On 11 and 12 of May, Mark Andy organized the Open House in its Warsaw-based Demo Room, devoted for company’s authorized dealers representing different regions of the world – Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. It was the second event, concerning Mark Andy’s equipment presentations, organized in the recent time. In April the company invited students and their tutors from Polish printing-oriented technical universities and high schools for a special educational Open House. Finally, on 31 of May and 1 of June the company will host its customers from around the world during “The Power of Hybrid Forum”. Mark Andy invites  to register for the event on a dedicated website http://info.markandy.com/openhouse-poland-2022.

“We’re very glad about running with a scheduled agenda. It includes several meetings in our Warsaw-based Demo Room to be held this year, devoted to different groups of participants– says Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy Europe. – In April we hosted a group of students and their tutors. This time we had a pleasure to meet our distributors from many different areas of the world. It was the first opportunity to host such a large group of our business partners in Warsaw. Some of them participated in our sessions online, so every region Mark Andy Europe operates in was represented at the Open House. We hosted our business partners from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America”.

The meeting started with live presentation of the equipment installed at Mark Andy’s Demo Room in Warsaw: Evolution Series E3 flexo press and two hybrids – Digital Series iQ and Digital Pro 3. Then a conference session began; the participants listened to the opening speech from Jason Desai – CEO of Mark Andy. He presented the company’s results for 2021 as well as announced new investment and development plans, including software.
The conference included three sessions run by Lukasz Chruslinski, Sales Manager Mark Andy Europe. The first one was devoted to RFID solutions and linerless substrates usage in Mark Andy presses. Then a new Digital Series iQ hybrid press (developed in a co-operation with Domino) was presented. The third session was devoted to sMART Link, a new software from Mark Andy’s a real-time, on-press data collection and monitoring system, increasing automation of label production process. The conference was concluded with a an open discussion with all the participants.

In the evening, non-formal part of the meeting Mark Andy’s guests visited the Vodka Museum in Warsaw and participated in a special dinner.

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.

Mondi moves to certified base paper for its full portfolio of glassine-based release liners.

The switch to certified base paper helps ensure that the wood is harvested from responsibly managed forests.

Mondi collaborates with certification schemes like PEFC to enable traceability and compliance

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has switched its entire portfolio of glassine-based release liners to certified base paper. The change is part of Mondi’s ongoing, proactive approach to sustainability, which includes developing solutions that are better for the environment.

Glassine-based release liners are mainly used for labels, tapes, and medical applications. By moving to certified base paper, Mondi is improving traceability, working with partners who manage forests responsibly in line with its commitment to maintain zero deforestation in its forests and supply chain. This latest move to certified glassine-based paper is another step in Mondi’s commitment to responsible sourcing and supply chain transparency.

Mondi’s close collaboration with partners, known as its EcoSolutions approach, means that it will continue to ask the right questions and develop the most sustainable packaging solutions to support customers in achieving their sustainability goals. Mondi already works with a number of certification bodies to help increase the availability of certified wood fibre in its key wood sourcing markets in Europe.

All of Mondi’s pulp and paper mills are PEFC or FSC™ certified, 100% of its own forests are certified and 76% of externally sourced wood and 100% of sourced pulp is from certified sources.

Stefan Schönberger, Head of Product Sustainability Release Liner, Mondi, says: “As part of our MAP2030 ambitions, we commit to taking action on climate change, and setting an example for others working in international manufacturing, production and logistics to help them make sustainability a key priority. Offering certified base paper is part of this. It is the first step to upgrading our entire release liner portfolio, which will manage our impacts while providing the best possible solutions for the customer and the end consumer.”

www.mondigroup.com

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has pledged to create sustainable, fiber-based solutions. PurposeSeal™ is pushing the boundaries of fiber-based end-use applications.  

