New certification programme for printed graphic manufacturers by 3M
Over the last few years, the retail boom in India has received great attention, resulting in he need for high-quality signages. As a result, large format printing hardware manufacturers and various media companies have authorization and certification programmes that bring a group of manufacturers under a standard process to give a unified output. Leading media manufacturer 3M has also initiated a new certification programme for printed graphic manufacturers.
Organized retail bringsalong with it a new set of challenges, especially in the process of creating or leveraging a brand. With majority of the retailers undertaking a massive expansion, there is also a need to redefine the way the graphic manufacturers support these brands. Consistent graphics, low-turnaround time, minimized wastage and professional application are the demands of brand managers and visual merchandisers. “We would rather spend our time on strategic activities rather than stress about the output of visual elements in a store” is the voice that resonates in the industry. As more and more global brands come in India, they will bring with them the social and safety consciousness that they are exposed to.
The graphic manufacturing industry in India is growing at a phenomenal pace. The need for professional graphics services is felt more than ever before. The graphic manufacturer is striving to reduce price and improve quality and productivity.
Investments are being made in expanding capacity, hiring staff and forming partnerships. At this juncture, manufacturers are also looking to attach a brand of quality to their work. Large format printing hardware manufacturers and various media companies have authorization and certification programmes that bring a group of manufacturers under a standard process to give a unified output.
3M Commercial Graphics division in India has launched a new Certified Graphic Manufacturer programme to cater to graphics in the retail, entertainment and leisure ambience. This programme coincides with 3M’s launch of the new Eco-3 graphic films in India, where Eco-3 represents eco-solvent, ecology and economy. These new graphic films are best suited for printing on eco-solvent printing hardware. 3M has pre-qualified the hardware, software, inks and processes for the best results on these films. A performance guarantee programme has been announced world-wide covering a range of printing platforms.
3M aims to improve aesthetics and safety for the shopper, provide consistency of output to the brand and improve productivity of graphic manufacturers. The company also focuses on the retail ecology. Adhesive residue, bubbles and dog-ears cause a negative visual impact in the retail environment. This programme will address application methods, tools andpre-application guidelines to ensure aesthetics. According to Debasish Gupta, general manager,
3M, “All our films pass the stringent environmental, heath and safety policy that 3M follows around the globe. Heavy metal content and fire safety in graphic films is a serious issue. We have ensured that our new films comply with these standards. All this will have a positive impact in retail ecology.”
The new film series also comes at an attractive and economical price range. Based on a research study conducted among brand managers and visual merchandisers, the films are designed for promotional campaigns of the duration 6-24 months. 3M will guarantee the fitness to use, adhesion, removal and durability of the graphics when printed on approved hardware and inks. Both the end-user and the graphic manufacturers gain from 3M’s Performance Guarantee.
“Owning an approved printing platform and using an approved ink is not an automatic qualification to the certified programme. We will look at skill of employees, especially operators and applicators. Our aim is to improve the aesthetics of the graphics in the store and for this we will work with our partners to cover everything that can affect that,” concluded Gupta.
3M Graphics Division helps customers worldwide build brands by providing identity, promotional and decorative graphics solutions. 3M manufactures/certifies graphic films and graphic protection, flexible substrates, inks and toners, as well as software and hardware used to create large-format finished graphics that are consistent, reliable and durable.
For more information, e-mail:
3Mindiagraphics@mmm.com
