July 2012, Flexo Mag by Print Innovation Asia

Asian Flexo, Gravure & Labeling

July 2012

Covering the Flexo, Gravure & Labeling Industries across Asia MICA(P)094/08/2008 - KDN PPS 1529/8/2009

Success and security for the labelprinter

www.gallus-group.com

A partner of Heidelberg

July 2012

Covering the Flexo, Gravure & Labeling Industries across Asia MICA(P)046-11-2010 - KDN PPS 1529/05/2012(022768)

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Packaging Excellence Awards Entry Form Emirates Printing Press strengthens its packaging business Functional self-adhesive labels for the food and beverage market Converting a want into a need Packaging first with Dymatrix 113 Pro Food Safety and Digital Printing Practical magic drupa 2012 was BOBST's most successful trade fair ever Omet and Ferrostaal’s partnership forges ahead in Asia DRUPA 2012: ANNOUNCED SUCCESS highlight will be the UV inkjet label printer Eye Graphic earns Esko HD Flexo certification High-end folding cartons – non-stop.... Comexi Group marks a turning point in flexible packaging printing at Drupa Cerutti Group adds QuadTech register control technology Dairy industry's next big opportunity Apex “FlexoKitchen” Served Irresistible DRUPA Results Second Singapore Packaging Agreement To Achieve 315 Signatories By 2015 100% Inspection + Workflow Solutions = Guarantee of Quality with Enhanced Performance Industry news and happenings from around the world

AFTA Pte Ltd No. 71 Geylang Lorong 23, THK Building, #07-02, Singapore 388386 Tel+65 6733 5342 Fax +656733 3586 Chairman Paul Callaghan paulftw@cpublish.com.sg Managing Director Elizabeth Liew eliew@cpublish.com.sg Editor Christel Lee editorasia@cpublish.com.sg Advertising Sales Matthew Callahan matt@cpublish.com.sg Accounts Radika PS accounts@cpublish.com.sg Chairman Judging Panel 2012 Packaging Excellence Awards Head Judge - Alf Carrigan

The 2012 Packaging Excellence Awards, show your customers you are the best

A GA Asian Gravure Association

11 Year

Asian Label Association

UP 0 0 0 US$6 ABS R G FOR ere h e e S ails! t e d for

Entries close on October the 1st at 5pm. Join Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest Awards Event for the Packaging Industry today, Show everyone you are the best.....

Gala Awards Dinner 22nd November 2012 - Sentosa - Singapore

Join the Asian Flexo - Gravure & Asian Labeling Print Awards. Its BIGGER and BETTER than ever before, so more reasons for you to go for GOLD Platimun

Dailian International Pte Ltd

Spengler Electronic AG

Brand Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Entries submission close on the 1st October 2012 at 5pm and the Grand Awards Presentation Dinner will be held in Singapore at the Sentosa Resort Convention Centre on the 22nd November 2012.

Asian Label Association

A GA Asian Gravure Association

FREE ENTRY

A GA Asian Gravure Association

Everything Gravure

Everything Flexo

The awards cover every process for the Gravure printing industry.

The awards cover every process for the flexo printing industry, from wide-web all the way to narrow web. Flexo awards conditions of entry: An entry must be from a commercial production job, printed between 3rd October 2011 and 1st October 2012 within the Asian region. Entries can comprise line, stipple and/or colour halftone. Web entries must provide a minimum of five (5) cylinder repeats at full web width, not trimmed, slit or die-cut. Each flexible substrate entry must be wound onto a cardboard core. Post Print for Corrugated must provide five (5) consecutive sheets/boxes. 1. a: b:

Narrow Web Flexibles (Web widths up to 500 mm) Paper Film

2. a: b:

Mid Web Flexibles (Web widths 501 to 914 mm) Paper Film

3. a: b:

Wide Web Flexibles (Web widths 915 mm or more) Paper Film

Beverage Carton & Cups

Post Print for Corrugated

NU CA S$2, SH 000 !!!

Gravure awards conditions of entry: An entry must be from a commercial production job, printed between 3rd October 2011 and 1st October 2012 within the Asian region. Entries can comprise line, stipple and/or colour halftone. Web entries must provide a minimum of five (5) cylinder repeats at full web width, not trimmed, slit or die-cut. Each flexible substrate entry must be wound onto a cardboard core. All other substrates to be packed to avoid creasing and damage. 1.

Paper and Metallised paper - surface print

Metallised Films and Aluminium Foil - surface print

Films a. Surface Print b. Reverse Print

Security - any substrate

Carton Board -surface print

Publication - surface print Samples to be packed to avid damage and creasing

Specialty -any substrate - any type that does not fit the above categories such as decorative wall or floor covering, vinylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s etc

NU CA S$2, SH 000 !!!

Judges Award for best in show AGA The judging panel selects a best of the best from all AGA categories. This award will be presented by the Chairman of the Independent Judging Panel at the Awards Presentation dinner.

Judges Award for best in show AFTA The judging panel selects a best of the best from all AFTA categories. This award will be presented by the Chairman of the Independent Judging Panel at the Awards Presentation dinner.

Asian Label Association

Everything Label

The awards cover every process for the Labeling printing industry. Label awards Conditions of entry: An entry must be from a commercial production job, printed between 3rd October 2011 and 1st October 2012 within the Asian region. Categories 1 -5 (one to five) are for pressure sensitive die cut web labels only. Entries can comprise line, stipple and/or colour halftone. Web entries must provide a minimum of five (5) cylinder repeats at full web width, not trimmed or slit and wound onto a cardboard core.

Flexo

Letterpress

Offset

Gravure

Combination Printing Any number of printing processes or embellishments.

Non Pressure Sensitive Material any Process Web entries must provide a minimum of five (5) cylinder repeats at full web width, not trimmed or slit and wound onto a cardboard core. Sheetfed Offset must provide two (2) full, untrimmed sheets of each entry and supplied in a tube or between two sheets of rigid board.

Digital Printing Web entries must provide a minimum of five (5) cylinder repeats at full web width, not trimmed or slit and wound onto a cardboard core. Sheetfed entries must provide two (2) full, untrimmed sheets of each entry and either supplied in a tube or flat between two sheets of rigid board. Judges Award for best in show Labels The judging panel selects a best of the best from all Label categories. This award will be presented by the Chairman of the Independent Judging Panel at the Awards Presentation dinner.

