(Pismo Beach, Calif.) The Raymond J. Prince Graphic Communication Advisors Group (GCAG) announced the appointment of in-plant printing and publishing management and technology expert, Gordon Rivera, as its latest member.

Named after industry advocate and GCAG founder, the late Raymond J. Prince, the group is composed of 21 of the printing industry’s highly visible and sought-after consultants (https://hrlevenson.wixsite.com/gcag). Rivera retired from Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, California as its in-plant manager for 25 years. He also served as an instructor at Cal Poly for 15 years where he taught courses in printing management.

Among Rivera’s specialties are: print content creation for social media, publications production,operational efficiency, marketing for print, print and color quality control, print MIS and W2P, pricing, in-plant sheetfed and commercial printing. Rivera is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt specialist.

Harvey Levenson, Cal Poly Professor Emeritus and GCAG coordinator, said: “Rivera’s GCAG appointment is significant because in-plants are pressed to shore up efficiency and technology with reduced staffing. Gordon’s knowledge and experience are tremendous resources to help inplants of all sizes and specialties achieve this.” Rivera can be reached at: printisalive@gmail.com, phone #805-245-3317.

About the Graphic Communication Advisors Group

The Raymond J. Prince Graphic Communication Advisors Group (https://hrlevenson.wixsite.com/gcag) is a group of specialists and experts accessible to the printing, publishing, packaging, and related communities. The group provides fresh, outside perspectives representing a broad range of experiences and a long-term commitment to all facets of the graphic arts industries. Many of the GCAG consultants and practitioners are industry’s “household names” and best-known managers, technologists, scientists, researchers, authors, and Expert Witnesses. They bring the power of their deep expertise and problem-solving acumen to bear on training and solving difficult problems.

SARASOTA, Florida (March 16, 2023) – S-One Labels & Packaging is thrilled to announce industry powerhouse Sharon Beeman as the new Vice-President of Global Sales. Boasting an impressive 15-year track record in the flexible packaging sector, Beeman is renowned for forging strong relationships and fueling exponential growth. 

Joining the S-OneLP family in 2018, Beeman has focused on transforming regional technical sales in the realms of films, primers, coatings, and cutting-edge capital equipment within the digital printing industry. 

“Sharon’s appointment to lead the S-OneLP team is a testament to her exceptional dedication and performance over the past five years,” remarked Justin Lehman, Chief Revenue Officer at S-One. “Her ability to drive customer revenue and deliver innovative solutions that surpass expectations has made her an invaluable asset to our organization.” 

Throughout her career, Beeman has consistently demonstrated an innate talent for driving sales. Her extraordinary business development expertise has garnered her top sales accolades, including the coveted MVP award from 2020 to 2022. Unwavering in her pursuit of excellence, Beeman has consistently surpassed sales goals year-over-year since joining S-OneLP. 

A true team player, Beeman has made it her mission to support her colleagues by providing invaluable sales and technical training. Before making her mark at S-OneLP, she held pivotal roles as a regional sales manager at Cosmo Films and a sales representative at Navis Films. 

Beeman takes pride in supporting her community by volunteering for a nonprofit that provides women and children with transitional shelter and affordable housing. 

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 shorter lead times. This model helps label and packaging suppliers and buyers plan more effectively while providing an expanded portfolio of digitally printed label and flexible packaging solutions. We are the exclusive provider of Michelman in-line and off-line primers in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg to HP Indigo digital presses. Other key partners include CharterNex, Futamura, and Kustom Group. Discover more at sonelp.com 

Rochester, NY – March 2023: With their recent expansion into Texas, Sheet Labels Inc. made a commitment to their customers, and to themselves, and started their new chapter with the purchase of a Durst Tau RSC E. As one of  the first assets purchased for this new location, the Durst Tau RSC E sets the trajectory for Sheet Labels Inc’s future.  