PurposeSeal™ is a heat-sealed paper carefully constructed to ensure quality and protection for end-use packaging solutions. It boasts additional sustainability benefits when applied to Cristal™ Transparent Packaging Papers or trulyNatural™ unbleached papers.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö recently received recyclability certification for the Cristal™ transparent paper product family, including PurposeSeal™ technology. These products have passed the SBS Equivalency (WMU SBS-E) testing protocol certifying these innovative papers recyclable from Western Michigan University. Additionally, Cristal™ and PurposeSeal™ have obtained 3rd party certification from Centre technique du papier, certifying Cristal™ heal seal coating is recyclable to the European Union’s EN13430 standards.

“PurposeSeal™ is changing the way our customers can create sustainable packaging solutions,” said Zack Leimkuehler, Vice President of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Technical Solutions business. “Excess waste and chemicals are removed from the converting process, as the strong seal is achieved using only heat.” 

“PurposeSeal™ is completely customizable,” said Dana DeCoster, Marketing Manager of Ahlstrom-Munksjö’s Technical Solutions business. “It can be combined with other technologies such as color, transparency, water resistance, and high stretch, along with other attributes to fit any requests your customers may come to you with.”

While consumers continue to demand products with a positive end-of-life story, PurposeSeal™ can be a sustainable alternative to traditional film-based packaging. PurposeSeal™ is versatile enough to work in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, flexible packaging, insulated packaging, pouches and garment bags/wraps.

For more information on PurposeSeal™ technology and its applications, visit: Ahlstrom-Munksjö – PurposeSeal™ Heat Seal Technology (ahlstrom-munksjo.com)

For more information on our ‘From Plastic to Purpose’ campaign, visit: Ahlstrom-Munksjö – ƒrom Plastic to Purpose (ahlstrom-munksjo.com)

Ahlstrom-Munksjö in brief
Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Our mission is to expand the role of fiber-based solutions for sustainable everyday life. Our offering includes filter materials, release liners, food and beverage processing materials, decor papers, abrasive and tape backings, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, medical fiber materials, diagnostics and energy storage solutions, as well as a range of specialty papers for industrial and consumer end-uses. Our annual net sales is about EUR 3.1 billion and we employ some 8,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com

Label Academy, the global training provider for the label and package printing industry, recently hosted its first virtual master class tackling Industry 4.0. This latest in-depth learning opportunity is its fourth virtual master class to date.

Joining the Industry 4.0 chair, Labels & Labeling editor, James Quirk, was a high-profile panel of eleven guest speakers from leading label and package printing companies Baldwin Technology, Traent.com, Hybrid Software Group, Esko, X-Rite Pantone, MPS, Cerm, Label Traxx, HP Indigo, Grafotronic and Tilia Labs Inc. As with the previous virtual master classes, which have covered brand protection, digital printing technology and flexible packaging, Industry 4.0 was divided into two parts. 

Part One, which took place on Thursday 28 April, provided an overview of Industry 4.0, blockchain, data transparency, automating pre-press and quality control. Steve Metcalf, chief marketing and IoT officer, Baldwin Technology, began by introducing the topic and how it impacts the label and package printing industry. This paved the way for the next session, given by founder of Traent.com, Federico D’Annunzio, who delved into the various types of blockchain and why brands are pushing for full data transparency. Mike Rottenborn, CEO, Hybrid Software Group, then provided an insight into the advantages of automating pre-press, from pre-flight to imposition and color management, and integrating it into press and factory management systems. Closing Part One was a joint presentation given by Martin Cusack, product manager Color, DFE and iCenter, Esko and Jérôme Brangé, solution architect, Packaging, X-Rite Pantone, who set out ways of automating quality control including inspection and measuring color in-line.

