Willstaett, Germany. 11 September 2024 – XSYS, a leader in providing innovative prepress solutions for the flexographic and letterpress printing industries, is pleased to announce the appointment of Polyprint as the distributor for nyloprint® printing plates in Colombia. This strategic partnership will enhance the availability and support of XSYS’s nyloprint® plates in Colombia.
Founded in 1983, Polyprint is renowned for its comprehensive range of high-quality products and services tailored for the printing and decorating industries. With a strong presence in the Colombian market, Polyprint offers solutions including printing plates, and a range of packaging equipment, making them a valuable partner for XSYS.
Matias Katila, Sales Director LATAM at XSYS, commented:
“Polyprint’s extensive industry expertise and strong market presence make them an ideal partner for us. Their commitment to quality and customer service aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to work together to bring our nyloprint® solutions to a broader audience in Colombia.”
With this partnership, Polyprint will serve crucial segments such as packaging for tubes, cups, and cans, label printing, pad printing and security printing. These segments demand precision and quality, which are the hallmarks of the nyloprint® range.
Among the nyloprint® portfolio, the nyloprint® WS PRO and WF SHARP plates stand out for their advanced capabilities and recent success in the market:
nyloprint® WS PRO
The nyloprint® WS PRO is a steel-based water-washable plate that excels in high-end applications, particularly in printing on tubes, cups, and cans. Known for its exceptional durability, detail reproduction and smooth ink transfer, this plate’s high resolution of up to 10,160 dpi ensures the highest level of precision, making it ideal for complex designs in the tubes, cups and cans market.
nyloprint® WF SHARP
For the high-end label market, the nyloprint® WF SHARP offers superior ink transfer and sharp detail reproduction. This film-based, water-washable plate is designed to meet the rigorous demands of label printing, with optimized hardness for enhanced reproduction of the finest highlights and details, as well as uniform, smooth vignettes. It delivers sharply defined text, barcodes, and elements, ensuring superior print quality with improved ink laydown and even, smooth solids.
David Restrepo, General Manager of Polyprint, noted:
“XSYS’s reputation for innovation and quality in the flexographic and letterpress sectors is well-established. We are proud to add the full range of nyloprint® plates to our product lineup, enhancing our offerings and providing our customers with the best-in class analogue and digital solutions for their letterpress printing needs.”
Cambridge, 11th September 2024 – Xaar’s 2002 printhead is powering Brotech’s latest varnish embellishment module, debuting at Labelexpo Americas 2024. The innovative module is being showcased at Shenzhen Brotech Digital Graphics’ booth (5603), offering visitors an exclusive look at the future of label embellishments, varnishing, and cold foiling.
Brotech, a renowned manufacturer of label converting equipment, has integrated Xaar’s 2002 printhead into its new varnish embellishment module to deliver superior productivity and versatility. The module is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality, intricate label finishes that enhance brand differentiation and product appeal.
Labelexpo Americas attendees will have the opportunity to see Brotech’s new varnish embellishment module in action. Powered by five Xaar 2002 printheads, the exceptional performance in applying textured varnishes, high-build tactile effects at over 100 microns, and cold foiling with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency will be evident. Xaar’s unique technologies, including High Laydown and TF Technology, enable the module to handle a wide range of fluids, delivering consistent, high-quality results across various label substrates.
Ramon Li, General Manager at Brotech commented: “Xaar’s High Laydown Technology and the exceptional productivity of the Xaar 2002 printhead have enabled us to achieve the unmatched high-build varnish effects that our customers demand. We look forward to showcasing the level of detail and quality provided by our new varnish embellishment module on booth 5603 at Labelexpo Americas.”
Justin Noble, Director of Sales at Xaar added: “We are delighted that Brotech has chosen the Xaar 2002 printhead for their latest varnish embellishment module. This partnership showcases the capabilities of Xaar’s technology in enhancing label embellishments and adds significant value to the label printing industry.”
About Xaar Xaar is an inkjet innovator, providing printheads and technologies for OEM and UDI customers worldwide.
