Siegwerk will present its latest ink innovations for sustainable and efficient printing of labels and packaging at Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Brussels. 

Siegburg, Germany, August, 14, 2023. – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, will exhibit from September 11 to 14, 2023, at this year’s Labelexpo Europe, the world’s largest event for label and packaging printing technology in Brussels, Belgium. Next to showcasing some of its latest ink and coating developments for the labels and flexible packaging industries at booth 7A11, the company will also give insights into its growing range of sustainable solutions for optimized packaging recyclability in the sense of a Circular Economy.

“Following this year’s show theme ‘The modern legends of print’, we will be presenting our newest solutions for the future of packaging printing at our booth,” says Guido Lander, Vice President Business Unit Narrow Web EMEA at Siegwerk. “Visitors will not only be able to learn more about our latest solutions for boosting efficiency and sustainability but will also get hands-on insights into selected specialty products and inkjet solutions for label and packaging printing.” Shown highlights will for example include the company’s newly developed dual curing UV solutions for food and non-food applications, some special whites especially for shrink sleeves.

With SICURA Flex Dual Cure for non-food applications Siegwerk will introduce a newly developed TMPTA-free system at Labelexpo Europe.  Additionally the latest version of the established SICURA Nutriflex LEDTec for food, pharmaceutical and hygiene packaging, will be shown. Both ink series are suitable for dual curing with LED-UV and UV mercury lamps. “LED-UV curing units typically use 50% less electrical energy than conventional UV mercury curing units making it a more sustainable and in times of rising and volatile energy costs also a more economic alternative,” explains Lander.“When switching from UV-mercury to LED-UV curing, a dual curing ink series is the optimal choice in this regard, as it is suitable for both technologies, thus avoiding double stocking as only one ink series is needed. The dual curing ink series have the same pigmentation like their conventionally UV mercury curing counter types, which simplifies the switch to LED-UV curing inks.” In addition, experts will provide insights into the company’s extensive activities enabling the development of sustainable packaging solutions in line with a Circular Economy. Use the opportunity to exchange with them about possibilities to optimize packaging recyclability.

Besides, Siegwerk is one of the sponsors of the show’s new feature “Flexo’s Future”, a series of presentations and guided tours on Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) printing. On September 12th and 13th all visitors will be able to attend an ECG seminar to gain valuable insights from packaging supply chain members on how using the fixed color ECG set makes packaging printing more efficient and sustainable. As one of the speakers Siegwerk’s color management expert Dr. Kiran Deshpande will for example talk about a customer case showing how optimized ECG can help to achieve efficiency and sustainability improvements. On top, pre-registered visitors can also join an organized trail through the show of sponsors’ stands getting in touch with Dr. Deshpande and other ECG experts directly 

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs – from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a sixth-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com

·       Mondi has been awarded with the German Packaging Award 2023 in the “material substitution” category.

·       Protector Bag ExpandForm replaces existing plastic solutions for mattress rollpacking with recyclable paper bags.

·       The mattress packaging is made from Mondi kraft paper, offering breathable and expandable product features.

14 August 2023 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has won the German Packaging Award 2023 in the category “material substitution” for Protector Bag ExpandForm, which is awarded by the German Packaging Institute.

Developed in collaboration with Megaflex Schaumstoff, a family-owned manufacturer for flexible foams, mattresses and sleeping products, Protector Bag ExpandForm replaces the current plastic packaging for mattress rollpacking with a flexible and recyclable paper bag solution.

The innovative packaging not only helps to reduce plastic waste but also ensures optimal product protection and handling during the transportation and storage of rolled mattresses. Its unique design and superior strength provide secure packaging that retains its shape and protects the mattresses throughout the transport journey.

The great partnership between Mondi and Megaflex Schaumstoff ensured a smooth transition, and implementation of the new solution, with only a few adjustments to the packaging machinery. By the end of 2023, Megaflex plans to switch its entire range of mattress rollpacking to paper packaging, which is already used for instance by Bett1 to package its kids’ mattresses.

