Spandex UK adds Arlon to its leading portfolio of brands

Spandex, the one-stop supplier of complete and innovative solutions to the digital printing and signmaking industries is proud to announce that Arlon has now been added to its leading portfolio of brands.

Established over 50 years ago, California based Arlon Graphics is a worldwide leading manufacturer of pressure sensitive vinyls with expertise in cast and other premium films for fleet, vehicle and wall wrap applications as well as high quality polymeric vinyls for digital printing.

"With Arlon's expansion into Europe, we quickly identified products within their portfolio based on price and performance that would appeal to customers and segments we currently do not serve", says Leon Watson, General Manager, Spandex UK.

David Neidell, Director, Arlon Europe adds "Spandex UK has a fantastic reputation and renowned customer service.  We are excited to have them represent Arlon films and to build upon the solid foundation that we have with Spandex across the globe."

Arlon portfolio to include:
The DPF 4500 series is a useful asset for any signmaker. This digital polymeric film is perfect for a wide variety of generic signage applications.

DPF 8000 is the ultimate premium film for challenging surfaces such as walls, brick, concrete and other rough surfaces. This highly durable film offers a high-tack adhesive system allowing users to work on difficult and challenging projects.

DPF 6000XRP is a digital cast film offering conformability for vehicle wrap applications. The X-Scape adhesive system enables bubble release and repositionability during application.
Series 2600LX Ultimate PremiumPlusT is a new generation of 3D wrap films ideal for vehicle wrapping applications and offers exceptional conformability. The series offers over 40 films including gloss, matt, metallics, pearlescent and carbon fibre.

"The addition of Arlon to our leading portfolio of brands demonstrates how Spandex is continuing to evolve in order to meet the demands and application needs of customers.  With over 26,000 products and 99.6% of all orders delivered next day, we see that an increasing number of customers are choosing Spandex to support their daily business needs", concludes Leon.

To find out more visit www.spandex.co.uk/arlon or call 0800 77 26 33

FASTSIGNS ranked in top 3 franchises within business services category

FASTSIGNS has been ranked in the top three franchises in the USA within the business services category.  The company was also placed 12th overall on the Franchise Business Review’s 'FBR50' for outstanding franchisee satisfaction.

To compile the honorees for this year’s list, market research firm Franchise Business Review surveyed more than 26,000 franchisees representing more than 350 franchise brands. The survey includes 33 benchmark questions, relating to the franchisee’s experience and satisfaction as well as market area, business lifestyle and other demographic characteristics.

“As a franchisor, there is no greater gratification than when our franchisees are happy, satisfied and receiving the support they need from the corporate team,” said Catherine Monson, CEO of FASTSIGNS. “Our ultimate goal is to help franchisees thrive in their businesses and achieve their personal dreams, and when that happens, everyone is happy.”

Of the many tactics employed by FASTSIGNS to keep its franchisees satisfied, the company puts emphasis on providing franchisees with ongoing training on the latest technologies, industry changes and best practices. The franchisor also hosts regional town hall meetings where franchisees have the opportunity to learn about company initiatives, ask questions and share ideas. The company also has a franchisee mentor program to guide and lend support in every aspect business to newer franchisees. In addition, FASTSIGNS assists with marketing, site selection and construction management services for new centers.

“FASTSIGNS continues to impress us - making the list for the 8th consecutive year. Although they are a large system focused on growth, it’s apparent they still focus on the support and success of their current franchisees,” said Franchise Business Review President Michelle Rowan.

With more than 530 FASTSIGNS sign and graphics centers in eight countries, FASTSIGNS provides marketing and visual communications solutions to businesses, organizations and events of all types and sizes. FASTSIGNS offers a variety of sign and graphics solutions â€" including banners, building signs, digital signage, yard signs, vehicle graphics, decals, trade show exhibits and displays, point-of-purchase signs, and posters â€" as well as mobile websites, promotional products, interior décor, branding, printing and other marketing services.

For more information, please visit www.fastsigns.com.

