Expanding the potential for innovation: materials science leader is launching its AD Stretch accelerator program across Europe and North America

Mentor, OH — Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) today announces the expansion of AD Stretch, its accelerator program designed to invest in solution-led innovation from industry start-ups, into Europe, Middle East & North Africa (EMENA) and North America.

The company kicked off the program with its first cohort in Latin America and Asia Pacific earlier in the year and following a positive response and high engagement from the start-up community, the material science corporation will be engaging with the next cohort of innovators to further enable disruption and evolution in labels and packaging.

While the regional focus is expanding, the aim remains to address some of the industry’s most urgent business challenges by matching Avery Dennison’s experience and scale with promising startups and inventors to collaborate and grow together.

“Innovation doesn’t occur in a vacuum, so it’s imperative that we invest in a process that facilitates collaboration, pool our resources and use our scale to support our industry’s entrepreneurial capabilities,” says Hassan Rmaile, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Label & Graphic Materials EMENA and Global Innovation. “AD Stretch is still in its infancy, but already we’re seeing tangible results from our first cohort and hope to see the same as we partner with innovators in EMENA and North America.”

The second cohort will be invited to respond to six challenge statements that sit under three themes: Making Consumer Packaged Goods Smarter, Materials 2.0 and Thinking Green. By approaching innovation across a spectrum of needs, the goal is to address the consumer experience, digital and physical functionality and increase the sustainability credentials of packaging and labels.

“We’ve made considerable strides across sustainability and usability over the past five years but we want to see more results in a shorter time frame,” says Jeroen Diderich, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Label and Graphic Materials North America. “The agility of a start-up, powered by our financial resources, technical capabilities and supply chain infrastructure will enable us to innovate at a far greater pace and accelerate the commercialization of solutions to market – and crucially make an impact – far quicker. Time is of the essence now.”

The program, in partnership with venture studio Highline Beta, aims to attract the best and brightest startups and innovators. Following a period of review and consultation, the applicants will be narrowed down to 10 finalists that will go on to execute a pilot project.

More about AD Stretch, along with detailed information about participating, can be found at ADStretch.com.

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, 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. Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, the company employs more than 35,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion. Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

HYBRID Software, the innovative software solutions provider for packaging, labels, and print, will showcase its products along with Hybrid Software Group’s sister companies’ technologies (Global Graphics Software, iC3D, ColorLogic, Xitron, and Meteor Inkjet). On display on booth N763 will be a broad spectrum of packaging, digital and commercial print applications at Printing United Expo, October 18-21 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

One of the HYBRID Software booth highlights will be 3-D visualization throughout the entire prepress process offered by recent acquisition iC3D. iC3D’s software suite offers the industry’s largest library of modelling templates for digital packaging and POP design and prototyping. iC3D lets users generate live 3D virtual mockups on the fly, along with in-store and outdoor visualization.

HYBRID Software highlights will include: 

• PACKZ 8, HYBRID Software’s native PDF editor: Complex layered artwork can be viewed in color and wired modes simultaneously. The Smart Flattener professionally manages spot color and transparency interactions as well as press gamut conversion. The Pactions programmed toolset with action lists reduces the amount of operator time needed to edit, approve, and print a new package design.

• CLOUDFLOW workflow management, controlled from a web-browser, features a wide range of production workflow components along with a plug-in suite that facilitates interaction from the desktop or from Adobe Illustrator and PACKZ.

• STEPZ 8, an interactive software package based on the award-winning technology of PACKZ, allows for the preparation and execution of step-and-repeat and variable data tasks for high-speed digital printing of labels.

• Variable Data Printing (VDP), an InterTech Technical Award recipient, highlights the ease of use and capabilities of variable data preparation and execution of files, while providing customers the use of any open output device they require.

“Printing United is a comprehensive printing event and, while HYBRID Software has focused on packaging our products, combined with our sister company technologies, offer solutions for a wide variety of applications. What is also attractive is that our technologies are modular. You do not need to invest in an entire suite of solutions, but just easily connect one to the other, as well as a broad range of partner solutions—for example, MIS/ERP,” explains Mike Agness, HYBRID Software executive vice president, Americas. “We look forward to showing visitors why there is probably a productive Hybrid Software Group solution for just about any print facility.”

