Beta-Point, one of Poland’s fastest growing printing companies, has purchased an 8-colour Mark Andy Evolution E3 flexo press that will enable it to offer its customers a completely new range of high-quality products. The new E3 press also supports the sustainability trend that has become increasingly important for Beta-Point and its customers and will open new markets both inside and outside Poland.

Investment, development, and co-operation with Mark Andy
Beta-Point was established by husband-and-wife team Piotr Pohnke and Beata Hoffmann-Pohnke in 2009, having been involved with labels for the previous 20 years. “We track the market very closely to understand our customers’ requirements and expectations and have made our investments step by step to ensure we could offer new and interesting solutions.

We realised many years ago that Mark Andy presses were way ahead of the competitors who had traditionally dominated the market, and noticed the increasing number of their global installations, including among our competitors in Poland. This made Mark Andy a serious option when we began planning our latest investment in a flexo press,” he said.

Beta-Point focussed on two key targets for its new press. First, it needed to be capable of expanding the company’s product portfolio for its existing customers with special, multi-colour labels. And second, the new product mix needed to attract new business partners and allow Beta-Point to attack completely new markets in Poland and abroad.

“We started our business producing logistics labels,” said Beata Hoffmann-Pohnke, “and have built the brand with streamlined production and on-time deliveries, as well as attractive designs for our colour labels. We work hard to maintain the highest standards in terms of punctuality, co-operation, and consistent quality of labels. Our customers appreciate this approach, especially when they see the effort we put into ongoing development.”

Recent projects and investments have fitted this trend, and the new Mark Andy E3 allows the company to print large volumes of special multi-colour labels as well as introduce special products like peel-off, laminated labels, and wrappers. “We have been observing trends in different market areas for some time, so were very keen to offer multi-colour labels in a completely new, higher quality. We wanted them to be interesting and modern to represent the highest standards,” she explained. “After analysing offers from Mark Andy and its competitors, we decided that the E3 using UV inks and the new UV curing system, would be the best option for us.”

Piotr Pohnke added that they had initially planned to buy a different press, but Mark Andy offered more for the same money. “It was a case of comparing a standard press with one that had greater capability. To cut a long story short, we have ended up with a press that gives us many more opportunities than we had originally planned for!”

Significantly, it was Mark Andy’s European location in Warsaw that proved another deciding factor. “The final decision included the consideration of service support, and we had received a lot of positive comments from Mark Andy’s other Polish users.” This was an extremely important factor and was soon confirmed, with the press’ installation and staff training going very smoothly and without problem. “Mark Andy has been both supplier and advisor at the same time, and we sincerely appreciate this kind of approach,” he commented.

Beta-Point has a large portfolio of customers from many different industries, and this is reflected in the diversity of its product range. “Working with many different customers involves handling a wide range of orders in terms of volume, from small to large,” explained Beata Hoffmann-Pohnke. “The Mark Andy E3 offers us very smooth production of all jobs. Its intuitive to learn and easy to run. After training, our operators were able to produce all our orders in a shorter time. Although we’re still learning the press and its capabilities, we have already appreciated many positive aspects of having it and are keen to see more of them in future!”

Lena Chmielewska-Bontron, European Marketing Manager Mark Andy adds: “As a manufacturer, we are committed to offering presses that easy to handle. We know how ergonomics, intuitive and simple operation impact on shorter job times. So, we take all these aspects into consideration when designing a new press, alongside advanced technology, and the impact this has on production efficiency.”

Beta-Point owners underline that these aspects were very important in making the final decision. The other important factor was sustainability.

Sustainability – a common priority for Mark Andy and Beta-Point

All these mentioned features have a major impact on quick changeovers and waste reduction. With individual servo drive for each printing unit, independent inking and impression, and an advanced web tension control system, the E3 maintains a high quality of printed product. “It fits perfectly with the eco-friendly strategy of our company,” said Beata Hoffmann-Pohnke. “We’re committed to being a modern and sustainable company, and the Mark Andy press chimes with this philosophy. Short make-ready times result in a reduction in energy, ink, and waste. As our plans for the immediate future are very ambitious, Mark Andy’s eco-friendly approach means a lot to us.”

