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FESPA has confirmed three new features in 2024 – Digital Signage Lounge, Personalise Make Wear and the Sportswear Pro Conference – as well as the returning Personalise Experience Conference, World Wrap Masters, Sustainability Spotlight and Club FESPA Lounge. The features will run alongside this year’s FESPA Global Print Expo and the co-located European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro events (19th – 22nd March 2024, at RAI Amsterdam.

RAI expo centre Amsterdam, originally set up for bicycles & cars (Rijwiel = bicycle)

Digital Signage Lounge

European Sign Expo 2024 will host the all-new Digital Signage Lounge, a networking hub created for visitors to explore the wealth of business opportunities associated with digital signage. The lounge, which is run in partnership with Navori Labs and Grupo Metal (Johnson Group), will highlight advancements in the digital sign sector, showcase the latest digital screens and software, and offer expert advice.  Visitors to the Digital Signage Lounge will also gain free online access to the 'FESPA How-to Guide', a must read for any printer exploring digital signage as an added business offering to their customers. Daily workshops, run by digital signage experts, will also take place each afternoon.

Personalise Make Wear

Also new in 2024, and part of Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro, is the Personalise Make Wear smart factory. Hosted by FESPA’s Textile Ambassador Debbie McKeegan, the smart factory will demonstrate the end-to-end production of personalised sportswear garments across four workflows.

• Direct-to-garment production of polyester training tops, using print and software solutions from Antigro and Kornit
• Roll-to-roll production of yoga pants, using design, print and finishing solutions from Antigro, Caldera, Antigro, Greentex, MS Group, Coldenhove, Kleiverik, Tajima and Dekken
• Direct-to-object printing on water bottles, using solutions from InkCups
• Direct-to-film transfers for sweatpants, using design, print and finishing solutions from Antigro and Stahls

Visitors will be able to attend guided end-to-end production tours of the workflows and daily catwalk runway shows.

In addition, Debbie McKeegan will host fireside chats on topics including: ‘The Smart Factory and Customisation Technology Explored’; ‘How to Implement Sustainable Manufacturing at any Scale’; ‘Personalised Production – Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions’; and ‘The Market Shifts and Technologies Driving Print Workflow Automation’, with representatives from Inkcups Europe, Kornit Digital, Caldera, SEI Laser, Dover Industries Italy, and JK Group.

Sustainability Spotlight

The popular Sustainability Spotlight feature returns this year and will run in conjunction with Reboard and Carbon Quota. The feature will highlight more than 100 eco-conscious graphics and textiles substrates, while giving visitors the opportunity to learn about more sustainable production processes.

Materials on display will include natural and cellulosic fibre types which, when combined with social initiatives across Africa and Asia, make smaller volumes more cost effective. This is particularly useful because, while Europe is a key generator of new fibre types, the difficulty in scaling these up into other countries is challenging.

Each substrate on display will include an information card so participants can learn about its sustainable attributes and how it can be used to produce innovative, environmentally conscious products. Visitors will also be able to access the free Sustainability Spotlight content catalogue after they have attended. Content in the catalogue includes: blogs, podcasts and interviews from global brands and experts, exploring themes such as certification Schemes, Energy Reduction, and more.

World Wrap Masters Europe

  Additionally, the World Wrap Masters Europe and World Wrap Masters Series Final will return this year in conjunction with Orafol, Arlon and Teckwrap the Wrap Institute and Wrapstock. 

The first and second days of the high-adrenaline event, will see up to 30 wrappers compete in a mixture of rounds, using Colour Change media (sponsored by Arlon), Paint Protection Film (sponsored by Teckwrap) and Printed Media (sponsored by Orafol) for a chance to progress to the global final, taking place on days three and four. Winners from World Wrap Masters regional competitions will be welcomed back, from countries such as Brazil, Denmark, Japan, Dubai and Norway, for the competition final. This year, the judging panel will include: Kiss Lajos, who won the competition in 2014 and 2015; Ivan Tenchev, who won in 2022; and guest MC Ole Solskin.

