Flint Group is gearing up to make a resounding impact at Labelexpo Europe 2023 by showcasing cutting-edge solutions and addressing the pivotal trends shaping the narrow web printing and converting industry.

As the label industry evolves, Flint Group remains at the forefront of change, committed to sustainability, streamlined processes, and enhanced business practices. The business will put this into full focus at Labelexpo Europe 2023 in Brussels, Belgium, at booths 5C28 + 5C29 – September 11th through 14th.

At the heart of this year’s show, Flint Group and its digital solutions division, Xeikon, will provide an interactive showcase. The experienced team will engage in face-to-face discussions on topics that matter to today’s narrow web converters, focusing on sustainability, simplifying business operations, and reducing complexity. The team aims to show delegates what today’s printing inks and coatings can achieve. Those visiting the stand will witness first-hand the latest cutting-edge technologies, including three Xeikon digital print engines running live at the show.

Niklas Olsson, Product Manager at Flint Group, commented: “As one of the most well-attended shows of its type, Labelexpo provides the ideal opportunity for us to connect with our narrow web converter customers. We are making enormous strides in ink and coating technology that go beyond high-performing colour to support areas such as carbon output and waste reduction.

“We frequently highlight the benefits of our product’s performance, our unmatched expertise, and our commitment to the label industry. However, Labelexpo provides us with a unique opportunity to not only discuss these attributes but to tangibly showcase them through our dedicated team and informative and interactive displays.

“Moreover, we are proud to sponsor the Tarsus Label Industry Global Awards, where we’ll present the Converter of the Year award.

“We eagerly invite both new and existing customers to join us at our booth, initiating important conversations that will undeniably shape the future of the label industry.”

In addition to its presence on the Labelexpo show floor, Flint Group will participate in the Automation Arena, a full ‘lights out’ production workflow from file creation to digital printing, converting and inspection. The company will also participate in the Flex Pack Trail, a market showcase that connects the label and flexible packaging value chains.  Lastly, Flint Group will present during the Label Academy Master Class on the topic of Sustainable Labels and Packaging, Wednesday, September 13th.

The company will host a VIP happy hour networking event on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the show to further elevate its presence at the event. Converters are encouraged to seize this exclusive opportunity by visiting the stand during the day to secure their VIP pass and gain access to this exclusive event.

Join Flint Group at Labelexpo Europe 2023, where inspiration meets innovation and the future of narrow web printing comes to life.

For more information and updates, visit https://www.flintgrp.com/

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Aug. 30, 2023 – Epson today announced it will be demonstrating its leading label printing solutions at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels from Sept. 11-14 in Hall 9, Stand A50. Both of Epson’s SurePress® digital label presses – the L-6534VW and L-4733AW – will be on display in Epson’s stand, as well as Epson’s ColorWorks® on-demand color label printers. 

“Epson’s labeling solutions help businesses respond to the demands of the moment – faster turnaround times, shorter runs and lowering labor costs with automation,” said Victor Gomez, director, Epson America, Inc. “Labelexpo is an ideal venue to demonstrate Epson’s labeling solutions and allow attendees to see and experience them in person.”

For North American prospective customers not traveling to Europe for Labelexpo, Epson offers in-person demos of its label presses and printers at its Executive Briefing Center at the Epson America headquarters in Los Alamitos, Calif. Product briefings include one-on-one meetings showcasing Epson’s leading technology, design philosophy, environmental initiatives, and the profitable opportunities for businesses.

With a remarkable color gamut, SurePress digital label presses deliver accurate spot colors and gradients required for brand-quality color prime labels and packaging. The SurePress L-6543VW with Orange Ink has a 92% PANTONE® coverage certification within Delta E of 1.5.1 A vertically integrated design with Epson-manufactured components, including ink, printheads, LED pinning and curing, SurePress offers stable and predictable production. All SurePress models are PANTONE certified 

The ColorWorks label printer lineup helps businesses print cost-effective color labels on-demand for virtually any application, including product, packaging, barcode and shipping. Epson will also demonstrate an innovative, automated labeling solution using two ColorWorks label printers, a smart camera and an Epson robot. The demo will showcase a medical industry application requiring labeling of various size prescription containers. The automated process eliminates human handling, which is necessary for certain medications, and helps to mitigate any potential human labeling errors.

The following innovative product solutions will be shown at Epson’s booth: 

• SurePress L-6534VW Digital Label Press: The highly automated SurePress L-6534VW, available with Orange Ink or Digital Varnish, enables reliable and repeatable high-speed printing of up to two million feet per month.2 Incorporating PrecisionCore® printhead technology ,the SurePress L-6534VW offers high-quality ink variations and a fully automated press allows for simple press operations and inkjet nozzle maintenance to keep productivity high and TCO low. The SurePress L-6534VW will also be shown in combination with an inline GM DC330 Mini all-in-one compact label finisher. 

• SurePress L-4733AW: Building on the success of its predecessor, the L-4533AW, one of the leading selling digital inkjet label presses on the market today, the SurePress L-4733AW offers advanced automation and unattended printing features, higher productivity on film substrates and an optional inline spectrometer. Virtually automatic, requiring no manual cleaning of the printhead surface, the L-4733AW is primed for unattended printing. The L-4733AW supports a range of substrates, including off-the-shelf flexo materials, without the need to surface prime. Its inks meet the latest safety standards and regulations, such as REACH, and deliver high-quality images, making it a versatile press ideal for converters focusing on food and beverage and health and beauty labels.

• ColorWorks On-Demand Label Printers: The compact ColorWorks CW-C4000printer with comprehensive connectivity is designed for businesses with low- to mid-volume applications that require high-resolution print quality and durable product labels up to 4.4 inches in width. The ColorWorks CW-C6000A and CW-C6000Pproduce high-resolution color labels; the CW-C6000A comes standard with an auto cutter to create variable length labels and enable easy job separation and the CW-C6000P comes standard with peel-and-present functionality for fast, print-and-apply applications. The ColorWorks C7500G is a high-performance color label printer that prints up to 4.4 inches wide at blazing speeds of up to 11.8 inches/second,3 and is ideal for demanding, high-volume printing of durable, glossy labels.

For additional information about Epson’s label printing solutions, visit www.epson.com/label-printers. 

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).

(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.