Easibind International in Heanor is one of five nominations for the Lord Stafford Awards East Midlands, in the Innovation Achieved category.

Easibind specialises in 3D lenticular printing and, through its work with the university, has developed the ability to print in 3D on an HP Indigo S2000.

Traditionally lenticular printing is produced on paper and then laminated onto a plastic sheet. However, Easibind prints directly to the reverse side of the plastic.

James Malbon, graphic design consultant and the company's initial link to De Montfort as part of a knowledge transfer scheme, said that while this is not something new, using a digital press to achieve this is.

He explained: "We can produce one-offs, or just 10 copies. So it is cost-effective to see a proof before you print the full run.

"It means that 3D printing is more affordable for more companies. They can take advantage of the wow factor that 3D offers."

Easibind is an HP centre of excellence.