Packaging and Labelling lead times slashed for brands with Esko Content Management Solution

Content Management in WebCenter from Esko is making significant time and cost savings for brands, with one multinational customer reducing its end-to-end labelling lead time from 14 weeks to just 14 days with structured content.

As a result of the global pandemic, consumers now place significantly more value on food safety and hygiene, according to McKinsey1. As brands adapt their packaging and labelling to meet changing regulations and legislation, it’s essential that speed to market must not come at the cost of accuracy to maintain consumer trust and confidence.

Matthew Haws, vice president global marketing at Esko Brand Solutions, said: “In reality, many businesses are still working with disconnected processes, which is a real minefield when it comes to approvals. In the case of heavily legislated industries, such as pharmaceuticals for example, it slows lead times down if multiple stakeholders are struggling to track various versions of both content and artwork for approval.”

The content management function of Esko workflow management software, WebCenter, which includes both packaging and structured elements, makes it simple for teams to specify, manage and reuse content to be used in artwork designs by connecting content and workflow directly in the artwork creation process.

Miraclon continues to expand the boundaries of flexo with PureFlexo printing launch

Miraclon, home of Kodak Flexcel Solutions, today hosted its first Miraclon Innovates virtual event to introduce PureFlexo Printing, which enables Kodak Flexcel NX System users to produce high-quality flexo print within a wider operating window on press by controlling unwanted ink spread in ways never seen before. Designed specifically for wide web solvent ink on film applications, PureFlexo Printing maximizes press efficiency, repeatability and overall performance while enabling printers and prepress providers to experience cleaner print, stable color and a better bottom line for their business.

Emma Schlotthauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Miraclon, comments: “For brands who rely more than ever on the power of packaging to connect with customers, brand consistency and eye-catching flexible packaging is increasingly important. Printers need solutions that help them meet the ever-expanding demands of graphic reproduction, without needing to operate at less than optimum production speeds or risking press downtime from continual adjustments and unscheduled stoppages. A wide print latitude is the key to profitable production. PureFlexo Printing addresses a core technical issue – unwanted ink spread – which helps to widen print latitude and reset the quality-efficiency balance.”

Print latitude, unwanted ink spread and why printers should address it
Printers get the best out of their press machinery when they have the flexibility to run uninterrupted. They need wide latitude (also referred to as the operating window) and a robust process to manage production efficiently as a narrow latitude means small changes can push a print run out of acceptable quality or tolerances. By resisting unwanted ink spread, PureFlexo Printing gives printers the power to keep the press running with a low risk of getting to unacceptable print.

Kodak Flexcel NX System Sets NS Digital Flexo on the Path to Flexo Pre-Press Success

“I think flexo is both the most challenging industry, and the most rewarding. The more you put in, the greater the benefits.”

For Shyam Sundar, partner at Hyderabad-based flexo prepress specialist NS Digital Flexo, meeting the challenges — and helping customers reap the benefits — started in March 2020, when the company opened for business with a new Kodak Flexcel NX System, supplied and supported by Miraclon.

Sundar describes NS Digital’s service offering as “all things flexo — wide web, labels, folding cartons, corrugated.” A notable feature of the company’s philosophy is the effort and time it puts into building relationships with customers and showing them the potential of the Flexcel NX System. Explains Sundar: “We really engage with each customer, so that we can see things from their perspective, and truly understand their current capabilities and practices. Then we show them how simple adjustments to their production practices — fingerprinting the press, for example — can improve efficiency without additional investments or press set-ups, because if we can work with the available resources, we save customers time and money.

“Next, we explain the further improvements and enhanced benefits achievable with Flexcel NX plates — how we can change anilox rollers and inks, reduce impression and generally introduce better control into the press environment.”

Efficiency made easy
With the Flexcel NX System it’s relatively easy for NS Digital to help customers become more efficient, Sundar continues. “The biggest benefit for us is the simplicity of making Flexcel NX plates. The flexo process can have many variables, but the Flexcel NX System either eliminates them or makes managing them really simple, which yields substantial savings throughout the whole packaging printing process. So as a service provider we can be totally confident we can provide customers with consistent, repeatable results. It also makes it easier to solve any print issues that arise, because we can eliminate the plates as a cause straightaway. With other solutions, the investigation is more complex — is it the file, or the software, or processing, or exposure, or the press?”

Sandy Alexander Installs “Flagship” Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 at Clifton Location

Sandy Alexander, a nationwide provider of integrated multi-channel graphic communication solutions, has installed a new Speedmaster XL 106-8P with Push-to-Stop technology from Heidelberg at its Clifton, NJ headquarters. The press, which is Heidelberg’s newest generation of Speedmaster machines, demonstrates Sandy Alexander’s continual commitment to providing the most technologically advanced solutions for its customers.

Despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought upon much of the printing industry, Sandy Alexander set a firm focus on its future when it began investigating new offset press options in 2020. “In good times and bad, we are committed to investing heavily in the company and in our customers,” said Mike Graff, CEO & President of Sandy Alexander. This commitment is in part why the fifty-five-year-old company was recently ranked #37 on Printing Impressions Top 350 list and why it has retained some clients for as many as thirty-five years.

Providing the best for its clients is also why Sandy Alexander selected the latest generation Speedmaster XL 106-8P for its newest investment. The new XL 106, which replaces an aging machine in the company’s Clifton facility, will be the “flagship” press for Sandy Alexander, who hopes to shift much of the offset work it produces for its high-end cosmetics, fashion, automotive, travel and entertainment, and restaurant clientele onto the machine. According to Graff, “Sandy Alexander has always ensured that it has the best equipment available. We look to Heidelberg as the leader in technology and high-quality print. We truly believe that this is the best machine out there.”

