Elk Grove Village, IL — SCREEN Americas announces its plans to be a keynote sponsor at the tenth annual Inkjet Summit which is scheduled to be held at the Hyatt Lost Pines in Austin, Texas, on April 11-13, 2022. This will be SCREEN Americas’ ninth year participating in the event.

The inkjet summit has become an important event for SCREEN Americas as more and more printers continue to replace their toner devices and conventional lithographic presses with continuous roll-fed inkjet equipment. “There is definitely a shift taking place in the industry, especially where labor is concerned,” said Mark Schlimme, vice president of marketing for SCREEN Americas. “The summit provides a great opportunity for us to hear from printers on how they’re tackling such challenges in addition to any new challenges they may be facing since last year’s summit convened.” 

President Ken Ingram of SCREEN Americas is looking forward to the discussion panels, presentations and the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings with attendees. “The summit provides a great platform for interacting with our customers as well as answering the questions of those who still might be contemplating adding digital inkjet to their operations,” said Ingram. “We look forward to further investing in our existing business relationships as well as establishing new ones in Austin, Texas, this April.”

With the SCREEN Truepress Jet520HD series being installed in record numbers throughout the country, it is expected that more and more printers at this year’s summit will be able to share valuable feedback on how they’ve managed to monetize their commercial, transactional, publishing and direct mail operations using SCREEN’s high-speed technology. 

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

Label Academy, the global training provider for the label and package printing industry, is to host a virtual master class tackling Industry 4.0, in April and May. This latest in-depth learning opportunity is its fourth virtual master class.            

Industry 4.0 will be presented by Labels & Labeling editor, James Quirk, who will be joined by guest speakers from companies including Baldwin Technology, Global Graphics, Esko, X-Rite Pantone, MPS, Cerm, Label Traxx, HP Indigo, Grafotronic and Traent.com. The master class will also be split into two two-hour parts; Part One will take place on Thursday 28 April, and Part Two takes place on Thursday 5 May. 

Part One will provide an overview of Industry 4.0, with sessions including blockchain and data transparency, plus automating pre-press and quality control. Part Two will focus on automation of the printing process, with sessions including flexo and digital printing, automating finishing, and a case study example of the automation process – from press right through to the warehouse.
  
Andy Thomas-Emans, Labelexpo and Labels & Labeling strategic director, said: “In the last two years we have seen ever increasing automation of the label and package printing industry at all levels, turbo charged by the disruption caused by the Covid pandemic. 

“It is vitally important for converters, and indeed anyone involved in label and package printing production, to equip themselves with the knowledge to turn their printing operation into a highly efficient, profitable Industry 4.0 powerhouse. This virtual master class offers an unparalleled opportunity to do that, and I urge everyone to attend.” 

Speakers include Mike Rottenborn, CEO Global Graphics, who said: “There are many advantages to automation that are of practical benefit to printers and converters. I’m looking forward to turning the spotlight onto the many different aspects of this topic, from pre-press, to color to Industry 4.0 manufacturing. These master classes are one of the best platforms from which to share this knowledge with industry peers.”

Rob Mayerson, president of Label Traxx and also speaking, added: “We look forward to demonstrating how your MIS can automatically interact with your digital presses to create a connected and informed value stream.  We will show how job ticket data and files flow to the press, followed by real-time data flowing back to inform the MIS, and therefore the organization.  Watch projected completion times inform the scheduling process and actual cost data inform your decision making. Label converters no longer need to tolerate isolated, disconnected islands of automation.”

The Industry 4.0 virtual master class costs 95 USD per session.

Recordings for all sessions will be made available on-demand after they take place, with Label Academy subscribers to Label Academy Premium content online  having full access to these. 

For more information and booking, visit www.labelsandlabeling.com/label-academy/master-classes. 

FLEXcon® SHELF Select® Non-Vinyl Product Saves Money and Reduces Environmental Impact

Spencer, MA – FLEXcon Company, Inc., an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, today announced the expansion of its FLEXcon® SHELF Select® line for shelf tags and shelf markers with a non-vinyl option designed to help converters and retailers save costs and reduce their impact on the environment. 