By helping customers lay down precise volumes of inks and fluids with absolute pin-point accuracy, time after time, Xaar’s inkjet printheads and technologies meet the needs of numerous markets. Covering graphics, labelling, direct-to-shape, packaging, textiles, coatings,
product decoration, ceramic tile and glass decoration, décor, and outer case coding applications – as well as printing with specialist functional fluids for 3D and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Collaboration is at the very core of its business. Xaar works as a trusted partner from sites in Europe and China, providing expert insights and technical support every step of the way.
With over 30 years’ experience, around 200 patents registered or pending, and major ongoing R&D investment, Xaar’s digital printhead and precision jetting technologies create infinite opportunities for today’s sustainable manufacturing innovation.
Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium, September 11, 2024 – Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, has announced a new distribution partnership with The Oldham Group, a renowned industry leader in print solutions. Starting this September, The Oldham Group will become an additional distributor in Asahi’s growing US network.
Founded in 1951 and headquartered in Springfield, IL, The Oldham Group has a long-standing reputation for excellence in prepress, pressroom, and bindery equipment. With a history of expanding into key markets and offering cutting-edge digital and automated workflow solutions, Oldham’s expertise aligns perfectly with Asahi’s innovative technology and customer-centric approach.
“We are thrilled to welcome The Oldham Group as a key distributor in the US,” Kaoru Nozaki, Global Sales Manager at Asahi Kasei.”Their commitment to innovation and sustainability will help us bring environmentally balanced solutions, such as our water-washable AWP™ and AFP™-R CleanPrint plates, to a wider audience. Together, we aim to support printers in transitioning to cleaner, more efficient production processes, leveraging our advanced polymer technology and shared dedication to environmental responsibility.”
Chicago — August 20, 2024 — With containerboard demand on the rise, Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR) has a solution for packaging companies looking to increase their revenues. Throughout SuperCorrExpoÒ 2024, being held September 8-12 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, MAPR officials in booth 1171 will explain how the extensive benefits of its Waste Audit program can increase the value of scrap and trim waste recycling streams.
The cardboard box recession that began two years ago appears to be trending in a favorable direction. Reports indicate production rose 7% in the second quarter this year, compared to the same timeframe in 2023. With SuperCorrExpo serving as North America’s largest event for the corrugated packaging industry, Mid America Paper Recycling CEO Don Gaines says now is the right time for attendees to learn about the hidden benefits of recyclable waste.
“Manufacturing operations create tons of waste every year, ranging from pre-consumer, high grade recyclable paper to production trim and paperboard. Our free Waste Audit Survey can help identify what you may be overlooking because there is a cash value in your trash,” said Gaines. MAPR has provided recycling solutions to nationwide partners for 98 years, and Gaines has led the fourth-generation independent broker, processor, and exporter of recovered paper for the last 42 years.
“Our facility puts an emphasis on de-inking paper grades, pulp sub-grades, and all types of corrugated,” continued Gaines. “We specialize in developing comprehensive recycling programs for manufacturers, packaging companies, printers, and converters. Our Growing The Worth Of Your Waste program helps customers grow revenues they are realizing from scrap generation by finding holes in their recycling processes, and by reducing expenses paid to haul away scrap.”
At the SuperCorrExpo, Gaines said MAPR staff will explain the recycling program and its importance for small businesses, newer organizations, and well-established Fortune 500 businesses.
“As we go in to many companies, they often tell us that everything is going well. When we dive into their processes, we generally find that we are able to increase their revenues and decrease their costs by applying best practices we’ve developed over decades. That’s where our experience helps make an impact on both the revenue and expense sides of their P&L statement,” he remarked.
The comprehensive MAPR Waste Audit Survey is the first step on the path to recycling improvement. Gaines said booth visitors who take 10 minutes to complete it will learn how the detailed process can improve operations and increase revenue per ton.
“Establishing a baseline and working at continuous improvement is a necessity for any size operation. This audit offers the same strategic process to improving a converter’s current waste handling practices, allowing you to build a smart program that continuously improves the worth of your waste. The SuperCorrExpo is the ideal place to get this conversation started.”
