MAXStick Products Ltd. Announces 80gsm MAXStick X2 Colors

MAXStick Products Ltd. is pleased to announce the release of its newest product, 80 gram direct thermal, full coverage adhesive MAXStick X2 Colors.

Building off the success of the 55 gram center and double side edge adhesive color products, MAXStick X2 Colors utilizes an 80 gram base material with a full adhesive pattern that increases the long term durability and water resistance of the label in the harshest of environments. The full coverage adhesive colors product line offers a more permanent label option and presents the opportunity to provide color-coding options where a more robust tack is required.

 

Like the original MAXStick Colors, these labels offer flexibility with several different sizes and colors. The easy-to-see labels are ideal for a variety of applications such as departmental inventory, building and safety inspections, barcoding and daily classification systems for quick identification.

MAXStick X2 Colors are currently available in six colors: Pink, Canary, Orange, Violet, Green and Blue and retains the same silicone-free liner and release coating as our other MAXStick products to ensure there will be no harmful effects to the printer or print head. It is also environmentally friendly and meets several green standards in that it is recyclable, biodegradable and BP-A Free.

This new product has gone through the same extensive testing as all of our other MAXStick products and the results have been exceptional. MAXStick X2 Colors is the premier choice for businesses and organizations seeking new marketing opportunities and practical solutions in a market that is increasingly seeking high quality, low cost environmentally-friendly labels.

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Food labels: with the QR Code you can find out the food chain and the recipes too

Here is the news in the field of food labelling: adding a QR Code to the left of the food labels to give more information. This way you can find out more about flavours and recipes.

This is still quite a novelty in the field of food labels, but we are sure, it will be a sure hit among the younger population. We are talking about the QR Code, the square checked code that is often seen on posters and billboards. This symbol, in reality, is nothing more than a set of two-dimensional bars decipherable through a smartphone, allowing you to receive more information about the product on which is placed.

The new frontier is in the packaging of food, because the food label will include the classical labelling plus this little treasure full of information, which gives us the opportunity to check the production chain of a particular food product and to get some recipes and how to use it in the kitchen.

At the moment there are few companies that use them, but it might be a good way to introduce young people to the culture of eating and living healthy.

The advantage of using QR Codes for Food Traceability for businesses is the relatively low cost compared to any other type of Control, Marketing and Communication initiative. The QR Mobile Marketing for Food Traceability allows you to transform physical media (stickers and labels on the products, packaging, the price tags, etc..) into something new, interesting and interactive.

 

The chain of a food and the general information of the same form the basis of the relationship of trust between consumers and producers. In the production of labels and packaging people have always tried to create something that will become a marketing tool beyond their true function, that is, to be the information element on the product that is contained in the packaging. Today's technology can help a company achieve the quantum leap needed using the QR code to open the door to information, in order to give life to paper.

When applied to food labels, the QR code becomes the tool to help us learn any time and in any place all the necessary information about the product and the company, information which could never find a place on a sticker on a label on the package.

With the help of the Ink Videojet printers, QR codes can be printed on packaging directly.

This particular machines can print QR codes directly on packages or other suitable substrates such as labels. The print heads are available in various models to suit the various assembly and space requirements.

Guest post submited by: http://www.fam-printing.com/

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Edale appoints LR Print Solutions to distribute products in Poland

UK printing and converting manufacturer, Edale, have appointed LR Print Solutions (LRPS) as their exclusive distributor for Poland.

LR Print Solutions, based in Opole, Poland have more than two decades of experience across all aspects of the print market and work closely with a number of well known consumable brands within the industry and so adding the Edale machine portfolio seemed like the perfect fit moving forward.

 

General Manager of LR Print Solutions, Leszek Warmuzek alongside Edale’s Export Director Bernhard Grob.

Leszek Warmuzek, General Manager of LRPS, says “We approached Edale about representing them in Poland because they, quite simply, offer good products”, he continues “We were very impressed after visiting Edale’s Head Office in the UK - how the factory and showroom facilities look, friendly and helpful staff, as well as the cooperation with other market leaders in the industry such as FFEI and AB Graphic International. This is very reassuring to us”.

Bernhard Grob, Edale’s Export Sales Director, says “LR Print Solutions originally approached us over two years ago; at the time we were in a contract with a previous agent – however, we kept in touch and when the opportunity arose there was a lot of communication with us, a meeting at Labelexpo Europe this September, and a subsequent trip to Edale where we spent a lot of time in-depth training, followed up by existing customer visits – we are certain that this is the company to further raise the profile in Poland, and they are a very welcome addition to Edale’s growing team of distributors”.

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Synkcreative invest in a new Edale six colour UV Flexo label press

UK company Synkcreative have recently installed a six colour Edale Beta UV flexo label press into its 465sqm facility based in Manchester. The 330mm wide machine has been brought in to help with the increasing demand for self adhesive label work.

Chris Simmons, Managing Director of Synkcreative says “We had some issues on one of our previous waterbased printing presses meaning that we had to keep halting production to clean down the machine for something as simple as a run of 3,000 labels, so when the decision came for a new machine, it was imperative that we switched to UV drying”.

The Beta is Edale’s modular flexopress able to run substrates from 50-250 micron and is ideal for both labels and tags. A modular press with a web up design offers the operator a wide viewing area which makes job set up quicker, without minimising waste.

 

Chris is so impressed with the new press that he hopes it will help the £2m-turnover company to increase sales by up to 50% this year alone. “It is an ambitious figure, we know that, but taking into consideration the potential customers that we have waiting on the sidelines for us to invest in this UV machine, I think it is more than achievable” he explained.

Synkcreative, based in Oldham have, over recent years grown from a design agency to a full design, marketing and print outfit, and the addition of the Edale press is just the latest in a string of other innovative investments helping to grow the business further. Since Chris founded the business in 2009, the company has grown from two members of staff to a 15 strong team and high expectations for the future. He said “If all goes to plan, I would like to continue investing in the business next year, as work increases there will demand for more machinery to help with the short run work.”

Edale’s UK Sales Manager, Chris Chappel comments “We have a long relationship with Synkcreative, and the fact that our second office is on the same business park means we are able to offer a lot of additional support where needed. As well as this, the modular design means any additional upgrades or options can be retrofitted as Synk’s customer demands change, meaning the machine is practically futureproof”.

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Avery Dennison Signs RFID Licensing Agreement with Round Rock Research LLC

A subsidiary of Avery Dennison Corporation  has entered into a licensing agreement for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, labels, and readers with Round Rock Research LLC to facilitate further adoption of item-level RFID by U.S.-based apparel retailers and brands.

Avery Dennison's Retail Branding and Information Solutions business (RBIS) is the global leader in RFID-enabled solutions for the apparel and retail industry with more than 800 patents and applications, global manufacturing capabilities that have produced over 3 billion RFID tags and labels, and an industry-leading solution development team that supports retailers and brands from business case development to complete solution roll-out.

"RFID adoption in the apparel industry is accelerating around the world due to the strong investment case and fundamental advantage it affords retailers to better manage inventory and serve customers,” said Shawn Neville, president of Avery Dennison RBIS. “This license agreement, along with our significant investments in RFID innovation, manufacturing capabilities and market development, positions us to lead the accelerating adoption of RFID in the U.S. and around the world.”

“Item-level RFID in apparel retail significantly improves inventory visibility and accuracy, which results in higher inventory productivity and better enablement of omni-channel retail, and improves the overall consumer experience,” said Francisco Melo, vice president of Global RFID, Avery Dennison RBIS. “We are fortunate to partner with leading retailers and brands around the world to improve their overall performance through RFID-enabled solutions.”

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G-Force adds CDT Digital Flexo-bility to existing flexo press line-up

Colordyne Technologies™ (CDT) continues to make an impact on the label industry as it engineers digital printing solutions for the converter that effectively augment their CMYK flexographic printing services.

During the first week of November, G-Force Labels & Printing, Inc. added a CDT 1600-PC Rotary Pro digital label and tag printing press, featuring Digital Flexo-bility™, to its line-up of presses.