SHELF Select® CPET1FZR is a clear polyester made from up to 30% post-industrial recycled content. It’s also thinner than most vinyl shelf products, making it less costly to ship and resulting in less waste into the landfill when labels are discarded. All products in the SHELF Select® line are printable via flexo, as well as laser with a press applied varnish. 

This low-cost non-vinyl product delivers robust performance in the freezer, refrigerator, and dry environments. It easily survives routine cleaning of the shelf channel and removes in one piece with no adhesive transfer. The release liner is a high performer for ease of printing, die cutting, perforating, and application onto the shelf.

“The shelf edge represents a prime piece of retail real estate to engage with the consumer, promote brand loyalty, and increase sales,” says Bekie Berg, product manager, FLEXcon. “Furthermore, sustainable practices have moved beyond being a trend in advertising to become a differentiator for converters, and FLEXcon’s SHELF Select® CPET1FZR enables them to offer a greener option that can help both themselves and retailers achieve their sustainability goals.” 

The entire line of SHELF Select® products ensures performance throughout the shelf labeling journey, from printing, die cutting, fan folding and finishing at the converter to laser printing and application in-store to clean removal at the end of the promotion. 

Wide web rolls are available from Quick-Ship inventory in 66” masters and can be slit to converter specifications. 

About FLEXcon  
FLEXcon Company, Inc. is a global leader in coated and laminated films and adhesives used as functional components in manufactured goods and in graphics applications.  A family-owned company for over 65 years, FLEXcon provides a collaborative, consultative approach to deliver unique solutions that help customers achieve better business results. FLEXcon is a trusted partner to a wide range of companies, from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers, developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, MA, the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. 

For more information, visit www.FLEXcon.com, follow FLEXcon on LinkedIn, or call +1-508-885-8200. 

Faubel & Co. Nachf. GmbH, based in Melsungen, Germany, is expanding its machine park with a Gallus Labelmaster. The Gallus Labelmaster convinces the company group particularly in terms of simplicity, speed and safety. Faubel will mainly produce multi-layer labels for the pharmaceutical sector on the Gallus Labelmaster.

The new Gallus Labelmaster was installed at the end of January and has already delivered very good results from the first test run. As a long-standing customer, Faubel has been working successfully with Gallus presses for many years. Several presses are in use, including Gallus EM 430 S and Gallus TCS 250. The first Gallus Labelmaster was installed in Melsungen at the beginning of this year.

Production of multi-layer labels crucial
Frank Ludwig, Managing Director of the Faubel Group, explains the reasons for the investment: “Our labels and markings are produced using the flexo printing process among other processes. Last year, we decided to replace an older machine in the roll production department. It was important to us that the new machine could also produce in multiple layers.”
Frank Ludwig continues: “We decided on a Gallus Labelmaster 440. On the one hand, we have been working with Gallus for many years and appreciate the good service. On the other hand, we are already very satisfied with its predecessor, the Gallus EM 430 S.”

The installed Labelmaster produces in flexo and screen printing, and the web can be shifted for production of multi-layer labels. In addition, a unit for cold foil embossing is integrated. According to Faubel, the Labelmaster convinces above all by the high printing speed, the excellent premium print quality as well as the short set-up times. Also worth mentioning are extremely fast job changes, perfect register and the short training period. Especially in today’s world, the low material consumption of inks and substrates is also a great economic advantage. Operators also appreciate the simple replacement of the printing cylinders as well as the intuitive and easy operation.

Successful installation and fast commissioning
The conclusion of Frank Ludwig, Managing Director of the Faubel Group, is consistently positive: “A few weeks ago, the Labelmaster 440 was installed and validated. In order to be able to produce multi-layer, the flexo press has a 3-fold web transfer device. Thanks to our experience with the Gallus EM S, our employees were quickly familiar with the operation and so the entire changeover went almost smoothly. Today, the Labelmaster is used entirely for label production.”

www.gallus-group.com

Investment in ten-colour flexo press extends Mondi Gronau’s existing printing capabilities alongside existing rotogravure.

New machinery equipped to handle the hygiene industry’s growing demand for advanced printing options and greater flexibility in femcare pouch wrapping film designs and materials.

