TLMI

Yazoo Mills Enhances Operational Efficiency with Two New High-Speed Core Cutting Lines

By: Yazoo Mills

New Oxford, PA, February 7, 2025 – Yazoo Mills, Inc., the largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores in America, proudly announces the addition of two high-speed, next-generation core cutting lines from Eberlé. This strategic investment not only reaffirms Yazoo’s leadership in automated core cutting but also substantially increases its capacity for high-volume, trim-free production.

Equipped with the latest, most advanced core cutting technology available for unmatched precision and efficiency, these new lines significantly enhance Yazoo’s production volume and speed to market. The new equipment improves production efficiency, improves safety, and strengthens Yazoo’s ability to meet increasing customer demands. This upgrade underscores the company’s dedication to world-class service by guaranteeing industry-leading lead times and unmatched reliability. These advancements emphasize Yazoo’s dedication to delivering competitively priced, superior products to the wide scope of industries and businesses of all sizes.

Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities totaling 300,000 square feet, Yazoo Mills remains a forward-thinking, customer-focused organization that continuously reinvests in their company, people, and equipment.

About Yazoo Mills

Established in 1902, Yazoo Mills, Inc. is America’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturers of 100% recycled paper tubes and cores for more than 122 years. Serving a variety of industries in the United States, Yazoo has a reputation for excellence in short runs and recutting with manufacturing only premium quality paper tubes and cores, made to each customer’s specifications. On average, the company produces over four-million inches of tubing per day. Companies that require quality, consistency, and ongoing reliability contact Yazoo Mills for all of their needs.

For additional information on Yazoo Mills and their products, visit the website www.yazoomills.com.

NextGen Label Group Announces Andrew Horvath Chief Financial Officer and President of the Van Alstine Division 

By: NextGen Label Group

North Syracuse, NY – February 6, 2025 – NextGen Label Group, a 100% employee-owned company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Horvath as Chief Financial Officer and President of the Van Alstine division, effective April 1, 2025. Andrew will replace Dan Rosenbaum who was recently promoted to President and CEO of NextGen Label Group, effective April 1, 2025. 

This planned leadership transition reflects NextGen Label Group’s continued commitment to excellence, ESOP values, and long-term growth.

Andrew Horvath joined NextGen Label Group earlier this year as Vice President of Finance. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Siena College, Andrew has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting. Prior to joining NextGen Label Group, Andrew served in various leadership roles at KPMG, most recently as Senior Manager – Audit. In that role, he provided strategic guidance to clients in manufacturing, chemicals, and consumer goods, developing expertise in financial reporting, U.S. GAAP compliance, internal controls, and mergers and acquisitions.

In his dual role, Andrew will lead Van Alstine while driving the financial strategy and performance of NextGen Label Group. His background in managing complex audits, technical accounting projects, and strategic financial planning will be instrumental in driving financial excellence and ensuring the long-term stability and growth of NextGen Label Group.

“We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Horvath to NextGen Label Group as he takes on this expanded leadership role,” said Dan Rosenbaum. “Andrew’s exceptional background in financial reporting and his ability to lead complex projects make him uniquely qualified to guide Van Alstine and advance our company’s financial strategy. We look forward to the expertise and vision he brings to NextGen Label Group.”

The company looks forward to continued success under Andrew’s leadership and thanks its employee-owners for their commitment to driving innovation and excellence.

