Navigating Challenges and Innovations in the Printing Industry: Insights from Andreas Weber and Morten Reitoft's Discussion with Günter Thomas Introduction This article offers an in-depth look at the printing industry's current state and future prospects, guided by a conversation with industry veterans Andreas Weber, Morten Reitoft, and Günter Thomas (GT). It highlights critical issues such as market challenges, innovation, quality, sustainability, and public perception in the context of the German printing industry. Section 1: The State of the Printing Industry The discussion begins with examining the German printing sector's struggles, particularly the impact of rising costs and stiff international competition. Günter Thomas points out the difficulties in transferring increased operational costs to product pricing. He also mentions the burden of political decisions on the industry, such as policies affecting electricity prices directly impacting production costs. Section 2: Innovation and Quality in Printing Thomas emphasizes the importance of innovation in maintaining high-quality standards in printing. The conversation discusses the need for closer collaboration between designers and printers to optimize potential outcomes. According to Thomas, the lack of such interactions hampers the industry's ability to double its knowledge sharing and advance collectively. Section 3: The Role of Packaging Printing The dialogue shifts to packaging printing, a significant and challenging sector in Germany. Thomas discusses how medium-sized companies struggle to keep up with global corporations' capital and scale. He notes that despite its challenges, the luxury sector remains a vital area of focus, especially in terms of quality and innovation. Section 4: Sustainability and the Future of Printing Sustainability is a central theme, with Thomas advocating for environmentally friendly practices in printing. He critiques the general demonization of packaging and urges the industry to demonstrate the beauty and necessity of printed products. He also highlights the need for the industry to consider the lifecycle of products, from production to disposal. Section 5: Engaging with the Public and Industry Image Thomas and Weber discuss the importance of enhancing the printing industry's public image. They suggest that the industry should more actively showcase its technological advancements and the intrinsic value of printed materials. The conversation underscores the need for the industry to step out of the shadows and assert its significance in the global market. Conclusion The discussion concludes with a call to action for the printing industry to embrace innovation, uphold quality, pursue sustainability, and engage more publicly. The industry faces significant challenges but also possesses the potential for growth and adaptation. The key to future success lies in balancing economic pressures with the drive for innovation and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the printing industry remains vibrant and relevant in the years to come.

Today's guest of Andreas Weber, CEO/Country Manager INKISH D-A-CH, is a very special disciple of Gutenberg: Günter Thomas, in short: GT, founder and owner of GT Trendhouse 42. Live from Gelsenkirchen, in the middle of the Ruhr area. The range of topics has it all and reflects the high level of creativity, passion, sensuality and above all the love of print at the highest level. Original GT: “I was not born just to make paper colorful. That would have been too little for me. In our industry, you have to be weird and look over your own horizon. I try to live that. " The discussion takes place, for example, through discounter Aldi as a showroom for special effect printing for brands, print & rock roll. Everything GT does is very positive. "Why are you like you are - always full of joy and love, new ideas and still entrepreneurially successful?" Why is print considered a premium and not a commodity? How can you be highly creative and at the same time a clever inventor and tech savvy to the power of ten in one. How do you get by as a premium print shop without sales? How do customers from all over the world become real friends? As with all our ‘Over the Skype’ interviews, quality is limited to bandwidth, web-cams, and ability to literally LIVE mix the conversations. However, it works, and with Over the Skype, we will bring you more than 20 exciting people, and angles on the industry as it is right now. Enjoy! -- German -- Der heutige Gast von Andreas Weber, CEO/Country Manager INKISH D-A-CH, ist ein ganz besonderer Jünger Gutenbergs: Günter Thomas, kurz: GT, Gründer und Inhaber von GT Trendhouse 42. Live aus Gelsenkirchen, mitten im Ruhrgebiet. Das Themenspektrum hat es in sich und spiegelt die hohe Kreativität, Leidenschaft, Sinnesfreude und vor allem die Liebe zu Print auf höchster Ebene wieder. O-Ton GT: „Ich bin nicht auf die Welt gekommen, einfach nur um Papier bunt zu machen. Das wäre mir zu wenig gewesen. In unserer Branche muss man schräg sein und über seinen eigenen Horizont blicken. Das versuche ich zu leben.“ Das Gespräch führt zum Beispiel über Discounter Aldi als Showroom für Special Effect Printing zu Brands, Print & Rocken Roll. Alles was GT tut, fällt auf Positivste aus dem Rahmen. „Warum bist Du wie Du bist — immer voll Freude und Liebe, neuen Ideen und trotzdem unternehmerisch erfolgreich?“ Warum gilt Print als Premium und nicht als Commodity? Wie kann man hoch-kreativ sein und gleichzeitig ein ausgefuchster Tüftler und Tech Savvy hoch zehn in einem. Wie kommt man als Premium-Druckerei ohne Vertrieb aus. Wie werden aus Kunden aus aller Welt echte Freunde? Hinweis: Wie bei allen unseren "Over the Skype"-Interviews richtet sich die Bild-/Ton-Qualität nach verfügbarer Bandbreite und den jeweiligen Web-Cams aus sowie der Möglichkeit, die Konversationen buchstäblich LIVE zu führen. Es funktioniert trotz allem erstaunlich gut und mit Over the Skype bringen wir bis dato mehr als 50 besondere Persönlichkeiten zusammen und geben Einblicke in die Branche, wie sie derzeit ist. Viel Spaß!

