New toners with up to 60% recycled materials will be introduced at Labelexpo Europe

 Lier, Belgium, August 10, 2023 – Xeikon will present the third generation of its market-leading CHEETAH printing technology (CHEETAH 3.0) at Labelexpo Europe this coming September. While Xeikon dry toner technology is already the most food-safe solution on the market, new legislation and brand owner expectations are further advancing demands for more sustainable solutions. In response, Xeikon has developed revolutionary new toners without abandoning the strong values of its existing technology, introducing a higher level of sustainability as a direct response to what is undoubtedly the biggest concern for brand owners and end consumers in today’s market. The development of new ECO toners is also a key component of Xeikon’s sustainability goals, which aim to reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 40% in the coming years.

The breakthrough advancements achieved with the introduction of new Xeikon ECO toners align themselves along two main axes: sustainability and food safety.

Sustainability – with up to 60% sustainable components chemically derived from high-grade transparent recycled PET bottles and other reclaimed carbon materials, converters will see a number of immediate benefits from transitioning to ECO toners:

• The carbon footprint of Xeikon print technology is reduced by more than 10% which also contributes to converters’ own sustainability goals.

• Encourages the use of recycled materials by avoiding (higher) taxation on packaging made from oil-based virgin plastic.

• ECO toners, like other Xeikon toners, are produced using 100% green electricity, minimizing CO2 emissions.

• ECO toners are de-inkable from both paper (Ingede reference) and foil (CADEL reference).

• No volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the environment during the production of toner nor during the actual printing process.

Food safety – by carefully selecting the raw materials and re-engineering the chemical content, ECO toners are completely free from fluorine (both inorganic and PFAS) and 100% vegan, in addition to the established advantages of the previous generation of toners, which are free from BPA, mineral oil, and photo initiators. This means that ECO toners are suitable for application with indirect food contact with only a paper barrier, and for FDA direct food contact with dry food. Additionally, ECO toners comply with the European Toy Safety Directive, the Nestlé Guidance Note on Packaging Inks, and the Swiss and German Printing Ink Ordinances.

All these characteristics are crucial for complying with existing and future regulations and for protecting the environment. Furthermore, they address consumers’ growing concerns about well-being, health, and animal welfare, making them a futureproof solution for today’s investment in environmentally conscious packaging production.

“Xeikon toners, which already enable exceptional print quality and high reliability, have now been extended with a broader food-safety application range. With their eco-friendly composition, ECO toners make a meaningful contribution to Xeikon’s unwavering commitment to deliver relevant solutions to the label market addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges,” comments Filip Weymans, Xeikon Vice President of Marketing. “When making an investment in printing equipment converters seek assurance that their investment

is not only suited to their current needs but also fit to address upcoming demands; an aspect that Xeikon will further enable by also making ECO toner available for existing customers operating Xeikon CX300 and CX500 presses in the coming year.” 

He further remarks, “We are also proud to say that Xeikon ECO toners will not compel converters to increase their prices, unlike comparable sustainable solutions. In fact, converters will have the opportunity to upgrade their production to a much higher level of sustainability without increasing their TCOP (total cost of print). This effectively translates to a cost reduction in real terms and supports them in facing the current severe price pressures.”   

To provide further evidence of its green credentials, Xeikon has also launched a Sustainability Scorecard for every digital press in the portfolio. The new scorecard provides a fact-based tool for printers to demonstrate the direct environmental impact of their Xeikon machine, expressed as grams of CO2 per square meter, rated in three categories (energy, waste, and ink/toner mass) on a scale from A to G. It goes into a high level of detail to also include substance indicators, legislative compliance, and all outputs for a full sustainability review. The scorecard is not designed uniquely for Xeikon equipment but can be used by other vendors as well. More info on the Sustainability Scorecard can be found at https://xeikon.com/en/lps/sustainability-scorecard.

