• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses

    Digital Printing Market Update

    Overlamination Films

    Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label

    Companies To Watch: Arrow Systems, Inc.
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Great Lakes Label debuts new website

    Epson partner creates label applicators for pharmaceutical products

    ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives

    Mat Jones joins Grafotronic

    UPM Raflatac unveils new linerless labeling product
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Epson partner creates label applicators for pharmaceutical products

    ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives

    VPF launches deep-freeze adhesive

    New Polyonics label material helps metal processors avoid recalls

    Mactac enhances spirits bottle label
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Great Lakes Label debuts new website

    Mat Jones joins Grafotronic

    Soma partners with Moore & Moore in US

    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio

    FTA planning in-person Forum & INFOFLEX
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    UPM Raflatac unveils new linerless labeling product

    Convergence of print markets: Is it inevitable?

    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press

    INX introduces new inks for flexible packaging

    Mark Andy teams with Bulgarian distributor
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    Mark Andy teams with Bulgarian distributor

    Domino grows installation and service teams

    ABG keeps pace with demand with recruitment drive

    Loftware and NiceLabel join forces

    Flint Group announces new XSYS division
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives

    UPM Raflatac unveils new linerless labeling product

    INX introduces new inks for flexible packaging

    Acucote expands FSC-certified portfolio

    UPM Raflatac strengthens linerless business
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Dantex Group

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    HP, Inc.

    OMET Americas, Inc.

    Martin Automatic Inc.
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Pressrooom Supplies
      • Substrates
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Shifting retail landscape brings challenges, opportunities

    Meyers CEO Micheal Lane discusses key trends influencing the way brand marketing and print companies do business.

    Shifting retail landscape brings challenges, opportunities
    Meyers CEO Micheal Lane
    Related CONTENT
    • Brighter Ideas For Labels
    • Flexo Innovation
    • Meyers earns G7 Master Qualification from Idealliance
    • Inland named 'Best Workplace in the Americas' for 2017
    • PIA launches Customer Service Professional Certification program
    Micheal Lane03.06.18
    It’s an exciting time in the world of print and retail marketing. The ongoing evolution of technology, shifts in consumer buying patterns, and changes in client expectations are simultaneously reshaping the work we do and creating opportunities to collaborate with clients on solutions that wouldn’t have been possible even a few years ago.

    And while the changes may be significant, print companies and retail marketers have the tools, knowledge, and people to create innovative solutions that demonstrate a thorough understanding of a client or brand’s needs while delivering an enhanced retail experience.

    As we move through 2018, there are a few key trends that will influence the way brand marketing and high-end commercial print companies do business.

    Digital vs. lithographic
    Digital printing was once a niche within the print industry. While it offered convenience and opportunities for easy customization, traditional lithographic printing still presented significant advantages in both print quality and cost for large jobs.

    This is changing as high-end digital printing continues to close that quality gap. Smaller-format presses like the INCA X3 are producing quality that only a trained eye can distinguish from lithographic. And from a viewing distance of a few feet, work created on best-in-class, high-speed, wide-format digital machines stands toe to toe with the best lithographic work. Digital may never fully match the quality of lithographic, nor offer the same large-run cost benefits, but there is no question it is becoming a much more significant part of our industry. Consumers have come to expect that advertising, signage, and point-of-purchase displays relate on an almost individual basis, and that desire for customization and for creating a connection with customers will continue to drive the demand for digital. 

    The key, then, is to understand how to get the best from each technology, and to be thoughtful about how we apply them. Digital technology will become increasingly important as clients look for shorter runs and higher turnover in artwork. Meanwhile, lithographic presses will continue to offer greater flexibility when it comes to matching custom colors and using specialty varnishes and coatings.

    Digital and lithographic presses seem likely to co-exist for the foreseeable future, as each has its benefits and its ideal applications. But in order to succeed, print and retail marketing firms will need to distinguish between these and match the right machine to the right job.

    The rise of hybrid technology
    Even better than finding a balance between digital and lithographic is not having to choose at all.

