Future Links October 28th 2014
Here are our daily links with the most important news from the printing industry. Today they feature the postal service’s plan for a 3D printing future, a new combined 3D printer and scanner, an innovative PET beer bottle, challenges for ink manufacturers in dynamic markets and a preference for antibacterial food packaging voiced by British consumers.
Postal service works envisions collaborating with 3D printing hub
New technologies have changed the role of the postal service in the past decades. With a decline in letters and an increase in parcels because of online and catalogue shopping, the postal services around the world had to make adjustments. In a white paper outlining scenarios of how 3D printing may impact its business, the postal service envisions collaborating with printing hubs and delivering 3D printed objects to the consumer.
More at 3D Print
XYZprint offers combined scanner and 3D printer
All-in-one printers/scanners/copiers are pretty common among office supplies. But in the 3D printing space, they are still novelties. The companies XYZprint now offers an affordable model for 800 USD that lets users scan and replicate their favorite objects in 3D.
More at The Wall Street Journal
New PET beer bottle that looks like glass
There is something about glass beer bottles that enhances the experience compared to cans. Now, a new solution by Sidel, a global provider of liquid packaging solutions, claims to combine the advantages of a PET bottle with the cool look of glass.
More at Packaging Europe
Ink manufacturers face challenges in growing markets
The label and narrow web market is growing and its characteristics pose some challenges for ink manufacturers. One is the potential for overcapacity in highly competitive markets, another one shorter lead times. Ink manufacturers are working with all partners along the supply chain to ensure emerging challenges are met.
More at Ink World Magazine
Antibacterial packaging shows promise
A survey in the UK revealed that consumers favor antibacterial packaging for produce and other food products. The research finds that more than half of Britons are worried about bacteria on the outside of a can more than the presence of dirt and dust, or if it is dented or discolored.
More at Packaging Europe