UV curing systems manufacturer GEW will be showcasing its full product range at Labelexpo India, with a particular emphasis on its UV LED models. The company will highlight how UV LED technology enables narrow web printers to make substantial energy savings, and to dramatically reduce their carbon footprint.

On 10th November 2022, Delhi Expo Centre opens its doors to printers from across South Asia and beyond. GEW will be exhibiting on stand J31 and will be showing the company’s latest UV LED curing system, AeroLED, at the forefront of its product range. Furthermore, visitors to the show will be able to see AeroLED in operation on a working demonstration press.

As was the case at Labelexpo Americas in September, AeroLED will attract much attention due to the energy savings on offer to printers who upgrade to this system. GEW expects that most print companies will see energy savings between 50-70% when moving from conventional UV to UV LED.

Energy savings achieved by switching to AeroLED come in two forms. Firstly, LEDs produce high UV dose at a fraction of the electrical power of conventional UV systems. Secondly, LEDs do not go into standby and are instant on/off, as required. Currently UV arc systems are left in standby using approximately 20% power while jobs are changed; in comparison, LED will be switched off during this time. Over the 30,000 hour-plus life of an AeroLED lamp, this equates to significant energy savings.

To find out more about the possible energy savings from upgrading to AeroLED, printers can explore the GEW Operating Cost Comparison Calculator on the GEW website, at www.gewuv.com/roi_calculator/

A further benefit of AeroLED is its ArcLED compatibility. For printers still unsure of whether to upgrade from conventional UV, AeroLED’s ArcLED capabilities offer a risk-free upgrade option. Utilising the same fan and ducting formulation as GEW’s industry renowned E2C system, customers can switch between arc and LED curing on any station. In fact, customers with E2C and GEW’s RHINO/RLT power supply platform can upgrade to LED within a matter of hours by simply changing the cassettes and running a software upgrade.

In addition to offering ArcLED capabilities and greatly reduced operating costs, printers upgrading to AeroLED are able to free up a significant level of mains capacity, which can then be used to install new machinery and subsequently increase production capability. Two AeroLED systems have a lower electrical supply requirement than just one conventional arc UV system.

In terms of design, AeroLED is a high power system for full cure, printing, coating and converting applications up to 60cm wide, with the air being extracted by a single centralised fan sited away from the press. There is no need for integrated fans or electronics in the individual lampheads, which eliminates the high-pitched noise and risk of failure that these bring. AeroLED features the same LED chassis and core components as GEW’s LeoLED lamphead, for proven reliability. As with LeoLED, the lamphead has tough watertight seals to protect the LED modules from ingress and to make cleaning easy and safe. Every aspect of the design has been carefully considered to deliver robust performance and long-term reliability. As is the case with all new GEW UV products, AeroLED uses GEW’s RHINO power supply and control range, for ultimate reliability with Industry 4.0 approved, IoT Remote Monitoring as standard.

Robert Rae, Managing Director of Sales at GEW, comments: “UV LED is no longer just a technology for the future, it has become an essential technology for the present day. This change has been driven by the recent and dramatic increases in global energy prices, creating an unprecedented demand for low-energy, sustainable LED solutions as well as improved ink technology and availability. Technological advancement is leading to ever more efficient and cost-effective UV LED products, as is demonstrated by the introduction of AeroLED. The opportunities are huge and we are convinced that LED will soon become the dominant technology in our narrow web market.”

About GEW
GEW (EC) Limited is the market leading manufacturer of robust, energy-efficient UV curing systems for the label printing and converting industry. GEW UV systems are designed for operation in the most challenging conditions and come with a comprehensive 5-year warranty unique in its industry. Besides its headquarters and factory in England, GEW owns subsidiaries in Germany and the United States, and operates a network of international distributors.

Graham, NC – As a result of its acquisition by The Fedrigoni Group, global leader in the production of high value-added special papers for packaging, publishing, and graphics, as well as premium labels and self-adhesive materials, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives North America, formerly Acucote and Arconvert brands, are better able to service the wine and spirits industry. Benefits include a broad portfolio of products specifically designed for this market segment and local slitting and warehousing strategically located across the United States.

