Converting Industry News - Convertech, Inc

• Digital Label Printing: What?s the Sweet Spot?
  Commercialization Assessment Reports are a new approach to evaluating digital printing?s value for the label printer.
  
• Davis-Standard Promotes Green Initiatives at K 2010
  Equipment that supports energy efficiency and cost reduction will be the focus of Davis-Standard during the K Show, October 27?November 3 in Düsseldorf, Germany
  
• Advanced Cushion Mounting Products for Flexo Applications
  
• Micorsphere Adhesives are Ultra-Removable; Permanently Repositionable
  
• High Performance Adhesive Works Well in Low Temperatures
  

• UPM Raflatac introduces labelstock portfolio for HP Indigo WS6000
  In response to market demand, UPM Raflatac says it has been working with HP to offer a product portfolio suitable for use with the HP Indigo WS6000 digital press. To that end, UPM Raflatac is introducing a renewed digital product range for the Americas which includes several high quality paper and film labelstocks certified for use with the digital press through the HP Indigo Media Certification program. These products also work with the HP Indigo WS2000 press and the WS4000 family of presses.
  
  UPM Raflatac’s roll-to-roll digital labelstocks have a proprietary top-coat, providing excellent liquid ink anchorage and a long shelf life for lasting printability, according to the company, and they are engineered to deliver optimal color saturation and crisp resolution. The entire range is offered trimless at 5,000 feet with a minimum width of 13”, reducing waste and increasing converter productivity.
  
  “UPM Raflatac’s renewed digital product range is proof that we’re dedicated to helping companies succeed with digital printing,” says Patrick Goss, prime business director, UPM Raflatac, Americas. “By offering products certified for the HP Indigo WS6000 digital press, we're ensuring that end users are able to move swiftly to capitalize on emerging marketplace opportunities, differentiating their brands and driving revenues.”
  
  
  
  
  
• EFI unveils digital inkjet printer with UV LED curing
  EFI Jetrion, manufacturer of a digital inkjet label press, has introduced a version that features LED UV curing for printing on flexible packaging materials. A newly developed, flexible ink for the Jetrion 4830LED press allows printing on unsupported and heat sensitive materials, including shrink sleeves.
  
  According to Kenneth Stack, Jetrion’s senior VP and general manager, LEDs produce low heat and targeted wavelengths, which allow full UV ink curing on film materials that were too sensitive for traditional UV curing methods. “The system was designed to expand short run printing opportunities beyond traditional label stock to a broader range of flexible packaging materials supported only by UV LED curing technology,” Stack says. “And in keeping with our commitment to providing our customers with a clear technology migration path, the new flexible ink set and LED lamp technology can be retrofitted on any existing Jetrion 4830, eliminating customer concerns about digital obsolescence.”
  
  Stack adds that the development of the flexible UV LED curing inks “demonstrates EFI Jetrion’s ongoing core competency in ink design, formulation and manufacture. We’re committed to bringing innovative ink solutions to market as a result of customer requirements and changes in market dynamics.”
  
  The Jetrion 4830LED is a full color digital label press that handles web widths of up to 9” (229 mm), prints up to 8.3” (210 mm) wide, and can reach a speed of 120 fpm (37 mpm).
  
  
  
  
  
• Interfilm achieves milestones at California plant
  Interfilm recently marked the completion of two initiatives at its plant in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA: the installation of a new high-speed 80” Kampf Conslit II slitter, and the award of a "superior" rating in an audit by AIB International.
  
  The new slitter continues Interfilm’s strategy of continuous improvement through investing in equipment and technology upgrades. This is the third Kampf slitter installed in Interfilm plants in the past three years.
  
  “Interfilm is committed to keeping pace with technology – as such, we have added six high speed 80” slitters since 2004,” says Cindy Simpler, Interfilm’s senior vice president of operations. “The new equipment provides higher throughput, better roll build and improved safety, all of which enable excellent production and improved response to Interfilm customers.”
  
  In August, the Rancho Cucamonga facility was audited based on AIB International’s requirements of the Consolidated Standards for Food Contact Packaging Facilities. The audit resulted in the plant scoring 920 out of a possible 1,000 points: a "superior" rating.
  
  AIB International audits evaluate the entire production process from receipt of raw materials through shipment of finished goods. Interfilm’s Greenville, SC, USA, facility was also rated superior by AIB in July, making the California facility the second of four plants to be audited. The other two Interfilm plants, in Illinois and Connecticut, will be audited later this year.
  
  
  
  
  
• Prati announces the creation of Prati Automation
  Prati, a manufacturer of converting equipment based in Marradi, Italy, has formed Prati Automation to manage the sales and services operations of the full range of Prati machines in the label and converting industry in US and Canada. Prati Automation will make its public debut at Labelexpo Americas.
  