Based out of Plano, IL, G-Force specializes in custom labels and was looking for a digital label press to complement its current Mark Andy 2200 rotary press and two Allied Gear presses. The Rotary Pro’s ability to print the look and feel of flexo with the flexibility of digital will support G-Force’s mission statement of promising to continually provide the most responsive service, superior quality labels and innovative solutions for their customers’ needs.

“We looked for three years trying to find what we wanted and the Colordyne Rotary Pro does it all on one pass,” said G-Force president Greg H. Gould. “We can digitally print, laminate, UV varnish and die-cut, and it runs at 160 feet per minute (49 m/min.) whereas other digital presses can’t maintain that speed with the in-line finishing.”

The CDT 1600-PC Rotary Pro’s Memjet™ engine has four print heads containing 70,400 nozzles each that are able to print at 1600 x 1200 dpi resolution, offering true, flexo-like print quality. Digital Flexo-bility provides unparalleled flexibility in handling print jobs that may be inefficient and cost prohibitive on existing CMYK flexo presses.  Shorter print runs can be broken out of large, multi-job blanket orders and produced on the Rotary Pro to complement traditional flexo printing and boost profits.

“We expect this press to have a positive impact on our business and to take over for a lot of the short to medium size flexo jobs,” said Gould.

“The CDT 1600 Production Class digital presses effectively address short to medium run prime work or high volume variable imaging, numbering/barcoding,” said Gary Falconbridge, CEO and founder of CDT. “Finally there is a low capital cost digital press that allows converters to make short run/multiple SKU orders profitable.”

Source: Colordynetech

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WS Packaging Group Expands Digital Printing Capabilities

WS Packaging Group Inc. has expanded its digital printing capabilities across its nationwide network of 21 printing facilities with the recent installation of two new HP Indigo WS6600 presses. The new presses were installed at the Algoma, Wis., and Fullerton, Calif., “Advances in the speed, size, and overall production capabilities offered by digital printing technologies continually improves our ability to expand the range of customer applications we’re able to pursue using digital,” said Rex Lane, chief executive officer, WS Packaging. “Combining these technology improvements with the process management tools of our IMPACT™ Business System, we’ve enhanced our ability to provide better turnaround times, decrease waste, and expand our flexibility to deliver customer solutions with product quality that defines and differentiates the brand identity of the customers we serve.”

In addition to the new digital press in Fullerton, the company has realigned its West Coast operations by adding digital capacity at its facility in San Luis Obispo, Calif. The realignment consolidates production from the WS Packaging facility in Portland, Ore., to both Fullerton and San Luis Obispo. New post-digital finishing equipment at the San Luis Obispo plant will further support overall digital initiatives to meet the growing needs of wine producers, as well as other consumer product markets, that require packaging enhancements with special visual effects.

Source: WS Packaging Group

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Acquisition of the majority stake of Flexotecnica Spa by KBA Group

The majority acquisition of Italian press manufacturer Flexotecnica by Koenig and Bauer Group has been finalized.
Next year the youngest KBA subsidiary will be renamed KBA-Flexotecnica, and will be consolidated into the Group. This integration into a global sales and service network will for sure open up favourable prospects for further development, for the Italian Company.

 

KBA and Cerutti delegations after the closing

Officine Meccaniche Giovanni Cerutti will hold a stake in the firm. Adriano Canette, a descendant of the founding family working in the Company, remains a shareholer too.Dr. Giancarlo Cerutti is confirmed Chairman of the Board of new KBA-Flexotecnica, while Claudio Bisogni is confirmed as CEO.

"The step forward we have completed today represents the opportunity for Flexotecnica to fully exploit the benefits of the positive cooperation between KBA and Cerutti Group. We have always had excellent relations with our German colleagues: we will carry on working together for the interest of Flexotecnica and of the market itself" comments Dr. Giancarlo Cerutti, Chairmain and CEO of Officine Meccaniche G. Cerutti.

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Sun Chemical Introduces New Water-Based Flexo Dispenser Program for Narrow Web Printers

Narrow web tag and label printers that use water-based flexo inks can now decrease their overall bottom-line operating expenses in ink volume and ink costs by up to 25 percent with the new Sun Chemical Water-Based Flexo Dispenser Program.

The newest version of Sun Chemical’s highly successful Dispenser Program for commercial and NWTL printers, allows NWTL printers to mix exactly the amount of water-based flexo inks that they need, reduce their inventory and waste, improve color-matching consistency, and significantly decrease total operating costs.

The water-based flexo dispenser is unique in that it can make process, blending bases and spot colors all from the same machine. Color concentrates and technology extenders can be dispensed to make inks for more than one application, providing printers the flexibility to control color density and compensate for various anilox configurations.

“In the narrow web market, printers are looking for versatility—the ability to make process, spot and blending bases all on the same dispenser,” said Brian Breidigan, Vice President, Product Manager Commercial, North American Inks, Sun Chemical. “Our water-based dispenser program does that and more. The dispenser brings a small footprint to the pressroom, and customers can participate in the program at no risk or additional cost for upkeep. More importantly, it can save printers a significant amount of money by reducing inventory and waste.”

NWTL printers that participate in the program will receive a dispensing unit along with color repeatability and accuracy with 0.5 gram accuracy of all process, spot and blending base colors. The dispensing unit is provided to the printer at no cost through a minimum annual purchase of Sun Chemical products.

To learn more about the Sun Chemical Water-Based Dispenser Program, visit www.sunchemical.com/WBDispenser.

Source: Sun Chemical

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RadTech Europe brings wide-ranging overview of the market for energy curing at biennial conference

The biennial RadTech Europe Conference and Exhibition is a mainstay on the radiation curing industry’s calendar, across a wide range of downstream markets -- from printing and packaging to flooring, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. 2013 was no exception. Around 400 delegates from the world of radiation curing converged on Basel’s Congress Centre last October, to explore the event’s headline theme: ‘UV/EB – growing through innovation’. The event was an opportunity to learn about what is new in the scientific arena, in regulatory and health and safety concerns, and in innovation across a broad spectrum of applications.

 

RadTech Europe 13 was not only the thirteenth such annual event, but also the opportunity to celebrate RadTech Europe’s 25 years as the professional pan-European association promoting the use of UV/EB curing technology for inks, coatings, and adhesives. ‘Curing’, says RadTech Europe President David Helsby, ’is a process in the manufacture of many products, and a key factor in finishing that makes fit-for-purpose goods’. The association’s high visibility within the industries it serves is, he adds, ‘a reflection of our exceptionally strong, expert membership, and of the committed volunteer teams that constitute our board, and the conference programme committee.

Current market profile for energy curing

With supply and demand of crude acrylic acid now very close, new capacity needs to be identified to keep the industry on track. In 2010, it represented 1.9% of the global coatings market, projected to grow by the end of 2013 to 3% and 3.9% in 2014. The Asia-Pacific region commands the major market share – 5.4%. Worldwide, usage is mostly in industrial coatings (44%), with OP lacquers a 21% share, electronics applications 19%, and printing inks 12%.

 

In Europe, it is the German-speaking countries – Germany, Austria, and Switzerland – that command by far the largest market share overall, 40%. In terms of end-use markets, wood coating is by far the most important, representing 38% of usage, with OP lacquers and printing inks in joint second place with 22% of the market.

According to The Global Radiation Cured Products Industry market report, produced by Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney, Inc. in the spring of 2013, the current market trends include ‘new applications such as inkjet, field applied floor coatings, and water-based UV could stimulate growth beyond modest growth prospects.'

There is also a current incursion of UV LED into traditional UV lamp territory – expected to grow at a CAGR of 43% through 2017, and new developments in 3D technology – once seen as prototyping, now often seen as OEM manufacture’.

Innovative applications

Beyond these trends there is an exciting list of applications for radiation curing taken from RadTech Europe’s innovation sessions – which included such tasks as marble repair on and offsite; cosmetic fingernail decoration; repairs to car windscreens; dental curing tasks; textiles and clothing; inkjetted solar panels; membrane panels; and the production of contact lenses.

Graphic arts

In the graphic arts markets, there are differences in predicted growth rates. Between 2011 and 2016, mainstream packaging use will grow at an estimated 24%, but UV inkjet print for labels and flexible packaging will see an estimated 250% growth over the same period.

