SARASOTA, Florida (March 16, 2023) – S-One Labels & Packaging is excited to announce BOPP Silky Matte Thermal Laminating Film, a solution specially designed to meet converters’ needs in EMEA. S-OneLP’s warehouse in Europe is a game changer. Now, businesses can get their product faster to start production enabling them to boost revenue. This convenience adds value with the cut of transportation costs and improved efficiency with flexible packaging going to market sooner. 

“The addition of this product to our EMEA portfolio is an added opportunity to help our customers boost growth,” said Gerard Geurts, Business Development and Technical Sales, S-OneLP. “Our competitive price, short lead times, and low MOQs further meet the demands of this market.” 

BOPP Silky Matte Thermal Laminating Film is soft to the touch and tough on performance. Its velvety, smooth feel enhances product selling potential. 

Features and benefits 

• Soft tactile coating for increased product value 

• Powerful scratch-resistant finish 

• Environmental safety- Non-toxic, benzene-free 

• No VOCs or dangerous substances are produced during lamination. 

• Silky-matte surface minimizes glare and preserves image color. 

• Resistant to tear and elongation 

• Foil stampable for flexible packaging applications 

• Works with fin seal applications 

• Strong adhesion prevents ink flaking and stripping after finishing 

• High efficiency with no post-curing time needed after lamination. 

This product is intended to over-laminate HP Indigo printed flexible packaging films used for applications* such as stand-up pouches, sachets, flow-wraps, and more. Its unique haptics complement S-OneLP’s existing gloss and matte laminate films. 

*Use is determined by package contents supplier and/or brand. 

About S-One Labels and Packaging 

S-One Labels and Packaging uses a channel-partner model, allowing us to take redundant costs out of the channel and provide products with low MOQs and short lead times. This model helps label and packaging converters plan more effectively while providing them with an expanded portfolio of label and packaging supplies solutions. We are the exclusive distributor of Michelman in-line and off-line primers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to HP Indigo digital printers. Other key partners include KDX, Cellcoat, and others. For more information, please visit sonelp.com. 

May 2023:  Leading global developer of inks and coatings, Flint Group, has outlined its plans to reduce its environmental impact under its new sustainability framework.

The company’s PRISM sustainability framework includes a range of targets such as circular economy product development, reducing operational impacts, and building a diverse workforce.  Plans include Flint Group’s recent commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with the company reducing carbon emissions in line with the 1.5°C scenario set out in the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Matthew Rowland-Jones, Sustainability Officer at Flint Group, said: “As the focus on climate change grows, brands seek packaging and label formats which are more sustainable to support their objectives. In today’s highly competitive market, printers need confidence that their vendors can help them lead in sustainable packaging via responsibly sourced, sustainable materials. 

“Flint Group’s new PRISM framework does just that – with a new set of targets and KPIs, we’re outlining how we will pave the way for even more sustainable products. But more importantly, this framework will see us overhaul our business. PRISM lays the groundwork for transformational change, from reducing waste to caring for and diversifying our workforce. We look forward to delivering this change and seeing the results.”

In the same way a glass prism separates white light into different colours, the company’s PRISM framework breaks the complexity of sustainability down into three essential parts: Products, People, and the Planet. It is designed to embed sustainability into the business, focusing on the most critical issues affecting the organisation, its customers, and its stakeholders. Specifically by designing products for the circular economy, helping customers be more efficient, and lowering the carbon footprint of its core products.

Steve Dryden, CEO of Flint Group, said: “For Flint Group, it is essential that our inks and coatings be integral to the packaging circular economy. With PRISM, our commitments become clear – to innovate, and to reduce the environmental impact of our products, the footprint of our business, and that of our customers.  Importantly, to invest in our people, building a diverse workforce who can support these objectives.

“The targets contained within PRISM are ambitious, but ambition is what our industry needs if our sustainability goals are to make a real difference to the planet.”

For more information on Flint Group, please visit https://www.flintgrp.com/en/new-sustainability/

Mark Andy was one of the key exhibitors at the first ever Labelexpo Mexico trade show which attracted many visitors from Latin America, and proved to be a great opportunity for the promotion of a variety of Mark Andy technology.  This included the company’s toner-based Digital Pro 3 hybrid press that gave live demos on the booth throughout the event and drew many discussions with printers and converters from the region. 

The LATAM market has been a very successful business area for Mark Andy in recent times, and visitors to the booth were mainly interested in new concepts among hybrid solutions, following a growing number of Mark Andy toner- and inkjet-based presses installed in the South and Central America region.  In addition to Mark Andy representatives for LATAM, business partners were also available on the booth to welcome visitors from Mexico, Brazil, and other countries of the region.

