Southeast Asia’s largest label and package printing show on course to break records as Digital Embellishment Trail added

Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2023, the region’s leading show for label and package printers, is set to take place at BITEC, Bangkok between 9-11 February.

New to the show is the Digital Embellishment Trail, successfully introduced at Labelexpo Americas last year. Digital Embellishment means the replacement of analog tooling and plates with any combination of inkjet varnishing, digitally applied tactile effects, digital foiling and laser die cutting. Participating companies include Kurz, Grafotronic, Domino and Epson, and all will have samples and experts at the show to demonstrate the exciting possibilities of variable embellishment. 

The Digital Embellishment Trail will also give the region’s label converters the first chance to see the results of the partnership between Grafotronics and Kurz announced at Labelexpo Americas. This sees Grafotronic combining its converting and finishing solutions with Kurz digital embellishment technology. Kurz’s patented inkjet on foil technology delivers a seamless application of metallic finishes and bright color effects on a wide range of substrates including uncoated papers. This sustainable finishing solution applies decorative finishes with minimal waste and without the need for tooling like printing plates or screens, which significantly reduces production time and costs.

Tarsus strategic director Andy Thomas-Emans said, “the Digital Embellishment Trail will give converters the chance to handle samples demonstrating how digital imaging has revolutionized short run, variable printing and decoration without the use of analog tooling. It is one of the most exciting developments in label technology.”

In other show news, leading agency BJC has confirmed its participation, representing HP, Screen, Glunz + Jensen, Hybrid Software, SisTrade, AGFA, X-Rite, Eastcom, Impact, Lasercomb and AsahiKasei. Asahi also has its own stand.

Durst has confirmed it will show a Tau RSC E 330 5C on its stand, billed as an economically attractive entry into the Tau RSC technology. This will be among a number of digital presses to be shown at BITEC. 

Event manager Richard Quirk commented, “Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2023 will be the show that brings together ASEAN and the wider region’s label and package print community for the first time since the pandemic. So this will be the first time these visitors have had the chance to see the astonishing developments in technology across all label sectors from digital and conventional presses to finishing technology, materials and consumables. Excitement is growing as the show approaches in just a few weeks.”

For more information visit: www.labelexpo-seasia.com
 

(Gent, Belgium) HYBRID Software (www.hybridsoftware.com), a leading enterprise software company for the label and packaging industry, announces the release of PACKZ and STEPZ 8.5 PDF production editing software. This is a major release for both products containing hundreds of new features and enhancements that meet the challenges of professional packaging prepress and illustrate once again the power of innovation.

Pascal Wybo, product manager of PACKZ and STEPZ PDF editors, shares: “To support the growing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging, we are excited to announce a new feature called “Press View”. The functionality supplies professionals with instant views of how graphics, especially spot colors which are critical to brands, are printed under various printing conditions. In many cases, accurate colors can be printed with fewer inks, less plates, and faster press speeds.”

Spot colors can be defined as named Pantone™ colors or specified directly using the CXF standard. In addition, PACKZ and STEPZ now support the new GMG Version 2 API for full compatibility with the latest GMG Open Color software.

PACKZ 8.5 also introduces a powerful new feature called Content XML, allowing print service shops to transform PDF artwork templates into standard XML markup language, with the ability to drive high quality dynamic artwork creation from their ERP or MIS systems. The creative variation of text, linework, colour, and images can be easily leveraged in digital print-on-demand web solutions for engaging one-to-one packaging.

PACKZ 8.5 also adds tools to create Digimarc digital watermarks, which encode the artwork surface with an imperceptible pattern for new data insights and smart packaging recycling for a circular economy.

Finally, HYBRID Software closes the loop with the verification tools in PACKZ and CLOUDFLOW, allowing error-free inspection of Digimarc watermarks within the PDF editors and workflow processes.

Nick Davison takes over from Lisa Milburn who joins main Tarsus Board 

Nick Davison has taken over from Lisa Milburn as managing director of the Tarsus Labels division, organiser of the Labelexpo Global Series of exhibitions and summits and publisher of Labels & Labeling magazine.

