Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia

LABELS & PACKAGING

2020

INNOVATION ASIA

6- 2019

We talk with Steve Ford

about plans for the packaging and printing industry here in Asia

LET US BE THE FUEL

Industrial Textile

MIS Systems

Hybrid Superwide

Wide Format

Roll-to-Roll Superwide

Soft Signage

Thermoform Printing

Web to Print Solutions

Fiery Servers

Ceramic

EFI offers you the broadest choice of products across the widest range of TM

applications to fuel your success. From superwide LED inkjet, to ceramic printing, to powerful Fiery print servers. From the lowest cost per print, to soft signage ÂŽ

textile printing, to delivering peak performance by running your business through EFI Productivity Suites. Contact your local EFI specialist at EFI_ANZ@efi.com.

Nothing herein should be construed as a warranty in addition to the express warranty statement provided with EFI products and services.

EFI, FabriVU, Fiery and VUTEk are trademarks of Electronics For Imaging, Inc. and/or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries. Š2018 Electronics For Imaging, Inc. All rights reserved.

_018 20

4

Canon Production Printing -

The New Face of OcĂŠ

8

Flexo Packaging set for continued

growth in Asia

12

"We are positively convinced that nothing can

be done without packaging."

18

MPS breaks sales records at Labelexpo Europe

20

BOBST unveils hybrid label press

24

Xeikon an omnipresence at Labelexpo 19

28

DIC Corporation to acquire global

pigments business

30

Heidelberg hosts Packaging Day in Shanghai

34

Gallus Labelmaster & Labelfire in great demand

38

Packaging in an E-Commerce World.

42

Small, compact, fast

44

Robot revolution: how is packaging needing to

adapt for the droid generation?

48

Adhesive that comes into contact with foodstuffs

52

Empowering customization at each stage of the

packaging journey

54

Metal deco digital proofing solution for two-piece

beverage cans

56

Clean Packaging Trends in Asia Pacific

58

Sold out show at Pack Print Plas Philippines

60

Solutions designed for maximized uptime and

high-quality 62

Sustainable Ink Innovation with Water-based

Print Solutions

64

5 Reasons why your CV might be preventing you

from reaching interview stage.

66

News from around the world and around

the region

AUGUST 26-27 - 2020

2020

Asian Print Awards Management Pte Ltd Level 28, Office 28-31 Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place, Singapore 048621 Tel+65 6733 5342 Fax +656733 3586 Chairman

Paul Callaghan paul@printinnovationasia.com

Conference Director

Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com Editor Sha Jumari sha@printinnovationasia.com

Chairman Judging Panel 2019 Packaging Excellence Awards Judges -Wim Swiggers - Phee Boon Eow Ben Kwok SHIFT_20 (AFTA) has 11 active Committee members for 2019/2020 For everything you need go to www.printinnovationasia.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

4

Canon Production Prin The New Face of Océ We catch up with newly-minted Steve Ford the new managing director, Océ Asia Production Printing Products, Canon Singapore, to discuss his new role, the renaming and streamlining of Océ, and Canon’s reach in the region.

By Sha Jumari.

On 1st July, Steve Ford takes over the helm at Océ Asia Production Printing Products, Canon Singapore as its new managing director. He joined Canon at an important time; just as Océ is going through the corporate name (trade name) change of Canon Group company Océ to Canon Production Printing.

“By integrating our products under the Canon brand, we will create brand unity across all areas of the Canon Group’s commercial printing business.

Through this, we will improve synergies throughout the Group and strengthen our capacity to provide thorough support and open new markets,” said Ford.

After joining the Canon Group in 2010, Océ continued to develop and manufacture its printing products under the Océ brand name. Back then, Canon kept the Océ name to benefit from the value of branding. Since its acquisition by Canon however, the company has proceeded with initiatives such as joint product development in order to expand the commercial printing business.

“Océ has since come to be known throughout the industry as the torchbearer of the commercial printing segment of Canon’s new portfolio.

Changing the company name represents the final level of integration with Canon. By integrating the company and

brand names, we plan to create brand unity across all areas of our printing business and improve synergies. What’s more, as a fully integrated company, we will better benefit from economies of scale to further develop our products and core technologies,” Ford added.

The change of the company name will come into full effect on 1st January 2020. According to the company, any reference to Océ will be changed to Canon Production Printing globally, including the Asia subsidiary. The Océ logo will eventually be phased out, as all Océ products will gradually begin using the Canon logo.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

5

nting Steve Ford the new managing director, Océ Asia Production Printing Products, Canon Singapore

Taking advantage of the integration process, Océ will be taking this opportunity to strengthen all of its divisions, including sales, service and strategic marketing and planning: “We are building new streamlined and segment focused teams across the region to better serve the market with dedicated resources.”

The Canon Appeal To Canon, Ford brought with him 27 years of experience in the graphic communications industry. He has been present across multicultural markets in Europe, the Middle East,

Africa and Asia, including Australia and New Zealand. Citing Asia as the most exciting region, Ford has been based here for the past eight years in management roles. Prior to his role at Canon, he was the general manager for Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific.

“For the past three months, I’ve been coming to terms with all of the products that we have, trying to meet as many customers as I can, and get around the region of all the countries that we cover,” said Ford.

“The products and the portfolio that Canon has are leaps and bounds in what we see in the market today. Canon is always looking to diversify their portfolio and looking for ways to open new markets with new applications. It’s exciting,” said Ford, on what attracted him to join Canon.

“The opportunity to lead with class leading products portfolio that Canon has, moving new markets and opening new business opportunities for our customers, is really the key,” Ford continued. “I look forward to a bright future with the Canon organisation.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

6 VarioPrint i300 color sheetfed digital press

“The Océ Colorado 1650 printer has a set of features that really fits with the market requirement and aligns with the growth in the display graphics,” Ford added. “The Océ Colorado 1650 is a complement to the Océ Arizona, our flatbed printer which has a roll option.”

In addition, packaging is a growth segment: “For the UV inkjet segment, I believe we're going to see a growth in the packaging space with the complementary offerings that are adjacent to customer’s existing businesses. Both the Océ Arizona and Océ Colorado printers can go into the small folding carton space, which is a limited, short-run and highly profitable application for the customers. We’re hoping to see a bigger growth in the drupa year,” Ford said.

When asked what his favourite product in the Canon portfolio is: “I can’t just pick one to be honest. If you ask me today, it would be the newly-launched Océ Colorado 1650. There are certain times in your career when products get launched and there’s one that you get really excited about. That is the Océ Colorado 1650 for me, because it’s a game-changer.”

With our industry leading disruptive technologies rapidly scaling in the Asian market, I hope to help our customers grow in the region.”

Canon in Asia Océ develops and manufactures hightech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market. The product offering includes continuous feed and cut-sheet printers for high-volume printing and publishing and large format printers for display graphics and CAE/GIS applications.

“We have a fantastic footprint in Asia for continuous feed inkjet, as well as our cut-sheet inkjet - those products being the Océ ColorStream and the Océ Varioprint i300,” said Ford. “As that portfolio is growing in the region, we’re expanding our sales fantastically.”

Most recently, Canon made the Southeast Asian debut of the new Océ Colorado 1650 in Thailand. The roll-to-roll large format printer is

aimed at print service providers that are producing high volumes of large format applications such as pointof-sales (POS) and interior décor.

According to Ford, these applications are driving growth in the region for display graphics.

The Océ Colorado 1650 features the Océ FLXfinish technology, which enables users to print matte or gloss as the output without changing inks or paper. It is also equipped with the new version of Canon UVgel ink which allows for maximum flexibility by increasing the ‘stretchability’ of each cured ink droplet.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

7

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

8

Flexo Packaging set for continued growth in Asia The last decade has seen major advances in the quality, consistency and efficiency of flexography, to the point where the process is a viable alternative to gravure for most applications.

This message is even reaching the Asian market, for so long a stronghold of gravure. This is good news for Bangkok-based TPN FlexPak, which became Southeast Asia’s first flexo packaging converter in 2001. The company is now reaping the benefits of that pioneering investment, along with multiple awards, including a Gold Award from the Flexographic Technical Association and ‘Best-In Show’ Award from the Asian Flexographic Technical Association.

Managing director Ananchat Thangkasemvathana explains how improved technology is winning converts to flexo among both brands and printers, and why the outlook for the process is very bright.

Q: It was a bold decision to adopt flexo back in 2001. What was the thinking behind the move?

A: Flexo has a number of advantages

over gravure, such as greater ease-ofuse, substrate versatility, and so on, and we saw its potential on certain types of packaging. A key factor in investing at the time that we did was also the arrival of gearless presses on the market, which we first saw at drupa 2000. This persuaded us the time was right to make the move.

Q: What were your early experiences with flexo in the Asian region, where gravure has historically been dominant?

A: In the beginning, there was some resistance from clients to what they regarded as a new process. As you say, gravure is big in Asia; even today, flexo only accounts for around 10% of the total flexible packaging market.

And there were some quality issues — visible rosettes on certain screen rulings, for example — which clients would not accept, so at first, we were limited in the jobs we could print flexo.

Q: What did you do to change clients’ perception of flexo?

A: We knew we would have to improve the quality, and the launch of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System in 2008 gave us the opportunity. Until then it was a challenge to provide consistency and repeatability because of flexo’s inherent limitations, but with FLEXCEL NX we could really raise the bar, regularly printing 150lpi screens, and occasionally reaching 175lpi.

Q: How did clients react when you suggested they switch their packaging to flexo?

A: Naturally we asked their permission to print a job flexo, and understandably they examined the results a bit more closely than they normally would! But after they saw that the quality matched gravure, there were no issues and no complaints.

We offer both processes, and most clients are happy to simply provide the

touchpoint packaging

Join the touchpoint packaging initiative Be part of it now:

www.drupa.com/tpp-en

drupa 2020 June 16–26, 2020 Dßsseldorf /Germany

Steering Committee:

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

10

artwork and leave us to decide on the right print process for each application.

Flexo has won the trust of the brand owners and we don’t encounter any objections.

Q. What about in the Asian market in general? Are brands still sceptical of flexo?

A. Yes, but in many cases I think it’s just an inherited prejudice, and it isn’t based on experience. If we don’t tell them we’ve printed a job flexo they’re perfectly satisfied with the quality. And over the last five years attitudes have definitely changed, albeit gradually.

Japanese customers, for example, who are trained to regard gravure as producing the best quality, are much more accepting of flexo now.

Q. Are any particular sectors driving the growth of flexo-printed flexible packaging?

A. Food packaging, without a doubt, because of the influence of the big international brands based in the US and Europe. These players know flexo, they’re comfortable with the process, and they expect their overseas suppliers to offer flexo so that they can replicate what they do at home.

For me, these demands will be a big driver of flexo’s future growth in the Asian market. Brand integrity demands identical print quality around the globe and using the same print process

everywhere is the best guarantee of this. Brand owners want to work to a “distribute and print” workflow, with a central pre-press department producing a single file that all packaging producers work to — it’s straightforward, eliminates variables and delivers greater control and higher consistency.

Q. After nine years working with Flexcel NX, what are the major benefits of the system?

A. For one thing, production runs so smoothly that I don’t have to get involved so much in operational issues!

But there are a number of specific benefits as well. Improved plate life gives us longer runs, with stable print quality throughout. We can run the presses faster — up to 300m/min, depending on the design and runlength. Because we use smaller-volume anilox rollers, our ink consumption is reduced by 10-15%, yet we can print higher densities. Add in greater efficiency at the pre-press stage, and the production process is more efficient, more productive and less wasteful — and without the ‘real estate’ needed to store gravure cylinders. The logistics of the flexo process are much simpler.

Q. Based on your experience, what advice would you give packaging printers considering investing in flexo?

A. If they’re looking for a growth market, then give flexo serious

consideration, because that 10% market share is sure to grow. Of course, it depends on the application; for example, gravure is still good for products such as retort pouches, but flexo is better on stretchable film. It’s also important to realise that flexo requires good all-round investment, at all stages of the workflow — press, pre-press, inks and all the associated consumables.

Q. KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions has a new home now — Miraclon.

What are you expecting from the new company?

A. The name is new, but in a way nothing has changed. The team is the same one we have grown to trust over the last nine years, and Miraclon possesses the same innovative imaging science that were developed by Kodak.

What’s different, however, is Miraclon’s 100% focus on the flexo space, plus a flatter corporate structure that makes the company more agile and able to respond quickly to what’s happening in the market.

When we first invested in FLEXCEL NX we thought we were just investing in a good technology that would help part of our business, but along with the system we also got superb technical and marketing support. We don’t expect this to change!

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

11

"We are positively con can be done without p The range of topics for our exclusive interview with Flint Group Flexographic Global Commercial Vice President, Friedrich von Rechteren, was comprehensive. The focus of the discussion, however, was the thermal process for the production of flexo printing plates which has seen only limited success in the flexible packaging sector up to now. The nyloflexÂŽ Xpress Thermal System could change this altogether, breathing new life into the thermal process.

Mr. von Rechteren, what are your views on the current and future development of the global packaging market? Which countries and regions are driving its growth?

Friedrich von Rechteren: The global packaging industry with its chief market segments in labels, flexible packaging and cardboard as well as corrugated board packaging, is growing at an average annual rate of 3%. However, there are large regional differences in growth patterns against this backdrop, as Europe and North America, for example, are growing much slower than Asia and Latin America. Flexo printing is the world leader in terms of

printing processes used for packaging production. Especially in Latin America and in Asia, which is still dominated by gravure printing, flexo printing is recording above-average growth.

