Schaumburg, IL – Earlier this year INX International Ink Co. expanded its information outreach to customers by introducing the Printer Space blog, which covers a wide range of printing-related topics. Taking another step to provide beneficial information, the INX Troubleshooting Guide App was recently updated with more solutions to common problems.

New information for users of water-based Flexo inks makes it the tenth guide to be available where customers can quickly find answers when they encounter printing issues. The library already consists of separate guides for Sheetfed, Web Offset/Heatset, EB Litho, UV Flexo, UV Litho, UV Hybrid, UV Metal Decorating, and both 2-piece and 3-piece metal decorating.

The app identifies problems and symptoms, provides recommended solutions, and now offers nine different languages for the three metal decorating guides with the addition of Czech. Besides English, it is also available in French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish and two Spanish versions – Latin America (Español) and Castilian.

“This latest update with the Troubleshooting Guide App is indicative of our commitment to help improve the flow of information to our customers,” said Renee Schouten, INX’s Vice President of Marketing. She pointed out that when it was first introduced in 2014, one of the main goals of the app was to limit the amount of downtime for printers.

“Our ink experts continue to keep the dialogue fresh because change is constant in our industry. There is great value in knowing about new products and capabilities, the most recent regulatory changes, and best practices and techniques to keep you at the forefront of print and package innovation. And like our free online INX University courses, we’ve added another language to this app.”

Learn more about the Troubleshooting Guide app by clicking here.

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

The leading Brazilian printing company opted for a NOVAFOLD 110 folder-gluer, with crash-lock module, to help grow its packaging operations during the pandemic, and is now looking to make further investments with BOBST.

The accelerated demand for online sales and home delivery caused by the worldwide pandemic allowed the packaging sector to record high growth during the period.With a manufacturing site with state-of-the-art equipment and a presence in the market for more than 30 years, Malires Gráfica was able to take advantage of this peak. The Brazilian printing company had made a significant discovery in early 2019, as CEO Wagner Linares explains:

“In 2019 I had a surprise. I thought packaging for us was just one of the several minor segments in our portfolio. But in May of that year, we found that our largest revenue was coming from packaging, so from that day on, we started to look at it differently,” he said.

The increased focus on packaging meant that Malires began to invest more in new equipment and technology to boost the agility, quality, and competitiveness of the operation. The most recent of these is the acquisition of a NOVAFOLD 110 folder-gluer, with crash-lock module, the first sold in Brazil by leading manufacturer BOBST.

The choice of machine was based on a series of recommendations, says Wagner. He was already aware of BOBST as a key supplier in the market, but the deciding factor was the advice he received during conversations about his investment plans. “I know several printers that serve the biggest companies in the country, and they told me that major packaging printers all over the world use BOBST machines. Reflecting on this and wishing to continue differentiating our company in this sector, to be among the best, we chose BOBST,” said the entrepreneur.

This was first investment with BOBST for Malires, and Wagner says they have been pleasantly surprised. In addition to the already expected high quality of the machine, the quality of the technical support and professionalism from BOBST during installation, and the technical training and support in general, were much higher than expected.

“During the two weeks of installation, we experienced something that we have never experienced before when buying equipment – real professionalism. Everything happened as scheduled. The technician arrived on time and the whole process unfolded just as we had been informed it would, far exceeding our expectations,” confirmed Wagner.

The CEO also said that this positive experience started even before the actual purchase of the folder-gluer. “Since the day I first went to visit BOBST in Itatiba-SP, I was surprised. The warm welcome, the attention, and the negotiations – everything was really outstanding.”

With the acquisition of the NOVAFOLD 110, Wagner has high expectations of Malires’ growth in the packaging segment. “Even during the testing phase, at the end of the installation, we were producing real-life customer jobs on the machine, so we were able to see right away how much capacity we had added to our operation with this investment. It was clear from the start that with the new BOBST NOVAFOLD we have opened up new world of possibilities!”

Malires is reaping the benefits of the BOBST technical team, who in addition to installing the machine and leaving it ready for the daily operation, will carry out process optimization analysis and offer instructions on how to extract the highest productivity from the machine.