About HYBRID Software
With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, HYBRID Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ and STEPZ editors, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. HYBRID Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group.

www.hybridsoftware.com

Rochester, NY – Investing in their second Durst printer, AMI Graphics, a nationally recognized, large format print manufacturer, becomes the first to welcome a Durst P5 500i in America. AMI prides themselves on American-made products at competitive prices and quick deliveries. This new addition will allow them to continue that commitment.   

AMI provides innovative signage solutions to professional sports teams and leagues, collegiate athletics, corporations and small business, resellers, special events, and more nationwide. The increased demand for high quality branded signage, quickly, led AMI back to their trusted Partner, Durst. Peter Wensberg, President of AMI Graphics commented, “Durst makes industrial equipment that’s designed and built for 24/7 production. We went with the P5 500i because of the mesh printing capabilities and speed.  It’s double-sided and multi-roll printing capabilities will allow us to continue to maintain the highest quality products and speed to market to meet the needs of our customers.” 

The Durst P5 500i is built on the award-winning P5 platform and has added a “Superwide format” to the portfolio with a printing width of 5.25 meters. Designed for efficient and unattended production, rolls can be processed in single, dual and triple mode. Double-sided printing on the P5 500i provides exact front and back registration, increasing throughput even more by easing the finishing process. “Its technological features allow us to expand our automation capabilities and operate more efficiently. After reviewing [Durst’s] offerings compared to others, we knew it would be a perfect fit’” said Wensberg. 

The Durst P5 500i will operate at AMI’s Stafford, New Hampshire location. The purchase comes less than a year after their installation of a Durst P5 Tex iSub at their Ocala, Florida location. “We are incredibly pleased that AMI has invested in the new P5 500i. AMI purchased the P5 Tex iSub last year and have now added our new 5-meter printer to their fleet. We find with many customers, once they experience a Durst printer, they understand the true value that we bring to the table. We are excited that AMI has validated their confidence in Durst with the purchase of a second device.” offered Larry D’Amico, Director of Sales: LFP and Fabrics. With a Durst printer at both AMI locations, there is no doubt they will continue to be recognized for their outstanding creative insight, product quality, and value they provide.  

About AMI:
State of the art facilities in Strafford, NH and Ocala, FL, AMI Graphics brings branding and messaging to life through innovative signage solutions, servicing the needs of professional sports teams and leagues, collegiate athletics, corporations and small businesses, resellers, special events, and more nationwide. As signage experts, AMI Graphics understands every signage project has its own unique challenges. No matter how big, small, or unique, AMI Graphics experienced team is there to guide you through the entire process – from concept to completion.

Email: aaron@ami-graphics.com

AMI online at: https://amigraphics.com

About Durst:
Durst Group AG is a leading manufacturer of professional digital imaging systems. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Brixen, Italy, and Lienz, Austria, and has major offices in North America, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Singapore. Durst’s reputation for quality, precision, innovation, sustainability, and reliability spans more than 80 years.

CONTACT: For information on Durst products and services, contact Sydnie Shepland.

Email: Sydnie.Shepland@Durst-Group.com

Phone: 585-486-0340 ext. 5236

Durst U.S. online at: www.durstus.com

‘Digital transformation’ was Mark Andy’s informal motto at Labelexpo Americas 2022, which was held recently after a four-year break. Using this keynote, Mark Andy presented three narrow web hybrid presses for label production, including its new toner-based Digital Pro MAX with toner white, and two inkjet/hybrid presses: Digital Series HD and Digital Series iQ. Another important highlight was the launch of sMArt link software – a real-time on-press data collection and press monitoring system for improving press utilization, efficiency, and sustainability. Live demos also included three Rotoflex slitter/rewinders, including the new AT4 automatic turret system devoted for inline/offline label finishing.

“This year was one of the most successful Labelexpo Americas we’ve participated in,” says Tom Cavalco, Executive Vice President Mark Andy. “It was the first global event devoted to label market since Brussels in 2019. We felt the enthusiasm of visitors who appreciated the opportunity to meet in the real world!”

Inline with ‘digital transformation’ the stand was dominated by digital/hybrid solutions and crowded on all three days. Visitors came from 45 different countries, and in stark contrast to many other manufacturers, Mark Andy showed a variety of technology in operation. Label converters commented on the company’s continued strong profile in the label market, saying that it would be influential in their future investment plans. Under discussion were the first pilot installations of the new Digital Pro MAX press as well as many other sales leads for hybrid inkjet-based presses.