About NextGen Label Group™ 

NextGen Label Group provides innovative, high-quality labeling and packaging solutions across a range of industries. Guided by its brand custodianship vision, NextGen operates with three main tenets: Employee-Centric, Customer-Centric, and Solutions-Centric. The company’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its customer-first approach, commitment to employee-owners, and investment in cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of the market. Learn more about NextGen Label Group at nglabel.com

About Van Alstine

The Van Alstine division, a valued part of NextGen Label Group, is one of 3M’s most trusted distributor partners. Van Alstine supports some of the region’s most respected companies by providing cutting-edge, end-of-line packaging systems, equipment, service, and related materials. Additionally, Van Alstine has label application expertise in support of NextGen’s label printing division. Learn more about Van Alstine at vanalstineinc.com

UPM Raflatac and Corning Conduct Collaborative Study to Help Advance Sustainability in Pharma Packaging

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM Raflatac, Mills River, 4 February 2025, at 15:00 ET) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, and Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies, a division of Corning Incorporated, one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, have today announced the results of a collaborative study. The results show that a combination of the two companies’ products performs well in a variety of challenging drug product storage conditions and offers significant sustainability benefits for pharmaceutical industry innovators.

Such performance is vital to the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products and aligns with industry needs for durable and dependable packaging. In the collaborative study conducted at UPM Raflatac’s North Carolina facility, teams from both companies combined pharmaceutical primary packaging and labeling solutions. The pairings were tested at room temperature, dry heat, tropical, and cryogenic storage conditions.

The combinations included Corning® Viridian® Vials, made of externally coated Type I borosilicate glass, and UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film™ labels, alongside PHARMAGLOSS and PHARMALITE downgauged paper options. The product combinations performed well, showing that a pairing of Corning and UPM Raflatac products can hold up in tough environments. In particular, the labels demonstrated satisfactory adhesion across a variety of wrap angles and storage conditions applied in pharma packaging.

“We greatly appreciate UPM Raflatac’s expertise in label technology and its rigorous methods in demonstrating the effectiveness of labeling solutions for our shared pharma customers,” said Jessica Buday, Product Line Manager for Corning® Velocity® Vials and Viridian Vials at Corning Pharmaceutical Technologies. “This study represents an example of how important it is for pharma suppliers to collaborate and ensure our solutions are compatible in a way that meets customer requirements, particularly with the increasing demand for sustainability.”

The tested pairing of UPM Raflatac and Corning products provided sustainability benefits without sacrificing performance. UPM Raflatac’s Forest Film™ label is the world’s first ISCC-certified wood-based plastic label material. This bio-circular solution reduces the use of fossil-based plastics and is made with bio-naphtha (mass balance approach), which is derived from wood-based crude tall oil, a residue of the pulping process. This product also provides up to a 42% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil-based plastics.* PHARMAGLOSS and PHARMALITE downgauged paper options also reduce environmental impact through a reduced material weight. Additionally, Corning’s Viridian vials use 20% less glass material than a conventional vial, achieving up to a 30% reduction in Scope 3 cradle-to-gate emissions.

“We’re thrilled to work with Corning to help bring sustainability to the forefront of pharma packaging,” said Sean Flanagan, Product Development Manager, UPM Raflatac. “Our shared customers can trust that these solutions are safe, effective, and tested to performance standards, offering them a smoother pathway to sustainable innovation.” 

For more insights into this collaboration, watch UPM Raflatac and Corning’s recent “Transforming Pharma Packaging” webinar, in which representatives of the two companies discussed best practices for sustainable packaging along the value chain.

To watch the webinar and learn more, visit https://www.upmraflatac.com/news-and-stories/events/webinars/transforming-pharma-packaging/.

*LCA created 12/4/2024 with Label Life V3.2. Copyright © UPM Raflatac 2024 – This information is based on our most up-to-date knowledge and experience, but this statement does not constitute any warranty, expressed or implied. The LCA calculation principles were critically reviewed according to ISO 14040/44/67, and the process of generating LCIA results was validated by DEKRA in 2023. Includes content supplied by Sphera Solutions GmbH; Copyright 2024. Results are indicative and information is subject to change without notice.

Mid America Paper Recycling offersStrategic Services to optimize Packaging Company efficiency

By: Mid America Paper Recycling

Chicago – February 3, 2025 – Walk through almost any printing or packaging facility and you’ll likely see valuable floor space consumed by scrap and trim waste. For companies already operating on tight profit margins, inefficiencies like these lead to unnecessary costs, safety risks, and missed revenue opportunities. Mid America Paper Recycling (MAPR), a fourth-generation industry leader founded in 1926, is helping large enterprise print and packaging customers reclaim floor space and boost profitability through innovative recycling strategies backed by unique, hard assets.

