(UPM Raflatac, Helsinki, 26 June 2023 at 13:00 EEST) – UPM Raflatac is pleased to announce the launch of its new collection of wine, spirits and beverage label materials – Rêverie 3 – that embraces circularity by using recycled fibers in aesthetically attractive labels. The new collection demonstrates, via unique collaborations with five leading Spanish designers, that sustainability and impactful design can work together to deliver stunning results. The Rêverie 3 collection offers packaging designers a toolkit of visually appealing labels that are all made with materials from well-managed, FSC® certified (FSC C012530) forests, recycled materials and other controlled sources.

With more and more brands now seeing the inclusion of FSC and PCR packaging as a necessity, UPM Raflatac wanted to showcase the potential of today’s sustainable label materials. With this in mind, five of the company’s responsibly sourced label materials were given to five Spanish design agencies, with the brief to create a new collection.

“The label designs in the Rêverie 3 collection were created for high end wine, spirits, sparkling cider, craft beer and tomato juice drinks, with excellent execution of the artworks with different printing techniques managed by Gráficas Varias,” Joss Ramel, Packaging Solutions Manager for Spain and Portugal at UPM Raflatac states.

The five UPM Raflatac label materials that were chosen are:

• BIARRITZ WSA PCR-FSC (20% recycled fibers) – Created for use with high-quality wine and spirits labeling applications, the natural pigmentation of the material accentuates the premium appearance of the label. Estudio Series Nemoused this material to create the sparkling cider bottle label design.

• DROPS WSA PCR-FSC (100% recycled fibers) – Designed for high-quality wine and spirits labeling applications, this label material features an accentuated uneven, textured surface combining a translucent effect and enhanced tactility, thanks to it having undergone a unique paper-making process. Estudio Mabaused this material to create the spirits bottle label design.

• FENIX WSA PCR-FSC (40% recycled fibers) – Developed for high-quality wine and spirits labeling applications, this paper shows minimal impurities, giving a delicate hint of the recycled content. Estudio Puigdemont Roca used this material to create the tomato juice bottle label design.

• HIPSTER WSA PCR-FSC (100% recycled fibers) – Created for high-quality wine and spirits labeling applications, it has a warm and elegant white shade that is combined with a delicate, uneven, felt marked surface that enables the creation of labels with unique personality. Estudio Calcco used this material to create the wine bottle label design.

• VINTAGE WSA PCR-FSC (30% recycled fibers) – This material is ideal for use in wine, spirits and beverage labeling applications where an authentic and artisanal look is desired, as it has a kraft brown shade to it. Bulldog Studio used this material to create the craft beer bottle label design.

“We designers have a responsibility and a duty to use materials of this kind. The industry is progressing. Suppliers have more and more options for using sustainable materials. Having a range of recycled papers with this much personality and quality, that are hyper-specialised, is amazing for us designers,” Miguel Angel del Baño from Estudio Maba, comments on their experience in using UPM Raflatac’s label materials. “It allows for high-quality projects, which to some extent is not often the case with recycled papers,” Albert Puigdemont at Estudio Puigdemont Roca adds. “I was pleasantly surprised by the print quality, especially in the area of relief and stamped finishes, the ease of adherence, fixing and raising. It looked as if it would never be possible to have elegant, high-class recycled paper for premium products. But now, we can say that papers of this quality do exist. The Rêverie 3 series from UPM Raflatac has managed it,” Sergio Aja Iglesias, Estudio Calcco concludes.

“Responsible sourcing is in our DNA here at UPM Raflatac. Thanks to our sustainable supply chain, we are able to offer designers FSC-certified labels that have varying percentages of PCR content, suiting any requirement. Rêverie 3 was already an extraordinary range due to the use of the recycled content. However, what the designers have done with the materials, has truly taken it to the next level. It just shows what can be done when high quality materials are combined with creativity. This collaboration has shown that recycled fiber materials can stand alongside other labels and deliver in terms of both quality and impact,” Eulalia Alcaraz, Business Director at UPM Raflatac comments.

