Flatbed die-cutter can handle corrugated, carton and litho-laminated board without compromising productivity and quality

BOBST has announced that its flagship flatbed die-cutter, MASTERCUT 1.65, is now commercially available to folding carton and corrugated box manufacturers around the world.

Bringing together the very best in BOBST technology and innovation, MASTERCUT 1.65 is completely unique as it is the only machine on the market that has been specially designed for litho-laminated converting and can handle strong corrugated board and carton equally well – making it one machine for all jobs. Importantly, tooling compatibility and an exceptional level of automation guarantee minimal downtime when switching from one material to another.

Marco Lideo, Product Line Director for Die-cutters, Hot foil stampers, Flexo post printers and Litho-laminating at BOBST said: “The development of this machine is the result of great engagement with some of the most experienced professionals in the packaging world. When we asked what they were looking for in a flatbed die-cutter, the feedback we received was for a unique machine that had the capability to handle multiple substrates, while still offering a high level of productivity and unrivalled production quality.

“The MASTERCUT 1.65 delivers on all these fronts. It can process both robust and delicate materials, ranging from 300g solid board to 7mm BC double wall litho-laminated at speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour, and its high-cutting force enables extremely precise and exceptional die-cutting quality, even for complex box designs.”

Marco Lideo added: “With the MASTERCUT 1.65, we have brought together a combination of tools and technologies that reflect and support our vision for the future of the packaging industry, in terms of automation, connectivity and sustainability. It has been built to serve as a long-term asset for converters.”

The MASTERCUT 1.65 combines the best of corrugated board and folding carton machines. It has been designed to be versatile, robust and equipped for Industry 4.0 and can be combined with a range of downstream peripherals to create a full production line. Outstanding precision and ergonomic quality control features guarantee minimal waste, saving resources and reducing cost.

With a re-designed top feeding system, SMART FEEDER 3, ensures a smooth start to operations. Built-in suction units ensure friction-free feeding for all substrates. Meanwhile, a feeding table with dedicated pressing device has been tailored for careful processing of warped materials. With delicate and precise feeding, production stoppages are reduced to a minimum and blank quality is assured.

A bespoke POWER REGISTER offers contactless sheet registration and preserves perfect sheet integrity. The optical register can read printing marks from top/bottom and lateral/lead edge, allowing flexibility in lay-outs and substrate choice. Perfectly registered sheets pass into locked gripper bars for exact die-cutting – MASTERCUT 1.65 provides folding-carton print-to-cut precision for corrugated and litho-laminated board.

The die-cutter is also the only solution in the market for corrugated and litho-laminated board blanking in size VII and offers a cutting force of up to 5.5 MN for perfect cutting of solid substrates, while low pressure on the sheet ensures delicate materials remain undamaged. The unique blanking system incorporates a dynamic waste ejection feature and automatic cutting force adjustment increases tool longevity. Single cut, double cut or full sheet delivery: all options are available on this machine.

To enable short job changeovers, the intuitive BOBST HMI SPHERE allows for quick navigation and the storing of up to 5,000 job tickets. This is supported by the BOBST MATIC system which supports a vast number of automatic settings. These two features combine exceptional ergonomics, accessibility and a maximum level of automation for fast and easy handling, guaranteeing optimum productivity. With HMI SPHERE, the machine is also ready to join the BOBST Connect platform, opening up the possibility to interlink and optimize the whole converting process in the future.

“To further support our vision for a connected packaging supply chain, MASTERCUT 1.65 is available with TooLink,” said Marco Lideo. “TooLink is a platform that connects the die-cutter with tooling to bring together the entire converting process and retrieve job data in a matter of seconds. Ultimately, it simplifies job changeover by automating the recipe management, saving time and eliminating the risk of human error. Operators have access to a higher level of production data and insight, and benefit from increased control, automation and efficiency!

“We are delighted to be able to bring this machine to market and enable converters to see for themselves the value it can bring to their operations, not only today but well into the future too.”

