By: Epson

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – March 4, 2025 – Epson today announced its SurePress^® digital label press line – the SurePress L-4733AW and SurePress L-6534VW – have been awarded Digital Press System Certification by Idealliance, a global leader in standards and training for print and packaging supply chains. Both SurePress models using the Wasatch RIP have met the strict requirements of Idealliance’s Digital Press Certification, a program consisting of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties and print production. With this certification, Epson demonstrates its entire press system – including the digital front-end, print engine and paper – meets or exceeds established industry tolerances for excellence in the areas of colorimetric accuracy, uniformity, repeatability, durability, and registration.

“We understand that label converters’ customers are demanding accurate colors, while also wanting economically priced labels,” said Mike Pruitt, product manager, SurePress, Epson America, Inc. “Wherever a customer is printing in the world – whether India or Indiana – this certification proves SurePress models with Wasatch RIPs meet the strict Digital Press System Certification requirements to provide the same high-quality color accuracy from print to print and country to country, which ultimately results in customer satisfaction and minimized rejected orders.”

SurePress digital label presses are designed for color accuracy, ease of use and to be complimentary with other presses used in a print shop. Whether using a 4, 5 or 6 color SurePress, the press intelligently manages the file in a 4-color workflow and calculates the remaining colors to ease operations. Additionally, as printing requirements are becoming more exacting graphically, and costs are rising, SurePress digital label presses handle rasterization from digital TIFF plates created by a RIP directly on-press, eliminating software layers and enabling fast communication of data.

The Digital Press Certification Program for inkjet systems certifies the capabilities of commercial production inkjet, high speed, cut sheet, and web devices to meet specific print standards. The program consists of testing and certification in areas of color, print properties, and print production. “The SurePress certification underscores its commitment to excellence and dedication to print accuracy,” said Jordan Gorski, executive director of Idealliance. “As the demand for consistent and high-quality print grows, Idealliance’s standards across print production such as G7 continue to serve as the foundation of industry standards for color, print quality and alignment of workflows and supply chains.”

Digital Press System Certification benefits include:

–       Color Consistency Across Platforms: Whether printing on different substrates or using varied techniques, certification ensures that colors remain uniform.

–       Cost Efficiency: Standardizing the printing process reduces waste and rework, ultimately saving both time and money.

–       Global Standard: Certification is recognized globally, allowing certified print service providers to compete on an international scale.

–       Improved Quality Control: G7-certified companies maintain better control over their printing processes, which results in improved quality and client satisfaction.

For more information about the Digital Press System Certification and the impact for print service providers, visit Idealliance’s site. For more information about Epson SurePress digital label presses, visit www.epson.com/surepress. 

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

By: Yazoo Mills

New Oxford, PA, March 3, 2025 – As part of its ongoing expansion and innovation efforts, Yazoo Mills, Inc., the largest independent manufacturer of paper tubes and cores in America, proudly announces the promotions of two pivotal leaders within the organization.

Steve McMaster, after dedicating 41 years to excellence at Yazoo Mills, has been promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing. In his elevated role, Steve will oversee the operations at the company’s manufacturing facilities, managing all aspects of manufacturing operations, quality assurance, logistics, and operational excellence initiatives aimed at boosting production capacity.

Michell Trish has been promoted to Vice President of Accounting & Administration following 38 years of steadfast commitment and service to Yazoo Mills. In her new position, Michell will oversee the IT, HR, and accounting departments, ensuring that administrative operations align seamlessly with the company’s strategic objectives to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.

Yazoo Mills proudly recognizes the outstanding contributions of Steve McMaster and Michell Trish with their promotions, reflecting its dedication to leadership excellence and continuous improvement. Their roles will be crucial as we continue to expand strategically and thrive in the paper tube and core manufacturing market.

About Yazoo Mills

Established in 1902, Yazoo Mills, Inc. is America’s largest family-owned and operated manufacturers of 100% recycled paper tubes and cores. Serving a variety of industries in the United States, Yazoo has a reputation for excellence in short runs and recutting with manufacturing only premium quality paper tubes and cores, made to each customer’s specifications. On average, the company produces over four-million inches of tubing per day. Companies that require quality, consistency, and ongoing reliability contact Yazoo Mills for all of their needs.

For additional information on Yazoo Mills and their products, visit the website www.yazoomills.com.

