By: Siegwerk

Siegburg, Germany, March 28, 2025. – Siegwerk, one of the world’s leading global providers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels, announces a change within its management team. After more than 36 years at Siegwerk, Ralf Hildenbrand, President Americas and member of the Group Executive Committee, has decided to retire effective July 1, 2025. He will be succeeded by Christopher van Laack, currently Vice President Business Unit Paper & Board EMEA and Liquid Food Packaging at Siegwerk.   In addition to his responsibility for the Americas region, Ralf Hildenbrand has led the Global Business Unit Cluster Flexible Packaging and the functions Global Technology, including Product Safety & Responsibility (PSR) and Siegwerk’s Circular Economy Hub, as well as Global Brand Owner Collaboration. During his impactful career at Siegwerk, Hildenbrand has held key management positions and responsibility for many major strategic initiatives. Ralf Hildenbrand: Lasting impact on Siegwerk’s strategic direction and growth  The trained Industrial Engineer joined Siegwerk in 1989 as a Managerial Assistant in Flexible Packaging Sales and quickly advanced in the company. Since 2002, Hildenbrand has been a member of the Board of Management of the Siegwerk Group and later of the Group Executive Committee. In the 2000s, he was integral in the development of the corporate development strategy for Siegwerk’s transformation into a global leader for packaging inks and coatings. From 2002 to 2009, he was involved in the company’s international expansion with key acquisitions such as Color Converting Inc. (CCI) and the packaging ink business from SICPA. Since 2005, Hildenbrand has been leading Siegwerk’s global Flexible Packaging business. In this role, he developed and implemented Siegwerk’s Flexible Packaging differentiation strategy enabling the company to sustainably stand out from the competition.   From 2009 to 2019, Hildenbrand was President Asia at Siegwerk. He successfully developed and implemented an ambitious growth strategy for the Asian region and its sub-regions. During this time, he also held a number of global responsibilities: He established Siegwerk’s Global Technology function, a cross-regional team of technology experts to roll out global standards and manage global Research and Development projects. In addition, he took over the responsibility for Product Safety & Responsibility at Siegwerk. By developing and implementing a global PSR strategy, he further defined Siegwerk’s reputation as a worldwide leader in safe ink solutions. In 2018, he led the development and the roll-out of Siegwerk’s Brand Owner Collaboration strategy, reinforcing Siegwerk’s role as a strategic partner with multinational brands. Hildenbrand also played a leading role in the development and evolution of Siegwerk’s Circular Economy strategy and was responsible for Siegwerk’s Circular Economy Hub, which was established in 2019. In the same year, he was appointed President Americas and has significantly developed and advanced Siegwerk’s business in the Americas in the recent years.   Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Siegwerk, expressed his gratitude: “Ralf Hildenbrand has made a decisive contribution to Siegwerk’s success over more than three decades. With his leadership and strategic vision, he strengthened and advanced our company in all regions and globally across many functions and departments. He fulfilled his roles with real passion and dedication, always living our motto ‘Ink, Heart and Soul.’ We sincerely thank him for his exceptional performance, in-depth expertise and outstanding commitment.” Christopher van Laack: Experienced Siegwerker to lead the Americas region Succeeding Hildenbrand in Siegwerk’s Group Executive Committee is Christopher van Laack, currently Vice President Business Unit Paper & Board EMEA and Liquid Food Packaging at Siegwerk. Van Laack will assume responsibility for the Americas region, along with Global Technology, Product Safety & Responsibility (PSR), Siegwerk’s Circular Economy Hub, and Global Brand Owner Collaboration. The Global Business Unit Cluster Flexible Packaging will be managed by Dirk Weissenfeldt, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Siegwerk and former Vice President Flexible Packaging EMEA in the company.   Van Laack brings a broad range of professional expertise and experience from nearly 17 years at Siegwerk. He joined the company in 2008 as a trainee in Logistics Management and has made an impressive career, taking on several key leadership roles. During his nearly eight years in the field of Transport and Logistics, van Laack was promoted to the head of this department in 2013. Three years later, he took on the role of Site Manager and Post Merger Integration Manager of the Buedingen (Germany) site of the newly acquired Actega Colorchemie business and successfully lead the turnaround. In 2018, van Laack was appointed Regional Sales Director of Flexible Packaging EMEA, holding responsibility for many international key accounts of Siegwerk and coordinating sales activities – also in the Americas region. In his current role as Vice President Business Unit Paper & Board EMEA and Liquid Food Packaging, which he assumed in 2021, he developed and implemented the strategic direction for both business units. Furthermore, van Laack initiated Siegwerk’s activity in the field of functional coatings and thus laid the foundation for the company’s stand-alone business unit for Circular Economy Coatings, which was established in 2024.   “We are very pleased that Christopher van Laack will join our Group Executive Committee and will take over the role as President Americas,” said Dr. Nicolas Wiedmann, CEO at Siegwerk. “In his previous roles, van Laack demonstrated strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to Siegwerk’s values. His expertise in business development and operational excellence makes him the perfect successor to drive further growth and innovation in the Americas region and help shape Siegwerk’s future.”   The change in Siegwerk’s Group Executive Committee will officially take effect on July 1, 2025.

