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1. Peter Hansen, How long have you been spreading your good vibes in our industry? I began my paper journey at Spicers Paper in 1996 and worked there for almost 10 years in a variety of sales roles. The next phase of my paper journey started with K W Doggett in 2005, working there for just over 10 years in a Sales/BDM with printers, print management companies and advertising agencies.   I took a leap of faith and purchased a Wide Format manufacturing business with a staff of 12 people. After a good crack and just over 12 months I decided to sell the business. The lessons were invaluable learning about wide format manufacturing and people in general. I came to terms with the fact I didn’t enjoy manufacturing.   The K W Doggett family welcomed me back in late 2016, employed me in my current role as a National BDM Manager (just before the Ball & Doggett merger), concentrating on print management companies, advertising agencies, government departments and end users in the wide format, POS, Sign, Display and Visual space.   2. What are a couple of key aspects to your job that you love? • The constant education on sustainable solutions is a key driver for me, as my customers want and need this education and information. The sustainability challenges are now greater than ever with POS substrates. This platform also provides a greater opportunity for me to present to my customers, as they now demanding sustainable and recyclable solutions. • For me to be relevant and be adding value to my customers, I need to be constantly aware of current and changing sustainability criteria’s, wants and needs. • I love the face to face contact with a variety of people, industries and business, as this provides me with the opportunity to learn from other people and grow as person. • I love that I always need to be honing and improving my presentation skills. For a presentation to be successful and effective, the customer needs to be engaged, invested and emotionally connected as they process the message. • Looking at new opportunities with new customers, new products and new industries.   3. Apart from being the literal rock star we know and love, tell us about you’re passion in the fitness arena? Apart from being a major Rock N Roll star in this country, fitness is my driver and keeps me sane. I train Monday to Thursday nights at 5.30, Tues, Wed and Friday morning at 6am and Sat and Sun morning at 8am in a Boxing/Muay Thai/Kick Boxing gym. I run the boxing/Muay Thai fitness classes at night, including sparring with other gyms, and the morning sessions are personal training /”one on one” classes. The training provides me with the energy to be productive and stay focused.   4. What is it about working at Ball & Doggett that you value most? From the top down, management continually inspire and provide the opportunity for staff members to grow, improve and flourish, encouraging every employee to function to the best of their ability. I love the comradery and friendship between all staff members across all divisions of the business. The expertise, experience and knowledge throughout the B&D business makes my job a lot easier. I truly value the B&D corporate spirit, mission and principals, as I witness them put into practice every day. With management leading the way by example, making B&D an enjoyable, exciting place to work.   5. Share some facts about you that not many people know? I am now a fully accredited boxing judge with Combat Sports Victoria, Boxing Australia and Australian National Boxing Federation. Having these accreditations means these organisations will fly me around Australia to judge title fights on occasions. I have already judged four Victorian title fights since April this year. I am the eldest of 7 children, and I am the most normal of the seven. What does that say about the other 6?   6. What is your message to customers in regards to exploring sustainable product choices? • Have my customers understand that we need to change and adjust human behaviour to make a difference, and we all have our part to play. • Have a discussion related to sustainability in the design phase of a job. • Ask the question, “How can I guarantee this substrate will not end up in landfill once finished with?” • Need to think about the condition this generation will leave the planet in for the next generation. • In every substrate choice, use the language: REDUSE, REUSE, RECOVER, RECYCLE, RETHINK. • Make sure my customers understand the choices available when selecting a substrate when it comes to sustainability.   Peter Hansen, National Business Development Manager – Corporate peter.hansen@ballanddoggett.com.au

