The Label Printers Participates At UL Brand Protection Conference

The Label Printers was a Round Table Leader at the recent Brand Protection Summit in Los Angeles, hosted by UL.

Aurora, IL, July 22, 2014 – The Label Printers’ was invited to participate at UL’s recent Brand Protection Summit in Los Angeles, California as an Interactive Round Table Leader. The Summit included UL “clients, key law enforcement partners, invited guests, and a select number of brand protection service providers/specialists.”

The Label Printers’ topic was “Product Security Solutions – Facing Operational Realities”, and Lori Campbell, The Label Printers’Chief of Operations was the Round Table Leader.  Key Note speaker for the conference was Mr. Todd Rogers, Assistant Sheriff, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

UL outlined the Event’s purpose and benefits in their Registration/Welcome materials, “For over 15 years, UL has taken an aggressive stance against product counterfeiting through a comprehensive program involving enforcement, education and partnerships with key IP crime stakeholders from around the world. As a leader in product safety testing and certification, as well as a rights holder, UL knows the detrimental effects IP crime can have on a company’s resources, reputation and to its corporate goals.

As part of our public service and safety-oriented mission, UL is organizing the 2013 Conference to serve as a catalyst to strengthen and enhance brand protection programs, provide best practices for combatting IP crime and to strengthen global partnerships against this growing threat. International, national and local experts will be on hand to provide a dynamic two-day training forum with innovative learning sessions that will include; operational workshops, interactive roundtables and a networking lounge. Additionally, we will offer rights holders the opportunity to set up exhibition tables where they can provide product identification training to law enforcement attendees. This benefit will also be extended to service providers so they may provide participants with the latest brand protection solutions.

The 2014 Conference will provide participants with the following key benefits:

-Will increase effectiveness to combat intellectual property crime

-Provide the tools required to design, implement and/or strengthen brand protection programs

-Highlight best practices for working with law enforcement agencies and service providers

-Develop stronger strategic and tactical international partnerships and networks

-Gain confidence by learning real cases shared by IP Crime experts and practitioners

-Provide the opportunity to develop operational partnerships with UL, other rights holders and law enforcement agencies to undertake joint IP crime investigations, enforcement projects and training initiatives.”

William J. Kane, Chief Executive of The Label Printers thinks that the conference has value to a wide range of organizations and companies interested in the latest information on brand protection.  “Between the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we always hear really interesting information about cases they’re prosecuting. The FBI is deeply engaged in the investigation and prosecution of [counterfeiting] criminals, and they emphasize how the buyers of counterfeit goods fund terrorists and organized crime. We heard about a really interesting case involving Nike shoes where the counterfeiter’s excuse was ‘I didn’t know’ – which worked the first time, but not the second.”  He feels that there are always really excellent speakers at the event, such as Therese Randazzo who is the Director of IPR Policy and Programs with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, whose speech at the conference opening on “Effective Enforcement Strategies – Working With Customs and Border Protection” highlighted Customs’ herculean task of inspecting 250,000 packages every day.

Said Campbell about her Round Table, “The workshops and roundtables allowed attendees to engage further with one another on various topics.  My roundtable discussion was one of facing operational realities and how to increase the buy-in from departments within one’s organization.”

About the conference in general, Campbell said “It’s clear that UL’s influence in brand protection and anti-counterfeiting continues to grow, as evidenced by the increasing number of brand owners in attendance that aren’t UL’s direct customers.  UL’s Brand Protection Summit continues to improve every year.  I felt there was a distinctly practical approach to all of the key presentations offered to attendees – geared towards educating rights holders on everything from training to Customs inspection and clearance process to investigations to litigation of criminal and civil cases.”

Conference participants included brand owners such as Altria; solution providers such as The Label Printers and; government and law enforcement agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, INTERPOL, EUROPOL, the FBI, and Homeland Security; and many other intellectual property and anti-counterfeiting experts.

THE LABEL PRINTERS

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LabelLock achieves ISO 17712 certification

LabelLock, the world renowned brand of security labels, has achieved the ultimate security certification that is ISO 17712:2013.

As a result of recent upgrades to in-house security systems, and further investment in chemistry and design, the decision to move towards certification of the new security seals standard was an easy one, said Adrian Steele, managing director of Midlands-based Security Labels International, part of the Mercian Labels Group.

 

'As a business, we are completely committed to the integrity and quality of our indicative security labels, and are constantly seeking ways in which we can improve, and demonstrate our determination to manufacture a world class product'.

'The LabelLock brand is the envy of the industry, so it seemed only natural to underline its popularity in the security sector with the benchmark security certification'.

LabelLock is designed to ensure that nothing is added to or removed from packages or secure areas, and is often used to determine the secure integrity of aircraft, vehicles, buildings as well as panels, cabinets and street furniture.

