Inaugural Packprint Summit Americas closes to positive reviews

Delegates and exhibitors attending the first ever Packprint Summit Americas held in Miami last week have praised the event, which was hosted at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami Hotel by the Labelexpo Global Series. The two-day conference and table top exhibition was attended by 212 delegates, which included many senior representatives from the North and Latin American label and package printing industry.

Highlights from the first day included Evelio Mattos’s presentation on the new realities of package design. Creative director of leading agency Design Packaging, Mattos gave the audience a unique look at the current global design trends in structure, materials and specialty processes by sharing client case studies of some of the luxury brands he has worked with including fashion house Juicy Couture and Chateau Ste Michelle Wines.

Sarah Goldthwait of Powerful Yogurt also gave a powerful insight into how to create and execute new opportunities in brand development and positioning. Goldthwait told the story of the successful strategy behind Powerful Yogurt’s US launch in March 2013 and talked about the importance and value of using the product along with its packaging and labeling to target, engage and sell to a new market.

Day two saw the focus turn to the latest technologies, capabilities and applications. Jerry Henson, sales manager at Mark Andy gave the keynote presentation and explored how new mid-web flexo technology can lower overall costs and how streamlining printing work can increase productivity and revenue. Mark Andy also exclusively announced inline solventless lamination capability for its VersaMax series presses designed for flexible package printing. Chris Baker, vice president, sales and business development at Highcon investigated the new developments available in short run finishing for folding cartons. As well as giving a summarized view of the new finishing techniques suitable for production efficiency, Baker also compared the features and benefits of in line, off-line, conventional and digital.

One of three panel discussions to take place during Packprint Summit Americas, the printer panel discussion on day two was also well received with the printing requirements of flexibles, cartons and labels reviewed. The panelists: Tom Zumbiel of Zumbiel Packaging, Paul Browning of Palmas Printing and Multi Packaging Solutions’ John Côté deliberated the challenges facing them and fellow converters and gave their tips for differentiating yourself from the competition.

Aimed at printers/converters of labels, flexible packaging and cartons, brand owners, and designers, delegates also benefitted from ample networking time with a private cruise around the South Florida harbour.

Tasha Ventimiglia, event director for Packprint Summit Americas said: “We are very pleased that we have received so much positive feedback from delegates and exhibitors after two busy days full of presentations, intense panel discussions and focused sessions. Packprint Summit America was born out of our award winning Labelexpo events and designed to deliver excellence to the package printing industry too. It has been a success and we hope that it has given our audience new ideas, the inspiration and confidence to shape their businesses in the coming months.”

Quotes from exhibitors:

Kristin Adams, marketing manager, Collins Inkjet Corporation: “The inaugural Packprint Summit Americas was definitely a worthwhile event for Collins Inkjet. Given that Collins has manufactured industrial inkjet inks for 23 years, Collins is in a great position to assist package and label printers in their transition to digital printing. It was great to hear questions and concerns directly from end users. Collins’ IP and patents in low migration UV curable inks were well received at Packprint Summit and we believe will facilitate continued growth for digital in the package printing markets.”

Sean Marske, president, Colordyne Technologies: “As an exhibitor at the first-time Packprint Summit Americas, we didn't know what to expect. We have just finished participating in a number of shows and conferences over the past 60 days and the environment of Packprint was refreshingly conducive for meaningful, one-on-one networking. We established a number of high-quality sales opportunities who were able to become intimately educated about our differentiated digital label press products and services. The balance of speaker presentations, exhibit walk-throughs, and social activities meshed together very effectively. We look forward to Packprint Summit Americas growing for the mutual success of both the industry and our company.”

Jesper Jorgensen, global sales manager, Nilpeter: “At Packprint Summit Americas in Miami, the Nilpeter team presented advanced packaging solutions in flexo and offset, and prime label solutions with the latest high-end flexo technologies. Labelexpo hosted this great event which we used as a gateway to gathering additional information on a labeling industry in transition. We experienced extensive knowledge sharing with co-vendors, presenters and panel speakers at the conference. The event was well organized with a clear, focused target. We got a clear vision of the industry transformation in progress, and trust that extensive promotion of the event will attract more people from the packaging industry in the future."

System Label sticks with Roland DG and invests in 'The Beast'

System Label has recently installed a new Roland SOLJET PRO4 XF-640 wide format printer at its Ireland headquarters in Roscommon. The new machine, ordered from authorised Roland dealer, Neopost, has joined a growing family of Roland printers at the company, including a SOLJET XC-540 and a VersaCAMM SP-300V printer/cutter, and has already gained the respect and admiration of company director, Alan Beirne. 

Says Mr Beirne: The XF-640 has been nicknamed ‘The Beast’ by Roland itself, and it really is living up to its fearsome moniker here at System Label.  I think of it as more of a genuine high production machine than ‘just’ a wide format printer. It’s a complete workhorse and we couldn’t be happier with it. It pretty much runs 24/7, its performance is exceptional and it has already had a major impact on the business and our ability to get our orders out the door and around the world.”

System Label produces an extensive range of custom products – from decals and labels for various industrial applications to RFID, printed membranes, QR codes, product IDs and POS for global blue chip customers in the medical, automotive, agricultural and heavy goods sectors.  Mr Beirne says all of these sectors have one thing in common: “They all require robust and quality-led production solutions from us. This is what we have built our hard-earned reputation on, so when we decided to add another wide format machine to our arsenal, we had to find one that could offer us the highest performance and total reliability under very demanding conditions. The XF-640 has more than delivered us this; it is a truly outstanding machine.”