Customers will benefit from a highly efficient printing service with inline siliconization and inline embossing solutions.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has unveiled a state-of-the-art flexo printing line at its plant in Gronau, Germany. The new machinery will service the hygiene industry’s growing demand for advanced printing options for films and laminates and deliver greater flexibility in feminine care pouch wrapping designs and film choices.

Mondi’s investment in the ten-colour flexo press means the company is now able to supply flexo printing services alongside its existing rotogravure capabilities. Due to the latest sleeve technology, flexo printing produces high-quality results in brilliant colour with a rapid output. In addition, Mondi’s press is able to apply effect inks and matt additives – resulting in premium looking films with the potential to influence purchasing decisions through an elevated user experience.

The new line offers the added appeal of inline siliconization, which eliminates the need for release paper, and inline embossing in answer to consumer preference for quieter, more discreet wrappers. Furthermore, the printing press gives customers the freedom to request complex designs thanks to precise registered printing for eye mark accuracy. This allows Mondi to feature different prints on the front and back of wrapping films and provides the option of partial siliconization for a more cost-effective printing run.

Jürgen Schneider, Managing Director, Personal Care Components at Mondi, comments: “The new flexo printing line enables us to better serve our customers in the hygiene industry through an altogether smarter printing process. Inline inspection systems for colour and silicone quality guarantee product reliability, while low ink consumption, minimal waste and shorter set-up times make this type of printing efficient and therefore also highly suitable for customers with varying lot sizes. What’s more, our installation can handle different film materials, including biodegradable or recycled content stock, which supports our customers’ sustainability goals.”

In the run up to the installation of the new flexo printing line, Mondi’s team in Gronau consulted closely with colleagues from its plant in Jackson, USA, which has offered flexographic printing services for personal care components since 2014.

www.mondigroup.com

Capacity expansion and modernization at the Simmerath site

Die-cutting tool manufacturer Wink has further expanded and modernized its Cylinder Competence Center in Simmerath, North Rhine-Westphalia. By expanding its production capacities, the company is continuing its growth course and at the same time strengthening its position as a supplier in the printing and converting industry.

The Cylinder Competence Center was established in 2014 when the Simmerath-based cylinder specialist “FST Form- und Stanztechnik” became part of the Wink Group. The product portfolio includes a wide variety of rotary precision tools for the printing and converting industry. Wink’s magnetic cylinders, rotary dies and anvil cylinders are used, among other things, to produce labels, packaging, medical goods, hygiene articles, and automotive and electronic components.

Increased requirements in the label and converting industry

Speed continues to be a decisive success factor for labels and other die-cut products. The trend towards shorter runs and shorter product life cycles is unbroken, and at the same time the demands on die-cutting tools are increasing. For customers, minimum tolerances and maximum tool life are nowadays a matter of course. In addition, Wink’s tools are often individually manufactured unique pieces that require a high degree of specialization and coordination.

“By expanding and modernizing our production technologies, we continue to be a reliable partner for our customers and their expectations,” explains Dr. Volkan Ünlü, COO of the Wink Group. “Over the years, there has been continuous investment in the site, but this extension was another dimension: we expanded the existing workshop by 1,600 m² to almost 3,000 m². “

Optimization of manufacturing

The machinery, especially the logistics and machining area, has been brought up to the latest state of the art. A sophisticated storage system ensures efficient delivery and allocation of the required resources. After the raw material has been sawn to size, the cylinders and components are processed in state-of-the-art turning and milling cells. For maximum precision, the cylinders are then ground to within a few microns, and the rotary dies are additionally sharpened.

But the production itself was also restructured: “It seems paradoxical at first, but we used the additional space to streamline production,” says plant and production manager Willi Tontsch. Certain production lines were replaced, spatially separated and repositioned. In this way, existing processes were considerably simplified and paths between production areas significantly shortened. “We have noticeably reduced throughput times and considerably increased our efficiency,” says Tontsch, adding, “In the end, our customers benefit from shorter delivery times and improved tools.”

Modern workplaces

With the investment at the Simmerath site, Wink is also strengthening its profile as an attractive employer in the region. The demand for skilled workers in the field of machining remains high. Wink therefore also relies on training its own workers. The site is not only state of the art in terms of machinery, but many of the needs of the employees were also considered. New washrooms and social rooms, modern offices and meeting rooms, additional parking spaces and a bicycle stand with e-charging stations were created.

