(UPM Raflatac, Helsinki, 30 August 2023 at 13:00 EEST) – UPM Raflatac is extending the scope of its CarbonNeutral® certified labeling materials to cover the entire lifecycle emissions of a label. This allows its customers to offer their printed and converted labels as CarbonNeutral® product certified. The development builds on UPM Raflatac’s Life Cycle Assessment service, Label Life, which recently received a new certificate of validityfrom leading international assurance service provider, DEKRA.

UPM Raflatac’s CarbonNeutral® certified products include the linerless label range with solutions designed for all direct thermal linerless main end uses, including hospitality, e-commerce and logistics, and grocery retail. The CarbonNeutral® certified products also include pressure-sensitive labels in the lower-carbon range RAFNXT+ designed for a variety of labels used in food, logistics, and home care packaging.

Advancing in carbon neutrality showcases UPM Raflatac’s innovation and climate actions and aligns with best practices in carbon neutrality. These climate actions include measuring product-related emissions and working to reduce emissions from own operations and raw materials. In addition, UPM Raflatac compensates for currently unavoidable cradle-to-grave GHG emissions of its CarbonNeutral® certified labels. UPM Raflatac partners with Climate Impact Partners to ensure that the CarbonNeutral® product offering adheres meticulously to its publicly available framework for carbon neutrality, The CarbonNeutral Protocol.

“We are committed to our environmental targets and offer industry-shaping solutions that meet our customers’ needs and serve them now and in the future. Our CarbonNeutral® certified products enable converters and distributors to serve the value chain through high-performing products with tangible sustainability value,” says Sylwia Jurys, Vice President, Paper Laminates SBU EMEIA, UPM Raflatac.

UPM Raflatac has set an ambitious target to be the first label materials company beyond fossils. As part of UPM, the company has joined other leading companies in a promise to pursue science-based measures to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. As part of this commitment UPM has set a 2030 responsibility target to decrease its own emissions by 65% from 2015 level and this target is approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, UPM aims to reduce the emission levels of its supply chain by 30 percent from the 2018 level by 2030.

UPM Raflatac 
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 12 factories and deliver our sustainable and innovative products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,300 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 2 billion (USD 2,1 billion) in 2022. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.

Follow UPM Raflatac on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Kennesaw, Ga. August 29, 2023 – “Whatever It Takes” has been the company motto of G2 Graphic Services since its doors opened in 1969. The now full-service commercial and packaging printer, located in North Hollywood, CA, began its life when John Beard started selling film to movie production companies. As the industry started to digitize, Beard knew the company needed to evolve and decided to purchase its first press in 1999 thus marking its start as a printing company. G2, now run by son John Beard, Jr., is still committed to doing “whatever it takes” to meet his customers’ demands – no matter how quick the turnaround. Needing to increase its capacity to keep up with its uptick in business post COVID, G2 recently installed two Versafire EP digital presses from HEIDELBERG. 

While G2 still serves the movie and entertainment industries, the company’s customer base has grown over the years to include recording studios, casinos and gaming, travel and entertainment and health and cosmetic companies. Unfortunately, many of these industries were severely impacted by the effects of COVID-19, which left G2 to navigate a tumultuous few years. “We were lucky the business survived,” said John Beard, Jr., President of G2. “We’re fortunate we made it to the other side, and our sales are now back to pre-COVID levels.” Just as its business started to recover, the company began to encounter new challenges finding the right materials to meet its customers’ requests due to the paper supply shortage. “Our digital press required approved media that had to be pre-treated,” said Beard. “It was very difficult finding what we needed to serve our customers whose business was also just starting to come back.” Needing a more versatile solution, G2 decided to install a Versafire EP from HEIDELBERG, which accepts virtually any stock from 35 lb. text to 24 pt. board, including synthetics. “I like that we can pull material off our offset press if needed, cut it down, and load it directly onto our Versafire,” said Beard. 