This was also a major reason for Flint Group to invest in the new Asia Pacific Technology Center in Shanghai which implements the entire flexo printing plate production workflow.

However, the geopolitical situation has caused a general uncertainty in the markets which is leading to a waitand-see attitude towards investments.

Not even the global packaging market can completely escape this situation.

Emotions also run high in the discussion about the ecological effects

of packaging which targets flexible plastic packaging. We are therefore uncertain as to whether the 3% global growth I mentioned will be achieved in 2019.

In spite of these uncertainties, we believe that the packaging market is fundamentally intact. We are firmly convinced that packaging is still indispensable. Packaging plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of food and protecting it during transport.

People are still buying portioned and packaged food, and consumers are increasingly ordering their goods online.

The design of the packaging also plays a crucial role in differentiating between

nvinced that nothing packaging." brands in order to win consumers over.

The issue of the materials used in packaging production therefore always arises in this context. As a result, there will probably be changes towards other material combinations in the future.

However, I should also emphasize that there are currently no satisfactory solutions available on the market to replace the multilayer films with their customized barrier functions that are used up to now.

Flint Group develops, manufactures and markets a comprehensive portfolio of consumables and accessories for the

flexographic printing and packaging printing industries. These include photopolymer flexo printing plates and flexo sleeves, equipment for imaging and processing printing plates and printing forms, sleeve and adapter systems as well as printing inks and coatings for flexo printing and digital printing.

How does Flint Group use the resulting synergies? Are your customers always aware of the opportunities this diversified portfolio opens up for them?

JOIN in AUGUST 2020

20 _018

2020

LABELS & PACKAGING CONFERENCE

AUGUST 26 - 27th Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's industrial production rose by 10.0 percent year-on-year in May 2019, accelerating from a 9.3 percent growth in the previous month. Output increased further for manufacturing (11.6 percent vs 10 percent in April); and water supply and waste treatment (8.4 percent vs 7.9 percent).

On the other hand, production of electricity supply and distribution went up at a softer pace (11.0 percent vs 12.4 percent) and mining and quarrying output declined (-1.5 percent vs 2.4 percent). Considering the first five months of the year, industrial output grew by 9.4 percent compared to the same period a year earlier.

Industrial Production in Vietnam averaged 9.15 percent from 2009 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 28.40 percent in January of 2010 and a record low of -10.10 percent in February of 2013.

Flint Group's new nyloflexÂŽ Xpress Thermal Processing System for the thermal processing of flexo printing plates had its European debut at the Xeikon CafĂŠ in Lier (B) in March of 2017. Would you briefly explain the process principle and its greatest advantages to our readers?

Friedrich von Rechteren: Basically, the thermal system is a simple, quick process for the production of flexo printing plates. This technology eliminates the need for solvent, as the system does not require any hazardous substances, and the space requirement is minimal.

Friedrich von Rechteren: Flint Group pursues two complementary approaches. First, we rely on a specialized sales staff and technicians for our highly technical product solutions. Our strategy is designed to map the entire printing workflow across different technologies and process steps. Then, the challenge is to transform the wide range of different products into a solution-oriented approach, which is not limited to the support of individual products for our clients. In order to put this approach into practice, Flint Group operates on a market-specific basis, i.e. each division, regardless of its product portfolio, serves the three market segments of labels, flexible packaging and cardboard and corrugated board packaging.

able to offer our customers the best possible solution.

Within this basic structure, we have analyzed which solutions we can offer our customers in relation to the respective segments. In this context, both the size of the company and the individual strategies of the customers play important roles. This depends on whether it is a repro house, just a printing company or an "integrated printer" that produces its plates in-house. The needs of these customer groups are very different, and the insights we gained from our analysis were bundled by our experts from Marketing and Research & Development for each market segment.

We are working hard to develop solutions for these different customer groups and market segments. This is a continuous optimization process which always puts us in the position of being

There, we discuss customer-specific problems across the product chain and along the entire value chain while jointly searching for suitable solutions. In addition to the usual sales processes, this is the fundamental market approach we pursue. We have now achieved good market penetration in the label market with our almostcomplete product portfolio. But even in this segment, not all customers are yet aware of the actual breadth of our portfolio. Flexible packaging and paper and board are the next markets we will address to better communicate our rich offering of different product solutions.

In this context, the establishment of a global network of technology centers is a key element.

The best examples of the successful implementation of this strategy are our appearances at the Labelexpo events where, as a group, we display our entire product range for the label market.

This ranges from Xeikon digital printing presses, to UV inks and color management solutions, to a wide range of flexo plates and letterpress plates, to sleeve and adapter systems to process technologies for plate processing. This is also consciously perceived by our global clientele in the label sector. In practice, this means that we visit our customers on site with an expert team or invite them to one of our technology centers.

Flint Group's nyloflexÂŽ Xpress System uses flexo printing plates specifically developed for thermal processing. In the processor, the thermal printing plate is first heated to a defined temperature inside the processor, and then the unexposed polymer is pulled out of the plate by a developer roll.

After that, the plate only needs to be light finished. This eliminates the timeconsuming washing out and drying of the plate which is needed in solvent plate processing.

In addition, flexo printing plates and developer rolls can be fed into a single recycling stream, because they share the same waste code. The total processing time for a thermal flexo printing plate, including all process steps, is about 45 minutes which is considerably faster than the solvent process.

The thermal process for the production of flexo printing plates is not new, but has been on the market for years. Why has this processing technology not yet fully caught on in Europe?

Friedrich von Rechteren: Until a few years ago, Flint Group focused on the solvent process in the manufacture of flexo printing plates. There were primarily two reasons for that: First, thermal technology had not yet reached the same level of quality years ago as the solvent process. Because we see ourselves as a supplier of high-quality products, the thermal processing method was out of the question for us at that time. Therefore, we concentrated on the solvent process. Historical

TRANSFORM YOUR CORRUGATED PACKAGING BUSINESS Create new business opportunities and gain new competitive advantages - while reducing turnaround time and waste. HP digital corrugated packaging solutions complement your analog capabilities, giving you greater flexibility to address short-runs, accelerate time to market, and simplify your production processes.

With HP, you can turn dynamic market requirements into new growth opportunities for your business.

HP PAGEWIDE T400 PRESS

HP PAGEWIDE T1100 SERIES PRESSES

Open new opportunities with a combined solution of pre-print and digital in one inkjet web press.

Optimize time savings with high-volume production and job versatility, thanks to variable data and HP Multi-lane Print Architecture.

HP SCITEX 15500 CORRUGATED PRESS

HP SCITEX 17000 CORRUGATED PRESS

Drive down costs - and improve your break-even point - with a highly productive press that lets you do more.

Achieve cost-effective, short- and medium-run production.

Meet demanding turnarounds with the quality you need.

DIGITAL FLEXIBILITY

OFFSET-LIKE PRINT QUALITY

HP PAGEWIDE C500 PRESS Grow your business with HP’s digital post-print solution delivering offset quality for mainstream production.

: www.hp.com/go/corrugatedpackaging ©2018 HP Development Company, LP. 4AA7-4099EEW

INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE

HIGH PERFORMANCE

FOOD-SAFE WATER-BASED INK

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

16 reasons also played a role. Our plate production is based in Europe and, at the same time, the European continent is a very important market for us.

Due to the differences in quality I just mentioned, the thermal process was never really successful in Europe.

Therefore we concentrated more on our main market, which was "Europe", and then increased our solvent process in other markets. As a result, we left the US, which was the largest market for the thermal process, to our competitors.

With an increasing demand for solvent-free processing systems for flexo printing plates being driven by a growing environmental awareness, stricter legal solvent regulations or the desire of our customers to use a quick process for plate processing, we have worked intensively on the development of our own system. The solvent-based processing of flexo printing plates is and remains a high-quality process, but we also wanted to be able to offer our customers a solvent-free process.

The premise for the development of a thermal process was that we would only introduce this type of processing system onto the market if it achieved the same quality as the solvent system. In addition to this, we were not willing to allow this type of solution to compromise our quality standards or our reputation in the market under any circumstances.

Moreover, we were faced with the question of whether this should be a thermal or water-based solution. After weighing the pros and cons, we decided on the thermal process, which was essentially supported by the following points: low waste generation and easy disposal, small space requirement, easy operation, quick processing and relatively low investment requirements.

The thermal system can also be used locally, directly at the printing press.

This is a positive advantage, especially with increasingly shorter lead times for orders. This is why the system is particularly successful in the label sector.

Finally, we launched our nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System at Labelexpo Americas in 2016. As the largest label and packaging market, the USA was predestined for the product launch.

In the meantime, we have also demonstrated the qualitative advantage of our system over comparable solutions from other competitors in the market.

In principle, however, it should be noted that the flexo printing plates produced with our thermal process are equal to or at least nearly as good as solvent plates.

The disadvantage that is repeatedly pointed out for the thermal production of flexo printing plates is that unexposed photopolymer is not completely removed from the fabric, particularly with plates having high screen resolutions.

The structure of the nonwoven material can also become visible on the plate surface. Has Flint Group been able to solve these problems with the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System, and what makes it different from those of other manufacturers?

Friedrich von Rechteren: Flint Group has been able to solve this problem.

The principal components of our nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System: processor, flexo printing plates and developer rolls, are precisely coordinated with each other to perform optimally. An essential difference from other systems on the market is that we use a special heating technology in the processor. We work with a different

temperature in combination with the nonwoven material and our specific plates, so that there is no impression of the nonwoven component left on the flexo printing plate. The unexposed polymer is completely removed by the nonwoven material, and no structural imprints remain on the surface of the plate.

The innovation of the zone-controlled heating system in the processor is based on a highly efficient infrared module that monitors and guarantees precise heat distribution over the entire width of the drum and in the plate.

The regulated heat output increases the dimensional stability of the substrate, providing high stability and consistency in plate processing. And the heat regulation means that the system does not require any cooling. Consequently, this technology can achieve an overall energy saving of up to 88%.

In addition, much less waste is generated compared to other system solutions. Specifically, the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System consumes about 30% less nonwoven material per

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

17 Therefore, the thermal process is worth considering for printing companies with their own plate production and fewer types of plates. For prepress service providers whose customers span a wide variety of market segments, however, the solvent-based process is the better choice.

Flint Group aims to achieve a market share of 3 to 5% in the thermal sector by the end of this year. Based on our assessment of the global thermal market, I can tell you that we are on schedule.

Can your thermal flexo plates be used to print both solvent-based and water-based inks as well as UV inks?

square meter, which means the fabric is 30% less dense, which results in a better plate quality. In addition, the waste balance is improved even more, as we do not need any PET carrier film in our processor.

Under what conditions would you recommend a thermal and a solvent-based process to a customer? What drives the market for solvent-free processing systems?

Friedrich von Rechteren: VOC restrictions and the ongoing trend towards more sustainability in the printing industry are currently providing a thrust for the thermal plate processing market and boosting interest in the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System outside of the label industry, particularly in the flexible packaging and corrugated board markets. But investing in a solvent-free system only makes sense if the waste problem is solved. And that's where our thermal solution steps up to the plate.

In the area of thin plates, the thermal processing method is an alternative to the solvent process. For plates with thicknesses of over 2.84 mm, the solvent-based process still offers the highest level of efficiency. In addition, the solvent process is the more versatile technology, because it can be used to process all types of flexo printing plates of all thicknesses.

Friedrich von Rechteren: Our two new thermal flexo plates are suitable for all ink types. The nyloflex® XVH Digital flat top dot plate is designed for narrow web printing. Due to the possibility of surface screening, it provides optimum printing results on films and other non-absorbent substrates. We have developed the new nyloflex® XFH Digital plate especially for printing flexible packaging with solvent-based inks. It is a thermal flat top dot flexo printing plate with a texturized surface that eliminates the need for surface screening and is designed for printing on films and other non-absorbent substrates.

Our portfolio for thermal processing also includes two round top dot flexo plates which produce excellent print results on paper. The nyloflex® XPH Digital plate with its 60° Shore A hardness is especially used for printing the finest highlights with minimal dot gain. With 50° Shore A, the nyloflex® XPM Digital plate is a relatively soft flexo printing plate which is used for printing on rough substrates. Both round top dot plates can print both water-based and UV inks.

What innovations and developments is Flint Group currently working on?

Friedrich von Rechteren: We are currently looking at three fields of innovation. The first of these is the further development of the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal System. Later this

year, we will introduce a thermal processor for processing larger plate formats; this is specially designed for printing flexible packaging and expands or completes our portfolio of smallformat processors, which primarily serve the label sector.

In addition, we will continue to adapt and optimize our range of flat top dot plates for thermal processing. The same goes for our solvent-processable flat top dot plates. In this area, we will continue to advance plate development for the printing of flexible packaging.

In 2019, we will also release several flexo printing plates whose special features have been further optimized for the various market segments.

The third item is the fully automatic production of flexo printing plates. Our vision is to create a seamless, digitally networked workflow without manual intervention.

Mr. Friedrich von Rechteren, to close our interview, I would like to ask you how you assess the further development of digital printing?

Friedrich von Rechteren: Digital printing is predestined for the label sector and is growing particularly strongly in this market segment.

However, online retailers are also gradually trying to increase the loyalty of their customers and influence their purchasing decisions through digitally individualized cardboard or corrugated board packaging. A major international corrugated board printer and good Flint Group customer sees digital printing as a relatively fast-growing niche area for complementing conventional processes. For digital printing to be seen as an economical option, it must offer an added value that justifies the significantly higher price for this type of packaging.

