Chicago, IL, May 19, 2023 – Channeled Resources Group (CRG), a leading manufacturer of blank shipping labels, release liner, and the world’s largest supplier of value-priced laminated papers and films, has announced the installation of a new state-of-the-art coater at their ISO 9001: 2015 certified Marathon, WI facility.

Channeled Resources has been a longtime supplier of release liners to a diverse range of industries, including tape, envelopes, industrial applications, medical, automotive, construction, and more. Complementing their extensive lineup of standard materials, CRG offers tailored solutions, either matching existing products or developing custom release liners to precisely meet customer needs.

Todd Schweigert, General Manager of CRG, shared his excitement about the new addition, “We are thrilled to be adding this impressive piece of machinery in Marathon. It will allow us to produce a more consistent, high-quality release liner and the engineering of this machine will offer higher run speeds and improved efficiencies.” 

The new 70” coater, manufactured by SAM, a world-leading manufacturer of converting equipment, will complement the existing 65” coater in Marathon, and join the 40” and 22” narrow-width coater in the company’s Toronto location. Once fully commissioned, the new coater will increase efficiencies, more than double capacity, and allow CRG to expand its product portfolio.

Cindy White, President of CRG, added, “It was imperative that we expand our capacity and increase efficiencies to meet the needs of our growing release liner business, and this new coater will do exactly that, along with allowing us to expand our portfolio of liner products being produced in this facility.”

With this new installation, CRG is well-equipped to continue providing high-quality release liners to customers worldwide. To learn more about CRG’s release liner products and services, visit their website www.channeledresources.com.

STOW, Ohio – May 19, 2023 – Spinnaker, a Mactac® company, announces its launch of Bloom hi.mpact®, an ultra-thin, environmentally friendly release liner developed by Mactac.  

At only 1.6-mils, the highly refined glassine liner is greater than 30% thinner than traditional liners. Helping to reduce liner waste, it has a more positive impact on the environment. It also delivers significant efficiencies to manufacturing, converting, shipping, and transportation.

“Now that Spinnaker is part of the Mactac family, we are excited to have access to new sustainable solutions like Bloom hi.mpact,” says Joel Ulrich, Senior Marketing Manager, Spinnaker Specialty Products. “With these products, Spinnaker customers and our customers’ customers reduce their impact to the environment while increasing their bottom lines.”  

The environmental and productivity benefits of Bloom hi.mpact can be seen along the value chain. 

As a thinner liner, Bloom hi.mpact offers 10% more material on the same original diameter roll, increasing productivity with less change-overs during printing and application and less downtime. It reduces freight shipments and fuel usage for increased savings. Additionally, fewer shipments emit less freight CO2 emissions.  

“Fewer change-overs in applicating means less downtime and waste,” says Ulrich. “More labels per roll equates to fewer shipments, so less freight, lower fuel usage and reduced fuel emissions. All of this contributes to a sustainable and positive impact for customers both financially and environmentally.”

From a performance standpoint Bloom hi.mpact offers:

• An ultra-smooth surface, leading to better laydown of adhesive for an improved appearance (especially important for clear films) 

• A smooth, consistent and harder die-cutting surface than other liners, leading to superior converting 

Spinnaker customers can begin ordering Bloom hi.mpact products in direct thermal, thermal transfer and semi-gloss constructions. For more information on BLOOM hi.impact, visit www.spinps.com.

Mark Andy, Inc., a leading global in-line, flexo and digital printing technology innovator, announces PRO Series, a new class of fully servo-driven presses that expands the long line of proven printing solutions.  Designed to optimize single-pass pressure sensitive label printing, the PRO Series delivers extremely low operating costs with a proven print station design, built-in sMArt link production monitoring system, and distinct features that reduce operating costs and improve profit margins.   

PRO Series embraces the award-winning attributes of the Mark Andy Performance Series with economics and efficiency in mind.  This modular and flexible platform has been enhanced for pressure sensitive label applications and is available globally.  PRO Series is CE certified.  

PRO Series is configured and built to modernize the pressroom floor, driving efficiencies for shorter run work in larger operations and allowing small and medium label businesses to find a clear path to operational improvements.  It is an easy-to-operate machine for both seasoned operators and new trainees, PRO Series can help overcome today’s labor challenges.  

From the ground up, PRO Series maximizes waste savings and drastically reduces set-up/changeover times.  Then, incorporating efficient energy reducing components with distinct configurations PRO Series reveals an outstanding label print solution that delivers high quality products with a low total cost of ownership. 

UPGRADE TO DIGITAL – The modular Mark Andy PRO Series carries future value for adopters of the technology, as well.  The system is designed and built as an upgradeable ‘flexo-to-hybrid’ solution.  PRO Series possesses the ability to upgrade to a digital hybrid label press using Mark Andy Digital Pro MAX technology with the unique ability to run Left to Right to a Right to Left web paths.   

