By: SCREEN Americas

KYOTO, Japan—SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd., also referred to as SCREEN GA, announces the launch of its new high-density Truepress SU ink. The advanced black ink is designed specifically for use with the various uncoated papers handled by its high-speed roll-fed Truepress JET 520HD mono inkjet system.

SCREEN GA initially released its Truepress JET 520HD mono and Truepress SC inks as a set in 2020. All-purpose SC inks can be used on many different substrates including coated, IJ-treated, and uncoated or untreated paper. Today, the press is also able to meet a variety of needs in the monochrome printing segment thanks to its combination with SCREEN GA’s new and improved Truepress SC+ ink.

Demand for monochrome printing continues to be the strongest in publishing applications, which is creating increasing opportunities for high-speed roll-fed digital inkjet presses such as those in SCREEN GA’s Truepress JET series. These black-only applications require optimum print quality, high optical density print and no bleed-through on uncoated papers. In response to this trend, SCREEN GA has focused the performance of the SU ink to deliver on these attributes while also lowering the total cost of ink.  

Moving forward, users of the Truepress JET 520HD mono systems will be able to choose between SC+ inks, which are suitable for a variety of papers, and the SU ink, which delivers superior quality printing on uncoated papers. This will give users greater flexibility when meeting the individual quality requirements for different monochrome materials. With these advances, SCREEN GA will offer its customers the next generation of printing production systems by combining the convenience and productivity of high-speed roll-fed digital inkjet presses with digital workflows and the ability to select inks that deliver higher quality.

As a leader in the printing world, SCREEN GA is dedicated to enriching lives and continuing to make the world more colorful through print. This commitment underpins its goal of helping to create better lives and a more sustainable society for everyone.

By: Beontag

Brazil, Jun. 2024 – Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pressure-sensitive adhesives and smart tags such as RFID and NFC, initiated its expansion into North America in 2022 by acquiring Technicote and is now moving forward to consolidate the brands. Beontag is already one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pressure-sensitive adhesives and smart tags (RFID and NFC) with a commercial presence in more than 40 countries.

As a milestone in this new phase, the company announced that Technicote has officially become Beontag, forming a single, fully-integrated company with global reach and access to a wide range of innovative solutions. In addition to brand unification, Beontag will integrate individuals into a global network, fostering collaboration and connection across continents.

Beontag is planning to invest over USD $60 million in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, equipment, machinery, and tenant improvements over the next two years as part of the company’s expansion strategy in the USA. This investment has already been announced and is currently underway, aiming to bring the US operation up to the highest international operational standards for which Beontag is renowned globally.

The state-of-the-art factory will allow the scale up of the production volumes through the utilization of more productive machinery, such as coaters, slitters, and sheeters for roll label stock, servicing the roll converter market. In addition, RFID and Linerless operations will be integrated in the same building.

By: Maxcess

Oak Brook, Illinois – Maxcess, a global leader in innovative products and services for automated web handling applications, today announced a new RotoMetrics’ Flexible Die portfolio offering. The new RotoMetrics’ Flexible Die line combines the best manufacturing and operational processes of RotoMetrics, Electro Optic and MLC Brazil to offer the right solutions for each and every application.

“We spent a significant amount of time asking our customers the biggest converting challenges they were trying to solve,” noted Kiki Chosid, Regional Vice President of Sales. “And, our customers told us they needed flexible dies specifically engineered for today’s materials, including thinner liners, abrasive materials and inks and the growing use of small blade spaces and intricate patterns, as well as for the sheet fed rotary die cutting markets. We automated and enhanced our manufacturing processes to better manufacture flexible dies to improve blade consistency to ensure reliability and eliminate potential die strike issues. We streamlined our durability and chroming processes to improve flexible die longevity converting abrasive materials and inks.”

As a result, RotoMetrics, a Maxcess brand, offers a customized solution offering industry leading flex die life performance engineered for each application vs. alternative Universal or Singular Cut offerings. The new portfolio consists of the re-engineered improved value and performance SmartFlex series for paper and film, the increased versatility and longevity of the Prime Series for a wider variety of Paper and Film applications, the improved accuracy and longevity of Dura Series for complex film and abrasive applications. In addition, RotoMetrics also has Specialty Dies like GoldLine Special for thin film liner applications and MicroBlade for small and intricate spacing applications. All dies are engineered to work for any press (digital, flexographic, semi rotary) or web converting process line.

