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The Printing Innovation that Changed the World: Moveable Type Printing Press
Imagine a world where every book, every word, or every letter had to be copied by hand! Every word meticulously transcribed, every page painstakingly reproduced often taking months or even years to produce a single volume. Knowledge traveled slowly, ideas were confined to the privileged few, and information was a precious commodity. Then came an […]
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The Stock Ticker: A Machine Printing Prices on Continuous Paper Ribbon
Before digital screens and instant notifications, stock prices traveled on paper. The stock ticker, a mechanical marvel, revolutionized how financial information moved across the world. Before the digital systems became widely adopted, ticker machines supplied vital stock market information to traders. Prices, symbols, and trades were printed line by line on the ticker tape, creating […]
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A Look Inside The New York Times Printing Facility
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a perfectly orchestrated printing operation in full swing. At 10 PM in College Point, Queens, as most of the city winds down, a different kind of energy takes hold inside a 300,000 square foot facility where the magic of print comes alive. Every morning, The New York Times lands […]
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Can I Do That, Papa!?
A Tale of Print That Will Melt Your Heart There’s a moment in every child’s life when they tug on their parent’s sleeve, wide-eyed and curious, and ask, “Can I do that, Papa?” Usually, it’s a question about something they’ve just seen—maybe a tool in a workshop, a brush dipped in paint, or a machine […]
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Timeline of Printing: From 2000-2024
The last two decades have seen the printing industry transform at a remarkable pace, driven by rapid technological advancements, digital integration, and a shift towards sustainability. From the early adoption of digital presses to the rise of automation and AI, each milestone has reshaped how we produce and consume printed materials. This timeline captures the […]
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Automated Die Cutting: Achieving Zero Waste in Manufacturing
The vision of a sustainable future is one where fault-free folding cartons and corrugated boxes are produced by highly automated printing and converting lines controlled by centrally stored data and digitally connected throughout the entire value chain. As we continue to move away from manual intervention to reduce waste-creating errors and speed up production, flatbed […]
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Timeline of Printing in 20th Century: From 1950-1999
The second half of the twentieth century was a period of remarkable innovation in the printing industry. Offset lithography continued its dominance, but the landscape began to shift dramatically with the advent of digital presses and the desktop publishing revolution. Here’s a look at the pivotal moments that shaped the world of print from 1950 […]
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Timeline of Printing in 20th Century: From 1900-1949
The first half of the 20th century witnessed a surge in mass media, forever altering how information and entertainment were consumed and disseminated. Magazines played a crucial role in this revolution, serving as gateways to diverse perspectives, shaping cultural trends, and influencing countless lives. Several magazines such as ‘the National Geographic Magazine’ (1888), ‘Life’ (1883, […]
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Timeline of Print History in 19th Century
During the 19th century press productivity experienced significant growth, driven by advancements in construction and the adoption of steam power. Consequently, print materials became more affordable and readily available to the working class. An emblematic illustration of this phenomenon is the emergence of penny prints, inexpensive single-page publications often commemorating noteworthy and unconventional occurrences. In […]
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HEIDELBERG Celebrates 175 Years of Excellence
From Bell Foundry to Global Player- A Journey of Innovation and Success. On March 11, 1850, the Hemmer, Hamm & Co. bell foundry and machine shop opened in Frankenthal, Germany. Initially manufacturing bells and printing presses, this small workshop laid the foundation for what would become Heidelberg Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG). Over the years, HEIDELBERG transformed […]
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The Printing Press: How One Invention Changed the World
“Printing is the most beautiful gift from heaven. It soon will change the countenance of the universe…” – Louis-Sebástien Mercier The phrase “Knowledge is power” has never been truer than with the advent of the printing press. While Johannes Gutenberg is often credited with this groundbreaking 15th-century invention, it’s worth noting that he wasn’t the […]
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Pioneering Sustainability: Brands are Adopting Innovative Paper Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow
As environmental consciousness is on the rise, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and eco-friendly practices from businesses. One significant area that has gained attention is packaging. Traditional packaging often contributes to environmental degradation, but some forward-thinking brands are leading the way by adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions. From receipts that detail the carbon emissions of your […]
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Automation is Not Only for Short-Run Booklet Making
Automation in booklet making is no longer just a trend for short-run jobs; it has become essential for commercial printers striving to remain competitive in today’s print landscape. With a diminishing pool of skilled labor entering the industry, the demand for fully automated and user-friendly equipment is more critical than ever. The benefits of automated […]
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Integration of AI in Label Printing for Streamlined Operations
The label printing industry plays a critical role in various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail. Label printing involves creating visually appealing designs that effectively communicate the desired message to consumers. In today’s competitive market, companies are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance their label printing processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and customization. Artificial […]