“Our sales success in the LATAM market shows a strong and continuous growth in this part of the world in recent years” said Tom Cavalco, Executive Vice President at Mark Andy.  “2021 was a record year for us and we finalised many important contracts last year too.  These included the first hybrid presses delivered to different countries.  The first Labelexpo Mexico confirmed the huge potential from LATAM printers and converters, as well as their growing interest in modern, highly advanced technical solutions because of the need to upgrade or replace existing machines.  As a press manufacturer of different printing techniques, including conventional flexo and hybrid, both toner- and inkjet-based, we have a lot to offer and are keen to participate in as many interesting business cases as possible.” 

Growing demand for hybrids
Mark Andy demonstrated a toner-based Digital Pro 3 on its booth.  This press represents the entry level segment in the company’s hybrid range.  Tom Cavalco underlined how hybrid technology has become increasingly popular worldwide, with LATAM being no exception: “A few years ago, we delivered our first 17-inch Digital Series HD in the region to one of our  long-term flexo users.  This was followed by other installations in the region, and we have enjoyed a constant year-on-year growth of hybrids delivered to LATAM area.”

Labelexpo Mexico confirmed this market trend, with Mark Andy having many discussions with current and potential customers who are considering investment and a switch to a digital-based press, equipped in additional finishing and embellishment options.  “We even signed a couple of agreements on the booth for both hybrid and flexo presses, so it was a very successful event for Mark Andy in terms of sales,” he added.

LATAM benefitting from geopolitical changes
The printing industry in Latin America is benefitting from the key geopolitical changes that have occurred in recent years.  “Many brand owners started so-called ‘near-shoring’, which means bringing their businesses and manufacturing plants closer to the target market and the end-users.  The entire LATAM region, especially Mexico, is benefitting from this global change,” Tom Cavalco continued.  As a result, the demand for different printed products, including labels and packaging, especially highly embellished, sophisticated ones, has started to grow significantly.  Printers and converters are now receiving requests for more advanced products like shrink sleeves, IML, flexible packaging and RFID tags.  So, they are being forced to modernise and upgrade their machines. 

Tom Cavalco indicated that the success of Labelexpo Mexico highlights the changes occurring in LATAM and the huge potential capacity of the market: “We have observed a growing importance of e-business in the entire region, followed by a growing demand for packaging and labels,” he said.  According to official data, Mexican online sales grew by 23% in 2022 compared to 2021, and have tripled since 2019.  The outlook for the label market is also very promising.  Predictions are for a 5.5% growth between 2021 and 2026, and a doubling of the number of label printers and converters since 2013.  “This is great news for us as a manufacturer of narrow-web presses,” he added.

Local support in sales, service and finance
Tom Cavalco underlines the importance of adopting an appropriate sales and support strategy for the LATAM region based on its local requirements and market specifics: “We are building our structure in Latin America on the successful model we used in Europe, where we significantly increased market share after moving our activities closer to the customers.”

Like Europe, local background knowledge of both personnel and technology is very important to LATAM customers.  “We employ only those people who have rich experience and market knowledge of sales and technical support in the region.  Our trading activities are supported by a finance company that employs fluent Spanish speakers, which is crucial for direct contact with LATAM customers.”

Labelexpo Europe coming soon
The Mexico-based event was another Labelexpo Global Series trade fair supported by Mark Andy to present its technology on its own booth, or via local business partners.  Following successful Labelexpos in Mexico, Thailand, India, and the US, the company is very keen to meet its European-based customers in Brussels this September.  “Labelexpo Europe is the most important label and narrow-web market event in the world.  We’ve already started preparing for it and will have a lot of interesting new technology to show you on our booth. See you in Brussels!” he concluded.

Irvine, Calif., May 15, 2023 –Roland DGA is now partnering with trusted brands to widen the selection of high-quality accessories offered at the Roland DGA Online Store and make the e-commerce site a “one-stop shop” for customers. The large-format imaging leader has just added popular products like Stahls’ Hotronix® heat presses and GOframe stretcher bars, making it easier than ever for print providers to shop for and purchase the products they need for their respective businesses.

“We are extremely excited about partnering with these highly trusted companies to expand our offerings at the Roland DGA Online Store,” said Roland DGA’s Senior Product Manager Lily Hunter. “The addition of these great Hotronix and GOframe products is just the beginning – we have plans to continue growing the number of ‘partner products’ at our site. These new additions enhance the already impressive selection of media and accessories visitors can purchase with a few clicks of the mouse.”