Knowing he needed two Versafires to accommodate all of G2’s workload, Beard, although a long-time HEIDELBERG supporter, was not completely sure the Versafire could handle some of its complex, long run variable data direct mailings, which can sometimes run upwards of 60,000 sheets. HEIDELBERG, confident in the machine’s abilities, allowed G2 to try the Versafire “risk free” – meaning the company was able to put the Versafire EP on its production floor for 90 days and if not completely satisfied with the machine, HEIDELBERG would remove the Versafire and refund G2 its costs. Thrilled with the quality, reliability, and flexibility of the machine, G2 proceeded with installation of its second Versafire EP four months after installing its first. “We couldn’t be happier,” said Beard. “We can now take some of our longer variable data jobs and split them between the two machines and be assured the color and quality will match.” 

The company, no longer constrained by substrate requirements, is also able to print a variety of hybrid offset-digital print jobs between its Speedmaster CD 102 and Versafire EP. According to Beard, “We can run 150,000 four-color postcards on the press, cut them down, and run all of the backs with variable data on the Versafire. The flexibility is great.” Additionally, G2 is using the Versafire EPs to run a variety of synthetic materials for security badges for film premieres throughout the country and for menus used at the many restaurants in Universal Studios, which is located only a short distance from G2’s office.

“Our very first press was HEIDELBERG. Trying HEIDELBERG digital was just a natural evolution of our twenty-five-year relationship with them,” said Beard. After an efficient installation and training by knowledgeable trainers, G2, who also owns a POLAR cutter and Stahlfolder, has not looked back on its decision to purchase Versafire. According to Beard, “HEIDELBERG is always there to respond and provide quick solutions. It’s a true partnership.”

About G2 Graphic Service

Since 1969, G2 Graphic Service has provided the highest level of quality and service throughout Southern California. Its clients include major entertainment studios, casinos and gaming, health and cosmetics manufacturers and music companies. Committed to serving its clients, G2 will do “Whatever It Takes” to meet their needs. The company’s extensive range of services includes retouching, wide format digital and sheet-fed printing, complete finishing, warehousing and advanced new media services. G2 operates around the clock to meet the most demanding deadlines.

(UPM Raflatac, Mills River, NC, US, Aug. 29, 2023 at 11:00 EST) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials, announces their participation at PACK EXPO in Las Vegas. The company will exhibit their sustainable labeling solutions for the pharmaceutical industry.

“Pharmaceutical packaging is held to a much higher standard than in other packaging industries. Labels play an important role in helping pharmaceutical manufacturers protect, present, and identify pharmaceutical and health care products,” stated Adam Moffitt, Business Development Manager, UPM Raflatac Americas.

Show attendees will learn how UPM Raflatac helps their customers and brands make the switch to more sustainable alternatives. These include material reduction, products made with recycled content, and ones that use renewable raw materials. The company also enables brands to close the materials loop for the circular economy with solutions that enhance packaging recyclability and reuse.

”We want to help companies reduce their packaging footprint, reach their sustainability goals, and create added brand value among environmentally aware consumers,” said Moffitt.

PACK EXPO takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center between 11-13 September. You can find UPM Raflatac at booth SL-6945 in the Healthcare Packaging Pavilion.

Delta, CO, 8/28/2023 –  DIPCO, the leader in “Quick Change” ink pan liner systems,  announces the introduction of catch tray inserts for three Windmӧller & Hӧlscher press models.  The disposable tray inserts, developed to aid in decreasing press downtime, are manufactured using a highly durable, non-conductive PET film.  Designed to fit the contours of the OEM catch tray, liner construction allows for watertight corners and easy draining.  These timesaving products are now available for select Astraflex, Miraflex and Vistaflex models.

The use of tray inserts streamlines catch tray cleaning to mere seconds,  eliminating the need for increased labor,  water resources, and harsh chemicals traditional cleaning methods rely on in today’s printing operation.  Inserts also prevent ink contamination caused by improperly washed pans and drain hoses, saving money on added ink expenditures.