'We are completely dedicated to providing our international client base with the best product available' added Hugo Gell, Sales Director. 'ISO17712 adds value to the product and confidence for our customers. Security cannot be compromised. There are too many poor quality seals available in the marketplace, too much potential for counterfeiting. LabelLock is designed to perform better in every respect, lending reassurance to anyone who comes into contact with the leading brand of security seals.'

In what is believed to be an industry first, the full range of Label Lock security labels and tapes are now available to conform to the latest ISO17712:2013 "I" standard for  Indicative seals, and are said to be the only security label and tape products worldwide manufactured to the new standard.

Security Labels International chose to update and improve the physical security at its manufacturing plant in Staffordshire as well as undertaking 100% security vetting of all staff to meet the new standard.  New tamper evidence testing protocols were also been developed to systematically test product quality, and further improvements made in design and tamper evident performance to meet the exacting new standard.

The accreditation was only achieved following an external inspection by independent auditors who tested conformance of the products and business processes to the new standard as part of the company's existing UKAS accredited ISO9001:2008 quality assurance certification.

LabelLock is available worldwide through a carefully selected network of distributors, and is used by governments, police, transportation, chemical, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and healthcare industries.

Further information including a copy of the ISO17712:2013 certificate can be obtained through the website at www.labellock.com

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Comexi Group renovates the Comexi NEXUS One mode

The solventless laminating machine, which is currently manufactured in the Comexi  do Brazil plant, has been sold in over 130 companies since it was launched in 2004.

The Comexi Group, a leading specialist in machinery solutions for the flexible packaging industry, has redefined its Comexi NEXUS One laminating machine to adapt it to the new market requirements. As a result of the company’s strategic line in innovation material, its renewed external design conceals several improvements that have been made to this solventless laminating machine, which has sold more than 130 units since it was launched in 2004. 

 

 

The high performance properties it offers converters and its easy-to-use design distinguish this renewed model, which allows a greater response to solventless laminating needs in the flexible packaging conversion industry. Its improved compound reliability and increased specifications make the Comexi NEXUS One a simple laminating machine that can withstand long workloads maintaining maximum quality. 

The optimised Comexi NEXUS One works at a maximum speed of 350 m/min, with a maximum web width of 1330 mm and a reel weight of up to 800 kg. The laminating machine adapts to a maximum rewinding diameter of 850 mm and a maximum tension of 200 N, while for unwinding the diameter is also 850 mm with a maximum tension of 250 N. 
Novelties in quality and ergonomics

In this new laminating machine converters find four points to highlight above the rest, and which reveal the Comexi Group’s innovation capacity. To improve the job quality, the Comexi NEXUS One includes a laminating unit made up of three rollers that produce even laminating, without air bubbles; a heated steel cylinder, another one with a smaller diameter coated with high density rubber, and a third back pressure roller. Another significant point is the exhaustive web tension control thanks to the pneumatic compensators installed in the rewinder and unwinders.

However, for the Comexi Group, quality and productivity go hand in hand. That is why their technical team has perfected the machine elements to make the laminating machine more ergonomic and facilitate the operator’s work. Firstly by including a metering roller with a sleeve extraction system; and secondly, as each of the four rollers in the applicator body is motorised independently, this streamlines the cleaning operation and reduces the work changeover time.

Source: Comexi

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Polyonics Introduces Laser Markable Label Materials for Harsh Automotive

Polyonics has introduced new black and TrueWhite™ laser markable label materials (LML), tested to the GMW 14573 and GM 6121M performance requirements for automotive under-the-hood as well as plastics (low surface energy) label applications. These unique materials can be easily ablated by a wide variety of low power lasers, provide flexible, high temperature alternatives to polyester and acrylic LML and are more durable than traditional thermal transfer printed label materials.

 

The new Polyonics LML materials are available in black (XF-670) and TrueWhite (XF-671 and XF-672) versions. They include high temperature polyimide films, durable cross linked polymer coatings, low surface energy (LSE) pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) and liners for ease of handling and die cutting. The LML materials can be easily ablated by most low power CO2, YAG, fiber diode, UV and Vanadate lasers with the aggressive PSA adhering to a wide variety of surfaces including metals, plastics, ceramics and resins.

High Temperature Alternative to Polyester and Acrylic LML Materials
The Polyonics LML products provide a higher temperature and more flexible alternative to the polyester (PET) and acrylic LML products currently used in automotive LML applications today. Polyimide is the number one choice for label applications involving exposure to high temperatures and harsh chemicals allowing the Polyonics LML products to provide a higher degree of dimensional stability and have greater resistances to harsh chemicals than polyester (PET) and acrylic LML materials. In addition, the Polyonics LML materials do not exhibit the same brittleness associated with acrylic LML materials.

