By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO – (September 10, 2024) – Mark Andy is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking milestone in digital label printing at Labelexpo 2024. The unveiling of the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 sets a new industry standard, doubling the speed of its predecessors at 1200dpi resolution, solidifying its position as the fastest narrow web digital press in the marketplace.

Running at an unprecedented 480 feet per minute, the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 boosts productivity by maintaining resolution above 1200dpi, delivering full-color variable data printing (VDP) and holding the tightest tolerances in print-to-print and print-to-die registration. This state-of-the-art press is powered by Mark Andy’s new ProWORX Digital Front End (DFE), which delivers additional productivity by streamlining prepress workflow and color management. 

“We’re incredibly excited about this technological breakthrough,” states Mark Andy CEO Duane Pekar. “The market is asking for greater digital press speeds and efficiencies. We listened, and we delivered. The HighSpeed 1200 is not just two times faster, it does so without compromising quality and capability. Available in hybrid or roll-to-roll formats, the new opportunities this technological advancement creates for converters are substantial. Our customers’ growth is our growth, and we’re looking forward to showing the market this new digital technology at Labelexpo.”

Key features of the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 include:

• High Productivity: Print more labels per shift with speeds up to 480 fpm.
• Advanced VDP Capabilities: Achieve high-speed variable data printing with unrivaled precision.
• Expanded Color Gamut: Options include CMYKOV or CMYKOVG for vibrant, accurate color reproduction.
• Shorter ROI: This press offers the shortest return on investment (ROI) in the digital label press market.

Mark Andy will be hosting live demonstrations of the Digital Series HD HighSpeed 1200 at Labelexpo 2024 at the following times each day of the show:

• 10:00 AM
• 11:00 AM
• 2:30 PM
• 4:00 PM

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the future of digital label printing in action.​​​​​​

By: Grupo Gráfico

Kennesaw, Ga. September 9, 2024 – Grupo Gráfico Romo (Romo GNM), one of Latin America’s leading commercial and packaging printers, set two new world records during August 2024. In its facility outside of Mexico City, Romo GNM produced 2,483,461 sheets in a full week (168 hours) and 9,515,613 sheets in one month (31 consecutive days). Both records were set using its Speedmaster XL 106-8P+L from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), which prints at 18,000 sheets per hour and was recently installed in April. 

Unparalleled Value Through the Whole Supply Chain 

From high-end retail catalogs to luxury specialty folding cartons, Romo GNM offers comprehensive turnkey solutions for every aspect of its clients’ creative, printing, and fulfillment needs. The company boasts four main business units – catalogs/commercial printing, packaging/folding carton, wide format digital/point of purchase, and fulfillment – and offers impressive in-house services ranging from product photography and graphic and structural design through to complete print, finishing, and mailing. 

“We ensure a creative collaboration that delivers true effectiveness for our clients,” said Elías Sidauy, CEO, Grupo Gráfico Romo-GNM. “We deliver unparalleled value through the whole supply chain and brand consistency across multiple print platforms and finishing processes.”

Beyond its extensive range of services, Romo GNM distinguishes itself as the region’s leading printer by consistently delivering the highest quality and best value products for its customers. Earlier this year, the company installed an eight-color Speedmaster XL 106 perfecting press with coater from HEIDELBERG. The machine was specifically designed to optimize production of catalogs, a core segment of Romo GNM’s business. It was also selected for its flexibility and capability to produce high-quality folding cartons, which the company intends to manufacture on the press outside its peak catalog production season.

“The Speedmaster XL 106 enables us to be competitive in this new world of printing – helping us to be more efficient and live up to the high standards of today’s customers regarding pricing, quality, and faster turnaround times,” said Sidauy.

When the press was installed earlier this year, Romo GNM partnered with consultant Anthony Thirlby to optimize its production processes. Together, they implemented a true “Push to Stop” approach from prepress to press to postpress, eliminating human touchpoints wherever possible. Developing these standard operating procedures allows the business to produce with the lowest operating cost per sheet and with the highest commercial return. In its first month of production, the XL 106 produced over 6,000,000 sheets.