About Siegwerk Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs – from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a seventh-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com

By: Domino

 

Cleveland, OH – OMNI Systems, a leading provider of high-quality labels for the logistics, food, and consumer packaged goods industries, recently described its journey in digital printing applications through its ongoing partnership with Domino. With the acquisition of multiple Domino K600i digital UV inkjet printers over the past several years, OMNI Systems continues to drive efficiency, precision, and scalability in label production.

 

The company now operates three K600i units in its Cleveland, Ohio facility — two 22-inch dual-bar units and one 17-inch single-bar unit — enhancing its ability to produce high-quality variable data and sequential barcoded labels at greater speeds and volumes. In addition, the most recent installation at OMNI Systems’   St. Louis, Missouri location utilizes a 17-inch single-bar unit to support their growing prime label market.

 

 

Dean Ketchum, Business Development Manager, emphasized OMNI Systems’ market positioning. “We pride ourselves on delivering the best price and highest quality in the market. Our ability to scale and provide cost-effective solutions set us apart from the competition, and Domino helps us with that.”

 

AJ Newkirk, whose 20+ year career with the company began as Press Operator and is now Plant Manager of the Cleveland facility, agrees. “OMNI Systems has always focused on delivering low-cost, high-quality labels with exceptional service. Our continued investment in digital printing, particularly with the Domino K600i technology, allows us to remain at the forefront of efficiency and innovation while meeting our customers’ evolving needs.

 

How the Journey Began

OMNI Systems’ journey into digital printing began over a decade ago with the installation of its first Domino K600i printer in 2013.  Originally purchased to support a single customer, the technology quickly proved instrumental in broadening the company’s capabilities. One of OMNI Systems’ most notable contributions includes its collaboration with one of the world’s largest retailers, in developing a label critical to logistics and shipping operations worldwide.

 

The Technology

Domino K600i is a proven, highly productive monochrome digital UV inkjet for printing variable data onto a wide range of coated or uncoated web and sheet applications. K600i is typically integrated onto a flexo press, rewinder, or finishing system and is capable of printing up to 492 fpm at 600 dpi in a dual-bar configuration, or 246 fpm as a single-bar.  Standard print bar widths are 4.25″, 8.69″, 13.1″, 17.5″, or 21.96″.

 

Maximizing Production

At the Cleveland facility, with a production schedule running 24/5 and printing 6.5 to 8 million labels every 24 hours on the 22” K600i units, the durability and reliability of Domino’s technology have played a crucial role in OMNI Systems’ operations. The advanced dual-bar system enables faster throughput while maintaining excellent print quality… a key factor in the company’s decision to continue investing in Domino solutions.  “Speed and efficiency are more critical than ever,” added Newkirk. “Domino’s digital inkjet solutions provide the reliability and performance we need to maintain our leadership in label production.”