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 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

Flint Group Packaging is excited to announce its participation at the FTA INFOFLEX event on March 14 & 15 in Fort Worth, Texas.  The company’s Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, and Narrow Web teams will be onsite to meet with customers at stand 414 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Nicki Kerrigan, Vice President and General Manager for Flint Group Flexible Packaging explains: “In our dynamic package printing market, printers may look to their vendors for support related to areas such as sustainability, simplification, and innovations designed for cutting edge printing systems.  Our teams focus on how to reduce complexity and improve processes – more importantly, we can help our customers become more sustainable.

“At INFOFLEX, we are excited to discuss our extensive range of ink and coating technologies that drive value for packaging and label printers as well as sharing insight on where real process opportunities lie. Our teams understand today’s print challenges and requirements – by exhibiting, in person, at INFOFLEX, we have a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our passion and drive to help printers navigate through the critical topics facing them today.”

Innovation on display during the event will include inks and coatings for Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board and Narrow Web labels.  The company’s sustainable offerings will be a focal point of discussion.  TerraCode, for water-based package printing as well as Evolution sustainable ink, coating and primer ranges for narrow web labels, have been specially formulated to address rising market and consumer demand for a circular economy in packaging.

Visitors to INFOFLEX can learn more about Flint Group Packaging’s expertise in color management, including consistency across substrates and spot colors. Supporting its growing portfolio of customers, the business is eager to discuss VIVO Colour Solutions, a unique tool designed to increase converters’ color accuracy and press uptime, as well as reduce substrate and ink waste.

Mr. Kerrigan concluded: “We look forward to meeting face to face and demonstrating how our teams are well-positioned to help customers as we highlight our suite of services and our wide range of inks and coatings for packaging and labels.”

Visitors to the Flint Group booth are encouraged to enjoy refreshments, compliments of Flint Group, while networking with each other and their industry peers. 

To discover the latest innovations from the Flint Group companies, please visit booth 414 or visit www.flintgrp.com or email info.packaginginks@flintgrp.com.

About Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the needs of the global Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, Narrow Web and Publication industries, both conventional and digitally printed. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables and equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks, coatings and additives for Flexographic, Gravure & Offset applications; pressroom chemicals and printing blankets. Furthermore, Flint Group designs and manufacturers digital printing presses for labels, corrugated packaging, document and commercial applications. The company is a leader in color management solutions which are supported by a Global Color Centre to ensure color consistency and standardisation. Flint Group strives to support its customers through a relentless focus on developing: innovative products, exceptional levels of service and the security of supply. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 5,600 people. Revenues for 2020 were €1.5 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com

Louisville, KY – Flexo Wash is pleased to announce its LaserX Series, the latest innovation in laser anilox cleaning.   

The LaserX Series promises all the same safe and high-quality cleaning, but twice as fast as the immensely popular regular Laser Anilox Cleaners from Flexo Wash. This is an optimal choice for printers wanting to invest in reduced cleaning time and new technology from a trusted company. 

The Flexo Wash Laser Anilox Cleaners are all safe, effective, and have a low impact on the environment; while at the same time proven to efficiently and thoroughly clean your anilox rolls.

Flexo Wash LaserX Anilox Cleaners guarantee:

• High degree of safety
• Cleaning in half the time
• Even more advanced laser technology

As a special feature, North American customers can choose the color for the exterior of their new LaserX Anilox Cleaner. Flexo Wash now offers six standard exterior color options plus the ability to customize the color.   

All the Flexo Wash Laser Anilox Cleaners are available in the LaserX option. Flexo Wash offers four LaserX Anilox Cleaning models for cleaning lengths up to 147” with the largest model.

For even faster laser anilox cleaning —go LaserX2!

For customers with an even greater need for speed without compromising safety and cleaning quality, Flexo Wash is launching LaserX2, which is four times faster than the regular Anilox Laser Cleaner and twice as fast as the LaserX. 

