By: Asahi Photoproducts

Plastic-free biodegradable/compostable packaging printed with specialized Chespa plant-based inks for a high level of sustainability. Print samples available for visitors on Asahi’s drupa stand.

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium, May 27, 2024. Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today reported that Chespa, headquartered in Poland with numerous sites around Eastern Europe, has partnered with Asahi Photoproducts and Esko to introduce to its customers and prospects unique high-barrier-film, biodegradable/compostable, packaging printed using specialized plant based Chespa inks, Esko’s latest Crystal V screening and XPS Crystal Exposure system along with Asahi Photoproducts AWP™ CleanPrint carbon neutral water-washable plates to ensure production of the highest quality print with optimized ink consumption, minimal waste, robust color and no VOCs. Printed samples will be available for visitors to Asahi Photoproducts’ drupa stand located in Hall 8b, Stand A13.

Chespa, founded in 1991 and with 18 companies in 7 countries, features an ink manufacturing company and repro studio, offering a wide range of water- and solvent-based inks, cutting dies, and press-ready photopolymer printing plates for use with a wide variety of substrates. The company employs 750 team members and has a turnover of €140 million. Chespa has a long heritage of sustainable operations and continuously invests in modern facilities, smart eco-solutions, energy efficient production lines, and R&D projects related to use of renewable materials. This helps Chespa to decrease its consumption of energy, water, amount of waste sent to landfill, along with increased employee safety through the use of automated lines and robots.

Chespa inks are manufactured using a renewable feedstock and generating 35% less eCO₂/kg. They contain up to 40% dry content versus 1% for standard inks. Inks are biodegradable, and compostable both in homes and industrial facilities. Based on this and other factors, the company just received an award from the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), in the U.S., for its sustainability programs including its water-based inks manufactured from renewable feedstocks.

The project conducted in collaboration with Asahi and Esko using sustainable substrates and inks as well as carbon neutral printing plates from Asahi, was tested with a chocolate manufacturer using Chespa’s FlexiBio water-based inks, and a manufacturer of peanut-based products using Chespa’s FlexiEco water-based inks. Both manufacturers reported they were delighted with the exceptional quality produced using Chespa’s specialty inks, a sustainable substrate, high quality screening from Esko and Asahi’s carbon neutral CleanPrint plates.

“Our brand owner client chose a sustainable paper substrate with barrier coatings for packaging their products based on its barrier against oxygen, water, aromas, and fat, and its suitability for heat sealing,” said Anetta Malkusch PR, Marketing & Advertising Manager Chespa Sp.z o.o. “An additional requirement, of course, was the ability to print high-quality graphics on the surface using sustainable water-wash AWP^TM plates from Asahi, our water-based inks, and the latest Crystal-V screening technology from Esko. Both companies were thrilled with the outcome, and we are looking forward to working with Asahi Photoproducts to make printed samples using our inks on this unique and sustainable substrate available on their drupa stand. Chespa is also proud to have been recognized with an FTA sustainability award for the water-based inks used in this project which are based on renewable feedstocks.”

The barrier-coated paper, branded FlexiLack FX Barrier by Chespa, is a high-performance metallized compostable film that consists of four layers: a cellulose film coated top and bottom with a specialized coating with a top layer of a printable metallized surface. It combines excellent optical properties with enhanced barrier and deadfold capabilities. Target applications include twistwrap and flow-wrap of confectionery, bakery and non-food products. This packaging is ideal for premium-look labelling applications and is cold-seal compatible.The project is targeting brand owners whith maximum achievements in sustainability as well es keeping the functional packaging barrier properties required for this type of food application in focus.

By: RM Machinery Inc.

CARNEYS POINT, New Jersey—RM Machinery, the U.S. master distributor for the RMGT 10-Series, announces its highlight for drupa—the RMGT 1060 LX, a fully loaded press that is sure to stop traffic and draw packaging and commercial printers into Hall 16, Booth E11 from May 28 to June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The press will be one of two presses running live in RMGT’s booth at the long-anticipated drupa 2024, an event the printing world has spent the past eight years waiting for.