Some examples might include personalized printed packaging for birthday gifts or individualized packaging for regional marketing campaigns. Seen purely from a cost perspective, digital printing is still far too expensive compared to flexo printing to economically serve the mass market for packaging.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

18

MPS breaks sales records at Labelexpo Europe Twelve press sales reported.

MPS reports a rewarding Labelexpo Europe 2019 with surpassing the number of press orders received on show, the successful introduction of the ‘Beyond the Machine’ concept showcasing four key processes that extend beyond the printing press, and debut of a wider EF SYMJET hybrid press that drew crowds during live demonstrations.

Record international flexo and hybrid press sales Labelexpo Europe 2019 concluded in celebration for MPS with a record number of twelve press sales, in a combination of EFS & EFA flexo presses, EXL-Packaging and EF SYMJET hybrid equipment.

In this year’s show, MPS chose to focus not only on machinery, but also on services and processes that provide key support. This was physically displayed by placing a – fully equipped – press in the middle of the stand, surrounded by four ‘islands’: Applications, Service, Productivity and Connectivity.

Atze Bosma, CEO of MPS proudly said: “We are extremely pleased with the number of press sales signed during Labelexpo that breaks our previous record. A mix of flexo, hybrid and packaging presses were sold to printers in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.”

“MPS is known for manufacturing equipment of the highest quality. But instead of packing our stand with machines, we came to Labelexpo Europe with a different message this year: to communicate that we’re much more than just a machine builder,” said Inge Smolders, Manager Marketing Communications of MPS.

Details of press sales will be unveiled soon.

Successful presentation of ‘Beyond the Machine’

“By delivering best-in-class Service, guaranteed Productivity, outstanding Applications and up-to-date

Connectivity innovations, we prove that an MPS press is only a tool that helps printers achieve the best and complete lifecycle performance from their investment.”

Debut of wider EF SYMJET hybrid press Also unveiled at Labelexpo Europe 2019 was the new, wider version of the hybrid EF SYMJET, an inkjet/ flexo platform built with an exclusive partnership with Domino. The MPS EF SYMJET press is now available in 340 mm/ 13” and 430 mm / 17” widths and can be equipped with multiple flexo units, lamination and embellishing units, die-cutting and many more converting options. During live demonstrations, a combination of nine labels were printed with various embellishments including digital cold foil, hologram- and lenticular 3D effects, de-lam re-lam and micro texts.

Atze Bosma, CEO of MPS said: “Productivity is one of our focus processes that extends Beyond the Machine. With the new 17” width, we are offering our customers higher productivity, more flexibility and the possibility to open new markets and even more options for applications.

This is a great addition to our portfolio of flexo, hybrid and offset presses for labelling and packaging.”

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

19

FlatTopDot

nyloflex® FTC Digital

Flat Top Dot Plate

Solvent Digital

Corrugated Postprint

Save Time

Reduce Cost & Waste

Increased Productivity

Fluting Reduction

Bump-Up Reduction

Water Based Ink

YOUR BENEFITS

BETTER. FASTER. EASIER TO USE. info.flexo@flintgrp.com www.flintgrp.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

20

BOBST unveils hybrid label press Demonstrated live four times a day, Labelexpo was the world premiere platform for the new MASTER DM5.

BOBST announced the world premiere of its latest innovation – a hybrid label press, which provides the best possible combination of digital and DigiFlexo printing in a single press. The MASTER DM5, which has “Mouvent™ InkJet Digital Technology Inside”, is associated with total flexibility for high added value labels, with extremely short job setup and fast return on investment.

It is the most digitally automated press in the label market, with the highest print quality and productivity.

“The MASTER DM5 is our first ever fully digitally integrated hybrid press and represents a new era in the production of self-adhesive labels with totally new standards of productivity

and profitability,” said Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of BOBST. “BOBST can now offer the full range of Digital, Hybrid and DigiFlexo solutions, which are perfectly integrated, interchangeable and scalable to all present and future needs.”

The MASTER DM5 is the most convenient digital integration available.

Immediately it looks different, standing out at first glance, with the smallest footprint in the industry, easy and userfriendly access to digital print heads and the automated set-up of multi-process operations.

The digital print engine inside the MASTER DM5 is made up

of Mouvent’s proprietary Cluster Technology – integrating Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads – which is the innovative basis of the entire range of digital printing machines developed

by Mouvent, BOBST’s digital printing competence center. The Mouvent™ Cluster heads are super compact and simple to change for easy and accessible maintenance, and have all-in-one fully integrated inking, conditioning and electronic circuits for the highest print heads reliability.

“Two of the greatest benefits of the MASTER DM5 are its productivity and reliability,” said Federico D’Annunzio, BOBST Program Manager Hybrid Printing. “It represents a total flexodigital-converting integration, with non-stop productivity, and the highest press uptime in the industry. It prints at speeds of up to 100 m/min at the highest quality, 1.200 x 1.200 dpi. Full digital automation means that only one press operator is needed to print high added value label jobs, in short and medium runs. Job changes on-

High Performance Splicing, Rewinding, and Tension Control Systems OUR EXPERIENCE...YOUR ADVANTAGE

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

22 the-fly, without stopping the press, are possible for flexo, digital, die-cutting and stripping processes. All analogue tools (print cylinders, flexible dies) are changed automatically. Waste stripping is also fully automated. Eliminating traditional analogue bottlenecks, the MASTER DM5 is the very first digitized ‘non-stop’ label press.”

Importantly, in an era when colour fidelity and consistency are more important than ever, the MASTER DM5 has the widest digital colour gamut in digital printing, and the most accurate and easy to achieve digital colour matching. It has an exclusive screening and digital front end (DFE) solution.

Ink-on-Demand (IoD) is an optional extra for DigiFlexo print units, a revolutionary solution that replaces conventional inking reservoirs with a single rubber pipe that dispenses

30 grams of ink to the print unit.

The system eliminates ink trays and chambered doctor blades and performs fully automated washing of the print unit in less than one minute.

It also has a full range of added value capabilities, including coatings, varnishes, tactile effects, 3d effects, hot stamping, cold foil, embossing, die cutting, punching, silk screen, flexo and digital Variable Data Printing (VDP).

"The MASTER DM5 is a fully digitally integrated label press like this has never been invented before," said Federico D'Annunzio. "The benefits for printers and converters are significant, and we are planning to demonstrate the full capabilities of this highly innovative press at Labelexpo."

We worked out the perfect solution to expand your gamut!

Enter a new color space with ORIS X GAMUT.

ORIS X GAMUT Reproduce spot colors using a fixed ink set (CMYK+N)

ORIS X GAMUT

PDF RGB

PDF CMYK+Pantone

Increase color saturation of images Separate PDF data into multi-channel data Create and manage own spot color libraries Easy, fully-automated production process

Conventional

PDF CMYK+N FIXED INK PALETTE

Digital www.cgs-oris.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

23

Evo XD – The right choice for high profits in flexo

The Evo XD generation flexo presses developed by Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica up to 10 colours embodies the essence of strategic principles of efficiency and sustainability thanks to a number of innovative solutions aimed at assuring added productivity even with the shortest of print runs, excellent print quality and the eco-friendliness of the converting process.

Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica S.p.A. koenig-bauer.com Koenig & Bauer (SEA) Sdn Bhd kba@kbaasiapacific.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

24

Xeikon an omnipresence at Labelexpo 19 On the Flint Group stand and throughout the exhibition, the company showcased a wide portfolio of digital label printing solutions.

Over four days at Labelexpo, Xeikon exhibited on the Flint Group stand and showcased on the company’s largest booth yet. A wide portfolio of digital label printing solutions was featured including entry level as well as high productivity production lines from start to finish.

Xeikon exhibited in three dedicated areas where it presented its wide-web, large format labels for the chemical and automotive industries, its latest durable labels for the health & beauty and food & wine sectors, and its dry toner and laminating technologies for flexible packaging and pouches. The company demonstrated its Label Discovery Package for entry-level investments.

Across the show, Xeikon participated in the Sustainability Insight Café and the Flexible Packaging Arena.

“At this year’s Labelexpo, Xeikon will announce new partnerships, new innovations and new online tools.

Our new advisory tool ‘Transform’ is already taking our customer service offerings to a different level. Digital

Xeikon Smart Solution

label printing has become a mainstream technology with many suppliers, and the wealth of choice now available does not make it easy for label converters to choose what is best for their business,” said Filip Weymans, Xeikon’s vice president of marketing. “Xeikon is delighted to attend Labelexpo Europe 2019 in its 40th anniversary year. We are immensely proud of Xeikon’s development trajectory in recent years, and it is perfect timing for us to align with the exhibition’s mission to help label printers ‘move their businesses forward’.”

Xeikon created the Transform tool to provide guidance to converters looking to move to digital for the first time or to optimize their existing digital operations.

As previously announced, throughout the show, Xeikon operated a selection of popular configurations: • Label Discovery Package: an entrylevel solution addressing 90% of all end-user label applications

• Xeikon CX500: addressing high-end food and wine label printing • Xeikon PX3000: the ideal solution for health & beauty markets and highperformance durable label printing • Xeikon aXelerate: a support service that helps printers and converters to go the extra mile New ‘smart label’ solution Xeikon announced and presented a new ‘smart label’ solution developed and created in partnership with UPM Raflatac and Magic Add. It is a cloudbased application that enables track and trace capability for labels, designed to help brand owners wanting to bring labels and packaging online. With the solution, they are now better able to measure the success of their campaigns or to control the supply chain.

“More and more brands want to say ‘we are providing the authentic product’. In creating this smart label solution for brand owners, we have worked with UPM Raflatac and Magic Add to put the ‘smart’ part into label design. Many industries are integrating

20 _018

LABELS & PACKAGING CONFERENCE

AUGUST 26 - 27th Ho Chi Minh City

2020 Asia's Oldest and Biggest Packagiong Conference and Awards

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

26

Weymans added: “Xeikon is at the forefront of digital printing technology continually monitoring the trends and guiding our customers towards new revenue streams to create new business.

We have developed Xeikon fleXflow for stand-up pouch production to answer the growing consumer trend for ‘on-the-go’ consumption of food and drinks. Xeikon continues to address the converters’ needs for profitable short runs and fast turnarounds, variable data printing in full colour and a wide application range. Brand owners looking for a diversity of containers for their products are drawn to the pouches’ ability to stand and stack, their lightweight and their sustainability. This new application development is taking digital production to the highest levels.”

technology into their product lines and producing ‘smart’ products to meet current trends. Xeikon continues to utilise the constant advancements in technology for the benefit of the label community. This smart label solution incorporates technology that extends the functionality of labels and packaging beyond traditional print methods. What’s exciting is the technology behind the action,” said Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director Product Management at Xeikon.

Every package is made unique with an image, text, a number or a code, and it is ready to be scanned with standard applications. There are a number of options such as QR codes that give consumers the ability to track their product throughout its complete life cycle. End users can trace the place of origin of their product and every step from there through to the consumer.

They can check storage conditions during transport and track the journey of the product from supplier to retailer.

Knowing that their product is authentic gives the consumer confidence to trust the brand. Smart labels have the unique ability to allow manufacturers to continue to interact with their customers, even after the initial purchase is done and the product has been brought home.

New Xeikon fleXflow for Pouch Production Xeikon was also a key participant in Labelexpo’s Flexible Packaging Arena and presented its new fleXflow for pouch production. There, the company showcased its digital pouch-making solution involving full colour print and lamination for food packaging, both in the Brand Innovation Showcase and in the Sustainability Insight Café.

Designed to create new business opportunities for label converters, fleXflow is one of four of Xeikon’s full production lines at the show.

Xeikon’s powerful X-800 Digital Front End printing will drive the pouch production line on a Xeikon CX500 dry toner, an industrial digital press with inline thermal lamination on a Xeikon LCoat500 and inline packaging construction.

FLINT GROUP LABEL FACTORY Visitors to the Xeikon and Flint Group booth were able to experience the “Flint Group Label Factory”. This showcase offered an unmatched an unmatched product and services portfolio that covers all steps of the value chain for label printing, and addresses most industry needs.

Flint Group presented technologies from four different product groups that encompass the latest developments in prepress and pre-production, through digital and conventional print and embellishments, converting and delivery. These include Flint Group Flexographic Products (flexographic and letterpress printing plates), Flint Group Narrow Web (inks for any narrow web printing technique), Xeikon (digital printing solutions), and ThermoFlexX (digital imaging for flexo and letterpress).

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020 Š 2019 Miraclon. Flexcel is a trademark of Miraclon. The Kodak trademark, logo and trade dress are used under license from Kodak.

27

Drive pressroom efficiencies.

Deliver both gold standard print quality and compelling production efficiency with the FLEXCEL NX System.

Unparalleled consistency | Fastest imaging | Simple plate portfolio WWW.MIRACLON.COM/GO/FLEXCELNX

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

28

DIC Corporation to acquire global pigments business DIC Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BASF’s global pigments business, known as BASF Colors & Effects (BCE). The acquisition will broaden DIC’s portfolio as a global manufacturer of pigments.

In the immediate future, business for customers will remain the same as usual. A transition team will be put in place to ensure a smooth transition for customers and employees by the expected closing date in the fourth quarter of 2020.

