Printing terms can be confusing for someone who hasn’t had a lot of interaction with the design and print industries. We’re confident in assuming that unless you’ve had a specific need for aqueous coating, then you probably don’t know what it is. The day may come eventually when you’ll need to have something professionally printed, whether you’ll need business stationary, event invitations or branded t-shirts. So, we’ve put together a glossary of printing terminology that you can consult whenever you encounter a term that you don’t quite understand.

Aqueous coating – aqueous coating is a clear, water-based coating that is applied to the entirety of a printed material to protect it from damage. The coating is fast-drying and can achieve matte, gloss, satin or soft-touch finishes.

Bleed – bleed refers to ink that prints beyond the print area (i.e. the edge of a page). It’s important for documents to have a bleed section because printers are incapable of ensuring that every sheet of paper is perfectly aligned and does not move while being fed through the printer at high speeds. Artwork that does not have bleed areas will be printed with unwanted white borders.

Bleed size – bleed size refers to the total size of your artwork, including the bleed section.

CMYK colour mode – CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black), the four ink colours used in general paper printing. When printing, these ink colours are combined in varying percentages to produce a broader range of colours. You can read more about the different colour modes in our blog, ‘Colour Me Curious’.

Coated paper – coated paper is paper that has been coated in clay to give it a smoother finish and to reduce its porosity, so that ink sits on top of the paper instead of being fully absorbed. Coated paper can have various finishes, including glossy, matte and silk.

Colour mode – colour mode refers to the colour setting used to create an image or artwork. CMYK and RGB are two examples of colour modes.

Crop marks – crop marks are merely indications of where a certain material must be trimmed or cropped.

Debossing – debossing is the process in which an image or text is imprinted onto a material to create an indent. You may have seen this method used on certain products such as diaries or notebooks.

Die cutting – die cutting refers to the process in which machinery and tools are used to cut printed materials into an array of shapes or designs.

Dieline – a dieline is essentially a template or diagram of a package that marks the placement of any creases, folds, cut lines, bleed or perforations. Dielines are created so that you can get a realistic idea of what a package will look like once it has been produced.

Embossing – embossing is a process in which tools and heat are combined to create raised text, designs or patterns on a printed material, resulting in a 3D effect.

Finish size – finish size refers to the final dimensions of artwork once it has been printed and trimmed.

Foil stamping – foil stamping involves the use of metal tools, heat and pressure to apply foil to a printed material. Foil stamping is often used on event stationary, such as wedding invitations. 

Four colour printing – four colour printing involves the use of (surprise surprise) four colours, namely, CYAN, MAGENTA, YELLOW and BLACK (also known as the CMYK colour model). These colours are combined in different concentrations to produce all the colours of the colour spectrum.

GSM – GMS stands for ‘Grams per Square Metre’ and refers to the weight of paper. The higher the density of paper, the higher the GSM will be. Paper with a high GSM tends to be more durable and harder to fold than paper with a low GSM.

Image resolution – image resolution refers to the quality of an image. When in digital form, image resolution is described in terms of its PPI (pixels per inch); images with higher resolutions will have more pixels per inch and will appear clearer and crisper. Printed images are described using DPI (dots per inch), i.e. the number of dots of ink that make up a printed image. Note that pixels are usually equivalent to dots, meaning, for example, that 300ppi will equal 300dpi.

Lamination – lamination involves the use of heat and pressure to bind a clear plastic film to a printed material in order to protect it from wear and tear. Laminate is available in different finishes, including matte, gloss and soft-touch. Read more about the different types of laminate in our blog, ‘The Low Down on Lamination’.

Low resolution images – low resolution images are images that are less than 250ppi. It’s best to provide images at 300ppi to achieve the best print quality.

Offset printing – offset printing (also known as lithography), is a printing method in which ink is transferred to a rubber cylinder which is then ‘rolled’ onto paper or card. This method is generally used for large quantities of print materials, such as newspapers.

Pantone Matching System – the Pantone Matching System (PMS) is a standardised colour matching system whereby each colour is assigned a distinct number to allow designers and manufacturers to accurately identify Pantone colours.

Perfect binding – perfect binding is a common technique used to bind booklets, magazines, catalogues and other soft cover books. The pages are bound along the spine using adhesive.

Pixel – pixels refer to the illuminated coloured dots that form digital images on a screen.

Proof – a proof is a representation of a printed material that shows how a final product will look. A proof is intended to verify the content, layout and colours of a design before it is printed.