“Manufacturing and warehouse space is expensive and critical to operational success,” said Brian Gaughan, MAPR’s Business Development Leader with over three decades of industry experience. “According to logistics real estate experts, the average annual cost for warehouse space is $13.20 per square foot, including base rent and operating expenses. Dedicating 1,000 square feet to waste storage could cost a single plant location $13,200 per year in avoidable expenses.”

In addition to the financial burden, ineffective waste management poses safety and productivity challenges. Loose bins and stacked bales create hazardous conditions that increase the likelihood of workplace injuries, which the National Safety Council estimates cost over $40,000 per incident on average.

“Managing waste on the plant floor also requires significant time and labor, with employees spending hours handling materials instead of focusing on higher-value tasks,” adds Gaughan.

These inefficiencies quickly add up, particularly since the average employee wage of $20 per hour compounds into a substantial annual cost. Moreover, every square foot allocated to waste storage represents a missed opportunity for revenue generation. A production machine occupying the same space could contribute as much as $500,000 annually in additional revenue.

Mid America Paper Recycling works with clients to address these challenges and uncover hidden efficiencies through waste audit assessments. As a result, one of the company’s most effective strategies for optimizing floor space is a trailer spotting service, which involves stationing dedicated trailers on-site to collect scrap and trim waste. Unlike most recycling brokers, MAPR owns a fleet of 125 trailers, giving them the unique ability to incorporate hard assets into strategic recycling solutions. This ensures greater control, reliability, and flexibility in servicing client needs, setting MAPR apart in the industry.

The trailer spotting approach eliminates the need for storing waste on the plant floor, freeing up valuable space for production equipment or finished goods storage. With trailers positioned strategically, packaging firms can consolidate materials efficiently, reduce clutter, and minimize safety risks while streamlining waste management. The collected materials are transported to MAPR’s recycling facility for processing, enabling faster turnaround times and more consistent cash flow.

Gaughan explained how trailer spotting has transformed operations for many of MAPR’s clients. One large printing company was able to reduce its reliance on floor space for bales by 50 percent. Removing bales and scrap materials at key intervals not only improved safety, but also allowed the client to maximize production capacity. By transporting recyclables directly to paper mills more frequently, the company experienced fewer delays and accelerated payments, improving the financial returns tied to their recycling program.

MAPR’s Chicago facility processes 51 different paper grades using advanced baling systems and its 125 trailers as part of a closed-loop logistics network. Customers who have streamlined their operations began by identifying inefficiencies in their waste management handling practices. Spending 10 minutes to take MAPR’s waste audit services program helped them develop customized solutions to optimize floor space.

“As we’ve seen time and again, a well-executed recycling program doesn’t just improve sustainability, it transforms operations,” Gaughan said. “Owning and managing our own fleet allows us to go beyond the limitations of typical brokers and deliver results that others simply can’t match. With the right strategies, our clients unlock new opportunities for profitability, efficiency, and growth.”

For more information about Mid America Paper Recycling’s strategic recycling services or to schedule a waste audit, visit the website.

About Mid America Paper Recycling

Founded nearly 100 years ago in 1926, MAPR is a fourth generation-owned 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 the website.

UPM Raflatac Advances Sustainability Standards with BPA and BPS-Free Direct Thermal Laminates

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM Raflatac, Mills River, 15 January 2025, at 15:00 ET) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, reports that all manufacturing of their Direct Thermal laminate products in North America will no longer rely on Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Bisphenol-S (BPS) direct thermal developers.