    Hybrid presses combine the best of both digital and lithographic, offering the quality and large-job efficiency of lithographic printing with the short-run flexibility and easy customizability of digital. That capability opens the door to the efficient production of a wider variety of SKUs, and more focus on regional labels. The ability to print multiple screens and foils within the scope of multiple SKUs and variable data will set brands apart. Print and marketing partners committed to providing this high level of customization will be more valuable than ever.

    While hybrid presses have opened the doors to exciting new possibilities, the technology is still in its infancy. Demand will continue to grow as clients come to understand what is possible with a hybrid press, and as the output or end products continue to evolve. The growing need for shorter runs and lower costs will drive growth in digital print, but highly decorative labels will still need some of the additional features that can only be found in more traditional press technology.

    The growth of hybrid presses may also change the way packaging is designed. Marketers will have more cost-effective tools available to leverage the benefits of digital while creating or maintaining a high-end feel for their packaging.

    Sustainable packaging
    Choosing sustainable packaging materials is another way to influence consumer engagement with a product. Whether your brand goal is to make your package pop off the shelves or you want to demonstrate that your brand is focused on protecting the environment, sustainable packaging helps a tell a specific story.

    Kona stock is one packaging material that accomplishes these goals. Made from recycled coffee bags, Kona stock is friendly to the environment. It also has a unique texture and a premium feel. The stock can be tricky to work with, but for skilled printers the results can be worth the effort.

    While sustainable materials are often more expensive than traditional options, they can make a significant difference in the finished product. It’s important, then, to be prepared to have the right options available so you can match the right client to the right material.

    Color consistency and management
    Companies put a lot of work into developing a brand, so it’s vital that printed materials are consistent. This makes color consistency a requirement, and G7 color management qualification is the best guarantee a print solutions partner can offer.

    The G7 certification standard was introduced in 2006 and has grown in popularity because it offers a simple way for printers to ensure jobs print consistently between devices and presses. By putting an emphasis on matching grayscale colorimetric measurements between processes, it provides a solid foundation from which to control the numerous variables between the planning stage and the printed piece. This ultimately helps guarantee a consistent product.

    Employee engagement driven by brand strategy
    While technology is important, even the best presses will fall short without skilled people to operate them or to work with clients on strategy and design. Employees need the skills to work effectively, but they also need to be engaged in their work and believe in your company’s brand promise. 

    Think engagement doesn’t affect your bottom line? Consider the Gallup poll that showed only 32 percent of employees in the United States are engaged in their work. And those disengaged employees cost companies between $450 and $550 billion in lost productivity each year.

    If employees are committed to their work and your promise to customers, they are more likely to consistently produce the level of results clients demand and deserve. To support this, employers need to offer opportunities for professional development and open doors to a new generation of print industry professionals.

    Engaging employees doesn’t have to be complicated. At Meyers, monthly newsletters and quarterly meetings keep people informed about what’s happening in the company. Small events like food truck days or impromptu “fun breaks” provide some levity during the work day and encourage social interaction among employees. Meanwhile, hosting blood drives, packing supplies or winter clothing for local schools, along with other volunteer opportunities make it easy for employees to give back to the community, which is a primary focus for millennial employees.

    Opportunities outweigh challenges
    There are challenges ahead, but that has always been the case. The world of print and retail marketing has been evolving since the advent of movable type, and the industry has always found a way to adapt. When we focus on the opportunities these changes present, the outlook is significantly better.

    From exciting new technologies, to innovative tools, to the people who come to work inspired every day, the stage is set for creating innovative solutions that help consumer brands and retailers navigate their own shifting landscapes. The future is indeed bright.


