Episodes

  • November was a Big Month In Print
    Dec 1 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from November.

    We start off this month’s edition by reviewing the Canva deal with HP to provide design-to-print for their customers, by facilitating local printing companies with HP Indigo and HP Large Format printers to supply the print. We also assess the Visual Media Association’s launch of the new Labels & Packaging Coalition, which has warned the federal government about regulations surrounding fibre-based packaging solutions. Still on packaging we look at and Amcor’s $13bn acquisition of US-based Berry Group, which means the company will have 400 plants around the world printing a huge amount of flexo. We move on to discuss Officework’s new same-day printing service, which creates a new challenge for commercial printshops, and we look at the latest developments as print and mail looks to keep mail monopoly AusPost in check. The return of the National Print Awards in May next for their 40th iteration, with a refreshed approach to the format, categories and how judging is assessed.

    Finally we wrap up with a peak into 2025, and what will be a seriously increased use and reliance on AI, along with the importance of getting acquainted with how AI could be incorporated into your business.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    Canva offers design-to-print via HP users

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/canva-offers-design-to-print-via-hp-users

    VMA warns on packaging regulation

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/vma-warns-on-packaging-regulation

    Amcor in packaging mega merger

    www.print21.com.au/packaging/amcor-in-packaging-mega-merger

    Officeworks rolls out same day printing

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/officeworks-rolls-out-same-day-printing

    VMA says auspost should stick to script

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/vma-says-auspost-should-stick-to-script

    National Print Awards to re-launch in 2025

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/national-print-awards-to-re-launch-in-2025

    Ricoh opens new CX Centre

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/ricoh-opens-new-cx-centre

    ------------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

    If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via...

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    24 mins
  • October was a Big Month In Print
    Oct 31 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from October.

    We start off by reviewing the extensive investment into printing presses in Australia and New Zealand purchased from Heidelberg, Komori, and Koenig & Bauer. Next is an update on TMA’s fight against the Philippines government over the $100m joint venture in a thermal printing operation. We also explore the rationale behind social media giant TikTok's decision to start printing books. The significant increase in government costs, that are far in excess of inflation, come under the spotlight, and we look at the continued rise in packaging opportunities, with Bright Print purchasing of Morprint, and assess the new Labels and Packaging Coalition.

    We wrap up by discussing the halt of the decline in spending on outdoor print, and mourning the loss of Joan Daniels, aged 93, who was widely thought to be the first woman to own and run a print business in Australia.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    IVE orders four Koenig & Bauer Presses

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/ive-orders-four-koenig-and-bauer-presses

    $100M TMA case listed by world back

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/100m-tma-case-listed-by-world-bank

    TikTok partners up to print books

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/tiktok-partners-up-to-print-books

    Printers facing soaring govt costs far in excess of inflation

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/printers-facing-soaring-govt-costs-far-in-excess-of-inflation

    VMA establishes new labels and packaging industry coalition:

    www.print21.com.au/packaging/vma-establishes-new-labels-and-packaging-industry-coalition

    ------------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

    If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via their website www.print21.com.au or send an email to editor@print21.com.au

    Host: Wayne Robinson

    Coordinator: Grant McHerron

    Producer: Steve Visscher

    Print21 - © 2024

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    23 mins
  • September was a Big Month In Print
    Oct 3 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from September.

    We start off by reviewing a Smithers report which forecasts a 25 per cent of printed packaging and labels over the next five years for Australia and New Zealand, with automated workflows, robotics, and artificial intelligence playing a major role. The discussion also looks at some of the print businesses that are now investing for packaging. As packaging point grows, newspapers decline, we look at the factors behind the Australian Community Media’s decision to begin culling weekday editions of several regional newspapers.

    The month saw two huge deals in print: Xsys purchased flexo plate rival MacDermid for $485m, while Epson spent $875m to buy rip developer Fiery. We examine the motives behind the deals, which confound those who say there is no money in print.

    And we discuss a major win for the industry, which saw Australia Post reverse its decision to suspend unaddressed mail during the pre-Christmas period.