Now considered RM Machinery’s flagship press, the RMGT 1060 is engineered to increase printing speed while enhancing flexibility, efficiency and quality in print production. Among its many capabilities and available features are the LED-UV system, delivery shutter, and automatic nonstop feeder (ANSF). The RMGT 1060 LX stands as a testament to the evolution of printing technology, building on the powerful legacy of Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses. With its capacity to accept a wide range of stocks up to 1060 millimeters wide and consistently run at speeds as fast as 17,100 sheets per hour, the RMGT 1060 LX promises to deliver unmatched output and productivity. 

Available with the RMGT 1060-Series is the automatic nonstop feeder (ANSF), which will also be shown at drupa. The ANSF is designed to eliminate the physical strain and routine labor involved when loading and unloading piles of paper. With the ANSF, operators simply load the stock onto the feeder pile plate and the machine takes care of the rest—including making automatic adjustments to accommodate the size of the pile. Without the need for manual intervention, an operator has more time to address other issues in the pressroom.

Another feature of the RMGT 1060-Series, which was first brought to market by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is the industry-leading SimulChanger, an automated plate changing system that can change all printing plates simultaneously in an astounding 75 seconds. With the SimulChanger, printers are able to reduce makeready time, increase the pace during job turnover, and attain greater press uptime. 

The RMGT 1060 LX incorporates AI and machine learning with the Printing Quality Control System (PQS-D). With functions that include automatic register adjustment, color control and defect detection, the PQS-D enhances efficiency in production and ensures continuous high-quality printing. 

Also available for the RMGT 1060 LX is the powerful LED-UV system, an environmentally friendly curing technology for instant drying. This system allows for immediate handling and processing of printed sheets while reducing energy consumption and eliminating powder spray. It also allows for the ability to print on a variety of substrates including non-absorbent materials. With the LED-UV system, printers can reach new markets.  

Lloyd Molloy, director of customer service for RM Machinery, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s drupa plans. “We’re thrilled to have the RMGT 1060 LX at drupa 2024,” said Molloy. “The 1060 LX is leading a technological revolution, redefining standards in the printing industry and addressing today’s complex printing requirements. RM Machinery enhances this offering with service technicians located across North America and the RM Advantage+ service program. We provide printers with advanced training, readily available OEM parts and consumables, and expert preventive maintenance programs. This comprehensive support assures optimal uptime and leads the industry by offering the most economical lifetime cost of ownership for printers.” 

The RMGT 1060 LX paired with RM Machinery’s expertise is sure to unveil a must-have solution for commercial and packaging printers worldwide.

By: Resource Label Group

Franklin, TN – May 23, 2024 – Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions, recently announced it has acquired Beyer Graphics, located in Commack, New York. Beyer Graphics will become part of RLG Healthcare, a specialty pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging business of Resource Label Group.

Founded in 1982 by William Beyer, Sr. as a provider of custom folding carton solutions, Beyer Graphics has become one of the leading packaging companies specializing in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Beyer Graphics’ state-of-the-art facility focuses on providing packaging solutions such as custom folding boxes and cartons to over-the-counter (OTC), pharmaceutical, vitamin, supplement, and cosmetics clients.

Daniel Beyer, President of Beyer Graphics, stated, “Our team is excited to join RLG, as the partnership will increase our ability to better meet the needs of our growing customer base. As part of the RLG Healthcare business, our customers will have access to a broader portfolio of products and capabilities that will expand our ability to provide the innovative packaging solutions our customers require.”

Mike Apperson, President and CEO of Resource Label Group, added, “We are thrilled to welcome the talented team at Beyer Graphics to the RLG family. This addition significantly strengthens our fast-growing RLG Healthcare business and reinforces our commitment to meeting the needs of our pharmaceutical and healthcare customers.”

“It is an exciting time for RLG Healthcare as we continue to rapidly grow and expand our commitment to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries,” stated Kevin Grogan, CEO of RLG Healthcare. “The addition of Beyer Graphics will immediately strengthen our service, quality, and product offering to our customers.”

Beyer Graphics represents the 32nd acquisition for RLG and the third addition to the RLG Healthcare business.

By: Mark Andy Inc.

