PRINT inthechannel.co.uk
Issue #24
AD
In the Channel Media Ltd is the publishing and
advertising arm of Stock in the Channel,
PRINT inthechannel.co.uk
October 2022
the UKs leading IT
Canon MAXIFY GX6050 – an eco-friendly printer for an eco-friendly Farm – page 24
search engine.
newsinthechannel.co.uk
Our magazine portfolio includes 3 of the leading trade only publications...
printinthechannel.co.uk
solutions guide 2024 hospitality retail &
UC
V E R T I C A L S
ucadvanced.com
healthcare solutions guide 2024 info@inthechannelmedia.com To find out about partnering with us please contact:
V E R T I C A L S
education solutions guide education
Stockies AWARDS
Headline Sponsor
V E R T I C A L S
Stockies AWARDS
COMMENT
Spring forward As spring is nearly here, print resellers are hoping for growth in sales as well as the plants – and there are signs that this could happen if predictions for increasing focus on print fleet renewal comes to fruition.
Spring is a time of renewal in nature as plants and trees return to bloom after the winter months. It is often a time of renewal in business too – and this presents opportunities for resellers in the print sector. Of course, some of the renewal in business is down to the start of the new financial year and departments having budget to spend. Nevertheless, it is a good time to talk to customers about their printer fleet. There has been some talk in the sector for a while about this year seeing an increase in printer fleet renewals. Some businesses have been putting this off since COVID times but might now feel in a position to make the leap and upgrade their print devices. This could be helped by the influx of new devices into the sector currently. Many manufacturers have launched new products in recent months – indeed, you can read about new devices from Brother, Kyocera, Epson and Bixolon in this issue. These devices have been built utilising the latest technologies, as well as being designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, which are usually two of the main
priorities for buyers these days. Elsewhere in this issue, we focus on hybrid cloud print solutions, which have been growing in the sector for some years and looks set to continue as hybrid working is not going away any time soon (despite what some media commentators might say). Despite this, some SMEs are reticent to make the jump from on-premise – but this is something resellers can help with. Read more on p38. There are opportunities for resellers across the board. For instance, one sector that still relies largely on print is legal. Resellers have plenty of opportunities to sell managed print services into law firms and can help them to become more efficient. Read more on p30. As ever, there are opportunities in the print sector to be grabbed, especially for those offering creative solutions for customers. If they are grabbed, it won’t just be the plants that are growing this summer. I hope you enjoy the issue. If you have any stories you would like to see us cover in a future issue or have a news release or opinion article you would like to submit for consideration for publication, please drop me a line at dan@newsinthechannel.com.
Dan Parton
CALLING ALL BRANDS
Support your Channel Distributors and Resellers by using the new FREE Stock in the Channel functionality: “Authorised Distributors”. Click here to learn more
printinthechannel.co.uk
00 03
CONTENTS
News You should know p6 Product Launches Epson PaperLab p15 Brother TS-2D range p18 Bixolon SRP-380plus p20 Kyocera ECOSYS range expansion p46 Cover Story EKM partnership with PrintReleaf p22 Sustainability Linerless labelling p24 MPS for Law Firms Getting value for money p30
Hybrid Cloud Print Solutions – p38
MPS for Law Firms – p30
The legal sector relies on printing for its daily operations more than many other professions. With many law firms also under financial pressure, there is a focus on getting value for money. This means managed print services can be crucial.
Hybrid cloud print solutions have become increasingly popular in recent years, but there is still reticence among some SMEs to make the leap from on-premise solutions – but these barriers can be overcome and resellers have a crucial role to play in this.
COVER STORY – EKM Global Partnership with PrintReleaf – p22
Sustainability has become one of the biggest priorities for many businesses and EKM Global’s partnership with PrintReleaf can help customers to achieve their sustainability goals through reforestation.
Eagle Eye BI POS printers p34
Product Launches
Epson has launched the PaperLab A-8100, a papermaking system that returns used printed-on paper back into new clean paper.
Hybrid Cloud Print Solutions Making the leap p38
Windows 11 Risks to print devices p48
Brother has refreshed its compact labelling lineup, which now include linerless labelling capabilities for the first time and are aimed at customers in a broad range of sectors.
People p51
Epson Paper Lab – p15
Brother TS-2D Range – 18
04
CONTENTS
Windows 11 – p48
Linerless Labelling – p24
Many businesses are moving to Windows 11 this year, but businesses must be careful when making the move not to expose their print devices to any unnecessary risks.
Publishing Director Justin Penn 07816 573 186 justin@ printinthechannel.com Editorial Dan Parton 07941 979 845 dan@ printinthechannel.com Advertising Sales Martin Jenner-Hall 07824 552 116 martin@ printinthechannel.com Liz Newbury 07756 069297 liz@printinthechannel.com Market Analyst Wickus Bester wickus@ stockinthechannel.com Written permission from the publisher is required before any part of Print in the Channel can be reproduced. © 2025 In the Channel Media Ltd.
