EcoPrint Blog

Putting an Eco label on print is not a standard issue 2

My previous blog about standards has had some additions made to it from my friends at Intergraf and thank you! I had some excellent feedback from them and they were kind enough to contribute to the blog to enhance it's value. True eco-collaboration!

New brochure highlighting contribution of the EU print media value chain to sustainable growth

Intergraf, in collaboration with nine other associations, has published a new policy brochure - Print Media in Times of Change: A key contributor to EU 2020. It was published by the Print Media Group (PMG) and is a response to the EU 2020 Strategy published by the European Commission in 2010.

Landa launch lives up to the hype

In a customised cinema style theatre in the heart of the Drupa show, a revolution is underway. I saw with my own eyes a marketing triumph that simply outplayed every other 1000 or so exhibitors at Drupa. Despite those that say that this particular product isn't quite ready, which is true, and that it is not yet proven so therefore all spin, are eating from a large trough of sour grapes, in my opinion. They are suffering from pure marketing envy.

Liz Watson joins EcoPrint

Liz Watson joins the FM Brooks and the EcoPrint as Conference Coordinator and Exhibition Assistant to further strengthen the management team. Liz has a BA (Hons) Event Management (First Class) from the University of Greenwich. Courses included Event Production, Sporting Events, Event Planning, Event Project Management, Event Design, Corporate Events, Conferences & Meetings and Event Health & Safety.

Putting an Eco-label on print is not a standard issue.

It seems that news from Drupa suggests sustainability is high on print’s agenda. And this is timely indeed. Because in April, without fanfare, and without anyone really even noticing it, the EU Eco label has been launched into the market, and the news is that there is a specific EU Eco label for print. But does print need a label or indeed a standard at all?

Green technology blooms at drupa 2012

drupa 2012 is now around the corner, taking place from 3 – 16 May in Düsseldorf. As the event is recognised for its focus on innovation, I’m pleased to see that much of the new technology on show this year will be around environmentally responsible printing.

EcoPrint will be attending and exhibiting at Drupa 2012 - so do come and see us!

EcoPrint will be attending and exhibiting at Drupa 2012- so do come and see us! The EcoPrint team will be at Drupa from 4-10 May and 14-16 May and we would be keen to meet you.

With over 70 percent of floor space already sold, EcoPrint 2012 is set to be the world’s premier showcase of sustainable print innovation

EcoPrint 2012 organisers FM Brooks revealed the scope of industry-wide support for the show at the latest EcoPrint Development Group meeting in February. With 70 per cent floor-space already sold for the inaugural exhibition in Berlin in September, it is set to be the world’s premier showcase for sustainable print business.

Leadership is needed in order for print to succeed as a sustainable media

Change is demanding but the need to adapt is both inevitable and constant. The only way to ensure that any business continues to thrive and remain relevant is through effective leadership. The early movers in any industry tend to gain competitive advantage and are regarded as cutting edge, innovative and therefore appealing to do business with. But the initial journey takes bravery, self-belief, commitment, energy and hard work.

The Digital Revolution Speeds up Sustainability

The printing industry consumes paper, energy and chemicals so its impact on the environment is significant. However in the last 25 years, digitalisation and workflow integration have had a huge impact on the industry and the processes used.

Neschen ‘Taking the “PVC” out of Print’ at EcoPrint 2012

Neschen AG demonstrate why taking the PVC out of their products makes a contribution to any company's sustainable performance.

The shape of sustainability at point of sale is changing through sustainable innovation

Any POP specialist out there will likely be getting to grips with the creative potential of the technology that is available today. From clever software that allows you to cut shapes that were previously impossible to attain, to the practical possibilities that innovative POP Displays provide are all indications that the fight on the shop floor for the attention of shoppers is still very much on.

Roland has confirmed their participation as founding exhibitor at EcoPrint 2012

This additional signing demonstrates even more commitment from the print manufacturing sector for an event fully focused on sustainable print business.

Sustainability in print has to be about the money, money, money….!

However there does, to me, seem to be some confusion over what sustainability is. Is it about being nice about the environment? Yes, but it has to be about profit first and what’s in it for me! Money is important. Because without money, we simply won’t be able to make a social or environmental contribution. It’s obvious isn’t it? Well no, not when you get such a clouded issue as sustainability.

Leading ink producer Marabu, confirm participation as founding exhibitor at EcoPrint 2012

Marabu, one of the world’s leading independent ink producers, has a long heritage in the printing industry and a proven track record for quality and success in ink production. Not only that, Marabu has a considerable commitment to sustainability with the production of ink. Marabu's ink expertise include screen, inkjet, and pad printing inks, completed by a range of coatings for graphic and industrial applications.

Why use recycled papers and cards for print?

