I read a book this month called Six Degrees, a one-degree-at-a-time look at what our planet might become as global warming hits home. One degree is bad enough, six is not worth thinking about. Unfortunately, the thermal mass of our planet is huge, creating sufficient delay between our actions and the world's response to make it difficult to appreciate the result of our lifestyles.

Xeretec has announced a digital printing show at Hampshire's Rose Bowl County Cricket Ground, Southampton, 2 and 3 April 2008. The display will include a Caldera wide format RIP platform printing to a Xerox wide format 8265 eco-solvent printer and Epson 9880. The 8265 is ideal for printing on vinyl: clear and glossy. Being eco-solvent the 8265 suits outdoor and indoor signs.

3M has appointed Surface View as a channel partner dedicated to the interior design and architecture sector. Under the agreement, Surface View will create bespoke interior murals using 3M's Scotchcal film for textured surfaces, enabling murals to be applied directly to bare brick and painted walls.

Super-wide format graphic display producer, MediaCo, aims to recycle 100 per cent of its waste this year, with no waste going to landfill. Having achieved ISO14001 accreditation in 2007, the Manchester-based company, which runs its own in-house recycling facility, has enforced a strict environmental management system (EMS) focusing on every aspect of waste reduction.

Building on its digital print finishing service for banners, Boldscan has established a new trade bureau designed to meet the digital requirements of companies large and small.

After nearly nine months without a publication, PBIF has a voice once more. Many thought it would never happen but with a combination of goodwill from advertisers and hard graft by Jon Barrett and Kelly Byne, sixteen pages of PBIF magazine appeared, on time, in February.

Increasing demand for UV-curable print prompted branding specialist, ESP Technologies Group, to invest in an EFI Vutek QS3200 flat-bed and roll-fed printer. This enables the Kent based graphic display company to output direct to wide rigid materials. The printer complements its other wide format equipment, which includes a Vutek 5300 five metre wide solvent-based machine, a liquid laminator of the same width, a Vutek PressVu flat-bed system and five metre welder.

Large format graphics and sign company, Kokoon, credits its new Océ Arizona 250 GT with scoring new business, enabling it to tackle a variety of unusual applications including printing on ping-pong balls.

Enquiries for Media Paper Management's on-line advice service have been encouraging as companies look to source environmentally friendly papers for their printed products. The web based tool features eight interactive tools, supported by a glossary of terms, all of which can be used to make sound paper choices.

Machine presentations, demonstrations and sampling can all be arranged at Spühl's new Wittenbach showroom. With a total of 340m2 space, the location is designed to display the company's two large format digital printers: the Virtu RS25/48 and RS35/48.

Sign and Digital UK returns to the NEC this month, 22 to 24 April, with a host of seminars, workshops and theatres covering topics from software to heat printing.

Norfolk printing business, Breckland Print, was able to share the success of its environmental initiatives by delivering a presentation at the Prosperity in a Sustainable World conference. The event was organised by Norfolk County Council and led by presenter of BBC's Coast programme, Nicholas Crane, in a bid to encourage organisations to adopt the green agenda in the county.

Investment in an Inca Digital Onset printer has enabled point of sale marketing specialist, Holland and Crosby, to improve its internal process control resulting in better quality, service and price for its clients. Supplied by Fujifilm Sericol, it is claimed to be the first Inca Digital Onset to be installed in North America.

An expansion programme is underway at Service Graphics to increase its production facilities and better service emerging markets. This is underpinned by a drive to recruit new industry talent to support key industries such as sports and events and to enhance its relationships with FTSE 100 companies and Olympic sponsors.

A Fresh Approach

Retail marketing specialists Creo have recently acquired leading print and point of sale manufacturers The Lauren Group. The move increases Creo's turnover significantly and creates a new force in the POP market by uniting the creative and project management excellence of Creo with the manufacturing facilities of Lauren, facilities which are second to none. Creo can now offer its clients flexible POP solutions that maximise budget, impact and brand awareness at the point of sale. Creo's unique core services include creative, project management and product fulfilment with many blue chip companies on their client list including Universal Pictures International, De Vere Hotels & Leisure and Bloomsbury Publishing to name a few.

It seems like I have been writing these articles since Noah's dad was a lad. In truth it's probably ten years. Haven't things changed in that time? Back then the squeeze and squirt process was in its infancy and many companies saw multicolour screen printing lines as the way forward. Then came the digital technology revolution. However, in the PoS industry (superwide format and large flatbed) this revolution is turning into more of a small disturbance, with some equipment even appearing on E-Bay. There is the Onset but that is for the deep-pocketed few.

In the past, the printing industry was one area where waste was deemed acceptable. For example, the ‘industry' would think nothing of printing vast quantities of point-of-sale boards which are changed a week later. This has been seen as progress because now print jobs can be customised, customers can promote products more effectively and more often.

With over 200 exhibitors, Fespa Digital 2008 is 50 per cent bigger than the inaugural event, creating a unique environment for print service providers to seek out innovations that could transform their businesses.

Marabu UK has appointed Imaging Graphics as its UK distributor for the Marajet range of digital inks. Nottinghamshire-based Imaging Graphics currently represents: Luscher for direct to screen imaging; Teckwin for large format digital printers/routers; and Grunig for traditional screen printing pre-press cleaning and screen preparation equipment.

Seal Graphics' new 44 Ultra Plus and 62 Ultra Plus laminating machines are suitable for first-time users yet their specification copes with volume environments.

With the introduction of 3M's Di-Noc film, William Smith can offer designers a range of options for creating visual impact in interior and exterior applications.

Boldscan's standard tensioned roll up, available in 850 and 1,000mm widths, is designed to add style. Its body, with silver ends, can be further enhanced with a spotlight accessory.

Eurostand has launched a new range of audio visual screen stands, available in three sizes: 22, 32 and 42in. The supports are finished in anodised satin silver and incorporate a screen tilt facility. The clean, contemporary lines are maintained as cabling is housed invisibly in the central support column.

Gandi has added the Cyclone UV liquid laminator to its product line, providing a prefect add-on for its Jeti UV flatbed digital printers. The Cyclone can laminate between 30 and 110 linear ft/min, with the UV lamp allowing fast drying. The dryer features a lower stand-by lamp setting to conserve energy. The machine is compatible with the company's new Premium UV-curable inks, which feature in all three Jeti flatbed printers.

GBC has launched its Arctic Pressure Sensitive cold lamination films. Processed between 40 and 50°C they are considered 'cool' solutions for heat-sensitive inkjet output. This follows the trend towards cold lamination to ensure optimal colour and finishing for banners, signage or trade show displays.

JS Humidifiers' JetSpray printing humidifier includes new features. The compressed air and water humidifier now features: a remote user interface; increased capacity (300 to 600lit per hour); multiple humidity sensor inputs for larger areas; and improved hygiene technology.

In the last week or so I have experienced an excellent European wide format Directors Forum organised by Fespa, Printwear and Promotion's successful inaugural awards dinner, plus the ups and downs of engaging members and non-members of the DSPA in a period of transition and change for the organisation. My lessons learned?