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The Difference Print Embellishment Makes: Improving Packaging and User Experience
When it comes to selling a product, it is hard to understate how crucial packaging is. With so many purchasing decisions being made and so much competition, packaging can be a significant contributing factor, and more brands are considering how essential good packaging is. When packaging, the smallest detail can impact the entire design, from […]
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Why the Internet didn’t Eliminate the Need for Paper
In recent decades, the Internet, together with information and communication technologies such as personal computers and mobile phones, has provided an electronic alternative to newspapers and printed materials. Indeed, emails and texts have replaced a substantial amount of traditional written communication, and cloud storage has emerged as a viable alternative to physical documents. Infact, nowadays, […]
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Digital Twin Technology: Paving the Way for Sustainable Flexible Packaging Solutions
Digital twin technology is widely adopted across various sectors, enabling industries, particularly production enterprises, to enhance their technological capabilities. This technology leverages physical models to construct 3D digital replicas of real-world production line data. It facilitates online management and control of physical entities through their virtual counterparts, bridging the gap between physical operations and digital […]
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Recycling Symbol – Neatly Packed Confusion
As per the United Nations Environment Program, only 9% of all plastic ever manufactured has been recycled. The recycling symbol, often referred to as the “chasing arrows” or “Mobius Loop,” is one of the most recognizable icons in the world. It signifies the concept of reduce, reuse, and recycle, and is intended to promote environmental […]
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Making An Impression: Printing Presses on Screen in ‘Catch Me If You Can’
One can safely presume that there’s a little movie and television buff in all of us. After all, movies allow us to explore different worlds and experiences and find solace in the imaginary world of film. And nothing compares to the momentary thrill of personally and intimately connecting with a character, plot or scene, when something familiar to […]
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India’s Pulp and Paper Market: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges
India’s pulp and paper industry is experiencing remarkable growth, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing paper markets globally. According to recent reports from the Indian Paper Manufacturers Association (IPMA), the domestic consumption of packaging paper and paperboard is projected to rise at an impressive annual rate of 8.2%. “A million tons in capacity will […]
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Automation in Packaging for Streamlined Operations and Improved Productivity
The transformative impact of automation on the packaging industry is undeniable, with efficiency gains and enhanced competitiveness as its hallmark benefits. Companies integrating automated systems speed up production while reducing operational costs, enabling them to meet the ever-changing consumer demands with agility. Packaging machines increase productivity and reduce inefficiencies, though production rates can vary […]
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Automation in Flexo Printing: Enhancing Efficiency and Quality
Flexography (flexo) has long been recognized for its versatility and cost-effectiveness in various printing applications, particularly in packaging. Its ability to handle a wide range of substrates and produce vibrant, high-quality prints has made it a popular choice for label, packaging, and specialty printing. However, the rise of digital printing in recent years has posed […]
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Republic of Venice: The City That Launched the Publishing Industry
Although Germany is commonly associated with the birthplace of printing due to Johannes Gutenberg’s invention of the movable-type printing press in the mid-15th century, it was the Venetian Republic that significantly advanced the development of the publishing industry. A Fertile Ground for Knowledge Exchange It was in Venice that Gutenberg’s invention really took off. “Venice […]
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The Everlasting Impact of Print in Marketing: How Print Continues to Engage Audiences in the Digital Age
The partnership between print professionals and marketers has long been established due to their shared objectives. Marketers are responsible for relaying messages, and print is among the oldest means of communication. Hence, marketers and printers depend on each other. However, the introduction of digital media has changed this association. To what extent has digital marketing […]
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Automation is Not Just for Short-Run Booklet Making
Automation in bookletmaking is no longer just a trend for short-run jobs; it has become essential for commercial printers striving to remain competitive in today’s print landscape. With a diminishing pool of skilled labor entering the industry, the demand for fully automated and user-friendly equipment is more critical than ever. The benefits of automated bookletmaking […]
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Fascinating Realm of Fonts: Unveiling Monotype’s Dominance in the Industry
Let’s start with a joke! Helvetica, Times New Roman and Comic Sans walk into a bar. The barman turns to Comic Sans and says, ‘Sorry we don’t serve your type in here.’ Well, the barman may not like to serve them, but fonts (of all types and sizes) serve us all. They shape the visual […]
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Digital Twin Technology for Primary Packaging
Manufacturers are facing increasing pressure to provide information about a product to their supply chain partners, legal departments, marketing teams, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders even before the product is physically created. To meet these demands, manufacturers are increasingly leveraging packaging innovations such as a “digital twin” of a product before the real product exists. […]
