Atlanta, GA – MacDermid Graphics Solutions, a global leader in flexographic platemaking and printing solutions, has named Meghan Richburg Global Program Manager, Experience Center. Meghan’s primary responsibilities will include managing the day-to-day operations and providing outstanding experiences for visitors of The Flexo Xperience Center at MacDermid Graphics Solutions (The FXC).

Meghan first joined MacDermid Graphics Solutions in 2016 as a summer intern. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s in Marketing, Meghan joined MacDermid as Marketing Associate. She has been integral in building MacDermid’s social media presence and implementing marketing programs globally.

As Global Program Manager, Experience Center, Meghan will be responsible for the marketing and operations of The FXC. This includes creating experiences with center partners, event planning and execution, managing resources for successful center visits, and optimizing technology for virtual and remote use of the center. Meghan’s role is essential to accomplish the mission of The FXC of Moving Flexo Forward. Meghan will also manage all MacDermid events outside of The FXC.

“Meghan’s new role as Global Program Manager, Experience Center is not only well deserved but vital for the success of The FXC. Over the past five years, she has successfully assisted in planning and executing all shows and events for MacDermid. In the past year, Meghan has worked closely with the entire team planning The FXC. Meghan’s dedication to MacDermid and the project has been key in the company’s ongoing transformation. I am excited to witness her growth and future successes,” stated Leigh Carpenter, Global Marketing Manager at MacDermid Graphics Solutions.

Brad Wills, Global Senior Vice President at MacDermid Graphics Solutions, added, “The Flexo Xperience Center is more than a center for MacDermid to show off our flexo plate technology. The FXC is a center for our partners, customers, and the entire package printing industry to push the envelope of what flexo can achieve. The center is one-of-a-kind, and MacDermid is working with the industry’s top innovators, like SOMA, to create a neutral space for innovation, learning, collaboration, and research. Meghan’s new role will ensure we meet the goals of The FXC for years to come.”

The Flexo Xperience Center is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and is scheduled to open in the first half of 2022. The center will be the first of its kind to bring the industry’s best innovation providers together in one place. The FXC will be a global center that will combine both hands-on and virtual visits for a “one-stop-shop” for the package printing industry’s entire workflow to experience the latest flexographic printing innovations. The center will be open to pre-media suppliers, tradeshops, printers, converters, consumer product good companies, industry associations, educational institutions, manufacturers, and other players in the package printing market.

About MacDermid Graphics Solutions
MacDermid Graphics Solutions is committed to becoming the most customer-centric company in the flexographic industry. From leading the way in photopolymer plate technology to first-class service and support, MacDermid is the innovation partner our customers trust. Our global network of strategic supplier partnerships and distributors, combined with our proven technology and support, ensures our customers achieve their operational, financial, and strategic business goals.

Learn more about our commitment to customer success at macdermidgraphics.com.

Rochester, NY – Durst North America has invested in top industry talent to supply Canadian customers with award-winning inkjet solutions in Canada’s ever-growing digital printing market.

Tim Saur, CEO / Managing Director, Durst North America, said: “Canada is an incredibly strong country and one in which, living in Western NY, I know to be very welcoming.  The reality is that our presence in Canada has not yet achieved what we anticipated.”

Saur continued, “At the same time, our market share in the USA continues to increase rapidly, and our customer success stories are growing and unrivaled.  I believe that with the new addition of Phil Hampson, a seasoned, focused, knowledgeable, and proven sales individual, combined with a growing service team, we can properly reflect to the Canadian market just how sincere we are about partnering in their continued success.”

Philip Hampson brings a wealth of experience as a veteran in the printing industry.  He has previously served in several National sales roles supporting various print markets.  “I have always admired Durst as a company and am honored to represent Durst throughout Canada,” states Hampson. “The Durst portfolio offers clients the ability to grow their business with industry-leading inkjet and software solutions. It is exciting to be in a position to offer a best-in-class portfolio of products across multiple segments including Large Format, Textile, Corrugated and Label markets.”