The focus for Part Two, which took place a week later, on Thursday 5 May, was a more in-depth look at automating both flexo and digital printing operations and the finishing process. Kelvin van den Bunt, product manager, MPS and Lowie-Pascal Geerinck, product manager, Cerm, began with a joint presentation covering the flexo press and how connectivity can tackle some of the industry’s biggest issues at present, such as the manual skills shortage, increased SKUs and sustainability. Reinforcing these talking points were the next two presentations, given by Chris Spooner, business development manager, Label Traxx, and Christian Menegon, global business development manager, Labels & Packaging, HP Indigo. They examined the opportunities created by the digital connected press. Morten Toksvaerd, business development director, Grafotronic, then set out ways of automating the finishing process and integrating it into existing networks. The master class closed with a converter case study presentation from George Folickman, global sales director and business development, Tilia Labs Inc. He described how the software company had worked with US converter Pacer Print to automate production, and the significant cost, time and resource benefits to the business that this had made. 

Andy Thomas-Emans, Labelexpo strategic director, said: “The covid pandemic has accelerated digital technology trends that were already starting to transform the label and package printing supply chain, most notably the use of real-time data and the move towards the smart factory of the future. This has huge potential for our fast-moving industry, so it’s essential that converters in particular learn how to take advantage of this and stay ahead. Our industry 4.0 virtual master class offered the right step in that direction, with a fascinating insight into all of this and more.” 

Echoing this, Steve Metcalf said: “Data will drive the next great advantage in labels and packaging and is the centerpiece of Industry 4.0. Innovations are happening right now that make getting access to data and putting it to work easier than ever. The lineup assembled for the master class presents a how to guide on what to consider and where to begin the journey.”

Thomas-Emans added: “I’d like to extend my thanks to our fantastic line-up of speakers who took part, and attendees for joining. We look forward to hosting further sessions covering more of the industry’s most pressing topics in the coming months – online and live at Labelexpo shows.”

Mike Rottenborn added: “These master classes are one of the best platforms from which to share this knowledge with industry peers.”

The recordings for both parts of the industry 4.0 virtual master class are available to subscribers as part of the Label Academy subscription service.

The Label Academy accompanying guide, Management Information Systems and Workflow Automation, by Michael Fairley, provides additional detail on the topics discussed in the virtual master class, and is available to purchase on Amazon.com and its regional sites. 

About the Label Academy:
The Label Academy is a global training provider and on-the-job resource for the label and package printing industry. It was pioneered by industry expert Mike Fairley in response to a reduction in the number of dedicated printing colleges and the need to standardize the label industry’s very specialized training and education across the world.

The Label Academy’s in-depth and expert-led master classes in English have proved extremely popular around the world at Labelexpo trade shows over the last few years, covering a wide range of key topics in the label and package printing industry. These have included: shrink sleeves; and inks, coatings and varnishes.

Previous virtual master classes have covered digital printing technology, flexible packaging and brand protection.

The Label Academy is part of Tarsus Group – the international media group with interests in exhibitions, conferences, publishing and online media including Labelexpo Global Series, and is endorsed by FINAT, TLMI, LMAI, Turkish Label Association and BPIF.

As part of its strategic plan to expand business in the US, the inventor and leading manufacturer of corona surface treatment – Vetaphone – has moved to boost after-sales support to its rapidly growing list of printers, laminators, converters, and extruders.  The investment in a new spare parts facility and supply service in Richardson, TX is designed to offer Vetaphone users quick access to routine parts for its surface treatment systems with a promise of next day delivery.

Vetaphone initially opened its parts supply service for American customers back in 2017, but the business has grown so fast in the past five years that the need for a larger and more streamlined facility became urgent.  Speaking for Vetaphone, Wisconsin-based Support Technician Eric Hopfensperger stated: “Our original spare parts supply was opened to counter accusations that as a European manufacturer we couldn’t support our customers as quickly as a US company.  It soon proved to be a great asset with business ramping up once customers saw how quickly we could respond, and it’s just gotten a whole lot better since.”

The new spare parts warehouse, which has its own dedicated team to offer rapid support and quick turnaround time, is being hosted by The Harman Company, which represents Vetaphone in the southern USA, including Texas and the surrounding states.  It is well-situated close by the major hub of DFW airport, making next day delivery to most of North America an easy task.  “We estimate to have up to 90% of all routine parts in stock for our corona systems, and all sizes of electrodes up to 60 inches.” Hopfensperger added.

