By: SOMA

Lanskroun, Czech Republic, March 6, 2025 — SOMA (www.soma-eng.com), a global leader in flexographic printing technology, is proud to announce the successful conclusion of 2024, marking another record-breaking year for the company. Despite global challenges in recent years, SOMA has achieved continued growth in turnover for five consecutive years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2024, SOMA set new benchmarks across multiple key performance indicators:

• Record turnover, driven by robust demand for its innovative technologies.

• An all-time high in repeat sales, reflecting strong relationships with existing customers.

• A record number of contractual agreements, paving the way for a promising start to 2025.

2024: A Year of Innovation and Global Expansion

As a drupa year—the “Olympic Games” of the printing industry—2024 was pivotal for SOMA. The company proudly introduced several groundbreaking innovations, including:

• The Optima2, a 10-color flagship flexo press showcasing advanced bounce control and automation features for enhanced operational efficiency.

• The Intelligent Printing Unit (IPU), a pioneering solution for single-pass operations that boosts efficiency in package print production.

• The Proxima, an efficient flexo press combining simplicity with sophisticated technology.

• The Pluto III.2, SOMA’s top seller slitter rewinder featuring an integrated waste management system.

Each of these launches underscored SOMA’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability in the printing industry.

Strengthening Global Presence

2024 also marked substantial progress in expanding SOMA’s service and sales network:

• Opening of a service center in Latin America, bringing local support and faster service to customers in the region.

• Expanding service support in North America through an expansion of our local team, ensuring enhanced responsiveness and customer satisfaction across the region. 

• Strengthened presence in the Middle East, Balkan region, and parts of South America, through strategic partnerships with key local representatives.

Expansion at Home

At its headquarters in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, SOMA continued its growth by completing its third manufacturing hall, Hall C. This new facility includes a state-of-the-art paint shop, further increasing SOMA’s production capacity and operational efficiency.

Looking Ahead to 2025

“This year has been a testament to the strength of our team, our commitment to innovation, and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the global market,” said Pavla Kusá, Commercial Director. “As we move into 2025, we remain dedicated to our mission, as envisioned by the founder of SOMA, to humbly continue supporting our customers in overcoming new challenges. We are committed to providing solutions that empower them, staying true to our promise of delivering exceptional technology, support and value to those we serve globally.“

About SOMA (www.soma-eng.com)

Founded in the early 1990s, SOMA is a leading manufacturer of flexographic printing presses, slitter rewinders, laminators, plate mounters, and die cutters. All products are designed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in-house, ensuring the highest quality standards. SOMA serves a global market from its headquarters in Lanskroun, Czech Republic, supported by a robust network of sales representatives and distributors.

By: XAAR

Cambridge, March 6^th 2025 – Leading inkjet technology group, Xaar is revolutionizing corrugated packaging printing, delivering flexo quality and a reduced cost per print alongside digital customization and personalization benefits in a single pass.

Thanks to Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology, its Aquinox printhead can jet fluids of up to 1000 centipoises (cP) at ambient temperature (approx. 100 cP at jetting temperature), which has enabled chemists to develop inks that overcome many of the barriers inkjet has previously faced in the corrugate sector. These new high viscosity formulations minimize ink absorption into corrugated surfaces to produce unbeatable opacity and color vibrancy, ensuring both visible appeal and durability for corrugated packaging.

By absorbing less ink into the board, the same print quality is achieved with less ink, enabling faster printing and significantly reducing production costs as well as the total cost of ownership. Printing with the new water-based high viscosity inks developed by Nazdar easily meets the demands of even the fastest corrugated packaging production lines.

In addition, with less substrate penetration, high-viscosity inks can remove the need for primers, simplifying the printing process and improving sustainability by reducing drying energy and fluid usage – resulting in brighter, more vibrant prints on uncoated and unprimed corrugate boards. Xaar’s technology also significantly decreases cost per job alongside delivering flexo-level print quality, meaning digital print is more relevant than ever before.

Independent research conducted by the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating at Swansea University clearly demonstrated that using Xaar’s Ultra High Viscosity Technology increases color density by up to 60 per cent, expanding the color gamut and boosting productivity. In addition, by reducing water in the inks, less energy is consumed in the drying process, lowering operational costs and aligning with corrugated packaging manufacturers’ sustainability goals.