Paper manufacturers since 1888, Fedrigoni continues a legacy of passion, experience and attention to detail. Now offering a wide range of wine and spirit facestocks in roll and sheet formats in North America. The wine and spirits selection includes embossed, felt marked, pearlescent, laid, uncoated, coated and waterproof papers.

According to Melissa Harton, Marketing Manager, North America (former Acucote brand), “We’re very pleased to be able to offer our customers premium papers from Fedrigoni brands including Manter and Arconvert. These products add elegant textures, diverse colors and high quality performance to our existing portfolio. And the product line is fully supported by slitting and warehousing in California, North Carolina, Texas, Pennsylvania and Ohio.”

The Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives portfolio is primarily FSCⓇ-Approved and also includes recycled content papers made of recycled FSC fibers, and recycled post-consumer.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives also offers alternative fibers including materials made from renewable plants such as cotton, linen, bamboo, sugar cane and hemp or from grass fibers and mineral powder.

Many of the company’s wine and spirits papers are offered with Ultra WSTM. This treatment is particularly suited for white, rosé and sparkling wines as it helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles, bubbles and deformations in the label while in ice buckets and in the event of temperature fluctuations.

For more information on the Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives wine and spirits portfolio visit https://pages.fedrigoni.com/sustainablewinespirits

Fedrigoni
Since 1888 Fedrigoni has stood for excellence in the manufacture of specialty papers. It is one of Europe’s largest players in the production and sale of various types of high value-added paper for packaging and graphics, premium labelling products, and other self-adhesive materials. With more than 4,000 employees in Italy and abroad and 25,000 products, the Group sells and distributes in more than 130 countries and has become the third global player in the self-adhesive materials sector also thanks to recent acquisitions. The Paper business unit includes the Cordenons Group and the historic Fabriano brand, and the Self-Adhesives business unit includes Arconvert, Manter, Ritrama (since February 2020), IP Venus (since December 2020), Acucote and Ri-Mark (since June 2021), Tageos (March 2022). The American distributor GPA is also part of the Group.

Domino has released a brand new VIDEO: Supply Chain in Crisis which features a wide cross-section of label industry leaders who discuss and share their thoughts on a very important and serious topic.

This documentary-style video, a project five months in the making, includes 16 industry leaders from 9 companies, with filming shot over the course of 9 weeks from 9 locations across the United States.

It tells the story of the label material Supply Chain crisis… and resiliency, sustainability, transparency, best practices; minimizing waste, while maximizing efficiency & productivity with digital printing.

Many thanks to Avery Dennison, FLEXcon, International Label & Printing, The Label Printers, UPM Raflatac, Viking Label & Packaging, Wausau Coated Products, and Yerecic Label.

Featured in this video, in order of appearance are:

·         Kim Larson – President of Viking Label & Packaging  
·         Kelli Messer – Marketing Director, Paper & Rapid Roll of Avery Dennison
·         Jim Sheibley – Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing of Wausau Coated Products
·         Lori Campbell – President of The Label Printers
·         Tony Dardano – Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing of International Label & Printing  
·         Aleasha Markley – Vice President, Supply Chain of FLEXcon North America
·         Mark Turk – President & CEO of International Label & Printing  
·         Gabrielle Whittaker – Director, Films & Specials SBU Americas of UPM Raflatac
·         Art Yerecic – Owner & President of Yerecic Label
·         Aimee Peacock – President of FLEXcon North America
·         Kirit Naik – Global Director, Digital Printing Technology of UPM Raflatac
·         Paul Lender – Business Development Manager, Digital Materials of Avery Dennison  
·         Shane Govert – Digital Product Manager of Domino North America
·         Emily Kroll – Account Manager of Domino North America
·         Mike Barry – Key Account & OEM Manager of Domino North America  
·         Steve Engen – Chief Operating Officer of Viking Label & Packaging

View the VIDEO: Supply Chain in Crisis

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 44th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North American headquarters in Gurnee, IL. Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide. And as of June 2015, Domino is a Brother Group company. For more information on Domino, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com

Rochester, NY – Durst Group announces an extensive lineup of technology in booth N1043 at PRINTING United Expo 2022 in Las Vegas, NV from October 19-21, 2022. The combination of P5 technology and full software suite ensures booth visitors a truly revolutionary “ecosystem” experience.  