The announcement follows Milburn’s promotion to Group Director and appointment to the main Tarsus board, a role which will see her managing a number of key divisions, including Labels, Aerospace, OFFPRICE, FounderMade and Tarsus Media, as well as responsibility for driving organic growth. A Tarsus Group stalwart, Milburn has been with the group for over 20 years having progressed through the business to head up the Labels division.

Nick Davison joins Tarsus from Hyve Group where he headed up the Breakbulk portfolio, a global series of events for the project logistics and oversize cargo industry. In this role Davison managed five events on four continents, as well as a monthly publication His other roles have included running the Spring/Autumn Fair, the UK’s largest trade exhibition.

Doug Emslie, CEO of the Tarsus Group said, ‘It is my great pleasure to welcome Nick Davison on board as the new managing director of the Tarsus Labels Group at a time when the business is bouncing back and in the run-up to our premier event, Labelexpo Europe 2023.’

Davison will be supported by the existing leadership team of Strategy Director Andy Thomas-Emans and Portfolio Director Jade Grace.

Leading American manufacturer of high-performance splicing, tension control and rewinding systems, Martin Automatic, will be exhibiting at ICE-Europe, Munich, March 14-16.

Speaking for the company, European Sales Manager Bernd Schopferer stated: “We first exhibited at ICE 2019 and were thrilled with the outcome of the show. ICE gives us a unique opportunity to showcase our technology to the important and growing converting sector of the European market and share our knowhow and expertise in many diverse markets.”

Visitors to stand 1846 will be able to discuss Martin’s advanced web transport technologies for challenging applications, and the company’s solutions for nonstop unwinding and rewinding using a variety of splicing techniques suited to different substrates and materials.  These include adhesive tape, hotmelt glue, and heat seal, combined with different web cutting mechanisms.

Martin Automatic technology provides non-stop solutions on webs from 20mm to 4500mm wide and is capable of handling all types of material that is supplied on reels.  Martin prides itself on making equipment that is reliable, robust, easy to use and easy to maintain for long-term performance and profitability.

For more information:

www.martinautomatic.com

International prepress software company ‘Hamillroad Software’ announced today that the highly respected flexible packaging manufacturer and printer StarPak is equipping their production facility to use Bellissima Digitally Modified Screening (DMS) with expectations to build on their current Expanded Colour Gamut (ECG) solutions.

Based in Houston – Texas, StarPak (a part of the Five Star Family of Companies) are well known for their innovative and sophisticated approach to wide web printing and packaging processes.  Building on StarPak’s industry-leading conversion of Expanded Gamut commercialization and their commitment to packaging quality and sustainability, StarPak will harness Bellissima screening technology to expand their ECG offerings.

Luis Rivas, Graphics Manager at StarPak said: “Our graphics department has always strived for excellence for our flexible packaging customers. The Bellissima DMS technology creates new capabilities with image screening and added elements such as a reduction in color shifts with misregistration and improved flat tints. Our internal Delta Colour System has achieved new heights with the addition of Bellissima DMS.”

Pierre Hammond, Hamillroad’s Commercial Director said: “StarPak are leaders in the flexo industry when it comes to utilizing ECG to increase productivity. By adopting Bellissima DMS, the StarPak team has been able to improve their existing process while increasing print fidelity. They are true leaders in pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in flexo today.”

To find out more about how Bellissima DMS can help your business drive efficiencies, visit: www.hamillroad.com/the-bellissima-network/. Or email: info@hamillroad.com 

For more information on StarPak visit: starpakltd.com or email Luis Rivas (Lrivas@starpakltd.com) or Steve Cooney (scooney@Starpakltd.com)

An automated solution to easily control liner variation while storing and recalling common jobs, providing critical Industry 4.0 analytics, and offering single-click re-ordering of worn die station components, the RotoAdjust gives customers a smarter die station solution.

Oak Brook, Illinois, January 17, 2023- Maxcess, a global leader in innovative products and services for web handling applications, today unveiled the RotoMetrics RotoAdjust Intelligent Die Station Solution. Featuring an easy-to-use touchscreen for next-generation operators, critical industry 4.0 alerts and analytics of the entire die station and the ability to re-order worn components directly through MyRoto.com, the RotoAdjust leads the industry for smart die station control. 

