The PacPrint 2017 Business Improvement Workshops will include sessions on smart sensing technologies, printed solar panels, print’s role in a ‘digital first’ world, 3D print applications and a range of other topics.

Celeste Halliday of Broome, WA signage company BK Signs and Promotions is the lucky winner of Print21’s PacPrint Escape trip for two to this month’s big trade show in Melbourne. “I feel honoured to have won as I never win anything. We are so stoked.”

The former owners of Adelaide-based Protectaprint, Richard and Steve Wilkinson, have returned to the printing industry with the purchase of Allkotes Melbourne. “We decided retirement wasn’t as good as we thought it would be."

Fairfax has warned of further belt-tightening following the NZCC's decision to reject the proposed merger between between APN-spinoff NZME and Fairfax NZ. "Further publishing frequency changes and consolidation of titles is an inevitability," says Fairfax CEO Greg Hywood.

120 workers will be made redundant as PMP restructures IPMG's Offset Alpine plant in Lidcombe, Sydney. PMP announced it would convert the facility into the dedicated sheetfed plant for its entire operation across Australia, which will mean the loss of 120 web printing and bindery positions.

The unending search for a digital printing process that is both ‘better than the rest’ and locks in customers to a unique ink/toner supply chain continues. Andy McCourt examines the battle lines being drawn between digital processes in the lead-up to PacPrint.

Wesfarmers has launched marketing of its planned public float of Officeworks, sending out pre-IPO marketing reports to leading fund managers. Bankers have valued the office supplies, stationery and technology retailer at between A$1 billion and A$1.5 billion.

Most craft-based industries - like printing or engineering - are not very good at preserving and honouring their past. But now printing industry group the Australian Society of Old Friends (ASOOF) is organizing a meeting dedicated to just that and all industry members are invited.

We all know what happens to printed paper when it’s sent off for recycling. It either gets burnt or sent for processing into new materials, but when old computers reach end of life, matters are less simple. Laurel Brunner looks at the EU’s recycling initiative WEEE.

$5bn industry fund Media Super has launched an innovative $30m fund to finance research and development (R&D) projects in Australia.

Management software company IQ Australia has exhibited at the 'largest ever' International Sign Association expo in Las Vegas, calling it a 'great show'. Mick Rowan, director of IQ, said the stand at ISA attracted plenty of interest in its PrintIQ management workflow system.

Progress towards automated manufacturing is the defining movement of the printing industry. At PacPrint, Currie Group is showcasing the future of printing with an amazing demonstration of automation, interconnectivity and robotics across its stand.

The final tranche of employees to be made redundant by Heidelberg ANZ has reduced the company’s sales and service complement to just over 80 in the region, according to Richard Timson, managing director.

Indonesia has slammed the Australian government's decision to impose tariffs on Indonesian paper, saying it doesn't dump paper in Australia and warning the move could affect free trade talks. Indonesia will appeal the decision to the Department of Industry's administrative review panel.

The PacPrint Preview issue of Print21 magazine is out now - featuring a 40+ page guide to the outstanding exhibits at next month's PacPrint in Melbourne. The 'must read' PacPrint feature spans the broadest range of printing technologies, from hardware to software to substrates.

Two years ago the committee of the Galley Club was stymied in its efforts to alter the structure of the organisation and distribute funds to deserving charities. Last night in North Sydney, Michael Schulz (pictured) was not to be brooked in getting it done by driving a unanimous vote to give $30,000 to charity.