 Newly added Roland DGA Online Store accessories, include the following:

Stahls’ Hotronix Heat Presses

·       Hotronix FUSION IQ

·       Hotronix FUSION IQ Hat Press

·       Hotronix Hover Press (16” x 20”)

·       Hotronix MAXX Digital Clam Press (16” x 20”)

·       Hotronix EASY Craft Press (9” x 12”) 

GOframe Stretcher Bars

·       GOframe Starter Kit

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 20” x 30”, 4-pack)

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 16” x 20”, 5-pack)

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 11” x 14”, 5 pack

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 5” Hexagon, 6 frames)

·       GOframe Hex Corner (6-pack)

To learn more about, or to purchase, any of the new Roland DGA Online Store accessories listed above, visit https://dgastore.rolanddga.com. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

Kennesaw, Ga. May 11, 2023 – Producing work for some of Canada’s most notable brands, Proprint, a self-described “very small, big company” has flown under the radar as one of Canada’s most proficient print providers throughout much of its thirty-year history. But over the last decade of building up its in-store retail display and folding carton business,the company is looking to move to the next level of long-run folding carton production. The Scarborough, Ontario based company, who prides itself on fast turnaround times with exceptional customer service, recently installed a new Speedmaster CX 104-6+L from HEIDELBERG to complement its current six-color Speedmaster CD 102. Proprint’s new press is one of five CX 104s to be installed in Canada in the last 12 months – making it the new “go to” press for Canadian commercial and packaging printers alike. 

Previously equipped with only one offset press, Proprint shied away from what it deemed “longer” run folding carton jobs that could monopolize time on press. “We like to be able to react on a dime for our customers,” said Richard Krakower, CEO of Proprint. The company’s average turnaround time from receiving a print-ready file to live production on press is usually only 24 hours. Wanting to maintain this exceptional speed-to-market while doubling its offset print capacity, Proprint completed installation of a six-color Speedmaster CX 104 earlier this year. Now, according to Krakower, with the new “beast” CX 104, “If we get a run that’s 100,000 or 200,000 sheets, we’ll be able to accommodate the job without interrupting our core business.” To fully maximize its overall efficiency, Proprint is also planning a complete refurbishment of its CD 102 once the new CX 104 is running at full capacity.

Proprint, whose retail kits require printing on a variety of different materials in varying quantities, is looking forward to the flexibility of having two Speedmaster presses on the shop floor. “Our CD 102 still prints magnificently,” said Krakower, “and with the efficient makereadies of the new CX 104, we get to decide where we print each job – regardless of run length.” The new press is fully equipped with HEIDELBERG’s latest technology, which includes autonomous Push-to-Stop technology, AutoPlate Pro, and a completely new operating philosophy, the HEIDELBERG User Experience (UX). Coupled with the patented Intellistart 3 and other assistance systems, HEIDELBERG UX ensures short makeready times and the best possible support for press operators throughout the press run. “Our entire team is very excited about this new technology and proud to have it on the plant floor,” said Krakower. 

While Proprint’s CD 102 is equipped with Prinect Image Control for color measurement, the company opted for the completely inline Prinect Inpress Control 3 for its newest press. Purchasing the CX 104 without Inpress Control – the industry’s leading inline spectrophotometer that measures and controls color and registers on the fly at any speed, delivering the first measurable result in less than 60 sheets – was not an option for Krakower. “From a makeready perspective, Inpress Control takes offset printing to almost a digital press level.” Continuously scanning sheets for color deviations as they run through the press, Inpress Control’s automated technology not only saves makeready time and waste sheets but also is helpful as the company brings on new press operators. “Inpress Control enables us to take someone with a digital printing background and train them to run an offset press in a much shorter period of time,” said Krakower.

Proprint, who originally began as a print broker and later transitioned into production, purchased its first HEIDELBERG press in 1999. “The first sheet we ran through our first HEIDELBERG press was on Valentine’s Day,” said Krakower. “Since then, I’ve never had a doubt that HEIDELBERG is the best of the best.” In addition to running HEIDELBERG presses, Proprint is also a long time Prinect and POLAR user. According to Krakower, “The longevity, quality, and heritage behind HEIDELBERG products is second to none. It’s hard to compete with perfection.”

