Donnie Hopkins of JDH & Associates will be hosting surface treatment specialist Vetaphone at this year’s Converters Expo South in the Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC, on February 22nd.

Donnie says: “We’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to Booth 91 and highlighting the cutting-edge corona and plasma equipment that Vetaphone offers.”  Donnie will be supported by Ted Wolski, Vetaphone’s Sales Manager for the Americas.  Both are looking forward to meeting new and existing customers and explaining to them the background to Vetaphone and the vast depth of surface treatment knowledge available for converters to tap into.

Ted commented: “Converters Expo South comes at an ideal time for companies to engage in discussions on improving production efficiency with Vetaphone’s highly controllable technology.  As the market continues to recover from the pandemic and supply chain issues, there has never been a better time to do this, and it starts with surface treatment.”

Vetaphone has enjoyed rapid growth in the US market in recent years and now has an extensive sales network covering all States supported by locally based engineering and technical support, and a fully stocked parts warehouse in Texas.  With a family history of corona that dates back to its invention in the 1950s, no company is better placed than Vetaphone to manage the expectations of today’s ultra-competitive package print market.

The Polish packaging manufacturer has installed a ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 flexo plate imager to meet demands from customers for faster delivery, more flexibility, and increased sustainability. The company chose to invest in the XSYS technology for the first time as part of a determined drive to expand the capabilities of its in-house prepress department with innovative solutions.

Willstaett, Germany. 02 February 2023 – The flexible packaging market is moving towards more sustainable solutions and manufacturing methods that have less impact on the environment. Flexo platemaking is an area where significant progress in reducing waste has been made, with new technologies and higher levels of automation that improve the process while remaining cost-effective.  

As part of its strategy for future success, KB Folie Polska Sp. z o.o., in Poland, wanted to introduce a new digital imaging technology that would allow them to deliver consistent print quality at speed, but also reduce plate waste, operator time, energy consumption and overall costs. After surveying the market for some time, the company was convinced by the advantages presented by the ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 and signed on the dotted line. The investment also includes ThermoFlexX Woodpecker screening technology for adding microstructures to the surface of flat top dot plates to help maintain print quality at top press speeds.

“We are one of the first printing houses in Poland to leverage the many tangible benefits of the ThermoFlexX system with Woodpecker surface screening,” said [Jan Marcinkowski – Deputy Production Director]. “XSYS is known for its fresh and innovative approach to technology, and ThermoFlexX imagers for their high levels of automation and waste saving features. Our new machine is definitely proving that point by levelling up our in-house platemaking capabilities as a greener, more cost-efficient proposition.”

Exceeding expectations

Based in Warsaw, KB Folie specializes in flexible packaging, mainly for the fresh and frozen food industries, but also the chemicals and cosmetics sectors. Originally founded as an aluminum trading company in 1996, the family-owned enterprise set up its flexo printing department in 2000 when the first wide web flexo press was installed, and later also added rotogravure printing. Currently employing 200 staff, plans are underway to expand further and build a completely new printing facility, as the company continues its growth trajectory.   

The product portfolio spans the breadth of flexible packaging for both dry and liquid foodstuffs, including mono-material packaging solutions, laminated packaging, bags, ready-made doypacks and other types of pouches with closure sealing, various types of notches and perforations, cold seal, and variable coding on the inside, among the many options.

In 2016, KB Folio established an R& D Center with funding from the Polish Ministry of Development, followed by additional funding from various institutions, to support customers with innovative solutions and to forge new relationships with suppliers and manufacturers. “That was really a breakthrough year for us,” said [Michał Sikorski – Head of Scientific Research and Development Department.]. “Since then, year by year, our R&D activities have brought us more and more benefits, allowing the introduction of new types of packaging products that meet and even exceed the expectations and needs of our customers.”

[Jan Marcinkowski – Deputy Production Director] added, “We place a vast emphasis on research and on production of high-quality and increasingly more environmentally friendly packaging; and because we also strive for the production plant itself to be as green as possible, the equipment we buy must support that vision.”

Finding a new solution

KB Folie has been making flexo plates in-house for many years. The new ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 from XSYS is the latest digital imager acquired for this purpose and it came through long-term supplier Scorpio Sp. z o.o., a distributor of ThermoFlexX products in Poland. “Like every company with over 20 years of experience, we started out with analog methods. In 2008, we moved to digital imaging, which we are successively updating to stay at the forefront of developments, most lately with the new ThermoFlexX, which is an exciting technology.”