RGB colour mode – RGB, (i.e., red, green and blue) is a colour mode used only for electronic devices. This colour model works by adding red, green and blue to a black canvas. Light filters through the red, green and blue at different intensities, which results in colours of varying shades and hues. You can read more about the different colour modes in our blog, ‘Colour Me Curious’.

Roll fold – a roll fold is a folding method whereby parallel folds are made to create multiple panels of the same size. The roll fold method is often used for brochures.

Saddle stitched – saddle stitching is a binding method whereby pages are bound along a central fold using staples. The pages will then be folded along the staple line to create a book.

Spot printing – spot printing uses colours created through the Pantone Matching System (PMS). As opposed to layering CMYK colours to achieve a particular colour, spot printing using the PMS allows you to create a single, solid colour that is precisely mixed. Colours printed using this method are more accurate than CMYK printed colours, which can result in discrepancies due to colours being applied in slightly different quantities.

Spot UV coating – spot UV coating is a transparent varnish that is placed on a printed material to create a glossy, premium finish. Unlike aqueous coating, spot coating can be applied to only part of a product, allowing some areas to remain matte and some to appear glossy.

Trim edge – the trim edge refers to the edge of your artwork where trimming will occur; anything that extends beyond the trim edge will be cut off.

Uncoated paper – unlike coated paper, uncoated paper does not contain any clay and is generally more porous, meaning ink is easily absorbed into the paper. Images printed onto uncoated paper do not appear as crisp as they would on coated paper.

Varnish – varnish refers to a liquid coating that is applied to the surface of a printed material in order to create a certain texture and to better preserve the material. Types of varnish include glossy, matte or soft-touch, a type of varnish that results in a velvety feel.

Z fold – a z fold is a folding method often used for brochures, in which paper is folded to create a pleated effect. This is achieved by each section being folded in the opposite direction to the one next to it.

We hope that this glossary of printing terminology has been helpful! If you have any questions about any of the terms explained in this blog (or any that we may have left out), please don’t hesitate to contact our team. We will do our best to break down any printing processes that you may have questions about and to work with you to find the best printing solutions for you.

At expos, the choices are almost unlimited – there can be businesses from a myriad of industries all trying their best to achieve one goal: to get the attention of potential customers. This can be difficult to achieve amongst all the competition, however, one thing is perfectly clear – you’re much less likely to garner any serious interest from potential customers if your only signage is a piece of cardboard with your business name scrawled across it in permanent marker. Ok, this might be an extreme example, but we believe that effective signage at an expo is the secret to success. If you’re considering attending an expo in the future, read on for some suggestions on what and what not to do when it comes to your signage.

1. Keep it simple

Expos are generally chaotic, there are hundreds of booths lined up and sometimes thousands of people navigating their way through the expo maze. So, we recommend keeping things relatively simple to avoid adding to the mayhem and inundating potential customers with information. If a person looks at your booth only to be met with layer upon layer of signage and posters, then their already overwhelmed eyes will inevitably wander elsewhere. Your signage should provide people with just enough information so they know what your business is and invite them to learn more about your services or products. After all, the average person will only glance at your sign for a few seconds, so they won’t be able to take in the important details if they’re buried in paragraphs of information or drowned out by an elaborate design. Not many people will stick around to try and decipher what your stall is about if it’s not immediately evident (unless you’re standing there handing out free cake or something, in that case, you’ll probably be the most popular one there).

2. Use colour skilfully

Colour can be a fantastic way to draw the attention of someone walking by. When planning your signage, we recommend sticking to the colours in your branding colour palette. Using colours that are ‘off-brand’ will make your stall look chaotic and busy. Instead, use brand colours to draw attention to key information and areas in your stand. You also want to avoid confusing any customers with an existing interest in your services or products, who may not recognise your business because of the lack of cohesion with your brand.

3. Plan, plan, plan

After you’ve arranged your stall, we recommend planning where you intend on installing your signage. Envisioning what your stall will look like once it’s all set up will help you to avoid over or underdoing it. Marketing your business in an appealing way will require you to find a balance between empty space, signage, colour and décor, a task that becomes infinitely easier if you allow yourself the time to plan as opposed to scrambling at the last minute. We also recommend reading the fine print and ensuring you’re familiar with any rules or guidelines the expo has in place. Be familiar with what you can and can’t have, as well as the dimensions of your stall so you can order the correct size signage. You should also arrange take-home material such as price lists, informational brochures, and business cards, so that people can follow up with you later if they want to learn more about your business. This is particularly important when you are attending an expo to market your services, as opposed to selling your product on the day.

