To many people, a label is purely a decorative item used in a variety of different places to provide information, from supermarket shelves to pharmacies to logistics and various sectors of freight. Often described as ‘humble’, the label is the most universal item of packaging, so it’s no surprise that among its many attributes is the capability of performing under the harshest of conditions.

These include all types of weather and the full range of temperatures from freezing to hot and arid, as well as the high humidity of equatorial climates. In addition, labels must cope with abrasion and contact with, amongst others, sea water, blood, chemicals, and many others. So, do you still think they are purely decorative?

Fundamental to hardworking labels are a requirement for substrates that are stronger and of heavier gauge than standard labels and if they are pressure sensitive, the adhesive will need to be very aggressive to cope with sub-zero or beyond boiling point temperatures.   In addition, the ink must be lightfast and suitable for harsh conditions with good adhesion, rub and scuff properties.

Phil Baldwin, Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavia outlined the background to Mark Andy’s involvement with the sector: “The company has long supplied technology to this market and has extensive experience of applications from oil drum labels, wrist bands, and tree tags to animal carcass straps. Mark Andy’s chill drums not only chill the web but allow it to be heated, which improves handling when running aggressive adhesive material. The pre-tension web transport and Oldham coupling drives also ensure the press can handle special materials like Tyvek for wrist bands and plastic plant pot inserts. If required, it can also supply inline spot hot melt glue heads, laminators to apply glassine strips or protective films, RFID insertors and many other options.”

On the consumable side, Mark Andy digital inks have high lightfastness ratings and excellent adhesion, scuff, and rub properties. The ink used on the Mark Andy Digital Series HD hybrid press is also autoclave and boiling-water safe, tested for solvent resistance to ASTM 5402-06 (solvents, grease, oil, fats, alcohol, and blood), tape test approved to ASTM 3359, has 7-8 on the blue wool scale, meets rub, scuff, and abrasion tests to industry standard ASTM 5264-98, and carries UL 969 certification for durable label applications.

But there are other considerations that need to be taken into account because hardworking labels often require more than just ink on substrate. An RFID tag is an excellent example of this, and while the technology is not new, the American press manufacturer says that it is witnessing increased levels of automation in production processes across a variety of markets. For example, shops are requesting labels with RFID tags to speed up the sale process and provide the data to control the whole retail operation.

Speaking for the company, European Sales Manager Lukasz Chruslinski explained how Mark Andy became involved with this sector: “We started with logistics, shipping companies and pharmacies, which were all areas that have thousands of different factors and where precision was the number one criterion. We have designed and built Tamarac models, which we test on new platform configurations, and can also configure special one-off machines with RFID modules, flexo printing stations, inspection units and tag applicators, depending on the customer’s specific needs. At present, the most popular RFID labels are just 1 or 2 flexo colours, which means a very simple design, but in future we will see full colour labels with RFID tags.”

The retail sector potentially offers huge growth prospects for RFID, as witnessed by the significant increase in enquiries Mark Andy has taken over the past two years. With its strong technological background and vast knowledge base, the company is well placed to capitalise on this wave of demand. “Anywhere that automation becomes an established part of the workflow is a case for RFID tags – they offer better stock control, traceability, and are an ideal way of preventing counterfeiting. While the upfront cost of installing RFID technology may appear high, its payback is both quick and ongoing,” he concluded.

If its relevance were in doubt, the current situation, which sees inflation rising sharply and the cost of living increase proving difficult for people to manage, has seen leading retailers taking steps to secure some premium products from shoplifters. Phil Baldwin commented: One UK supermarket chain has taken to using security straps on a leading brand of butter. The straps have an inbuilt security tag to deter theft and make the item traceable. This is a great example of using RFID for secondary packaging.”

Far from ‘humble’, today’s labels are multi-functional, diverse in application, and most of all, hardworking. When these self-adhesive/pressure-sensitive products were first developed nobody could have foreseen how they would grow to become an inherent part of daily life from retail to medical to freight and security. Not just a pretty face then!

About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Schaumburg, IL – At the mid-year mark, John Hrdlick likes what INX International has accomplished and continues to do as the metal decorating industry’s global leader. Acknowledging the myriad challenges that exist, the company’s President and CEO believes that after judicious planning, strategic investments and hard work, INX is well positioned for the remainder of 2022 and the future.