The two new models include the following machines:

FW 850 Laser/LaserX
FW 2000 Laser/LaserX/LaserX2
FW 3000 Laser/LaserX/LaserX2
FW 4000 Laser/LaserX/LaserX2

About Flexo Wash and Flexo Wash US
Flexo Wash’s cleaning solutions help customers achieve high quality print. Their products will extend the life of anilox rolls and sleeves, gravure cylinders, flexo plates, flexo plate sleeves, press parts and rotary screens, while decreasing the make-ready down time between job runs. Flexo Wash provides leading cleaning solutions and they are the only company in the world with expertise in both liquid and laser cleaning. For contact:

North America:
www.flexowashus.com
info@flexowashus.com
888-493-5396

Worldwide:
www.flexowash.com
info@flexowash.com
+45 8699 3631

Tarsus Group, organizer of the Labelexpo Global Series, has today announced that Labelexpo Europe 2022 has been rescheduled, with the event now taking place 11-14 September 2023. The organizing team has made the decision to move the event dates in light of the significant supply chain pressures the European label industry is currently experiencing coupled with the fast-evolving situation in Ukraine.

The decision comes on the back of close consultation with exhibitors, associations and the wider industry, with many directly impacted by the shortage of components and materials. These shortages, triggered by the pandemic, have been escalating over recent months with long lead times now disrupting the supply chain in Europe. With the event set to take place in just under two months’ time the lack of forward visibility led the event team to reschedule in the best interests of the label community.

Lisa Milburn, Labelexpo managing director, explained: “Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge the support we have had from the industry with many committing to Labelexpo Europe in spite of the issues many of them are currently dealing with, we know the decision to reschedule the show will be as disappointing for them as it is for us. This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, we have been working tirelessly to overcome the supply chain issues and produce the show the industry needs, especially in light of the challenges of the past two years. Unfortunately these issues have proven to be insurmountable at this stage so we feel that rescheduling is the responsible decision to make.”   

Jules Lejeune, managing director, FINAT, also commented: “FINAT fully understands and supports the decision that has been taken. Given the existing shortages of chips and components, the current shortages of paper and other consumables to produce labels, and now the major geopolitical uncertainties caused by the situation in Ukraine, there are simply too many hurdles to overcome. FINAT remains a proud supporter of the world’s leading trade exhibition for the label and package printing industry. We admire our longstanding partner Labelexpo for taking this extremely difficult decision, and for putting the interests of the industry first.” 

Given the rescheduling of Labelexpo Europe the next major global event for the package printing industry will be Labelexpo Americas which will take place  at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, 13-15 September 2022. Other upcoming Labelexpo events this year include Labelexpo Asia (28 June-1 July), Labelexpo India (10-13 November) and Labelexpo South China (7-9 December).

For more information about Labelexpo Europe 2023, follow Labelexpo on Twitter at @Labelexpo or visit the Labelexpo Europe website.

Modern Ambalaj – Turkey’s largest corrugated packaging producer – sees value in adding single-pass digital printing capabilities

ALMASSORA, SPAIN – Electronics For Imaging, Inc., has reported that Istanbul-based Modern Ambalajhas installed an EFI™ Nozomi C18000 Plus single-pass inkjet corrugated packaging printer. Founded in 1997, Modern Ambalaj is Turkey’s largest producer of corrugated packaging, operating out of six factories making approximately 600,000 tonnes of corrugated packaging annually. Modern is continuing to grow, with the Nozomi installation in its Manisa factory helping to increase total production capacity to 800,000 tonnes in 2022. Additional investments at a Modern Ambalaj plant in Turkey’s Sakarya province will further increase the company’s overall annual production capacity to 900,000 tonnes in 2023.

With its proven high quality and high-volume output, the EFI Nozomi single-pass system installed in Istanbul delivers the world’s leading single-pass inkjet corrugated printing capabilities. The C18000 Plus model of the multiple award-winning digital direct-to-board Nozomi production platform includes a number of enhancements that further expand Modern Ambalaj’s offerings.