Digital Pro MAX – a world premiere
Labelexpo Americas was the perfect opportunity for Mark Andy to show new technology for the narrow web sector, with a world premiere for the Digital Pro MAX. Its live demos included a beer label on PP silver metalized foil and a tea label on PP white with cold foil stamping.

The new press is a result of Mark Andy’s long experience in digital technology, as well as significant feedback from users of previous Digital Pro models. It is faster, has a lower cost to print, includes toner white, and can be upgraded as required. It offers CMYK + white at up to 160 ft/min (49m/min), making it a future-proof investment, beginning with roll-to-roll, and adding flexo spot color printing with up to three flexo stations before or after the digital engine. Cold foil and lamination stations can be added at any time.

If converters need to print on the back of the liner, the press can be equipped with a turn bar and upgraded with Mark Andy’s state-of-the-art semi-rotary vertical die cut unit. The toner white adds transparent and metalized substrate capability without the need for a flexo station. “Digital Pro MAX offers new opportunities for printers and converters who specialize in short run label production,” says Stu Gallup, Vice President of Digital Sales. “It reduces waste and consumable costs and offers extended work cycles that result in more savings and improved overall efficiency.”

Inkjet-based Solutions: Roll to Roll to Full Hybrids Configurations Available
Mark Andy is committed to offering our customer’s the highest quality, most productive ink jet presses in the market. We have configuration options available from Roll to Roll all the way up to Full Hybrid. The configuration flexibility on Mark Andy platforms allows customer to choose the Digital press configuration that fits their needs the best…says David Medlar, Vice President of Digital Business Unit. The two presses shown at Labelexpo represented the inkjet-based Digital Series. Digital Series iQ was launched last year and is a close technological co-operation with Domino, the manufacturer of the N610i UV inkjet module that is integrated with Mark Andy’s Evolution Series platform. Digital Series iQ can be configured with up to seven UV inkjet colors – CMYKOV+WW. Hybrid converting components include flexo print stations, semi rotary die cutting, a rail system for web turn bars or cold-foiling unit, and inline slitting, as required. The press offers 600 x 600 dpi resolution at up to 70m/min. Live demos included VDP printing on white gloss BOPP foil and a Kambucha label printed on chrome metalized PP foil.

Top of the range in Chicago, and attracting keen attention was the Digital Series HD, which is Mark Andy’s own in-house development aimed squarely at the top end of the market and is already a popular choice among label printers and converters worldwide. The digital inkjet engine offers up to seven colors – CMYK + OGV+W and 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution at up to 73 m/min on web widths to 431 mm, with many inline embellishment and finishing options. A wider color gamut, combined with a specially formulated and highly pigmented white ink, enables it to print effects like rotary screen. Live demos included a bourbon label on silver metalized foil with textured varnish/matt varnish as well as facial cream label on PP clear foil with matt varnish.

sMArt link – a real-time on-press collection and press monitoring system
Earlier this year Mark Andy launched sMArt link. This software system is designed for label and packaging converters who want to improve press utilization, efficiency, and sustainability. It helps operation managers make immediate process adjustments and management make strategic data-driven decisions, resulting in waste reduction and higher efficiency. It can be accessed through a cloud-based platform and is suitable for new and existing Mark Andy and other presses found on the converting floor, both flexo and digital/hybrids. It ties all equipment together in one robust analytical tool that is accessible from anywhere with an internet hook-up.

Rotoflex: label slitting/rewinding
Rotoflex showed three slitter/rewinders including the new AT4 – automatic turret system for inline and offline label converting. Its capabilities meet a wide range of label manufacturers’ applications, including advanced, highly processed stock. The live demos also included the Rotoflex VLI model – a slitter/rewinder with 100% inspection and the Rotoflex VSI, which is the most widely used model in traditional label and printed roll-to-roll inspection and rewinding.

Mark Andy Print Products: service, spare parts, consumables
Mark Andy Print Products (MAPP) promoted its global service team, offering technical assistance, business development consulting, and application expertise. MAPP exhibited a full range of flexo plate imaging and processing equipment from leading prepress suppliers including DuPont Cyrel plates and FAST processor, Tesa mounting tape, and Esko digital imaging equipment and software. The representatives from Kluge and Presstek were available on the booth, too.