Other partners in the Rêverie 3 Collection include: 
Printer – Gráficas Varias www.graficasvarias.com
Foils and tooling supplied by – Kurz www.kurz-graphics.com
Rêverie 3 folder designed by – Bulldog Studio www.bulldogstudio.es
Bottles by – Verallia www.verallia.com

Irvine, Calif., June 22, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, printer/cutters, vinyl cutters, and other innovative digital imaging technologies, is continuing the expansion of its media family, adding two new high-quality products – Frosted Etched Glass Vinyl and WallFlair™ Paste Paper.

Frosted Etched Glass Vinyl (ESM-ETCH) is a 3-mil, polymeric vinyl printable media with permanent adhesive that simulates the appearance of actual etched glass. ESM-ETCH is ideal for use (either printed or unprinted) as a decorative privacy film to spruce up interior or exterior décor. It images beautifully, comes with an air-release liner for easy application, and can be used to decorate a variety of clear, glass, mirror, and stainless-steel surfaces. Offered in 20” x 75’ and 30” x 75’ rolls, ESM-ETCH is compatible with Roland DG’s eco-solvent, resin, or UV inks and Roland DG cutters.

WallFlair Paste Paper (RCM-WFPP) is a sustainable, 15-mil uncoated fibrous non-woven product designed specifically for wall applications. This media is 100 percent PVC free, contains no heavy metals, and is both ASTM E-84 Class A (Fire) certified and REACH compliant. Compatible with Roland DG’s UV and resin inks, this premium media boasts excellent printability, high opacity, and outstanding dimensional stability. It features a luxurious textile-like look and feel that makes it perfect for enhancing interior walls. Offered in a 54” x 164’ roll size, WallFlair Paste Paper is easy to apply with standard wallpaper paste and removes cleanly in one piece. Plus it’s simple to keep clean – the surface is washable with a soft, damp cloth.

“We’re excited about the addition of these unique offerings to our continuously growing media lineup,” said Roland DGA Senior Product Manager, Lily Hunter. “You can let your imagination run wild with Frosted Etched Glass Vinyl. Not only does it provide privacy, it’s also great for decorating a wide variety of transparent objects. WallFlair Paste Paper is the latest media to join our WallFlair product family. Users will appreciate how this high-end, fibrous non-woven wallcovering adds a distinctive touch to any interior space and how simple it is to install and remove.”

New Frosted Etched Glass Vinyl and WallFlair Paste Paper are available for purchase with a few clicks of the mouse at the Roland DGA Online Store, or through authorized Roland DGA resellers.

To learn more about Roland DGA’s media offerings, 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, 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.

Schaumburg, IL – June 22, 2023 – Shiner Beer and Ball Corporation have won the fourth annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest. Their design entry for Shiner Texhex Bruja’s Brew IPA was determined to be the best of the five finalists in voting conducted by an independent panel of judges and the public through INX International’s Facebook and LinkedIn social media pages.

The other finalists included Ballast Point Brewery, Hazy Sculpin India Pale Ale submitted by Ball Corporation; Lagunitas Brewing Company, Island Beats Tropical IPA submitted by Lagunitas; Miller Brewery, Miller Lite Grill submitted by Ball Corporation; and Ruby’s Revenge Imperial Grapefruit IPA from Great Lakes Brewing Company, the Cleveland-based craft brewer that had won the contest the two previous years.

This year’s entries required designers to use two colors from the INX Metal Color Catalog when they produced a commercial can design prior to January 1, 2023. Levi Boss, Graphics Center of Excellence Director at Ball Corporation, indicated the color catalog was essential to the success of their winning design.

“The colors of the design and the complex graphics, combined with Ball Corporation’s EYERIS color separation technology, presented an outstanding design with a standout visual impact,” said Boss, who was involved in the winning entry. The design team also included Nick Weiland, Brand Director at Shiner Beer, and a trio of people connected to the Bakery Agency in Austin, Texas, Shiner’s creative shop: Design Lead, Kaleb Sindac; Associate Creative Director, Kerrie Heckel; and independent Illustrator and Art Director, Evaristo Angurria of Angurria Design Co.

“Capturing the luminescence of the metallic substrate, the complement of the inks next to each other in swatch form, then rendered onto the production can showcased INX’s unparalleled understanding of printing on aluminum through the dry offset process,” continued Boss. “This particular design series is so striking because of the depth of opacity from the dark contouring colors, and it fairly radiates in the lighter image areas.”