Reliability is key in any print application, and the Xaar Aquinox’s higher throw distance prevents any substrate-induced damage through collisions with the printhead, and accommodates varying gauges of cardboard. Xaar’s TF Technology eliminates potential nozzle blockages from cardboard dust, and fast printhead recovery minimises ink waste and downtime during production starts and stops. Optimal ink conditions can be maintained throughout long print runs by a Megnajet fluid management system ensuring uniform print quality when using high viscosity inks.

Xaar’s Business Development Manager, Neil Cook said: “Historically, inkjet printing has not been able to provide the quality, reliability or speed that corrugated packaging print required. Now, thanks to our Ultra High Viscosity Technology, we can deliver the high print quality standards demanded while reducing the cost per print.”

Xaar is focused on building inkjet’s growth within the corrugate sector, highlighting its benefits to attract more customers. Neil concluded: “Alongside the intrinsic advantages of customization available from digital print, with its impactful colors, reduced cost per print and sustainability benefits, Xaar Technology is providing a game-changing shift in corrugated printing. This innovation is redefining what’s possible for users, unlocking new opportunities in print and setting a new standard for the industry.”

Neil Cook, Business Development Manager at Xaar will be participating in CCE International, taking place from 11-13th March in Munich, Germany. He will be presenting “Is inkjet now able to revolutionise digital printing of corrugates?” on Tuesday, 11th March at 10:30am, discussing how high viscosity inks and Xaar’s printhead technology can drive the next evolution in digital corrugate printing. Tomas Cerny, Principal Engineer at Xaar, will also present “More secrets of inkjet printing” on Wednesday, 12th March at 11:30am, exploring the distinct advantages offered for end users looking to incorporate digital printing into their production processes.

For more information on Xaar’s high quality corrugate printing technology, visit: https://www.xaar.com/campaigns/corrugate_colour/

About Xaar

Xaar is an inkjet innovator, providing printheads and technologies for OEM and UDI customers worldwide.

By helping customers lay down precise volumes of inks and fluids with absolute pin-point accuracy, time after time, Xaar’s inkjet printheads and technologies meet the needs of numerous markets. Covering graphics, labelling, direct-to-shape, packaging, textiles, coatings, product decoration, ceramic tile and glass decoration, décor, and outer case coding applications – as well as printing with specialist functional fluids for 3D and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Collaboration is at the very core of its business. Xaar works as a trusted partner from sites in Europe and China, providing expert insights and technical support every step of the way.

With over 30 years’ experience, around 200 patents registered or pending, and major ongoing R&D investment, Xaar’s digital printhead and precision jetting technologies create infinite opportunities for today’s sustainable manufacturing innovation.

By: Peczuh Printing & Paperbox and Heidelberg

Kennesaw, Ga. March 5, 2025 – Peczuh Printing & Paperbox, one of Utah’s largest commercial and packaging printers, is set to install its first Speedmaster XL 106 from HEIDELBERG next month in its Lindon facility. The new press is anticipated to significantly boost the company’s efficiency and capacity, supporting its continuous growth and demonstrating its long-term commitment to the commercial print sector.

Looking Forward While Honoring the Past

Since starting business in 1962, Peczuh has expanded to three locations throughout Utah and grown into one of the region’s most successful printers, thanks to its leadership’s innovative style and strategic diversification into folding carton, wide format signage, and flexography. Even as the company, now in its second-generation of ownership, has grown, it still maintains a family-oriented approach throughout its operations.

“At Peczuh, we continue to look forward while honoring our past,” said President Paul Lynaugh. “Innovation for us isn’t just about investing in new technology – it’s how our team, from leadership to production, drives change. We’re always improving – for our customers, our team, and the future.”

While the company continues to look for new ways to innovate, the core of its business remains rooted in commercial printing, a segment it maintains growth in year after year – despite many competitors shifting away from it. According to CEO Frank Peczuh, “We keep growing by staying relevant, addressing challenges efficiently, and focusing on taking care of people. We’re committed to spreading the good word about the value of commercial print – from direct mail to catalogs to publications and beyond.”