 

Well-Positioned for the Future

OMNI Systems President Mike Murton says, “The ability to print high-quality, variable data labels at scale is more important than ever. As customer needs continue to evolve, particularly with the rise of QR codes and GS1’s Sunrise 2027 initiative, we are well-positioned to provide innovative solutions that meet modern supply chain demands.”

 

 

Rick Pantaleo, Director of Business Development, agrees, “The implementation of Domino’s K600i technology has streamlined our production, allowing us to meet increasing customer demands while maintaining superior quality. Our ability to adapt to the needs of the marketplace ensures we remain a trusted partner in the industry.”

 

As the company looks to the future, OMNI Systems’ investment in digital printing underscores its commitment to staying ahead in an increasingly data-driven market. Its strategic partnership with Domino ensures it can meet the high expectations of global brands and logistics providers.

 

Gary Peterson, Domino Sr. Account Manager – Variable Data Printing, who has been involved in the partnership for many years, shared his perspective: “OMNI Systems’ commitment in utilizing digital printing, specifically for variable data applications, has made this collaboration incredibly successful. Seeing how their use of the K600i has evolved over the years is a testament to their forward-thinking approach.”

 

About OMNI Systems

OMNI Systems is a premier supplier of labeling solutions, specializing in pressure-sensitive labels, thermal transfer labels, direct thermal labels, and prime labels. With a focus on cost-effective production and exceptional quality, OMNI Systems serves industries including logistics, retail, food processing, and consumer packaged goods. For more information, please visit www.omnisystem.com

 

About Domino

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions.  Celebrating its 47^th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North America headquarters in Gurnee, IL.  Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide.  For more information on Domino digital printing, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com  

 

By: Vanguard Digital, a Durst Group Company

Franklin, TN – April 2025: Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, a Durst Group Company, continues their year of growth and redefinition with a powerful lineup for this year’s ISA Expo. Partnering with Durst in booth 2624, showgoers will experience the latest innovative systems from both companies, and the software solutions that power them. 

Leading the lineup for Vanguard is the Harpeth Print-To-Cut workflow solution, coming to the ISA Expo for the first time. The Harpeth is comprised of the VK3220T-HS UV-LED flatbed printer from Vanguard, and the in-line transport system partnered with the Vanguard edition of the Sharpcut digital cutter from Colex. The Harpeth automates the workflow between printing and cutting, reducing costs and increasing productivity. 

In addition to the Harpeth, Vanguard will be unveiling a new printer, never before seen. The latest in their Productivity Redefined series, the Radnor will bring next level speed, versatility, and quality to the Vanguard fleet. Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard, commented “We are very excited to be at the expo this year. We have a new look, new technology, new talent, and new vision and are growing as a company, as a team, and as an innovator in the industry. We are proud of our line up and the opportunity it brings to print service providers, and look forward to sharing it with everyone at ISA.” 

Alongside Vanguard, Durst will be showing the P5 X for the first time in America. The P5 X is a versatile and efficient printing solution, designed for both true flatbed and roll-to-roll applications. Equipped with 10 color channels, including white and varnish for special effects, it offers ergonomic handling, unmatched flexibility and exceptional print quality with consistent colors, smooth gradients, and sharp, detailed text.

Durst Software & Solutions will be featured in the booth as well, showcasing the impressive combination of printer power and sophisticated, easy to use software. Visitors will be able to request demos of the Durst software suite from our experts and view real-time functionality of Durst Workflow on both Durst and Vanguard printers in the booth. 

“We never stop dreaming of what’s next,” concluded Peterson. “In the last seven months, we launched the Harpeth Print-to-Cut Workflow Solution, announced our West Coast Demo Center, opened our Experience center in Franklin, and are launching a new solution at the ISA Expo this year. Our tenth year is shaping up to be our best year yet, and we can’t wait to share it with you.” Stop by booth 2624 to see what the future of print looks like.