Texhex Bruja’s Brew IPA is produced at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, a small community in southeast Texas with a population of just over 2,000 residents. Founded by Kosmos Spoetzl in 1909, they produce more than six million cases of beer annually. Texhex Bruja’s Brew IPA was introduced in early 2022 and is now available nationwide in 6- and 12-pack cans.

Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX who manages the competition, said reinstating the public voice in the voting process after a one year hiatus was the right decision.

“We were very pleased with how many votes were received through Facebook and LinkedIn,” remarked Schouten, who said representatives from Spoetzl Brewery, Ball Corporation and the Bakery Agency will soon receive their custom engraved Colored by INX trophy. “I also want to thank our judges, Scott Drucker, Alex Fordham, Sarah Jacks, Janet Johanson and Marshall Thompson. We plan to rotate our panel of experts again next year and I want to acknowledge this group. They did an exceptional job reviewing all of the entries.” 

About INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks 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. To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

Kennesaw, Ga. June 22, 2023 – With a continued focus on the optimization of People, Processes, and Technology, HEIDELBERG USA welcomed over 150 customers from throughout North America to the Print Media Performance & Training Center (PMPTC) in Kennesaw, GA for its “Summer Innovation Showcase” held earlier this month. The event featured a variety of live demonstrations and seminars highlighting HEIDELBERG’s full product and service offerings for the commercial, packaging, and label segments and included the North American premiere of the Mastermatrix 106 CSB die cutter and world premiere of the Gallus One digital label press. 

Innovation Across the Product Portfolio

Attendees explored HEIDELBERG USA’s robustly equipped PMPTC featuring the Speedmaster XL 106-8P+L, Speedmaster CX 104-6+L, Stahlfolder TH 82 with new robotic P-Stacker, Stahlfolder KH 82, POLAR 137 System 200 and POLAR 78 cutter, Easymatrix 106, Diana Easy 115, Versafire EP & EV and Prinect Production & Business Manager. “We called this event ‘Innovation Showcase’ to demonstrate the efforts we’ve taken to stay at the leading edge of product development to support our customers’ pursuit of efficiency,” said Felix Mueller, President of HEIDELBERG North America, “but we are more than machines. We also wanted to highlight innovations – like our approach to industry training – that aren’t purely technologically driven.” In addition to equipment and software demonstrations, customers had the opportunity to learn about HEIDELBERG’s Operator & Maintenance Training courses and toured the impressive renovations the company has made to its Training Center since the facility launched over a year ago. 

Making its North American debut at the Innovation Showcase, the Mastermatrix 106 CSB, with speeds up to 9,000 sheets per hour, is HEIDELBERG’s newest and fastest die cutter from partner Masterwork. In addition to faster running speeds, the machine features a variety of innovations all designed to maximize efficiency and user-friendliness and minimize makeready times. Machine highlights include a cam driven die cutting station for optimized sheet transfer, a motorized feeder head with built-in rear joggers, and the new EasyRake system that makes positioning and fastening individual delivery non-stop swords quick and easy. Featuring Quicklock tooling throughout, the Mastermatrix offers maximum flexibility for customers – accepting tooling from other manufacturers’ die cutters. Additionally, operators are always in control as they monitor production with cameras located at strategic points in the machine.

Center stage at the Innovation Showcase was HEIDELBERG’s highly anticipated Gallus One digital press. The new roll-to-roll press, which utilizes Fujifilm Samba printheads, prints CMYK+W up to 13 3/8” (340mm) wide at 98 ft/min (30 m/min) or 230 ft/min (70 m/min). With 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, the Gallus One achieves offset like quality and 85% white opacity at top running speed. “The product development team really thought of everything when they designed this machine,” said Dan Maurer, Vice President of Digital Product Management for HEIDELBERG USA. “Ease of use, reliability with 95% uptime, substrate flexibility, and opaque white without the need to slow down the machine or use a primer or protective coating.” Utilizing HEIDELBERG’s Prinect Digital Front End, the Gallus One features a compact 11 x 20.8 ft. footprint and includes a live video monitoring system to ensure quality during the press run. “This machine really fits into a variety of different production environments,” said Maurer, “and has a surprisingly high crossover point with traditional flexo printing.” A key automated feature of the Gallus One is the patented substrate web control tension in the Digital Print Unit (DPU). During the head cleaning process, the inkjet heads remain stationary as the web moves down – holding the web tension as the cleaning system moves into position. This function, which was designed to maximize print quality and minimize waste, requires zero operator intervention and is controlled completely by the machine’s software. 

