How Höhn Display + Packaging uses a BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER with ACCUREGISTER to boost its market position

In the fall of 2021, Höhn Display + Packaging installed the BOBST NOVACUT 106 ER, the world’s first flat-bed die-cutter with the new ACCUREGISTER “contactless” sheet-register system. Höhn is an old-established manufacturer of games, displays, and folding boxes, and its customers believe it has set an example by putting into service this Autoplatine® die-cutter with inline blanking.

Today it’s a 2.4 mm litho-laminated corrugated board, tomorrow 100-gram paper, after that environmentally-friendly solid or recyclable cardboard – Höhn Display + Packaging GmbH works with a wide range of materials. “Our extensive product range poses a real challenge to the flexibility of our machine technology, particularly in die-cutting,” explains Markus Laepple, Operations Manager of the company headquartered in Ulm, Germany

“No matter which material the new machine is processing, the quality is consistently at the top level. The register precision and flatness of our gameboards, for instance, stands out on the market. The procurement and quality managers of our customers see the difference,” affirms Laepple, a trained offset printer who has been working in the packaging industry for more than 20 years.

A reliable path to high quality

It’s obvious that innovative technology plays a key role. Höhn considers ACCUREGISTER one of the main performance features of the NOVACUT 106 ER. “ACCUREGISTER underscores our high quality demands. And our products confirm that we really are a tad better,” states Laepple.

The new sheet-register system is based on the legendary optical POWER REGISTER, brought to market by BOBST over 20 years ago and unique to this day. For the ACCUREGISTER, BOBST has adapted the best attributes of the POWER REGISTER specifically to the NOVACUT line. The new sheet-register system thus enables very short setup times in the die-cutting process. At the same time, it minimizes stops caused by the feeder. Waste is reduced in both the setup process and during production, which also makes the production process and the products more sustainable.

ACCUREGISTER aligns the sheets at full speed, without mechanical stops, “contactless” and thus gently. Laepple: “ACCUREGISTER reliably exploits this, especially with thin paper and material laminated on both sides.” The high-performance system cameras read both printed images and marks. And if that’s not possible, the cameras simply read the sheet edges. When the sheets are fed into the machine, the system calculates within milliseconds the corrections required and automatically remedies them as the sheets accelerate; over a wide correcting range, up to ±6mm in forward direction and ±13mm in lateral direction – even with transparent material.

BOBST offers various options for the NOVACUT line to make the processing, and thereby the register precision, of different materials even more flexible. Höhn Display + Packaging uses the antistatic device for processing paper, and the heavy boardequipment for processing sheets that are not entirely flat.

Crucial competitive advantages

Laepple: “High register precision is increasingly important. For instance, just recently a customer carefully checked the accordance of braille embossing on the front and back sides of a box. But we do not have to worry about register precision since using ACCUREGISTER.” During the alignment of the cut-to-print register the system even compensates for print tolerances.

“The list of audit questions our customers ask is getting longer. Their queries typically concern conventional errors which we have eliminated by using the NOVACUT 106 ER in our die-cutting process. Our customers realize this and adapt their audit questions accordingly. This means that we no longer address certain issues in future audits,” Laepple boils it down. In other words, the new die-cutter has further increased customer confidence in the reliability of Höhn Display + Packaging’s production process.

“We proactively communicate the benefits of our new technology to the market and explain which errors can no longer happen in our process,” says Laepple. Customers are glad to take Höhn up on that. “A frequent question, for example, is whether the high register precision of ACCUREGISTER means layouts and fonts can be set closer to the rills. The NOVACUT 106 ER has indeed made that possible.” In a nutshell: When it comes to product design, customers have a bit more freedom.

Quick production changeovers

Production runs at Höhn Display + Packaging range from 700 to 600,000 sheets, at an average of 9,000 sheets. For efficient execution of large orders, the company has selected a NOVACUT 106 ER with an hourly output of up to 8,000 sheets. Today, the machine runs in three shifts and depending on the job, the machine is changed over several times a day.