Following this great experience and having high expectations of the new NOVAFOLD folder-gluer, the company, which already has a strong presence in the label sector, commercial print, and visual communication, has significantly strengthened its packaging operation. Thus, Wagner has already started to consider future investment in both equipment for the folding carton line and in BOBST’s recently launched digital label presses.

“Malires is always looking to invest, and we already have an eye on a digital printing press to give more flexibility to our label operation. The excellent experience with the acquisition of NOVAFOLD 110 has made our team carefully analyze BOBST recent launches in this area,” he concluded.

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

Leading narrow web press manufacturer, Mark Andy, welcomed more than 250 international visitors to a two-day Open House at its Demo Centre and Showroom in Warsaw recently. Organised with the theme ‘The Power of Hybrid’, the event was an opportunity to show different solutions from the company’s product portfolio. Following the press demonstrations, the day was crowned with gala dinner that included a laser show and a video message from Mark Andy CEO, Jason Desai. Please watch the movie to learn more about this event

The company’s flagship hybrid press, the Digital Series HD, was presented online during live daily production at Essentra Packaging, one of the latest Polish customers to install this very high-spec press. Three other presses were demonstrated live in the showroom: the toner-based Digital Pro, the new Evolution Series E3 flexo press, and, making its European debut, inkjet-based Digital Series iQ. Developed in cooperation with Domino, which supplies the inkjet engine, the DSiQ was additionally equipped with a Kurz Distorun embellishing unit. Mark Andy also launched sMArt Link, a new label production automation software. of Mark Andy was emitted.

Welcoming the international visitors, Executive Vice President Tom Cavalco underlined that every Open House was very special to the company: “It’s a great opportunity to meet our customers, share our knowledge and receive feedback and information from the people who create and drive the market and its development – those who know it best. Last year, Mark Andy celebrated its 75th anniversary and right from the start it has been focused on developing and manufacturing solutions that meet current and future requirements and expectations of the label market. This time we are presenting three of Mark Andy’s hybrid solutions, combining digital and conventional printing with numerous converting and embellishment options. We’re going to demonstrate several presses, representing different market areas – from entry-level to high-end. We’ve also prepared a demo of our Evolution Series E3 flexo press. We invite you to join us on a journey with the latest Mark Andy technology and solutions that we hope will be an inspiration for you, our customers, and your business development.”

Digital Series HD: a flagship hybrid in production conditions
The first station on the journey was Lublin in Poland, where Essentra Packaging is located. Recently, it has invested in a new Digital Series HD to enhance its label production. Phil Baldwin, Sales Manager Mark Andy Europe, who conducted all the presentations during the Open House, underlined that Essentra has one of the most extensive configurations of Digital Series HD in Europe: “It’s a high-end solution, devoted to highly efficient label and flexible packaging production, both for high volume and small to mid runs, including variable data and versioning. It’s extremely popular worldwide and has been one of our top selling presses for many years.” In 2021, Mark Andy delivered 78 hybrids worldwide, which is a record for the company in this market sector.

Mr Baldwin pointed out the potential and high efficiency of Digital Series HD: “Printing and converting or finishing are processed in one pass – this is one of the biggest advantages of hybrid technology. Compared with offline solutions, it makes for significant time and substrate and consumable savings, resulting in a higher production efficiency. This is why we are not surprised by the growing share of hybrid in our global sales,” he stated.

During a live demo from Essentra Packaging, beer labels with three different graphics were printed. The Open House guests were also supplied with white PP-based label samples, containing 12 different motifs, printed and converted on a Digital Series HD. “Prior to the Open House, a 12-motif label was prepared for the Digital Series HD and we’re printing the same job on other presses presented at the event, using toner, inkjet and flexo,” he explained.

This allowed the visitors to see the results of using each technique and compare the quality and converting/finishing options. “Our goal was to highlight the possibility of printing the same design on different presses using different technology, because we’ve been observing an increasing trend towards print standardisation among our customers,” said Baldwin.

Besides a live online demo from Essentra Packaging, two other Polish users of the Digital Series HD were seen in specially prepared videos. Arti-Bau and MD Labels spoke about their experiences with Mark Andy technology and the recent purchases of their second Digital Series HD presses that doubled hybrid capacity at both customers.