Headquartered out of Queensbury, New York, Sheet Labels Inc. is a full-service label and packaging converter that specializes in helping companies develop their image, communicate their value, and grow their brand through superior print and packaging products. To continue to meet these needs, Alan Etheridge, Senior Vice President of Sheet Labels Inc., spent a significant amount of time researching the most advantageous technology for their new facility, stating “I needed quality, flexibility and speed, but most importantly, I needed a UV inkjet asset, and a support structure for that technology, that I could rely on in order to continue to deliver superior service to our new and existing clients.” Durst exceeded in every category.   

The Durst Tau RSC E provides the highest quality and productivity available in today’s market, with maximum print speeds of 170 ft/min (upgradeable to 262 ft/min), impressive 1200dpi native resolution, and is available with up to eight color options plus highly opaque white. All Durst printers are equipped with our award-winning Workflow and Analytics software and comes with our industry leading, 24/7 service and support. “The 1200×1200 was an important factor in my decision, as it gave me equitable quality and flexibility between the inkjet and electrophotography assets.  The speed of the Durst was also a definite advantage, and ease of operator use/training,” said Etheridge. 

Steve Lynn, Director of Labels and Packaging – Sales, said of the relationship, “Our Team at Durst understands the pressures that converters face daily, which is why we develop innovative products, comprehensive support practices and business operations to deliver productive and complete solutions to the market. The Tau RSC line is incredibly versatile, and a perfect fit for what Sheet Labels Inc is envisioning for their future. We look forward to their continued success, and our growing partnership.”  

“The time from press delivery to fully functional was the shortest of any digital asset I have purchased in my 26-year career in this industry. The installation, technical support, and service team from Durst has exceeded our expectations,” reflected Etheridge on his experience. As for the future, he commented, “We are so impressed by the asset, and its capabilities, that we structured our initial purchase to give us options on several additional units over the next 5 years.  As we increase our company footprint, the Durst will be our UV inkjet press of choice and one of the foundational assets in current and future locations.”

About Sheet Labels Inc.: 

Sheet Labels Inc. is an E-Commerce based label and product decoration provider, with extensive capabilities including flexographic, digital electrophotography, and digital UV inkjet with locations in Queensbury, NY, and Austin TX.  As a business, they strive to provide an all-inclusive service platform to consumers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes. Labels are their passion, and quality and dependability are their dedication. 

Sheet Labels Inc. online at: https://www.sheetlabels.com/

·   The RISI PPI Awards honours paper and pulp businesses that develop groundbreaking, commercially viable products

·   Mondi’s Hug&Hold beverage packaging recognised as a stand-out product that replaces plastic shrink wrap, while saving costs and driving efficiencies 

13 March 2023 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has won the coveted PPI Award in the Product Innovation category for its Hug&Hold packaging solution. The Fastmarkets Forest Products PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and paper sector.

Hug&Hold is a paper packaging solution designed and developed to wrap and transport PET beverage bottles, replacing plastic shrink wrap. It is a recyclable 100% paper-based solution, comprising a kraft paper sleeve and a corrugated clip to secure the bottles and offer a comfortable handle for transportation.

The Product Innovation Award is presented to companies that demonstrate how a newly developed product solves an existing need or problem. Hug&Hold is perfect for FMCG brands and beverage producers, who want more sustainable packaging solutions that appeal to consumers and meet their product protection needs.

A sustainable, functional and fully automated alternative to plastic shrink wrap means that brand owners can safely switch to the recyclable paper-based packaging solution, without any risk to their product or logistics. With Hug&Hold, Mondi is the first to manufacture and market a complete concept, providing a strong and stable solution that is made from renewable and fully recyclable materials, suitable for existing paper waste streams throughout Europe.

Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing Director Corrugated Solutions at Mondi, says: “We are committed to making the most sustainable packaging solutions for our customers and we are very proud to see our innovations being recognised by our peers. 

Silvia Hanzelova, Sales Director Specialty Kraft Paper at Mondi, says: “Leveraging Mondi’s team of kraft paper and corrugated specialists, we were able to develop a fully paper-based solution with minimal material usage. Following thorough testing, Hug&Hold has been confirmed in terms of runnability and viability.”

