Companies entering the 2010 PICA awards around the country are being encouraged to also consider entering the Innovation categories.

Printing Industries CEO Philip Andersen, said that while all state events and the National Print Awards have had Innovation categories for some time, the emphasis in entries received from companies was primarily on print.

“Innovation is increasingly becoming an important part of business relationships, a way of finding new customers and keeping existing ones and we are actively encouraging printing companies to recognise this and adopt innovative practices with the same enthusiasm we hold for all the print production based excellence awards,” he said.

“As part of this, the NSW awards, which this year became the NSW Printing Industries Craftsmanship Award (PICA) in line with all other states, has adopted the theme Where Creativity Meets Innovation re-emphasising the role of innovation in our industry and reminding companies that it should be a part of their businesses that is recognised and promoted both within and outside of the industry.”

Mr Andersen said the Innovation Categories were open to entries that demonstrate the creative use of new technology, or the innovative use of machinery, processes, stock or mechanics including prepress.

“This category is not about print quality, it’s about showcasing ideas developed to find new ways of providing value for clients, thinking and acting outside of the square to create communication solutions,” he said.

“Our industry has always been ready to adopt innovation as a matter of course but less inclined to showcase it because it may not have been what many considered their major production output.

“In today’s print industry innovation is just as important as quality in generating and maintaining business, and this is reflected in our award categories,” he said.

Mr Andersen said companies in Western Australian have until the end of this week - 16 July and in Tasmanian until 30 July to prepare and submit their entries. In South Australia entries close on 11 August, Victoria 17 August, New South Wales 10 September and Queensland 24 September.

Information on all of the awards is available from the renamed PICA & NPA Information section of Printing Industrieswww.printnet.com.au website or via this link.