About the New RotoMetrics Flexible Die Portfolio:

Complementing the improved automated manufacturing processes globally, RotoMetrics new flexible die portfolio offers additional enhancements, including.

• Unmatched Press Side Expertise & Support – 6 global manufacturing facilities with enhanced automation and technical service and support in the places you do business. Industry leading in Same Day and Next Day shipping. Additionally, a complete and complementary offering of product solutions and repair services for Dies, Magnetic Cylinders and Anvils.
• Industry Leading Quality – Enhanced automation minimizes deviations in Total Plate Height and Blade Flat resulting in 25-30% improvement in manufacturing consistency for better die performance against the anvil. Optimization of our Electro Optic legacy patented back grinding processes for enhanced reliability and consistent cutting performance.
• Enhanced Durability and Longevity – Longer lasting chroming options and vertically integrated and automated chroming processes provide consistency, quality, and faster delivery. RotoMetrics exclusive chroming formulas and application processes offer dies that can last twice as long as the competition on abrasive materials and inks.  Exclusive performance coatings improve die life on abrasive materials and white inks.  Additionally, adding RotoRepel can increase die life up to 3 times depending on the material being converted.
• Expanded Material Expertise – RotoMetrics offers the largest inventory of raw materials with Flex Die Total Plate Height to 0.060”+ (1.5mm+). Additionally, technical support experts in 92 Gauge (23 Micron) and 75 Gauge (17 Micron) thin film liners.The leader in flexible die innovation. Years of expertise in abrasive materials and inks. All this results in a significantly reduced need for material evaluations with RotoMetrics’ Dies.
• A Complete Portfolio of Die Cutting Solutions – flexible and solid dies, male / female die sets, base and adjustable automated anvils, magnetic cylinders, print cylinders all designed and engineered to work better together with a true precise matching of complementary components. For example,  the new upgradeable AccuAdjust and automated RotoAdjust with industry 4.0 analytics to optimize converting and increase blade life.
• Industry Unique Knowledge of the Press from End-to-End – Single source of press side expertise from unwind to rewind knowing how variables (guiding, tension, vision, etc.) impact the web across the converting line or printing press with flexibility to work with Flexographic, Digital, Semi-Rotary and Digitally Printed Substrates Converted with Semi Rotary Converting Lines.

By: UPM Raflatac

(UPM Raflatac, Helsinki, 11 June 2024 at 13:00 EEST) – Label Life by UPM Raflatac proudly marks 10 years of its life cycle assessment service. Over the past decade, Label Life has been a comprehensive life cycle assessment tool for label evaluation, enabling businesses to make informed, environmentally responsible decisions. Continuously evolving to cover an ever-widening portfolio of more sustainable products, Label Life now accounts for over 90% of UPM Raflatac’s commercial portfolio by sales volume, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability.

Label Life provides essential environmental information on label materials, utilizing the standardized method of life cycle assessment (LCA) to calculate their environmental impact from cradle-to-grave. Customers benefit from individual footprints or “product passport prototypes” (PPPs) displaying 25 indicators, as well as focused comparisons of three key metrics—greenhouse gas emissions, energy demand, and water consumption—facilitating a transparent and guided decision-making process.

“Label material choice can have a significant impact on packaging sustainability. For the past decade, our Label Life service has been at the forefront of transforming the labeling industry. We are proud of the positive difference the service has created by empowering our customers to measure the impact of their label materials, make informed, more sustainable choices, and reduce their overall environmental footprint,” says Flora D’Souza, Sustainability Manager, Label Life, UPM Raflatac.

In 2023, UPM Raflatac set a new industry standard by receiving a certificate of validity from leading international assurance service provider DEKRA for its Label Life service. The new validation reinforces the credibility of UPM Raflatac’s LCA calculations and supports customers to make better-informed choices, bringing them closer to their own sustainability goals.

By: Flexible Packaging Association (FPA)

Annapolis, MD, June 13, 2024 – The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA), the leading advocate and voice for the growing U.S. flexible packaging industry, announces that its long-serving President & CEO, Alison Keane, will step down from her position on August 1, 2024. The organization announced at the same time that it is initiating a search to identify a new leader.