“It’s so easy to only focus on whatever current job is running on press,” said Sidauy, “but we also need to be properly prepared for the next ten jobs to ensure minimal disruption to output levels and maintain a consistent level of skill and performance.” 

Record Breaking Production

During its peak catalog production season, Romo GNM successfully produced a world record 9,515,613 sheets in one month (31 consecutive days) – producing 2,483,461 sheets during one of those weeks (168 hours), which is another world first. The company produced 179 different jobs and performed 1688 plate changes throughout its record-breaking run with an average run length of 53,160 sheets. All jobs were perfected and produced using four different stocks and three different sheet sizes with weights ranging from 90 gsm to 150 gsm.

Thanks to the press’s superior sheet transfer system, Romo GNM consistently ran at top press speeds of 18,000 sheets per hour with only one operator and one press helper per shift. Additionally, with the Speedmaster XL 106’s advanced Push to Stop technology, processes intelligently start on their own, so the operator only interrupts when necessary. The Push to Stop job sequencing enabled highly optimized batching, resulting in peak operational performance. Equipped with Prinect Inpress Control 3, HEIDELBERG’s industry-leading inline spectrophotometer, Romo GNM averaged 42 makeready sheets per job – maintaining consistent color, high quality, and minimal waste throughout the entire 31 days.

Sidauy proudly stated, “Our entire team – from our prepress technicians to the press operators and helpers – was part of this great achievement. They understand the Push to Stop technology and methodology, and they’ve been committed from the start to making this journey with us as a company.”

“Many congratulations to everyone at Grupo Gráfico Romo,” said Andrés Gálvez, Managing Director for HEIDELBERG Mexico. “This feat was only possible thanks to their unwavering commitment to process optimization, guided by the expertise of Anthony Thirlby.”

Romo GNM also boasts four other offset presses in production, including a Speedmaster CX 104 and Speedmaster CD 102. Its Speedmaster CX 104 is a state-of-the-art UV machine dedicated to printing the company’s specialized folding cartons. Now that its Speedmaster XL 106 is running at the optimum level of productivity, Romo GNM intends to implement similar process optimization procedures in its folding carton production. 

Overall, Sidauy stated the advanced intelligence of Speedmaster presses, combined with the improvements to Romo GNM’s production practices, will help his company win more jobs. “We can give better prices along with higher quality because we are faster in the changing of a job, in the adjustment of the machine, in how many waste sheets we need to set up the machine.”

He concluded, “I think it’s too soon to quantify its magnitude, but the high level of productivity we’ve been able to achieve on the Speedmaster XL 106 is a gamechanger. Now that we understand our capabilities, we have a significant opportunity to expand the business.”

*After measurement by HEIDELBERG

About Grupo Gráfico Romo 

Grupo Gráfico Romo-GNM offers graphic products and services, manufactured with high quality standards. Over the years, the company has proudly garnered the trust and loyalty of countless customers because its products are built with quality materials and the latest technologies to meet the highest industry standards. Among the top five printers in Latin America and the top ten worldwide, Grupo Gráfico Romo has positioned itself as a benchmark in the Graphic Arts Industry, including packaging, catalogs, magazines, and customized displays. It is distinguished by the high level of commitment, quality, and attention given to its customers and business partners, seeking to enhance their sales and their brand.

By: EFI

ORLANDO, Sept. 9, 2024 – Electronics For Imaging, Inc., the leader in digital inkjet technologies for corrugated packaging and display production, is showcasing the winning production capabilities of its versatile industrial inkjet portfolio at the 2024 AICC/TAPPI SuperCorrExpo in Orlando. With its broad range of preferred solutions, EFI™ continues to push the boundaries of industrial digital printing to help independent sheet plants, box manufacturers, and integrated paper and packaging producers drive greater efficiency, sustainability and profitability.

