the company sees the growth in today’s market.

Textbook Printer/Publisher BJU Press Transitions to Inkjet

Published July 25, 2023

In this video, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with James Llewellyn, Director of Manufacturing and Distribution for BJU Press, a book printer and publisher of K-12 textbooks for home schoolers and Christian schools. The company started in 1974 with offset equipment and has recently installed an HP PageWide T485. The company has an inline printing and bookbinding workflow.

Kyocera’s Expanding Footprint

Published July 24, 2023

Kyocera’s intention is clear: they are moving into the production print industry, and while they may be new to selling inkjet presses in this market, they have 30 years of expertise in developing ink and material jetting solutions, and an impressive track record at that. In this article, sponsored by Kyocera, David Zwang looks at their recent initiatives.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Canon Continuous Feed

Published July 18, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article, I look at the journey of the Canon continuous-feed line.

Canon's Continuous-Feed Production Print Inkjet Journey

Published July 18, 2023

Canon's production Inkjet journey started in 2004. Like many others, they saw the benefits and found the challenges along the way. David Zwang talks with Thomas Hofmann, VP of Continuous Feed Business Line at Canon Production Print, about the Canon's continuous feed inkjet evolution.

DS Graphics/Universal Wilde's Long, High-Speed, and Successful Production Inkjet Journey

Published July 18, 2023

DS Graphics has roots going back more than 125 years, but with their mix of production inkjet, toner, and offset equipment have been able to embrace the shifts in market requirements. David Zwang talks with company EVP Chris Wells about that journey and Canon’s role in it.

All State Printing’s Charles Christopher on Investing in a Digital Press in Challenging Times

Published July 17, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with All State Printing’s Charles Christopher. All State Printing is a flexible packaging printer that has been expanding into digital production—specifically, two HP Indigo 25K digital presses—to handle short-run jobs. He also offers advice for others looking to make an investment in digital equipment.

What Does It Take to Support the Printing Needs of Restaurants?

Published June 29, 2023

David Zwang talks with Keri Smith, President of Dot It. Dot It supports the restaurant industry with flexo and Xeikon digital presses. There is a lot more to supplying restaurants with print products than one could imagine!

Gallus’ Expandable Ecosystem Designed for Future Growth

Published June 27, 2023

The previously announced Gallus One digital label press is more than just an “all in one” label press, jointly developed by Gallus and Heidelberg. It is at the core of an expandable ecosystem designed for the industry’s digital future and the new normal.

Fully Digital, Fully Automated Folding Carton Producer Digital Impack to Launch This Summer

Published June 21, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with David Gerhard, Chief Marketing Officer for Digital Impack, a fully digital, fully automated folding carton start-up that plans to launch by the end of summer. The company will be using the HP Indigo 15K as their primary press.

The Label Factory’s Storm Vaske on Digital Label Printing

Published June 20, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Storm Vaske, CEO of The Label Factory. Originally a flexo label printer, the company has converted entirely to digital and is in the process of adding an HP Indigo V12.

Trigon Digipack’s Anil Namugade on Innovative Packaging Solutions

Published June 19, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Anil Namugade, Founder and Director of Trigon Digipack, about how Trigon is leveraging successful and proven platforms to build new innovative solutions for its packaging customers.

B&R Moll’s Kevin Moll on Changes in the Finishing Equipment Market

Published June 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Kevin Moll, VP of Sales of B&R Moll, a manufacturer of postpress equipment. B&R Moll has been seeing strong growth in such diverse applications as folding cartons and greeting cards.

Rootree Integrates Creative Services and Digital Flexible Packaging Production

Published June 14, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Phil St-Cyr, President of Rootree. Rootree is a flexible packaging company that offers creative services to help customers design messaging and branding as well as produce it on its fleet of HP Indigo 20000s.

Phoenix Innovate's Long and Interesting Journey with Production Inkjet

Published June 13, 2023

Phoenix Innovate and Chris Dubach have had a long and interesting journey with production inkjet. Today, it plays an important and growing role in their production platform, with lots of plans for the future! David Zwang talks with Chris Dubach about his inkjet journey.

