Germany is pioneering the development of new renewables technologies and has moved its focus away from environmental regulation to encourage companies and citizens to be more environmentally aware through ecotaxes, environmental agreements and tradeable permits.

Currie Group came into its own as the digital printing equipment supplier at this drupa. Reinforcing the Group’s preeminent position in the local market, in excess of 15 million dollars of business was signed at the show, predominantly made up of digital technologies.

Adelaide printer Cruickshank has merged with pioneering competitor Printak - 'home of the world's first 100% solar-powered printing machines' - and moved into Printak's CBD warehouse, combining the businesses into a new entity called Created 2 Print.

Industry bible Pulp & Paper Edge threw its support behind a printing and publishing industry campaign against Treasurer Scott Morrison's plan to remove parallel import restrictions on books. "The risk is that independent voices and a distinct culture with a national and unique identity could be lost."

Supplier GJS appointed Andrew Zeiss to the newly-created role of Victoria Sales and Support as it continues a national expansion strategy. Zeiss has 20 years’ experience in print and signage and has worked with brands including Roland, Mutoh, HP and Epson.

Kwik Kopy North Sydney has been awarded the 2016 Kwik Kopy Franchise of the Year award after notching up the best sales figures and production rates. “Print is still very much alive, in fact it’s a growth market," said co-owner Jeremiah Akladious (pictured, right).

Pozitive signed an Australian distribution deal with global ink manufacturer Kiian Digital as it targets the digital market. “Kiian Digital is a powerful addition to our portfolio, allowing us to meet the demands of the fast growing digital market” said Phil Trumble, MD, Pozitive.

Workers from a collapsed Sydney signage company worked around the clock to complete a critical ALP order for the nationwide supply of election-day posters and banners. "Some of the staff have literally worked 24 hours a day to get this job completed," said liquidator Amanda Young.

Abel Labels of Tasmania has made 'a major investment' in an Epson SurePress digital printer to cater to a growing customer demand for high quality digital work. "We are the first label printer in Tasmania to install a serious digital press. This gives us an advantage in quality and flexibility."

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has agreed to pay $36.6 million for APN News & Media's Australian regional media business (ARM), which includes 12 daily papers and 60 community publications. '"It means in the space of one week, APN has effectively exited traditional publishing altogether."

Currie Group strengthened its team in Melbourne with the addition of two specialist print veterans to its Labels & Packaging division and Equipment and Consumables unit. Jon Murray (pictured) says he's excited to be joining Currie as the company continues to expand its L&P business.

Auckland design and marketing business Design Print Partners returned from drupa with a deal for the latest document editing software from CHILI publish. Design Print signed the agreement on the last day of the trade show in Düsseldorf.

SE QLD Commercial Digital Printer For Sale – Longstanding B2 / B3 offset and digital business – circa $2.3 million turnover. Needs more sales, but priced to sell at $850,000 plus SAV.

Graphic design students at St George TAFE gained valuable insight into the inner workings of the print industry in a class presented by industry gadfly James Cryer - who called on printing companies to open their doors to designers eager to broaden their knowledge.

Now that drupa 2016 is over, we can start hoping that at drupa 2020 the environmental will be in sharper focus. This year’s organisers missed a great opportunity to take the sustainability lead, according to industry consultant Laurel Brunner.

Wanted to Acquire – NSW based Packaging Printer. We have been engaged to search and acquire a NSW based packaging printer. Preferred turnover around $2–6 million. We understand that work profile may consist of some commercial print. We would also consider a related business.