"For years some retailers have chosen not to use slatwalls because it has been too expensive to apply print," said Slatcom commercial director Dave Sewards. "People who hate it, hate it because you can't print onto it, so we overcame that problem.

The Slatcom system is a patented adaption of standard slatwall inserts that incorporate a lip that can be used to hold graphics in place. Graphics can be simply slotted in and out of the lips to enable easy and quick changeover of the display and the use of low-cost substrates, including paper down to 130gsm.

Slatcom is currently trialling the system with a number of retailers in the pharmacy, travel and greetings card sectors.

The Slatcom inserts can be used with any type of slatwall with the printed sections produced to match the standard slat spacings of 50mm, 75mm or 100mm or where required to cover larger spans across slats. Profiles can be supplied in PVC or aluminium and in a range of 12 colours.

Slatcom is selling the inserts and offering a turnkey solution including design, printing and installation. The turnkey solution is provided via sister company The Solution House, which is part of the Leeds-based Home Group of marketing services companies.

Slatcom was the brainchild of The Solution House founder Shaun Day.

Sewards said that the firm was looking to build up a network of distributors around the world for the Slatcom product and was contemplating taking the system to Fespa in Munich this June to promote it to a global market.