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Smart Connected Packaging – Transforming Packaging into an Interactive Brand Tool
In the last couple of decades, digitalization and advances in personal computing, and mobiles have significantly reshaped consumer behaviors and their expectations with it. These innovations are creating new frameworks for the development of smart and intelligent applications in packaging to communicate product information in a more interactive manner. Especially since the origin of barcodes, many […]
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The Role of 3D Smart Sensors in Automating Packaging and Logistics
Packaging & logistics involves a complex supply chain to connect sellers and customers for the transfer of retail goods. Different stages of the chain require package measurement, quality inspection, and material handling optimization—which many companies currently carry out manually. With the magnitude increase in retail purchases made online, the need for manufacturers to automate their […]
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Remnants of Legendary Doves Typeface Found After Over 100 Years
The Doves Typeface legend is one of the most enduring in typographic history and probably the most infamous. It’s the story of a typeface and a bitter feud between the two partners of Hammersmith’s celebrated Doves Press, Thomas James Cobden-Sanderson and Emery Walker leading to a protracted disposal of their metal type into London’s River […]
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Global Printed Books Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis
In early 2000s, when e-readers such as Amazon Kindle started gaining popularity, it was supposed that the rise of these devices marked the death of print books and independent bookstores in the future. And when in 2011, Borders declared bankruptcy, the book world was seized by collective panic over the uncertain future of print. […]
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Typography and Its Importance in Labelling
When it comes to product packaging labels, topography stands side by side with color and imagery in their role to grab the consumer’s attention, communicating the product information and conveying brand message. It is the style and art of arranging the text to make it readable and appealing in display. Think of it as an […]
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Internet of Packaging (IoP): Transforming Packaging Industry
The Internet of Things (IoT) has already transformed various industries, and now it’s making its mark on the packaging sector. IOP (Internet of Packaging) is a conceptualization of Internet of Things (IOT) into digitally enabled consumer packaging items. The evolution of IOP is largely technology-driven going from traditional barcodes to QR-codes, to passive digital identifiers […]
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The Revolutionary Role of 3D Printing in Transforming Businesses
In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping the way businesses operate and thrive. With each passing day, new advancements and innovations are opening up exciting avenues for businesses to explore and leverage. One such groundbreaking technology that is revolutionizing industries is 3D printing. Also known as additive manufacturing, […]
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Digitally Printed Packaging – Effective Advertising Channel
The packaging industry has been undergoing a great transformation in the past few years with new developments in digital print leading the way. Digital printing has given brands and businesses new opportunities to engage with their customers in a more interactive manner. The new advances in Inkjet technology are seeing a lot of developments in prepress workflow […]
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Automation in Die Cutting Process for Zero Waste Manufacturing
A sustainable future for packaging involves manufacturing folding cartons and corrugated boxes using highly automated printing and converting lines operating according to centrally stored data and digitally connected throughout the entire value chain. With keeping waste during manufacturing at the minimum as their goal, businesses around the world are putting in efforts and resources to keep manual […]
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Repackaging: Shaping Buying Decisions and Attracting Customers
Jeff Bezos famously said, “Your brand is what other people say about you when you are not in the room.” Marketers are continuously being confronted with new difficulties in the consumer market. Enduring major changes in the economy, in addition to growing competition from private brands, is a significant challenge. So, consumers are bombarded with […]
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Medical Packaging Market: Trends and Market Insights
The pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a significant transition, and the focus on the development of biopharmaceutical drugs has considerably grown over the past few years. Pharmaceutical drugs are majorly offered in tablet, capsule, liquid, and powder forms. Various packaging types, including rigid bottles, standup pouches, flat pouches, sachets, and blister packs, are used for […]
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Convergence in the Print Industry: Unlocking Growth Opportunities
The print industry is undergoing a significant transformation as print service providers (PSPs) are expanding their offerings beyond their core segments and entering new markets. This phenomenon, known as convergence, is driven by various factors such as changing customer demands, new technologies, competitive pressures and emerging opportunities. Convergence can help PSPs diversify their revenue streams, […]
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Recyclability vs. Sustainability in Packaging
Sustainability and recyclability are two interconnected yet distinct concepts when it comes to addressing environmental concerns. While both concepts aim to promote eco-friendly practices, they hold different meanings and implications. Understanding the difference between sustainability and recyclability is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies to protect our planet and create a greener future. Understanding Recyclability in […]
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The Role of Print in Marketing: How Print Continues to Thrive in Digital Age?
