Elgin, IL – Xeikon America, a world-class developer and manufacturer of digital printing presses and related equipment, today announced the opening of its new North American headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Elgin. Xeikon executives were joined by Elgin mayor Dave Kaptain, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Carol Gieske and Economic Development Group Director Tony Lucenko for a gala ribbon cutting to inaugurate the facility.

Eighty percent of the 39,000 square feet of space at the Elgin facility is dedicated to customer support functions, including the company’s state-of-the-art Innovation Center which offers customers greatly expanded demonstration and training capabilities, both virtually and in person. The Innovation Center features Xeikon dry toner; UV-IJ printer solutions that serve the print and packaging industries who then serve the food, beverage, beer, wine and spirits, health & beauty, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and the nutraceutical industries as well as the commercial print/graphic arts industries. In addition to our production print solutions, Xeikon’s NA Headquarters will showcase the company’s software solutions. Additionally, the Elgin location provides improved warehousing and office space.

The new facility at 350 River Ridge Road is located within Elgin’s Prologis business park. It underwent a floor-to-ceiling renovation to Xeikon’s specifications.

Xeikon, the digital division of Flint Group, was founded more than 30 years ago. The company provides large-scale solutions to print and packaging suppliers in a variety of consumer and business-to-business markets worldwide. “Customer needs continue to evolve and a company must be adaptive and agile to remain competitive,” said Benoit Chatelard. “This new facility was designed and developed with that in mind.”

All of the more than 60 employees housed at the company’s previous offices in Itasca have elected to make the move to the Elgin location. Much of the Xeikon America workforce is virtual, working from their homes and other locations across the United States and Canada.

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 web-fed digital color presses for label and packaging applications, document printing, and commercial printing. These presses utilize different imaging processes, open workflow software and application-specific consumables.

In 2015, Xeikon joined Flint Group to create a new “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 printing consumables. These include a vast range of conventional and energy-curable inks and coatings, press room chemicals, as well as pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications. The Flint Group is based in Luxembourg and employs around 7,900 people. Globally, the company is number 1 or 2 in all market segments it serves.

For more information about Xeikon, visit www.xeikon.com

Flint Group, one of the largest consumable suppliers to the global packaging and print industry, reveals the details of its upcoming webinar focused on Circular Central Impression (CI) Flexographic Printing.

This free webinar will take place on Thursday, the 1st of December 2022. The event features an experienced panel of speakers who will discuss the technologies available for today’s printers and converters who seek circular and sustainable packaging. 

As well as the next generation of press machinery, plates, and sleeves, the webinar highlights Flint Group’s ONECode range of solvent-based inks and varnishes for flexible package printing. The range includes products formulated to enhance performance in flexible package printing as well as next-generation inks such as the Cradle-to-Cradle® certified ZenCode.

With expert representation from key parts of the flexographic supply chain, the webinar aims to better prepare converters to meet today’s sustainability goals. Topics include current challenges in low-carbon flexographic printing, the use of de-inking to create circular packaging, the latest technology in printing plates and long-life sleeves, plus the role of machinery & equipment in minimising waste.

Stephen Butler, European Flexible Packaging Product Manager, Flint Group, said: “We are delighted to welcome guests to our CI Flexo webinar focused on sustainability. Staying competitive is an immense juggling act for printers and converters. The pressure to deliver quality, speed, and precision remains critical. In addition to that, boosting efficiency, reducing waste, and designing for recycling is more vital than ever before. 

“Alongside our partners at XSYS and Windmöller & Hölscher, we are proud to be a key contributor to this event, exhibiting how we can provide sustainable options to deliver a true competitive advantage. On the 1st of December, we look forward to engaging with delegates from across the industry with this enlightening event.”

During this informative webinar, attendees will hear insights from plate and sleeve technology experts, XSYS Global, as well as press manufacturer, Windmöller & Hölscher.  Flint Group, will present its circular vision and provide insight into effective recycling processes for flexible packaging.