The award ceremony took place in the city of Prague, Czechia, on 8 March 2023. Find out more about Hug&Hold, the responsible way to deliver your beverages.

Leading German based label converter, Barthel Group, has installed more Martin Automatic technology at its production facility in Essen.  The latest Martin machines are an MBS non-stop unwind/splicer and LRD automatic transfer rewinder fitted to a Nilpeter FA5 flexo press.  Last year, Barthel also installed Martin MBS machines on two Mark Andy Evolution 5 presses at its atb plant in nearby Herne.  According to Group Managing Director, Mischa Barthel: “Non-stop operation of narrow web technology is the only way to maximise productivity – there is no future here for a label press without automatic roll handling.”

The Barthel Group, which was established in 1984 by Joachim Barthel and Detlef Klusmann, currently employs more than 500 people across its six sites, and its €110m/year turnover makes it one of the largest privately owned label converters in Europe.  Now under second generation management with Mischa, Joachim’s son, at the helm, today’s set up includes the parent plant in Essen, Barthel Digitalprint, and acquisitions DES, evert, eprint, and atb in Germany as well as KIEN in the Netherlands.  In all, more than 50 printing presses are in daily production with each plant specialising in certain products for different sectors but also offering the Group spare capacity during busy periods or during breakdowns.

But this is a far cry from how it all began with two-colour and four-colour Webtron water-based flexo presses to comply with the food industry regulations.  The company eventually moved into UV-letterpress and subsequently UV-flexo, UV-offset and digital in the early 2000s.  Mischa Barthel started helping at the factory from the age of 13, and later, having worked his way up through all the company departments, took over as Managing Director in 2008.  It was his experience with an Arsoma TR rewinder fitted to one of the Webtron presses that demonstrated the value of automation, and this principle has been kept firmly in mind for all subsequent investment in new press technology.

“We chose Martin Automatic as our preferred supplier because of its established reputation in the narrow web market – the Martin name appears to be synonymous with reliability and performance, and we had no doubt that it would make a significant impact on our production floor,” said Mr Barthel.  As well as saving time, material, and the physical effort involved with roll changing, the Martin Automatic machines allow the presses to run at consistently higher speeds with none of the print quality variation that is caused by ramping up and down to change rolls manually.  “As well as improving productivity and showing a fast ROI, the Martins have had a motivational effect on the production teams, who now deliver a higher volume of saleable product with less physical effort,” he added.

The two latest Martin machines are an MBS non-stop unwind/butt splicer and an LRD rewinder. The MBS features built-in roll loading for rolls up to 455kg.  It has a maximum splicing speed of 150m/min, a maximum web width of 560mm and can handle rolls up to 1016mm in diameter.  The splicer monitors the remaining diameter of the roll and automatically splices to the new roll at a pre-set diameter.  The MBS is followed by a festoon that has Martin’s patented inertia compensation technology for consistent and accurate tensioning of the web throughout the process.  The LRD rewinder, which matches the capability of the MBS, is fitted with two spindles and unloads finished rolls up to 800mm in diameter automatically onto the integral ramp.  It is designed to minimise cycle time and delivers rolls to specific customer requirements.

Today, Barthel’s product range includes labels for the food, wine, and beverage sectors, as well as fabric and homecare, cosmetic and personal care, pharmaceutical, logistics, and industrial products – a broad and highly sustainable base for the business.  The Group utilises a range of print technologies from toner-based digital to inkjet/flexo hybrid, offset, UV-flexo and flat-bed screen.  One might say it has all bases covered!  Materials used are all in line with its mantra of sustainability, so include PCR substrates, detach adhesives, FSC certified materials or compostable solutions.

What of the future?  “We intend to diversify our operation and gain a footprint in new markets and different geographic regions, especially Eastern Europe.  I believe digitalisation and automation are the way forward and our future investments will reflect this – cost control and improved efficiency and speed to market are key. The challenge is to keep the success going by adapting to market conditions!” he concluded.

www.martinautomatic.com                                                               www.barthel-gruppe.de

West Sussex, England (7th March) 

Munich, Germany – Infigo, a leading provider of web-to-print solutions for the print and packaging space, will debut their new parametric designer tool at the InPrint Munich conference, which is co-located with CCE International, on 14-16th March. The product will work in harmony with Infigo’s award-winning MegaEdit online product designer, which will help build on the foundations for additional development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) design tools in the near future. 