    Finally we look at the changing world of trade exhibitions, specifically drupa’s decision to reduce the next show from 11 days to nine, and the new PacPrint, being held in Sydney for the first time, and with Kirsten Taylor from Taylor’d Press as the new chair of the board.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    Blue Star integrates Auckland in $30m spend

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/blue-star-integrates-auckland-in-30m-spend

    Regional newspaper cull begins

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/regional-newspaper-cull-begins

    Flexo rivals consolidate in $485m deal

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/flexo-rivals-consolidate-in-485m-deal

    Epson buys Fiery for $875m to accelerate digital transition

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/epson-buys-fiery-for-875m-to-accelerate-digital-transition

    AusPost reverses UAM suspension

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/auspost-reverses-uam-suspension

    Next drupa cut from 11 days to 9

    www.print21.com.au/events/events/next-drupa-cut-from-11-days-to-9

    Taylor to chair PacPrint board

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/taylor-to-chair-pacprint-board

    Sponsors locked in for PacPrint 2025

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/sponsors-locked-in-for-pacprint-2025

    ------------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (

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    20 mins
  • August was a Big Month In Print
    Sep 1 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from August.

    We start off by reviewing Australia Post’s decision to cease the delivery of unaddressed mail by December. We assess how close we are to AI and machine learning technologies achieving fully automated print production.

    Following this we discuss IVE’s increasing profits but static revenue, and its progress in its folding carton intentions. We check out the change in VMA's presidency. Online print giant and Vista parent Cimpress released its figures, and a contentious statement, we discuss print's response.

    We wrap up by unpacking investigations which include several allegations of unions facilitating an estimated $3m in ghost printing via print brokers.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    Auspost stops pre-Xmas unaddressed mail

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/auspost-stops-pre-xmas-unaddressed-mail

    Connect points way forward for print

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/connect-points-way-forward-for-print

    Horizon to show lights out factory

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/horizon-to-show-lights-out-factory

    IVE profits up on static revenue

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/ive-profits-up-on-static-revenue

    Pidgeon becomes VMA president

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/pidgeon-becomes-vma-president

    Vista achieves record profits

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/vista-achieves-record-results

    Allegations unions in $3m rort

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/allegations-unions-in-3m-print-rort

    -----------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

    If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via their website www.print21.com.au or send an email to editor@print21.com.au

    Host: Wayne Robinson

    Coordinator: Grant McHerron

    Producer: Steve Visscher

    Editor: Chris Visscher

    Print21 - © 2024

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    25 mins
  • July was a Big Month In Print
    Aug 4 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from June.

    We start off by reviewing the decline of printed newspapers, with Rupert Murdoch, owner of Australian, UK and US newspapers, predicting that they will all be history in 15 years. We look at the implications of Meta’s withdrawal of $200m in yearly funding from Australian newspaper publishers, on both metro and regional areas. Following this, we assess the impact of the end of printed newspapers on rest of the print industry.

    We then look at the Access Print Solutions story, with the three business company going into VA and then being bought by the directors three weeks later. Sustainable printing developments are coming thick and fast, we discuss three of the latest as print bolsters its claim to be the most eco-friendly communication channel.

    We wrap up by getting with overview of the Visual Impact trade show, the continued growth and investment into sign and display equipment by ANZ business, and finally, we celebrate the impact of leaders in the trade associations who are now stepping back.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    Murdoch gives newspapers 15 years max

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/murdoch-gives-newspapers-15-years-max

    Regional newspaper cull begins

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/regional-newspaper-cull-begins

    Access owners buy business back for $5m

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/access-owners-buy-business-back-for-5m

    Visual Impact numbers and sales up

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/visual-impact-numbers-and-sales-up

    Pidgeon becomes VMA president

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/pidgeon-becomes-vma-president

    ------------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

    If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via their website www.print21.com.au or send an email to editor@print21.com.au


    Host: Wayne Robinson

    Coordinator: Grant McHerron

    Producer: Steve Visscher

    Print21 - © 2024

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    20 mins
  • June was a Big Month In Print
    Jun 30 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from June.

    We start this month’s episode by reviewing the return of drupa in Dusseldorf, back for the first time in eight years. It had a 35% drop in attendance compared to the last show, with this in mind we assess the value of trade shows in today’s market. Throughout the discussion we explore the increased representation in software, automation, robotics and digitisation, and the many investments made by ANZ printing businesses in new printing equipment.

    We review purchases made at the show with Reacon Group’s order of a Fujifilm JetPress 1160CF, CMYKhub’s Colorado inkjet ix3200, Easy Signs HB Indigo ABG, and Kwik Kopy Norwood’s Elitron to name a few.

    Back home we assess the failures of Momento Pro, Access Print Solutions, and Graphic Print who have all called in administrators. We also explore new players in the industry, the increased demand for fast turn around onshore printing, and the unfortunate use of offshore printing by the Australian Government.