Digital Pro 3: a start-up point for digital printing newcomers
The toner-based Digital Pro 3 press was launched during the Labelexpo Europe 2019 trade fair. As entry-level press, it is quite often a first-choice solution for printers starting their journey with digital label printing. “We offer Digital Pro 3 in several versions,” said Phil Baldwin. “At the Open House we’re demonstrating a press equipped with semi-rotary die-cutting. Digital Pro 3 is compact, has a small footprint, and is a flexible and efficient press for short and medium runs. It offers a very fast changeover, increasing press uptime.”
During the event Digital Pro 3 was used to print labels with 12 different graphics that included cold stamping in the flexo unit and semi-rotary die-cutting, and three different versions of tea labels.

Evolution Series E3: simplicity in handling and flexibility in printing
Labelexpo Europe 2019 also saw the premiere of an important development from Mark Andy, the Evolution Series flexo press. With its totally new platform it instantly appealed to label printers worldwide. “Independent servo drives and flexibility; high quality of printing and speeds up to 152m/min; numerous inline converting and finishing options – these features of Evolution Series have been quickly appreciated by their users,” he explained.

As demand for the Evolution Series continues to grow, Mark Andy claims it delivered and installed more than 50 presses in 2021, around one per week. “Evolution Series prints on many different substrates, with end products including shrink sleeve and IML. This allows users to cooperate with their customers and brand owners who work in the most demanding industries, like cosmetics, healthcare and pharmaceutical.” said Baldwin.

The press installed in Warsaw’s Demo Room and shown during the Open House was equipped with six flexo units, including two spot colours, and a cold foil unit. It was used for printing 12 labels with different graphics (220/lpi) on white PP film. The labels were printed CMYK plus two Pantone colours, cold foiled and die-cut.

Digital Series iQ: the newest hybrid in Mark Andy’s portfolio
Last year Mark Andy launched Digital Series iQ, a new hybrid model co-developed with Domino, manufacturer of the V16610iV inkjet engine capable of printing with an extended colour gamut (CMYKOV + W). Details of the heart of the press were supplied by Ruud Bos, DP OEM Manager Europe at Domino. The Digital Series iQ, shown at the Open House, was additionally equipped with a Distorun embellishment module, presented by Marco Ordung, Product Manager, Kurz. It was used for printing a shampoo label based on white PP film. The same substrate was also used for printing the previously mentioned 12 different graphic motifs.

“We call Digital Series iQ a True Hybrid as it offers a wealth of possibilities, similarly to our flagship Digital Series HD press. It combines inkjet printing and numerous embellishment and finishing options, including very sophisticated ones. Printing with high quality and speed, up to 70m/min in rapid mode, Digital Series iQ is a comprehensive solution that opens new markets and opportunities for its users,” said Baldwin.

sMArt Link: label printing automation
The Power of Hybrid Forum also saw the official premiere of sMArt Link – a new software package from Mark Andy, devoted to automate label production. The new application was presented by Gretchen Tobol, Product Manager Mark Andy USA. “In introducing sMArt Link, we responded to numerous suggestions from our customers, taken during the meetings like this one,” she said. “We are very conscious of the need for efficiency and maintaining margins at printing companies these days. These parameters can’t be reached without higher process automation.”

sMArt Link is a real-time, on-press data collection and monitoring system. It is compatible with new and existing Mark Andy presses as well as other brands found on the production floor, and can be accessed through a Cloud-based platform on a single machine, on the production floor, or at enterprise level. It helps production managers to make immediate process adjustments, as well as helping executives to make strategic data driven decisions. It is devoted to label and packaging converters who want to improve press utilisation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Besides the presentations of presses and software, Mark Andy prepared a special newsletter/leaflet, covering all the technology on show and containing QR codes linked with YT movies devoted to each press, and customer quotes. A part of the publication was devoted to RFID technology, which is being used increasingly in the printing industry. The leaflet included testimonials from Mark Andy customers who have implemented RFID modules in combination with their flexo presses.

“The wide range of companies and implementations presented in our newsletter confirms the global presence of Mark Andy and our market position worldwide,” said Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy, coordinator of Open House and the publication. “We were delighted that our hybrid forum attracted numerous current and potential Mark Andy customers, who represented many countries across the world. We hope that, quoting the motto of our publication ‘Technology – Solutions – Inspiration for Business’ and the main theme of our Open House, ‘The Power of Hybrid’ will be a real help for many label and packaging printers.”

