By: Mondi

• Mondi and Proquimia have collaborated to create paper-based stand-up pouches for dishwasher tabs, replacing the previous plastic solution.

• Made with Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5, the new solution has significantly lower CO₂ emissions than the previous plastic-based solution.

• Mondi’s re/cycle StandUpPouch has been successfully launched in retail across Spain and Portugal, being designed to meet the local recyclability requirements.

12 February 2025 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has collaborated with Proquimia to launch paper-based stand-up pouches for dishwashing tabs in Spain and Portugal. Mondi’s internal product impact assessment indicates that the new solution has significantly lower CO2 emissions from cradle to gate compared with the previous plastic solution[1].

The flexible stand-up pouches contain 20 water soluble dishwashing tabs. Created using Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5, the new solution is a paper-based alternative to replace the previously used plastic solution.

The pack can be easily opened and closed using a zipper across the top and each pouch holds the tabs securely, while easily standing upright and providing excellent printing properties – meaning the final result is an attractive packaging that communicates the brand and product information well on shelf.

As part of Mondi’s re/cycle portfolio, the paper-based pouches are designed to meet the recyclability requirements for Spain and Portugal. The entire packaging solution, including the zipper, contains more than 85% paper share, meaning the packaging can be conveniently disposed of by the end consumer in the paper recycling streams across both countries.

The paper-based re/cycle StandUpPouch is manufactured in-house at Mondi: first the kraft paper is made from responsibly sourced fibres, then it’s coated to provide the barrier properties needed to protect the tabs inside, and finally it’s printed, slit and converted to the final pouch, ready for filling and sealing.

Mondi and Proquimia collaborated closely to develop this innovative solution, helping both companies continue to move towards their own sustainability goals. As Alessandro D’Agostino, Business Development Manager for Home & Personal Care at Mondi says: “Consumers across Europe are switching to household brands that have adopted a more sustainable packaging solution. By closely collaborating with our customers, we aim to balance resource efficiency with the lowest possible environmental impact, meeting the demands of our customers and their end-consumers alike. In line with our MAP2030 commitments, Mondi is actively working towards creating packaging solutions that keep valuable raw materials in circulation.”

Cristina Arola Vilella, Packaging Manager at Proquimia, says: “The long-term aim is to introduce recyclable packaging throughout our entire portfolio and Mondi is the ideal partner to help us do this, while maintaining the high standards of quality that our customers and end users expect. This collaboration strengthens Proquimia’s commitment to sustainability, a value we have upheld since our beginning: we’re really looking forward to developing our working relationship with Mondi.”

By: Roland DG Americas

Irvine, Calif., Feb. 11, 2025 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters, 3D milling machines, dental mills, and other advanced digital technologies, has appointed Dan Burmeister as its new president. Burmeister, a print industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience, replaces Amado Lara, who will remain with Roland DGA to serve in the newly created role of Vice President of Latin American Sales and Business Development.

Burmeister has held senior sales, marketing, and operations executive positions with several well-known companies within the commercial and wide-format print sectors, including Canon, Eastman Kodak, Océ, Encad, and Xerox. Before joining Roland DGA, he served for seven years as Canon USA’s Senior Director of Sales – West Region. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of Western Sales/Channel Segment Leader for Eastman Kodak’s commercial B2B division, where he was responsible for growing the company’s business of plates, consumables, inkjet, workflow, newspaper, packaging, and digital print. While with Encad, Burmeister was based in the Netherlands, where he served as the company’s Executive Director for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

“Dan brings with him a wealth of print industry experience as well as the team-leading abilities needed to build upon Roland DGA’s incredible success as the North and South American marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm of our parent company, Roland DG Corporation,” said Roland DGA’s CEO Andrew Oransky. “He joins Roland DGA at a key point in the growth of our company’s sign and graphics business as well as its expansion into new and exciting markets. We have full confidence in Dan’s ability to work effectively with our existing staff, our dealer channel, and our partners to take Roland DGA to an even higher level.”

Burmeister is excited about joining Roland DGA and helping the company achieve its objectives. “Roland DG has a phenomenal brand name and a long history of innovation,” he said. “They have recently expanded their offerings to allow entirely new groups of customers the chance to experience and benefit from Roland DG technology. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead the talented team at Roland DGA, where my efforts will be centered on maximizing stakeholder value, from our employees to our partners and customers, as we expand our focus and the markets we serve.”

To learn more about Roland DG Americas, or the complete 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.

By: INX International Ink Co.

Schaumburg, IL – February 11, 2025 – INX International Ink Co. has earned its first company-wide honor from EcoVadis, the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. The organization issued INX a 2025 rated Bronze medal, which is directly related to the overall sustainability performance at all of its facilities in Europe and the Americas.