Three printers from the Durst P5 portfolio, never before seen at PRINTING United Expo, will be showcased at the exhibit. First, the Durst P5 500, a 5.25m roll-to-roll printer, brings “superwide format” to the P5 portfolio, and allows efficient and unattended production. Next, the P5 Tex iSub, a dye sub printer for soft signage and fabrics printing, will also be showcased. This dye-sublimation printer with inline fixation offers a 1-step direct to fabrics printing process. Third, the all-in-one Durst hybrid P5 350 HS will be exhibited with Double 4 technology. The Durst P5 Double 4 (D4) technology maximizes the productivity of the P5 UV series printing systems through the implementation of a double CMYK color configuration.

Alongside the printers, Durst will be showcasing their full Software Suite. All Durst printers come fully equipped with Durst Workflow and Durst Analytics software, with optional Durst Smart Shop software and Lift ERP. Visitors will be able to view each software module individually, as well as a complete software system through our “Automation Theatre” demonstrations.    

Larry D’Amico, Director, Large Format and Textile Sales, comments, “The Printing United Expo offers a really unique environment to showcase a wide variety of products, all at one time. Giving live demos of three printers from our P5 portfolio, as well our software suite, will showcase the reliability, quality and the diversity Durst products bring our customers. Durst is excited to be part of what is going to be an incredible show.”

Stop by booth N1043 to see why Durst keeps you printing, from pixel to output. 

www.durstus.com

Neenah, WI – Outlook Group has once again won the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Business Friend of the Environment (BFOE) Award for Sustainability. This 32nd Annual BFOE award highlights what Wisconsin companies are doing in the areas of sustainability, innovative technology and environmental stewardship.

For this year’s award, Outlook Group focused on printed flexible packaging films which have grown to be a leading packaging technology for brand owners, driven by consumer demand for more environmentally-friendly packaging.

In response to retailer and consumer demands, the flexible packaging industry has introduced a myriad of recycle-ready, compostable, and biodegradable material structures you see on store shelves today, each having their own set of pros and cons.

Outlook Group introduces packaging products that will biodegrade in a standard landfill environment and do not require consumers to change their recycling habits.

Biodegradable films are engineered to undergo an enzymatic degradation process that is initiated by the heat and pressure that are presented in an anaerobic environment that exists in U.S.-based landfills. Outlook Group’s “Oil2Soil” films perform the same as all standard flexible packaging materials, but will disappear in 5-6 years.

The enzymatic process breaks down the film into CO2, methane, and water, with many municipal landfills collecting methane to use as an energy source. As well, consumers simply discard their empty packages into their curbside trash container, the contents end up in a landfill, and the positive “end-of-life” story simply just happens. And while this is the simplest path to a positive “end-of-life” package, these films also represent only a modest 10%-15% upcharge when compared to “standard” films.

Outlook Group has been a 98% landfill-free manufacturing facility for over a decade. Sustainability is part of our DNA. Our products ensure a competitive continuous supply chain, using materials that convert with ease, and drive a positive customer experience. 

Jim Woller, Outlook Group’s Director of Market Development – Flexible Packaging, noted, “As producers and consumers are bombarded with the Three Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – we like to remind them of the Fourth R – Reality. And the Reality is that infrastructure and cost make recycle-ready and compostable options unrealistic. Outlook Group’s Oil2Soil biodegradable films provide a sustainable product that actually is sustainable, even in Reality.”