Durst’s inkjet portfolio has established itself as the benchmark for highest quality, reliability and productivity.  “Philip’s experience in inkjet sales and support makes him a strong and welcome addition to the Durst sales team,” said Larry D’Amico, Sales Director Durst North America. “He reflects our ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction before, during and after the sale.”

About Durst:

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

CONTACT:  For information on Durst products and services, contact Sydnie Shepland.

Email: Sydnie.Shepland@Durst-Group.com

Phone: 585-486-0340 ext. 5236

Durst U.S. online at: www.durstus.com

Helsinki – The carbon footprint of UPM Raflatac’s Linerless products has been certified by the Carbon Trust, a global climate consultancy driven by the mission to accelerate the move to a decarbonised future. The Linerless range carries the CO2 Measured label to demonstrate that UPM Raflatac offers credible calculations in accordance with ISO 14040/44 and PAS 2050.

“UPM Raflatac’s ambition is to go beyond fossils and that means we are focused on reducing the carbon emissions of our products. The carbon footprint of our Linerless products has been calculated and certified by the Carbon Trust which is a way for us to credibly demonstrate to customers that the footprint has been measured accurately. Choosing Linerless is a positive climate action”, tells Robert Taylor, UPM Raflatac’s Sustainability Director.

UPM Raflatac RAFNXT+ range was the world’s first label material verified by the Carbon Trust in 2019. UPM Raflatac now continues its efforts to lead in credible footprint calculations and transparency in the labeling industry with its Linerless range.

“We are pleased to see UPM Raflatac extending the Carbon Trust’s Carbon Measured label to a broader product range”, says Silvana Centty, associate director at the Carbon Trust. “This is a clear indicator of their commitment to providing a high level of transparency, helping their customers better understand the carbon footprint of their overall packaging.”

UPM Raflatac has developed both its assets and products to meet the needs of the fast-growing Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless market. The new production line in Nowa Wieś, Poland will increase the company’s annual production capacity by 100 million m2. UPM Raflatac’s latest DT Linerless innovation UPM Raflatac OptiCut™ is the optimal choice for companies who are looking for clean cutting performance with excellent adhesion and at the same time want to decrease their carbon footprint. The product is available for all major DT Linerless end use environments.

Click here to read more about UPM Raflatac’s linerless labels »

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 1.6 billion (USD 1.9 billion) in 2020. UPM Raflatac is part of UPM. Find out how we are labeling a smarter future beyond fossils at www.upmraflatac.com.

Follow UPM Raflatac on Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Custom Prime Label Manufacturer Relies on SurePress L-4533AW to Deliver Quality, Consistent Labels and Meet Demanding Turnaround Requirements 

Los Alamitos – Epson today announced GT Labels & Packaging, Georgia customer prime label manufacturer, has installed an Epson SurePress® L-4533AW digital label press to deliver accurate color labels quickly and efficiently. GT Labels & Packaging serves clients across health and beauty, bakery and snack foods and chemical industries, each with specific regulatory and compliance labeling requirements.

A large portion of GT Labels & Packaging’s client base require dynamic labels with intricate artwork and designs, such as shading, oftentimes in small runs. To deliver a variety of high-quality label types for its broad range of clients, GT Labels & Packaging implemented the SurePress L-4533AW. The SurePress L-4533AW features a remarkable color gamut to deliver accurate spot colors and gradients required for brand-quality color prime labels and packaging.

“When researching the best digital label press for our business, color and quality were top of mind,” said Greg Randall, president, GT Labels & Packaging. “After sending a few files to be printed, the Epson SurePress was the only solution with spot-on, accurate colors. This digital label press has suited our business and helped us deliver on our promise of consistently delivering quality products to customers quickly.”

“The SurePress L-4533 is one of the leading selling digital inkjet label presses on the market today and it adds flexibility and efficiency to the print shop,” said Mike Pruitt, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc. “For custom prime label providers like GT Labels & Packaging, the SurePress delivers the technology needed to offer a variety of label printing options and ensure there is a fit for nearly every customer need.”

“Looking ahead, when it comes time to once again expand shop floor machinery to keep up with increased demand, we wouldn’t opt for a bigger or faster machine,” said Randall. “Instead, I would choose to duplicate what we currently have on the floor because the SurePress is a true workhorse.”