Leading the Way in Inkjet Innovation for Corrugated Packaging

EFI stands out as the only company to offer both water-based and UV ink solutions for digital corrugated packaging printing, and the company’s packaging experts are at hand in booth #2711 to discuss breakthrough solutions such as the popular 1.4-meter-wide EFI Nozomi 14000 LED inkjet printer, as well as EFI’s new Nozomi 14000 AQ model featuring water-based inks. 

EFI, in partnership with Packsize^®, has also developed the groundbreaking X5® Nozomi, an on-demand, full-color LED inkjet, right-sized box system. This first of its kind solution creates printed, custom-sized corrugated packaging in real time, changing the rules of manufacturing efficiency for packaging producers, ecommerce companies and third-party logistics providers.

EFI’s innovations are backed by two decades of expertise in industrial digital printing. With eight generations of single-pass technology and over 60 Nozomi printer installations completed worldwide, the company has a proven track record of delivering reliable, high-performance solutions.

Expanding Beyond Single-pass Technology

EFI is not only a leader in single-pass technology, but also excels in multi-pass inkjet technologies, including new solutions like the superwide-format EFI VUTEk^® Q3h XP hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll UV LED inkjet printer that can deliver premium-quality, short-run corrugated display and packaging jobs, along with many other types of graphics applications. 

“The success of EFI and our digital printing product lines stems from more than just advanced technology; it’s our deep understanding of customer needs that sets us apart,” said EFI CEO Frank Pennisi. “We don’t just provide products —we deliver complete solutions with the equipment, inks, primers, software, and services to successfully guide corrugated packaging providers through their digital transformation.”

EFI’s digital printing technology offers significant benefits, including market differentiation, faster job turnarounds, and enhanced customer relationships. Research by IT Strategies confirms that EFI customers with Nozomi print technology have been able to generate new business, expand into new segments, offer higher-margin applications, and provide better overall service.

In addition to the quality and flexibility of its digital inkjet printing solutions, EFI’s technology helps businesses increase total plant capacity by freeing up printing equipment capacity.

SuperCorrExpo visitors to the EFI booth can explore how their innovative digital solutions can empower businesses to achieve greater efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. To learn more about EFI’s wide range of digital inkjet products and services for corrugated packaging and displays, visit www.efi.com.

About EFI 

EFI™ is a global technology company, leading the worldwide transformation from analog to digital imaging. We understand our customers want breakthrough technologies to lead them through their digital journey. That’s why we’re passionate about driving their business growth with a scalable portfolio of products, solutions, services, support, and world-class partnerships for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and building materials with a wide range of printers and inks. They work together to increase profits, cut costs, improve productivity, and optimize efficiency – job after job, year after year. We are devoted to our customers. And we definitely believe we have the right people, technology and experience to help them achieve their business goals.

By: XSYS

Carminati S.r.l. has reaffirmed its strong confidence in XSYS’ plate processing technology with the installation of a second ThermoFlexX Catena Washer, Dryer, Light-Finisher, and Stacker (WDLS) in less than two years. The Italian prepress expert has worked closely with XSYS to maximize the potential of this innovative technology and deliver the highest quality flexo plates to its customers.

Willstaett, Germany. 09 September 2024 – Operating mainly in the corrugated sector, Carminati is a leader in its field. Located in Antegnate, east of Milan in northern Italy, the progressive company makes flexographic printing plates for customers across Italy, into France and beyond. The plates are produced on two state-of-the-art lines at its 5000 sqm modern plant, where 35 staff work tirelessly to maintain the company’s well-established reputation for high quality and excellent customer support.

Doubling up with second Catena-WDLS

In 2021, Carminati decided it was time to replace one of its outdated plate processing lines with a ThermoFlexX Catena-WDLS to ensure continued growth and enhance quality even further. The new equipment was installed by XSYS Italia at the end of that year. Less than two years later, a second Catena-WDLS has been introduced to upgrade the other processing line, giving the company a total capacity uplift of over 20%.