Businesses in a range of sectors that use labels are looking to become more sustainable, which is why linerless labels are becoming increasingly popular – along with the printers that print them
Eagle Eye BI: POS Printers – p34
Beyond the over-the- counter receipt printers that you encounter every time you purchase items, some devices are a bit more hidden, albeit in plain sight if you know where to look.
Product Launches
BIXOLON has launched its SRP-380plus POS printer, which is designed to provide fast and accurate receipt printing for use in high volume applications such as retail and hospitality settings.
Kyocera has expanded its A4 portfolio with eight new ECOSYS colour printers and MFPs, offering vibrant affordable colour, enhanced security and seamless workflow integration aimed at small or home offices.
Published by: In the Channel Media Ltd Company registration number: 14363401 Registered office address 14-18 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, United Kingdom, W1B 4DA In conjunction with:
Kyocera ECOSYS Range – p46
Bixolon SRP-380plus – p38
printinthechannel.co.uk
05
NEWS
Ricoh recognised with double ‘A’ score for climate action
Ricoh's global leadership in corporate transparency and performance on climate change and water security disclosure have been recognised by global environmental non-profit CDP, securing a place on its 2024 A list. This double A score marks Ricoh's selection for a second consecutive year on the water security A list and fifth consecutive year on the climate change A list since 2020. To realise a zero-carbon society, Ricoh seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its group companies by 63% by 2030, compared to 2015, and reduce GHG emissions in the entire supply chain by 40%, compared to 2015, by 2030. These decarbonisation goals have been certified as “1.5°C targets" by the SBT Initiative. In addition to promoting decarbonisation initiatives within the Group, Ricoh also holds briefing sessions for suppliers and requests medium to long-term GHG reduction targets from key suppliers. Another goal is
to achieve a renewable energy ratio of 50% for the electricity used in its operations by 2030, actively promoting the introduction of renewable energy sources with high additionality In its pursuit of a circular economy, Ricoh strives to effectively use water resources. Under Group policies regarding water resources, Ricoh sets targets to reduce water usage below the previous year's performance and is working across the entire Group to achieve water consumption reduction. In 2024, Ricoh published Ricoh Group Environmental Report , a comprehensive disclosure on climate change, resource circulation and biodiversity. This report illustrates Ricoh's strategies and initiatives in the environmental field to all stakeholders. Ricoh will continue to contribute to solving social issues and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through its business activities with its business partners and customers.
ACCESS THE REPORT
Sharp UK expands cloud print solutions through directprint.io partnership
Sharp UK has announced a partnership with directprint.io to further strengthen its cloud print management offering. Combining Sharp’s multifunctional printers with directprint.io’s comprehensive cloud-based print management solution, the partnership will support clients in leveraging print management technology and solutions to streamline operations, reduce costs and improve efficiencies. The collaboration further supports clients on their cloud-first strategy by providing a true cloud solution that eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure. The seamless integration of Sharp’s embedded client support through
directprint.io’s RED product also ensures smooth operation and an enhanced user experience. directprint.io’s solution is particularly beneficial for educational institutions, offering advanced features. The solution integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace, making it perfect for educational and Google-centric organisations. The flexibility of directprint.io’s deployment options allow it to cater to simple and complex multi-site environments. The partnership also promises ongoing innovation and customisation for Sharp’s hardware, ensuring that clients benefit from the
David Jenkins CEO
directprint.io
CONTINUED
06
New hires can transform a team’s efficiency and productivity. That’s why you need a new Apeos multifunction office printer. With over 60 years of experience, they’re ultra-reliable, minimising breakdowns and maintenance. And with remote document access, rapid start-up and ultra-fast duplex scanning, you can achieve so much more. Print, protect and perform with Asia Pacific’s #1 colour A3 multifunction printer. * Say hello to your new office workers. Driving better efficiency.
AD
*Source: IDC WW HCP Tracker, 2024Q3, Share by Company A3 Color Laser Shipping units, Year: CY2023 Discover Apeos
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp .
printinthechannel.co.uk
07
NEWS
CONTINUED
latest advancements in print management technology. Clients can easily transition from basic cloud printing to advanced print management features, ensuring scalability and long-term value: directprint.io RED features a unique Sharp-native OSA embedded app, offering an integrated solution that simplifies roll-out and enhances the end user experience. “We’re delighted to partner with directprint.io to further enhance our print management software offering,” said Julian Hodges, head of product marketing at Sharp UK. “This collaboration
underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge, cloud-first solutions that simplify workflows, boost efficiency, and provide our clients with seamless, scalable print management tools to meet their evolving needs.” David Jenkins, CEO at directprint.io, added: "Our partnership with Sharp UK is pivotal to helping organisations of any size establish secure, cloud-managed print environments, eliminate costly on-premise infrastructure, simplify printer management,
and minimise troubleshooting time. In summary: New generation Print Management with Sharp."