 

CHEETAH 3.0: more than just a toner

While ECO toner is the cornerstone of CHEETAH 3.0, a range of next-generation innovations continue the momentum of Xeikon’s CHEETAH series digital presses to mark another significant step towards fully sustainable production of labels and packaging. In addition to new ECO toners and the sustainability scorecard, they include:

• metallic toners enabling and supporting creativity for label converters and designers to tap into higher valued applications such as wine & spirits, cosmetics, or gourmet food,

• a digital frontend with a more intuitive user interface making it easier for operators to run the press, freeing up time for other tasks,

• an optional Quality Monitoring Module (QMM) that reduces waste related to press performance monitoring and correction significantly (this is achieved with an advanced automatic registration system and a new inline spectrometer that monitor and adjust (a) density, (b) tone curve, and (c) creating, monitoring and adjusting the color profile when used in combination with Xeikon color services, making performance more reliable and resulting in a reduced TCOP, and allowing the use of lower grade substrates which before could have led to inconsistent performance caused by incorrect data capturing), and

• cloud-connected, advanced machine-machine interface and man-machine interface allowing for the highest level of automation when requested by the converter.

CHEETAH 3.0 will increase OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) in all three key aspects: availability, performance, and quality.

Xeikon CHEETAH 3.0 will be launched at Labelexpo Europe 2023, where visitors will be able to see the new ECO toners in action printing live. Full commercial availability is scheduled for early 2024, when current Xeikon CX300 and Xeikon CX500 users will be able to upgrade their presses.

“CHEETAH 3.0 addresses every detail of the Xeikon digital toner presses, from performance, availability, and quality to sustainability and reliability, so we can offer maximum value to our customers and help them protect their investment,” comments Frank Jacobs, Market Intel & Senior Product Manager. “These new developments have been made with a clear focus on the needs of Xeikon users who are active in labels and packaging, which are incredibly demanding markets with a multitude of factors affecting profitability.”

In addition to the presentations on booth C29 in Hall 5, Xeikon can also be found at the Automation Arena in Hall 11 and as part of the new Sustainability Trail and the Flex Pack Trail, further highlighting the multitude of benefits delivered by the company’s new innovations.

ABOUT XEIKON

Xeikon, a division of Flint Group, is a long-standing leader and innovator in digital printing technology. Grounded in the principles of quality, flexibility and sustainability, Xeikon designs, develops and delivers digital colour presses for label and packaging applications as well as graphic arts and commercial printing. These printing machines work with different imaging technologies, open workflow software and application-specific consumables. 

Xeikon is Flint Group’s “Digital Printing Solutions” division for the leading global print consumables and solution provider to the packaging and print media industries. Flint Group develops and manufactures an extensive portfolio of consumables for the printing industry. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press room chemicals, and pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 5500 people. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves.

 

For more information about Xeikon, visit www.xeikon.com and for Flint Group, visit www.flintgrp.com or contact:

Xeikon

Corporate Communications Manager

Danny Mertens

Duwijckstraat 17 – 2500 Lier, Belgium

T: +32 (0) 3 443 13 11 – M: +32 (0) 494 50 00 57

Danny.Mertens@xeikon.com – www.xeikon.com

PR Agency for Xeikon

duomedia

Dorien Cooreman

Barastraat 175 – 1070 Brussels, Belgium

T: +32 (0)2 560 21 50 – M: +32 (0)478 98 60 58

Dorien.C@duomedia.com – www.duomedia.com

Award represents the value of partner collaboration along the value chain

A de-inkable, recyclable* mono-material PE-pouch with barrier properties produced through a unique value chain collaboration between Siegwerk, ExxonMobil, Henkel, Kraus Folie, and Windmöller & Hölscher has won the German Packaging Award in the Sustainability category for “Recyclability/design for Recycling”.

A combination of innovative solutions allows for pouches that provide a high oxygen barrier, outstanding package integrity and excellent shelf-appeal, and produces an almost colorless recyclate after the removal of printing ink and the oxygen-barrier coating layer.

The German Packaging Award is open to international participants and is adjudicated by an independent panel of experts. Recipients are awarded based on the best innovations and solutions in ten separate categories..

The pouch represents a breakthrough industry innovation. Siegwerk´s deinking and delamination primer technology was applied on a Windmöller & Hölscher Miraflex II, a flexo printing press with a downstream unit. Excellent oxygen barrier properties were achieved using single component barrier coatings from Siegwerk (“Cirkit OxyBar BC 1582”) and from Henkel (“Loctite Liofol BC 1582 RE”).

The pouch is comprised of ExxonMobil’s latest generation of performance polyethylene (such as ExceedTM S and ExceedTM XP), in combination with ExactTM-materials in the sealant layer. The MDO-PE films were developed by ExxonMobil and Kraus Folie, employing ExxonMobil HDPE and EnableTM performance polyethylene, and produced on their Varex II extrusion line with an inline MDO unit.

