Canon has been awarded the coveted 2016 A3 MFP Line of the Year award from US-based global researcher Buyers Laboratory (BLI). Researchers said the Canon line produced ‘remarkable’ results in a rigorous two-month laboratory evaluation.

In the first major revamp of its Acuity range of flatbed UV printers used in POP, signage, display and photo markets, Fujifilm is launching eight new models at the upcoming FESPA expo in Amsterdam, with Fujifilm Australia offering them to the local market shortly after.

Exhibitors are focusing more on software devlopment, communications and workflow rather than printing hardware innovations at the drupa media conference in Düsseldorf this week.

Spicers, formerly PaperlinX, has recovered from the collapse of its European operation to record its first group profit in eight years, despite concerns about the decline of the commercial print market in Australia. Spicers posted of half-year net profit of $6.3m, compared to a loss of $90m previously.

Revitalised manufacturer to showcase its Evolutionary press with more than 250 incremental enhancements and improvements as it pursues its goal of future-proofing offset printing. Patrick Howard visits the Offenbach foundry and factory.

A new Superia range of prepress products from Fujifilm will help printers adapt to increasing cost and environmental pressures by reducing wastage, emissions, water use, energy use, labour and materials in the offset litho printing sector.

The latest drupa survey has found that printers around the world are increasingly optimistic about the year ahead. "…the biggest increases in positive feelings are in Africa, Australia/Oceania, Middle East and Asia," according to the 3rd drupa Global Trends report.

The adphos Group has developed the next generation of its dryer range that is aimed at boosting performance and quality for digital printing presses. The new adphosNIR® technology provides near instantaneous drying and enhanced print quality, said the company.

Spandex Australia’s latest ImagePerfect Material Guide features many new specialty products aimed at lucrative markets for sign makers and graphic producers. "This new guide clearly illustrates the many possibilities available to wide format sign and display businesses."

The Circular Economy, which aims to reshape business models so that we stop trashing resources, can be a tough sell for many printers. But everyone can contribute in their own way, writes sustainability consultant Laurel Brunner.

The PIAA board will meet next week to address a range of issues raised in an emergency meeting between board members and the Members Action Group over the direction of the peak industry body. "I have committed to conduct a review in a number of key areas," said acting president Kieran May.

Newly-listed print and marketing group IVE has posted a strong first-half result with earnings up 30.7% on the previous corresponding period to $22.2 million, on a pro forma basis. Revenue rose 13.9 per cent to $196.1 million.

Trans-Tasman media group APN News & Media recorded a loss of $10.2 million for the year and announced plans to offload its regional newspapers in Australia and develop the digital side of the business.

Thirty-two print industry workers from 17 Sydney companies have signed up at TAFE Ultimo for a new ASGA program aimed at upgrading their skills so they can mentor apprentices. ASGA sourced NSW state government funding for the project which could be rolled out across the country.

Sydney developer/manufacturer Impression Technology will release a new DTG Digital M3 direct-to-garment printer at Fespa 2016 in Amsterdam. "We've worked hard to bring about what we believe is the most rugged printer with far less maintenance at a better price point in the market."

Blue Star, a division of ASX-listed IVE Group, has continued its expansion strategy with the acquisition of Melbourne-based direct communications service provider LCS Connect. The LCS operation will be integrated into the Blue Star DIRECT business at Clayton, Melbourne.