Since 2020, INX has expanded its two-piece metal decorating ink manufacturing facilities, laboratories, blending centers and equipment by 45 percent, which involves properties on three continents. These developments have allowed INX to remain ahead of the industry curve with the surge in demand and forecasts of increased volume for the metal beverage can market.

“Our two-piece metal business is as strong as it has ever been,” said Hrdlick, a member of the INX organization since 1978 who was promoted to his current title in 2018. “Having a research and development staff dedicated to technological innovations has driven us to continuously upgrade our product formulations. With world-class facilities in different regions of the U.S. and around the world, we are prepared to support our entire network of ink manufacturing capabilities in uncertain times and unexpected situations.”

As the market leader in the UK, INX Europe has expanded their efforts in Spain. The addition of an upgraded facility in Barcelona has increased production capacity. Likewise, marketshare has improved considerably in South America since the 2020 merger with parent company INX do Brasil. Its facility in Itatiba, Brazil, serves as the main hub for two smaller metal decorating plants in Colombia and Paraguay.

“In the next few years, we plan to have a campus-style facility in Brazil that will include a metal decorating facility,” revealed Hrdlick. “Our business in Japan is considering re-entering the metal market in Asia, which would result in them investing in our facilities throughout Asia to directly supply two-piece metal ink. Currently, the U.S. and UK operations ship a considerable volume of ink to Japan.”

A change in consumer habits the last two years reversed the trend and is driving the significant increase for metal can products. Easily carried and transported, their popularity spiked with greater demand in the beer, soda and energy drink categories. Research reports indicate the North American metal can market alone was an $11 billion industry in 2020, and projects it to grow to nearly $14.5 billion by 2026.

Hrdlick says INX’s strategic plan accounts for these types of challenges. “We knew our metal customers were building more plants and adding more lines. Can suppliers typically want their plants to be at 80% capacity so they have availability in case of any unforeseen events,” he acknowledged.

“We’ve adopted that philosophy and with all of the global investments we’ve made, it is keeping us at that capacity guideline. Here in the U.S., we recently committed $2 million so our Dunkirk, N.Y. facility would have a two-piece metal decorating footprint. We’re also using facilities in California, Illinois, Kansas and Texas to support additional volume as needed.”

Hrdlick said those tactics are an important part of a larger scope.

“We realized our main metal decorating facility in Charlotte, N.C. can’t supply the world or 100% of U.S. demand, so we invested in those other existing plants. It’s also about spreading the risk. There were tropical storms in the Carolinas last year that could have impacted our Charlotte operation. Luckily they did not, but I think having other facilities here and around the world to help cover each other in case of a disaster is a good strategy to prevent business disruptions.”

Addressing the recycling movement in the can market, Hrdlick said this is in alignment with INX’s sustainability efforts for a circular economy. Creation of INX’s Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future (CSSF) model results in every new product being developed to have minimal impact on the environment. Driven by three specific areas – both process and product design for the environment and social responsibility – CSSF improves resource management and drives out waste, including ink inventory management to help rework and recycle used inks.

INX also has adjusted for the industry’s declaration to remove all perfluorinated chemicals and find new alternatives for well-established raw materials. When the European Union announced in July 2020 a regulation limiting the amount of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in PTFE to no more than 25 parts per billion (grams per thousand tons), it required ink formulations to be PFOA-REACH compliant or completely PTFE-free by July 4, 2023. Certain INX metal decorating products have been reformulated to contain no PTFE.

Two new PFAS-free flat sheet metal decorating ink sets from INX are the INXCure® TP UV Plus Base System and INXCure® PrintPro Base System. The performance-proven TP series inks are formulated with a full range of specialized package needs for both conventional and UV technologies, giving marketers the eye appealing looks and superior adhesion they desire.

Both products are for use on crowns, screw caps, closures, two-piece DRD cans, welded aerosols and decorative tin applications. Both offer a variety of base colors and deliver impressive results with excellent fabrication and flexibility, a fast cure response and outstanding printability. Brand owners and printers are rewarded with added value by using these inks, benefitting from reduced regulatory risk.

The recently introduced Gloss Matte NoVar inks for extruded metal (Monobloc containers) create high gloss and matte contrast effects, resulting in a 50% gloss difference between the two. Offering superior press performance with excellent ink flow, high strength and improved scratch resistance, Hrdlick says these types of products are the first of what’s to come from the developmental pipeline.