4. Use high quality images & signs

You don’t want people to think that you took photos for your stand on your flip Motorola RAZR, as trendy as they were once upon a time. Make sure you’re using high quality images or risk looking unprofessional. It’s not difficult to take a high-quality photo these days, so people tend to have high expectations in this respect. You also need to ensure that any writing you have is legible and large enough to be visible from a distance. If you want your signage to be particularly effective, consider having a graphic designer design your signage and liaise with a professional printer on your behalf to ensure that you have the best possible end result. This is also a good way to ensure that your logo and brand will be incorporated effectively.

Final suggestions…

Expos can be an expensive, taxing process for any business to participate in, so you should do your best to make the experience worthwhile and to reach the largest number of potential customers possible. While we’re all encouraged not to judge a book by its cover, people tend to do just that when they are limited in time and are overwhelmed by choice, so they’ll have to prioritise where they’ll direct their attention somehow (we’re telling you, free cake…). Jokes aside, if you want any further suggestions on effective expo signage, then please reach out to our expert

For most people, the CMYK acronym is only ever at the forefront of their minds during the occasional trip to Officeworks to buy ink. However, the reality is that the world would unquestionably be a bleaker place without the CMYK colour model, which is responsible for most colour printing. In fact, there are various colour models that all work in different spaces. For example, the colours you see on your screen belong to the RGB colour model, which is exclusive to electronic devices. You might be thinking, why do I need to know this, how does this affect me? Well, if you’re investing in a number of print products and want your printing to turn out exactly as you imagine it, then it helps to have an understanding of the different colour models. Here, we’ve stripped down the industry jargon to give you a summary of the main colour profiles and when to use them.

Before we dive in, to comprehend how the different colour models work, you need a basic understanding of the science of light and colour. Light is made up of wavelengths, and each wavelength is a specific colour. White light, such as the light emitted from the sun, is a combination of all the colours in the colour spectrum (the rainbow). When light shines on an object, certain wavelengths (i.e., colours) are absorbed, and others are reflected. We can only see the colours that are reflected off an object. For example, a red shirt will appear red because the dye molecules are reflecting red wavelengths back to us, but they are absorbing blue & green wavelengths, which we cannot see.

RGB Colour Model

RGB, i.e., red, green and blue (complicated, we know) is a colour model used only for electronic devices. This colour profile is additive because it involves starting with a black canvas and adding red, green and blue light to create colour. Light filters through the red, blue and green at different intensities, which results in colours of varying shades and hues. When all three primary colours are combined in their full intensity, you will see white (similar to the white light created by combining all the colours of the rainbow), whereas when they are at their lowest intensity, i.e., when your screen is switched off, you will see black (this is because of an absence of light, and therefore, an absence of colour). Bear in mind that no two screens are calibrated in exactly the same way, meaning that the same RBG colour may appear differently when viewed on two different screens.

CMYK Colour Model

CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black), the four ink colours used in general paper printing. Black is referred to as ‘key’ because it supplies the contrast and detail needed to determine a final image. CMYK is a subtractive model, meaning the four ink colours are combined and added to a white piece of paper to absorb the white light being reflected from it. In other words, the ink removes the colours red, green and blue from the white light that is being reflected off the paper, leaving behind the cyan, magenta and yellow.

When printing, these ink colours are combined in varying percentages to produce a broader range of colours. CMYK colours will generally appear less vibrant than RGB colours on a screen, because rather than using light to create colour, CMYK relies on absorption by using ink. When you are printing something, keep in mind that the final product may vary from what appears onscreen, as the RGB and CMYK colour profiles are different. The CMYK colour spectrum does not include all the colours of the RGB colour spectrum, so if you’re designing something to print, you should do so in a CMYK colour space, that way you won’t have significant variations in colour once printed. Most design applications, such as InDesign or Photoshop, will allow you to work in a CMYK colour space. If you do forget to design something in CMYK, you can convert your design later, though you should expect to lose some colour in the process.