Superior to Thermal Transfer Printed Labels
The weak link in traditional thermal transfer printed labels (TTP) tends to be the ink. This is particularly true in automotive under-the-hood applications due to the high temperatures, harsh chemicals and high levels of abrasion. The Polyonics LML products have been tested to the GMW 14573 and GM 6121M automotive under-the-hood label performance requirements. The test results show the LML materials provide high temperature, chemical and abrasion resistances as well as superior weatherability when compared to thermal transfer label materials

Polyonics at a Glance

Polyonics manufactures high performance polymeric materials for harsh environments. These include printable and laser markable label materials, single and double coated engineered tapes and flexible substrates with highly reflective and printable top coats. Polyonics materials are used by OEMS and specialty die-cut converters worldwide. The ultra-thin polyimide, polyester and aluminum materials are designed expressly for high temperatures and harsh environments plus provide flame retardant and static dissipative performances for electronics, automobile, aerospace and medical components.

Submitted by: Polyonics

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Two Esko innovations to receive prestigious Printing Industries of America 2014 InterTech™ Technology Awards

Esko Full HD Flexo and Esko Equinox are milestones in a culture of innovation, resulting in seven InterTech awards over the past ten years.

Esko (www.esko.com) announces that Esko Full HD Flexo platemaking system and Esko Equinox, Esko´s solution for the implementation of extended gamut – or fixed inkset – printing, are both recipients of 2014 Printing Industries of America InterTech™ Technology Awards. Since 1978 the InterTech™ Technology Awards, sponsored by Printing Industries of America, have honored the development of technologies predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. More than 80% of technologies that receive an award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace.

These are the sixth and seventh InterTech awards Esko solutions have received over the past ten years. Other recipients include Esko WebCenter (2006), Esko DeskPack 3-dX (2007), Esko Neo (2008), Esko Studio Toolkit for Shrink Sleeves (2011) and i-cut Suite (2012).

 

“We are very honored to receive two awards from Printing Industries of America this year. Esko has a legacy of listening to our customers and using our ingenuity to develop products – very often new product concepts or categories – that offer our customers tremendous added value,” explains Carsten Knudsen, Esko President and CEO. “Esko’s insistence in investing a much higher portion of our budget than the industry average into R&D every year helps to support our continuous innovation helps to fuel these products that result in competitive advantages for our customers.”

Esko Full HD Flexo: superior flexo printing plates

Esko Full HD Flexo is a platemaking system for superior flexo printing for all packaging applications. It utilizes a patented, fully digitally controlled platemaking system combining high-resolution 4000ppi imaging with a unique inline UV main exposure unit. An LED-array delivers UV power density strong enough to fully control the plate polymerization process during main exposure. For the first time, flexo plates are imaged, exposed and delivered directly to the plate processor, without need for light table exposure.

 

With Full HD Flexo, flexo platemaking has become a true “Computer to Plate” process: no lamination, no films, and no extra steps with light tables. No special consumables are needed, and it is not proprietary: it works with all popular digital flexo plates and sleeves. Everything is done in the CDI imager. Plates are ready for processing after unloading. Full HD Flexo has had a positive impact on efficiency and cost. Press changeovers are faster and downtimes are reduced. Substrate selection is less critical.

Full HD Flexo also offers consistency, because Inline UV technology maintains consistent, digitally controlled UV light output throughout the entire plate, while lamps in a bank exposure frame continuously age and need frequent replacement every few hundred hours. Bank exposure frames also deliver different UV output over the entire frame area. “The judges noted that the inline UV technology is more controllable,” notes Mark Bohan, Vice President, Technology and Research, Printing Industries of America.

“The judges also considered Full HD Flexo plate imaging a much more flexible process, with the ability to digitally control the generation of a dot shape, combining highlight capabilities of round dots with the solid ink lay down and print stability of ‘flat top’ flexo plates – which the judges agreed is not a trivial process. HD Flexo plates can produce images with complete, 0-100% dot coverage delivering a wider color gamut. It was also significant that the technology is upgradeable, already has a sizeable installed base, and is not plate specific,” adds Bohan. “The very strong customer letters demonstrated that HD Flexo is allowing flexo to challenge gravure and offset.” This is occurring among a wide array of flexible packaging, labels and corrugated printers worldwide.

Esko Equinox: Proving the viability of extended gamut printing

“While people tried to promote extended gamut printing in the past, it had been dedicated to offset, where printers might not have ample press units to take advantage of the technology. However, flexo presses have seven, eight or more units already – and it is significant for companies that are working to match brand colors,” states Bohan. “While this technology is used with other print methods, it was developed specifically for flexo. The industry is ready to embrace this technology. It beats managing specially-mixed inks.”