About Outlook Group
Outlook Group partners with renowned brand owners to understand their needs and support their supply chains. OG offers innovative packaging solutions including labels, shrink sleeves, folding cartons, flexible packaging, fulfillment, and turnkey packaging solutions that serve the food & beverage, consumer products, health & beauty, over-the-counter, Class II medical device, retail, ecommerce and pet products markets.

In addition to G7 Master Printer Certification, Outlook Group is ISO 13485:2016 certified for medical device packaging, has earned SQF Level 2 certification for Safe Quality Food packaging, GMP compliant, a USDA warehouse registration facility and also FDA registered as a food and drug packaging facility. Outlook Group has two facilities located in Neenah, WI. For more information, contact us at 920-722-2333 | www.outlookgroup.com

J.S. McCarthy, a folding carton printer located in Augusta, Maine, is one of the oldest and largest sheetfed printers in the state. Established in 1947, the business is 100% employee-owned and has a well-known reputation for exemplary service, world class owner-operators and leading-edge technology and equipment. When combined, the result is a high-quality finished product. 

Established in the high-end commercial print and finishing market, the business has expanded to serve the needs of the growing folding carton market, with an emphasis on the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

J.S. McCarthy attributes this growth to strong direct mill relationships and strategic and continuous investment in technology such as a sheeter, two 41-inch eight-color presses and a range of BOBST equipment. The business operates from an expansive 150,000 sq. ft. facility, employing 160 individuals operating 24/7. 

J.S. McCarthy recognizes that, across the folding carton sector, there are a handful of key pressure points for which its experience in commercial printing brings key advantages. These include accessing and processing feedstock, reducing lead times, and exceeding service levels in challenging market conditions. 

The business uses multiple BOBST solutions, including two SP104-BM machines, which offer both die-cutting and hot foil stamping capabilities, designed to meet the needs of the folding carton market. With this technology in place, the business is able to die cut and strip in a simple, straightforward workflow.

Since purchasing the SP104-BMs, J.S. McCarthy further invested in BOBST solutions including two EXPERTFOLD 110 folder-gluers, a VISIONFOLD 110 folder-gluer, and an EXPERTCUT 106 PER flatbed die-cutter with a second on order, scheduled to be online in late 2023.

EXPERTCUT 106 PER provides the versatility, reliability, and productivity that packaging converters need to compete. Alongside effortless precision and perfect stripping, waste removal and batch alignment for blanking, EXPERTCUT features a highly productive workflow, enabling job changeovers in under eight minutes.

Hailed as the ‘ultimate all-rounder’ in folding-gluing, the VISIONFOLD 110 line delivers consistent quality and handles an impressively diverse range of box styles. The machine processes multi-fold packaging with a choice of left, right or simultaneous folding. With exceptional stability and precise folding, VISIONFOLD is a durable, cost-efficient, and high-speed solution for the folding carton market. 

Jon Tardiff, President at J.S. McCarthy, explained: “We first expanded into the folding carton market around 17 years ago, and it now accounts for between 60-70% of our business. Our goal is clear; we aim to not just meet the printing needs of our customers, but exceed expectations in quality and speed, time and again. To do that, we invest in market-leading technology.

“We work closely with BOBST, particularly on our VISIONFOLD. At the time it was the only one in the world with a scoring shaft – and it may still be. We use it for a lot of our high-volume greeting cards and self-mailers where we are scoring and plow folding in line. We are currently operating three BOBST folder-gluers, with plans to add a fourth in the near future. 

“Ultimately, we have a reputation for stellar customer service, and that’s something we’ve worked on over many years. We bring a commercial print mindset to the packaging world, and with investments in our technology, we can consistently elevate our service level even further.

“One of the biggest benefits BOBST offers to the business is productivity.” Jon continues: “When we switched from our previous machines to BOBST equipment, we saw a huge leap forward in how much we were able to accomplish in the same timeframe. We’re talking 30-50% improvements in a lot of cases. The IT and digital integration are also a big jump forward for us from a productivity standpoint. 

