Asia-Pacific Update, Flexo vs Gravure, & the Future
Step ashore for Episode 2 of Print Island, your insider passport to the global print industry. Created by printers, for printers, this series dives deep into the issues, innovations, and opportunities shaping print around the world. Whether you’re on the shop floor or in the boardroom, this show brings the insight you need to stay ahead.
🌀 Scott Mackie Meets Andy Yarrow
In this episode, host Scott Mackie connects from the Philippines to speak with Andy Yarrow, Asia-Pacific Commercial Director at Miraclon. Known formerly as Kodak Packaging, Miraclon is a major player in flexographic innovation, helping printers transition to more sustainable and cost-effective packaging solutions.
Scott and Andy take a detailed look at the unique dynamics of the Asia-Pacific region. The conversation centers around the rapid changes happening in the packaging sector, including evolving technology, market investment, and the rise of flexo printing.
🌏 Gravure’s Stronghold in Asia, and Flexo’s Fast Climb
At the heart of Miraclon’s offering is cutting-edge technology that includes Creo laser imaging and thermal plate processing. These advancements are making flexo a more accessible and attractive option for printers of all sizes. Andy explains how this tech allows for sharper print quality, consistent results, and lower long-term operating costs.
The conversation also highlights the growing trend toward in-house plate making and central impression (CI) press installations. These shifts give print companies more control, efficiency, and agility in a competitive marketplace.
Packaging Trends and Strategic Investments
Asia-Pacific remains one of the world’s fastest-growing packaging markets. From fast-moving consumer goods to flexible pouches, the demand for high-quality, sustainable packaging is creating fresh opportunities.
Andy and Scott unpack what this means for printers on the ground. Strategic investments, particularly in flexo infrastructure, are helping printers become more future-ready. Sustainability remains a core focus, influencing both technology choices and business models.
📡 Global Print News and Highlights
Beyond the feature interview, Episode 2 offers a roundup of key news stories from across the printing world.
🔥 Featured topics include:
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Why Gravure is still dominant in Asia and how Flexo is catching up fast
- New technology breakthroughs
- Market shifts, sustainability drivers, and investment strategies for printers
- Next generation apprenticeship initiatives
- The power of experience: 50+ years of insight from industry veterans
- A sweaty but heartfelt farewell to the HP Latex 360 printer by Timothy Mitchell, aka “The Practical Printer”
Learning from Experience: 50 Years of Insight
This episode benefits from the deep experience of its guests. With more than five decades of combined industry knowledge, Scott and Andy offer not just facts and forecasts but real-world perspective. Their insights are especially valuable for navigating the complexities of today’s print industry.
🇬🇧 🇪🇺 Industry Voices from the UK and Europe
The episode wraps up with commentary from across the UK and Europe. These segments provide important context and insight, going beyond headlines to reveal what’s really shaping the print sector in these regions. From policy changes to market movements, these voices add a well-rounded global perspective.
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Print Island continues to deliver the real talk, smart analysis, and international viewpoint that today’s print professionals need. If you’re running presses, managing operations, or watching market trends, this is the place to be.
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