When Michael went to the PPAI show in Las Vegas, we promised to share some exciting new ideas from the promotional products industry. Many people think of “give-aways” and the old standards are brought to mind…pens, mugs, keychains. There is still a time and a place for these classics, but the world of promotional products is SO much more interesting now.
If sustainability and environmental impact are on your mind, the industry hears you. Each year, more companies introduce products that help you market your business with minimal environmental impact.
Who would have thought that someone could re-think paper? It seems like such a basic product. Sure, it comes in different weights and colors, but it’s just wood pulp, right?
A few years ago, we started using synthetic papers for printing menus. Some of our restaurant customers want extremely durable paper that won’t dissolve if it lands in a ring of water. Synthetic paper means that their menus are durable if they get wet and last much longer than standard cardstock.
Michael found something equally interesting this year. Washable paper. And yes, we tried it out.
The sample we received is a small portfolio with a removable wrap-around elastic.
The instructions say to machine wash with cold water and dry flat. We washed it three times to see what would happen.
Here are the results after it fully dried. You can see that the inner right side has a wrinkle. The left side with the pockets is still completely smooth, and the outside looks about the same.
The washable paper looks and feels more like leather than paper, but it’s just made from layers of kraft paper.
And the best news…we can produce shopping bags with this reusable paper! Stores recommend washing bags after several uses to prevent the spread of germs. No problem with these paper bags!
Want another environmental benefit? Evidence shows that plastic-based fabrics release small particles into the wash water, which in turn end up in our waterways. With these washable paper bags, you’ll be making a choice that’s better for the environment during the lifetime of the product.
Contact us if you want more information about the portfolios or bags. Stay tuned for more eco-friendly product features coming soon!
How This Decision Reaches into the Wide Format World
Microsoft officially announced that it will end Windows 7 support on January 14th, 2020. The operating system millions of users and businesses still rely on is about to reach its expiration date, or ‘end of life’. Much like old milk in the fridge, keeping it around can create problems. In Windows terms, this involves stability issues, compatibility issues, and dangerous exploits leaving your systems (and all connected devices) vulnerable to attack.
So how does this affect wide format printing and scanning? Let us explain. Even though you need to upgrade to Windows 10, many of your older devices just aren’t supported on the new operating system. This includes printers, scanners, and more. Businesses are being faced with the choice of upgrading to a safe and secure version of Windows, but having to buy new equipment… or keeping everything ‘as is’ and hoping it all holds together while increasing the risk of ransomware attacks every day.
If you have an older Canon printer or scanner, such as the CiC40 series scanners or M40 MFP series systems, you’re already confirmed by Canon to be in this boat. Additional models and brands are also likely affected. The time to make the leap to Windows10 is now. With that, you might want to check on your software and hardware compatibility.
This is also a good time to assess your company’s needs. Take a look at your company growth plan. Where do you stand? Do you want a comparable machine that has the same functionality, or is there an opportunity to increase your printing capabilities? Are maintenance and down-time problems you have been having? This is an opportunity to look for greater efficiency in your equipment.
Need help making a decision? Contact the experts. Here at Minuteman Press, we are an authorized retailer for Epson & Canon printers, scanners and MFP (multi-function printer) systems, as well as WideTek scanners. Beyond that, we integrated New England Blueprint into our company. New England Blueprint has been specializing in engineering technologies since 1919. When it comes to large format printing and scanning, we’ve got you covered!
submitted by Brian Preston, our Wide Format Specialist
We wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
We will observe the following changes to our schedule during the holidays.
To allow our staff to spend time with their families, our Springfield shop will be closed from Tuesday, Dec 24th through Friday, Dec 27th. Calls and emails to info@mmpne.com will be answered from our Enfield shop during this time. If you would like us to come by your office to pick up a job or sample, please reach out to our Enfield shop and we will schedule a time with you.
Springfield Holiday Hours
Tuesday, Dec 24 – Friday, Dec 27 – week of Christmas
Closed
Tuesday, Dec 31st – New Year’s Eve Day
Closing at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, Jan 1st – New Year’s Day
Closed
Enfield Holiday Hours
Tuesday, Dec 24 – Christmas Eve Day
Closing at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec 25 – Christmas Day
Closed
Tuesday, Dec 31st – New Year’s Eve Day
Closing at 2:00 pm
Wednesday, Jan 1st – New Year’s Day
Closed
We will maintain our regular business hours of Monday-Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm on the days not listed above.
We look forward to seeing you in 2020!
“May all your troubles during the coming year be as short as your New Year’s resolutions.” (unknown)
This holiday season, we’ve been committed to helping you push aside the hustle and bustle that December often brings. We wanted to be a place for calm, seasonal ideas. As one last way to make your holiday season more joyful, we’re offering a hot chocolate basket giveaway! It’s festive and cozy, with two seasonal mugs, hot chocolate, peppermint bark, and marshmallow snowmen. How fun is that?
Visit our post on Facebook (@mmpne) or Instagram (mmpne). Comment with one of your favorite holiday memories or traditions, and we’ll enter your name for a chance to win! We’ll randomly pull a name and contact the winner on Monday, Dec 23rd. The basket can be picked up at our Enfield shop.
Minuteman Press is committed to making your job easier so you can enjoy more of the holiday season!
We’re going to let you in on a little secret. It’s what the Danish call ‘hygge’ (pronounced “hoo-guh”) and it’s ahh-mazing. Our New England winters can go from dreary to bitterly cold, and some days you just want to curl up on the couch. The concept of hygge embraces that feeling. Hygge helps the Danes get through their long dark winters, and if they can do it, we can do it! Think soft slippers, a cup of tea, a cozy blanket, and a good book. All of these things are hygge.
For a glimpse at hygge in Copenhagen, check out this video.
You’ll notice that the focus isn’t on commercialism, but rather on good feelings and atmosphere. The comfort that comes from your own worn-in couch and grandma’s dishes. Something comfortable and cozy.
So do the Danes just sit around in their fuzzy socks drinking cocoa all day? No…they’re at work too. They find ways to bring hygge into everyday life. Maybe it’s a favorite mug for your afternoon coffee break or a warm sweater.
Minuteman Press can help bring a little hygge into your workplace with these cozy and comfortable ideas! Corporate wear doesn’t have to be a button-down shirt. Soft fleece, knit hats, and long scarves are thoughtful ideas for the chilly months ahead.
We carry lots of hygge gift ideas too…no minimum quantities, so perfect for co-workers or family members!
As Americans, we enjoy a melting pot of ideas from many cultures. Sushi from Japan. Beer from Germany. St. Patty’s Day from the Irish. We hope you’ll embrace some of Denmark and add hygge to your way of life!
Minuteman Press is committed to making your job easier so you can enjoy more of the holiday season!
