Focus on Wide Format Printing


Industry action E


very usual sector that the UK wide format digital printing industry services has been blown away by COVID-19.


It started as a trickle some 15 weeks ago and then rapidly developed into a full-blown tsunami of cancelled everything. You name it – sporting, corporate, entertainment, festivals, retail, construction, promotions, exhibitions, road shows, museums – all imploded.


As the largest independent supplier of printers, cutters and materials to the UK’s digital wide format printing industry, CMYUK has been in a unique position to gauge how the industry is faring in these unparalleled times. To begin with, like everyone else we were shocked by the collapse of wide format life as we know it. We’ve literally seen an industry- wide, sharp intake of breath, but during the ensuing pause, we’ve understood how crucial wide format digital printing is to the ‘new normal’. The industry is vital to help guide, explain and facilitate these new and shifting rules of engagement across private, corporate and public life.


Safer Spaces collection To this end CMYUK has put together its Safer Spaces collection, a range of specialist products and materials designed to help jump- start the UK’s digital wide format sector back to work.


Our Safer Spaces collection offers safeguarding strategies that protect our customers’ customers. It also provides an applications inspiration with materials available for every solution. It’s been a huge success and is exactly what is required right now. We are doing everything we can to help our customers in these highly uncertain times.


The range includes a wide variety


CMYUK is the largest independent supplier of wide format digital printers, cutters and materials in the UK, so how is it responding to lockdown and beyond? Here Robin East, group director, explains.


of the offering. These feature an outer PU coating for a non- permeable, waterproof barrier that is anti-viral, sterilisation safe and reusable. Gowns can withstand approximately 100 industrial washes and come in one-size-fits-all, white. The Safer Spaces range includes materials and textiles for soft signage applications including barrier sleeves, textile space dividers and curtains as well as indoor and outdoor displays.


Stand out products


I would say that floor graphics have really become the stand out product of coronavirus. The country has gone mad for them. In May we sold an entire years’ supply in five days. We are ordering millions of linear meters and demand continues to intensify. We are working with our partners to ensure ongoing supply. All our stock continues to be pre- sold. Floor graphics are now a permanent fixture in the mainstream, an essential part of the marketing mix and another volume application.


Our printable, community grade, reusable face masks have really taken off because they are comfortable, hygienic and can be washed up to 100 times – making them environmentally responsible too.


Face masks make up part of CMYUK’s Safer Spaces collection


of printable floor materials, vinyls and laminates for both indoor and outdoor use. Compatible with UV, latex, solvent and eco-solvent inks, materials available cover the whole gamut of floor composition including carpeting, cement, pavements and much more.


In addition, CMYUK also has a strong floor tape collection available in a variety of colours, chevrons and different finishes for line marking and anti-slip applications. The collection has several anti-bacterial materials and textiles within its provision, which are highly suited for floors, counters, light-boxes as well as the bespoke manufacture of face/ mouth masks.


There is also the option of PONGS ready-to-wear, reusable community grade mouth/ nose masks. Made from dual-layer pure cotton, these can withstand 100 industrial washes at near- boiling temperatures. They can be printed and are available in both adult and children’s sizes.


Full length, cotton, protective healthcare gowns are also part www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


These are being used across health sectors but as restrictions start to ease, we’ll see them in action across whole swathes of corporate and public life. The fact that these can be custom printed and branded is also very attractive. On the hardware front, CMYUK has experienced an increase in demand for its Esko digital cutting tables. This makes perfect sense. Right now the type of work that printers are undertaking involves all types of signage for all types of surfaces, it’s not the printing that will be an issue but the finishing.


Our cutting tables are flying out the door because printers need the automation and fast, accurate cutting abilities to dispel bottlenecks. We’re seeing customers who are the busiest they have ever been.


It is my opinion that as society starts to reopen, UK wide format printers will be more aware of the need to diversify into new markets. For the industry’s medium to long-term health CMYUK will be launching an Industry Innovations Materials Almanac (IIMA) that will introduce the industry to innovative, eco-conscious materials that reach beyond the traditional signage, events and exhibitions applications into new areas such as décor, textile architecture, interiors, fashion and design.


CMYUK has a reputation for its consultative partnerships throughout the UK’s digital wide format print industry. We are a facilitating force underpinned with expertise and knowledge. We’ve always got an eye on the future so we can help the industry grow and prosper.


July 2020 | 55 |


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