Xerox Announces Sale of Elem Additive Solutions to ADDiTEC

Sun Chemical will increase prices across its portfolio of publication inks in North America, effective June 1, 2021. The continued escalation of raw material costs, increasing international and domestic freight rates, and shortages of key material inputs into the printing ink supply chain, have all contributed to this price increase. “These inflationary pressures require us to raise prices in this market,” said Chris Parrilli, President of North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Our goal is to continue to deliver the world class support and services our customers expect in order for them to meet their business objectives. We understand the pressures the publication markets face and will continue to investigate all opportunities to mitigate these inflationary pressures on an ongoing basis.”

Sabine Geldermann, Director drupa, Portfolio Print Technologies, comments on this partnership, “PRINTING United Expo’s one-roof approach aligns very strongly with what drupa has brought to the industry over the last seven decades. Showcasing the many applications printing technology has these days, not only in the graphic arts field but in packaging, industrial and textile is what our attendees appreciate.” Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance, speaking to the outcomes of this agreement, “Our partnership with drupa underscores our commitment to advancing the entirety of the printing industry. Together, we will be able to deliver even more opportunities for growth and collaboration to all who participate in the marketplace of events. We look forward in the coming months to sharing our conversations on how this partnership will unfold and the benefits to all our partners.”

It is no secret that the U.S. printing business had been battered for years as the popularity of digital formats significantly reduced demand for magazines, catalogs, and other printed materials. While sales of books held up better than those of their print counterparts, many of the largest printers worked across multiple product lines. And as a result, some of the industry giants (R.R. Donnelley, Quad Graphics) underwent wholesale makeovers, while smaller companies either closed or merged to cope with the plunge in demand. At a spring webinar presented by PW and Westchester Publishing Services, Jim Fetherston, president and CEO at the printer Worzalla noted that when the pandemic hit and book sales unexpectedly surged, North American printing capacity was at “historic low levels,” which led to demand exceeding capacity for the first time in years.