Equinox Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) Technology is Esko’s patented technology for converting packaging graphics from CMYK and spot color to seven-color process. It is applied in the prepress department when preparing jobs for press. Converting entire files results in extremely close matches to spot colors, improved pictorial images, and the ability to print more colors than available ink stations on the press, resulting in improved image quality and brand impact. The major benefit, however, is realized in the pressroom as jobs print more economically and more consistently. The ability to create an infinite number of colors from 7 process colors promotes “gang” press runs – and the economic savings can surpass a million dollars per press per year. Customers using Equinox ECG technology report that they use 7-color process profitably in a production environment for flexible packaging as well as labels. This has enabled many of the world’s largest consumer product companies to convert entire product lines to expanded gamut.

“The judges liked the smart filters, the math and color algorithms associated with Esko Equinox,” says Bohan. By quantifying only subsets of four-color combinations, Equinox 7-color profiles contain hundreds of times the amount of color data as a 7-color ICC color profile. These profiles are used to convert industry standard ink books into tint build books for a specific flexo press. Equinox also benefits from Esko HD and Full HD Flexo platemaking, which is able to extend the gamut by producing plates that can print dots from 0-100% while delivering consistent and reliable printing results from job to job.

Esko Equinox is a major achievement because it moves flexographic printing a giant step closer to being the economical manufacturing process that the major CPCs of the world are demanding. “The fact that the judges had a lengthy discussion about a specific PowerPoint presentation shows both the interest and dedication. Everyone got involved with all the materials,” observes Bohan. “They also noted that all the Equinox print sample images were cleaner than 4-color images. But the benefit that was not lost with the judges was the economic advantages of extended gamut printing.”

What is significant is that, while Full HD Flexo and Equinox are strong products successfully used separately, both offer a unique synergy when used together: the exceptional quality and reliable printing offered by Full HD Flexo, and the economics delivered by extended gamut printing that is significantly assured with Full HD Flexo plates.

“Esko takes our role in the industry very seriously. We spend a good deal of time understanding the direction of the industry – and try to help to drive it – before we strategize products that truly are innovative but also have merit in the industry. It takes a lot of work to create a viable vision that drives the development of products like Full HD Flexo and Equinox. However, while we are flattered that these products have received acclaim this year, it is even more gratifying that many converters throughout the world are using Full HD Flexo plates and Equinox to produce exceptional packaging that offers a very powerful economic incentive,” concludes Knudsen.

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The Label Academy to Provide Education and Training for the Future

In today’s knowledge based economy, education and competence management are key to the future success of any business, and the label industry is no exception. This applies to all levels and functions in the company, from management to operations. At the end of 2012, the FINAT Board endorsed a new initiative designed to align education and training programmes for operators in the label industry. Two years later, the Label Academy is ready for take-off.

Historically, the printing industry was regarded as having one of the best education and training schemes of any industry within the developed world, with a good apprenticeship system, excellent printing colleges, experienced trainers, and a wide range of printing textbooks on a whole variety of printing processes, typesetting, pre-press, bookbinding and finishing operations. Printing was regarded as a highly skilled industry with some of the highest industrial-skill wages.

Growing pressure on education

The more printing has moved away from a craft-based to a technology, service and communications-based industry, the more high-end sectors such as self-adhesive have developed and grown and the higher the pressures on costs and margins, the less high quality and knowledge-based education and training we seem to do.

Dedicated printing colleges in many parts of the world have all but disappeared, or they are not seen to be relevant to training for the self-adhesive sector.

Knowledge challenges and opportunities

Indeed, the self-adhesive label sector seems to have suffered perhaps more than many other sectors of printing, and it is perhaps not too difficult to see why. It has some of the widest ranges of materials to print on, it has the widest range of printing processes being used (often in combination on one press line) and it has the widest range of in-line finishing operations. There has been an increasingly sophisticated origination and pre-press processes and significant more challenges in terms of sustainability (adhesives and silicones, matrix and liner waste, etc.). Not to forget about the greater diverse selection of bar code types, QR codes, augmented reality and other interactive labels.

Each week seems to bring new industry knowledge challenges, and opportunities. And the demands are increasing all the time, from new digital technologies, interactive labels, brand protection solutions, to new developments in intelligent and active labels.

Enhanced education and training: transferring knowledge to the new generation

This enhanced level of education and training needs to be done sooner rather than later, as many of the existing skilled and knowledgeable people that have grown with the industry over the past 20 or so years come towards retirement. We need to utilise their knowledge before it is too late. We need to bring in new skills and abilities to tell employees about the new demands on labels. We need to re-build a new and dedicated education and training base for the industry’s future.

THE LABEL ACADEMY

This is why the publishing, internet and marketing team at Tarsus, supported by a small group of knowledgeable and skilled industry specialists, are planning the launch of The Label Academy. Over the coming months the team will be working on finishing the first six or more (out of the first 20 proposed) education and training e-learning and support modules that aim to provide the basic knowledge requirements of the label industry employees of today and tomorrow.