“Our old processing equipment had served us well, but it was time to upgrade to ensure we stay ahead of the curve. Not only do we serve our customers with the best plates for printing every day, but we also have a very active R&D laboratory, allowing us to continue innovating and lead the way in flexo printing for corrugated boxes and flexible packaging,” said CEO Carlo Carminati, son Alessandro Carminati, who founded the company in 1960.

Carminati is known for its forward-looking strategy and keen interest in pushing the boundaries with the latest technology. “We successfully installed the very first Catena-WDLS in Italy not very long ago, and now we are the first in the world to have two. This impressive setup from XSYS means we are moving to Industry 4.0 level with higher automation, best-in-class quality, faster delivery, and more sustainable operation.”

Sustainable and automated technology

ThermoFlexX Catena-WDLS integrates washing, drying, light-finishing, and stacking into one smooth process. The operator simply loads the imaged plate at the start using a pinbar system and then collects the print-ready version at the other end. This high level of automation brings numerous benefits, including reduced waste, faster processing, and exceptional quality. In addition, the system is very energy efficient, helping Carminati to reach its sustainability targets. For instance, the company reports a reduction in drying time per plate of 30 minutes compared to the old system.  

The Catena-WDLS is controlled by a ThermoFlexX Graphic User Interface (GUI) displayed on an HD touch-screen for rapid and straightforward operation. All key information is clearly presented, ensuring operators can navigate the system effortlessly, with minimal risk of errors. For Carminati, these aspects fit perfectly with its commitment to Industry 4.0 production where human intervention is minimized, and each process is digitalized so the production data can be analyzed.

Advanced washing method

The first Catena-WDLS was chosen after thorough consideration of the options available on the market. Offering the highest productivity, it uses unique plate alignment when loading which avoids plate skew during transport, and an incremental mode of washing where each plate progresses through the system at a constant speed.

Working closely with the XSYS Italia team, Carminati has further developed the technology, meaning the second WDLS employs a high-productivity batch mode of washing that is ideal when various plate thicknesses need to be processed. Both methods consistently guarantee sharp, clean print.

“The Catena-WDLS is the best on the market, in particular, its softer brush technology is perfect for our sensitive plates with microcell screening. For the second machine, we collaborated with XSYS to improve the productivity of the system, so it fits our special requirements exactly. This means that the loading time has been reduced and output is faster, giving us a great advantage,” explained Mr Carminati.

Collaboration for success and more growth

The other half of the equation when investing in new equipment concerns the service and support provided by the manufacturer or supplier. XSYS Italia prides itself on its close proximity to customers, which is seamlessly complemented by the remote capabilities of the Catena equipment itself.

“The collaboration between XSYS and Carminati is very positive and productive. We are extremely proud to support them in achieving the best possible quality in flexo platemaking,” stated XSYS Italia Sales Manager Roberto Malagù. “Close partnerships are essential to success and we look forward to continuing our work with Carminati, which is a trailblazer in this market.”  

“The working relationship with XSYS is excellent and I cannot fault the service from the team. Their assistance is always prompt and efficient. We have also used the remote service many times and it works very well, saving a lot of time for us and out customers,” added Mr Carminati.

He summed up the company’s position, concluding, “Our Catena-WDLS duo will allow us to reach our ambitious goals and help customers achieve excellent quality, higher sustainability, and faster time to market. This project is an instrumental part of our growth strategy and we are now fully equipped to stand at the frontline and disrupt this competitive market.”

About XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint.

In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights.

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®).

NASHVILLE, TN, August 27, 2024 – After several years of operating independent programs to research and identify recycling solutions for silicone-coated label release liner, TLMI and CELAB North America will merge their efforts under a unified TLMI project called the Liner Recycling Initiative (LRI).

“The goal of the initiative is to build on the work done to date by both organizations, and conduct regional pilots,” said TLMI President Linnea Keen. “These regional pilots will qualify silicone-coated paper release liner with known recycling and end markets before scaling the program through a deliberate build out. Collaboration with CELAB NA will serve to expand and elevate all existing liner recycling programs and advance marketplace solutions more quickly.”