If you are not attending the SuperCorrExpo and want to complete a Waste Audit survey – which can be done from your office or home – go online to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MAPRAudit.
About Mid America Paper Recycling
Founded in 1926, Mid America Paper Recycling is a fourth-generation leader in the recycling industry, and provides solutions for partners ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations. Its robust program features a new benchmarking audit, consultation services, documentation, quantification and presentation of the specific and overall values that can be realized from customer waste streams. To learn more about the free waste audit and Mid America’s other environmental initiatives, call 773-890-5454 or visit www.midamericapaper.com.
Fast, cost-effective, and high-quality in-line matte finishing process brings digital inkjet to profitable new market segment
New MatteJet technology to drive digital adoption across the industry, further empowering converters to embrace inkjet technology for a smart, connected printshop
St. Gallen, 10 September, 2024 –Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), is poised to transform the narrow-web print landscape with its latest research breakthrough: Gallus MatteJet technology. Announced at Labelexpo Americas 2024, the landmark innovation represents an important advancement in inkjet printing, unlocking a premium matte finish previously unachievable with digital inkjet, bringing the possibilities of inkjet technology to the wine label market for the very first time.
Exemplifying HEIDELBERG’s position as a total solution provider for all modern printing processes – offering the entire spectrum from toner to inkjet, offset printing to flexo and all controlled from a common Prinect workflow–MatteJet was developed in-house at Gallus’ innovation hub in St. Gallen, the Gallus Experience Center. At Labelexpo Americas 2024, Gallus will exhibit alongside HEIDELBERG, where it will explain how thistransformative innovation addresses one of the key challenges that has historically restricted the growth of digital inkjet technology. Importantly, visitors at the show will also learn how MatteJet will transform the entire market segment for wine and spirit labels and provide converters with the key to a profitable new area of business growth.
The glossy finish inherent to digital inkjet technology has been one of the foremost barriers to its widespread adoption across labels and packaging – specifically in premium segments such as wine and spirit labels where brands traditionally expect a sophisticated matte finish. Until today, this was only achievable through conventional printing, or the addition of post-processing equipment to utilize matt varnishes, adding time, complexity and cost.
Now, in a groundbreaking industry milestone, Gallus MatteJet technology delivers fast, cost-effective, and high-quality matte finishing capabilities, integrated directly into the digital inkjet process. This will allow converters, for the first time, to achieve a high-end matte finish at the touch of a button, without changing inks or adding overprint varnish, eliminating the need for external finishing processes or separate conventional machines. By removing one of the key barriers traditionally restricting the expansion of inkjet printing, Gallus’ new innovative process presents an enormous opportunity for converters to now access a highly profitable market segment. Importantly, MatteJet will also enable more converters and brands than ever before to enjoy the benefits of digital printing, such as more profitable short runs, personalization, and on-demand printing – representing a huge leap in the industry’s digital transformation.
“The development of Gallus MatteJet technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing, opening up a world of new opportunities and ultimately, completely transforming the very foundation of what’s possible with inkjet technology,” comments Dario Urbinati, CEO, Gallus Group. “By unlocking matte finishing for digital inkjet, we’ll be able to make an entirely new market segment accessible to converters without the sizeable investment into separate offset solutions – boosting profitability and exemplifying our commitment to building a new era of flexibility that will enable our industry to thrive long-term.”
Designed to integrate with Gallus’ Digital Printing Unit, the new MatteJet technology also represents further expansion of Gallus’ System to Compose concept, which provides unprecedented levels of compatibility across its leading product lines. Under the System to Compose, converters can add, adjust and remove units to their Gallus One as their business needs evolve – now further expanded to comprise workflow and service options as well as equipment, following its overwhelming reception at drupa 2024. Labelexpo will see Gallus demonstrate how the System to Compose concept is key to empowering converters to pivot, adapt and therefore thrive long term, with MatteJet now providing an additional piece to this puzzle.