E-learning

Initial e-learning modules will cover topics as diverse as Label Substrates, Label Printing processes, Die-cutting and Tooling, Origination and Pre-press, Digital Label Printing, Environment and Sustainability, the History of the Label Industry. The first of these Modules are scheduled to be available later this year for purchase or downloading through a new Label Academy website that is currently being developed.

 

Over the coming months, a dedicated Advisory Panel will additionally be working on how best to establish an internet-based industry testing scheme and moving towards an industry-wide on-line certification process.

The Label Academy: a supporting resource for existing education schemes

It is also planned that existing industry suppliers, associations, colleges, training and employer schemes and programmes will be able to apply to become accredited training organisations using the new learning modules. The Label Academy is not looking to take over or interfere with existing label industry training, but rather to become a resource provider and support body for the global label industry – with global resource material written for training providers to use in any country or market.

FINAT Board endorsement

At the present time the proposed education and training resource being developed under the banner of The Label Academy has already been endorsed by the FINAT Board and is currently being studied by other label industry associations around the world.

Who are involved in The Label Academy?

In planning for a number of years, the new label industry education and training scheme has been developed and pioneered to-date by Mike Fairley, widely known as the label industry ‘Guru’. Perhaps not so widely known is that before founding Labels & Labelling he spent several years as a further education lecturer before joining PIRA, the Paper, Printing and Packaging Industry Research Association as Deputy Head of Training. In this capacity he acquired extensive experience in lecturing and writing training manuals and materials on many areas of printing, papermaking, labels and packaging. He further developed his educational credentials at the UK Government sponsored Paper and Paper Products Industry Training Board as Head of Information, and as a consultant to the International Labour Office, the Economist Intelligence Unit and to the EU.

 

Complementing Mike’s undoubted training and industry knowledge in writing the new e-learning Modules are a team from 4impression (author of the FINAT Educational Handbook) under Paul Jarvis and Netherlands-based Converting Technology International of Sietze de Kievit, who have been piloting training material and courses on label substrates and tooling. They are also members of the Academy’s Advisory Panel. Other global specialists are likely to be co-opted as required for specific subjects or markets.

Official Launch: Labelexpo Americas 2014

From now onwards the first results of the work that has been undertaken to-date and the first e-learning modules to be produced will start to be announced and initial training and testing materials become available. The aim is to then have the official launch of The Label Academy at Labelexpo Americas in September.

It is certainly hoped that the global label industry will support this exciting new initiative and strive to produce the better-educated and trained employees who will be needed for the successful and long-term future of the industry.

The past brings future perspective

Another way of learning is to have insight and an understanding of past accomplishments. A good way of gaining that knowledge is reading 'The Evolution of Labels and the Label Industry in Europe.' This book is the result of several years of research and writing by Michael Fairley and Tony White. Over 240 pages of text and historical illustrations they trace the history of labels and label production from early wooden presses printing on hand-made paper, through all the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution during the 18th and 19th centuries – including continuous papermaking, cylinder presses, ink-making and inking rollers, early colour printing, the first cutting punches and dies – right through to the 21st century innovations of self-adhesive label materials, printing and converting, computerised origination and digital printing. The prestige limited hard cover edition book should be a must-read title for all those who have an interest in how the world of labels and label production has grown from its early origins to the present time.

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“Festo Supplier Elite Award” for Schreiner ProTech

Schreiner ProTech ranks among the select 2014 top suppliers of Festo AG & Co.KG. The market leader in the field of automation technology has recognized the specialist for industrial marking and film-based functional components with the “Festo Supplier Elite Award” for its excellent quality, on-time deliveries and technology expertise.

The appropriate solution for any requirement – Festo and Schreiner ProTech share this claim. Festo is committed to maximum productivity and competitiveness of its customers. The company uses the customized marking solutions by Schreiner ProTech for more efficient control of its operations and optimization of processes. “Being recognized as a top supplier by Festo makes our team particularly proud as we continue being committed to delivering top performance to Festo in the future,” says Thomas Köberlein, President of Schreiner ProTech.

Together with Key Account Manager Fabrizio Velenosi Thomas Köberlein accepted the award from Dr. Claus Jessen, Member of the Management Board Product Supply, and Heiko Callies, Senior Vice President Global Purchasing.

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Avery Dennison to showcase innovations that will drive converter growth at Labelexpo Americas 2014

Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials will highlight numerous innovations that will expand business opportunities for converters at Labelexpo Americas 2014. The labeling industry’s premier trade show runs Sept. 9-11 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

“Our booth’s theme of ‘Inspiring Innovations. Sustainable Growth’ reflects our dedication to providing the best products for our customers and the environment,” said Darrell Hughes, vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison Materials Group North America. “Labelexpo is a showcase event that we use to introduce products and services that expand the use of pressure-sensitive materials and help our customers grow their business.”