With no significant time zone difference or language issues to contend with that might delay order processing, Vetaphone’s American customers are now assured of the best quality back-up available in the market.  In the three months since it opened, the new spare parts operation has made almost 200 shipments. 

Speaking for Vetaphone, Sales Manager for the Americas Ted Wolski commented: “This is a fantastic new support service not only for our customers in the States, but also for those in Canada to the north and Latin America to the south, making the world’s number one surface treatment technology an easy choice to make.  It will certainly play a big part in our plans for rapid growth, and we look forward to seeing what doors this opens for us stateside.” 

For more info:
Tel: (312) 803-3691
Email: spareparts-us@vetaphone.com
www.vetaphone.com

Kennesaw, GA– Even as the “Great Resignation” began to echo across the U.S. in 2021, the print industry was already losing an alarming number of veteran workers to retirement and opportunities in other industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that print operator positions are declining at a rate of 13% annually – equating to roughly 20,000 people leaving their jobs over the next 4 years. Considering these troubling numbers and the scarcity of available industry training, Heidelberg USA has decided to restructure its Print Media Center with a strong focus on training programs designed to build and grow the skills of current and future operators and print industry professionals.

Training: An Industry Critical Need

The newly named Print Media Performance & Training Center, located in Kennesaw, Georgia, officially “opened” its doors to Heidelberg customers this week at an open house event with over 100 participants present. At the event, Heidelberg introduced its initial training schedule for 2022 – set to begin this summer. At first, classes will focus on what Heidelberg has deemed industry “critical” topics such as:

• Print Fundamentals: Basic Ink & Water Balance

• Specialized Sheetfed Feeder Training for New Operators

• UV Printing including Coating Applications and Special Effects

• Print Troubleshooting

• Commercial Folding Basics: Folder Operation and Slit/Score/Perforation

• Introduction to Die Cutting

• Introduction to Folding and Gluing

“We have an infinite knowledge pool and the most updated technology at our disposal. As an industry leader, we are obligated to educate and train our industry’s workforce to ensure they know what is possible both now and, in the future,” said Clarence Penge, Executive Vice President of Product Management for Heidelberg USA. “It is our responsibility to link the people, process, and technology to ensure our customers’ success.”

Looking at training as an industry critical need, Heidelberg will offer most of the classes in the Performance and Training Center to participants for free, recognizing there is a cost to the customer for travel expenses. Classes will be a combination of theoretical and hands-on equipment training. Click here to see the current schedule.

While training will primarily focus on offset printing and finishing at first, the Performance & Training Center will offer additional topics in the future. “After much of the virtual learning that took place during the height of the pandemic, we believe that people are seeking hands-on, in-person training,” said Penge. “There is better long-term comprehension that occurs in a training facility outside of the normal workplace, where people can physically touch the equipment and apply the knowledge they have just studied.” As this training structure is new to Heidelberg, the company intends to modify its training options as industry needs evolve in the future. “We’re excited to help move the print industry forward and see how it receives this new Training Center,” said Penge. Heidelberg recognizes, however, that the Center’s success hinges on the industry’s commitment to registering their operators for available classes.

The Latest and Greatest Available

An essential part of educating the industry on the newest technology is ensuring that the Performance & Training Center is always equipped with it. Recently, the 30,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Kennesaw facility installed Heidelberg’s newest press, a Speedmaster CX 104, six-color UV machine equipped with coater and the patented, navigated Push-to-Stop technology. The new press offers a brand new 104 sheet format and ergonomic design and features a completely new operating philosophy, the Heidelberg User Experience, which together with the Intellistart 3 system and a whole host of assistance systems, ensure short makeready times and the best possible support for operators.