“We will continue to introduce innovative products, including inner and outer can coatings, that are safe, sustainable and support a circular economy,” said Hrdlick. “We have always prioritized environmental and social responsibility as we seek to provide the best possible products and services to our customers.”

Admitting world developments in the first half of 2022 continue to pose challenges, Hrdlick is convinced that history is on INX’s side.

“Our metal group underwent changes in recent years with key people retiring, but we have strengthened the division by increasing our manufacturing and in-plant technical service staffs. Everyone is synergized, our global purchasing is more coordinated, and we continue to work with and communicate regularly with our suppliers. We are doing all we can to improve the supply chain situation. The bottom line is our customers know we have a sophisticated global team that can help their business succeed.”

About INX International Ink Co.
INX International Ink Co. is the third largest producer of inks in North America, with full-service subsidiaries in Europe and South America and is part of SAKATA INX worldwide operations. We offer a complete line of ink and coating solutions technology for commercial, packaging and digital applications. As a leading global manufacturer of inkjet inks, we provide a full palette of digital ink systems, advanced technologies and integrated services.

To stay in touch with the latest developments, follow INX on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.inxinternational.com.

Covering the Southeast region and beyond, she brings to the company extensive international sales experience.

Fairfield, NJ –– Cyngient LLC, the full-service, technology-driven provider of inks, coatings and adhesives for label and packaging converters, has announced the appointment of Amber Gitter to the position of Senior Account Executive, South Florida Region. She brings to Cyngient extensive and diverse sales experience, with a background in real estate, fashion, education, theater and the arts.  

A relative newcomer to the narrow web printing and converting industry, Gitter has immersed herself in the intricacies of the market, having recently completed FTA’s Flexography 101 course as well as the Sonoco Institute at Clemson University’s Intro to Flexo program. Prior to joining Cyngient, she held leadership roles at Coldwell Banker in addition to being a successful entrepreneur in the fashion industry. In addition, Gitter also has a rich and award-winning performing arts background, directing more than 25 theatrical productions in both the US and Israel where she was recognized with two artistic grants from The State of Israel Ministry of Immigration. All of which has her well-prepared for her new role at Cyngient.

“I’m thrilled to be in the graphics arts and packaging industry,” Gitter says. “With so many brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators in the space, I have so much appreciation for these functional works of art produced in such a creative environment. And with Cyngient being on the bleeding-edge of the market when it comes to package printing technology and innovation, I’m eager to help both brand owners and converters bring their ideas to life.”

Cyngient is rapidly growing and expanding, and the addition of Gitter has the company poised to continue its strong growth trajectory.

Andrew Wasserman, Managing Partner at Cyngient, comments, “Amber excels in client relationships, communication and project management – areas that are integral to our core philosophy. Plus, her organizational skills are second-to-none. We’re always looking to raise the bar when it comes to not only innovation, but also establishing true partnerships while providing world-class customer service. Adding Amber to our team gives us a lift in all of these areas and more.”

John Dreyer, Jr, Managing Partner, Cyngient, adds, “Reaching new heights year-over-year, one of our challenges is in communicating just how our products and services can help brand owners take their products to the next level. Amber’s skillsets are a perfect fit for helping our clients achieve their goals. We’re encouraging visitors to Labelexpo in September to stop by our booth to meet Amber and learn about how Cyngient can assist your organization.”

Gitter is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago where she earned a BS in economics and business administration. She also has a Masters of Arts in Political Science and Political Communication from Tel-Aviv University in Israel. Additionally, Gitter is an education advocate and has served as an adjunct social science instructor at Aurora University in Illinois and Aims Community College in Colorado. She is based in Boca Raton, Florida.

About Cyngient:
With more than 100 years of combined experience, Cyngient is a specialist provider of inks, coatings and adhesives. The company customizes products to meet the specific press, print and performance needs of customers with hands-on, personalized service and fast turnaround time.

For more information, visit www.cyngient.com, call 973-882-4600, or email info@cyngient.com.

New Oxford, PA – Yazoo Mills, Inc., America’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturers of paper tubes and cores, is proud to reach its historical mark of 120 years in business and continued growth.