Start collecting your entries for the bigger and better Asian Flexo, Gravure and Labeling Awards 2012. Go for Gold and prove you are the best of the best in Asia AFTA /AGA 71 Lorong 23 Geylang, #07-02 THK Building, Singapore 388386 Tel +65 6733 5342 or email paul@cpublish.com.sg

NU CA S$2, SH 000 !!!

www.afta.com.sg

FREE ENTRY FORM

11th Asian Flexo, Gravure and Labeling Excellence Awards ENTRIES CLOSE 1st October 2012 PLEASE INDICATE BELOW WITH AN

Section A

FLEXO AWARDS

(This will not be shown to judges)

GRAVURE AWARDS



LAbELinG AWARDS

Entered by (company name) Contact Address Telephone

Country

Postcode

Title of entry (description) Printed by (company name) Prepress House Type of substrate printed on (ie Board, Label stock etc) Category entered (See page before) By signing here you accept the rules and conditions of the Asian Flexo, Gravure and Labeling Excellence Awards Name

Signature

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Section B

Production information to be shown to judges

Category entered (Same as above)

Entry number

( tape this to the back of your entries) (Administrative use only]

Print method Number of ink colours

Ink Manufacturer

Quantity produced (Print run)

Name of press used

Other technical details (finishing processes etc)

Attach a separate sheet if necessary.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Entries for all awards require : all entries must be from a commercial production run : 2 samples of each entry to be supplied : Web entries must be a minimum of 5 cylinder repeats, full machine width, not trimmed or slit and wound on a core to avoid creasing: Sheetfed entries must be full sheets untrimmed and supplied in a tube or flat between 2 sheets of cardboard to avoid creasing. All production details must be provided in all sections of the entry form and in English. (Otherwise, an entry will not be deemed eligible). Please note that all entries are non-returnable, unless a self addressed courier pack is supplied with an entry.

Send all entries to: AFTA Pte Ltd 71 Lorong 23 Geylang, #07-02 THK Building, Singapore 388386 Tel+65 6733 5342 Fax +65 6733 3586

Entries must be in by 1st October 2012 www.afta.com.sg

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Emirates Printing Press strengthens its packaging business Emirates Printing Press L.L.C. (EPP), a globally successful, quality oriented printing house headquartered in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, decided to purchase an inline machine system from Gallus Stanz- und Druckmaschinen GmbH.

The Gallus ICS 670 will be used to make folding carton products in a seamless process – from the roll to the finished, die-cut blanks. For the 600 people strong company this investment is the next step in following its strategy to expand its activities in the packaging sector. The Gallus ICS 670 destined for EPP comprises four gravure units, nine EVA (Easy Value Add) platforms, a rotary embossing unit, and the Gallus FCL 670 flat-bed die-cutter. Emirates Printing Press will use HiDef flexo printing™ and screen printing modules on the EVA platforms. Other finishing methods such as cold foiling, lamination, hot foil embossing, or rotary hot foil embossing can also be integrated in the platforms as options. “It was the one-of-a-kind production and process flexibility offered by the Gallus ICS 670 that was the main reason for our investment decision,” explained EPP’s Executive Directors, Mohamad Al Shirawi and Samuel Natarajan. “We chose this configuration because it allows us to cover most of our current portfolio. Thanks to its modular architecture, the machine can be expanded at any time in the future,

so that we can respond to changing market needs without any problems.” EPP (www.eppdubai.com) has been certified by several organizations for its exemplary quality and standardization policies, and regularly wins prestigious awards at international quality competitions. A total of sixteen heatset web offset, sheetfed offset and sheetfed gravure presses have so far been available at the printing company. In addition to books, magazines and assorted presswork, EPP also makes high-end packaging for cosmetics, perfumes, confectionery, and tobacco products on behalf of world famous brands. Inline folding carton converting: more than just another machine The Gallus ICS 670 will enable Emirates Printing Press to realize not only alternative printing processes but also a revolutionary production and material flow concept. With this in mind, the company recently built a new shop that is optimally aligned to the requirements of continuous, streamlined inline production from the roll. This shop is sufficiently large to accommodate a second production line – further evidence of EPP’s faith in the capabilities of the inline system.

EPP’s entry into the new inline production era was preceded by careful preparation. In-depth training in flexo and screen printing as well as in the necessary prepress processes were provided to both operators and managers at the Gallus Converting Center in Weiden, Germany, and Gallus Screeny in Switzerland. Specialized theoretical knowledge was backed up by practical training on an identical machine system. “We’d like to say a big thank-you to Gallus for the excellent training that was put on for us in Weiden and St. Gallen. We learned an awful lot,” said Thomas Jayaraj, Senior Production & Plant Manager at EPP. The HiDef flexo printing™ and gravure units, rotary embossing unit, and Gallus FCL 670 flat-bed die-cutter have meanwhile successfully started production at EPP. The outstanding print quality of the Gallus ICS 670 has already been testified to by an application engineer at a leading ink manufacturer. Parallel to this, the operator team has received further on-site training from Gallus specialists in the runup to the new inline machine system’s final acceptance at Emirates Printing Press.

2 versatile workhorses AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

The Rotomag MXP 5 colour Flexographic high-speed press for tickets, labels and packaging Up to 10 colours – 520 wide highspeed line drive or servo drive Machine accessories: UV dryer servo tension control camera system 52” Jumbo unwind 52” Jumbo rewind Turn bar 3 x die cutting units High-speed, quick make ready press

Rotomag SP7 Rotomag Spy multi-purpose plough folding, booklet inserting, inkjet numbering, die cut to register, roll to roll, roll to sheet. This machine can also be used as a finishing machine, die cutting to register of digitally printed stock and digital finishing.

We customise and design to suit your needs. For sales information and enquiries, please contact Peter Jessop on +61 (0)418 475 045 21 Bullecourt Avenue, Milperra NSW 2214 Australia Phone (61) 02 9792 4444 Fax (61) 02 9774 2317 Email sales@rotaryeng.com.au www.rotaryeng.com.au

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Functional self-adhesive labels for the food and beverage market in food and beverage retailing, a self-adhesive label can create a multi-functional solution that will both simplify accurate workflow and product throughput and provide an invaluable additional level of product authentication.

by Jules Lejeune, managing director FINAT

In the light of much of the media coverage of adulteration/falsification of drinks – baby milk and other beverages (including wine) and foods, – the responsible brand owner today can choose to use one simple path to success, across all his required functionalities: a self-adhesive label.

sales assistant to successfully scan the item’s barcode at the checkout – is critical. They can also perform a major function in product authentication and tamper-evidence.

