July 2023:  Flint Group Packaging, one of the largest consumable suppliers to the global print and

packaging industry, is gearing up for an innovation showcase at CorrExpo 2023, which takes place 28-30 August in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Attracting Paper & Board packaging converters from across North America, CorrExpo is one of the region’s premier packaging exhibitions. At booth 219, Flint Group will put its AQUACode range of water-based ink and coating technologies on center stage alongside its ground-breaking IDERA digital print engine.

The AQUACode water-based ink and coating portfolio includes OctaCode, a water-based dispersion technology that offers exceptional performance on porous and non-porous substrates, high pigment loading for superior graphics, and stability both on and off-press.

Jeff Ashburn, Vice President Strategic Accounts Paper & Board, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “CorrExpo 2023 provides us with a tremendous opportunity to connect with corrugated printers and converters and show what we can do. As always, we will demonstrate exactly why Flint Group is the go-to name for inks and coatings, highlighting that our products go beyond quality and consistency and address printers’ sustainability goals.”

Ashburn further emphasized the company’s ongoing approach to innovative chemistries, commenting, “Flint Group is one of the most established names in the global corrugated packaging industry, and part of that success is that we are not afraid to be bold in our innovation. With extensive R&D programs, working directly with the printers that use our products daily, we are creating an ink and coating portfolio that delivers a true difference, on-press and beyond.”

In addition to showcasing its AQUACode range, Flint Group’s digital division, Xeikon, will also be present at the booth. CorrExpo visitors will learn more about IDERA, the revolutionary digital printing engine for high-quality corrugated packaging.  

The IDERA solution combines Xeikon’s extensive digital printing expertise with Flint Group’s corrugated know-how and manufacturing footprint. Making corrugated print excellence easy, adaptable and sustainable at the most competitive cost, IDERA introduces a brand-new digital post-print technology.

Sebastien Stabel, Market Segment Manager, Corrugated, Xeikon, explained the advantages of IDERA, stating, “A completely scalable tool, IDERA is an ideal choice for industrial, food-safe, regulatory compliant and water-based post-print inkjet printing.

“Success in today’s evolving corrugated board converting market takes speed, flexibility and agility, and that’s where IDERA shines. With numerous productivity and print quality modes and full control over every aspect of IDERA, converters can effectively manage their running costs and maintain competitiveness.”

Visitors to CorrExpo 2023 are invited to meet the expert team from Flint Group at booth 219.

To register for attendance, please visit https://correxpo.org.

For more information on Flint Group and its activities, please visit www.flintgrp.com or email deanna.klemesrud@flintgrp.com.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., June 26, 2023 – The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has granted Responsible Innovation Recognition to Magnomer Inc. for its Magmark™ SS magnetizable coatings applied to PET-G shrink films for labeling of PET containers. The APR recognition, based on a high-volume commercial scale recyclability test for shrink sleeves, demonstrates that Magnomer’s novel magnetizable coatings technology is expected to be compatible with the sortation and reclaiming steps commonly used for the recycling of PET containers.

The APR evaluation demonstrates that Magmark SS when applied to PET-G shrink sleeve labels allows for effective removal from PET flake and thus solves a chronic issue for the shrink sleeve industry. The coatings do not interfere with automated NIR sorting of PET bottles and permits the use of caustic-resistant inks on PET-G label films. “APR is pleased to recognize Magnomer’s Magmark SS Coating applied to PET-G shrink films for labeling PET containers,” said Steve Alexander, APR President and CEO.

Magnomer’s magnetizable inks are a new approach to imparting sortability to plastic packaging, The drop-in ink technology resolves plastic sorting and recycling challenges and has been commercially launched in partnership with leading consumer brands, label suppliers, and recyclers. Magnomer obtained the APR recognition in conjunction with several partner companies including a leading beverage maker and shrink sleeve supplier. Other partners included Evergreen Recycling and Indorama Ventures.

“We’re thrilled to receive this APR recognition for our new and innovative approach to enhancing recyclability for plastics packaging,” said Ravish Majithia, Magnomer’s Co-Founder and CEO. “Our printable magnetizable inks are a design tool which allows consumer brands and manufacturers to enable better packaging recyclability without changes to manufacturing.”

The separation of labels using magnets not only serves the all-important purpose of contamination reduction, but also represents an opportunity to recycle the label itself, according to Greg Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Evergreen Recycling.