With the Artificial Intelligence chatbot ‘ChatGPT’ taking the search and content world by storm, Infigo truly believe that the print industry is next in line to benefit from the AI revolution. 

The launch of the web-to-print specialist’s AI capabilities comes at a time when the packaging industry is experiencing an increased demand for digital printing solutions that offer greater speed, flexibility, and efficiency. 

Parametric design is a method whereby three-dimensional product features on packaging products, for example (such as boxes or cartons), can be shaped according to algorithmic processes rather than created by a designer. 

According to Infigo CEO & Founder Douglas Gibson, “The market really is on fire right now, as a plethora of new machine launches from HP and other leading manufacturers are driving efficiencies for the 24/7 digital factory. 

Coupled with integrations from leading providers such as Hybrid Software and CERM, the perfect automated print factory is becoming a reality. This is the first in a series of modules and integrations that will allow this unique marketplace to deliver highly profitable short-run packaging through AI.” 

This latest web-to-pack innovation will not only be exclusive to the packaging industry, instead with plans to roll out to label converters and general and commercial printers. “We have all seen an upward trend of demand from the packaging space, and it’s never been more important to support that demand with tools our customers and partners require to deliver and excel.” says Gibson. 

Infigo will showcase its new parametric design tool at Stand: 2948, Hall B6 of the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the AI in action and speak with Infigo CEO & Founder, Douglas Gibson, and Chief Technical Officer, Michael Zauner, alongside other experts from within the labels and packaging industry. 

To attend InPrint Munich for free, Infigo has been allocated a limited amount of VIP tickets for the event, worth over €80 per pair, which means free attendance to both the CCE International Exhibition and InPrint Conference. Simply complete the following form. 

Irvine, Calif., March 8, 2023 – Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters, 3D milling machines, and other digital imaging technology, has announced that TrueVISTM VG3 and SG3 wide-format eco-solvent inkjet printer/cutters with TR2 ink have been approved for the 3MTM MCSTM Warranty.

The 3MTM MCSTM Warranty provides full, non-prorated protection for the intended life of each graphic, including fading, cracking, peeling, and other aspects of graphic performance. The weathering technology and rigorous testing of ink and printer combinations that 3M stands behind with this warranty assures customers that the quality of their images will be maintained for the life of the print. TrueVIS VG3 and SG3 printer/cutters as well as TR2 inks* passed 3M’s stringent testing process for outstanding durability and reliability.

“TrueVIS wide-format printer/cutters and our specially formulated TR2 inks have a well-earned reputation for consistently producing stunning, long-lasting prints with vibrant color and excellent detail,” said Roland DGA’s Product Manager of Digital Print, Daniel Valade. “The support of the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty provides additional assurance to end users that the output created by these devices and inks will satisfy their most demanding customers.”

Roland DG’s TrueVIS VG3 and SG3 printer/cutters are uniquely designed for unsurpassed image quality, productivity, and ease of use. The professional-level VG3 models take production, color control, efficiency, and convenience to a whole new level, while the value-packed SG3 models make the latest TrueVIS technology accessible to print providers who are just starting out or seeking to build their businesses. Wide-gamut, GREENGUARD Gold certified TR2 inks bring out the best in the VG3 and SG3 devices, delivering ultra-vivid, richly colored prints that are exceptionally scratch resistant and durable.

To learn more about TrueVIS VG3 and SG3 wide-format printer/cutters, or the complete TrueVIS product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/products/printers/truevis.  For more information on the 3MTM MCSTM Warranty, visit www.3m.com/graphicswarranties.

*The 3M™ MCS™ Warranty covers graphics produced with print settings that use Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, and Light Black inks. Graphics produced with print settings that use Orange, Green, and White inks are not covered by the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty.     

