Paper cost inflation changes the economics of print very quickly. When substrate prices rise and lead times get longer, the traditional “start, adjust, and throw away sheets” approach becomes much more expensive than before.
For offset printers, the first priority is to reduce avoidable waste. Better presetting and stronger closed-loop control shorten the path to saleable sheets, which directly lowers paper consumption and improves cost control during unstable market conditions.
This is why Rutherford positions accurate ink-key behavior, job-by-job learning, and consistent color guidance as practical tools rather than abstract automation features. In a volatile substrate market, every avoided adjustment matters.
The article’s message remains highly relevant today: the more expensive paper becomes, the more value there is in precise setup, repeatable color, and stable production data. Waste reduction is no longer just a quality topic; it is a margin-protection strategy.
For print businesses serving demanding packaging, label, and commercial customers, efficient makeready is one of the fastest ways to protect profitability while keeping delivery times and customer expectations under control.