BMI Confab Looks at Printing During the Pandemic

Analysts at the Book Manufacturers Institute’s Spring Management Conference were optimistic about the recovery of the printing sector and the overall economy despite the severe impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

LSC Files Chapter 11

LSC Communications, one of the country’s largest printers and its largest book printer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company said it expects to operate normally as it works its way through the restructuring process.

Quad Closes Book Printing Operations

The loss of printing capacity is one of the many concerns publishers are facing because of the new coronavirus outbreak—and the business was dealt an unhappy surprise last week when Quad unexpectedly closed its book printing facilities.

IPG, Bookazine Deemed Essential Businesses

With governors of both Illinois and New Jersey issuing shelter-in-place orders, IPG, located in Illinois, and Bookazine, based in the Garden State, said they remain open.

Lightning Source to Introduce 'Content Integrity' Guidelines

Lightning Source has sent a notice to all publishers who use Ingram’s print-on-demand service informing them that, as of April 27, it will remove print content from its catalog that falls within certain prohibited areas. The goal, Ingram said, is to uphold the quality of its content and to guard against copyright infringement.

Tariffs On Most Books from China Now 7.5%

Following the signing of a phase one trade deal between the U.S. and China, books that were subject to a 15% tariff had the duty lowered to 7.5% on February 14.

PRH Makes Progress in Green Initiatives

Following the February 17 announcement by Penguin Random House parent company Bertelsmann that the conglomerate will be carbon neutral by 2030, PRH global CEO Markus Dohle sent a letter to employees outlining the publisher’s role in helping Bertelsmann achieve that target.

HBG Green Efforts Had Gains, Setback in 2018

Hachette Book Group's carbon footprint rose last year over 2017, but all its books are now produced using certified paper.

Worzalla Adds Printing Capacity

While many American printers are closing or merging, Stevens Point, Wis.–based Worzalla is in the middle of a $12.5 million capital improvement campaign that will bring additional capacity online by next spring.

Bound Books NOT Subjected to E.U. Tariffs

While some printed material will be subjected to tariffs, bound print books are not included, contrary to prior reporting based on a misreading of the U.S. Trade Representative update on which products will be covered on forthcoming tariffs.

Tariffs on E.U. Goods to Include Books

A Selection of Inspiring Projects

Now that high-end printing with special visual and tactile embellishments is made possible with push-button simplicity on the presses, producing a show-stopping title is no longer a dream.

A Case for Digital Print Enhancements

Digital enhancement presses are making the embellishment processes easier, faster, and more eco friendly.

Leo Paper Finds Inspiration Through Edutainment

In the past decade, Leo Paper has been increasing its emphasis on edutainment and interactivity in its R&D direction for new product ideas. The latest result? "Magic Paper World."

China's YumMePrint Offers On-demand, Personalized Photo Printing

The mobile app enables consumers to print photos and documents as and when they like, or need, by automatically linking to the nearest photo kiosk.

Big Trouble in Ink Production

Last year, ink companies announced price hikes on their inks and coatings in North American markets. Now, they are facing two serious challenges far beyond their control.

Taking a Closer Look at the Hong Kong and China Printing Industry

Treating the U.S. tariffs as another business challenge—along with rising production costs, slimmer profit margins, and more stringent regulations—is the pragmatic way forward for Hong Kong and China print manufacturers.

Printing in Hong Kong and China 2019: All Our Coverage

Not surprisingly, the U.S.-China trade dispute and its ramifications loom large in this 33rd annual coverage on the Hong Kong and China print manufacturing industry. Seven major export printers shared their observations, hopes, and plans on dealing with the tariffs and the fallouts.

Bibles, Kids' Books Win Tariff Reprieve

Bibles and other religious books were not included on the first list of products imported from China that are subject to 10% tariffs beginning September 1. Tariffs on some children's books were delayed until December 15, but all other books still face the possibility of a 10% tariff in less than three weeks.

Judge Sets November Trial in Suit to Block Quad's Purchase of LSC

Late last week, Judge Charles R. Nagle denied Quad’s motions for an expedited trial in the Department of Justice’s lawsuit aimed at blocking Quad’s purchase of LSC Communications. The trial is set for November 14.