  “We are thrilled about our new partnership,” says Glen Morris, managing partner. “Prati and Prati Automation share the same values. We both wish to satisfy our customer needs through improved efficiency and by providing top-class quality. Prati has an excellent reputation for qualitative and innovative machines. I am convinced that they offer the best machines in their application segment.”
  
  Prati Automation, located in South Indiana near Louisville, KY, USA, plans to establish a demo and service center.
  
  “We already have four installations in North America of a VEGAplus Booklet converting line, a Jupiter inspection machine, a Saturn inspection machine with 100 percent security, and another Saturn equipped with inkjet print head for overprinting of variable data,” says Chiara Prati, sales director. “Customers are appreciating the variety of solutions we can offer in the end-line process of label production and the versatility of our systems. Hence, we see new market opportunities. The new company will certainly help us achieve our long-term goals of growth in all markets.”
  
  Prati’s product line for self-adhesive label print-finishing includes machinery for inspection, diecutting, matrix waste removal, rewinding, slitting, and overprinting.
  
  
  
• Tresu forms partnership with Matik in North America
  Tresu, a Danish manufacturer customized flexo printing machines and related equipment, has retained Matik, of West Hartford, CT, USA, to represent its products in the eastern part of North America.
  
  The agreement covers primarily Tresu’s product range of mid to wide web inline flexo printing machines and stack printing machines, which are used for production of folding carton, scratch-off tickets, liners for corrugated, and flexible packaging. Retrofit installations of flexo printing units for upgrading of existing systems are included in the agreement.
  
  “Tresu Group is experiencing a rapid growth in all business segments, and we are expanding our activities accordingly,” says Allan Sander, sales director of Tresu Converting. “Our range of flexo inline printing machines is a focus area for us, and we wish to strengthen our position on the North American market. The partnership with Matik will help us pursue this strategy.”
  
  Matik has been supplying European converting and printing machinery in the North American market for more than 30 years, and has more than 1,000 machine installations.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Taghleef introduces biodegradable film
  Taghleef Industries has begun producing Nativia film at its plant in San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy. Nativia is based on NatureWorks PLA biopolymers, marketed under the brand name Ingeo, and is made from renewable plant sources. Nativia is a biodegradable and compostable film complying with the European standard EN13432.
  
  “The BoPLA line was ordered just five months ago, and we already obtained an enthusiastic result being able to be on the market now with a film with excellent characteristics,” says Valerio Garzitto, CEO of Taghleef.
  
  Within several weeks the company will produce 25 and 30 micron metalized Nativia films. Nativia applications include produce, baked goods, confections, snacks, dairy, and other perishable foods.
  
  Headquartered in Dubai, Taghleef Industries has six production sites across the globe with a nominal capacity of 260,000 tons per year. The company manufactures BOPP and cast polypropylene films, and offers a portfolio of transparent, white voided and metalized films to its customers in more than 100 countries.
  
  
  
  
  
• Four top label CEOs to speak at Labelexpo
  CEOs from four of the label industry’s leading companies will participate in a special roundtable and luncheon session to share their expertise with other converters during Labelexpo in Chicago. The four veterans will speak about their experiences as leaders of multinational industry conglomerates during the Labelexpo Conference Sessions from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm on Wednesday, September 15.
  
  Frank Gerace, past president and CEO of Multi-Color Corporation, will discuss managing in a challenging economy. John McKernan, president and CEO of York Label, will discuss creating a culture of cost performance. Geoffrey Martin, president and CEO of CCL, will talk about centralized versus decentralized operations, and whether he makes most of his decisions intuitively or with a structured thought process. Finally, Terry Fulwiler, former CEO of WS Packaging and R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2010, will speak about profit sharing.
  
  The session is sponsored by the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute. Space is available to participate in the session. For more information or to register online, click here.
  
  
  
  
• Wine label market examined in new study
  Wine labeling is a dynamic niche market for product identification and decoration. Pressure sensitive labels enjoy the most significant growth today and are forecast to continue to take an increased market share around the world. Those are among the findings of Global Wine and Wine Label Market & Technology Review 2010, a new publication from AWA Alexander Watson Associates.
  
  Outlining the overall structure of the global wine market and its defined geographical regions, the report examines wine labeling in those regions, along with growth drivers, threats and opportunities. It details the available wine label materials and formats, and notes the available product decoration technologies in partnership with today’s chosen packaging styles, from glass and plastic bottles to aseptic cartons, metal cans and pouches. Wine label converting is also covered, and the report concludes with a directory of suppliers of label materials and labels.
  
