The week that was: 21 February 2008

Who says printers don't get around? Print 21 journalist, Mitchell Jordan, spent most of this week attending industry functions and catching up with identities from all over the world. Here's the low-down on what went on.

Paying tribute to print
There is no denying that Andrew Tribute (pictured) knows his stuff when it comes to print, but is he psychic as well?

In his presentation, 'Print - Media of the Future', hosted by Fuji Xerox, Tribute put forth the controversial view that Océ will be bought by Konica Minolta.  "I think Konica Minolta will buy Océ," he said.

The idea was expanded on further in his Tuesday column for Whattheythink.com, where he drew upon the news in January this year that Konica Minolta had entered into a partnership agreement with Océ to cooperate in development and marketing for office and production printing systems. "Both Konica Minolta and Océ have a unique presence in these two growing markets," he wrote.

Locally, Océ Australia was unable to comment on Tribute's prediction.

Aside from this speculation, Tribute delivered an engaging discussion on what the future holds for print, citing the top ten ways that print helps you prosper. Some of these points included: print is credible whereas web sites are not, unless from a trusted resource (like Print 21 - ed); print is personal with unique personalisation through digital printing, print is portable, and, above all, Tribute says: "Print is beautiful!"

But if you're reading this, then you probably knew that already.

Seeing green
No longer synonymous with jealousy, green is now a means of survival for most companies.

Rodney Wade, environment and technical manager of Finsbury Green reckons that there's a whole lot of green wash going on, and in his recent Sydney talk, 'Demistifying Green Printing', warned audiences of the need to be both alert and alarmed.

"There are currently only a handful of printers in Australia who are genuinely engaging in the practice of green printing," he said.

According to Wade, five common myths exist in the printing industry where green printing is involved: 1) Print and design is not an environmental issue 2) green printing costs more and is of a lower quality 3) There is limited market demand for environmentally responsible print and design 4) Businesses are only concerned with reducing costs and 5) Using recycled paper and eco inks eliminate negative impacts on printing.

As far as audience responses go, the crowded room suggested many members all agreed with Wade. (Certainly there was no criticism or opposition to his ideas during question time). What is Wade's solution to the green wash tsunami? "Attack may well be the best form of defence," he offered.

Better make sure you've got your goggles.

What shade of green is your print provider? asks Phil Lawrence, Stora Enso (left) and Rodney Wade, Finsbury Green (right).