St. Louis, MO, May 16, 2024 – Mark Andy Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment with a specialty in the narrow web label industry, is thrilled to announce that San Antonio-based Label Edge has chosen Mark Andy as its digital press partner as they enter the digital label-printing space. This installation marks Label Edge’s first venture into digital printing, complementing their existing fleet of Mark Andy 2200 flexographic presses.

“Label Edge’s decision to incorporate the Digital Pro PLUS into their production line is a testament to their commitment to embracing innovative technologies that drive business growth,” said Steve Schulte, Vice President of Sales at Mark Andy. “We are proud to support them as they adapt to the changing demands of the label printing industry.”

Sherri Proctor, co-owner of Label Edge, commented on the new addition, saying, “This press is not just a purchase; it’s an investment in our future. The hybrid capabilities and the potential for on-the-fly configuration changes with the Digital Pro PLUS make it ideal for our growth strategy, especially in high-mix, low-volume markets.”

Label Edge’s Digital Pro press is customized to meet specific production needs, featuring options for modular add-ons that enhance printing capabilities and output quality.

“We chose Mark Andy again because of our long history with their reliable technology and excellent support,” Sherri added. “This new digital solution fits perfectly with our vision of providing high-quality, flexible printing solutions to our customers.”

For more information about Mark Andy and the Digital Pro PLUS, please visit Mark Andy Digital Pro PLUS.

By: Mondi

• Mondi is investing €200 million into a high-quality recycled containerboard machine with an annual capacity of around 420,000 tonnes at its Duino mill near Trieste, acquired in January 2023. 
• Investment is part of the company’s €1.2 billion of approved investments in organic growth projects aimed at meeting the growing demand for sustainable packaging, enhancing its product offering, and reducing its environmental impact

23 May 2024 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, held a groundbreaking ceremony in Duino, Italy, today laying the cornerstone on its €200 million investment in the mill acquired in January 2023. The facility’s existing paper machine is being converted into a high-quality recycled containerboard machine which will create job opportunities for current and potential employees, build and evolve partnerships with local stakeholders as well as contribute to the region’s overall economic development.

The start-up of the new machine is expected in 2025. Once fully operational, it will be capable of producing 420,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard for sustainable packaging solutions and will be Mondi’s widest recycled paper machine at 8.5 metres. Where possible, the mill will source materials locally in order to contribute to the local economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through shorter transport distances and strengthen supply chain resilience.

“We are excited about the progress of the Duino investment project and the opportunity this provides our growing packaging business,” says Andrew King, CEO of Mondi Group. “This containerboard machine will strengthen our backward integration and provide us with security of supply to better serve our customers.”

“Our investment in Duino allows us to meet the increasing demand for sustainable solutions across Central Europe, the Mediterranean area, and the local Italian market. The project team is currently preparing for the upcoming construction works, with a new recycled fibre plant, wastewater treatment plant and the associated infrastructure and warehousing,” says Markus Gärtner, CEO Mondi Corrugated Packaging. 

By: Reynders Etiketten

With eight production sites in six countries, the family-owned Reynders business has been supplying the label industry for more than 50 years and is now under third generation management.  Established in 1956, and headquartered in Boechout, Belgium with plants in France, Poland, Spain, Germany and India, the company now employs more than 700 people of which approximately half that number work in Belgium.

The company, which is managed by a team of five people representing Sales, Finance, Production and two additional family members, Sébastiaan Reynders (Buying, Planning & Logistics) and Bart Reynders (Sales Manager Pharmaceutical Labels), has been renowned for the variety and quality of its printed output and innovative techniques since it began to specialise in labels in the 1980s.  The first contact with Vetaphone came more than 30 years ago when Marc Reynders and Dirk Den Haese of Vetaphone Benelux began discussing how best to equip the company’s converting lines, mostly ABG and GM machines and in the early days Nilpeter printing presses, with reliable and efficient corona technology.

Since then, Vetaphone has installed more than 50 of its corona units at Reynders’ plants with more due for installation.  Speaking for Reynders, Operations Manager Joris Mermans said: “What we particularly appreciate with Vetaphone corona is its low maintenance requirements.  We very rarely have any issues with the easy access cartridge system and if we do, then spare parts are readily available and delivered quickly.”