Beta-Point’s customers are increasingly raising this question, too. So, the company is happy to offer eco-friendly substrates for all labels, LM inks, and a more sustainable printing process than before. “Of course, there are still some print buyers who hesitate for budget reasons when it comes to printing on an eco-substrate, which is in usually more expensive than a regular one. However, after considering all the aspects, like the increased cost of disposing of non-eco labels, more and more customers choose eco-solutions – and that makes us very happy!” It’s a strategy that builds Beta-Point’s advantage over its competitors and differentiates it from other players in the market.

Piotr Pohnke also points out the advantage of smaller ink ducts on the E3 press. “On short-run jobs, we can reduce the volume of wasted ink because it is not possible to use it on the next job. So, it’s not just the economy, it’s the ecology that benefits. Sustainable production is not a market standard yet, but we’re convinced that it will be soon, and when it is we will be well prepared!”

Beta-Point has many international brands among its customers, including those from the automotive, chemical, construction, food, and cosmetic industries. Ecology is becoming an important trend for all of them, so the company needs to stay on track. As Piotr Pohnke acknowledges, the modularity of Mark Andy presses, which enables future upgrades, was a crucial factor in selecting the E3. “The press was perfectly configured to fit our current needs, but we are already considering an upgrade or even another press,” he said.

Lukasz Chruslinski, Sales Manager Mark Andy Europe concluded: “It’s good to know that our solutions open new opportunities for printing companies that have been operating for a long time in the market. Mark Andy presses have always been renowned for the many development options they offer. We were delighted to help Beta-Point bring its new ideas to fruition by offering the innovative and interesting solutions available with an Evolution Series E3. Most important is that in addition to seeing the clear technological advantages of the press, Beta-Point owners appreciated the total package we offered that includes advice and technical and service back-up.”

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.

Mills River, NC – UPM Raflatac’s innovative Vanish PCR plastic labeling materials for the U.S. market have again been independently certified by SCS Global Services as featuring at least 90 percent post-consumer recycled content (PCR) in both the face and liner.

The UPM Raflatac Vanish™ PCR range of clear PET films label materials enables brands to maximize eye-catching visuals with more sustainable labels that support the circular economy. Ideal for food, beverage, or personal care end-uses, these thin yet robust products use less raw material compared to other standard clear-on-clear products. Vanish PCR is the only clear-on-clear labeling solution on the market that incorporates recycled content, featuring PET face and liners made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled content. The recycled content in all of the UPM Raflatac 1.2 mil and 0.92 mil face and liner label materials have been verified in accordance with SCS Global Services’ Recycled Content Standard.

For UPM Raflatac, responsible sourcing is a cornerstone of its operations. One important measure in ensuring the responsible origin of raw material is to use external verification. SCS Recycled Content Certification, as represented by the SCS Kingfisher certification mark, is a visual expression of a proven commitment to sustainability through environmental stewardship, responsible resource management and diversion of materials from the waste stream.

“Brands looking to incorporate more recycled content in their packaging materials can be confident that when selecting materials from our Vanish PCR portfolio as well as those with PET PCR liners that they are promoting the circular economy and moving to a future beyond fossils,” says Gabrielle Whittaker, Director, Films & Specials SBU, Americas, UPM Raflatac.

Vanish PCR is part of the UPM Raflatac SmartChoice™ portfolio of products, which enables brands to make material selections using solutions that keep the materials in use for as long as possible. From plant-based materials to solvent-free adhesives and certified papers, SmartChoice label materials are designed to ensure product safety, reduce material usage, increase downgauging and promote the use of PCR and renewable materials.

Click here for more information about SCS Recycled Content-certified UPM Raflatac Vanish PCR.

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.

Graham, NC – Acucote, part of Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives, a global leader in the production of high value-added special papers for packaging, publishing, and graphics, as well as premium labels and self-adhesive materials, has introduced a new Recycled Polypropylene film product for Direct Thermal printing.

Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives’ vision for the future is to increase the volume of advanced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) solutions in its product portfolio from 35% to 70% by 2030. In an effort to work toward this sustainable goal, Acucote is now providing an alternative sustainable film solution for Direct Thermal printers.

The newest offering is a BPA and BPS free 3 mil Matte White Recycled DT Polypropylene containing 30% recycled PP core. This solution is available as a custom coat at 60″ x 5,000′. It supports high definition imaging and features excellent water, alcohol and oil resistance – ideal for retail, logistics, health and food industries. The face is primer coated for exceptional adhesive anchorage for both removable and permanent adhesives.

For enhanced sustainability, converters can pair the DT Polypropylene film with .92, 1.2 and 1.5 mil PET liners created with up to 50% recycled resin or an FSC® liner.

Design for recycling is among the key strategies pursued by Fedrigoni Self-Adhesives to reach their sustainability goals. The strategy includes favoring the recycling and reuse of materials, increasing the use of recycled materials as much as possible, and reducing the quantity of raw materials used. Moreover, the Division is striving to, wherever possible, eliminate or reduce materials that are difficult to recycle.

For more information visit https://pages.fedrigoni.com/recycledDTfilm

Fedrigoni
Since 1888 Fedrigoni has stood for excellence in the manufacture of specialty papers. It is one of Europe’s largest players in the production and sale of various types of high value-added paper for packaging and graphics, premium labelling products, and other self-adhesive materials. With more than 4,000 employees in Italy and abroad and 25,000 products, the Group sells and distributes in more than 130 countries and has become the third global player in the self-adhesive materials sector also thanks to recent acquisitions. The Paper business unit includes the Cordenons Group and the historic Fabriano brand, and the Self-Adhesives business unit includes Arconvert, Manter, Ritrama (since February 2020), IP Venus (since December 2020), Acucote and Ri-Mark (since June 2021). The American distributor GPA is also part of the Group.

For more information: www.fedrigoni.com

UPM Raflatac has achieved sustainability certification from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Scheme ISCC Plus at its Nancy factory in France. This certification is an addition to UPM Raflatac’s already extensive ISCC Plus certification portfolio. UPM Raflatac’s ISCC PLUS products are certified via a mass-balance approach.

“Three of our factories and 14 of our distribution terminals around the world already hold the ISCC Plus certification. The new certification in Nancy is a great addition to our ISCC Plus certification portfolio. It provides a strong external proof of sustainably managed raw materials and value chains for renewable and chemically recycled products,” says Suvi Rasa, UPM Raflatac’s Sustainability Manager.

UPM Raflatac aims to be the first label material company beyond fossils. To enable the transformation from fossil-based materials to renewables or recycled content, and from a linear to a circular economy, it is important that the raw materials come from sustainable sources via a verifiable and transparent value chain. ISCC PLUS is one of the leading global sustainability certification schemes for a fully traceable supply chain to support the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. The certification scheme allows biobased raw materials as well as waste and residue-based feedstock for plastic labels to be certified.

“Reducing unnecessary plastic packaging is a top priority for many of our customers. We have received several formal requests from various industrial segments to actively support the transformation towards more sustainable packaging. Our factory has a key role to play within the packaging industry value chain, so I’m very proud that we have achieved the ISCC Plus certification. The certification strengthens our ability to support the market needs and promote more sustainable packaging value chain,” says François Borca, the General Manager at Nancy factory.

Nancy factory is located in North-East of France and has started operations in 1990. The factory employs around 190 people. The factory is specialised in wine and spirits product labeling, but also some other special product ranges for retail, logistic, pharmaceutical, food or industrial end-use segments are produced on the site.

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.

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

Leveraging proven flexo experience and recent innovative inkjet developments, BOBST is enhancing its All-in-One, All-Inline portfolio with the new DIGITAL MASTER series. The DIGITAL MASTER 340 and DIGITAL MASTER 510 will change the way label production is set up. They provide a fully digitalized and automated production line, from printing to embellishment and cutting. The DIGITAL MASTER series is based on a fully modular and upgradeable architecture, enabling customers to build their own press and evolve it over time.

