Printers need to provide their clients with ideas, innovation, support and guidance they say they want – but only a few are doing it, according to the latest Print Insight report from Canon.

Wide format and labels inkjet print systems developer Durst has started a project to develop predictive maintenance and parts replacement, on every individual print system, through artificial intelligence.

The first issue of the new year of the industry’s favourite trade media, Print21 magazine, has arrived on the desks of the owners and managers of print businesses across Australia and New Zealand.

Chase Print Group adds to its portfolio of machines with the addition of the new Horizon CRF-362 creaser/folder with perforation unit, supplied by Currie Group.

Transitioning its subscribers to digital platforms helped enable publishing giant News Corp to realise a significant lift in profits, with its second quarter earnings the best in seven years.

Konica Minolta channel and strategic implementations manager Andrew Ward is calling out for swimmers, event support volunteers,, and sponsors, for the third Head Above Water annual 24-hour swimathon at Collaroy Beach, NSW, created to support local mental health initiatives.

Skyrocketing shipping costs are impacting paper, board, and wide format media prices, with the nation’s major printable materials suppliers Ball & Doggett and Spicers forced to introduce price rises from next month, which will range from three to nine per cent.

Bright Print Group joint managing director, and well known industry identity Debbie Burgess, is the new NSW Patron for industry association Women in Print, while Marisa Smyrneos steps down from her SA role.

David Currie, executive chairman of Currie Group, and one of the longest serving and best known members of the ANZ print industry, will be stepping down from his executive role within the business after 51 years. He will remain as chairman. Rob Mesaros becomes CEO.

Electronic communication needs to take a long hard look at its recycling credentials, which are at present way behind those of print. There are still far too many folk who don’t get that paper is a sustainable resource, or that print has a one-time carbon footprint.

Print21 resident legal eagle Wal Abramowicz says print business directors need to be aware of the Covid insolvency dates, the ending of the safe harbour laws, their own responsibilities, and the repercussions of trading while insolvent, which includes personal liability.

Following the success of last year’s virtual awards programme, the PVCA is bringing back in-person events for this year’s ceremony. Entries into the 38th National Print Awards and state Printing Industry Creativity Awards open on February 1.

I didn’t think they would do it; I certainly didn’t think they should. Heck, I didn’t think they even could do it… but they did, writes print industry veteran Patrick Howard.

EFI’s annual user conference will open on Monday, this time though as a virtual event thanks to Covid restrictions, but with no less in the way of seminars, workshops and keynotes, with 200 sessions planned over eight days, covering a host of topics.

David Crowther of Sydney’s Colour Graphic Services has been named as one of 25 global certified G7 colour expert instructors certified to lead new training sessions on G7 based print and packaging applications.

Ascent Partners has formed a strategic alliance with turnaround professionals Rodgers Reidy / TBA Solutions, in order to provide Australian printers with options for the pathway forward.