Author: Michael Grass

Aaah, the can and the bottle. A classic pairing spotted in many an ice bucket on a hot afternoon and a winning combo fit to challenge even the most iconic double acts (Laurel & Hardy, Richard & Judy, Batman & Robin… the list goes on). Having worked for some time with clients and media in the packaging sector, it was during a recent trip to the local newsagent’s that got me thinking about these two very different yet so similar containers.

Author: Michael Grass

I remember having a conversation with Dad sometime in 2010 about Facebook. My father, a seasoned Communications Manager, dismissed the social site as “a fad that will struggle to find a place in business”, before signing off with what can only be described with the benefit of hindsight as an ironic statement: “trust me, it won’t last”.

Author: Greg Mills

Although for me the word “game-changing” generally falls into the same category of overused words as “unique” and “strategic”, a look at the impact that 3D printing is already having and could yet have suggests that game-changing really could be an appropriate adjective to use to describe this technology.  Although more accurately called “additive manufacturing”, the adoption of 3D printing is picking up pace (almost 133,000 3D printers were shipped worldwide in 2014, 68 % up on 2013) and we’re starting to see regular stories about how the technology is being used for a huge variety of purposes – from bra sizing to road-ready cars to pharmaceutical drugs to prosthetic feet for ducks and hoofs for horses.

Author: Cerys Traylor

The Land of the Rising Sun…Japan. Just over 3 weeks ago, I hopped on a plane, had a hectic transfer in Beijing and eventually arrived in Tokyo, to begin my two week adventure around these amazing islands. I arrived during the heart of the ‘Sakura’ (cherry blossom) season and this was reflected throughout the country, from the bright neon lights of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, to the mountainous regions and the Japanese Alps.

Author: Daniel Porter

As drupa fast approaches – in fact it’s only 41 days away now – I’m curious to discover how many exhibitors will be featuring some of the exciting new applications that are currently on a rapid rise in the interior décor and textile printing sectors. It’s an area that has sparked my interest recently, as I’ve been more immersed in these industry sectors, and it never ceases to amaze me just what is now possible by the constant innovation of wide format digital inkjet printing. I’ve even been able to pass on some tips in relation to architectural films to a friend who’s currently in the throes of a ‘Grand Design’ project, and I’m likely to see the end result of these digitally printed films in-situ very soon.

Author: Shireen Shurmer

This week Royal Mail launched Letters of Our Lives, ‘a nationwide search to discover long-forgotten letters and postcards that reveal our social and political history, as told by the people who lived it.’ It’s part of the 500^th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Mail.  I can’t wait to discover the personal stories this campaign reveals.

Author: Cerys Traylor

With customer loyalty harder than ever for brands to build and sustain, companies are returning to basics and renewing their focus on packaging, drawn towards the authenticity that packaging design can convey to differentiate their product.

Author: Michael Grass

Millennials, Generation Y or whatever name you want to give the group of people aged between 15 and 35, are increasingly becoming more socially and ecologically aware about the world around them. As touched upon in our blog ‘Why Millennials want to work with eco-conscious companies’, a more green way of thinking (‘environmentality’, if you will) is influencing the type of company this generation associates with.

Author: Paul Spiers

At the pre-drupa media international conference in Düsseldorf earlier this month, ‘the cloud’ popped up like a thought bubble in many of the exhibitor presentations. But just what is ‘the cloud’ and how does it affect the print industry?

Author: Cerys Traylor

A key component of most product rebrands is packaging. Often the consumer’s first interaction with a product, we all know how important packaging is within the purchasing journey and the emotional response it can elicit. But did you know it can make or break a rebrand and consequently hit sales?

Author: Helen Tolino

Digital printing continues to extend its sphere of influence beyond its comfort zone both within the graphic arts sector and beyond. Looking past traditional commercial print applications such as books, magazines, newspapers and printed marketing collateral, the latest printing technologies are increasingly being used within the manufacturing process for a broader range of products. This ongoing migration offers commercial print service providers (PSPs) real opportunities for growth.

Author: Paul Spiers

After the meteoric and unescapable wave of Big Data, the time has come to start thinking about Smart Data.