Volatility Breeds Opportunity to Reconfigure Supply Chains for Growth

CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA – May 9, 2023 –  Manufacturing and Supply Chain Expert Lisa Anderson, MBA, CSCP, CLTD, known as the Strongest Link in Your Supply Chain® and President of LMA Consulting Group Inc., has published a Special Report – The Road Ahead: Business, Supply Chain & The World Order. LMA Consulting Group works with manufacturers and distributors on strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation to maximize the customer experience and enable profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth.

“While the visible signs of supply chain chaos have dissipated, business volatility and disruptions remain high. With the world order in a state of flux, risk is high. Yet because everything is interconnected, companies have an opportunity to stay ahead of their ideal customers’ needs. They can do this by reconfiguring their supply chains, leveraging technology and attracting and continually developing talent to leapfrog their competitors to secure a lead position in their marketplace,” commented Lisa Anderson.

The Road Ahead: Business, Supply Chain & The World Order is a special report that captures comments from trusted advisors and experts from various disciplines about what their most successful clients are doing and what companies should do to take advantage of opportunities in 2023 and beyond. “In talking with my colleagues, it became apparent that the same challenges, issues and opportunities resonate among business disciplines. Each discipline requires attention. Making required changes is not for the faint of heart. The opportunity in front of companies today is the greatest since the Great Depression,” she said.  

From cybersecurity, logistics, insurance and talent acquisition to nearshoring, reshoring and friendshoring, the tasks are many, but the opportunity is significant. “The only question will be whether your company is ready to take advantage of the opportunities to grow profitably or if you’ll struggle for survival. I hope that our Special Report sheds light on these opportunities,” she concluded.

 Ms. Anderson also recently released: SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning): Creating Predictable Revenue and EBITDA Growth to help organizations understand the value of a proven process.  The book is complimentary on the LMA Website at: https://www.lma-consultinggroup.com/siop-book/. It can also be found on Amazon digitally and on-demand print at:  SIOP at amazon.com and on iTunes: Apple. Ms. Anderson also provides supply chain updates through Supply Chain Chats, a series of short videos that address current topics, issues and challenges related to supply chains.

• Project includes installation of new and upgraded machinery to improve energy and production efficiency at Mondi Dynäs in Sweden.

• Investing in the future of the mill to meet customer demand for sustainable packaging solutions.

10 May 2023 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is upgrading its Dynäs pulp and paper mill in Sweden. The modernisation programme will increase efficiency and further improve the overall environmental performance of the mill, positioning it well to continue meeting customer demand for sustainable paper and paper-based packaging solutions.

The Dynäs mill produces high-quality sack and speciality kraft papers, used for a variety of paper-based packaging solutions for industrial and consumer industries, and is an important part of Mondi’s Flexible Packaging business. The project includes the installation and upgrade of machinery and equipment such as a new cooking plant and bark boiler, which will improve the mill’s energy efficiency. Upgrades will also further reduce air and water emissions, and result in better wood utilisation at the mill.

Roman Senecky, COO Mondi Kraft Paper, says: “The modernisation programme at Dynäs represents a significant investment in the future of this well-established mill. By producing sustainable sack and speciality kraft paper, we continue to contribute to our MAP2030 goals and meet customer demand with innovative solutions such as Advantage StretchWrap, an alternative to plastic film pallet wrapping, and Advantage MF EcoComp, used for high strength packaging like paper bags for wet organic household waste. The mill supplies paper across Europe and plays an important role in the local community.”

The Swedish Land and Environmental Court (Mark-och Miljödomstolen) approved Mondi’s works application in March 2023. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films, to developing and manufacturing sustainable consumer and industrial packaging solutions using paper where possible, plastic when useful. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate.  

In 2022, Mondi had revenues of €8.9 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.8 billion from continuing operations, and employed 22,000 people worldwide. Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent, and also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP).

www.mondigroup.com

Pittsburgh, May 7, 2023–eProductivity Software (ePS), a leading global technology provider for print and packaging companies, is proud to announce its partnership with HP, bringing forth an integrated solution that revolutionizes workflow processes and drives operational efficiency. The successful integration, first announced at Dscoop Edge Rockies in 2022, will be unveiled at the 2023 Dscoop Edge St. Louis World Expo from May 7-10 and signifies a significant step toward achieving a touch-free workflow, aligning with ePS’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions to its valued customers.

ePS Midmarket Print Suite, with Pace® ERP at its core, is a leading software offering purpose-built for commercial, wide-format, and in-plant printers. Recognizing the immense potential of ePS Pace ERP and HP Indigo integration, Point B Solutionseagerly volunteered to participate as an early adopter, embracing the opportunity to optimize its operations and enhance customer experiences by streamlining pre-press efforts and digital job processes.