Doggett labels is an iconic brand in the Australian printing landscape.   The range of sheeted, die cut, self-adhesive solutions has been consistently growing for over a decade and provides a broad scope of solutions across many labelling applications. Our customer base expects reliability, innovation and versatility from our offering, and all business decisions that impact the Doggett labels division reflect these requirements.   We hold substantial inventory of parent rolls for our eighteen standard stock lines. Our library of standard cutting dies is ever increasing and we produce our product locally in the Braeside, the largest converting facility in Australia, based in Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs. The flexibility to mix and match from the options of face stock, adhesive type and the cutting die templates available means we can service most needs promptly. When a customer’s requirement’s fall outside what is already available, we can produce customised cutting dies to exactly meet that need.” The pillars of sustainability are understood to be actions that impact us socially, economically and on our environment. Doggett labels is doing a number of things that contribute in a positive way towards a sustainable model.   1.  The Ball and Doggett i_Consignment program allows inventory to be held on site at customers, with consumption and replenishment of stocks monitored based on a min/max stock threshold with top ups automatically generated. When used correctly, i_Consignment results in faster turnaround times for clients who have the right floor stock readily available.   2.  If we notice a customer repeatedly purchasing smaller quantities of the same items, we work with them to do things differently that lead to economic and environmentally positive outcomes through a larger packaging option.  With less orders raised, fewer invoices generated and less vehicles delivering product through the course of a month, the environmental footprint of these transactions is decreased.   3. When redeveloping our packaging, addressing how to be present more sustainable experience through our packaging was a key focus. Our standard packaging is printed inside and out. This offers our customers who print, the option of turning the original packaging inside out and reusing and or re-purposing the packaging for on shipping to the end user.   4. With fewer deliveries required through the use of this inventory management system, there is a tangible reduction in vehicle emissions. The market is demanding face stock options that are either recyclable or have traceability. We include in these options a 100% recycled brown Kraft face stock.   5. Customised flexible metal cutting dies with specific requirements for an application can (and regularly do), have a multiple label shapes and sizes on the one sheet. The benefits of this are numerous, with reduced waste the most obvious. In the case of a series of labels that are required to follow a person or product through a series of steps in a process, this concept works very well.   An example of this may be an A4 sheet with different label sizes allocated to a client being admitted to an institution. This could include a larger label for recording client details on a master file, coupled with smaller label sizes for blood test vials and personal property packaging closures.   The use of labels in short to medium run packaging applications, as opposed to printing directly onto the packaging, has merit in some instances. Where multiple SKU’s embracing a standard packaging type are being manufactured (think single serve soup meals in plastic containers), the minimum quantities required to tool up for direct printing of multiple variables can be cost prohibitive for small manufacturing runs.   Small business would rather avoid locking up cash unnecessarily on printed containers that may take lengthy times to use. In such a circumstance, sheets of die cut shapes in one or more design can be used to brand the products if and when required.   Our range of standard cutting die templates can be found on the Ball and Doggett website. If requirements are not able to be met through an existing die in the library, we can work with the customer to produce a customised solution.   Our hope is that this article make you question you current buying practices. We welcome further discussions with you to ensure that you are working to achieving your businesses and that of your customer’s sustainable goals.   Article by Roger Gee, National Manager Doggett Labels Get in touch with Roger Gee at roger.gee@ballanddoggett.com.au

Sustainable Considerations for your next Print Project! I’m sure most of you will agree that we have seen a monumental leap in the considerations taken when sustainably sourcing materials for printed projects. When I first started as a part of the paper and print industry nearly twenty years ago, most enquiries relating to specifying a paper was finding out which of our the papers were made with recycled fibre. As simple as that! Let’s quickly go through some of the key areas to look at when going through the options with a client. First educate your client on the facts available to you and ask what is most important to them based on the message they want to convey to a wider audience through their stock selection.   Fibre Source Q. Recycled or Virgin fibre? A. Both! Paper made with recycled fibres use an available resource and in turn diverts waste from landfill. Keep in mind that recycled fibres are not infinitely recyclable as the quality of fibre degrades each cycle. Virgin fibres are needed to replenish and maintain quality of recovered fibre in circulation. In turn this enables the strength, quality and availability of product to be maintained in a sustainable manner. FSC or PEFC certified virgin fibre is sourced from managed plantations, these production forests protect existing natural forests from illegal logging practices. By choosing to use an FSC or PEFC certified product you are supporting a resource that is responsibly managed, sustainable and 100% recyclable. If you are using an FSC or PEFC certified printer you are able to use the appropriate logo from the certifying body for use on your printed piece.   In essence, choosing a paper made from recycled fibre or responsibly managed production forests are equally great sustainable paper choice as you are contributing to the “cradle to cradle” circular economy created by the pulp and paper industry. Environmental manufacturing accreditations

