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Chris, “that’s why our experts in fi nishing and lamination, and hardware, colour management and large format are on hand to share their know-how. They can also arrange live demonstrations and real-life case studies.”
SPECIFICATION For designers, brands and printers to deliver their creative ideas in print, it can be helpful for them to have the support of a specifi cation consultant – someone who can help to identify the material that will achieve not only the best printed result, but that will deliver on factors such as sustainability, too. Chris advises: “It’s best to get a specifi cation consultant involved at the earliest stages. At Antalis, it’s a service we offer free of charge and has helped customers achieve extraordinary results.”
HARDWARE
There is a huge diversity of hardware manufacturers, models and technologies available, which can make it challenging to know where to invest. One of the many benefi ts of building a relationship with a supply partner is that they spend the time getting to know their customers’ businesses and where opportunities for improvement or expansion might lie. “At Antalis, we can provide advice on suitable technologies and help print service providers make the correct hardware investment based on their application and budget,” says Chris.
SAMPLING AND CONVERSION When exploring new products, it’s important to be able to see and try samples fi rst, and most suppliers will happily supply samples for trials. The option to have products converted – cutting reels and sheets to specifi c sizes as well as slitting, sawing, re-packing and re-palletising products – is also a hugely benefi cial resource to be able to call upon from a supply partner, as it frees staff to be more productive elsewhere.
ONLINE ORDERING AND NEXT DAY DELIVERIES Online ordering can be a godsend in a busy production environment. Check that your supply partner offers this facility along with real-time stock availability and the opportunity to create a list of favourite products that are ordered regularly – it can help save a lot of time in the long run.
SUSTAINABILITY – PRODUCTS AND KNOW-HOW Sourcing sustainable products for visual communications can be challenging as the nature of many of the applications requires products that are highly durable and robust. Businesses must also exercise caution in any claims they make regarding sustainability following the introduction of the Green Claims Code in 2022. Also introduced in 2022 was the Plastic Packaging Tax, which may well be expanded in the future to encompass other plastic products and could have a signifi cant effect on the industry. To help negotiate some of these challenges, it’s vital to work with a reputable supplier who will ensure its supply-chain is transparent and will provide access to the latest product developments.
As a leading supplier of visual communication products across the UK and Europe, Antalis has an ongoing programme of activity to improve the sustainability of its products and its business operations. It is one of the
founding members of the Self-Adhesive Industry Sustainability Action Group (SAISAG), which is working to provide clarity on sustainable products and issues within the industry. Chris says: “In 2021, we launched our Manifesto for Sustainable Visual Communications, formalising and bringing together into a single framework the many aspects of our drive for greater sustainability, including responsible sourcing, helping customers identify eco-friendly products through our Green Star System™, and a team of sustainability specialists to offer advice on product selection.”
Antalis’ Green Star System™ – used to grade the sustainability of its paper products for many years – has been extended to include its visual communication products. It measures key factors, including raw material used and recyclability at end-of-life, to provide each product with a rating from zero to fi ve stars. Antalis aims for 40% of visual communications products sold to be rated three stars or higher by 2026, and 75% by 2030. Chris comments: “It’s an ambitious target given the nature
of many of these products, but we’re working closely with our suppliers and customers to make it happen. Some of our customers have been instrumental in helping us to develop our product ranges and their capabilities – it’s what working in partnership is all about and it’s how we like to work with our customers – it ensures we all benefi t.”
ABOUT ANTALIS Antalis is a market leader in the distribution of large format media, represented in 29 countries. Its portfolio of more than 5,000 products covers most
large format visual communication needs, including fl exible and rigid media, printing and fi nishing machines, accessories and display. It has designed its unique offer with innovative, responsible, compliant and industry leading suppliers such as Orafol, 3A, IPB, Yupo, Contra Vision, Priplak and Xanita. Its own-brand Coala range includes a wide selection of media at the cutting edge of technology for POS, sign and display and interior decoration. Visit
ask.antalis.com/vc-catalogue22 to request the latest Antalis Visual Communications catalogue, your must-have, complete guide to large format media solutions.
REQUEST
YOUR ANTALIS 2024 VISUAL
COMMUNICATION CATALOGUE
For more information, please visit
www.antalis.co.uk or contact Antalis on
contact@antalis.co.uk
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