For repeat orders, Höhn’s NOVACUT 106 ER requires now only about one half-hour setup time, although currently one of every two die-cut jobs is a new order. Laepple: “We are working on optimizing setup times.” Höhn is using various options BOBST has provided for the die-cutter. Examples include the Setup Time Reduction Pack and the Chase Changer.

The ease of use of the NOVACUT 106 ER user interface (HMI SPHERE) also supports short setup times. It features a largely self-explanatory guided menu. “We needed only two days training for it,” Laepple recalls. Another reason for the short setup times is that Höhn Display + Packaging acquires its die-cutting tools only from manufacturers certified by BOBST. This ensures high tool quality. Höhn furthermore has its tools fitted with TooLink. This means that chips are built into the die-cutting tools which then register the data of every die-cutting job. The next time the tools are introduced into the machine, the data is read directly into the HMI, allowing for immediate identification of individual die-cutting jobs and automatic setting of HMI values.

Looking at the big picture

Considering the wide range of products and the size of the print runs, Laepple believes that currently Höhn Display + Packaging can hardly use a highly automated die-cutter like the EXPERTCUT to capacity. If the day comes when greater capacity is needed, space has been left between the three BOBST flat-bed die-cutters for a format 6 machine, or for a “fast machine” fully equipped with logistics. “When it comes to investment decisions we take a holistic view of our suppliers. The result clearly supported further stepping up our partnership-based cooperation with BOBST,” calculates Laepple.

He believes BOBST has its finger on the pulse with a view of industry that builds on the pillars of digitization, automation, connectivity, and sustainability. This will always open new perspectives for process optimization, and is particularly true for the BOBST Connect platform. In addition to the remote technical support Helpline Plus, Höhn Display + Packaging is already using the productivity apps Remote Monitoring and Downtime Tracking. They help to fully exploit, and continuously boost, the performance of its new die-cutter by using data-based analyses.

Höhn Display + Packaging
Höhn Display + Packaging GmbH was founded as a newspaper and book printing office in 1910 by Dr. Karl Höhn. The highly diversified company has about 180 employees and specializes in the manufacture of board games, displays, and packaging. To maintain firm control over the quality of its products and ensure on-time delivery, Höhn Display + Packaging relies on a high level of in-house production. On April 1, 2019 the division Displays+Packaging, formerly of HÖHN GmbH, was acquired by the Ludo Fact Group, the second-largest manufacturer of games in Europa.

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

With its new SICURA Litho Pack ECO series, Siegwerk adds another sustainable ink solution with a high share of bio-renewable content further expanding its offering in line with a Circular Economy.

Siegburg, Germany, and Annemasse, France – Siegwerk, one of the leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, is now offering a new sustainable UV offset ink series for non-food paper and board applications: SICURA Litho Pack ECO. The new product range is formulated with a high bio-renewable content, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to standard UV inks.

The formulation of the new SICURA Litho Pack ECO series consists of more than 40% of renewable and vegetable-based components showing a four times higher share of bio-renewable content than the average standard UV ink. Furthermore, the series is free of TMPTA, Benzophenone as well as CMR CAT. 1 and CMR Cat. 2 components. It is a low odor ink series and especially designed for all kinds of paper and board substrates. SICURA Litho Pack ECO is suitable for all non-food packaging applications where special attention is paid to the packaging’s environmental impact and circularity. The series shows excellent ink performance and a high color strength. Next to high dot gain sharpness and an excellent flowability, Siegwerk’s new UV offset range offers a very stable ink/water balance even during long runs as well as a good film flexibility for post-processing. The product range contains four color process inks according to ISO, Pantone colors, base inks, special colors as well as flexo OPV.

