Two of the narrow web industry’s major players celebrated significant anniversaries recently and confirmed their ongoing cooperation that has brought commercial success for both companies

When MPS was established by Eric Hoendervangers and Bert van den Brink in 1996, they set out with one principal aim in mind – to bring offset quality to narrow web flexo.  Key to their strategy was designing and manufacturing a press with servo drive that would combine faster running speeds with smooth operation and high-quality print.  Their patented Crisp.Dot technology, which featured a non-driven impression roller to provide perfectly round dots was, they believed, the key to quality in the flexo process.

A quarter of a century later, the company, which is owned by a private equity party, is managed by Atze Bosma (CEO) and Michiel Borst (CFO) and has become renowned for the robustness of its technology and its ability to deliver top quality work by engaging with the people who run the presses.  “We knew that technology alone was not the answer – we had to design a machine that was easy to understand and operate, while capable of producing the very best quality work – it was a challenge, but by combining operator skills with automation, we have created a range of presses that are reliable and profitable for their users,” commented van den Brink, who is now in an advisory and ambassadorial role for the company.

In more recent times, MPS has aligned its focus more to connectivity and performance, and the services around the press.  By looking beyond the technology to all that goes into successful and profitable production, the company has become a solution provider for some of the more complex narrow web work being produced.  Today, MPS is fully engaged with the label and flexible packaging sectors on a worldwide basis, with installations that are as varied as they are numerous.  “We believe that offering the total package of technology, service and support, and essentially unbiased advice and knowledge is what sets us apart and allows our customers to grow their businesses,” he added. 

This has never been truer than in today’s competitive and changing market, where run lengths are shortening, skilled operators are hard to find, and digital print technology is having an impact on traditional flexo processes.  “There is growing pressure on connectivity and performance improvement, and all manufacturers need to keep up to date with what new technology can offer,” he said.

One significant change in the package printing market over the years has been the growth in demand for filmic labels and the production of flexible packaging on inline presses – both areas that have been part of MPS’ business from the beginning.  Knowing from the outset that the company needed surface treatment for all its presses, MPS turned to corona pioneers Vetaphone for assistance.  The Danish manufacture, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, is also still privately owned and is now managed by the sons of the founder Verner Eisby, who continue the company’s proud tradition of innovation.

“We wanted to come up with a fully integrated solution for corona treatment on our presses and needed a manufacturer that would design and develop a system for the high end of the market.  It needed to be capable of running label stock and flexible packaging films with equal ease in a combination of UV-flexo and UV-screen.  We knew Vetaphone was the market leader in surface treatment technology so worked closely with them to create a system that could be integrated across our range of presses,” said van den Brink.  The proof of the viability of this approach is that one of MPS’ early presses fitted with an integrated Vetaphone corona system is still in commercial production in Canada 25 years after it was installed.

Functionality and ease of operation are themes that resonate with Vetaphone according to CEO Frank Eisby.  “Surface treatment might be an ancillary process, but it is vital to the successful production of high-quality printed packaging with non-absorbent substrates.  MPS knew this from the start, so it was a rewarding experience for us to be involved with a manufacturer that not only appreciated what Vetaphone does but was also keen to integrate our technology with theirs to ensure maximum operational efficiency – I’d say that was an example of great synergy!”

As production processes become ever more challenging, with demand for added-value on shorter runs showing no signs of decreasing – and with the environmental lobby pressing for the use of ‘greener’ substrates with all that this entails in terms of complex chemistry, close cooperation of the type exhibited by MPS and Vetaphone is the only way forward.  If data-based connectivity is the key to optimising the production process, the R&D teams from both companies look set to see more of each other in the years to come!

www.vetaphone.com

www.mps-printing.com

ITASCA, IL, March 16, 2022 ― Xeikon America, Inc. today announced the first in its 2022 series of regional events. Xeikon Café on Tour will take place at the company’s suburban Chicago facility with sessions for label converters on Wednesday, May 18th and sessions on Thursday, May 19th for graphic arts/commercial print providers. Registration is complimentary.

