Cover Story
Technical expertise This extends from expertise in the products being sold, to troubleshooting problems on press. “It’s important to be able to chat through issues or see products in action,” says 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.”
Specifi cation 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. 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
www.signupdate.co.uk
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.
Use the QR code to request the latest Antalis Visual Communications catalogue, your must-have, complete guide
to large format media solutions.
www.antalis.co.uk contact@antalis.co.uk
May-June 2024 |17 |
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 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
