Aussie binders wanted for US awards

Australian binders are being invited to compete against their overseas counterparts in the Product of Excellence awards.

The awards are being staged by the Binding Industries Association (BIA) which operates in conjunction with Printing Industries of America (PIA). Binders can submit entries produced between 1 May 2007 and 1 April 2008. Entries close on 1 May 2008.

Printing Industries national communications and technical services manager, Joe Kowalewski, said the BIA awards were one of the world's largest competitions for binders.

"The awards feature judges from around the world and is conducted anonymously. Judges do not know who produced or where entries were produced," he said.

"This is a good opportunity for Aussie companies to show their abilities in the international arena and enhance their profiles by competing again and hopefully winning against American and other overseas companies."

 In the finishing categories, judges look for superiority in the manufacturing and quality through:
    •      squareness
    •      lineup and a lack of  cracking and wrinkles in folds
    •      exactness of the trim
    •      condition, location,  size, and tightness of staples
    •      squareness of spine and  backbone size
    •      overall cleanliness

For those pieces with stamped, embossed, debossed, or other decorative finishes the criterion is:
    •      crisp, complete image
    •      exactness
    •      multiple or unusual  techniques
    •      overall cleanliness

Kowalewski said Printing Industries members can enter the competition at a special discount fee. Full details including category and registration information and the discount entry form  is available via this link.