Innovia Films announces a new generation of polypropylene, high gloss films, which are printable by both HP Latex and UV Inkjet systems.

In the past years, Innovia has been successfully selling their dedicated Rayoart™ PVC free film range into the Graphic Arts media market. During this time, continual development has led to the outdoor durability of the films being extended to four years, and a white matte film has been added to the range. Rayoart™ offers a more sustainable solution to the Graphics market with 50% less environmental impact compared to monomeric PVC.

Innovia’s surface engineering team has continued to innovate and have successfully optimised the wide format printability of these films. Rayoart™ GCP (clear) and Rayoart™ GWP (white) are available in both 60 and 92 micron thicknesses and are formulated on the reverse side to give enhanced adhesive

anchorage. Both films are ideal for flat and simple curved large graphics, advertising and point of sales applications for indoor and outdoor use.

Alasdair McEwen, Product Manager, Labels emphasizes “These next generation products have produced outstanding print results in the market. Their high gloss finish enhances the images and text producing a premium result. The fact that they are also extremely easy to apply or remove and are cost effective, even versus monomeric vinyl, makes them a perfect choice for graphic applications.”

Sample reels are available for laminators who want to conduct adhesive and print tests, contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager, or contact us graphics@innoviafilms.com

About Innovia Films
Innovia Films is a major producer of highly differentiated specialty Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films using proprietary ‘Bubble’, Stenter Technology and Cast manufacturing processes.  The company holds a leading global position in the markets for high performance coated films, tobacco overwrap, labels and security films.  Innovia employs >1400 people worldwide and has production sites in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Poland and the UK.  The company is focused on high-quality value-added products, strong customer relationship, R&D and excellent service.

www.innoviafilms.com

BOBST has announced the DIGITAL MASTER series 3D CONFIGURATOR, a new online tool that allows customers to create and visualize the exact press configuration they need for their business. By integrating digital and flexo technologies into one workflow, label converters can enhance their capabilities, reduce waste and improve efficiency.

BOBST launched the DIGITAL MASTER series in April 2022, underpinning its vision for the future of label production. This new family of All-in-One, All-Inline solutions, which is available in 340 and 510 mm print widths, combines digital and analogue technologies in a single press. Based on a fully modular and upgradable architecture, this enables customers to build a press that fulfils their current and future needs.

From simple pressure-sensitive to multi-layer and high-value embellished labels, the DIGITAL MASTER 340 and DIGITAL MASTER 510 provide converters with the high flexibility needed to maximize their productivity and adapt their production floor as well as cope with manpower shortages and substrates management.

“At BOBST, we understand that every customer has unique requirements, which is why we have developed the unique DIGITAL MASTER series platform. Now, converters can experience the modularity and versatility of DIGITAL MASTER series with the new 3D CONFIGURATOR, which enables them to configure their press based on their specific requirements,” said Patrick Graber – Strategic Marketing Manager.

With BOBST’s new 3D CONFIGURATOR, converters are given instant online access to view all possible modules – including flexo, delam/relam, multi-layer, combo coupon, hot foil, combo lamination, screen-printing, and semi-rotary and rotary die-cutting – which can be added, arranged, combined or removed from the base machine according to their current job basket. Each module is visualized in 3D with descriptions detailing their use and potential.

Once the configuration has been finalized, a full report with the details including press dimensions, will be presented. Customers can also get in touch with their local BOBST sales representative via the online tool to discuss and validate the choices.

BOBST 3D CONFIGURATOR for the DIGITAL MASTER series is available for both desktop and mobile devices: https://configurator.bobst.com/.

About BOBST
We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries.

Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 production facilities in 11 countries and employs more than 5800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.563 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Ahlstrom perpetuates its 50-year commitment and support to the global Filtration industry by investing EUR 2 million in a new laminator at Louveira plant, Brazil. With a planned installation in 2023, the equipment is expected to be fully operational by Q1 2024.    

This strategic growth initiative will expand manufacturing capabilities at Louveira plant. It reinforces our ambition in local and regional filtration markets by offering customers shorter lead-times and improved local technical support.

“Along with optimizing the logistic workflow, the new unit will enable us to be closer to our customers and provide them with the flexibility needed to deliver best in class filtration solutions in South America,” said Andre Pereira, Head of Sales, Latin America. 

This investment is an additional step in our ambition to strengthen the global leadership in Filtration. It completes a series of investments in the past few years to strengthen the company’s global footprint and widen our high-performance offering in filtration segments. These include a new saturator as well as a new investment for glass fiber tissue line in Madisonville (Kentucky, US), a machine rebuilt in Binzhou (China), capacity expansion in Fabriano (Italy) and Malmedy (Belgium), and a new production line in Turin (Italy). 