The partnership between print professionals and marketers has long been established due to their shared objectives. Marketers are responsible for relaying messages, and print is among the oldest means of communication. Hence, marketers and printers depend on each other. However, the introduction of digital media has changed this association. To what extent has digital marketing […]
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Print: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
In the beginning, was word, then it was printed and had dwelt among us ever since! The printed word has been around since the invention of the printing press in 1440. From then until today, the printed word has been used to bring information and ideas to people around the world. It’s a powerful tool […]
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Printing Machines Making a Guest Appearance in Movies
One can safely presume that there’s a little movie and television buff in all of us. After all, movies allow us to explore different worlds and experiences and find solace in the imaginary world of film. And, nothing compares to the momentary thrill of personally and intimately connecting with a character, plot or scene, when something familiar to […]
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Deprinting- A Technology That Makes Paper Reusable for Printing
Fortune reported that 94% of Fortune 1000 companies had supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, and 75% reported negative impacts on their businesses. And the print industry is no exception which has seen significant shortages of raw materials like paper and ink. Additionally, current disruptions have also resulted in increased costs of substrates as well […]
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PostScript Source Code Made Public After 40 Years of Its Creation
The story of PostScript “is a story about profound changes in human literacy,” argues Silicon Valley’s Computer History Museum, “as well as a story of trade secrets within source code.” And 40 years after it’s creation…The Computer History Museum is excited to publicly release, for the first time. Adobe’s ground-breaking PostScript technology is now available […]
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Supply Chain Challenges in Print Industry
Surging demand, supply chain disruptions and sharply rising costs have significantly altered the economics of various industrial sectors at large. Fortune reported that 94% of Fortune 1000 companies had supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19, and 75% reported negative impacts on their businesses. And print industry is no exception which has seen significant shortages of […]
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Latest Trends in Packaging
Packaging has witnessed a significant change in recent periods wherein it has evolved from its role of merely protecting and preserving to emerge as a marketing medium to differentiating, positioning brands and providing more consumer values. And to harness its potential, the packaging industry is adopting smart and sustainable solutions to market its products and compete more effectively. […]
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Beverage Can – A Complete Overview
Beverages cans are metal containers designed to hold fixed amount of liquid beverages such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, tea, energy drinks, etc. They are manufactured using either aluminum or steel and are highly recyclable. The cans are witnessing an increase demand among the beverage manufacturers owing to their sustainability and recyclability without any degradation. […]
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Aluminum Foil Bags for Food Packaging
The manufacturing industry goes to great lengths to ensure the quality of the products that are produced and it put equal effort into safeguarding the products against any damage. And here packaging plays an important role- be it food, pharmaceutical products or electronics- the end goal is the same; to deliver high quality products to […]
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Digital Label Printing
Labels are an essential and ubiquitous print application. Though they may be small in size, labels play a big role in promoting products and providing information. Whether it has instructions on how to use a product, nutrition information, or just a design to catch the consumer’s attention, each label has its own unique role in […]
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Fast Food Packaging: Contributing to Plastic Pollution
The word ‘Fast Food’ evokes the appealing imagery of greasy burgers, crispy fries or cheesy pizzas with layers of pepperoni in the minds of most people. An affordable and convenient fast meal that bodes well with our need for instant gratification. However, one cannot overlook their adverse effects on our health on a long-term basis. […]
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Blister Packaging
Blister packaging, or blister packs, are pre-formed packaging materials with a thermoformed plastic cavity and a pliable lid. A thermo forming process is used to create a cavity or pocket made from a formable transparent plastic web, the size and shape of which is determined by the product for which it is required. This cavity […]
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Inflationary Pressure Driving the Packaging Prices Up
For the past 2 years, it has been a challenging time for manufacturers all around the world. The supply chain disruptions due to the Covid pandemic and Brexit on its close heel highlighted once again how interlinked supply chains are globally, affecting both supply and demand. While things started to stabilize toward the end of […]
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Bubble Wrap Packaging
What started out as an attempt at stylish home décor ended up revolutionizing the packaging world as well as the shipping industry and protecting billions of products shipped worldwide each year. Alfred Fielding and his friend were trying to create appealing textured wallpaper and they put two pieces of plastic shower curtains through a heat-sealing machine but ended up […]
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Barrier Coatings for Paper and Board Packaging
Effective barrier protection in packaging, especially in the F&B industry. A significant change is occurring in the packaging and food industries as demand increases for sustainable, recyclable packaging solutions, including effective barrier protection against oils, grease and water. The increased awareness of consumers and brand owners and the plastic ban regulation provide an excellent opportunity to create paper […]