“With SICURA Litho Pack ECO we deliver once again on our commitment to drive the change towards a Circular Economy by supporting the development of circular packaging with innovative and eco-friendly inks and coatings,” says Mustafa Guler, Vice President BU Sheetfed EMEA at Siegwerk. “With 40% bio-renewable content, it is not only comparable to certain conventional oil-based inks, but it also represents a new eco-friendly alternative for UV offset printing. Its formulation is particularly designed for recycling and therefore for not impacting the recyclability of paper and board substrates at all.” Test runs regarding the series’ deinkability are currently under way to further determine its potential to also improve recycling of UV-printed paper and board packaging.

According to Siegwerk, increasing the bio-renewable content in inks can support the de-fossilization when sensibly used. Bio-renewable materials also come with challenges for example regarding sustainable sourcing and the preferred end-life concept of packaging.

That’s why the company only works on bio-renewable inks and coatings that support a circular end-life solution like recycling. “We generally support the ambitions to increase bio-renewable content where possible and in line with the three levers of a Circular Economy – reduce, reuse and recycle,” adds Guler. “Not all raw materials can be replaced by bio-renewable one’s going forward. However, increasing the amount of these materials in our solutions plays a significant role in meeting our goals, and close a gap where there are inevitable material losses and leakage.”

Although, it is widely discussed that bio-renewable resources own the potential to complement a Circular Economy as a non-fossil raw material source, there is neither a standard definition of the term “bio-renewable raw material” nor a universal consensus on how to calculate bio-renewable content in printing inks. That’s why Siegwerk has decided to build up a definition of its own, taking into consideration current scientific and political discussions and arguments. According to the company’s experts especially raw materials either of vegetable, animal or microbial origin that underwent material utilization for the production of chemicals, basic materials and other bio-based products are of interest to be used in ink formulations. Water or materials embedded in geological formations are in turn explicitly not considered as being bio-renewable. “When calculating the bio-renewable content of our inks we focus on the actual share of raw materials with bio-renewable origin that are present in the respective ink formulation, taking all constituents into consideration,” explains Alina Marm, Head of Global Sustainability and Circular Economy at Siegwerk. “Thereby, our calculation refers to the sum of all components present in a raw material, also taking into account substances and solvents – except water – that are excluded in the methods commonly used so far, such as ASTM D6866, EN 16640 and NAPIM.”

Transparency plays a key role in creating sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, that’s why Siegwerk provides detailed data about the bio-renewable content of each of its formulations. To make the information even more relevant for its customers, the company differentiates between wet-ink and dried-ink content when calculating the bio-renewable content of its inks. The wet-ink value considers all ink components and indicates the bio-renewable content of the ink product as such. In turn, the dried-ink value only considers the solid content without solvents and other volatile components that evaporate during drying. This indicates the bio-renewable content of the ink on the final print product and is therefore especially relevant for converters and end users. To be able to calculate the bio-renewable content for all its formulations, Siegwerk collected and analyzed the bio-renewable share of each raw material strictly considering the molecular level to be able to differentiate between bio-renewable and fossil components. Today this information requirement is also part of the company’s comprehensive Raw Material Introduction Process enabling a continuous overview of all used raw materials and their corresponding bio-renewable shares.

Sustainability means progress to Siegwerk. That’s why assessing ways of enhancing the ecological footprint of its inks with no loss of performance is one of the company’s key R&D goals since decades. Here, the company strongly believes in the benefits of a Circular Economy and focuses its development efforts on inks and coatings that concretely enhance the performance and recyclability of packaging and thereby enabling the design of circular packaging solutions. Further extending the company’s portfolio of sustainable and eco-friendly product solutions will concretely support the renewability and further enhance the recyclability of packaging.

About Siegwerk
Siegwerk, a sixth-generation family-owned company, is one of the leading international manufacturers of printing inks and individual solutions for packaging, labels, and catalogs. With more than 180 years of experience, the company has solid expertise in and knowledge of many printing procedures. A global manufacturing and service network ensures customers consistently high-quality products and services. In keeping with the company’s philosophy “Ink, Heart & Soul,” Siegwerk seeks long-term cooperation with its business partners. Siegwerk employs some 5,000 people worldwide in more than 30 country organizations and is headquartered in Siegburg near Cologne. Further information on Siegwerk can be found at www.siegwerk.com

 24 industry suppliers have been honored 

Mentor, OH – Avery Dennison Label and Graphic Materials recognized 24 distinguished pressure-sensitive industry suppliers for the company’s annual Global Supplier Awards, held virtually on May 12, 2022. Eight Supplier Distinction awards and six Special Recognition awards were granted for extraordinary service to our business, as well as 10 Special Recognition awards for outstanding service in the months following Storm Uri.