“This investment addresses some of the current and future challenges of our customers in South America which include manufacturing flexibility and robust supply chain at regional level,” said Willy Bordignon, VP Filtration Americas. “It also demonstrates our commitment to expand product portfolio and to address the demands for lower emission engines in the region for EURO 5 and EURO 6 standards,” he continued.

Louveira is located in São Paulo state about 70 km away from the state capital. Louveira plant manufactures filter media for transportation and industrial segments, serving especially the South American markets. The plant is certified with IATF, ISO9001-2015, ISO45001 and ISO14001 and employs 120 people. 

Ahlstrom in brief
Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. Our vision is to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. We serve five growing and distinctive end markets, which form the basis for our five divisions: Filtration, Food & Consumer Packaging, Healthcare, Building Materials, and Technical Materials. Our pro forma net sales 2021 for continuing operations amounted to EUR 2.6 billion and we employ some 7,000 people.

Read more at www.ahlstrom.com

Dublin based Label Tech, one of the largest independent label converters in Ireland, marked its 30th anniversary in 2022 by installing another Mark Andy Evolution Series E5 flexo press at its facility in Santry on the northern outskirts of the Irish capital. The latest machine joins an identically specified Evolution Series E5 that was commissioned in October 2020 during the Covid pandemic, and a legacy Mark Andy 2200 Series press.

Speaking for Label Tech, Managing Director James Costello stated: “This is the second phase of our planned programme of investment that will see a third Mark Andy Evolution Series installed in 2023. The plan is to standardise on the 13” (330mm) web width to give maximum production flexibility and cost-savings on tooling.” Asked to summarise the benefit of the company’s Evolution Series E5 presses, Mr Costello said that job-dependent, he has seen an increase of around 50% in throughput, which has allowed the company to replan its shift pattern and reduce pressure on its busy workforce of 48 people. Key markets served are food and drink, health and nutrition pharmaceuticals, transport, and logistics.

The two Evolution Series E5 presses at Label Tech are 8-colour machines equipped with full UV curing. They have been specified with unwind roll lifts and dual frame rewinds, die stations and sheeting units with a conveyor. In addition, turn bars, a cold foil facility and laminating unit are mounted on overhead rails, and have BST inspection cameras fitted. Both presses are capable of up to 230m/min running speeds.

Commenting for Mark Andy, Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland Phil Baldwin said: “It’s another example of Label Tech putting quality and investment in the latest technology at the forefront of its business. The significantly increased capability of two Evolution Series E5 presses will enable customers to secure faster turnaround times and top quality on every order. Mark Andy is proud to be playing a key part in this company’s success and with the third Evolution Series scheduled for 2023 we will be keen to support the business going forward.”

The ‘Tech’ part of the company’s name was chosen for good reason, because the management team, consisting of James Costello, Johnny Woods and David Keogh has always seen investment in the latest technology as a firm base on which to grow the business. The company is renowned for its knowledge and expertise that has allowed it to achieve many outstanding bespoke label solutions, and continually invests in its technology and people to maintain its offering and support to its customers for new and complex projects.

Commenting at how much the label market has changed over the past few years, Mr Costello said:“In our core food and beverage markets particularly there had been a major shift in demand for labels with more products being sold by supermarkets for home consumption. This has driven a whole raft of innovation at Label Tech, and despite the pandemic, the company had enjoyed two busy years.”

The second Evolution Series E5 press complements the company’s existing E5 and digital platform and adds another layer of efficiency to the production floor. During the pandemic innovations were strong and new demands grew within the PSL sector. “Serving these growing demands has been less of a challenge with the expanding flexo capacity that Mark Andy has provided for us. Having the internal flexibility to react to customer demands gives us a competitive advantage and is also a great source of comfort for our growing customers,” he added.

Despite a very challenging year, with well documented supply chain issues, Label Tech can see some light at the end of the tunnel. “The supply chain is showing slow signs of correction. This, added to our increased capacity, will allow us reduce lead times for our customers for the first time in over a year. We’re looking to have three identical Evolution Series E5 presses in full production here to give us maximum capacity and the scheduling flexibility we’ll need to fulfil our order books. The 13” web width is a perfect fit for our portfolio and the machine’s versatility and scalability will enable us to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations,” he concluded.

About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential.

For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Rochester, NY – From October 19th-21st, Durst North America showcased their industry leading technology at the most dynamic and comprehensive printing event in the world. A combination of hardware from their P5 technology portfolio, with their full software suite, gave booth visitors a one-of-a-kind full print “ecosystem” experience.  

·       The Durst P5 500, making its North American debut, is a 5.25m “superwide” roll-to-roll printer for unprecedented production of flexible materials. An integrated roll support greatly simplifies media loading and changing. Rolls can be processed in single, dual, and triple mode – in dual mode even asymmetrically. These advancements allow for efficient and unattended production, permitting print service providers to output jobs faster 

·       P5 Tex iSub, a dye sub printer for soft signage and fabrics printing, comes equipped with inline fixation, offering a 1-step direct to fabrics printing process. The printer is not limited to just direct printing, but transfer papers can also be printed and further processed in the usual way. The DurstP5 Tex iSub contactless fixing technology ensures excellent color consistency as well as extreme sharpness of detail in images and text, also blurring or bleeding of color is eliminated. 