The award ceremony will take place on 13 September 2023 in Berlin. More information about the competition is available on the following website: https://www.verpackung.org/en/events/deutscher-verpackungspreis

*The terms ”recyclable” and “recyclability” as used throughout this press release are intended to refer to the potential for recyclability of full PE solutions designed and manufactured in accordance with recycling guidelines such as PRE RecyClass. Ultimate recyclability of full PE packaging will depend on a number of factors outside of the partners´ (W&H / ExxonMobil / Henkel / Siegwerk / Kraus) control including, but not limited to, availability of programs and facilities that collect and recycle plastic packaging within a given community.  Any and all claims about the recyclability of full PE-packaging are the sole responsibility of the packaging manufacturer.

 

Partner websites:

https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/
https://www.henkel.com/
https://www.wh.group/
https://krausfolie.pl/en/

New Print Web Films Cater to Converters Exploring New Markets and Formats

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, August 1, 2023 – Nobelus, an unsupported film and thermal laminate supplier that offers premium products to the packaging industry, is now launching a dedicated line of print web films designed specifically for flexible packaging applications. These unsupported films have no adhesive layer, making them compatible with solventless and solvent-based adhesives applied on a flexographic press or wet laminating system. 

Roy Langlois, Product Manager for films at Nobelus, states, “We are excited to continue our flexible packaging journey by offering six new products as print webs and out surfaces. This new portfolio will allow Nobelus to service more converters in the flexible packaging space using the materials and knowledge we have gained over the last few years.” 

PlatinumOPP™ 100 ga Gloss/Matte Films are essential BOPP films designed to protect ink and enhance designs; PlatinumOPP Heat-Sealable Gloss/Matte Films bring the same high-quality finishes to packaging formats that make use of a lap seal, enabling converters to expand their product offerings. The line also includes two PET films: an essential PlatinumPET™ Gloss Film and a premium Karess® PET Film, which pairs the durability of PET with the luxurious soft-touch Karess finish for memorable, tactile stand-up pouches. 

All standard-size films in the Flexible Packaging Film Portfolio are available with no minimum order quantity with the goal of helping smaller digital converters explore new markets and packaging formats. Nobelus has taken an educational approach to the launch, emphasizing technical training and targeted guidance from in-house solutions experts in an industry where converters have traditionally been offered few resources.

“The launch of Nobelus film products designed specifically for the flexible packaging market underscores our continued commitment to expanding into new vertical markets with high growth potential,” states Angie Mohni, VP of Marketing at Nobelus. “Producers of short-run digital flexible packaging will enjoy our fast order turnaround and low minimum order quantities, which will enable them to serve their customers efficiently and cost effectively.”

Nobelus distributes a variety of specialty laminates and films along with the highest quality laminating systems in the industry. We serve a wide range of clients across the print, publishing, photo, packaging, and prime label markets by providing industry-leading service and support. Nobelus solutions are driven by continuous innovation, ingenuity, and a desire to see our customers succeed. In every endeavor, we are committed to enhancing people, partners, and the world’s brands. More information is available at nobelus.com.

Christopher Voght Named Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan® Division

North Kingstown, Rhode Island (August 8, 2023)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is pleased to announce that Christopher Roy has been appointed CEO and will continue as President and COO. Roy has been with Toray Plastics (America) for more than 25 years and will assume full P&L responsibility for the company. He replaces Ken Kurokawa, who has been on assignment at Toray in Rhode Island since 2018 and has returned to Japan for a new position as Senior Director and General Manager of the Shiga Plant. Toray also announces that Christopher Voght has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan® Division. Voght most recently served as General Manager of that division. The changes were effective July 1.

Roy has been President and COO of Toray Plastics (America), Inc., since 2022. He has managed the company’s three operating divisions—Torayfan and Lumirror® films and PEF foams. He also oversaw Toray’s finance, human resources, environmental health and safety, IS, purchasing, engineering and maintenance, R&D, and marketing support functions. Before that appointment, he was Executive Vice President of the Torayfan and Lumirror divisions. He has also been the Torayfan Division’s Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Senior Director of Sales and Marketing. He launched his career at Toray in 1998 as a Director of Sales.