“We designed the new RotoAdjust from the ground-up with our global R&D team who has spent decades designing and shipping automated web handling solutions from our storied brands of Fife and Tidland,” said Nadine Powell, Global Product Manager for RotoMetrics, a Maxcess Brand. “This solution gives customers an intuitive and powerful tool to control liner variation that they are seeing daily. The RotoAdjust lets you work smarter, with its industry-leading Industry 4.0 analytics that alerts operators to failure points and highlights worn die station components, while directly interfacing with our MyRoto.com e-commerce platform for single-click re-ordering.”

Featuring an intuitive color touchscreen operator interface with state-of-the-art software that can easily store and recall common jobs and backed by a global service and support infrastructure to ensure you are taken care of after installation, the new RotoAdjust provides customers with an industry 4.0 intelligent die station solution that is both easy-to-use and extremely accurate. In addition, the RotoAdjust provides analytics from the entire die station, something unheard of in the industry today. This gives operators access to critical data such as die station revolutions, material usage, pressure information, setup and run times, and more to run smarter. When critical components are projected to wear out beyond recommended operation, operators receive alerts and can automatically re-order through the MyRoto.com e-commerce portal with a single click, giving customers the ability to perform proactive maintenance to reduce downtime and scrap.

See the new RotoAdjust in action now: RotoAdjust in action!

Visit www.Maxcessintl.com or call 1-844-MAXCESS to learn more about controlling liner variation today. 

After its first full year as an independent entity, XSYS examines the results of its value proposition for the global flexo prepress community and lifts the veil on what comes next.

Willstaett, Germany. 17 January 2023 – Over the past year, the central focus for XSYS has been on bringing more brilliance to the flexographic and letterpress prepress industries that it serves. While 2022 presented a turbulent and challenging climate for all businesses, XSYS continued to reinforce its position as a specialized total solutions provider with best-in-class innovations and value-adding services.

“Our relentless drive to support customers with brilliant products and first-class services that provide them with high-quality printing results certainly paid off in 2022. More than 80 new equipment installations have brought plenty of success stories from across the world, despite the many challenges caused by the severe disruptions in supply chains, the rising cost of materials and energy, and the skills shortages,” said Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial Vice President of XSYS.

Driving innovation in flexo

XSYS’ innovations cover the widest gamut of any provider in this competitive space, from printing plates, plate imaging and processing equipment to sleeves and adapters. The ThermoFlexX portfolio of platemaking equipment and solutions delivers increased automation to customers, such as Kirk Group in Australia, who in 2022 boosted overall operating effectiveness with the installation of a ThermoFlexX imager combined with the full Catena+ line. This end-to-end automated solution, in combination with XSYS plates, drives efficiencies and reduces waste, taking platemaking to the next level.

The XSYS offering of printing plates for all packaging segments is also going from strength to strength. The nyloflex® FTM Digital flexo plate, developed recently to facilitate the switch from solvent- to water-based printing, was put into production by Saint André Plastique. The French flexible packaging printer immediately saw an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the plate’s superior built-in flat-top dot technology as it moved an additional part of its production to more sustainable paper-based substrates.

Another innovation that gives converters a competitive edge is the ThermoFlexX Woodpecker surface screening technology, which, in 2022, was further extended with the Nevis edition for printing with white inks on film-based substrates. The new Woodpecker Nevis screening improves overall brilliance and helps converters save on costly white inks while speeding up the imaging process.

Sustainability Mind-set

XSYS also used the year to reinforce its dedication to sustainability by introducing waste-saving products and services and developing more environmentally friendly solutions in collaboration with fellow suppliers. During a live webinar in December, the company was part of a group presenting greener solutions for central impression (CI) flexo operations enabled by next-generation technologies. Further proving this point, XSYS Germany GmbH received a silver medal rating in 2022 for its sustainability performance from EcoVadis, rated in the top 10% of manufacturing facilities.

 Adding value with services and support

Finding new ways to help customers in their daily lives is another fixed item on the agenda for XSYS. Several new value-adding initiatives were introduced in 2022, including the Flexo Solution Finder – a new online tool for faster troubleshooting and instant access to solutions to common issues in flexo print production. It was developed as part of the XSYS strategy to offer more flexibility and agility for customers, with less downtime and better quality.

