The Paper Market Unfolded Q2 2022 (specialtyprintcomm.com)

The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), the leading authority in sustainable printing certifications, announced today Polaris Direct as the newest certified SGP Facility. “What I like about SGP certification is it creates a culture around sustainability,” said John Strand, director of operations. “It’s not just three or four of us deciding procedures – it encourages you to get other people involved, and you can’t create a culture of sustainability unless everybody’s in on it.” Located in Hooksett, New Hampshire, Polaris Direct is a direct marketing and printing company with many Fortune 500 customers. Founded nearly 20 years ago, the company is guided by innovative thinking and client-based problem solving.

Tidewater Direct announced that it has doubled down on its inkjet strategy with the purchase of a Screen 520NX inkjet press, which was installed in September and is currently operational. With an emphasis on uncoated stocks, the new press complements its existing 520HD which has now been in service for over 3 years. Both presses are located in Centreville, Md. and staffed 24 hours per day, and capacity is exclusively and uniquely sold to the trade. Prior to purchasing its first inkjet press, Tidewater saw an opportunity to partner with letter shops that were being asked to provide inkjet printing but did not have substantial volume to justify the investment in inkjet. This model which Tidewater calls an “inkjet revolution”, sought to supply the same wholesale customers that purchase forms and direct mail inserts inkjet printed product, to include rolls of forms, folded personalized letters, self-mailers, and post cards. With the 2nd inkjet press, Tidewater not only increases its capacity which improves flexibility, but the Screen NX adds a new economy and capability for uncoated direct mail letters.

If you own a printing business, the questions most responsible for keeping you awake at night probably are, “How do I grow my business?” or “Where do I take it from here?” Attending PRINT 17 (Sept. 10-14) won’t necessarily give you the entire answer. But, no other event can open your eyes to as many possibilities. That’s the essence of the registration pitch being made for PRINT 17 by NPES, the printing equipment manufacturers’ trade association that now owns 100% of the PRINT and GRAPH EXPO shows. It’s a fair and reasonable proposition. Behind it lies the reality that, just as the printing industry has changed, so has its principal trade exposition. PRINT 17 has long been regarded as the primary venue for evaluating printing and graphic products and technologies. However, according to Thayer Long, president of NPES, this year’s PRINT 17 promises to grow beyond a high-energy exhibition into an entirely new experience. Click Read More below for additional detail.