Across all the end-use market segments -- including food and drinks, and retailing -- self-adhesive labels have established an unmatched reputation for reliability, coupled with versatility, in every respect. They are a preferred choice because of the extremely stable nature of the self-adhesive ‘sandwich’ – a laminate of printable face stock, adhesive, and the release liner which carries it along the press. Delivered in long or short reels, conveniently still on their backing liner, the labels are ready for accurate, legible personalisation by any of today’s variable information printing (VIP) technologies to deliver a unique identifier. These are functional labels which must perform in a variety of environments

to meet different needs. They undertake a variety of important roles. They identify single items at the retail point of sale, in catchweigh applications, particularly for fresh foods. Here, the labels’ dual readability role – correctly identifying the contents for the consumer and enabling the

The actual substrate to which they will be applied may vary from wood to

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

11 rough card, plastic (films or containers), glass, or waxed cartonboard. It may be hot, damp, cool, or out of the freezer. Self-adhesive labels offer a choice of adhesives delivering reliable adhesion, whatever the circumstances. Certified adhesives for direct food contact (meeting FDA and BfR standards) are available. But that is only part of the story. The label’s face stock – its printable surface – must be able to conform to the pack to which it is applied. On flat surfaces, this is no challenge – but the situation is very different when it comes to curved packaging or ‘difficult’ surfaces such as apolar plastics which repel standard adhesives, or, for example, the roundels applied directly to self-serve fruits in the supermarket. Storage conditions – wet, damp, blast freeze, in particular will also affect face stock choice. Additionally, clear readability is essential (either by the naked eye, or with scanners). The imaging methods used for such labels also, therefore, make demands on the choice of label face stock. With self-adhesive labels, the ability to choose a preferred or specialpurpose face stock and combine it with

a preferred adhesive, and a release liner ideally suited to the label application method employed is a considerable benefit. Self-adhesive labels, which may be preprinted or not, can employ all the types of variable information print available today: the direct thermal, thermal transfer, inkjet (including flatbed), and laser print processes. They will often combine alphanumeric (product name or code) identifiers, for reading with the human eye, with digital identifiers such as barcodes. The simple onedimensional barcode has been joined today by two-dimensional barcodes

and, based on the 2D technology, even three-dimensional barcodes. Self-adhesive labels can accommodate even the most advanced barcode technologies – even those associated with today’s product authentication technologies. It is the mature direct thermal technology, which creates images using heat on a heat-sensitive substrate, primarily serves the retail market, particularly for catchweigh food labelling. It offers ease and reliability of use for short-life applications, and delivers relatively low-cost quality barcodes at reasonable print speeds.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

12 transporting goods across increasinglywide geographies. Whether variable information print label volumes are large or small; simple or complex; and whichever imaging processes they utilise; it is worth talking to a selfadhesive label converter to learn how any specific labelling challenge can, successfully and cost-effectively, be met today. These characteristics also make direct thermal an obvious choice for transit product identification and tracking labels, eg for parcel distribution, as well as for outer case and pallet markings. It is worth noting that, traditionally, Bisphenol-A (BPA) has been used in thermal papers as the standard image developer – but current concerns around its possible toxicity have led the manufacturers of self-adhesive thermal labelstocks to offer non-BPA alternatives for sensitive applications. Thermal transfer, using ink ribbons with a thermal printhead, is one of the most flexible variable information print technologies, due to the variety of ribbons and printable receiver label materials (many UL approved) available, and its ability to print in colour. It is primarily used in industrial applications. Inkjet print is now making inroads in the functional label market – with sell-by dates and other identifiers often added during the reelto-reel printing of primary product labels for packaged foods on modular presses, which can include a digital print unit. The actual application of a label to a pack may be accomplished, according to the application concerned, manually,

or with a hand-operated labeller. All in all, the self-adhesive label offers an unmatched flexibility and versatility in both straightforward day-to-day catchweigh labelling, and in advanced arenas such as ‘smart’ RFID labels and track-and-trace and tamper-evidence. Self-adhesive label converters around Europe, and their labelstock suppliers, are both an excellent source of information on the extensive opportunities available to brand owners and other companies

About FINAT FINAT, founded in Paris in 1958 with headquarters in The Hague (The Netherlands), is the world-wide association for manufacturers of selfadhesive labels and related products and services. With 600 members in over 50 countries around the world, FINAT has much to offer to label converters and all suppliers to the labelling industry in terms of information exchange and the opportunity to network internationally. www.finat.com

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Converting a want into a need The population of smokers worldwide is alarmingly huge. Just what makes smokers cave in to the habit without qualms? The answer is on the box! Christel Lee of Asian Flexo reports. Controversially, smoking is deemed unhealthy, in spite of the media painting a “cool” picture of it. There are reportedly 1.1 billion smokers in the world today. It is said if current trends continue, that number is expected to increase to 1.6 billion by the year 2025. Research published in an Australasian marketing journal by Cancer Research UK suggests that women are more sensitive to tobacco packaging and more likely to be influenced by packet design than men! The study performed by Stirling University examined smokers’ attitudes to cigarette packaging through eight focus groups in Glasgow, comprising 54 smokers aged between 18 and 35. The respondents were asked about their attitudes towards different packaging. Each was designed to open either like a book, slide open sideways or made to resemble a lighter with a flip top. Men were generally not influenced by the different designs, with none indicating they would change their brand for the sake of the design.

The report added ladies are more receptive to a particular design and the adjectives used were “cute”, “cool”, “pretty”, “glamorous” and “sophisticated”! Some feedback indicated that the packaging suggested cigarettes were less harmful – words used included “they don't look as bad for you”. Colour me bad Apparently, how a cigarette packet looks determines the sale, just like any other product packaging. This is notwithstanding many nations putting strict regulations on marketing and advertising of tobacco products. Recently, Singapore has implemented a regulation on the packaging of tobacco products prohibiting misleading labelling, including the use of words such as ‘mild’, ‘light’ or ‘low tar’. The research mentioned earlier had respondents assess the colours of a cigarette package and share their impressions. Nearly all smokers

associated coloured, plain packets (white, green, light blue, red) – that only had health warnings and no name, description or tar or nicotine levels – with cigarette strength. Red packs were seen as full strength, green as menthol, and light blue and white thought to be low or ultra low tar. C

When shown four differently coloured plain packets (grey, beige, dark grey and dark brown) all groups disliked them. They were described as looking cheap, bland, dull, boring and unattractive. The lighter coloured packets were said to be more attractive than the darker ones. The lighter colours were seen to indicate less harmful cigarettes. Although some smokers thought the dark grey was a negative colour – associating it with ash and death – it was the dark brown pack that was disliked the most. It was variously described as horrific, ugly and associated with excrement, dirt, mud, tar and rust. Dr Crawford Moodie, lead researcher based at the University of Stirling, said: “It’s clear that smokers react to tobacco packaging in different ways and women appear to be particularly receptive to this silent salesman. Indeed, it was found that even after removing the branding from packaging, slim shaped packaging was still perceived quite positively by some women.” Disclaimer: This article is based on researched facts It bears no intent to promote smoking as a lifestyle. Any negative connotation implied about entities involved in the tobacco industry is unintentional.

CMY

When you want to take the next step in flexo, look to MacDermid’s LUX plate processing technology. With its unique flat-top dot geometry, LUX allows flexo printers to rival the quality and consistency of gravure. And as a simple drop-in system, LUX is easy for platemakers to incorporate into their existing workflows, using their current imaging hardware and pre-press software. Adding LUX to your print process is a simple, cost effective way to dramatically improve print quality. When you’re looking to take your flexo print to the next level, count on the company that innovates with you in mind. MacDermid.