“Such innovations which make use of existing equipment to further improve rPET quality are commendable and should be welcomed in the PET recycling industry,” said Byron Geiger, Head of Operations at Indorama Ventures Sustainable Solutions

Magnomer’s patented magnetizable inks can be seamlessly integrated into current packaging, improving separation in existing recycling operations. Resolving technical problems in material segregation leads to higher-quality recycled products and better economics, according to Majithia. “This is how we can transition from downcycling to true circular recycling,” said Majithia.

Magnomer’s magnetizable coatings are scalable and complement current high-speed printing with no impact to operations. These cost-effective inks impart magnetic functionality and are cost-equivalent to adding a color to brand artwork. They do not affect brand artwork or design, comply with all relevant safety regulations for indirect food contact, and are designed to not bleed during wash steps in recycling operations.

Magnomer’s magnetizable coatings, which are printed just like another color on packaging, accelerate the circular use of packaging. The Magmark™ ink platform drives circularity for a wide range of packaging formats including shrink sleeves, pressure-sensitive labels, and multilayer packaging.

Magmark™ SS Inks are specifically designed to achieve magnetic separation of shrink sleeves while meeting performance requirements. Magmark SS has been successfully tested at production scale with 99%+ sleeve separation at commercial PET reclaimers.

Wausau, WI — Wausau Coated Products, Inc. a leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is excited to announce WCP 2nd Annual Label Awards Contest. 

This competition is a unique opportunity to showcase exceptional design skills and be recognized for innovation in label application. Entries are now open until Friday, September 1st, 2023. 

Judges will evaluate each label based on originality, execution, print quality, embellishments, shelf appeal, and communication effectiveness for two categories – People’s Choice and Best in Show. All label submissions must be using Wausau Coated Products Pressure Sensitive Sheet or Roll Label products. 

Winners will be announced at the end of September and featured on Wausau Coated Products’ social media channels and email marketing campaigns. 

“It is always exciting having a contest like this to see all the creative ways that customers use our products,” states Adam Frey, Business Manager, Roll Products, Wausau Coated Products. “WCP is excited to showcase our customers work and promote their businesses with the submissions we receive.” 

Enter today and let your label shine! https://wkf.ms/3IZpsCh 

Family-owned Ellco Etikett, the largest independent specialist label converter in Norway is to install a Mark Andy Digital Series HD press at its production facility in Gjelleråsen in Nittedal, near Oslo.  The new inkjet/flexo hybrid will replace an existing toner-based press and offer the company more flexibility and higher productivity, according to Managing Director, Christian Egedius.

“We have been a Mark Andy user since 2010 when we installed a Performance Series P7 flexo press for our longer run work, and it was the ability to swap tooling with the Digital Series HD along with its combined inkjet/flexo capability that attracted us to the hybrid.  The P7 has been a very reliable and profitable machine and we expect the same from the new Digital Series HD once it’s in full commercial production,” he commented, adding that he anticipates a significant improvement in up-time over that of his existing digital presses.  “Time is money and margins can be tight, but the impressive demo we had in Mark Andy’s Warsaw showroom and visits to existing users to see the press in everyday production, convinced us that this was the way to go.”

The new press, which is due for installation in September, has a 330mm web width and is fitted with five UV/inkjet colours (CMYK + W) and two flexo stations, one located before and one after the digital engine.  Capable of 1200dpi print resolution, the press also has semi- and full rotary die cutting and an operational production speed of 73m/min, with no drop off in speed for the high opacity digital white.  Being of modular design and construction, the digital engine can be upgraded to 8 colours (adding OG&V) and the press platform, which is based on the all-servo Performance Series can be configured to provide a wide variety finishing and converting techniques.

Founded in 1985 and currently employing 27 people, Ellco Etikett consistently manufactures millions of high-quality labels per year for markets including electro, chemical, logistics, pharma/healthcare, cosmetics, and safety, and on a variety of substrates from paper and board to film, metal, and textiles.  It was the first label converter in Norway to be ISO accredited in 2018 for both quality and the environment, and as the company has always prided itself on the scope of its capability, it has built up a varied machine park to fulfil these diverse requirements.  

Speaking for Convertec, Mark Andy’s agent in Scandinavia, Sales Manager Joakim Marcusson commented: “Ellco Etikett has always prided itself on its flexible production capability and the new Mark Andy Digital Series HD hybrid is well suited to this way of working – I anticipate that it will add significant capacity too.”

Mark Andy Marketing Team

Franklin, TN – July 11, 2023 – Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions including pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves and RFID/NFC technology announced it has acquired Dallas, Texas based TQL Packaging Solutions (TQL). 

