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Introducing the revolutionary RAPIDA ECO process printing inks – a true game-changer in the sheetfed printing world. Renowned for its unmatched speed, this fast setting ink series has quickly become one of the fastest in the market. What sets Rapida Eco apart is its commitment to sustainability, being entirely mineral oil-free – a rare feature in inks of this caliber.

RAPIDA ECO’s exceptional characteristic lies in its ability to enable immediate post print, making it an ideal choice for straight and perfecting presses. It also boasts remarkable duct-freshness, making it compatible in a variety of climatic conditions.

Huber’s dedication to sustainability is evident, as Josef Sutter, Product Manager Sheet-fed/UV Europe at hubergroup, emphasises. Understanding the demand for both speed and sustainability, they took on the challenge of reformulating their fastest sheet-fed ink series. The result is Rapida Eco, one of the fastest non mineral oil based inks available on the market, with outstanding printing behavior and compatibility with existing processes.

Huber has been at the forefront of sustainable practices in the commercial market for years. In 2017, they became the first international ink manufacturer to receive a Cradle to Cradle certificate in the sheet-fed offset sector. Recently, they announced a complete Cradle to Cradle Material Health Certified® Gold portfolio for commercial and packaging offset printing. With the majority of raw materials sourced from their own Chemicals Division, hubergroup ensures high environmental standards throughout the value chain.

If you’re looking to combine speed, performance and sustainability in your printing projects, don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss Rapida Eco and its numerous benefits for your business.

RAPIDA ECO TECHNICAL INFORMATION HERE

Contact Print Packaging Consumables Graphics Department here

Zaidee Jackson, the National Business Development Manager of Sustainable Packaging and the driving force behind this initiative, expressed her pride as a distributor in providing a valuable resource that centers around sustainability and materiality in Australia.

With the recent release of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) review on the 2025 Targets, the need for proactive action and urgent decision-making by brands in this arena has become evident. The focus is now on driving education and supporting the packaging industry to ensure a sustainable future. Emphasising collective efforts and a shared economy of information, the platform aims to provide an information resource dedicated to sustainability so that targets and roadmaps can be achieved.

The newly launched educational resource offers an extensive range of podcasts, articles, research, and insights from industry experts, all aimed at reducing environmental impacts. It includes a comprehensive product index along with ecoaudit questions and answers to assist and collaborate with industries on their sustainable journeys.

On the launch day, three key associations – the Printing & Visual Communication Association (PVCA), Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), and The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) – came together for the first time. The event featured a panel of distinguished keynote speakers, including Kellie Northwood, Amber Bonney, Chris Foley, and Nerida Kelton (AIP), along with panelists John Bigley, CEO Zipform Packaging, Rowena Curlewis, CEO Denomination, Sally Williams, Founder Choice for Life and Asaf Weis, Managing Director Vacupack. The panel discussion, expertly moderated by industry media partner Lindy Hughson from PKN Packaging News, provided valuable insights and perspectives.

The event garnered extensive interest, attracting more than 300 guests from various locations worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, London, Finland, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, and India. Both in person attendance and livestream participation added to the event’s success.

As pioneers leading the conversation within the industry, ecoporium by Ball & Doggett have proudly renewed the exclusive media partnership with PKN Packaging News for the period of 2023-2024.

ecoporium by Ball & Doggett

Ball & Doggett, Australia’s largest distributor of printable materials, press consumables and wide format printing equipment is pleased to announce the winner of its recent MetaWrap – Are YOU Australia’s Greatest Wrapper competition. The competition was open to all registered print, sign and display businesses who had a passion for wrapping and who wanted to showcase their skills and talents. The competition is open agnostic brand and allowing the installation and design speak for themselves.

After receiving an overwhelming number of submissions from across the country, judges – Matt Horne (Wrap Studio), Dan Sefton (Metamark) and our very own Steve Warn, National Manager – SAV & Heat Transfer had a tough time selecting the winner. However, after careful consideration, the winner of the Ball & Doggett, MetaWrap – Are YOU Australia’s Greatest Wrapper competition is Coopers Camo Truck by Killer Image from Glendenning, NSW.  “I am shocked and amazed to have won. There are so many talented people in this industry, and it is nice to be recognised for our work” said Joel Goff, Managing Director, and winner.

“The winner impressed us with their exceptional design and attention to detail. Their solution demonstrated a high level of creativity, innovation, and technical expertise, which not only met but exceeded our expectations. They put a great deal of effort into perfecting every aspect of their work,” said Dan Sefton.  “Killer Image stood out for their exceptional technical wrapping skills, which were clearly demonstrated across the full truck wrap and the challenges met for the inner footstep” appreciated by Judge Matt Horne. Finally, Steve Warn added “The winning Wrapper stood out for its combination of creativity and practicality. The design and use of colour was both bold and cohesive, creating a visually stunning display. Overall, this installation was a true standout and a deserving winner.”

As the winner, Killer Image will receive a trip for two people to Munich Germany including return airfares from their nearest capital city, accommodation and breakfast, AUD$1000 spending money and entrance into FESPA Global Print Expo next month as guests of Metamark UK! Prize is valued at $7500.

The judges would like to give a special mention to the businesses listed (no order) for their entries in this competition. Although they did not win, their impressive achievements and standout installation truly wowed the judges. We commend these businesses for their hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing their continued success in the future.

Dizzi Decalz with project ‘Finish Him!’
EB Graphics with project ‘Bearey #46 Glamour Street Stock’
YBI FX  with project ‘The Angry Carrot – Junior Dragster Race Team Branding’
YBI FX with project ‘Dog House Ski Race Boat’
CRG Designs Pty Ltd with project ‘Laser Thing SS Wagon’
Browns Graphix with project ‘Dental Room Chair Wrap’
Grafico Group with project ‘The Motley Hotel’

“We were thrilled to see the level of creativity and skill displayed in the entries we received,” said Rob Brussolo, General Manager – Sign, Display & Digital at Ball & Doggett. “It was clear that each entry was created with care and attention to detail, and we are so grateful to everyone who participated in the competition.”

The MetaWrap – Are YOU Australia’s Greatest Wrapper competition presented by Ball & Doggett was created to celebrate all parts of wrapping including design, print and installation and to showcase the diverse range of applications available through wrapping. Ball & Doggett is proud to have provided a platform for talented businesses to showcase their skills and creativity, and congratulates Killers Image on their impressive win.

‘From our Family to Yours’, A collection of Recipes and quotes on Optimism. A cookbook that keeps us connected WINS GOLD

Ball & Doggett are thrilled to share with you that we celebrated success along with Southern Impact at the recent 39th National Print Awards, held at Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre, Thursday 30th June 2022.

This project was created to celebrate resilience, fortitude, the spirit of industry and partnership. The cookbook houses recipes as shared experiences of our Ball & Doggett team members and their families.

Our project team created a publication with heart. The cookbook was presented as a gift to both customers and our national team.

A token of thanks at Christmas 2021 for their resilience, commitment and passion to our business.

Huge thank-you to our supply partners who made this cookbook something special.

A huge congratulations and shout out to: • Southern Impact, Melbourne, Australia for winning out GOLD, National Commercial Print • Courtney Newman, Ball & Doggett, GOLD, National Designer of the Year

Full List of achievement

Victoria State Category

Gold: Commercial Print – Southern Colour Gold: Designer of the Year – Courtney Newman Gold: Multi Piece Promotion & Campaign

National Awards: Gold: Commercial Print – Southern Colour Gold: Designer of the Year – Courtney Newman Bronze: Multi Piece Promotion & Campaign

Suppliers, Partners…who needs them? Every single one of us!

We were thrilled embarking on this project with our production partners. Gary Bowles from Arjowiggins Fine Papers came on board the moment we pitched the idea as our sponsor along with our print partner Southern Impact, Rod Dawson and Heath Nankervis.

We would like to acknowledge Kellie Northwood, CEO of The Real Media Collective for celebrating with us on this project and providing the forward in our publication.

It is an unapologetic celebration of print and what it offers us.

Thank-you to each and everyone that contributed to this project, this win is a collective industry win.

For your very own copy head over to Pedigree Paper, the retail division for Ball & Doggett. You can purchase this award winning cookbook for AUD$15 +gst

https://pedigreepaper.com.au/order-inspiration

A special note on Courtney Newman: We are so proud of our Courtney on this spectacular achievement and want to take this moment to recognise her for her creative execution on all of our Ball & Doggett work. This acknowledgement celebrates her continued success within our business. A dream creative to work with, expressing briefs through her lens, collaborating with consideration and articulating design for various market channels with ease. Our business celebrates you, Courtney! Congratulations!

Article by Zaidee Jackson, National BDM – Sustainable Packaging

For the full edition of The Collecitve Edit please click here to download your copy

Australian businesses continue to face many challenges, with rising prices, labour concerns and supply chain issues being the top concerns. There are four main elements to the sustained higher price environment we continue to find ourselves in. These are energy, container availability, pulp and currency fluctuations. All of these are in demand globally and therefore prices are continuing to rise. This document is designed to explain some of the underlying drivers impacting pricing and to assist the messaging through the supply chain. Click here to view the full report.

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