Photopolymer Plates • Equipment 5210 Phillip Lee Drive, Atlanta, GA 30336, USA Telephone: +1.800.348.7201 • www.macdermid.com/printing

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Packaging first with Dymatrix 113 Pro • Flexible, high-speed machine available in a host of differently equipped versions / Unique in its format classes • Less time and paper waste add up to considerable cost savings • Faster makeready and precise die cutter setting • Top-quality die cutting and absolutely precise register MR Hewitts Print Packaging (AMR Hewitts) is the first company in the ANZ region to purchase the stateof-the-art Dymatrix 113 Pro diecutting machine from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg). A leading packaging printer, AMR Hewitts, based in Tullamarine, Victoria, has positioned itself at the quality end of the market, manufacturing a range of packaging products for a diverse customer base spanning pharmaceutical, complementary health and cosmetics through to boutique foods and automotive retail lines. "We have long held the philosophy that packaging should reflect a brand's

positioning," says Lou Mimmo, AMR Hewitts Managing Director. "When we decided to put all our efforts into packaging, we went to market with a quality proposition that centered on producing packaging that would assure consistency in branding from advertising to the point of sale. At the time our existing packaging contracts were in ladies hosiery and this approach proved to be very successful. Within 18 months we had moved from the smallest operator in the category to the largest". A flexible, high-speed die cutter with diverse options for a broad range of applications

L-R: Alastair Hadley, General Manager Sales, Marketing and Product Management for HAN, Peter Mimmo, Operations Director AMR Hewitts, Heidelberg CEO Bernard Schreier and Lou Mimmo, Managing Director AMR Hewitts at drupa 2012 in front of the Dymatrix 113 Pro to be delivered in July 2012.

According to Lou Mimmo, the company needs to work with stateof-the-art equipment. For this reason, AMR Hewitts has chosen the Dymatrix 113 Pro- to continue to demonstrate market leadership and meet the company's own very strict KPIs (key performance indicator) for quality and productivity. The AMR Hewitts internal KPI for full on-time delivery sits at 99.5%. The company also has very strict internal quality controls. To meet our KPIs the team is given all the right tools. When AMR Hewitts started to see defects coming through in the cutting area, it was clear that they needed to bring the die-cutting equipment up to speed. Lou Mimmo saw the Dymatrix in operation in Germany, in both showroom demonstrations and at customer sites. Its performance on the job was very impressive, and he could immediately see the productivity and quality benefits of the machine. A favourable exchange rate and an increased workload led AMR Hewitts to place an order for the Dymatrix 113 Pro earlier this year. The company expects installation by July. On the occasion of drupa 2012 in Düsseldorf, Lou Mimmo again could experience his new flagship live. "With the Dymatrix 113 Pro there are a lot of technical advantages, but a few things were standouts for me, such as being able to electronically adjust the cutting plate, which is usually a manual task. From an engineering perspective the gearbox on the Dymatrix is thermically separated to the cutting mechanism.

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AFTA AGA ALA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 1 2012 -

18 after packaging manufacturer AMR (Australian Modern Reproduction) acquired Hewitts Printers, a commercial print company. By 1990 the new company had dispensed with commercial print work to focus solely on manufacturing high quality packaging products. Today the 100 percent family-owned company is recognized for its quality and for working at the leading edge across a number of market segments. The company offers packaging solutions from design though to distribution.

This means there is no need to warm up the machine enabling us to achieve consistent cutting pressure even from a cold start - on our old machine we'd have to wait a couple of hours for it to get going. The new machine will definitely enable us to target new work. We've never had a machine that blanks so output will be greater and it will remove a manual handling process as well. The Dymatrix runs a lot faster than our current machines and the fully

automatic logistics system for stack changes on and off the machine allow the machine to run non-stop from the start of the run, even on very long runs. Plus its high level of automation will enable us to reduce make ready times considerably giving us greater capacity". About AMR Hewitts Print Packaging AMR Hewitts was established in 1985

The pressroom works with two Speedmaster CD 102 presses from Heidelberg and one Speedmaster CD 74. AMR Hewitts is also equipped with Heidelberg prepress machines and the Prinect workflow. Figure 1: (from left to right) Alastair Hadley, General Manager Sales, Marketing and Product Management for HAN, Peter Mimmo, Operations Director AMR Hewitts, Heidelberg CEO Bernard Schreier and Lou Mimmo, Managing Director AMR Hewitts at drupa 2012 in front of the Dymatrix 113 Pro to be delivered in July 2012.

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Food Safety and Digital Printing Food safety is hardly ever out of the news. Moreover, it is not only about the hygienic production, processing, and storage of food. There is more to food safety than avoiding bacterial contamination. In 2005, isopropyl thioxanthone (ITX), a photoinitiator used in UV-curable inks, was found in baby milk.

In 2009, other photoinitiators were detected in breakfast cereals packed in polyethylene pouches inside cardboard boxes that were only printed on the outside. More recently, in 2011, mineral oils from liquid printing inks were discovered in recycled paperboard used for food packaging. If it had not done so already, the packaging industry now realized that substances used in printing inks could contaminate food even without direct contact. With digital printing gaining acceptance in the packaging market, this paper aims to provide a better understanding of how different digital printing technologies compare as far as food safety is concerned. Packaging includes folding carton, flexible packaging, and labels. The discussion is limited to indirect contact between printed matter and food – relatively few packaging applications require print on the inside in direct contact with food. For the sake of brevity, contamination from the packaging materials is not considered either. However, the reader should be aware that there are regulatory restrictions on these materials. Rules, Requirements, and Restrictions Different stakeholders apply different requirements regarding food safety. The only legally enforceable rules are those imposed by regulatory authorities. However, organizations and interest groups, certified laboratories, and, not least, brand owners have established requirements as well. Regulatory Authorities Countries worldwide have their own regulations. In Europe, the European

Commission issues directives and regulations, but member states have some leeway on local implementation. While there is a framework regulation on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, which is applicable to all food packaging, there is not yet any specific European legislation concerning printing inks for these applications. Nevertheless, some European countries may have explicit requirements for packaging inks. Switzerland, for example, has issued restrictions on the components used in inks for food packaging applications. The Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food lays down a list of permitted substances, i.e. the only substances that may be used in the manufacture of food packaging printing inks marketed in Switzerland. This Ordinance is by far the most stringent in Europe and has gained international recognition. In general, European legislation defines authorized substances, for which it imposes contamination limits (see below). Extensive testing by accredited

laboratories is required to demonstrate whether a specific application is ‘safe for purpose’. In the US, FDA regulations apply. Organizations and Interest Groups In the absence of harmonious European – not to mention global – legislation, several organizations and interest groups have each tried to streamline the existing regulations. For example EuPIA, the European Printing Ink Association, has developed guidelines for its members, based on the current European framework regulation, and provides detailed recommendations on how to formulate inks that will comply with this regulation. Certified Laboratories Several independent laboratories test inks and printed matter and issue declarations of conformity and product certifications. Well-known examples are Isega, Intertek, and Eurofins. The findings and advice of these laboratories inevitably influence the consensus.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