Concluding, Mark Andy CEO Jason Desai said: “We warmly thank everyone who visited our booth at Labelexpo Americas 2022. According to the organizers, the event was attended by more than 13,500 people from 80 countries, which gives us optimism for next year’s show in Brussels. We hope it will be held because it is always a great opportunity to meet customers and business partners from Europe and other continents.”

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.

When Labelexpo India opens in Delhi on 10th November, Weldon Celloplast will be there to support one of its key principals, Vetaphone.  The Danish manufacturer, which invented corona surface treatment back in 1952, will have several of its narrow web corona systems on working display at this important trade fair.

On stand C9 in Hall 1, Brotech Digital Graphics, the China-based manufacturer will be exhibiting one of its CDF 330 Digital Finishing & Converting Systems fitted with a Vetaphone VE-A 420 treater powered by the intelligent 2KW iCorona generator and fitted with four ceramic electrodes.

Together with Weldon Celloplast, Vetaphone looks forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition, showing them the benefits of a class-leading corona system, and discussing the process of surface treatment that is such an important part of narrow web converting.

www.vetaphone.com

Los Alamitos, CA – Epson, one of the largest color label printer manufacturers in the labeling and packaging industry, today announced it will be exhibiting at PACK EXPO International (booth #N-5363), bringing its line of ColorWorks® color label printing solutions. Pack Expo International takes place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. from Oct. 23-26, 2022.

“Businesses gravitate towards implementing methods and solutions to help them operate more efficiently and differentiate themselves more effectively,” said Andy Scherz, senior product manager, Commercial Labels, Epson America, Inc. “On-demand color labeling solutions will be increasingly leveraged as a means to achieve these goals through elevating productivity, customer experience, sales, and compliance.”

The ColorWorks label printer lineup is designed to help businesses – from small businesses to large enterprises – cost-effectively print color labels on demand for virtually any application across a broad range of commercial environments. The following solutions will be showcased at the Epson ColorWorks booth (#N-5363):

The newest CW-C4000 compact color label printer with comprehensive connectivity is designed for businesses with low-to mid-volume applications that require high-resolution print quality and durable barcode and product labels up to 4.4 inches in width.

The CW-C6000P, the first color inkjet label printer to offer peel-and-present functionality,1 produces high-resolution color labels up to 4.4 inches wide at speeds up to 5 inches/second, and is ideal for mid-to high-volume print-and-apply applications.

The CW-C6500A color label printer produces high-resolution color labels up to 8.5 inches wide and comes standard with an auto cutter to create variable length labels and enable easy job separation.

The C7500G, a high-performance color label printer for color labels up to 4.4 inches wide at speeds of up to 11.8 inches/second, is ideal for demanding, high-volume printing of durable, glossy labels.

Epson will also be showcasing its integrated partner solutions – the ColorWorks CW-C6000P with the LabelMill applicator, an on-demand, full-color print-and-apply labeling solution, and the ColorWorks CW-C6500A integrated with the Eclipse MINI+ finisher and accumulator solution for printing custom, die-cut color labels. The ColorWorks team will also participate in the Emerging Brands Summit (Room S100, Booth #EB-7) on Sunday, Oct. 23, an event bringing together new brands with experts in manufacturing and packaging.

In addition to the Epson ColorWorks booth, Epson will be exhibiting its GX SCARA Robot and automation solutions at booth #N-5265. Here, there will be a demo showcasing label handling with the VT6L robot and ColorWorks CW-C6000P on-demand label printer, to print and apply product, warning, and shipping labels from a single printer.

For additional information about Epson’s ColorWorks on-demand color label printers, visit www.epson.com/colorworks.

About Epson

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

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

1 ColorWorks CW-C6000/C6500 inkjet printers with UltraChrome DL pigment ink, used in combination with Neenah Kimdura poly media or Avery Dennison Fasson 3.5M Matte WH Syn Paper WBIJS4600/50#SCK (Spec 79724), have both been BS 5609 certified.

EPSON and ColorWorks are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2022 Epson America, Inc.

Long-time Nilpeter partner, Color Label A/S, has signed a deal for a new 8-colour Nilpeter FA-17, which will replace a couple of old FA-4200 17’’ flexo presses. This investment aims to modernize and automate in-house processes.

