Printing SA celebrated International Print Day, which took place on 14 October. On this day, printing companies create an awareness about the true impact that printing has on nature.
The day focuses on dispelling the myths about print, proving that print is a viable, advantageous and a powerful mode of communication. The day advocates print as intrinsic to human nature, evoking emotions and providing a tactile experience.
In celebration of this day, Printing SA asked its members to think about the many ways print, paper and packaging touch their lives every single day. The celebration also involved a ‘selfie’ and ‘groupie’ competition with prizes sponsored by Novus Holdings and Printing SA.
Members across the printing federation’s chambers received free branded t-shirts which they were requested to wear on 14 October, take a ‘selfie’ or ‘groupie’ and upload them to a competition page on Printing SA’s website. The initiative’s aim was to rally behind the print industry and remind it of the integral part it plays in our economy.
True to the resilient and creative nature of manufacturing printers and associate suppliers, a wide and colourful spectrum of entries were received. The judging was based on two broad categories: ‘Best Selfies’ and ‘Best Groupies’, resulting in a total number of four prizes, courtesy of Novus Holdings, being awarded to four individuals and three corporate prizes to the top three ‘groupies’ from Printing SA.
‘We are thrilled at the reception this competition has received from our members, and are already looking at how we can extend it to the public next year,’ stated Steve Thobela, CEO of Printing SA. ‘After much deliberation, we are pleased to announce and congratulate the winners of Printing SA’s first International Day of Print competition and take the opportunity to thank each and every one who took the time to participate in this campaign.’
The winners of Printing SA’s inaugural International Day of Print 2015 are:
‘Selfies’ category:
1st Place – Brits Printers.
2nd Place – Ricoh SA (CTN).
3rd Place – Ricoh SA (CTN).
4th Place – Ricoh SA (CTN).
‘Groupies’ category:
1st Place – South African Reserve Bank.
2nd Place – Boksburg Print.
3rd Place – Renform CC.
In South Africa, the printing industry has an estimated turnover of R60 billion and directly employs around 45000 people while providing indirect employment to a further 60000. All of this is generated by approximately 1228 printing companies, 286 publishing companies and 1000 industry suppliers who provide pre-press and post-press services. The printing industry contributes between 1.6% and 2% to South Africa’s GDP.
‘As a trade organisation that represents the interests of the printing and packaging industries while ensuring that these are sustainable and that all stakeholders, in particular our members, continue to prosper, we saw it fit to celebrate this day with the people who are at the core of the industry,’ said Thobela. ‘We felt they needed to be celebrated and reminded of the great contribution they make to our economy.’
Print and paper has been the preferred communications medium for more than 2000 years and continues to be a highly effective communications tool along with paper packaging, which is the oldest reshape-able packaging material. As such, Printing SA continues to endeavour to keep its promise of being the energy that motivates the industry in all spheres of its existence, through initiatives such as these, to retain the sustainability of print, paper and packaging.