Having excellent rub resistance to water, oil, and solvents, the film has a high image density and optimum image quality

Cosmo Films Ltd., a global leader in specialty films for flexible packaging, labeling, and lamination applications as well as synthetic paper, re-launches BOPP based Direct Thermal Printable (DTP) Top Coated Film, with a proprietary coating which enables the formation of an image or impression on the film upon contact with the heated print head of a thermal printer.

A film specially designed for niche applications like information labelling (airport baggage tags etc.), inventory tracking, frozen food labeling, and parking ticket applications with a potential to grow in many new applications as well. This is part of the many specialty films offered by the company. A non-tearable, cost-effective, and extremely easy-to-use film offers a marvellous paper like matte finish producing a fine and sharp dark image on printing.

With no involvement of additional high equipment costs, the film is available in thickness varieties of 70, 75 and 95 microns. The film is designed in a way that it protects the privacy and primacy of sensitive information as the sensitive data is always imaged directly onto the BOPP DTP films.

On the product launch, Mr. Pankaj Poddar, CEO, Cosmo Films Ltd. said, “Being a global leader, we aim to keep growing exponentially and thrive to bring innovative products to our customers. The direct thermal printable film is extremely easy to use, and there are no additional high equipment costs. According to several reports, the global Direct Thermal market was valued at 491.2 Million USD in 2021 and will grow with a CAGR of 5.7% from 2021 to 2027. We look forward to being a big part with our innovation in the direct thermal printing market.”

Eid al adha Mubarak

The New Bobst Expertfold 110 A3 version is a real time-saver for converters

Bobst has unveiled a new, multi-purpose version of its Expertfold 110 folder-gluer offering greater versatility and unrivalled time-saving benefits to packaging converters. The Expertfold 110 A3 incorporates new integrated dedicated modules to produce crash-lock and 4- and 6-corner boxes. With these modules, job changeovers, from one box type to the next, are simplified and made faster.

Pierre Binggeli, Product Line Director Folder-gluers at Bobst said: “Bobst is pushing production versatility and efficiency to an even higher level with this new version of the Expertfold 110. Set up times are reduced by a huge 80%, drastically shortening changeover times and optimizing uptime, which is a great advantage when dealing with short run requests.

“The Expertfold delivers a carton production speed of up to 450 meters per minute and when running 4-corner boxes, it can produce up to half a million boxes per day! This is a superb machine in terms of performance and precision for the folding and gluing of all types of folding carton boxes, enhanced even further with the integration of dedicated modules.”

Bobst has continually innovated the machine over the years to ensure it meets the needs of packaging converters as the market evolves. The A3 version is the newest configuration to the Expertfold 110. Until now, the range includes versions for the production of straight-line boxes, crash-lock bottom and 4- and 6-corner boxes. However, the same module is used for each box type and, as a result, changeovers may take longer because most of the tooling and conveyors need to be swapped out. With the Expertfold A3 version, the new dedicated modules simplify changeovers and, thus, reduce them significantly.

The Expertfold 110 enables an impressive number of box styles to be manufactured in a variety of materials. Over the years, Bobst has introduced innovative devices which enable operatives to simultaneously carry out inline processes. For example, the recently introduced AccuCheck quality control system that supports the manufacture of zero-fault packaging or the GyroBox rotation device that enhances efficiency, flexibility and performance of the folder-gluer even further.

The Expertfold 110 can also be fitted with a range of peripherals to boost productivity further and create an automated, high-performance folding-gluing line. These include the EasyFeeder/ Batch Inverter 4 motorized pre-feeder and the CartonPack 4 high-performance packer. Thanks to these peripherals, the reduction in manual workload also improves the working conditions for the operator and will help avoid issues with repetitive strain injury and other work-related health problems.

“With dynamic and sometimes volatile market conditions, the Expertfold 110 brings both flexibility and quality to production lines,” added Mr. Binggeli. “The new A3 has been designed to make the operator’s job easier and quicker without compromising any of the performance and capability benefits. It’s a win-win for our customers and their customers too.”

Heidelberg underlines leading position in largest growth market at China Print Trade Show

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) underlined its leading position in the most important growth market at this year's largest industry event, China Print, which took place in Beijing from June 23 to 27. Over the five days of the trade show, several tens of thousands of interested parties visited the trade show and the company's booth. The presentations of Heidelberg's latest solutions were literally overflowing with a total of 8,000 registered participants.

The world premiere of the new Speedmaster CX 104 sheetfed offset press was the highlight of the trade show and confirmed Heidelberg's innovative strength and technological leadership in a challenging market environment. With the new press, the company aims to further expand its strong position in the growing packaging segment and meet the growing demand for flexible printing systems with different automation solutions and variants in the commercial sector. Heidelberg also showcased a wide range of solutions along the entire value chain in the customer life cycle with intelligent solutions and products.

"The reaction of customers in China to our innovations has been nothing short of euphoric," said Rainer Hundsdörfer, CEO of the company. "Even before the start of series production of the CX 104, we had orders for more than 500 printing units of this series worldwide, a large proportion of them from China. This proof of confidence and the high demand from China give us tailwind for the current fiscal year."