In 2022, subsidiary INX International UK was recognized by EcoVadis with a Silver medal for sustainability. Both honors were determined by an EcoVadis program scorecard that evaluates how well a company has integrated sustainability principles into their business. Since creating a global network database, EcoVadis has accessed the sustainability of over 100,000 rated companies in more than 175 countries representing 200 industry categories.

For more than two decades INX and parent company, Sakata INX, have exhibited a dedicated commitment to sustainability and a circular economy through new product development efforts, capital investment programs, and social responsibility. INX introduced a Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future model in 2020 and prepares a Corporate Sustainability report on an annual basis.

“The EcoVadis program is based on existing environmental, social, and governance policies, quantifiable performance data, and auditing documentations. It focuses on four main themes: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement,” said Peter Paul Obijaju, INX Director of ESG. With 19 years of environmental management and sustainability experience, he joined INX in 2024.

“The impact of an EcoVadis medal is significant in several ways. It signals credible, third party validation of INX’s commitment to sustainability and speaks volumes about our reputation,” explained Obijaju.

“The assessment process required documentation and performance data, so the transparency and accountability visibly reinforces our continuous improvement and public accountability methods. EcoVadis also aligns with global standards, supporting INX’s intentions are serious in terms of meeting international sustainability benchmarks.”

About INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks and coatings in North America, with full-service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of SAKATA INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging, and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services. Stay updated on the latest developments and follow INX on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X, or visit the website.

By: Siegwerk

The newly introduced NC-free inks not only complement Siegwerk’s proven portfolio of NC-free solutions for lamination applications, but also make the company the first to offer NC-free surface printing solutions for enhanced recyclability in flexible plastic packaging.

Siegburg, Germany, February, 11, 2025. – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, has introduced the first nitrocellulose (NC) free ink series specifically designed for surface printing on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) packaging solutions. The new offering includes NC-free surface solutions for both flexo and gravure printing and has been developed to meet the latest packaging design guidelines, for example from RecyClass and CEFLEX, set to actively drive packaging design in the sense of a circular economy. With the launch of the first available solutions of their kind, Siegwerk once again underlines its innovation strength and technological expertise when it comes to developing pioneering solutions to support packaging circularity.

“We have already been offering NC-free inks for lamination for a long time.” says Björn Ewig, Head of Technology Flexible Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. Together with the company’s newest generation of NC-free solutions for lamination, these new surface ink systems will be part of the company’s recently introduced NC-free toolbox for flexible packaging, initially available to customers in the EMEA region. “With our new NC-free toolbox we now enable printers and converters to better meet the demand for NC-free flexible packaging, ensuring excellent recyclate quality that meets the latest Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines without compromising on print or packaging performance” adds Ewig.

With their excellent printability, high heat resistance, quick drying capabilities, and excellent adhesion to various surfaces, inks based on nitrocellulose have long been a commonly used solvent ink type in flexo and gravure printing. However, NC-based inks also happen to be a major concern in recycling. Due to the limited thermal stability of nitrocellulose, they can lead to an unpleasant odor, discoloration, and a lower mechanical strength of the recyclate, which can hinder the material recycling process. That’s why more and more stakeholders along the value chain have already adapted their regulations to further restrict NC content in packaging. “With our latest solutions, we have now developed NC-free ink alternatives specifically for surface printing that offer the same technical and mechanical performances as comparable NC-based inks, but with the added benefit of being recyclable,” says Ewig. All the solutions are fully compliant with current recycling guidelines and are available as either ready-to-use ink or masterbatch systems.

For all its NC-free solutions, Siegwerk relies on a set of proprietary, self-developed polyurethane binders as a replacement for nitrocellulose, which has already proven itself in terms of excellent printability and high heat and mechanical resistance. Industrial applications of the new flexo and gravure surface inks have already shown good sealing resistance and high rub resistance, confirming suitability for surface printing without the use of an additional OPV. “It’s this innovative power that brings pioneering inks and coatings to life, always with the goal to support our customers in realizing sustainable and efficient packaging solutions that comply with existing and upcoming regulatory requirements,” adds Ewig. As the first of their kind, Siegwerk’s new NC-free surface ink systems perfectly complement the company’s portfolio of inks and coatings with a sustainable yet economical alternative for the realization of NC-free recyclable packaging solutions. With this, the company is once again expanding its offering by further developing breakthrough solutions that actively support sustainable packaging designs, and thereby contribute to the company’s goal to drive a circular packaging industry.

About Siegwerk

Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs – from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a seventh-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com

By: Resource Label Group

Franklin, TN – February 10, 2025 – Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a leading full-service provider of label and packaging solutions, is delighted to announce the acquisition of Imprimerie Ste-Julie, located in Sainte-Julie, Quebec.

