David Savastano, Ink World Editor03.24.10
As is the case throughout the printing ink supply chain, the pigment industry has faced difficult challenges in recent years from both its customer and raw material bases.
There has been reduced demand from ink companies as printers have suffered from the recession as well as the changing nature of printing, leading to companies further reducing inventory. Meanwhile, pigment manufacturers are facing higher raw material costs and concerns over supply.
Even with these challenges, industry leaders I spoke with for The Pigment Report, which begins on page 25, say they saw some signs of improvement in the latter part of 2009, which leads to a sense of cautious optimism heading into 2010. While very few people expect levels to rebound to those of even a few years ago, any improvement would be a welcome sign.
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On a personal note, I am honored to welcome Rich Czarnecki, senior vice president and chief technical officer for Superior Printing Ink, to our Editorial Advisory Board.
Mr. Czarnecki’s career spans more than 27 years in the North American graphic arts industry, and includes experience in ink and printing technology, polymer and analytical science, marketing, environmental and regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. Mr. Czarnecki joined Superior in 2007 after 24 years with Sun Chemical, Zeneca and Converters Ink, and he is currently responsible for Superior’s corporate R&D, technical service and EH&S functions. In addition, he is currently the vice president of the National Printing Ink Research Institute (NPIRI).
Ink World relies heavily on its Editorial Advisory Board for advice and guidance, and with Mr. Czarnecki’s expertise, we look forward to continuing to provide our readers with the most comprehensive information on the ink industry.
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On page 10 of this issue, we feature a page showcasing the online articles we have written recently for our website, www.inkworldmagazine.com. News happens fast in the ink industry, and when there is news to note, it is certainly best to get it to our readers as quickly as possible. Most recently, we have written articles on Flint Group’s rumored IPO, Quad/Graphics’ plans to acquire World Color Press, the sheetfed ink market and much more. I welcome you to visit our website frequently!
David Savastano
There has been reduced demand from ink companies as printers have suffered from the recession as well as the changing nature of printing, leading to companies further reducing inventory. Meanwhile, pigment manufacturers are facing higher raw material costs and concerns over supply.
Even with these challenges, industry leaders I spoke with for The Pigment Report, which begins on page 25, say they saw some signs of improvement in the latter part of 2009, which leads to a sense of cautious optimism heading into 2010. While very few people expect levels to rebound to those of even a few years ago, any improvement would be a welcome sign.
*****
On a personal note, I am honored to welcome Rich Czarnecki, senior vice president and chief technical officer for Superior Printing Ink, to our Editorial Advisory Board.
Mr. Czarnecki’s career spans more than 27 years in the North American graphic arts industry, and includes experience in ink and printing technology, polymer and analytical science, marketing, environmental and regulatory affairs, and manufacturing. Mr. Czarnecki joined Superior in 2007 after 24 years with Sun Chemical, Zeneca and Converters Ink, and he is currently responsible for Superior’s corporate R&D, technical service and EH&S functions. In addition, he is currently the vice president of the National Printing Ink Research Institute (NPIRI).
Ink World relies heavily on its Editorial Advisory Board for advice and guidance, and with Mr. Czarnecki’s expertise, we look forward to continuing to provide our readers with the most comprehensive information on the ink industry.
*****
On page 10 of this issue, we feature a page showcasing the online articles we have written recently for our website, www.inkworldmagazine.com. News happens fast in the ink industry, and when there is news to note, it is certainly best to get it to our readers as quickly as possible. Most recently, we have written articles on Flint Group’s rumored IPO, Quad/Graphics’ plans to acquire World Color Press, the sheetfed ink market and much more. I welcome you to visit our website frequently!