Global print management firm Hague has appointed Mike Wheble as its managing director, Australia, to drive the “rapid expansion” of its new Hague Australia business. Hague operates in more than 50 companies and has provided security print solutions in Australia for the past five years.

Researcher IBISWorld has identified the printing industry as one of five Australian business sectors facing a tough year in 2016. “The rising prevalence of online platforms has negatively affected demand for printed advertising materials such as catalogues, brochures, leaflets, and booklets."

Some organisations treat environmental responsibility rather frivolously, as if the environment is a passing trend. But some very large companies, such as Ricoh, require evidence of continuous management of their environmental management system and for raw materials usage, writes Laurel Brunner.

FESPA Digital, European Sign Expo and FESPA Textile 2016 have all sold out with just under two months to go until doors open on 8 March in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 450 exhibitors will display latest solutions across wide format digital print, textile print, signage and printed interior decoration.

Industry initiative Future Print is launching a second live-stream business sales course after heavy demand for the initial program. “The inaugural course is enjoying rave reviews,” said Julie Tymms, Australian Academy of Sales, which has joined with Future Print to present the program.

What’s unique? The combination of a growing EBIT at 25% of sales, high wallet share of customers, proven processes and systems – works on auto pilot, can be run under management, no salespeople, just 'affiliates.'

Australian-based multinational packaging company Amcor will expand its presence in the US after acquiring California-based packaging firm Deluxe Packages for $61 million. “This represents an excellent opportunity to accelerate profitable growth," said Amcor MD Ron Delia.

Gerold Linzbach has returned to his role as CEO of Heidelberg after a lengthy absence caused by health issues. Linzbach had been on sick leave since early in June 2015 and his recovery from undisclosed health problems was “delayed longer than expected."

US packaging giant Graphic Packaging has signed a $60 million deal to acquire ASX-listed Australasian folding carton producer Colorpak, with the agreement expected to be completed in April. Colorpak shares jumped 30 per cent after the takeover bid was announced.

Seven out of ten NSW printing jobs could be lost to computerisation in the next 10-15 years, according to a disturbing new NSW government briefing paper. More than 90 per cent of printing assistant and table worker jobs are also at risk.

Two board members at struggling global newsprint and magazine paper giant Norske Skog have been forced out after the major shareholder blocked plans to restructure the company's massive debt of €1 billion.

For decades, pink has been associated with girls and blue with boys, but Pantone’s new colours for 2016 seem to be suggesting doing away with connecting colors to gender, writes Ryan Russell, associate professor of Graphic Design at Pennsylvania State University.

Printers don’t much want constraints on substrate choices and relatively few graphic arts businesses bother with carbon offsetting. But a new carbon balanced paper project is attracting significant support, writes consultant Laurel Brunner.

2015 wasn't the best of times, but then, it wasn't the worst either. A year that saw the recession ebb slowly away but without lifting the animal spirits of the printing industry. Read all about that year that was.

Multinational engineering plastics company Dotmar Holdings has acquired Sydney-based sign and display market supplier Graphic Art Mart, which will continue to run as a standalone business. Long time Graphic Art Mart owner and director Mark Tailby will leave the industry.

Switching Australian and New Zealand agent for the German high-tech colour measurement company has stirred the waters, with conflicting reports as to who does what. Following a switch from the previous agent, Colour Graphic Services has taken on the sought-after agency.