Partnership and collaboration place best in class productivity, innovative marking technology, and reliable toner label production in the hands of all label and packaging converters.

Chesterfield, MO – Mark Andy, an industry pioneer with more than 75 years of expertise in labels and packaging, is extending its strong partnership with Konica Minolta to transform the digital converting space. Today Mark Andy is announcing that it will be the exclusive provider of Konica Minolta’s newest technology, the Accurio Label 400 (AL400), for the labels and packaging industry.

Integrating this new toner-based print technology into its industry-leading Digital Pro (DPro) line, Mark Andy is developing its first 5-color (CMYK and White) toner end-to-end label and converting solution. Combining Konica Minolta’s strengths in digital marking with Mark Andy’s strengths in web handling, decorating and converting, this new press will create a single-pass, high-quality, fast, and cost-effective solution for the mid-to-high volume label market.

The addition of digital white toner allows Mark Andy customers, for the first time, the flexibility to use clear or metallic substrates for short run label work without needing to use a flexo plate. Customers will find increased productivity moving between jobs and ease of utilizing white within variable graphics. The new press provides significantly improved print speeds up to 140 feet per minute. Similarly, converters will realize added savings associated with waste reduction, lower consumable costs, and extended duty cycles.

Mark Andy’s current Digital Pro machine continues as the most affordable entry point to the Digital Pro family of products. The development of the Digital Pro family of presses continues to align with Mark Andy’s strategy of offering modular, upgradeable solutions.

This is the latest in a long line of innovations resulting from over five years of cooperation between the organizations. Mark Andy CEO, Jason Desai explained that, by leveraging individual and collective strengths of each company, the partnership has extended capabilities of the Digital Pro family of products and has established a new price-value position in the market with unmatched technology.

“Incorporating Konica Minolta digital marking technology with Mark Andy’s expertise in converting allows for business expansion and improved customer value for the label converters. This partnership is transforming the industry with the highest quality, most reliable, and cost-effective solutions as demonstrated by more than 300 digital press installations. And today, we continue to pursue practical technology solutions for converters of all sizes at a realizable price point.”

William Troxil, Konica Minolta President, Industrial Print & Production Print, North America agreed that the successful partnership has benefited the entire industry.

“Our organizations share a strong partnership that continues to respond to, and anticipate, the needs of a growing industry. While our partnership with Mark Andy has established our production print technology in a uniquely advantaged position, the true beneficiaries are label and packaging converters industry wide. Integrating our technologies and overall strengths provides a right-sized solution for the industry, allowing for ease of entry into the Digital Transformation (DX) journey.”

Learn More

Be one of the first to see the expanded Mark Andy Digital Pro digital label and converting line integrated with Konica Minolta’s newest digital 5-color print technology at Stand #319 at the LABELEXPO Americas, 2022 September, 13-15 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL. Or learn more by visiting www.markandy.com.

For additional media information, please contact Lena Chmielewska-Bontron lena.chmielewska@markandy.com 

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.

Schaumburg, IL – INX International Ink Co., the third largest producer of inks in North America, and VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) have successfully developed VerifyInk™, a covert ink technology now available for sale to run on continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers. VerifyMe provides brand owners with time sensitive logistics, authentication, supply chain monitoring and data-rich consumer engagement features using unique smartphone readable codes on their products.

Working closely with INX, a strategic partner since 2019, VerifyMe has qualified VerifyInk. When used in combination with VerifyMe’s proprietary and patented reading devices, smart phone integration, dynamic serialization and cloud-based authentication services, the CIJ VerifyInk solution will allow brands around the world to easily launch world class brand protection solutions.

“This inkjet technological achievement has taken nearly two years of development,” stated Patrick White, VerifyMe’s Chief Executive Officer. “It allows VerifyMe to scale our business into the massive global product labeling and packaging industry that previously was unable to print our technologies. It represents both a significant new product development achievement and market opportunity for VerifyMe.”

Continuing, he added, “CIJ printers are widely deployed around the world to mark billions of products across all markets including consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage. Our new inkjet technology will allow brands to easily deploy a low-cost, high impact brand protection and consumer engagement capability using large volume flexo and web printing presses and infrastructure that often already exists in their supply chain.”

“As a leading manufacturer of inkjet inks for all types of applications including direct-to-product, the CIJ VerifyInk is a natural fit for our product line offering,” said Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX International. “We are excited to provide, together with VerifyMe, a solution that combines high security and customer engagement to the packaging market, two drivers that are very important to brand owners.”