The newly installed printer reflects Modern Ambalaj’s focus on remaining ahead of trends to help make its customers more successful. “The Turkish corrugated packaging industry needs fast and high-quality digital solutions to adopt new market demands,” said Modern Ambalaj General ManagerKubilay Alkan of his new single-pass inkjet corrugated production workhorse.

A key enhancement to the Nozomi C18000 Plus is a transport that provides consistent throughput at higher speeds and with fewer interruptions, along with a patented vacuum table system that eliminates warping, making the printer even more productive and profitable. The 1.8-metre-wide printer also features an improved inspection system to help users monitor quality and quickly identify inkjet nozzle issues or other defects. Busy shops like Modern Ambalaj also appreciate the Nozomi C18000 Plus printer’s rush proof feature, which can generate and output a proof within 90 seconds while another job is running on the printer.

Operating at speeds up to 75 linear metres per minute – producing up to 10,000 890×890-mm boards per hour two-up – the printer also features advanced coater options, including a quick-change anilox coater for improved performance. In addition to its standard CMYK inkset, Modern Ambalaj’s printer features orange, violet and white ink options for an imaging gamut that can reach up to 97% of PANTONE® Colors. Modern Ambalaj’s new printer also includes the latest version of the EFI Fiery® NZ 1000, an advanced digital front end print server offering significant production advantages, including exceptional colour management and a powerful Smart Ink Estimator feature that accurately analyses image data for more-precise control of ink costs.

“The corrugated industry continues its progression toward digital print adoption, and we are excited to help continue that market transformation with Modern Ambalaj’s installation of the first EFI Nozomi printer in Turkey,” said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging and Building Materials, EFI. “The adoption of EFI direct-to-board inkjet printing by this outstanding and well-respected company demonstrates the value that adding high-quality digital printing to the corrugated production process can bring to even the most well-managed packaging businesses.”

For more information about growth opportunities the single-pass inkjet EFI Nozomi C18000 Plus printer can create for packaging businesses, visit nozomi.efi.com.

About EFI
EFI™ is a global technology company, leading the worldwide transformation from analogue to digital imaging. We understand our customers want breakthrough technologies to lead them through their digital journey. That’s why we’re passionate about driving their business growth with a scalable portfolio of products, solutions, services, support, and world-class partnerships for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, building materials, commercial print, and personalised documents with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and workflow software. They work together to increase profits, cut costs, improve productivity, and optimise efficiency – job after job, year after year. We’re committed to our customers’ success. And we definitely believe we have the right people, technology and experience to help them achieve their business goals. (www.efi.com)

Flint Group has confirmed today, the successful completion of the sale of its XSYS division (XSYS) to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds (Lone Star), a global private equity firm.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Steve Dryden, Flint Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of our XSYS division. The transaction is attractive, both financially and strategically, for Flint Group as we reinforce our position as a leader in conventional and digital printing consumables and equipment for the structurally growing segments of Paper & Board, Flexible Packaging, and Narrow Web labels.

“I would like to thank our XSYS colleagues for all of their hard work and wish them well in their future with Lone Star.”

About Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the needs of the global Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, Narrow Web and Publication industries, both conventional and digitally printed. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables and equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks, coatings and additives for Flexographic, Gravure & Offset applications; pressroom chemicals and printing blankets. Furthermore, Flint Group designs and manufacturers digital printing presses for labels, corrugated packaging, document and commercial applications. The company is a leader in colour management solutions which are supported by a Global Colour Centre to ensure colour consistency and standardisation. Flint Group strives to support its customers through a relentless focus on developing: innovative products, exceptional levels of service and the security of supply. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 5,600 people. Revenues for 2021 were €1.5 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com

About Lone Star
Lone Star, founded by John Grayken, is a leading private equity firm advising funds that invest globally in real estate, equity, credit and other financial assets. Since the establishment of its first fund in 1995, Lone Star has organized 22 private equity funds with aggregate capital commitments totaling approximately $85 billion. The firm organizes its funds in three series: the Commercial Real Estate Fund series; the Opportunity Fund series; and the U.S. Residential Mortgage Fund series. Lone Star invests on behalf of its limited partners, which include institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds, as well as foundations and endowments that support medical research, higher education, and other philanthropic causes. For more information regarding Lone Star Funds, go to www.lonestarfunds.com.