Before pushing print…

If you intend on ordering printed products, you should consider contacting a graphic designer to ensure that there will be minimal colour discrepancies between your design and your final product, particularly where it’s important that your printing looks a certain way. Depending on your design choices, printing can be expensive, so it’s best to consult with a printer or designer in order to avoid disappointment should your product not turn out as you expected. No one wants to experience the heartbreak of realising your gold wedding invitations more closely resemble mustard. If you would like some more information about the different colour profiles or would like some assistance from our printing or graphic design team, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

If you’re preparing to open a new business, you likely have a checklist a mile long of things that you need to organise before opening your doors. One of these tasks likely involves arranging some signage, but, unless you have an unusual and slightly neurotic fascination with printing, like we do, then thoroughly researching different grades of vinyl for signage probably isn’t included in your plans. Well, we’re here to tell you that there’s more to choosing vinyl signage than you might imagine. To help you avoid spending hours online trying to narrow down your options, we’ve simplified some of the things that you should think about when ordering your signage.

What is vinyl?

Vinyl is a very versatile material backed with adhesive that can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including walls, windows and even vehicles. Depending on your design, vinyl can be conveniently cut to various shapes and sizes to suit the space you have.

Vinyl Signage – Outdoor Use

If you need outdoor signage, then we recommend choosing a high-grade vinyl. This will ensure the longevity of your signage that would otherwise be easily affected or damaged by exposure to environmental elements and pollutants. Whilst it might bear a heftier price tag than some of the lower grade vinyls, you won’t have to worry about replacing all your building signage after only a short period of time. In fact, high grade vinyl generally lasts between five and seven years. You can also choose UV lamination to protect your signage from fading in areas where it is likely to be exposed to sunlight.

Depending on the nature of your business, you might also consider reflective vinyl. Reflective vinyl has a metallic foundation that reflects light – it is commonly used in street and roadworks signs, on police cars and other emergency service vehicles. Reflective vinyl might be appropriate for your business – even if you’re not constructing a road or opening an ED – as it is highly visible after dark, which is particularly useful if your business operates at night (and if not, you still have the benefit of advertising your business at night and catch the attention of prospective customers).

Vinyl Signage – Indoor Use

Unless you operate jet ski tours along the coast (uh, hello dream job), it’s very likely that your business will require indoor signage. We recommend using an intermediate grade vinyl with a mid-to-long term lifespan. This is ideal for signage that is unlikely to be exposed to the elements, but nevertheless needs to retain its colour and print quality. For example, this might include point of sale or restroom signage. You can also choose to laminate your signage to extend its lifespan, particularly where it may be regularly handled.

You might choose to go with a low-grade vinyl if you only need the signage for a short period of time, for example, if it’s required for an event or short-term promotion. Low grade vinyl is ideal where you are not concerned with longevity and are looking for a cost friendly option. Recently, vinyl signage has become increasingly popular at private events such as birthdays and weddings, due to its easy application and sleek appearance.

Heat Press Vinyl – Apparel

If you’re interested in branded apparel, we usually recommend vinyl heat transfer printing, or ‘heat press’.  Heat transfer involves tracing and cutting your design from vinyl and transferring it onto clothing using heat and pressure. While there are other methods available, heat transfer is the most affordable and tends to be the most eye-catching. The vinyl will add texture to your apparel, and its durable nature will ensure your design lasts for a long time without fading.

In conclusion…

While there are various high-quality sign materials available, vinyl is one of the more versatile and cost-effective options. Its ability to be shaped and applied to a range of surfaces, curved or flat, means it continues to be one of the best options on the market. If you require some more guidance on the different grades of vinyl and its uses, we would be thrilled to connect you with our team of print specialists, so get in touch today!

If you’re preparing to open a café or restaurant, we think your graphic designer and printer ought to be on your speed dial, at least initially. You might be thinking that, firstly, surely the food and drinks are the most important things to think about, and secondly, no one uses speed dial anymore (we know, but ‘favourite’s list’ just didn’t have the same ring to it).

Well, we believe that in today’s world, how you present and market your business is arguably as important as the products and services your business provides. Have you ever visited a website only to close the browser because it doesn’t seem legitimate? Or walked into a restaurant only to turn around and walk out because the fear of food poisoning actually inspires you to go home and cook?

The reality is that many of these businesses likely provide perfectly adequate products and services, but their poor presentation means potential customers won’t even engage with them. This is particularly problematic in the hospitality industry, as customers are more discerning when their health and wellbeing is at stake. People are also more likely to visit your café or restaurant if your space is trendy and Instagrammable (this’ll pop up in the Oxford dictionary soon, we know it). After all, the hospitality industry has always been a competitive one, and you’ll want to ensure that your business stands out for all the right reasons.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the advertising and print essentials you need to think about before opening your doors (and if you’re already open, don’t fear, it’s never too late!).