By: Channeled Resources Group

Chicago, IL, March 26, 2025 – Channeled Resources Group (CRG), an industry-leading manufacturer of release liners, blank shipping labels, and pressure-sensitive roll label stock, as well as one of the world’s largest suppliers of reprocessed, coated, treated, and laminated papers and films, has launched a new and improved website, designed to simplify the way customers search, filter, and request quotes for their three distinct product lines.

For more than 40 years, CRG has been a family-owned, women-led business, delivering cost-effective, high-quality materials with a commitment to fast service and customer-first solutions. The new website reinforces this mission by providing a seamless online experience for converters and manufacturers looking for affordable and high-performing materials.

The newly designed website offers intuitive search tools and filtering options to help customers find the exact materials they need, faster than ever.

Browse CRG’s Full Pressure-Sensitive Inventory:
Users can search by material type, liner, adhesive, or width, making it easier than ever to locate the right stock.

Shop Weekly Specials for Even Bigger Savings:
CRG already provides up to 30% off competitor pricing, but now, customers can find even deeper discounts on limited-quantity specials that update weekly.

Customize Release Liners with the Product Development Tool:
The new step-by-step configurator allows customers to build their own release liner, selecting from various substrates, coatings, and printing options to create a product tailored to their needs.

“Our goal has always been to make sourcing pressure-sensitive materials, blank labels, and release liners as easy and cost-effective as possible,” said Cindy White, President and CEO of Channeled Resources Group. “With our new website, we’re giving our customers direct access to our inventory, price savings, and the ability to request quotes instantly—no more back-and-forth emails.”

Unlike larger suppliers, CRG operates with agility and responsiveness, offering fast lead times, smaller order quantities, and hands-on support to ensure customers get exactly what they need, when they need it.

The new website is now live and ready for customers to explore. To search inventory, shop specials, or build a custom release liner, visit: www.channeledresources.com

About Channeled Resources

Channeled Resources Group (CRG) is a women-owned, third-generation, family-owned and operated company. From our facilities in Chicago, Wisconsin, Indianapolis, and Ontario, CRG is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor of release liners, blank shipping labels, and pressure-sensitive roll label stock. We are also one of the world’s largest suppliers of reprocessed, coated, treated, and laminated papers and film. Channeled Resources Group is in business to serve our customers above all else.

To learn more about CRG visit www.channeledresources.com

By: XSYS

Kirk Group has partnered with XSYS and Hybrid Software to deliver new industry-leading flexo plate innovation to RollsPack, in Melbourne. The Australian reprographics expert leveraged a powerful combination of technologies, utilizing nyloflex® plates, ThermoFlexX imaging, Velvet Screening, Woodpecker surface patterns and Catena+ automated processing, to create a tailored solution for the award-winning packaging supplier.  

Willstaett, Germany, 26 March 2025. Established in 1972, Kirk Group is known throughout the industry as an innovation leader. The reprographics company, headquartered in Sydney, works with global brands and major printing companies across the ANZ region and into Asia, supplying graphic services and image carrier solutions for packaging production. Manufacturing sites are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland, and sales offices in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Mumbai, India, all focused on the company’s stated mission “to bring inspiration and innovation to marketers and brands.” 

With decades of experience in delivering flexo excellence, Kirk Group understands that close collaboration with technology suppliers and customers is key to success. When long-term customer RollsPack Group challenged the team to find a more cost-effective and sustainable way to print high value flexible packaging, they knew exactly where to turn.  

Ben Prout, Group Technical Manager, shares: “Kirk Group has worked with RollsPack for over 20 years, so we appreciate and understand their ambitions, requirements and workflow. For this project, we also drew on the technical expertise and experience of XSYS and Hybrid Software, as well as RollsPack collaborating closely to create a customized solution that not only meets or exceeds the quality of competitors but also offers a more competitive price point.” 