“Our acquisition of BCE brings together complementary resources and expertise of two recognized leaders in innovation, product stewardship, regulatory leadership, application support and manufacturing,” said Kaoru Ino, president and Chief Executive Officer of DIC. “We have outlined a clear growth path for DIC with the target to increase our sales to 1 trillion yen (approximately €8 billion) by 2025. In this context, BASF’s pigments portfolio is an important strategic addition in meeting our goals more expeditiously. It will allow us to expand our offering as one of the leading pigment suppliers globally and provide our customers even more versatile solutions.”

Customers will benefit as the acquisition offers a unique opportunity to combine complementary know-how and best practices to develop groundbreaking innovative solutions for the marketplace.

With over 30 pigment production facilities worldwide between DIC and BCE, the company’s pigment portfolio will be able to offer broader product categories related to effect pigments, inorganic pigments, organic pigments, specialty dyes, and pigment preparations.

“We have achieved our goal to find an owner who considers pigments a core strategic business,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE responsible for the Industrial Solutions segment. “DIC pursues ambitious growth plans and has announced to further develop the business in the coming years. We are convinced that the pigments business will be able to unfold its full potential within DIC.”

Yoshinari Akiyama, DIC Executive Officer and General Manager of the Color Material Products Div. states, “The acquisition of BCE is extremely ideal within the DIC pigments business, due to the complementary regional footprint and product portfolio. It is a strategic partner for DIC who aims for high growth and high added value by expanding functional pigments into niche applications. By combining the technological capabilities of both companies, we will continue to create new value and provide it to the market as a leading company in the pigment business.”

For Dr. Alexander Haunschild, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at BASF’s pigment-focused subsidiary BASF Colors & Effects, the agreement is a chance to continue the growth path started in 2016: “We see DIC as an owner who is willing to invest, committed to innovations and interested in the longer term success of the business.”

“As a long-standing business partner of BASF, we value the expertise and engagement of BASF’s employees in the pigments business,” said Myron Petruch, DIC Executive Officer and President and CEO of Sun Chemical, a subsidiary of DIC Corporation.

“The move improves our pigment footprint in Europe and underscores our commitment to delivering solutions tailored to meet the needs of our customers. It also allows us to compete in the global marketplace more effectively going forward”

FLEXO PLATE MAKING SIMPLIFIED

Esko helps premedia houses and converters

and unique back and front LED exposure turn plate making in a coordinated, linear process.

production. The new CDI Crystal 5080 XPS leads the way: high resolution laser imaging

www.esko.com

Info.asp@esko.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

30

Heidelberg hosts Packaging Day in Shanghai Packaging accounts for around 25 percent of all printed products. At the same time, the packaging market is the strongest growing market segment with around 3 percent on average.

The most important region is Asia/ Pacific with an annual growth rate of 4.6 percent. It’s the same picture the world over: brand owners have extremely demanding quality standards for folding cartons. The trends are ever declining runs, faster innovation cycles, shorter delivery times, increasing cost pressures, falling margins, more embellishments, zero defect production, and customized packagings.

of solutions for packaging printers at three events in Asia. The kickoff came at the beginning of September in the Heidelberg plant in Shanghai with the Packaging Day, which showcased the Smart Print Shop, followed by the subsequent Open House at Masterwork (MK) in Tianjin, where the current MK portfolio for finishing was presented.

Packaging Day in the Heidelberg plant in Shanghai – embellished packagings as the star of the show

Heidelberg has the appropriate products for all of these requirements, and showcased its comprehensive range

The Packaging Day in the Print Media Center in the Shanghai plant welcomed nearly 100 visitors from the

Asian region. The Heidelberg experts showcased the integrated Smart Print Shop for packaging consisting of the Prinect workflow, the Speedmaster CD 102-8+L Multicolor with navigated printing, and finishing with the Promatrix 106 CS die-cutting machine, the new Diana Go folder gluer, and quality assurance with the Diana Eye inspection system. The focus here was on the variety of finishing options such as inline embossing and drip-off special-effect coating.

Application diversity is important in Asia in particular, so that there is a clear difference between the packagings at the point of sale. The interaction between digital and offset was demonstrated with a Versafire EV and the Speedmaster CX 75-5+L. Saphira consumables optimally tailored to the machines were used, such as the food-safe inks and coatings which are so important for packagings. The visitors were also shown how efficient Heidelberg’s service is, namely how non-productive times can be minimized and productivity maximized with Remote Service and Predictive Service.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

31

THE PERFECT SYNTHESIS OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Frontal Dual trolley Combi drying system

Fully automatic Totally encapsulated

THE EXTREMELY COMPACT ROTOGRAVURE MACHINE It is equipped with unique and innovative solutions as:

W W W. U T E C O . C O M

Our Indian representative ASHLING Impex LLP www.ashling.in Email: info@ashling.in

- Combi drying system, a powerful compact energy-saving system that allows a substantial reduction of noise thanks to the combi technology.

- Frontal Dual trolley, a versatile trolley for extremely fast job changes and set-up. This system gives you the flexibility to change the cylinders, inking system, or both at the same time.

- Printing Units, fully encapsulated to reduce VOC emissions and noise pollution.

- Automatic positioning of the doctor blade and ink tray.

UTECO: NOT ONLY FLEXO UTECO CONVERTING SPA • I 37030 COLOGNOLA AI COLLI (VR) • PH.: +39 045 6174555 • UTECOVR@UTECO.COM

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

32 Tianjin. The partnership between MK and Heidelberg for finishing machines in the packaging market goes back to 2014. MK develops and produces the machines, while Heidelberg handles sales and service. This partnership was further strengthened in spring of this year, with MK becoming an anchor shareholder in Heidelberg with a holding of 8.5 percent.

Promatrix 106 FC

“The solutions for integrated carton production with high productivity combined with options for differentiation have inspired me, and shown me ways of achieving successful production in packaging,” said one participant by ways of summarizing his impressions.

A factory tour through the Qingpu plant gave the visitors the opportunity to see the high production quality for themselves.

Successful partnership with Masterwork A number of visitors to the Packaging Day as well as other guests from around the world including France, Mexico and Russia attended the MK Open House in

The portfolio is constantly being expanded and adapted to customer requirements. For example, the Open House showcased the Promatrix 106 FC, which die-cuts and can apply hot foil, for the print embellishment sector. The Powermatrix 106 CSB, which die-cuts and embosses, is now also compatible with EU pallets.

The Promatrix 145 CSB for bigger formats and high throughput is new.

The Digimatrix 60 FC, the economical solution for short runs in the hot-foil embossing and die-cutting sector, was also shown for the first time.

The visitors got to see the high quality standards during a factory tour. MK attaches great importance to high added value, currently around 60 percent, as a means to the best possible control over quality.

FACT: 80% of print quality

issues stem from the condition of the anilox.

Alphasonics cleaning systems are trusted the world over.

Talk to us to find out how we can help even the score.

Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems • Parts Washers Industrial Water Recycling • Zero Contact Plate Washers 18 Caddick Road Knowsley Business Park South Knowsley, Merseyside L34 9HP United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 151 547 3777 Fax: +44 (0) 151 547 1333 www.alphasonics.co.uk

DIGITAL PRINTING SOLUTIONS LIKE NO OTHER Ready for the next turn.

Just like you.

As truly direct and dedicated printing technology specialists, we believe you should deal with your challenges in your very own way. That is why we offer a wider range of digital technologies for a wide range of applications. From wine labels to wall decoration; from toner to inkjet – how can we help you to make your business ready for the next turn? www.xeikon.com

Direct. Dedicated. Digital.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

34

Gallus Labelmaster & Label "We are more than satisfied with our exhibition at Labelexpo Europe 2019.

With our live demonstrations, we were able to show our customers new ways to produce efficiently and successfully with Gallus in the age of digitization, and even gain in flexibility," explains Christof Naier, General Manager Label Business at Heidelberg/Gallus.

Great interest was shown in the new Digital Printbar, an inkjet printing

unit designed specifically for digital insetting of highly opaque white.

With a print width of 430 mm (17"), the Digital Printbar uses inkjet-based digital printing technology and can be used flexibly as it can be moved across the entire length of the machine.

Gallus Labelmaster with rotary quickchange die-cutting unit At Labelexpo Europe 2019, the new rotary front-load die-cutting unit was

on display at the Gallus Labelmaster.

With the Rotary Die-Cut Unit Quick, Heidelberg/Gallus showed the change of die-cutting formats in less than a minute live at the label show.

In addition to the premiere of the new Digital Printbar and the new Rotary Die-Cut Unit Quick at the Gallus Labelmaster, Labelexpo visitors were able to see the Gallus Labelfire with integrated Digital Embellishment Unit (DEU) live in action. With a smoothie in hand, they could take a close look at the production of the matching smoothie label in different designs.

Full-variable data printing (fVDP)

Günter Mazur and Heiko Mazur, Managing Directors, Häuser KG & DruckDiscount24.de

d

More than 5000 visitors gathered information at the Heidelberg / Gallus stand at the Labelexpo, live demonstrations of the Gallus Labelmaster with new and optimized functions as well as the fully equipped Gallus Labelfire digital printing press were very well attended.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

35

lfire in great demand on the Gallus Labelfire was often discussed during the show as well as the possibilities of the digital finishing with the integrated DEU.

flexibility in every respect, we are still on the right path to act successfully

on the market, now and in the future,” Naier concludes.

Gallus sold Labelmaster No. 100 During Labelexpo Europe 2019 the 100th Gallus Labelmaster was sold.

Thus, the Gallus Labelmaster is the machine system from Gallus, which has achieved the best sales figures since its market launch at the Labelexpo 2017 to this day. Consequently, it is completing the most successful launch of a product innovation in the history of Gallus.

“With our Labelexpo motto “Powered

by Your Trust” and the aim of giving our customers the greatest possible

„With the new LEDcure,

we can get a huge amount of printing done. Here in Cologne‘s biggest printing company, tradition and innovation work hand in hand. The LED system from IST Metz is designed to offer top performance at low running costs. The new LEDcure can do even more than its predecessor, and

we can now print very efficiently!“ IST Metz LEDcure: The most efficient UV LED system of its kind

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

36

Packaging in an E-C The ongoing digitalisation and the associated changes in consumer shopping behaviour have a major impact on the design and construction of packaging. Mass-produced products lose their attractiveness.

Brand manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers are adapting to the new challenges of online trading.

They receive strong impetus from the packaging industry, which has a lot to offer when it comes to e-commerce packaging made of corrugated board with innovative solutions and state-ofthe-art print technologies. 74.4 billion: this is the number of shipments that courier, express and parcel (CEP) services carried worldwide in 2017, according to the latest figures in the annual Pitney Bows Parcel Shipping Index. Roughly 17 percent more than in the previous year.

This surge in parcel volume is being fuelled by the continuing boom in e-commerce. Already by 2020, it is expected to exceed 100 billion parcels in the thirteen industrial nations surveyed.

In view of such volumes and growth rates, it becomes clear: Packaging has long since emerged as a key component in the e-commerce logistics chain.

The Empty Space Economy The report “The Empty Space Economy”, drawn up by Forbes Insights in collaboration with the international packaging specialist DS Smith, reveals that nearly every package shipped online contains empty space.

60 percent of executives surveyed felt that more than a quarter of what is sent to customers in transport packaging is in fact thin air. An enormous amount of extra material is used both for the overbox and the filling material. Consumers are becoming more and more critical of this. Brand manufacturers and retailers are also increasingly addressing the issue of packaging optimisation. The reasons are obvious: lower material and logistics costs, less transport damage, more sustainability and an improved customer experience. The study is available for download from https://www.dssmith. com/EmptySpaceEnglish

Tailor-Made for Every Channel The development of optimised e-commerce packaging solutions from corrugated board is by no means trivial. They pass through a completely different supply-cycle than goods that go into retail. There is often a lack of reliable data to provide information on the actual loads during transport.

Online shipping places the highest demands on the packaging, as the goods are not only expected to arrive at the customer undamaged but also ideally to inspire the customer about the product and brand in such a way that they will share this positively on their social media channels.

DS Smith started early to deal with the peculiarities of the delivery cycle, the trends and insights around e-commerce.

Today, in addition to its extensive know-how, the company has developed 25 percent of all packaging shipped worldwide is empty space - this is both a burden on our environment and on the profit margins of online retailers. The report titled “The Empty Space Economy” by Forbes Insights and DS Smith illustrates the dimension of the problem.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

Commerce World.

and offers a whole range of special e-commerce solutions and innovative technologies. These include the exclusive DISCSTM testing standard, which simulates the real loads within the so-called ‘last mile’ and, on the basis of the knowledge gained, allows the material and design of the packaging to be matched to the respective supplycycle and its specific requirements. The innovative Made2fit packaging solution ensures, for example, that package sizes can be adjusted manually or fully automatically according to the volume of the products to be shipped. And this is possible in all three dimensions.

E-Commerce is Slimming Down Innovations like these generate real added-value in the e-commerce supplycycle. As online distribution becomes more and more important for the consumer goods industry, there are hardly any manufacturers who do not need special e-commerce packaging for their products in order to optimise their processes. Single-item shipments lead to new challenges in fulfilment.

To streamline processes, packaging specialists like DS Smith came up with a number of great ideas. The e@Box, for example, combines product packaging

and overpack. On-site filling of the boxes with the branded product takes place directly at the manufacturer's premises.

This saves valuable time and cost in logistics. At the same time, the all-in-

The e@Box is both product and transport packaging all in one.