 

Environmental considerations are as strong in the market for printing inks as elsewhere, and of all the environmentally-friendly ink technologies, UV inks are the fastest growing. UV inkjet inks are a major global growth opportunity, accelerating to an estimated 38% of the total market by 2017.

Industrial coatings

In industrial coatings, a geographical growth to the east of Europe is evidenced, alongside significant technology shifts reflecting increased emphasis on energy costs, weatherability and corrosion resistance, among other factors, and increased interest in water-based UV and EB systems.

Regulations and compliance

Regulatory and compliance requirements, from REACH and the Swiss and German ordinances to brand owner compliances and restrictions on components such as solvents and BPA create challenges for all curing systems – but radiation curing is well placed to meet them.

‘The Unpredictables’

The real threats to the industry, today and tomorrow, are being described as ‘The Unpredictables’: volatility in crude oil and raw materials prices and availability, as well as in freight and interest rates, and fluctuations in currency and stock markets.

Specialist parallel conference sessions

The conference programme covered twelve specialist parallel sessions covering well over 90 well attended technical sessions. All proceedings of the RadTech Europe conference can be obtained in the online Knowledge Center of RadTech Europe (www.radtech-europe.com). The proceedings are included as articles and can be search by title, author and/or industry. RTE members can download the articles for free, non members pay a small amount per article.

RadTech Europe 13 combined outstanding networking opportunities across the whole supply chain and a formal conference agenda that unquestionably answered the chosen theme – growth through innovation.

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The Best is Yet to Come ! - don't miss the next BAPC Conference

The BAPC has a long history supporting the Print and Communication sectors. Sidney Bobb, chairman of the BAPC is passionate about print. "Our association is run 'by printers - for printers' providing a range of services and support," says Bobb. A key event in the association's calender is the annual BAPC conference. The next conference is planned on the theme “The best is yet to come" and will be held over the weekend of the 17th and 18thJanuary 2014 at the Holiday Inn, Elstree.

The BAPC conference has become one of the most popular networking events in the industry calendar. It attracts an eclectic mix of printers, suppliers, marketors and the media and a number of them have chosen to voice how important the BAPC conference is to them and the industry community:

John Charnock, Director of Print Research International Ltd

"The BAPC conference is the best. You can't beat it for content and its most enjoyable. Sidney Bobb has an incredible ability to pull together the most insightful and exciting speakers. Any small to medium business in the graphic arts should seriously consider attending the event for insight and presentations that simply cover all the essentials of the graphic arts market. The 2 day event enables time to network and share experiences with other attendees, which is often the most important aspect. You do come away inspired and ready to try new ideas. I would highly recommend this conference to all."

 

Mark Yeung, Director of Duraweld

"The BAPC brings together diverse participants in the print industry and, through the annual conference, creates an opportunity for building relationships and sometimes making unexpected connections. We’ve found Sidney is always genuinely interested in helping his members where he can, and is a great source of insight into the print industry and its changing dynamics."

Gareth Ward, Editor of Print Business

"Attending the conference is time out – a time to meet industry folks away from the print shop or the office. It's a great place to pick up new ideas and share different viewpoints from both the speakers and other attendees. Because it's a mix of more formal sessions and networking away from the daily grind, it presents an opportunity to reflect - which isn't always possible when the phone is ringing and something needs sorting out. The BAPC is fundamentally an organization at grass roots, great for sharing experiences and the annual conference is always good value and worth attending."

Pat Holloway, Director of Independent Marketing Services

"Often we think that trade associations are a thing of the past. We perhaps relate to their role as an industry mouth piece for larger companies toward government agencies - but the BAPC is not like that at all. They are taking calls on a daily basis supporting the UK print industry in 2013 which is mainly SME style businesses. Sidney Bobb is a rare breed - a people person. Not only is he there for the members, he also works with other industry associations, trade press, manufacturers and suppliers. I would highly recommend the BAPC conference - its always fun and provides a platform to listen and to learn in a convivial atmosphere. You will not be disappointed!"

Freddie Kienzler, Managing Director of Formara

"I have been going to the BAPC Conference since the mid 1980’s. Sometimes it is easy to think that since you have been in print for so long, there is not much left to learn but it is amazing how every year at the Conference I will pick up some new ideas or tips to help our business and our customers. With the astonishing pace of change facing all businesses at present, it is even more important to keep informed on ideas and how to take opportunities and benefit from them. The BAPC plays a crucial role in supporting SME’s in the Print Sector with a huge range of valuable advice and services all for a ridiculously low fee. This can be achieved since 99% of staff are volunteers and do it because we are proud of our industry and want to help others benefit from it in the way that we have. Most of what we do is driven by our hard working Chairman Sidney Bobb but if there is anyone out there who wants to join us in helping our industry then please contact us."

Bookings can be made online at http://www.bapc.co.uk

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Iropa is Boosting its Environmental Strategy with KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates

Innovation and the environment – these are the two main elements of a successful industrial strategy that has worked well for Normandy-based printer Iropa. The company was an early adopter of KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates, and it is now in a position to take stock – the plates can be imaged 54% faster and they last 25% longer on the press than the previous plates.

Innovation and the environment – these are the two main elements of a successful industrial strategy that has worked well for Normandy-based printer Iropa. The company was an early adopter of KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates, and it is now in a position to take stock – the plates can be imaged 54% faster and they last 25% longer on the press than the previous plates.

 

Iropa’s workforce of 58 is fully committed to a voluntary environmental approach – the company recycles its water and sorts all its waste, from coffee cups to empty ink containers.

Based in Saint-Etienne du Rouvray, close to Rouen, Iropa is a sheet offset printer with an EUR 7.5 million turnover, specializing in commercial printing. Its client base includes local organizations (regional authorities, regional tourist boards, etc.) as well as major Parisian accounts such as banks and publishing companies. It has eight offset presses for formats of up to 70 x 102 mm (27.55 inches x 40.15 inches), in addition to one KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press. Iropa has been working with Kodak since 2007, and its prepress department boasts two KODAK Thermal CTP Systems – the KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter and the KODAK MAGNUS Q800 Platesetter – controlled by KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System.

The environment comes first

“We’ve always been committed to environmental issues,” says Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa. “We were the first printer in Normandy to be awarded the Imprim’vert label in 2004. We were also the first industrial facility in France to achieve HQE certification, which covers all sectors. That was in 2010.”

According to Laurent Crevel, Iropa’s CEO, the KODAK SONORA XP Plate is the first non process solution that can be used for production on an industrial scale.

So it is easy to understand why the company is so interested in process free plates. “We started using KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates in 2010,” says Laurent Crevel. “There’s no need for rinsing water and there’s no chemical waste (developer, fixer, etc.), so non process CTP fits in perfectly with our philosophy. In terms of rinsing water alone, non process CTP means we save 375,000 litres of water per year. As for recycling the chemical waste from CTP – this is something we simply don’t have to worry about any more.”

KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates – faster, more robust

Iropa has been acting as a pilot site for KODAK SONORA XP Plates since early 2012. SONORA XP Plates are designed for commercial printers of all sizes as well as major publishers. They use non ablative writing technology for exceptional performance in terms of writing speed and the contrast of the latent image. The system’s easy operation helps to increase user productivity.

As Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa confirms: “Switching to the SONORA XP Plates was easy for us. Cleaning out the plate on the press is noticeably faster. It used to take around 15 sheets before a legible image would appear on the plate. With the SONORA XP Plates, the image on the plate is visible from the first sheet. This allows us to reduce makeready time and materials.”

But the benefits do not stop there. “SONORA XP Plates can be imaged much faster,” continues Laurent Crevel. “We have been able to increase production from 26 plates per hour to 40 plates per hour on our CTP systems.”

The operators in the prepress department are not alone in praising SONORA XP Plates. The offset press operators also like them because they last longer on the press.

An industrial solution

The company now uses KODAK SONORA XP Plates for its entire plate production, equivalent to 18,000 to 20,000 m² (193,750 to 215,278 square feet) per year. “We only have good things to say about KODAK SONORA XP Plates,” confirms Laurent Crevel. “Their robustness and productivity really make them an industrial solution for us.”