Menus

Your first step is to craft a mouth-watering menu that will have people flocking from far and wide just to get in the door. Once you’ve done this, you have to design the menu in an easy-to-read, aesthetically pleasing way (and we can’t stress this enough, no one wants to read a menu in size 12, Times New Roman). You’ll also have to think about the type of paper or card you want to use, and whether you want your menus laminated. We strongly suggest going with a durable option that can be reused without being damaged. If you’re anything like us, receiving a menu with food stains or tears around the edges will immediately taint the dine-in experience!

Opening Hours

Have you ever walked past a café that looks and smells incredible, but not have time to stop, so you make a mental note to come back? As a business owner, you don’t want to give a potential customer any reason not to return, so make sure you have your opening hours on display so they know when they can stop by! A simple but important marketing tool that shouldn’t be forgotten!

Product Labels

Branded. Product. Labels. We cannot stress this enough. By giving your customers branded material, such as coffee cups or juice bottles with your logo printed or stuck on, you’re securing yourself some free and effortless advertising. You’d have to provide the cup anyway, so why not get your brand out there at the same time? Plus, if you have them designed well, you can guarantee that some sneaky snaps will surface online with your logo on full display.

Loyalty Cards

Loyalty cards are one of the most valuable marketing tools around. Not only are they a form of advertising, but your customer will be reminded of your business every time they open their wallet. Customers will be more motivated and incentivised to purchase your product over someone else’s if they’re working towards something, like a free coffee! We can’t be the only ones who think coffee tastes a little better when its free. Your customers will leave feeling like their loyalty and patronage is valued, and all it will cost you is a free coffee every now and again, a small price to pay to keep your customers coming back!

Placemats

If you’d prefer to have some decoration on your tables but are not keen on tablecloths, consider adding paper placemats. You could choose to print your menu on them or take the opportunity to display your brand –these will also provide an aesthetic backdrop to some social media snaps and double as advertising, so consider adding a hashtag too!

Signage & Aframes

All the marketing tools in the world won’t be effective if customers can’t actually find your business, which brings us to our last and one of the most important advertising essentials – signage! We recommend starting with an eye-catching and industry appropriate design (no café owner wants their customers to confuse them with the local tyre shop) and then take some time to map out the most effective places to install your signage.

You should also consider ordering an aframe or two to place roadside or outside your door to attract anyone walking or driving by who may otherwise not have noticed your business – this is also a great way to get more information about your business out there – for example, you can include your opening hours or weekly specials!

One last thought…

In today’s world, you can offer some of the best products or services around, but if your business isn’t marketed or advertised effectively, then you won’t be reaching your full potential or getting the customers you’ve worked so hard for.

If you want to give your business the best chance of success but don’t quite know how to tackle the marketing alone, we would be happy to connect you with our wonderful team of designers and print specialists to help you get started!

If you ever think about laminating (which, we realise might not be the topic at the forefront of your mind most days, but stay with us for a second), you might remember the colourful laminated name tag on your desk and above your bag in primary school. Well, we’re here to tell you that laminating has a place in your adult life, too (like we need another thing to add to our Pinterest boards).

Most people know the basic concept of laminating something, but are you aware that there are different types of lamination you can choose from, depending on the product you’re creating? At the simplest level, lamination involves placing a clear, plastic film on either side of a printed product to protect it from damage and give emphasis to the colours and patterns chosen.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the most popular types of lamination, how each type can elevate the impact of your printing, and how to decide what’s best for your product.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination is arguably the most well-known and easily recognisable type of lamination. It produces a shiny, reflective finish that makes brighter colours appear more vibrant, and darker colours appear richer.

The protection provided by gloss lamination is ideal for items such as product packaging, restaurant menus and kids’ books. In other words, anything likely to be handled a lot and that might be left with sticky fingerprints or stains. When something is covered with gloss laminate, markings can generally be easily removed without damaging the product.

Gloss lamination is also commonly used for promotional material, as its polished, glass-like finish is difficult to ignore. So, if your intention is to produce something striking that’s bound to capture someone’s attention as they walk by, then gloss lamination is your best bet!

Matte Lamination

If you’re going for something subtle yet sophisticated, then consider matte lamination. It results in a more subdued look by making colours appear more muted and natural. With little to no light reflecting off the surface of the product, matte lamination is perfect when you want to avoid any glare or reflection.