Color Label, located in Aarhus, Denmark, was established in 1980 by Erik Grønning, who is still at the helm. A key to success for the company has always been highly reliable equipment that ensures on-time delivery. Color Label has an impressive line-up of 10 Nilpeter flexo presses, most recently adding a fully refurbished FA-2500, and will now replace two old FA-4200 with a new 8-colour FA-17, complete with advanced equipment for extended content label production.

Color Label digitalises flexo – a step into the future
“The installation of our new Nilpeter FA-17 is a great step forward for Color Label, and it is definitely a milestone for us towards digitalising flexo. It gives us a wide range of new possibilities when it comes to automation of our in-house processes, and it optimizes our operation, quality, and effectivity significantly”, says Owner and CEO of Color Label A/S, Erik Grønning.

Always in the market for the best solutions
“Since Color Label was founded in 1980 and kicked off with a Nilpeter Rotolabel F200, a steady fleet of Nilpeter presses has been added to Color Labels production floor over the years, always seeking new boundaries with the highest standards in quality and technology. The latest installation of the FA-17 with full Automation package cements this path forward. We are proud of our long-term cooperation with Color Label”, says Jesper Jørgensen, Global Sales Manager, Nilpeter A/S.

The Most Versatile Flexo Press on the Market
The FA-Line is the most versatile flexo press on the market – designed to accommodate the printer’s ever-growing needs, and built around the modern print operator, with an intuitive user interface and fully mobile print controls.

A benchmark of flexibility and modularity, the FA allows printers to enhance the performance of their press with Value-Adding Units, Application and Automation Packages, according to application needs and budget. Future customisations are often done with a simple press of a button. All main components are produced in-house at Nilpeter, meaning higher production quality and control.

A Leading Label Supplier
Established in 1980, Color Label is one of the leading Danish suppliers of self-adhesive labels to the food industry, the chemical industry, and for retail trade. Color Label is a service-oriented and innovative company that strives to solve any label challenge regardless of the printing and delivery requirements. Over the years, capacity has multiplied through investments in new and more efficient machinery, strong IT management, and the optimum physical facilities. After the latest expansion Color Label has now more than 3,600 sq. m. at their disposal.

www.nilpeter.com

If you looked for a high-volume label converter that offered low fixed prices, proven quality, and a delivery service second to none, you would look no further than OMNI Systems, the Cleveland, OH based business that is the largest privately-owned thermal media company in the USA.  Established in 1990 and wholly owned by Adam DeFrancesco, OMNI claims its 144,000 sq ft 24/7 operational plant at Mayfield Village offers saving of up to 40% on the industry’s high quality label media from its numerous strategic locations across the US.

How does OMNI do it?  By an ongoing program of investment that has seen seven new Mark Andy presses installed since 2019 and all of them fitted with Martin Automatic MBS unwind/splicers.  In fact, OMNI now has 20 Mark Andy presses installed parallel to each other from 7” (180mm) to 20” (510mm), and all are fitted with Martin MBS systems – the view down the line is impressive.  Highlighting the repeatability of its volume business, OMNI says that one of its presses has run the same job, with only minor color variations, 24/7 for the past 10 years.

The company built its business on simple one-, two- and three-color work which in 2020 generated sales close to $95m and showed a five-year increase of 65%.  Its customer portfolio includes all the major retail brands for which it can make and justify substantial claims: more than $1m annual cost savings on one label account, an annual budget reduction of 40% on another, and continuing to provide a year-on-year price reduction for the world’s leading e-commerce company for 20 consecutive years.

Renowned for its cost-effective production of secondary labels, it was only a matter of time before OMNI’s customers began to apply pressure for the company to move into prime labels and offer a single-source supply.  Company President Mike Murton explained: “We are experts at managing exponential growth without deviating from our commitment to high-quality and low prices.  The opportunity to carry this over from our traditional work to the more complex and sophisticated world of prime labels, using trusted technology from Mark Andy and Martin, gave us a clear opening to develop our business in new areas, initially with the security of work from existing customers.”

The result was the installation of a Mark Andy Performance Series P7E press earlier this year, fitted with a Martin Automatic MBS unwind/splicer, and the order for a second identical configuration, which is due towards the end of 2022.  The latest Mark Andy presses have the 20” (510mm) web width and are fitted with Vetaphone corona treaters for film label applications, 10-UV flexo print units and turn bars.  The Martin MBS units offer non-stop operation with built-in roll loading for a variety of substrates from film to laminate and paperboard, with a maximum roll diameter of 50” (1270mm) and top production speed of 300m/min.