“Storm Uri heavily impacted the supply chain and posed several challenges that our suppliers met head-on,” said Kamran Kian, VP Global Ops & SC. “All of our winners have shown exemplary performance and dedication, and their outstanding commitment to our business deserves recognition.”

The Avery Dennison Supplier Distinction Award Program considers four areas of excellence required to maintain a competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding industry: Quality, Service, Sustainability and Strategic Growth. To be considered eligible for recognition, a supplier must have met key metrics in each of the four areas. 

Avery Dennison Supplier Distinction Awards

Filmax (Pathfinder)

Jiangsu Oji Paper (C.I.G.)

Jiangsu Wampolet Hi Tech (Sustainability)

Kanzan Spezialpapiere (Quality)    

Lamtec Corporation (Performance Tapes Supplier of the Year)

Sumei Chemical Company (Supplier of the Year)

Trüb Emulsions (Service)

Wacker (Service)

Special Recognition awards are granted to suppliers that have performed in an exceptional way, other than Supplier Distinction qualifications, for meeting or exceeding the needs of our business and our customers. 

Avery Dennison Special Recognition Awards

Dynasol

Moorim Paper Company Ltd. 

RGL Logistics 

S&J European Haulage Ltd. (Transportation & Logistics Supplier of the Year)

Shanghai Zijiang Colour Printing & Packaging Co. 

Xusen HCR Digital Media (Innovation)         

This year, Avery Dennison is recognizing 10 suppliers who went above and beyond during the challenging months that followed Storm Uri by keeping our plants supplied and allowing Avery Dennison to meet the needs of our customers.

Special Recognition Awards – Storm Uri

BASF

Bostik (formerly Ashland)

Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics Division

Dow Monomers Coatings & Performance Monomers

Gantrade

GJ Chemical 

Henkel

Invista (formerly Flint Hills) 

KAG Logistics 

Vestolit (formerly Mexichem) 

“Congratulations to all of our winners, and thank you for your continued support of our business and industry,” Kian said.

For more information on our products and services, please visit averydennison.com.

About Avery Dennison
Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE: AVY) is a global materials science company specializing in the design and manufacture of a wide variety of labeling and functional materials. The company’s products and solutions, which are used in nearly every major industry, include pressure-sensitive materials for labels and graphic applications; tapes and other bonding solutions for industrial, medical, and retail applications; tags, labels and embellishments for apparel; and radio frequency identification (RFID) solutions serving retail apparel and other markets. The company employs approximately 36,000 employees in more than 50 countries. Reported sales in 2021 were $8.4 billion.

Learn more at www.averydennison.com.

 

Louisville, KY —Flexo Wash has introduced its latest Laser Anilox Cleaner, the FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner, specifically developed for Narrow Web Clients. This cleaner is a perfect solution for printers with wastewater challenges.

Laser cleaning is a modern, effective and sustainable cleaning system for aniloxes.  With a quick cleaning time, your aniloxes will be deep cleaned, with minimal effort and reduced downtime. Most importantly, this sustainable cleaner is waste-free with no liquid handling or consumption.

FW 850 series models clean up to two narrow web rolls in one cleaning cycle. The FW 850 Laser Anilox Cleaner can be installed without requiring water supply, drain or safety equipment. 