By: XSYS

Willstaett, Germany. 03 March 2025 – XSYS, a global integrated solutions provider to the flexographic, letterpress and pre-press printing markets, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of the MacDermid Graphics Solutions business (“MGS”) from Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). The transaction was signed on 1 September 2024 and has been approved by all the relevant regulators globally. The combination of XSYS and MGS will create one of the leading companies in the sector worldwide.

“We are excited to announce the completion of this transformative combination and to join forces with our new MGS colleagues” said Dr. Alexander Unterschuetz, Group CEO of XSYS. “This transaction creates significant value and opportunities as a result of the complementarity of both businesses’ product portfolio, services, and employees, thus making us a more complete solution provider for our customers.” He further commented, “This, together with the strengthened knowledge and resources of our dedicated technical support teams, will enable us to deliver even better products and services to our customers, who are at the centre of everything we do”.

The combined business will have a workforce of approximately 850 employees worldwide and turnover of approximately €370 million.

About XSYS

Headquartered in Willstaett, Germany, XSYS operates globally and is a leading supplier 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 (ThermoFlexX, Catena and Xpress), surface screening software (Woodpecker), plate mounting (rotec®), and washout solvents (nylosolv®). Brilliant products and services for brilliant print results and business success.

About MacDermid Graphics Solutions

MacDermid Graphics Solutions, formerly a division of Element Solutions Inc, is a global leader in the manufacturing of photopolymer plates and equipment used in flexographic printing. We deliver high-quality graphic capabilities for the packaging printing markets globally. Our mission is to provide a world-class customer experience, while meeting flexographic printing plates needs with award-winning technology. This is achieved through creating strategic value for our customers from start to finish. We are an open provider and offer the best possible solutions via industry partnerships.

MacDermid Graphics Solutions is passionate about our planet and our industry. We consider ESG to be a business imperative, an extension of our growth strategy and a reflection of our values. We are a founding partner of the Flexo Xperience Center.

By: Mondi

• Mondi collaborated with Sherwin-Williams to introduce re/cycle SpoutedPouch for paint concentrate.
• Mondi created a wider spout so Sherwin-Williams can easily fill the pouch, and end users can conveniently pour the concentrate.
• The durable pouch is a replacement for traditional plastic tubs, reducing plastic consumption by 90% vs a 5L bucket.

26 February 2025 – Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, collaborated with Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in paints and coatings, to introduce re/cycle SpoutedPouch as a refill option for its concentrated paint, sold on the UK market. Leveraging the expertise in its Halle/Steinfeld plant in Germany, Mondi introduced a wider spout for easier filling and pouring, while ensuring the mono-material pouch is designed to protect its contents.

The paint concentrate was developed to replace the traditional 5-litre pre-mixed paint in rigid plastic tubs. Consumers are encouraged to reuse these tubs to mix the paint concentrate and then recycle the refill’s packaging. It comes in a lightweight 950ml spouted pouch with instructions for mixing clearly printed on the side. The spout offers excellent pourability to make it easy to mix with water and create the needed amount of paint. The pouch can be tightly closed after usage, preserving any unused concentrate.

Mondi worked closely with Sherwin-Williams to deliver a solution tailored to their specific packaging needs. re/cycle SpoutedPouch is a pre-made pouch made from polyethylene mono-material and has a wider spout making it easier for Sherwin-Williams to fill the paint concentrate. Mondi’s SpoutedPouch reduces packaging waste and provides ease of use to outdoor painting projects, along with minimising the space needed to transport and store paint.

The condensed size compared to regular 5-litre pre-mixed paint tins means 230% more units can fit on each pallet, resulting in increased efficiency within the supply chain. The pouches also take up less space on retail shelves and come packaged in shelf-ready tear-front boxes of five units, allowing easier stock replenishment compared to traditional tins.

“It’s more convenient for consumers to carry home and the leftovers are easily stored. It will also increase transport efficiency thanks to the reduced weight and size of the packaging.

By selling concentrate in spouted pouches rather than premixed fence stain in rigid tubs, we’ve reduced plastic usage by up to 90%*,” enthused Christina Rowe, Head of Product Marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

“Our newly introduced solution has big potential for industrial applications, and we leverage our integrated value chain for pouch production, from the film extrusion to lamination to the spout insertion. We were careful to ensure high-quality printing, so the branding stands out on the shelf, and the mixing instructions are clear and easily readable,” explained Gary Knight, Regional Sales at Mondi.