Additionally, for the second year running, expert trainers from the Wrap Institute will host a series of live demos and training workshops throughout the event. Demos will include: ‘Protocol For Perfectly Prepping A Vehicle For Wrapping’; ‘The Most “Cutting” Edge Tools for PPF, PVC and Tint’; ‘Why and How To Make Inlays’ – and many more.

New and returning conference programmes

The Sportswear Pro conference (21 March, 2024) will be dedicated to manufacturing, production and circularity across the sportswear supply chain. Confirmed speakers for the conference include:  Sam Taylor, The Good Factory; Ana Kristiansson, Desinder; Circular Economy Innovation and Strategy consultant Serena Bonomi; Thomas Rothery, Copper Global; Paul Foulkes-Arellano, Circuthon; and Katarzyna Klara Sulisz, FESI (Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry).

For the second year running, the Personalisation Experience conference (20 March, 2024) will offer insight and inspiration to visitors about the value of including personalised products in their offering. Confirmed speakers for this year’s programme include: FESPA’s Richard Askam; Neil Reynolds, NFL/Sky Sports; Matt Bailey, Glazer Corp; Justin Cairns, Ogilvy; Dans Rozenthals, Printful; and Bernd Zipper, zipcon Consulting.

Michael RyanMichael Ryan, Head of FESPA Global Print Expo, comments: “By attending our features, visitors are guaranteed to enhance their industry knowledge, learn about the latest industry trends and be inspired by other printers and visual communicators. Our brand-new Digital Signage Lounge and Personalise Make Wear features are set to be insightful and impactful, while our popular Sustainability Spotlight and World Wrap Masters events will be enjoyed by first-time and returning visitors alike. Additionally, our Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro conference programmes will give visitors even more of an opportunity to learn, network and maximise their business growth. This year, there’s truly something for everyone and we can’t wait to share the experience with visitors.”

For further information about the feature programme, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/whats-on

To register for FESPA Global Print Expo 2024, and the co-located European Sign Expo, Personalisation Experience and Sportswear Pro, visit: https://www.fespaglobalprintexpo.com/.

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Jet Technologies supplies a range of print, packaging, labelling and industrial solutions in Australia and New Zealand, and is thrilled to announce the opening of its first distribution centre in Brisbane. The new facility, located at Crestmead, Qld., marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy and commitment to meeting the growing demand for its products and services.

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The deal, sixteen months after the industrial partnership between the two firms, is Fedrigoni's third M&A this year. "We will now be able to produce and distribute to customers a wide range of Fedrigoni high value-added papers directly in North America, and expand access to Mohawk specialty papers internationally," says Marco Nespolo, CEO of Fedrigoni Group.

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The second meeting of creditors on Friday 23rd February, of Starleaton Holdings and SDS Bidco (in external administration), has been informed by Administraters Cathro Partners, that a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) has been received at the last minute and needs time for examination.

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Ricky Richards' Queensland operation is always on the ball and jumped on the opportunity for a 'shorts sponsorship' with FNQ's Cowboys NRL footie team. Well done Jill Walsh & team...go the Cowboys! Go Ricky!

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It's a bicentennial of another kind. In 1824, 36 years after the British colonisation of what was to become known as Australia, a challenger emerged to the tightly-controlled and censored media of the NSW colony based in Sydney. It was steered by none other than William Charles Wentworth, with a bit of help from a printer.

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The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) held it’s Annual General Meeting in Melbourne last Friday, 16th February, with President Mick Harrold saying the association was looking forward to a strong future.

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Allpride Signs, established in 1989 in Newcastle, NSW was pressured into paying $44,000 upfront for a new 64" (1625mm) eco-solvent printer, just seven days before Starleaton Holdings went into voluntary administration. It was never delivered as promised. Additionally, an earlier but still working ColorPainter printer was traded and relieved of its printheads, rendering it inoperable.