With this in mind, Laurent Crevel is already looking to the future. Iropa was an early adopter of SONORA XP Plates, and was also one of the first users of non process plates to stop using isopropyl alcohol as a wetting agent. It is now among the first printers to move to hybrid UV offset, having taken delivery of an HUV press in October 2013, which will work with KODAK SONORA XP Plates.

“We’re the first printer in Europe to do this,” says Laurent Crevel. “It is an innovation that opens doors to new applications like printing on non absorbent substrates including plastic-based papers. We’re also going to create high gloss varnishes.”

Asked whether the systematic use of ecological solutions has a negative impact on competitiveness, Laurent Crevel’s answer is based on experience: “Our environmental commitment has never put us at a financial disadvantage. It has never held us back in terms of our competitiveness. Our customers are familiar with our approach and they appreciate it. It is one of the ways we stand out from the rest. We are steadily increasing our market share even in these difficult times,” he says. Food for thought…

Olivier Claude, General Manager for Print & Vice President Commercial Business EAMER, Kodak adds “As SONORA XP Plates remove the environmental impact of chemistry, water and electricity usage of processing, they are being readily adopted worldwide because of their sustainability advantages. And the ecological gains complement the cost advantages delivered too.”

Innovation and the environment – these are the two main elements of a successful industrial strategy that has worked well for Normandy-based printer Iropa. The company was an early adopter of KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates, and it is now in a position to take stock – the plates can be imaged 54% faster and they last 25% longer on the press than the previous plates..

Iropa’s workforce of 58 is fully committed to a voluntary environmental approach – the company recycles its water and sorts all its waste, from coffee cups to empty ink containers.

Based in Saint-Etienne du Rouvray, close to Rouen, Iropa is a sheet offset printer with an EUR 7.5 million turnover, specializing in commercial printing. Its client base includes local organizations (regional authorities, regional tourist boards, etc.) as well as major Parisian accounts such as banks and publishing companies. It has eight offset presses for formats of up to 70 x 102 mm (27.55 inches x 40.15 inches), in addition to one KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press. Iropa has been working with Kodak since 2007, and its prepress department boasts two KODAK Thermal CTP Systems – the KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter and the KODAK MAGNUS Q800 Platesetter – controlled by KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System.

The environment comes first

“We’ve always been committed to environmental issues,” says Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa. “We were the first printer in Normandy to be awarded the Imprim’vert label in 2004. We were also the first industrial facility in France to achieve HQE certification, which covers all sectors. That was in 2010.”

According to Laurent Crevel, Iropa’s CEO, the KODAK SONORA XP Plate is the first non process solution that can be used for production on an industrial scale.

So it is easy to understand why the company is so interested in process free plates. “We started using KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates in 2010,” says Laurent Crevel. “There’s no need for rinsing water and there’s no chemical waste (developer, fixer, etc.), so non process CTP fits in perfectly with our philosophy. In terms of rinsing water alone, non process CTP means we save 375,000 litres of water per year. As for recycling the chemical waste from CTP – this is something we simply don’t have to worry about any more.”

KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates – faster, more robust

Iropa has been acting as a pilot site for KODAK SONORA XP Plates since early 2012. SONORA XP Plates are designed for commercial printers of all sizes as well as major publishers. They use non ablative writing technology for exceptional performance in terms of writing speed and the contrast of the latent image. The system’s easy operation helps to increase user productivity.

As Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa confirms: “Switching to the SONORA XP Plates was easy for us. Cleaning out the plate on the press is noticeably faster. It used to take around 15 sheets before a legible image would appear on the plate. With the SONORA XP Plates, the image on the plate is visible from the first sheet. This allows us to reduce makeready time and materials.”

But the benefits do not stop there. “SONORA XP Plates can be imaged much faster,” continues Laurent Crevel. “We have been able to increase production from 26 plates per hour to 40 plates per hour on our CTP systems.”

The operators in the prepress department are not alone in praising SONORA XP Plates. The offset press operators also like them because they last longer on the press.

An industrial solution

The company now uses KODAK SONORA XP Plates for its entire plate production, equivalent to 18,000 to 20,000 m² (193,750 to 215,278 square feet) per year. “We only have good things to say about KODAK SONORA XP Plates,” confirms Laurent Crevel. “Their robustness and productivity really make them an industrial solution for us.”

With this in mind, Laurent Crevel is already looking to the future. Iropa was an early adopter of SONORA XP Plates, and was also one of the first users of non process plates to stop using isopropyl alcohol as a wetting agent. It is now among the first printers to move to hybrid UV offset, having taken delivery of an HUV press in October 2013, which will work with KODAK SONORA XP Plates.

“We’re the first printer in Europe to do this,” says Laurent Crevel. “It is an innovation that opens doors to new applications like printing on non absorbent substrates including plastic-based papers. We’re also going to create high gloss varnishes.”

Asked whether the systematic use of ecological solutions has a negative impact on competitiveness, Laurent Crevel’s answer is based on experience: “Our environmental commitment has never put us at a financial disadvantage. It has never held us back in terms of our competitiveness. Our customers are familiar with our approach and they appreciate it. It is one of the ways we stand out from the rest. We are steadily increasing our market share even in these difficult times,” he says. Food for thought…

Olivier Claude, General Manager for Print & Vice President Commercial Business EAMER, Kodak adds “As SONORA XP Plates remove the environmental impact of chemistry, water and electricity usage of processing, they are being readily adopted worldwide because of their sustainability advantages. And the ecological gains complement the cost advantages delivered too.”

Iropa’s workforce of 58 is fully committed to a voluntary environmental approach – the company recycles its water and sorts all its waste, from coffee cups to empty ink containers.

Based in Saint-Etienne du Rouvray, close to Rouen, Iropa is a sheet offset printer with an EUR 7.5 million turnover, specializing in commercial printing. Its client base includes local organizations (regional authorities, regional tourist boards, etc.) as well as major Parisian accounts such as banks and publishing companies. It has eight offset presses for formats of up to 70 x 102 mm (27.55 inches x 40.15 inches), in addition to one KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press. Iropa has been working with Kodak since 2007, and its prepress department boasts two KODAK Thermal CTP Systems – the KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter and the KODAK MAGNUS Q800 Platesetter – controlled by KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System.

The environment comes first

“We’ve always been committed to environmental issues,” says Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa. “We were the first printer in Normandy to be awarded the Imprim’vert label in 2004. We were also the first industrial facility in France to achieve HQE certification, which covers all sectors. That was in 2010.”

According to Laurent Crevel, Iropa’s CEO, the KODAK SONORA XP Plate is the first non process solution that can be used for production on an industrial scale.

So it is easy to understand why the company is so interested in process free plates. “We started using KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates in 2010,” says Laurent Crevel. “There’s no need for rinsing water and there’s no chemical waste (developer, fixer, etc.), so non process CTP fits in perfectly with our philosophy. In terms of rinsing water alone, non process CTP means we save 375,000 litres of water per year. As for recycling the chemical waste from CTP – this is something we simply don’t have to worry about any more.”

KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates – faster, more robust

Iropa has been acting as a pilot site for KODAK SONORA XP Plates since early 2012. SONORA XP Plates are designed for commercial printers of all sizes as well as major publishers. They use non ablative writing technology for exceptional performance in terms of writing speed and the contrast of the latent image. The system’s easy operation helps to increase user productivity.

As Laurent Crevel, CEO of Iropa confirms: “Switching to the SONORA XP Plates was easy for us. Cleaning out the plate on the press is noticeably faster. It used to take around 15 sheets before a legible image would appear on the plate. With the SONORA XP Plates, the image on the plate is visible from the first sheet. This allows us to reduce makeready time and materials.”

But the benefits do not stop there. “SONORA XP Plates can be imaged much faster,” continues Laurent Crevel. “We have been able to increase production from 26 plates per hour to 40 plates per hour on our CTP systems.”

The operators in the prepress department are not alone in praising SONORA XP Plates. The offset press operators also like them because they last longer on the press.

An industrial solution

The company now uses KODAK SONORA XP Plates for its entire plate production, equivalent to 18,000 to 20,000 m² (193,750 to 215,278 square feet) per year. “We only have good things to say about KODAK SONORA XP Plates,” confirms Laurent Crevel. “Their robustness and productivity really make them an industrial solution for us.”