Three identical sessions are available on each day to accommodate registrants’ schedules: 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Each session takes about two hours and includes a talk from an innovative Xeikon printer, focusing on the techniques they use to maximize their profitability and productivity. Those sessions will be followed by an open style format in the company’s adjacent Customer Innovation Center, with demonstrations focusing on innovative and high-value applications.

“The focus is on providing our guests with relevant, actionable information in a smaller, more intimate environment.” said Donna Covannon, Xeikon America’s Director of Marketing.

Registrants also will be invited to a colorful and fun networking activity followed by dinner at Studio W.I.P. in downtown Chicago the evening prior to their sessions, with transportation provided.

Advance registration for the Graphic Arts day or Label & Packaging day is required. Use the links to reserve your spot.

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 web-fed digital color presses for label and packaging applications, document printing, and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables.

In 2015, Xeikon joined Flint Group to create a new “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, printing plates and equipment, printing blankets and sleeves, and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 7900 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

Ahlstrom-Munksjö continues to expand in the packaging tape market by launching MasterTape™ Pack Green tape backing offering consisting of bio-based tape backings with greater sustainability attributes. 

MasterTape™ Pack Green is available in multiple variants and basis weights, including saturated tape backings, as well as saturated and release coated tape backings with different levels of releases that are compliant with various adhesive systems. The offering can also be fully customized based on customer requirements.

MasterTape™ Pack Green offers an alternative to plastic tape solutions, and it is produced from responsibly sourced and renewable wood pulp, certified according to Forest Stewardship Council® standards. Aligned with Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s ‘from Plastic to Purpose’ campaign that aims to raise awareness about the possibilities of fiber-based solutions as a renewable option, its bio-based contents are above 85%, and it is repulpable and recyclable according to EN13430.

MasterTape™ Pack Green is part of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s MasterTape™ Pack product family for pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) packaging tape applications. The entire product family has excellent mechanical properties for shock-resistant tapes, making the backings ideal for light, medium and even heavy-duty packaging. MasterTape™ Pack includes a complete range of products available from saturation base papers to saturated and release coated papers. 

“We want to continue to raise awareness on the possibilities of fiber-based solutions as a renewable option to plastics. We encourage global industry stakeholders to consider fiber and paper-based alternatives for applications that today use plastic and other non-renewable materials. MasterTape™ Pack Green is the latest innovation in our unique offering of sustainable tape backings that work well with a high number of PSA packaging tape backing applications,” commented Sebastien Ferrari, Business Development Manager, Packaging Tape. 

Find out more: 

Ahlstrom-Munksjö – MasterTape™ Pack Green – Sustainable Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape Backings (ahlstrom-munksjo.com)

https://www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com/campaigns/mastertape-pack 

https://www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com/campaigns/from-Plastic-to-Purpose/ 

For more details, please contact: Sebastien Ferrari, Business Development Manager, Packaging Tape, sebastien.ferrari@ahlstrom-munksjo.com 

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering includes filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials, diagnostics and energy storage solutions, as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3.1 billion and we employ some 8,000 people.

Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Trebnick Systems of Springboro, OH, just a short 30-minute drive from Nilpeter USA, has installed a new Nilpeter FA-17 to handle increasing customer demands for RFID-application. “With a major outlay of capital, we wanted the quickest response time, and Nilpeter has proven many times over the years that they are always ready.”

Trebnick Systems is a long-time partner, having purchased their first Nilpeter press in the 1990s, when they developed a non-tear tag for durable markets that eliminated the need for laminated tags worldwide.

“I looked at all the presses that were popular at the time and Nilpeter had the most durable product from my impression. I had no idea that the registration and quality were also outstanding. Our first press is still running perfectly,” says Gregg Trebnick, founder of Trebnick Systems, Inc.

Tough Jobs Easily and Repeatedly
As a competitor once said to a Trebnick customer, “they do the tough jobs easily and repeatedly”.