This passion for commercial printing and its dedication to its customers is why the company decided to invest in a new Speedmaster XL 106-8P+L from HEIDELBERG. The new press, scheduled to replace a press from a competitive manufacturer this Spring, is equipped with HEIDELBERG’s latest technology including Push to Stop, AutoPlate Pro, Prinect Inpress Control 3 and the HEIDELBERG UX, featuring AI-powered press assistance systems. Once in full production, the company expects the increased capacity from the XL 106 to allow for the removal of an additional press.

“Thanks to the efficiency, automation, and advanced technology of the XL 106, we fully anticipate that we will be able to print more than we ever have,” said Peczuh.

Substantial Key Differentiators

With HEIDELBERG’s AI-driven Intellistart 3, all steps required for job changes are defined without any operator intervention for all active and queued processes. This enhanced automation, paired with automatic plate changing with AutoPlate Pro, means Peczuh saves time not only during press start-up but also in between jobs. With some days requiring almost 25 plate changes, Lynaugh said the time it takes from job end to job beginning was “a substantial key differentiator” when selecting the Speedmaster XL 106.

Another key factor was HEIDELBERG’s Prinect Inpress Control, the industry’s leading inline spectrophotometer that measures, controls, and registers color on the fly at any speed – meaning sheets can get up to color and in register in as little as 60 sheets. Although the company’s previous presses featured in-line color technology from a competing manufacturer, Peczuh stated that Inpress Control represents “a big step forward from what we’ve done in the past” by using eight spectrophotometer heads in each Inpress Control bar. This automatic color adjustment is crucial as the company looks to further refine its color processes while working with more discerning clientele.

To maximize the efficiency of its print production, Peczuh opted to equip its new XL 106 with LED technology, along with a modular mercury lamp that can be moved between the first four press stations. This setup ensures that commercial work – ranging from materials for the craft industry to direct mail, short-run publications, and catalogs – cures instantly, while also allowing the company to use the press to produce packaging work as needed. Previously equipped only with conventional presses at its Lindon plant, Peczuh will greatly improve throughput by eliminating the need to wait for sheets to dry before finishing.

According to Vice President, Tim Peczuh, “On the commercial side, it’s all about speed and quality. We earn business because we can complete jobs much faster than our competitors while maintaining a high standard of quality. By improving that efficiency even further, we can provide added value to our customers, ensure consistency, and continue to differentiate ourselves in the market.”

Concurrent with installing the new press, Peczuh plans to migrate to HEIDELBERG’s Prinect Production Manager to take full advantage of its comprehensive production reporting. Additionally, the company is excited to have a dedicated HEIDELBERG service technician nearby in-state, a notable improvement over its previous provider. While Peczuh has purchased multiple POLAR cutters, a Promatrix 106 die cutter, and two Stahlfolders in recent years, the Speedmaster XL 106 represents the most significant press investment the company has made with HEIDELBERG of late.

“Ultimately, the Speedmaster XL 106 was the best fit for our needs,” concluded F. Peczuh. “We evaluated each press’s features and benefits without considering pricing to ensure we made the best decision for our business. The XL 106 aligns with our growth objectives and provides the most user-friendly automation that will make a real difference for our press operators.”

About Peczuh Printing & Paperbox

Founded in 1962 in Price, Utah, Peczuh Printing has grown from a small local operation into one of the largest commercial printers in the state, now operating three production facilities across Utah. As second-generation stewards of the company, Frank and Tim Peczuh continue to lead with a commitment to innovation and excellence. Equipped with the most advanced printing technology on the market, Peczuh Printing & Paperbox provides end-to-end solutions, from digital file to final delivery. Most importantly, the company prides itself on its passion for print—its ability to communicate, inspire, and endure. Print has the power to move people, and Peczuh Printing honors that legacy with an unwavering attention to detail and a relentless drive for perfection.

About HEIDELBERG:

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years. With a clear focus on growth, HEIDELBERG as a total solution provider is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions and the lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency.