The latest iteration of the Gallus One also makes its global tradeshow debut at this Labelexpo, in the newly-expanded 430mm web width, unlocking more application possibilities than ever before. Visitors to the stand will see first-hand the possibilities achievable with its recently-extended color gamut, with the integration of Orange and Violet Saphira inks developed jointly in-house with HEIDELBERG, and helping converters to achieve shelf standout for brand differentiation.
HEIDELBERG will also showcase various aspects of its label offering alongside Gallus, having recently continued its expansion into new business areas, solidifying its position as a leader in delivering end-to-end solutions. Together, they will highlight a number of innovations in the label space – including the latest developments in its Screeny® screen printing solutions and Prinect workflow software. Prinect, the backbone of System to Compose from Gallus, is key to digitizing production and realizing the smart, connected printshop of the future – brought to life live on the Labelexpo booth (3523).
As a subsidiary, Gallus remains an important pillar in the company’s growth strategy for the packaging and label market and will continue to play a key role in the HEIDELBERG future.
Gallus MatteJet technology unlocks fast, cost-effective in-line premium matte finishing previously unachievable with digital inkjet, bringing the possibilities of inkjet technology to the wine and spirits label market for the very first time.
The new breakthrough technology was developed in-house at Gallus’ innovation hub in St. Gallen, the Gallus Experience Center, as part of the company’s ongoing R&D efforts and longstanding commitment to driving industry transformation.
About Gallus
Gallus, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) with production facilities in Switzerland and Germany, is a leading company in the development and production of conventional and digital narrow-web, reel-fed presses designed for the label and packaging business. The machine portfolio is augmented by a broad range of screen printing plates (Gallus Screeny), globally decentralized service operations, and a broad range of printing accessories and replacement parts. Products and services of the Gallus brand are distributed through the global HEIDELBERG Sales and Service network. The comprehensive portfolio also includes consulting services provided by label experts in all relevant printing and process engineering tasks. Gallus employs around 300 people, of whom 160 are based in Switzerland, where the company has its headquarters in St. Gallen. For more information, visit www.gallus-group.com.
With its dual-track strategy, HEIDELBERG is pursuing two key strategic approaches. Firstly, the company wants to make its mark on the printing market beyond its sheetfed offset press business – especially in the packaging or label market and digital printing. Secondly, HEIDELBERG will open up new markets alongside its core business, as has already happened with the wallbox business.
(Gent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, developer of innovative productivity tools for packaging and label printing, announces the formation of a new business unit to provide hosted artwork management and 3D visualization solutions for brands and consumer packaged goods companies. The first industry events for the new unit take place this week: London Packaging Week, and EuroPack Summit 2024 in Montreux, Switzerland. Hybrid Software BrandZ will be based in Gent, Belgium with dedicated sales and support teams based in western Europe and North America.
The flagship product for the BrandZ unit is Artflow, a comprehensive, SaaS-based artwork management solution that helps brands, CPGs, and retailers manage their large portfolios of complex graphical projects. Artflow provides powerful 2D and 3D visualization and approval technology based on Hybrid Software’s ProofScope software, combined with brand-specific tools for detailed briefings, project scheduling, and much more. Artflow can be integrated with ERP, CRM, or DAM systems through its core API. Dedicated 3D solutions including Capture3D and iC3D round out the BrandZ product offering.
Says Igor Vandromme, VP/GM of Hybrid Software BrandZ, “Our year-long partnership with TGS has shown that brands and retailers have many unmet needs for artwork management and visualization tools, both for flat artwork and 3D. Being part of Hybrid Software gives us access to a wide software portfolio and technology stack, allowing us to address those needs. For example, our recent collaboration with Diageo for point-of-sale printing of unique custom labels on Johnny Walker bottles was a strong success that will be repeated in the future. With thousands of brands who do not have their own solutions for artwork management, we expect rapid growth in this segment as we add additional sales and support resources around the world.”