  The report is available for $4,800 (€3,800) plus a handling and processing charge. Details of the study are available at the AWA website, where it is also possible to order online and browse information on related reports.
  
  
  
  
• Asahi signs RBCOR, All Printing Resources as distributors
  Asahi Photoproducts and Asahi Kasei America have announced that as of September 1, Asahi’s new AWP water washable photopolymer plate will be distributed in the United States by Correct Touch Graphic Arts, RBCOR and All Printing Resources. Previously the plates had been distributed only by Correct Touch.
  
  “Asahi Photoproducts is an innovation leader in plate imaging technologies and is excited to partner with another two leading companies in the flexo market,” says Joseph Bauer, vice president of sales and marketing for Asahi. “Both All Printing Resources and RBCOR’s reputations and extensive flexo market coverage will be an excellent complement to our valued distribution partner Correct Touch Graphic Arts and Asahi's broad range of photopolymer products.”
  
  "We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with Asahi,” says Richard Bein, president of RBCOR. “We will be able to expand our product offerings, and our customers will have the opportunity to utilize the unique capabilities of the new AWP-DEF plate to grow their businesses.”
  
  “We have had many customers tell us they are searching for a product that prints more consistently than thermal, yet still allows for the making of plates in less than an hour without the use of solvents,” adds Dave Nieman, CEO of All Printing Resources. “The AWP plate answers these requirements and offers additional benefits in printability unique to this technology.”
  
  
  
  
  
• FTA plans ‘The Great Flexo Digital Plate Debate’
  The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) will kick off its annual Fall Conference with a session titled “The Great Flexo Digital Plate Debate.” The two-and-a-half hour session will feature representatives from each of the major digital platemaking suppliers, who will be discussing the advantages of their plate technologies in a non-commercial format. Themed “A FIRST Rate Idea: The Future of Flexo & Process Improvement,” FTA’s Fall Conference will take place November 8-10 in Louisville, KY, USA, and will encompass nearly three days of learning, networking and inspiration.
  
  “The Great Flexo Digital Plate Debate” panel will consist of representatives from Asahi Photoproducts, DuPont Packaging Graphics, Eastman Kodak Company, EskoArtwork, Flint Group, MacDermid Printing Solutions, and Toyobo. Each will discuss the advantages of its technology, then comment on how their products address such common issues as limited plate life, running extra decks, proofs that don’t match the print, and high run waste.
  
  “This is a unique opportunity for our attendees,” says Conference Chair Cayleigh Nichols of Prairie State Group. “They’ll hear directly from the sources, side by side, and learn what features and benefits each digital plate system brings to the table. Basically, it gives attendees the chance to decide what makes the most sense for their businesses, in one convenient session.” Each presenter is from the technical side of the business, not sales or marketing. “This is a big plus in terms of getting the real facts, not just the glitz and glamour,” adds Co-chair Richard Black, All Printing Resources.
  
  Conference sessions include: Color Success Before Getting to Press; Sustainability from the Printer’s Perspective; Impacting an Industry – The Flexo Quality Consortium; Process Improvement – Best Practices FIRST; and Color Consistency for Packaging – FIRST and Worldwide Standards.
  
  Registration rates for FTA members are as follows: Consumer Product Company $95; Printer/Converter and Design Firm $295; and General Attendees $595.
  
  In addition to the sessions, the conference will feature a tabletop exhibition, which will coincide with conference breaks, breakfasts, lunches and two networking receptions. For those interested in exhibiting, rates for FTA members are $1,295 and include one complimentary registration. For more information on exhibit opportunities contact Jay Kaible, FTA director of business development at 631‐737‐6020 x20.
  
  Additional conference and registration details can be found at FTA’s website, www.flexography.org.
  
  
  
• WS Packaging Group names new CEO
  WS Packaging Group, one of the largest label converting companies in North America, has named Rex E. Lane as its new chief executive officer. He replaces Terry Fulwiler, who has announced his retirement after 25 years of leadership with the company.
  
  Lane brings 16 years of business management and Lean Manufacturing implementation experience to his new position. Immediately prior to joining WS Packaging Group, he was the vice president of global supply chain and operations for Apex Tool Group, Sparks, MD, USA. Formed through a joint venture between Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools, Apex Tool Group has $1.2 billion in sales and 15 manufacturing facilities in North America. In addition, he worked at Danaher Tool Group for seven years in progressive roles, most recently serving as the senior vice president of North American operations. Lane holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from the University of Maryland, Asian Division.
  
  “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to attract a talent such as Rex to continue the long and successful record of WS Packaging Group,” Fulwiler says. “Rex has a solid background and a great passion to succeed. I’m looking forward to working with him as he begins his career at WS Packaging Group.”
  