The new greenfield site in Austin offers full-service digital and flexo label converting, with redundant capabilities of the flagship NY location.

Queensbury, NY, February, 2023 –– SheetLabels.com (SLI), a digital and flexographic label manufacturer, has announced the opening of a new facility in Pflugerville, TX, in the Austin metro area. The move significantly expands the company’s capacity while enhancing customer service to clients in the South and Western US.

Equipped with redundant capabilities of its flagship location in New York State, the new XX,XXX? square foot facility houses both flexo and digital presses, including both inkjet and electrophotographic digital technologies. Label finishing and embellishment techniques on-site include embossing, hot and cold foiling, tactile and standard varnishing, and specialty film lamination. In addition, laser finishing is also available for prototyping and converting the most intricate of label diecuts.

Complementing its extensive printing and converting capabilities, SLI also offers at the new Texas location comprehensive creative and design services. Blank sheet products are also available for immediate delivery, while the entire product line benefits from improved lead and shipping times to the West Coast.

Alan Etheridge, SLI’s senior vice president, comments, “We’re always listening to the unique needs of all of our clients, and will continue to heavily invest in areas that provide benefits and services. Our expansion into Texas gives us needed manufacturing redundancy, specific capacity, and the ability to service our Southern and Western clients in an improved and meaningful way.”

Continues Etheridge, “This is an exciting time at SLI, as we expand and further commit to our loyal and strategic customer base both in Texas and beyond. The manufacturing team we were able to recruit for our new facility has been key to our investment here in Austin. Our press core is equipped with over 150 years of combined industry experience specific to labels, and has made an immediate and positive impact to our overall manufacturing quality.”

Adam Gray, president and founder of SLI, remarks that the new location in Texas signifies the first of several growth initiatives anticipated to come in the near future. He says, “Strategically located in the heart of the AustinTexas, and equipped with an exhaustive fleet of printing and finishing assets, we are uniquely positioned to support the robust entrepreneurial businesses in this region.

“Our overall company mission – to provide a full-service product decoration experience for clients of every size – resonates through our continued regionalized manufacturing model,” explains Gray, adding, “The new plant in Texas is one of many planned expansions over the next 24 months, and we are extremely proud of the impact and progress this expansion is having for our clients.”

Willstaett, Germany. 9 march 2023 – XSYS has announced the appointment of FERAG Australia Pty Ltd as new distributor of its portfolio of flexographic printing plates and platemaking equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Customers in the region will be able to benefit from FERAG’s long history and experience in the graphic arts industry, as the company expands its remit into flexo printing and packaging.

Roy Schoettle, Regional VP APAC XSYS, said, “We are very pleased that FERAG will be representing XSYS in this part of the world. The company is well established and a respected supplier in the graphics industry having looked after both countries over many years with its existing portfolio of products. We feel confident that our customers will truly profit from a dedicated company that will focus on their needs day to day. It’s an exciting time as packaging – and indeed XSYS as a leading supplier to this industry – is growing around the world. Australia and New Zealand are very much a part of this growth.”

As the local contact for FERAG conveying, sorting, buffering and processing systems, the newly appointed XSYS distributor is based in Matraville, NSW, Australia. In addition to solutions for the graphics industry and systems for internal material flow, FERAG Australia also distributes packaging machines and palletizing systems from other suppliers. The team works closely with its customers to successfully implement their projects, from initial planning, installation, and commissioning through to operator training and after-sales support. As such, it is a perfect match for XSYS and its innovative solutions and services.

“The opportunity to take on the XSYS portfolio has come at a great time for FERAG, as we continue to move the company forward into new industry segments,” said Philip Batty, who is the Managing Director of FERAG Australia. “Naturally, our main priorities now are to make sure that existing XSYS customers are well looked after and that the changeover is as seamless as possible. Our team is looking forward to representing this world class portfolio of flexographic solutions with best-in-class sales, service and technical support.”

 FERAG will stock and supply nyloflex® flexographic plates, nyloprint® letterpress plates as well as nylosolv® solvent washout. The agreement came into effect on February 24th 2023.