The Chinese production site in Shanghai has been running at full capacity for months, and capacities will be further increased in the current fiscal year due to the high order intake. Around 900 employees currently work in sales, service, and production in the country. In the medium term, Heidelberg's sales in China in the printing industry's largest single market are expected to rise from around € 300 million to over € 360 million by 2026.

Successful customer approach on site and digitally
In addition to the on-site trade show booth, the digital presentation of innovations and solutions is increasingly in demand in China. To complement Heidelberg's live presence, there was a digital exhibition of the booth with a VR 3D exhibition hall, on social media, numerous live streamings, B2B e-commerce offers, and the shows on the web. Thus, the comprehensive content was broadcast in various formats, bringing seamless online and offline experiences to all visitors. In the process, more than 25,000 trade visitors interacted with the digital "Heidelberg Show," 40 percent of them completely online. With a total of 700 minutes of live streaming over five consecutive days, a total of 400,000 viewers were reached. The "Digital Show" concept enabled all customers to receive comprehensive information on site and online despite travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“We are far ahead in the market. No one can deny that Heidelberg booth was the most attractive place of the exhibition. The number of visitors to the Heidelberg booth and the feedback from our customers confirm that we are market leaders in China with our solutions. The vision, strategy, offerings, and digitalization competence demonstrated in the show proved that Heidelberg is the partner for the Chinese printing industry in the future. We are running with full speed running into a digital era,” added Benny Huang, Head of Heidelberg China Ltd.

Lecta presents its new release liner papers, Linerset CCK and Linerset CCK Duo

Give your challenging pressure-sensitive applications a strong base with Linerset, Lecta’s new release liner. The Linerset paper range guarantees high performance for all your self-adhesive materials in labelling, graphic films, tapes and industrial applications.

Linerset CCK and Linerset CCK Duo are the first products from this new release liner range. Linerset CCK is a one-side clay-coated release paper for siliconization with good dimensional stability and lay-flatness. Available from 55 to 135 g/m2 , lower substances are generally used for labelling and the higher substances for graphic film applications. Linerset CCK Duo is a two-side clay-coated release paper for siliconization with a special reverse side treatment. With good dimensional stability as well and extra layflatness, the 120 to 135 g/m 2 substances from have been specially developed for graphic film applications.

Additional Linerset glassine and Linerset SCK release liners will also be available soon in order to expand the new Linerset range.

The Linerset launch is the culmination of a strategic transformation project begun by Lecta several years ago to diversify production at its Condat mill, one of the leading employers in the Périgord – France region. This plan entails the transformation of a large paper machine (Line 8) from coated woodfree paper to release liner manufacturing and the acquisition of a new supercalender. The project, with an investment of more than 80 million euros, makes Condat one of the most modern, efficient and environment-friendly factories in Europe today.

With Linerset, Lecta is developing a complete, high-quality portfolio of specialty paperbased solutions for pressure-sensitive products with the aim of becoming the supplier of choice for siliconizers, PSL producers and converters.

Further details on Linerset CCK and Linerset CCK Duo are available at www.lecta.com 

Blue Circle Packaging – A new label for biodegradable products

Alpla is bundling its biodegradable packaging solutions under a new brand. Home-compostable coffee capsules are the first product available on the market. Hard – The Alpla Group, a global packaging producer and specialist in recycling, is consolidating its developments in relation to biodegradable packaging solutions under its new Blue Circle Packaging label. Home-compostable coffee capsules are the first product available on the market.

Under the Blue Circle Packaging label (bluecircle-packaging.com), Alpla will offer its customers packaging solutions that are all biodegradable and thereby contribute to sustainability. This is based on plastics made of renewable raw materials. ‘We see the establishment of our own label which includes all of our products made from biodegradable materials as a clear commitment to our activities in this future market. They are a recyclable addition to our existing packaging solutions,’ says Nicolas Lehner, CCO of the Alpla Group and responsible for global sales.

In line with the circular economy             
The establishment of Blue Circle Packaging goes hand in hand with the holistic approach taken by ALPLA, whereby all product areas and packaging solutions should be developed with a view to a functioning circular economy. One important field of research (Replace) involves the use of alternative materials made of renewable raw materials.

Home-compostable coffee capsules      
With the first product from the Blue Circle range, Alpla is offering its customers home-compostable coffee capsules. The coffee capsules produced using injection moulding are characterised by their technical and aroma-preserving properties – and on top of that, they are also compostable at home. With the TÜV certificates OK Compost Home and OK Compost Industrial, they are suitable for disposal in home compost as well as in the organic waste bin.*

Joint venture for coffee               
In conjunction with the coffee roaster Amann Kaffee and the agency Silberball, ALPLA founded the start-up Blue Circle Coffee (bluecircle-coffee.com). It offers roasting houses and smaller coffee suppliers extensive expertise in roasting, filling, packaging and marketing coffee in home-compostable coffee capsules. Consumers can also order three varieties of the company’s own Blue Circle coffee line via an integrated web shop.

*To dispose of them in the organic waste bin (industrial composting), please contact your local waste management company and enquire about waste disposal in accordance with the EN 13432 standard.

Mark Andy educates students from around the world

Mark Andy has recently organized two online meetings devoted for international students from printing-oriented technical universities. On 23rd of April the company invited students from Poland, on 26th of April – from the rest of the world. Both events were conducted by Mark Andy’s specialists. On this occasion the company also invited special guests – the representatives of Watershed Group (incl. the Polish-based Etiko printer), its well-established customer and business partner. The webinars included live presentations of Mark Andy presses installed in its demo centers in Poland and the US as well as Q&A sessions. 