The company is also focusing on expanding into new business areas such as high-precision plant engineering with integrated control, automation technology and robotics as well as the growing green technologies. With a strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its around 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China and the USA and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is well-positioned for future growth.

www.heidelberg.com

By: Nobelus

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, March 3, 2025 – Nobelus, a leading supplier of finishing solutions for flexible packaging, prime labels, and commercial print, is stepping into flexible packaging structures with EcoElement™ PE Thermal Sealants. This line of polyethylene sealants enables thermal converters to downgauge their packaging structures and access high-quality sealants without committing to large order quantities.

The thermal sealants are constructed entirely of extruded PE with three layers that consist of different polyethylene blends. Layers include a sealant for shaping and sealing, a structural core, and a thermally activated adhesive designed to bond with print web film. The adhesive and sealant layers activate at different temperatures, allowing thermal converters to process the film on their existing laminating equipment. The line includes clear and white versions, both of which are available with or without EVOH to give packaging moisture and oxygen barrier properties as needed. 

While they are compatible with most print web materials, these thermal sealants can also be paired with a PE print web to create fully recyclable packaging using thermal lamination. Roy Langlois, Product Manager at Nobelus, states, “Historically, thermal converters have struggled to offer sustainable solutions due to the limitations of EVA adhesives. This line of PE thermal sealants directly addresses the thermal market’s needs by making it possible to downgauge structures and offer fully recyclable flexible packaging without solventless lamination.” Mono-material PE flexible packaging is currently accepted for recycling across the United States at a variety of drop-off facilities, including participating grocery stores and retail locations. 

Nobelus expects the EcoElement PE Thermal Sealant line to fit seamlessly with the unique supply chain needs of digital flexible packaging converters across a range of markets. “These products open up a whole new path forward for any converters that use thermal lamination for their packaging,” says Angie Mohni, Nobelus VP of Marketing. “They complement the strengths of the digital packaging space perfectly by giving thermal converters quick access to sealants at the low quantities they need for the very first time.”

EcoElement™ PE Thermal Sealants are part of the Nobelus Foundations Collection. Consultations are available through Nobelus for converters who are interested in recyclable flexible packaging.

Nobelus distributes a variety of specialty laminates and films along with the highest quality laminating systems in the industry. We serve a wide range of clients across the print, publishing, photo, packaging, and prime label markets by providing industry-leading service and support. Nobelus solutions are driven by continuous innovation, ingenuity, and a desire to see our customers succeed. In every endeavor, we are committed to enhancing people, partners, and the world’s brands. More information is available at nobelus.com. 

By: Mid America Paper Recycling

Chicago – March 5, 2025 – As manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations seek smarter ways to optimize efficiency and reduce costs, Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) is bringing innovative recycling solutions to ProMat 2025. From March 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago, attendees can visit booth E11527 to discover how MAPR’s waste audit services and floor space optimization strategies help companies cut costs, increase sustainability, and boost operational efficiency.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Mid America Paper Recycling learned how to succeed by adapting to changing business and economic conditions throughout the years. CEO Don Gaines said the online survey is designed to help companies find value in their waste streams by developing a continuous improvement plan.
“A 10-minute online waste audit can set your business on a path to additional revenue,” says Gaines. “By identifying inefficiencies and optimizing waste handling, we help our clients nationwide reclaim valuable floor space, reduce handling costs, and create new revenue opportunities.”

Optimizing floor space with smart recycling solutions

MAPR’s Chicago-based processing facility handles 51 different paper grades, supported by a fleet of 125 trailers that provide flexibility, reliability, and cost-effective recycling solutions. One of MAPR’s most impactful programs is its spot trailer service, designed to eliminate the need for onsite waste storage to free up critical production and warehouse space.

“We utilize this service to optimize floor space by collecting recyclable scrap and trim waste for processing at our facility,” explains Gaines. “This allows businesses to achieve faster turnaround times, more consistent cash flow, and reclaim floor space for revenue-generating activities.”

Citing an example, Gaines said a large print and packaging customer implemented MAPR’s trailer service and reduced their floor space dedicated to waste bales by 50%. It enabled them to expand production capacity and improve their workflow efficiency.