After about two years of construction, the project will be finished in the summer with the completion of the outdoor facilities.

About Wink
Wink is a leading supplier of high-precision die cutting tools for the printing and converting industry. The Wink philosophy is summed up in four words: “You cut, we care”. Wink’s flexible dies, steel rule dies and rotary cylinders are used to efficiently produce a wide variety of die-cut products. These include labels, packaging, hygiene products, automotive parts and many other products. In 2014, cylinder specialist FST became part of the Wink Group, and in 2019 Wink acquired the Jeurink Group (Jeurink steel rule dies, Imapack dies). The company is headquartered in Neuenhaus (Lower Saxony), with additional locations in Simmerath (North Rhine-Westphalia), Munich, Denmark, Italy and the USA.

www.wink.de

In what is being described as another step in the dynamic development of the Company, Reganta, the Polish label printer based in Lodz, has recently installed two new Mark Andy flexo presses. One is an 11-colour 430mm (17”) Performance Series P7, and the other an 8-colour 330mm (13”) Evolution Series E5. Learn more on this movie CLICK HERE. The investment will allow expansion in the Company’s export markets and bring a significant increase in employment to the area.

Mark Andy has been a strategic partner of Reganta since the beginning, and the two new presses are the latest in a long line of the American manufacturer’s technology delivered to Lodz. Since 2013 Reganta has invested in a Mark Andy Performance Series P5, followed by Performance Series P3, a Performance Series P7 and a Scout. The company specialises in labels as well as film and laminate-based packaging, all printed flexo.

“Mark Andy has played a significant part in Reganta’s development over the years, and we are very happy to continue this co-operation,” says Igor Szlaski, owner, and CEO of Reganta. “New, highly advanced presses are important part of our investment agenda as they will increase our productivity significantly and improve the quality of our labels. Importantly, they will support our intensive growth and allow us to increase Reganta’s presence in many foreign markets, especially Europe.”

Both of the new presses were successfully and swiftly installed in January 2022 and started production on schedule, which had an immediate impact on Reganta’s daily operations.

“It is their productivity at high speed that is significant and has directly impacted on our production capacity with faster job handling. As a result, we have shortened delivery times to the customer. The P7 is a top-class press, equipped with many technologically advanced features that enrich the label manufacturing process. It is very user-friendly and ergonomic for daily operation. The E5 is a revolutionary press that also has full servo drive,” he adds.

The P7 has 430mm (17”) web width, and is capable of speeds up to 306m/min. Reganta ordered it in 11-unit configuration, with a separate servo drive for each printing unit and impression cylinder. The press is managed by a dedicated control module with a touch screen., and its configuration allows for a remote Internet-based diagnostics.

The E5 delivered to Reganta, has a 330mm (13”) web width with a maximum speed of 230m/min, and is equipped with 8 print units fitted with ProLED UV technology, turn bars, cold foiling and die-cutting as well as pre- and auto-register. Mark Andy points out the high scalability of its Evolution Series, which allows for expansion with additional printing and finishing units, as the requirement changes. The E5 produces high-quality labels and printed packaging thanks to its precise, independent ink and impression units, advanced die-cutting options, and web tension control system.

Tom Cavalco, Executive Vice President Mark Andy, concludes: “We delivered these two presses to allow Reganta to realise their ambitious business plan and meet the changing needs and expectations of brand owners and consumers. Each press opens huge opportunities for the Company, and we are delighted that Reganta continues to choose Mark Andy technology as part of its strategic plan. I am convinced that the equipment’s capacity and potential will help Reganta achieve their goals very quickly.”

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.

Ahlstrom-Munksjö has today published its Sustainability Report 2021 on the company’s website http://www.ahlstrom-munksjo.com.