With this in mind, Laurent Crevel is already looking to the future. Iropa was an early adopter of SONORA XP Plates, and was also one of the first users of non process plates to stop using isopropyl alcohol as a wetting agent. It is now among the first printers to move to hybrid UV offset, having taken delivery of an HUV press in October 2013, which will work with KODAK SONORA XP Plates.

“We’re the first printer in Europe to do this,” says Laurent Crevel. “It is an innovation that opens doors to new applications like printing on non absorbent substrates including plastic-based papers. We’re also going to create high gloss varnishes.”

Asked whether the systematic use of ecological solutions has a negative impact on competitiveness, Laurent Crevel’s answer is based on experience: “Our environmental commitment has never put us at a financial disadvantage. It has never held us back in terms of our competitiveness. Our customers are familiar with our approach and they appreciate it. It is one of the ways we stand out from the rest. We are steadily increasing our market share even in these difficult times,” he says. Food for thought…

Olivier Claude, General Manager for Print & Vice President Commercial Business EAMER, Kodak adds “As SONORA XP Plates remove the environmental impact of chemistry, water and electricity usage of processing, they are being readily adopted worldwide because of their sustainability advantages. And the ecological gains complement the cost advantages delivered too.”

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Etiquette goes greener!

Carbon footprint is something Etiquette are constantly conscious about. Anything that can help their surrounding environment is a big thumbs up in their books! That is why there is great expectation awaiting the arrival of the  new UV curing and drying system, the GEW E2C System. Titled ‘The Most Powerful Low Energy UV System for Narrow Web Presses’; this new system ultimately ensures a quicker job turnaround and minimises downtime, together with superior energy efficiency, saving up to 42% in energy use helps us lower that carbon footprint.

 

Etiquette are currently using a GEW VCP system, an advanced, compact, fully air-cooled UV curing system. The system, which cures the ink between each printing station, also offers ‘Extreme cure’ reflectors, equipping us with the ability to successfully face the most demanding curing applications. With the machines touch-screen control interface, the system is both user-friendly and intuitive ensuring the end product is the perfect output for our valued customers. The GEW E2C System in additional to the current GEW VCP system will inevitably widen the curation boundaries, helping Etiquette to further develop in the coming months.

Source: www.Etiquette.co.uk

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White Paper: How to Determine the Safety of a Food Contact Adhesive

Food packaging safety is an issue to which Henkel – as the world’s largest adhesives manufacturer – is deeply committed. On its knowledge platform “Food Safe Packaging Portal Europe”, Henkel presents a new whitepaper on the topic of how to determine the safety of a food contact adhesive. In his whitepaper, Henkel expert Dr. Joerg Feesche explains what the company does to constantly improve its adhesive portfolio to fulfill customer demand and legal requirements.

 

One important premise of food contact legislation is preventing food contact materials from endangering human health. It is up to the manufacturer of the food contact material to check whether their material releases certain chemicals and to assess whether or not these are likely to impact human health. However, there is no special regulation explicitly covering food contact adhesives. Dr. Joerg Feesche provides a summary, as well as information and insights into relevant regulations and risk assessment. Interested people can visit www.henkel.com/foodsafety to register for the premium area, where the whitepapers can be found along with a comprehensive glossary and further videos covering a range of key issues on food safe packaging adhesives.

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New website for Ritrama’s Core Linerless Solutions®

Ritrama has launched the company's new interactive website dedicated entirely to Core Linerless Solutions®, the brand new linerless technology system developed in cooperation with finishing specialist Prati and labelling equipment supplier ILTI.

 

The Core Linerless Solutions website will provide visitors with detailed information and answer all the  questions about the  new linerless solutions - a competitive, efficient and green approach to the labelling requirements.

www.corelinerless.com

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Erhardt+Leimer sets up a new subsidiary in South Korea

The Erhardt+Leimer group now has a subsidiary in South Korea, too. The specialist for web guiding and inspection technology already runs subsidiaries in China, Taiwan, India and Japan, some of which have been established for several decades, accounting for 50% of the group’s worldwide turnover. Now, in October, the fifth Asian subsidiary has been opened. The constant efforts to expand the E+L group – in particular on the Asian markets – have entered a new phase following the foundation of Erhardt+Leimer Ltd. Korea.

 

E+L has been active on the Korean market for several years via representatives in the textiles and paper/foil business areas. Particular focus is placed on customers such as Samsung or Hyundai within the context of these market activities. In order to be able to offer better support to medium-sized customers in the future, and further to this, develop markets for the tire and web inspection industry, the decision was made to found a company in Korea.

The subsidiary will be managed by Peter Choi, Matthias Lee will act as sales manager.

Source: Erhardt+Leimer

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Spanish label converter invests on GIDUE M1 Digital Flexo™

The Spanish converter Interprint has recently invested again on GIDUE technology, by purchasing the new M1 Digital Flexo™ exhibited at GIDUE booth during Labelexpo Europe 2013.

Founded in 1995 in Leon, Interprint is one of the leading companies in the Labels industry  overview of the Spanish market and it is specialized in the production of self-adhesive labels.

It was just at the end of 2012 when Tomas Iglesias, Managing Director of Interprint, decided to start the cooperation with GIDUE by investing on the Entry Level Combat MX Easy-to-go 370mm wide, 8 flexographic print units, 8 UV lamps, 1 die-cutting station, cold foil and full set of printing tools. Now, after less than a year, GIDUE is proud to announce that the second GIDUE printing machine, a M1 Digital Flexo™  370mm, 8 colors Flexo UV with Exceldie™ technology for automated exchange of die-cutting stations, has been installed in their plant in Leon after the end of the exhibition.

 

The decision of investing again on GIDUE technology is strictly linked to the introduction of Digital Flexo™ system, thanks to which the whole printing and die-cutting process is fully automated. Since  its launch, the Digital Flexo™ technology have set new parameters in the production of lables and packaging and it has reached a great level of success worldwide.

Tomas Iglesias, Managing Director of Interprint, commented: ‘’With M1 Digital Flexo™ we can let the operator just concentrate on the printing quality and organize the work flow around the press to achieve the highest productivity. We are sure that this additional investment will help us to face much easily the growing market demand’’

Interprint represents one of the best examples of future oriented company that have no fear in investing in revolutionary quality presses. 

With this umpteenth  achievement, GIDUE confirms its role as leading company in the élite of European high quality manufacturers of printing machines for Labels&Packaging industry.

Source: www.gidue.com

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Esko supports Allkopi in establishing Norway’s largest print production site

When Allkopi decided to establish Norway’s largest print production site, it opted for Esko solutions to drive and streamline the entire production line up. Officially opened on November 7th, Allkopi's new 5.500sqm site underlines the company's goal to be Norway's 'first choice' full service print provider for a broad array of applications. Next to printing equipment from industry leading manufacturers, Esko's Automation Engine, WebCenter and an Esko Kongsberg XP44 with i-cut Suite software take a prominent place at the new site which is located near Oslo.

 

"For our new facilities, we were looking for one versatile solution to drive all equipment and streamline production," comments Lars Dæhli, Product Director at Allkopi. “The Esko products were installed last week upon opening of the site. We are convinced to see the benefits of this investment over time and reach our aim of automating 80% of our daily production. Esko’s workflow integration and ability to easily drive other systems creates a solution that covers almost everything – and we are very happy with that. Esko delivers as promised, no one else managed that.”

New site, new products, new opportunities

Mr. Dæhli continues explaining why Esko's Automation Engine and WebCenter were chosen to drive production: “Esko's solutions are highly dynamic with a lot of options and opportunities. We particularly liked the fact they support different production processes with regards to the use of different hot folder structures in existing RIP-solutions. We required a solution that is scalable, integrates with Navision, is JDF/JMF compatible and supports different cutting units and barcoding – with Esko we got all of that."

 

As for the Kongsberg XP44 with i-cut Suite, Mr. Dæhli comments: “There was a real need to streamline the cutting of all types of soft materials such as flags and banners. We had the same challenge for hard materials, especially when producing several images on the same sheet and cutting it after printing. So clearly, a new digital cutting table was on top of our wish list. Several competitive options were considered, taking into account we only wanted a Nordic supplier. The speed, robustness, power and integrated software of the Kongsberg made our choice easy. Positive references of other happy users were an important deciding factor."