For the brand manufacturer this all-in-one solution, from packaging specialist DS Smith, means less material, time and cost combined with an extra plus in product protection and shopping experience.

one solution for shipping single items always has the right size and strength - regardless of whether cosmetic products, chocolates, shoes or cordless drills are shipped with it. In addition to high product-protection and convenient handling, the clever box-

37

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

38 The perfect shopping experience: Mosaic printing makes every packaging-item unique, even on medium and long print runs. DS Smith also supports its customers in online trading with attentiongrabbing staging of their brands for a perfect ‘First Moment of Truth’. with each other, for example to record individual batch numbers, production data and production times. This also makes traceability much easier to implement in the event of a recall.

in-box system guarantees one thing above all: that the online shopper will remember the unboxing of the product as part of a positive brand experience.

Brand Activation in Focus Product lifecycles are getting shorter and shorter, also because start-up companies are launching ever new, ever more stylish products onto the market.

Mass-produced products lose their attractiveness. Shoppers' brand loyalty is fading and eco-sustainability aspects are becoming increasingly important.

All this creates new challenges for the industry. Today's customers want to be inspired and courted by individualised products that are as sustainable as possible. It is more important than ever to focus on the customer and tailor business processes, products and shopping experiences to their needs.

And this is precisely where transportpackaging made of corrugated board can bring strong, new accents to a manufaturer’s brand.

When it comes to customer centricity, digital pre-print and its associated flexibility open up a new dimension of interaction. And this is no longer true only for short, but now also for medium and long print runs.

Attention-grabbing interior prints and seasonal campaign motifs also enable a differentiated and more emotional customer approach in e-commerce.

Smart packaging informs, entertains and networks the online shopper.

A scan of printed Quick Response Codes, for example, can provide information about growth areas, as well as tips for the optimal preparation of the product ordered online. In the same way, consumers can gain access to bonus programs or social media platforms where influencers showcase the product or provide helpful video tutorials, for example on make-up applications, as well as on the installation or commissioning of complex products.

Thanks to so-called mosaic printing, even individual shipping-packages can each be given a unique, individual design in digital pre-print. Thus, thousands of unique copies are produced in just one print run. Even last-minute changes of the artwork are now easier, because printing plates are simply no longer necessary.

Brand Protection: Secure QR Codes and Watermarks Provide Security Digital printing technology also has a lot to offer in terms of brand-protection: secure QR codes are not replicable and provide a reliable method of verifying whether a product is genuine or counterfeit. It makes sense to combine this with a tamper-evident closure on the corrugated cardboard transport packaging.

Printed, serialised codes allow packaging to be tracked, but also verified. In addition, this can be used to “marry” product and packaging

Watermarks can also be printed on the transport-packaging in digital pre-print, which enables hidden coding in the printed image. When used selectively, this can in turn be used to check whether it is an original product or not.

Next Stop: Omnichannel Packaging Modern technologies and changing consumer habits are bringing about constant changes in e-commerce.

Offline and online are increasingly blending into each other. Already today, industry, physical retail and pure online players are investing in the development and expansion of their omnichannel initiatives. The relentless, continuing networking of the online and offline worlds has far-reaching effects on the entire supply cycle. In the packaging sector in particular, there will be more and more demand for comprehensive, integrated solutions that work equally well on store-shelves and in online retailing.

About the Author: Anja Roehrle, Marketing & Communication Manager at DS Smith: “Digital pre-print opens a new era for brand protection and brand activation in e-commerce. Smart, digitally printed corrugated cardboard packaging solutions inform, entertain and network the shopper. They warn of product counterfeiting and guarantee transparency in shipment and traceability. All this is now possible not only for short, but also for medium and long print runs. Hence, there is almost a paradox: that of individualised mass production.”

PrimeBlade ®

900

Nano

THE SWEDISH DOCTOR BLADE

MADE IN SWEDEN PrimeBlade Sweden AB

Sweden: Phone +46 565 101 09 | sales@primeblade.se www.primeblade.se

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

40

Game on for Flexo, UV and Inkjet Emerge in China Long dominated by gravure and offset printing, China’s packaging printers are moving to flexo, UV and digital printing.

Gravure and offset printing have long been the staples of China’s packaging industry, but flexo, UV and digital packaging printing are making inroads.

Bauhinia Variegata Ink & Chemicals, a subsidiary of Yip’s Chemical, is China’s largest domestic ink producer and the 14th largest global ink manufacturer in the world. The company reported sales of approximately $180 million in 2018, according to Ink World’s 2019 Top International Ink Companies report (July/August 2019). Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited spokesperson noted that flexo and UV are growing.

“Flexo and UV inks have different applications, and most of the growth comes from emerging markets,” Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited spokesperson added. “For example, flexo printing is adopted in beverage and personal care products packaging, etc., while UV is adopted in tobacco and alcohol packaging and partial special effects. Flexo and UV will stimulate more breakthroughs and demands in the packaging industry.”

Shingo Watano, GM, International Operations Department of Sakata INX, observed that water-based flexo

offers advantages for environmentally conscious printers.

“With the effect from strict environmental regulations, water-based flexographic printing for packaging and UV offset are increasing,” said Watano.

“We are actively promoting sales in water-based flexo ink and also began to sell LED-UV ink.”

Takashi Yamauchi, division director, global business division, Toyo Ink Co., Ltd., reported that Toyo Ink is seeing increasing strength in UV printing.

“We continue to see UV ink sales increase year-on-year due to strengthened collaboration with press manufacturers,” Yamauchi said. “Rising raw material prices, however, have hampered market growth.”

“We are seeing inroads being made in China with flexo and UV printing for packaging,” observed Masamichi Sota, executive officer, GM in Printing Material Products Division and GM in Packaging & Graphic Business Planning Dept. for DIC Corporation. “Some of our customers are very actively introducing flexo printing machines, especially for global brands. UV printing has become more and more popular due to tighter environmental regulations, such as VOC emission.”

“Packaging flexo printing and UV printing are growing, but have not yet had a major impact,” said Akihiro Takamizawa, GM of Hangzhou TOKA.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

41 Ink industry executives also see a growing presence for inkjet printing in packaging.

“A lot of packaging printers, especially in the corrugated area, are showing interest in digital printing,” Sota said.

“We expect that digital printing will grow rapidly in the next decade.”

“We continue to see strong interest for digital solutions from the Chinese market,” Yamauchi said. “To meet with rising demand, we are moving forward with plans to expand inkjet production in Japan and China, with the aim of propelling this business into new markets. Key growth drivers are the advertising signage and label markets.”

“Digitalization in package printing is partially seen for proofing and smalllot production of many products,” said Watano. “However, as there are issues with cost and productivity, we believe that it will take time to spread throughout China.”

“With its printing flexibility and high efficiency, digital printing will give the packaging more personalities and varieties, complementing the shortcomings of traditional printing, thus driving the development of

YOU’RE THE DRIVER

the emerging packaging market,” Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited spokesperson noted.

“Following the maturity of the application and dropping production costs, it is a developing mainstream.”

SOME ARE RULED, AND SOME RULE. But it’s so much more fulfilling to build instruments for the latter. They are the ones who drive us to create a flexo plate maker that is truly compatible with their one-of-a-kind vision and any workflow that ensues, really. The result?

Open technology for open minds.

You’re welcome on WWW.THERMOFLEXX.COM

15054-V1-EN-LabelPlus-Adv-210x148.indd 1

23/02/15 09:09

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

42

Small, compact, fast The new compact MIRAFLEX II Single-Port flexographic printing press from Windmöller & Hölscher is ideal for smaller production spaces.

With its face-to-face winder configuration, there is only one central loading and unloading area for the winder. The resulting shorter operator and web paths ensure faster job changes and less waste. A further advantage is that the Single-Port can also be upgraded quickly and easily with an inline flexo or gravure application at a later date.

The MIRAFLEX II product family has grown with the new compact MIRAFLEX II Single-Port. The faceto-face winder configuration of the Single-Port version measures 14 meters in length and is roughly 4 meters shorter than the Dual-Port design: "In contrast to the Dual-Port, we now have central loading and unloading for two winders.

This significantly reduces the overall roll processing time and saves our customers time because both winders can be operated simultaneously by just one operator," says Markus Bauschulte, Technical Sales Director Business Unit Printing and Finishing at W&H. In addition to the operator paths, the web path of the press has also been shortened. The results are

faster job changes and less waste. The MIRAFLEX II Single-Port also offers the option of quickly and conveniently integrating an inline flexo or gravure application into the press design at a later date. Bauschulte: "All in all, the MIRAFLEX II SinglePort is ideally suited for short job lengths, with its compact design it fits into almost any production environment and can be quickly and easily expanded with extra printing modules."

There are currently more than 650 MIRAFLEX presses in operation at companies around the world, making it the best-selling flexo press in the flexible packaging market. “By offering both Single- and Dual-Port configuration, customers can choose which version works better in their production space and still have the W&H technology they trust," Bauschulte summarizes.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

Robot revolution:

44

how is packaging needing to adapt for the droid generation?

Companies need to do more to embrace rapidlyadvancing technology and not be left behind by the “robot revolution”, according to a leading businessman.

Robert Lockyer, who owns luxury packaging provider Delta Global, said it was exciting to witness the worldwide race to develop robots which can deliver goods straight to consumers via our sidewalks.

With the ability to cut delivery costs and carbon emissions in urban areas, this futuristic technology is set to become a staple in e-commerce delivery – completely overhauling the way we shop.

The packaging and retail industries need to work harder to find a place in this revolution, said Robert, CEO of Delta Global, which delivers luxury e-commerce packaging for top brands including Tom Ford, Coach and Neal’s Yard Remedies.

“This technology will change the face of retail deliveries and with the worldwide acceleration of online purchasing requiring speed and ease for customers we can’t afford to ignore it,” Robert said.

Here he takes a look at what the future has in store for his industry and the steps it needs to take to adapt….

What is the current situation?

In April this year, Washington became the eighth US state to approve the use of robot technology.

Testing their ‘Scout’ delivery device in Washington and California, e-tail leader Amazon has been experimenting with deliveries on the ground and the use of aerial drones for its Amazon Prime service.

More recently, China and Japan have revolutionised a robot’s ability to navigate stairs and elevators, testing a series of food delivery bots that carry packages to students in their dorms and office workers at their desks.

In the UK, Starship Technologies introduced a robot delivery scheme in Milton Keynes. Residents pay a monthly subscription, using an app to have their goods delivered to a central

WE ARE R&D

EMPOWERING OEMS TO BUILD FAST PACKAGING PRINTERS CUSTOMERS CAN AFFORD

FAST

Print speeds up to 203 meters/min.

SIMPLE

PROFITABLE

Flexible, modular Faster time print system. to market.

Explore Your Press Options memjet.com/researchand-development/

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

46 So how to we adapt?

The packaging and retail industries need to find their place in this robotic revolution, said Robert.

“Retailers are beginning to see the benefits of this technology to enhance their warehouse automation and efficiency. Robots can transport items from the point of picking to the packing stages and can speed up vehicle loading time – there are little external risks with this.”

robot hub – and then on to the ‘lastmile’ distance to their home address.

Robert said: “More and more companies are beginning to invest in the technology as consumer convenience continues to be the one of the most important factors in online retail.

“Starship Technologies are already operating some of their robots between 8am-2am which gives them an advantage over traditional couriers – and it’s what people will come to expect.”

What are the benefits of this technology?

With 360 degree camera orientation, integrated GPS, ultrasound sensors and radars that help the bots avoid obstacles and to cross streets, the technology is highly sophisticated.

As retailers face an increased demand by shoppers for speedy and safe delivery methods, they need to develop a system to meet that demand but which is still profitable. An automated robot acts as a time-saver for both consumers and a courier service.

“Sustainability is currently a central focus in the retail industry,” said Robert. “As these bots are electrically powered, embracing this technology could reduce carbon emissions, road congestion as well as unnecessary packaging in some cases.

“Their introduction could cut delivery costs in built-up areas and even generate more economic growth if people are to pay a premium for this service.”

What are the risks?

There are big questions over the

reliability of robotic deliveries. As well as the problems that wheeled robots face in navigating sidewalks and drones have in performing in bad weather, there is the matter of the actual product they are delivering.

Potential technological failures could result in damaged or stolen items and even lead to accidents on our roads and pavements.

“Retailers and manufacturers will have to consider the risks of product breakages and damage which could lead to a higher rate of returns and refunds,” Robert said.

“There’s also the question of security and whether you can get your money back if a droid doesn’t drop off your parcel.”

In e-commerce there is a need for packaging to deliver a personal and unique experience for every customer.

“Particularly in luxury, there is an expectation that your item will arrive in a high quality, interesting and artistic way,” he explained.

“In the age of Instagram and imagedriven buyers, packaging is one of the best ways retailers can offer a personal touch or showcase the speciality of their product.

“Droid delivery, especially in smaller communities like offices and universities, should still be able to provide this experience and ensure the ‘brand’ is still present when the lid of the bot is opened.”

He added that in this age of ecofriendly buyers, retailers should also consider that if droids can deliver then they can collect.

“Brands and robot developers should look at how this might help in the recycling of goods and how to incentivise customers to swap old for new in an easy ‘pick out’, ‘put in’ system.

“In the food industry, robots are great for removing unnecessary grocery packaging whereas in luxury retail, packaging acts as an important asset to brand advertisement.”

Retailers also need to ensure the packaging it uses is right for the device carrying it. For example, if drones become a working delivery service, packaging will need to be lighter in weight but also have more protection in case of falls from heights.

“We will need to consistently research materials and adapt the ‘reusability’ elements of packaging for the delivery technology which will be inevitable in future,” said Robert.

