Future Links October 14th 2014
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature power players in print, a new photo-printing app for retail stores, plans to 3D print an engine, higher prices for Flint’s offset inks in the EMEA region, a new global design for Lipton Ice Tea, and a commentary on packaging for goods bought online.
Power players in print
PrintWeek has published its annual ranking of the print industry’s 100 most powerful individuals. PrintWeek’s jury decided on the ranking after 2300 people took part in the public poll and submitted more than 6000 nominations. The table is presented in a new format this year with a main table featuring printers and buyers and a separate table showing the most influential suppliers.
More at Print Week
New photo printing app for retail stores
The photo-printing site MailPix has released an android app that allows people to print photos directly from their phone at popular U.S. retail stores such as CVS and Office Depot. Not only can the photos be printed from the phone’s photo files but also from social networks like Facebook and Flickr. MailPix is also working on an iPhone app.
More at Digital Journal
3D printed motor may be the way of the future
Just as we are getting used to hearing about 3D printed medical devices and industrial parts, a new challenge is on the horizon. The United Technologies Corp Research Center and the U.S. Department of Energy are working with several other research institutes on a 3D printed 30kW induction engine that doesn’t use rare-earth magnets. The researchers hope to be able to present a solution by the end of 2015.
More at 3D Print
Flint Group announces higher prices for offset inks
After price rises in many of the raw materials needed for ink production, the Flint Group announced a price increase for its inks for its customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The new prices will become effective in January 2015 subject to existing contracts.
More at Labels and Labeling
Case study: New global design for Lipton Ice Tea
The new design is meant to attract health-conscious younger consumers. One of the goals of the new design is to compete successfully with carbonated soft drinks and with other ice tea brands. A case study shows the main challenges as well as the old and new design.
More at The Die Line
Comment: Online retailers communicate through packaging
Forbes contributor Roger Dooley frequently orders shirts online. Some come in sturdy carton boxes, some in plastic bags. He reflects on the brand messages different kinds of packaging send to the consumer.
More at Forbes