Avery Dennison will showcase more than 15 innovations to the Americas, including:

● Tire Labeling Portfolio, which improves shelf appeal and tracking in challenging tire applications. The materials feature production-friendly gum patterns designed to eliminate oozing and increase conversion speed. The materials are already qualified at several large global end users, enabling converters to gain business quickly.

● CleanFlake™ Portfolio, an expansion in the range of Avery Dennison’s award-winner material designed to advance the recycling of PET containers -- which addresses supply imbalances of recycled PET (rPET) and improves cost. CleanFlake now includes Roll-Fed Sleeve constructions that provide excellent clarity, on-bottle coverage and better yields of PET materials at recyclers.

Using a pound of rPET instead of new PET uses 84% less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 71%. By using CleanFlake, brand owners can promote recognition of their efforts to recover and recycle these materials.

● Select Solutions™ Collection, a comprehensive offering of 17 application-specific portfolios offering 300 possible Mix & Match™ constructions, all suited to meet the most unique labeling needs. This collection includes 427 products and counting, with lead times of 4 days or less and low minimum order quantities -- from 0.5 to 1.8 million square inches. In addition, Technical Solutions Leaders are available to help converters understand and solve their customers’ unique needs, from concept to commercialization, with the quick and easy Engineered Solutions process.

● ClearCut™ S7450 Adhesive, a premium adhesive for labels of wine and spirits and non-alcoholic beverages. S7450’s wet-out performance allows for effective bonding between the film and the bottle’s surface, even with a high degree of surface imperfections. Pairing S7450 with MDO film allows for enhanced conformability when labeling unique, curved bottle designs. ClearCut technology significantly reduces adhesive ooze and increases productivity.

These innovations and the others that Avery Dennison will feature are designed to drive growth for label converters in new market segments and new product areas. “As competition expands, our innovations will deliver new business opportunities and a healthy bottom line for customers,” Hughes said. “We are committed to providing innovations that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact while also supporting growth. That’s what ‘Inspiring Innovations. Sustainable Growth.’ is about.”

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Kodak Adds Automation Capability to its TRENDSETTER and ACHIEVE Platesetters to Increase Customer Productivity

Kodak introduced today new computer-to-plate (CTP) automation capabilities to its existing KODAK TRENDSETTER and KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetter lines to help customers meet business needs, drive maximum productivity and reduce labor costs. An optional Single Cassette Unit (SCU) is now available as an add-on to these products to allow automated plate loading and unloading of up to 240 plates with slip sheet removal and automatic plate rotation.

The units that will benefit from the SCU option include: KODAK TRENDSETTER Q400 Platesetter, KODAK TRENDSETTER Q800 Platesetter, KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetter, KODAK ACHIEVE T400 Platesetter and the KODAK ACHIEVE T800 Platesetter. With the addition of the SCU option, these modular platesetters are now available in semi-automatic, auto unload, autoloader and single cassette unit configurations. This added layer of automation provides customers with the ability to experience high-quality, reliable plate making while achieving:

· Uninterrupted operation for up to seven and a half hours;

· Reduction of prepress labor with a higher level of automation including paper removal, automatic plate loading and unloading into a processor or stacker;

· Faster time to press;

· Flexible operations with optional trolleys for quick additional capacity including additional plate formats;

· The option to bypass automation for maximum uptime.

“Today’s printers are faced with rising labor and prepress costs coupled with inefficient processes and systems that limit productivity,” said Chris Balls, General Manager, Output Devices for Kodak. “With the addition of the SCU automation feature to the KODAK Platesetter product lines, customers are now able to free up existing resources to focus on value-adding activities rather than machine management. In addition, the SCU capability enables printers to run operations for up to seven and a half hours unmanaged, enabling them to increase productivity throughout all lines of the business and improve their competitive position.”

The optional SCU comes in a compact footprint of 2.33 m x 2.80 m x 1.86 m and shares the same engine and unload table as the platesetter and includes a paper removal bin with a capacity of up to 240 plates. It is currently available in controlled sales production environments with wider global availability later this year.

The SCU is fully compatible with KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates that allow printers to skip the plate processing step, further improving efficiency and reducing time to press. This add-on technology is also optimized to work with KODAK PRINERGY Workflow, furthering the printer’s automation capabilities through production-to-plate.

As the creator of thermal CTP technology, Kodak is well known for the superior imaging technology of its TRENDSETTER and ACHIEVE Platesetters offering the quality and capabilities customers have come to expect from KODAK CTP systems regardless of their printing environment.

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Labelexpo India 2014 on course for record results

Registration is now open for the seventh edition of Labelexpo India. South Asia’s premier label and package printing exhibition, it returns to Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 29 October – 1 November and will be bigger than ever before.