The arbitral tribunal appointed by the Redemption Board of the Finland Chamber of Commerce has on February 25, 2022 rendered its decision in the redemption proceedings concerning the minority shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj (“Ahlstrom-Munksjö”). The arbitral tribunal has rendered a decision according to which Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy’s (formerly called Spa Holdings 3 Oy) right to redeem the minority shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö is confirmed and the redemption price payable by Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy for the 10,755,918 Ahlstrom-Munksjö minority shares that are subject to mandatory redemption shall be EUR 21.55 per share.

The redemption price awarded by the arbitral tribunal represents an aggregate payment liability for Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy of approximately EUR 231.8 million. This is EUR 39.9 million in excess of the EUR 191.9 million redemption liability that has already been recognized by Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy in its Q3/2021 interim financial report.

The decision by the arbitral tribunal may be appealed within 60 days from the registration of the arbitration award.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö Holding 3 Oy has completed the tender offer that was initially announced in September 2020 and, by a decision of the arbitral tribunal, gained title to all shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö on 23 June 2021, in accordance with Chapter 18, Section 6 of the Finnish Companies Act.

The shares in Ahlstrom-Munksjö were delisted as of May 31, 2021, from the official list of Nasdaq Stockholm, and as of June 23, 2021, from the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki.

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 in 2020 was about EUR 2.7 billion and we currently employ some 8,000 people.

Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Elk Grove Village, IL—SCREEN Americas’ President Ken Ingram announces new management assignment and promotion details as the North American subsidiary of SCREEN GP Japan continues to shape its leadership team to reflect the corporation’s philosophy to synchronize the two companies’ sales, marketing, service, product management and communications efforts. By relocating and rotating selected personnel from corporate offices in Japan to work at SCREEN Americas, the two organizations seek to continually align priorities and resources to better serve its customers.

Departing his position as senior vice president and SCREEN GP Americas board member is Hirokazu Okuno whose last day with SCREEN Americas is scheduled for March 31, 2022. Okuno plans to return to Japan at the end of April. Ken Ingram, president of SCREEN Americas, expressed his gratitude for Okuno’s service during his time in the United States. “I wish to thank Okuno san for all of his hard work and support over the past four years. Together, we have accomplished so much and we will always be grateful for the tireless contributions he made to SCREEN Americas during his stay. We wish him the very best as he returns to SCREEN Japan to begin the next phase of his long career with the company,” said Ingram.

Marked with unprecedented challenges in the last two years, including supply chain interruptions, Okuno’s contribution to the American market included further establishing SCREEN’s place in the label and flexible packaging industries with the execution of the United States’ first installation of the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI series. Okuno also oversaw a record number of installations in SCREEN’s high-speed inkjet portfolio particularly with its flagship series, the Truepress Jet520HD, which is designed for the commercial, transactional, publishing and direct mail markets.

Taking over Okuno’s responsibilities at SCREEN Americas will be Takayasu Okitsu whose position as senior vice president and board member of SCREEN GP Americas will begin on April 1, 2022. Okitsu has been based in Kyoto, Japan, working at SCREEN for the past several years and has visited SCREEN Americas several times. The team in the United States is looking forward to working with Okitsu on exploring ideas and developing successful strategies for the American marketplace. “We would like to congratulate Okitsu san on his appointment to this key role and welcome him to SCREEN Americas. I am confident that with his expertise and leadership we will continue to offer value to our customers as well as expand our business in the marketplace,” said Ingram.

SCREEN Americas also announces the promotion of Hiromi Sakurai who will assume the duties of senior vice president and will be appointed to the board of SCREEN GP Americas. Sakurai began his career in April of 1988 as a software and system engineer at SCREEN in Kyoto, Japan. He has been with SCREEN Americas since April 2018.

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.

www.screenamericas.com