The founder of the Müller Martini Group and a pioneer in machine development and print finishing for the graphic arts industry, Hans Müller, has died at the age of 96 in Zofingen, Switzerland.

Toppan Printing of Japan has strengthened its packaging business focussing on flexible packaging with a new plant and new technology, and products to be developed aimed at the cultivation of overseas growth markets.

Entries are now open for The 2013 Asian Publishing Awards to be held on July 12 in Manila, Philippines as part of the seventh annual Asian Publishing Convention.

Among its innovations at the Hunkeler Innovationdays trade fair in Lucerne, Müller Martini produced three different print products live and without interruption using a Presto II Digital saddle stitcher.

Samhwa Printing of Seoul, South Korea has installed a new 16-page Goss M-600 web press due to its advanced automation and press controls.

Heidelberg says its online shop, which includes the Asia Pacific region, has more than 10,000 customers who use the service globally.

Finishing specialist Polar has begun to see Asia an increasingly important market, along similar lines to its partner Heidelberg with both companies establishing manufacturing in China.

Packaging giant Amcor has achieved record profits, up by a very decent 5.7 per cent to $322m for the six months to Dec 31, 2012.

One of the biggest arguments for digital print over its offset equivalents is that digital print can be produced on demand in exceedingly short runs. This saves waste and improves the economics of what makes for cost effective printing.

Wide format solutions developer Rol;and DG is the latest high profile exhibitor to pull out of Ipex next year, and the first from the big print sector.