In this intriguing story with and about Günter Korbacher and Weilburger Graphics' journey, James Quirk asks the right uuand interesting questions about products, services, sustainability, the future, and why an investment in new technology was instrumental for Weilburger Graphics' current position in the coating business. LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/g%C3%BCnter-korbacher-b692bb145/

BHS is one of the world's largest manufacturers of corrugating machines, and Günter Huber is the head of the business unit responsible for its development and production. BHS is working hard to deliver on the Box Plant 2025 vision that will give BHS and its customers new business opportunities, adapting to a more and more digital world - and now also adding the huge Jetliner to its product line, enabling digital print in high-quality on the liner before the currogator - amazing to witness.

Even in the difficult Corona times, there are bright spots and real great moments. As part of the INKISH@Work Tour in Switzerland, Andreas Weber, CEO INKISH D-A-CH, had an Over the Skype conversation with Gunilla Saltin, CEO of Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper, based in Vienna, Austria. The top manager, who comes from Sweden, inspires us with her smart and clever messages that have not yet been heard in this form in the print and paper sector. Here at a glance what we were talking about: Focus 1: Innovations What are in your POV the core results of the virtual Press Conference from Tuesday September 22nd, 2020 (what is new, special, groundbreaking?) Focus 2: Management What is the special challenge for you in person and what is the most interesting thing about your job as CEO of Mondi UFP? How do you set accents for the employee and company culture in the context of the Mondi Group? What does your approach mean for customer orientation and go-to-market at Mondi? Focus 3: Outlook What trends do you see coming? Or how will the importance of print develop from your point of view? ---- Selbst in schwierigen Corona-Zeiten gibt es Lichtblicke und wirklich großartige Momente. Im Rahmen der INKISH@Work Tour in der Schweiz führte Andreas Weber, CEO von INKISH D-A-CH, ein Over the Skype-Gespräch mit Gunilla Saltin, CEO von Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. Die aus Schweden stammende Top-Managerin inspiriert uns mit ihren smarten und klugen Botschaften, die im Druck- und Papierbereich noch nicht in dieser Form zu hören waren. Hier auf einen Blick, worüber wir gesprochen haben: Fokus 1: Innovationen Was sind aus Ihrer Sicht die Kernergebnisse der virtuellen Pressekonferenz vom Dienstag, dem 22. September 2020 (was ist neu, speziell, bahnbrechend?) Fokus 2: Management Was ist die besondere Herausforderung für Sie persönlich und was ist das Interessanteste an Ihrem Job als CEO von Mondi UFP? Wie setzen Sie Akzente für die Mitarbeiter- und Unternehmenskultur im Kontext der Mondi-Gruppe? Was bedeutet Ihr Ansatz für die Kundenorientierung und Markteinführung bei Mondi? Fokus 3: Ausblick Welche Trends sehen Sie? Oder wie wird sich die Bedeutung des Drucks aus Ihrer Sicht entwickeln?

Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems recently employed Matt Thackray as the VP and General Manager of Kongsberg Americas. In this film, we did a guided tour of the huge booth and got the chance to see the equipment but also get to know Matt and understand his approach to the growth he expects!

Seeing is believing, and Marisa Dürtsch delivers an excellent guided tour in English and German at Finishing First event. On these tours, she takes you to the Stitchliner Mark V and the amazing BQ500 series with all the bells and whistles you can think of. But don't take my word for it - watch this approx 12 minutes guided tour and enjoy!

Interviewed by Poligrafika, Anna Naruszko Produced by INKISH

Not many years luxury labels weren't exactly what you expected with digital - but the combination of HP Indigo and the KURZ DM-Jetliner seems to be a real game-changer. In this film, we talk to Managing Director David Richards from Amberley Labels. He appraises the opportunities - so if you are interested in new technology, labels, and how to add value to your label production - this is a good starting point. Enjoy!

This was - to be honest - a very funny interview to do. Shayne Huston and Pam Deacon interviewed in this film from MGC, Des Moines, Iowa, made it a blast to do - even though editor Morten Reitoft interviewed them remotely. Mail Communications Group started as a mail sorting service, and today MCG is a full-service communications company that essentially helps its customers succeed. Solimar delivers one of the core products and the backbone of the IT infrastructure. INKISH and Solimar have done many projects together, and what continues to - well - not surprising, but emphasize, is the very close and personal relationship Solimar has with their customers. Enjoy.

Almost impossible to imagine, but AstroNova started with a 4-color ribbon print and is today a recognized supplier to the label/printing industry. At Drupa 2024, the neighboring booth, MTEX from Portugal, was acquired by AstroNova very recently - moving AstroNova into a new league of printers. Super interesting chat also allows us to learn about organic and non-organic growth! LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregwoods1234/

At Printing United in Orlando, Morten B. Reitoft from INKISH sits down with Greg Bane from Ultimate Tech to discuss the company’s focus on automation in large-format printing. Greg explains that automation has become increasingly important as print shops face tighter deadlines, higher material costs, and the constant need to improve efficiency. By streamlining workflows and reducing manual intervention, automation helps printers achieve faster turnaround times, optimize costs, and maximize the return on their hardware investments. Bane highlights Ultimate Tech’s continued innovation in workflow automation and imposition software. The company’s solutions integrate seamlessly with any digital front end, printer, or cutting equipment, offering full flexibility regardless of brand. Their two-way communication capabilities allow operators to receive detailed feedback from devices, including data on material usage and waste. This enables printers to make better production decisions and minimize losses, particularly when working with high-value substrates. He also discusses the power of shape-nesting optimization, where the software calculates the most efficient way to position jobs on a sheet or substrate. When given a bit more time to process, the software often finds surprisingly effective layouts that significantly reduce waste. According to Bane, these savings alone can easily justify the software investment. Reflecting on his own background, Bane shares that he joined Ultimate Tech less than a year ago after previously working with the company as a partner. He praises the team’s professionalism, strong ethics, and deep industry experience. As the conversation wraps up, he emphasizes the key takeaway for the print industry today: automation is no longer optional. To remain competitive and meet modern customer expectations, printers must embrace “automation, automation, and automation.”

C!Print 2023 in Lyon is, by all measures, already a success. The EuroExpo Center in Lyon was filled up with guests, and most of the day, it seemed very busy. There was a good mood, and we got some excellent interviews from many exciting people. In this Bonjour! Jacques Michiels and Morten B. Reitoft share impressions from the first day and expectations for our last day at C!Print. Enjoy, and remember to see our interviews on INKISH.TV. We already have many films online, and all are now uploaded with English subtitles (the French language editions!)

