In this episode of The Print Files: A Big Month in Print, Lindy Hughson and Jan Arreza analyse the major news and trends shaping the Australasian print industry in October.

We begin our discussion by reviewing Visual Media Association’s recent advocacy efforts, launching the 2025 Industry Metrics Survey with Ricoh Australia and lobbying for the industry to be recognised as critical sovereign manufacturing sectors. We also explore major technology showcases from IVE Group with new Koenig & Bauer presses, Orora’s open day for brands featuring Velox’s direct-to-can digital print system, and Roland DG’s Dimense DA-640 bringing texture to wide-format printing. We discuss business developments with Colour Cartel’s rapid expansion and installation of ROQ, Revolution Print’s StickySheets.com.au automation breakthrough, Coopers Brewery’s Bolte Bridge billboard campaign, and new VistaPrint research on branded merchandise. We also touch on ongoing M&A momentum with Kwik Kopy joining the Fortidia Group, Rawson acquiring IntoPrint, and Print ePS merging with CAI Software.

We wrap up with people moves across Currie Group, Jet Technologies, and Women in Print, plus new equipment releases from Canon, Konica Minolta and HP pointing to another strong quarter of innovation in print.

Links:

VMA releases 2025 Industry Metrics Survey

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/vma-releases-2025-industry-metrics-survey

VMA lobbies to protect print, sign and packaging skills

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/vma-lobbies-to-protect-print-sign-and-packaging-skills

IVE opens doors to Braeside facility for tech showcase

www.print21.com.au/commercial/ive-opens-doors-to-braeside-facility-for-tech-showcase

Koenig & Bauer unlocks new opportunities with Bosch

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/koenig-and-bauer-unlocks-new-opportunities-with-bosch

Orora brings Helio to the brands

www.print21.com.au/packaging/orora-brings-helio-to-the-brands

First Helio-printed can hits the track

www.print21.com.au/packaging/first-helio-printed-can-hits-the-track

Roland DG opens new markets with Dimense DA-640

www.print21.com.au/commercial/roland-dg-opens-new-markets-with-dimense-da-640

Rapid expansion drives new ROQ install for Colour Cartel

www.print21.com.au/commercial/rapid-expansion-drives-new-roq-install-for-colour-cartel

StickySheets: When vision meets technology

www.print21.com.au/commercial/stickysheets-when-vision-meets-technology

The Print Files Ep 68: with Leon Wilson and James...

In this episode of The Print Files, Print21 managing editor & publisher Lindy Hughson chats with Leon Wilson, director of Revolution Print, and James Rolland from Konica Minolta Australia, about how regional printer Revolution Print has turned its vision into a national, automated e-commerce success story through StickySheets.com.au.

We begin our discussion by exploring the origins of StickySheets, how it supplies customers with short-run customer sticker printing, and we review the order process with strong automation practices which results in a relatively hands free process. We dive into the technologies and data involved in choosing substrates, maintaining stocks, choosing hardware, and how it combines with building a strong workforce which facilitates a culture for collaboration. The discussion also examines lessons that can be learnt from the Konica-Revolution partnership and how AI will be further integrated into businesses in the future.

We wrap up by getting some practical advice for other print businesses, which focuses on the need for vision, technology, and partnerships to transform print into a connected and scalable industry.

Links:

Sponsored by Konica Minolta

www.konicaminolta.com.au

StickySheets

stickysheets.com.au

Print is Dead? Long Live Print. on Vimeo

vimeo.com/1123099729

StickySheets: When vision meets technology

www.print21.com.au/commercial/stickysheets-when-vision-meets-technology

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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: Lindy Hughson

Coordinator: Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Print21 - © 2025

In this episode of The Print Files: A Big Month in Print, Lindy Hughson and Jan Arreza analyse the major news and trends shaping the Australasian print industry in September.

We begin this month’s review with major distribution moves, as EFI appoints Currie Group as its exclusive Sign & Display distributor across Australia and New Zealand, and Canon partners with Rodden Graphics to expand into packaging and labels via Edale flexo systems. We also cover Rawson’s acquisition of IntoPrint following its Megacolour purchase, CS Graphics’ management buyout of Aldus Graphics’ distribution arm, and the US$80 million acquisition of Landa by private equity firm FIMI.

The discussion continues with Canon’s new Colorado XL series, marking its entry into the 3.4-metre super-wide format market, and Neon Packaging’s Australian first installation of Mimaki’s UV-DTF printer, expanding its capability to curved and irregular surfaces. We also highlight Women in Print’s new incorporation framework, and review the record turnout at Labelexpo Europe now rebranded as Loupe showcasing major innovations and global engagement.

We wrap up with people moves, including Adrian Fleming’s return to PrintIQ as ANZ general manager, and John Wall’s retirement after more than 40 years at Roland DG Australia, with Jessie Parker stepping into the managing director role.

Links:

P21 Mag: Currie Group leads EFI in ANZ

www.print21.com.au/sign-and-display/p21-mag-currie-group-leads-efi-in-anz

Canon PP appoints Rodden Graphics ANZ agent

www.print21.com.au/labels/canon-pp-appoints-rodden-graphics-anz-agent

Rawson expands with IntoPrint acquisition

www.print21.com.au/commercial/rawson-expands-with-intoprint-acquisition

CS Graphics completes MBO of Aldus Graphics

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/cs-graphics-completes-mbo-of-aldus-graphics

Landa acquired by FIMI for $80m

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/landa-acquired-by-fimi-for-80m

Canon widens UVgel reach with Colorado XL-series

www.print21.com.au/sign-and-display/canon-widens-uvgel-reach-with-colorado-xl-series

Neon Packaging installs Aus-first Mimaki UV-DTF

www.print21.com.au/packaging/neon-packaging-installs-aus-first-mimaki-uv-dtf

Women in Print receives corporate charter approval

www.print21.com.au/industry/latest/women-in-print-receives-corporate-charter-approval

Labelexpo Europe: Bigger, bolder, broader

https://www.print21.com.au/labelexpo/labelexpo-europe-bigger-bolder-broader

Record attendance at Labelexpo's Barcelona debut