De Budelse Named "Best of Show" at Xerox’s Seventh Annual PIXI Awards

CHICAGO -- Dutch printing company De Budelse, b.v. demonstrated that you can judge a book by its cover. De Budelse’s “Sjakie Child Booklet and Music Package” took “Best of Show” last night at Xerox Corporation’s annual multinational digital Printing Innovation with Xerox Imaging (PIXI)Awards.

The winning entry featured a children’s book and complementary music CD in a creative package that included a customizable display case and printed insert for their customer, Poppovisual, a multimedia publisher. The packaging was personalized for small book retailers and card shops that carried the products, and printed on demand as fulfillment was needed.

The De Budelse solution was chosen for its ability to benefit all parties - from the publisher that prints only the amount of packages ordered, to the retailers that can customize the promotion of the item for their stores, to the end users who are able to purchase the product from a local vendor - delivering a total product and solution.

“By using Xerox’s digital printing technology we’re able to take the guess work out of how many the publisher should print,” said Harry Mennen, account manager, De Budelse. “We can supply a minimum order of five Sjakie packages depending on a store’s demand, and by using a variable data print solution to customize the display cases the retailers use to promote the item, these pieces actually sell themselves.”

Now in its seventh year, the PIXI competition recognizes the most innovative and effective work customers are printing with Xerox digital systems. This year’s awards attracted submissions from companies around the world including entries from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Turkey, the U.K., the U.S. and many other countries. Each entry was reviewed by a panel of international leaders from the graphic arts industry who judged the entries on innovation, use of digital technology, business effectiveness and overall aesthetics.

“I always enjoy seeing new print creations that demonstrate how much digital technology has transformed the printing world,” said Andreas Weber, president of Andreas Weber Global Communications GmbH and 2008 PIXI judge. “This year’s entries from around the globe surpassed my expectations on creativity, image quality and innovation - the submissions truly raised the bar on what’s possible with digital.”

The De Budelse solution was printed on the Xerox iGen3™ Digital Production Press with Xerox FreeFlow™ Print Server and XMPie variable data software. In addition to “Best of Show,” De Budelse also took first place in the new business applications category for its “Mychewinggum.com” project, a Web site that allows users to order customized packages of chewing gum, have them printed on demand and shipped directly to them. De Budelse is a member of the Xerox Premier Partner program, a global network of leading digital print services providers with nearly 800 members in 48 countries.

In addition to the new business applications category, first, second, and third place awards and honorable mentions were presented in books and manuals, collateral, direct marketing and transpromo categories. Awards were also presented for best in region, most innovative use of Xerox technology, best use of Xerox supplies, and new this year, a category for the most environmentally friendly entry.

For the environmental award, Canadian print provider Kempenfelt Graphics Group took home an award for the production of “Wildfire Personalized Children’s Books.” These eco-friendly books were printed on a Xerox iGen3 press, utilizing both FreeFlow and XMPie technology, and created with little waste - from an online ordering process to use of FSC certified paper.

For best use of supplies, Methodist Healthcare System, located in San Antonio, was recognized for its “Patient Information Binder,” using Xerox Polyester Paper for its long-lasting durability. The most innovative use of Xerox technology was given to Salt Lake City-based Merrell Remington & Associates for the company’s “Secret Agent Invitation,” a highly-personalized invitation with an insert printed on “self-destructing” paper that recipients were instructed to stir in water to dissolve after reading, resulting in a 66 percent response rate.

Best in region awards in Asia, developing markets, Europe, and North America were presented to Singapore’s Top Advertising Pte Ltd for “Singapore Kit”; Turkey’s 7RENK for “Garanti Bonus”; the U.K.’s dsicmm for “M&G Personalised Investment Update Booklets”; and Cleveland’s American Greetings Corporation for “Gorant Packaging Ensemble,” respectively.

Taking first place in the books and manuals category was The Digital Centre of Australia for “Body of Work - Free Spirit”; in collateral IMC Advertising FZ LLC of the United Arab Emirates was recognized for “House of Portier”; in direct marketing, Trendcommerce AG of Switzerland won for “GM After Sales Program”; and the transpromo category winner was May Advertising of Minneapolis for “Wells Fargo Total Plan Index Reports.”

PIXI awards were presented to the print provider, creative agency and client, recognizing everyone who collaborates on the winning digital applications. The gala dinner for the PIXI Awards was held at The Chicago History Museum to honor the winners for their outstanding work and leadership in the New Business of Printing™. Winners shared in more than $55,000 worth of prizes, including a customized glass sculpture that was presented to De Budelse.

A complete list of all PIXI award winners, honorable mention recognitions, production notes and teams can be found at www.xerox.com/pixi.