Linked to environmental and health concerns, Bisphenol compounds BPA and BPS are commonly known as developers in the reactive layers of certain direct thermal products, including those used in manufacturing pressure-sensitive label stock. UPM Raflatac collaborates closely with raw material suppliers to ensure that these substances are not intentionally added to its direct thermal products or used in the raw materials for its direct thermal face sheets.

UPM Raflatac’s direct thermal products meet the recent legislation deadlines of California’s Proposition 65 requirements, which require warnings for products with harmful chemicals. They also intend to comply with the upcoming Washington State’s Safer Products Act, which aims to reduce harmful chemicals in consumer goods.

Commitment to Innovation and Responsibility

Product stewardship is at the forefront of UPM Raflatac’s operations. By adopting these latest technological developments, the company minimizes the risks associated with these substances, while championing product stewardship. At the same time, the move represents a tangible step toward reducing the environmental impacts of labeling materials, a crucial consideration in today’s eco-conscious economy.

“We take immense pride in the tremendous effort and dedication our cross-functional Raflatac team has shown in achieving the transition of our direct thermal products well ahead of our 2025 goal. This milestone is a testament to their expertise and unwavering focus on excellence,” said Zach Franklin, Director of Variable Information Label Solutions at UPM Raflatac, Americas. “At UPM Raflatac, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering safer and more sustainable labeling solutions that benefit our customers.”

Mondi wins ten prestigious WorldStar Awards for innovative packaging solution

By: Mondi

  • Mondi’s award-winning products include a paper bag without free film, TopLockBox, Eco-Cage and Bumperpac – serving customers in the eCommerce, industrial and consumer industries.
  • The WorldStar Global Packaging Awards recognise packaging innovations on a global stage, attracting 550 entries from 40 countries in 2025.

15 January 2025 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is proud that ten of its innovative products have received WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2025. The awards, organised annually by the World Packaging Organisation, celebrate outstanding achievements in packaging design and technology across the globe.

Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi says: “We are proud to mark a milestone in 2025 with Mondi receiving more WorldStar awards than ever before. This broad recognition across our regions highlights the strength of partnerships with our customers and the creativity and collaborative efforts of our teams. These awards inspire us to keep pushing boundaries and deliver even more innovative solutions.”

Thomas Ott, CEO Flexible Packaging at Mondi, commented: “These awards underline Mondi’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in packaging. By closely collaborating with our customers and partners, we ensure our solutions deliver on functionality while keeping materials in circulation and avoiding waste. The recognition by the World Packaging Organisation is a testament to the dedication of our teams and our collective focus on creating value through packaging that supports a circular economy.”

The WorldStar 2025 Awards Ceremony will take place on 30 May 2025 in Milan, Italy. The Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the packaging industry, recognising innovation that addresses critical challenges and delivers exceptional value. Mondi’s success in 2025 underscores its role as a pioneer in sustainable packaging solutions.

Mondi’s 2025 WorldStar Award winners:

Paper bag without free film, Other category
Eco-Cage, Food category
Lunch Box, Food category
Doorbell Guard, Electronics category
Bumperpac, Transit category
Product protection for premium parasols, Transit category
BeerCoolBox, Packaging Materials and Components category
Display-Guard, Point of Sale category
TopLockBox, E-Commerce category
Bottle Protector, Other category

High-res product images can be downloaded here.

Further details on the award-winning packaging innovations:

Paper bag without free film

Mondi’s paper bag without free film layer is an innovative solution in industrial packaging, designed to protect filling goods like building materials, chemicals and feeds. It significantly reduces the plastic content by replacing the free film layer with a coated barrier paper. The bag is certified recyclable based on tests conducted in Mondi’s recycling laboratory in Frantschach according to CEPI v.2 test method and 4evergreen’s fibre-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol and scored 19 out of 20 points in the certification of Interseroh+.

Eco-Cage

Eco-Cage is a basket made of corrugated packaging, designed to reduce plastic waste and enhance fruit freshness through ventilation holes. Its lightweight yet strong design ensures durability, making it an ideal choice for supermarkets, farmers’ markets and homes. A significant advantage of Eco-Cage is its flat transport capability, allowing for over 2,000 baskets per pallet. The carrying handle is reinforced with tape to ensure sufficient load capacity.