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Flexible Packaging
For versatility and to extend the shelf life of the product. Flexible packaging is a means of packaging products using non-rigid materials, which provides more economical and customizable options. It is a relatively new method in the packaging market and has grown popular due to its high efficiency and cost-effective nature. This packaging method uses […]
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The Philosophy of Designing Printing Presses
Modern-day printing presses are built to last and deliver high quality results. The story of modern-day printing presses kind of starts at the beginning of the 19th century as the German engineer Friedrich Koenig, along with watchmaker Andreas Friedrich Bauer introduced a high-speed steam-powered printing press, which could print up to 1,100 sheets per hour. […]
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Corrugated Boxes – Durable and Reliable Choice for Shipping
Your online product has just been delivered to you, and chances are that it is packaged in a corrugated box. In fact, the majority of products ranging from electronics, snacks, farm produce, merchandise, and beverages to household goods, everything is shipped in them. And the reason, well, they can be made into different properties, strengths, […]
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Liquid Packaging
Liquid packaging is extensively used in various industries largely due to its properties such as tear and heat resistance and loss of moisture. Liquid packaging is a multilayer package with the appropriate barrier coating to protect the liquid products such as dairy products, juices, soups, and sauces from leaking out or against any damage, especially […]
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Shrink Wrapping for Efficient and Agile Packaging
Shrink wrapping is an adaptable multipurpose packaging that has a wide range of applications spanning various industries, especially for its ability to provide protection during transportation and maintain the freshness of food items. It involves using a heat-sensitive film that shrinks when subjected to heat and adapts around the product according to the shape to create an air-tight […]
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Benefits of Digital Print Packaging to D2C Brands
The pandemic-induced business restrictions and resultant supply chain disruptions have dramatically transformed industries at large and caused a global paradigm shift towards digitalization en masse. Not only have they negatively affected conventional businesses but simultaneously catalysed a significant rise in the growth of D2C brands owing to changes in the buying habits of consumers and innovations […]
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5 Sustainable Inks for Printing with Flexo
“The need for eco-friendly products will only increase over time as regulations tighten and public awareness of environmental issues continues to grow,” confirmed Toyo Ink corporate communications officer Yu Adachi in 2010. There has been a rise in sustainable inks as well as printing techniques usage as label and packaging industry is making efforts to drive […]
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Printing Inks and Safe Food Packaging
The packaging of food is an essential medium for preserving food quality, decreasing the wastage of food and also reducing preservatives used in food. And printing inks play a critical role in food safety as it may come into contact with food due to ink migration or the nature of packaging. In this article we […]
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The History of Ink in Printing Industry
Historical Overview The roots of the printing press date back to the 10th century, when printed images were produced in Japan, and perhaps in China, from cut wooden blocks. The first movable type appeared in China in the 11th century while wooden type appeared in 14th century. On the other hand, book production from woodblocks […]
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RGB & CMYK: The Distinction
RGB & CMYK: The Distinction Here’s a question every newcomer in the print industry might have asked – why do we have 2 two color modes and RGB can’t be used for print? Well, you technically can as they are mostly colors. However, you shouldn’t. In this blog we’ll understand the difference between RGB and […]
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History of Color Printing
Color printing was a major step forward for making art and literature more popular. From the cave paintings of prehistoric Europe to scribing on parchment in Ancient Greece, color printing has evolved and developed over time. In this blog, we’ll take a look back and over color printing history and explore how we have […]
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History of Typography
Our everyday routine is built on letters and fonts that we use to get our work done or express ourselves. If we were to pause and look at them a second too long, there is the danger of recognizing these fonts not just as a part of a word or sentence, but as evidence of […]
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Speedmaster SX 74
Invest in a Printing Press That is Powerful and Proven. The Speedmaster SX 74 is a reliable solution for the medium-size format range for economical printing of traditional commercial jobs like brochures and advertising mailers. Equipped with the latest technology, it provides flexible processing of different production run lengths. With short makeready times, printing speeds […]
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Mouvent LB701-UV
PHOTO CREDITS:Photo by Rudy and Peter Skitterians on Pixabay. Enter the improved world of digital label production Quality, extended colour gamut printing capability, including white ink, high productivity and sustainable economics are all that you get in Mouvent LB701-UV. And you get all of that in one complete package. High productivity with minimum intervention Low-investment digital label press […]
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History and Evolution of Printing
Printing technology still stands as one of the most disruptive innovations in human history. It single handedly improved the way information was distributed, increased literacy and reformed societal order. Today, one cannot imagine any aspect of human life that remains untouched by printing technology. In this article, we’ll explore the origin story of this very […]