The Roland XF-640 is the company’s fastest wide format printer to date and has been dubbed ‘the beast’. It incorporates a host of advanced features for high quality, CMYK imaging at a maximum print speed of 102m²/hr. Designed for both durable and stunning outdoor and indoor applications, the XF-640 is the ideal production tool for signs, banners, vehicle wraps, window graphics, POP displays, exhibition show graphics, posters, labels and more. Roland’s newest eco-solvent inks, ECO-SOL MAX2, offer an expanded colour gamut as well as fast drying times to boost production.

Says Mat Drake, Business Manager – Commercial Print, Roland DG UK: “We’re naturally very pleased Alan and his team have had such a positive experience with their new XF-640. This machine was designed to consistently deliver in high production, high quality environments like System Label and it’s a perfect example of a hard working machine that provides great quality output day after day, especially when under the intense pressures of a busy production house.”

Concludes Mr Beirne: “We’re screen printers by tradition, but digital has got to a point now where you can print on demand in lower runs cost-effectively without any compromise in quality.  Our latest investment in digital technology has given us huge production freedom and flexibility. In addition, when you are in a high pressure industry like this with globally-recognised prestigious clients, you need to also be able to rely on more than just the technology. You need to have supply partners who never let you down if something goes wrong or a machine breaks down.  We have always found Roland to be a very active and responsive partner in this regard.  In the rare event there are problems, they are on the case immediately to ensure we minimise downtime.  It’s the whole package and it’s why we’ve remained loyal and keep investing in Roland.”

Quad wins multiple 'Golden Cylinder' Awards in Gravure Association of the Americas' Print Competition

Quad/Graphics' gravure printing expertise has been recognized by the Gravure Association of the Americas (GAAmericas) in its annual Golden Cylinder Awards Competition. Quad/Graphics earned honors for its work on:

• National Geographic December 2012 issue, printed in Martinsburg, W.Va.
• Victoria's Secret Christmas Dreams catalog, printed in Augusta, Ga.
• Fingerhut Holiday Big Book, printed in Lomira, Wis.
• Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Guide, printed in Fernley, Nev.

"The Golden Cylinder Awards represent the best of the best in gravure printing and we are delighted with these awards, which affirm the quality work we produce throughout our network of gravure facilities," said Joel Quadracci, Chairman, President & CEO of Quad/Graphics. "Gravure printing is a science -- one that our gravure plant teams have mastered. We take great pride in meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations, and we share this recognition with our valued clients."

The winning entries were recognized at the Golden Cylinder Awards event November 19 during the annual Gravure Publishing and Premedia Conference in Naples, Fla. The Gravure Association of America conducts the Annual Golden Cylinder Awards Competition to promote the gravure printing process and to provide peer recognition for technical achievement. A panel of expert judges, selected from the gravure industry and including designers, educators and publishers, spent two days in Rochester, N.Y., last May judging the gravure industry’s best offerings and products from around the world.

Customers in the Middle East and North Africa Invest in Solutions from Heidelberg

Print products are in growing demand in the emerging markets and developing countries of the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region. For one thing, there are more consumer goods to be labeled and packaged. For another, there is a need for all kinds of advertising materials in the private sector and for security printing for documents and securities in the public sector. As a result, print shops in these markets are increasingly investing in cutting-edge technologies. While the printing sector in industrialized nations is being shaped by growing consolidation and lean, efficient production, the MENA region offers growth potential as a result of the new print shops being set up there.

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) has been active in this region for over 50 years. It now has independent agencies in all the various countries and a subsidiary in both Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. There are over 400 Heidelberg specialists working in the MENA region, over half of them in service-based roles. Thanks to its knowledge of the market and a portfolio that covers everything from prepress, press, and postpress to training opportunities at the Print Media Academy (PMA) in the Egyptian capital Cairo, Heidelberg can offer the necessary support to a growing customer base.

"The countries of the MENA region have highly diverse technical and economic requirements. Despite a difficult political and economic climate, there are successful print shops supported by technology and services from Heidelberg and its distributors. We are proud that the leading print shops work with our equipment," explains Wolfgang Roth, who is responsible for distributors at Heidelberg. "And, we are seeing a general increase in the amount spent on digital and packaging printing," he adds. With a market share of over 30 percent for CtP, over 60 percent for presses, and over 40 percent for postpress equipment, Heidelberg is the industry's leading supplier in the MENA region. It is even seeing impressive sales of highly complex adhesive binder lines such as the Eurobind Pro. A total of over 7,500 one-, two-, and multi-color presses from Heidelberg covering all formats are installed in MENA countries. "Thanks to our long-standing presence in the region and our close cooperation with customers there, Heidelberg is the partner of choice for many new projects and significant expansions," sums up Roth.

Tunisia - new company Medpack seeking to become one of the best packaging print shop in North Africa

Located near Tunis, the newly founded packaging print shop Medpack is just one of the companies to decide on a complete solution from Heidelberg. It has invested in a Suprasetter A106 CtP platesetter, a Speedmaster CD 102-5+LX, Tunisia's first Speedmaster SX 74 four-color press with coating unit, a Stahlfolder Ti 36 and Ti 52, a Varimatrix 105 C die cutter, and a Diana 115 X folding carton gluing machine - the first in the whole of Africa. Medpack specializes in packaging for the pharmaceuticals industry and employs 30 members of staff on a site covering 5,000 square meters, making it Tunisia's biggest ever new print shop project. Founders Mustapha and Amir Messaoudi and Ridha Charfeddine are looking to become one of the best print shop in North Africa and supply international pharmaceutical companies with high-quality end products. They appreciate the consulting service offered by Heidelberg and its representative Comptoir Tunisien des Papiers, the high quality and productivity of its equipment, and the reliability of its service activities.