Mr. Dæhli states that the Kongsberg table delivers great time savings in cutting and printing because the improved production enables them to place more orders on one plate. In addition, Allkopi also saves considerably in material waste. "With the Kongsberg, we can polish, punch holes and round off edges in a simple and effective way. Before we had to do this manually which not only took a lot of time but also lacked the accuracy of a machine. Now, we deliver a better quality on existing products and we have the possibility to offer new products. Last but not least, we can now also do more in-house instead of using subcontractors."

”The labor costs of less effective equipment or just doing things manually is at least one man's year salary,” concludes Mr. Dæhli on the impact of the new Esko solutions. He continues: “To fully exploit our new production site, flexible and versatile tools are fundamental to handle the broad spectrum of products and materials used in our production. We are happy to partner with Esko, and are looking forward to a bright future.

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UPM Raflatac achieves FSC® and PEFC™ certifications for labelstock produced in Malaysia

UPM Raflatac has achieved both FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody certifications for a range of labelstock produced at its Malaysia factory and for the slitting and distribution operations in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India. Now all UPM Raflatac factories in the Asia-Pacific region are PEFC and FSC certified. This is a significant milestone towards UPM Raflatac’s aim to supply products that are sustainable over their lifecycles, and to increase the range of eco-labelled products.

“We have seen demand rising for FSC and PEFC certified products and are proud to be able to supply these materials to our customers,” says Jouni Komulainen, General Manager, UPM Raflatac Southeast Asia. “A clear Chain of Custody is crucial also to retailers. They can underline their sustainability credentials to consumers, who in turn can make more responsible buying decisions.”

FSC (the Forest Stewardship Council®) and PEFC (the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes™) are the main global forest management certifications. These certifications confirm that the UPM Raflatac paper labelstock carrying the FSC or PEFC logo has been manufactured using raw materials from sustainably managed forests. The certificates also play an important role in verifying compliance with legislation aimed at preventing the placement of illegally logged wood fibre on the market. UPM Raflatac has a global presence on Chain of Custody, currently allowing the company to offer FSC and PEFC certified products from Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

UPM Raflatac is one of the world’s leading suppliers of self-adhesive label materials. UPM Raflatac has a global service network consisting of 13 factories on five continents and a broad network of sales offices and slitting and distribution terminals worldwide. UPM Raflatac employs around 2,900 people and made sales of EUR 1.2 billion (USD 1.6 billion) in 2012. Further information is available at www.upmraflatac.com.

The Chain of Custody (CoC) verifies that the wood used in a product originates from sustainably managed and certified forests.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) is an international non-governmental organisation founded in 1993, whose task is to support environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. Forests certified to FSC standards are located in more than 60 countries. The Council has defined ten general principles of forest management. The actual certification standards are drawn up in accordance with the FSC principles in a national cooperation process. Fulfilling the FSC standard requires independent third-party verification. More information: www.fsc.org.

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes™) is, by area, the world’s largest forest certification system. PEFC is an umbrella organisation for the mutual recognition of national or regional forest certification schemes which meet internationally recognised requirements for sustainable forest management. PEFC includes forest certification, Chain of Custody and product labelling. Fulfilling the PEFC standard requires independent third-party verification. PEFC members are national or regional forest certification schemes based on inter-governmental processes for sustainable forest management around the world. In Europe these principles were agreed at a conference of European forest ministers. More information: www.pefc.org.

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Carlucci Spa also selects PHARMACHECK

The relationship binding PRATI Company to Carlucci SpA, one of the oldest Italian self-adhesive label printing companies, is an extremely solid one. The latest step, in terms of time, in this business partnership was the Pomezia company’s decision to select the PHARMACHECK platform, thus bringing to Italy a technology which, though created in this country, is so sophisticated as to be practically only used on the more advanced global markets, such as Germany and North America.

 

A specialist in the label industry sector for over 40 years, Carlucci SpA has acquired considerable know-how and understanding of the major sectors in which self-adhesive labels are used, especially of the pharmaceutical industry. One of the aspects it has in common with PRATI Company is the prominence of two factors in its strategic goals: innovation and quality. This, over the last few years, has resulted in Carlucci SpA making a series of major investments in cutting-edge technologies and R&D to present its customers with speedy answers to their needs.

The purchase of a PHARMACHECK line is part of this process of ongoing technological development. A philosophy that so far has brought with it successful results, considering that since 1989, thanks to the company’s acknowledged high quality standards, Carlucci SpA has become a regular supplier of the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute with regard to the supply of double-layer pharmaceutical stickers on coded and numbered watermarked security paper, and for the control of public expenditure and product originality certification. With regard to the recent purchase, the company CEO, Gianmaria Dadea, declared: “The satisfaction for the contribution which PRATI Company systems give to our business mainly stems from their precision, flexibility and interface accessibility, which makes operator training easier”.

And went on: “Another key factor guaranteed by PRATI Company technology is speed, a requirement increasingly more crucial on today’s market”. Last but not least, the understanding between PRATI Company and Carlucci SpA is further strengthened by a mutual awareness as regards the prevention of pollution and the implementation of environment-friendly energy saving and waste reduction solutions, aspects on which the Company, with considerable foresight, has always been closely focused. In remarking on this sale, Chiara Prati, Sales Director of PRATI Company, expressed her satisfaction on two fronts: “I consider the fact that we have sold one of our systems to an Italian customer to be an added value because I am pleased to think that our flagship technology will be expressing all its potential in the country where it was conceived”.

 

Source: Praty Company

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UPM Raflatac offers The Label of a Reliable Choice at Labelexpo Asia

UPM Raflatac’s theme at Labelexpo Asia 2013, ‘The Label of a Reliable Choice’, highlights the product quality, attentive service and industry expertise trusted by the label printers and brand owners locally and globally. At the show, UPM Raflatac experts introduce new products developed especially for the regional markets in home and personal care, pharmaceutical, logistical, garment textile and direct food labelling.

New MDO film for contoured and squeezable packaging in personal care

Raflex Pro is a new 50-micron label film for personal care labelling. This thin MDO film combines the best properties of PE and PP: high stiffness for trouble-free label dispensing, good conformability to contoured packaging, and lasting squeezability. Raflex Pro is available in white as an excellent foundation for high-quality decoration, and in clear for quality no-label look branding. Options include a thin and robust 23-micron PET liner for the highest possible processing efficiency.

New imports and local production for safe food labelling

UPM Raflatac China is introducing adhesives and other food labelling materials imported from Europe. These materials are approved for direct food contact and certified by ISEGA and the FDA.  The coated papers in these labelstocks will also be free from harmful OBAs. UPM Raflatac is also launching locally produced PSA materials for food contact applications, including water-based and hotmelt adhesives, to serve the local market to European standards.

Multilayer logistics labels optimize supply chains and e-business

UPM Raflatac is also introducing a new innovative product for multi-layer information labelling to optimize supply chain processes and support logistical efficiency for e-businesses. This new labelstock product will replace conventional carbonless duplication sheets used in the logistics industry – improving tracking and tracing as well as inventory management.

Trusted technical performance for tyre labelling

From label conversion and dispensing through to tyre distribution and storage at the point of sale, tyre labelling requires the expertise of a leading labelstock supplier trusted throughout the tyre industry. UPM Raflatac is launching a range of dedicated products based on high-quality paper and filmic label faces with the renowned RH T adhesive specifically formulated for tyre labelling.

Special adhesives for HDPE automotive oil containers

Oil drums in the automotive sector are typically formed from rough, blow-moulded HDPE. In most cases these containers will be subject to temperature change during the filling process, causing them to deform to some degree. This places strict requirements on the label materials to prevent warping, bubbling, wrinkling or lifting. UPM Raflatac’s RP 50 and RP 77 adhesives have been specially formulated for use in oil drum and container applications, and are available with a range of specially selected paper and film materials.

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ROTOCON Now Representing Wink in South Africa

ROTOCON  announces its representation in South Africa of Wink Stanzwerkzeuge GmbH & Co. KG, one of the world's leading manufacturers of cutting tools for the graphic industry. The company will provide local service and sales of the German-designed high precision tools including flexible dies, cylinders and steel rule dies for South African label and narrow web printers and converters.