Max Melzer, Sales Developer Protector Bags, Mondi says “We are honoured to receive the German Packaging Award for our Protector Bag ExpandForm. At Mondi, we are committed to driving innovation and sustainability in the packaging industry. This recognition shows our dedication to providing our customers with smart, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose packaging solutions.”

 

Editor’s notes: For more information about Mondi’s Protector Bag ExpandForm watch the video here.

About Mondi

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

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

www.mondigroup.com

Martin Automatic, the leading US manufacturer of unwind/splice a rewind technology for a range of web fed applications welcomed its international sales team to the company HQ in Rockford IL in July. 

The meeting proved an ideal opportunity to update members of staff with the latest and extensive range of Martin products and applications, as well as induct them into the traditional Martin culture.  “This is primarily the pursuit of excellence in caring for our customers’ needs and learning to be good stewards of the trust they place in us,” said VP Sales & Marketing Gavin Rittmeyer.

A tour of the production hall typified Martin’s business, with the variety of different OEM corporate colors on show for both narrow and wide web technology, and the vast difference in size between the popular splicers and rewinders for the label industry up to the giant machines manufactured for handling asphalt shingles in the building trade.

“We are honored that customers from a cross section of industries continue to favor Martin for its robust ‘keep it simple’ design philosophy from labels to paperboard and on to large format converting processes.  Our continuous pursuit of best practices attracts both new employees and new customers alike and is critical to us retaining business and securing repeat orders,” he added. 

Seen as both a valuable bonding session for company personnel and an opportunity to freely discuss how global market changes and developments impinge on the company’s R&D of future technology, the Sales Meeting was hailed a success by all who attended.  

As Rittmeyer concluded: “We live in a time of continual change where it is even more important to work closely with our customers to understand and solve their problems.  Expanding a Sales Team is easy – it’s the technical training and understanding of the company culture that is the key to success here and is what sets Martin apart from its competitors.”

Willstaett, Germany. 14 August 2023 – XSYS, formerly part of Flint Group, has announced its participation as a gold sponsor and exhibitor at Labelexpo Europe on 11–14 September 2023. Coming to the show in Brussels with a strong standalone identity and continued commitment to driving innovation, XSYS will showcase its wide range of solutions, which have been designed to reshape the future of label and packaging printing.

Labelexpo will serve as the perfect platform for XSYS to demonstrate its market-leading technologies, including the newly introduced nyloflex® FTV Digital plate for high-end flexible packaging, alongside other premium flexo products, such as the nyloflex® XVH and nyloflex® XAH thermal plates. With the choice to expose using either conventional tube lights or LED technology, the new nyloflex® FTV flexo plate offers platemakers and printers the best of both worlds helping to reduce complexity in the plate room while improving productivity. For the letterpress market, the company will show the nyloprint® WF Sharp water washable, film-based plate, which has been developed for high-end label production.

Visitors to stand 3B24 will be able to experience the ThermoFlexX TFxX 48 plate imager connected via a robotic interface to the new Catena-E 48 LED exposure unit, a powerful combination that represents a leap in efficiency and quality for plate processing. The ThermoFlexX TFxX 30 model, which can image smaller plate sizes up to 635 x 762mm (25 x 30”), can also be seen on the stand. Both imagers are compact and efficient solutions that deliver highest quality flat-top dot plates at an impressive level of productivity, coupled with low cost of ownership and less waste.

In addition, XSYS will be highlighting its rotec® sleeve and adapter portfolio with a demonstration of the next evolution of Eco technology, the Eco Xtra Ring. The showcase will give visitors a chance to appreciate more closely the flexible rotec® options for improved sustainability and efficiency.

XSYS will also be in action in the feature area in Hall 11 as sponsor of the “Flexo’s Future: ECG” seminar that will discuss the many benefits of implementing fixed color palette printing. Visitors can register for an organized ECG trail through the sponsors’ stands, where they will be able to speak to XSYS in more detail about this key topic.

“Our mission is to empower XSYS customers to be brilliant and successful with optimized and complete solutions for labels and packaging. Incorporating cutting-edge innovation into everything we do, we will be at Labelexpo with highly advanced technologies such as the new Catena-E 48 LED exposure unit, which offers increased sustainability, quality, speed, and consistency for narrow and medium web printers,” said Daniel Velema, General Manager Prepress at XSYS. “We also encourage visitors to engage with us regarding the completed suite of ThermoFlexX Woodpecker surface microstructures, which now includes Nevis screening for optimized printing with white inks on film-based substrates.”  