Responding for Vetaphone, Dirk Den Haese commented: “Surface treatment might be only an ancillary part of the overall production process, but it’s one of the most vital links in the chain if you are dealing with film or foil materials.  Poor quality corona coverage will pose quality issues downstream and can involve costly reprints which neither converters nor customers can afford.”

Most of the label capability at Reynders is 330mm and 550mm web width, with 2kW corona power for the oldest machines and 4kW for the most resent printing presses with higher speeds and more demanding substrates.  Reynders is using a mix of machine manufacturers’ technology including Gallus and Mark Andy presses that produce self-adhesive labels, sleeves, flexible packaging and IML for markets that include pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food & beverage, industrial, automotive, chemical and household & garden.

The company prides itself on its sustainability record, and operates under the mantra of: ‘Smart, Safe & Sustainable’ stating that a green future begins with the choices we make today.  As Joris Mermans explained: “Sustainability is in the process, not just in the materials.  Producing labels as efficiently as possible combined with care for the environment and its employees is what sustainability means to Reynders.”

Making the right choice is a key part of ‘being green’.   For instance, a paper label is not always the most environmentally friendly if, when applied to a PET bottle, it makes recycling more complex.  Likewise, cartons can often be used only once, whereas plastic packaging can have multiple lives. Reynders label printing works by responsible sourcing, reducing, and recycling.  In addition to a return on investment, the company says it strongly focusses on all possible environmental effects.

As Dirk Den Haese concluded: “Plastic packaging has an increasingly poor reputation in the eyes of the public, but this is largely undeserved because it offers significant advantages that paper-based packaging cannot.  At Vetaphone, we are constantly working with new and more ecologically friendly substrates, and value the cooperation we have long held with Reynders to meet their environmental requirements.”

By: Tiger Capital Group, LLC.

As Tiger’s intellectual property (IP)-related deal flow continues to grow, Zolot will leverage decades of experience in complex M&A transactions, business-development and consumer-brand strategy to provide creative brand monetization solutions to clients

NEW YORK – May 13, 2024 — David Zolot, a high-impact investment professional who brings nearly 25 years of experience in corporate, IP and consumer-brand strategy, has joined Tiger Capital Group as Managing Director, Brand Strategies.

A veteran of the consumer branded space, Zolot has served in senior executive roles at brand management firms Iconix Brands, Saban Brands, and most recently as a Principal at New York-based Neuberger Berman, where he focused on their Marquee Brands investment strategy. In this latter role, Zolot led a deal team that completed and integrated 10 new brand acquisitions and strategic investments, scaling Marquee from an early-stage startup to a global brand management firm generating retail equivalent sales in excess of $3 billion annually. 

At Tiger, Zolot heads a new business initiative focused on creative, value-enhancing opportunities to the growing roster of consumer-facing brands served by the company’s finance, valuation and advisory services divisions. His role also includes business development across all divisions. 

“Tiger’s IP deal flow continues to expand and evolve, and we are investing in and working with more consumer-facing brands that boast strong growth and M&A potential,” noted Tiger Capital Group Chief Operating Officer Michael McGrail. “David’s impressive professional network and mastery of brand and IP valuation, management and monetization, as well as M&A execution, will benefit every facet of our business. We’re thrilled to welcome David to the Tiger team.” 

A University of Michigan Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, Zolot started his career at New York-based Peter J. Solomon Company, where he executed M&A, financing and restructuring transactions for the former Lehman Brothers chairman’s eponymous, boutique investment banking firm. 

The New York native has closed over a hundred debt, equity and capital markets transactions approaching $5 billion in aggregate consideration over the course of his career, including highly complex deals involving bankruptcies, corporate carveouts, cross-border negotiations and transitions from public to private ownership.

As Zolot sees it, there is a meaningful opportunity for Tiger to invest in or otherwise monetize brands that come in through, or are able to utilize, Tiger’s existing platform. “I’m excited to leverage my network and experience to drive revenue across Tiger’s organization, with a focus on executing creative, value-enhancing deals for consumer brands. I look forward to working closely with the talented team at Tiger Capital Group to lead this new initiative and to help expand the services and solutions offered to our clients.”