Driving the SurePress L-4533AW is the included Wasatch RIP, an advanced workflow automation solution to streamline orders, minimize production errors, help increase productivity, and run print production effectively.

More about the SurePress L-4533AW

–        Delivers High-Quality Labels: MicroPiezo® inkjet technology and a wide color gamut deliver spot colors and gradients required for branded prime labels and packaging

–        Versatile Substrate Support: Prints on a range of standard, off-the-shelf materials including uncoated, gloss, semi-gloss, matte, film, clear, and metallic substrates

–        Ease of Operation: Automated printing means one operator can run several units at one time

–        Industrial Inks: Seven-color, durable, water-based, resin-coated pigment inks provide superior adhesion, plus water and abrasion resistance on most substrates

Epson’s SurePress digital label presses are high-quality label printers that can be tailored to meet various needs and budgets, and provide media flexibility for pressure sensitive, shrink and in-mold label, and flexible packaging. For additional information, visit www.epson.com/surepress. For inquiries in North America, contact:

–        Western Region: Mark Elsbernd, 818-620-2730 or mark.elsbernd@ea.epson.com

–        Central Region: Bob Ochalla, 630-710-6005 or bob.ochalla@ea.epson.com

–        Eastern Region and Canada: Frank Connelly, 615-585-9058 or frank.connelly@ea.epson.com

About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to co-creating sustainability and enriching communities by leveraging its efficient, compact, and precision technologies and digital technologies to connect people, things, and information. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of around JPY 1 trillion. global.epson.com/

Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson’s regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/epsonamerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).

EPSON, MicroPiezo and SurePress are registered trademarks and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2022 Epson America, Inc.

ProfiLabel GmbH, an ICS Group company based in Wiehl and Wehrheim, Germany, has decided to invest in a Nilpeter FA-Line after intensive market research and tests.

The company, which has been on the market since 1984, is installing the new printing press at its Wiehl site in the Sauerland region and, with the new building and press investment, adding another important building block in the company’s steadily growing history.

“We are very happy to have ProfiLabel as a part of the Nilpeter family, and look forward to working with them in the future. Through intensive tests and user visits, we were able to convince Karsten Jung and his ProfiLabel team that the Nilpeter FA-Line was the right choice,“ says Thorsten Saathoff of Nilpeter GmbH.

Innovative Answer to Market Demands
With the latest generation FA-Line, Nilpeter has succeeded in providing an innovative answer to market demands for shorter set-up times, smaller batch sizes, and an easy-to-use press with many possible combinations. The FA-Line was developed to offer customers optimum efficiency combined with the highest possible quality.

Simple Operating Concept
Numerous functions are automated. For example, automatic cleaning functions are stored for the anilox roller and the impression cylinder, which run before they are unlocked. All covers of the printing units can be opened individually or simultaneously with servo control.

The press automatically saves the data of individual jobs, which are available for repeat jobs. With the help of this data, the press automatically prepares settings (e.g. register and print delivery) for the next job. All in all, the intelligent technology of the Nilpeter FA-Line enables an extremely simple operating concept.

www.nilpeter.com

Investment-proof and productive production with used Gallus presses too– this enables Gallus Classics, the division of Gallus serving the preowned machinery market. With refurbished machines as well as a spare parts service for older machine systems and other services, Gallus Classics offers a comprehensive portfolio for second-hand Gallus machines.

Extensive service program for pre-owned machines
The Gallus Classics team helps customers to ensure that they can continue to operate their used Gallus machines successfully. A pool of new and used original spare parts helps as well as a large network of relationships to procure urgently needed parts. The printing experts are also repairing old Gallus printing presses and carrying out upgrades so that they can be serviced again by the Gallus Service and Helpdesk team. An upgrade campaign is currently running for the machines of the Gallus TCS 250 and Gallus EM 260/340/410/510 series.

Gallus pre-owned machines ex works with manufacturer’s warranty
Depending on the model and conditions, a six- or twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty can be given on a revised press. Every retrofit carried out by the Gallus Classics team has successfully passed a 360° machine check before delivery and meets all predefined product standards. This ensures that the pre-used Gallus machine system meets the technical requirements and maximum safety.

