Patches Make a Comeback: Is This an Opportunity for Your In-plant?
Any university in-plant can tell you that stickers are all the rage these days. Their popularity has added a new source of revenue for in-plants savvy enough to produce them.
Similar to stickers, patches are also back in vogue, serving as symbols of style, identity, and allegiance. They can be customized to fit unique shapes and styles, made from materials like rubber or silicon, and applied to a variety of items, from hats to bags.
Previously, patches were limited to standard shapes like circles and rectangles, but innovations like laser cutting and hot knives have made creating custom shapes easier and more affordable. Sublimation has allowed for photo-realistic designs and gradients, while 3D foam designs bring extra dimension to patches.
To read more about this emerging opportunity, read the full story at Apparelist.com.
Bob has served as editor of In-plant Impressions since October of 1994. Prior to that he served for three years as managing editor of Printing Impressions, a commercial printing publication. Mr. Neubauer is very active in the U.S. in-plant industry. He attends all the major in-plant conferences and has visited more than 180 in-plant operations around the world. He has given presentations to numerous in-plant groups in the U.S., Canada and Australia, including the Association of College and University Printers and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. He also coordinates the annual In-Print contest, co-sponsored by IPMA and In-plant Impressions.