Group CEO Mike Rottenborn adds, “HYBRID Software’s core mission is to develop innovative enterprise production software for packaging converters and trade shops. Extending our reach into the brand and CPG space is a natural extension to power future growth. The expertise of trade shops and packaging converters is critical in providing high quality printed labels and packaging, but many brands want to manage their own artwork. We’re taking a true ‘hybrid’ approach that provides the right tools for both brands and printers to drive efficiencies and improve quality in package printing.”
For more information about BrandZ and other Hybrid Software solutions visit: www.hybridsoftware.com.
About Hybrid Software
Through its operating subsidiaries, Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG) is a leading developer of enterprise software for industrial print manufacturing. Customers include press manufacturers such as HP, Canon, Durst, Roland, Hymmen, and hundreds of packaging printers, trade shops, and converters worldwide.
Hybrid Software is headquartered in Cambridge UK. Its subsidiary companies are color technology experts ColorLogic, printing software developers Global Graphics Software, enterprise software developer HYBRID Software, 3D design and modelling software developers iC3D, the industrial printhead driver solutions specialists, Meteor Inkjet and pre-press workflow developer Xitron.
Chesterfield, MO (September 10, 2024) – Mark Andy, a leading provider of label and print solutions, is excited to announce the launch of MA 360 Support, a new, robust program designed to deliver end-to-end customer support, from prepress to finishing. The program is being officially unveiled at Labelexpo Americas 2024.
Led by industry veteran Steve Luedke, Mark Andy’s new Vice President of Advanced Customer Support, MA 360 Support is the company’s first-ever holistic support and service program that addresses the evolving needs of Mark Andy’s customers.
“After extensive feedback from our customers, it was clear that a one-stop, 360 support program was a top priority,” said Duane Pekar, CEO of Mark Andy. “MA 360 Support is about demonstrating our commitment to being a full-service partner to our customers because their growth is our growth.”
With a cross-functional team of experts, the program offers a full suite of support services including software, tools, process optimization, machine monitoring, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement. Additionally, the program will provide advanced training, costing and waste reduction strategies, and sales and marketing support, all aimed at helping customers maximize the utilization and ROI of Mark Andy’s flexo, digital, and hybrid presses, as well as finishing equipment.
A key feature of MA 360 Support is the relaunch of Mark Andy University. This initiative will provide comprehensive training and educational resources through a variety of formats including classroom sessions, virtual instruction, and on-demand courses. The curriculum will cover a wide range of topics such as prepress, operator training, maintenance, application optimization, and process/plant optimization.
Pekar adds: “MA 360 Support is not just about technical assistance; it’s also about helping customers navigate the adoption of digital and hybrid press technology.” By working closely with customers, the MA 360 Support team will assist customers in optimizing their processes and leverage new technologies to stay competitive in an ever-changing market.
The official announcement and details of the MA 360 Support program is featured at Mark Andy’s booth during Labelexpo Americas 2024. Visitors have the opportunity to learn more about the program and explore how it can benefit their operations.
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.
Mactac’s new program redefines technical support for the toughest challenges.
STOW, Ohio – Sept. 10, 2024 – Mactac®, a LINTEC® Company, is pleased to introduce Ask S.A.M.™, a technical service program featured at Labelexpo Americas 2024 in Chicago. This innovative service is designed to tackle the most challenging label technology issues, showcasing Mactac’s deep commitment to providing unmatched solutions for its customers. Labelexpo attendees can learn more about Ask S.A.M. and engage directly with application experts at booth #143.
Ask S.A.M.—short for Ask Spinnaker and Mactac—embodies a major advancement in customer support, drawing on the combined strengths and technical acumen of both portfolios and synergy achieved through recent mergers.
“Ask S.A.M. perfectly illustrates the stronger, more unified Mactac of today,” said Dalia Naamani-Goldman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mactac North America. “With the backing of our parent company, LINTEC, and the integration of recent acquisitions like Duramark, Spinnaker and Label Supply, we have built a powerhouse of industry expertise. This allows us to present our customers an even wider array of solutions, marking a new chapter in service and technical excellence.”
Ask S.A.M.™ provides companies with easy access to Mactac’s extensive core and specialty portfolio and technical expertise. The program is specifically designed to help customers with solutions to difficult-to-solve technical problems with a strong emphasis on speed and responsiveness.