To combat supply chain problems, XSYS implemented global solutions across its business to help customers succeed in the face of challenging market conditions. One example was in the US, where the manufacturing capabilities for rotec® Sleeves and Adapters in Asheville were expanded, meaning customers are now benefitting from more reliable delivery of high-quality products from the full rotec® range.

What’s next?

As we just started 2023, XSYS will continue its quest to support customers locally with innovations, solutions and services that allow them to stay ahead of the game. Over the coming months, new plates and plate processing equipment will come to market, geared towards introducing more flexibility and sustainability in flexo production while also delivering top-quality print at competitive cost levels.

Dagmar Schmidt, CEO of XSYS concluded, “First of all, I would like to thank all our customers across the globe for their trust in XSYS. The past year has proved that XSYS is a company in its own right, with solutions that are enabling customers to remain on a successful trajectory. As we kick off 2023, we look forward to launching new technologies, participating in more collaborations, and meeting the packaging community at trade shows and events. Together we can make 2023 a year of growth.”

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.

Nam Viet Barcode has established a high-quality reputation in the Vietnamese market since it was created by its General Director, Mr Tran Hoai Nhan in 2008.  Located in Hi Chi Minh City, with additional offices in Thu Dau Mot City and Bac Ninh City, as well as Phnom Penh in Cambodia, the company started out as an import and trading company for barcode printing materials in both the industrial and non-industrial sectors. 

Through constant development and innovation in search of new markets, Nam Viet Barcode is now acknowledged as one of the top suppliers of TTR thermal transfer ink, TTO ink, Hot Foil, and Cold Foil labels in Vietnam.  Its current focus is on investment in technology for the label printing sector that uses modern flexo presses to meet the demand for high-quality printing products in market.

And it was this quest for top quality that first brought Vetaphone technology to the attention of Mr Nhan, whose Bobst narrow web press, installed in 2020, came with a Vetaphone corona treater as part of its original specification.  So well did the Vetaphone unit perform, that when the company began to encounter issues with an older corona unit on one of its other presses, it chose to replace it with a Vetaphone supplied by Mr Nguyễn Anh Tú of Song Song Co Ltd, Vetaphone’s agent in Vietnam.

Mr Nhan explained: “The Vetaphone unit has always performed well on the Bobst, and we cannot afford to have a press out of production because an ancillary process fails, which happened on our older machine.  It was an easy choice for us to make to replace the corona treater that was failing with a Vetaphone unit, and we can now produce top quality print products from both presses.”

With a variety of substrates being processed at Nam Viet Barcode, including OPP and PET, the company appreciates the fine control of corona treatment that the Vetaphone units and iCorona generators offer.  Holger Selenka, Vetaphone’s Sales Manager for Asia explained: “Far from setting and forgetting, a corona treater can be finely tuned for a variety of variables such as press speed, substrate thickness, and any downstream processing requirements, amongst others.  It’s Vetaphone’s unique and patented technology that gives it this unrivalled capability and offers its users a significant advantage over their competition.”

Today, Nam Viet Barcode is a flourishing business that employs more than 100 people in its 2,000sq/m headquarters and production facility.  With an ongoing commitment to improve quality and productivity to satisfy its customers’ demands, the choice of Vetaphone could not have come at a better time.  As the company looks to diversify its product portfolio it will be invaluable to know that this ancillary process can be relied upon.

www.vetaphone.com

GEW supplies Ukrainian commercial printer with a 4-lamp, 40″ UV & LED curing system for their Komori press, without charge

GEW has come to the aid of a commercial printing works in Ukraine with the contribution of a complete 40” UV & LED curing system for the company’s Komori L640+C sheetfed offset press, free of charge.

Mikhail Gluhovski, Managing Director of Pryvatna Drukarnya, contacted GEW in early 2022, to request a quotation for the supply of the system. The printing works, based in Khmelnytskyi in Western Ukraine, had been forced to halt production in February 2022 so that they could instead provide humanitarian support to some of the many refugees that were fleeing the conflict in the east of the country. This included using their two restaurants and a gymnasium, which were normally used by staff and customers, to prepare up to 1200 free meals every day for refugees, and to accommodate up to 500 people every night. These resolute and tireless efforts were carried out night and day for almost a month, while the refugees’ need was at its peak.