A few months ago, we visited Courier Graphics in Phoenix, Arizona - and besides the fantastic technology they use to produce great print and also the implementation of a new MIS solution from PrintVis, which brought us to the site, we got a chance to see the amazing showroom, talk to Designer Melissa Loughran from Courier Graphics - and to see some of the samples that really pushed the boundaries. Enjoy this!

Pat McGrew is impressed with the print samples delivered by Ricoh. They make it easy, but more importantly, they show cool samples from what their technology can deliver—folders, postcards, and of course, a piece that reminds us of Hunkeler Innovationdays Lucerne. Great to see how vendors invest in hopefully valuable samples that support your business - but hey, you should really consider doing your own print samples and use these to market your services to your customers!

The diversity of people attending an event like Hunkeler Innovationdays is simply amazing. PSPs, Specialists, Media, and of course, dealers. In this interview, Chris Manley from Graphco in the US explains how great he finds his first Hunkeler Innovationdays. As with many other attendees, Chris Manley meets friends, customers, and new leads. Dig in!

CAB Holding is a South African printing company with locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elisabeth and Durban. The company originates from a more commercial background, but has, with digital print, also expanded into the transactional market. Instead of just printing statements, the company also adds a newsletter to the statement. By folding, perforating, and gluing the paper, they deliver digitally printed statements that are mailed without the need for an envelope. In this episode, Managing Director Graham Saunders speaks with Jean Lloyd of INKISH about the Kyocera investment and how it has impacted the go-to-market strategy for CAB Holding. Enjoy!

Let's talk about inkjet print heads here at Fespa 2024. Much of the equipment on display at the show uses Ricoh technology, so who better to talk to than Graham Kennedy, their Director of Industrial Print Solutions himself. Enjoy.

On the second day of LabelExpo-Americas 2022, Grafotronic and KURZ announced a partnership. With the partnership, Grafotronic will deliver a module to their digital finishing series and, by that, integrate the KURZ Uniliner into the machine. Interesting opportunities as the module also will be available to solutions already in the market. In this interview with Business Development Directory, Morten Toksvaerd shares his view on the agreement!

November 8-9/2016 GRAFKOM I/O 2016 in Norrköping, Sweden. INKISH.TV will cover this extremely exciting event and if you have the opportunity you should go. GRAFKOM is about sharing information and at this years event you will find speakers, vendors and have a fantastic opportunity to network with hundreds of business leaders. Find more information at: http://www.grafkom.se/io/

At the recent 'Print Next 18' event in Stockholm Grafkom and Federation of Swedish Printers (Grafiska Företagen) joined forces to create a joined event focusing on the future of the printing industry. We spoke with CEO Ravindra Parasnins - see and listen to what he say.

Morten Reitoft from Inkish interviews Doug Gibson from Infigo at the CERM booth during LabelExpo in Barcelona. Doug explains how Infigo, traditionally known as a web-to-print platform for commercial printing, has spent the last 4–5 years actively adapting its system for the label and flexible packaging industry, which involves far greater complexity than flat-sheet commercial print. This journey began with early development work alongside Geostick and has since expanded to customers like Blue Label in the US, with feedback-driven development shaping the platform. Unlike larger software vendors who release features broadly and hope they fit, Infigo works closely with customers to prioritize and build only what solves their immediate, real-world needs. In labels, most larger converters currently focus on reordering workflows rather than first-time ordering with complex embellishments or die-cuts. Infigo’s role is to simplify the complex specification process and make repeat orders easy. The integration with CERM is key: Infigo can aggregate job data from multiple production sites (five or six, for example), display it in a single interface, and even enable load balancing between sites, while keeping CERM as the central MIS backbone. Doug highlights that the tight collaboration with CERM has been crucial. The companies have built trust through years of working together—even navigating the inevitable challenges—and this partnership has allowed them to deliver integrated, automated solutions that bring real value to converters like Geostick.

President and CEO Joe Straka, Priority Group, appreciate being back to eProductivity Software/EFI Connect for the tenth time and underscore the importance of human-to-human interaction. Joe Straka also explains his eight operations that ALL utilize solutions from eProductivity Software/EFI.