In order to accelerate profit projections, the company analyzed its workflow to decide on the best route to follow to improve the print quality and the production speed. “We were looking for a machine that would let us meet customer requirements, without wasting time and without adding more costs,” said [Jan Marcinkowski – Deputy Production Director]. “We live in the fourth industrial revolution; in an increasingly digital world where we can save time by automating more and more processes. These were the main reasons for switching to a new solution.”

Known for its high-quality imaging, low waste, and impressive productivity, the ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 can produce plates up to 900 x 1200mm (35 x 48”). Featuring the built in FlexTray, it can automatically load and unload plates with one touch of a button, which reduces the risk of damage due to manual handling. The automatic resolution switching function matches laser optics to file resolution, giving users much more flexibility, including the ability to image multiple plates at different resolutions simultaneously. Meanwhile the unique Vacuum Slider Concept (VSC) allows plates of any width to be loaded without needing to be taped in place, another waste saving innovation. With Woodpecker surface screening added to the mix, KB Folie has the option to boost ink density in the solid areas and improve dot definition for even sharper text and images, all while ensuring a smoother ink lay down for those jobs that demand the highest quality.

Having incorporated the imager into the daily workflow and experiencing the difference it has made, [Jan Marcinkowski – Deputy Production Director] concluded, “The ThermoFlexX 48s laser is very user friendly and flexible and also compatible with other devices. We have found that it provides longer plate durability, which results in greater print stability, and cuts down on waste of plate material. When we need to, it also allows us to work with files that have a lower resolution, which ensures faster data processing and acceleration of work. I can safely say that we are very satisfied with the investment.”

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 Silver 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®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

Glendale Heights, IL – January 5, 2023, All PrintingResources (APR) announced that it has named Joe Settanni as Director of Strategic Initiatives. 

Settanni joins APR with over 25 years of experience in the Flexographic Package Printing industry. He has a proven track record in product development and customer support and will focus on automation and productivity solutions to provide additional value to APR customers.

Prior to APR, Settanni spent just shy of 16 years with a leading national graphic arts distribution company and most recently held the position of Vice President of Sales – North America for Apex International, a global anilox manufacturer. During his tenure with Apex, Settanni played an instrumental role in Apex’s work with expanded gamut printing.

Mike Williams, Vice President of Sales for APR shared, “We are extremely pleased to announce the addition of Joe to the APR team and eager for him to dig in. His experience within our industry combined with his industry-leading technical expertise will be a definite asset to TeamFlexo and will certainly be advantageous to our customers.”

Die-Cut Blank Labels with PET Liners Offer Multiple Benefits

Chicago, IL, January 27, 2023 – ChanneledResources Group (CRG), a manufacturer of blank shipping labels, release liner, and the world’s largest supplier of value-priced laminated papers and films, announced the introduction of their newest product offering: die-cut blank pressure sensitive labels with PET liners.

Channeled Resources has long been an industry leading supplier of die-cut blank labels with paper liners, serving a variety of industries including the shipping and logistics arena. They are now able to provide customers with the option of paper or PET liners.

According to Alex Hoffman, Materials Manager, “We are thrilled to be able to offer our customers another option for their die-cut blank labels. Having the choice between paper and PET, without a significant price differential, allows our customers to determine which option will best suit their needs.”

PET liner offers a variety of distinct benefits, including more labels per roll, a smoother release and increased durability. PET liners are also more easily recycled than paper liner offering a sustainable advantage. With increased strength and smoother release, customers will experience fewer line breaks and production interruptions meaning more uptime.

According to Hoffman, “The switch from paper liner to PET is actually easier than most people think. Most label applicators only need a simple recalibration and you’ll be back up and running in no time.”

Learn more about CRG’s die-cut blank labels with PET liner and the rest of their extensive product line on their website www.channeledresources.com.

Exhibit to feature expanded wine offerings, including sustainability line and alternative fibers

Graham, NC – January 5, 2023 – Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives, former Arconvert brand, part of The Fedrigoni Group, a global leader in the production of premium labels and self-adhesive materials, will exhibit at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium taking place in Sacramento, CA January 24 – 26.