Jordan - first Speedmaster XL 106 at Central Press and further expansion at packaging print shop Al Shurook

Early this year, Heidelberg Jordan installed the country's first Speedmaster XL 106-5+L at Central Press. Yousef Hammad, Marketing Manager at Central Press, explains the thinking behind the purchase, which was concluded at drupa 2012, as follows: "The Speedmaster XL 106 is an important investment for us to take our business to the next level. The cutting-edge technology of Heidelberg presses now enables us to meet the demands of even the most discerning customers and respond to future trends." The new press joined a Speedmaster XL 105, a Speedmaster CD 102, and a Speedmaster CD 74 already in operation in the pressroom.

Central Press Managing Director Maher Hammad is convinced that the new Speedmaster XL 106 will significantly boost productivity. "The press is ideal for the many different materials and long runs at our company and also for the frequent job changes we need to perform. The machine's highly efficient consumption of energy and materials was also a key factor in our investment decision," he says. A further plus point is the excellent service from Heidelberg Jordan.

The Al Shurook print shop in Amman is expanding once again and investing in a Speedmaster XL 105-6+L, a Speedmaster SM 52-5-L, and a Suprasetter A105 platesetter with a Glunz & Jensen online processor. Both presses are designed for UV and water-based printing. Al Shurook specializes in packaging printing, with the main focus on foodstuffs and detergents. "Our aim with this investment is to strengthen our position as a premium printer in the local packaging printing sector while also opening up new opportunities on the export market thanks to an increased production capacity," underlines owner Mamoun Al Kotob. He has been quick to see positive results from the investment and is highly satisfied with the exceptional print quality, the increased production capacity achieved thanks to the high level of automation of Speedmaster presses, and the excellent collaboration with Heidelberg Jordan.

Egypt - market launch of the Linoprint C digital printing system for shorter and variable runs

Digital printing volumes are also growing in Egypt and North-East Africa, with customers expecting a quick turnaround for shorter and variable runs. In response to these requirements, the Youssef Allam Group, a long-standing Heidelberg agency, held a three-day open house event at the Print Media Academy in Cairo to launch the Linoprint C digital printing system. Sales and service activities for these systems will be the responsibility of the newly founded company Aim, a subsidiary of the Youssef Allam Group. "We are keen to advise customers and ascertain the best options for their particular business models. We can now do so using both offset and digital printing," stresses the Group's owner Adel Allam. Heidelberg used the open house event to demonstrate the possibilities for integrating offset and digital printing - especially with Prinect Digital Print Manager, which paves the way for a seamless workflow between the two technologies. A number of customers were so impressed by the digital printing system's productivity, color quality, and efficiency - not to mention the Youssef Allam Group's excellent service and reliability - that they signed a purchase contract for the Linoprint C then and there.

Loftware Spectrum attains Certified Integration with SAP

Loftware, Inc., a global leader in enterprise labeling solutions, has announced its Loftware Spectrum 2 solution has achieved SAP-certified integration with the SAP NetWeaver technology platform. Spectrum is an all-in-one solution designed to address the complex labeling requirements for large organizations via a browser-based interface. The certification provides added assurance of compatibility for hundreds of global customers to run their businesses and supply chains with SAP® applications in conjunction with this Loftware enterprise labeling solution.

The SAP Integration and Certification Center (SAP ICC) has certified that the Loftware Spectrum 2 solution interoperates with the SAP NetWeaver technology platform. Building on Loftware’s history of innovation, Spectrum is a robust solution that offers advanced label design, flexible enterprise integration, a powerful business rules engine, sophisticated device management, intelligent on-demand printing, and high performance native printing in a single software solution. A cornerstone of enterprise labeling is integrating with business systems that are the sources of truth for label data to automate mission critical labeling.

“Loftware’s track record of providing SAP-certified integration is very important to our customers. This certification represents important validation of our commitment to the SAP ecosystem and to the community of global customers that Loftware Spectrum is designed to serve,” stated Josh Roffman, VP of Marketing and Product Management for Loftware.

In addition to having SAP-certified integration with SAP NetWeaver, Loftware Spectrum provides users with the ability to support the complexities of enterprise labeling with configurable business rules. These business rules enable companies to dramatically reduce label maintenance, improve label change response time, and simplify maintenance in accounting for labeling variability driven by customer specific requirements, languages, regional standards, and evolving regulations.

“Loftware Spectrum touts unlimited access, unlimited capabilities and unlimited possibilities. We look forward to the possibilities that this certification can bring to our customers that run their business using SAP applications,” noted Roffman.

Loftware, Inc. is the global market leader in Enterprise Labeling Solutions with more than 5,000 customers in over 100 countries. Offering the industry’s most comprehensive labeling solution, Loftware’s enterprise software integrates with SAP®, Oracle® and other enterprise applications to produce mission-critical barcode labels, documents, and RFID Smart tags across the supply chain. Loftware’s design, native print, and built-in business rules functionality drives topline revenue, increases customer satisfaction, and maximizes supply chain efficiency for customers. With over 25 years of industry leadership, Loftware’s enterprise labeling solutions and best practices enable leading companies to meet their customer-specific and regulatory requirements with unprecedented speed and agility.

MPS and Jebsen Industrial set for debut at Labelexpo Asia

MPS announced its debut participation alongside its Chinese distributor Jebsen Industrial at Labelexpo Asia 2013, held December 3rd-6th at Shanghai. The tenth anniversary and sixth edition of Asia’s biggest label and converting industry event promises to be the largest in its history. Show visitors are welcomed to stand G17 in hall E2 to learn about the recently broadened range of MPS flexo and offset printing presses from the EB, EF and EXL series, available in print widths ranging from 280 to 660mm.