And he concluded: “It is important to recognise that these technologies are a welcome new addition to our everyday processes and are here to help us optimise our workflows and enhance our lifestyles. “We at Delta Global will embrace the era of robots and look forward to seeing how it will transform our industry.”

WWW.MPS4U.COM

OPERATOR FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN EFS The automated multi-substrate press

AT MPS, we put the needs of our clients first.

HIGHLY AUTOMATED

EF SYMJET The hybrid printing solution

Our focus is on you, your operators and your results.

We are driven, driven to improve your results.

We design our presses to enhance the talents of your operators.

DIGITAL

EXL-PACKAGING The mid web packaging press

MID-WEB

MPS Systems Asia Sdn Bhd Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia info-asia@mps4u.com www.mps4u.com

MPS019-ADV-EB_EF SYMJET_ASIA_206x271.indd 1

31-07-19 14:44

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

48

Adhesive that comes into contact with foodstuffs Labels in the supermarket

When walking through the supermarket, have you ever noticed how many products feature labels? By labels, I don’t mean the small price tags – these have in recent years been almost completely done away with and prices are instead displayed on shelves – but rather the larger labels that are used as an advertising medium and to display the product information.

If you look closely, you will see that a large number of products – mainly sausages and cheese – are labelled in this way. This is not the only place in which these labels are used – in the fruit and vegetables section, you choose your products, weigh them and stick the price and product label that is printed at the scales to the plastic bag in which they are weighed or even directly to the fruit or vegetable.

Fresh cheese and sausages are placed in a plastic bag at the deli counter, weighed and a self-adhesive label on which the price information is printed is used to seal the bag. Other products, such as seasoning sauces, spice jars and drinks bottles also feature labels that are used as advertising media.

You have, however, probably never thought about whether the adhesive

used in these labels is allowed to be used for this purpose. We at artimelt deal with this on a daily basis.

Regulations for materials/adhesive that come into contact with foodstuffs There are strict regulations for the packaging and materials, including adhesive, that are allowed to come into

contact with foodstuffs! Within the EU, these regulations are set out by the European Commission. The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office and the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) are responsible for this task in Switzerland and the US, respectively. For artimelt it is a matter of course to adhere to these regulations and to develop and produce the adhesive accordingly.

5th INTERNATIONAL PACKAGING AND PRINTING EXHIBITION FOR ASIA

22- 25 SEP 2021 BITEC • BANGKOK

www.pack-print.de

325

National Pavilions and Groups

leading exhibiting companies from

from Germany, Taiwan, Thailand, China and Singapore

30

countries and regions

International Visiting Delegations

More than

19,000

from the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Korea, Japan and many more, as well as local group visits from Thailand's printing and

trade visitors from

63

countries, making up a 30% overseas participation Supported by:

I

Messe DUsseldorf / Organizer of:

packaging industries

For enquiries:

Within Thailand:

Exposis Co., Ltd Tel (66} 2559 0856 _ Fax (66} 2559 2893 info@exposis.co.th

Overseas:

Messe DUsseldorf Asia Tel (65} 6332 9620 _ Fax (65} 6332 9655 ppi@mda.com.sg

Jointly organized by:

8* au1Aumsuss,il'irurllna

THE THAI PACKAGING ASSOCIATION

The Thai Printing Association

f Messe Diisseldorf Asia

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

50 of a specific substance that are allowed to be transferred to foodstuffs.

Testing by independent institutes It has become common practice for suppliers to support the distributors by having the individual components of foodstuff packaging tested by independent institutes to prove that the components supplied by them are safe. artimelt thus also has selected adhesive tested to determine whether it can come into contact with foodstuffs.

Approved lists for direct and indirect contract with foodstuffs in the US Although there are differences between the regulations and legislation, there are so-called approved lists in the US. These lists define the materials (including adhesive) that are permitted to come into contact with foodstuffs as well as the ways in which they are allowed to be applied to foodstuffs. The lists also specify whether the materials are permitted to come into direct or indirect contact with foodstuffs.

whether the adhesive comes into direct or indirect contact with foodstuffs.

This is the only way to ensure that artimelt select the right raw materials for the adhesive mixture.

Direct contact with foodstuffs means that the adhesive is allowed to touch the foodstuff itself. Indirect contact is where the adhesive is applied to another material that comes into direct contact with the foodstuff.

In order to help with this, there is also a wide range of resources available for the distributor to use, e.g. approved lists for plastics that are permitted to come into contact with foodstuffs (EU Regulation 10/2011). This regulation clearly stipulates the raw materials that have been tested and have been found to be suitable for coming into contact with foodstuffs. These raw materials are subsequently allowed to be used in the manufacture of foodstuff packaging made from plastic, provided that they also comply with global migration values and/or specific migration limits. The limits specify the maximum amounts of substances or

For example, you create a label that you want to attach to an apple. The label comes into “direct” contact with the foodstuff when applied. Another label is stuck to the packaging for a piece of cheese. This means that the label does not come into direct contact with the foodstuff, but with the packaging instead. This is what is referred to as “indirect” contact with foodstuffs.

The FDA only approves substances that have undergone thorough prior testing which shows that no components of the substance that could pose a hazard to the health of consumers are transferred to foodstuffs. artimelt must therefore know exactly

Regulations in Europe In Europe, the distributor of the foodstuff must prove that the foodstuff and the packaging including adhesive in which the foodstuff is contained are safe and the consumption of the foodstuff does not pose any risks to consumers.

For the purpose of this testing, artimelt sends the testing institute samples of the adhesive and information on the exact way in which it is intended to be used. The testing institute then carries out its testing in accordance with the generally binding testing standards to determine whether components of the adhesive are transferred to a food simulant. The food simulants used in the testing include, for example, olive oil (which simulates contact with greasy foodstuffs) and Tenax® (which simulates contact with dry foodstuffs).

The institutes’ testing programs and final reports Depending on the conditions in which the foodstuffs are stored (sausages and cheese are usually stored in a fridge, while biscuits are usually stored at room temperature), a wide range of testing programs can be selected. At the end of the test series, the institute draws up a final report as well as a certificate which specify the types of food (dry, wet, greasy) to which the adhesive is permitted to come into contact.

This ensures that only adhesive that do not release any substances that could negatively affect the health of consumers is used.

In summary: Labels are attached to a great many foodstuffs and foodstuff packaging nowadays.

The adhesive (and its components) used for these labels must be tested to determine whether they can come into contact with foodstuffs and assessed as being safe.

Approved substances lists make it easier to select the right components in the development of the adhesive.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

51

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

52

Empowering customization at each stage of the packaging journey Author: Don Allred - memjet

Digital printing is now attracting attention from many different packaging sectors.

As the package has become part of the marketing mix, product marketers, packaging developers, and brand managers are all expressing a growing interest in digital print along their packaging journey.

Their enthusiasm is justified: digital printing enables these users to capture opportunities and meet the demands of consumers who want products that cater to their tastes and choices.

You can see the results of these trends in many different packages: The e-commerce company that produces a customized “unboxing” experience for their customers The small food or beverage company that produces customized labels and packaging to promote the products they create locally The large brand that wants to create a connection by including the consumer’s name or other personalized message as part of the package Customized packaging at each step These changes in the packaging industry are driving change in the types of solutions used to print the package. For many users, that means the adoption of digital print solutions.

According to research firm Smithers Pira, analog packaging has grown by 28 percent in the 2008–2018 period. Digitally produced packaging, however, is expected to increase by 375 percent by the end of this year.

That’s because digital printing is now being used at each step in the package production process. From earlier-stage production of corrugated and cartons to late-stage customization that is part of a manufacturer’s production line, digital is assuming an increased share of the package production market.

Memjet keeps pace with these trends.

As our smaller, less expensive packaging solutions gain traction in the market, they drive the development and the performance for larger solutions.

Our technology can be found in the small, powerful package printing solutions that give both manufacturers and providers of all sizes the resources they need to customize a range of packaging materials.

The release of DuraLink, our nextgeneration printing technology, now brings those same benefits to packaging markets that require high-volume printing. With DuraLink, production of these types of jobs will be faster, less expensive, and easier than had previously been possible.

NO SOLVENTS. NO WAITING. NO WORRIES. Thermal like you’ve never seen before

nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processing System YOUR BENEFITS

Reduced Operation Costs

Excellent Print Quality

Processor

Improved Productivity

Sustainable

Flexo Plates

BETTER. FASTER. EASIER TO USE. info.flexo@flintgrp.com www.flintgrp.com

Health & Safety

Developer

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

54

Metal deco digital proofing solution for two-piece beverage cans Sun Chemical has collaborated with CGS Publishing echnologies International GmbH, a global leader in color management, digital proofing and specially formulated media, to provide a groundbreaking metal deco digital proofing solution for two-piece beverage cans.

This unique, innovative digital proofing solution, part of Sun Chemical’s DigiProof service within its SunColorBox color management toolkit, will enable canmakers, designers and brand owners to dispense with physical aluminum wet proofs and to significantly reduce the length of the packaging design process – from weeks to just days.

Iñaki Llona, Global Champion Metal Deco Inks, Sun Chemical, comments, “Sun Chemical is always working to support its customers in the metal packaging industry by providing new solutions that will help them to be more competitive and this innovation is a new addition to the solutions we’re bringing to market to enable a digital color management workflow via our SunColorBox. With the launch of this digital proofing solution, which can create color-correct and designed samples without the need to print on a can, customers will have far greater creative options because of the very short time and low cost required to produce the color-accurate digital

prints. Designs can be created in one location and digitally printed at multiple locations across the world, without the need for slow and costly couriers to convey physical print samples. As a result, they will be able to develop new designs in much less time and radically reduce the overall time to market for new products.”

The solution comprises CGS ORIS software linked to two new metal deco dependent color libraries for PantoneLIVE™, a cloud-based, digital color standard ecosystem.

Consisting of over 4,000 achieveable color options, the metal deco libraries – one for opaque and one for transparent applications - provide realistic targets that enable canmakers to address common challenges in the application of Pantone color directly onto reflective two-piece beverage cans. The libraries also help beverage manufacturers and brand owners set expectations for producing achievable PantoneLIVE digital color standards on two-piece cans.

Llona continues, “Having created the metal deco PantoneLIVE libraries, we’ve then worked with CGS to link the libraries to their software to offer the market a unique solution that can produce a digital inkjet simulation of PantoneLIVE metal deco colors and

immediately print them on-demand from the CGS system. This is a huge leap forward in terms of metal deco proofing as historically the creation of a digital inkjet representation of a PantoneLIVE color has invariably involved printing multiple iterations before the best match has been achieved. In developing the PantoneLIVE library, Sun Chemical and Pantone have completed all that work in advance and delivered a preiterated database that is plug and play and removes the variable of subjective interpretation. So when a customer picks a PantoneLIVE digital color from the CGS system and prints it, they can be confident that it will be an accurate, simulation of the PantoneLIVE metal deco standard.”

Heiner Mueller, CGS Key Account Director Europe, says, "For many years now the ORIS packaging product offerings have been the solutions of choice of key players in the industry.

Apart from specific color management software, CGS has developed a gamut extending ink set and corresponding custom media, which are solely aimed at the requirements of the packaging market. We are excited to cooperate closely with a partner like Sun Chemical to create a standard for metal decoration, which is probably the most challenging segment in the packaging industry.”

93 million population - 14th most

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

populous country on earth

55 3 - 2019

20 _018

LABELS & PACKAGING CONFERENCE

AUGUST 26 - 27th Ho Chi Minh City

2020

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

56

Clean Packaging Tren GlobalData highlights top clean-packaging trends in Asian Pacific’s food and beverage industry in 2019.

The packaging sector has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade and it continues to evolve. Against this backdrop, brands are exploring new strategies in line with consumers’ desire to lead an environmental-friendly, sustainable and more hygienic lifestyle.

Sumit Chopra, consumer research director at GlobalData, highlights the top clean-packaging trends that are going to impact the production, marketing and sales of consumer packaged goods in Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2019.

Trust and Transparency GlobalData’s 2018 Q4 consumer survey reveals that 68% of consumers in APAC are always or often influenced by how trust-worthy or risk-free a product is. Subsequently, food and beverage manufacturers are creating a niche for themselves across a range of criteria by addressing supply chain inefficiencies and investing in targeted sampling and testing programs along with fraud-aware audits to boost consumer satisfaction.

Innovation and Differentiation Safety and quality are driving tremendous innovation in the consumer packaging space.

With consumers embracing products with simple claims, clear labels and environmental-friendly packaging, brands are focusing on improving the labelling on their products and using claims on food products such as ‘fair trade,’ alternative nutrient sources (such as vegan meat), and innovating beyond plastic by ensuring that materials used are completely recyclable.

SCantrust and Cambio Coffee

GlobalData 2019 Q3 survey reveals that 69% of APAC consumers look for sustainability aspect in product packaging while 71% look for reusable and refillable product packaging.

For instance, in 2019, Chr. Hansen launched FRUITMAX Reds based on the Hansen sweet potato, with colours ranging from red, orange to yellow that can be clearly and simply labelled on a list of ingredients.

Ethical Wellbeing According to GlobalData 2018 Q4 Consumer Survey, 65% of consumers

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

nds in Asia Pacific The Primefire 106 is the first industrial digital printing press for packaging in B1 format.

NFC apple and banana juice

in APAC are always or often influenced by how a product impacts their health and wellbeing while making product choices. As a result, brands are keeping high-quality ingredients at priority and moving towards bio-degradable packaging materials to support the health and wellbeing of consumers.