    About the author: Micheal Lane is CEO of Meyers, a national leader in brand marketing and high-end commercial printing located in Minneapolis. He can be reached at mike.lane@meyers.com. 
    Related Searches
    • bags
    • press
    • advent
    • digital print
    Suggested For You
    Brighter Ideas For Labels Brighter Ideas For Labels
    Flexo Innovation Flexo Innovation
    Meyers earns G7 Master Qualification from Idealliance Meyers earns G7 Master Qualification from Idealliance
    Inland named Inland named 'Best Workplace in the Americas' for 2017
    PIA launches Customer Service Professional Certification program PIA launches Customer Service Professional Certification program
    EFI CEO Guy Gecht discusses the EFI CEO Guy Gecht discusses the 'Fourth Industrial Revolution'
    SGP announces FLEXcon SGP announces FLEXcon's Jodi Sawyer as chair
    Dubai to host first Gulf Print & Pack Summit Dubai to host first Gulf Print & Pack Summit
    Meyers names Micheal Lane CEO Meyers names Micheal Lane CEO
    AMS Print and Mail Specialists expands into digital labels AMS Print and Mail Specialists expands into digital labels
    Meyers sells Verify Brand to Quebec-based Optel Meyers sells Verify Brand to Quebec-based Optel
    New video highlights Meyers’ New video highlights Meyers’ 'MPS EF SYMJET powered by Domino' hybrid label press
    UPM Raflatac launches new UPM Raflatac launches new 'Forest Positive' concept
    Meyers customers benefiting from its new MPS EF SYMJET press, powered by Domino Meyers customers benefiting from its new MPS EF SYMJET press, powered by Domino
    FPA holds record-breaking 2017 Fall Executive Conference FPA holds record-breaking 2017 Fall Executive Conference

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Label Finishing Equipment | Prepress Equipment
      Assuring quality in Industry 4.0

      Assuring quality in Industry 4.0

      The era of Industry 4.0 gives rise to a variety of ways in which quality assurance can further optimize production processes.
      Anne-Laureen Lauven 04.21.20

    • North America
      Double-sided labels can differentiate luxury products

      Double-sided labels can differentiate luxury products

      Resource Label Group's Marsha Frydrychowski details the possibilities with this labeling technique.
      Marsha Frydrychowski 03.09.20

    • North America
      MoistTech increases global presence

      MoistTech increases global presence

      The company provides moisture measurement sensors for a wide range of applications.
      Adrian Fordham, President, MoistTech 02.19.20


    • Dies And Tooling | Pressroom Supplies
      Increase production uptime with magnetic cylinder audits

      Increase production uptime with magnetic cylinder audits

      Identifying cylinder inventory through an annual audit can be an effective way of controlling a variable within the diecutting process.
      Jim Kissner 12.12.19

    • Customer service 4.0: reliability and value for the customer

      The era of long waits and expensive trips is giving way to rapid, specific and remote interventions.
      Antonio Muraca 10.25.19

    • Packaging in an e-commerce world

      The networking of the online and offline worlds has far-reaching effects on the entire supply cycle.
      Anja Roehrle 10.14.19


    • Digital Printers & Presses | Digital Printing | North America
      Memjet

      Memjet's DuraFlex optimized for label printing

      Memjet's DuraFlex technology is designed to keep pace with the rising demand for inkjet printing.
      Kim Beswick, General Manager of Memjet office and desktop systems 09.03.19

    • North America
      No wasted effort: How to turn due diligence into self-improvement

      No wasted effort: How to turn due diligence into self-improvement

      The right perspective is to look at time and money spent in due diligence as an investment rather than a sunk cost.
      Michael Lane, CEO, Meyers 08.07.19

    • Smart Labels
      Smart technology poised to change airport travel

      Smart technology poised to change airport travel

      The use of RFID inlays in baggage labels could help promote successful global deployment.
      Trish Kempkes, Director of Global Marketing & Communications, BW Papersystems 07.24.19


    • Sustainable packaging catfish

      Sustainable packaging catfish

      The time is now to make sure so-called sustainable packaging really is sustainable.
      07.09.19

    • Flexo Supplies | Prepress | Prepress Supplies
      Clean Print: The historical development of the naming convention

      Clean Print: The historical development of the naming convention

      "We have come to understand that the value of the technology goes way beyond the quality and productivity benefits it enables."
      Dieter Niederstad 06.18.19

    • Why labels are pioneering progress in packaging

      Why labels are pioneering progress in packaging

      A look at four trends in label industry leadership.
      Federico D'Annunzio 05.29.19


    • Digital Printing | Ink and Coatings | Substrates

      Hybrid inkjet label solutions: A compromise or best of both worlds?