•  Environmental Management Systems (EMS) – ISO14001
• Made or certified Carbon Neutral

Most of the mils from which B&D access our stocks have an EMS system such as ISO14001 which is an international standard of continual improvement of manufacturing processes. This accreditation is strongly regarded in the industry as a mark of a reputable and responsible commercial operation. Papers that carry the made or manufactured   Carbon Neutral certification have had their total production of greenhouse gases calculated and then offset through carbon-credits. The European pulp and paper industry is also the biggest single user and producer of renewable energy in Europe, with 62% of its primary energy consumption coming from renewable sources (Cepi, Key Statistics, 2021).   Cradle to cradle solution Q. Recyclable? A. Yes! Many of our fibre-based products offer a sustainable solution as by their very nature, these products are made from a resource that is truly renewable and 100% recyclable. We already have the recovery process in place with paper & cardboard products through regular council kerbside recycling collection. The paper-making industry is constantly promoting recycling and looking to improve the recovery of fibres and making the process more efficient. In Europe the 2030 target of 90% recycling rate (4evergreen, 2021) is forecast, at 2018 this figure stood at 83% (Eurostat, Recycling rate of packaging waste by type of packaging (EU28), 2018).   All of the above? Q. Can I please have a paper that is 100% recycled, FSC certified, made Carbon Neutral and recyclable? A. ecoStar+ 100% Recycled & Impact 100% Recycled!   The bigger picture Each day we are seeing and hearing of organisations and companies taking the step towards more sustainable choices with the materials they use as a part of their products, packaging and communication. Bayside City Council’s identified their corflute signage as area to improve on and approached Ball & Doggett for a solution. B&D have recently developed a revolutionary brand new product, Sharkskin Outdoor Display Board that answered the important issues that Bayside City Council wanted to address. The creation of this Australian Made, fibre-based 100% recyclable screen-board is actively disrupting the status quo of plastic corflute board used for short-term outdoor signage.   We had a little chat with Chris O’Neil from Bayside City Council to discuss the conversations around transitioning away from corflute to Sharkskin Outdoor Display Board. Q. How did the initial conversation start with Ball & Doggett when you identified that you were looking at replacing your corflute with a more sustainable substrate? A. Organising samples to be sent to two local signage companies, so they could trial the product on their printers.   Q. Can you please tell us what sort of signage you are using Sharkskin Outdoor Board for? A. A mixture of signage that’s generally A1 in size and installed on star pickets or zip tied to a fence. The signage promotes Council events and community updates. Q. How did you manage the recycling of the boards when they need to be updated? A. The print quality seems good. The signage company is responsible for the recycling of the Sharkskin boards. Q. What sort of feedback have you had from internal and external stakeholders regarding the switch from corflute to Sharkskin Outdoor Board? A. All staff I have spoken to about the Sharkskin outdoor board are very keen and happy to stop using corflute and use the Sharkskin instead. The feedback has been positive. Q. Now you have been a part of initiating an amazing transition from corflute to a recyclable and fibre-based solution, as a designer how does it feel working for Bayside City Council where they are actioning a sustainable plan? A. It’s nice being able to help make a difference by using less plastic and supporting Australian manufacturing. If you would like to learn more about our sustainable products for your next project please email me: liam.fish@ballanddoggett.com.au   Article by Liam Fish, Victorian Business Development Manager