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It was a perfect night in Melbourne last Friday 16th for the inaugural ASGA Victorian Bowls Event, held at the Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor.

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It's only 3 months before the doors to the world's most important print & graphic discipline show opens. Over a period of eleven days, 1,427 exhibitors from 50 countries will present innovative technologies, solutions and topics that affect the industry now and in future. A wide range of special events will provide valuable know-how. The main focus on digitalisation and sustainability.

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With FESPA approaching fast, Mimaki has announced its latest technologies for a sustainable future, all of which will be on display at the Amsterdam expo. 2024 also marks 20 years of Mimaki's direct operation in Europe,

Mimaki's UJV100-160Plus claims 'extraordinarily' low power consumption

Mimaki Europe is set to bring brand new products to FESPA, featuring the latest in UV print technology, Mimaki is also Fespa's official 'UV Excellence Partner' and will present some of its most advanced, energy-efficient UV solutions at the centre of its stand, F10 in Hall 12 of the RAI and also at its own 'Experience Centre' just 10 minutes away from the show grounds.

Mimaki’s vision for the future will be evident throughout the show, with an innovative industrial textile printing system to be launched in the company’s ‘Sustainability Corner.’ Mimaki’s energy-efficient, UV technology Fespa line-up will consist of the recently launched UJV100-160Plus and UCJV330-160. The UJV100-160Plus claims extraordinarily low power consumption, as well as additional functionalities to increase customer profitability. The UCJV330-160 integrated printer/cutter is a new addition to Mimaki’s 330 series product portfolio, offering high-speed and high-quality printing for various applications, with in-built cutting.

DTF strong

Following Mimaki’s recent move into the DTF market, the company’s latest addition, the TxF300-75, will be demonstrated at an EMEA-wide show for the very first time. Both DTF printers fulfil market demand for a stable and efficient DTF platform, and this new system, released in August 2023, helps to cater to a diverse set of printing demands, with high-quality output combined with high productivity.

While Mimaki is looking ahead to ways in which it can support a sustainable future, the company will also reflect on its rich heritage as an innovator. Celebrating two decades of success in the market, Mimaki will commemorate 20 years of technology ‘world firsts’, an extensive list of creative applications printed, and its many partners, customers and industry collaborators who helped make it all possible. Mimaki's Danna Drion

Danna Drion, General Manager Marketing EMEA says:“This milestone anniversary for Mimaki Europe presents the ideal opportunity to celebrate success but, importantly, look to the future and establish how we as a team and a business can contribute to a more sustainable world during the next 20 years. Utilising our aptitude for innovation, we will look to apply it to technologies and initiatives that contribute to this long-term goal.

“This FESPA offers a compelling chance for visitors to fully immerse themselves in Mimaki’s comprehensive product portfolio, both at the show and next door at our European headquarters. We’re excited to present our latest product portfolio to our many customers and prospects and, of course, for everyone to join us in celebrating our landmark 20-year anniversary.”

Free entry by pre-registering

To register for FESPA 2024, please click here and use the promo code EXHX24 for free entry.

Tours of the off-site Mimaki Experience Centre require registration for transport to-and-from the centre.

www.mimakiaus.com.au

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It's a big first quarter for Women in Print, with the celebration of International Women's Day and the schedule for the popular WIP Breakfast Series announced.

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"Liquidation is the only option" says the report. The Administrators of industry supplier Starleaton Holdings/SDS Bidco, Cathro & Partners, have filed their report with ASIC and it makes grim reading. Liabilities are higher than anticipated and recovery-of-debts prospects for unsecured creditors rated at zero cents-in-the-dollar. Andy McCourt delivers this initial report on the findings.