Founded in 1950, FPA’s mission is to amplify the voices of converters, suppliers, trade press professionals, and academics, leading to effective advocacy, unique educational offerings, outstanding networking opportunities, and real growth for our members. 

“It’s been an honor to lead FPA through 8-years of growth and evolution,” says Keane. “During that period, we have been able to expand how FPA helps its members. No organization offers the level of support that FPA offers the flexible packaging industry—one of the fastest growing segments in packaging and provides a wealth of information to its members through focused programs and services. I am very grateful to have been a part of those efforts throughout the last 8 years.” Keane attributes the success and growth of the association to strong, passionate leaders, talented staff, and members who actively participate. “This leadership will continue to drive the association and the industry forward.”

William Jackson, Ph.D., Chief Technology Officer for Amcor Flexibles and FPA Chair notes, “Alison has provided the FPA with exceptional leadership over the last 8 years. She has helped us navigate in times of crisis and change. Under Alison’s leadership, we grew the FPA and kept the budget and revenue on track with expectations. Her work with advocacy, particularly around materials of concern and governmental regulations, has been noteworthy. Her humor, positive attitude, and passion for the FPA have been noted across the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the membership. For the better part of a decade, Alison has done an outstanding job, and replacing her will be difficult.” 

Over the last 8 years, Alison’s leadership has been instrumental in driving the association forward, fostering innovation, and collaboration in addressing key issues related to our industry,” states Russell Grissett, President of Sonoco Flexible Packaging, and FPA Vice-Chair. “She has been a tireless advocate, promoting and advocating on behalf of our members and our industry while championing sustainability within the flexible packaging industry. Alison’s dedication and vision have left an indelible mark on our organization, and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment.”

The association is drawing on the steps in its succession plan to guide the process of selecting a new President & CEO. It formed a search committee to oversee the process and has retained executive search firm Vetted Solutions to coordinate the search. The search will commence in June.

By: EFI

As runs and lead times get shorter for POS materials, the company expects to migrate away from litho due to the quality, better colour fastness, wider colour gamut, less waste and more.

DUSSELDORF, 13 Jun 2024 – Electronics For Imaging, Inc., today reported that UK-based Kolorcraft has acquired an EFI Nozomi 14000 SD single-pass display graphics printer, most recently highlighted at drupa. The EFI Nozomi 14000 SD was designed to specifically meet the needs of the display graphics market, giving users the opportunity to significantly improve speed to market and increase profitability with a wide range of substrates and brilliant colour quality. It also offers sustainability benefits, including a reduction of Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 50% compared to offset printing, according to a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) performed in collaboration with the Clean Agency.

Kolorcraft was established in 1979 in Ossett, England. Michael Atkinson, currently the company’s Managing Director following his acquisition of the company in 2019, started with the company 35 years ago as a trainee estimator, working his way to Commercial Director. Gary Herrington, Operations Director, had left the company, but returned after Atkinson acquired it. The company was operating its display graphics business with a combination of offset, digital and screen-print and had been following the progress of single-pass technology for some time.

“We knew that single-pass was a technology that people were working on, and we wanted to understand what the benefits were,” Herrington said. “Right from the outset, we were really impressed with the quality we saw from Nozomi. We talked to other potential suppliers and did testing on site at various facilities. And we came to the point of view that EFI was leading the market.”

“We also had the opportunity to visit EFI’s Valencia Customer Experience Centre to see the Nozomi in action there as well as to see how the equipment is manufactured,” Atkinson added. “We were blown away by the visit and saw that we had the opportunity to buy a production-ready machine, more advanced in readiness than any of the other competitors we have seen. It didn’t feel like we were taking a leap of faith with the purchase. And we are seeing continuing decreases in run lengths for what would have traditionally been offset work in our sector, which is ideal for the Nozomi and it will enable us to eliminate offset from our operation.”

Proven industry-leading technology gave Kolorcraft confidence in the investment 

The EFI Nozomi 14000 SD single-pass printer for sign and display applications gives users the opportunity to significantly improve speed to market and increase profitability with a wide range of substrates. Herrington noted, “The Nozomi 14000 SD is a display market targeted machine, and it looked like something that wouldn’t scare away our operators and engineers. It looked more approachable, more user friendly, and it worked in a way that we could fully integrate into our way of working from Day One.” Kolorcraft chose the CMYK + orange ink configuration to increase the colour range of the machine. “We went with the orange because it gives us some really vibrant colours, almost fluorescent colours. In the future, we might add another specialty colour as well.”