For those unfamiliar with the ‘butt splice’ technique of Martin’s MBS range, it is designed for web-fed applications where the end of an expiring roll is joined to the beginning of another.  The two ends are trimmed straight and brought together so that the ends do not overlap. A thin tape, over the top or bottom of the splice, or both, holds the splice together, which is required in applications where the thickness of overlapping webs is unacceptable, like film or paper-based labels.   The whole splicing process is performed without slowing or stopping the press to reduce waste and maintain print quality.

According to Chris Allen, Maintenance and Quality Manager at OMNI: “By allowing us to run our presses non-stop at optimum speed, Martin Automatic technology has been a major factor in us achieving our cost and productivity goals, which would have been impossible otherwise.  Each one of their systems here, now numbering 21 with another to come shortly, is a model of reliability,” he added, pointing to the three small boxes of spare parts that is all OMNI keeps for maintaining the Martins.

High efficiency goes together with sustainability at OMNI.  The company is proud of its procurement process that sees more than 99% of its face stock sourced from FSC approved resources, and a similar figure for its adhesives that meet TLMI Recycling Protocols.  On plastic materials, its label stocks pass the Association of Plastic Recycling’s Critical Guidance Recognition for PET and HDPE.  In the all-important food industry, OMNI is GFSI and BRC Certified, which among other things guarantees that labels won’t peel to ensure safety and enable consistent barcode screening for accurate stock control.

What becomes clear from any visit to the plant is OMNI’s attention to detail and production efficiency.  As one of Martin Automatic and Mark Andy’s leading combined US installations, OMNI exemplifies the value of automating web fed production of high-quality work produced consistently at high speed.  The company’s move into prime labels is an alert for other converters in this field that there is a ‘new kid on the block’ and he’s very well set-up to take a big share of the market! 

www.martinautomatic.com

Appvion is proud to deliver solutions that impact consumers’ everyday life and help keep the world moving.

Appleton, WI – Appvion, a leading provider of direct thermal paper and film and renewable, fiber-based solutions, is celebrating the 115th anniversary of its establishment. This milestone reflects the company’s strong foundation in material science and value-added application of chemistries onto substrates.

Appvion began in 1907 when Charles S. Boyd believed he could add value to paper by applying a coating to make it more printable. At the time, paper machines could not make and coat paper in a single operation, creating a market niche for independent paper converters. As the organization progressed, team members continued to generate value for customers by evolving this philosophy into various substrates and improving the functionality of their solutions for end users. Today, Appvion’s solutions are part of many tickets, tags, labels, and packages consumers touch daily.

“Our 115-year history as a leading coating solutions provider is a reflection of our organization’s ability to advance within evolving markets,” said Laurie Andriate, Appvion President & CEO. “Our dedicated and passionate team has shaped Appvion into the company it is today. A healthy work community is our most valuable asset, and we are proud of our team member track record in broadening Appvion horizons. We are committed to continuing this expansion in all our daily pursuits.”

Deep expertise in chemistry and engineering represents a key differentiator in Appvion business success. Building upon more than a century of experience, Appvion has employed chemists and scientists since 1921 to develop commercial solutions leveraging a unique blend of coating proficiency, proprietary processes, and technical know-how. These industry-leading solutions support crucial supply chains and enable critical infrastructure in various markets, including retail, healthcare, transportation, and food and beverage.

“We have nearly 400 team members who play a pivotal role in the success of our organization, and it is remarkable how far we’ve come,” said Greg Helein, Appvion Director of Operations. “It is a privilege to be part of a heritage and a steward of resources that started 115 years ago. It inspires me every single day.”

Appvion, LLC is a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital L.P. To learn more about Appvion’s history, visit www.appvion.com.

About Appvion
Appvion innovates sustainable specialty coating solutions that are a part of many tickets, tags, labels, and packages consumers touch daily. The company’s 115-year-long history began as a leading producer of carbonless and microencapsulation advancements. Today, its business groups have a collective focus on harnessing the power of materials science and innovation to serve a wide range of markets such as retail, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and food packaging. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion is the market leader of direct thermal paper and film products in North America and a world-class leader in renewable, fiber-based solutions for consumer and industrial packaging. Connect with us at www.appvion.com to learn more.

About Wynnchurch
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.