About INX International Ink Co.
INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America, with full service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of Sakata INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services. To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

About VerifyMe, Inc.
VerifyMe, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRME) is a technology solutions provider specializing in products to connect brands with consumers. VerifyMe technologies give brand owners the ability to gather business intelligence while engaging directly with their consumers. VerifyMe technologies also provide brand protection and supply chain functions such as counterfeit prevention, authentication, serialization, and track and trace features for labels, packaging and products. To learn more, visit www.verifyme.com.

Spinnaker gets new logo and name change

STOW, OH – Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, announces a new look and company name for Spinnaker Coating, LLC, which was acquired by Mactac in early 2022.

A standalone subsidiary of Mactac, Spinnaker Coating, LLC has been rebranded as Spinnaker Pressure Sensitive Products, LLC. The rebrand includes a new logo and visual identity that aligns with the Mactac and LINTEC brands.

“The refreshed branding reflects the future of the Spinnaker business and creates visual unity between Spinnaker, Mactac and LINTEC,” said Ed LaForge, Mactac President and CEO.

LINTEC is a global leader in the field of adhesive materials. As part of LINTEC, Mactac is one of the largest, most diversified global PSA suppliers. As a subsidiary of Mactac, Spinnaker is transforming into a one-of-a-kind, world-class specialty labeling company.

“The new Spinnaker is centered on unique and customized opportunities in specialty labeling — from custom product offerings to a best-in-class, high-touch custom service model,” LaForge says.

The reinvigorated Spinnaker brand incorporates the visual identity of Mactac. It maintains the Spinnaker blue color, yet in a darker shade to show linkage and synergy to LINTEC.

“The logo is built around a circular globe that symbolizes labelstocks embracing a world in constant motion,” said Brittany Eppley, Mactac Corporate Marketing Communications Manager. “Like the Mactac logo, it is a dynamic, open sphere that adds movement and energy to convey a daily drive and ambition toward the future of the company and product innovation.”

“Together, Spinnaker, Mactac and LINTEC, along with Duramark Products, another recent Mactac acquisition, are creating a new age in pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) that is being driven by advanced technologies, expanded capabilities, manufacturing excellence, innovative product solutions, more capacity and diversification, technical expertise, and superior service and support,” LaForge said. “It’s an exciting time for the industry.”

Mactac is a full adhesive provider equipped with all adhesive technologies, including hot-melt, solvent and emulsion. Along with its subsidiaries, it offers a wide range of high-quality PSA materials for any application need, such as film, cast vinyl and specialty solutions. With the support of LINTEC, Mactac will continue to invest heavily in R&D and operational enhancements as part of its strategic plan to ensure enhanced products and services, supply chain continuity and added reliability in the market.

For more information on Mactac, its products and growth strategies, visit www.mactac.com. For more information on Spinnaker products and services, visit www.spinps.com.

Chicago, IL – Channeled Resources Group (CRG), a manufacturer of blank shipping labels, release liner, and the world’s largest supplier of value-priced laminated papers and films, announced today that the company has purchased a SAM North America Silicone Coater for its plant in Marathon City, Wisconsin.

The 70″ wide silicone coater will be capable of running at 1500 feet per minute (FPM). It will be focused on coating paper release liners of 25 to 80 lbs – including SCK, glassine, clay coated and polycoated papers. According to Cindy White, President and CEO, “Channeled Resources purchased a new 65″ silicone coater in 2019. With the increased demand in the marketplace, that machine is closing in at capacity now. We need to add additional equipment, with a few bells and whistles to improve efficiencies, which will allow us to continue to grow our release liner business. Our customers are growing and we are growing with them.”

Don Teich, Vice President Sales, for SAM North America adds, “We’re thrilled to support Channeled Resources Group with the addition of this new coater. Our high-tech silicone coater will provide them with the expanded capacity that they need now and into the future.”

The silicone coater will be installed in the second quarter of 2023.

About Channeled Resources

Channeled Resources Group (CRG) was founded in 1978 in order to purchase and process secondary fibers for the paper industry. With facilities in Chicago, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, and Ontario Channeled Resources Group (CRG) manufactures release liner and blank shipping/warehouse labels and has become one of the world’s largest suppliers of value priced pressure-sensitive label stock.

www.channeledresources.com

About SAM

SAM (Sung An Machinery) is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of machinery and accessories for the converting and printing industries. SAM is a global company with locations in South Korea, Asia, United States and Europe and has played an integral role in the development of converting machinery and technology since its founding in 1960.

www.sam-na.com

SEI Laser Converting is based in Buja in the northeast corner of Italy.  The company is part of the international SEI Group that has installed more than 7,000 machines in 53 countries around the world since it was established in 1982.  Engaged in a variety of markets from automotive to packaging, the Group prides itself on its ability to offer innovative solutions that help its customers to attract new business.

