In the early eighties, Dai Nippon Printing was one of the first companies to pioneer thermal transfer ribbon technology. Since 2008, DNP merged with Sony Chemicals' TTR division and DNP’s Imaging Communication subsidiary was founded, establishing DNP Imagingcomm Europe B.V. Ever since DNP has grown to be the world’s largest manufacturer of thermal transfer ribbons for barcode and dye-sublimation printers. Dai Nippon Printing is also the world’s largest diversified printing/coating technologies company. At its 58 plants, both in Japan and overseas, DNP’s operations include commercial printing, packaging, decorative materials, electronics, business forms and information media supplies.