New extended EF multi-substrate flexo press line Unveiled at Labelexpo 2013, the extended MPS EF multi-substrate flexo press line, now available in three versions: EF, EF-APC and EF-APC Advanced, ranging in cost and level of automation. APC (Automated Print Control) allows pre-programming of print pressure settings and enables the press operator to store and recall repeat jobs. The EF press line is the premium solution for both labels and unsupported film materials for flexible packaging. The EF press from MPS is one of the most productive flexo systems in the industry.

EXL offset and packaging presses

The EXL offset is a full rotary offset combination press for high-speed and high-end label production. The innovative press has variable sleeves for different repeat lengths. With APC on all pressure settings, MPS EXL offset offers the fastest job changeover, highest predictability and repeatable print quality available today in offset combination printing.

The EXL packaging press is ideally-suited for wide-web flexible packaging printing, providing an economical alternative. It offers extremely quick change-over time and remarkably little set-up waste guaranteeing optimal printing and converting.

MPS presses are designed with an absolute focus on the lowest cost price per 1,000 labels. Manufactured in the Netherlands, all MPS machinery meet the highest standards in terms of print quality and ease of use.

China emerging market for MPS

MPS views Asia as an important area for future company growth, with China as the key emerging market. MPS Area Sales Manager Erik Blomjous comments: “Following the successful introduction of MPS at China Print held in May this year, we are once again teaming up with Jebsen Industrial at Labelexpo Asia to present our innovative flexo and offset printing presses ranging from cost-efficient to fully-automated press capabilities. We look forward to further engaging with label and packaging printers from China and other Asian markets at this industry-leading event.”

Jebsen Industrial specializes in paper processing technology, printing and converting. Long established as a leader in Greater China, Jebsen Industrial’s strong market presence is supported by an extensive network of offices across the region to better serve their customer base. Helping industrial printers achieve lower wastage and greater precision are the end-goals of Jebsen Industrial, which represents a top-of-the-line range of coating machines and label printing presses in Greater China.

As a complete solution provider, Jebsen Industrial also supports its customers with technical expertise and a suite of value-added services. Jebsen Industrial has a strong portfolio of specialist products and technologies including complete lines, stand-alone equipment as well as paper and plastic labeling solutions that range from presses, die-cutting units and accessories to screen printing plates. This is backed by the expertise to provide professional consulting services, staff training programs, and full maintenance support.

MPS is the world’s fastest growing manufacturer of narrow-web label and packaging UV-water-and solvent based flexo and offset presses. In 1999 MPS introduced the first fully rotary servo-driven press in the label industry. Since then MPS has installed approximately 3,000 fully servo-driven print stations, printing self-adhesive labels and mono-film packaging. The majority of MPS machines are installed in Europe, with Germany as the leading market, in addition to other global market installations including the US, Japan and recently in China.

Recognized as one of the leading North-European innovators in the narrow-web printing market, MPS presses are well- known for their durability, effective return on investment, and delivering high quality print.

To all our readers, subscribers and advertisers....

New Goss Packaging Technology Center will open in January as unique resource to promote technology development

Goss International will open a specialized facility in January of 2014 for demonstration of its Sunday Vpak web offset presses, as well as a wide range of print, technology and consumables testing. The new Packaging Technology Center at the company's headquarters in Durham, New Hampshire will also serve as a catalyst for programs bringing packaging producers, brand owners and suppliers together to discuss market requirements and new production concepts. The 650-square-meter (7,000-square-foot) Packaging Center will be equipped initially with a versatile Goss Sunday Vpak 500 press system configured for printing on film and paper substrates.

"The Sunday Vpak platform can provide higher quality, lower costs and faster turn-around times for packaging printing," Rick Nichols president and CEO of Goss International says.  "Our investment in the equipment and the resources to staff this Center demonstrates our commitment to the packaging sector and our confidence in the advantages that web offset can deliver over traditional gravure and flexographic systems."

The Sunday Vpak 500 press system at the Goss Packaging Technology Center will feature seven web offset printing units with a web width of 850 mm (33.5 inches) and a repeat range of 406 - 812 mm (16 - 32 inches). The system will be equipped with a flexo unit and UV and EB curing capabilities and will accommodate film substrates from 9 to 75 microns thick and paper products as heavy as 100 gsm.

"With the first Sunday Vpak system now producing excellent results and another confidential project underway, we look forward to expanding our ability to demonstrate this new-generation web offset option to packaging producers throughout the world through customized print tests," explains Peter Walczak, director of product management for Goss packaging presses.

Walczak says Goss will host seminars and programs at the Packaging Technology Center that will allow packaging producers, brand owners and suppliers worldwide to jointly explore emerging demands in the market and share new ideas for addressing them. "This will also be an industry resource where suppliers can test inks, chemicals and auxiliary technologies for web offset production in a neutral, controlled environment," he adds.

Partners supplying equipment and consumables to support the new Packaging Technology Center and its first Sunday Vpak press include ESI, Flint, Martin Automatic, Nela, Prime UV, QuadTech, Technotrans and Vataphone. Additional suppliers will be confirmed prior to the opening of the Center.

Goss Sunday Vpak 500 and Vpak 3000 web offset press models for folding carton, flexible packaging, pre-print and label applications are available in web widths from 520 mm to 1905 mm (20.5 to 75 inches) and print at speeds of up to 457 meters (1,500) feet per minute. Key features include quick-change sleeve adapter technology for efficient, cost-effective size changes, and advanced offset inking, tension and control systems.