Summing up, she said: “We also hope the presentations, customer testimonials, and user quotes will be an inspiration for printing companies worldwide. We’d like to thank all the Open House participants and invite our customers and business partners to visit Mark Andy’s booth during the forthcoming Labelexpo Americas trade fair. The exhibition will be another great opportunity to see our hybrid and flexo solutions live.”

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.

Rochester, NY – Infinity Images, a graphics producer out of Portland, Oregon, sets high expectations for themselves, aiming to be the best in the industry when it comes to printed graphics and custom fabrication. To accomplish this, Infinity has needed to grow, adapt and be as innovative as possible to stay ahead of the curve. When they were ready to add another press to their shop, they once again turned to Durst, and purchased a P5 350.

Another Durst press was an easy decision. CEO and founder of Infinity Images, George Gross, had two features of paramount importance that needed to be met for a new machine: exceptional quality of printed materials and increased turnaround times. He found that in the P5 350, stating, “We selected the P5 based on its output quality, reliability, flexibility, and for the outstanding service offered by Durst. We also like the ergonomic design of Durst machines which promote improved productivity while simplifying the work.”

The P5 350 is the sixth Durst device installed at Infinity Images and will bring immediate benefit to Infinity and their customers. Larry D’Amico, Director of LFP and Fabric Sales, commented, “We are pleased that Infinity Images has shown ongoing confidence in Durst with the purchase of the P5 350. They have been a dedicated user of our ink jet printing technology for over a decade and have fully integrated our complete suite of our software solutions into their shop. Infinity is one of our oldest and most loyal customers, and the relationship is a true partnership.”

The high-performance P5 350 has proven to be the most efficient hybrid printer on the market, designed specifically to increase efficiency and production capacity. Winner of the 2022 EDP awards, this all-in-one hybrid solution for roll and board media has a printing width of up to 11.48 ft and reaches, in the High-Speed version, a productivity up to 7,000 sq.ft/h. Equipped with Durst Print Workflow software and exclusive Durst Analytics, the P5 350 offers enhanced production efficiency from day one.

About Infinity Images
Founded in 2000, Infinity Images is a leading print and fabrication house in Portland, Oregon. Specializing in large format printing and custom retail displays, they are a trusted partner for world-class brands. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, empowering the sharpest minds to work together, and forming relationships with their clients and vendors, projects are brough to life through innovative techniques and sustainable measures.

www.infinityimages.com/

About Durst
Durst Group AG is a leading manufacturer of professional digital imaging systems.  The company operates manufacturing facilities in Brixen, Italy, and Lienz, Austria, and has major offices in North America, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Singapore. Durst’s reputation for quality, precision, innovation, sustainability, and reliability spans more than 80 years.

CONTACT:  For information on Durst products and services, contact Sydnie Shepland.
Email: Sydnie.Shepland@Durst-Group.com
Phone: 585-486-0340 ext. 5236

www.durstus.com

Texas Poly has been manufacturing flexible packaging from its base in Euless, TX since 1989.  Founded by James Earl, and now owned by his son Justin, the company has built a solid reputation for the high-quality packaging it supplies to a variety of industries, and for its rapid response and attention to customer service.  Today, Texas Poly is acknowledged as a leader in process efficiency that allows it to offer one of the lowest minimum quantity order limits in the US combined with innovative and cost-effective packaging solutions.

Speaking for the company, Maintenance Manager, Jose Salazar: “We pride ourselves on the services we offer here from design and artwork, through prototyping to contract converting.  We specialize in a range of pouches and poly bags using a variety of films including PET, BOPP, CPP, PET, MET, HDPE, and LDPE, many of which we print in high-quality flexo up to 10 colors, with additional lamination options to provide barrier protection.”

Back in 2020 Texas Poly invested in new Comexi equipment in the form of a laminator and flexo press, and it was here that the company came across Vetaphone corona treaters for the first time.  Mr Salazar explained: “We accepted Comexi’s recommendation for Vetaphone surface treatment on the press and laminator and now, having worked with it for two years, there is no way we would specify any other corona brand on future investments.”