DETAILS:

• 1-2 aniloxes per wash*

• Max diameter: 180 mm (7”)

• Max cleaning length: 700 mm (27.6”)

• Max weight per anilox: 50 kg (110lbs)

As anilox technologies have evolved to thinner cell walls, higher line screens and tougher inks, Flexo Wash cleaning technology has adapted to these modern advancements. Our safe and gentle cleaning method means that you can both deep clean the rolls and wash them on a daily basis. Flexo Wash’s focus on the high protection of these delicate and expensive aniloxes is the driving force in developing the latest laser technology.

www.flexowash.us

New Curtain Coating Technology to Improve Safety, Increase Productivity

Appleton, WI – Appvion, LLC, a Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. (“Wynnchurch”) portfolio company, announced a significant investment in new equipment slated for delivery and installation in 2023.

“This is the largest single investment made in our Appleton plant for many years and marks the start of a new and exciting journey for the Appvion team,” said Laurie Andriate, CEO at Appvion. “The investment provides many benefits for Appvion and our customers, including elimination of “double-handling” of rolls to improve productivity as well as safety of our people.”

This new equipment will allow Appvion to make products more efficiently, allowing Appvion to optimize finished goods capacity and eliminating the need to secure pre-coated base in a consolidating white paper market.

“The capital investment demonstrates our commitment to Appvion. Continued investment in new technology fosters future growth in Appvion’s core business,” said Greg Gleason, Managing Partner at Wynnchurch.

The announcement comes just months after the company was purchased by Wynnchurch Capital, L.P., a private equity firm headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. Founded in 1999, with offices in California, New York, and a Canadian affiliate, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch’s strategy is partnering with middle-market companies in the United States and Canada that possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. The company’s focus is on leveraging business strengths and identifying new market opportunities to support management’s vision—with an unwavering commitment to sound business judgment, partnership, communication, and integrity.

About Appvion
As a leading manufacturer in North America, Appvion develops innovative, water-based, and environmentally responsible coating solutions for consumers’ everyday life. Appvion utilizes its material science expertise to apply high-performance, functional coating solutions to various flexible substrates, including products from an FDA-compliant facility. Primary offerings include direct thermal paper and film products and renewable, fiber-based consumer and industrial packaging solutions. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, Appvion employs nearly 400 people. Connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn to learn more.

Celebrating ambitious pioneers tackling our biggest challenges 

Plymouth, MI – Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced that CEO, Lynn Perenic of Argent Tape & Label was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2022 Michigan and Northwest Ohio Award finalist. Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the preeminent competitive business awards for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies who think big to succeed. 

Lynn Perenic was selected by a panel of independent judges according to the following criteria – entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – among other core contributions and attributes. 

Lynn Perenic is a gifted visionary and a results-producing entrepreneur who brings an instinctive curiosity to every endeavor. A passionate educator, Lynn inspires others to challenge the status quo and reach higher to achieve more.  

As Argent Tape & Label’s president and chief executive officer, her inspiring vision and unwavering belief in others has completely transformed the manufacturing company from a $790,000 a year organization into an extremely successful multimillion-dollar enterprise. Nearing the mark of $10 million in annual revenue, Argent is well-positioned for continued growth. 

Following 20 years of teaching in Michigan’s Hazel Park School District – where she taught a diverse population of elementary and special education high school students – Lynn understands knowledge, perseverance and a diligent work ethic are the formula for success.  

In 2010, Lynn acquired the ownership stake in Argent Tape and Label near bankruptcy at the time. An eternal optimist who is driven by her belief in people’s potential and her many years of experience as an educator, Lynn committed herself to recovering the company’s profitability and helping it thrive.  

Already possessed of the requisite communication skills, Lynn knew that she needed to fast-track her knowledge of business management and develop an actionable strategy for recovery and success. She enrolled in the Oakland County Venture Forward program, an 11 -week intensive program for business executives and top management leaders. The program ultimately nominated her as one of the 50 Businesses to Watch in Michigan.  

Lynn knew that she wanted to create a culture of transparency and connection. Drawing inspiration from such texts as A Stake in the Outcome: Building a Culture of Ownership and The Great Game of Business, she made the choice to implement Open Book Management (OBM) at Argent. She cultivated a professional community that encourages innovation at all levels, welcoming team members and customers alike to become partners in success.  