  Fulwiler will remain with the company as chairman of the board until June 2011. This year he was named as the 2010 receipient of the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented during the Label Industry Global Awards banquet in September at Labelexpo in Chicago.
  
  WS Packaging Group, formed in 2000 by the merger of Wisconsin Label and Superior Label Systems, has more than 40 years of experience and is one of the largest printing and label converting operations in North America, employing 1,800 people and operating 17 manufacturing facilities.
  
  
  
  
  
• Label Traxx to introduce iPod app for roll inventory management
  Tailored Solutions’ Label Traxx – print business management software for narrow web flexo printers – will introduce an iPod Touch application for roll inventory management at Labelexpo Americas 2010 in Chicago, September 14-16. The iPod app uses an integrated bar code scanner to manage roll inventory. It connects in real time with Label Traxx via a wireless network to take inventory, allocate rolls to specific jobs, and edit the roll relocation in Label Traxx. In addition, the app user can check the specifications and inventory details of any roll by simply scanning it with the iPod.
  
  “With the introduction of the Label Traxx iPod app, we continue to simplify inventory management by bringing the latest technologies to Label Traxx users. We expect this to be a particularly popular addition to this already powerful and popular label business management system.”
  
  
  
  
  
• Flint Group Flexographic Products to hold regional seminars
  A series of seminars on flexo technology will be conducted in October by Flint Group Flexographic Products to introduce the latest in Nyloflex printing plates, Rotec sleeves and Flint inks, as well as associated technologies used in flexographic printing. The day-long seminars will be held in Cincinnati, OH, USA on October 19, and in Montreal, QC, Canada on October 21.
  
  At the seminars, attendees will learn how to optimize prepress and press operations while increasing print quality; gain a better understanding of issues influencing sustainability, eco-efficiency and flexo methodology, and learn about the most recent developments in ink, plate and sleeve technologies. Presentations by Flint Group and guest speakers are designed to present a well-rounded approach to developing methods to enhance print results.
  
  Topics will include sustainability and eco-efficiency analysis, packaging inks and narrow web inks, flexo screening top to bottom, printing plate performance, perfecting highlights, and sleeves for performance printing.
  
  Seminars include breakfast, lunch and a networking reception with tabletop displays. Seminars run from 7:30 am to 6 pm.
  
  Call Doreen Bailey at 704-504-2625 or email events.flexographic@flintgrp.com for additional information.
  
  
  
  
  
• EskoArtwork donates software to FTA
  The Flexographic Technical Association’s TEST program has announced the donation by EskoArtwork of a complete suite of flexo-related software to advance the development of the association’s FIRST Operator Certification Program. Included in the donation are multiple accounts of editing and sheet layout modules, workflow automation, color management, output and imaging programs, 3D design applications and online collaboration solutions.
  
  “This type of donation is so important to the future of our program,” says Joe Tuccitto, FTA director of education. “Not only will this software allow us to provide robust graphics to the FIRST Implementation Specialist and Press Operator Certification programs, but will also allow us to author the content for the FIRST Prepress Certification Program using the very same tools that the industry is already using. EskoArtwork has always been on the forefront of supporting educational programs around the world and for our team this is the icing on the cake.”
  
  “The senior management and staff of EskoArtwork are extremely committed to the education and advancement of the graphic arts industry,” says Larry Moore, director of software services for EskoArtwork in North America. “We see the formation of industry education partnerships with technical associations like FTA and university graphics programs as key in keeping the industry strong and productive. Continuing education of applications and practices are crucial to increasing the productivity and efficiency of the graphics industry; to secure its position in the global economy.”
  
  In addition to the software donation, EskoArtwork is the most recent sponsor of the TEST Virtual Campus. The campus features seven buildings and 16 building wings, housing a combined 350-plus online courses that offer training on everything from the FIRST Operator Certification program to professional development, OSHA, and environmental, health and safety. EskoArtwork sponsors the Graphics Lab.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Novamelt-Jowat breaks ground on plant expansion
  Novamelt-Jowat, a manufacturer of adhesives for the label and tape industries, has broken ground on a new factory expansion project in Archdale, NC, USA. The expansion will double the size of the company’s manufacturing and storage facility.
  
  The original factory was completed and started producing finished products in early 2006. The customer demonstration lab, adhesive R&D, quality and testing labs, and administrative offices are located next to it. The expansion should be completed by December 31.
  
  “We simply outgrew our current capacity and are now excited to be investing to support the growing demand of our customers,” says Jim Auber, general manager.
  
  Novamelt-Jowat manufactures a range of hot melt pressure sensitive adhesives, UV-curable, UV-polymerizing, and laminating adhesives for use in the label, tape, medical, hygiene, and industrial products markets. The company also has an application laboratory in Germany.