Florian Hölzle, Product Manager for nyloflex® and nylosolv®, added, “XSYS is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of flexo printing with more standout innovations that will help label and packaging printers face the many challenges in a fast-changing market. The nyloflex® FTV plate is a great example of how XSYS continues to innovate with solutions that drive growth by optimizing the platemaking process.”

Journalists and analysts are invited to the XSYS press conference on Tuesday 12 September 14:45–15:15 in the auditorium next to the press office in Hall 7. To schedule individual meetings and interviews, please contact XSYS at communications@xsysglobal.com

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 Gold 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.

New toners with up to 60% recycled materials will be introduced at Labelexpo Europe

 Lier, Belgium, August 10, 2023 – Xeikon will present the third generation of its market-leading CHEETAH printing technology (CHEETAH 3.0) at Labelexpo Europe this coming September. While Xeikon dry toner technology is already the most food-safe solution on the market, new legislation and brand owner expectations are further advancing demands for more sustainable solutions. In response, Xeikon has developed revolutionary new toners without abandoning the strong values of its existing technology, introducing a higher level of sustainability as a direct response to what is undoubtedly the biggest concern for brand owners and end consumers in today’s market. The development of new ECO toners is also a key component of Xeikon’s sustainability goals, which aim to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 40% in the coming years.

The breakthrough advancements achieved with the introduction of new Xeikon ECO toners align themselves along two main axes: sustainability and food safety.

Sustainability – with up to 60% sustainable components chemically derived from high-grade transparent recycled PET bottles and other reclaimed carbon materials, converters will see a number of immediate benefits from transitioning to ECO toners:

• The carbon footprint of Xeikon print technology is reduced by more than 10% which also contributes to converters’ own sustainability goals.

• Encourages the use of recycled materials by avoiding (higher) taxation on packaging made from oil-based virgin plastic.

• ECO toners, like other Xeikon toners, are produced using 100% green electricity, minimizing CO2 emissions.

• ECO toners are de-inkable from both paper (Ingede reference) and foil (CADEL reference).

• No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the environment during the production of toner nor during the actual printing process.

Food safety – by carefully selecting the raw materials and re-engineering the chemical content, ECO toners are completely free from fluorine (both inorganic and PFAS) and 100% vegan, in addition to the established advantages of the previous generation of toners, which are free from BPA, mineral oil, and photo initiators. This means that ECO toners are suitable for application with indirect food contact with only a paper barrier, and for FDA direct food contact with dry food. Additionally, ECO toners comply with the European Toy Safety Directive, the Nestlé Guidance Note on Packaging Inks, and the Swiss and German Printing Ink Ordinances.

All these characteristics are crucial for complying with existing and future regulations and for protecting the environment. Furthermore, they address consumers’ growing concerns about well-being, health, and animal welfare, making them a futureproof solution for today’s investment in environmentally conscious packaging production.

“Xeikon toners, which already enable exceptional print quality and high reliability, have now been extended with a broader food-safety application range. With their eco-friendly composition, ECO toners make a meaningful contribution to Xeikon’s unwavering commitment to deliver relevant solutions to the label market addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” comments Filip Weymans, Xeikon Vice President of Marketing. “When making an investment in printing equipment converters seek assurance that their investment

is not only suited to their current needs but also fit to address upcoming demands; an aspect that Xeikon will further enable by also making ECO toner available for existing customers operating Xeikon CX300 and CX500 presses in the coming year.” 

He further remarks, “We are also proud to say that Xeikon ECO toners will not compel converters to increase their prices, unlike comparable sustainable solutions. In fact, converters will have the opportunity to upgrade their production to a much higher level of sustainability without increasing their TCOP (total cost of print). This effectively translates to a cost reduction in real terms and supports them in facing the current severe price pressures.”   