·       A new advancement with the Durst P5 350 enables the printer to be equipped with Double 4 (D4) technology, maximizing the productivity of the P5 UV series printing systems through the implementation of a double CMYK color configuration. The Durst D4 technology can currently be configured for all available P5 350 HS and P5 210 HS versions (Boards, Hybrid, 3/4 automation, full automation) and is also available as a field upgrade. 

·       The Durst Software Suite offers web-to-print, prepress and production, analytics, and ERP modules to improve and simplify business. All Durst printers come fully equipped with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software, with optional Durst Smart Shop software and Lift ERP.  

Tim Saur, CEO and Managing Director of Durst North America, reflected, “The Durst focus on innovation and production advancements persisted through the pandemic.  This was apparent from our booth.  We continued to expand our technology to meet the growing needs of the industry.  It was very fulfilling to show three printers that had never been at a Printing United show.  Additionally, we could display the increasing efficiency of our software suite – Workflow, Lift ERP, and Smart Shop – the entire ecosystem – in one location.  As a Board member of Printing United, I am very proud of the attendance and success of the show.  As a constituent of Durst and a leader in the OEM space, I am elated by the continued strength of our industry.” 

https://durstus.com

The move expands Avery Dennison’s presence on the west coast, improves lead times and boosts shipping reliability

Mentor, OH – Avery Dennison Label and Packaging Materials announced today plans to bring a new distribution center (DC) to Fairfield, California. The goal of the Napa DC is to enhance service capabilities and leverage the local proximity to support wine and spirits customers with same-day service to Northern California, including Napa, Sonoma and Modesto.

The site in Northern California is expected to be operational by December. The DC will help Avery Dennison continue to provide label solutions that embrace the values of wine and spirits producers, including brand image, brand values, and consumers’ needs, with materials made to protect the planet and enable brands to connect consumers and provide detailed product information through intelligent labels.

“We are committed to optimizing our distribution network, increasing capacity, and enhancing our customer service,” said Jeroen Diderich, senior vice president and general manager of Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials. “This new DC will help us better serve our converters and their customers by boosting our efficiencies for shipping and delivery.”

The distribution center will employ a team of workers with additional plans for staff recruitment and growth in the future. Avery Dennison will continue to invest in the area with further innovative expansions to support customers and their wide range of demands, from functional to aesthetic.

To learn more about Avery Dennison’s label solutions for the wine and spirits sector, visit the Avery Dennison website. 

 About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products and solutions, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical, and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

FLEXcon to exhibit groundbreaking innovations for hydrogel-free electrode components, skin-friendly adhesives, and pharma labeling solutions.

Spencer, MA – November 2, 2022: FLEXcon, who has been driving innovation in the healthcare industry with adhesives, tapes, films, and coating technologies for over 65 years, today announced it will be exhibiting and debuting new products at the world’s leading medical trade fair, MEDICA, taking place 14-17 November 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

FLEXcon offers more than 65 years of coating and laminating experience, industry knowledge and expertise. As a trusted partner delivering world-leading healthcare and wellness innovations to patients and consumers, FLEXcon continues to drive the future of healthcare with cutting-edge solutions, including patented OMNI-WAVE™ components for hydrogel-free electrodes, skin contact adhesives and tapes, and materials for pharmaceutical and medical device labeling.

FLEXcon® OMNI-WAVE™ is a revolutionary, hydrogel-free technology which can be used in electrodes and wearable sensors. From long-term wear to gentle release, manufacturers can select the signaling material that will meet their application’s precise biosensing needs – including EKG, EDA, sEMG, TENS and NMES. Independent clinical studies have shown that performance is equivalent to that of hydrogel-based electrodes, but without the issues of skin irritation and expensive barrier packaging.

FLEXcon® dermaFLEX™ novel, skin-friendly materials are biocompatible and recommended for the attachment of medical devices to the body. Three tiers of adhesion are available for maximum application flexibility: Gentle Release, General Use, and Long-Term Wear. With a variety of finished formats, including single-coated, double-coated and transfer tapes, FLEXcon offers products to suit most skin-contact applications.

The FLEXcon® PHARMcal® portfolio consists of six unique product families based on end-use application, from vials to cryogenics to blood bags. Each is comprised of a full range of high-performance materials engineered to meet any pharmaceutical labeling need. All products are processed to precise specifications and are subject to a 4-phase change management process to ensure application success with no surprises.