'Overwhelming response to event' leads to expansion of inaugural FESPA Eurasia 2013

With seven months to go, the inaugural FESPA Eurasia 2013, taking place in Istanbul, Turkey from 3-5 October 2013, already has over 80% of the floor plan allocated.  Due to increasing demand from new and existing exhibitors requesting to take larger stands currently unavailable in the halls, FESPA has now decided to move the exhibition into larger halls, making it one third bigger than its original size. This expansion takes the show to 21,000m2 (gross).

FESPA Eurasia is a show specifically designed for printers in this region. For the first time, FESPA will be in a position to deliver an event presenting new product innovation, technological advancements, applications, plus relevant conference content and new ideas, right to the Eurasian visitor’s doorstep.

FESPA Managing Director Neil Felton comments, “In my 17 years in the exhibitions sector, I have never seen such an overwhelming response to a launch event. The level of interest we are experiencing for FESPA Eurasia underlines the market’s appetite for an event of FESPA’s calibre. The positive conversations we are having with exhibitors wanting to increase stand size is an encouraging testament to the buoyancy of the market and the strength of the FESPA brand. We also believe our partnership with ARED, with their local market expertise - coupled with the significant investment FESPA is making in the region - has been pivotal to the success of FESPA Eurasia so far.”

Felton continues, “The educational content which is central to all FESPA events will make FESPA Eurasia different to any other show serving this region. FESPA is renowned worldwide for delivering leading educational programmes securing key experts to share knowledge on the latest trends and examples of best practice to help print service providers develop their businesses profitably.”

Mehmet Efe, General Manager, Solvetex comments on the significance of FESPA Eurasia.  “It is important for our business to exhibit at FESPA Eurasia, primarily because it is an international event. FESPA is a global brand, respected brand in Turkey, as well as the other parts of the world and we trust them to deliver and increase the size of the show.”

Taner Güven, Owner, Optimum Digital Planet adds, “I am not surprised by the huge demand FESPA Eurasia has experienced, which has resulted in a need for the show to increase in size. We are really looking forward to exhibiting at the show as the Turkish sector has massive untapped potential. We believe that a FESPA exhibition in this region is sure to be a great success.”

For more information on FESPA Eurasia, please visit www.fespaeurasia.com

Ricoh to showcase solutions on 'biggest stand' at North Print & Pack 2013

Ricoh UK will be exhibiting at North Print & Pack 2013 in May this year and has booked the largest stand at the event (A100 + A200). The company will showcase an extensive range of hardware and software solutions including the first UK showing of the recently launched Pro C901 Graphic Arts +, which is publicly available in the UK in the summer, and incorporates the new EFI E42 or E82 print servers.

Says Stephen Palmer, Head of Production Print, Ricoh UK, “North Print & Pack 2013 is a focused show with a rich, respected heritage and fits well with Ricoh’s desire to participate in events and exhibitions that enable it to get even closer to its customers. Our efforts this year continue to be on working with customers to transform their businesses through greater production efficiency and increased profitability and flexibility, giving them the freedom to operate their businesses successfully and confidently. North Print & Pack 2013 will give us a great platform to achieve this.

The inclusion of the packaging sector in this show is also an exciting development that is representative of the fact digital is helping to break down the barriers-to-entry across a range of related printing sectors, all of which gives our customers the opportunity to diversify and grow their businesses. We are looking forward to meeting with a broad range of customers at the show.”

In addition to the Pro C901+, Ricoh will also be showing a Ricoh Pro C751, a Ricoh Pro 1357 high volume black & white press and the company’s new wide format solution, the MP CW2200SP, as well as a range of new software products from its growing TotalFlow workflow portfolio including Barr EOM and Commercial Marcom Central from PTI Technologies.

Ricoh will be joined on the stand once again by partners including Morgana and Objectif Lune, Pentax and Ricoh’s ITS division. The company will also be promoting its Business Driver Programme, an exclusive online portal for Ricoh customers, designed to help them maximise their investment in Ricoh’s technology through access to an extensive resource of business tools and support.