Offering both digital and flexographic printing, TQL is a leading prime label and flexible packaging company. They offer a broad range of custom packaging solutions including pouches, fin seal packaging, pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, roll fed wrap, tamper evident, and extended content labels for a variety of industries. 

Founded in 1995 by Scott Smith, TQL Packaging Solutions originally positioned the company as a flexographic label provider. As President of TQL, Smith rapidly expanded capabilities to strengthen their offerings in flexible packaging and digital printing. Smith stated, “Since inception, TQL has always been committed to providing industry leading technology, service and quality to our customers. Our customers come first and by joining the RLG family our team significantly strengthens our capabilities and ability to exceed our customers’ expectations.” 

“I am proud to welcome the talented team at TQL to the Resource Label Group family,” added Mike Apperson, President and CEO of Resource Label Group. “Their focus on innovation and providing customers an exceptional experience is key to serving our growing customer base requiring flexible packaging and labelling solutions.” 

TQL Packaging Solutions represents the 29th acquisition for RLG. 

About Resource Label Group 

Resource Label Group, LLC is a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions with a diverse product offering which includes pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, RFID/NFC technology, sustainable product solutions, scent activation technology, pharmaceutical packaging and fulfillment services. RLG provides products and services for the food, beverage, chemical, household products, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries. Headquartered in Franklin, TN and with twenty-eight locations across the U.S. and Canada, RLG provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems, and creative solutions that customers require. RLG is a portfolio company of Ares Management Corporation. For additional information, visit www.resourcelabel.com 

OEGSTGEEST, the Netherlands — July 11, 2023 — To celebrate meeting up in person, Avery Dennison will host a special event at Labelexpo 2023 called Connecting. Together. At their stand (5A31), Avery Dennison will engage with customers and the industry ecosystem in an intimate space that will showcase some of their latest packaging solutions and include an exclusive food and drink experience.

Steve Flannery, senior vice president and general manager of Materials Group EMENA, comments: “At Avery Dennison, we envision a connected and circular future. Labelexpo is a great opportunity for us to share some of our latest sustainable solutions — labeling materials with a lower carbon footprint and solutions that enable packaging recycling or reuse. Visitors can also experience demos of our digital solutions to get a true sense of how intelligent labels enable consumer interaction and end-to-end transparency.”

Noel Kasmi, vice president of Marketing Labels and Packaging Materials EMENA at Avery Dennison, adds: “At Labelexpo, we will be unveiling the next step of our innovation journey — our new range of direct thermal and decorative linerless labels. Because linerless solutions are an important part of the future, we’ve developed a new suite of products that eliminates liners to reduce material use and waste as well as minimize the environmental impact of packaging.”

Avery Dennison is committed to helping customers always move ahead and looks forward to engaging in a collaborative spirit across the entire business ecosystem to empower people and possibilities. They believe that only by Connecting. Together. can we all advance and grow in our ever-changing, ever-evolving industry.

 SARASOTA, Florida (July 10, 2023) – S-One Labels & Packaging announces its new offerings of Classic pre-laminate films in EMEA. The launch includes Metalized MPET/LDPE pre-laminate film and PET/White EVOH LDPE pre-laminate film. With these added products, customers in the region can depend on S-OneLP as their source for films and OPV solutions. 

“We provide EMEA converters a full portfolio of solutions to help them unlock more business opportunities,” said Gerard Geurts, Business Development and Technical Sales, S-OneLP. “We offer a turnkey solution. Our pre-laminate films can be combined with our thermal overlaminating films or an Overprint Varnish, adding ease to production.” 

The pre-laminated films are available in white or metalized structures. PET/LDPE (12/60 micron) pre-laminate films are offered with oxygen and moisture barrier functions. The type of product to be packed and its specific requirements will help determine which pre-laminate is the ideal choice. 

Multi-Layered Pre-Laminate Films extend 

 the freshness of contents and are suitable for direct food contact as well as snacking and meals on-the-go packaging. 

Features and Benefits 

• Reduce costs- Save time and money on ink with white pre-laminate film. 

• High efficiency- High opacity, dimensional stability, and mechanical stability provide strong, reliable performance. 

• Food compliance- Meets FDA and European food contact regulations.* 

• Technology compatibility- Print with HP Indigo Digital Presses. 

• Revenue streams- Unlock new business opportunities with applications such as stick packs, stand-up pouches, sachets, and more. 