Polymer HDPE (high-density polyethylene) LDPE (low-density polyethylene) LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) PP (polypropylene) PVC (polyvinyl chloride) PET (polyethylene terephthalate) EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) PA (polyamide) PS (polystyrene)

Benzophenone

Phenyl cyclohexane

-log (D)

8.3 7.6 8.3 9.4 8.5 16.0 7.5 9.9 10.5

8.3 7.8 8.1 9.3 8.4 18.0 7.3 10.9 15

-log (D): Diffusion coefficient, a measure of how quickly the molecule can diffuse through the polymer. The higher the number in the table above, the slower the diffusion. A difference of 7.7 (almost 8) between high-density polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (a form of polyester) translates to a difference in diffusion speed by a factor of 108 (diffusion through polyester is slower by a factor of 108 than diffusion through HDPE).

Brand Owners Increasingly brand owners are issuing guidelines, including lists of authorized and non-authorized substances. The Nestlé Guidance Note on Packaging Inks, for example, stipulates that only components that are listed in the Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles can be used for packaging inks, but it also explicitly excludes some of these (e.g. certain photoinitiators, acrylates, and solvents). Like the Swiss Ordinance, it is increasingly used as a reference. Moreover, while the restrictions imposed by Nestlé are not necessarily required by other brand owners and/or for other applications, there is definitely a market advantage in being able to claim compliance with Nestlé’s guidelines. It is worth noting that food safety, like many health-related issues, is as much about perceived safety concerns as it is about actual concerns. Brand owners increasingly opt for the most stringent rules possible. Printers, designers, and marketers have no option but to comply, as food safety has a significant impact on brand image. Migration and Food Safety As pointed out, the cases mentioned above show that substances from the printed layer on the outside of food packaging could contaminate food, even without direct contact. The mechanism that causes this contamination is known as migration.

Migration and Migration Thresholds Migration refers to the transfer of substances from the packaging to the food. Migration is a diffusioncontrolled process, i.e. it involves a net transport of molecules (known as migrants) from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration. The transfer of ink components from the printed layer can occur via penetration of the migrants through the packaging material, via setoff (see below) or through gas-phase migration. Migrants are substances that have sufficient migration potential due to their chemical composition and/or size. Migration depends on several factors: • Size of the migrant molecule – the larger the molecule (the larger its mass),

the lower its mobility, and therefore the less its tendency to migrate. • Temperature – all things being equal, migration is a thousand times faster at 100°C than at room temperature. • Nature of the food inside the packaging – migration of most organic molecules is more pronounced into fatty foods than into dry foods. • Nature of the packaging material – see below. • Type of coating applied onto the printed surface – especially important to avoid set-off migration (see below). With a view to limiting the risk, legislators have defined migration thresholds or limits. Based on toxicological evaluations, the EU authorities have compiled positive lists of ‘evaluated substances’ that are part

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22 of the existing packaging regulations. These lists provide acceptable migration thresholds for individual substances, i.e. specific migration limits (SML). The SML is the maximum permitted amount of a given substance that can be released from a material (packaging material and/or printed layer) into food. Migration limits are typically expressed in ppm or ppb . As mentioned earlier, in the EU, printing inks are generally not explicitly regulated, but many evaluated substances are used in printing inks and therefore have to comply with the SML determined by the EU. Nonevaluated substances for which no toxicological data is available should not be detectable. A generally accepted definition of ‘detectable’ is ‘below 10 ppm’. The Swiss Ordinance explicitly imposes thresholds for substances in food packaging inks. It includes a list of permitted substances (part A) that have been toxicologically evaluated and for which an SML has been established. A second list (part B) includes nonevaluated substances for which the default SML has been set at 10 ppb. Set-off Set-off migration is the unintentional

transfer of printing ink components from the outer printed surface to the food contact surface on a reel (reelto-reel printing), in a stack or during storage (e.g. stack of printed paper cups). Note that contamination due to set-off migration can occur even in the presence of a functional or nearperfect barrier (see below). Functional Barrier One way to prevent migration is to apply a perfect barrier that is impermeable to any gaseous, liquid, or solid substance and does not itself release any substances. However, perfect barriers do not exist. A functional barrier is a barrier consisting of one or more layers that reduces the migration of authorized substances into food below their specific migration limit and also reduces the migration of non-authorized substances to a nondetectable level. This functional barrier can be an additional inner pouch (e.g. as used for the packaging of cereals inside cardboard boxes) or the printed substrate. Whether or not a material is a functional barrier depends on (1) its defined conditions of use, (2) the nature and concentration of the

substance for which it should act as a barrier, (3) the nature of the food inside the packaging, and (4) storage time and conditions (e.g. temperature). Solid layers like glass or metal are supposed to act as a functional barrier under all normal circumstances. For plastics, it is impossible to state that any type or thickness will act as a functional barrier under all circumstances. The table below shows diffusion data for benzophenone, a model molecule for a photoinitiator, and phenyl cyclohexane, a model molecule for a solvent, through different polymers at 40°C. Not all Technologies are Equal How do different digital printing technologies compare as far as food safety is concerned? To help answer this question, it is important to understand how they compare with regard to migration. First, a brief description of three commonly used digital technologies explains how they differ in the way in which print is applied to a substrate. Digital Print Technologies - Basic Principles Dry Toner Electrophotography

Digital Print Technologies Compared The table below compares three commonly used digital printing technologies with regard to migration of ink components. Dry toner electrophotography (polyester-based) Fixation Carrier Molecular mass1 of carrier Pigment capsule Molecular mass of resin Potential migrants from ink layer (worst case) Thickness of ink layer State of layer at room temperature Chemical composition of layer Tendency to migrate out of ink layer at room temperature

Liquid toner electrophotography

UV-curable inkjet

fusing and evaporation (transfusion) mineral oil and conductivity agents

acrylic monomers and photoinitiator (~7%)

not relevant

160-170

400-600

polyester polymer with high molecular mass

polyethylene polymer with high molecular mass

high

low molecular mass polyester resin fragments, some toner ingredients (e.g. charge-controlling agents)

residual mineral oil, low molecular mass polyethylene resin fragments, some toner ingredients

dispersing agent – cross-linked polymer to be formed during curing high, provided curing is complete unreacted monomer molecules, photoinitiator fragments, dispersing agent