Finally, representatives from Ricoh will also be participating in the show’s extensive speaker programme. Stephen Palmer will sit on the panel for the ‘Lack of Finance and Government Support = Lack of Innovation and Disparity â€" Advice on Enabling your Business’ at 2pm on Tuesday 14th May, with Ricoh Director, Tim Carter, and a Ricoh customer presenting on ‘Going Beyond Print to Deliver Value-Added Services, Solutions and Applications â€" Sharing Customers Real-World, Proven Solutions’ at 4pm on Tuesday.

North Print & Pack 2013 will be taking place at the Harrogate International Centre from 14th â€" 16th May 2013. For more information, please visit www.printandpack.co.uk.

Antalis confirms its products are fully compliant with European Timber Regulations

 

Antalis has moved to reassure commercial print customers that its products are all fully compliant with new Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, also known as the European Timber Regulations (EUTR), which comes into force on 3rd March 2013.

The introduction of the Regulation makes it a criminal offence to place illegal timber on EU markets and all organisations affected by the regulation must implement procedures to ensure that the timber they trade and supply has been legally sourced.

The new law requires anyone handling timber or timber products, such as paper and card, to perform due diligence by assessing the risk that those products may have come from an illegal source and taking action to mitigate that risk.

It covers both operators â€" defined as anyone that places timber or timber products on the internal market â€" and traders, which includes anyone that buys or sells timber products in the course of a commercial activity, such as printers, print managers, stationers, wholesalers, shops and supermarkets.

Antalis Environment Manager Matthew Botfield said: “Following the implementation of this legislation, traders of paper products should look more carefully at how these products are sourced.

“However, Antalis customers can rest assured that all of our products are fully compliant with the new EU Timber Regulation as we have long been aware of the need to ensure that our paper and board products come from legal and well-managed sources.

“This means that we are able to provide our customers with the information required by the appointed monitoring organisation for all of our paper and board products, giving them complete peace of mind and easing their administrative burden.

The implementation of the regulation in the UK will be enforced by the National Measurement Office (NMO) which will undertake checks and ensure the enforcement of the regulation, with penalties for non-compliance. The NMO is not only concerned with the issue of illegal timber being placed on the EU market but also whether the operator has an adequate due diligence system that prevents illegal timber from being placed on the market.

While most UK businesses trading wood and paper products will not have to gather the same detailed information on timber and paper products as an ‘operator’, they do have an important role in ensuring illegal timber does not contaminate their supply chains. This is why ‘traders’ are required by the regulation to be able to identify the upstream and downstream suppliers for their timber and paper products. Information about these supplier links will enable the NMO to identify operators who may be placing non-compliant timber or paper products on the European market.

For further information visit www.antalis.co.uk.

 

HP to present its solutions for corrugated converters at CCE International

HP will be presenting solutions and application possibilities for corrugated converters and their customers at CCE International, the corrugated and carton exhibition.  The event will take place between 19th and 21st March 2013 at the Munich Trade Centre, Germany.

Ideal for proofing and prototyping, an HP Scitex FB500 Printer will be on the stand, as well as information, customer samples and supporting videos about the productivity-enhancing HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press.

“HP Scitex presses and printers are enabling corrugated converters to transform unprofitable short runs into profitable ones through digital automation and by adding value with reduced turnaround times and variable data printing,” said Moshiko Levhar, segment manager, Scitex High Volume Solutions, EMEA, HP. “This opens the potential for new packaging and POP/POS applications that meet the requirements of today’s marketing strategies and brand-owners.”

The HP Scitex FB500 Printer offers versatility with the ability to print both flexible and rigid substrates in up to seven colours, including white. Fold-away tables and optional extension tables provide converters with the ability to handle sheet sizes up to 163 x 305cm (64 x 120in) for media up to 64mm (2.5in) thick and print at speeds up to 37m2/hr (398ft2/hr).

For high-volume production, the HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press can print up to 95 full-size sheets (165 x 320cm; 65 x 126in) per hour in production mode and up to 55 sheets/hour in POP mode.

The productivity and versatility of these printers allow corrugated converters to expand their services to include short-run, fast-turnaround printing on a wide range of rigid and flexible substrates with variable data for versions, QR codes and track-and-trace information.