Unlike gloss lamination, which has a slick, polished feel, matte lamination feels smooth and soft to the touch. Keep in mind that matte lamination doesn’t provide the same protection from damage as gloss lamination. It’s more likely to scratch or scuff, so if you’re producing a recipe book that’s likely to end up covered in floury fingerprints, matte might not be the way to go!

Velvet Lamination

At first glance, velvet lamination may be confused with matte lamination. However, there are some notable differences. Like matte lamination, products that are laminated using a velvet finish also feel soft and smooth to the touch. However, velvet laminated products are more suede-like or, dare we say it, velvety.

So, if you’re creating a luxury product and want your customer to have a more sensual, interactive experience, velvet lamination should definitely be on your radar. It can also make colours appear deeper, while producing the same elegant, distinctive look as matte laminated products.

Velvet lamination also tends to be more resistant to scuffs and marks compared to matte lamination. Products are more durable and less likely to be easily bent or damaged. In an impressive and somewhat ironic way, velvet lamination adds a protective layer that makes your product feel more delicate.

One downside to velvet lamination however, is the increased cost. Considered the most luxurious of the options explored in this blog, it tends to be a little more expensive to produce, so be sure to keep this in mind if you have a budget to stick to.

Final Thoughts

We hope this blog has highlighted the value in thinking about possible finishes for your product. Let’s be honest — we all tend to be drawn more to products and materials that look and feel beautiful. We’re certainly less likely to discard a business card or presentation folder if it’s striking and unique.

So, before pushing print, take some time to think about what you want your product to achieve and the overall look that you’re going for.

Still unsure? Here at Jiffy Printing, we’re always around to help talk you through it and make some suggestions, so get in touch to discuss further.

Australians consume around 4 million tonnes of paper and paperboard each year. This is an amount equal to nearly 200kg per person. Let that sink in for a moment. Our consumption not just Down Under, but across the globe, is high and increasing. So now, more than ever, it’s important to do our bit to help the environment.

We’ve all heard the rule: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They’re the 3 practices at the very core of the conservation and protection of our planet. And while most of us understand recycling in a general sense, the science behind it might be less obvious. Read on as we explain 3 of the most significant environmental benefits of the 3 R’s, and why we should all endeavour to give our paper waste a second life.

 

1. Recycling Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Landfill

Did you know paper has a relatively low carbon footprint? In fact, wood is one of the world’s most renewable raw materials, making our forests vital in the fight against climate change. But (and it’s a big but), this heavily relies on paper’s ability to be recycled. Because when paper is not recycled, approximately 80% ends up in our landfills where it eventually decomposes.

As paper breaks down, it produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is extremely potent, with 25 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide (aka CO2). Landfill is the single largest source of methane, so simply put, the less paper landfilled, the less methane emitted, and the better off our planet is.

As for the other 20%? It’s disposed through incineration, which is a process that produces CO2. While not as potent as methane, it’s still a serious contributor to global warming. In fact, for every tonne of recovered paper that’s converted into new recycled paperboard for packaging and other uses, 3.6 billion metric tonnes of CO2 emissions are eliminated.

So if we want to look out for our planet, we need to start reducing our waste streams, such as landfill and incineration, in order the minimise the release of methane, CO2 and other pollutants.

 

2. Recycling Preserves Our Forests

35% of all trees chopped down are used to make paper. That’s 160sqkm of forest each and every year. So If we want to help the environment, we have to cut out (no pun intended) our misuse of trees. Trees play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases by removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere in a process called carbon sequestration. So the more trees we leave standing, the more CO2 our forests can absorb in their carbon sinks.

What makes recycled paper so good for our environment, is that it requires absolutely no trees to be produced. Recycling paper decreases the demand for new paper to be produced, which contributes to the preservation of our trees and forests. In fact, recycling 1 tonne of paper can save at least 13 trees. So you do the math on the benefits of making the switch to 100% recycled paper and ensuring the proper discarding once you’re finished with it.

 

3. Recycling Saves Water & Energy

It takes significantly less energy to manufacture new paper out of recycled paper than it does to produce new paper from trees. According to Green America, recycled paper production uses 26% less energy. To put this into perspective, if the magazine industry alone moved 1 million tonnes of virgin fibre paper to 100% recycled, it would result in energy savings that could power 216,000 homes for an entire year.

Similarly, recycled paper production creates 43% less water waste. Using the magazine industry as a prime example again, moving 1 million tonnes of virgin fibre paper to 100% recycled would save enough water to fill over 15,000 swimming pools.

