Page 23 - PWM2025_February Ebook

GLOBAL NEWS

Global print industry Print procurement special-
IN BRIEF

jobs to fall 20% i s t H a y b r o o k e h a s
launched a new sustaina-
bility initiative for print
buyers using a system
c alled ‘C e r t if i ed
The global print industry larger trade printers or sell- S ustai n able P r i n t’.
will see its headcount shrink ing their books. Launched on Friday (31
by 20% over the next five On the smaller side of the Jan ua r y), M a r k e t
Harborough, Leicestershire-based Haybrooke said the ini-
years, according to a report tiative offers print buyers the opportunity to showcase their
from the World Economic scale, SME printers are commitment to sustainability backed with evidence of sus-
Forum (WEF) – but industry increasingly moving to a tainable print procurement practices. Participation is free to
figures have said a decline in hybrid model, where they are all PaaS users of PDQ Print Hub, Haybrooke’s print procure-
ment platform. Print buyers are issued with a Certified
jobs does not make for a partially print managers and Sustainable Print certificate and digital badges, which can
declining industry. partially a production house. be used across websites, marketing materials, email signa-
The report claimed print tures, social media, and printed products. They are also
provided with informational materials to use in their inter-
and related trades would see “Previously you would nal and external marketing communications.
the sixth-fastest decline in 20% fall in jobs in next 5 years have needed at least one
jobs, and the fastest decline ing jobs, it’s probably valid operator for pretty much Xerox’s full-year results
among manufacturing sec- that print is in there. But that every press, every finishing have shown falls in reve-
nue, profit and earnings
tors. would be incorrect to assume per share as the company
In the UK, two immediate that because it’s in the top six line, just to make sure it was restructures – but guidance
factors are likely causing a declining jobs, that it’s in the running correctly. for single-digit growth in
decline in printers’ head- top six declining industries,” “Now, because of the level 2025 signals hopes for
recovery at the group.
counts according to Brendan he told Printweek. of automation, some of our Shares in Xerox fell sharply
Perring, general manager of “The biggest printers are members that would have (13%) on the morning of 28
the IPIA: the industry’s con- getting larger, and mid-level January as the company confirmed a constant currency
drop of 9.5% in revenues for the year, marginally better
tinuing consolidation, and printers that were key previously had 10 people than the firm’s Q3-issued guidance of a 10% decline for the
automation. employers are either selling working on a press room year. Revenues for the Norwalk, Connecticut-headquartered
“I think in terms of declin- up and being absorbed by floor now need just two.” firm came in at $6.22bn (£5bn) down from $6.89bn, with a
pre-tax loss for the year of $1.21bn, compared with a $28m
International Paper’s new deal loss in 2023. The 2024 figure includes a non-cash goodwill
impairment charge of $1bn.

US group International scheme of arrangement Following conditions One of the original co-
founders of Solopress has
Paper has completed its under Part 26 of the being satisfied and the sanc- returned to the business as
acquisition of London- Companies Act 2006 and tioning of the scheme at the its new sales and customer
headquartered packaging was subject to the terms and Court Hearing during success director. Greg
giant DS Smith. The boards conditions set out in the January, the two companies Ralph was one of the origi-
nal ‘gang of three’ who set
of the two companies said scheme document that was said the delivery of a copy of up the Southend-on-Sea
they had initially reached published on 11 September business alongside Aron
agreement on the terms of 2024. the Court Order to the Priest and Andy Smith. He takes over from Sarah Kilcoyne
the recommended all-share The scheme was approved Registrar of Companies who left at the end of last year and will report to Solopress
combination deal last April. by the requisite majority of meant the scheme became CEO Simon Cooper. Cooper’s remit was expanded to include
The deal was implemented DS Smith shareholders on 7 effective on Friday (31 parent group Onlineprinters’ European online business last
by way of a Court-sanctioned October 2024. January). summer. Ralph stepped back from Solopress in 2012 and
went on to be involved with a wide range of interests in
Fujifilm and Konica Minolta JV other business areas, including e-commerce and property
development. Solopress said he had gained a broad per-
spective across strategies.
F u j i f i l m B u s i n e s s partner with a 75% stake,
Innovation and Konica with Konica Minolta hold- Ofcom has confirmed its proposed changes to Royal Mail’s
Minolta have decided on the ing the remaining 25%. The Universal Service Obligation including a reduced Second
Class service, a relaxation of delivery targets, and a
name for their joint venture newco is based at Epic revamped bulk mail access service.Royal Mail parent group
for procurement.Plans for Tower in Yokohama City International Distribution Services called for “major reform”
the strategic alliance were and has 192 employees with of the USO back in May 2023. Ofcom subsequently launched
announced by the two 137 seconded from Fujifilm an in-depth project to look into its future shape, and
Japanese manufacturers BI, and 55 from KM. Global reported on the possible reforms four months ago. On 30
nine months ago. The new Fujifilm has a majority stake Procurement Partners is January, Ofcom published its proposed changes to Royal
company, Global capital is ¥50m (£260,000). helmed by President Mail’s obligations.“In our latest in-depth research, most
Procurement Partners Corp, Masaharu Furukawa, who is postal users said they do not need six days a week delivery
was officially established in Fujifilm Business corporate vice president and for the majority of letters,” Ofcom said. First Class mail
January. The initial share Innovation is the majority director at Fujifilm BI. delivery would continue six days a week.

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