The Gallus Classics portfolio includes not only upgrades, retrofits and individual repairs of older machine systems, but also a range of other services such as revisions and repairs of printing units, the rental of offset printing units or the replacement of offset rollers and their refurbishment.

“We know that there is still enormous potential in a pre-owned Gallus machine,” explains Giuseppe Gallelli, Head of the business unit Gallus Classics. “That’s why my team and I are doing everything we can to ensure that our customers are as satisfied with their newly acquired second-hand machine as if they had bought a new Gallus machine.”

www.gallus-group.com

Glendale Heights, IL – All Printing Resources (APR) announced today that it has named Mike Williams as Vice President, Sales.

A long-time senior manager and high performance sales leader in labels and packaging, Mike joins APR from H.S. Crocker Company. Prior to that he held key sales management positions at MacDermid Graphics Solutions, Veritiv Corporation, xpedx and the Pitman Company.

According to Dave Nieman, President and CEO, APR, “We are very pleased to welcome Mike to APR. He brings to us a strong background of sales leadership. His experience at the converter, manufacturer, and distributor levels is a real plus in guiding our technical sales team to deliver proven solutions to customer challenges and long-term business improvement outcomes.”

A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Mike resides in the greater Chicago area.

About All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR)
All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR) is a proven resource for solutions, trusted service, and support to the flexographic printing industry. APR delivers measurable performance enhancements and total cost reductions, including the after sale attention needed to see optimal results. APR represents some of the most innovative product lines worldwide and takes a “team” approach to deliver process improvement and innovative solutions.

www.teamflexo.com

Independent lab certifies films for commercial compostability

Sarasota, FL – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce that three of its ground-breaking ReEarth films have been certified for commercial compostability by the independent labs at the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Third-party certification from BPI verifies that packaging materials meet the guidelines for commercial compostability. The BPI certification can be carried on packaging that meets these stringent guidelines. The BPI website guides packaging manufacturers and brand owners in choosing compostable packaging materials to achieve sustainability goals.

“This is truly a game-changer for S-OneLP and the flexible packaging industry,” says Dan Halkyard, Director of New Product Development at S-OneLP. Brand owners and packaging manufacturers can now source a certified, highly functional laminated structure that performs, and meets their compostable packaging production requirements, while still taking advantage of S-OneLP’s low minimum order requirements and short lead times.

“Packaging producers can utilize our roll stock certifications to minimize the amount of testing and certification time and the financial investment required to have their finished package certified,” Halkyard says. “This certification provides a sense of confidence that pouches made with our ReEarth films can also pass BPI certification for commercial composting.”

The ReEarth compostable products certified by BPI were a 3.4 mil laminated stand-up pouch, 3.4 mil roll stock, and 2.2 mil metalized film. The stand-up pouch was primed with Michelman DigiPrime® 050, finished with S-OneLP’s CatPak™ matte eBeam overprint varnish, and formed into a stand-up pouch.

S-OneLP previously had announced that these films passed ASTM D6400 testing for municipal or industrial composting. BPI certification is the next step to verify the film’s compostability.

In addition to the independent lab certification, certain ReEarth films were successful in real-world composting environments. S-OneLP partnered with the Compost Manufacturers Alliance to test certain ReEarth films at a CMA member site, a fully operational commercial compost facility in Cedar Grove, Washington. After 47 days in a real-world commercial composting environment, the material successfully turned into compost.

ReEarth is S-OneLP’s line of bio-based prelaminated flexible packaging films. ReEarth is made from raw materials that allow for the quickest municipal or industrial compostability. All components of ReEarth laminated films are either BPI certified or have passed ASTM D6400 testing as commercially compostable materials.

ReEarth films mimic the performance of traditional structures without sacrificing functionality and quality. Narrow and mid-web flexible packaging converters have found success with ReEarth in applications including bar wrap and flow wrap, snack webs, sachets, stick packs, and stand-up pouches.