Remarkably, paper can be recycled up to 7 times before being discarded. So by using recycled paper, we can ensure existing paper gets a longer life and these precious natural resources, such as energy and water, are protected.

 

In Summary

Recycling your paper and paperboards cannot be ignored — especially when it wields the following results:

• Produces 39% less solid waste
• Saves 100% of the trees
• Saves 31% of energy
• Saves 53% of water

Rest assured when you partner with us for all your printing and signage needs, you’re choosing a sustainable business who follows best practices. Here at Jiffy, we always recycle our paper — and we encourage you to do the same once you’re done with your purchase from us.

Please keep in mind that in this blog post, we’ve focused solely on the benefits of recycling paper (as its kind of our wheelhouse), but there’s endless resources that can be recycled and used to manufacture new products, thereby reducing the waste we produce and our impact on the environment. Visit here for more top recycling tips.

Want to work with Jiffy? Get in touch today.

Some important things to keep in mind when planning your special day

By thoughtfully designing your wedding stationary, you can give your guests a glimpse into what to expect on your special day, so you want to set the tone by incorporating the themes you’ve chosen for your wedding into your stationary. Will your wedding be glitz and glamour, or are you going for more rustic or floral themes? Whatever you’ve chosen, well-designed stationary will reflect the motif of your wedding and make your guests feel like they are already part of something special. While it may not seem like it, there are various things that you’ll need to consider when designing and printing your wedding stationary, and we’ve discussed some of the more significant ones below.

Including important details

Before you send out your save the date cards, you’ll need to have some basic information, such as the date and location of your wedding (this is particularly important if you’re planning a destination wedding!).

Your wedding invitation will outline the more specific details, including the time, RSVP date and location of both the ceremony and reception. You can also include a map or directions for guests if necessary.

Wedding invitations usually come with multiple inserts, for example, an RSVP card and self-stamped envelope. You should also provide a space for guests to outline any dietary or wheelchair access requirements, to avoid your guests encountering any issues on the day.

Design, material & finishes

It’s best to have a colour scheme in mind before you start designing and printing any of your stationary, so that you can ensure consistency between pieces. For example, if you plan to have fuschia and black flowers and decorations at the reception, you can incorporate these colours into your invitations, your menus and even your napkins. Even if you have a design in mind, you might want to work with a graphic designer who has experience in creating wedding stationary. Their expertise will allow them to provide you with options that you otherwise may not have envisioned. For example, they can design and create a personalised logo for you and your spouse-to-be, which you can then use as a wax seal on your envelopes.

The days of paper only invitations are over – now there are so many more materials available if you want something a little different. With options of Raised Gold, Raised Silver and Raised Rose gold inks available as well as letterpress and white ink on coloured card options you can really create anything you envisage.

Your stationary timeline

Keep in mind that some of your event stationary needs to be printed well in advance of the wedding. Guests should receive invitations no later than 8 weeks prior to the wedding to allow them time to RSVP before you need to finalise numbers with the caterer.

Depending on the materials and finishes you’ve chosen, some pieces of stationary may take longer to print and put together than others. For example, your menus might be straightforward, but your place cards may need to be affixed to your wedding favour, so you might need to print these further in advance.

Here we’ve outlined only some of the things that you will consider when planning your dream wedding. There are many ways to customise your wedding stationary and add something more unique to your wedding day, such as a custom guest book or personalised ceremony booklet. Whether you’re after something specific or want some suggestions, you can contact our team to meet with our design and print specialists who are determined to make your special day as memorable as possible.

Links used
https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-stationery-invites-guide
https://www.jeffreysworldevents.com/tips/5-things-to-know-about-event-stationery/
https://www.justmytype.co.nz/journal/wedding-stationery-advice-invitation-shapes
https://luminare.net.au/custom-stationery-for-every-event/

Most of us have experienced the panic that comes with the realisation that we have forgotten to do something important, like order those company brochures that our boss demanded we organise weeks ago. Naturally, such realisations will usually come to us on a Friday afternoon, which undeniably adds to the panic. Where you need something printed, the best practice is to arrange it as far in advance as possible, to reduce the possibility of any delays or hiccups. However, if you do need something urgently, there are some printers that guarantee a quick turnaround time (even on weekends!), which will hopefully help your panic to subside.

Firstly, what do we mean by print turnaround times?