TLMI and its implementation partner, Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), will be reaching out to interested partners within target regions to participate in the 6-month pilots. The TLMI goal for the initiative is a national recycling program for users of labels with silicone-coated paper release liner.

Tim Rummel, acting president of CELAB North America added, “The collaboration between TLMI and CELAB NA, along with the proven track record of RRS, will bring significant value and focus to what each group has been working on independently.”

The pilot will be aimed at both small and large generators of silicone-coated paper release liner and built around regional end markets in the upper Midwest or the Northeast. One mill operator has tested and qualified silicone-coated release liner, which is a major step in both helping the supply chain establish best practices and developing a roadmap for generators on how to divert this material from landfill and recycle it in a high-value market. 

For more information about LRI contact TLMI VP Sustainability, Rosalyn Bandy rosalyn.bandy@tlmi.com, and check the LRI website for upcoming announcements. Learn more at the upcoming AWA/TLMI printTHINK Seminar, September 8 in Rosemont, IL and the TLMI Annual Meeting beginning September 29 in Orlando, FL. TLMI – EVENTS

About TLMI

The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) was founded over 90 years ago and is the premier association representing the label and packaging industry. As a not-for-profit with a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, TLMI serves as the leading voice for its members fostering collaboration, promoting best practices, and driving continuous advancement. 

About CELAB North America

An ad-hoc industry coalition founded in 2020 with about 50 member companies from across the supply chain and around the world. CELAB NA is technology- and solution- neutral in order to ensure that the most viable solutions are developed and promoted for matrix and release liner recycling.

About RRS

RRS is a recycling and sustainability consultancy, headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, with more than 70 employees across the U.S. and the globe. Drawing on decades of experience collaborating with stakeholders across the product and recycling value chains, RRS is known for its work on developing effective and economically sustainable programs for not-yet-recycled materials and products.

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, July 8, 2024, – Leading label and print solutions provider Mark Andy, is set to make a significant impact at Labelexpo Americas 2024. With a strong presence and laser-focus on helping its customers perform and scale, Mark Andy will exhibit a total of five state-of-the-art printing presses at booths #319 and #424, as well as additional cutting-edge systems and products, highlighting the company’s commitment to driving progress in the narrow web industry.

For more than 75 years, Mark Andy has been at the forefront of the printed packaging industry, leveraging its rich history and deep knowledge to meet the evolving needs of its customers. As experts in the field, the company brings a profound understanding of the industry, providing customers with unparalleled insights and solutions.

 “We live and breathe this industry, which we hope is evident in our strong presence and display of smart, innovative solutions at Labelexpo Americas 2024,” says Mark Andy CEO Duane Pekar. “Our commitment to advancing print technology is exemplified by our ongoing partnerships with Domino and Konica Minolta, and our continued development of best-in-class products. We look forward to showcasing how Mark Andy’s solutions can drive efficiency, quality, and profitability for our customers.”

Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Labelexpo Americas adds: “We are delighted that Mark Andy is bringing such an extensive line of equipment to Labelexpo Americas this year. Exhibitors like Mark Andy are what make our attendees excited about visiting Labelexpo this September. It’s the only platform for the label and package printing industry to see such a wide range of equipment. Mark Andy will have everything for converters of all sizes.”

Main Booth (#319) Exhibits:

● iQ-R on 2200 Platform: Featuring the DOMINO iQ-R digital engine mounted on the Mark Andy 2200 flexo press. This collaboration between Mark Andy and Domino showcases the synergy of integrating an affordable, fully digital solution into Mark Andy’s trademark flexo technology.

● Digital Pro MAX: An advanced digital press designed for versatility and high-quality output in single-pass label production showcasing the collaboration between Mark Andy and Konica Minolta. Like all Mark Andy digital presses, the Pro MAX will feature the company’s proprietary semi-rotary die-cutting technology, a highlight of a true hybrid solution for toner-based applications.