S-OneLP offers competitive pricing and low MOQs to meet customer demand. 

* Food contact declaration available on request. 

About S-One Labels and Packaging 

S-One Labels and Packaging uses a channel-partner model, allowing us to take redundant costs out of the channel and provide products with low MOQs and short lead times. This model helps label and packaging converters plan more effectively while providing them with an expanded portfolio of label and packaging supplies solutions. We are the exclusive distributor of Michelman in-line and off-line primers in the U.S., Canada, and multiple 

European countries to HP Indigo digital printers. Other key partners include KDX, Cellcoat, Polytex, and other European companies. Please visit sonelp.com for more information. 

• Mondi has agreed to acquire Hinton Pulp mill in Alberta, Canada from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd for USD 5 million. 

• Intention to invest a further €400 million, primarily in a new 200,000 tonne per annum kraft paper machine at the mill.

• Customers will benefit from a fully integrated and much shorter supply chain, reducing the overall carbon footprint of Mondi’s packaging products in the region.

10 July 2023 – Mondi plc (Mondi), a global leader in the production of sustainable packaging and paper, has agreed to acquire the 250,000 tonne per annum Hinton Pulp mill in Alberta, Canada, from West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd (West Fraser) for a total consideration of USD 5 million. As part of the transaction, Mondi will enter into a long-term partnership with West Fraser to access local, high-quality fibre from a well-established wood basket.

The intention, subject to pre-engineering and permitting, is to invest €400 million in the expansion of Hinton, primarily for a new 200,000 tonne per annum kraft paper machine, anticipated to be operational from the second half of 2027. The acquisition of the mill, and investment in the paper machine, will fully integrate operations in the Americas and enable Mondi to secure the long-term supply of high quality, cost competitive kraft paper into its network of 10 paper bags plants in the region, better positioning Mondi to support the growing market demand for industrial and mailer bags.

Customers will benefit from a fully integrated and much shorter supply chain reducing the carbon footprint of Mondi’s packaging products in the region. The kraft paper produced at Hinton will have the highest quality and strength parameters, which, in combination with Mondi’s expertise, will meet customer requirements for sustainable packaging solutions as paper is increasingly being used for packaging across the Americas.

Commenting on the acquisition, Andrew King, Mondi Group CEO, said: “Strategically, we are focused on investing to support the growing market demand for our sustainable packaging products, while delivering attractive mid-teen returns through cycle. The acquisition of Hinton is an excellent opportunity for us to secure locally produced kraft paper for our bags customers, helping to meet the current and anticipated future growth in demand for industrial and mailer bags in the Americas. This acquisition will also enable us to further strengthen our position as the global market leader in the production of kraft paper and paper bags.

“We are delighted to be making this investment in Canada and look forward to working with Hinton colleagues, West Fraser as a long-term partner, and other local stakeholders towards improving the mill’s environmental footprint and securing its sustainable future.

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory clearance and is expected to close towards the end of 2023.

Macomb, MI. July 7, 2023 – Admore, a division of Ennis, Inc. (NYSE: EBF), recently made the Promotional Products Association International’s (PPAI’s) first annual list of the Top 100 Industry Leaders for 2023. This research-backed, statistically-driven list is comprised of both 50 suppliers and 50 distributors that made an impact in the promotional products industry this year. Out of all the leading suppliers in the industry, Admore ranked #49 on the list. 

“We were happily surprised that Admore made PPAI’s first-ever Top 100 list, especially with all the other big-name suppliers on it. We feel like a Chihuahua in a pack of Great Danes!” said Lisa Goebel, marketing manager for Admore. “It just goes to show you that our team continues to set the bar high for other businesses, no matter the size. We greatly appreciate this honor and hope to remain on the Top 100 list for years to come.”  

For more information about Admore, call 800.523.6673 or visit admorefolders.com. For information about Ennis, Inc., please call the Ennis HOTLine at 800.972.1069.

About Ennis:

Since 1909, Ennis, Inc. has primarily engaged in the production and sale of business forms and other business products. The Company is one of the largest private-label printed business product suppliers in the United States. Headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, the Company has production and distribution facilities strategically located throughout the United States to serve the Company’s national network of distributors. The Company manufactures and sells business forms, other printed business and commercial products, printed and electronic media, presentation products, flexographic printing, internal bank forms, secure and negotiable documents, envelopes, tags and labels, advertising specialties, adhesive notes, plastic cards and other custom products. For more information, visit ennis.com.