For more information on our new offerings , or any of our hundreds of eco-friendly time-saving pan liner & catch tray products, visit www.dipwordlwide.com or contact us at 970.874.2852.

Hobart, Wisconsin USA (August 28, 2023) – EMT International, a leading supplier of finishing equipment to the digital print, label and packaging industries is excited to announce the appointment of Mike Herold as the new Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing for EMT International/Rotocontrol. Jim Driscoll, the outgoing Executive VP of Sales & Marketing after an illustrious 29-year career with the company will transition to a new role as a Consultant/Advisor.

EMT International is highly focused on its initiatives to be a market-driven and technology-focused global industry leader and strong customer partner in the digital printing and label industries. These strategic leadership changes will strengthen our position and drive innovation and growth for the company today and in the future.

About Mike Herold: Herold is a highly accomplished industry executive with over 16 years of experience in the inkjet industry. Throughout his career at previous employers Ricoh and IBM, Mike has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, a track record of delivering strong results in partnership with customers, and a deep understanding of printing and finishing technologies for the digital print/label industries. He brings extensive knowledge and a fresh perspective to our team, making his appointment a significant asset to the company.

About Jim Driscoll: Driscoll has been an invaluable member of EMT for 29 years and has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s success. As he transitions to a Consulting/Advisory role, Jim will continue to contribute his expertise and provide strategic guidance to the executive team.

Mohit Uberoi, Owner/CEO of EMT/Rotocontrol commented, “We are thrilled to welcome someone with the caliber of Mike Herold to the leadership team. His tremendous experience, exceptional track record, and passion for innovation and customer satisfaction will be instrumental in driving the growth of our company in the digital print and label markets. I would also like to express my gratitude to Jim Driscoll for his outstanding contributions to EMT/Rotocontrol specifically, and the industry overall.

About EMT International

With over 80 years’ experience, EMT International is recognized as a world leader in engineering and manufacturing superior quality finishing equipment, accessories, and web transport solutions, serving OEM and converting customers worldwide in the paper, document processing, packaging, label, and printing industries. 

EMT has the design and development expertise to create highly customized, application-driven solutions in offset, flexo and digital inkjet technologies. Headquartered in Northeast Wisconsin and Siek, Germany (Rotocontrol), EMT’s global success was built on a reputation for innovation and world-class service.

www.emtinternational.com

www.rotocontrol.com

Mountain View Printing Relies on Quick Turnaround Times, Color Accuracy and Digital Varnish Capabilities to Expand Label Business

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Aug. 28, 2023 – Calgary-based print company Mountain View Printing has built a business on outstanding customer service. When its label printing business started to outgrow the current label printing solution, it turned to the Epson SurePress® L-6534VW UV digital label press to deliver more accurate color labels with quicker turnaround times for brands across a wide range of markets.

“We purchased our first label press in the spring of 2019 to create labels for customers in a timely fashion,” said B.J. Chandler, founder and partner, Mountain View Printing. “When the pandemic started in 2020, we had customers approaching us with requests for hand sanitizer labels, and from there, the business really grew. We started printing beer, cannabis and food labels, and the original machine we had purchased simply couldn’t keep up.”

Chandler and his partner, Gary Fairgrieve-Park, started researching leading label printing solutions on the market and decided the Epson SurePress L-6534VW was the best solution to help them grow into the future. “Between the Digital Varnish enhancement capabilities, ease-of-use, speed, and small footprint, we felt the SurePress was the best solution to fit our needs and support our ongoing growth,” said Fairgrieve-Park, owner and partner, Mountain View Printing. 

Mountain View Printing started in 1985 in a 500-square-foot warehouse with two people; today they have more than 40 employees and an 18,000-square-foot space. Serving brands across multiple industries, including pharmaceutical and manufacturing, Mountain View Printing partners with local brands to help them grow with print, which helps them run their business, market their services and package their products. “We’re currently working with a local company to print large runs of fruit labels,” said Chandler. “We print about a quarter million of these labels a month on clear material with opaque white. If we didn’t have the SurePress, that’s the type of business we wouldn’t be able to do and the type of customer we wouldn’t be able to help.”