The agenda of both webinars considered the most possible dose of Mark Andy’s knowledge about technologies, presses from the company’s offer as well as market trends and job opportunities in label printing business area. On the other hand, the company presented its customer’s point of view. They talked about benefits from using Mark Andy solutions. Tadeusz Kozinski – Director of Etiko printing house from Szczecin (Poland) was a guest of the Polish session. Kirwan Waters – Director of Watershed Group (consisting of five European printing houses, incl. Etiko) presented his views during the international session. 

Mark Andy and its Offer for the Label Market
The participants of both webinars were welcomed by Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy. She underlined that, even during the current pandemic, another webinars devoted for students prove company’s commitment to keeping in touch with younger generations and providing them with knowledge. The events were moderated by Lukasz Chruslinski, Sales Manager Mark Andy Poland (the Polish session) and Phil Baldwin, European Sales Manager Mark Andy UK (the English webinar). During the Polish session they were supported by Lukasz Kaczynski – Warsaw Demo Room Manager, Grzegorz Rostkowski and Michal Mokrzycki – print specialists. During the international session James Mayenschein and Kevin Glatz – the representatives of St. Louis showroom were involved, too. 

Lukasz Chruslinski and Phil Baldwin presented Mark Andy, including its history. They underlined that the company, established in 1946, is one of the oldest and the biggest manufacturers of narrow-web flexo and digital presses devoted for label production. Mark Andy’s portfolio, including printing presses as well as finishing equipment and consumables, was presented shortly. Nowadays the company has approx. 8500 pressed installed worldwide, including finishing equipment this number exceeds dozen thousands. It hires approx. 400 people worldwide, incl. 80 engineers. As both speakers indicated, Mark Andy presses are built by the company from the basis, guaranteeing high quality and stability of printing production. They added that having highly skilled engineering team allows the company for realizing individual orders from customers and fitting them to their current needs. 

Mark Andy operates from three main locations: in the US, the UK and Poland. It also has many divisions in other countries worldwide. Its printing presses are based on main printing technologies used in label production: flexo, hybrid (inkjet + flexo, toner + flexo) and rotary screen. Currently Mark Andy offers two series of flexo presses: Evolution Series E3/E5 and Performance Series, both devoted to manufacturing longer runs of labels (incl. food and hazardous products), wrap-ups, cups, shrink sleeve, self-adhesive ones and many more. As the speakers indicated, modern label printers expect quick press set-up and job changeover, press’ functionality enabling economic production in smaller runs (including versioning and VDP) as well as substrate savings. Press manufacturers try to meet these expectations by designing even better machines allowing for this kind of production on a wider spectrum of substrates, including renewable ones. Mark Andy’s response to the mentioned market needs are Digital Pro and Digital Series iQ hybrid presses, as well as Digital Series HD, its flagship hybrid/digital model. The company underlines that each of them is devoted to different type of production: toner-based model handle jobs up to 400 meters, inkjet UV presses are fit for 2500-3000 m runs. 

Digital Pro model was also highlighted during presentations. It was designed by Mark Andy as the company’s response to changing demands and needs of printing services market, including label-related one. It concerns many current market trends: decreasing runs, higher expectations of customers in terms of shorter delivery times and production diversity. Digital Pro is devoted to companies just starting its printing-related activities. 

“Game Changing” Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra exceeds expectations at Dion Label

A year after the Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution went into production at Dion Label Printing, John Dion has a very positive verdict on the solvent- and VOC-free flexo plate making solution. “We’re wildly satisfied!”, says the co-president of the Westfield MA-based producer of custom high-quality labels and packaging. “We expected good things of the system, and it’s more than lived up its billing as a gamechanger.”

After John’s father, John Dion Sr, started the business in the cellar of the family home in 1969, Dion soon acquired a reputation for printing label jobs that were both complex and had to get to market fast. That philosophy hasn’t changed since, as general manager Randy Duhaime, one of the senior management team along with John and brother Dave Dion, explains: “Labels keep getting more and more complex — it’s almost like designers are trying to find colors we won’t be able to reproduce. But we always step up, because of our pride in producing the highest quality.”

High-end pressure-sensitive labels account for around 80% of Dion’s design-to-dispatch production. The company also produces extended content labels for a wide variety of end-user applications, with over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals currently showing the fastest growth. Other markets include food and beverage, personal care, household products, medical and specialty printing. Production splits roughly 50/50 between flexo (water-based & UV) and digital.

Press-ready plates in under an hour
The Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is a solvent-free, VOC-free, water-based processing solution that allows printers to create a press-ready plate in less than an hour. Enabled by patented Kodak Ultra Clean Technology developed by the Miraclon team, the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing plates in a high-volume, low-maintenance environment.

The story behind the arrival of the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution in June 2020 is one of patience and a degree of experimentation. Says John: “We’d been tracking the Flexcel NX technology for some time and had no doubts about the production and quality benefits, but we believed that solvent-free platemaking is the way forward and decided to wait for that solution.”

The decision was helped by the results of trials of the alternatives, he continues. “We had a small solvent system, but it had limitations in terms of the fineness of screens and the consistency of screening from one end of the plate to another, particularly in highlight detail. So as jobs became more complex and difficult, we had to break some out and figure what we could do.