According to Melissa Harton, Marketing Manager, North America, “We are excited to be exhibiting at the Wine & Grape Symposium as we are eager to showcase some of our newest offerings to the wine market, including our expanded wine portfolio which offers a wide range of premium facestocks, along with a variety of sustainable solutions including recycled content and alternative fibers.” 

Fedrigoni’s expanded wine portfolio facestocks are FSC®-C138765 approved (when applicable) and are available in elegant textures, and diverse colors and provide high-quality performance against wet, cold, ice bucket, and humid environments. This premium line of papers includes embossed, felt-marked, pearlescent, laid, uncoated, coated, and waterproof papers.

Visitors to booth #1406 will also discover that Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives offers alternative fibers including materials made from renewable plants such as cotton, linen, bamboo, sugar cane, and hemp or from grass fibers and mineral powder. For more information on the Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives wine portfolio, visit https://pages.fedrigoni.com/sustainablewinespirits

Visit Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives at Booth #1406 to learn more about our broad material portfolio for wine and spirits.

On the back of consecutive record years for sales, Vetaphone A/S, the inventor, and pioneer of surface treatment technology, has moved to boost the strength of its management structure with an eye to the future.

Despite the difficult trading conditions imposed by the global pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues, Vetaphone has continued to enjoy a double-digit growth rate in recent years and with a declared ambition to sustain a 15% uplift year on year going forward, it has made several key changes at senior level.

First, is the appointment of Jan Eisby to take up a new position as Chief Business Officer (CBO), where he will share with his brother and fellow Director Frank Eisby, the task of focussing on the long-term strategy for the company.

Second, is the appointment of Kevin McKell as Chief Sales Officer (CSO), with the overall responsibility for Sales, Marketing, and Support functions at the company.  This is a natural progression from his previous position as Vice President Technical Sales and will further strengthen Vetaphone’s customer-facing activities.

The division of duties will see Frank, in his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), concentrate on the development of products and technology from the sales and production perspective, with Jan looking to build customer relationships through R&D, and an educational programme of knowledge sharing.

The overall aim is to free-up the Eisby brothers by leaving day-to-day running of the company to the Management Group, allowing them to focus on Vetaphone’s ambitious plans for the development of the business and its technology up to 2025 and beyond. 

It will also be the start of major investment in the Vetaphone Academy, which promises exciting times ahead for this innovative and progressive technology leader.

www.vetaphone.com

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Illinois—SCREEN Americas announces the installation of the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI series to Penmar Industries, Inc. of Stratford, Connecticut. The press, an S model configured with CMYK plus three additional inks—white, orange and blue, was installed in July 2022. The team at Penmar Industries invested in SCREEN technology as part of its long-term strategic plan to meet its customers’ growing demand for short-run, customized labels that require variable data capabilities.

With a commitment to creating unique solutions to meet their customers’ needs, Penmar Industries prides itself on not being industry-specific. It approaches each application with a custom-made label fit for the specific product. “Just about every item needs a label,” said Ed Rodriguez, CEO of Penmar Industries. “The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI helps us to reach markets we would not otherwise reach. E-commerce is one of them. Some companies only need 500 labels but they need them quickly. The SAI is a cost-efficient way to meet such an urgent request.”

SCREEN Americas’ digital inkjet technology also provides label manufacturers with variable data capabilities. “A customer may wish to make changes to the copy at intervals of 100,” said Rodriguez. “Meeting such frequent demands will be far more economical with the SAI in the long run.”  

Vice President of Finance Eddy Rodriguez and General Manager J. Rick Cipot of Penmar Industries were responsible for the strategy behind incorporating the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI into the business. The two observed significant potential in the beverage industry—specifically with brewery companies—and spent months researching digital inkjet options.

“It is beneficial and cost-effective for us to have a press reserved for jobs that require producing multiple versions of the same label,” said Rodriguez. “Given the SAI’s reputation for perfecting the production of opaque labels for colored bottles with its high-opacity white ink mode, we are looking forward to expanding our reach in the beverage industry.”

The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI helped give the company a competitive edge. “Looking to the future of Penmar, we spent months researching options for the next generation,” said Cipot. “The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI proved to be the best option for us. It meant adding capabilities for our customers and increasing our overall capacity using cutting-edge technology. We can now offer quick turnarounds with the highest quality product in our region.”