OKI joins ETRIA joint venture
Ricoh Company, Ltd, Toshiba Tec Corporation and Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd, have announced that ETRIA, a joint venture company formed on July 1, 2024 to integrate Ricoh and Toshiba Tec’s multifunction printers (MFPs) development and manufacturing, will welcome a new partner, OKI. ETRIA aims to become the leading manufacturing company by combining the development and production technologies of like-minded companies, optimising everything from product planning and development to procurement and production of raw materials and parts. As a manufacturing company that is agile to change, ETRIA will energise manufacturing in Japan. With OKI’s participation, ETRIA will strengthen its ability to respond to environmental changes and achieve the following: l Strengthen development capabilities of engines, the internal mechanism of MFPs and printers l Leverage OKI’s LED head technology to develop compact/resource and energy-saving products l Accelerate cost reduction through commonisation – common use of ETRIA’s key parts and materials
l Acquire technologies and commercial materials for new business creation – synergy between ETRIA’s Auto-ID and OKI’s LED colour label printer businesses l Establish a resilient production system – leverage OKI’s production site in Thailand.
Under its Mission and Vision of Fulfillment through Work, Ricoh is
committed to transitioning into a digital services company, aiming for sustainable growth and further development. Through ETRIA, Ricoh will realise new business creation by offering competitive products in the printing field, further expanding supply sources, and integrating technologies and expertise. Toshiba Tec aims to become a global top solutions partner, as a platformer that co-creates new value and solutions to social issues with customers and partners, by practicing its Corporate Philosophy: Creating with You. The participation of OKI in ETRIA is expected to enhance development capability through LED print head technology acquisition, increase profitability through commonisation of engines and key parts, acquire technologies and products for
etria.global/en/
08
NEWS
technology integration, including LED print head technology and enhancing engine development. Also, through commonsation of engines and key parts and improved efficiency of production and procurement, OKI aims to increase profitability and resilient production system to respond to environmental changes. In terms of new business creation, OKI expects innovation creation, which was not possible by OKI alone. Moving forward, competitive, high quality, high value-added products manufactured by ETRIA will be offered for the global market as Ricoh, Toshiba Tec and OKI brands. Through each sales channel, each company will provide solutions combined with various software and services and contribute to improving productivity through digitisation and workflow improvement tailored to the needs of each customer’s business by leveraging their customer base and strengths.
ETRIA overview after OKI inclusion
new business creation, and achieve production capacity expansion in the Asian region. As a partner company of ETRIA, Toshiba Tec will step up its efforts to contribute to supporting digital transformation of customers’ offices and frontlines and solving social issues. OKI’s Corporate Philosophy, true to the company’s “enterprising spirit,” is to commit in creating superior network solutions and providing excellent information and communications services globally to meet the diversified needs of communities worldwide in the information age. By joining ETRIA, OKI will improve product competitiveness by accelerating
In terms of new business creation, OKI expects innovation creation, which was not possible by OKI alone.
Konica Minolta announces Jordan Woods Group as new Elite Partner
Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd has announced a new partnership with managed print and office equipment specialist Jordan Woods Group. As a Konica Minolta Elite Partner, Jordan Woods Group has full access to the manufacturer’s sales, training and service support, underpinning its remarkable growth, which saw the company double its turnover in just two years and then double the size of its team in 2024. Partnering with Konica Minolta is an excellent fit, as Harry Terrell, director of Jordan Woods Group, explained: “Myself and the team have sold and supplied Konica Minolta devices for years and they have an excellent reputation for service and reliability which is essential for our customers,” he said. “Being an Elite Partner ensures we have the full
support of Konica Minolta and its team, which enables us to deliver the next level of support and full management of print services that our customers rely on.” Incorporated in 2019, Jordan Woods Group is headquartered in the City of London and provides expert support to customers across the UK, via a network of fully qualified service professionals. With customers demanding value for money, efficiency and adaptability to evolving workplace environments, Jordan Woods Group’s fully managed print offering has proven to be a popular choice for customers who need the right professional solution but without the stress of managing it themselves. “We pride ourselves on being fully transparent and offering exactly the service our customers need and deserve,”
Harry Terrell director
jordanwoodsgroup.co.uk
CONTINUED
printinthechannel.co.uk
09
NEWS
CONTINUED
said Harry. “Despite being a relatively young business, we’ve seen significant growth, including a company rebrand, a name change, and several offices opened. Over the past two years, we've completed four successful print business acquisitions, all funded by self-raised funds with no external investments, loans or shareholders involved. While we’re approaching our six-year mark, our rapid expansion and acquisitions make it feel like we’re just getting started and we are very
excited to be working in close partnership with Konica Minolta to continue this growth and pursue our ambitious targets." Cameron Mitchell, business leader for Indirect Channel at Konica Minolta, added: “The Jordan Woods Group team fully understands the changing needs of modern businesses and shares our ethos about delivering a customer experience that is second to none. We are delighted to be working together to deliver real customer value.”