● Digital Series HD: Offering highest-definition digital printing with the capability to handle complex and variable data jobs, the Mark Andy Digital Series HD has one of the most robust and durable profiles in the hybrid inkjet printing space. The press will be debuting the company’s next-generation digital front end solution, a toolkit that delivers complete workflow automation.

● P Series S9: Also making its debut at Labelexpo, the P Series S9 is engineered for both label and flexible packaging markets. This new press features flexo sleeve technology and boasts high reliability, aiming to deliver cost-effective, high-quality performance in 22” and 26” web widths.

● Additionally, a Mark Andy Pro Series press will be prominently featured in the Domino booth #5821, highlighting Mark Andy’s continued collaborative partnership with Domino. The Pro Series is fully servo-driven and will integrate Domino’s K600i and K300 high-speed monochrome variable data printing solutions, reinforcing the versatility and high performance of Mark Andy’s flexo portfolio.

Adjacent Booth (#424) Exhibits:

Adjacent to the main booth, Mark Andy companies Rotoflex and Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) will be exhibiting their latest innovations and offerings. Attendees can explore the advanced capabilities of Rotoflex and learn more about the comprehensive product range provided by MAPP, including:

● Rotoflex VLI-700: This premium machine is optimized for unsupported film for shrink applications and is the fastest in its class, running at speeds of 2000 feet per minute.

● Rotoflex VSI-330: Recognized as the industry’s benchmark solution with a wider global installation base than any other system in the market, the VSI-330 is lauded for its compact footprint, user-friendliness, and unparalleled stability.

● With a range of more than 30,000 products including offset, flexo, digital and letterpress supplies, Mark Andy Print Products is excited to introduce their own line of branded products at the show.

​​​

By: Mondi Group

• Mondi is launching FlexiBag Reinforced, a new range of recyclable and cost-effective PE-based mono-material packaging.
• The new solutions are ideal to protect a wide range of products thanks to their high barrier protection, improved mechanical properties, and customisability.
• German pet food producer mera is using a new FlexiBag Reinforced created with 35% PCR (post-consumer recycled) content to pack its ‘pure green’ dry pet food range.

3 July 2024 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is launching the latest addition to its popular portfolio of sustainable pre-made plastic bags – FlexiBag Reinforced: a range of innovative mono-PE-based, recyclable packaging solutions with improved mechanical properties.

Contributing to a circular economy, the FlexiBag Reinforced range is recyclable where collection facilities and recycling systems for PE films are in place. The bags have been created in-house by Mondi, leveraging its integrated value chain. This means the solutions can be tailored to different customers’ specific needs more cost-effectively.

Improved mechanical properties make the bag superior to previous versions – better puncture resistance, stiffness and sealability are guaranteed. The level of barrier protection can be adjusted, providing medium to high barriers against fat, oxygen and moisture while keeping the content fresh – making it ideal for the pet food industry.

With FlexiBag Reinforced, Mondi proactively meets future regulative requirements: a customised percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content can be added (based on mass-balance), significantly reducing the use of virgin plastics and promoting material efficiency by keeping materials in circulation.

Dirk Gabriel, COO Consumer Flexibles at Mondi, says: “Mondi recognises the increasing emphasis on PCR materials driven by future regulative requirements and as a market leader in sustainable pet food packaging, we are taking every effort to secure sufficient upstream supply of PCR material for our customers. By working closely with our partners along the value chain we can understand the unique requirements of each customer and adapt accordingly to material efficiency and recyclability. With FlexiBag Reinforced, we are able to offer a solution that comes close to the material costs of conventional multi-material laminates for certain structures and at the same time offers recyclable packaging that gives our customers a competitive advantage in the market.”

mera’s ‘pure green’ dry pet food range

mera, a family-owned German pet food producer has successfully introduced FlexiBag Reinforced containing 35% PCR content for its 10kg packs of vegan dry dog food. The implementation process was smooth to manage as the FlexiBag Reinforced was suitable for mera’s existing machinery.