Lunch Box

The Lunch Box is equipped with security seals that break when the package is opened. This feature not only prevents accidental openings but also provides consumers with confidence that their meal has remained untouched and unopened from preparation to delivery. The lunch box has a handle that allows the consumer to easily lift and carry the meal, but it can also be folded to stack a few packages during delivery. The Lunch Box also has an integrated waste basket so that waste can be placed in it and easily disposed of when sorting waste after eating. This solution is formed without the use of glue, tape or staples.

Doorbell Guard

Doorbell Guard is a smart packaging solution made from corrugated material, designed for premium electronics combining functionality and aesthetics. The outer body of the packaging ensures optimal transport protection, while the intelligent inner insert securely holds the product and its accessories and ensures sleek product presentation. The packaging, custom-made for high-quality doorbells, is versatile, serving both in-store displays and eCommerce shipping. Its compact design efficiently stores all components, keeping all parts securely in place. The multiple inserts not only showcase the main product but also neatly conceal accessories. The box is quick and easy to assemble, saving time in the packaging process, and eliminates the need for plastic bags.

Bumperpac

Bumperpac is a new lightweight corrugated solution for transporting bumpers sustainably and efficiently. The innovative packaging offers good protection, easy handling and great ergonomics in a packaging that folds and unfolds in an instant. The sturdy cardboard that makes up the corrugated sleeve is glued with water-resistant adhesive that withstands the humid conditions of overseas transport. The packaging is placed on a customised wooden pallet that requires less wood than a normal pallet.

Product protection for premium parasols

To enhance sustainability, the redesigned packaging for premium parasols completely replaces the previously used Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) padding. With this new packaging solution, 65 different parasol variants can now be packed effectively. With about 4,000 parasols dispatched annually and two EPS pads per parasol package, Mondi’s customer is able to eliminate around 8,000 kg of EPS per year, replacing it with 100% recyclable corrugated board.

BeerCoolBox

This innovative beer bottle packaging, made of fully recyclable corrugated cardboard, combines functionality, aesthetics and sustainability requirements. The design consists of a sturdy box and a specially designed insert covered with barrier paper, ensuring water resistance. The insert transforms into a practical ice container, effectively cooling beer bottles to the perfect temperature. The water from the melted ice remains in the insert due to its waterproof properties, eliminating the risk of leaks and keeping the surroundings clean.

Display-Guard

Display-Guard features a reinforced construction with double-walled panels, which increases the durability of the box and ensures safe transportation and storage of products. Triangular corner structures provide additional support during transportation and storage, helping the box to maintain its form and minimising the risk of damage. This ensures that the box remains stable even under particularly heavy loads. Its design makes it suitable for display both on pallets and on shelves, allowing a variety of products to be stored safely. The easily foldable structure saves space during transportation.

TopLockBox

TopLockBox is an innovative alternative to traditional plastic eCommerce bags and standard boxes, specifically designed to prevent theft and ensure product security during shipment.

Optimised for quick and easy assembly, TopLockBox helps to save valuable time and effort. Its user-friendly closure system guarantees that packages can be securely sealed with minimal effort, improving operational efficiency. Security is the top priority; the unique lock system makes unauthorised access to the box contents extremely difficult. For added convenience, TopLockBox features a tear strip that allows recipients to open the package without any additional tools, enhancing the user experience while maintaining packaging integrity. The strong sealing tape ensures the box stays securely closed throughout its journey, guaranteeing that products arrive safely and securely.