What began as a yarn and textile mill in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1902, the company has grown to become the largest privately owned paper tube and core manufacturer in the country. In its early years, Yazoo produced its own cores to wind rope and twine. After a move to New York in 1928, Hanover in 1936, and a change to ownership in 1961, Yazoo dedicated all manufacturing to the paper tube and core industry. To this day, Yazoo continues to manufacture 100% recycled products and is the supplier of choice for a wide range of industries, ranging from tapes, labels and flexible packaging, to plastics, papers, films, foams, wires, reels, and more.

In its 120th year, the company continues to grow with the latest expansion of its 2nd plant in Hanover, PA. Completed in spring of 2022, the 60,000 SF of additional manufacturing and warehouse space in response to the growing demand for the company’s products and services. Yazoo Mills now operates two state-of-the-art facilities totaling 300,000 square feet. In addition, the company has begun to expand its production capacity with the installation of several automated machines and increased its workforce to more than 200 employees.

Yazoo Mills is exceptionally proud to have reached this momentous milestone, and they’ve dedicated this success to their customers, partners, and all employees—past and present. Over the course of the year, they are paying homage to this unyielding support and years in business through a company hardback history book, commemorative logos, updated facility signage, events and tradeshows, and employee appreciation activities throughout the year. Yazoo Mills looks forward to continued success and many more years of offering a quality product made in the USA.

About Yazoo Mills
Established in 1902, Yazoo Mills is America’s largest family-owned manufacturers of 100% recycled paper tubes and cores for 120 years. Serving a variety of industries in the United States, Yazoo has a reputation for excellence in short runs and recutting with manufacturing only premium quality paper tubes and cores, made to each customer’s specifications. On average, the company produces over 4 million inches of tuber per day. Companies that require quality, consistency, and ongoing reliability contact Yazoo Mills for all of their needs.

For additional information on Yazoo Mills and their products, visit the website www.yazoomills.com.

Flint Group Packaging, one of the largest consumables suppliers to the global print and packaging industry, has lent its support to the CEFLEX Quality Recycling Project (QRP), co-developing and trialing duplex laminated flexible packaging comprising Polypropylene (PP) recyclate (rPP).

Working alongside some of the most established global names in print and packaging, the main goal of the QRP is to create a PP recyclate structure that does not inhibit the printing and converting process of today’s supply chain. In doing so, the project aims to ultimately recycle a higher percentage of PP in non-food contact film applications.

The project takes direct aim at the significant issue of low recycling rates in consumer households across Europe. Representing a large-scale collaboration between more than 180 organisations, associations and stakeholders across Europe, the CEFLEX project has made positive progress in showcasing the potential of a recycle-ready mono-material substrate.

Following a series of five semi-industrial trials to test the viability of printing on films made using rPP resin, results showed that the use of post-consumer recyclate in the packaging structure did not inhibit the printing or converting process of a monopolymer PP duplex laminated barrier pouch in non-food applications.

Matthew Rowland-Jones, Sustainability Officer at Flint Group, explains the significance: “Our team was delighted to provide the water-based inks and to add its expertise to the number of businesses supporting this important CEFLEX project. One of the biggest challenges in sustaining long-term growth for the packaging sector is that still to this day, a large proportion of flexible packaging cannot be easily recycled. If we want to secure the future of the sector, we need to put circularity at the front and centre of our focus and continue to close the plastic loop.

“By co-developing and trialing an rPP substrate that is easy for printers and converters to work with, we are opening a more robust path for long-term growth. At the core, it’s about expanding the boundaries of what PP recyclate can achieve to prove that it’s compatible with today’s presses, converting technologies and quality demands. It’s a great move forward for the wider print and packaging industry. With collaboration and innovative thinking, a greater proportion of flexible packaging waste can be processed in recycling streams. We are another step further from the linear waste streams that hold the packaging industry back, and that’s something to celebrate.”

The next stage of the project will see the creation of an industrial scale QRP waste processing plant, which is anticipated to be in active commercial use by 2023.

Mr. Rowland-Jones added: “One of the biggest roadblocks to the adoption of rPP in flexible packaging applications has been that it’s perceived as challenging to work with on press. The CEFLEX project is helping to break down this wall by showing that sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive – and we’re extremely proud to be part of driving that change.”