Canon's Production Inkjet Cut-Sheet Journey

Published June 13, 2023

David Zwang talks with Saskia Willems, Product Manager for Cut Sheet at Canon Production Printing. Canon has been producing continuous-feed production inkjet products since 2008. While they had been producing cut-sheet EP presses for a while, their cut-sheet product development journey started in 2010.

The Production Inkjet Evolution: Canon Production Cut-Sheet Inkjet

Published June 13, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers and customers and document some of their journeys. In this article, I look at Canon cut-sheet production inkjet.

PressUP’s Vincenzo Cirimele on Digital Web-to-Print

Published June 12, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Vincenzo Cirimele, CEO of PressUP, a web-to-print company based in Rome. The company operates offset equipment, as well as five HP Indigo digital presses. The company is looking to expand its portfolio into packaging.

Agfa Offset Solutions Reinvents Itself as ECO3

Published June 12, 2023

David Zwang talks with Jonathan Ashton, North America President, of ECO3. ECO3 is not a new player in the market, but it now has a laser focus on offset plates, service, and software.

DSCOOP Distributed Print Exchange—Coming Soon!

Published June 12, 2023

David Zwang talks with Peter van Teeseling, Executive Director of DSCOOP, and Rick Bellamy, Executive Chairman of DSCOOP, about the forthcoming DSCOOP Distributed Print Exchange. Bringing PSPs together to share and facilitate work across regions and countries is increasingly becoming important. DSCOOP building this kind of program offers lots of opportunities for their participating members.

What’s Old Is New Again: Will Paper Really Replace Film in Flexible Packaging? The Future Borrows from the Past for Some Exciting New Ideas

Published June 8, 2023

With the increased scrutiny of plastic use in flexible packaging, there is an increased interest in moving from plastic to paper. It was once hard to make the switch, but it has been getting much easier.

Sirane’s “Ingenious” Transition from Plastic- to Paper-Based Flexible Packaging

Published June 8, 2023

It was once hard to make the switch from plastic- to paper-based flexible packaging, but it’s been getting much easier. With some ingenuity, this company not only did it but did it masterfully! David Zwang talks with Simon Balderson of Sirane Group.

DALIM Software’s New DALIM Drive at Dscoop

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks with Colin Price, Managing Director, UK, for DALIM Software, about the new DALIM Drive that the co pan y was showing for the first time in the US at Dscoop.

MRM Global’s Craig Letton on Web-to-Print

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks to Craig Letton, CEO of MRM Global. MRM is a marketing technology company that offers a web-to-print portal designed for sales reps in the alcohol industry to order marketing materials on demand. The reps upload content to predesigned templates which are then sent to MRM’s print partners for output.

The Whole Package: How to Turn a Product into a Purchase by Appealing to a Consumer’s Senses

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang provides a primer on embellishment technologies for packaging applications—including why they are becoming more important than ever for brands.

Gershon Alon on HP PrintOS

Published June 6, 2023

David Zwang talks to Gershon Alon, Head of Software Solutions for HP Indigo, about the latest features in HP PrintOS and how HP is refocusing its commitment to software.

Transforming the Flexible Packaging Market with HP Indigo 200K

Published May 30, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Sirane’s Simon Balderson. Sirane is a 20-year-old “development-led” flexible packaging manufacturer. The company is about to start beta-testing an HP Indigo 200K as part of its first foray into digital printing.

The HP Corrugated Preprint Journey

Published May 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Trevor Schroeder, Product Director, PageWide Industrial Web Fed Packaging at HP, about HP's journey as the pioneer in production inkjet for corrugated preprint production.

Michael Weber Talks About THIMM's Production Inkjet Journey

Published May 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Michael Weber, Director of Corporate Strategy for THIMM. The largest corrugated preprint provider in Europe has found the fit for production inkjet and sees a great future.

