Business Strategies

Business Strategies for the Paper to Print Supply Chain

Solutions for everyday issues and challenges

Pira Consultants have expertise in the paper to print supply chain. These skills are used to provide unique solutions to issues that arise in day-to-day operations. We have a deep and far-ranging knowledge of our industries; our independence and access to the latest research (often primary research which is generated in-house) enables us to assist our clients to find cost-effective and innovative solutions to the challenges that are constantly emerging in the fast-moving global environment.

Our services

Our expertise ranges across paper, print (including security and brand protection), packaging, prepress and publishing - many of our consultants are world-renowned specialists. We can supply assistance with business planning developing strategies for each specific player within the supply chain and can support this with technical services as required. We also understand how innovation is crucial to the survival of organisations who operate in this fiercely competitive environment and offer strategy facilitation (in addition to our innovation scouting services such as Eyes and Ears) to help organisations develop their own tools and strategies. Some of our more specialist services are described in detail in the sub-pages.

Our clients

Paper
Pira enjoys a close relationship with many UK and international paper mills, working with many in research projects and initiatives to reduce costs and waste. In addition to Pira's technical services, our industry experts have a wide strategic overview of the industry, from production to end use and can assist organisations with the key strategic decisions necessitated by cost, environmental regulations and concerns, market futures and other current issues. An example of this is a WRAP-sponsored project with Legal and General to increase their use of recycled paper (download PDF Case Study [639KB]). Jack Miller's articles for Canadian Printer provide valuable insight into the North American market - these can be accessed as downloadable PDFs here.

Packaging
Due our knowledge of the complete supply chain, Pira services are highly valued by packaging companies of all types - paper and board, metal, glass or plastic. We work with all the major retailers, manufacturers and suppliers on their product development, market delivery and brand protection. We can provide solutions for technical and process issues and are supported by testing and distribution services including a dangerous goods department.

Prepress, Print and Publishing

Our consultants work with printing companies to advise on markets to be targeted, investment in equipment, development of budgets and costings, environmental issues and process improvement. Publishers use us for helping with planning and implementation of digital workflows and resolution of technical issues to do with colour reproduction and printing problems. Clients include RR Donnelley, Hobbs, Williams Lea, UK government departments, Which? and IPC to name but a few.