A high proportion of its output goes to the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and engineering sectors, and Texas Poly is mindful of its approach to sustainability with both recyclable and compostable substrates.  To reduce its carbon footprint and costs, the company works hard on thickness optimization while being careful to maintain the strength and barrier properties of the flexible packaging it manufactures.

This is an ideal scenario for Vetaphone technology because it offers a unique level of controllability that can be finely adjusted to suit each filmic substrate.  Ted Wolski, Vetaphone’s Sales Manager for the US commented: “Different substrates suffer different rates of dyne decay, and different processes require different dyne levels too, so having a controllable surface treatment system is a sure way of getting it right first time, every time.  We are delighted that Comexi recommended Vetaphone, and that Texas Poly is benefitting from this.”

Looking ahead, Cesar Bustamante is planning the next investment program that includes an additional flexo press.  “We will look at all options, but like Comexi for their service and remote interface.  But whatever press we end up buying, it’ll have Vetaphone corona on it for sure!” he concluded.  Currently employing 25 people in its 15,000 sq/ft production facility, the company is aiming to grow it business with the new technology.

www.vetaphone.com 

www.texaspoly.com

By Walt Mesik, Senior Sales Consultant, Nilpeter Inc.
The Nilpeter FA-26 is the result of merging new technology with a user-friendly design, creating an effective machine center that yields minimal downtime and scrap, while offering maximum performance. A clear sustainable solution.

As technology advances, machine manufacturers are obligated to integrate the latest and greatest offerings into their products to remain competitive in the world of inline web printing. As a general direction as to what technology our customers desired, Nilpeter listened. We learned our customers largest challenges were increased SKU’s and reduced run lengths, as well as challenges to shift from pressure sensitive and paper substrates to unsupported films.

Already aware of the fact that the fastest growing market segment was flexible packaging, Nilpeter went to work creating the ultimate inline flexible packaging solution while addressing the customer needs. The Nilpeter FA-26 is the result of merging new technology with a user-friendly design, creating an effective machine center that yields minimal downtime and scrap, while offering maximum performance. A clear sustainable solution.

The FA-26 offers something for everyone – flexible packaging and value-added labels. All inline, sleeve-based anilox and plate roll. The robust unit construction, compact footprint, landscape design guarantee optimum register and consistent high print quality at all speeds. Designed to print with water-based and solvent inks, with UV, LED, and E-beam processes, the FA-26 is a winning combination for short and long run flexible package printing.

At a glance
A successful build relies on a solid foundation. The rigid one-piece steel frame guarantees our customers investment is long-term. The landscape style printhead offers superb printing quality & fast changeovers.

Temperature controlled ink chambers maintain ink temperatures throughout long runs at high speed – resulting in constant print density. Furthermore, the FA-26 features proven drying solutions for water base, solvent, UV, LED and E-beam inks, coatings & adhesives.

The ergonomics of the FA-26 offer a safe environment with every feature of the press designed to be accessed with “waist high” movements, and inline lamination utilizes floor level loading of heavy laminate rolls. Double-sided web printing (front/back) is exclusively accomplished with reversing printing stations eliminating the need for turn-bars. Multiple die-cutting solutions are available. Continuous operation-friendly design allows automatic unwind & rewind solutions as well as the standard Nilpeter roll-to-roll features.

Since introduction
Since the introduction, the FA-26 has exceeded customer expectations. With fast run speeds, industry leading Quick-Change features & job save/recall technology, the press uptime is maximized, and scrap amounts are minimized. Nilpeter customers have discovered In-The-Round sleeve technology (ITR) that allows them to run at speeds of 820 fpm (250 m/min), eliminating plate lift on smaller repeat sizes. ITR sleeves also reduce scrap significantly – when changing between jobs waste is regularly limited to 1 – 1-1/2 web lengths of the press regardless of the substrate webbed throughout the machine.

One of the tools Nilpeter has been using to help overcome the global labor shortage is using 100% inspection systems – every FA-26 to date has been delivered with such a quality control system.

Nilpeter understands your finished product needs will change to grow into new markets. As long as you have the floor space, the FA-26 can easily grow into whatever configuration is required to meet your needs. The modular construction allows for expanding the equipment’s abilities as new opportunities surface.

Nilpeter’s inline print finishing supports a wide range of substrates such as PP, PE, PET, and aluminum foil.