“2021 was marked by significant changes in the company in an environment of a continued worldwide pandemic. A new ownership base was created as a result of the successfully completed tender offer. Already in the beginning of the year, a higher level of performance was set as the top priority. We challenged the business platform and started to review the individual businesses. As part of this reassessment work, we have also placed additional emphasis on important sustainability aspects and strengthened our capabilities in this area, the results of which will be visible in the years to come. The green transition sets new business conditions for us as an industrial player, while environmental challenges can be overcome with our smart fiber-based solutions,” says Hans Sohlström, President and CEO.

A pdf document of the Sustainability Report 2021 can be downloaded here.

For further information, please contact:
Johan Lindh, Vice President, Group Investor Relations, +358 10 888 4994, johan.lindh@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

Two of the narrow web industry’s major players celebrated significant anniversaries recently and confirmed their ongoing cooperation that has brought commercial success for both companies

When MPS was established by Eric Hoendervangers and Bert van den Brink in 1996, they set out with one principal aim in mind – to bring offset quality to narrow web flexo.  Key to their strategy was designing and manufacturing a press with servo drive that would combine faster running speeds with smooth operation and high-quality print.  Their patented Crisp.Dot technology, which featured a non-driven impression roller to provide perfectly round dots was, they believed, the key to quality in the flexo process.

A quarter of a century later, the company, which is owned by a private equity party, is managed by Atze Bosma (CEO) and Michiel Borst (CFO) and has become renowned for the robustness of its technology and its ability to deliver top quality work by engaging with the people who run the presses.  “We knew that technology alone was not the answer – we had to design a machine that was easy to understand and operate, while capable of producing the very best quality work – it was a challenge, but by combining operator skills with automation, we have created a range of presses that are reliable and profitable for their users,” commented van den Brink, who is now in an advisory and ambassadorial role for the company.

In more recent times, MPS has aligned its focus more to connectivity and performance, and the services around the press.  By looking beyond the technology to all that goes into successful and profitable production, the company has become a solution provider for some of the more complex narrow web work being produced.  Today, MPS is fully engaged with the label and flexible packaging sectors on a worldwide basis, with installations that are as varied as they are numerous.  “We believe that offering the total package of technology, service and support, and essentially unbiased advice and knowledge is what sets us apart and allows our customers to grow their businesses,” he added. 

This has never been truer than in today’s competitive and changing market, where run lengths are shortening, skilled operators are hard to find, and digital print technology is having an impact on traditional flexo processes.  “There is growing pressure on connectivity and performance improvement, and all manufacturers need to keep up to date with what new technology can offer,” he said.

One significant change in the package printing market over the years has been the growth in demand for filmic labels and the production of flexible packaging on inline presses – both areas that have been part of MPS’ business from the beginning.  Knowing from the outset that the company needed surface treatment for all its presses, MPS turned to corona pioneers Vetaphone for assistance.  The Danish manufacture, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year, is also still privately owned and is now managed by the sons of the founder Verner Eisby, who continue the company’s proud tradition of innovation.

“We wanted to come up with a fully integrated solution for corona treatment on our presses and needed a manufacturer that would design and develop a system for the high end of the market.  It needed to be capable of running label stock and flexible packaging films with equal ease in a combination of UV-flexo and UV-screen.  We knew Vetaphone was the market leader in surface treatment technology so worked closely with them to create a system that could be integrated across our range of presses,” said van den Brink.  The proof of the viability of this approach is that one of MPS’ early presses fitted with an integrated Vetaphone corona system is still in commercial production in Canada 25 years after it was installed.

Functionality and ease of operation are themes that resonate with Vetaphone according to CEO Frank Eisby.  “Surface treatment might be an ancillary process, but it is vital to the successful production of high-quality printed packaging with non-absorbent substrates.  MPS knew this from the start, so it was a rewarding experience for us to be involved with a manufacturer that not only appreciated what Vetaphone does but was also keen to integrate our technology with theirs to ensure maximum operational efficiency – I’d say that was an example of great synergy!”

As production processes become ever more challenging, with demand for added-value on shorter runs showing no signs of decreasing – and with the environmental lobby pressing for the use of ‘greener’ substrates with all that this entails in terms of complex chemistry, close cooperation of the type exhibited by MPS and Vetaphone is the only way forward.  If data-based connectivity is the key to optimising the production process, the R&D teams from both companies look set to see more of each other in the years to come!

www.vetaphone.com

www.mps-printing.com