The company will be printing anything with the Nozomi, from paper through to polypropylene, Corex, corrugated board and box board, the full gamut of what is required for the retail environment Kolorcraft serves.

Atkinson reported that the company has been having conversations with both customers and prospective customers, adding, “We are already talking with them about commissioning different tests and print samples and discussing the benefits of the investment. It’s generating a real enthusiasm among customers and colleagues, and the knowledge that the machine is being installed has certainly helped conversations with prospective customers.”

Another advantage Kolorcraft saw was the responsiveness of the EFI team, and the ability for technical support to easily travel to their location from Valencia if needed. “The training is the most in-depth, thorough process I’ve been involved in,” Herrington explained. “To be perfectly honest, I’ve commissioned large-scale litho and flexo hybrid machines in the past. And none of those had the same sort of depth of involvement that I have seen from EFI in this process. So it gives us a lot of confidence in the performance of the printer and its future support.”

Entries are now open for the 19th Label Industry Global Awards taking place at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, Illinois on 10 September.

The awards recognize those who have excelled in the label and package printing industry through innovation and best practice within the past two years. 

Award categories include the R. Stanton Avery Global Achievement Award sponsored by Avery Dennison which is given in honor of Stan Avery’s values and his innovative breakthroughs. This award recognizes an individual who has made a key contribution to the promotion and growth of the label industry.

The Rising Star Award sponsored by Avery Dennison recognizes the achievements of emerging talent in the label and packaging industry who represent the next generation of leaders.

The Converter of the Year Award is awarded to a label printing or converting company who has encouraged a diverse and inclusive work environment. The award also recognizes the development of a comprehensive training program and a contribution to community or charity initiatives. 

Taking place on the first night of Labelexpo Americas 2024, the awards ceremony will also feature a networking party from 5.30pm – 8pm. Tickets for the networking party are $60.

Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Labelexpo Americas said: “It is always an honor to recognize those who have made an outstanding contribution to the label and packaging industry. We’re looking forward to seeing the high calibre of talent and to celebrate all the achievements of our worthy award winners and finalists at the 19th annual Label Industry Global Awards event in September.”

Entry is free and submissions must be received by 14 June. The finalists will be announced in July and all winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony. Entry forms and full details of how to enter are available at www.labelawards.com.

By: Asahi Photoproducts

With a goal of delivering fast, short-run, sustainable print, ACM partnered with Asahi to implement a Solvent FREE workflow, save water with an innovative water recycling unit, AWP^TM-LOOP, and create a more productive pressroom

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium, May 29, 2024. Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today reported that Italian converter ACM Flexible Packaging, based in Cremosano near Milan, has partnered with Asahi Photoproducts to create a highly sustainable, Solvent FREE, prepress operation with flexographic plates that are capable of delivering high quality, cost-effective, short-run printing with faster turn times than the competition. This is enabled by using Asahi Photoproducts’ AWP CleanPrint water-wash plates that are certified Carbon Neutral. In addition, the company has acquired Asahi’s AWP^TM-LOOP water recycling unit that enables reuse of 80% of the water used in plate processing, ACM was the first company in Europe to install this innovative solution.  The company also employs an Esko Crystal CDI exposure unit and XPS imaging system. Plates are processed with an Asahi AWP^TM-4260 PLF plate processor This highly sustainable solution is unique in Europe, setting the company apart from its competition.

Founded in 2005 by Massimo Raffaele and Antonio La Franceschina, the company was an early adopter of UV-LED curing and proved the technology’s viability at a time when brands were sceptical due to ink migration concerns.

Specialising in the food and pharma sectors, ACM’s printing is now 100 percent solvent-free and takes place on a fleet of Omet Varyflex flexo machines, all equipped with UV-LED curing, as well as an 8-color Uteco water-based flexo press.

ACM’s pre-press operation not only produces plates for ACM but also for other wide-web printing sites owned by its parent company, SIT Group.