Chandler notes the speed of SurePress has helped Mountain View expand and grow its business, and Fairgrieve-Park says they have clients with high standards of color that they have been able to serve because of SurePress. “Whether matching a color on a specific bottle that a customer has created or a specific PANTONE® color, it’s imperative that we can color match. Adding the Digital Varnish capabilities sells itself,” said Fairgrieve-Park. And while customers are still learning about the option and value of Digital Varnish, as more businesses see it, “it’s a no-brainer.” 

“Industries change, technology evolves, and the one constant is service and partnership. SurePress makes it easy to give our customers an outstanding product, and at the end of the day, that’s what makes the biggest impact – to our business and our customer’s satisfaction,” said Chandler.

“Businesses like Mountain View Printing rely on SurePress because it is a purpose-built digital press that is able to handle the multitude of customer label requirements,” said Mike Pruitt, product manager, Epson America, Inc. “SurePress helps empower our customers to elevate their label printing capabilities and stand out in a competitive marketplace, and we are delighted with the success that Mountain View Printing has seen and the future growth they expect to experience.”

The SurePress L-6534VW is available with Digital Varnish or Orange Ink. The PrecisionCore®print heads, inks, LED pinning technology and curing lamp units, media feeding, and control system are all developed, serviced and manufactured by Epson. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/surepress. For inquiries in North America, contact:

• Western Region: Mark Elsbernd, 818-620-2730 or mark.elsbernd@ea.epson.com

• Eastern Region: Bob Ochalla, 630-710-6005 or bob.ochalla@ea.epson.com

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

Demonstrations to include walking tour of Asahi Stand 5a34 with Dr. Kai Lankinen, owner of Dr. Lankinen Graphic Innovations and a recognized industry thought leader on the benefits of ECG printing

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium, August 28, 2023. Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today reported that it is supporting the upcoming Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) tour to be conducted by Dr. Kai Lankinen, a renowned ECG expert, during the Labelexpo Europe show. Labelexpo Europe is scheduled for 11 to 14 September in Brussels. Asahi Photoproducts will be located on Stand 5a34 and demonstrating a variety of ways that the future of sustainable label and flexible packaging production is available today, including the value of implementing Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) printing and how the company can work with flexo operations to help them along their road to Solvent ZERO. 

In our continuing series about people in the industry Nick Coombes speaks with Thomas Eskildsen, who is Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Quality Manager at Vetaphone A/S in Denmark and finds out what it’s like behind the scenes of a technology leader.

Tell us about your background?

I was born here in Kolding and grew up just outside the city.  As a teenager I intended to go on and study biology but through my parents and their friends and colleagues I’d always had a connection with the metal working industry – and to this day the distinct smell of machining metal and welding has a deep-down appeal and brings back happy memories.

But you didn’t pursue your biology studies
No – after high school I served in the army for a year and took a liking to mechanical assemblies.  Before starting my studies, I worked at a metal working factory for a year to save up some money, and one year later I ended up starting as an apprentice instead of moving away to attend university as originally planned.

How did your early career pan out?

After my apprenticeship in CNC machining, I had a mix of jobs like training apprentices and new colleagues, and programming.  The company I was working for had started a ‘LEAN’ project and I got involved in different aspects of that process.  At the same time, I started attending evening classes for management and project management.  My days ended up being mostly about LEAN work.

How did that progress?

I helped set up a new production line, and when that was done, I was offered a similar task at a different company and ended up working within the composite industry for just under a year.  After that, I took on the challenge of implementing an ISO 9001 quality system at a metal working factory.  I was in charge of the project and was responsible for the quality system once it has been approved.

How did you come to join Vetaphone?

I was living about 10 minutes on foot away from Vetaphone, and my workplace was a 1-hour drive away, so when I saw there was an opening for a Production Manager at the company, I applied.
I have a friend who worked for Vetaphone at that time, so I had some insight into the company and its culture, which resulted in me having coffee with Frank (Eisby CEO) one evening after work. 