PRINTING United Expo in Atlanta  

For those who were unable to attend HEIDELBERG’s Summer Innovation Showcase, the company will present the Gallus One including an inline finishing device from partner Prati at PRINTING United Expo, October 18-20, 2023, in Atlanta, GA. HEIDELBERG’s booth will also feature a complete digital ecosystem including the Versafire EP, Prinect Production Manager with Prinect Digital Front End, and POLAR N 115. “We’re thrilled to have PRINTING United right in our ‘backyard’ this year,” said Mueller. “I know that our customers are excited to experience the Gallus One firsthand and explore our full innovative portfolio of People, Processes, and Technology.” 

• Mondi launches SolmixBag, a paper packaging solution that dissolves in water, eliminating waste.

• SolmixBag is made from one-ply Mondi kraft paper, using renewable resources, and offering high strength and excellent product protection.

• Launched with building materials supplier Baumit, the solution helps to reduce waste for the global construction industry.

22 June 2023 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is introducing SolmixBag, a water-soluble bag for the construction industry.

SolmixBag is a one-ply paper bag created to store and transport dry construction materials such as cement and dry mix mortar products. It’s designed to dissolve when getting in contact with water during the mixing process – the fibre of the packaging simply integrates with the product as it is mixed. This eliminates waste, reduces paper waste management costs and minimises dust on the construction site, as the bag is simply placed into the mixer without the necessity to open it up front.

The bag is produced in-house thanks to the company’s uniquely integrated value chain: SolmixBag is created from Mondi’s water-soluble sack kraft paper and uses 20% less paper than the industry standard 2-ply paper bags. The solution is able to run on existing filling machines, and it is available in standard sizes, offering customers a smooth transition from their existing solutions. SolmixBag provides the same strength and shelf-life as its predecessors, with good printing results for a quality, stand-out appearance on shelf.

Mondi has worked with its long-standing customer Baumit to bring SolmixBag to market for dry mix concrete. The two organisations collaborated closely throughout the product development and are committed to supporting the whole construction industry as it endeavours to reduce waste. 

Ferdinand Muck, International Key Account Manager, Mondi says: “We are closely collaborating with our partners in the building material industry to eliminate waste disposal and dust, which benefits both the environment and the workers on site. The launch of SolmixBag with Baumit is an important step to make a real difference to the sustainability of the whole industry.”

Peter Weißmann, Head of R&D Dry Mix Mortar, Baumit Group says: “Working closely with Mondi means we have been able to test and trial these bags thoroughly and the results will soon benefit new product groups. The impacts on sustainability are vast. Our customers on building sites love the new technology due to the multiple benefits – no waste and reduced dust as the two most important. It was a pleasure to work with the Mondi team, their packaging expertise enables us to help the construction industry make effective, positive change for the future.”

Martin Automatic, a leading supplier of nonstop unwind and rewind technology for the narrow web market, and long-term supporter of Labelexpo, will showcase its latest space-saving technology at the upcoming Brussels trade fair in September.

On working display will be two of its most popular machines in the narrow web sector, an MBS automatic unwind butt splicer and an LRD transfer rewinder.  Both machines have been sold to German label printer Krämer Druck and will be delivered and installed directly after Labelexpo closes.

Creative use of the vertical festoon on the butt splicer and a proprietary roll unloading feature at the rewind save Krämer Druck nearly one meter of overall space in the running direction.  Furthermore, these machines can be installed directly against walls at either end of the press and still allow access for the maintenance and roll loading and unloading, without the use of carts.

In addition to the innovative machinery on display, Martin Automatic looks forward to welcoming visitors to its newly designed stand and serving up some true American hospitality with its renowned hotdogs.  Gavin Rittmeyer, VP Sales & Marketing at Martin Automatic commented: “After a four-year break, we are looking forward to meeting friends old and new, and continuing our commitment to in-person working relationships with our longstanding sales team.”

The market leader in corona and plasma surface treatment systems, Vetaphone A/S, has appointed Ontario-based DTM Flexo Services to handle its narrow and mid web sales business in Canada.  Established in 2013 and with a reputation for building close customer relationships, DTM is seen as the ideal partner for Vetaphone according to Sales Manager for the Americas, Ted Wolski.