“Our strategy in working with suppliers such as Asahi Photoproducts is to build a partnership, rather than just a vendor relationship,” said Andrea Belloli, the company’s branch manager, Italy and Middle East. “We also build those types of relationships with our customers, listening to their needs and requirements and adjusting accordingly. As an example, later this year we will install the first 50 by 80 large platemaking machine in the world here at ACM. This differentiates our company, and also offers our customers new services.”

Antonio La Franceschina, co-owner and CEO, added, “We are probably one of the only groups in Europe that have all the technology for flexographic printing systems. We start with digital, enabling us to offer mockups and very short run production. And with flexo, we use UV LED cured water wash flexo plates from Asahi that are Carbon Neutral. And we use the AWP-LOOP^TM system to recycle 80% of the water. That ticks all the boxes – sustainability, quality, efficiency, and a more cost-effective solution for customers, especially those that need short run, fast turn work.”

View the full interview here and also on screens on Asahi’s drupa stand, Hall 8a, Stand A13.

For more information about products and services from Asahi Photoproducts that are in harmony with the environment, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com

By: Epson

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – May 29, 2024 – To meet businesses’ needs for on-demand color labels at a low cost, Epson today introduced its newest ColorWorks^® on-demand color label printer. Purpose-built for mid- to high-volume batch runs in on-demand environments, the new ColorWorks CW-C8000 offers exceptional print quality, reliable performance and high-speed printing with advanced connectivity and cloud printing.

Offering a range of advanced features, the ColorWorks CW-C8000 builds on the success of its predecessor, the ColorWorks C7500, to meet the high-volume label production needs of businesses in several markets, including prime and boutique, product ID, and warehousing and logistics.

“The CW-C8000 is built for the rapidly growing industrial label market that relies on fast printing and high image quality to meet product label requirements,” said Stevi Sterns, product manager, Label Printers, Epson America, Inc. “Delivering accurate colors, smooth gradations, precise barcodes, and sharp text, this new model is built to inspire businesses to ‘Do Labels Differently^™’ by breaking free from the conventional and embrace the new era of label printing.”

Epson ColorWorks on-demand label printers are designed to help businesses ‘Do Labels Differently’ with full-color capabilities, single-step simplicity and powerful PrecisionCore^® technology to produce state-of-the-art, high-quality labels in real time, eliminating the need for excess inventory and potentially reducing pre-printed label waste.

With advanced PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology, the CW-C8000 combines exceptional image quality and sharp precision at incredible speeds. The PrecisionCore permanent printhead allows for minimal user interventions and low maintenance costs, making it ideal for busy, on-demand environments. Durable, high-performance UltraChrome^® DL pigment inks provide high-quality, long-lasting labels and customers can choose between Gloss and Matte Black ink to fit labeling needs. New high-yield ink packs, providing 1.9L total ink capacity,¹ are ideal for high-volume batch runs, allowing for fewer interventions, low cost per milliliter and low consumable waste.

Additional features include:

–        High-speed, on-demand color labels – Designed for mid- to high-volume batch runs, multiple labels can be printed with variable data at speeds up to 12-inches per second.²

–        Reliable performance with PrecisionCore – Built for demanding applications, a permanent printhead means fewer interventions and low maintenance costs.

–        Advanced connectivity and remote management tools – Integrate large fleets with Epson Cloud Solution PORT^®,³ cloud printing and optional Wi-Fi^®.

–        Powerful fleet productivity with Epson Cloud Solution PORT³ – Remotely manage and view printer status, ink consumption and operation history.

–        Seamless workflow integration – Compatible with ZPL II^®, major middleware, SAP^®, Windows^®, Mac^® and Linux^®; built-in ESC/Label^®language.

–        Durable, high-quality labels – UltraChrome DL ink technology produces high-quality labels that resist smudging, smearing and fading.

–        High efficiency and low power consumption – PrecisionCore Heat-Free technology enables efficient ink usage and low energy usage.

–        World-class service and support – Includes a 1-year limited warranty; extended service plans available for up to a total of 5 years of continuous coverage.

Availability

The ColorWorks CW-C8000 will be available in the U.S. and Canada in summer 2024 through Epson’s authorized partners. For additional information about Epson’s ColorWorks solutions, visit www.epson.com/colorworks.