Its involvement with manufacturing technology for the label and flexible packaging sectors brought SEI Laser Converting into contact with Vetaphone back in 2010 when it developed its narrow web laser die cutting capability into a fully modular converting line known as the Labelmaster for roll to roll and roll to sheet applications.

The Labelmaster series, which is available in 350mm and 600mm web widths, is a high-performance system for the self-adhesive label converters involved in production for the food and beverage, wine, beauty, healthcare, textile, and industrial sectors.  In addition, flexible packaging, anti-counterfeiting, and promotional work are growing areas of importance, with the Labelmaster machines’ ability to work with substrates from paper and carton to plastic films and foils.

According to Raffaella Copetti, Purchasing Manager at the Buja site: “It was our entry into the film and foil area that first alerted us to the need for surface treatment, and after extensive market research, we identified Vetaphone as our preferred supplier.”  Renowned as the inventors of what is known globally as corona treatment, Vetaphone has a unique knowledge bank relating to all types of polymer-based materials and invests heavily in R&D to ensure that its technology keeps pace with the rapidly changing demands of today’s packaging market.

In fact, it was Vetaphone’s attention to detail on each customer job that appealed to SEI, whose business philosophy is closely aligned.  The modular concept of the Labelmaster makes it highly adaptable to individual customer requirements with the benefit that it can be reconfigured after installation to cope with changes in market demand.  According to Giuseppe Rossi, Vetaphone’s Sales Manager for Italy: “This sits well with our technology, because Vetaphone corona systems can be finely tuned to meet the specific demands of different substrates and they are also upgradeable as the need arises.

In today’s competitive packaging market, the Labelmaster’s QR/Barcode reader allows job changes on the fly for maximum productivity.  With laser die cutting now a well-proven industrial process, SEI Laser Converting offers the most efficient digital business model with web to label, web to sticker, and web to flexible packaging.  In this fast-turnaround environment it is essential to have accurate control of all elements and guaranteed reliability.  “We have nothing but praise for the way in which Vetaphone works with us on all of our projects, and only positive feedback from our customers on the reliable performance of their corona systems,” concluded Raffaella Copetti.

www.vetaphone.com

www.seilaser.com

Elk Grove Village, IL — SCREEN Americas announces the installation of the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI S to Hickman Label Company of Lebanon, Tennessee. The installation, which took place in February 2022, marks the two hundredth in the world for the Truepress Jet L350UV series.

Launched in 2019, the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI follows its earlier models, the Truepress Jet L350UV+ and Truepress Jet L350UV+LM and the original model, the Truepress Jet L350UV, which was launched in 2014. The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI series offers greater stability with printing speeds of up to 60 meters per minute and allows for seven printheads with the option for an eighth.  

President Yukiyoshi Tanaka, SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd., underscored the company’s continued commitment to the flexible packaging industry with this record installation. “The pandemic challenged the global supply chain including label and packaging markets in ways never seen before. Disruption in the workforce, scarce materials and demands for shorter runs and on-demand printing reinforced the need for digital printing. The Truepress Jet L350UV SAI helps printers overcome these challenges with simple operation, market-leading uptime and exceptional image quality on a wide range of substrates. We have built extensive after-sales support and proactive service systems. This is why many of our customers are repeat buyers, owning multiple units, even though SCREEN pursued this particular market a bit later,” said Tanaka san. “SCREEN GA will continue to support this industry with optimal solutions to fit diverse needs for a market that we know will continue to change.”

For Hickman Label Company, it chose the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI S to expand its business into a full-service label production operation. The company got its start in 2015 by supplying blank labels to the industry. Its founder, Neil Hickman, needed a compact press that was easy to operate and one whose manufacturer offered exceptional training and a great service program.

Immediate plans for Hickman Label Company include constructing a 30,000 square-foot facility to accompany its existing 18,000 square-foot building and 4,000 square-foot warehouse. The company also plans to purchase additional SCREEN equipment and hire more operators. “I expect that the printing side of the business will grow to be as big or even bigger as the blank side of our business,” said Hickman. “The press is already running every day. It’s been a great investment for us.”

To better serve its wide range of customers in a variety of industries, Hickman Label Company will be expanding its website to include an online store for its label side of the business. The company will offer label manufacturing throughout the United States. 

About SCREEN Americas
SCREEN Americas, a SCREEN Graphic Solutions group company established in 1967, is a leading provider of digital inkjet technology serving the commercial, publishing, direct mail, transactional, packaging, folding carton and label industries. In 2021, SCREEN Americas relocated its headquarters to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, with an upgrade that included a 14,000-plus square-foot Inkjet Innovation Center.