In his new position as Vice President and General Manager of the Torayfan Division, Voght has full P&L responsibility for the division. He joined Toray in 1999 as a Process Engineer and has held several positions with increasing responsibilities in the division, including an assignment at Toray Films Europe in Saint-Maurice-de-Beynost, France, where he supported the startup of its OPP business. Voght was promoted to General Manager of the division in 2020.

“First, I want to thank Ken Kurokawa. He has had a long, successful career with Toray that spans over thirty-eight years and has been an integral part of Toray Plastics (America)’s success during his tenure there,” says Kei Shimaji, former Chief Representative for Americas, Toray Industries, Inc., and President, Toray Industries (America), Inc. “He will be missed at Toray’s Rhode Island headquarters, and we wish him continued success in his new role in Japan.” 

“Christopher Roy will make an excellent CEO,” adds Shimaji. “He is a great visionary with the knowledge and skill to take the company to the next level. He possesses tremendous knowledge of the company and its markets, has a highly analytical mind, seeks and uses data wisely to make decisions, and is an outstanding communicator. The company is in excellent hands, and I’m confident it will thrive under his leadership.”

Roy, who has worked with Christopher Voght for many years, says, “It has been very gratifying to witness Chris’s growth from a technical position to a valued member of the senior operating team. He’s an independent, analytical thinker with a high degree of integrity. He has built strong relationships in the Torayfan Division and throughout the company, within the global Toray organization, and externally with our customers. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity as a vice president and to the contributions he will make as he becomes more involved in the corporate planning process.”

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metallized films and polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance. It aims to contribute to society by creating new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D is focused on developing fossil fuel-free, compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes operating two solar farms and two cogeneration systems, energy and water conservation, recycling, and zero landfill.

Toray Plastics (America) is a subsidiary of the Toray Group, which believes that materials change lives and provide real solutions to world challenges. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films and has annual sales exceeding US$18.4 billion. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact James Ota, Torayfan Product Manager, at james.ota.e7@mail.toray or 401-594-5837. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., headquarters is 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-3410. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. website at www.toraytpa.com.

(UPM, Helsinki, 4 August 2023 at 10:00 EEST) – EcoVadis has recognised UPM with a platinum score based on the company’s sustainability performance in the following four categories: Environment, Labour and human rights, Ethics and Sustainable procurement. Only one per cent of the 100,000 global companies assessed received platinum. UPM’s score 87/100 was one of the highest in the Manufacture of Pulp, Paper and Paperboard industry.

“Compared to last year, our carbon score improved most,” says Sami Lundgren, Vice President, Responsibility, UPM. “We are extremely proud that our climate change related management and strong decarbonisation ambition with approved Science Based Targets were recognised with the highest possible Leader status. UPM’s top rating recognises the work we have done to promote sustainability in the whole value chain and embraces our work towards the future beyond fossils.”

EcoVadis assesses the performance of globally operating companies in more than 200 purchasing categories and in more than 175 countries. The rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of the companies’ sustainability operations, including verified, public information about supply chain practices. Read more about EcoVadis www.ecovadis.com.

For further information, please contact:
Sami Lundgren, Vice President, UPM Responsibility, tel. +358 40 580 0910
For further information please contact:

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EEST
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 17,200 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 11.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com

Follow UPM on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | #UPM #biofore #beyondfossils

Kennesaw, Ga. August 3, 2023 – Impact Printing, a wholesale printer located in Hayward, CA, recently installed a new Versafire EP with Prinect Digital Front End (DFE) from HEIDELBERG. The new Versafire produces a variety of projects for print brokers and other print facilities including short run booklets and brochures and variable data mailings. For Impact, the Versafire offers better uptime over its previous digital press and an extended banner feeder size of 27.5”, which allows the company to expand the digital offerings for its customers.

“We remind our team that there is a printer on every corner,” said Eric Elder, Production Manager at Impact Printing. “We want to provide a higher level of service and commitment for our customers than our competitors down the road.” The Bay Area printer, who was previously equipped with a digital press of competitive technology, was pleased with its machine’s capabilities but frustrated with its reliability and maintenance costs. “It was affecting our production,” said Elder, “and our ability to meet the expectations our customers have for us, which include 1-2 day turnarounds on digital products.” Deciding to make a change, Impact selected the Versafire EP due to its ability to print with a matte finish and its versatile substrate range up to 24 pt. board. According to Elder, “After seeing the Versafire in action at another location, we were confident in its print quality and our ability to change presses without disrupting our customers.” Additionally, the company chose to add the extended banner feeder option, which means Impact can print substrates up to 27.5” long – giving the company “the opportunity to offer something new” to its customers.  