In addition to the new CX 104, the Print Media Performance & Training Center is currently equipped with two POLAR cutters, a Stahlfolder KH 82, Easymatrix 106 die cutter, Prinect workflow, Suprasetter 106 CtP, Versafire EV and EP, Labelfire 340, and Speedmaster XL 106-8P+L – also equipped with the newest generation Speedmaster technology – and will soon add a new Diana Easy 115 folder-gluer. The Performance & Training Center will continue to host in-person or virtual demonstrations for equipment and software – following CDC Guidelines for the safety of its customers and employees.

To register for available training dates or to schedule a demonstration, please contact your local Heidelberg Sales Representative or visit https://news.heidelbergusa.com/pmc-training/  

One of the many events scheduled by Mark Andy Europe for the first half of 2022 was an Open House for print students held at its Warsaw showroom and demo facility on 22nd April. The students, who came from the Printing Technologies Unit of the Faculty of Production Engineering at the Warsaw Technical University, took part in live demos of three Mark Andy presses: an Evolution Series E3 flexo line, a Digital Series iQ inkjet/flexo hybrid and a Digital Pro 3 toner/flexo hybrid. The sessions also included all the relevant prepress file preparation processes. Photos taken during the event were used to print labels to demonstrate the speed and flexibility of the whole digital-based solution. The day concluded with lunch and informal discussions between the students, their tutors, and Mark Andy personnel.

“We were delighted to host the print-oriented students and their teachers in our Demo Room after three-year gap,” says Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy. “It’s symbolic that a group of young people, who are the future of our industry, were the first to attend the Open Houses we have scheduled for this year. We were pleased with the attendance and interest levels in the presentations we gave.”

After demonstrating each press, Mark Andy operators were quizzed on the specific details of each model, with three students enquiring about work opportunities at the Warsaw offices, which was encouraging for a press manufacturer committed to supporting the development of human resources in print. “We’re increasingly active in this area, and recently began co-operating with the Technical & Electronic College in Kalisz, which was represented by a Teacher at the Open House,” she added.

Before the presentations, Przemyslaw Polkowski, Director Mark Andy Poland, welcomed the students and their tutors, underlining Mark Andy’s long history as a press manufacturer and pointing out that the company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2021. He also highlighted the growing importance of digital technology in the printing industry. The presses installed in Warsaw, which included two hybrids, are confirmation of this. He encouraged the students to pursue their chosen profession and stay in the printing industry. As he said: “The development of digital technology and its implementation in printing solutions is an area that is increasingly innovative and future-oriented, especially in packaging and label printing.”

Lukasz Chruslinski, Sales Manager Mark Andy Europe, then demonstrated the three label presses installed at Demo Room. He was accompanied by print instructors and service technicians who are involved in Mark Andy’s installations around the world. Beginning with the Evolution Series E3 flexo press, which was launched at Labelexpo Europe 2019, he said that the press has attracted huge interest from label printers worldwide. “Many label converters said they had been waiting for a press that offers flexibility, modularity, and compactness. It features servo drive, and its construction offers flexo print units as well as additional options like foil stamping or die-cutting.” The initial interest at Labelexpo was very quickly confirmed by sales, and Mark Andy has since installed Evolution Series presses in many printing companies around the world.

The next presentation was devoted to the Digital Series iQ hybrid press. This newest member of Mark Andy’s digital family was launched last year and developed in a co-operation with Domino, who manufacture of the inkjet module implemented in the press. Chruslinski said that Digital Series iQ is a good example of Mark Andy’s hybrid concept: “The inkjet unit, which offers 7-colour printing (CMYKOV + W) is a central part of the whole solution. It is accompanied by typical elements of a flexo press, like printing units and finishing and embellishment options. The whole process is realised in one pass, shortening production time and delivery of the final product to the customer.”

He added that the benefits of the hybrid concept have been widely appreciated by many label printers worldwide: “The share of hybrid equipment in our total press sales continues to grow, and we anticipate it will be higher again in 2022 as many new contracts are currently being processed, with many installations scheduled before the end of the year.”