Ronseal concentrated fence stain in a pouch is now available online, at DIY markets and through retailers across the UK. Mondi is continuously working on innovative and sustainable solutions for various industries and end-markets that help their customers to achieve their sustainability goals, such as developing a paint packaging that is sustainable by design.

* single unit comparison by weight of plastic content in the product packaging, when comparing a 950ml concentrate pouch vs a 5L bucket.

By: Epson

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Feb. 25, 2025 – Epson today announced it will be highlighting its ColorWorks^® on-demand color label solutions at Natural Products Expo West from March 5-7 at the Anaheim Convention Center in booth #2908. ColorWorks label printers are used for consumer packaged goods (CPG) and food and beverage labeling applications, helping brands and businesses boost operational efficiency and reduce waste by printing labels on demand. 

“Color labels and packaging not only enhance product branding but also help to tell a story, creating a deeper connection with consumers,” said Stevi Sterns, product manager, Color Label Printers, Epson America. “With the ability to cost-effectively print labels on demand and in color, businesses can streamline operations by eliminating long lead times and obsolete label inventory from third-party printers.” 

Epson will showcase several demos at the show, highlighting how ColorWorks printers deliver efficiency, quality and customization across a wide range of label printing applications, including:

• Product ID Labels: Bringing comprehensive connectivity and dynamic image quality together in a compact design, the ColorWorks C4000 label printer enables businesses to harness the power of communication through color. 

• Food & Beverage Labels: Designed with print speeds at up to 5-inches per second,¹ the CW-C6000A produces sharp, full-color labels. Combined with the Ishida Weight scale, the printer can incorporate variable data, ideal for food and beverage labels. 
• Shipping Labels: Label Boost™ software will be demoed with the CW-C6000P to show how the solution can transform traditional monochrome shipping labels into color labels. With Label Boost,² businesses can harness the full power of marketing by adding full-color coupons, ads, cross-promotion, and more to shipping labels, as well as improve processes with secondary labels to highlight critical information or provide special instructions. 

• Print-and-Apply Bottle Solution: The LabelMate Botlr applicator will be shown with pre-printed labels from the ColorWorks CW-C6000A, underscoring how the packaging process for various bottled products can be automated, allowing businesses to focus efforts on high priority tasks while reducing labor costs.
• Oversized Labels: As a printer fit for many applications, the CW-C6500A accommodates labels up to 8.34” wide and will be showcasing a 17.5” long label. Businesses can benefit from this model’s customization capabilities for labeling and branding products both big and small.
• High Volume, High-Performance Labels: The newest solution to the ColorWorks lineup, the CW-C8000, produces high-quality labels with vibrant image quality and crisp precision at print speeds up to 11.8″ per second.³ Designed with advanced connectivity for simple remote management integrations makes this printer ideal for busy, on-demand environments.

ColorWorks on-demand color label printers offer full-color capabilities, single-step simplicity and the powerful PrecisionCore^®technology to deliver state-of-the-art, high-quality labels in real time, eliminating the need for excess inventory and potentially reducing pre-printed label waste. For additional information, visit epson.com/colorworks. 

About Epson

Epson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson’s goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050.

By: Durst Group Company

Franklin, TN – February 2025: It is with tremendous excitement and pride that Vanguard Digital Printing Systems, A Durst Group Company, announces the opening of their highly anticipated experience center, located in Franklin, Tennessee. With the explosive growth Vanguard has experienced over the last several years, the addition of a designated experience center was a necessity to address the needs of a growing dealer and customer base. 

“This industry is our passion, and Vanguard is the way we show it. We have come a long way since we first opened, and it is awesome to look back on the journey,” reflected Jim Peterson, COO and Founding Partner of Vanguard Digital. “This experience center is the culmination of all our hard work, and we are humbled by all of the support we have received, and incredibly grateful to be here at this moment as a result of the trust we have been given by our partners and friends. Franklin embodies the roots of our company: salt of the earth, hard-working, wholesome, and comforting, and we couldn’t have picked a better place to be.” Peterson calls Franklin home, and is, “excited to show our visitors the historic and scenic beauty and the southern spirit of this incredible town.”

The opening of this Experience center symbolizes something else important to Vanguard history – it’s 10th year. Vanguard Digital Printing Systems was founded in 2015 by a couple of friends looking to corporealize their dream and make a difference in the print industry. In the ten years since its founding, Vanguard has grown from an idea into a 30+ employee operation, servicing a wide range of customer with the help of numerous devoted dealer partners, with three locations across the United States. This success has been due to one simple idea: Growing Your Business, Together. By viewing their customers as partners, and by investing in their success, Vanguard continues to build long-lasting partnerships that continue to grow in every direction. 