“We also tried a thermal solution, but that had issues that we couldn’t overcome — specifically, the way the plates swelled when the UV inks warmed up, so we needed extra plates on long-run jobs. Plates also deteriorated between runs, which meant we had to make new sets for reorders. And an earlier experiment with water-based processing showed it was inadequate from a quality standpoint and suitable only for a subset of our work.”

Codimag and Edale are creating the Web Tech Alliance

The French manufacturer of offset printing presses for narrow web market Codimag and the British manufacturer of flexo printing and converting equipment Edale Ltd jointly announce the formation of the Web Tech Alliance.  Becoming founder members of the Alliance allows a more formal partnership to be recognised by the industry.

“The creation of the Web Tech Alliance is the next step to the collaboration engaged with Edale, said Benoit DEMOL, CEO of Codimag. “Our discussions have been ongoing since our first meeting at Drupa 2016 and have been collaborating for the past 2 years on projects and geographical reach.

One of the functions of the Alliance is to promote strong technical and market know-how. The use of some common agents has also highlighted the synergy of our solutions. This is the basis of the brand-new organisation, with an alliance that some other industries, such as car manufacturers, have already implemented.”

James Boughton, Managing Director of Edale comments: “Our collaboration with Codimag goes back a long way, and it is with real pleasure and pride to jointly launch the Web Tech Alliance. Our combined range of technologies and expertise bring a strong force to the market as both parties have trusted agents and distributors across the world that create strong brand presence and provide a local feel and knowledge to our global customers. We look forward to the future of our alliance and sharing our engineering excellence and developing innovative solutions for the packaging industry.”

A technical cooperation with wide solution for printers
Codimag is a French manufacturer of printing presses based on Aniflo, a unique technology that offers the quality of offset, the productivity of flexo and the flexibility of digital. The machines are available in width 340MM and 420mm, with a wide range of inline finishing solutions, including hot-foil, flatbed foil, fluted foil, embossing, flexo varnishing, lamination, screen printing and die-cutting.

Edale are British manufacturers and engineers of world-class tailor-made flexographic printing and converting solution for the packaging industry. They provide a range of flexographic single pass carton, label presses and Finishing and Converter presses.

Their FL range of machines are available in widths from 350mm | 13.7” to 850mm | 33.4”.  For over 75 years, they have offered a scale of customisation unmatched in the industry.

They pride themselves in providing the customer with off-the-shelf to entirely bespoke presses, with every detail considered, often heavily customised to meet customers precise requirements.

The Web Tech Alliance allows printers from across the globe to get different technologies in one place. Solutions are often led by an individual companies offering. By joining different expertise’s and knowledge bases together, in one place, allows the end user the chance to find the right technology for a given application.

California-based Pacer Print and Packaging brings label business in-house with Truepress Jet L350UV

Screen Americas announces its customer’s expansion in label printing with the Truepress Jet L350UV. A traditional offset printer with a primary focus on folding cartons, Pacer Print and Packaging of Chatsworth, California, shifted 80 percent of its label business in-house with the new inkjet press.

A regular supplier of labels for the cannabis and CBD industries, the printer soon found itself expanding into the wine, liquor and candle industries during the pandemic. Peter Varady, the company’s founder and president, chose to invest in the Truepress Jet L350UV to meet the demand for additional labels.

A first-time Screen customer, Varady was sold on the reliability, durability and stability of the machine. He was also impressed with the customer service he received and the Trust Network Service program. “The Truepress Jet is a real workhorse and there is an actual team behind the press,” said Varady, who found the transition to digital printing rather seamless.

With the new technology, Varady has found that he can now meet his clients’ urgent demands for those last-minute labels. His customers have come to rely on him and he is proud that he can put them at ease. “Sometimes they are panicking because they didn’t order enough labels the first time around,” said Varady. “It’s nice to know that I can save their day by printing the exact number of labels they need within two or three hours.”

Pacer Print and Packaging unveiled an additional source of revenue when it decided to combine its new inkjet technology with the existing offset technology used for its foil board printing portion of the business. While the 8-color UV perfector press is printing packages on foil board, the Truepress Jet L350UV is printing those packages’ corresponding labels on a foil substrate. Together, the two items make an attractive package.

Varady says his label production has increased by approximately 20 percent. With the Truepress Jet L350UV, he now has complete control of his short-run print jobs and he plans on adding a second shift to support the label side of the business.

Founded in 1994, Pacer Print and Packaging employs 60 individuals of which 22 are devoted to the company’s label business. The company operates six days a week in a 150,000 square foot facility.

Autajon purchases second Lemorau CRL 330

Autajon, a family owned label converting business based in Motelimar, France has invested in a Lemorau CRL 330 machine to expand its portfolio of finishing equipment. The company started in 1964 in the French Drôme region is today a prestigious group of international reach with its expansion throughout Europe, USA and China. Its label and packaging production is highly diversified, however, the company focuses on pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, and wine labeling markets.

Autajon has invested in a Lemorau CRL, a finishing machine that can be used in-line with a semi-rotary or flatbed printing machine. The web travels through a buffer box with electronic sensors that allows a perfect synchronization between both machines.

‘The CRL works really well, we are very happy with it. We also bought the machine because of the trust we have in Lemorau,’ commented Dani Matin, R&D at Autajon. “The machine features an electronic counter for labels, meterage or rollers, two interchangeable pneumatic rewinders, paper break and waste detection, air trim removal, vacuum table, buffer box with electronic sensors, label rewinding inside and out, automatic tension control system and memory for 250 jobs that facilitate future repetitions,” he added.