For instance, in China, NFC Apple & Banana Juice Nongfushanquan comes in in a 300ml transparent bottle format with printed label stating formulation that is “free-from added water, added sugar and additives.” See-through packaging reinforces fresh and natural image.

Smart Packaging Technology has not only created consumer engagement opportunities for the brands but also allows them to track their products at all stages of the logistics and distribution channels, prevent counterfeit products in the supply chain, gain real-time product feedback and other measurable marketing insights. As a result, brands have started engaging the consumers through smart packaging, offering them tools and apps with a barcode scanner to track toxic ingredients, and using software tools to create digital identities for their products.

Countries such as Korea, Japan and China have already adopted on-pack QR codes to bridge the information gap between the physical and digital worlds. For example, Switzerlandbased smart packaging company ScanTrust partnered with Shanghaibased coffee firm Cambio Coffee in building a blockchain–enabled traceability functions for its products and existing mobile applications, using a copy –proof QR code.

57

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

58

Sold out show at Pack Print Plas Philippines For the first time, the 27th edition of Pack Print Plas (PPP) Philippines reports a sold out show. The exhibition is a collaboration by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and Global Link and happened over three days from 10 to 12 October 2019 at SMX Convention Center in Manila.

“For the first time, we are doing this as a cooperation with our friends Global Link, to make it a more international show. Immediately it is a success, as for the first time, we’ve managed a completely sold out event of 10,000 square metres, and we are happy to note it’s almost a 20% growth from last year,” said Gernot Ringling, managing director of Messe Dusseldorf Asia Pte Ltd. Ringling added that there are more than 200 exhibitors from 11 countries, with foreign participation growing by almost a quarter.

“There’s also more and more focus from overseas on The Philippines, based on the stellar growth the country has experienced for the last couple of years. I think second to none in Asia, perhaps hand-in-hand with Vietnam. It has shown stronger growth than China and even India. This leads to stronger exhibitions - exhibitors are always going where the market in growing,” said Ringling.

The trade fair included a series of onsite activities that aim to discuss and inspire solutions for the packaging, printing and plastics industries in the region.

“For the first time, we have the Forum of Asia Pacific Graphics Arts and the Print Media Conference to be shown here. There are also a lot of presentations and seminars by our exhibitors to not only deliver hardware, but also software, to further develop the production and manufacturing in The Philippines,” said Ringling.

The Philippines is expected to remain one of Asia’s top growth markets according to the World Bank, with key industries such as manufacturing, construction, transportation etc. driving growth in the country over the next decade. Messe Düsseldorf Asia’s expansion into the Philippine market is a well-timed strategic move particularly against the backdrop of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Priority areas identified under this new plan include expanding economic opportunities through diversification of export products and markets, increasing competitiveness and innovation, and enhancing business services. As an export-oriented market, together with a dynamic plastics market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through to 2023, the plastics packaging sector accounts for the highest market share with more than 48% in 2017 particularly in the application sectors of automotive, electronics and construction. On the printing front, labelling and packaging will continue to dominate the market, generating high demand in the country for the latest processing and packaging automation and technology.

“Already on the back of the success of this year, we have two important events that have committed to being hosted at next year’s edition – The Asian Packaging Forum, and the Asian Print Awards which honours the best print in Asia. This shows a growing appreciation of the Philippines in the region as a very promising market,” Ringling continued.

The Asian Print Awards 2020 will be held in conjunction with Pack Print Plas Philippines 2020.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

59

NEW RS 6003C HS

NEW STRENGTHS MORE POWER Championing the needs of the gravure printing industry, BOBST continues to lead innovation through the constant evolution of its range of gravure presses for flexible materials.

The latest generation RS 6003C HS gravure printing press with the breakthrough development of the twin-flow dryer, along with new upper deck layout and other enhanced features, delivers more, creating compelling new opportunities for growth.

Watch the Gravure Innovation Open House video

www.bobst.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

60

Solutions designed for maximized uptime and high-quality Ahlbrandt System GmbH – A Baldwin Technology Company, reveals Corona innovations engineered for plastic film extrusion and converting applications at the recent K 2019 in Dusseldorf The new particle-free Ahlbrandt Corona electrodes prevent contamination from damaged or broken elements, an innovation that provides an advantage for clean rooms and those converting high-quality, food-grade plastic films.

This novel design will be introduced in the Ahlbrandt Corona Pure, Pure XL, Flex, and Slim product lines.

As showcased at K 2019, the new Ahlbrandt Corona Extrude which is a pretreatment system for blown film extrusion lines where it is essential to obtain a perfect surface tension prior to the finishing process. It features powerful metal electrode segments for a long lifetime operation.

Thanks to the unique Ahlbrandt electrode designs, high pretreatment intensity is enabled on reactive film areas, which in turn leads to a continuously maintained treatment efficiency at optimal production speed without any impact from temperature variations during the production cycle. Additionally, the operator can easily access and flip the electrode segments; thereby, cutting service and maintenance time to a minimum.

“We designed the Ahlbrandt Corona innovations with the high demands of film extrusion in mind, to maximize the process uptime and simplify operation.

But not only that, also for a fast system delivery and installation. With the new

electrode design and the Ahlbrandt Corona Extrude in our inventory, we can quickly deliver and commission.”, said Holger Bätz, Managing Director, Ahlbrandt.

The slim and compact, yet durable design makes the innovations futureproof and easily integrated into new and existing production lines. The robust parts enable a long service life with minimal maintenance, increasing uptime and delivering optimal return on investment.

In addition to the new Ahlbrandt Corona innovations, Baldwin Technology also showcased its FilmCylinderCleaner, Rotor Spray and Hot Air Drying solutions for the plastic film industry.

EXQUISITE FINISHINGS YOU CAN

TOUCH

YOUR ADVANTAGES WITH THE JETVARNISH 3D EVO & IFOIL-L Expandable System Format Available with 3 different widths: 52 x 120cm, 64 x 120cm, 75 x 120cm

Varnish and Hot Foiling To achieve distinctive effects with outstanding print quality

Revolutionary AIS Scanner Automatic varnish and hot foil registration and fully compatible with VDF jobs

Innovative Software Suite Developed by MGI To improve efficiency and productivity

For advice on how Konica Minolta can help your business move forward, contact us at (65) 6361 2800 or enquiry@konicaminolta.sg

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

62

Sustainable Ink Innovation with Water-based Print Solutions $200 million innovation investment will power both digital and sustainable print transformation in corrugated packaging and textiles HP Inc. announced a significant investment in the next generation of water-based ink solutions. The company has committed $200 million over five or more years to develop water-based ink technologies for printing digitally on corrugated packaging and textiles.

The company’s commitment complements ongoing HP investments in other printing technologies and markets aimed at creating sustainable digital print solutions. Traditional textile coloration makes use of technologies that can be problematic from a water emissions perspective. World Resources Institute estimates that about 20% of industrial water pollution comes from garment manufacturing.1 “Investing in water-based solutions that meet market needs and the increasing sustainability requirements of graphics customers is expected to propel business growth for HP,” says Santi Morera, general manager and global head of graphics solutions, HP Inc. “We will be dedicating resources toward continued innovation and industry disruption to accelerate safer, simpler and more sustainable waterbased printing technologies that meet the quality, performance and economics needed by these markets.”

Future of the market HP’s true water-based inks for corrugated packaging have already shown leadership for sensitive applications such as food packaging.

The company is committing resources to enable the next major generation of ink, printhead and press technology, with improved quality, performance and sustainability in our solutions out of a belief that water-based solutions are the long-term future of this market.

business allow brands to reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact.

While executing plans for transforming the textiles market, HP is mindful of the technology options from both the traditional analog and digital perspectives. As such, HP is collaborating with the textile industry in order to make the right choices for water-based digital platforms.

Robert Seay, general manager, GeorgiaPacific Hummingbird said, “Waterbased inkjet inks are a technology differentiator in corrugated packaging, enabling us to confidently address a broader range of applications from food and beverage to personal care products.”

This announcement builds on HP’s existing innovation in water-based ink technology, such as for the sign and display market. Water-based HP Latex Inks, for example, established a durable, versatile and safer alternative for existing inks used for signage and displays. Additional sustainability achievements across HP’s graphics

HP believes that investing in waterbased ink solutions for the corrugate and textile printing markets will have beneficial effects along the entire product lifecycle, for the people who operate our printing systems, for the end users of the printed product, and ultimately for the final reuse, recycling, or disposal of that product.

“HP’s continuing investment in advancing water-based ink technology gives DS Smith confidence that we will meet the health and safety demands of our customers, along with our own high standards for the work environment of our employees,” said Ruediger Lindner, general manager, DS Smith.

TRANSFORM YOUR CORRUGATED PACKAGING BUSINESS

Create new business opportunities and gain new competitive advantages - while reducing turnaround time and waste. HP digital corrugated packaging solutions complement your analog capabilities, giving you greater flexibility to address short-runs, accelerate time to market, and simplify your production processes.

With HP, you can turn dynamic market requirements into new growth opportunities for your business.

HP PAGEWIDE T400 PRESS

HP PAGEWIDE T1100 SERIES PRESSES

Open new opportunities with a combined solution of pre-print and digital in one inkjet web press.

Optimize time savings with high-volume production and job versatility, thanks to variable data and HP Multi-lane Print Architecture.

HP SCITEX 15500 CORRUGATED PRESS

HP SCITEX 17000 CORRUGATED PRESS

Drive down costs - and improve your break-even point - with a highly productive press that lets you do more.

Achieve cost-effective, short- and medium-run production.

Meet demanding turnarounds with the quality you need.

DIGITAL FLEXIBILITY

OFFSET-LIKE PRINT QUALITY

HP PAGEWIDE C500 PRESS Grow your business with HP’s digital post-print solution delivering offset quality for mainstream production.

: www.hp.com/go/corrugatedpackaging ©2018 HP Development Company, LP. 4AA7-4099EEW

INVEST WITH CONFIDENCE

HIGH PERFORMANCE

FOOD-SAFE WATER-BASED INK

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

64

5 Reasons why your CV you from reaching inter I read many CV’s each day, in the course of performing my occupation as a head-hunter/recruiter. It amazes me how many CV’s I see, that have one or more of the following faults with them.

So much so, that I thought it was time to list them down and share the benefit of my knowledge and experience, so in no particular order here they are.

Your CV is too long – CV’s should be a maximum of three pages long, preferably only two pages. Look at the volume of the content, type face/ font size and layout you are using and see what you can do to condense to two or three pages maximum.

Your CV is not relevant to the application you are making - Avoid using generic CV’s for every application you make and version the content to emphasize the aspects of your experience and knowledge, that make you an ideal applicant for advertised roles.

Your CV does not carry enough data – Clients like to see data and the more

the better eg if you are a manager the headcount numbers you are responsible for (direct and indirect) – clients like to see turnover and profit numbers – numbers of sites you manage – growth figures etc etc. If you are a sales person, turnover figures, potential client names you can introduce, numbers of customers etc are all good pieces of data to include which attracts clients to want to interview you.

Your CV does not include enough information about your past and present employers – Please don’t assume someone reading your CV is immediately familiar with your list of past and present employers. Please include a link to their company web site and a brief description of what the company does and particularly the section of the company you are or were employed within and how that links you, to the application.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

V might be preventing rview stage.

Your CV does not reflect you professionally enough – Yes, its true, clients really do judge a book by its cover, in that we mean how your CV looks will be taken as a reflection of you.

Bad grammar and spelling immediately work against you. Choose a good type face and design layout (plenty of good templates on line to help you with that) Ensure the details of what you do, and have accomplished for past and present employers, shine through clearly and succinctly. It’s down to you to sell why someone should want to interview you,

not for them to deduce for themselves.

Keep the details clear, honest and relevant and easy/quick for the client to absorb. Also ensure your CV dates/ details match your LinkedIn profile as many employers and recruiters will check this.

I suggest you take a long hard look at your CV especially, if you have been applying for jobs and not getting called for interview – one or more of the above points might need amending/ tending to.

About the author: Marcus Doo is a Managing Partner of Mood Group, head-hunters/recruiters to the Print & Packaging sectors. https://www. linkedin.com/in/marcusdoo/ Mood Group head-hunting & recruitment https://www.moodgroup. co.uk/

65

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

66 in 2018, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is an addition to the award-winning family of FLEXCEL NX products and takes advantage of all the imaging and print performance capabilities of the core FLEXCEL NX technology.

CGS appoints new CEO CGS Publishing Technologies GmbH has announced the appointment of Bernd Rückert (48) as new Managing Director, Technology and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He replaces Jan de Maeyer, who has retired as former head of Research and Development. He will remain with the Company for high-tech systems analysis and programming projects.

Rückert has served with CGS for over 21 years beginning as an Application Specialist. Moving quickly into the role of Product Manager, he was responsible for the support and future growth of the entire ORIS product portfolio. In 2009, he played an important role in shaping the future of the company as Product Marketing Manager, a newly established position as interface between product management and marketing.

Rückert’s position was confirmed 1st September, and reporting to him as members of the Management Board are Andreas Kämmerer, Business Development, Christoph Thommessen, Global Sales, and Jürgen Erler, Chief Financial Officer.

Miraclon showcases KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution FLEXCEL NX product family expands with new integrated, solventfree and VOC-free flexo plate making solution to enable a press-ready plate in less than an hour.

At Labelexpo, Miraclon announced the launch of its next generation KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution.