S-OneLP created a Sustainability Resource Guide to answer any questions customers or brands may have on these products.

Visit https://info.sonelp.com/sustainability-resource-guide for more information or contact S-OneLP at 941-256-7900.

About S-One Labels & Packaging
S-One Labels & Packaging, a division of S-One Holdings Corporation, provides essential products, unparalleled service, technical know-how, and integrated solutions to digital and conventional printers in label and flexible packaging markets. S-OneLP is committed to helping the industry develop sustainable materials and processes for labeling and packaging. Headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., with a satellite office in Barcelona, S-OneLP provides innovative product research, development, manufacturing, and worldwide distribution to label and flexible packaging manufacturers. Visit S-One Labels & Packaging at www.SOneLP.com.

Stow, OH – Mactac®, a LINTEC Company, announces it has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of Spinnaker Coating, LLC, representing $130 million of specialty revenue at a price of $40 million. The acquisition is expected to close on Feb. 1, 2022, and consists of Spinnaker’s manufacturing facility and headquarters based in Troy, Ohio, and North American distribution centers located in Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California; and, Vails Gate, New York. Spinnaker will operate as a standalone subsidiary of Mactac.

As part of LINTEC, Mactac is one of the largest, most diversified global pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) suppliers. Mactac’s acquisition of Spinnaker, which specializes in the customized production and distribution of pressure-sensitive roll label and sheet base materials in North America, creates a one-of-a-kind, world-class specialty labeling company.

With Spinnaker, LINTEC, and Duramark Products (formally Ritrama USA and acquired by Mactac earlier in 2021) serving the industry together, Mactac delivers customers unmatched technology, capability, service, and value. These combined pressure-sensitive adhesive technologies provide the North American market with necessary support and capacity.

“Mactac built upon our solid foundation adding enhanced service, capabilities, and breadth of product offering,” said Ed LaForge, Mactac President, and CEO. “Our combined product offering now encompasses all adhesive technologies, including hot-melt, solvent, silicone, and emulsion. We offer a wide range of high-quality PSA materials for any application need, such as film, cast vinyl, and specialty solutions. And, with Spinnaker’s unique business model, we will expand Mactac and Spinnaker specialty labelstock offerings to create a model unlike any other.”

The purchase of Spinnaker delivers Mactac customers an abundance of new opportunities in specialty labeling. Spinnaker customers benefit from Mactac’s advanced technologies, innovative solutions, modern production capabilities, and depth of technical expertise. 

“Joining together gives Spinnaker access to Mactac’s state-of-the-art engineering and technology and offers our customers new and expanded product offerings and adhesive capabilities,” says Lou Guzzetti, Spinnaker’s Chairman of the Board. “And, like Spinnaker, Mactac is an employee-centric organization with a service-first culture. We look forward to realizing the possibilities this acquisition brings to our employees and to the market.”

In response to customer and market request for enhanced products and services, supply chain continuity, and added reliability, Mactac is focused on market growth and operational expansion. The Duramark acquisition expanded Mactac’s technology, adhesive capabilities, and production capacity with more facilities and locations, new world-class coaters, and advanced automation technologies. In 2022, Mactac will add five new world-class slitting assets and further grow its adhesive formulation and manufacturing capabilities.

Mactac and its parent company, LINTEC, a global leader in the field of adhesive materials, will continue to invest heavily in R&D and operational enhancements as part of its strategic plan. Mactac’s acquisition of Spinnaker further solidifies LINTEC’s commitment to bring its comprehensive global capabilities to the North American market. For more information on Mactac, its products, and growth strategies, visit www.mactac.com.

About Mactac
For more than 60 years, Mactac has served the PSA material market supplying label printing, graphic design, packaging, retail display, fleet graphics, automotive assembly, and medical device assembly customers, among others. It is known for providing exceptional support to customers to help them grow their businesses and diversify their product offerings. 

About Spinnaker Coating, LLC
Founded in 1928, Spinnaker is a customer-focused company that develops, manufactures, and markets adhesive-coated paper and film constructions for conversion by printers and industrial users into marketing, identifying, promoting, labeling, and decorating applications.