Enes Tajic, Purchasing Manager at mera, says: “We firmly believe that in nature, everything is inter-related. We are passionate about animal welfare – and part of that is a commitment to sustainability. Working with our long-term, trusted partner Mondi meant that these new dog food products will be packed in a way that enables us to continue to create harmony between our furry friends and their environment.”

By: Xaar

Cambridge, 2^nd July 2024 – Leveraging its long-standing partnership with inkjet technology expert Xaar, Nilpeter is seeing a growing number of its presses offering advanced digital varnish and foiling embellishments to meet the demand for added-value labels in Italy.

Already hitting double digits within the Italian market, the High-Build Varnish Printbars are seamlessly integrated into the Nilpeter lines and are proving crucial for producing high-value labels in industries that demand premium embellishments, such as wine, spirits, and cosmetics. The flexibility enables Nilpeter to cater to diverse market needs with quality and precision, enhancing labels with highly tactile, visual effects. For example, complex finishes such as doming – the application of a high laydown varnish under cold foil – are easily added to meet a growing demand in luxury wine labelling.

Alongside increasing product shelf-appeal, each High-Build Varnish Printbar provides users with a lower overall cost of production, less material waste, faster make-ready, and increased production rates compared to traditional methods.

The use of digital inkjet is part of Nilpeter’s “Future of Flexo” theme, which combines traditional printing methods with modern innovations including digitalisation, IoT and automation. This approach supports a broad spectrum of added value features which are enabled by Xaar’s technologies, and highly sought after in the Italian market.

The growing success in Italy is testament to the established relationship between Xaar and Nilpeter. Over two decades, the partnership between the two businesses has developed from the first integration of Xaar’s 1001 printheads to the using the Xaar Nitrox and its advanced technologies in the new generation printbars. The recent opening of Nilpeter’s North American Technology & Educational Center further highlighted the strong partnership, with an FA-17 press showcasing opportunities for digital varnish and foil embellishments by using Xaar’s printbar.

Søren Ringbo, General Manager Digital Products at Nilpeter, said; “Our extensive presence in Italy reflects our ability to meet the premium labelling needs in this luxury market. Innovation and design combine to enable our customers to produce the latest in labels, and our dedication to integrating advanced technologies like Xaar’s printbar ensure our presses meet evolving market needs.”

Graham Tweedale, COO of Xaar, also reflected on the success: “Nilpeter’s focus on the Future of Flexo is enhanced by the possibilities of digital printing and Xaar’s technology. The integration of our printbar ensures Nilpeter is not just augmenting label production capabilities but also creating significant value for customers.

“We are delighted to see so many presses already producing sophisticated varnish and foiling embellishments and look forward to continued growth with Nilpeter in providing innovative digital labeling across Italy and beyond.”

By: Domino

At Labelexpo Americas 2024 September 10 – 12, ‘Experience the Domino Difference’ in booth 5821 where attendees are invited to view LIVE equipment demonstrations throughout the three-day event, allowing them to ‘See more. Learn more. Do more.’ In addition, attendees can enjoy the hospitality of hot coffee and cold beer served at the ‘Print Bar’ in the Domino booth where there will be much to see! 

Domino N730i digital UV inkjet label press.  1200 dpi with revolutionary BITSTAR™ print head technology. Print speed up to 230 ft/min (70 m/min). Configurable in up to 7 colors (CMYKOVW) covers 92% of the Pantone range, and white prints 76% opacity at speed. Ergonomic design with automated roll lifts at the unwind and rewind, supporting media rolls up to 40” (1m) in diameter. Flexibility with optional flexo priming station (pre-digital) to optimize print quality on difficult media types; and optional flexo station (post-digital) to support varnishing, brand spot color, or for cost-effective flood white for shrink sleeve applications.  Roll to roll or hybrid configurations available.

Domino N610i digital UV inkjet label press.  600 dpi digital UV inkjet label press available in up to 7-colors (CMYKOVW) in roll-to-roll and hybrid configurations.  40” (1m) roll diameter. 13.3” and 17” web widths. High opacity white 72%. N610i prints from 164 ft/min (50 m/min) up to 230 ft/min (70 m/min). Pantone range 92%.