The HP Scitex FB7600 Industrial Press uses a six-colour UV-curable HP FB225 Scitex Ink set (and optional white) which provides excellent dot gain and a wide colour gamut with up to 600dpi resolution. These inks are crack and chip resistant, reducing damage during folding, and offering additional quality assurance in packaging and other applications.

HP FB225 Scitex Ink meets AgBB criteria for health-related evaluation of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions of indoor building products. The ink is also GREENGUARD Children & Schools certified. HP  FB225 Scitex Ink also received certification under the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification Program for Low Emitting Products. These certifications broaden the range of applications possible and open new opportunities for converters and their customers.

The optional Hostert Automatic Loader, developed with HP for HP Scitex FB7500/7600 Industrial Presses, delivers fully automated pallet-to-pallet production while an optional multi-sheet loading table enables the simultaneous printing of up to four smaller pre-cut sheets.

Specialist product and application managers will be on the HP stand at CCE International to offer advice and information on these solutions as well as other HP printers and presses for packaging applications.

For more information, please visit www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts

[Image shows HP Scitex FB7600]

German photographer relies on Sihl Wallpaper Persomural 170 for FotoDoks event

The annual FotoDoks festival and exhibition of contemporary documentary photography is a chance for some of the world’s best photographers to display their works of art.  The 2012 exhibition was no exception with some of the best German and British photographers exhibiting works under the title ‘Attention â€" Respect, Control and Change’.

The 2012 festival and exhibition was held in Munich City Museum and attracted over 4800 people interested in not only seeing the photography on display, but also in listening to the various discussions, short documentation films and workshops.

This festival’s theme referred to the complex issues with which contemporary documentary photography is facing and the exhibition displayed 15 stunning photographic positions, by seven British and eight German photographers, which were dedicated to a particular issue of our time. One photographer Kai Wiedenhöfe, famous for his book projects and exhibitions, chose Sihl Wallpaper Persomural 170 to display his extraordinary panoramic view of the American/Mexican border.

Born in Schwennigen in 1966, photographer Kai Wiedenhöfer studied at University of Essen and since 1989 has followed the Near East as his main career orientated subject. In the past many grants and prizes have recognised his work. In December 2012 his latest book ‘Confrontier' about walls bordering and separating, was launched worldwide. The main focus of the book is the differences in border situations and how they are interpreted differently by the viewer.

The Munich City Museum exhibited eight panoramic 210 x 70 cm border views between the USA and Mexico all from the photographer, all using Sihl Wallpaper Persomural 170.

As one of the sponsors of the 2012 festival, Sihl provided Sihl Wallpaper Persomural 170 matt 3260 for the exhibition. This high quality paper has an elegant and water fast inkjet coating when printed with water based pigment inks. The fine matt surface structure finish achieves high colour brilliance with a wide gamut which is perfect for colourful panoramic photography. The inks are quick dry and thanks to the bonding of the inks, high durability is achieved.

Due to the high dimensional stability and water fastness of the 180 g/m2, Wallpaper Persomural 170 can be hung using everyday wallpaper paste. Unlike all wallpapers, lining up patterns after hanging, is easy and due to its dry structure is also easy to remove after use, without any problems. Its high opacity and tight structure enables a perfect covering, even when faced with small cracks and uneven walls. And the scratch resistance of the PVC-free media makes mounting easy and carefree.

Ian Turnbull, operations director of Sihl Direct UK, said, “Kai Wiedenhöfer chose our wallpaper for several reasons. It has an attractive structure, the good dimensional stability of the fleece material â€" in both a dry and wet state and easy bonding and handling. Of course one of the main reasons he chose the Sihl Wallpaper was because it offers the best printing results, which is most important when printing vivid images on such a huge scale.”

He added, “Also, the fleece basis of Persomural170 matt 3260 makes it possible to reuse the prints. By using the adhesive supplement Tylose (methyl cellulose), the paper can be moistened and removed after the exhibition. It can be moistened again, pasted and then remounted in other locations. Even after repeated use, the dimension of the material remains unchanged and the printed image is as brilliant as ever.”