    The episode wraps up by celebrating Cactus printing’s world sustainability award, and the increased representation of women in the print industry.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    170,000 Printers went to DRUPA

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/170-000-printers-went-to-drupa

    DRUPA video highlights

    www.youtube.com/@print2190/videos

    DRUPA: Reacon orders FujiFilm first

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/drupa-reacon-orders-fujifilm-first

    DRUPA: CMYKhub to upgrade with Colorado’s

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/drupa-cmykhub-to-upgrade-with-colorados

    Kwik Kopy Norwood orders Elitron

    www.print21.com.au/commercial/kwik-kopy-norwood-orders-elitron

    Cactus takes world sustainability award

    www.print21.com.au/search?filter=all&orderby=date&q=cactus

    Momento Pro in liquidation

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/momento-pro-in-liquidation

    Access Print & Graphic Print hit the skids

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/access-print-and-graphic-print-hit-the-skids

    -----------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa...

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    24 mins
  • April was A Big Month In Print.
    May 5 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from April.

    We start off by assessing the $15bn Future Made in Australia manufacturing plan, which appears to have nothing in it for print, the country's largest manufacturing industry.

    The discussion then moves on to unpacking the factors impacting in outdoor print, and the month's wide-format market movements, which have seen another big collapse.

    We also explore the huge investments into folding cartons with International Papers US$9.9bn purchase of DS Smith, and Smurfit Kappa’s US$11bn acquisition of WestRock, and ask what it all means for local printers looking to carton printing.

    Finally we assess the continued growth in the representation of women in the print and packaging industries, and ask if things have really changed.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    Back to the future not for print

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/back-to-the-future-not-for-print

    Print’s outdoor share falls

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/print-s-outdoor-share-falls

    Eaton issues open letter to industry

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/eaton-issues-open-letter-to-industry

    Mesh Direct in VA with $1.9m in debts

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/mesh-direct-in-va-with-1-9m-debts

    Westrock to become part of Smurfit Kappa

    www.print21.com.au/packaging/westrock-to-become-part-of-smurfit-kappa

    Strong support for women in packaging

    www.print21.com.au/packaging/strong-support-for-women-in-packaging

    PKN Women in Packaging Awards launched

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/pkn-women-in-packaging-awards-launched

    ------------------------------

    The Print Files Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Print21, owned and published by Yaffa Media (www.print21.com.au).

    The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of Print21, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

    If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact Print21 via their website www.print21.com.au or send an email to editor@print21.com.au


    Host: Wayne Robinson

    Coordinator: Grant McHerron

    Producer: Steve Visscher

    Print21 - © 2024

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • March was A Big Month In Print
    Apr 3 2024

    In the latest episode of print's podcast, It's Been A Big Month in Print, industry insiders Wayne Robinson and Lindy Hughson analyse, assess, and interpret the major news, trends, issues and developments from March.

    We start off the discussion by reviewing the major trends for the upcoming drupa trade show, with a focus on sustainability, connectivity, AI, the platform economy and, and automation. We assess why packaging will play such a major part of the first drupa in eight years. The discussion also gives us an exciting overview of the upcoming forums, the growth in textile printing, and we extend an invite to the Print21 ANZ drupa party at Frankenheim Brewery.

    We consider Frugalpac’s request to manufacture paper bottles in Australia, we assess the implications of the return of All Flags and Starleaton, and the exciting return of Australian wine exports to China, which is excellent news for label printers.

    Links:

    Sponsored by Currie Group

    www.curriegroup.com.au/contact

    ANZ drupa party set for 31 May

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/anz-drupa-party-set-for-31-may

    Print 21 Magazine - Drupa trends

    www.print21.com.au/events/events/print21-magazine-drupa-trends

    Drupa to present future for printers

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/drupa-to-present-future-for-printers

    Kodak to show inkjet and offset at drupa

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/kodak-to-show-inkjet-and-offset-at-drupa

    HP releases latest Indigos at Dscoop

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/hp-releases-latest-indigos-at-dscoop

    Konica Minolta launches Accurioshine

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/konica-minolta-launches-accurioshine

    Currie Group brings Elitron to ANZ

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/currie-group-brings-elitron-to-anz

    New paper bottle CO seeks printer

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/new-paper-bottle-co-seeks-printer

    All Flags back from brink

    www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/all-flags-back-from-brink

    Starleaton back from brink with DOCA

    www.print21.com.au/sign-and-display/starleaton-back-from-brink-with-doca

    100 million labels a year set to resume

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    28 mins