To register for attendance, please click here

For more information on Flint Group and its activities, please visit www.flintgrp.com or email info.packaginginks@flintgrp.com.

About Flint Group
Flint Group is dedicated to serving the needs of the global Flexible Packaging, Paper & Board, Narrow Web and Publication industries, both conventional and digitally printed. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables and equipment, including: a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks, coatings and additives for Flexographic, Gravure & Offset applications; pressroom chemicals and printing blankets. Furthermore, Flint Group designs and manufacturers digital printing presses for labels, corrugated packaging, document and commercial applications. The company is a leader in colour management solutions which are supported by a Global Colour Centre to ensure colour consistency and standardisation. Flint Group strives to support its customers through a relentless focus on developing: innovative products, exceptional levels of service and the security of supply. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Flint Group employs some 5,600 people. Revenues for 2021 were €1.5 billion. On a worldwide basis, the company is the number one or number two supplier in every major market segment it serves. For more information, please visit www.flintgrp.com

BOBST also announces One complete solution – providing perfect flexible packaging workflows, based on individual converter production needs

Together with its partners, BOBST today revealed one of the most exciting milestones in the journey towards truly sustainable packaging: oneBARRIER, a family of new alternative and sustainable solutions.

At K 2022, taking place in Düsseldorf, 19–22 October, BOBST and its partners have revealed Generation 3.0 “hero samples” of oneBARRIER PrimeCycle – a polymer-based mono-material, which is recycle-ready while retaining excellent barrier qualities, making it a potentially groundbreaking development for sustainable packaging. PrimeCycle is an EVOH-free, top-coat free solution for full PE barrier and is an alternative to metallized polyester film. The Generation 3.0 samples, which are various examples of food packaging, are another significant evolution from the 1.0 version first presented at K 2019 – they are now converted and printed on real scale equipment, assuring quality and barrier performance along every successive conversion phase.

The reveal comes just weeks after Institute Cyclos – the respected expert in the classification, assessment and certification of recyclability of packaging – awarded BOBST an EU-wide certification of recyclability for oneBARRIER PrimeCycle, with a recyclability level of 98%. This is an exceptionally high recyclability level for a high barrier film. BOBST’s partners involved in oneBARRIER PrimeCycle include Dow, Michelman, Sun Chemical and Zermatt, who are all present during K 2022 to demonstrate their vital contributions to this exciting development.

A second major oneBARRIER breakthrough is also on show for the first time at K 2022. oneBARRIER FibreCycle is a full paper, mono-material, recycle-ready solution created together with partners Michelman and UPM, in response to increasing demand in the industry for more paper-based packaging options. Together with Finnish-based converter Huhtamaki, BOBST has revealed the first ever hero samples of converted packaging using the FibreCycle solution, representing another exciting and significant milestone for sustainable packaging.

“The oneBARRIER solutions presented at K 2022 are the real deal – sustainable, recycle-ready packaging with excellent barrier properties,” said Sara Alexander, Marketing and Communications Manager, Flexible Packaging Industry, BOBST. “This success is testament to the great collaboration between all our valued partners, and we are proud to have played an integral role. Sustainable packaging has represented one of the great challenges of the modern era, and one of the most necessary. Now at BOBST, together with our partners, we are ready.”

One complete solution

Sustainability is not the only hot topic for BOBST at K 2022. BOBST also announced the launch of One complete solution – a new tailored package of end-to-end solutions to create a perfect flexible packaging workflow for converters, based on their production needs.

One complete solution is a portfolio of end-to-end workflows that connect all steps, from production file and pre-press through to the reels of printed or laminated substrates, or of high barrier functional films or paper.