Lynn herself is a living manifestation of this collaborative management and servant leadership style. She believes in paying it forward, and her spirit of giving has become a hallmark of her dedication to her team and community. She mentors her employees and tutors their children, provides a variety of courses – including English as a second language and financial literacy – at Argent’s facility and supports numerous charitable organizations.  

She has drawn the attention of OBM thought leaders and business leaders alike, winning the Allstar Award for Best of the Best in OBM and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council’s Women’s Business Enterprise Star Award. Recently, Lynn was elected to the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council board of directors.  

She earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Central Michigan University. Ever an educator, she leverages each success to help her team, company, community and customers succeed. Lynn and her husband reside in Franklin, Michigan. 

The regional finalists will be recognized and winners will be announced at the Michigan and Northwest Ohio awards celebration on June 23, 2022 at One Campus Martius in Detroit. The regional winners will then be considered by the National independent judging panel for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies. The Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Award in June 2023.  

For over 35 years, EY US has celebrated the unstoppable entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all. The Entrepreneur Of The Year program has recognized more than 10,000 US executives since its inception in 1986. Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners have exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of fellow alumni and other members of the entrepreneurial community in over 60 countries — all supported by vast EY resources. 

Sponsors 

Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are presented by PNC Bank. In Michigan and Northwest Ohio, sponsors also include Donnelley Financial Solutions, Trion Solutions Inc., Foley & Lardner LLP, and Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications. 

About Entrepreneur Of The Year®  

Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for unstoppable entrepreneurs. These visionary leaders deliver innovation, growth and prosperity that transform our world. The program engages entrepreneurs with insights and experiences that foster growth. It connects them with their peers to strengthen entrepreneurship around the world. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the first and only truly global awards program of its kind.  

It celebrates entrepreneurs through regional and national awards programs in more than 145 cities in over 60 countries. National overall winners go on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ title. ey.com/us/eoy 

About EY Private  

As Advisors to the ambitious™, EY Private professionals possess the experience and passion to support private businesses and their owners in unlocking the full potential of their ambitions. EY Private teams offer distinct insights born from the long EY history of working with business owners and entrepreneurs. These teams support the full spectrum of private enterprises including private capital managers and investors and the portfolio businesses they fund, business owners, family businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs. Visit ey.com/us/private 

About EY 

EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. 

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. 

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. 

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com. 

Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited operating in the US. 

The new system is integrated with a ChromaPlex LT engine from Colordyne Technologies.

Brookfield, WI – Gulmen Digital, a manufacturer of commercial label printing and finishing machines located in Melbourne, Australia, developed the Quantum Jet 333 industrial label printer to satisfy market and application demands for high quality and faster turnarounds. The system leverages Colordyne’s ChromaPlex LT aqueous pigment inkjet engine to offer high speed and high resolution for short-run labels and tags.

With 30 years of experience in the label and packaging industry, Eddie Gulmen, President and Founder of Gulmen Digital, recognized an opportunity in the market for a 13-inch (330 millimeters) printing system and found in Colordyne a technology partner that shared his vision. For Gulmen, navigating the challenges of Australia’s vast landscape and spread-out population was the key driver for developing a process color, mid-range platform that bridges the gap between high capital cost equipment and high quality performance.

Gulmen Digital views the new high speed, high resolution and low capital cost system as a great fit for printers in the consumer products space and businesses looking to reduce costs by offloading work from their flexo presses without sacrificing the quality of the printed product. With the Quantum Jet 333, businesses can eliminate process waste and reduce the room for error that surrounds analog print production including plates, inks, material and more.

“Inkjet is brilliant. From the computer to printing, it’s straightforward like that,” said Gulmen. “You create the artwork, place it in a folder with automated color management, set the copies and off it goes. Digital printing allows users to save on material and labor. Plus, with digital the job can be finished faster.”