Turnaround time refers to the length of time that is required to print, cut and finish a print job. Depending on the printer that you engage, this may or may not include the time required to post or deliver your printing to you. Of course, delivery (or in this case, shipping) will generally take longer if you have ordered online from an overseas printer.
The general rule is that the earlier you place an order, the more likely you will receive your printing without delay. This is because the printer will have more time to arrange their schedule and make sure there is plenty of time to complete and deliver your job.
However, if you find yourself in a situation like the one described above, then you should try and find printers that offer quick turnaround times or same-day printing. You should be aware that there may be additional costs associated with rush orders, including express postage, and note whether the printer you have chosen has any production cut-off times (i.e. the time that each order needs to be received by the printer during the day). If you submit your order past the cut-off time, then your turnaround time will be calculated from the next day.

Factors that can affect print turnaround times:

• Type of product
Turnaround time will always vary depending on the type of product ordered. For example, a brochure with 3 folds will generally take longer than a one-sided flyer because it needs to pass through equipment several times to be printed and folded.

• Paper size and quantity
Like most other things, the higher the quantity you have ordered, the longer your products will take to produce. Smaller designs will mean that more can fit on single sheet, which will reduce the time needed and therefore the cost.

• The finish selected
Special finishes, such as matt or gloss laminating, will usually increase the amount of time the printer needs to prepare your order. Depending on the product, special finishes can sometimes add days to your expected turnaround time.

• The artwork submitted is not print ready
Artwork is considered to be print ready when the file submitted to the printer already meets all the specifications to produce high-resolution printed product, without needing any alterations. Pixelated logos, missing images or font and incorrect file sizes can result in delays as the printer will need to contact you to request a print ready file before they can produce your order.
It’s especially important to arrange an order in advance where you require design and/or copywriting services. Some printers may have designers in house or design agencies they can refer you to. Designers and copywriters will need some time to create and prepare your product for printing, so you should give them as much notice as possible as it is unlikely they will be able to meet the same turnaround times as the printer.

If you’re in the process of starting a new business, you undoubtedly have a lot on your mind – there are endless decisions to be made, approvals to obtain and perhaps even employees to hire.  Investing in marketing and advertising materials for your new business might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s important to sort these things out prior to launching your business to avoid missing opportunities to reach consumers and get your brand out there. Business stationary includes any branded items designed to showcase your business and brand, for example, business cards or branded envelopes. It can be tricky to know which stationary items are most appropriate for your business and which will make the best impression upon potential clients or customers. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a checklist of the most common business stationary and why they may be valuable to your business venture.

Business cards

Business cards are one of the most important stationary items you can invest in. Receiving your business card is often the first interaction that someone will have with your business, so it’s important to make an impression by ensuring your business cards are well designed, contain all necessary information and are of high quality.

Envelopes & letterheads

Using branded enveloped and letterheads will ensure that your business is perceived as being professional and organised. You can completely customise your letterhead to include important information such as the author’s contact details – this is particularly helpful where your business might have multiple employees or departments.

Notepads & pens

If part of your job involves attending client meetings, then you should think about investing in branded notepads and pens. You will undoubtedly look more professional and organised than you would scribbling on some scrap paper. You can also pop some branded pens on your front desk or gift them to clients with a customised notepad.

Calendars or planners

Investing in some wall or desk calendars can not only help your staff to keep track of important dates and deadlines, but are also a great means of advertising when handed out to clients. After all, producing a branded yearly calendar for clients will mean that your brand will be visible to them every. single. day. and that kind of exposure is priceless.

Presentation folders

Presentation folders are invaluable where your job involves delivering information to clients. You should also think about including a slot for your business card and a branded pen.

Stickers & labels

Stickers and labels are particularly important when it comes to branding your products. For example, stickers can be applied to product packaging such as boxes or bags, while labels might be applied to products to communicate safety hazards.

Brochures & flyers

Flyers & brochures are useful if you want to get important information about your new business directly in the hands of potential consumers, particularly those who may not come across that information online. For example, you could advertise your products and services along with any opening sales or specials.

Appointment cards

Where your job involves organising appointments or meetings with clients, you should think about investing in appointment cards. While they involve a single expense, their value is threefold:

• they contain your business’ logo thereby providing brand exposure;
• they include relevant contact information; and
• they contain a space for appointment details so your clients will not forget important appointments or meetings, which will help avoid interruptions to your day as well as the hassle of rescheduling.

Loyalty or gift cards

In any industry, fierce competition can make it difficult to stand out from the crowd. As a new business, advertising a gift card and loyalty program will help to attract consumers and sway them to choose your business over a competitor’s.