Quocirca study highlights opportunities in the print industry
There is fast-growing demand for AI- powered print infrastructure, software, and workflow solutions, which presents a significant market opportunity, according to Quocirca’s AI Vendor Landscape Study 2025 . Quocirca’s research shows that 64% of organisations plan to increase AI investment over the coming year. Within the MPS market, 73% of organisations say it is very or fairly important that providers introduce innovative AI- powered approaches to print. “Vendors are rapidly developing and bringing to market AI-powered solutions, drawing on data expertise and enhancing workflow and service offerings,” said Quocirca CEO Louella Fernandes. “As the market quickly evolves, they will need to ensure they are also building an AI partnership ecosystem, both by engaging with AI experts and by supporting the channel to develop AI confidence in customer engagements.” To capitalise on this opportunity, vendors must integrate AI to enhance existing offerings and build new areas of competence. Quocirca’s study found that leaders are demonstrating a strategic approach to AI, integrating it across multiple applications including: l AI-driven IDP: Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) capabilities
automate the extraction, classification and analysis of data from various document types, such as invoices, contracts and forms. Leveraging AI and machine learning (ML) techniques, including natural language processing and computer vision, it accurately understands document content, regardless of format or structure l Advanced analytics and automation: Leaders are offering significant productivity and efficiency gains for customers via AI and ML applied across MPS deployments through device optimisation, and within business process automation – including for hyper-personalised printing – and workflow solutions l Device and document-level security: There is considerable innovation and investment in this area, from AI/ML- driven device capabilities to AI-enabled content security and AI-powered fleet security. Indeed, 62% of IT decision- makers recognise that AI advances also create security risks, and 83% think its important vendors us AI/ML to identify security threats and attacks, making this an important area for vendors to demonstrate competency l Sustainability: From using AI in product design and supply chain management, to integrating it in print optimisation solutions, vendors are
Louella Fernandes CEO
quocirca.com
CONTINUED
10
AD
printinthechannel.co.uk
AD
With Zebra Essentials there’s no compromise Quality, affordable solutions for your customers
Zebra Essentials is a range of cost effective and reliable solutions that simply work, increasing productivity, reducing delays, and minimising downtime. Your customers can count on the Essentials range to perform as promised, no matter the work environment or challenge. Zebra Essentials products also come with pre-installed software for easy setup management and tasks.
Printers & Supplies Customers Can Count On
Cost Effective Mobile Computers & Tablets
Reliable Barcode Scanners
• • •
Durable and reliable printers
•
Keep operations moving with fast, accurate scanning Work in tough environments with a durable build
• • •
Eliminate training time
Easy IT setup
Stay connected
•
Save time by connecting with other Zebra devices Multiple ways to configure Simplify loading and unloading media
Work uninterrupted with rugged mobility Accept mobile payments and more Gain advantage with built-in software
•
Offer the comfort of an ergonomic design
• •
•
•
Consistently scan to increase productivity Pre-configured and ready to use
•
• •
Increase print security
•
•
Offer the comfort of an ergonomic design
Save time and workarounds with the right labelling solution
Contact your Zebra representative for further information. www.zebra.com/products
12
Proprietary and Confidential. ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corp., registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their res
AD
Quality products at a price that’s right, with Zebra Essentials Affordable, reliable, simple solutions for every environment
Essentials for every industry, job and budget Don’t let customers settle for less.
Transport & Logistics
Retail
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Field & Utilities
Hospitality
Government
Zebra Essentials Range Affordable solutions for every industry, job and budget.
The long-term benefits
The immediate gains
Zebra OneCare Special Value + Zebra OneCare Technical and Software Support You need a plan to protect against failures and prevent customer frustrations. Zebra OneCare goes above and beyond the manufacturer’s warranty to cover it all, including normal wear and tear and accidental damage. Never one-size-fits-all, choose a plan that’s tailored to your exact needs and business urgency.
• • • • •
Ready out-of-the-box Easy configuration
•
Rugged enterprise-grade products that are built to last
Intuitive devices Built-in software Cybersecurity
•
Integration as your business scales A longer lifecycle
•
Zebra Essentials Range
printinthechannel.co.uk
153
spective owners. ©2023 Zebra Technologies Corp. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
NEWS
CONTINUED
drawing on its potential to enhance sustainability throughout the print lifecycle. This is important to buyers, especially those with strong corporate sustainability strategies, among whom 83% believe AI is an important tool for addressing sustainability issues l Device maintenance and servicing: AI is well-established in predictive maintenance, with innovators now introducing augmented reality and GenAI solutions to support on-site and remote customer support.
Independent software vendors are also incorporating AI capabilities within IDP solutions and developing innovations such as content-aware printing, sensitive data identification, and GenAI-powered documents summaries. Hyperscaler cloud platforms are also entering the IDP space, refining their AI/ ML capabilities for document processing tasks from OCR, NLP and data extraction to document classification. This offers opportunities for smaller players to layer solutions onto these services.