Here at Eco Print UK (not to be confused with the EcoPrint Show) we are often questioned about all things eco when it comes to print and paper. The major themes that we come across are concerned with our use of recycled papers. For example we are questioned as to the cost implications and any quality issues that arise when printing on recycled papers and cards. In our experience we find that many people’s perceptions of what constitutes recycled paper are that it is either low grade (like those cheap recycled envelopes you can buy from whole sellers) and/or that it will cost more than non-recycled stock. In actual fact neither is necessarily true.

Further developing news on the building of the EcoPrint 2012 Content programme confirms climate expert Hans Joachim Schellnhuber as speaker for the inaugural event in September 2012 in Berlin

This announcement further enriches the content of EcoPrint by providing some top level insight into the broader issues that are impacting business and society. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber will provide EcoPrint delegates some key insight into the changes affecting the world and the role business can play in creative positive change.

EFI Confirmed as Founding Exhibitor at EcoPrint 2012

EFI, a leading global brand in graphic arts, has announced its decision to participate at EcoPrint 2012 as a founding exhibitor. The news signals yet more support from the inkjet manufacturing sector for the show, as the world’s first event fully focused 100% on sustainable print business gathers momentum.

Leading sustainability expert & author of Cradle to Cradle confirmed to speak at EcoPrint 2012

Professor Dr Michael Braungart is confirmed as keynote speaker at EcoPrint 2012. Professor Braungart will be speaking at EcoPrint 2012 delivering the keynote opening address on 26 September 2012. As one of the world's leaders in Eco-effectiveness and the co-author and founder of Cradle to Cradle, this is an exciting development for EcoPrint 2012 to have someone of Professor Braungart's calibre and profile featuring in the content programme. The cradle to cradle system is proven to help business reduce waste, whilst increasing efficiency and profit.

ILFORD BIOMEDIA SIGNS UP FOR ECOPRINT 2012

EcoPrint, the global print industry’s first exhibition dedicated to sustainable printing, is pleased to announce that ILFORD BioMedia is the latest to pledge its support.

Leading digital textile innovator dgen to participate at EcoPrint

Leading digital textile print manufacturer dgen has confirmed their participation at EcoPrint 2012 indicating further support from leading innovators of digital textile print technology.

EcoPrint’s challenge to the industry…

In challenging the industry over sustainability, EcoPrint has drawn attention to this critical issue for our future and its provoking great discussion and new insights.

POPAI UK & Ireland supports EcoPrint 2012 as a partner association

The organisers for EcoPrint are delighted to announce that POPAI UK & Ireland, part of the leading global point of sale association is supporting EcoPrint 2012 as a partner association.

Nike. Just doing it. Sustainably!

I find Nike an aspirational brand. ‘Just do it’ for me, allied to their simple ‘swoosh logo’, resonates with me and millions of other people. Nike’s brand is about achievement. It is about aspiring to get somewhere. Nike is a carefully crafted brand that produces desirable, cutting edge products that evoke an emotional response from consumers. Nike has established itself at the forefront of a highly competitive market.

Just how realistic is it to become sustainable if you are a small print business?

Someone recently said to me, why should a small print business adopt more sustainable practices? If only the leading brands of the world are asking for it, why should smaller businesses with a smaller client base adopt a sustainable strategy, especially when their customers are not asking for it? Surely it is costly? And what is the point when none of their customers might want to pay for it? To answer these questions fully, I thought it best to ask our friends down at Eco Print UK in Salisbury, in South West England, a small, but enlightened company with a vision and commitment for sustainability.

EcoPrint Call for Papers 2012

The reality is that no print business can make the shift into sustainability overnight. But in order to make the right moves towards a more sustainable print business, this programme is designed to give visitors to EcoPrint with access to the latest thinking in strategy, insight and practical implementation of sustainability. One step at a time. There are 3 tracks of content at EcoPrint that will provide visitors with a complete experience from strategy to debate to implementation. So in order to see where your presentation might fit into the overall programme – please check out below.

Mutoh confirms as the latest founding exhibitor at EcoPrint 2012

Mutoh confirms as the latest founding exhibitor at EcoPrint 2012 indicating that the launch show has gained significant support since the launch of the event in October 2011.

Elites, Silos & Sustainability

Any successful entrepeneur, in any walk of business life, if they are truly entrepreneurial, would have challenged the 'status quo' at some point in their careers (not the guitar band obviously).

Heineken - brewing for a sustainable future

Sustainability is a fascinating subject, but would you really put beer and sustainability together in the same sentence? But when you think about it, why not?

ESMA confirms strategic partnership with EcoPrint 2012 adding further industry support for launch of sustainable print show

January 24 2012: ESMA, the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association has confirmed its support for EcoPrint 2012, the industry’s only show focused exclusively on sustainability in print.