Production Inkjet Evolution: HP Preprint Corrugated

Published May 23, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at HP preprint corrugated.

Trends in Book Manufacturing

Published May 18, 2023

People are continuing to read and actually reading more, but there are still challenges. David Zwang talks with Matt Baehr, Executive Director of the Book Manufacturing Institute, about what the future holds for the book manufacturing industry.

Gil Studios Goes Beyond the Bumper Sticker

Published May 17, 2023

David Zwang talks to Paula Bair, Head of R&D for Gil Studios, a printer that services the promotional products industry, producing decals, stickers, posters, and magnets, as well as political signage. Founded in 1934 by Forest Gil—who invented the bumper sticker!—the company today utilizes virtually every printing technology.

Kodak's Journey in the Evolution of Production Inkjet

Published May 16, 2023

Kodak was the pioneer in production inkjet, and Randy Vandagriff has been there from the beginning. He talks to David Zwang about the evolution of production inkjet and shares his perspective of both Kodak's and the industry's journey.

Production Inkjet Evolution: Kodak

Published May 16, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings, and over the years continued to look at how they were being, or could be, used. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon, it’s time to take a look at how production inkjet has evolved, how it is used, and where we can expect it to go and grow. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers and suppliers, customers and document some of their journeys. In this article I look at Kodak.

Introduction to Rob Welford President of Xeikon

Published May 15, 2023

David Zwang talks with Rob Welford, the newly appointed President of Xeikon. Welford comes from a long background in technology and R&D and has an interesting vision for Xeikon.

HP’s Nimrod Cohen on the Offset-to-Digital Transition

Published May 15, 2023

In this video sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks with Nimrod Cohen, Head of Product Marketing for HP’s Commercial Division, about the offset-to-digital transition—not just in terms of volumes, but in terms of value.

Heidelberg: Game-Changing “Push to Stop” Flexo Carton Press

Published May 9, 2023

The new Heidelberg Boardmaster is the fastest and most productive flexo folding carton press in the market. It is the only industrial flexo press that is designed for zero changeover downtime. This is attributable to the Boardmaster Non-Stop Print Deck technology in conjunction with the Intellimatch precision scanning system, creating the first Push to Stop flexo folding carton press.

Heidelberg Develops Game-Changing Flexo Web Folding Carton Press

Published May 9, 2023

Matthias Boog, managing director of Heidelberg Web Carton Converting, discusses how Heidelberg developed the game-changing Boardmaster “Push to Stop” flexo folding carton press.

Heidelberg Flexo Folding Carton Press Breaks New Boundaries

Published May 9, 2023

Michael Pfaff, VP of Heidelberg US Web Carton Converting, discusses the opportunities and challenges of bringing a unique new press to the market: the game-changing Boardmaster “Push to Stop” flexo folding carton press.

HP Introduces New PrintOS Software Suite

Published May 4, 2023

In this interview, sponsored by HP, David Zwang talks to Peter Obradovic, Director, HP Industrial Software Solutions about the new HP PrintOS suite. HP PrintOS software is used by thousands of HP Industrial Print users. This new cloud-based suite now consists of four Power Packs, each concentrating on specific application requirements.

Production Inkjet Evolution: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Published April 18, 2023

In 2011, I began a series that looked at the then-current production inkjet vendor product offerings and how they were being, or could be, used. Since then, I have been following them through their drupa 2008, 2012, and 2017 journey. In this new series, 15 years later and with drupa 2024 on the horizon—after a seven-year forced hiatus—it’s time to take another look at how production inkjet has evolved, where it is used, and where we can expect it to go. I will look at each of the production inkjet manufacturers, customers, and their journeys.

HP PageWide Industrial’s Annette Friskopp on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published April 10, 2023

David Zwang talks to Annette Friskopp of HP PageWide Industrial about her impressions of her first Hunkeler Innovationdays.

HP PageWide’s Nachum Korman on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 30, 2023

David Zwang talks to Nachum Korman, General Manager of HP PageWide Industrial, about his impressions of this year’s Hunkeler Innovationdays.

