The
packaging industry came together on 19 and 20 September for the annual PGLA
(Packaging & Label Gravure Association) meeting in Hiltons’ Double Tree in
Charlotte, North Carolina. This year’s theme The Rebirth of Gravure: Value in
Process, Profiting from Potential, proved to stimulate engaging interaction and
discussion throughout the conference.
The
debut of "The Lion's Den" showcased new innovation where contestants
were to present a product, service or approach that sets them sets them apart
in Gravure. Judged by the "Lions," a panel of industry experts,
contenders were confronted with some searching and challenging questions. Six
contestants faced the Lions introducing electro static assist, a multiple
cylinder wash-up system, ceramic cylinders, automated carton blanks handling
and a digital strobe inspection. The survivor and recipient of the "Lion's
Den Pride's Share Award" was Stork Prints, for their EcoSleeve, an
engravable nickel sleeve system.
 |
Edward Scheppink, MD- Stork Prints America, receives the Award
from jury President Chuck Reese, accompanied by Phil Pimlott, Director PLGA. |
Mr.
Chuck Reese, President SGS International congratulated Stork Prints America’s
Managing Director Edward Scheppink and commented that this example of
innovative thinking is representative of the many ideas that are being
developed for the future of Gravure. Mr. Edward Scheppink says: “Winning this
important Award in Gravure Printing for our relatively new EcoSleeves concept,
gives a major boost to our confidence that this is the solution gravure
printers have been waiting for all along!”
Stork
Prints has developed the EcoSleeve, a state of the art concept for gravure
printing, consisting of a nickel surfaced sleeve and complimentary adapter. The
adapter is a lightweight bridge between an air-mandrel and the sleeve. The
nickel-surfaced sleeve is the image carrier and is ready to engrave upon
delivery. Stork Prints has developed this concept to cater to the ever changing
gravure printing demands of shorter run times, more complex designs, and
eco-friendly solutions. The EcoSleeve concept is said to be the game changer in
gravure printing. The EcoSleeve was introduced at Drupa in May this year for
the European market and at Labelexpo in September for the North American
market.