Owned and operated by Caroline Fournier and Marilène Fournier, Imprimerie Ste-Julie (ISJ) has cultivated a strong reputation across Quebec, serving businesses that seek customized, creative and sustainable label solutions to enhance their products. ISJ is a trusted partner to customers in the food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, natural products and cosmetics markets, and meet their strict delivery, quality, and sustainability goals.

“Joining the Resource Label Group family is an exciting new chapter for Imprimerie Ste-Julie,” stated Co-President Caroline Fournier. “For nearly 50 years, we have been committed to delivering exceptional quality and service to our customers. RLG will allow us to expand our capabilities, introduce new innovations, and continue offering the personalized experience our clients expect. We are thrilled to join a network that shares our dedication to excellence and growth.”

“With Resource Label Group, we gain access to cutting-edge technology, expanded resources, and a collaborative network of industry leaders,” added Co-President Marilène Fournier. “This partnership strengthens our ability to provide high-quality, customized label solutions while maintaining the values that have defined us for decades. We are excited for this next phase in our journey.”

Mike Apperson, CEO of Resource Label Group, added, “The Fournier family has grown this business into a leader in the Quebec market – one that aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence and innovation. This acquisition allows us to better serve customers in Quebec, and we are excited to grow with the Imprimerie Ste-Julie team.”

Imprimerie Ste-Julie represents the 34th acquisition for Resource Label Group.

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, folding carton, 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 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

By: OQ

Three Companies to Begin Operations in 2025, Showcasing $42 Million Investment to Boost Oman’s Presence as a Regional Leader in Plastics Manufacturing.

OQ is proud to announce a significant milestone in the development of Ladayn Polymer Park, as three pioneering companies transition from the construction phase to production in early 2025. Representing a combined investment of $42 million, these companies include one Omani and two international leaders, highlighting Ladayn Polymer Park’s global appeal and Oman’s growing role as a hub for industrial innovation and sustainability.

Since its inception, Ladayn Polymer Park has achieved extraordinary milestones, securing 16 agreements valued at almost $155 million. These agreements span diverse applications in packaging, construction, and advanced polymer solutions, reflecting the park’s strategic importance in reducing Oman’s reliance on imports and bolstering local manufacturing capabilities.

“This milestone demonstrates the transformative potential of Ladayn Polymer Park in fostering local manufacturing, creating jobs, and driving Oman’s economic growth. By enabling the production of finished plastic products locally, we are not only reducing our reliance on imports but also positioning Oman as a regional hub for innovation and sustainability in the polymer industry,” said Sadiq Hassan Al-Lawati, Managing Director of OQ Marketing.

Local and Global Collaborators Leading the Way

Set to begin production in Q1 of 2025, Madayn Plastic Company (MAPCO), an Omani pioneer, invested $8 million to become the first company in the nation to produce Form Fill Seal (FFS) bags. MAPCO is projected to create 20 direct jobs, significantly strengthening Oman’s self-sufficiency in the plastics sector. The company’s operations mark a major step toward building a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem.

Adding international expertise is M.A.K Sohar, a German company renowned for their expertise in developing high-performance chemical solutions in the areas of automotive, construction, agriculture, and healthcare. Leveraging cutting-edge machinery and collaborating with local contractors, M.A.K. Sohar has committed $11 million to a state-of-the-art facility in the Sohar Free Zone. It will start production in Q2 2025 focusing on TPE and engineering compounds designed to meet the evolving needs of polymer manufacturers.

Also preparing for production in Q2 is Multibond Metal LLC, a Chinese-Indian joint venture. It made a landmark $23 million investment to Ladayn Polymer Park to focus on advanced polymer solutions for heat resistance and surface protection. The project will create 30 direct jobs, establishing Oman as a regional leader in cutting-edge polymer applications.

“Our partnerships with investors like MAPCO, M.A.K Sohar, and Multibond Metal LLC highlight the strategic importance of Ladayn Polymer Park in the region. Through initiatives like these, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that supports value-added manufacturing, addresses global challenges, and enhances Oman’s industrial capabilities,” said Mundhar Al Rawahi, Ladayn Park Program Leader.

Strategic Location and Future Potential

To drive growth and enhance operational efficiency, the companies have established supply contracts with OQ, ensuring consistent access to high-quality raw materials at competitive prices. The easy access to raw materials, along with the strategic geographical advantage to markets through Sohar Port and the economic incentives of Sohar Freezone, have made Ladayn Polymer Park the ideal location for companies looking to expand in the region.

“We are strategically positioned with access to emerging markets in West Asia and Africa. In addition, the park’s bespoke incentives, advanced infrastructure, and dependable raw material supply from OQ create a thriving environment for businesses to succeed,” adds Sadiq Al-Lawati. “We look forward to welcoming more investors and partners to the park in 2025.”

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.

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

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.