“DTM already has a quality portfolio of manufacturers in this market sector that makes it a perfect fit for our cutting-edge corona and plasma technology – I’m looking forward to building our market share with Dave McBeth and his team amongst the narrow and mid–web converters right across Canada. This partnership will definitely open some new doors for us.” 

The new appointment augments the successful and ongoing relationship that Vetaphone has with NELCO Canada which, under Sales Manager Brad Hunter, will continue to be responsible for Vetaphone’s wide web, extrusion, and coating customers in Canada.

Ted Wolski added: “Brad continues to do a great job for us in Canada, but as we look to grow our market share, we need to increase our visible representation across the various sectors within the country, which is of course a diverse and geographically large market.  By dividing responsibilities between these two highly respected agents, I believe we can grow our brand significantly north of the border.”

Graham, NC – June 21, 2023, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives North America (FSA), part of The Fedrigoni Group, a global leader in the production of premium labels and self-adhesive materials, can now offer a new range of premium self-adhesive materials specifically designed for neck label applications.

This innovative line of neck label materials has been engineered to address the challenges faced by premium wine, spirit and champagne brands. By combining our high-performance adhesives with prime papers offered in lower basis weight, Fedrigoni has overcome the “memory effect” that often causes labels to detach when applied to smaller circumferences, such as the neck of a glass wine or champagne bottle.

FSA is an innovator in providing a total solution for matching neck and prime labels. These neck labels were engineered to outperform other offerings in the market. Downgauged substrates combined with an adhesive designed for tight mandril applications ensure a smooth application and overcome the “memory effect,” the tendency of paper to return to its natural state, which often causes labels, especially those applied to smaller circumference surfaces, to pull away over time.

The Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives range of premium neck label constructions was developed with the full package in mind. Material options have been engineered as both prime label and neck label so brands can ensure a perfectly coordinated package while also being confident in the performance of each label. 

Melissa Harton, Marketing Manager, North America shared, “Neck label detachment has long been a thorn in the side of premium wine and champagne brands. Considering the neck is the only visible piece of the bottle when submerged in an ice bucket, having an intact neck label is imperative for aesthetics and brand recognition. We are excited to bring this line of neck label materials, that can be 100% coordinated with our primary label products, offering brands a completely harmonious package while also providing full confidence in the functional performance.”

Beyond their exceptional functionality, these neck labels offer sustainability benefits as well. The neck label constructions were engineered with a lower basis weight which helps eliminate flagging over time but also reduces total material use. The entire neck label line is also FSC® certified offering brands an additional sustainability benefit.

Premium brands require a high-end aesthetic. This new range of neck label options from Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives not only addresses the long-standing challenge of neck label detachment but also allows brands to enhance the visual appeal, brand recognition and sustainability of their products. 

Product Details:

• Available to ship from the CA distribution center

• MOQ: Tasting Club Mast Width x 834’

Lower Gage Product Available:

• Tintoretto Gesso Neck Label H+O WS / AP13000 / 1.2 PET

• Sorolla Neck Label H+O WS / AP13000 / 1.2 PET

Additional Products:

• Cast Gloss Neck Label / SH6020 Plus / 1.2 PET

• Coated 90 SG / SH6020 Plus / 1.2 PET

High res image available upon request

About Fedrigoni

Since 1888 Fedrigoni has stood for excellence in the manufacture of specialty papers. Today, it is a world leader in labels, self-adhesive materials and high-added-value papers for luxury packaging and other creative solutions. With over 5,000 employees in 28 countries and 25,000 products, the Group sells and distributes in 132 countries and, thanks to recent acquisitions, has become the first player at a global level in specialty papers for luxury packaging and third in premium self-adhesive materials. The Paper business unit includes the Cordenons Group, the historic brand Fabriano, and most recently Guarro Casas (October 2022) and Papeterie Zuber Rieder (November 2022). The Self-Adhesives business unit includes Arconvert, Manter, Ritrama (since February 2020), IP Venus (December 2020), Acucote and Rimark (June 2021), Divipa (February 2022), Tageos (April 2022), Unifol (July 2022). Furthermore, the American distributor GPA is also part of the Group.

For more information: www.fedrigoni.com