EASY ADOPTION – Mark Andy, Your Total Solutions Partner, has created a variety of options to make it easy for business owners who are looking to upgrade their pressrooms from older, first-generation in-line equipment.  Unique tooling and press room accessory kits can be included with overall capital investment, to help maximize profit and productivity goals right after installation.   

MEET THE PRO SERIES AT LABELEXPO EUROPE – The new PRO Series flexo press will be featured live at Labelexpo Europe, September 11-14, 2023, at Brussels Expo in Belgium.  Visitors will have the first up-close view of the platform and will feature LIVE demonstrations daily.  

To learn more about the new PRO Series from Mark Andy, visit – https://go.markandy.com/e/990852/ment-flexo-presses-pro-series-/8zmvm/101947110?h=6Yqla0npCobRNRFtbyuRCCrOyXcZsqAqgdB0R9SjoAE

Schaumburg, IL – May 17, 2023 – The deadline to submit entries for the fourth annual Colored by INX Can Design Contest is approaching. Brand owners, design agencies, marketers and metal decorators who used the INX Color Catalog to produce a commercial can design before December 31, 2022, are eligible. All entries must be postmarked by May 31 and contain the submission form, electronic design, and printed cans.

A new rule in effect this year is two INX colors must be used in the final can design. The INX Color Catalog is known as the only true color standard for metal decorating, containing over 600 removable color metal swatches. It helps reduce lead times to get labels to market quicker.

Combined with new judges added to this year’s panel, a new voting process, and defending champion Great Lakes Brewing Company trying to three-peat, excitement is building says Renee Schouten, Vice President of Marketing for INX.

“In each of the first three years, we have increased the amount of entries for the Colored by INX Can Design Contest. Based on the enthusiasm of the people we met with at the MetPack and Craft Brewing Conferences earlier this month, we are hopeful it will continue,” she said. “Great Lakes Brewing Company won it in 2021 and took it to another level last year with their TropiCoastal Tropical IPA beer can design. It should be interesting to see what they enter this year and how it stacks up with the competition.”

The independent panel of five judges who will review all of the entries and determine the five design finalists includes two holdovers from last year and three new additions.

The returning judges are Sarah Jacks, INX International’s Color Perfection Manager, and Scott Drucker, Managing Partner of Chicago-based marketing agency, The Drucker Group. Joining them are Alex Fordham, owner of The Metal Packager magazine in London; Janet Johanson, Founder & CEO of BevSource, an integrated provider of beverage development, sourcing and production solutions in St. Paul, Minn.; and Marshall Thompson, the co-founder of Canworks, a digital aluminum can printing company based in Austin, Texas.

Their selections will be announced on June 12. The public can vote on INX’s Facebook and other social media platforms from June 14-16; it will count as one vote along with the scoring of the judges. The winner will be announced on June 22 via the INX website and social media.

In addition to bragging rights, the Colored by INX Can Design Contest winner will be recognized several ways. They will receive a custom trophy, be the subject of social media posts on the INX website for the next year, and featured in a future issue of Color Perfection magazine.

UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, will showcase its graphics solutions at FESPA Global Print Expo 2023 in Munich, Germany on 23-26 May. UPM Raflatac will be participating in the expo for the first time under the Intercoat by UPM Raflatac brand name, after having acquired the AMC AG and the Intercoat brand in 2022.

At their booth, UPM Raflatac will exhibit the UPM Raflatac Graphics Solutions, such as their PVC-free Eco Collection, Smart Apply Collection for fast and easy short-term applications, Wonder Tack Collection for surfaces with low surface energy that require a special adhesive technology and advanced solvent free adhesive technology. The company will also exhibit their holistic 360-degree approach to sustainability.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to our booth. As the theme for the expo is “new perspectives”, we want to share our company’s new perspectives to graphics solutions after the acquisition last year. These include for example our advanced solvent free adhesive technology and holistic 360-degree approach to sustainability,” says Bernard Niemöller, Global Director, Graphics, Intercoat by UPM Raflatac.

FESPA Global Print Expo takes place at Messe Munich between 23-25 May. You can find Intercoat by UPM Raflatac at booth B2-A48 in hall B2.

To download examples of Intercoat by UPM Raflatac product images, please click here.

SARASOTA, Florida (March 16, 2023) – S-One Labels & Packaging is excited to announce BOPP Silky Matte Thermal Laminating Film, a solution specially designed to meet converters’ needs in EMEA. S-OneLP’s warehouse in Europe is a game changer. Now, businesses can get their product faster to start production enabling them to boost revenue. This convenience adds value with the cut of transportation costs and improved efficiency with flexible packaging going to market sooner. 