Bottle Protector

The Bottle Protector’s robustness, durability and design not only enhance product security during transport and storage but also align with the sustainability goals of brands. Its user-friendly design simplifies assembly and handling, leading to increased operational efficiency and cost savings for businesses. The aesthetically pleasing design boosts brand visibility and helps create a stronger connection with consumers. Bottle Protector is shipped flat, taking up less storage space and offering easy assembly. It acts as both a carrier and a separator, enhancing the box’s durability for safe transport and storage. The design includes folding tabs that reinforce corners, maintaining the box’s structure and reducing the risk of damage. The packaging is made of 100% recyclable materials and printable surfaces allow for effective brand promotion.

Resource Label Group acquires Screenprint/Dow’s Label Business

By: Resource Label Group

Franklin, TN – January 13, 2025 – Resource Label Group, a leading provider of custom label and packaging solutions across North America, is proud to announce the acquisition of Screenprint/Dow’s label business. This acquisition highlights Resource Label Group’s commitment to preserving and building upon the legacy of label industry leaders, as well as providing an exceptional home for these businesses and their valued customers. Screenprint/Dow, founded by industry icon Walter Dow, has earned a stellar reputation over decades for its dedication to quality and innovation. Walter Dow has been recognized as a pioneer and leader in the field, including receiving the prestigious TLMI Converter of the Year award.

“We are thrilled to welcome Screenprint/Dow’s label business into the Resource Label family,” said Mike Apperson, CEO of Resource Label Group. “Walter Dow is a legend in our industry. His contributions have set a benchmark for quality, innovation, and service that have shaped how we all approach labeling solutions. This acquisition is not just about growth – it’s about honoring and continuing that incredible legacy.”

By joining Resource Label Group, Screenprint/Dow’s label segment customers will gain access to expanded capabilities, advanced technologies, and the resources of a coast-to-coast network while continuing to benefit from the high Screenprint/Dow standards they have come to expect.

Walter Dow, founder and owner of Screenprint/Dow, expressed his confidence in the partnership, “After decades of building a business rooted in quality and relationships, it was essential to find the right home for the label business. Resource Label Group stood out as a company that values legacy and has the resources to elevate what we’ve built. I’m excited to see how this next chapter unfolds for our loyal label customers.”

This acquisition involves all Screenprint/Dow’s label business and does not include other product offerings. It reinforces Resource Label Group’s position as a preferred partner for business owners in the custom label industry seeking a trusted and experienced steward for their legacy.

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, industrial solutions, healthcare 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 thirty 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

Mark Andy Welcomes New Sales Leadership to Enhance Customer Experience

By: Mark Andy

Chesterfield, MO, January 8, 2025 – Mark Andy, a leading provider of label and print solutions, is pleased to announce key additions to its sales leadership team as part of the company’s commitment to enhance customer satisfaction and drive mutual growth. Mark Andy welcomes Craig Black as Senior Vice President of Domestic OEM Sales and Steve Welkley as Regional Vice President OEM Sales, both bringing decades of experience in sales, leadership, and customer-focused solutions to the organization.

Craig Black, a seasoned executive with expertise in sales strategy, account management, and team development, joins Mark Andy from Baldwin Technology Co., where he served as Vice President of Sales, Americas. Prior to that, Black was Director, National Accounts for Eaton Corporation. With a proven track record of integrating sales teams and driving customer value, he will lead Mark Andy’s efforts to deliver innovative solutions tailored to customer needs. 

Steve Welkley brings more than 20 years of experience in consultative sales and business development, most recently serving as Director of National Sales at Kyocera Document Solutions. Welkley has successfully built and led high-performing sales teams focused on aligning customer solutions with business goals. 

“Craig’s leadership and expertise will enhance our ability to meet evolving customer demands while driving growth and innovation across our product portfolio,” said Mark Andy CEO Duane Pekar, “and Steve’s extensive experience in building relationships and delivering tailored solutions will strengthen our ability to serve customers at a regional level.” 

These appointments are part of Mark Andy’s broader efforts to evolve to meet the dynamics of industry consolidation and to reinvigorate the company’s commitment to all domestic converters large and small. The company aims to provide more personalized service and a single point of contact through strategic account management and a consultative selling model that focuses on delivering tailored ROI-driven solutions. 

