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Print Against War documents the conditions of Ukrainian printers and converters

Before the war, the printing and packaging industry in Ukraine employed more than 100,000 people, including 16,000 freelancers, working at more than 5,000 print and converting companies. Those who did not suffer damage or destruction can still work, but they lost most of their orders and turnover. Since February 24, 2022, the lives of all these people have been disrupted. Many of them receive minimum wage or not even that. Print Against War is taking care of them, involving them, listening to them, and understanding their needs. Print Against War is a nonprofit initiative aimed at helping Ukrainian printing and packaging companies continue to operate or providing support when they can again start up their productions.

“We were able to talk to some medium and large commercial printers. They are ready to handle large print volumes using their multi-colour B1 and B2 size offset presses and bindery departments. We also met with several digital native print houses specializing in short runs, just-in-time jobs, indoor and outdoor campaigns, using sheetfed digital presses, large-format printers, and cutters. Besides integrated groups, several small and medium-sized packaging converters can produce printed and embellished boxes and labels. Some have invested in state-of-the-art digital embellishment and narrow-web digital label presses,” said Lorenzo Villa, co-founder of the Meaningful Print Foundation.

What do Ukrainian printers need?

Through direct calls, recorded interviews, and interactions in the discussion group, the Print Against War team is in touch with dozens of companies, recording their difficulties and gathering their requests for help. Most of them prioritize keeping their company open and ensuring a minimum wage for employees and their families. Unable to rely on domestic orders and exports to Russia, Ukrainian printers and converters seek partnerships with European companies, to which they can supply printed materials at reasonable costs. Logistics is an issue, but many are ready to produce and ship.

Among the companies interviewed:

New Media is a 100 per cent digital printer and label converter. Its owner, Viktor Artyushchenko, is looking for clients and partners to supply roll labels and embellished prints.

Wolf Print House is a large, modern offset printing house that can handle high volumes. Its founder, Igor Wolf, would like to receive orders to run his equipment.

RBP Publishing is a bookseller, publisher, and printer. Its founder, Rostyslav Burlaka, is desperately seeking work so as not to lose his employees.

SVM is a complex digital company that operates B2B and online and produces small- and large-format commercial printing, packaging, and displays. Its co-founder, Sergii Mamonov, is ready to expand the business outside Ukraine’s borders.

If you’re interested in meeting these entrepreneurs, talking to them, and discussing how you can help, please join the Print Against War community, which already includes dozens of friends worldwide. The group is a private and safe place to meet and cross-reference requests and offers of help.