“The addition of this product to our EMEA portfolio is an added opportunity to help our customers boost growth,” said Gerard Geurts, Business Development and Technical Sales, S-OneLP. “Our competitive price, short lead times, and low MOQs further meet the demands of this market.” 

BOPP Silky Matte Thermal Laminating Film is soft to the touch and tough on performance. Its velvety, smooth feel enhances product selling potential. 

Features and benefits 

• Soft tactile coating for increased product value 

• Powerful scratch-resistant finish 

• Environmental safety- Non-toxic, benzene-free 

• No VOCs or dangerous substances are produced during lamination. 

• Silky-matte surface minimizes glare and preserves image color. 

• Resistant to tear and elongation 

• Foil stampable for flexible packaging applications 

• Works with fin seal applications 

• Strong adhesion prevents ink flaking and stripping after finishing 

• High efficiency with no post-curing time needed after lamination. 

This product is intended to over-laminate HP Indigo printed flexible packaging films used for applications* such as stand-up pouches, sachets, flow-wraps, and more. Its unique haptics complement S-OneLP’s existing gloss and matte laminate films. 

*Use is determined by package contents supplier and/or brand. 

About S-One Labels and Packaging 

S-One Labels and Packaging uses a channel-partner model, allowing us to take redundant costs out of the channel and provide products with low MOQs and short lead times. This model helps label and packaging converters plan more effectively while providing them with an expanded portfolio of label and packaging supplies solutions. We are the exclusive distributor of Michelman in-line and off-line primers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to HP Indigo digital printers. Other key partners include KDX, Cellcoat, and others. For more information, please visit sonelp.com. 

May 2023:  Leading global developer of inks and coatings, Flint Group, has outlined its plans to reduce its environmental impact under its new sustainability framework.

The company’s PRISM sustainability framework includes a range of targets such as circular economy product development, reducing operational impacts, and building a diverse workforce.  Plans include Flint Group’s recent commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with the company reducing carbon emissions in line with the 1.5°C scenario set out in the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Matthew Rowland-Jones, Sustainability Officer at Flint Group, said: “As the focus on climate change grows, brands seek packaging and label formats which are more sustainable to support their objectives. In today’s highly competitive market, printers need confidence that their vendors can help them lead in sustainable packaging via responsibly sourced, sustainable materials. 

“Flint Group’s new PRISM framework does just that – with a new set of targets and KPIs, we’re outlining how we will pave the way for even more sustainable products. But more importantly, this framework will see us overhaul our business. PRISM lays the groundwork for transformational change, from reducing waste to caring for and diversifying our workforce. We look forward to delivering this change and seeing the results.”

In the same way a glass prism separates white light into different colours, the company’s PRISM framework breaks the complexity of sustainability down into three essential parts: Products, People, and the Planet. It is designed to embed sustainability into the business, focusing on the most critical issues affecting the organisation, its customers, and its stakeholders. Specifically by designing products for the circular economy, helping customers be more efficient, and lowering the carbon footprint of its core products.

Steve Dryden, CEO of Flint Group, said: “For Flint Group, it is essential that our inks and coatings be integral to the packaging circular economy. With PRISM, our commitments become clear – to innovate, and to reduce the environmental impact of our products, the footprint of our business, and that of our customers.  Importantly, to invest in our people, building a diverse workforce who can support these objectives.

“The targets contained within PRISM are ambitious, but ambition is what our industry needs if our sustainability goals are to make a real difference to the planet.”

For more information on Flint Group, please visit https://www.flintgrp.com/en/new-sustainability/

Mark Andy was one of the key exhibitors at the first ever Labelexpo Mexico trade show which attracted many visitors from Latin America, and proved to be a great opportunity for the promotion of a variety of Mark Andy technology.  This included the company’s toner-based Digital Pro 3 hybrid press that gave live demos on the booth throughout the event and drew many discussions with printers and converters from the region. 

The LATAM market has been a very successful business area for Mark Andy in recent times, and visitors to the booth were mainly interested in new concepts among hybrid solutions, following a growing number of Mark Andy toner- and inkjet-based presses installed in the South and Central America region.  In addition to Mark Andy representatives for LATAM, business partners were also available on the booth to welcome visitors from Mexico, Brazil, and other countries of the region.

“Our sales success in the LATAM market shows a strong and continuous growth in this part of the world in recent years” said Tom Cavalco, Executive Vice President at Mark Andy.  “2021 was a record year for us and we finalised many important contracts last year too.  These included the first hybrid presses delivered to different countries.  The first Labelexpo Mexico confirmed the huge potential from LATAM printers and converters, as well as their growing interest in modern, highly advanced technical solutions because of the need to upgrade or replace existing machines.  As a press manufacturer of different printing techniques, including conventional flexo and hybrid, both toner- and inkjet-based, we have a lot to offer and are keen to participate in as many interesting business cases as possible.” 