• Die-cutting unit for quick job changes

• Gravure unit for metallic inks, covering surfaces and coatings

• Nilscreen system for special effects, braille, and opaque white

To quote
“Speaking as a Nilpeter representative, the most rewarding comment I have heard from an FA-26 customer is that “the FA-26 has proven itself to overproduce daily based on our ROI calculations. This has allowed us to investigate purchasing the next FA-26 for similar products in different locations that are currently struggling with competitor’s equipment,”” says Walt Mesik, Senior Sales Consultant, Nilpeter USA.

Working the press
For the FA-26, Nilpeter has taken into consideration that the operator can work the printing press without unnecessary handles. All functions on the press can be controlled via a touch panel on each printing unit. Nilpeter calls this intuitive concept “Clean-Hand” operation. Jobs can be saved logically and repeat jobs can be called up quickly. The entire operating concept is connected to Nilpeter’s Power Link System. It meets the industry standard 4.0 and can be integrated into all common MIS-systems.

To conclude
Simply stated, the Nilpeter FA-26 has only begun to impress with its amazing performance results. Nilpeter delivered a press built with advanced automation, state-of-the-art quick-change features, industry leading ergonomics & user-friendly operator controls. Stepping into the future has never looked this promising…

www.nilpeter.com

Taghleef Industries as Finalist for Packaging Europe’s 2022 Sustainability Awards together with Gerosa Group

Taghleef Industries is a finalist for the category Recyclable Packaging (Pre-Commercialized) at The Sustainability Awards 2022, the world’s most prestigious competition for sustainable packaging innovation organized by Packaging Europe, with a BOPP, high barrier 4-side sealed sachet developed in collaboration with Gerosa Group.

The packaging solution proposed aims to replace multi-material structures made of PET/Alu/PE or PET/metPET/PE in applications such as dry powder products or dressing sauces.

The innovative structure has important advantages in terms of recyclability and unit weight reduction, providing good performances in terms of product protection, thanks to the use of EXTENDO® XZMX ultra-high barrier film. Furthermore, the packaging offers performing sealing properties and tear propagation for convenient packaging opening. The BOPP structure is designed to meet Minimum Recyclability Criteria which is part of the German Packaging Law VerpackG (Verpackungsgesetz – Packaging Act).

The solution developed by Taghleef Industries and Gerosa Group was selected from 360 submissions from across the global packaging value chain by an expert jury of leading brand owners and retailers, sustainability organizations, waste management, universities, and industry experts.

Each year, the Sustainability Awards adapt to changes in the sustainable innovation landscape and see more and more partnerships involved, evaluating entries from global startups and brands with the same carefully considered criteria.

www.ti-films.com

The organizers of Labelexpo Americas 2022 have confirmed the details of their conference and learning program for this year’s event – the region’s largest trade show for the label and package printing industry, now in its 17th edition. The high-profile speaker line-up includes representatives from ACTEGA, Avery Dennison, Blue Label Packaging Company, Cartes, Cerm, Channeled Resources, Finat, Fortis Solutions Group, GM, Henkel, HP Indigo, Kurz, Label Traxx, Mactac, S-One LP, TLMI, UPM Raflatac, Xeikon and 3M.

The three-day educational program comprises: six one-hour themed conference sessions taking place on 13 and 14 September, the first two days of the three-day show; plus two technical half-day Label Academy led master classes over days two and three of the show.

Day one of the conference is designed to explore some of the label and package printing industry’s key technologies and trends, including industry 4.0/automation, and supply chain challenges. Among the session highlights is “What does an automated future look like?”, chaired by Steve Metcalf, chief marketing and IoT officer, Baldwin Technology, which will comprise a case study presentation followed by a discussion exploring how far automation will change the industry, the Industry 4.0 powerhouse and the next generation of fully automated digital converting. Panelists include: Geert van Damme, managing director, CERM; Christian Menegon, global business development manager, Labels & Packaging, HP Indigo; Rob Mayerson, president, Label Traxx; and Andrew M Boyd, president, Blue Label Packaging Company. Other Day one speakers include: TLMI president Linnea Keen, Jules Lejeune, managing director, FINAT, and John Wynne, CEO, Fortis Solutions Group, who will open the conference with a joint overview of the global label market; while Mike Ferrari, founder, Ferrari Innovation Solutions, will chair a panel discussion on supply chain complexities.