Autajon’s CRL was also equipped with the optional clear on clear sensor, razor slitting knife unit, additional mandrels in customized sizes, Quick Remote Connection module and right to left configuration.

Graphic Products launches DuraLabel Toro Max

Graphic Products has launched DuraLabel Toro Max portable all-in-one industrial label and sign printer. Toro Max offers new features and enhanced technology.

‘We’ve engineered a faster loading process, and a smarter print system overall,’ said Andy Sobiesczyk, research and development manager at Graphic Products. ‘With this approach, the printer automatically switches to the best settings for the supplies that are loaded, so users don’t need to manually fine-tune those controls. That reduces the time needed to create new labels and avoids wasting supplies on bad prints.’

Toro Max includes a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, full-size Qwerty keyboard, and optional battery. Graphic Products said that the portable label printer offers a powerful processor, enhanced label design software, and a simplified supply loading system. Toro Max includes supply recognition and auto-calibration features. 

The applications of the printer include labels for arc flash, GHS/HazCom, asset management and wayfinding. Like all DuraLabel printers, Toro Max comes with a 5-year guarantee and support for the service life of the printer.

Artoption becomes latest industry member of Ghent Workgroup

The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) is pleased to announce that Artoption has joined as its latest new industry member. Artoption is a German based company located in Stuttgart, specialized in the development, production, and distribution of software solutions for the print and publishing industry. 

Since its inception in 2016, Artoption has not only been developing and distributing software solutions in the field of industrial production processes but has also been consulting in the development and use of software and hardware solutions. Furthermore, they develop PFD workflows based on Enfocus SWITCH such as 3CPDF. 

3CPDF is an application that can check and correct your PDF print data in the cloud and is not only device- but also platform-independent. It helps to create a printable PDF file without needing any expertise. CEO of Artoption, Dirk Simanek has more than 20 years of experience as a SWITCH integrator and consultant to the print industry. 

Dirk Simanek states: “To be successful in a print production environment, workflows and especially production must be automated. One of GWG's strengths is to take direct input from print industry professionals and to integrate and develop this knowledge when developing specifications or standards.Because what we all have in common is that only print data that meets the specifications can lead to optimal print results and thus to satisfied customers. We are proud to be a member of the Ghent Workgroup and look forward to the exchange.” 

“As PDF continues to provide an important document exchange format for print and packaging design and production, having companies like Artoption as a member of the GWG and developing new tools to support those efforts is critical. We welcome Artoption and look forward to their valued participation”, stated David Zwang GWG Chair.

Kolkata-based packaging expert Libako invests in Gallus ECS 340

Libako Packaging, a print and packaging specialist, boosted its production efficiencies after installing a Gallus ECS 340, a flexographic press with UV application, in-line foiling, lamination, and die-cutting. Seeing the potential of flexo printing and labelling for several years, Libako Packaging decided to invest for the Gallus ECS 340 during the pandemic of 2020. The flexo press was installed and inaugurated at the plant in the presence of family members and well-wishers. 

Balai Adhikary, Director at Libako Packaging, comments: “We preferred to invest proven technology along with innovation, brand value, versatility. We examined all the presses and their configuration, where Gallus flexo press stood out as the leader for us. We were awestruc
k by the print quality, registration with minimal wastage, and the support from Heidelberg India’s service team. Process flexibility and ease of use were among the other highlights of Gallus ECS 340 which helped us to seal the decision.” 

“We are extremely happy with the full journey of Gallus ECS 340 discussion, along with service provided by Heidelberg India. Amid the pandemic and lockdown, they did a fantastic job of installing the new press in a record time of just six days upon receipt of the equipment at our site“, comments Balai Adhikary, in front of the new Gallus ECS 340 flexo press.

“We are extremely happy with the full journey of Gallus ECS 340 discussion, along with service provided by Heidelberg India. Amid the pandemic and lockdown, they did a fantastic job of installing the new press in a record time of just six days upon receipt of the equipment at our site. The whole Gallus and Heidelberg team were extremely cooperative and supportive. We are impressed with the excellent print quality which was as per our expectations and it has set benchmark during ongoing print trials”, affirms Adhikary. 

Gallus ECS 340
The Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) of the press is defined by various factors including available time, quality, machine production speed as it is the mantra towards the success of label converter. “The equipment automation in Gallus ECS 340 ensures highest level of OEE to us, the dedicated service and print application support from Heidelberg and Gallus team helped us to reduce material waste and time loss in production and job changeovers, resulting in high productivity. These are some of the driving factors to be with Heidelberg and Gallus family”, explains Adhikary.

Fujifilm India appoints Koji Wada as MD

Fujifilm India has appointed Koji Wada as the new managing director, effective from June 29, 2021. Taking over the baton from Haruto Iwata as he moves to his new role as managing director for the Asia-Pacific region in Singapore, Wada will spearhead Fujifilm’s operations and business strategy in India. In his new role, Wada will be responsible for organizational growth and profitability with an integrated approach towards sales, marketing, and business policies.   

‘I had joined Fujifilm in 2001 and it has truly been an incredible journey for me,’ Wada said. ‘During my tenure at the company, I have had the opportunity to work with an excellent team of skilled and motivated professionals. As I transition into the new role, I am looking forward to collaborating with the teams across various divisions to take the company to newer heights. With India as a market thriving with opportunities, we will continue with our endeavor of “Never Stop” adding value to the lives of consumers and stakeholders.’  