Growing demand for hybrids
Mark Andy demonstrated a toner-based Digital Pro 3 on its booth.  This press represents the entry level segment in the company’s hybrid range.  Tom Cavalco underlined how hybrid technology has become increasingly popular worldwide, with LATAM being no exception: “A few years ago, we delivered our first 17-inch Digital Series HD in the region to one of our  long-term flexo users.  This was followed by other installations in the region, and we have enjoyed a constant year-on-year growth of hybrids delivered to LATAM area.”

Labelexpo Mexico confirmed this market trend, with Mark Andy having many discussions with current and potential customers who are considering investment and a switch to a digital-based press, equipped in additional finishing and embellishment options.  “We even signed a couple of agreements on the booth for both hybrid and flexo presses, so it was a very successful event for Mark Andy in terms of sales,” he added.

LATAM benefitting from geopolitical changes
The printing industry in Latin America is benefitting from the key geopolitical changes that have occurred in recent years.  “Many brand owners started so-called ‘near-shoring’, which means bringing their businesses and manufacturing plants closer to the target market and the end-users.  The entire LATAM region, especially Mexico, is benefitting from this global change,” Tom Cavalco continued.  As a result, the demand for different printed products, including labels and packaging, especially highly embellished, sophisticated ones, has started to grow significantly.  Printers and converters are now receiving requests for more advanced products like shrink sleeves, IML, flexible packaging and RFID tags.  So, they are being forced to modernise and upgrade their machines. 

Tom Cavalco indicated that the success of Labelexpo Mexico highlights the changes occurring in LATAM and the huge potential capacity of the market: “We have observed a growing importance of e-business in the entire region, followed by a growing demand for packaging and labels,” he said.  According to official data, Mexican online sales grew by 23% in 2022 compared to 2021, and have tripled since 2019.  The outlook for the label market is also very promising.  Predictions are for a 5.5% growth between 2021 and 2026, and a doubling of the number of label printers and converters since 2013.  “This is great news for us as a manufacturer of narrow-web presses,” he added.

Local support in sales, service and finance
Tom Cavalco underlines the importance of adopting an appropriate sales and support strategy for the LATAM region based on its local requirements and market specifics: “We are building our structure in Latin America on the successful model we used in Europe, where we significantly increased market share after moving our activities closer to the customers.”

Like Europe, local background knowledge of both personnel and technology is very important to LATAM customers.  “We employ only those people who have rich experience and market knowledge of sales and technical support in the region.  Our trading activities are supported by a finance company that employs fluent Spanish speakers, which is crucial for direct contact with LATAM customers.”

Labelexpo Europe coming soon
The Mexico-based event was another Labelexpo Global Series trade fair supported by Mark Andy to present its technology on its own booth, or via local business partners.  Following successful Labelexpos in Mexico, Thailand, India, and the US, the company is very keen to meet its European-based customers in Brussels this September.  “Labelexpo Europe is the most important label and narrow-web market event in the world.  We’ve already started preparing for it and will have a lot of interesting new technology to show you on our booth. See you in Brussels!” he concluded.

Irvine, Calif., May 15, 2023 –Roland DGA is now partnering with trusted brands to widen the selection of high-quality accessories offered at the Roland DGA Online Store and make the e-commerce site a “one-stop shop” for customers. The large-format imaging leader has just added popular products like Stahls’ Hotronix® heat presses and GOframe stretcher bars, making it easier than ever for print providers to shop for and purchase the products they need for their respective businesses.

“We are extremely excited about partnering with these highly trusted companies to expand our offerings at the Roland DGA Online Store,” said Roland DGA’s Senior Product Manager Lily Hunter. “The addition of these great Hotronix and GOframe products is just the beginning – we have plans to continue growing the number of ‘partner products’ at our site. These new additions enhance the already impressive selection of media and accessories visitors can purchase with a few clicks of the mouse.”

 Newly added Roland DGA Online Store accessories, include the following:

Stahls’ Hotronix Heat Presses

·       Hotronix FUSION IQ

·       Hotronix FUSION IQ Hat Press

·       Hotronix Hover Press (16” x 20”)

·       Hotronix MAXX Digital Clam Press (16” x 20”)

·       Hotronix EASY Craft Press (9” x 12”) 

GOframe Stretcher Bars

·       GOframe Starter Kit

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 20” x 30”, 4-pack)

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 16” x 20”, 5-pack)

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 11” x 14”, 5 pack

·       GOframe Bars (1-1/4” thick, 5” Hexagon, 6 frames)

·       GOframe Hex Corner (6-pack)

To learn more about, or to purchase, any of the new Roland DGA Online Store accessories listed above, visit https://dgastore.rolanddga.com. For more information on Roland DGA Corporation, or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.