With this acquisition, UPM continues in its strategic path, adding to the organic growth in the attractive specialty packaging material value chain and strengthens the company’s transformation and long-term value creation in one of its three spearheads of growth.

AMC AG, founded in 1996 with roots going back to 1959 is a private company with long-term private owners. The company has two production sites Kaltenkirchen and Hagenow in Northern Germany. AMC’s business includes coating of pressure sensitive filmic labelstock and Viscom/Graphics materials under the Intercoat brand, and removable self-adhesive stationary products under the brand names Global Notes and Print Inform. The company employs more than 300 people and the latest financial year sales of AMC AG was EUR 110 million. UPM Raflatac expects to accelerate AMC’s growth and realize significant synergies.

“The acquisition will strengthen our position in Central Europe and expand our offering to new self-adhesive product lines. AMC’s capabilities and business portfolio are an excellent fit for us. The combination with UPM Raflatac’s efficient supply chain and sales and distribution network will enable further growth. We look forward to offering a stronger product portfolio to our current and new customers,” says Antti Jääskeläinen, Executive Vice President, UPM Raflatac.

“We are pleased to see AMC continuing to grow within UPM Raflatac family. We strongly believe that by combining our knowledge and capabilities with UPM Raflatac’s experience, we can provide even stronger benefits to our customers and a successful future for our employees,” say Wolfgang Leichner and Thomas Schwerdtfeger, shareholders and board members of AMC AG.

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac is leading in sustainable labeling through our innovative self-adhesive label materials and services. We offer high-quality paper and film label stock for branding and promotion, informational labels, and labels with functionality. We operate a global network of factories, distribution terminals and sales offices. Our company employs around 3,000 people and made sales of EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2021. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.

AMC AG
AMC AG has two production sites Kaltenkirchen and Hagenow in Northern Germany. AMC’s business includes coating of pressure sensitive filmic labelstock and Viscom/Graphics materials under the Intercoat brand, and removable self-adhesive stationary products under the brand names Global Notes and Print Inform. The company employs more than 300 people.  AMC AG | Advanced Methods of Coating (amc-ag.net)

Tarsus Group, the organizer of Labelexpo Asia, has announced that the show, due to take place 28 June – 1 July 2022, will be postponed until 7-10 December 2022.                 

The announcement comes as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions currently in place in Shanghai.

A re-scheduled event will take place at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). As a result of this change Labelexpo South China 2022, due to take place 7-9 December 2022 in Shenzhen World, will be postponed with dates to be confirmed shortly.

Jade Grace, portfolio director, Labelexpo Global Series, said, “We are excited to have new dates this year for Labelexpo Asia. I’d like to thank our exhibitors and visitors for their patience, and we look forward to providing them with a show to remember.”

Rochester, NY – SuperGraphics, a Seattle based large format print company, concluded their search for a faster, more versatile machine with the installation of a Durst Rho 312R Plus. This addition will increase their capacity and productivity, while still providing the highest quality on the market to current and future customers. 

The Durst Rho 312R Plus is a UV inkjet press with up to 1200 dpi print resolution and is specifically designed to print roll materials up to 10.5” wide. The most productive 3.2 m roll-to-roll printer in its class, the Durst Rho 312R defines the quality standard for industrial backlit and fine art printing. It delivers state of the art quality and productivity and is equipped with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software, offering enhanced production efficiency.  

SuperGraphics sees the 312R Plus as a logical extension to its versatile equipment line-up and comes one year after installing a Durst P5 350. Reid Baker, President of SuperGraphics commented, “It’s critical that we have consistent quality and reliable uptime in order to meet the challenging lead times that our customers present. With the Durst 312 R, we get the consistent quality and uptime that we need along with the flexibility of a true roll press.”  

“We are delighted that SuperGraphics has purchased a second printer from Durst. Sometimes it’s necessary to own a Durst to completely understand the value we bring. A year after the install of their P5 350, SuperGraphics committed to the 312, a 3-meter dedicated roll printer and a real workhorse in our portfolio,” said Larry D’Amico, Director of Sales: LFP and Fabric. “We are confident this is going to bring their business to the next level.” 

About SuperGraphics:
Based in Seattle, WA, SuperGraphics is a large-format printer specializing experiential environmental graphics and is well known for its commitment to innovation. Their team is a trusted partner to many iconic brands, who rely on SuperGraphics’ ability to execute local and nationwide programs, from concept to completion with superior results. SuperGraphics has operated in Seattle since 2001, servicing the large format graphics needs of Northwest and Nationwide companies.

Phone: 206-284-2201
SuperGraphics online at: https://supergraphics.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