Domino K600i dual bar digital UV inkjet printer.  K600i is a high-speed monochrome UV inkjet printer that integrates onto flexo presses, rewinders, & finishing systems for variable data printing (VDP) at up to 492 fpm.  Print widths from 4.25” (108mm) to 30.81” (782mm).  Applications for VDP include anti-counterfeiting; brand protection; consumer engagement; e-commerce; food safety; inventory control; logistics & reverse logistics; loyalty & promotional program; & track & trace.  Print serial, batch, random, or pin numbers; alpha numeric characters; variable images; linear barcodes; 2D matrix, or QR codes.

NEW! Domino K300. K300 is a compact monochrome UV inkjet printer that integrates onto flexo presses, rewinders, and finishing systems. Print speeds up to 410 ft/min (125 m/min) at 600 dpi, or 820 ft/min (250 m/min) for 300 dpi, the K300 is ideal for adding variable data printing in late-stage customization such as unique codes, 2D, or QR codes. Print width of 2.13” (54.1mm) with 1 print station, or 4.26” (108.2mm) with 2 print stations.

Domino K600i and K300 will be integrated on a Mark Andy Pro Series flexo press, to illustrate how high-speed variable data can be added to flexo printed labels.

NEW! Sunrise DFE Inline RIP. Sunrise DFE introduces the latest generation of software enhancements to Domino’s digital press portfolio. With the new Sunrise DFE package, designed specifically for single-pass inkjet devices, customers can benefit from improved workflow efficiency and increased uptime without interruption to production, including the ability for real-time data ripping.  This will be running on all the digital printing stations in the Domino booth.

Lake Image Systems, a Domino Group Company, will also have experts and technology in the Domino booth. Domino’s strategic partnership with Lake Image Systems has been instrumental in bringing vision inspection expertise to digital printing customers, through machine visions systems – including the Domino R-MultiScan inspection and monitoring camera system which will be shown on the N730i.  Lake Image vision inspection systems will be on all digital printing stations within the Domino booth.

Domino LIVE! Equipment Demonstration Schedule:

Tuesday & Wednesday

10am:   N730i & N610i

11am:   K600i & K300

12pm:  N730i & N610i

1pm:    K600i & K300

2pm:    N730i N610i

3pm:    K600i & K300

4pm:    N730i & N610i

Thursday

10am:   N730i & N610i

11am:   K600i & K300

12pm:  N730i & N610i

1pm:    K600i & K300

In the ‘Experience the Domino Difference’ area of the booth, attendees are invited to learn more about Domino Digital Solutions programs, Sunrise DFE, Domino Service & Support, OEM partners, and more!

Domino will also be presenting at the Labelexpo ‘Innovation Stage’ in booth 2043 on Tuesday, September 10^th at 3:00pm, announcing new products being launched that day!  For example, learn about the NEW Domino N730i Integration Module that enables label converters to create their own preferred 1200 dpi hybrid solution. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the Domino product portfolio as Michael Matthews – Domino Global Product Manager – will be sharing full details and future roadmap.

Last but not least, please plan to visit Mark Andy booth 319 to see the DSiQ-R integrated on a Mark Andy 2200 flexo press showcasing the synergy of integrating affordable, fully digital technologies into Mark Andy’s trademark flexo equipment. The DSiQ-R utilizes the Domino N610i digital UV inkjet print engine providing a retrofittable platform that enables label converters to add digital for hybrid printing capabilities. The DSiQ-R allows converters to expand their range of applications while meeting the benefits of quick turnaround and non-stop production of multiple SKU jobs. Visitors to the Mark Andy booth will learn about the DSiQ family of products ‘powered by Domino’… a collaboration between Domino and Mark Andy.

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions.  Celebrating its 46^th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North American headquarters in Gurnee, IL.  Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide.  As of June 2015, Domino is a Brother Group company.  For more information on Domino, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com and domino-printing.com