Originally launched for the US market

It is a solvent-free, VOC-free, waterbased processing solution that allows printers to create a press-ready plate in less than an hour. Enabled by patented KODAK Ultra Clean technology, developed by the Miraclon team, the FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment.

The KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution includes the proven FLEXCEL NX System for worldclass imaging paired with the new FLEXCEL NX Ultra Processing System and new FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plate, delivering a complete end-to-end plate making solution. The all-in-one processing system combines exposure, washout, drying and finishing in an easy-to-use, robust system with automated cleaning cycles.

FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plates utilize the proven flat top dot structure, Kodak NX Advantage technology and patented Advanced Edge Definition available to all FLEXCEL NX System users and enable an unprecedented level of ink transfer control during printing that delivers superb quality

and production efficiency benefits.

The plates will be available in thicknesses of 1.14 mm and 1.70 mm and are ideal for label, paperboard and flexible packaging applications.

“Over the past decade, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System has revolutionized the flexo industry, bringing an unmatched level of quality and performance to flexo printing for the benefit of everyone involved in the packaging value chain,” said Chris Payne, Miraclon CEO. “Our rich heritage in flexo has established a track record of technical innovation in the flexo space that drives growth and business success for our customers. We’re focused on solving complex technical challenges, and our KODAK Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates.

This enables printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing. Our early adopters in the US and beta customers in Europe are already proving that this robust technology is enabling them to drive the transformation of flexo and better meet brands’ needs.”

The first product available is the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra 35 Solution, which can produce plates up to 35" x 48" (889 x 1219.2 mm) in size.

THE PERFECT SYNTHESIS OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Frontal Dual trolley

Combi drying system

Fully encapsulated Fully automatic

HIGH PERFORMANCE. BEST PRINT. WWW.UTECO.COM

The NXS 300 is outlined by a modular ultra-compact design, suitable for very short-runs.

NXS 300 is equipped with unique and innovative solutions.

Combi drying system: Powerful compact energysaving system that allows a strong reduction of noise thanks to the combi technology.

Frontal Dual trolley: Versatile trolley for extremely fast job changes and trolley set-up. With this system you can change the cylinder, the inking system, or both at the same time.

Printing Units: the printing units are fully encapsulated to reduce VOC emissions and noise pollution.

Automatic positioning of the doctor blade and ink tray.

UTECO: NOT ONLY FLEXO. UTECO CONVERTING SPA • I 37030 COLOGNOLA AI COLLI (VR) • PH.: +39 045 6174555 • FAX: +39 045 6150855 • UTECOVR@UTECO.COM •

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

68 (L to R) Esko Product Manager Paul Land, Muralidhar Nalli, Managing Partner of Digiflex and Esko Regional Sales Manager Mr. Murad Kalal celebrate the new deal at the recent Labelexpo event in Brussels.

India’s Digiflex installs Esko Automation Engine India’s supplier of flexo plates improves efficiency and accuracy with Esko Automation Engine With an ever growing number of customers, Digiflex, one of the leading suppliers of flexographic plates in India, has installed Esko Automation Engine at its Hyderabad facility as part of a drive to improve efficiency.

Established in 2015, the prepress trade shop has a state-of-the-art operation supplying plates to a number of major label convertors, flexible and corrugated packaging printers across the country, while also serving customers as far afield as Africa and South East Asia. In order to manage an increasing number of jobs, Digiflex has installed Automation Engine, the automated workflow server from Esko.

“We are focused on creating the highest level of satisfaction for our customers,” said Muralidhar Nalli, Managing Partner of Digiflex. “We constantly aim to fulfill both their current and future needs and our stated mission is to continuously improve all our business processes and productivity.”

“As our reputation continues to grow, earning plaudits for our commitment to providing the highest quality products and services, the number of jobs the business is handling has been steadily increasing. Automating our workflow to ensure we maximized our efficiency and productivity became an obvious necessity.”

The Digiflex operation has two flexo plate imaging lines, including a new Esko CDI Crystal 5080 with the latest imaging software, installed in early 2019.

“This is the only imager of this size in the South Indian market and will help us to target large format flexible printers and supply full size plates for the corrugated market,” said Nalli.

“We will soon be adding even more equipment for digital flexo plate processing and so looked to automate our workflow as it is vital that we continue delivering a service of the highest quality and accuracy to our customers.”

Following a full demonstration - and having discussed options and obtained the opinions of various existing users across the industry - Digiflex selected Automation Engine from Esko, the global supplier of software and hardware solutions for leading global wide format, labels and packing professionals. The scalable workflow server not only automates print production tasks but also integrates business systems to speed up the whole process. More importantly, it reduces the error rate and the need for operator intervention, ensuring both maximum accuracy and efficiency of platemaking.

“During our research we found that Esko Automation Engine was a very popular prepress workflow solution in the print and packaging industry the whole world over,” said Nalli. “The combination of this incredibly positive feedback from users and our own successful demonstration made the final decision an easy one.

“Customer satisfaction and the impressive quality service we deliver is of the utmost importance to us.

We know Esko has secured a similarly enviable reputation for its digital flexo plate imaging hardware and its catalogue of software solutions. The service back-up the company offers in India is also particularly good,” said Nalli.

“Our decision to install Esko Automation Engine means we can offer our customers the same or even better standard of service on which we have built our business, while maximizing our efficiency and productivity,” he said. “Not only that, but Automation Engine will clearly help us to effectively avoid errors that happen in the process of handling files, achieving cost reductions through minimizing waste.”

John Fredrick, Esko Sales Manager for South India, said he was thrilled that Digiflex was continuing its partnership with Esko by integrating Automation Engine into its workflow. “As a comparatively young business, Digiflex is making a real name for itself with its cutting edge equipment and commitment to unparalleled customer service,” he said.

“The fact that Mr Nalli has seen fit to use Esko solutions to automate his entire prepress process is testament to the tremendous success Digiflex has enjoyed with our CDI Crystal 5080 plate imager,” he said. “We are delighted to extend our relationship in this way and look forward to working ever more closely with Digiflex as the company continues on its path to growing success.”

Impressive Exhibitor Registration for drupa 2020 The drupa trade fair will set key trends in the global printing industry from

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

70 June 16 - 26, 2020 at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany. With its strong exhibitor registration, drupa underlines its unique position as the most relevant and important platform for the global printing industry. Some 1,800 exhibitors from 50 countries are expected to showcase their products at the event.

The top five exhibitor nations to date are Germany, Japan, Italy, China and Great Britain. Exhibitors range from global industry players to ambitious small companies and promising start-ups, all representing the entire value chain. A total of 30% are new exhibitors. For the current exhibitor list, visit www.drupa.com. drupa 2020 will occupying all halls of the Düsseldorf exhibition center, clearly structured in the following product groups: 1. Prepress / Print 2. Premedia / Multichannel 3. Post press / Converting / Packaging 4. Future Technologies 5. Materials 6. Equipment / Services / Infrastructure “drupa stands for cutting-edge technologies and solutions that reach target groups in a wide range of

markets. It has become very apparent in recent years that the appeal of print products is growing as the technology steadily advances. Print is conquering new dimensions with haptic elements, innovative materials and finishing techniques that engage the senses in previously unknown ways for an entirely new experience.

Also, global trends such as the circular economy, artificial intelligence, the platform economy and connected consumers are forces that will have a growing influence on processes in the industry,” commented Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa and Global Head of Print Technologies at Messe Düsseldorf.

The various megatrends will not only be addressed at the exhibitors’ booth but also in special forums: drupa cube, dna - drupa next age, touchpoint packaging, touchpoint 3D fab+print and touchpoint textile. They provide a unique setting for exchanging knowledge and experiences that reflects the competence and creativity of the industry.

The opening times for drupa 2020 are from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm during the week and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on the weekends For up-to-date information on drupa 2020, the accompanying program and special forums visit www.drupa.com.

BOBST launches VISION CI The new CI flexo press provides high-quality, efficient, consistent and cost-effective print production.

BOBST announced the launch of the BOBST VISION CI flexo press

designed to deliver the most efficient performance for all production lengths on a wide range of substrates.

Fast to setup and change over, it features technical innovations and automation that ensure repeatable process consistency, minimum waste and easy manufacturing. It is ideal for converters looking to add a powerful and reliable production tool to their operation.

“With the VISION CI, BOBST has truly delivered on its vision for the future of CI flexo press printing,” said Mark McInulty, Managing Director CI Flexo Printing. “It combines the very latest technology with the highest manufacturing standards at the best price/performance ratio, putting premium print quality, reliability and highest standards of efficiency at the fingertips of converters everywhere.”

The VISION CI is available as an initially 8-color press and provides consistent and repeatable printing quality with solvent-based and waterbased ink printing, on a wide range of substrates types and thicknesses. It has a compact and ergonomic, modular design, making installation and set-up very easy.

“From the moment the machine arrives, it can be installed and ready to print at the site in a matter of four weeks and this is a major benefit for converters,” said McInulty.” Its compact dimensions will save valuable space, and its smart ergonomic design will ensure the operator a convenient, intuitive and fast operation. The VISION CI flexo press brings outstanding accuracy and repeatability of performance in terms of output quality and waste-saving operation to

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 6 2019 Get ready for Vietnam in 2020

71 a wider number of flexible packaging printing operations.”

The VISION CI also brings substantial sustainability benefits. It contains ‘smartHEAT’ technology, which enables the machine to use its own heat as an internal and useful energy source, while its ‘smartCLEAN’ technology saves on ink and solvents. Furthermore ‘smartKEY’ and ‘smartSET’ will maximize machine productivity through minimizing job set-up time and material waste.

Koenig & Bauer expands Asia partnership with Rieckermann Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica extends sales partnership with Rieckermann to include Korea and Vietnam.

Following the successful cooperation with Rieckermann for Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, the partnership is being expanded to include Korea with immediate effect.

Rieckermann will also be taking over exclusive sales responsibility for Vietnam market from 1st November.

“To further improve our proximity to customers on the Southeast Asian markets, we have decided to deepen our cooperation with the experienced industrial solutions provider Rieckermann,” said Dr. Peter Lechner, CEO at Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica.

“That is an important milestone on the road to successful participation in the constantly growing market for flexible packaging in the future. ” The partnership expansion was agreed at the presentation of the new Evo

XC. “In addition to the Evo XD and XG, we were able to gain a first-hand impression of the new very compact and highly productive 8-colour CI flexo press. We are convinced that the Evo XC will be very much in demand in Asia,” said Kristian Rieck, director for plastic and converting at Rieckermann.

How Technical Solutions Transform the Recycling Industry Thanks to the AMP Cortex the recycling sector is about to see a transformation thanks to robotic technologies and artificial intelligence making the sorting at recycling facilities faster, more accurate and thus much more efficient.

Packaging production and the printing industry are closely intermingled. Both of them are full of innovations and technical solutions for increased efficiency, more automation and a higher professionalization. And both are promising application fields for some of the most modern technological innovations: Robotics and artificial intelligence. Thanks to both technologies, the recycling sector is on the verge of a total transformation.

The Developers behind AMP Cortex The recycling robot that makes the sorting of trash much more efficient and accurate is currently in use, for example, at the GFL Environmental in Denver, Colorado. The so-called AMP Cortex was created by AMP Robotics founder Matanya Horowitz and is a high-speed robotics system guided by artificial intelligence. It combines three key technologies fulfilling the function of a brain, eyes and hands, meaning it can detect certain items, localize it

and grab it to sort it out. But that’s not all, the AMP Cortex does all that at extraordinary speeds and with high accuracy.

A Network of Recycling Robots The mechanics are really easy. Similar to humans, the brains and eyes of the robot are at the top, which lets it “look down” on the assembly line full of trash. The smart vision of the robot is able to identify specific items and using the light-weight arms and a suction cup picking them up to move them to another bin.

AMP Robotics founder Matanja Horowitz says about the machine: “It’s very similar to just taking a vacuum cleaner you might have at home and putting it against a can and picking it up that way.” The AMP Cortex is trained by analyzing millions of images and learns to detect, for example, logos, box shapes and dyed plastics.

The information is then captured in the cloud, so that other robots can make use of it. Thus, the system is constantly improved due to a functioning network of artificial intelligences.

Co-Existence of Robot and Human Workers It will probably take a few more decades until robotic systems like the AMP Cortex function completely independently and without further human support. At the moment, the technology is primarily used for sorting challenges that would otherwise be unsafe for people. “For obvious reasons, they don’t really mind getting stuck with hypodermic needles, or sifting through all the nasty stuff that ends up in the recycling like diapers, and so we can help move the manual sorter further away from these hazards,” Horowitz said.

However, humans are still necessary in the form of co-workers of the robots, but the main sorting happens mechanically and it considerably enhances speed and efficiency: The robots can sort, pick and place items at a speed of 160 pieces per minute and might in the future be useful also in further segments of the supply chain as well as industrial production.

EXTRUSION | PRINTING | CONVERTING

600 + SOLD The most preferred CI Flexo printing press in the world

MIRAFLEX Ready for PACKAGING 4.0 Experience intelligence with: EASY-SET – superior impression setting as standard with every press CHECK-REPEAT – continuous repeat length monitoring EASY-COL – intelligent colour matching and ink management system VISION – intelligent, intuitive and integrated web inspection system TURBOCLEAN – most advanced inking and wash-up system … and many more!

Windmöller & Hölscher KG Lengerich / Germany Phone + 49 5481 14 - 0 · info@wuh-group.com www.wuh-group.com Local Contact: Dr. Mathew John +234 8028025787