Xeikon’s Monika Olbricht on the Xeikon SX30000

Published March 29, 2023

David Zwang talks to Monika Olbricht, Global Vice President of Sales for Xeikon, about Xeikon’s SX30000, the company’s flagship digital press. Although it was introduced two years ago, Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 was the first international show at which the press was exhibited.

Stefan Steinle on Fujifilm’s Integrated Inkjet Solutions

Published March 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Stefan Steinle of Fujifilm Integrated Inkjet Solutions Group about how Fujifilm integrates its inkjet heads and other inkjet technologies into a variety of production environments.

Miyakoshi’s Masahiko Kamei on the Japanese Printing Market

Published March 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Masahiko Kamei of Miyakoshi about the current state of the printing industry and the market for print in Japan.

Canon’s Francis McMahon on “Leaving the Industry a Better Place”

Published March 27, 2023

David Zwang talks to Francis McMahon of Canon Solutions America about the need for printing industry veterans to “leave the industry a better place” and help prepare the next-generation of industry leaders to take over.

Kyocera Takes the Fast Track to Industrial Print with the Acquisition of NIXKA

Published March 23, 2023

Kyocera’s intention is clear: they are moving into the production print industry, and while they may be new to this market, NIXKA isn’t. They actually have 30 years of expertise in developing ink and material jetting solutions, with an impressive track record. This acquisition should help fast track them to their intention.

Andrew Bailes-Collins on Ultimate TechnoGraphics’ Extensive Software Portfolio

Published March 23, 2023

David Zwang talks to Andrew Bailes-Collins, Head of Product Management for Ultimate TechnoGraphics, at Hunkeler Innovationdays about the company’s extensive software solutions for prepress processes such as imposition, tiling, ganging, and nesting, as well as binding automation.

Davy Verstaen and Tomas Van Rossom on Enfocus Software

Published March 22, 2023

David Zwang talks to Davy Verstaen and Tomas Van Rossom of Enfocus about the company’s flagship products PitStop and Switch and how they fit into the overall print production ecosystem.

Smithers’ Sean Smyth on Inkjet Production Workflow

Published March 22, 2023

David Zwang talks to Smithers’ Sean Smyth at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays about the evolution of inkjet printing and the focus away from print engines and more toward workflow and software.

HP Indigo Doubles Down on Digital Flexible Packaging with the 200K

Published March 21, 2023

Now that the market for digital production of flexible packaging is starting to take hold, HP has developed the next generation of product that builds on the expertise gained with the 25K as well as their other products and technologies.

Ricoh’s Mark Little on Automation

Published March 21, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ricoh’s Mark Little about automation, integration, and the entire print production ecosystem.

Canon Solutions America’s Francis McMahon on Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 21, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon Solutions America’s Francis McMahon about his impressions of what was on display at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays.

Ulbe Jelluma on Print Power

Published March 20, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ulbe Jelluma, managing director of Print Power. Print Power is an initiative started by European paper manufacturers in response to the surge of digital advertising that emphasizes to advertisers and marketers the value of print media.

Marco Boer on Inkjet Printing at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 16, 2023

David Zwang talks to Marco Boer of IT Strategies at Hunkeler Innovationdays about the current state of production inkjet printing.

Martijn Eier on the Growth of Cloudprinter

Published March 16, 2023

David Zwang talks to Cloudprinter founder Martijn Eier about Cloudprinter’s offerings and the company’s growth over the past few years.

Jennifer Kolloczek on Canon at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 15, 2023

David Zwang talks to Canon’s Jennifer Kolloczek about the vast array of equipment that Canon was showing at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays.

SPC’s Adam LeFebvre at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 14, 2023

David Zwang talks to Adam LeFebvre, president of Specialty Print Communications, about his first time attending Hunkeler Innovationdays and his impressions of the event.