BOBST is hosting an Open House event in Bielefeld, which is running concurrently to K 2022 (19-26 October), where attendees will be able to see an example of One complete solution in action. The workflow on display will include full pre-press set up with smartGPS, plus sleeve mounting with our partner, AV Flexologic, plus a CI Flexo press with the VISION CI, plus quality control with the BOBST digital inspection table, plus lamination with the solventless NOVA SX 550 LAMINATOR, plus all essential data and digital services with BOBST Connect.

“One complete solution provides everything converters need tailored to their specific needs,” said Sara Alexander. “Uniquely in our industry, BOBST has the knowledge and portfolio of solutions to create complete and seamless quality production for converters, offering end-to-end solutions for more productive flexible packaging. The workflow is more efficient, the whole process is smoother, and servicing is considerably easier. It really is the whole package.”

A second BOBST Open House took place on 18 October at Bobst Manchester Open House, focused on the FibreCycle solution with partners UPM and Michelman, and giving attendees the opportunity to see BOBST`s latest vacuum metallizing solutions in person.

BOBST Connect

An integral element of One complete solution, and also on show at K 2022, is BOBST Connect. BOBST Connect is a user-centric digital platform that links different steps of the production process through a digitalized and automated workflow. It improves efficiency, control, and data knowledge, driving quality and productivity across the value chain.

BOBST has announced that as of 1 July 2022, BOBST Connect Essential – the first subscription plan of this very powerful tool – has been made available on all BOBST machines as a standard supply. This is a unique offer within the industry.

About BOBST
We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries.

Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 19 production facilities in 11 countries and employs more than 5800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.563 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.

www.bobst.com

Mills River, NC – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials, recently received recognition by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for their undecorated white PP and clear PP pressure-sensitive label materials with acrylic adhesive for PP bottle recycling. The APR recognition is “based on the technical recyclability of the label innovations, in the polypropylene container recycling stream.”

“We are honored to once again be recognized for our continued commitment to the circular economy. This is the fifth APR Critical Guidance recognition achieved by UPM Raflatac to date. This new guidance will help us further provide a full solution to brand owners,” stated Kyle Strenski, Business Director, Films and Specials, UPM Raflatac Americas.

APR’s definition of “recyclable” is comprehensive and considers compatibility with industry standard recycling processes, starting with collection and ending with remanufacturing.

The recognition letter submitted by APR states, “APR thanks UPM Raflatac, for voluntarily submitting these label innovations for Recognition. The impact of these protocols is beneficial to world-wide recycling efforts. Meeting the Critical Guidance Document is a truly significant step in demonstrating overall recyclability of your label innovations.”

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac is leading in sustainable labeling through our innovative self-adhesive label materials and services. We offer high-quality paper and film label stock for branding and promotion, informational labels, and labels with functionality. We operate a global network of factories, distribution terminals and sales offices. Our company employs around 3,000 people and made sales of EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2021. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.

Spencer, MA – FLEXcon Company, Inc., an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, today announced that Nick Lupoli has joined the company as the new Chief Operations Officer, FLEXcon North America. Lupoli will oversee all of manufacturing, supply chain, and quality for the company.  

Lupoli’s background in operations, supply chain, finance, and engineering with a focus on lean manufacturing will be key in driving FLEXcon’s strategy and change initiatives, according to FLEXcon North America President, Aimee Peacock. He brings expertise in P&L management, supply chain optimization and key client engagement that align with the company’s vision. 

“Nick comes to us with a track record of successful transformational change through LEAN management practices and principles,” Peacock says. “We look forward to the insight he will bring to issues impacting the business that will enable FLEXcon to continue on its path forward.”  

Lupoli most recently served as a Vice President for Wyman Gordon where his oversight of the company’s Isothermal Forging business across multiple sites yielded double digit revenue gains. He previously served as the Director of Operations for Hanwha Aerospace, a maker of large machined hardware, and successfully grew the business in 2020 despite the impacts of COVID-19. 

“I look forward to championing FLEXcon’s continued efforts relating to its LEAN transformation,” says Lupoli “and coupling my manufacturing experience in the aerospace industry with the proven knowledge and experiences of the FLEXcon team to propel both the FLEXcon purpose and business strategy for many years to come.” 