Penmar Industries has been providing custom label, tape and packaging solutions since 1964. The company’s label business operates in a 15,000-square-foot facility in Stratford where the SCREEN press resides. A separate facility in Erlanger, Kentucky, serves as the location for producing the company’s pressure sensitive tapes. Its brand of tape, SpecTape, is popular with customers around the world. Penmar Industries also has a distribution center in Puerto Rico.

New GEW representative appointed for Label and Narrow Web business in Canada.

With immediate effect, GEW will be represented for its Label and Narrow Web retrofit business across Canada, by DTM Flexo Services. Spare parts and Services for Canada will continue to be supplied by GEW Inc.

Based in Ontario, DTM Flexo was founded in 2013 by David McBeth, who has worked within the global printing industry for over 35 years. The company’s reputation and customer relationships have been built on many years of hard work and a wealth of knowledge, developed by supporting and helping customers to find the very best solutions to their challenges.

DTM Flexo offer solutions for Flexible Packaging CI Presses, Label, Shrink Sleeve and Mid Web Press markets across Canada. The company represents many leading brands in the industry, including Omet, SOMA, BST and Lundberg. It also supports Canadian customers with Waste Management, Plate Sleeve Mounting and De-mounting, 100% Visual Inspection Systems, Anilox Rolls and Sleeves, Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems, Anti Bounce Plate Sleeves, Carbon Fibre Bridges, Pneumatic/Hydraulic Adaptors and more.

David McBeth, CEO at DTM Flexo, comments: “DTM’s experience and success have enabled us to develop superior supplier relationships. Through this extensive network of relationships, we can help customers to find the right product and technology to improve their process and profitability, by increasing productivity and reducing waste.” He concludes: “We are delighted to have been selected by GEW to represent the range on UV curing systems in Canada. With the introduction of LED technology, the GEW product lines fit perfectly with our strategy of solution providers, sustainability, and process improvement for our Canadian clients in Narrow Web flexographic printing.”

Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, adds: “LED retrofit sales are increasing rapidly in the narrow web market, as our customers look to improve productivity and reduce running costs of existing machinery. In addition, the increasing focus from brands on sustainability is driving more investment and upgrades to existing assets. This requires a change in focus with GEW requiring more direct contact at customer sites and more industry specialists able to understand and communicate the benefits of our technology to customers. DTM will enable GEW to meet that need in Canada while continuing to focus our efforts on producing the high quality LED and Mercury UV equipment and after-sales services our customers’ demand. David is highly experienced and highly regarded within the Canadian print market and we look forward to working closely with him and the DTM sales team in the near future.”

Willstaett, Germany. 25 January 2023 – Common quality issues associated with washout solvents in flexo plate making is the topic of a new technical paper by XSYS. The insightful guide which is entitled “XSYS WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101 – How can washout solvents contribute to consistent plate quality?” examines some of the often-heard myths surrounding the washout process and explains the adverse effects the incorrect use of washout solvents can have on the final print quality.

The guide highlights the importance of maintaining the right balance of components in the special type of solvent, such as XSYS nylosolv® A, used in flexo plate making systems. If this part of the process is neglected, the effectiveness of the washout is compromised and numerous issues with the print quality can occur, including so-called rice-grain effect, register problems, or missing halftone dots. As well as providing solutions to some of these common problems, the new guide also explains the history of nylosolv®, which was the first chlorine-free washout solvent on the market, and the science behind each of its components. 

“We are always keen to share the vast pool of knowledge we have amassed here at XSYS to help our customers maximize productivity, guarantee high quality, and reduce plate waste,” said Simon Top, Product Manager nyloflex®. “This new technical guide is another great example of how XSYS, as a leading supplier to the flexo industry, not only provides best-in-class solutions, but also delivers more value so our customers can produce brilliant results.    

“As we conclude in WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101, not only does correctly adjusted washout solvent ensure that the best plate quality is produced, it also helps to increase equipment efficiency and longevity which will result in significant cost savings, higher productivity and more sustainable production,” said Stephan Reis, Global Strategic Marketing Director, in closing.

The XSYS WASHOUT SOLVENTS 101 guide is freely available in multiple languages and can be downloaded here.

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®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.