Kongsberg PCS appoints Canon UK as partner and reseller Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems has appointed Canon UK to distribute Kongsberg products across the UK. Starting this month, Canon UK’s
print and converting businesses across the UK and Ireland and marks an important step in our established relationship with Canon.” Duncan Smith, country director, production at Canon UK and Ireland, added: “Kongsberg cutting solutions are designed to match the speeds of our wide format printers, making them an ideal complement to our systems in demanding graphics and packaging production environments, handling diverse materials, including the most challenging rigid media. The partnership with Kongsberg PCS will ensure that Canon customers are equipped with premium cutting solutions that help them to deliver premium quality finished products and broaden the range of creative applications they can produce.” As part of the agreement, a Kongsberg PCS X24 cutting table will be showcased at Canon UK’s Birmingham Customer Experience Centre, giving customers an easy to reach location to see the combination of the flexibility and productivity of Kongsberg and Canon solutions. In addition to installing the cutting systems, Kongsberg engineers will also offer customers on-going technical, application and maintenance support to help them achieve optimal performance.
Large Format Graphics organisation will promote Kongsberg cutting solutions in conjunction with its Arizona flatbed and Colorado roll-to-roll wide format printers. Canon customers will benefit from Kongsberg’s specialist engineering and materials expertise, as all cutting tables will be installed and serviced by Kongsberg’s dedicated UK team. “The appointment of Canon UK as a Kongsberg PCS distributor solidifies our commitment to UK customers across the sign, display and packaging industries,” said David Preskett, VP EMEA & APAC, Kongsberg PCS. “Canon is known for its high-quality, ultra-productive print production systems, and this agreement is testament to Kongsberg’s ability to deliver market-leading cutting solutions that match
David Preskett VP EMEA & APAC
kongsbergsystems.com
those output capabilities. This agreement will increase our reach to
14
PRODUCT LAUNCH EPSON PAPERLAB A-8100
Read all about it Epson has launched the PaperLab A-8100, a papermaking system that returns used printed-on paper back into new clean paper – aimed at sectors that are still heavily paper-based but want to become more sustainable.
While digitalisation has helped to reduce the number of documents that are printed in some sectors in recent years, there are others that are still predominantly paper-based. But, with sustainability concerns to the fore, these businesses are still looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment and paper is a key part of that. While recycling is commonplace, it still requires purchasing more paper, and with it comes emissions etc from its shipping. But now Epson has launched a solution, the PaperLab A-8100 Refresh Model, which provides an alternative. Epson claims that PaperLab is the world’s first office papermaking system that turns used printed-on office paper into new clean paper using a water-free process, on site and on demand. Available now, the A-8100 builds
on its predecessor, the A-8000, while introducing enhanced functionality that increases the range and variety of paper types that can be processed. The original PaperLab A-8000 was first launched in Europe in 2019 and was the world’s first dry office paper- making machine. Since then, companies in various sectors, including financial services, manufacturing and government have taken to it for its ability to process confidential information responsibly. The A-8100 builds on this success with improved features in response to customer feedback and the evolving demands of the market. The A-8100 retains key features that underpin Epson’s commitment to environmental sustainability and confidential information processing, while contributing to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Andreas Asel Market & Business Development Manager
epson.co.uk
“
The new A-8100 PaperLab represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide businesses with the tools they need to operate sustainably while securing the confidentiality of their information.
”
CONTINUED
printinthechannel.co.uk
15
AD WE DELIVER AT HIGH SPEED!
Jarltech has the products of the leading Auto-ID and POS vendors in stock and delivers fast. Jarltech stands for fast delivery and high availability of goods: we process all incoming orders before 9:30 p.m. on the same day. We dispatch the goods immediately – thanks to our own fleet of vehicles and the best shipping partners. If you wish, we also deliver directly to your customers – with a neutral or your own delivery note, of course.
• Large warehouse with AIDC products guarantees high availability of goods – buffer stock and goods reservations are no problem! • Financing – delivery on account with payment term (limit provided) • Stock can be called up online at any time • Orders placed by 9:30 p.m. will be processed on the same day • Daily late shipping only with the best shipping companies • Dropshipment on request with a neutral or your own delivery note • UPS Express deliveries (at an extra charge)
Order the AIDC products of our manufacturers from your sales representative!
16
PRODUCT LAUNCH EPSON PAPERLAB A-8100
CONTINUED Enhanced model
Committed to sustainability The PaperLab A-8100 is designed to empower businesses to create paper on-site from used printed-on paper, significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional paper production methods, including the need for purchasing and transporting paper. This solution contributes to sustainability as well as enhancing confidentiality by enabling companies to process documents securely on-site, mitigating risks associated with sensitive information handling. “Epson has long been dedicated to sustainability and innovation in the workplace,” said Andreas Asel, Epson Europe. “The new A-8100 PaperLab represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide businesses with the tools they need to operate sustainably while securing the confidentiality of their information. We are proud to continue our tradition of excellence and innovation with this new model.” Epson remains committed to advancing sustainability in the office environment, and the A-8100 PaperLab is testament to the company’s dedication to creating practical, environmentally responsible solutions for the modern workplace, enabling businesses to produce their own paper on-site and to reduce waste.
