From FMCG to point-of-sale, to cartons for ecommerce, packaging and brands are fast being transformed into multichannel media. This debut Print21 + PKN LIVE event will explore exciting new developments in packaging and print technology, and push boundaries in consumer engagement.

The Australian Society of Old Friends (ASOOF) is appealing for help with an ambitious project aimed at recording all the print companies that have disappeared for one reason or another over the past few decades. James Cryer reports.

A Scandinavian packaging company that has run tests on water based inks says the water can be corrosive to metals in a printing press. Laurel Brunner reports this does not mean water based inks should be abandoned in favour of solvents.

Europe’s largest exhibition for screen and digital wide format print, textile printing and signage, Fespa Global Print Expo 2018, has opened at Messe Berlin in Germany. Organisers expect 20,000 visitors during the four-day event. Print21 will run updates from our journalist at the show.

An urgent ‘out of the blue’ inquiry from a North London printer brought forward printIQ's plans to establish a presence in Britain. According to Anthony Lew, CEO, (pictured) the move into the UK was planned for early 2019 so doing it ahead of schedule meant late nights to get staff on the ground.

Epson’s product expo in Sydney featured a brand-new dye sublimation printer, the SureColor F9360, never before seen in Australia.

Amcor Flexibles' Christchurch plant has won the Supreme award as well as best packaging at New Zealand’s 25th annual Pride In Print Awards held at Auckland’s Sky City Convention Centre.

Orora Group has showcased a range of new kit, including Australia's first EFI Nozomi C18000 digital press for corrugated board, to customers at its Innovation Expo in Oakleigh, Victoria. The inaugural event is part of the packaging giant's push for innovation in its business model.

Melbourne-based Central National Australia denied it’s dumping cheap A4 paper onto the local market by importing Fuji Xerox Professional Paper from the Hankuk Paper company in South Korea.

Fuji Xerox Australia (FXA) declined to comment on reports that only four of 50 staff members at its Fuji Xerox Printers division have been offered jobs in the integration of the business into FXA.

AAB Holdings, owner of Pegasus Print Group, has bought Sydney's SOS Print + Media Group. The acquisition is expected to create a $100 million per year printer, with $150 million expected within the next year. SOS will continue as a stand-alone operation from its existing premises.

After legal action by major investors, Xerox will seek improved financial terms when it resumes talks with Fujifilm over the Japanese company’s proposed $6.1bn takeover bid. Xerox also accused investor Carl Icahn of "highly irresponsible fear-mongering."

Ricoh ended agreements with 16 local dealers as it focuses on the "critical" IT services market but the company denied it's moving away from print. "We have a major opportunity...to make printing more innovative and productive."

Wellington-based Gravure Packaging has won a ‘label industry Oscar’ for the best gravure process label at the 2017 World Label Awards. The winning entry was a shrink sleeve produced for Melbourne yoghurt manufacturer Chobani.

Printing Industries has announced its approval of the 2018 federal budget, praising initiatives in education and tax cuts for businesses and employees. CEO Andrew Macaulay has, however, expressed concern about the $18 billion deficit, saying the country should live within its means.

Billionaire activist Xerox shareholders Carl Icahn and Darwin Deason – who oppose a takeover deal with Fujifilm – say they’ll now consider a cash bid of $40 per share - a 43 percent premium to the Japanese firm’s offer of about $28 per share.