To meet RollsPack´s specific criteria, the team carefully considered the combination of plate and specialized screening technologies necessary to achieve the desired outcome. They were able to leverage the versatility of the ThermoFlexX imaging system and Catena+ automated processing line to implement these solutions: 

• nyloflex® NEF D – a high durometer printing plate for flexible packaging developed by XSYS for the efficient creation of flat-top dots and reproduction of surface screenings with UV LED exposure. 
• Velvet Screening – a new screening type from Hybrid Software created to meet flexo requirements. As the successor to hybrid XM screening, it uses an advanced dot removal algorithm to reduce harsh edges, leading to smoother and higher-quality prints.  
• ThermoFlexX Woodpecker Nano – the finest surface micro pattern available for LAMS plates, suitable for platemakers and printers who need high frequency surface screens to increase quality and efficiency while reducing costs. 

Pushing the boundaries of flexo printing 

The nyloflex® plates with Velvet Screening and Woodpecker micro surface patterns provided by Kirk Group ticked all the boxes for RollsPack Group, meeting its demands for quality, sustainability and costs. A family-owned company founded in 1985, it specializes in flexible packaging production, including e-commerce, food, retail, and tamper-evident solutions.  

“This solution offers a lot of potential. Set up times have been reduced significantly due to precise color profiles, and longevity on press is comparable to other major players on the market,” said Print Manager Thanh Huynh. Commenting on the print quality, he added, “There’s a marked difference in the ink laydown on surface print; it’s one of the best I’ve seen in flexibles. Even when printing colors on a white ink base layer, where we typically experience a drop in density – the results with Woodpecker are impressive. In addition, Velvet Screening holds the dots really well, ensuring that there are minimum hard edges.”    

As well as delivering top quality at great cost, RollsPack is also firmly committed to sustainability, developing environmentally friendly products for its customers. “We are dedicated to elevating the market by supplying innovations that benefit our customers and meet their sustainability goals. We successfully achieved the same high-quality print with water-based inks as with solvent-based inks. This drives a constant need to explore new avenues and Kirk Group plays a fundamental role in this endeavor. Together we are pushing the boundaries of brilliant flexo,” concluded Thanh Huynh.  

Easy implementation in any workflow 

In this scenario, advanced screening technology and dedicated plate surface structures simplified the challenging task of controlling the dots and the ink behavior on press. ThermoFlexX Woodpecker and Velvet Screening proved their individual strengths, to deliver a successful outcome for RollsPack. Both software solutions are truly open without any extra steps needed, meaning they can be implemented into any workflow.  

Brenton King, Hybrid Software’s Sales Manager for Australasia, expanded on the flexibility of Velvet Screening, “The beauty of Velvet is that the software doesn’t require any proprietary information or special equipment, it just slots into the existing setup. Used at any resolution or ruling, it can be imaged onto the plate of your choice on any CTP device and then processed through your existing exposure frame.” He added, “In this collaboration, Kirk Group simply applied Velvet Screening and then added the Woodpecker surface patterns during imaging. It’s a very clever combination.” 

Maximizing opportunities and potential 

On the hardware side, Kirk Group relied on ThermoFlexX technology from XSYS, including a Catena+ automated plate processing line installed at the Melbourne site in 2021. Kirk’s Chief Operating Officer Robert Selvaggio commented, “The investment in Catena+ has been a great success story for us. We were among the first in the market to realize the potential of this high performance, one-touch technology which tripled our capacity and elevated plate quality.” He revealed the company’s’ future strategy, “We’re now in the process of installing a Catena+ line in Brisbane and a third one is already planned for Sydney.”   

“Kirk Group has been reaping the exceptional benefits of Catena+ for a few years, and we have witnessed the innovative solutions it enables, such as this special project for RollsPack Group,” said Roy Schoettle, VP, XSYS Asia Pacific. “We are delighted that this partnership has been so successful and look forward to taking the next steps with the team, as they equip all their manufacturing sites with full Catena+ lines.”  

Robert Selvaggio concluded, “Flexo is still the largest printing technology for packaging, both in terms of volume and value, but we must maximize the market opportunities and the potential of each technology on offer. This is why collaboration is crucial for the future of our industry and for our customers.”  

