Inkjet & Digital Printing
The News Stand of The Future is Here
Tuesday 23. July 2013 - Ricoh's printing technology has been selected for Meganews, the world's first print on demand news stand, providing an innovative way to print and sell a range of titles. Meganews is a newspaper vending machine with internet access that prints, in real time, over 200 magazines and journals. It takes only two minutes from making a purchase until a freshly printed magazine drops down the hatch. The solution reduces publishers' costs for distribution and logistics. It is also more environmentally responsible, as it saves transportation.
Swedish journalist and TV profile Lars Adaktusson, his brother Hans and their company Meganews Sweden initiated the concept. Ricoh supplied the technology, while Sweco created the software, card terminal and screens. The stand was designed by LA + B.
According to a survey conducted by the research institute Innventia*, on behalf of Meganews Magazines, fossil greenhouse gases generated during the life cycle of a magazine printed in a Meganews kiosk are approximately 60 per cent lower, compared to a title printed and distributed in the traditional way. The reason for this is that 40 per cent of traditionally printed journals are not sold, must be returned and go directly to recycling. A number of Sweden’s leading publishers are participating in the project, including Bonnier Tidskrifter, Aller Media, Albinson & Sjöberg, LRF Media, IDG, Talentum and Medströms.
“Purchases are made on screen using a credit card, ensuring convenient and secure transactions”, said Tommy Segelberg, Director Nordic Operations, Production Printing Business Group, Ricoh Sweden.
“This product is a direct response to the growing need for on demand printing. It is also an example of true innovation and we are proud that Ricoh’s leading technology is contributing to magazine production of the future,” added Graham Moore, Director of Business Development for Ricoh Europe.
During the next six months the stand will be tested in airports, hotels, hospitals, grocery stores and other malls across the country.