The new Vanguard Experience Center is now open at 117 Seaboard Lane, Suite D100, in Franklin, Tennessee, just twenty miles south of Nashville. The Experience Center joins their headquarters in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and their West Coast Demo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Vanguard looks forward to welcoming current and future customers to the culturally rich and inviting town of Franklin to experience the vast solutions they have to offer the print industry.

By: Franklin International

COLUMBUS, OHIO, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – Franklin International, a global leader in glues, adhesive, sealants, and polymer technology, proudly celebrates 90 years of operation in 2025. Founded in 1935 as “The Franklin Glue Company,” the fourth-generation family-owned and operated business has grown from a small, local enterprise into one of the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and polymers in the United States.

“Reflecting on nine decades of growth, creating value, and building trust brings not only a great sense of pride, but a deep feeling of gratitude and responsibility — gratitude for the many individuals who have either contributed to our success or placed their trust in us to deliver products and service to facilitate their success; and a responsibility to honorably steward the legacy that they’ve provided.” says Evan Williams, President & CEO of Franklin International. “This milestone is a celebration of ninety years of growing success and a reaffirmed commitment to a future in which we continually strive to earn the trust of customers, suppliers, employees and our community. With that future in mind, we are as poised as ever to invest in our people, our standards, and our capabilities to meet the evolving requirements and unique demands of our customers. Perhaps the proudest
statement I can offer as the third generation of family ownership is: the fourth generation is committed to and capable of carrying the legacy forward. Thank you for the support over the last 90 years — here’s to the next 90!”

The Columbus-based company has expanded its operations to four distinct manufacturing sites and distributes across 60+ countries around the world. Franklin International serves a wide range of industries, including retail construction and industrial manufacturing. The company’s flagship Titebond® brand is a trusted name among professionals and hobbyists alike for their superior performance in a variety of applications, from woodworking to construction, remodeling and home improvement projects, while Franklin Adhesives & Polymers provides advanced industry solutions for wood adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives, and specialty polymers.

Visit franklinap.com for more information.

About Franklin International: Established in 1935, Franklin International is among the largest privately held manufacturers of adhesives and sealants in the U.S. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company maintains multiple manufacturing and distribution locations in the U.S. and a plant in Guangzhou, China to exclusively serve the Pacific Rim. The company maintains two divisions: the Construction Division manufactures Titebond® wood glues, construction adhesives, sealants and flooring products while the Industrial Division, Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, provides pressure-sensitive adhesives for labels, tapes and graphics applications, and adhesives for various wood assembly markets.

By: Domino

Gurnee, IL – In the competitive world of label and package printing, companies know that investing in the right technology is only part of the equation. What truly sets a provider apart is the support that stands behind the product. For businesses that rely on Domino, the difference isn’t just about equipment — it’s about trust, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to customer success. 

To help illustrate that point, a brand new VIDEO: Domino Service & Support was created that features 11 Domino customer personnel and eight Domino Service & Support team members, in which they describe what label & packaging converters can expect when they choose Domino. 

Andy Staib, Owner & CEO of DWS Printing & Packaging, describes what is key: “We demand and expect the same level of support and partnership from our supply chain as we give to our customers—Domino has consistently delivered.” That sentiment was echoed by Matt Berry, Vice President of Impact Label, who explained how Domino’s engagement extended well beyond the initial sale: “They weren’t just selling a press; they were asking, ‘What can we do? How can we do it better?’ Their support was what put them over the finish line.”

At the heart of Domino’s philosophy is an understanding that success is shared. Mark Meyer, Director of Service & Support, puts it simply: “Our success is based entirely on your success. We’re here to ensure that when you buy Domino equipment, it runs every day—because when you succeed, we succeed.”

That hands-on approach is something Nye Hornor, President of Amherst Label, saw firsthand: “From installation to training, Domino has gone above and beyond, showing us the best ways to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.”