Celebrating a 20-year milestone, Gulmen Digital started in the label and packaging business as a service provider and eventually moved into manufacturing and distribution of commercial printing and converting equipment. Partnering with Colordyne, Gulmen Digital identified a cost-effective way to speed up its engineering development cycle and bring a new inkjet printing solution to market quickly. The company sees a clear market for the Quantum Jet 333 today and in the future.

“The goal is to get to a point where a single person can manage a fleet of these printers,” said Gulmen. “This platform will provide opportunities for further process automation to control the printer, like automatic unwind loading with turret rewinds and intelligent camera systems for fault detection and recovery.”

By leveraging Colordyne’s ChromaPlex LT print engine, the system can consistently produce high volume jobs at 1600 x 1600 dpi print quality while running at speeds up to 150 feet (45 meters) per minute. The Quantum Jet 333 can print on various types of materials used for labeling and product identification and it’s equipped with an intuitive color touchscreen that makes it easy to operate.

“We are happy we were able to collaborate with Gulmen Digital and its innovative approach to bring to market a successful and affordable technology,” said Taylor Buckthorpe, Director of Sales & Marketing at Colordyne. “Colordyne has played a role in advancing inkjet technology, but it’s partners like Gulmen Digital that identify the fit for end users that make it exciting to continue innovating.”

About Colordyne Technologies
Headquartered in Brookfield, WI, Colordyne Technologies is a leading manufacturer of high speed, high resolution and low capital cost UV-LED and water based inkjet print engines. They are designed for integration onto existing printing and converting equipment to create an affordable hybrid production press. Colordyne Technologies recognizes the years of investments made into the people and equipment that make up a label converting press room. Colordyne’s unique retrofit approach to digital printing allows label converters to seamlessly integrate process color inkjet directly onto existing production lines at breakthrough speeds and without the loss of current press functionality.

Visit www.colordynetech.com for additional information.

About Gulmen Digital
Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria, Gulmen Digital is an Australian manufacturer and distributor of efficient, maintenance-free digital printing and finishing solutions. Gulmen Digital is a one-stop supplier to the industry for a wide range of consumables, from paper synthetic material, laminate to ink supplies.

Learn more at www.gulmendigital.com.au.

The SGP Partnership, the leading authority in sustainable certification for the printing industry, announced today Syracuse Label & Surround Printing of North Syracuse, NY has achieved its sustainability certification. A recognized leader in sustainability, the company offers digital and flexographic printing solutions with a product portfolio that includes pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, cartons, hang tags, roll fed-wrap labels and other custom-made printed products. 

“We are so excited to receive SGP certification and are proud of our environmental commitment,” said Kathy Alaimo, Syracuse Label & Surround Printing president. “This certification differentiates us from our competitors and makes a significant difference when competing for talent.”

As a certified SGP facility, Syracuse Label & Surround Printing is committed to sustainability targets by reducing waste, conserving energy, sourcing sustainable materials, creating a safe workplace and lowering carbon footprint. Each year, SGP certified facilities, like Syracuse Label & Surround Printing, must propose a continuous improvement project as part of its certification. In addition, every two years, facilities must undergo an independent third-party audit.

“SGP is proud to have Syracuse Label & Surround Printing as a certified facility. The company is a strong leader in sustainable practices, from its zero-waste-to-landfill to lean manufacturing,” said Jonathan Graham, SGP chair. “The company is a model of how a manufacturing facility benefits its customers with sustainability built in every process and aspect of the company. Retailers working with Syracuse Label & Surround Printing can be confident of a strong sustainable supply chain partner.”

As part of its sustainability program, Syracuse Label & Surround Printing recycles all plate material, computer equipment, metal replacement parts, UV & florescent lights, wood pallets and batteries. The remaining raw material, kitchen and office waste is used as solid fuel for alternative power generation. By using digital technologies, the company reduces the waste of all printing materials including plates, substrate, inks and other printing supplies. The result of lean manufacturing includes a decrease in electricity and natural gas for heating, cooling and plant operation.

