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.

By: Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC)

The “Power Packs Live” event at PCMC’s Packaging Innovation Center in Green Bay, WI was packed with education, equipment demos, and networking.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – GREEN BAY, Wisconsin – May 23, 2024 — Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC), part of BW Converting Solutions, recently held two free information-packed open houses at its state-of-the-art Packaging Innovation Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, April 23-25. More than 160 people attended the three-day event which focused on both digital printing for flexible packaging as well as digital and flexo printing for the folding carton industry.  “We were very pleased with the turnout and quality of information we were able to provide the industry,” said Rodney Pennings, PCMC’s Director of Sales-Print. “The spirit of the Packaging Innovation Center and our Power Packs educational video series is to serve as a resource for print and packaging industry information, demos, trials, and training along with research and development opportunities.”

The recent open houses were true to the vision. A wealth of market and trend data, industry analysis, and best practice information was provided by guest speakers from across the globe including Dr. Sean Smyth, industry consultant and analyst, Jason Thelander of Memjet, Alison Keane of the Flexible Packaging Association, Dennis Gignac of BW Papersystems, Sean Hampson and Keith Grimm of Hybrid, Eric Nelson of Xitron and Mary Schilling of Schilling Inkjet Consulting. In addition to guest speakers, PCMC provided up close and personal demonstrations of two exciting new presses.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, attendees were able to see the ION hybrid press live in action. The ION turns traditional analog presses into digital hybrid printing platforms, providing the ability to produce larger digital runs cost competitively. “ION meets market needs for wider, faster printing with highest quality,” says Windell McGill, PCMC ION Launch Manager. “It is designed to handle up to 400 feet per minute with web widths of 36, 42 and 52 inches for paper, film and folding carton.”

The ION is a fully modular system with digital CMYK and flexo print stations that can be custom configured to meet a variety of customer challenges. Jenifer Grace of LaCore Pressworx, the first customer to purchase an ION press, was also on hand to share her experience with the new press. “We’re in the nutraceutical space and our clients are typically start-ups or small influencer-brand product manufacturers. We need the flexibility of short runs and the ability to quickly change from one flavor or ingredient to the next without wasted time or materials,” says Grace. “The ION is going to allow us to meet these needs. In addition, we’re a Texas corporation and the incredible on-site service PCMC provides and the fact that they are here in the states were critical factors in our decision to partner with them.”

On Thursday, attendees were treated to a press-side demonstration of the high-production 59 inch wide, 10+2 color Fusion CI folding carton press. “The Fusion has great energy and time-saving features like automatic drum cleaning and automatic impression setting,“ said Mike Shaw, PCMC Regional Sales Manager. “The Fusion reduces energy usage through low-power-consumption components, design and operation. It offers fast changeovers and lower ink usage,” said Scott Derouin, PCMC Regional Sales Manager. “The Fusion lowers operating costs and provides a quick return on investment and those benefits increase significantly when moving from sheet-fed to web-fed production.”

“We thank everyone who attended our open house event,” said Pennings. “We’re thrilled to be able to share the latest industry information from true industry experts and show-off our amazing new presses in the process.”

By: SCREEN Americas

Kyoto, Japan—SCREEN Graphic Solutions Co., Ltd., also referred to as SCREEN GA, announces that it has added CGS ORIS GmbH of Hainburg, Germany, to its group of companies. CGS is primarily engaged in the development and sales of color technology products. Following the acquisition, SCREEN GA has appointed Kunio Muraji as CGS’s new COO. The company’s president is Bernd Ruckert.

Since its establishment in 1985, CGS has been involved in the development and sales of various software products related to color management and digital proofing. It has expanded its business globally and is now one of the world’s leading companies in the color technology field.

SCREEN GA, then Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd., began to build a business partnership with CGS in 1991 when the two companies cooperated on the development of color technologies for scanner and recorder systems. CGS’s contribution included the provision of OEM products.

Kunio Muraji has led the development of various flagship products created by SCREEN GA, including its Truepress JET 520HD printing system. In his new role, Muraji san will further enhance the business synergy already shared by SCREEN GA and CGS.

Going forward, the partners will work to integrate CGS’s color technologies with the core color management systems used in SCREEN GA’s Truepress series of digital inkjet presses and workflow products. This is expected to drive significant new innovations in intuitive, high-function printing technologies.

The companies will also focus on fine-tuning the integration of CGS’s products with SCREEN GA’s workflow solutions, including EQUIOS, with a view to delivering even more advanced color management solutions. These applications will target a variety of workflows including analog and digital environments as well as hybrid operations that combine both.

By: Asahi Photoproducts

Plastic-free biodegradable/compostable packaging printed with specialized Chespa plant-based inks for a high level of sustainability. Print samples available for visitors on Asahi’s drupa stand.

Tokyo, Japan & Brussels, Belgium, May 27, 2024. Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, today reported that Chespa, headquartered in Poland with numerous sites around Eastern Europe, has partnered with Asahi Photoproducts and Esko to introduce to its customers and prospects unique high-barrier-film, biodegradable/compostable, packaging printed using specialized plant based Chespa inks, Esko’s latest Crystal V screening and XPS Crystal Exposure system along with Asahi Photoproducts AWP™ CleanPrint carbon neutral water-washable plates to ensure production of the highest quality print with optimized ink consumption, minimal waste, robust color and no VOCs. Printed samples will be available for visitors to Asahi Photoproducts’ drupa stand located in Hall 8b, Stand A13.