Covering 5,800sq meters, Labelexpo India 2014 will feature around 250 exhibiting companies including over 50 first time exhibitors. Underlining the growing importance of the Indian market, many of the industry’s leading suppliers have taken larger stands including Dupont, Esko, Nilpeter, Technova Imaging Systems, UPM Raflatac and Xeikon. Other leading press and material suppliers showing their latest solutions include Avery Dennison, Dragon Foils, Epson, Flint Group, Multitec Aids, Nuova Gidue, Omet, Webtech and Weigang Machinery.

Aimed at label and package printers, brand owners and label designers, many new product and service launches are scheduled to take place. Visitors to the show will be able to see the next generation of printing machinery coming onto the market as well as learn about global market trends and see live demonstrations of the most advanced technologies available, compare the latest materials and find out about the newest developments in flexible packaging and intelligent labels. In addition, Labelexpo India will once again play host to the LMAI Avery Dennison Label Awards at New Delhi’s Le Méridien Grand Ballroom.

Jade Grace, event director said: “Labelexpo India is an important professional platform as it serves the needs of label and packaging printers across Indian and South Asia. Reflecting growth in the marketplace, the size of the show has grown steadily with each new edition, as has the number of products and solutions being displayed. With the increased number of exhibitors, Labelexpo India 2014 is no exception as it confirms the strong commercial opportunities that exist across FMCG.”
The show is free to attend and visitors can pre-register by visiting http://www.labelexpo-india.com.

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Edale and AB Graphics International install Digicon 3000 into RAKO Group Germany

Edale and AB Graphics International have just completed the install of the first Digicon 3000 into Germany in one of the largest manufactures of self-adhesive labels and flexible packaging in Europe, Asia and South Africa, RAKO Group.

RAKO Group have over 80 printing machines at 13 different sites worldwide and manufacture self-adhesive labels, flexible packaging, security technologies (RFID & Holograms) and software. They offer a wide range of printing processes and in addition a variety of finishing possibilities.

The Digicon 3000 installed at RAKO Group will be used mainly for converting labels at their headquarters in Witzhave, Germany. Roger Gehrke, RAKO Group’s digital print manager, comments “The array of options including laminating, foiling, vanishing and printing with different technologies (water, solvent and UV), bring a huge amount of value to our narrow web equipment.” he continues, “The whole concept of the machine is well designed so we can expect a lot in terms of availability, accuracy and productivity.

The Digicon 3000 is a 30” finishing solution for digitally pre-printed labels and flexible packaging to run in-line with the HP Indigo 20000 digital press, or as an offline converting solution.

This machine is a joint venture by Edale and AB Graphic’s International which was initiated by the growing demand for digital print solutions as the requirements for shorter run lengths, reduced lead times and growing SKU diversity in labels and flexible packaging has increased.

“The Digicon 3000 has been developed using both Edale’s and AB Graphics years of expertise and knowledge in their respective fields. It is the open approach to partnerships and innovative engineering from both companies which has made the Digicon 3000 a successful solution”, comments James Boughton, Edale’s Managing Director.

Roger Gehrke, RAKO Group, concludes “All parties involved did a great job with the install and we are looking forward to further strengthening the relationship between companies“.

Edale, AB Graphic and RAKO group alongside the newly installed Digicon 3000

Submitted by: Edale

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Toppan Cosmo Inc. in the USA implements DiMS.NET!

Toppan Cosmo Inc. in MCDONOUGH, Georgia USA, a subsidiary of the global acting Toppan Cosmo from Japan, installed with DiMS.NET! the latest version of the fully integrated MIS ERP - solution from DiMS! organizing print B.V., Lichtenvoorde, The Netherlands.

"Printing as a means for creating a more comfortable Living environment"

Toppan Cosmo combines the best of printing, coating and design technology with its gravure printing processes to offer environmentally friendly decorative film to satisfy all their customers’ needs in the furniture and construction industries. Toppan Cosmo is a lifestyle – partner for the industry by integrating environmental components for design and living.

With DiMS.NET!, a business-process-redesign and automation of all processes and internal structures is taking place, by having real-time information from all areas of both locations available at any time.

About Toppan Cosmo Inc.

Founded in 1988, Toppan Cosmo, Inc. today with its two corporate locations in MCDONOUGH, Georgia and MORGANTOWN, Philadelphia, the company operates primarily in the production of decorative surface materials. As a subsidiary of Toppan Cosmo Japan, founded in 1961, this company belongs as a branch to Toppan Printing in Japan.

For more information about DiMS! organizing print, please visit www.dims.net.

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Paarl Labels Orders Third MPS Press with ROTOCON

Ordered was an EF multi-substrate 8-colour UV flexo press featuring MPS iControl technology, UV air-cooled curing system, multi-laminating unit and die-cutting.

ROTOCON, a provider of consulting and service to South Africa label converters in the narrow web industry today announced the receipt of an order from Paarl Labels for their third UV flexo MPS press. Paarl Labels is one of 12 specialised printing operations of the Paarl Media Group. As one of South Africa's leading and most technologically advanced professional printing groups, Paarl Media services the country through its printing of all medium to long run requirements of magazines, retail inserts, catalogues, books, newspapers, commercial work, labels and educational materials.