GSE Dispensing automates ink logistics with Direct Dispenser for process, premixed inks and coatings

GSE Dispensing, a global supplier of automated ink logistics systems and software, introduces a fast, automatic labour-saving way of dispensing process colours, coatings and ready-mixed colours that need no blending directly to the packaging printing press. Suited for flexo and gravure printing processes, the Direct Dispenser is a volumetric system that replaces the manual filling of the printing press, which is a labour-intensive process.

Ink is pumped into a 50 litre-capacity mobile tank or a fixed tank by a diaphragm pump that features an ink meter to measure volume. Suction tubes connecting the tank to the ink chamber of the press ensure that the press remains constantly replenished with sufficient ink or coating during the process. Sensors in the tank automatically reactivate the dispensing process when ink or coating falls below pre-determined volumes. A touch-screen operator interface situated at the press ensures easy control of the system.

The Direct Dispenser also logs consumption levels, raw material types used for each job and for which application. The system can be used in combination with a personal computer or Colorsat dispensing system and GSE Dispensing's proprietary Ink Management Software (IMS). The integration with IMS provides accessible, transparent ink and coating costs per job and enables ink and coating used on any job to be traced to the batch code. This provides reassurance for packaging suppliers to the food industry, where strict health and safety controls on raw materials are enforced.

Maarten Hummelen, marketing director of GSE Dispensing, says: "With its ease of use and automation, the Direct Dispenser, accelerates and simplifies the conventionally labour-intensive process of ink replenishment of the printing press. By integrating with our Ink Management Software, for the first time the printer gains full cost and trace-ability control of inks that are directly consumed at the press. This system provides an important platform for a more flexible, leaner printing operation."

2 Gallus ECS 340 goes to Super Labels, Mumbai and one EM 280 to Raj Press, Bengaluru : Gallus sells three presses to Indian players at Labelexpo Europe

As other Labelexpo’s, this time too Gallus cracked the deal for not one but three of its presses with the Indian customers at the show floor. While two Gallus ECS 340 presses have been sold to Super Labels from Mumbai, one EM 280 has been finalized for Raj Press in Bengaluru.

According to Samir Patkar, managing director, Gallus India, “Though there were lesser customers from India, Gallus have had a successful show. The reason due to fewer footfalls from the country could be attributed to devaluation of the currency, but nonetheless, this gave us a chance to focus on customers who visited us. Meanwhile, in the next couple of weeks this October, an eight colour EM 280 will be landing at Best Labels in Chennai.”

Best Labels in Chennai is these days all set to become a one stop shop by adding on value for their customers as earlier the printer had a letter press machines and recently it added an eight colour EM 280 that is a paradigm shift as it adds flexo to their bandwagon.

This year, Gallus India has sold nine presses since January 2013 and the company is looking at a total of 10 to 11 presses by the end of December 2013. However, a success story is big when there are repeated installations and Super Labels is one such loyal Gallus customer. The company already has four Gallus EM 280 installed in-house and has now placed two more orders, albeit this time for the technological marvel ECS 340 that will keep them ahead in terms of technology. 

The Gallus ECS 340 is an extremely cost-efficient, high-quality commodity label production press.  Exceptionally quiet and stable with minimal waste and setup times, the Gallus ECS 340 heralds a new era of extremely cost-efficient commodity label manufacture. It is proof that less can indeed be more. When developing this press, we focussed on the essential features, honing the configuration to maximise print quality while minimising costs. The machine’s extremely short web path of just 1.1 m between printing units cuts waste significantly. Thanks to its granite core, the press has a particularly long service life and is quieter than any other machine in this class. What’s more, the self-explanatory operation of the Gallus ECS 340 with touchscreen technology delivers even quicker results.

Digital Color Concepts increases digital applications’ versatility with HP Indigo 10000 : Company selects HP Indigo Technology to produce high-value applications for luxury brands

HP announced that New Jersey-based Digital Color Concepts (DCC)  completed installation of an HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press to produce promotional materials, direct mail pieces and in-store displays for luxury brands.

“We purchased the HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press to address increased customer demand for variable data print on a range of applications,” said Don Terwilliger, president, DCC. “With the increased capacity offered by the HP Indigo 10000, we are poised to meet these needs with quicker turnaround times for higher customer satisfaction and increased profitability.”

DCC, a fully integrated graphics company specializing in color retouching and print, installed the 29-inch wide HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press in July 2013 after experiencing tremendous growth with the HP Indigo 5500 Digital Press.  The HP Indigo 10000 maintains all the capabilities distinct to the HP Indigo portfolio in a wider format, while providing the flexibility and high quality that DCC needs to produce any commercial job.

As its reputation as a digital print provider grew, DCC experienced an increasing volume of requests for variable data printing, which created the need for more capacity. DCC conducted rigorous testing of competitive devices before selecting the HP Indigo 10000 as the platform of choice because of its unmatched quality and productivity.

Standing out with outstanding print quality

DCC’s high profile fashion and luxury brand clients require top quality, a wide range of customized applications and adhesion to strict brand guidelines. The HP Indigo 10000 enables DCC to use variable data to customize direct mail pieces, pocket folders, promotional materials and in-store displays with personalization and versioning on a variety of specialized substrates.

The press is compatible with a variety of substrates including coated, uncoated, colored, metallic recycled and specialty papers. DCC easily meets brand requirements with HP Indigo’s liquid ElectroInk technology, which provides a wide digital color gamut.

