Laser company Trotec has introduced new colour varieties and improved ink-adhesion for its Digital Print Series laserable plastics - “ideal for applications that combine printing, laser engraving and laser cutting, as well as print-and-cut applications such as interior signs, decorative signage, POS displays and badges.”

Global Graphics Software will “close the last link in DFE chain” with next week's launch of SmartMedia Color Management at Labelexpo Americas (13-15 September, Chicago). 

The FESPA Awards 2023 are now open to print service providers (PSPs) and sign-makers looking to highlight their outstanding examples of print. This year, FESPA has added a new category to zone in on sustainably produced applications. This award will be judged across all categories against environmental considerations, including a reduction in the use of materials, energy and labour throughout production; whether the product can be reused or recycled; if notable attention has been paid to lifecycle analysis; and whether the entry is economically viable.

Shipment delays from China to New Zealand increased by 144% pcp in Q3 2022, while shipment delays from China to Australia reduced by 15% - but were still up by 531% compared to Q3 2019, according to researcher project44. “New Zealand is facing particular challenges as carriers prioritise more profitable routes."

Self-adhesive materials manufacturer and supplier Metamark has added a new PVC Free digital print media and matched overlaminate to its product range. 

€16 million in increased electricity costs has forced Swedish paper mill Lessebo Paper to halt production on August 31, with future production now depending on daily electricity prices.

HP Inc has named Brad Pulford as its new managing director for Australia and New Zealand, replacing Mike Boyle who was promoted to a new global large format role in July.

Stocks of Lamitack Films have arrived at Total Image Supplies Melbourne warehouse for nationwide distribution. The well-known Korean brand, Lamitack Films, are globally renowned as the best performing and highest quality in BOPP cello-glaze type of films.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese opened the national jobs summit on Thursday by announcing a $1.1bn “training blitz” to address the “urgent challenge” of workforce shortages. He also proposed reforms of workplace pay deal bargaining.

It was blue skies and sunshine in Sydney as golfers took to the greens at the Pennant Hills Golf Club for this week's Visual Connections Golf Day. “The event was another welcome opportunity for the industry’s suppliers, their clients and others from across the industry to enjoy a day of networking,” said the organisers.

SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd., - SCREEN GP in Australia - has introduced a new high opacity white mode that offers more opaque white for the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI S, the company’s specialised UV inkjet label printing system.

HP’s Printing net revenue was $4.6 billion, down 6% year over year, with total hardware units down 3% - Consumer units were down 1% and Commercial units fell by 15%.

The PVCA Board met yesterday, courtesy Ricoh's premises, to appoint a revised Board with Matt Aitken - IVE Group - as President. It appears to be a Board compiled to steer the Association through the merger with TRMC, having great depth and experience to draw on.

Cathy O'Connor, CEO of outdoor media advertiser oOh!media, has been named a keynote speaker at the World Out of Home Organisation's (WOO) APAC Forum in Kuala Lumpur from October 11-13. 

Ball & Doggett says shipping reliability is improving but several key drivers are placing further upward pressure on prices, including souring energy costs, pulp shortages and currency volatility. “Congestion is forecast to remain at key ports until the first half of next year.”

Agfa-Gevaert Group has signed a share purchase agreement with asset management company Aurelius Group for the sale of its Offset Solutions division. Under the terms of the deal, Aurelius will acquire the Agfa’s Offset business for 92 million Euro, subject to conditions.

Avery Dennison announced full-day training workshops in NSW (28 Sept) and Queensland (24 Oct) on automotive tint film preparation and application techniques. Cost is $365 per person.

HP has introduced Recycled1 Removable Adhesive Fabric, aimed at “the growing market of eco-conscious print consumers." 100% of total PET resin in the product is made from recycled water bottles.

Epson Australia has announced the inaugural Australian Photographic Prize Awards (APP) and Conference (8-11 September 2022, venues across Melbourne), with over $35,000 worth of prizes across various competitions including the Epson Print Awards. 

“Despite the proposed acquisition combining the two largest providers of heatset web-offset printing in Australia, we reached the view that IVE was the only viable purchaser of Ovato.” The decision comes a day after IVE announced an agreement - subject to ACCC clearance - to buy Ovato for $16 million.

Print and marketing business IVE Group says it's signed a deal to “acquire substantially all of the assets of Ovato for a net purchase consideration of approximately $16 million.” [Update: The agreement will not be opposed by the ACCC].