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Durst Group has engaged the renowned South Tyrolean artist Klaus Pobitzer as "Artist in Residence 2024." The artist will be inspired by the Durst Group headquarters in Brixen to create artistic works inside and outside the venue. One of the first fruits of the collaboration is the installation "Inside-Out."

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Fujifilm is celebrating its 90^th anniversary with the launch of the company’s first ever Global Purpose, ‘Giving our world more smiles', underscoring the company’s commitment to bring diverse ideas, unique capabilities and extraordinary people together to change the world.

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Roland DG Australia has announced the appointment of Andy Fung of Printpro Solution Pty Ltd as an Authorised Service Agent in Western Australia. His appointment is said to reflect the steadfast commitment Roland DG gives to serving customers through its Roland DG Care initiatives in the far west state.

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EFI has announced new VUTEk h+ Series Hybrid printers with future-proofing enhancements for Sign and Display producers. The Vutek name has been synonymous with Super-wide format printers up to 5 metres since the earliest days of this digital inkjet format, and part of EFI since 2005.

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Building on its excellent sustainability and carbon-neutral credentials, Epson is planning to commence construction of a Biomass generator in fiscal 2026. The plant will have an estimated annual power generation 14,000,000 kWh.

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The statutory Report on Company Activities and Property has been released in relation to Starleaton Holdings, in administration. The report from Cathro & Partners to creditors is in preparation and should be available very shortly.

 Once mighty, now insolvent, Starleaton HQ, Artarmon NSW

While more analysis is called for, Starleaton’s financial position appears shakey.

Total amount owing is listed at $17,459,425 – about $17.5 million.

Owed to Starleaton and recoverable for creditors, is estimated at around $1.9 million, but the majority of ‘owings’ is via related and inter-company loans totalling about $6.5 million with founders Peter and Leanne Eaton personally owed around $5.4 million. Interestingly, the company name Starleaton Pty Ltd is still registered to P&L Eaton and not in administration.

Fixed assets are negligible at around $400,000 but even this is dependent on the true realisable value of IT systems, furniture and the e-commerce website. Stock value is estimated at $4.3 million but much of this is borrowed against with PMSI (Purchase Money Security Interest) Creditors, who are first in line of the ordinary secured creditors. Besides, stock was recently offered by Starleaton at anything up to 50% discount.

Starleaton’s debtor book invoices were factor-financed by Octet Finance to the tune of around $1.4 million and some of those debts are unrecoverable because they are owed by companies who themselves are in liquidation, such as Shout Media and Pressfast.

The ultimate holding company of Starleaton is SDS Bidco Pty, also in administration. Starleaton Holdings owes SDS Bidco about $6.5 million. The other creditors are Eaton family members via investment vehicles, Octet and the NAB for a total of $14.9 million owing.

Creditors - employees suffer

The most distressing group of creditors are former employees. It appears that Superannuation SGL payments have not been paid for some time. When Unpaid wages, Long service leave, Annual leave are added, it totals $596,405 owed to employees.

Other major creditors (rounded) listed include:

ATO (Tax Office)      $623,634

Canon CPP             $512,000

AMEX                     $474,000

Zund                       $385,000

Neschen                 $355,000

Elof Hannson              $123,000

MLC Super              $122,000

Epson                     $  92,000

Ball&Doggett           $  85,000

Felix Schoeller          $  53,000

State rev Q,WA,Vic $  42,000

Neenah Paper         $  47,000

Permalite                $  36,000

Hahnemuhle            $  30,000

Mimaki                    $  27,000

And a host of others.

The full Cathro report to creditors will be released this Thursday 15^th February and published here.

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Digitization of Packaging is a great opportunity at drupa, says Dr Sean Smyth – Analyst & Consultant with research group Smithers. Inkjet looms large across all applications but HP Indigo liquid toner is holding its own, as is dry toner at the lower end.

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Once one of the most successful 64" wide format signage printers, the OKI M64 and W64 (formerly Seiko ColourPainter) sill has a loyal following - here's where to find ink for them.