PRINTING United Alliance is grateful to serve its members who make such significant impacts on the printing industry. Through our Member Spotlights, we continue to recognize our members, and help our community get to know their peers better, both professionally and personally. The following is a Q&A with Andy Downs, U.S. market development manager at Eikon, headquartered in Lancaster, England.
Please provide a brief history of your company and its core mission.
The Imageperfect brand has been around for nearly 30 years and is developed and produced by Eikon in Lancaster, UK, which is the manufacturing arm of the Spandex Group. The plant was founded in 1984 and subsequently sold to Spandex in 1987, and renamed Eikon Ltd. in 2022. Since its origin, the factory in Lancaster has been producing self-adhesive vinyl.
In 1996, the Imageperfect brand was launched and has since been constantly evolving, becoming one of the world’s leading brands of self-adhesive films sold in over 60 countries around the world. Eikon is focused on product performance, quality and innovation. As part of Spandex, we are committed to constantly improving our sustainable practices—both environmentally and through our social practices.
How does Eikon address specific needs or challenges within the commercial signage industry through its products?
Eikon has a rich history of product excellence in the market, with 40 years of expertise in manufacturing high performance adhesive products for the signage industry. Over that time, we’ve developed a broad customer base that provide insight into the demands and expectations of the greater industry. One of our strengths is R&D, which allows us to work with customers to develop and rigorously test new products before they go to market.
But it’s no secret that the commercial signage industry has a significant impact on the environment in terms of waste and sustainability, so with our Imageperfect line, we analyze each individual element of our products in order to determine how the overall environmental impact can be reduced. This means removing harsh chemicals from our adhesives or switching to a water-based alternative, reducing the amount of PVC used in our films, and utilizing sustainable and recycled materials in our packaging.
Are there any markets or industries outside of your traditional offerings you are looking to add (or have added)? If so, can you please elaborate?
The Imageperfect product range covers nearly every aspect of the commercial signage industry, and has been a leader worldwide for over 30 years, but the bulk of that success has come from places like Europe, Africa and Australia. With Spandex expanding to the U.S. in recent years, the timing to progressively launch in North America has presented itself: Imageperfect provides high quality, innovative products that are reliable and cost-effective—all things the North American market seeks and deserves.
What are some sustainable practices Eikon has in place?
On top of the actions mentioned earlier to develop new ways to physically make our products cleaner for the environment, we’re also focused on having a cleaner manufacturing practice.
Our manufacturing facility in Lancaster is increasing year on year the percentage of renewable energy bought, and all physical waste is either recycled or converted to fuel. We’ve also significantly reduced VOC emissions through investment into a factory oxidizer and by making adjustments to our solvent-based adhesives. All of the above earned Eikon an ISO 14001 certification for the management of our environmental responsibilities.
How does Eikon plan to continue staying ahead of emerging trends within the signage and digital industries?
Thanks to our wide customer base throughout the world and our experience with R&D, we’re always open to new development requests and willing to pursue new product ventures in order to stay ahead of market demands within the industry. Our ability to manufacture, extensively test and scrutinize new products in-house gives us the speed to stay ahead of the curve.
Why did you decide to join the Alliance? What resources do you plan to or have already utilized through your membership?
PRINTING United Alliance is a cornerstone of the print industry in North America. With Imageperfect’s emergence as a “new” brand in the American market, joining the Alliance was viewed as essential to lend credibility and ensure visibility to Eikon and the Imageperfect line.
We’ve taken advantage of the directory listing and resource pages and the Member Spotlight right here. We will be exhibiting at PRINTING United Expo in Orlando this fall, submitting materials to the Pinnacle Awards, and likely utilizing some of the other worthwhile benefits our membership has to offer!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Imageperfect will be formally launching in North America on June 2, 2025. Be on the lookout for some exciting promotions we’ll be spotlighting for new customers. To learn more about Imageperfect, Eikon and the Spandex Group, please visit: www.eikonmaterials.com or https://shop.spandex.com/en_US/s/imageperfect
Imageperfect products will be available in North America from Spandex USA in Utah and NEPCO Products in Rhode Island, with other distributors soon on the way!