4 microns

1.5 microns

5 microns

solid

flexible

polyester

polyethylene

polyacrylate

low

low, provided evaporation of the carrier liquid is complete

low, provided curing is complete

fusing air

curing with UV light

During electrophotographic printing, electrically charged toner particles are transferred to a substrate by an electrostatic field to form the printed image. The colorant used to produce dry toner is a pigment. Surrounding the pigment particles is a polyester resin, which is a polymer with a high molecular mass. Charge-controlling agents are dispersed in the resin to either speed up or – if necessary – slow down the charging rate and maintain the charging properties of the toner. Once the image is transferred to the substrate, heat is applied to fuse the toner to the substrate: Heat causes the toner particles to coagulate (i.e. the resin melts), forming a homogeneous, solid polyester film. Liquid Toner Electrophotography Liquid toner electrophotography differs from dry toner electrophotography in that the pigment particles are slightly smaller . Surrounding the toner particles is a polyethylene-like resin, which, like polyester, is a polymer with a high molecular mass. The amount of resin surrounding the pigment is much less than in dry toner. The electrostatic transfer of liquid toner involves a ‘carrier liquid’, a mineral oil that is partly dissolved inside the pigmentresin system. In the final step of the printing process, prior to the transfer of the image to the substrate, heat is

applied. The toner melts and most of the carrier liquid evaporates. The toner particles coagulate, forming a homogeneous, flexible polyethylene film on the substrate. After the image transfer, the evaporation process continues. Any residual carrier liquid should have evaporated within a few days. Inkjet In the inkjet printing process, liquid ink is ‘jetted’ through nozzles directly onto the substrate to form the printed image.

The colorant used to produce the highperformance inks is a pigment, as in toner. The solid pigment particles are dispersed in a carrier liquid to form a fluid. Surface treatment of the pigment particles with dispersion agents ensures a stable colloidal solution. In water-based inkjet, the carrier liquid is water. Heat is applied to dry the image and the water simply evaporates. This printing technique is rarely used for packaging applications, since adhesion to polymeric substrates is problematic.

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24 Tendency to Migrate Given the inevitable presence of potential migrants, how likely is it that these actually migrate out of the ink layer?

Instead, packaging applications rely on UV-curable inkjet ink, which can be used on a wider variety of substrates, including polymeric substrates. In UV-curable inkjet, the ink is not dried but cured with ultraviolet light to fix the ink film to the substrate. The carrier liquid in UV ink is a reactive solvent containing monomers (e.g. acrylates) and photoinitiators. A monomer is a chemical with a simple molecular structure that can combine with other similar molecules to form a polymer. Under the influence of UV light, the photoinitiators form free radicals that react (cross-link) with other ink components (the monomers) to form a polymerized (cured) film. The ink is ‘dry’ when the cross-linking reaction is complete, i.e. when all components have been cross-linked. It is clear that some technologies are more prone to contamination caused by migration than others are. Potential Migrants As outlined above, migration depends on several factors, a major one being the size of the potential migrant molecule: The larger the molecule, the lower its mobility, and the less its tendency to migrate from one layer to another. The potential migrants differ depending on the digital print technology. Pigments are large, solid molecules that are not considered migrants. Migrants stem from the other ink components, one source being the pigment capsule, a polymer. Polymerization generally leads

to a mixture of polymer molecules of different lengths and different mass. Indeed, the mass of a polymer is not fixed, but distributed around a mean value . In dry and liquid toner, the pigment particles are encapsulated in a high molecular mass polyester or polyethylene resin. In practice, there will be trace amounts of low molecular weight fragments present as well. The same holds for UV-curable inkjet ink where unreacted monomers or photoinitiator fragments may remain. The migration speed of acrylic monomers is a billion times faster than that of polyester resin fragments . Therefore, from a food safety point of view, it is crucial that the curing be complete. Among the potential migrants are not only low molecular mass fragments of the polymer pigment capsules, but also additives such as charge-controlling agents (dry toner), conductivity agents, mineral oil fractions (liquid toner), and dispersing agents (UV-curable ink). Evaporation and curing will eliminate these substances in liquid toner and UV-curable inkjet, provided the evaporation and curing processes are complete. However, there are many factors affecting the evaporation and curing process and most are beyond a printer’s control. The result may be different and difficult to predict, depending on the substrate, the printing conditions and printing speed, the age of the UV-curing lamp, the coating, the use of in-line or off-line finishing, and the time elapsed between the printing and the packaging of the food.

Both the state and the chemical composition of the layer are important. At room temperature, dry toner forms a thick, solid layer from which virtually nothing can escape. Due to their lower polymer content, liquid toner systems produce a thinner, slightly flexible ink layer. UV-curable inkjet produces a thicker, but equally flexible layer. The table listing the diffusion data through different polymers at 40°C (see above) also illustrates the tendency to migrate from these printed layers, with dry toner, liquid toner, and UV-curable inkjet forming polyester, polyethylene, and polyacrylate layers, respectively. Dry toner clearly has an intrinsic advantage over the other two digital technologies as far as migration is concerned. Dry Toner is One Step Ahead There are many aspects to food safety. Dry toner per se does not guarantee that the printed food packaging is safe for purpose. The toxicology of the toner components plays a role as well. However, with migration being of pivotal concern, dry toner does have an intrinsic advantage over other digital technologies. Further acceptance of digital printing for packaging applications will depend on specific developments to broaden the application area. Accurate color reproduction, color consistency, and lightfastness are equally important. Xeikon leads the way with its QA-I dry toner, which has been developed and formulated specifically with lightfastness and food safety in mind.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Practical magic China’s 12th round of five year target plans for the print industry has industry players all riled up about the government’s support in boosting the economy. It is ambitious in its thinking, yet practicality seems missing. Christel Lee reports. The sheer size of the Chinese economy means that its print market can stand independent of the rest of the world. That China is achieving recognition as a leading global player is evidenced by the growth in the number of print trade shows now held in China, which are no way inferior to those hosted in the United States and Europe. Additionally, many European players are declaring their position in Asia via diverse means – be it setting up their own operations or going through distributors to introduce, if not reinforce, the presence of the brand. A survey conducted by China-based Keyin Media on digital printing revealed a rapid installation rate of digital printing equipment in the republic. Reportedly, there were 2537 units of colour digital printing equipment installed by July 2011 – an increase of 753 units from August 2010. The survey was done on brands including HP, Kodak, Fuji Xerox, Xeikon, Océ, Canon Konica Minolta and Epson. InfoTrends’ research supports the strong growth with their research showing the China print on demand market will have an 18.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) on the overall retail value of print between 2010 through 2015. Given the Chinese government’s apparent measures to make the republic

the world leader in the print industry, conspicuous signs remain that contribute to further hinder the country’s controversial reputation in placing more focus on margins.

ever, the diplomatic way of putting it would be a lack of channels to transmit information and knowledge, and promote cooperative relationships. The known ones are in the minority.