Using state-of-the-art CNC technology, Wink produces high-quality tools for internationally renowned manufacturers of labels, packaging, envelopes and a wide range of other printed products. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Germany, Wink has subsidiaries in the USA, Denmark, and Italy and is also represented globally by distribution partners.

Patrick Aengenvoort, Director of ROTOCON comments: "We are pleased to represent the reputable line of Wink cutting tools in South Africa. With their outstanding quality from certified management systems in place and customer-focused philosophy, the Wink product portfolio will be advantageous to our South African customers."

Wink SuperCut flexible dies

Marcel Morta, who recently joined the ROTOCON team, will represent Wink in Cape Town, with Patrick Aengenvoort supporting customers in Johannesburg and Akhmuth Sayed in Durban. ROTOCON also represents ROTOCONTROL high-speed finishing machines; the MPS extensive range of flexo and offset printing presses; Pantec sophisticated in-line refining solutions; and AVT, a leading developer and manufacturer of automatic inspection systems.

Source: www.rotocontrol.com

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Titan ER610 slitter rewinder expands production for Poyraz Ambalaj

Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd. has confirmed confirm that earlier this year it commissioned a 1350mm wide Titan ER610 compact slitter rewinder at Poyraz Ambalaj, located in Menemen, near Izmir in Turkey. Poyraz Ambalaj was established in 2007 by a group of people who together have more than 30 years of experience in the flexible packaging industry. The company prides itself on producing high quality printed materials for a wide range of consumer products using both flexo & gravure presses in up to 8 colours for both food and non-food applications.

Installation of the new Titan ER610 compact slitter has made an immediate impact on production for the company. "In the short space of time since installation, it has proved to be so successful that we have been able to divert all materials from two existing slitting machines to the new Titan ER610 slitter, which can easily cope with this capacity," explained Mr. Ahmet Ruchan, Plant Manager at Poyraz Ambalaj.

"When we started business, like many other companies we had to rely on locally sourced machinery because of a perceived lower cost. However, as our business has expanded we decided to commit to a strategy of replacing our locally produced machinery with market leading, higher quality European equipment," he continued. "The benefits we have witnessed from this strategic change are very clear. We have not only seen a substantial and quantifiable improvement in the quality of our slitting & rewinding on the Titan machine, but also the fact that we now only need one slitter rewinder instead of two previously, is proof that we now also have much higher productivity."

Poyraz Ambalaj has also made phased installations of European flexo presses and laminators, with the latest investment in its converting operations resulting in a completely European production facility.

"Although the performance of the Titan ER610 slitter has been crucial for our business expansion, after-sales support is also a key consideration," Mr. Ruchan added.

 

"I have been extremely pleased with the support provided by FMS Plastics Ltd. who represent Atlas & Titan slitter rewinders in Turkey. With both founders of FMS having spent many years working in operational management for a leading Turkish plastic film producer, they have been able to provide additional support and information to help improve our business at Poyraz Ambalaj," he confirmed.

The Titan ER610 has been a great success for Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd. with sales of more than 100 machines worldwide. It is available in two widths - 53 and 65in (1350 & 1650mm) and features a 10" touch screen control system. A pneumatically controlled braking system provides accurate web tension control and a digital edge-guide system controls lateral movement of the unwind reel to +/- 2in (50 mm).

Slitting systems available include shear knives, rotary razor (burst) or razor slitting in air or groove. Optional features include an edge trim extraction system and shaftless unwind roll pick-up from floor.

The Titan ER610 slitter can process a wide range of flexible materials including plain, printed, coated or metallized film from 20 to 200 micron, a wide range of laminates and paper from 30 to 200 gsm. It is a more environmentally friendly solution with reduced power consumption, no hydraulics for oil-free, hygienic operation, un-lubricated compressed air for zero oil/air emissions and its ‘one-piece’ design also enables rapid installation and commissioning.

Source: Atlas Converting Equipment

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AB Graphic International Ltd. announces the development of AUTO SLIT

AB Graphic International Ltd. has announced the development of AUTO SLIT, a new digital knife box that automates slitting and set-up for labels and packaging production through HMI touch screen interface.

Designed for its Digicon, Omega and Vectra label converting lines, AUTO SLIT takes slitting a step further in digital automation, removing pressure from the operator and permitting high quality, precision cutting safely and quickly. The fully modular system can be supplied as an option with machine purchase or as a retrofit on existing converting lines supplied by the company.

 

Explaining the reasons for the development, Andrew Noble of AB Graphic International said, “AUTO SLIT saves on both time and material waste and permits set-up of the slitting knives through touch screen. The operator simply enters the job parameters into the system and the knives are automatically positioned in seconds. For example, a job requiring 15 knives can take up to five or ten minutes to set manually, AUTO SLIT permits this to be done in less than 50 seconds without handling the knives which also increases operator productivity.” 

AB Graphic International is a worldwide supplier of label converting and finishing machines with facilities in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, France, Germany and the United States.

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Efficient combination of labels and automatic processing systems

Hörmann KG Eckelhausen produces its aluminum panels for doors using a leading-edge laser line. To support this process, the company was looking for a complete solution that combines the nameplate and paint mask labels plus the corresponding dispensing system. The specialists from Schreiner ProTech ensured that the application of the labels on the insular production line can be performed in a fully automatic process.

Schreiner ProTech and Hörmann jointly established all the project parameters and requirements for the new laser line in an intensive consultation meeting. The challenge was to achieve a fully automatic application of the barcoded nameplate labels and the paint mask labels covering the nameplates to the aluminum panels on the insular production line. The experts from Schreiner ProTech subsequently qualified suitable materials and produced prototypes that were tested directly in the production process.

 

“The label composite developed for this project immediately held up to the loads of the laser system as well as the subsequent painting and joining process of the door panels,” said Matthias Tübel from Schreiner ProTech. Following the initial tests, the integration of all the components of the printing/dispensing system had to be coordinated with the suppliers of the planned production line. After the line was set up, the process was extensively tested with immediate success, as the printing and dispensing system was up and running reliably right from the start.

Now, Hörmann can feed all the data for the marking and laser process to the line directly from the work order database. “This label system solution has eliminated the need for any manual work. Production and labeling of the door panels is accomplished in a smooth, fully automatic process,” said Matthias Michel, Technical Project Management at Hörmann KG Eckelhausen.

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Edale and FFEI announce their Great British partnership

Graphium was first premiered on the Fujifilm stand at Print ’13 in Chicago in September, followed shortly by a presence at Label Expo Europe in Brussels.

Graphium is the culmination of years of experience in colour management, workflow and scanning as well as inkjet knowledge. A very British made machine, with a collection of UK based companies working together to produce the Graphium. Contributing key technologies are Cambridge located Xaar providing the 1001 print heads, FujiFilm Speciality Ink Systems providing Uvijet Graphium inks made at their Kent facilities and Hampshire based print and converting manufacturer Edale supplying the web transport, based on their FL-3 conventional platform.

FFEI approached Edale late 2012. The two businesses set to work, with the Graphium evolving soon after. From the wealth of experience Edale has accumulated in the field of digital print, including work for Agfa and AB Graphic, FFEI were confident that Edale would be the ideal partner. Edale’s expertise, as well as the ability to offer conventional elements and finishing solutions in a single pass, provides the perfect complement to FFEI’s digital product.

 

The British made FFEI Graphium

Peter Walsh, FFEI's Head of Sales & Marketing for Digital Print, commented "Edale were a natural choice for FFEI, they had the experience and know-how we needed to make the Graphium project a success."  Peter Walsh continued.  "The team at Edale have been a pleasure to work with and have delivered great results at every development stage."

The Graphium is aimed at those printers and converters looking to produce labels, packaging and specialty print. Supporting up to five digital modules, and six flexo stations, Graphium offers the unique capability from a single vendor of being able to integrate optional flexo and finishing stations inline for conversion in a single pass.

Edale and FFEI hope that this new digital press will have a much broader appeal with the high opacity white facility as well as Edale’s transport system being super versatile and more cost effective. Currently available in 330mm or 410mm web widths, there is also the option of a wider version of the Graphium should there be demand in the future.