Running a variety of stocks including coated and uncoated, synthetics up to 18 mil, and board up to 24 pt., Impact has been pleased with the ease in which its operators can switch between substrates on the Versafire. “They can move efficiently between jobs and are able to complete more jobs during a standard workday,” said Elder, “which means we’ve been able to increase our workload digitally.” Since installation late last year, the company has experienced significantly better uptime and less necessary maintenance compared to its previous press – all resulting in higher production speeds. In addition to lower maintenance costs, Elder says the company has saved money thanks to HEIDELBERG’s lower lease and click rates.

Impact, looking to maximize the efficiency and quality of its new Versafire, decided to install the machine with HEIDELBERG’s Prinect DFE. Equipped with the performance for complex variable data applications that other controllers have, Prinect DFE was designed especially with commercial printers in mind – enabling automated and standardized print production for excellent efficiency, greater transparency, and faster job flow. According to Elder, “We love the built-in color management technology of Prinect DFE, but my operators love the ease of being able to set-up and correct multiple jobs at the machine on the fly – ensuring every job prints the way it was intended.” 

While equipped with a variety of HEIDELBERG offset presses, the Versafire is Impact’s first HEIDELBERG digital purchase. The company has been impressed not only with the quality and operator-friendliness of the engine but with the thoroughness of the installation and training process from the HEIDELBERG service technicians. Additionally, Elder said, “Response to maintenance calls is prompt, and the field technicians have all been knowledgeable and great to work with.” 

About Impact Printing

Impact Printing was founded on the belief that high quality services could be made available at a competitive price with timely delivery. Throughout the years, the company has expanded its knowledge and capabilities to meet the demands of the ever-changing technology. Impact Printing’s clients vary from designers to print brokers. Its consistent quality, experience, and service have enabled its customers to rely on Impact Printing as an integral part of their company. Impact Printing is proud to say that its first customer is still one of its customers.

Wausau, WI — Wausau Coated Products Inc., an independent family-owned and operated, leading manufacturer of adhesive-based label products, is excited to announce the launch of Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal. 

Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal is similar to our existing Castile Bright Silver Foil with the added benefit of seeing “metal” on both sides of the label. This product is ideal for clear liquids like tequila, vodka, or gin that you can actually see the back of the label through the liquid. It is a perfect option for brands wanting to create a premium, unique look without the added cost of metallic label material. Castile Bright Silver Foil – Dual Metal allows for the use of traditional label materials, coupled with the stunning visual effects of metallic foil, giving your brand that extra shine and sophistication that will make it stand out amongst its competition. You can easily take your creativity to the next level by adding texture to your label designs through embossing, debossing, & stamping. 

Not only is this product visually stunning, but it also provides durability and resistance to moisture and heat, ensuring that your label stays intact and legible even under extreme conditions. 

If you’re looking for a label material that offers a unique and high-end look, Castile Bright Silver – Dual Metal Foil is a must-try. Whether you want to add a touch of glamour to your product or create a sense of luxury, this dual metal foil label material is the perfect choice. 

“The launch of Castile Bright Silver – Dual Metal is another exciting example of Wausau Coated Products innovative approach to expanding the possibilities for pressure sensitive labeling. We are passionate about helping printers and brands create unique packaging,” states, Adam Frey, Director, North American Sales, Wausau Coated Products. “Dual Metal has all the benefits of pressure sensitive labeling with the authentic look of a metal nameplate no matter which side of the label you are viewing.” 

About Wausau Coated Products: 

Wausau Coated Products, Inc. is an independent family owned and operated manufacturing company with distribution facilities located throughout the USA and Mexico as well as distribution channels throughout Central and South America, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Australia. As a leading manufacturer of adhesive-based products, Wausau Coated is a one-stop resource worldwide for premium quality stocked products and custom engineered constructions to meet customer specific applications and end user needs. For more information on Wausau Coated Products, visit our website: http://www.wausaucoated.com. 

Irvine, Calif., Aug. 3, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of large-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, has announced that its TrueVIS™ MG Series UV printer/cutters now support “One Pass Multilayer printing,” which allows for three layers of ink to be printed simultaneously. One-Pass Multilayer Printing enhances the capabilities of these next-generation printer/cutters, providing productivity and efficiency advantages when undertaking a variety of jobs, such as printing large window displays, producing large quantities of labels, and other applications.

