Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) banner material is on the way out, as the environmental damage it wreaks is now being addressed, partly thanks to an international treaty, writes Laurel Brunner.

Australian executive Andrew Coulsen is the new CEO at Spandex, the one-stop supplier of innovative solutions to the sign, graphics and display industries, and will lead the group from its Swiss headquarters.

3M is launching what it says is a 20 per cent faster to install print wrap film and overlaminate for commercial vehicles, the Print Wrap Film IJ280 with Gloss Wrap Overlaminate 8428G.

Digital inkjet roll-to-roll UV LED printers from EFI have achieved a key US certification for the quality and durability of prints used for décor applications, for its prints without lamination or coating.

Epson has launched a new 76-inch high speed dye sublimation printer – the six-colour SureColor F10060H – using the company’s Precision Core inkjet technology, which runs at 245sqm a hour, and self cleans.

Out of home giant and Cactus Imaging owner oOh! Media has become an official media partner of Australian Made, which urges Aussies to support local makers and growers via a new campaign.

The first Fespa Global FIT Innovations and Trends webinar – aimed at helping wide format printers get back up and running after Covid – opens at 6pm today, 8pm in New Zealand, focusing on wide format graphics and the evolving printed décor market.

Speaking at her first AGM, the new oOh! Media CEO told investors and shareholders that the company’s digital inventory will drive growth for the business.

Cactus Imaging, Mint Imaging and Grand Print Services all took out awards at the Outdoor Media Association’s first Creative Collection competition for 2021.

HP has updated its Stitch S1000 soft signage printer, saying it will enable printers to diversify their soft signage and interior decor offerings, as well as meet more challenging customer needs.

Mutoh Australia has appointed Perth-based Tek Cad & Cam Systems to sell and support Mutoh printers across Western Australia.

Canon Production Printing Australia is launching a new modular addition to its portfolio of 64” UVgel roll-to-roll printers, the budget-priced 110sqm an hour 1800dpi Colorado 1630.

Bob Meade, founder of Bokay Signs, pioneering printer, and one of the leading lights in the WA sign industry, has passed away, two years after selling his business.

Industry identity Ashley Playford-Browne has joined Durst Oceania as its new sales manager LFP and Textile, as the company ramps up its activity.

Gold Coast operation Systems Signs is in voluntary liquidation, two years after facing a winding up order, with directors Sean Donnelly and Michelle Van Der Ryken calling it quits this week.

With the floods and fires fresh in the minds of printers, specialist insurer Sign Manufacturer Insurance Broker (SMIB) is now offering specialised insurance brokerage to Fespa Australia members.