Printer and supplier facilities interested in eliminating waste, reducing energy consumption, transitioning to sustainable materials, and winning new business from organizations that require sustainable printing practices should visit www.sgppartnership.org to learn more about becoming SGP certified. 

About Syracuse Label & Surround Printing: Syracuse Label & Surround Printing is a 100% employee-owned company and one of the largest and most versatile independent label converters in the Northeast. We offer digital and flexographic printing solutions with a product portfolio that includes flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, pressure sensitive labels, cartons, hang tags, roll-fed wrap labels, and other custom-made printed products. Our advantages include cutting-edge print technology, a complete in-house Art Department, and a large, experienced staff of technical advisors, production people, and sales service personnel. We offer superior quality at competitive prices, fast turn-around times, exceptional service and unparalleled solutions. www.syrlsp.com

About SGP Partnership: The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) is the only certification organization promoting sustainability in all printing processes and suppliers to the printing industry throughout the United States and Canada. SGP promotes a sustainable print supply chain through best practices, innovation, information sharing and validation. The SGP program encompasses the three pillars of sustainability – people, planet, and profit. SGP’s growing list of partners include 3M, Bobst, Cooley/Group, EFI, EMG, FLEXcon, Laird Plastics, Monadnock Paper Mills, Nvent Marketing, Piedmont Plastics, Polymershapes, Sun Chemical, Ultraflex, REI, ANN Inc., BrandKey Graphics, Snowball Print Marketing, major print organizations, academic institutions, and other leading companies. www.sgppartnership.org

UPM Raflatac extends its CarbonNeutral® product portfolio by achieving CarbonNeutral® product certification for the whole Linerless product range. The certification is issued by Natural Capital Partners in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. The leading global framework provides a robust and pragmatic blueprint for carbon neutrality.

Direct thermal (DT) linerless labeling products help customers to reduce their packaging footprint and is in high demand in the packaging value chain. Sustainability and efficiency benefits of using linerless are significant as linerless brings up to a 40 percent reduction in material usage compared to traditional labelling technologies. DT linerless market has seen approximately 15 percent year-on-year growth in recent years.

“Our ambition in UPM Raflatac is to go beyond fossils. In practise this means that we are constantly innovating new ways to reduce the carbon emissions of our products. This is a must to meet our climate commitments but also, for our business as the market demand for sustainable labeling solutions is high and growing all the time. The new CarbonNeutral® product certification of our linerless range is a great addition to our CarbonNeutral® product portfolio which already includes the RAFNXT+ products. This is a big leap forward in providing our customers even more sustainable solutions and enabling them to take positive climate action,” says Robert Taylor, Sustainability Director at UPM Raflatac.

The carbon footprint measure of UPM Raflatac’s linerless products has already been certified by the Carbon Trust. The new CarbonNeutral® product certification is further proof of the actions the company has taken to define, measure and reduce the emissions originating from the linerless manufacturing process, raw materials, and transportation. Furthermore, the emissions that are today still unavoidable are now compensated.

The Linerless products’ cradle-to-customer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are compensated in full through global projects that are verified to internationally recognized standards, such as the Gold Standard. This means that UPM Raflatac has already taken care of compensating the emissions that are today still unavoidable on behalf their customers. Customers can make deduction of emissions relating to UPM Raflatac linerless products in their life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations.

“We work with leading organisations to deliver action on climate change and create a more sustainable world. Our joined-up approach helps organisations like UPM Raflatac address their environmental impacts by using carbon market solutions which also support sustainable development. UPM Raflatac’s new CarbonNeutral® product is a great next step on their climate action journey,” says Natalie Taylor, Director of Client Solutions at Natural Capital Partners.

The actions UPM Raflatac has taken with linerless are part of its efforts to lead the label industry into a net-zero carbon emission future. UPM is among the first forest industry companies committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5 °C to take tangible actions to mitigate climate change. UPM has also joined The Climate Pledge which commits the company to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040 – a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050.

Read more about the offset projects here.

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

Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.