PaperLab A-8000 In-office dry papermaking system
The sustainable way to securely destroy and upcycle paper
Notable enhancements to the refresh model include an advanced internal sensor that automatically detects the type of paper being used, optimising production settings without the need for manual customisation. This advancement not only streamlines the paper production process but also enhances user experience. Key features include: l Dry fibre technology: Using Epson’s proprietary dry fibre technology, the A-8100 converts standard used office paper into high-quality fibres without requiring water, ensuring a more sustainable approach to paper production that significantly reduces environmental impact l Automatic optimisation: The new model features an intelligent system that automatically adjusts manufacturing settings based on the type of paper input. This allows users to mix multiple types of paper, specifically limited to copy paper, thereby maximising efficiency and versatility
Download Brochure
Go here to watch video
l Environmental contribution visualisation: Responding to
customer requests, users can now monitor their environmental impact through Epson’s cloud solution PORT. This feature provides real- time data on the environmental contribution value based on paper production volumes, accessible from PCs and smartphones, making it easier for companies to monitor their sustainability efforts and communicate them effectively l Expanded paper sizes: The A-8100 introduces an extended A3 size option, supporting A3 perfect binding and saddle stitching, in addition to the conventional A4 sizes. This
flexibility allows businesses to produce a much wider range of printed materials in-house.
printinthechannel.co.uk
17
PRODUCT LAUNCH BROTHER TD-2D RANGE
A new label Brother has refreshed its compact labelling lineup, which now include linerless labelling capabilities for the first time and are aimed at customers in a broad range of sectors.
With demand for label printing increasing across a variety of sectors – and customer demands changing too, with more emphasis on sustainability – manufacturers are responding and launching or refreshing their printer ranges. One such company is Brother UK, which has upgraded its range of compact, desktop label printers to help users improve efficiency, sustainability and compliance. The new TD-2D range, which replaces the TD-2 series of devices, comprises 11 new two-inch thermal label printers, and includes models with the ability to print on linerless labels for the first time. Two new models in the range are linerless compatible, the TD-2320DFC and TD-2350DFC. By removing the non- recyclable backing paper typically used to deliver the labels, businesses can reduce waste and improve productivity, saving time by going straight from print to application. TD-2D devices aren’t one-size-fits-all and can be easily customised, giving
No need for external connection Ease of use was a priority for Brother, and this can be seen in how users can create and print labels from a 3.5” colour touch screen and keyboard, eliminating the need to connect to laptops and external tablets. This feature is available for the TD-2D DSA models, offering customers a standalone solution and the option to create shortcuts to frequently printed labels. It should be especially useful for those working in hospitality and catering businesses, where it can help improve efficiencies with quick categorisation and easier selection, while maintaining compliance.
TD-2D devices aren’t one-size- fits-all and can be easily customised, giving partners the opportunity to shape bespoke models for customers’ needs – something that is increasingly
desired by customers.
partners the opportunity to shape bespoke models for customers’ needs – something that is
Range of sectors But Brother’s compact desktop range is also aimed at customers across the food, healthcare and retail sectors. For instance, all devices are compatible with optional IEC 60601 compliant AC adaptors, which meet the safety and performance requirements for the medical field. The TD-2D range can be used in the healthcare sector to create chart and sample labels, as well as dosage and quantity notes.
increasingly desired by customers. Available accessories include an auto cutter for variable label lengths from continuous printing, as well as a peeler to simplify label backing removal and streamline operations. A battery pack and carry handle is also available to support on-the-go operations.
18
PRODUCT LAUNCH BROTHER TD-2D RANGE
The range has also been upgraded to meet the changing needs of the food industry, with businesses facing greater regulation and legislation, including Natasha’s Law, to ensure nutrition and allergen information is clearer to customers. The entire TD-2D range can be used in busy kitchen environments where users need to print labels in the middle of food preparation and clean quickly at the end of a service.
essential,” says Simon Brennan, senior business manager – Specialist Printing Solutions at Brother UK. “But managers and infrastructure leads will be looking at where they can improve efficiency and sustainability at the same time. The upgraded TD-2D range offers resellers the opportunity to provide customers with labelling solutions that cater to this demand, as well as their individual needs. “The new range delivers on the full suite of features customers expect from our TD- 2s. We’ve also seen increasing demand for linerless labelling and our upgraded range taps into this, to help businesses seeking to enhance productivity, make sustainability gains, reduce waste and improve health and safety. “All devices can also be used with our free P-Touch editor software to create and edit templates, and our expert team is on hand to support partners and their customers to create custom labels tailored to unique needs. Continuously investing in, and advancing, our specialist labelling print technology demonstrates how we live for the label.” All models have also been upgraded to the USB type-C, and the TD-2350D, TD-2350DSA and TD-2350DFC are WiFi and Bluetooth compatible. The upgraded range prints at 6ips with resolution of up to 300dpi and is compatible with a variety of printer command languages including ZPL 2, EPL 2 and DPL emulations for seamless integration into new and existing solutions.
Simon Brennan senior business manager – Specialist Printing Solutions
brother.co.uk
“
We’ve also seen increasing demand for linerless labelling and our upgraded range taps into this, to help businesses seeking to enhance productivity, make
sustainability gains, reduce waste, and improve health and safety.