Wada has been contributing to the businesses across corporate offices in Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and India. He brings a vast experience of over 20 years. Before taking over his role as managing director, he was responsible for leading the medical business of the company in India as a general manager.   

This is Wada’s second stint in India. He was marketing manager of PI, EI, RM for Fujifilm India in 2007. Post that Wada was appointed as the secretary to Global CEO Shigetaka Komori.   

Later, Wada was made the general manager for Fujifilm Thailand in 2014 and then managing director for Fujifilm Myanmar in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed as the senior manager of ME and director of FFIN.

Water-based flexographic printing steps up to the sustainability challenge

The recent Leaders Summit on Climate, hosted by U.S. President Biden, demonstrates the growing commitment leaders of many countries have to addressing the climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) among other initiatives. This will likely translate into increased regulatory pressure on a variety of industries, including printing, to moderate their emissions of CO2 and other global warming gases such as CH4 and N2O. As a leading supplier to the flexographic printing industry, Asahi Photoproducts is dedicated to delivering flexographic solutions that are in harmony with the environment. In doing so, the company enables its customers to be proactive in contributing to the overall reduction of GHG emissions. 

Over the last half century, Asahi Photoproducts has worked hard to bring innovative solutions to flexography, and most recently with the Asahi AWP™ CleanPrint water-washable plates. This solvent-free process delivers more sustainable printing while at the same time improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in the press room to the tune of 30% or more, which results in a significant increase in quality due to the precise register these plates deliver. 

What that means for the printing industry is that flexography is now competitive with gravure for all except the longest print runs. To validate this assertion, Flexo Technical Association Japan (FTAJ) and Water-based Flexographic Printing Advancement Council partnered with the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO), a well-known Japanese association, to calculate GHG emissions during the entire printing process for each of these two technologies, using the Life Cycle Assessment method. 

The results were enlightening. We found that when printing a job of 5,000 linear meters with water-based flexographic printing and comparing the result with the simulation of the same job with gravure printing, GHG emissions from water-based flexographic printing can be reduced by about 65% compared to gravure. We measured GHG emissions from the gravure life cycle at 668 kg, whereas emissions from water-based flexography were 231 kg. 

The gravure printing simulation results from using electronic engraving of the cylinders and solvent-based inks, while water-based flexographic printing uses water-washable plates and water-based inks. The results are shown in the image below, broken down into 3 steps: platemaking/engraving, ink manufacturing, and printing. 

The sustainability of the print can be further enhanced by using solvent-free laminating where lamination is required or desired, instead of dry lamination where the bonding agent is dissolved in solvent, applied, and then evaporated in a drying oven. With solvent-free lamination, a low viscosity adhesive is applied, requiring only a heated nip to mate it to the substrate. This creates an additional advantage of solvent-free lamination beyond the reduced GHG and VOC emissions since it does not require a drying component, further reducing energy consumption and increasing its sustainability as compared to the conventional dry lamination process. Thus, we recommend water-based flexographic printing technology combined with solvent-free lamination and water-washable flexographic printing plates as the most sustainable approach to producing packaging. 

All of this demonstrates the significant progress that has been made towards reduction of the carbon footprint for flexographic printing as compared to gravure, and the fact that this approach to packaging printing has the potential to change the global packaging market. But we are not stopping here. The talented and innovative engineers at Asahi Photoproducts continue to seek new ways to reduce the environmental impact of flexographic printing processes even further, and we have full confidence that they will find even more ways to make flexographic printing more sustainable. 

Ref.1:  Calculation Assumptions by Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO).

• Film substrate and packaging process are not included in this calculation since there is no difference in-between water-based flexo printing and solvent gravure printing at them.
• This calculation is done by 5 colors printing.
• Plate making processes are: water washable plate technology for flexo printing, electronic engraving technology for gravure printing.
• Utility data at printing machine is based on typical and theoretical data on product catalogue since actual utility can be fluctuated as per actual printing condition and environment.
• Printing speeds are: water-based flexo 200m/min., solvent gravure 150m/min.
• Disposal method of printing wastages are: water disposal at water-based flexo, incineration at solvent gravure.
• Plate sleeve at flexo printing and steel cylinder at gravure printing are part of printing machine and not included in this calculation.
• Proofing process is not included in this calculation.
• GHG emissions of ink manufacturing are based on published data of Japan Printing Ink Makers Association.
• Transportation of intermediates and wastage are, 500km for intermediates, 100km for wastage respectively.
• LCI Database IDEAv2.3 is used.

For more information about flexographic solutions from Asahi Photoproducts that are in harmony with the environment, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com.

Registration opens for Label Congress 2021

Label Congress 2021 is a new niche event from the Labelexpo team specifically tailored to the current climate and will give a much-needed chance for the industry to meet in person. Built around two days of conference sessions featuring leading edge presentations and discussion panel sessions, followed on the third day by a Label Academy master class on self-adhesive materials, Label Congress 2021 will be running alongside the congress sessions and masterclass will be an exhibition hall packed with the latest technologies from leading industry suppliers including Xeikon, Accraply, MacTac, Durst, Fujifilm, Colordyne, Labeltraxx and Cartes. 

Organized by Labelexpo Global Series, Label Congress 2021 will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Conventional Center in Rosemont, Chicago, IL between September 29th and October 1st 2021. This one-time show will feature a conference program featuring expert speakers, a technical Label Academy master class and an expo hall filled with the latest technologies. It will give senior level converters the opportunity to meet, learn and connect with the largest suppliers in the industry. 

