Wayne Robinson, Editor of Print21, and Lindy Hughson, Publisher of Print21 and PKN Packaging News, bring us a review and analysis of the major developments, issues and trends emerging in the ANZ print industry during June.

The discussion starts with the big raises in staff and paper costs that will be difficult to absorb without increasing prices, and then moves on to Ovato's attempts to rapidly recalibrate itself as the downsizing continues following the impact of Covid on its market and operations. This leads to a review of Kevin Slaven's three and a half years as CEO at Ovato, including the observation that Ovato is not alone, with the biggest heatset printers in the UK and USA facing similar struggles.

This opens the discussion to the future for offset litho printing, and why it is set to remain a major part of the industry, and the acknowledgement that as technology is changing the print industry at a rapid pace wit is bringing challenges and opportunities. An example of a company taking advantage of the opportunities is Prima printing in Melbourne, part of the new generation of print businesses, as is Vistaprint, which is aggressively promoting itself and running a competition to win a full brand refresh and $15k cash.

The episode wraps with a discussion on wide format printing and the forced migration away from PVC as the Basel Convention restrictions come into force, plus observations on the recent cyber attack that hit FujiFilm, and what it means to print businesses of all shapes and sizes.

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

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

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Wayne Robinson

Producer: Steve Visscher

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