About FLEXcon
FLEXcon Company, Inc. is a global leader in coated and laminated films and adhesives used as functional components in manufactured goods and in graphics applications. A family-owned company for over 65 years, FLEXcon serves as a development partner to engineers and designers to bring their innovative ideas from concept to reality, for markets such as transportation, electronics, industrial, healthcare, and construction & energy, with a focus on improving human lives through emerging technology. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass., the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit FLEXcon.com/functional-technologies, follow FLEXcon on LinkedIn, or call +1-508-885-8200.

In many ways, LMI Packaging, headquartered at Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, typifies the way that production of pressure sensitive labels has developed over the relatively short time this sector of the print market has existed.  The industry was built on ‘Mum & Pop’ shops with a simple press, often working in the garage until the business grew and became successful enough to pass on to the next generation.

When Chester Sykes established LMI in 1967, he could not have foreseen how, over three generations, his business would become one of the leading manufacturers of labels and lids in the US.  Today, under the leadership of grandson JP Moran as CEO, the company, which employs around 150 people, is bursting at the seams of its 72,000 sq.ft. facility and actively looking to move to larger premises.

“We’ve seen business double in the past two years, and it shows no sign of slowing down,” he said.  A long-time Mark Andy user, LMI currently has an impressive bank of the manufacturer’s Performance P-Series flexo presses, up to 11-colors, and all highly specified.  “We see the Mark Andys as good all-round workhorses that are capable of high-speed production of top-quality work,” he added, stating that the company has always prided itself on the hand-tailored solutions it offers its customers in the food & beverage, petfood, beauty and healthcare and household product sectors

One common factor to the P7 presses is LMI’s preferred choice of corona treater.  Director of Engineering AJ Chivell takes up the story.  “Our previous presses were fitted with a brand of treater that was not 100% reliable, especially in the humid conditions we experience here in the summer months.  They were also difficult for the operator to access for cleaning, maintenance, and adjustment.”

After speaking about this issue with other narrow web converters, the brand that consistently drew praise for its reliability and ease of use was Vetaphone.  The Danish company, which pioneered the surface treatment technique we all know today as corona, remains the world leader through its ongoing commitment to R&D.

Coping with issues of humidity is well-known to Vetaphone from its experience over the years of supplying technology to converters in a variety of climatic conditions.  Key to its success is the well-proven design that separates the power unit from the treater station, which combined with the slow start-up mechanism on the iCorona generator, removes the danger of any condensation causing cut-out or corrosion issues.

With Vetaphone VE-2A treaters fitted to both of its latest Mark Andy P7 lines, production stoppages from condensation causing a power outage on the corona unit is a thing of the past at LMI.  “Not only are they reliable and consistent in power delivery, the location and size of the units makes them easy for the operator to carry out all the necessary jobs to maintain performance,” said AJ Chivell, adding that Vetaphone technology is easy to learn and the units simple to control via the touch-panel.

The key to reliability and performance with all machines is cleaning and maintenance, and LMI imposes a regular program of routine tasks to ensure the corona units stay in tip top condition.  “We have been really impressed by the service and support from Vetaphone’s Eric Hopfensperger who is based locally, so any concerns we might have had about using their equipment were quickly removed – in fact, it could not have worked out better,” he added.

With business booming and the range and number of SKUs the company is asked to supply increasing all the time, the all-round performance and reliability of both Mark Andy and Vetaphone technology for 24/7 operation is fundamental to LMI’s continued success.  With a wide variety of substrates being processed at high speed, including PET, BOPP, Co-ex, and foil, the company is full of praise for the support it receives from both manufacturers.  “I would unquestionably recommend Vetaphone technology to anyone who needs surface treatment and can guarantee it will be their corona treater fitted to our new flexo press that is due to be installed soon,” he concluded.

www.vetaphone.com