      Both toner and inkjet solutions have long heralded a digital revolution, but a converter's specific needs will dictate the appropriate answer.
      Paddy O’Hara, Director of Business Development, IIJ 05.02.19

    • Flexible Packaging | Food Labels | Substrates | Sustainability
      Do vegetables need packaging?

      Do vegetables need packaging?

      Europe is leading the way in plastic reduction — can the US follow suit?
      Miguel Campos 04.29.19

    • Flexo Supplies | Flexography
      Getting real with measurements: Aiming for constant control and consistency

      Getting real with measurements: Aiming for constant control and consistency

      This is part two of a three-part series on the anilox measurements and accuracy.
      Bas van der Poel 04.26.19


    Trending
    • Niagara Label Upgrades With Nilpeter Flexo Press
    • APR, SpotOn! Launch New Color Management Platform
    • Convergence Of Print Markets: Is It Inevitable?
    • Domino Grows Installation And Service Teams
    • Great Lakes Label Debuts New Website
    Breaking News
    • Great Lakes Label debuts new website
    • Epson partner creates label applicators for pharmaceutical products
    • ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives
    • Mat Jones joins Grafotronic
    • UPM Raflatac unveils new linerless labeling product
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Digital and Hybrid Printers and Presses
    • Digital Printing Market Update
    • Overlamination Films
    • Narrow Web Profile: Quality Tape & Label
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Omega-3s Evidenced to Reduce Low-Grade Inflammation in Elderly Men
    MIND and Mediterranean Diets Linked to Later Onset of Parkinson’s Disease
    Kerry Launches Web-Based Tool for Plant-Based Formulation Challenges
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Keyland Polymer UV Powder, LLC Launches UVMax Defender
    Scott McLaughlin to Race in PPG Colors During Rookie INDYCAR Season
    Vink Chemicals Offers parmetol PSG
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Butterfly Network Appoints New Leader
    BD Names Chairman of Board
    Interplex Acquires OCP Group
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Adare Pharma Solutions Opens New Small-Scale Lab
    Stevanato Group Launches After-sales Service Offering
    X-Chem Acquires IntelliSyn and AviSyn
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    The Estée Lauder Companies Announces Game-Changing Sustainability Goals for Travel Retail
    Aura Introduces Customizable Hair Care
    Corpack Creates Custom Packaging for Marlies Möller Hair Care Line
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Nice-Pak Receives EPA Approval for Disinfectant Wipes
    FDA Takes Major Action on Hand Sanitizers from Mexico
    Symrise Shares 2020 Sales Figures
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Epson Partner Creates Label Applicators for Pharmaceutical Products
    Smurfit Kappa Sets New Sustainability Targets with Better Planet 2050
    Paragon Expands Direct Mail Capabilities with Ricoh Pro VC70000
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Great Lakes Label debuts new website
    Epson partner creates label applicators for pharmaceutical products
    ACTEGA removes chemicals from laminating adhesives
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    American Made Production Equipment for Mask Manufacturers
    Kimberly-Clark Releases Q4, Full Year Results
    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Spinal Elements' Lucent XP-Curved Expandable TLIF Gains FDA Nod
    FDA OKs OrthoSpin's 2nd Gen Robotic, Digital External Fixation System
    Nextremity Solutions Enters Supply Agreement with Fort Wayne Metals
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    North American Semiconductor Equipment Industry Posts December 2020 Billings
    First Solar Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell US Development Platform to Leeward
    PRINTING United Alliance Announces TAGA Presents Virtual Event

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login