“Developments in label production are moving at pace with brand owners looking for converters that have the ability to deliver faster, better and at more competitive prices. In this context, the BOBST All-in-One platform is a great answer as digitally printed labels can be produced in high quality, with exceptional productivity and at lower costs, from short to long runs,” said Strategic Marketing Manager, Patrick Graber.

“With the DIGITAL MASTER series, we want to solve our customers’ challenges as they try to overcome the lack of skilled workforce while moving to industrial productivity and longer run lengths with digital equipment; and to bring more agility and flexibility to the production floor.”

The DIGITAL MASTER series will be available in 340 mm (13.5 inches) and 510 mm (20 inches) print widths in a new design that has been optimized for full modularity and improved operation and servicing. Like the MASTER DM5, it offers printing, embellishment, and cutting in a single pass, with seamless native integration between the UV inkjet digital engine and the flexo and converting modules. The introduction of a 510 mm version adds new opportunities to expand application versatility into larger-sized labels, industrial and chemical markets, wraparound, shrink sleeves, and other special applications. The DIGITAL MASTER 510 provides higher production volume but still only needs one operator to run the press.

Running at up to 100 m/min (328 ft/min) in four or six colours plus optional digital white, the DIGITAL MASTER series presses bridge the gap between traditional digital and flexo machines. The line-up stands for flexibility, fast turnaround, and inline end-to-end label production, with exceptional quality and productivity in increasing run lengths. The modular architecture allows customers to configure the exact machine they need – from a digital-only version to highly customized configuration – integrating all modules available in inline flexo. It also provides the possibility to be upgraded on-site at a later stage.

“The DIGITAL MASTER series is an extremely future-proof solution because customers can adapt the machine over time to changing application needs and new market trends,” said Graber. “And when new technologies for these platforms are released, they can be retrofitted on site, adding even more value and protecting the investment.”

Flexo modules can be included for priming demanding substrates, high-ink coverage jobs for long print runs to save on digital ink, applications with high white coverage, or for printing Pantone colors. Available embellishment features include varnishing, tactile and holographic effects, cold foil glue applied, UV lamination, and security printing. For end-to-end label production, fully automated semi-rotary die-cutting or rotary die-cutting are ready for integration.

Each print, embellishment and finishing module is digitally automated for exceptionally high uptime, low waste, and outstanding repeatability regardless of the operator’s skills. Quality control is guaranteed by the inclusion of BOBST ACCUCHECK for 100% inline inspection at full speed. This proven technology checks registration, quality, and colour consistency of digital and flexo print and all embellishments to ensure fault-free production.

BOBST maintenance automation device on the Digital Printing Unit is also included on all machines for highest productivity and quality requirements, while 1000 mm (39 inches) jumbo unwinders and rewinders with automated roll-lifting system reduce the number of roll changes, saving time and efforts. A single user-friendly interface controls the whole machine, which can be connected to the Cloud and is open for MIS integration.

Like all the presses in the oneLABEL portfolio, the new DIGITAL MASTER series presses are developed, manufactured, installed, and maintained by BOBST. “The DIGITAL MASTER series leverages the principle of ONE: ONE press for all label jobs, ONE workflow unifying all the elements, ONE operator running the press, ONE supplier developing all the technologies and ONE point of service for both conventional and digital parts,” said Graber.

BOBST will share all the features and benefits of the new DIGITAL MASTER series during two upcoming webinars to be held on April 13 and 20. Interested parties can register in advance by following https://www.bobst.com/DIGITAL-MASTER-WEBINAR.

Throughout the year, customers can see all BOBST presses in operation at the Competence Centers in Italy, USA, and Switzerland. “BOBST is open for individual one-to-one sessions. We very much look forward to welcoming customers to our dedicated label hubs,” concludes Graber.

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

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.