The Conversation: Sustainability in Action   Ball & Doggett proudly produced our first sustainability event at PACPRINT 2022. SPEC22 – Sustainable Print Education Conversation – ‘Sustainability in Action’ Collectively as society moves towards committing to being change makers a central question is addressed:   How can we reduce our impact on the environment, increase social stewardship and economically thrive, through our daily practices?   Ball & Doggett’s focus for this event was to provide practical steps for print service providers to gain knowledge on where they could start within their own businesses. Creating action steps to introduce sustainable practices within businesses.   Many print service providers are facing new market challenges around shifts in buyer behaviour and expectations and how we as an industry in turn defines sustainability. The age of the conscious consumer is upon us and as businesses our response to the sustainable pathway or transition plans is an everyday conversation.   As corporate Australia continues to pursue sustainable policies within their organisations, print service providers will need to adapt, be more transparent and authentic in order to remain relevant to their customers. I was thrilled to facilitate our specialist panel:  

• Mardi Brown, Co-Founder, PonyUp for Good
• Charlton Hemingway, Managing Director, Work Works
• Phillip Mariette, The Real Media Collective, Operations Manager
• Joe Foster, O F Packaging & Close the Loop Group, CEO

    Our panelists delivered key insights on where to start, what are the considerations in business and how to be that supply partner for customers providing the solutions that in the past has been perceived to cost you more. Snap shot of discussion: Mardi Brown:

• Brand – Define who you want to be.
• Culture – Set goals and encourage team involvement
• Commercial – Winning new work as a result of sustainable practices along with recalibrating supply chains.

Charlton Hemingway:

• Sustainability is about value.
• It tells the brands/business story authentically.
• Tailor briefs to articulates a solution that suits the client outcome.

Phillip Mariette:

• It’s about the holistic conversation and how it can impact your business.
• Identify pain points and create through the lens of sustainability new ideas, new rules.

  Joe Foster:

• Be active in your industry
• Key focus – How to get the best performance, efficiency and low cost.
• How to drive sustainability and reduce waste.
• Conscious consumers are demanding sustainable options and practices
• There is a trade-off and balancing act to achieve sustainability and outcomes.

    Ball & Doggett is Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials and consumables. We are committed to a more sustainable future. Our products and services are evolving and a key consideration is ensuring we meet our own sustainability criteria and educate our customers on how they too can prosper in this new world. Businesses of all sizes in our industry are on their transition pathway making commitments to reducing environmental impact. Some do not know where to start. It’s about educating internal and external stakeholders on why sustainable practices is simply good business.   What is echoed throughout industries is the need for a collective approach. Sustainability can no longer be just a fad word that is thrown around without truly understanding how businesses define it for themselves.   Once defined, taking action is a responsible business decision to explore how to be the change steward and innovator. Ball & Doggett extends our thanks and appreciation for our guests that attended our inaugural sustainability event. A huge thank-you to our panellists, exploring the ‘Sustainability in Action’ and how print service providers consider how you look at your businesses tomorrow. The video for the event is available via our Youtube channel. Click here to view the event. If you would like to discuss your sustainable pathways, please connect with; zaidee.jackson@ballanddoggett.com.au Article by Zaidee Jackson, National BDM – Sustainable Packaging To get a pdf version of this article click here SPEC22 Sustainability in Action  

We are seeing a fundamental shift from plastic to fibre based solutions and a growing trend by larger retailers to switch to more sustainable alternatives.

The momentum is continuing for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and use environmentally sustainable and recyclable media that has previously been produced on plastic substrates such as foam boards. Consumers are demanding more of brands, these cries are being heard with printers also responding doing their due diligence.

Ball & Doggett pride ourselves on the partnerships we have in the market to support these conversations and deliver products that create solutions.

The market is also currently experiencing major supply chain issues from overseas as well as rising resin costs for plastic material which is paving the way for more cost effective fibre based solutions that consumers and brand custodians show a desire for. One of Ball & Doggett’s solution to addressing the sustainable media demand is called Envirocore Board.

Plastic waste is a growing concern and by using this board as an alternative the conversation for you the print supplier or brand becomes one around reducing impact to our planet.

Envirocore is a fully recyclable rigid substrate, manufactured from reusable, renewable and 100% recyclable paper. Equally important to the environmental aspect of this board is supporting local manufacturing. This board is manufactured in Australia, keeping locals in jobs.

Sustainability in Action at PACPRINT Exhibition 2022:

Envirocore was the perfect solution for Ball & Doggett when we initially spoke about the design for our stand at PACPRINT in June 2022. Our team along with the cool crew at Resolution Imaging collectively designed, curated and delivered our stand built from Envirocore board with great success!

We were pretty chuffed with the responses and comments from our visitors to the stand that demonstrated a point of difference, function, form and at the heart of it, sustainability.

Our goal was to demonstrate Sustainability in Action and we believe we achieved just that. Not only was our stand walls and tables constructed using this product, we pushed the boundaries and invited fun and created an experience. The table tennis table was a must have that was extremely well received by all that visited our stand during the 4-day show.

Here’s the cool part, 95% of our stand has been dismantled and placed in recycled bins. The green bins noted in these images is part our extensive waste recovery process at our Braeside, Victoria Converting site. The largest of it’s kind in Australia.

Ball & Doggett loves good vibes and bringing our industry together. Having the table tennis table as a central meeting spot was a great way to see the healthy competitive spirit that is our industry. We didn’t want to tease folks with the table so we made more and gave away 1 each day through a competition we held during the show.

Huge shout out goes to our competition winners:

1. Simon Fitzgerald, Invicium 2. Kellie Northwood, The Real Media Collective 3. Mitch Lugg, Signific 4. Tomas Lorenc, Harry the Hirer

Congratulations and it looks like lunch rooms will never be the same again, GAME ON!

The need to know about Envirocore:    

It’s incredibly stable and robust due the hexagonal built-in core and thick outer print-facing surfaces.

• Available in both 10 and 20mm thicknesses, with either a white or kraft print surface.
• This substrate can be printed on both sides on any UV Inkjet or HP R2000 Latex flatbed device.
• It is positioned economically and is a viable alternative to Foam Board, Foam PVC and expensive inverted corrugate boards.
• Has excellent lay flat printability, a versatile product and can be applied across a number of applications.
• Diverse application possibilities including hanging signage, exhibition stands, furniture builds, shop fittings, mounting applications and so much more.

Envirocore Board closes the loop from manufacture to end of life. The substrate can be placed in any paper/cardboard recycling bin making it easier for users to dispose of responsibly. As a key distributor to the signage market, Ball & Doggett continues with it’s core service value – making it easy for our customers, together with our local manufacturing supply chain we can offer fast ex-stock turn-around time.

For additional information about Envirocore Board click here.

For other signage material from Ball & Doggett please contact us on 1300 024 749, or visit: https://products.ballanddoggett.com.au/products/sign-display-digital/

Click here for your pdf copy of this article.

Ball & Doggett are excited to announce they have reached agreement to acquire leading Sign, Display & Digital supplier Conect Enterprises with a completion date set for the 1^st of September 2022. Read more. Continue reading →

Building Commercial Partnerships Zaidee Jackson explores the economic and demographic growth and how sustainability is influencing consumer’s trends in packaging technology. To view the full report click here. Click here for The Collective Edit full zine.

Chris Jackson connects us to Wausau Aged Agave a stunning label, distributed exclusively by Ball & Doggett To view the full report click here. Click her for The Collective Edit full zine.

Wow, what a year! We all hoped things would return to ‘normal’ in 2022. We are now more adaptive and nimble as the world becomes more unpredictable. The drivers we have detailed previously continue to come together and result in further supply chain disruptions. This document is designed to explain some of the underlying drivers impacting pricing and to assist the messaging through the supply chain. To view the full report click here.