Registration is now open for Label Congress 2021, the first in-person networking and educational event for the US label industry since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Early bird discounts are available at www.labelexpo.com/congress/ 

The Congress conference sessions are broadly divided into Technology and Global Market overviews on day 1 (Wednesday 29th) and Future Proofing Your Business streams on day 2. Day 1 features an overview of the global label market, followed by a session on exciting new developments in digital embellishment technology. Panel discussions will look at how to optimize hybrid printing and strategies for diversifying into flexible packaging - the latter including leading converting group AWT Labels & Packaging. The first day concludes with a session on how the Internet of Things will impact the future of smart labels and packaging. 

Day 2 starts with Lifetime Achievement winner Federico d’Annunzio examining how converters should respond to brands’ increasing demands for data transparency. This is followed by panel discussions on practical sustainability strategies and how to recruit and retain talent, concluding with a session from regular L&L contributor Paul Brauss on lean manufacturing strategies. 

The half day Label Academy Masterclass is led by Tarsus Labels & Packaging group Strategic Director Andy Thomas-Emans and includes deep dive sessions into adhesive and silicone technologies, manufacturing process and performance characteristics of self-adhesive labels, die cutting properties and testing procedures for in-plant quality control. The masterclass is targeted at brand owners and designers who specify PS materials as well as label converters and industry suppliers. 

The machine demonstrations and conference sessions will be made available to the rest of the global industry the day following the event itself, broadcast on Labelexpo’s secure online platform. This will allow a global audience to benefit from the technology demonstrations and expert-led sessions available to Congress visitors during the week when Labelexpo Europe would usually have been running. 

‘Label Congress 2021 has been specifically tailored to the current climate and will give a much-needed chance for the industry to meet in person,’ said Label Congress 2021 Event Director Tasha Ventimiglia. ‘Label Congress 2021 is situated at the heart of the US print industry, within driving distance of most of the key converting states. The Congress will include a VIP program engaging directly with the key converters from the Midwest.’ 

Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Tarsus Labels, Packaging and Brand Print Group, said: ‘Label Congress is a smaller, carefully curated event, different to Labelexpo Americas. This is to adhere to the strict guidelines of COVID-19 protocols, which will include wider aisles, reduced visitor traffic and a strict deep cleaning regime. We are working in partnership with local Illinois authorities, event partners and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to meet and exceed local safety standards.’ 

From a leading converter’s perspective, Mark Glendenning, CEO & Owner of Inland Printing, said he is looking forward to Label Congress 2021 : ‘I want to be one of those first people reconnecting into the industry because I think we’ll get leverage like we’ve never gotten before. I encourage you to go to Label Congress. It’s a one-time opportunity that will never happen again. You’re going to want to be there.’ 

Commenting on the benefits of the Label Congress conference sessions, Glendenning added, ‘Education is so much more valuable when it co-exists with networking. Live conferences far exceed going it alone watching a Youtube video. Further down the road, if you come across a challenge, you’ve got people you can call to run it by. That’s the power of connecting education with networking. It’s invaluable.’ 

The next edition of Labelexpo Americas will take place on September 13-15, 2022, also at the Donald E. Stephens Conventional Center in Rosemont.

 

New dates announced for Labelexpo India 2022

Labelexpo Global Series organizer Tarsus Group has announced the cancellation of Labelexpo India 2021. The show will now take place on 9-12 November 2022, allowing time for the Covid-19 vaccination program to roll out and for the situation to normalise next year. The show will remain at its existing location at Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida - Delhi NCR.

Labelexpo India Event Director Pradeep Saroha, commented: ‘We have taken the decision not to run Labelexpo India 2021 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Our expectation is that by rescheduling the show a year later, to 9-12 November 2022, the pandemic will be under control with the industry ready and excited to network and do business again.​​

Kuldip Goel, president of LMAI, the Indian Label Association, said, ‘The LMAI fully supports Tarsus’ decision to cancel Labelexpo India 2021. In light of the current situation with Covid-19 it is the correct and responsible thing to do. We look forward to the whole Indian label and package printing industry coming back together for Labelexpo India in November 2022. The LMAI Awards night will also be postponed to Labelexpo India November 2022 to run alongside the show.' 

The last edition of Labelexpo India in November 2018 attracted almost 10,000 visitors from 55 countries, with 250 Indian and global-based exhibitors.

New Dates announced for Labelexpo Southeast Asia

Labelexpo Global Series organizer Tarsus Group has announced that Labelexpo Southeast Asia- ASEAN’s leading labels and package print exhibition moves to February 2023. The exhibition that remains located at BITEC, Bangkok will now be held from 9-11 February 2023 instead of its current dates of 12-14 May 2022.

Labelexpo Southeast Asia Event Manager Richard Quirk commented, ‘Postponing the event will ensure that the show is as big and successful as possible. Labelexpo Europe now lands just two weeks before our originally scheduled Labelexpo Southeast Asia show next year, so we wanted to ensure the show was run at a time when we can maximise exhibitor numbers, visitor turnout and industry engagement. We know that February 2023 will be a time when the entire industry will be excited to come together. Exploring new markets is very important to all companies in the current climate, and with the current size and potential future growth of the Southeast Asian market we know that this event will be an important milestone for all involved.’

The last Labelexpo Southeast Asia exhibition held in 2018 attracted almost 8,000 visitors from 62 countries and 174 international exhibitors. For any exhibitor or show related questions, please contact support@labelexpo.com.