To provide further evidence of its green credentials, Xeikon has also launched a Sustainability Scorecard for every digital press in the portfolio. The new scorecard provides a fact-based tool for printers to demonstrate the direct environmental impact of their Xeikon machine, expressed as grams of CO2 per square meter, rated in three categories (energy, waste, and ink/toner mass) on a scale from A to G. It goes into a high level of detail to also include substance indicators, legislative compliance, and all outputs for a full sustainability review. The scorecard is not designed uniquely for Xeikon equipment but can be used by other vendors as well. More info on the Sustainability Scorecard can be found at https://xeikon.com/en/lps/sustainability-scorecard.

 

CHEETAH 3.0: more than just a toner

While ECO toner is the cornerstone of CHEETAH 3.0, a range of next-generation innovations continue the momentum of Xeikon’s CHEETAH series digital presses to mark another significant step towards fully sustainable production of labels and packaging. In addition to new ECO toners and the sustainability scorecard, they include:

• metallic toners enabling and supporting creativity for label converters and designers to tap into higher valued applications such as wine & spirits, cosmetics, or gourmet food,

• a digital frontend with a more intuitive user interface making it easier for operators to run the press, freeing up time for other tasks,

• an optional Quality Monitoring Module (QMM) that reduces waste related to press performance monitoring and correction significantly (this is achieved with an advanced automatic registration system and a new inline spectrometer that monitor and adjust (a) density, (b) tone curve, and (c) creating, monitoring and adjusting the color profile when used in combination with Xeikon color services, making performance more reliable and resulting in a reduced TCOP, and allowing the use of lower grade substrates which before could have led to inconsistent performance caused by incorrect data capturing), and

• cloud-connected, advanced machine-machine interface and man-machine interface allowing for the highest level of automation when requested by the converter.

CHEETAH 3.0 will increase OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) in all three key aspects: availability, performance, and quality.

Xeikon CHEETAH 3.0 will be launched at Labelexpo Europe 2023, where visitors will be able to see the new ECO toners in action printing live. Full commercial availability is scheduled for early 2024, when current Xeikon CX300 and Xeikon CX500 users will be able to upgrade their presses.

“CHEETAH 3.0 addresses every detail of the Xeikon digital toner presses, from performance, availability, and quality to sustainability and reliability, so we can offer maximum value to our customers and help them protect their investment,” comments Frank Jacobs, Market Intel & Senior Product Manager. “These new developments have been made with a clear focus on the needs of Xeikon users who are active in labels and packaging, which are incredibly demanding markets with a multitude of factors affecting profitability.”

In addition to the presentations on booth C29 in Hall 5, Xeikon can also be found at the Automation Arena in Hall 11 and as part of the new Sustainability Trail and the Flex Pack Trail, further highlighting the multitude of benefits delivered by the company’s new innovations.

ABOUT XEIKON

Xeikon, a division of Flint Group, is a long-standing leader and innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers digital colour presses for label and packaging applications as well as graphic arts and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables. 

Xeikon is Flint Group’s “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the leading global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media industries. Flint Group develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of consumables for the printing industry. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press room chemicals, and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 5500 people. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.

 

For more information about Xeikon, visit www.xeikon.com and for Flint Group, visit www.flintgrp.com or contact:

Xeikon

Corporate Communications Manager

Danny Mertens

Duwijckstraat 17 – 2500 Lier, Belgium

T: +32 (0) 3 443 13 11 – M: +32 (0) 494 50 00 57

Danny.Mertens@xeikon.com – www.xeikon.com

PR Agency for Xeikon

duomedia

Dorien Cooreman

Barastraat 175 – 1070 Brussels, Belgium

T: +32 (0)2 560 21 50 – M: +32 (0)478 98 60 58

Dorien.C@duomedia.com – www.duomedia.com

Award represents the value of partner collaboration along the value chain

A de-inkable, recyclable* mono-material PE-pouch with barrier properties produced through a unique value chain collaboration between Siegwerk, ExxonMobil, Henkel, Kraus Folie, and Windmöller & Hölscher has won the German Packaging Award in the Sustainability category for “Recyclability/design for Recycling”.