The TD-2D range’s compact design also makes devices ideal to use on crowded retail desktops and counters, without sacrificing valuable workspace. Productivity and efficiency are also increased by enabling busy workers to print a wide range of labels on the shop floor by using standalone TD-2Ds alongside a trolley or mobile workstation. Improving efficiency and sustainability “For businesses across healthcare, retail, hospitality and catering, compliance is
”
printinthechannel.co.uk
19
PRODUCT LAUNCH BIXOLON SRP-380plus Speed is the key
BIXOLON has launched its SRP-380plus POS printer, which is designed to provide fast and accurate receipt printing for use in high volume applications such as retail and hospitality settings – but it is equally at home in many other types of business.
In retail and hospitality settings speed is often key to providing the experience a customer desires. Many people don’t like waiting in queues, and speedy receipt printing can help to ensure a smooth flow of customers and an enhanced experience. With competition on the high street tough – especially with the ever-present threat from online rivals – businesses look to provide an experience to ensure customers come back. While receipts may seem like a small part of this, they can still be important. It is with this in mind that BIXOLON has launched the SRP-380plus 3-inch (80mm) POS printer to its HQ and European sales regions. This printing solution is capable of printing at speeds of up to 500mm per second with optional 180dpi or 203dpi print resolution with the ability to control graphic quality through grey scale and dithering. All while supporting industry- leading print reliability with a 70 Million Lines (MCBF) TPH and 3 million cut Auto Cutter allowing it to cope with the most demanding printing environments. The SRP-380plus premium POS printer Cost-Efficient l Enhanced near end and paper end sensors l Auto detect of paper type and optimisation with Visibility Intelligence™ l Compatibility with blue receipt and Phenol-free paper Android™, iOS™ and Windows®
With retail and hospitality businesses in mind, where space on desks and the like is often at a premium, the SRP-380plus has been developed with a space- saving design.
supports high volume receipt printing, which can benefit various sectors. For instance, in retail and hospitality, the printer offers flexibility to adapt to high volume printing at peak sale times. Whereas within the transportation sector, the SRP-380plus’ high reliability allows consistent high-quality printing on demand. Sustaining business stability Again with retail and hospitality businesses in mind, where space on desks and the like is often at a premium,
20
PRODUCT LAUNCH BIXOLON SRP-380plus
the SRP-380plus has been developed with a space-saving design, supporting stand-alone or vertical printing with well- organised cable management and an accompanying cable cover. In addition, the SRP-380plus also comes fully loaded with an All-In-One- Plus™ Interface that includes USB 2.0 FS + Ethernet as standard, or optional USB + Ethernet + Serial, Dual Serial, Parallel, WLAN, Bluetooth® or Powered USB. Sustainability The SRP-380plus is also equipped with mechanical switches for sensing the Paper End and Paper Near End for Blue Receipt printing with BIXOLON’s Visibility Intelligence™ function that automatically detects the paper type and optimises the print quality. The printer also supports a paper saving mode by saving up to 25% of paper per roll with three compression levels through a Unified POS Utility. While supporting BIXOLON XPM™ printer management software for easy integration, administration, and management tools to allow precise and clear visual guidance across a whole printing estate and is complimented with
a standard two-year warranty. “The SRP-380plus is launched in addition to the SRP-380, which offers upgraded specification and features,” explained John Kim, marketing director of BIXOLON Global. “The ideal solution for supermarkets, transportation hubs and restaurants which experience high volume transactions at peak times due to its industry leading reliability. With the option for blue or phenol-free paper printing it enhances and future proofs the receipting process.”
“
The ideal solution for supermarkets, transportation hubs and restaurants which experience high volume transactions at peak times due to its industry leading reliability.
Sustainable Printing l Paper saving mode, reducing the length of a receipt by up to 25% without changing the original software l 80-58 mm auto paper reduction function l Reduced cost of ownership with ENERGY STAR™ compliance l Anywhere Anyfont™ (Unicode) removes the need to write multiple code pages for every language l Compatible with all major operating systems including Android™, iOS™ and Windows®
”
printinthechannel.co.uk
21
EKM GLOBAL
Branching out Sustainability has become one of the biggest priorities for many businesses and EKM Global's partnership with PrintReleaf can help customers to achieve their sustainability goals through reforestation.
Sustainability goals are now an integral part of many businesses’ strategy today – and for some an effective strategy can be the difference between winning contracts or not when pitching for business. No longer are sustainability goals a nice to have – it’s a need to have. Businesses need to look at all aspects of their business for their sustainability strategy. Saving energy, using fewer or recycled resources all play into it. But for those businesses that rely on paper, finding ways to be sustainable can pose issues. But there are solutions out there such as PrintReleaf, which can be accessed through EKM Global's managed print services (MPS) solution called Insight. What is PrintReleaf? PrintReleaf is the industry leader in automated environmental offsets and
enables its customers to offset their environmental impact through certified reforestation and carbon offset projects, with a few easy steps. l Measure: PrintReleaf collects paper consumption data via EKM insight’s automated integration. l Calculate: Paper consumption is analysed to calculate how many trees were harvested and how much greenhouse gas was emitted for the paper consumed. l Offset: PrintReleaf automatically plants trees in certified global reforestation projects and/or offsets the carbon associated with the production of the paper used. EKM has integrated sustainability right into the insight dashboard, making PrintReleaf's automated environmental offsets, including options for reforestation and carbon offsets a
EKM Insight uses the PrintReleaf API to push customer page counts into PrintReleaf on a daily basis. These daily page counts are deposited into the customer’s PrintReleaf account.
