Dave Savastano, Editor05.18.20
It is amazing how much the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world we live in during such a short time. As I write this, less than two months ago, I was at RadTech 2020. COVID-19 was on everyone’s mind, but no one could have imagined the rapidity of the spread of the virus and the global shutdown that was to come.
Since then, the global death toll has reached terrible heights. More than 230,000 people have tragically died worldwide from the virus, and more than 60,000 Americans have perished. The US has more than 1 million people who have caught the virus, and considering how little testing has been done, the numbers are undoubtedly much higher than that.
Health care workers and emergency responders are in the front lines, as are essential workers, from people who make sure we get the services we need to those who stock the shelves. They deserve our thanks.
For the ink industry, it has been a time of great upheaval. In my story, “COVID-19 and the Ink Industry,” beginning on page 18, industry executives discuss the changes they have made.
Because of its ties to packaging and publication markets, the ink industry is considered an essential service, but protecting its employees is its first priority. Social distancing guidelines have been put in place in manufacturing, and people who can do their jobs at home are doing so. Supply chains have been hard hit, as key ingredients like solvents are rerouted to provide essential items like hand sanitizers.
Meanwhile, many companies are looking at ways to use their expertise in inks to help their communities. Within the article, Polymeric Group, Marabu and Inkjet, Inc. discuss how they all converted some of their production facilities to making hand sanitizers. Siegwerk also discusses some of the initiatives they are taking. Other companies are doing what they can.
These are difficult times. Even as states and countries begin to tentatively reopen, there are concerns about the future. The global economy has been rocked, with millions unemployed. Yet there is good to be found, as people look to help others. It does seem like the way we live will likely be very different going forward.
David Savastano
Ink World Editor
dsavastano@rodmanmedia.com
Since then, the global death toll has reached terrible heights. More than 230,000 people have tragically died worldwide from the virus, and more than 60,000 Americans have perished. The US has more than 1 million people who have caught the virus, and considering how little testing has been done, the numbers are undoubtedly much higher than that.
Health care workers and emergency responders are in the front lines, as are essential workers, from people who make sure we get the services we need to those who stock the shelves. They deserve our thanks.
For the ink industry, it has been a time of great upheaval. In my story, “COVID-19 and the Ink Industry,” beginning on page 18, industry executives discuss the changes they have made.
Because of its ties to packaging and publication markets, the ink industry is considered an essential service, but protecting its employees is its first priority. Social distancing guidelines have been put in place in manufacturing, and people who can do their jobs at home are doing so. Supply chains have been hard hit, as key ingredients like solvents are rerouted to provide essential items like hand sanitizers.
Meanwhile, many companies are looking at ways to use their expertise in inks to help their communities. Within the article, Polymeric Group, Marabu and Inkjet, Inc. discuss how they all converted some of their production facilities to making hand sanitizers. Siegwerk also discusses some of the initiatives they are taking. Other companies are doing what they can.
These are difficult times. Even as states and countries begin to tentatively reopen, there are concerns about the future. The global economy has been rocked, with millions unemployed. Yet there is good to be found, as people look to help others. It does seem like the way we live will likely be very different going forward.
David Savastano
Ink World Editor
dsavastano@rodmanmedia.com