“When we got into the label and tag market, we were too late to get any easy jobs. All the jobs we received were the jobs no one else wanted to do – uncoated poly material with process printing, adhesives that would not come off when applied outdoors in the middle of the winter, poly tags that stretch through 99% of the presses on the market, etc. The challenging start, however, is what gave us a leg up on the competition, and what positioned our team in the expert category,” Linda Trebnick, President, adds.

Update Equipment to Handle Demands
“We already had the capability to apply RFID, but more and more of our customers are asking for it, and we needed to update our equipment to be able to handle those demands. As I mentioned, we already have Nilpeter presses and wanted to stay with them, so we went to Nilpeter, and together with Tamarack they came up with a press design for us that includes RFID-application and integrated labels,” Linda Trebnick says.

“With Nilpeter just down the street from Trebnick, that naturally played a big part in our decision, but they also have the most state-of-the-art press – the FA-17. Nilpeter came in and helped us and always responded quickly to our calls, when we were down or needed service. With a major outlay of capital, we wanted the quickest response time, and Nilpeter has proven many times over the years that they are always ready to respond,” Trebnick continues.

A Perfect Match for Trebnick
“Our first order on the press is a 750,000 feet long cast-and-cure hologram label. Being long-run and unique, plus being sheeted, makes it a perfect match for Trebnick to produce on our new press. We need the capacity to keep up with our current growth, and with the add-on unit from Tamarack we will be doing RFID, integrated labels, and high-quality colour work.”

“Now that the FA-17 is up and running and we see the ease of running this press, we definitely would like to add another one of these presses to our production floor,” Linda Trebnick concludes.

About Trebnick Systems
Trebnick Systems is a global supplier of flexographic specialty tags and labels based in Springboro, OH, USA. Trebnick provides permanent, removable or repositionable adhesive label and tag solutions for some of the toughest environments in these markets: Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Durables, Lumber & Building Materials, Steel/Rebar, Chemical/Drum, Concrete, Food/Seafood, Horticulture, Mattress/Law, Product Identification, Packaging, Safety, Health & Beauty, Shelf Markers, Medical and Warehouse Floor Marking Systems, printers and printer supplies including thermal transfer and Epson Inkjet printers. Whatever the customer’s labeling needs, Trebnick Systems has a specialized solution they can depend on.

Pressure-sensitive adhesive provider acquires CSI – SoCal

Stow, OH – Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, has acquired CSI – SoCal, a custom slitting and distribution center for roll label printers located in Ontario, Calif., under an asset purchase agreement.

A $2.5 million investment, the acquisition is the latest in a major Mactac operational expansion plan. The strategically located West Coast finishing center provides Mactac a turnkey, high-performing roll label slitting and distribution center with a talented operations team and newer world-class slitting assets.

Mactac is also investing nearly $10 million in expanding its slitting and service capability, including installing five new world-class slitters across its North America network beginning this summer. The strategic move is part of an ongoing commitment by Mactac to deliver the roll label market and customers’ enhanced products and services, supply chain continuity, and added reliability.

“This acquisition is a continuation of our commitment to the industry and represents our mission to be a full portfolio provider to the market with the highest level of service excellence,” said Ed LaForge, Mactac President, and CEO. “Purchasing CSI – SoCal further expands our production network and distribution footprint in alignment with our strategic growth plans for pressure-sensitive films, graphic products, and specialty coating and service programs.”

Throughout the last two years, Mactac has been focused on growth initiatives in support of market needs. Mactac recently acquired Duramark Products Inc. (formally Ritrama USA) and Spinnaker Coating, LLC, expanding its adhesive coating capabilities and advanced automation technology, as well as production capacity and specialty label offerings. Mactac is dedicated to supporting its North American customer base and expanding its onshore capability during a critical time of global supply chain constraints.

“Mactac is a highly reputable company that is truly committed to meeting the needs of the market and its customers,” said Michael Noble, Distribution Manager at CSI – SoCal. “We are excited to be a full-time Mactac slitting operation and an important part of the company’s growing distribution network.”