A combination of innovative solutions allows for pouches that provide a high oxygen barrier, outstanding package integrity and excellent shelf-appeal, and produces an almost colorless recyclate after the removal of printing ink and the oxygen-barrier coating layer.

The German Packaging Award is open to international participants and is adjudicated by an independent panel of experts. Recipients are awarded based on the best innovations and solutions in ten separate categories..

The pouch represents a breakthrough industry innovation. Siegwerk´s deinking and delamination primer technology was applied on a Windmöller & Hölscher Miraflex II, a flexo printing press with a downstream unit. Excellent oxygen barrier properties were achieved using single component barrier coatings from Siegwerk (“Cirkit OxyBar BC 1582”) and from Henkel (“Loctite Liofol BC 1582 RE”).

The pouch is comprised of ExxonMobil’s latest generation of performance polyethylene (such as ExceedTM S and ExceedTM XP), in combination with ExactTM-materials in the sealant layer. The MDO-PE films were developed by ExxonMobil and Kraus Folie, employing ExxonMobil HDPE and EnableTM performance polyethylene, and produced on their Varex II extrusion line with an inline MDO unit.

The award ceremony will take place on 13 September 2023 in Berlin. More information about the competition is available on the following website: https://www.verpackung.org/en/events/deutscher-verpackungspreis

*The terms ”recyclable” and “recyclability” as used throughout this press release are intended to refer to the potential for recyclability of full PE solutions designed and manufactured in accordance with recycling guidelines such as PRE RecyClass. Ultimate recyclability of full PE packaging will depend on a number of factors outside of the partners´ (W&H / ExxonMobil / Henkel / Siegwerk / Kraus) control including, but not limited to, availability of programs and facilities that collect and recycle plastic packaging within a given community.  Any and all claims about the recyclability of full PE-packaging are the sole responsibility of the packaging manufacturer.

 

Partner websites:

https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/
https://www.henkel.com/
https://www.wh.group/
https://krausfolie.pl/en/

New Print Web Films Cater to Converters Exploring New Markets and Formats

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, August 1, 2023 – Nobelus, an unsupported film and thermal laminate supplier that offers premium products to the packaging industry, is now launching a dedicated line of print web films designed specifically for flexible packaging applications. These unsupported films have no adhesive layer, making them compatible with solventless and solvent-based adhesives applied on a flexographic press or wet laminating system. 

Roy Langlois, Product Manager for films at Nobelus, states, “We are excited to continue our flexible packaging journey by offering six new products as print webs and out surfaces. This new portfolio will allow Nobelus to service more converters in the flexible packaging space using the materials and knowledge we have gained over the last few years.” 

PlatinumOPP™ 100 ga Gloss/Matte Films are essential BOPP films designed to protect ink and enhance designs; PlatinumOPP Heat-Sealable Gloss/Matte Films bring the same high-quality finishes to packaging formats that make use of a lap seal, enabling converters to expand their product offerings. The line also includes two PET films: an essential PlatinumPET™ Gloss Film and a premium Karess® PET Film, which pairs the durability of PET with the luxurious soft-touch Karess finish for memorable, tactile stand-up pouches. 

All standard-size films in the Flexible Packaging Film Portfolio are available with no minimum order quantity with the goal of helping smaller digital converters explore new markets and packaging formats. Nobelus has taken an educational approach to the launch, emphasizing technical training and targeted guidance from in-house solutions experts in an industry where converters have traditionally been offered few resources.

“The launch of Nobelus film products designed specifically for the flexible packaging market underscores our continued commitment to expanding into new vertical markets with high growth potential,” states Angie Mohni, VP of Marketing at Nobelus. “Producers of short-run digital flexible packaging will enjoy our fast order turnaround and low minimum order quantities, which will enable them to serve their customers efficiently and cost effectively.”

Nobelus distributes a variety of specialty laminates and films along with the highest quality laminating systems in the industry. We serve a wide range of clients across the print, publishing, photo, packaging, and prime label markets by providing industry-leading service and support. Nobelus solutions are driven by continuous innovation, ingenuity, and a desire to see our customers succeed. In every endeavor, we are committed to enhancing people, partners, and the world’s brands. More information is available at nobelus.com.