Attendees of ProMat 2025 are invited to visit Mid America Paper Recycling at booth E11527 to discover how a customized recycling strategy can drive efficiency and profitability. MAPR’s experts will be on hand to discuss solutions that help businesses reduce warehouse storage costs and transform waste into a revenue-generating asset. Visitors will also learn how MAPR can help reclaim floor space and optimize your recycling process.

About Mid America Paper Recycling
Founded nearly 100 years ago in 1926, MAPR is a fourth generation-owned leader in the recycling industry and provides solutions for partners ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations. Its robust program features a new benchmarking audit, consultation services, documentation, quantification and presentation of the specific and overall values that can be realized from customer waste streams. To learn more about the free waste audit and Mid America’s other environmental initiatives, call 773-890-5454 or visit the website.

By: Siegwerk

Siegburg, Germany, March 5, 2025 – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, proudly announces the certification of its CIRKIT NATUBAR PR4798 and NATUBAR CT4326 water-based coating for home compostability in compliance with EN 13432, issued by TÜV Austria.

The CIRKIT NATUBAR PR4798 and CIRKIT NATUBAR CT4326 are revolutionary water-based coatings formulated with non-modified natural polymers, designed to enhance water and grease resistance in packaging applications, today mainly used for paper plates to replace lamination. These innovative coatings not only allow the final packaging to be in full compliance with the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWR) 94/62/EC and the US regulation «Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation», but are also exempt from the Single-Use Plastics Directive EU 2019/904.

Key Highlights:

• Environmentally Friendly: The coatings are 100 percent biobased carbon, sourced from natural resources.
• Compostability: The coatings are certified for home composting, which ensures that they can be composted at home without causing any harm to the environment.
• Recyclability: CIRKIT NATUBAR PR4798 and NATUBAR CT4326 are fully repulpable and have been tested according to the PTS method PTS-RH:021/97 cat II and CEPI Lab Test method v2, achieving a CEPI-scorecard result of 100 percent.
• Product Safety: Formulated using non-modified natural polymers approved for use in food, the coating is safe for direct food contact and has been certified by independent laboratories.

“Achieving TÜV Austria certification for home compostability is a key milestone in our circular economy efforts. It shows we’re meeting future packaging regulations with high performance and environmental responsibility,” says Gilles LeMoigne, Business Unit Head Circular Economy Coatings. By offering a coating solution that is recyclable, compostable and biobased, Siegwerk continues to lead the industry in providing environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

For more information, please visit https://news.siegwerk.com/paper-plates.

About Siegwerk

Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs – from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a seventh-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com

By: Epson

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – March 4, 2025 – Epson today announced its SurePress^® digital label press line – the SurePress L-4733AW and SurePress L-6534VW – have been awarded Digital Press System Certification by Idealliance, a global leader in standards and training for print and packaging supply chains. Both SurePress models using the Wasatch RIP have met the strict requirements of Idealliance’s Digital Press Certification, a program consisting of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties and print production. With this certification, Epson demonstrates its entire press system – including the digital front-end, print engine and paper – meets or exceeds established industry tolerances for excellence in the areas of colorimetric accuracy, uniformity, repeatability, durability, and registration.

“We understand that label converters’ customers are demanding accurate colors, while also wanting economically priced labels,” said Mike Pruitt, product manager, SurePress, Epson America, Inc. “Wherever a customer is printing in the world – whether India or Indiana – this certification proves SurePress models with Wasatch RIPs meet the strict Digital Press System Certification requirements to provide the same high-quality color accuracy from print to print and country to country, which ultimately results in customer satisfaction and minimized rejected orders.”

SurePress digital label presses are designed for color accuracy, ease of use and to be complimentary with other presses used in a print shop. Whether using a 4, 5 or 6 color SurePress, the press intelligently manages the file in a 4-color workflow and calculates the remaining colors to ease operations. Additionally, as printing requirements are becoming more exacting graphically, and costs are rising, SurePress digital label presses handle rasterization from digital TIFF plates created by a RIP directly on-press, eliminating software layers and enabling fast communication of data.