“Something that particularly impressed us about BOBST was the training available on both the die-cutters and folder-gluers, which I cannot say enough about. There is a huge amount of market knowledge, and if a machine can run at 9,000 sheets per hour, they will train you to run it at 9,000 sheets per hour! With a constant point of contact and regular site visits, they’re constantly pushing productivity. We are also impressed with the durability of BOBST equipment. The machines are built to last and perform at a top level, so the lifetime value is fantastic and that’s quality that you can rely on. Our blanker runs for close to four shifts now, and it’s just made to do it.”

The productivity advantages offered by J.S. McCarthy’s BOBST equipment portfolio, including EXPERTCUT and VISIONFOLD, became even clearer during the pandemic.

“As COVID-19 brought a labor crunch, we struggled to find people for the hand stripping of blanks. BOBST EXPERTCUT technology allowed us to remain productive and profitable with fewer people. For example, we’d need up to 20 people air-chiseling and removing waste to keep up with our plant. Instead, we’re doing it with a blanker.

“BOBST is built to last and to perform every single day. You get what you pay for and, with BOBST, that’s productivity and throughput. It performs as advertised, and to be honest, I think it does even more than that.”

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 5 800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.563 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021.

Leading developer of inks and coatings for the Packaging and Label industries, Flint Group Packaging has announced the appointment of Terry Davis as Vice President of Strategic Accounts, Flexible Packaging North America.

To support the business’ strategy, Terry will be responsible for driving the sustainable long-term growth of key flexible packaging accounts in the North American market.

With more than 33 years of ink and coating experience, Terry is a well-known industry figure. Working alongside both local and regional sales and service teams, Terry will lead the refinement and execution of the company’s customer strategy while further developing executive-level relationships with strategic accounts.

Nicki Kerrigan, VP & GM Flexible Packaging at Flint Group Packaging in North America, said:  “I’ve known Terry for many years and always appreciated his integrity and approach to the business. Terry has extensive knowledge in the packaging sector, and his experience will be extremely beneficial to our flexible packaging customers here in North America. We are delighted to welcome him to our team.”

Terry Davis commented: “Flint Group Packaging has an outstanding reputation in the package printing industry, and I recognize significant advantages in Flint Group’s differentiated value proposition. I look forward to building upon the foundation the company has constructed and further developing essential connections with its customers.

“I’m excited about joining Flint Group at this time in my career and contributing to the company’s growing success.”

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

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 6,200 people. Revenues for 2020 were €1.7 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

The innovative semi-solid film has an enhanced yield and opacity compared with solid white films.

Innovia Films has developed a high yield, semi-solid, glossy white BOPP film, Rayoface™ JB. This 47 micron film, designed for pressure sensitive labelling (PSL) applications, combines some of the advantages of cavitated and solid films into a semi-solid film. JB47 has a coating receptive surface to allow customers to add their own printable topcoat and has EU and FDA food compliance.

Rayoface™ JB is particularly suitable for use within a wide range of market segments such as Household and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, and other consumer packaged goods sectors.

Produced at Innovia Films Poland, on their advanced technology 5-layer BOPP line, JB is a superior performance product. Compared to a solid white film it has much better opacity and higher yield. The glossy film surface has excellent

compatibility to top-coatings and PSL adhesives and importantly also has EU and FDA food contact compliance.

Stephen Weber, Key Account Director, explains “The semi-solid nature of JB47 means it has some of the advantages of a cavitated film whilst still behaving closer to a solid film. It has the glossy white, high opacity appearance of a cavitated film and a higher yield than a solid white film. Combined these features make JB47 an aesthetically and economically attractive film.”

Rayoface™ JB is available now, so to find out more, contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager or email labels@innoviafilms.com

About Innovia Films
Innovia Films is a major producer of highly differentiated specialty Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films using proprietary ‘Bubble’, Stenter Technology and Cast manufacturing processes. 

The company holds a leading global position in the markets for high performance coated films, tobacco overwrap, labels and security films.Innovia employs >1400 people worldwide and has production sites in Australia, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Poland and the UK.The company is focused on high-quality value-added products, strong customer relationship, R&D and excellent service

www.innoviafilms.com