Existing MG-300 and MG-640 users can add this function free of charge by upgrading their printer/cutter’s firmware (to version 1.60 or higher) and installing the latest version of Roland DG VersaWorks® 6 output software (version 6.18).  

“Our expanded TrueVIS family of printers and printer/cutters, which includes the value-packed MG Series models, offers print professionals a choice of state-of-the-art eco-solvent, resin, and UV devices that combine unsurpassed image quality, color, and ease of use with legendary Roland DG reliability,” said Roland DGA’s UV Printer Product Manager, Jay Roberts. “The addition of One-Pass Multilayer Printing for the MG Series further increases the functionality and efficiency of these advanced, easy-to-use machines, saving users time, effort, and money.”

MG Series printer/cutters are highly versatile, value-packed inkjets that can both print and contour-cut in one smooth, seamless workflow. They use Roland DG’s specially formulated wide-gamut ECO-UV 5 (EUV5) CMYK, Red, Orange, Gloss, White, and Primer inks, which deliver outstanding image quality and vibrant color, while also enabling users to incorporate unique dimensional and textural effects into their prints. They are widely used in the production of labels, decals, packaging, and other design prototypes, large-scale advertising and signboard production, and interior decoration.  

To learn more about One-Pass Multilayer Printing for the TrueVIS MG Series printer/cutters, click here. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com 

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DG Americas serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, trophies, and giftware; 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.

 

North Kingstown, Rhode Island (August 2, 2023)—Toray Plastics (America), Inc., announces that Lisa A. Ahart has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, U.S. Corporate Human Resources at Toray Industries (America), Inc. In this new role, Ahart will manage the consolidation of employee benefits and HR best practices for Toray U.S. Group’s ten companies and will retain her responsibilities for high-level HR and environmental health and safety compliance management at Toray Plastics (America). Ahart most recently served the Toray organization as the Vice President of U.S. Corporate Human Resources and Environment Health and Safety for Toray Plastics (America), Inc. She joined Toray in 2003.

Ahart holds an MS in Labor Relations and Human Resources from the University of Rhode Island and several professional certifications, including SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Global Professional in Human Resources® (GPHR®), and Empowering People Leader (EPL). She is also a certified DiSC® instructor. Ahart has received two General Manager Awards from Toray Industries, Inc.’s International HR Department.

“We are very pleased with this expansion of Lisa’s responsibilities within the Toray U.S. Group companies,” said Mike Brandmeier, Deputy Chief Representative for Toray Industries (America).  “Lisa brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise within the HR discipline and will be a strong contributor to the future growth of our organization and our people as we expand our business in the United States.”

 Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, and metallized films and polypropylene and polyethylene foams. The company is committed to environmental, social, and corporate governance. It aims to contribute to society by creating new value with innovative ideas, technologies, and products that help address global issues. R&D is focused on developing fossil fuel-free, compostable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials. The company’s sustainability initiative, launched in 2004, includes operating two solar farms and two cogeneration systems, energy and water conservation, recycling, and zero landfill. For more information about Toray Plastics (America)’s products, contact James Ota, Torayfan® Product Manager, at james.ota.e7@mail.toray or 401-594-5837. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., headquarters is 50 Belver Avenue, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7500; telephone 401-294-4511, fax 401-294-3410. Visit the Toray Plastics (America), Inc. website at www.toraytpa.com.

Toray Industries (America), Inc., was established in 1965, eight years after Toray opened its New York City office. Since then, Toray Industries (America) has provided holding company services, consolidated tax payments, technical support, market research, and business support to the Toray Group companies in the United States. For more information about Toray Industries (America), Inc., contact Yuriko Hosogaya, Director, General Administration/Marketing & Communications, at contact.tam.mb@mail.toray or (212) 922-3712.  Toray Industries (America), Inc., is located at 461 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10017; telephone (212) 697-8150, fax (212) 972-4279. Visit the Toray Industries (America), Inc., website at https://www.toray.us/us/.

Toray Plastics (America), Inc. and Toray Industries (America), Inc., are subsidiaries of the Toray Group, which believes that materials change lives and provide real solutions to world challenges. The Toray Group is the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films and has annual sales exceeding US$18.4 billion.