The MPS EF press

The EF multi-substrate 8-colour UV flexo press ordered by Paarl Labels features MPS iControl technology, a management and service operator/machine interface to minimize operator errors; a UV air-cooled curing system to cure at the highest possible production speeds without compromise to the finished product; a multi-laminating unit providing self-adhesive, UV, self-wound and cold-foil lamination; mark to mark registration system, and die-cutting, all in-line.

Based in the Western Cape, the Paarl Labels team provides printing of award-winning UV flexo self-adhesive labels for every packaging requirement including food, beverages, wine and other commercial products. Paarl Labels focuses on building strong one-on-one relationships with clients throughout South Africa.

Luke Papadopoulos, Managing Director of Paarl Labels comments: "Our two UV flexo MPS presses have proven extremely effective and ROTOCON has provided reliable service and support. We are pleased to invest in a third high-quality MPS press line to drive innovation and further expand our capacity and ability to offer fast turnaround times of high quality self-adhesive labels."

Source: Rotocon

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Multi Packaging Solutions Acquires Armstrong Packaging

Multi Packaging Solutions (MPS), a leader in value-added print and packaging for the branded consumer, cosmetics, healthcare, premium drinks, and entertainment markets has acquired Armstrong Packaging, a UK producer of specialty rigid boxes.

The acquisition expands the company’s global platform for luxury packaging, gift sets, travel retail, and commemorative editions.  Armstrong’s product development and rigid box manufacturing perfectly complement Multi Packaging Solutions’ existing manufacturing, creative design, project management, and global sourcing capabilities. 

“The addition of rigid box capability was a logical extension of our suite of value-added print and packaging solutions” commented Mike Cheetham President of MPS “Armstrong Packaging is a highly respected supplier with a talented team of dedicated individuals.  I am excited to welcome them to Multi Packaging Solutions.”

David Armstrong, founder and managing director at Armstrong Packaging, commenting on the deal, said: “We’ve worked hard to develop the business over the last 30 years and build its coveted reputation for innovation and service. We pride ourselves on our technical ability and a firm belief in supplying outstanding quality to our customers. I look forward to seeing the company embark on the next phase of its development with Multi Packaging Solutions.”

Source: Chesapeake

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SIDEL AND HARISS INTERNATIONAL ENDEAVOURS TO QUENCH UGANDA'S THIRST

Committed to quenching the thirst of Ugandan's with quality and affordable soft drinks, Hariss International Limited (http://rihamgroup.com), the leading African producer of mineral water and soft drinks has added two new complete PET lines from Sidel (http://sidel.com), a global provider of liquid packaging solutions.

The two lines will be operational by November 2014 and January 2015 respectively and are expected to increase the company's market share as well as reduce its cost of production.

The PET lines comes complete with Combi14 machines, as well as Starblend mixers, Alfa roll fed labeling, GeboCermex packers, Twin Pack handle applicators, GeboCermex bottle conveyors, accumulation tables, and bottle aligners.

Previously, Sidel has designed four different preform shapes for Hariss International Limited's injection machines, in addition to creating unique bottle designs which have differentiated the company's brand.

Harris International Ltd chose to get additional business from Sidel due to their extensive history together and the company's knowledge on bottle and line design and optimization.

The addition of the two new lines will help the company remain competitive in the market that has over the last two decades been dominated by two manufacturers.

"High levels of quality and consistency are the keys to success in the beverage industry," said Andrews Ruben, Managing Director of Hariss International Ltd. "Sidel's extensive knowledge and support on bottle and preform designing and optimization has allowed us to further implement these qualities into our products and maintain the position of a leading player in the Ugandan market."

Hariss International Ltd was incorporated in 2005 with the intent to providing biscuits, mineral water, CSDs and still products for the Ugandan market under the "Riham" brand name.

The company is located in the prime location in Kawempe, Kampala and has employed over 1,500 Ugandans directly and indirectly.

Since its inception, the company has significantly invested into the expansion of its facilities to produce CSDs and still products, which include non-alcoholic malt drinks and aseptically packed fruit juices.

"As one of the leading companies in liquid packaging solutions, we are proud to assist Hariss International Ltd with their expansion in production," said Georgios Diakakis, Regional Commercial Manager at Sidel.

Considering the 31 percent increase in the consumption of soft drinks in Uganda since 2008, Diakakis said they not only understand the need for expansion, but also believe they are fully capable of delivering the means necessary for their partner to cope with the increasing demand.

The outlook for the beverage market in Uganda is positive and poised to grow further. The consumption of soft drinks reached 199.6 million liters in 2013, a 6.6 percent growth from the previous year. All major categories in the soft drinks market also showed robust growth in both volume and value.

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