In addition to the seamless integration between ePS Midmarket Suite and HP Indigo, Point B Solutions is embracing other state-of-the-art technologies, including Enfocus Switch and Pitstop Server. By incorporating these solutions, Point B Solutions aims to establish a comprehensive and streamlined workflow, automating pre-flighting and approval processes while eliminating manual interactions.

Bob Raus, Americas Category Manager at HP Industrial Print, emphasized the significance of automation, stating, “The level of automation is a key indicator of a print service provider’s potential for business growth and success. HP is delighted to deliver on the promise of systems integration with eProductivity Software, benefiting our customers and the industry as a whole.”

The anticipated benefits of this comprehensive automation strategy are substantial time savings and enhanced productivity. Point B Solutions estimates a potential reduction of up to three days per job in the pre-press process, with even greater efficiencies for more complex projects. This transformative automation empowers Point B Solutions to redirect resources towards higher-value tasks, delivering exceptional customer satisfaction and fueling business growth.

Looking ahead, Point B Solutions and ePS envision an era of enhanced efficiency and automation, facilitated by the successful integration of ePS Pace ERP and HP Indigo. By working backward, starting from the press and moving upward, Point B Solutions has effectively established a robust connection between these cutting-edge technologies, setting a new benchmark within the industry.

Doug Haefele, VP of Technology Solutions at Point B Solutions, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to see the advantages of a more open-source world between ePS and HP. This strategic partnership opens boundless opportunities for operational efficiency and innovation for printers like us. We can’t wait to see where this collaboration can take process automation and move the industry forward.”

The partnership between ePS and Point B Solutions exemplifies a shared commitment to embracing innovation and driving industry-wide advancements. Together, they are at the forefront of delivering unparalleled printing solutions, fueled by advanced workflow automation. You can learn more about the integration between ePS solutions and HP at the 2023 Dscoop Edge St. Louis World Expo by visiting ePS at booth 507.

About Point B Solutions: Point B Solutions is a leading provider of printing, technology, and ecommerce fulfillment solutions, empowering businesses with cutting-edge solutions to enhance their operations and drive growth. With a commitment to exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, Point B Solutions continues to be a trusted partner for organizations seeking innovative printing and fulfillment solutions.

About eProductivity Software: eProductivity Software is a leading global provider of industry-specific business and production software technology for the packaging and print industries. The company’s integrated and automated software offerings and point solutions are designed to enable revenue growth and drive operating and production efficiencies. eProductivity Software is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with offices worldwide. With over thirty years dedicated to delivering best-in-class technology to the packaging and printing industries, it is the company’s deeply held philosophy that eProductivity Software succeeds when its customers thrive. For more information, please visit https://epssw.com/.

The technology is another step forward for the company in enabling recyclable, circular packaging. 

Des Moines, IA, May 2023. – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has received an honorable mention in the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) sustainability excellence awards. The awards are given to companies who demonstrate a commitment to and pursuit of sustainable package printing. Siegwerk entered its light block technology for consideration, as part of its commitment to providing a commercially viable printable-tunable light barrier solution that possesses all needed functional properties and is recyclable to provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.

Using printable-tunable light barrier coatings, Siegwerk’s technology eliminates hard-to-recycle (white/colored) plastics to shift to clear sustainable alternatives, without compromising on light barrier performance. Currently, the technology on the market which is designed to block and light and thus preserve the shelf life of a range of goods from foods to cosmetics has the drawback of making the packaging more difficult to recycle. Siegwerk’s light barrier technology eliminates this problem, increasing recyclability and allowing recyclers to increase reclaiming rates for recyclable plastic, without sacrificing packaging performance.

In addition, printable-tunable light barrier coatings can be tailored to work with existing recycling streams, such as floatable (stay-on label inks), washable inks (deinkable shrink sleeves), and mono- material films (MDO-PE). This innovative light barrier coating solution can be tuned to block (up to 99.8%) light in the wavelength range of 200 nm – 900 nm.

“Light sensitive products need protection from UV and visible light. Today the light block packaging solutions offered in the market are not recycle-friendly. Siegwerk’s patent pending light barrier solution changes all of that by providing brands with a printable coating that can be tuned to achieve minimal light block sensitivity all the way across the light spectrum to full coverage in the highest wavelengths.  No added equipment or process change is needed. Moving from colored or opaque containers to clear recycle-friendly containers has never been easier,“ said Zack Meister, Global Business Development Manager, Flexible Packaging at Siegwerk.