Meet New thINK President Lori Messina

Published March 14, 2023

David Zwang talks with thINK’s Eric Hawkinson and Access Direct’s Lori Messina, the new president of thINK, about the organization and her involvement with it.

Ricoh at Hunkeler Innovationdays

Published March 9, 2023

David Zwang talks to Ricoh’s Mike Herold about the equipment that Ricoh was showing at Hunkeler Innovationdays last week in Luzerne, Switzerland.

Hunkeler Innovationdays: Innovation and Excitement

Published March 7, 2023

Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023 was a resounding success for the partners, the attendees, and the industry at large. The theme of the event was Next Level Automation and it was displayed in every solution on display at the event. Importantly, it is also a sign that the industry as a whole is on the right track.

Hunkeler’s Hans Gut on Smart Logistics Solutions

Published March 2, 2023

David Zwang talks to Hans Gut, Chief Marketing Officer for Hunkeler, about the company’s new Smart Logistics Solutions, which helps to quickly move on-demand printed materials, such as book blocks, from press to finishing equipment, tracking and monitoring where each job is and where it’s going.

Hunkeler’s Hans Gut on Digital Web Finishing

Published March 1, 2023

David Zwang talks to Hans Gut, Chief Marketing Officer for Hunkeler, about digital web finishing. Hunkeler’s digital web finishing products initially served the transactional print market and has expanded into book production, launching next-generation solutions for automated book block production.

Hunkeler’s Patrick Treyer on the Cut-Sheet Finishing Market

Published February 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Patrick Treyer, Area Sales Director for Hunkeler, about Hunkeler’s recent introductions for the cut-sheet finishing market including DocuTrim, a new line supporting the transactional and transformational markets that features dynamic perforating.

Hunkeler’s Matthias Anaheim on Next Level Automation

Published February 28, 2023

David Zwang talks with Matthias Annaheim, Head of Marketing for Hunkeler, about the theme of this year’s Hunkeler Innovationdays: Next Level Automation, and how Hunkeler equipment needs to connect to a variety of different systems often within a single printing plant.

The New Fiery Is Not Really New, but It Is More Nimble

Published February 14, 2023

David Zwang talks with Toby Weiss, CEO of Fiery. Fiery is now a standalone company, with lots of opportunity and an established management and team. Toby Weiss speaks about the change and looks at the future.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part Three

Published February 14, 2023

The integration of analog and digital equipment can provide lots of opportunities but also challenges in plant optimization. Workflows, especially front office and plant for packaging operations, have to address many complexities not found in commercial printing workflows.

Workflow Integration Is In Demand

Published February 13, 2023

David Zwang talks to Tom Peire, CEO of Four Pees, about how, as print and packaging continue on the journey toward a more automated and connected value chain, integration and support are key.

Off-the-Shelf Software Is No Solution: How to Customize a Software Solution That Solves Your Workflow Needs

Published February 6, 2023

With the shifting market directions of procurement and print production there is a lot to be learned about the new requirements, processes, and pain points of the customer base. Building a “one size fits all” solution will usually fall short of those goals. Ultimately the solution needs to fit the specific needs of a PSP and their customer and partner relationships.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part Two

Published January 31, 2023

More printing companies are finding opportunities in packaging production as more targeted and shorter packaging production runs increase and new digital tools help reduce the skill sets required. However, many are finding that different production tools and workflows as well as new processes are required to optimize and succeed.

EFI and Fiery Transform for Opportunities and Growth

Published January 31, 2023

EFI and Fiery have been one company under Siris Capital for a while now, and the time has come to let each of them grow to their individual potential. David Zwang talks to Jeff Jacobson, former CEO of EFI and now the Executive Chairman of both companies, about how he will help support the new growth.

New Challenges and Approaches to Packaging Workflows—Part One

Published January 24, 2023

Since there is an increasing shift of consumers from large global brands to smaller local/regional brands, so is the amount of disparate packaging required. However, while the diversity of needs commercial print are feeling the pressures, packaging adds many other level of complexities.

Articles by David Zwang