During the interview process the job changed character and ended up being a position as Quality Manager. 

When did you start and what was it like?

On the 1st of May 2017, just in time to be part of moving the whole administration into our showroom.  This involved rearranging production while we renovated the entire factory building and trying hard not to be a disruptive influence – or at least as little as possible.  I must say that the approach that all my new colleagues took to the turmoil cemented my impression that Vetaphone has a very special ‘can do’ culture.   

What do you like about working for the company?

Mostly, I like the Informal and flat management structure we have here.  We can communicate effectively across functions and departments, and there are good opportunities for taking on a diverse array of tasks.  In my six years here, we have been growing continually and my responsibilities have changed accordingly.  The ongoing development of our organisation and products means there is never a dull moment.  We are very agile, and decisions are made not only by the Directors but to a large degree by the Management Team, with valuable input from our solid base of experienced and dedicated work colleagues.   

What is your job function now, and what are the challenges?

I’m the COO and Quality Manager responsible for production and the performance of the Quality system.  I have a great team around me, and we are constantly pushing to develop the organisation and increase our output.  Over the last couple of years, we have battled the same global supply crisis/issues as everyone else in our line of business, and we still experience problems from time to time today.  We have increased our stock of standard items and placed orders on a long horizon with our suppliers.  The biggest challenges we face now are having sufficient production capacity, and the long lead times on non-standard components.

How do you assess the current state of the market?

Sourcing-wise, it’s much better than last year.  With regard to orders, different regions react in their own way to local or global trends, but we are seeing a steady influx of new orders.  What is really encouraging is the increase in demand for wide web systems coming through the pipeline, especially systems with high complexity that end up in our special project portfolio.

Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the future?

First of all, I intend to finish my Diploma of Leadership over the coming winter.  Both the company and the industry are very different now to when I started in 2017, and I’m looking forward to seeing the next stages of our development.  We have ambitious goals for growth, a great team and a solid foundation both financially and culturally, so I think the future of Vetaphone will be very interesting to be part of.

And on the personal side?  

Well, I’m still living in Kolding, close by the company, with my wife Elisa and three children, Linus 6, Ines 10, and Tobias 13.  As a family we enjoy climbing, we are all active in the local Scout group and enjoy spending time in nature whenever possible.  When I have any spare time as a Dad of three youngsters, I like to go hunting and fishing!

New specially engineered products are designed for performance and sustainability

STOW, Ohio – Aug. 25, 2023 – Mactac® is expanding its prime label film portfolio, adding specially engineered products that are designed to meet customer requirements for performance and appearance.

The new polypropylene film solutions are available in 2.4 mil white (PJL3892-2) and 2.0 mil clear (PF3892-2) constructions. They feature MP238 — a new optically clear (no label look) permanent acrylic adhesive for labeling applications in beverage, food packaging, personal care and household goods markets.  

The standout feature of MP238 is its remarkable resistance to water whitening, coupled with good open time, wet-stick, and wet-out properties.

“The smoothness of the film liner ensures that the adhesive is smooth prior to application so finished labels have optimum clarity and on-pack appearance,” says Kim Hensley, Senior Marketing Manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “MP238 takes customer labeling capabilities to new levels and is a great adhesive for prime labels.”

Other features of the new prime label products include a robust topcoat that offers bold imagery and excellent printability, and a stiff, smooth film liner. The extra strong 1.2 mil PET liner is excellent for high-speed converting, including die-cutting, stripping and label dispensing.

The new products are compatible with UV screen, UV flexographic, water flexographic, cold foil and UV inkjet print methods. Mactac plans to introduce additional prime film product options later this year, including a 1.6 mil polypropylene facestock and a 0.92-gauge PET liner.

For more information on Mactac Simply Sustainable Roll Label products, call 800-255-9733, email mactac.americas@mactac.com or visit www.mactac.com/rolllabel or www.mactac.com/sustainability.