The Digital Press Certification Program for inkjet systems certifies the capabilities of commercial production inkjet, high speed, cut sheet, and web devices to meet specific print standards. The program consists of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties, and print production. “The SurePress certification underscores its commitment to excellence and dedication to print accuracy,” said Jordan Gorski, executive director of Idealliance. “As the demand for consistent and high-quality print grows, Idealliance’s standards across print production such as G7 continue to serve as the foundation of industry standards for color, print quality and alignment of workflows and supply chains.”

Digital Press System Certification benefits include:

–       Color Consistency Across Platforms: Whether printing on different substrates or using varied techniques, certification ensures that colors remain uniform.

–       Cost Efficiency: Standardizing the printing process reduces waste and rework, ultimately saving both time and money.

–       Global Standard: Certification is recognized globally, allowing certified print service providers to compete on an international scale.

–       Improved Quality Control: G7-certified companies maintain better control over their printing processes, which results in improved quality and client satisfaction.

For more information about the Digital Press System Certification and the impact for print service providers, visit Idealliance’s site. For more information about Epson SurePress digital label presses, visit www.epson.com/surepress. 

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

By: Yazoo Mills

New Oxford, PA, March 3, 2025 – As part of its ongoing expansion and innovation efforts, Yazoo Mills, Inc., the largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores in America, proudly announces the promotions of two pivotal leaders within the organization.

Steve McMaster, after dedicating 41 years to excellence at Yazoo Mills, has been promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing. In his elevated role, Steve will oversee the operations at the company’s manufacturing facilities, managing all aspects of manufacturing operations, quality assurance, logistics, and operational excellence initiatives aimed at boosting production capacity.

Michell Trish has been promoted to Vice President of Accounting & Administration following 38 years of steadfast commitment and service to Yazoo Mills. In her new position, Michell will oversee the IT, HR, and accounting departments, ensuring that administrative operations align seamlessly with the company’s strategic objectives to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Yazoo Mills proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of Steve McMaster and Michell Trish with their promotions, reflecting its dedication to leadership excellence and continuous improvement. Their roles will be crucial as we continue to expand strategically and thrive in the paper tube and core manufacturing market.

About Yazoo Mills

Established in 1902, Yazoo Mills, Inc. is America’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturers of 100% recycled paper tubes and cores. Serving a variety of industries in the United States, Yazoo has a reputation for excellence in short runs and recutting with manufacturing only premium quality paper tubes and cores, made to each customer’s specifications. On average, the company produces over four-million inches of tubing per day. Companies that require quality, consistency, and ongoing reliability contact Yazoo Mills for all of their needs.

For additional information on Yazoo Mills and their products, visit the website www.yazoomills.com.

By: XSYS

Willstaett, Germany. 03 March 2025 – XSYS, a global integrated solutions provider to the flexographic, letterpress and pre-press printing markets, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of the MacDermid Graphics Solutions business (“MGS”) from Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). The transaction was signed on 1 September 2024 and has been approved by all the relevant regulators globally. The combination of XSYS and MGS will create one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide.

“We are excited to announce the completion of this transformative combination and to join forces with our new MGS colleagues” said Dr. Alexander Unterschuetz, Group CEO of XSYS. “This transaction creates significant value and opportunities as a result of the complementarity of both businesses’ product portfolio, services, and employees, thus making us a more complete solution provider for our customers.” He further commented, “This, together with the strengthened knowledge and resources of our dedicated technical support teams, will enable us to deliver even better products and services to our customers, who are at the centre of everything we do”.

The combined business will have a workforce of approximately 850 employees worldwide and turnover of approximately €370 million.

About XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and is a leading supplier 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 (ThermoFlexX, Catena and Xpress), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

About MacDermid Graphics Solutions

MacDermid Graphics Solutions, formerly a division of Element Solutions Inc, is a global leader in the manufacturing of photopolymer plates and equipment used in flexographic printing. We deliver high-quality graphic capabilities for the packaging printing markets globally. Our mission is to provide a world-class customer experience, while meeting flexographic printing plates needs with award-winning technology. This is achieved through creating strategic value for our customers from start to finish. We are an open provider and offer the best possible solutions via industry partnerships.

MacDermid Graphics Solutions is passionate about our planet and our industry. We consider ESG to be a business imperative, an extension of our growth strategy and a reflection of our values. We are a founding partner of the Flexo Xperience Center.