Green issues? It’s not a new buzzword but, for obvious reasons, being “environmentallyfriendly” remains the most popular goal for players. However, a report from China revealed in its study that all is not hunky-dory. It was quoted as saying: “We should see that the concept, technology, management, and especially input of green printing are utterly inadequate for a massive industry with 100,000 enterprises and an annual output of RMB700 billion.”

High costs This is the obvious permanent factor, with which companies continue to grapple. It’s not hard to conclude why it is so; green initiatives-supported equipment and materials are known to cost more. Manufacturers are constantly negotiating the alarm bells that ring “Budget!” with the “Long-term returnon-investment” mantra.

The report added the factors that influence the effectiveness of green printing include: Poor communication One of the major sources of confusion that occurs in the process of implementing green printing is from the failure to understand various policies and standards in execution, use of raw materials and the preparation of certification. Lack of benchmark and interactions Not many players are “gracious” enough to share trade secrets. How-

While being green is something deemed right yet beyond reach as of now, it remains to be seen how long before the republic will eventually realise its target of being known as a greenprinting economy. Europe is reportedly sliding back to recession after the topsy-turvy political situations plus the known monetary deficits suffered in a few nations. This will render China in a perfect position to claim its position in the market; after all, the republic is also known as the world’s factory. It is also inevitable that as competition gets fiercer, values will risk being put on a pedestal when margins take top priority. A battle of willpower will prevail in the next few years.

CMY

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drupa 2012 was BOBST's most successful trade fair ever bObST generates record sales at the leading trade fair for the print and media industry / Thousands of new leads, including more than hundred firm projects due to take place over the next three months / More than 40% of sales were made to new customers / india ranked as the second-largest sales market / new branding triggers positive emotions / new mood of optimism throughout the company.

drupa 2012 was BOBST's most successful trade fair ever. This success reflects the market's recognition of the special commitment demonstrated over the last two years by the world's leading producer of machinery and services for packaging manufacturers in the corrugated board, folding box and flexible packaging industries in its far-reaching transformation program. The three BOBST business units - Sheet-fed, Web-fed and Services each generated record sales with their innovative products and services. The new uniform branding for the whole company also triggered positive emotions among both customers and employees. From the very start, the extremely confident atmosphere on the exhibition stand in Hall 10 travelled all the way to BOBST's headquarters in the Swiss city of Lausanne. In light of the thousands of leads received - including more than hundred for firm projects due to take place over the next three months the company is expecting very strong trading in the wake of the exhibition. In short: BOBST plans to use the momentum generated in Düsseldorf to continue to successfully implement its company-wide transformation process over the coming years. "Over the last few years, our entire

team has worked very hard to pave the way for our company's future. The results of this year's drupa confirm in no uncertain terms the benefits of these efforts and commitment. I'm very proud of our employees' great achievement", commented BOBST CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst at the close of the exhibition in Düsseldorf. "We intend to use this success and renewed motivation to further consolidate our company's position in the global marketplace". BOBST unveiled a wide range of trailblazing innovations at drupa 2012. To avoid overloading its exhibition stand, the company made a conscious decision to focus on four machines, each incorporating a range of innovations: the new F&K 20SIX flexo printing machine platform for the production of flexible packaging, the

new EXPERTCUT 106 PER flat-bed die-cutter, the MASTERFOLD 110A3 folding box gluing machine and the SL 1000 solvent-free, high-speed laminating line. Many customers from all over the world also took advantage of drupa to see machines such as a 10-colour F&K 20SIX flexo printing press in live operation at BOBST Bielefeld, as well as a MASTERFOIL 106 PR high-end foil stamping press at Druckveredelung Köch & Glasder GmbH in the town of Neuss, not far from the exhibition. BOBST also presented details of its new EXPERTFOIL 142 large-format foil stamping machine at drupa. The Hawkeye Registron System for in-line quality control of production with metallic foils and the smartCOL closed-loop solution for color control in flexo printing had already made their

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AFTA AGA ALA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 1 2012

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AFTA AGA ALA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 1 2012 -

debut shortly before the exhibition. In addition, in the autumn of 2011 BOBST had launched ACCUCHECK, the world's first integrated quality control system for folding-box gluing machines and GYROBOX, the first turning module for the corrugated board industry. In DĂźsseldorf, BOBST announced the launch of an industrial digital sheet-fed printing press for packaging production planned for the summer of 2013. Operating at high production speeds, this unit prints materials with water-based inks in photo-realistic quality, typically used in the packaging business. In total, more than 100 transactions were concluded on the BOBST stand at drupa. For the Web-fed business unit, the machines from the new F&K 20SIX platforms attracted particular interest. This business unit also sold several vacuum metalization machines, laminating machines and gravure printing lines. For the Sheetfed business unit, sales were distributed relatively equally between flat-bed die cutters, folding-box gluing machines, foil stamping machines and inline machines for the production of corrugated board packaging. The main attractions for the Services business unit included new remote services such as the MOBILE PORTAL app for machine monitoring using mobile terminals such as smart phones and Tablet PCs, and the Boost my BOBST program including up-grades for older machines. Not forgetting intelligent tools designed to increase the productivity and security of production processes, including the Braille Dot Checker which automatically checks each individual dot of Braille on folding cartons.

The guiding aim behind all these innovations is to support customers in their ongoing quest to increase the productivity and efficiency of their production processes, exploit new opportunities for growth and improve their environmental performance indicators. The key themes include reducing waste, shortening settingup times and ensuring error-free production including high color accuracy. One major highlight to emerge from BOBST's successful performance at drupa 2012 was the fact that more than 40% of the machines sold during the exhibition went to new customers. "This unusually high figure confirms the effectiveness of the group strategy we introduced two years ago. We have managed to increase our company's attractiveness for the existing customer base, while at the same time convincing potential new customers that BOBST is the right partner for their packaging production operations", said Jean-Pascal Bobst, explaining the conclusions drawn from these figures. After Germany, India purchased the highest number of BOBST machines at drupa 2012. Brazil and China also ranked among the top six purchasing countries for the company at this year's

drupa. This geographic distribution helps to explain the high proportion of new customers. In emerging markets, manufacturers of all kinds of goods are also following the trend towards high quality packaging apparent in developed industrial countries. Boosted by this continuously increasing demand for top quality packaging, many packaging manufacturers are experiencing rapid development. This background also helps to explain another noticeable feature of visitors to BOBST's stand at drupa: the proportion of branded good manufacturers was higher than ever before. BOBST's attractive exhibition stand and dynamic new branding also contributed to its success at drupa 2012. The company unveiled its new logo, replacing the group's previous brand names, under the slogan 'BOBST One Group, One Brand'. This year's drupa exhibition also gave BOBST an opportunity to demonstrate to customers the full benefits of its far-reaching transformation program. BOBST customers around the world are now reaping the benefits of the slimmed down organization, reduced response times in Sales and Service, the effectiveness of the new Services business unit and the technological synergies of the new platform strategy, allowing BOBST to select the best technologies as platforms for the development of new machines, solutions and services. Not forgetting the company's clear commitment to permanent innovation, focusing on customers current and future needs. The results achieved in DĂźsseldorf clearly show that across the different segments of the packaging industry both existing and new customers have recognized these benefits and rewarded them with