To learn more about the CEFLEX initiative and its work in flexible packaging circularity, please visit https://ceflex.eu

For more information on water-based inks for film developed by Flint Group or the company’s activities related to sustainability, please email Deanna.klemesrud@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 2020 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

The companies and individuals nominated for this year’s Global Label Awards have been announced in the categories for Rising Star, Environmental Sustainability and Innovation.

The winners of each category will be announced at the Global Label Reunion Party on the evening of day one at Labelexpo Americas 2022 in Chicago.

The nominees were chosen by the Global Awards judging panel, consisting of Lori Campbell, chairman of TLMI, Linnea Keen, president of TLMI, Philippe Voet, Finat president, Greg Hrinya, editor of Label & Narrow Web, James Quirk, content director at Labels & Labeling, and Jean Poncet, editor-in-chief at Etiq+Pack.

Nominees for the Rising Star Award are, in alphabetical order, Stijn Billiet, Virginia (Ginnie) Gandy, and Tom Schouten. 

The criteria for this award were that the individual has worked a maximum of five years in the label industry with a record that reflects ongoing, exceptional and growing contributions to the industry as well as increased levels of leadership and responsibility. The successful candidate’s track record should reflect a strong potential for appointment at the highest levels of the profession.

The nominees for the Environmental Sustainability category are Avery Dennison, Flint Group and S-OneLP. 

The judges were looking for a company that has introduced a specific product or process or demonstrated sustainable and environmentally acceptable working practices in their purchasing and manufacturing operations and could demonstrate key materials, production and performance or consumer benefits. 

The nominees for the Innovation Award for companies with under 300 employees are Packlock and S-OneLP. In the Innovation for companies over 300 employees category there were 16 entries, with Actega Signite and Actega Ecoleaf being shortlisted. 

For this award, the judging panel looked at the degree of innovation, the practical impact on the innovator and their clients, the economic aspects (cost, time, process), environmental aspects and the overall concept. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, chair of the judging panel, commented, ‘I would like to thank the members of the judging panel for their seriousness and application in sifting through the large number of nominations received. The panel was particularly impressed by the quality of entries for the Rising Star award, which clearly demonstrates the wealth of young talent now entering and transforming our industry. We very much look forward to unveiling the hugely deserving winners of each category on the first evening of Labelexpo Americas 2022.’

Bean Station, TN – FILMtech Inc., a metallized and clear barrier film leader, has begun another expansion to its facility on their 18-acre campus near Knoxville, TN. The excavation phase of the project has been completed and the ground ready for commencement of a new 30,000 square-foot structure.

The building will increase FILMtech’s manufacturing facility to 150,000 square feet. It will accommodate a new 130” metallizing machine in 2023 and will increase warehousing capabilities along with shipping and receiving areas. Completion of the building is scheduled for the end of this year.

“We have been able to grow beyond our traditional converting markets and this expansion will support the new customers and equipment we have added in the last few years,” said Joey Barnard, FILMtech’s VP of Operations.

FILMtech provides products and services for the flexible packaging and barrier industries including food and pet food packaging, construction, agricultural, aerospace, printing, labeling and industrial tapes markets. It is the exclusive North American licensee of CeramAlox® clear barrier products. Since its formation in 2002, the company has grown to more than 80 employees and continues to be poised for growth and global expansion.

For additional information, visit www.filmtechinc.com.

Tower Products, Inc., the leading manufacturer of environmentally sensitive pressroom chemistry for the graphic arts industry, will be exhibiting its full line of pressroom products for the flexographic and offset industry at LabelExpo Americas 2022. Tower will be located in Hall A – Booth 555.

According to Mark Principato, Director of Flexographic Product Sales, this is the fourth time that Tower Products has exhibited at LabelExpo Americas, and we are looking forward to greeting our USA and International customers. The company will be featuring its SmartFlex line, a series of specialty chemicals tailored to fit any flexographic and packaging pressroom, as well as offset pressroom chemistry. Tower will be highlighting its innovative and unique technology for LED/UV applications which include cleaning products for anilox rollers and flexographic plates as well as fountain solution and alcohol replacements.

For more information, please contact Mark Principato at 800-527-8626 or mark.principato@towerproducts.com or visit our websites at www.towerflexo.com and www.towerproducts.com.