While the Digital Series iQ is a newcomer, another hybrid press presented by Mark Andy during the Open House, Digital Pro 3, has been on the market for three years. Also launched at Labelexpo Europe 2019, it is the next-generation of toner-based printing. “It has a very compact footprint and can be equipped with many additional options for the manufacture of highly processed labels,” said Chruslinski. Numerous examples of these products were displayed with printed and finished rolls.

One of the biggest advantages of digital technology is the efficient production of short runs, including variable data printing (VDP). This was the next presentation at the Open House. Photos taken during the event were quickly processed and prepared using dedicated software by Agnieszka Rapacka, Prepress Specialist at Mark Andy Poland. She showed all the steps in the prepress process that delivers high quality label printing with no errors. The processed photos were then used to print labels on Digital Pro 3. Afterwards, the participants were able to stick them to bottles of water to take home as a special souvenir of the event.

Agnieszka Rusin, a member of the teaching staff at the Printing Technologies Unit commented: “We’d like to thank Mark Andy for arranging and hosting today’s event. We really appreciate the rich and content-full agenda that was enjoyed by our 2nd-year students who were making their first visit to Mark Andy’s Demo Room in Warsaw. Observing their reactions during the demos, I could see they were really interested in all technological aspects of label production, with some of them asking about opportunities or traineeships at Mark Andy. We’re more than happy to have a partner like Mark Andy because the company is deeply involved in supporting the academic community for print. This is very important as it allows our students to learn about the latest technology in both a theoretical and a practical way.”

Wrapping up for Mark Andy, Lena Chmielewska-Bontron stated: “We’d like to thank all the students and tutors for accepting our invitation and their active participation in this dedicated Open House. As a press manufacturer, we’re committed to sharing our knowledge and experience with young people studying print-oriented faculties. The Open House is a great form of communication as it enables us to present the equipment live and have direct conversation between participants and our own staff. We promise to continue this tradition and organise similar events in the future.”

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.

Elk Grove Village, IL — SCREEN announces the launch of the SC+ Chroma Package for the Truepress Jet520HD series. The comprehensive solution introduces the new SC+ ink, an enhanced version of the series’ current SC ink. Along with the new ink, the package includes professional services and upgraded hardware and software. The SC+ Chroma Package has been installed in the company’s Inkjet Innovation Center in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and will be available on new presses as well as part of an upgraded solution for existing owners of the Truepress Jet520HD series printers.

SCREEN announced the first version of SC ink at the international trade fair, drupa, in 2016. Designed to be printed on both standard coated and uncoated papers, the ink met printers’ needs for a quick drying ink without requiring any pretreatment of the paper. Demand for such capabilities has grown considerably since print markets continue to face ongoing challenges from paper shortages to price increases. Both the SC and SC+ inks provide flexibility when printers need to substitute paper stock at the last minute.

The SC+ Chroma Package enables printers to tailor their products to meet each customer’s specific goals whether they entail lowering costs through ink savings or enhancing the color to make it more vibrant while achieving precise spot color replication on the press. With the SC+ ink’s unique formula and expanded color gamut, printers can reach a greater percentage of standard color matching systems with improved fidelity. The package can match in excess of 96 percent of spot colors found in the industry’s solid coated reference book at a Delta E of three or less.

Essential tools and training accompany the SC+ Chroma Package so that printers may achieve excellence while operating SCREEN’s Truepress Jet520HD series presses.  

About SCREEN Americas
SCREEN Americas, a SCREEN Graphic Solutions group company established in 1967, is a leading provider of digital inkjet technology serving the commercial, publishing, direct mail, transactional, packaging, folding carton and label industries. In 2021, SCREEN Americas relocated its headquarters to Elk Grove Village, Illinois, with an upgrade that included a 14,000-plus square foot Inkjet Innovation Center.

www.screenamericas.com