Christopher Voght Named Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan® Division

North Kingstown, Rhode Island (August 8, 2023)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is pleased to announce that Christopher Roy has been appointed CEO and will continue as President and COO. Roy has been with Toray Plastics (America) for more than 25 years and will assume full P&L responsibility for the company. He replaces Ken Kurokawa, who has been on assignment at Toray in Rhode Island since 2018 and has returned to Japan for a new position as Senior Director and General Manager of the Shiga Plant. Toray also announces that Christopher Voght has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan® Division. Voght most recently served as General Manager of that division. The changes were effective July 1.

Roy has been President and COO of Toray Plastics (America), Inc., since 2022. He has managed the company’s three operating divisions—Torayfan and Lumirror® films and PEF foams. He also oversaw Toray’s finance, human resources, environmental health and safety, IS, purchasing, engineering and maintenance, R&D, and marketing support functions. Before that appointment, he was Executive Vice President of the Torayfan and Lumirror divisions. He has also been the Torayfan Division’s Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. He launched his career at Toray in 1998 as a Director of Sales.

In his new position as Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan Division, Voght has full P&L responsibility for the division. He joined Toray in 1999 as a Process Engineer and has held several positions with increasing responsibilities in the division, including an assignment at Toray Films Europe in Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost, France, where he supported the startup of its OPP business. Voght was promoted to General Manager of the division in 2020.

“First, I want to thank Ken Kurokawa. He has had a long, successful career with Toray that spans over thirty-eight years and has been an integral part of Toray Plastics (America)’s success during his tenure there,” says Kei Shimaji, former Chief Representative for Americas, Toray Industries, Inc., and President, Toray Industries (America), Inc. “He will be missed at Toray’s Rhode Island headquarters, and we wish him continued success in his new role in Japan.” 

“Christopher Roy will make an excellent CEO,” adds Shimaji. “He is a great visionary with the knowledge and skill to take the company to the next level. He possesses tremendous knowledge of the company and its markets, has a highly analytical mind, seeks and uses data wisely to make decisions, and is an outstanding communicator. The company is in excellent hands, and I’m confident it will thrive under his leadership.”

Roy, who has worked with Christopher Voght for many years, says, “It has been very gratifying to witness Chris’s growth from a technical position to a valued member of the senior operating team. He’s an independent, analytical thinker with a high degree of integrity. He has built strong relationships in the Torayfan Division and throughout the company, within the global Toray organization, and externally with our customers. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as a vice president and to the contributions he will make as he becomes more involved in the corporate planning process.”

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metallized films and polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance. It aims to contribute to society by creating new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D is focused on developing fossil fuel-free, compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes operating two solar farms and two cogeneration systems, energy and water conservation, recycling, and zero landfill.

Toray Plastics (America) is a subsidiary of the Toray Group, which believes that materials change lives and provide real solutions to world challenges. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films and has annual sales exceeding US$18.4 billion. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact James Ota, Torayfan Product Manager, at james.ota.e7@mail.toray or 401-594-5837. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., headquarters is 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-3410. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. website at www.toraytpa.com.

(UPM, Helsinki, 4 August 2023 at 10:00 EEST) – EcoVadis has recognised UPM with a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in the following four categories: Environment, Labour and human rights, Ethics and Sustainable procurement. Only one per cent of the 100,000 global companies assessed received platinum. UPM’s score 87/100 was one of the highest in the Manufacture of Pulp, Paper and Paperboard industry.

“Compared to last year, our carbon score improved most,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility, UPM. “We are extremely proud that our climate change related management and strong decarbonisation ambition with approved Science Based Targets were recognised with the highest possible Leader status. UPM’s top rating recognises the work we have done to promote sustainability in the whole value chain and embraces our work towards the future beyond fossils.”

EcoVadis assesses the performance of globally operating companies in more than 200 purchasing categories and in more than 175 countries. The rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of the companies’ sustainability operations, including verified, public information about supply chain practices. Read more about EcoVadis www.ecovadis.com.

For further information, please contact:
Sami Lundgren, Vice President, UPM Responsibility, tel. +358 40 580 0910
For further information please contact:

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EEST
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,200 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 11.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com

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