About XSYS 

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and remains one of the largest suppliers offering both flexographic and letterpress prepress solutions, including plates, sleeves, processors, workflow solutions, and expert professional services, designed to help these industries move forward with increasing innovation, improved productivity and profitability, and a reduced environmental footprint. 

 
In recognizing our endeavor to bring more brilliance into the packaging industry – into the lives of our customers and colleagues – XSYS has achieved a Gold Medal rating from EcoVadis for its sustainability. This distinction goes beyond our commitment to protecting the environment by also evaluating our dedication to social responsibility, diversity, and human rights. 

The broad XSYS portfolio comprises some of the industry’s best-known brands of consumables (nyloflex® and nyloprint® plates), plate processing equipment (Xpress, ThermoFlexX, and Catena), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®).  

Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success. 

About Hybrid Software 

With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, Hybrid Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry. 

Hybrid Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ PDF editor, iC3D visualization software, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. Hybrid Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group. 

By: Maxcess

Maxcess, the global leader for automation in the web handling industry, today announced that Alexander Haid will step down from his position as Vice President and General Manager for Maxcess Europe, effective April 1, 2025. After five years of dedicated leadership, Haid played a pivotal role in the integration of Fife Tidland GmbH and RotoMetrics, significantly strengthening Maxcess’ European presence and achieving key operational milestones.

Succeeding Haid in the role of VP and General Manager for Maxcess Europe will be Markus Rall, a seasoned leader with a remarkable 30-year career in the packaging and machine building industry, both in Germany and globally. Markus has held leading positions as CEO of Carton Group GmbH, Polar-Mohr Gruppe, and MAN Roland AG, and brings a wealth of experience in managing complex organizations and driving growth in international markets.

The transition from Haid to Rall will begin on April 1, 2025, and will be completed within the next few months. Maxcess is confident that Markus will continue to build on the solid foundation Haid has established while leading the European organization into its next phase of success.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Alex for his outstanding leadership and his significant contributions to Maxcess,” said Odd Joergenrud, CEO of Maxcess. “His leadership has been instrumental for Maxcess Europe. We wish Alex all the best in his future endeavors, both professionally and personally.”

“We are excited to welcome Markus Rall to the Maxcess family,” Joergenrud continued. “His experience and expertise in the global packaging and machine building industries, coupled with his leadership experience at Carton Group GmbH, Polar-Mohr Gruppe, and MAN Roland AG, will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and grow in the European market.”

Maxcess remains fully committed to delivering the high-quality products and exceptional customer service that clients have come to expect and looks forward to a smooth transition under Markus Rall’s leadership.

About Maxcess: Maxcess saves you time and money by optimizing your peak output performance. We do this by leveraging the world’s best web handling brands, offering customized, automated, end-to-end sustainable web handling solutions. Maxcess helps its customers maximize productivity through innovative products and services worldwide by combining global service and support across the storied product brands of RotoMetrics, Fife, Tidland, MAGPOWR, Webex, Valley Roller, Componex, International Cutting Die (ICD), and Maxcess Vision Systems, Maxcess offers an unrivaled network of application experts and automated end-to-end web handling solutions to help you work better, faster, and smarter. Visit them online at www.maxcess.com

By: Hybrid Software

(Ghent, Belgium) Hybrid Software, a leading provider of innovative prepress and workflow solutions for the label and packaging industry announces that the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA), the only association solely dedicated to independent flexographic prepress platemakers, has appointed Mike Agness, Hybrid Software Executive Vice President, Americas, to its Board of Directors.

The FPPA is the only association solely dedicated to independent flexographic prepress platemakers, providing an open culture that strengthens connections between platemakers and supplier members. Its environment fosters continuous learning, information exchange, technological advancement, and shared best practices. By promoting connection, comradery, education, and knowledge-sharing among independent flexographic prepress trade shops and their suppliers, the FPPA foster member growth and the highest of standards within the industry. 