Day two is designed around future-proofing your business. Topics include mergers and acquisitions, the changing industry landscape, and diversification. Session highlights include “The changing market landscape” panel discussion chaired by Bob Cronin, managing partner, The Open Approach. This will examine how M&A is shaping the label and package printing industry, and how converters are adapting. Other Day two speakers include Bruce Hanson, CEO, AWT, who, together with Cronin, will precede this panel discussion with an opening session covering M&A and staying competitive. The conference closes with a case study presentation and panel discussion chaired by S-One LP’s VP of sales, Tom Hauenstein, on the topic “Opportunities beyond PS labels”, which delves into some of innovative ways the industry is diversifying. Panelists included Martin Leitner, product manager (Labels & Flexible Packaging) at Durst Group.

The two in-depth master classes will cover digital embellishment on 14 September, and self-adhesive label materials on 15 September. The former features themed sessions including: inkjet coating and varnishing given by Filip Weymans, vice president marketing, digital solutions, Xeikon; special effect inks and coatings, given by Mohammad S Farahat PhD, director of R&D, Novel Device Technology, Sun Chemical; digital foiling techniques, given by Michael Aumann, director – digital embellishment solutions, Kurz; digital embellishment and laser die-cutting, given by Virgilio Micale, director of sales, Cartes; an Ecoleaf case study from ACTEGA; digital embellishment and workflow given by Uffe Nielsen, CEO, GM; integrating digital embellishment into existing systems; and the design and branding perspective, given by Doris Brown-McNally, brands innovation lead North America, HP Graphic Arts. Attendees will also be able to see this theory in action on the showfloor, with highlighted state-of-the-art examples of the various technologies from participating companies on the Digital Embellishment Trail.

Topics covered in the self-adhesive label materials master class include: an introduction to the various materials in the marketplace, given by Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labelexpo Global Series; release liner substrates, given by Bruce Ruppert, manager of product development, UPM Raflatac; different adhesive types given by Valerie Alexis, senior applications specialist, Henkel; paper and synthetic paper face materials given by Angel Harvey, senior product manager – prime paper and VI, Avery Dennison; non-paper face materials from 3M; identification and characteristics of self-adhesive materials from Mactac; new uses for label waste, given by Calvin Frost, founder and chairman, CEO Channeled Resources; and testing methods and procedures.

Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas event director, commented: “Since our last show in 2018, the industry has moved on significantly, due primarily to the covid pandemic and ongoing supply chain challenges, so this is our much-anticipated opportunity to offer a face-to-face educational platform in the region, where attendees can bring their industry knowledge up to date. They will be able to hear and learn from our high-profile speaker line-up tackling the most pressing issues via a strong mix of panels, technical presentations and practical case studies highlighting actual experiences and lessons learnt.

“Places are limited for all conference and master class sessions, so I’d strongly encourage visitors to book as soon as possible.”

Echoing this, Wynne said: “I’m very much looking forward to attending Labelexpo Americas. The two day conference program touches on the areas most relevant to our industry and appropriately helps frame the opportunities and challenges ahead of us. Further, the event is an opportune time to network with industry experts and the industry’s leading suppliers.”

Weymans added: “The market has embraced through time the possibilities of digital printing. We are at a point where it inspires digitalizing the broader aspect of label production, beyond print looking at embellishing and converting. Various options are available, but which solution fits your business best? During this session we will touch upon embellishing processes achieved through workflow, inline printing and offline. Different capabilities, different business benefits, with potential value for your business.”

Alexis said: “I’m really excited about sharing the different types of adhesives used in label applications. Understanding the adhesive limitations and the end-use performance requirements helps with choosing the right adhesive for applications used in label printing, so this session will be especially useful for converters, and indeed any attendees at Labelexpo Americas 2022 keen to increase their knowledge!”.

Labelexpo Americas takes place from 13-15 September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont in Chicago, Illinois. Spread across 5 exhibitions halls, over 400 exhibitors will be taking part.

For full details, to book a place at the conference or to reserve a master class spot, visit:
www.labelexpo-americas.com/features-and-schedules.