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As medical experts revise recommendations on the best type of masks to use against Omicron’s airborne particles, industry supplier 3M is stepping up production of its top of the line N95 masks (also known as N95 respirators).

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“We have received reports or seen media coverage of tests costing up to $500 for two tests through online marketplaces…which is clearly outrageous,” said Rod Sims, chairman of the ACCC, which has joined with Australian Federal Police to investigate excessive pricing on rapid antigen tests (RAT). One online ad offered a single test for over $1,000. Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce says the ongoing shortage of rapid tests is preventing employees from returning to work.

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Sign and print media supplier Spandex Asia Pacific is lifting prices on most of its products by between 6% and 10% from February 7, 2022, due to continuing challenges in global supply chains.

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Brisbane sign company A Sign Design has produced a series of striking interior window graphics with Drytac ViziPrint Deco + optically clear window film for the nearby Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

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Keypoint Intelligence, a leading independent provider of testing and analytical information for the document imaging industry, has chosen three Epson SureColor printer models in the Signage categories of its Buyers Lab (BLI) 2022 Wide Format Pick Awards.

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Mimaki says highly automated microfactories enabling on-demand, on-location production – and using technology such as Mimaki's latest sublimation printer the TS100-1600 - are helping to create a “green revolution” in fashion.

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The Queensland industry has lost one of its leading lights, active in both the LIA and former PIAA, passionate about apprenticeships and training and a true friend and gentleman.

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Fujifilm Holdings has launched a new environmental action plan - ‘Green Value Climate Strategy’ – aimed at making the company fully operational on carbon-free energy with net zero CO2 emissions by 2041. 

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From 2022-2024, ORAFOL intends to invest €150 million (AUD$238 million) in high-tech and digitalisation at its headquarters in Oranienburg, Germany. This will represent the largest investment in production infrastructure since the company was founded. Part of the investment is aimed at diversification and tapping into new markets.

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Fastsigns, operating as SignWave in Australia, has been voted number one franchise for the sign industry category in Entrepreneur magazine's Top 500, and 47th overall in all categories - the only sign & graphics franchise in the top 100. Currently with 18 outlets in Australia, SignWave, under General Manager Linda Sultmann, is looking to expand during 2022.

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Predictions can be slippery things and can even turn into egg-on-face when they don’t eventuate. However, identifiable trends verified by research can be of great help to businesses planning for the near and longer future. Andy McCourt weighs in for the Sign, Display and allied industries - backed by statistical research, a little opinion from experience and some street-level gumshoeing to expose boring signage.

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Late last year, LIA Victoria held its first in-person gathering in several years to mark the reinvigoration of the Victorian chapter of the association and present the Victorian LIA Heidelberg Graduate of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2021.

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The global large format printer market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.4% to reach $US11.4 billion by 2026, according to new research. High demand for large-scale prints was helping to drive the market in North America - the largest global wide format market. The UV cured ink type segment is projected to increase its market share, according to ReportLinker.

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Global Inkjet Systems (GIS) of Cambridge, UK has been bought by Florida-based Nano Dimension for $US18 million, with an additional payment of up to $US10.5 million dependent on meeting some financial targets.

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Electronics For Imaging, Inc. has announced that it will be prioritising technology investments to accelerate growth in its fast-growing industrial EFI Inkjet business, to continue to be a leader in the analog-to-digital transition, as well as in its market-leading Fiery digital front-end business. As part of this focused strategy, EFI has completed a sale of its eProductivity Software (EPS) packaging and print productivity software business to an affiliate of Symphony Technology Group (STG).

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In news from the USA, MUTOH America has announced the launch of its latest Eco-Solvent roll-to-roll printers, the 54” XpertJet 1341SR Pro, a compact powerhouse featuring Mutoh’s new AccuFine print head and bundled VerteLith RIP software; and the 64" (1625mm) XpertJet 1641SR, also with AccuFine print head and VerteLith RIP - and a stunning 200% productivity increase over the previous ValueJet model.

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Sign makers regularly need to match fonts supplied by a customer in another artwork. While experience can often help track it down ("that looks like Sabon?"), Flexi's Find my Font application will find the exact match in seconds.

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Despite the Omicron covid variant and now Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, many trade events both local Oceania and international are going ahead in 2022. There may be the odd postponement and this list does not attempt to cover everything - just the local and important overseas ones.

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Due to open in March 2022, French luxury goods retailer, Cartier, is adding to its Oceania portfolio of stores with a prestigious two-level flagship showcase at 388 George Street, Sydney. Strategically situated almost opposite rival Louis Vuitton's store, the huge window wrap states 'Opening Spring 2022' - but we're a little confused: March is Autumn in Australia.

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North Melbourne vehicle wrap and signage business Grafico has won Avery Dennison’s Wrap Like a King 2021 Asia-Pacific award for its work on a Lamborghini for French fashion brand Faure Le Page.

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After delays caused by Covid-19, Fairview has officially opened its $1.6 million Ecoloop - Australia’s first aluminium composite panel (ACP) recycling solution for recladding waste - at its headquarters in Lithgow, New South Wales.