“Hybrid Software has played an important service to platemaking prepress, assuring that flexo platemakers and their systems deliver files that can produce the highest quality flexo plates, as quickly and easily as possible,” comments Aaron Pettijohn, FPPA Treasurer (and President Elect). “In particular, Mike has demonstrated the knowledge and creativity during FPPA meetings to help members get the most from the association and to enhance the plates they provide for converters.”

As a Board Member, Agness’s responsibilities include: 

• Aligning association activities with the purpose and core values of the FPPA

• Promoting the FPPA and attracting new members where possible

• Attending regular Board of Director meetings, and an annual strategy session at headquarters to establish goals and action items for the coming year

• Supporting the annual conference and fall workshop

• Selecting the location of the annual conference and developing its agenda

• If viable, participating as a judge of the Annual Excellence in Flexo Award program.

“I am happy to contribute a part in continuing the bright future of flexo platemaking,” explains Agness. “Flexo services continue to uniquely fulfill an important role in the packaging supply chain. The ever-changing demands on converters—and their plates—to serve brands remains a constant challenge. The collaborative knowledge sharing among FPPA members will continue to help the industry meet these needs.” 

FPPA membership is open to businesses involved in or suppling goods and services to the flexographic industry—along with organizations who provide important services to these companies. Membership information is available at flexoplatemakers.com/membership/.

About the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA)

The FPPA promotes high standards within the flexographic prepress platemaking industry, providing leadership through vision and direction, as well as comprehensive education to advance the best interests of the industry. For more information, call 413.686.9187 or visit flexoplatemakers.com. 

About Hybrid Software

With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, Hybrid Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM, Mills River, NC, March 20, 2025, 1 p.m. ET) – UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of self-adhesive paper and film products, will showcase its latest sustainable innovations and expanded offerings at Labelexpo Mexico 2025 in Guadalajara, booth C72. 

The company will present its Carbon Action plastic label portfolio, designed to promote circularity and reduce carbon footprint throughout the value chain. Other features at the booth include RAFNXT+, the world’s first Carbon Trust-verified labeling solution aimed at combating climate change, along with the full range of FSC™ and CarbonNeutral^® certified Direct Thermal (DT) Linerless materials.  

Additionally, UPM Raflatac will highlight its comprehensive Label Life service, which offers DEKRA-validated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations. This service provides decision-makers with essential environmental information on label materials, enabling them to make informed, sustainable choices that support their climate targets and business growth.  

Visitors to their booth can explore UPM Raflatac’s extensive graphic self-adhesive sheets portfolio for offset and digital printing, as well as the expanded Graphics Solutions product line. They will also have access to UPM Raflatac’s team of experts, who will provide customized sustainable labeling solutions, product insights and technical support. Attendees at Labelexpo Mexico can also witness UPM Raflatac’s digital and print-on-demand materials in action on digital presses located at prominent OEM booths throughout the venue. 

“We’re excited to exhibit UPM Raflatac’s commitment to sustainability and innovation at Labelexpo Mexico,” says Diddier Solano, Sales Director, UPM Raflatac Americas – LATAM. “Visitors to our booth will discover sustainable material solutions that can enhance circularity and support their business goals.”  

Labelexpo Mexico 2025 will take place at Expo Guadalajara in Guadalajara from April 1 to 3, providing a unique opportunity for media and industry professionals to explore UPM Raflatac’s innovative solutions firsthand. To find out more, make sure you stop by stand C72 to meet UPM Raflatac’s experts and learn more about how you can harness the power of the label for your products.  

UPM Raflatac
UPM Raflatac offers high-quality self-adhesive paper and film products including label materials, graphics solutions and removable self-adhesive products. We operate 14 factories and deliver our innovative and sustainable products through our global network of distribution terminals. We are one of UPM’s growth businesses and employ around 3,200 people. Our sales reached almost EUR 1.6 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in 2024. Read more: upmraflatac.com

UPM
UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately EUR 10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
UPM – we renew the everyday