2nd Packaging Inspiration Forum of the PrintCity Alliance

Gröbenzell - The PrintCity Alliance is inviting brand owners, designers, printers and finishers to take part in its Packaging Inspiration Forum for the second time. Following the successful launch in Düsseldorf in April, this series of events is now to be continued in Hamburg on 19 and 20 February 2014. Together with other hot topics, new possibilities in finishing, digital printing and the smart packaging field will again provide a highly interesting basis for visitors to gather information and engage in discussions.

"For me, as a packaging designer, the event was so interesting because it gave me exhaustive information in a short time on technical innovations in printing processes and special finishing techniques," said Kirsten Herb-Gorissen from the Gorissen design agency after the event in April 2013. "There was a great variety of speakers, and the open-minded exchange between the experts gave me a good overview of the opportunities and difficulties of individual process phases."

The existing concept – comprising keynote presentations by renowned speakers and interactive sessions – will be retained, as will the extensive networking opportunities. "What happens between the presentations is always particularly important. The overall concept optimally supported this exchange," remarked Jürgen Kleinhans from Bacardi Deutschland, "I'm looking forward to the next event."

Increased attention will be paid to inviting creative workers, agencies and manufacturers of branded goods. It is essential for the packaging industry to further expand the dialogue with these groups. The venue will be the Grand Elysée in Hamburg. Details regarding the programme and registration will follow in the next few weeks. Preliminary registration is already open to anyone interested at info@printcity.de.

Wishing all a Happy Dussehra

Ipex 2014 addresses the future of print with Future Innovations zones

Ipex 2014 visitors will have the opportunity to view and learn more about printed products and technologies that are set for rapid expansion over the next few years. Covering photo products, digital print on packaging, 3D printing and printable electronics, the Future Innovations zones on the show floor will showcase examples of these products, as well as the technologies and relevant suppliers that will help print service providers expand into these areas.

The whole production chain – from websites to printing technologies, binding and dispatch – will be represented in the Photo Products Zone. Printers will also be shown how they can maximise profit margins by easily setting-up websites for consumers to upload pictures for photo albums, calendars and other personalised products.

In the Digital Print on Packaging Zone, visitors will learn about the range of opportunities that lies in this emerging market, which is often compared to where photobooks were a decade ago, while the 3D Printing Zone will address a technology that is both fascinating in itself and staggering in its potential. As a completely new field for print, it will focus on applications that printers can exploit for themselves and their customers.

Visitors to the Printable Electronics Zone will see examples of products that can be created using different printing techniques, including litho, flexo, gravure or inkjet. As many of the opportunities with printed electronics have now moved from lab testing to proof-of-concept production, this zone offers the ideal opportunity for printers to explore how they can get involved to deliver the high volumes of printed electronics the industry will require.

Gareth Ward, Ipex Future Innovations curator, comments: “These emerging technologies and processes offer a wealth of new and exciting opportunities – print service providers should definitely plan to spend time in the four zones during their time at the show, while it will also provide excellent insight for the marketing service community to understand the growing areas of applications that add value to the marketing mix. Ipex 2014 is the ideal event to investigate how the print industry will be influenced over the next few years, and to meet with relevant suppliers to ensure they’re fully up-to-date when looking at the future strategic direction of their businesses.”

Neenah named HP Indigo preferred Media Partner

Neenah Paper announced that it has been named as a member of the HP Indigo Preferred Media Partner Program. The agreement reflects Neenah’s commitment to supporting the needs of the HP Indigo printer community for premium substrates, with specific emphasis on premium uncoated papers.

“Neenah is proud and honored to be chosen as a HP Indigo preferred media partner,” said Kingsley Shannon, Director of Marketing, Fine Paper, Neenah. “This recognition is the result of many years of cooperation to create a larger market for premium papers within the digital print market. Neenah strives to create and deliver products that meet and exceed the most exacting standards in digital printing, and partnering with HP Indigo allows Neenah the opportunity to increase its network of customers who value high quality digital papers.”

“Partnering is in our DNA,” said Yogev Barak, Director of Business Management, HP Indigo. “This deeper relationship with Neenah ensures our commercial media customers have access to a quality end product and the ability to consistently achieve their printing goals with HP Indigo. Given the recent launch of The Design Collection by Neenah and breadth of assortment in color, texture and finishes, we couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Since 2006, Neenah has manufactured high-performance digital papers created with its proprietary Universal Digital Finish -perfect for HP Indigo printers. Through Neenah Digital, Neenah offers the most comprehensive offering of premium uncoated digital papers in the industry: 14 brands, 38 colors, 15 finishes and 13 weights including a range of environmentally certified options. Neenah HP Indigo papers are third party certified by the HP Indigo® Substrate Certification program at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Printing Applications Laboratory.

An HP Indigo preferred media partner must meet a set of criteria that demonstrates its ability to provide superior service and support, regional and global coverage, and environmental responsibility concerns. “Neenah is a well-recognized manufacturer and supplier that has developed consistently high-quality solutions to expand applications and businesses. We expect Neenah will help accelerate the speed of adoption of digital among print service providers, while meeting exacting customer demands and providing a unique competitive advantage to HP Indigo customers,” said Barak. 

Direct communication and new opportunities for collaboration between Neenah and HP will reduce the time needed to develop new media products, as well as enable expanded service and support for Neenah customers. Neenah and HP will also work together on promotional programs to the HP Indigo customer base.