In the meantime, Pryvatna Drukarnya had an urgent need to get back into production in order to be able to continue as a viable business. At that point, many other printers and businesses had ceased trading. Gluhovski had considered installing a UV curing system for some time before the outbreak of the conflict, and the time then seemed right to give his company a competitive edge by increasing its production throughput and reducing waste.

Gluhovski’s original request to GEW was not for financial assistance; it was merely that the UV system could be supplied to Pryvatna Drukarnya on preferential payment terms to enable them to take on the risk of investment in such difficult business conditions. It was at this point that GEW’s family owners stepped in and offered to supply the entire UV system free of charge, in recognition of the valiant work the company had done under such difficult circumstances.

The bespoke design of the UV system was then carried out over a period of several weeks. GEW’s customary site visit to measure and inspect the press was not possible, so great care was taken to capture all of the necessary information by working closely with the customer through online video calls. Due to the very fast production speeds required from the Komori press, the UV system was designed with two high power mercury arc E4C lampheads in the machine delivery, and two GEW LeoLED lampheads in interdeck positions along the press. To mark the significance of this particular installation, the two RHINO cabinets that power the UV system have been designed and manufactured in the bold blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

The UV system has recently been successfully installed by Pryvatna’s own engineers, who were again in close communication with GEW’s installation technicians by video link.

Gluhovski wrote to Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, to explain their plight and to express his gratitude: “Everyone in our region opened their doors for those who have no home any more. At one time I had 13 people from Kharkiv, with two pets, living in my apartment. Of course, business is very difficult, but we are sure about our future: we’ve never been so consolidated and so strong before. Thanks to the goodwill of our European partners, we found an appropriate way to buy cardboard and consumables for new orders and to pay off debts at the same time. We are thankful to GEW and everyone who supports our country and our economy. This will let us to return our normal production volume and to start producing UV-printed packaging.” He concludes: “It is difficult to find words to express our gratitude for such a decision.”

When GEW offered the UV system free of charge, Pryvatna Drukarnya immediately responded to say that they would in turn make a number of humanitarian donations to worthy causes in Ukraine. One beneficiary of their charitable activity was a family who had suffered particularly badly as a result of the conflict and had recently lost their home in the city of Adviivka in the Donetsk region of Eastern Ukraine, due to an enemy bombardment. They were forced to move in search of refuge and travelled over 1,000 kilometres west to the city of Khmelnytskyi, where they were rehomed through a local housing program and with financial sponsorship from Pryvatna.

Robert Rae comments: “All of us here at GEW were touched by the obvious generosity and dedication of the team at Pryvatna. It seemed a natural act that we should provide this system to them free of charge, to go some way to contribute and recognise their courageous efforts in the face of such adversity. It was also a pleasure to be able to help colleagues in our industry directly, rather than through an anonymous aid donation.”

Oleksander Bilyk, owner of Pryvatna Drukarnya, added his thoughts: “I was deeply touched and amazed by GEW’s proposal. My team and I are so grateful for this act of kindness, as not so many people in our times are willing to help not only by words, but by real action. From the whole staff of the company I say thank you GEW, for your generosity and kindness. God bless you.”

About GEW
GEW is the market-leading manufacturer of both UV Arc and LED systems for the labelling, narrow web and sheetfed printing industries. The company has world-class production facilities at its UK headquarters, subsidiaries in the USA & Germany, and an extensive network of worldwide distributors.

GEW specialises in the design and installation of UV LED systems, having introduced its latest UV LED product, AeroLED, in early 2022. Representing the next generation for UV LED curing, AeroLED eliminates the need for a chiller by air-cooling from a single remote fan to bring UV LED within affordable reach for all. LeoLED, released in 2019, is GEW’s water-cooled solution, delivering maximum power and UV dose for more demanding applications. LeoLED and AeroLED are compatible with GEW’s renowned ArcLED hybrid system.

www.gewuv.com