22
EKM GLOBAL
natural fit for any client. EKM Insight uses the PrintReleaf API to push customer page counts into PrintReleaf on a daily basis. These daily page counts are deposited into the customer’s PrintReleaf account. At the end of each month, PrintReleaf totals each customer’s paper consumption for that month, equates it to forest impact measured in trees, and issues a Certificate of Reforestation to the customer certifying that their paper consumption has been reforested. Once a reseller has an Integration Token configured, they can add their customers automatically from within EKM Insight. As you would expect, all this data is kept secure using the latest technology. At rest, sensitive data is encrypted using industry standard hashing functions and ciphers. Difference it makes What EKM Globals’s integration with PrintReleaf does with its carbon offsetting makes an appreciable impact too. In 2024, EKM Global enabled its customers to offset more than 792 million sheets of paper, with over 95,000 trees planted. PrintReleaf guarantees 100% net tree survival too. In all, EKM Global's customers have offset more than 1.6 billion sheets of paper and 196,000 trees have been reforested. PrintReleaf can also facilitate retrospective offsetting too, so paper use from 2024 can be included in a business’ sustainability strategy.
EKM Global solutions PrintReleaf’s sustainability solutions are powered by integrations like EKM Global Insight. The company joins many leading manufacturers, managed service providers, resellers and wholesalers that use EKM Insight to deliver efficient, holistic fleet service management for thousands of their customers across the world. EKM Global also support corporate enterprise clients by providing the tools, resources, and support that they need to manage their entire operation centrally to establish a consolidated view across varying regional operations. EKM Insight is a modular, evolutionary and scalable MPS software that can easily integrate with IT and ERP service management systems, while supporting any brand of printing and imaging equipment. This is just one way that EKM Global's MPS solutions can help your business. For more information on EKM Global visit: www.ekmglobal.com
At the end of each month, PrintReleaf totals each customer’s paper consumption for that month, equates it to forest impact measured in trees, and issues a Certificate of Reforestation to the customer certifying that their paper consumption has been reforested.
printinthechannel.co.uk
23
SUSTAINABILITY – LINERLESS LABELLING
Less is more Businesses in a range of sectors that use labels are looking to become more sustainable, which is why linerless labels are becoming increasingly popular – along with the printers that print them – and this provides an opportunity for resellers.
Retail and hospitality businesses are always seeking greater efficiencies, whether that is time, cost or resources and, increasingly, this ties in with a desire to be more sustainable. In these sectors, labels are crucial throughout the supply chain, and many businesses are now turning to linerless label printing, which helps with all these criteria. Deyon Antoine, product marketing manager for Toshiba Tec, notes that linerless label printing offers several advantages over traditional label printing methods including cost savings, waste reduction, improved efficiency and environmental sustainability. “This makes it an attractive option for many businesses,” he says. “Linerless labels eliminate the need for backing material (liner) typically found on traditional labels, and this reduction in waste is more environmentally friendly and reduces disposal costs. Linerless label printing aligns with sustainability initiatives as many companies and their customers are increasingly seeking and expect sustainable packaging solutions –
linerless labels contribute to this goal.” Bob Vines, TSC Auto ID’s country manager for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, adds: “Linerless labels are far more sustainable in that they reduce material use and waste,” he says. “With no liner, you get 40-60% more labels on a roll and there’s no non-recyclable backing liner to go to landfill. Linerless media needs fewer raw materials, which again minimises environmental impact.” Other advantages There are various other advantages of linerless label printing over traditional label printing too. “With more linerless labels per roll there are savings to be derived,” says Bob. “Fewer roll changes saves on manpower costs, and less rolls to ship and store saves freight and storage costs. No backing liner also means no waste disposal costs. “There is also increased efficiency as no peeling process means quicker application.” Bob adds that using linerless labelling solutions can also improve safety, as the liner can be left lying around on workshop or warehouse floors. “No backing liners leads to safer workspaces as it minimises slip hazards,” he says. Jay Kim, managing director at BIXOLON Europe, adds that as labels are not pre- cut, businesses benefit from the flexibility of variable-length printing. “This allows them to customise label sizes based on their specific needs and to convey any specific information they require,” he says. “Additionally, linerless labels are
Deyon Antoine product marketing manager
toshibatec.co.uk
“
Linerless label printing aligns
with sustainability initiatives as many companies and their customers are increasingly seeking
and expect sustainable packaging solutions.
”
24
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52Powered by FlippingBook