Since the launch at Print 13 Chicago, the company has seen six orders placed with a number of strong enquiries currently being followed up from Labelexpo Europe.

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KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plate Helps Penzler to Improve Output and Cut Costs

German print service provider, Penzler, has boosted its sustainability credentials and improved production quality and stability after investing in the KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plate. The company is using the innovative plate as part of a remote-control CTP operation in conjunction with business partner, Eckenfelder GmbH & Co KG.

The KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plate allows users to produce print without any dedicated plate processing equipment and materials. This thermal plate can be used immediately after digital imaging, cutting prepress production time. It also saves users the cost of purchasing and maintaining a plate-processing system, and reduces their energy, water and chemical consumption.

 

Mr. Ralf Penzler, Owner and Mrs Anke Penzler

Based in Andisleben, Thüringen, Penzler started out offering prepress services, software programming and computer hardware. Today it offers a wide range of print services, and about three years ago even began developing home automation apps.

Setting up a remote CTP operation

The company reached a significant milestone in 2006, when the film imaging service was superseded by computer-to-plate. Owner Ralf Penzler invested in a semi-automatic KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter, S-Speed version, as well as the KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow.

Equipped with this advanced technology, he forged a partnership with Eckenfelder GmbH & Co KG, based 45 km away in Wenigenlupnitz, Eisenach. The thermal platesetter and workflow system were installed on the premises of this publishing and printing company, which specialises in end-to-end production of photo products and advertising materials.

Whereas plate imaging for offset printing takes place on the printer’s premises, back in Andisleben, Penzler uses KODAK PREPS Imposition Software to create the impositions, operate the PRINERGY EVO Workflow, and monitors the output process online. Penzler has also developed software to aid communication between the two sites and help organise jobs more effectively.

Straight from the platesetter to printing

Penzler says that Druckerei Eckenfelder was interested in environmentally friendly production for years, and the SONORA XP Plate was an ideal fit: “The company really appreciates a process-free plate. Also, the overall plate production cost is lower – there is no need for a plate processor, and they do not have to worry about buying and disposing of chemicals.”

Penzler adds that the removal of the plate processing stage is an advantage for their type of business partnership: “Removing one of the variables means the overall production process is more stable. The straight-forward process also makes life easier for operators if they are on their own during the night shift and need a new plate. ”

The SONORA XP Plates are 800 x 1040mm (31.4 x 40.9 inches) with a thickness of 0.3mm (0.012 inches) for multicolour 3B sheet offset presses, and 459 x 525mm (18.0 x 20.6 inches) with a thickness of 0.15mm (0.006 inches) for smaller presses. The TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter handles a monthly throughput of between 1,000 and – during the busy season for calendar production in the second half of the year – up to 2,000 plates, using a 70 lines/cm AM (175lpi) screen.

Prior to the SONORA XP Plate, Penzler and Druckerei Eckenfelder were using the KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plate: “For our operators, switching to the SONORA XP Plate was simple,” says Daniel Eckenfelder, co-owner of Eckenfelder GmbH & Co. KG. “It offers many benefits, including the exposed image, which is more visible on the imaged plate compared to the THERMAL DIRECT Plate. Plus it delivers greater consistency on high-volume runs of 100,000. ”

Around 90% of print runs are less than 50,000 copies. For jobs significantly above the 100,000 mark, possibly using uncoated stock, two plate sets are used as a back-up.

“With the SONORA XP Plate, our production process is extremely stable, ” continues Penzler. “Another great feature is the improved sensitivity (150 mJ/sq cm). This means the laser output of the TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter, S-Speed, could be reduced, further protecting the thermal head.”

Olivier Claude, General Manager for Print & Vice President Commercial Business EAMER, Kodak comments: “Penzler and Eckenfelder are showing how companies on separate sites can use KODAK Technology to team up and create commercial opportunities. In addition to the excellent print results, it is great to hear how the SONORA XP Plate is helping these businesses lower their production costs and increase margins while being environmentally conscious.”

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Conference speakers announced for Labelexpo Asia 2013

A number of leading label and package printing experts are lined up to present at the Labelexpo Asia exhibition and conference, which celebrating its 10 year anniversary, is set to bring industry professionals together to discuss current trends and processes within the label and package printing sector. Taking place between 3-6 December at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), it will be the show’s largest edition in its history.

Supporting the four day exhibition which boasts nearly 300 press, ancillary and material manufacturers, a broad range of topics will be covered during the two day conference; with a specific focus on global trends, new technologies, sustainable growth and profitable sustainability.

Jukka-Pekka Haapanen, vice president Asia Pacific at UPM Raflatac, will explore the latest global trends in his opening keynote presentation. Focusing on the latest developments occurring in and facing the industry as a whole, he will also look at China’s emerging market trends and give detailed market forecasts.

Day one will also include an outline of the newest digital printing solutions to enhance your business by Xeikon’s sales director – labels and packaging Hans Gerinckx. Christian Galí who is product and export area manager for Manter, closes the first day with an insight into new technologies, their applications and market opportunities for beverage labeling. Galí’s presentation will also include an overview of the global and Chinese wine markets and discuss future trends.

The second day features Don Nolan, president of Avery Dennison’s materials group. His session will study the role innovation has already played and how it will continue to inspire, influence, shape and drive sustainable growth in the sector. He will also consider the on-going growth of the label and package printing industry in emerging markets.

Continuing the theme of sustainability, David Ho, Martin Automatic’s Asia Pacific general manager will cover profitable sustainability: achieving the ultimate goal for the modern label printer through process automation. Ho will reveal how to optimize your printing press and share tips on how to increase production, reduce waste and improve energy consumption with a good business practice case study on being green by being profitable.

John Davy, show director of Labelexpo Asia said: “Labelexpo Asia is now in its tenth year and remains an influential and key event on the Chinese and wider Asian printing industry calendar. The sharing of and chance to gain or enhance skills, business excellence, knowledge and experience from this year’s conference program and exhibition show floor are enormous. Providing the ideal forum for Chinese and global industry professionals to come together to concentrate on current trends and technology in the label and package printing and converting sector, Labelexpo Asia plays a critical role in helping ensure the sector’s continued sustainability and longevity.”

Labelexpo Asia is the region’s leading working machinery show, offering unrivalled networking opportunities with the industry’s who’s who. Aimed at label, flexible packaging, folding carton and general printing/converting professionals, it is also a must attend for brand owners, label designers and industry suppliers. Entry to the show and conference is free and visitors can register online at www.labelexpo-asia.com/.

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New sustainable release liner capacity comes on stream in Malaysia: Stellar Films Group invests for the future with Akronn Industries

Stellar Films Group, Malaysia, today announced the start-up of Akronn Industries – a new silicone release and coating business whose name – meaning ‘leading edge’ in Greek – reflects the company’s remit.

Akronn Industries’ new purpose-built production facility in Nilai, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is equipped to manufacture high-quality release liners for the hygiene, photovoltaic, graphic arts, tapes, and other industrial markets – all major growth markets for release liner today.

Paper- and film-based products

The new facility houses the widest-web production line in Asia today, and is focussed on solvent-free coating of both paper and film substrates; multi-colour back printing; and narrow-coil slitting capabilities. Customers around the world will be able to source a diverse mix of paper- and film- based release products, sustainably-produced in an eco-friendly plant. Akronn Industries’ Technical Director, Peter Symons, confirms: ‘From the beginning, we set out to build a state-of-the-art, world-class facility to enable us to offer our customers efficiency and flexibility. We feel we’ve accomplished that goal.’

A strategic initiative

Within the broader context of Stellar Films Group’s release liner business, Akronn Industries’ products will also complement the high-performance cast embossed release films that are central to Stellar’s global product offering. That the creation of Akronn Industries is a strategic move is confirmed by Stellar Films Group’s CEO, Stephen Walters. ‘Our customers’ needs are our top priority. In today’s fast-moving markets, they require from us ongoing R&D and an expanding product portfolio. This new facility is proof of our continuing commitment to support them in this requirement.’

Global sales network

Akronn Industries will service its customer base through Akronn’s and Stellar Films’ extensive sales and manufacturing network around the world. For further information, visit Akronn Industries’ website, www.akronn.com, or email or email: sales@akronn.com.

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