As part of LINTEC, a global leader in the field of adhesive materials, Mactac is one of the largest, most diversified global PSA suppliers. In the year ahead, Mactac and LINTEC will continue to invest heavily in R&D and operational enhancements to deliver customers unmatched technology, capability, service, and value, and offer needed market diversification and capacity beyond labeling.

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

About Mactac
For more than 60 years, Mactac has served the PSA material market supplying label printing, graphic design, packaging, retail display, fleet graphics, automotive assembly and medical device assembly customers, among others. It is known for providing exceptional support to customers to help them grow their businesses and diversify their product offerings.

About CSI – SoCal
CSI – SoCal, located in Ontario, Calif., is part of CSI Group, LLC, a nationwide network of contract slitting and warehousing for roll label printers. CSI – SoCal provides distribution and custom slitting of flexible films, label stocks, laminates, and papers.

The Bobst Group is seeking to transform the labels market in the US with its range of digital label presses delivering high-quality labels with high productivity at the lowest TCO in the industry. Today, BOBST revealed how one early adopter company in the US has benefited from one of its core innovations in digital label production – the LB701-UV. 

Aptech Graphics, based in North Providence Rhode Island, is a specialist label printer committed to four cornerstones of business: quality, value, time to market and service. To ensure it could continue to deliver on these values at the highest level, the company was keen to upgrade its digital offering for its customers, in particular by providing the highest speed and productivity while maintaining optimum quality. To fulfill this need, Aptech Graphics opted for a BOBST Mouvent LB701-UV.

“We invested in the LB701-UV because we knew that it would be very beneficial for our business,” said Mark Mader, President of Aptech Graphics. “It has exceptional quality and color consistency, which means we can guarantee our customers the accuracy and exceptional finish that they need. It is simple to use and has a very high productivity, enabling us to deliver with greater speed and efficiency than ever before. We can now turn around jobs of 330,000 linear feet in one week in a single shift operation, which is outstanding. Best of all, we can deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner and at very competitive prices. Our customers have been more than satisfied.”

The LB701-UV enables digital label production for short and medium run prime and commercial labels, with no trade-offs. It is associated with very high productivity, exceptional print quality and the widest color gamut in its category – printing with up to 6 colors plus optional white with 70% opacity. The machine has an extremely compact and ergonomic design, which does not compromise on print resolution (1,200 x 1,200 dpi), printing speed (up to 230 fpm – 70 m/min) or productivity (up to 800,000 square feet -75’000 sqm) per month with just one operator), all at the best TCO (total cost of ownership) in its category. Elements contributing to its excellent TCO include low initial investment, ongoing operational costs, quick set-up time and high productivity, allowing for higher profitability. 

The BOBST Mouvent LB701-UV was installed at Aptech Graphics in February 2020 with a CMYK configuration, and after a smooth and short set-up period, the company has been printing consistently with the machine since March, with output increasing month-on-month. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the company was able to easily pivot its output to industries experiencing exceptional demand (e.g. food, beverages, pharma). 

“Nowadays, after two years with the LB701-UV, Mader affirms: “It’s checking all the boxes that I had envisioned. The press has had an exceptional uptime which is very important from a digital standpoint, because it’s a sophisticated technology and has proven itself to be fairly low maintenance”.

As well as benefiting from the adaptability afforded by the BOBST self-developed Mouvent Technology, Aptech Graphics is also taking advantage of the option to simply upgrade the press with additional colors at any time. The company has recently upgraded the press with BOBST’s digital white ink and is now looking to add the two supplementary colors (orange and violet) as well. This will enlarge its capabilities and flexibility even further in terms of extended printing gamut and the variety of substrates that it can process, such as metalized and transparent label stock. 

The Bobst Group is pioneering a new printer category where customers experience all the benefits of digital production without any trade-offs. In a world where technologies are rapidly evolving, it is more important than ever for companies to constantly assess their partners and suppliers to remain competitive.

About BOBST
We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 production facilities in 11 countries and employs more than 5800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.563 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.

www.bobst.com