MedFLEX® medical device labeling products meet FDA standards for label durability that enable customers to deliver labels designed specifically for the medical device industry. Products are UL/cUL-recognized and immediately adoptable into their UL file, providing the label stock and finishes needed to produce a compliant medical label.

“FLEXcon is excited to be meeting folks face-to-face again at MEDICA this year and showcasing what we’re doing to move healthcare forward with FLEXcon’s partnerships, products and capabilities,” says Aditi Subramanian, Strategic Business Unit Manager. “We look forward to connecting and sharing insight into needs in the industry and developing relationships toward collaborative healthcare innovations and improved patient outcomes.

Learn more about the products that will be at the show and details on how to meet with FLEXcon experts on site.

Event Details:

What: MEDICA Trade Fair exhibition
Who: FLEXcon Company
When: 14-17 November 2022
Where: Messe-Center/Trade Fair Centre
D-40474 Düsseldorf, Am Staad (Stockumer Höfe)
Stand #B5 Hall 09

About FLEXcon
FLEXcon Company, Inc. is a global leader in coated and laminated films and adhesives used as functional components in manufactured goods and in graphics applications. A family-owned company for over 65 years, FLEXcon has provided a collaborative, consultative approach to deliver unique solutions that help customers achieve better business results. FLEXcon is a trusted partner to a wide range of companies, from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers, developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass., the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit www.FLEXcon.com follow FLEXcon on LinkedIn, or call +1-508-885-8200.

Shorewood, IL – IST America is pleased to announce that the company has named Martin Dieumegarde as Senior Technical Sales Specialist.

Dieumegarde comes to IST America with over 25 years of sales experience in Industrial Applications and Operations segments. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and his career includes managing extensive domestic and international sales networks at both the OEM and end-user level. His expertise includes go-to market strategy, project engineering, technical training and account management. His experience with implementing top-line sales growth initiatives for strategic product lines and regulatory compliance make Dieumegarde a key addition to the IST America team.

Bill Bonallo, IST America President and CEO comments, “I am extremely pleased to have Martin Dieumegarde join us. He will be targeting the industrial applications segment, an area where IST is quickly expanding due to the capabilities of our precision-engineered products and solutions. Martin has extensive experience in industrial applications sales management and is bilingual in both English and French, as well as has working knowledge of Spanish. He has been a top performer at every company he has worked for and will be a great asset to the IST America team.”

About IST America:
IST America is the North American arm of IST Metz in Nurtingen Germany. IST is known as the Global Leader for premium UV Curing solutions. Their systems include LEDCure, Traditional LAMPCure, Low Energy, Excimer, and Hybrid UV technology for sheetfed, wide web, narrow web, digital, and industrial applications. IST America provides system sales, service, parts, and application support for the North American market to OEM manufacturers and end users for new equipment and retrofit opportunities. IST America is located in Shorewood, Il.

For more information visit: www.ist-uv.com/en-us

Rosemont, IL – Appvion, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”) portfolio company, announced the addition of Nekoosa Coated Products, LLC (“Nekoosa” or the “Company”) to the platform. Headquartered in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Nekoosa is a leading provider of specialty engineered materials for the graphics and commercial print markets in North America and Europe.

Laurie Andriate, CEO of Appvion, said in a statement, “We are bringing together two great companies with complementary businesses and capabilities to accelerate growth and create additional value for our customers. I’m excited to welcome the Nekoosa team to Appvion.”

“I’m excited for our teams as we move forward and write a new chapter together,” said Paul Charapata, CEO of Nekoosa. “We know each other well and will build upon our long history to proudly produce innovative products that help all our stakeholders succeed.”

Greg Gleason, Managing Partner at Wynnchurch, added, “We are excited to add Nekoosa to the platform as we create an engineered coating specialist with market leading products, scale and diversification across customers and end-markets. We look forward to supporting management’s growth plans as we continue to expand the platform.”

About Nekoosa
Based in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Nekoosa is a leading provider of engineered materials in application tapes, specialty synthetics, pressure sensitive films, and sheeted digital and offset grade carbonless paper. Nekoosa now represents the RTape, Catalina Graphic Films, Mojave Digital Media, SYNAPS, ClingZ®, MagneCote® and CET Films brands. For more information, please visit www.nekoosa.com.

About Appvion
Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion is a pioneer in the specialty and high-performance coatings market. Appvion’s coating solutions are applied to a wide variety of flexible substrates, including products from an FDA-compliant facility. Primary product offerings include direct thermal labels and film solutions and renewable, fiber-based consumer and industrial packaging solutions. For more information, please visit www.appvion.com.

About Wynnchurch Capital
Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois, with an office in New York and an affiliate in Canada, was founded in 1999 and is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with $5.3 billion of regulatory assets under management and specializes in recapitalizations, growth capital, management buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and restructurings. For more information, please visit www.wynnchurch.com.