Markzware announces Data Conversion Software to convert PDF file to InDesign CC

Markzware, leading innovator of digital publishing software, content search technology, and data conversion software, announces the release of the PDF2DTP for InDesign CC Mac Bundle. InDesign plugin, PDF2DTP, has been enhanced to now work with Adobe InDesign CC (Creative Cloud graphic software). This data conversion bundle of InDesign plugins for the Macintosh includes the PDF2DTP for InDesign CC plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud, as well as the PDF2DTP for InDesign CS6 plugin for Adobe Creative Suite.

PDF2DTP provides a quick, easy and affordable method to migrate content from PDF into an editable format within Adobe InDesign files (INDD), enabling users to more easily edit PDF. One-click, multi-page data conversion helps to quickly convert PDF to InDesign CC, or convert PDF to InDesign CS6, allowing swift return on investment. Users can edit PDF in a familiar page layout program, while preserving intellectual property and eliminating time spent re-creating content.

Lisa Salazar, senior graphic designer & photographer said, "Wow. I just purchased and installed PDF2DTP for InDesign... Wow...it works amazingly. I had a hard drive crash, in which I lost many InDesign build files. Fortunately, I keep the final production-ready PDF files on a different hard drive and I have now been able to update several client projects without having to rebuild from scratch. Wow."

The Markzware PDF2DTP for InDesign CC Mac Bundle, includes the InDesign CC plugin to convert PDF to InDesign CC, and the CS6 plugin to convert PDF to InDesign CS6, on the Macintosh platform. The subscription-based license for the PDF2DTP for InDesign CC Mac 1 Year Subscription Bundle offers access to both the InDesign CC plugin and CS6 plugin, includes all updates, free of charge, for the lifetime of the subscription, and is available at the PDF2DTP Store.

Sun Chemical’s O’Boyle to Speak at 2013 AIMCAL Web Coating and Handling Conference

Robert O’Boyle, a product manager of coatings at Sun Chemical, will conduct a seminar about barrier coatings for flexible substrates at the AIMCAL Web Coating and Handling Conference in Charleston, S.C. Held on October 29th from 9:00-9:30 a.m., O’Boyle’s seminar will explain how converter applied barrier coatings from Sun Chemical can be used to compete with typical barrier laminates and ultimately provide a cost effective and unique engineering solution to barrier packaging.

Sun Chemical’s SunBar barrier coatings are designed to enable lightweighting of packaging by removing one layer of adhesive from packaging, as well as offering improved laminate flexibility. A smooth, homogenous, pinhole-free layer, SunBar coatings are easily overprinted with inks and can be laminated to a variety of secondary films.

O’Boyle will elaborate on how the design of barrier coatings allows for lightweight packaging and improved laminated flexibility, while still being cost-effective, recyclable, biodegradable and press-ready with few changes to current equipment.

Held on October 27-30 at the Marriott Charleston in Charleston, S.C., the AIMCAL Web Coating and Handling Conference brings together the converting community to advance the technologies of web processing, handling and finishing. Organized and hosted by the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) the conference convenes leading industry professionals to improve efficiencies, reduce waste and introduce new technologies designed to improve competitiveness.

Webtech Labels orders Grafotronic Pharma Re-Inspection Machine at Labelexpo Europe

After more than a dozen unidirectional label slitter/ rewinders with inspection systems, comes the next step forward for Webtech Labels. During the recently concluded Labelexpo Europe 2013 at Brussels, Webtech signed an order for a Grafotronic Pharma 380 R High Speed Inspection & Re-Inspection Machine which is the latest and niche offering from the Grafotronic stable.

The R-Series, which can be customized as per the user needs for different modules, is a horizontal inspection machine concept with bi-directional web movement that brings 100% inspection to a new level of productivity and user friendliness. The focal point of this equipment is the linear servo buffer which facilitates re-inspection and consequently delivery of truly 100% inspected rolls.

“Adapting to the latest trends in the label industry and investing into the most modern technologies has been our forte. Re-inspection is a unique concept which we believe will further add value to our stringent quality controls especially for the 100% inspection of pharmaceutical labels,” says Amar B. Chhajed, Managing Director, Webtech Labels Pvt. Ltd.

Håkan Sundqvist, Managing Director, Grafotronic, adds “I would emphasize that our R-Series would only offer true 100% label inspection which is critical for the pharma industry. We treasure Webtech’s order and would look forward to working with them closely to provide multitude solutions”.

“Webtech is always ready to embrace leading-edge technologies, hence they’ve been the industry pioneers. We are privileged to have their order at Labelexpo for the re-inspection machine from Grafotronic, who are a fast growing and innovative company,” said Naalin Sharma, Director, Global Graphics Machineries Pvt. Ltd.

Grafotronic is a Sweden based company producing quality label converting and finishing machines built to the highest European standards coupled with optimized price/performance ratio. The gamut of machines for the narrow web industry include servo-driven slitter/rewinders with 100% inspection systems and high-speed die-cutting apart from sophisticated machines for digital and booklet labels as well as customized solutions for high-end applications. With a customer base spanning more than 30 countries across the world, Grafotronic is known for robust machinery designed to last with heavy duty construction.

Webtech Labels Pvt. Ltd. is a Huhtamäki-PPL Group company in India which specializes in producing labels, especially for the pharmaceutical companies. Webtech is one of the largest manufacturers of high-end pressure sensitive labels in the Indian sub-continent with manufacturing facilities in Navi Mumbai and Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh. Webtech’s mission is to provide innovative solutions and services to their customers at competitive prices and shortest possible lead times.

Global Graphics Machineries Pvt. Ltd. specializes in providing printing & converting solutions to the graphic industry. The company represents foreign label printing & converting machines manufacturers including Grafotronic - Sweden, Bang Sung Machinery - Korea, Weigang Machinery (formerly Ruian Donghai Machinery) - China and Hontec - China as their exclusive agents for the Indian sub-continent.