Sustainable leadership is impossible if you follow the 7 habits of spectacularly unsuccessful (& unsustainable) executives

Forbes.com recently published the 7 habits of spectacularly unsuccessful executives and it makes interesting, familiar, but unsurprising reading. All autocratic style leaders should take note as it is proven statistically that dictatorships do not last forever!

Collaboration x Innovation = Sustainability

I will continue to blather on about how important collaboration is. Despite the 20th Century trend towards individualism, I think that collaboration and partnership is making a significant return, albeit utilising technology that connects people from around the world with common, sometimes niche interests.

Who took the ‘PR’ out of Procurement and placed it into Price?

I like PR. It’s important and used positively and in a manner that conveys accurate and beneficial information, and it has an important place in the communication mix.

Intergraf lends its support to EcoPrint 2012

EcoPrint is delighted to announce that Intergraf, Europe's leading professional federation for commercial print, is now a supporting association of EcoPrint 2012.

Stefanie Thiele joins EcoPrint to further strengthen team for inaugural event in Berlin 2012

Stefanie joins the team from January 3 2012 as Sales & Operations Executive.

The EcoPrint New Year’s Resolution for 2012: a more sustainable print business

The first blog of the year should be a look ahead and what trends, opportunities and challenges the print industry is likely to face during the year. So here are my predictions for what that is worth. But whilst 2012 isn't going to quickly move into the positive, we will see many businesses recalibrating and re-laying some of the foundations for growth of a more sustainable kind.

EcoPrint Development Group Meets for the first time in Hamburg

The Ricoh ‘eco-board’ challenges us to take notice and embrace sustainability

In a recent blog I suggested that in 20 years we have seen the ‘face of sustainability’ change. In this blog I say that the ‘anarchic’ activists of 20 years ago are now a thing of the past and that the modern activists are now wearing ties (well, some of them are). The launch in June this year of the Ricoh ‘eco-board’ in London is a great example of modern, innovative and sustainable activism.

Katharina Thies joins FM Brooks as Sales & Marketing Executive

Tony Moscrop says: ‘Innovation is the key to success’

MIMAKI ANNOUNCED AS LATEST FOUNDING EXHIBITOR OF ECOPRINT EUROPE LIVE 2012

Berlin, 1st December 2012: EcoPrint 2012, the new print industry event dedicated to sustainable print production, is delighted to reveal that Mimaki Europe is the latest organisation to become a founding exhibitor and supporter.

The key to sustainable success is innovation and collaboration throughout the print supply chain

EcoPrint 2012 has been launched, because sustainability is reaching a tipping point very soon and the print industry needs an event that is 100% focused on sustainable print business.

The Changing Face of Sustainability

One of the problems that some people seem to have with sustainability is its image.

Puppy love for paper while brands see ecology and economy as perfect partners

You might expect that the statement “Paper is the best medium for reading from” to have come from a retired Colonel who’d just finished the Telegraph cryptic crossword and was ready for his afternoon nap. In fact, according to recent consumer research paper is the preferred medium for reading from by all demographics but most surprisingly leading the charge in favour of paper are 18-24 year olds.

EcoPrint Europe Live 2012 Announces HP as Headline Partner

Berlin, 14th November 2011: EcoPrint Europe Live 2012, which takes place in Berlin from 26-27 September, is pleased to officially announce HP as its headline partner for the event, signalling the market leader’s strong support for sustainability in print.

Unilever shifts into a fast gear for sustainability, and with the world’s second biggest ad-spend – their long supply chain, including the print, has got to fall into step...

A recent interview with Keith Weed, CMO of Unilever in the Creative brief really added weight to the fact that the world is gradually but steadily becoming more green.

Print’s got a dirty image in the eyes of consumers, but then so did the car industry. The car industry is undergoing a major eco-revolution, so why can’t we?

It was Albert Einstein who said, “It is the definition of insanity doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.”

Those who say sustainability is not a big issue in print are talking garbage

Why? Because consumer demand is inspiring innovation and I saw it in New Orleans.

It’s taken one brave woman to take one giant step forward for mankind

LESS IS MORE!

Sustainability seems to provoke a strong reaction. Having spoken to many people in the industry, I realise that it is not something everybody is positive about. However, it definitely provokes a strong response!

Come on Europe, Collaborate! Why? Because it works, and SGP is a superb example of collaborative success

It’s not a fad, print buyers, specifiers, agencies and customers are demanding sustainable print.

A Call to Action for all Global Leaders, Companies, Organisations, Associations and Business Groups

Last week, in Dusseldorf, we launched EcoPrint Europe Live 2012, which will take place 26-27 September 2012.