Pekar added, “These changes to our domestic sales organization reflect Mark Andy’s long-term commitment to our customers. By realigning our approach, we intend to better serve and help our customers grow because their growth is our growth.”

Craig BlackSenior Vice President of Domestic OEM Sales
Steve Welkley, Regional Vice President OEM Sales

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.

Roland DGA Announces North American Launch of New TY-300 Direct-To-Film Printer Advanced, Easy-to-Use DTF Printer Designed to Maximize Image Quality, Productivity, and Profitability

By: Roland

Irvine, Calif., Jan. 7, 2025 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, has announced the North American launch of the new Roland DG TY-300 – a state-of-the-art direct-to-film (DTF) printer uniquely engineered for exceptional image quality, productivity, and cost-efficiency. The TY-300 delivers vibrant, detailed transfer graphics for apparel customization at speeds up to four times faster than competitive models while minimizing running costs. 

While the DTF transfer method is a relatively new solution for creating custom apparel and textiles, it has gained tremendous popularity over a short period of time. The process involves just four simple steps. After printing on a special film, hot-melt powder is applied and thermally melted, then the film is layered on fabric and heat-pressed. One of the primary reasons the DTF method is becoming so popular is that it allows complex printed designs and even smaller text to be transferred effectively to a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, cotton polyester, denim, nylon, and rayon, as well as dark and light pigmented materials. The DTF process also allows for the creation of garments and accessories with a “soft-hand” natural feel and outstanding washability.

“The TY-300 takes DTF transfer printing to a whole new level,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s Product Manager of Digital Print. “It produces more with less, enabling users to increase production and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing quality. Plus, in addition to the TY-300 printer, we offer all the other components needed to produce stunning customized apparel and textiles, including an optional Roland DG tested and approved shaker oven as well as inks, powder, and transfer media – all made to optimize DTF output.”  

 

The TY-300 boasts newly developed printheads that allow for the precise expression of fine lines, small letters, and detailed designs, as well as highly accurate photo reproduction. The staggered layout of the two large printheads enables printing white, essential for apparel printing, with high productivity of 1,127 square feet per hour in Production mode. Output quality is further enhanced by the availability of two profiles with different white densities for optimal printing according to the color of the fabric. Users will also appreciate the TY-300’s True Rich Color 3 – a print setting that ensures both vividness and natural appearance in a single graphic. 

New S-PG2 inks, specially formulated to bring out the best in the TY-300, enable high-quality output with low ink consumption, while minimizing waste during cleaning by helping to prevent ink coagulation in the printhead (a common occurrence in DTF printing). The TY-300’s inks, as well as its transfer powder, are OEKO-TEX® ECO-PASSPORT certified, an international standard for textile products, providing assurance that they meet the world’s highest level of safety.

The TY-300 also features advancements that make maintenance easier than ever. To prevent printhead nozzle loss, the printheads are automatically cleaned according to the customer’s frequency of use. During manual cleaning, a new printhead nozzle refresher tool effectively cleans the surface of the printheads. In addition, customers can now easily replace caps, wipers, wiper cleaners, and the flushing sponge around the printheads themselves instead of having to call a service technician, reducing downtime. 

“More and more businesses involved in apparel decoration are integrating DTF technology into their existing workflows, including screen printing operations, printing bureaus, and those selling their offerings online,” noted Valade. “This rising demand has brought about the need for new and innovative solutions capable of meeting increasing customer requirements and expectations. With the TY-300, its proprietary inks, powder, and transfer material, and our optional shaker oven, we’re offering everything these businesses need to maximize productivity and quality while keeping costs to a minimum.”

For more information on the TY-300, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/TY-300. To learn more about Roland DGA Corporation, or the full Roland DGA product line, visit  https://www.rolanddga.com.

About Roland DG Americas 

Roland DGA serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, interior design, personalization, and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.