By: Hybrid Software

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for label & package printing, will demonstrate Version 10 of its PACKZ PDF packaging editor at the Drupa trade fair starting on May 28 in Düsseldorf, Germany. PACKZ Version 10 adds deep connectivity to EngView’s Package & Display Designer CAD software to better support existing EngView users as well as any folding carton printer who is looking for a modern, user-friendly CAD alternative. This collaborative solution adds to the already-extensive range of editing and automation tools in PACKZ 10 and marks a significant advancement in packaging production for folding cartons.

Hybrid Software President Patrick Coussement states, “PACKZ has long supported connectivity with structural design software via open interfaces, but the direct connection to EngView is much more streamlined and productive for folding carton designers and printers. EngView has an excellent reputation and offers both Mac and PC versions of their software, just as we do with PACKZ. We’re looking forward to a long and successful partnership and continued innovation on behalf of our mutual customers.”

Boriana Stoimenova, Head of the Packaging Division at EngView Systems, comments on the integration between EngView Package & Display Designer and Hybrid’s PACKZ:

“As two leading companies, committed to providing high-quality innovative solutions for the packaging industry, sharing the same customer-oriented values, it’s the natural progression for EngView and Hybrid to form an alliance. This collaboration aims to empower our customers by automating the packaging design and production processes. It will significantly improve their efficiency and reduce the time-to-market. Given the smooth and effective cooperation between our teams so far, I am genuinely excited about this venture and believe we can discover even more ways to integrate EngView’s and Hybrid’s products. “

Discover all innovative productivity tools of the only all-in-one PDF editors for label and packaging graphics at www.hybridsoftware.com, or visit Hall 7a, Stand D03 at drupa for a personalized demonstration.

By: UPM Raflatac

UPM Raflatac has announced the launch of its innovative New Wave paper label material compatible with recycling. It is the first RecyClass certified paper label material to obtain a Letter of Compatibility for use on rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) containers. The test results confirm the compatibility even for natural and white material streams, which require the highest purity of recyclate from the recycling processes. This groundbreaking new label material represents a major step forward in the recycling of rigid plastic packaging, helping brand owners continue to make the shift towards enhanced circularity. At the moment, New Wave is the only RecyClass-recognized label solution for rigid natural and white HDPE and PP material streams.

The New Wave label material is designed to provide functionality for the full life cycle of products, primarily home and personal care products such as soap bottles or washing detergent containers. It supports the purity of recycled materials by washing off cleanly at just 40°C using plain water with no chemicals required. Available now to customers in EMEIA, followed by the Asian market, the New Wave label material is tested to perform without fiberloss in the recycling process, helping to prevent contamination in material streams. This ensures the resulting recyclate can be used again in new packaging without compromising on quality and gives producers more choice when it comes to using label materials from a renewable source.

Until now, obtaining RecyClass approval for natural and white HDPE and PP rigid packaging has been difficult due to the lack of any RecyClass approved label. However, with the introduction of the New Wave paper label material, brands can now achieve certification for the final packaging with New Wave label material certified by RecyClass. This Letter of Compatibility confirms that the label material is compatible with recycling technologies used at an industrial scale.

“When brands choose the New Wave Label material for their rigid HDPE or PP packaging, they can make the full package eligible for RecyClass certification. Brand owners will not have to test the packaging further if all packaging components have either a letter of compatibility, a technology approval letter, or the material choice meets RecyClass Design for Recycling Guidelines,” states Robert Taylor, Director Sustainability, UPM Raflatac.

“This launch marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to enhance the circularity of plastic packaging,” says Sylwia Jurys, Vice President, Paper Laminates, UPM Raflatac. “As regulations such as the European Packaging and Packaging Wate Regulation (PPWR) continue to evolve, we have worked with RecyClass to provide a solution that not only meets strict recycling criteria but also sets a new standard for sustainable packaging. We are proud to lead the way in recyclable packaging solutions, helping brand owners meet their sustainability targets and close the loop to support a circular packaging economy.”

UPM Raflatac’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is delivered through the company’s Beyond Fossils ambition. The New Wave label is a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and its dedication to the principles of circular economy.