Ninth annual Packaging and Converting Executive Forum to be held in Brussels

Arena International will be hosting the Packaging and Converting Executive (PACE) Forum, scheduled for 12-14 February 2014 in Brussels. At the Brussels event, PACE will be celebrating its ninth anniversary. The 2014 PACE Forum - Packaging Innovation, On Time & On Budget - will shed light on important industry issues that will help attendees step up their game whilst providing an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate and innovate with peers.

With the need to evaluate technological advances from both a functional and strategic viewpoint, The PACE Forum will be looking at how Brand Owners can drive profitability through innovative packaging developments and improved operational efficiency.

“We are pleased to announce that we have secured Aline Clavellina, Senior Vice President of Marketing from Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo as a keynote speaker,” said Mihaela Biti, Head of Conference Programme of Arena International. “Grupo Bimbo markets over 10,000 products in 100 different brands around the globe, and we are excited to have a senior executive of the company on board to share ideas about innovation and market expansion.”

In addition to leading keynote speakers, discussion topics at the event will include:

• Talking About Money. How to fund innovation and general commercial improvement.

• World-Class Manufacturing. Highlighting manufacturing processes that deliver lean and cost-effective packaging.

• The ROI of Sustainability. Calculating the ROI of sustainability efforts and making a responsible market approach pay off

• Retailers Panel Discussion. Retailers from France, Germany and the UK will discuss packaging as seen through the eyes of the retailer.

“Whilst we are still confirming all of the speakers for this important event,” said Mihaela Biti from Arena International, “we are in discussions with a number of interesting candidates. We are very excited about how the programme is shaping up. We encourage FMCG executives and brand owners to contact us for further information about the programme and attendance at the event. PACE 2014 will provide a unique opportunity for brand owners to find innovative answers to issues in design, purchasing, manufacturing and selling of packaging and products.”

Label printers’ role in food regulation and consumer safety

Survival in the food industry comes down to more than price competitiveness: failure to comply with legislation positions the label printer not only as an ‘also ran’ but as a complete non-starter in the end-user’s qualification process. Here (at UPM Raflatac) we strive to promote & educate converters and brand owners alike regarding recent changes in European legislation with regards food packaging materials, of which labels are an integral part.

Finat, in a collaborative effort with its member UPM Raflatac EMEA, reports on the new EU 10/2011 regulation. This regulation on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food came into legal force on 1 January 2013. It replaces Commission Directive 2002/72/EC and national legislation based on that directive. Its purpose is to support brand owners’ and retailers’ duty of care to their customers, and represents an important additional measure in ongoing endeavours to ensure the quality and safety of food. Label printers who supply to the EU food industry have a key role to play.

Direct and indirect food contact

The new regulation applies the same principles as EC No 1935/2004 for materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Such materials are required to be sufficiently inert to not transfer their constituents to food in quantities large enough to endanger human health, and to prevent unwanted changes to the composition of the food and how it looks, tastes or smells. While EC No 1935/2004 applies to food packaging in general, the new EU 10/2011 specifically concerns all plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuff, with labels considered an integral part of such packaging. EU10/2011 consolidates 2002/72/EC and seven amendments (these were previous regulations for plastics).The idea of the regulation is to harmonise the different legislation that has existed previously within individual member states. This should make it easier for different countries to deal with each other in terms of the shipping of goods.

Both direct food contact labels furnished with a plastic layer, as well as plastic labels applied to food packaging, now require Declarations of Conformity (DoCs) stating which controlled but authorised substances are present in their make-up.

Only when the packaging material or any layer provides a functional barrier that prevents migration of substances from behind that barrier into food, are labels and other packaging components exempt from EU 10/2011. Material compositions that are purely combinations of paper and board continue to be covered by national legislation or recommendations such as those of the German BfR.

Restricted and unrestricted substances

All authorised substances - both restricted and unrestricted - which may be used in packaging containing plastic in its layers are stipulated on the ‘Union List’ within EU 10/2011. Only restricted substances need to be declared; and as DoCs move downstream within the supply/manufacturing chain, such substances must be clearly identified and documented so that compliance can be optimally tested.

Final responsibility for conformance lies with the end user

It is the end user - packager or brand owner - who has final responsibility for checking that the packaging as a whole conforms to EU 10/2011 (in addition to any extant national legislation for papers, as well as to EC 1935/2004, the Framework regulation for all packaging materials), taking into account the nature of the packaged food, its defined shelf life, and ambient conditions. Label printers are therefore required to provide DoCs for their labels to enable tests for restricted substance levels and migration behaviour in specific environmental conditions to be carried out.

Label printers: responsibilities and risks

Food label printers supplying into the EU therefore need to be provided with DoCs both from their labelstock and ink suppliers to be able to compile their own DoCs, which must, of course, also incorporate conformance information about any curing processes used during label production.

It should be noted that the enactment of these regulations means that printers unable to supply DoCs cannot now be accepted as part of the end user’s supply chain, and may also leave themselves open to the financial repercussions of a product recall. It is therefore essential for label printers to be proactive in obtaining and supplying the necessary documentation if they are to retain their place as responsible and viable links in the broader professional packaging chain.

The benefits of a secure supply chain

Finally, to summarise, all the above points underline the value of DoCs as a form of insurance for a label printer’s business, as a means of retaining existing customer contracts, and as an entry ticket to end users qualification processes for new business - with the ultimate aim of protecting the consumer. Producing DoCs to a satisfactory standard creates a level playing field for all operations – however large or small.