Chespa, founded in 1991 and with 18 companies in 7 countries, features an ink manufacturing company and repro studio, offering a wide range of water- and solvent-based inks, cutting dies, and press-ready photopolymer printing plates for use with a wide variety of substrates. The company employs 750 team members and has a turnover of €140 million. Chespa has a long heritage of sustainable operations and continuously invests in modern facilities, smart eco-solutions, energy efficient production lines, and R&D projects related to use of renewable materials. This helps Chespa to decrease its consumption of energy, water, amount of waste sent to landfill, along with increased employee safety through the use of automated lines and robots.

Chespa inks are manufactured using a renewable feedstock and generating 35% less eCO₂/kg. They contain up to 40% dry content versus 1% for standard inks. Inks are biodegradable, and compostable both in homes and industrial facilities. Based on this and other factors, the company just received an award from the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), in the U.S., for its sustainability programs including its water-based inks manufactured from renewable feedstocks.

The project conducted in collaboration with Asahi and Esko using sustainable substrates and inks as well as carbon neutral printing plates from Asahi, was tested with a chocolate manufacturer using Chespa’s FlexiBio water-based inks, and a manufacturer of peanut-based products using Chespa’s FlexiEco water-based inks. Both manufacturers reported they were delighted with the exceptional quality produced using Chespa’s specialty inks, a sustainable substrate, high quality screening from Esko and Asahi’s carbon neutral CleanPrint plates.

“Our brand owner client chose a sustainable paper substrate with barrier coatings for packaging their products based on its barrier against oxygen, water, aromas, and fat, and its suitability for heat sealing,” said Anetta Malkusch PR, Marketing & Advertising Manager Chespa Sp.z o.o. “An additional requirement, of course, was the ability to print high-quality graphics on the surface using sustainable water-wash AWP^TM plates from Asahi, our water-based inks, and the latest Crystal-V screening technology from Esko. Both companies were thrilled with the outcome, and we are looking forward to working with Asahi Photoproducts to make printed samples using our inks on this unique and sustainable substrate available on their drupa stand. Chespa is also proud to have been recognized with an FTA sustainability award for the water-based inks used in this project which are based on renewable feedstocks.”

The barrier-coated paper, branded FlexiLack FX Barrier by Chespa, is a high-performance metallized compostable film that consists of four layers: a cellulose film coated top and bottom with a specialized coating with a top layer of a printable metallized surface. It combines excellent optical properties with enhanced barrier and deadfold capabilities. Target applications include twistwrap and flow-wrap of confectionery, bakery and non-food products. This packaging is ideal for premium-look labelling applications and is cold-seal compatible.The project is targeting brand owners whith maximum achievements in sustainability as well es keeping the functional packaging barrier properties required for this type of food application in focus.

By: RM Machinery Inc.

CARNEYS POINT, New Jersey—RM Machinery, the U.S. master distributor for the RMGT 10-Series, announces its highlight for drupa—the RMGT 1060 LX, a fully loaded press that is sure to stop traffic and draw packaging and commercial printers into Hall 16, Booth E11 from May 28 to June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany. The press will be one of two presses running live in RMGT’s booth at the long-anticipated drupa 2024, an event the printing world has spent the past eight years waiting for.

Now considered RM Machinery’s flagship press, the RMGT 1060 is engineered to increase printing speed while enhancing flexibility, efficiency and quality in print production. Among its many capabilities and available features are the LED-UV system, delivery shutter, and automatic nonstop feeder (ANSF). The RMGT 1060 LX stands as a testament to the evolution of printing technology, building on the powerful legacy of Mitsubishi Lithographic Presses. With its capacity to accept a wide range of stocks up to 1060 millimeters wide and consistently run at speeds as fast as 17,100 sheets per hour, the RMGT 1060 LX promises to deliver unmatched output and productivity. 

Available with the RMGT 1060-Series is the automatic nonstop feeder (ANSF), which will also be shown at drupa. The ANSF is designed to eliminate the physical strain and routine labor involved when loading and unloading piles of paper. With the ANSF, operators simply load the stock onto the feeder pile plate and the machine takes care of the rest—including making automatic adjustments to accommodate the size of the pile. Without the need for manual intervention, an operator has more time to address other issues in the pressroom.

Another feature of the RMGT 1060-Series, which was first brought to market by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is the industry-leading SimulChanger, an automated plate changing system that can change all printing plates simultaneously in an astounding 75 seconds. With the SimulChanger, printers are able to reduce makeready time, increase the pace during job turnover, and attain greater press uptime. 

The RMGT 1060 LX incorporates AI and machine learning with the Printing Quality Control System (PQS-D). With functions that include automatic register adjustment, color control and defect detection, the PQS-D enhances efficiency in production and ensures continuous high-quality printing. 

Also available for the RMGT 1060 LX is the powerful LED-UV system, an environmentally friendly curing technology for instant drying. This system allows for immediate handling and processing of printed sheets while reducing energy consumption and eliminating powder spray. It also allows for the ability to print on a variety of substrates including non-absorbent materials. With the LED-UV system, printers can reach new markets.  

Lloyd Molloy, director of customer service for RM Machinery, expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s drupa plans. “We’re thrilled to have the RMGT 1060 LX at drupa 2024,” said Molloy. “The 1060 LX is leading a technological revolution, redefining standards in the printing industry and addressing today’s complex printing requirements. RM Machinery enhances this offering with service technicians located across North America and the RM Advantage+ service program. We provide printers with advanced training, readily available OEM parts and consumables, and expert preventive maintenance programs. This comprehensive support assures optimal uptime and leads the industry by offering the most economical lifetime cost of ownership for printers.” 

The RMGT 1060 LX paired with RM Machinery’s expertise is sure to unveil a must-have solution for commercial and packaging printers worldwide.