Glen Hayden, Technical Help Desk Support Team Leader, describes how the company’s remote support capabilities, including TeamViewer, provide rapid, hands-on troubleshooting. “We’re the first line of defense, ensuring that customers get the assistance they need — when they need it.” For Chris Stoehr, President of Southwest Label & Printing, this proactive approach is invaluable: “Whenever something happens, we can call Domino. They can go in electronically and remotely and do some things to see where we’re at, which makes it very convenient. Their support is unsurpassed by anyone I’ve seen so far.” Ralph Sanchez, Domino Field Service Manager West Region, reinforces this: “Even though we’re a global company, we act local. We know our customers, and we work as a team to do what’s right for them.”

That level of partnership is crucial for companies with ambitious growth plans. Stuart Reeve, President & CEO of Mammoth Labels & Packaging, says: “We aim to quadruple in size over the next five years, and partnering with Domino is a major factor in making that happen.”

Domino Service & Support doesn’t just respond to challenges—it anticipates them. Sarah Ervin, Digital Solutions Specialist, explains: “The Digital Solutions group is a bridge between our sales department and our service department. We want to make sure that your workflow is the most efficient for not just the Domino press, but also for the rest of your facility.”

Gary Gestring, Owner & Vice President of Art Advertising, sees that attention to detail in action: “Over the years, we’ve purchased quite a bit of equipment. This is probably the single best piece of equipment that we’ve bought—not just the performance of the machine, but because of the support. They have made us excited about what this machine can do.” Mark Thomas, Field Service Engineer at Domino, adds: “Even though we have great equipment, it’s the people that make the big difference.”

Robert Parker, Owner of Label King, sums it up: “The Domino difference is the service level that we get when we need it, on a day-in and day-out basis. They take it personal, just like we take it personal.” That personal investment resonates across the team, as Jessie Van Apeldoorn, Lead Installation Engineer, shares: “For me, service is the best. This is my home. I make a difference on a daily basis.”

For companies relying on technical expertise, Domino’s support team is like family. Katie Putnam, Prepress & Digital Print & RFID Supervisor at Amherst Label, emphasizes this: “The Domino Support team is great. They’re very responsive in phone calls and emails, and we love when their techs are on-site because they’re like family to us.” Chris Gehring, Trainer at Domino, sees training as a long-term investment: “We take training very seriously here at Domino. My job is to take conscious competency to unconscious competency before they leave.”

Abdullah Alyousif, Director of Engineering at Impact Label, values the depth of training provided: “Domino gave us the training package that includes operator training, prepress training, estimating, and sales training. All of that helps us when we run production.” Tom Grencik, Domino Field Service Manager East Region, highlights how feedback drives improvement: “We take voice of the customer very seriously. We survey after each touchpoint to ensure we are meeting or exceeding expectations.”

That commitment to long-term success is why Steve Grace, President of Grace Label, continues to reinvest in Domino: “Do I believe in the Domino difference? Yes, I do. They do what they say they’re going to do. They help us out when we need help, and anytime we’ve had a problem, it’s been solved.” Stacy Gestring, Owner & President of Art Advertising, agrees: “Their team is fantastic, and we really felt a connection with them. They care about us like we care about our customers.”

The ‘Domino Difference’ isn’t just a phrase — it’s a way of doing business. It’s about more than technology; it’s about trust, expertise, and a partnership that drives long-term success.

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: Roland DG Corporation

Irvine, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 – Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers, vinyl cutters, 3D milling machines, dental mills, and other advanced digital technologies, has appointed Eric Zimmerman, a sign and graphics veteran with more than 25 years of related experience, as its new Director of Global Market Research.  In this newly created position, Zimmerman will collaborate with global marketing, product, and sales teams to provide customer and market insights that will help Roland DG achieve key objectives. 

Prior to assuming his new role with Roland DG, Zimmerman served for six years as Director of Wide-Format Print for the global research and analysis firm Keypoint Intelligence, where he helped print industry clients grow their businesses by better understanding market trends and opportunities. Prior to that, he held several positions at Roland DG, serving most recently as Business Strategy Manager for Digital Printing, and earlier as a Product Manager for the Americas business unit. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Eric back to the Roland DG team, said Ryugo Nimura, Roland DG President of Global Sales and Marketing. “Having worked for both Roland DG and Roland DGA before joining Keypoint Intelligence, Eric is extremely familiar with our line of high-quality digital imaging devices, as well as our company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and world-class service and support. We’re excited about Eric’s contributions, which will enable us to better serve our existing clients and expand into new markets.”

To learn more about Roland DGA or the complete Roland DGA product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.

About Roland DG Americas

Roland DGA serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution, and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, interior design, personalization, and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries.