Star Blog

You’ve likely heard the rumblings, and now the headlines are confirming it: ink prices are on the rise again. Recently, hubergroup, one of the major players in the European market, announced a significant price correction across their entire product portfolio. While their announcement specifically targets Europe, the reasoning behind it—skyrocketing costs for raw materials like resins and solvents, increasing energy prices, and logistical challenges—is a global reality. Here in …

Spectrophotometer vs. Densitometer: Which Do You Need? Is your print shop relying on "good enough" color, or are you hitting the bullseye every single time? For commercial printers and Quality Control (QC) managers, the difference between a profitable job and a costly reprint often comes down to one thing: measurement. But when it comes to equipping your pressroom, the terminology can get confusing. Do you need a rugged workhorse like a densitometer, or do you need the sophisticated spectral dat …

Executive Summary In the past week, discussions and promotions around offset printing have focused on technological comparisons with digital methods, new machinery demonstrations, market trends showing a shift toward digital for short runs, and educational opportunities. No major controversies or groundbreaking developments were identified, with content largely consisting of promotional materials from manufacturers and printers, alongside insights into market growth disparities. Information is b …

If you want to be environmentally friendly, switch to Flint!  Their Varn line of pressroom chemicals can't be beat. VARN CHEMICALS https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/breaking-news/flint-group-cuts-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-more-than-a-third/ …

The Evolving Crisis: Sourcing Metal Offset Printing Plates in the United States Abstract / Executive Summary The United States printing industry is dealing with major challenges in sourcing metal offset printing plates. Print shops are facing rising costs, ongoing shortages, and unpredictable supply due to global material constraints, manufacturing shifts, and new tariffs. This article provides a clear overview of what is causing these disruptions and guides readers through practical solutions. …

YES!  We agree that Sheetfed Offset printing will never go away completely. Check out the article on this in the July issue of Printing Impressions mgazine. https://digitaleditions.napco.com/publication/?i=847238&p=16&view=issueViewer …

Ink World’s “State of the Industry” survey identifies the trends and challenges throughout the industry and supply chain. They surveyed more than 300 industry professionals, from ink manufacturers and printers to suppliers and distributors. Nearly half (48%) of the responders came from the ink producers, with 37% from suppliers and distributors and 15% from printers. T Download:  https://ebook.inkworldmagazine.com/ink-state-of-the-industry-ebook-11-24 …

Here's a link to the April issue of Ink World Magazine. All the articles show 2/26/25, but I think they are up-to-date. This is a great article: The 2025 Packaging Ink Market Key trends, including consolidation, sustainability, and regulatory issues, are driving changes in the packaging and ink industries. https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2025-04-01/ …

This is a great issue. Don't miss out on reading these articles!   https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/issues/2025-01-01/   January Feature The 2025 Inkjet Ink Market   January Feature The 2025 Pigment Market     January Feature The Ink Additives Market   January Feature The Equipment Market is Heating Up     January Feature New Ink and Finish Developments from Europe   January Feature Saralon Seeks to Move Printed Electronics Market Forward Conductive i …

Here is a fantastic FREE report on the state of the ink industry in 2025. Download it, as its a valuable reference when considering your 2025 strategic plans. 2025 State of the IndustryFrom their site:Ink World’s “State of the Industry” survey sought to identify the most pertinent trends and challenges throughout the industry and the supply chain. We surveyed more than 300 industry professionals, from ink manufacturers and printers to suppliers and distributors. Nearly half (48%) or our responde …