The process is simple and efficient: Customers reach out to their sales or technical contact with inquiries, which are reviewed by the Mactac technical team several times a week.
“Ask S.A.M. is committed to getting back to customers within 48 hours, focusing on providing solutions that fit their needs and match Mactac’s strengths,” adds Naamani-Goldman. “This approach ensures that responses are practical, prompt and effective.”
To Ask S.A.M., contact your Mactac representative directly, email MAmericas@mactac.com or call 800.762.2822.
Syracuse, NY – September 9, 2024 – NextGen Label Group has announced the purchase of a new press – the HEIDELBERG Gallus One with extended capabilities. This next generation press seamlessly blends the best of flexographic and digital printing technologies enabling maximized production capabilities with an optimized workflow, fast print times, robust automation, impeccable quality and more.
Gallus One Hybrid Press is Built to Deliver on Our Promise of Brand Custodianship
NextGen Label Group is the proud “Brand Custodian” of some of the world’s most recognizable brands in the spirits, beverage, beer, food, and health & beauty markets.
In fact, “Brand Custodianship” is the guiding principle for every decision the company makes. The philosophy centers around three core tenets: being employee-centric, customer-centric, and solutions-centric.
This investment delivers on all three tenets, providing advanced technology built for the future of the company’s employee owners. It features the latest hybrid technology allowing customers to optimize the shelf impact of their brand without compromise. And finally, the press further endorses the company’s promise to provide innovative solutions through cutting-edge technology.
Flexographic and Digital Print Technologies in one Press
The HEIDELBERG Gallus One met all the criteria we consider when investing in new technology,” emphasized Tom Sargent, President and CEO of NextGen Label Group. “Built on the Gallus Labelmaster platform, this state-of-the-art hybrid press provides reliability, redundancy, and full modularity. It will allow us to continually deliver on our promise of Brand Custodianship,” he added.
Nick Noyes, Chief Operations Officer at NextGen worked closely with the team at Gallus HEIDELBERG to custom configure this latest addition to NextGen’s equipment offering. The 17” wide, 15 color hybrid press is the first-of-its-kind in North America. It is perfectly suited to print a variety of labels using flexographic and digital print technologies. It also provides the ability to add cold foil, spot varnish, tactile laminations and more to help create shelf impact and strengthen a brand’s identity.
“We are very proud of our long-standing partnership and the trust NextGen Label Group has placed in us since the sale of the very first Gallus EM 280 – and we are thrilled to now be part of NextGen’s digital transformation with their investment in the latest HEIDELBERG Gallus technology,” said Andre Blais, National Account Manager, HEIDELBERG US. “By seamlessly integrating conventional and digital functions, the Gallus One offers the advantages of a highly automated printing press while accommodating diverse application needs through its versatile finishing options. Its modular design ensures flexibility to grow alongside NextGen’s expanding business, making it a truly future-proof solution. For us this milestone demonstrates the strength of our enduring partnership and illustrates how businesses and solutions can evolve together over time,” he added.
About NextGen Label Group
NextGen Label Group represents the merged assets of Syracuse Label & Surround Printing, Macaran Printed Products and W.N. Van Alstine.
The NextGen label division produces high-quality label and packaging solutions. As the “Custodian of Your Brand”, we are experts in the Spirits, Craft Beer, Beverage, Household, Health, Beauty, Cannabis, Industrial and Medical markets. Product offerings include Pressure Sensitive Labels, Shrink Sleeves, Flexible Packaging, RFID Labels and Extended Content & Promotional Labels. With facilities in Syracuse, NY and Cohoes, NY, the company uses the latest in label printing and converting technology to ensure their customers’ brand image is delivered to the market just as they intended. For more information please visit nglabel.com.
The Van Alstine division provides Label Application expertise in support of the label printing divisions. They are also one of 3M’s most valuable distributor partners. They supply some of the region’s most respected companies with leading edge, end-of-line packaging systems, equipment, service and related materials. For more information please visit vanalstine.com