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Omet and Ferrostaal’s partnership forges ahead in Asia On Omet’s stand at drupa 2012, the six-colour XFlex X6 press took centre stage. To date, with Ferrostaal’s distribution, three units have entered Asia. Christel Lee reports. It has been two years since Ferrostaal began representing Omet in Southeast Asia. The Italian company that is known for its range of hybrid presses has been steadily anchoring its position in Europe. However, although drupa is the industry’s biggest show, it wasn’t the right focal point for Omet. Paolo Grasso, international sales manager for Omet srl, commented: “Our focus is labels, therefore we will have a better advantage if we are at label expos. We have solutions for both labels and flexible packaging as well as folding cartons. Although drupa will be assessed after two weeks, I feel it’s more of a show for emerging countries. We have had very few people from Europe, almost none from United States, on our stand.” David Wong, sales manager from Ferrostaal, added: “Omet has been in the in-

dustry for a long time. However for Asia, the company is just beginning to get active and the results are showing – which is very encouraging for both Omet and us in the region. We hope to see more success in the area of packaging and labelling as they manufacture a wide range of specialised presses compatible to packaging, labelling and flexible packaging. This places Omet in a good position as the market trend is moving towards both flexibility and versatility.” Although the industry has suffered from the economic downturn over the past two years, Omet’s XFlex presses have successfully penetrated Southeast Asia with Ferrostaal’s distribution. Grasso notes, “Things started with the change of agency for Southeast Asia. In the two years we have been working together with Ferrostaal in Southeast Asia we have managed to sell to two units of

Xflex X6 to Thailand in 2011, and one to Vietnam. In 2012, we sold an Xflex X4 to Malaysia.” In response to the challenges faced in selling to Asia, Wong’s reply conspicuously reflects the traditional thinking of Asian customers. “Cost is a very important factor yet it’s a tricky topic in Asia. One can opt for economically-priced equipment but I am sure that doesn’t offer a low-cost and high productivity benefit. We have to balance this as if the price difference is too high, investors would need to justify the cost. They will only “have no choice” if it’s a niche product and there’s only one supplier around,” he points out. “If the variety is wide, you need to be really competitive and I believe that applies to all European suppliers. However this can be overcome especially when it involves a combination of technologies within a line,” he adds. Grasso shares that Omet’s brand is forging ahead well in western parts of the world but for Asia, more time is needed to establish the brand, “Our results reflect a big improvement in comparison to the previous years, and credit is due to Ferrostaal. We have also been successful in India and China. Wong concludes, “The market is still there – especially for those in traditional packaging. Those companies are looking at ways to improve their margins and quality. Run lengths are shorter and such sized printing presses would be a good way to manage today’s volume.

David Wong, sales manager from Ferrostaal (left), with Paolo Grasso, international sales manager for Omet srl

“Additionally, inline solutions and the variety of technologies able to be incorporated, give us an edge. However, customers still need to be convinced of the effectiveness of such add ons.”

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

DRUPA 2012: ANNOUNCED SUCCESS The international and most important exhibition about all printing technologies, Drupa , is over and is now time to analyze the results of this event.

model of gravure press for the Asian and Middle East market. The collection of orders has been remarkable (15 MACHINES SOLD!) and more will hopefully come after all discussions and negotiations which were carried out during the entire show. Just to mention some of these orders, five Onyx 8C-CI for Flexible Packaging, three for South American Customers and two for East European Customers, an 8C-CI press for big repeats to an important Converter in Slovakia type Onyx) fully equipped.

Uteco has registered an increase of Customers, who visited its booth, of more than 30% if compared to Drupa 2008. The new Crystal 808, presented to the market for the first time at Drupa 2012, was in demos’ twice a day and the attendance was incredible. The job changeover as well as the Uteco Kiss&Go® system, to automatically set the printing pressures, were demonstrated with real production jobs thus showing to all visitors the exclusive and superior benefits for the printers. The quality of the prints by using water based inks (type XP 08 from SUN) as well as the printing speed of 500 m/min on 6 and 7 color production jobs, have been registered by all visitors as a real step forward on environmental friendly flexographic printing.

Every day a live connection with Uteco Demo Centre was showing printing Demo’s on a Onyx 810 flexographic press, equipped with a EB unit by ESI and Uteco’s patented Thermilox® and Thermowash®systems. The WetFlex technology by Sun Chemical has been demonstrated with the high level of quality and consistency that this printing method, jointly with Uteco’s innovations, can grant today. Samples of Flexo EB on different kinds of substrates, such as films, foil and board, were given to all attendees together with the assistance of Uteco, Sun and ESI personnel. The roto off-set unit, Silver SIL, did catch the full attention of all visitors and the same was for the gravure unit V-Press 300, which was on display at the booth of Kohli Industries, Uteco’s Indian partner in manufacturing this

A package of 1 8C-CI flexo press + 1 solventless laminator especially for food applications was sold to a Romania-based Company, two 8C-CI wide web flexo presses for big print repeats to a key Converter based in Russia and Serbia and two 10C-CI to the USA and an in-line Coating/ machine for special application was purchased by a German Company. The top Managers of the most important converting companies have been kind guests at the Uteco exclusive restaurant “ Hostaria Pacetti”, on the upper floor of the booth, where an excellent Italian kitchen was served together with white and red wines from the Doc vineyards of Verona neighborhood. Technical discussions were then enriched with the flavor of good foods and it was found out to be a very nice receipt to make good business. Uteco’s personnel and top Management thank all visitors at Uteco booth at Drupa 2012 and invite them already for the next Drupa show in 2016 !

Going to new heights

The 2012 PIXI Awards now open From 11th June - 31st August Now in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 5th year the Printing Innovation with Xerox Imaging Awards are again recognising Asian excellence and innovation in printing. Anyone can enter as long as they fulfil one basic qualification .... you must be a Fuji Xerox user! For your Entry Form (or to order a printer) please contact mike.braggins@fujixerox.com or your local Fuji Xerox representative.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

highlight will be the UV inkjet label printer Stork Prints will be demonstrating its unrivalled expertise in many different aspects of digital and rotary screen printing for labels and packaging at the Labelexpo Americas, 11-13 September in Rosemont, illinois, USA Due to its successes in Europe and the first sale in North America, the show’s highlight will be the UV inkjet label printer DSI® with several live demo’s per day. Stork Prints is a pioneer in digital printing and active in the digital printing industry for over 25 years and has over 4000 inkjet systems installed worldwide. Other products include Stork Prints’ famous rotary screens and the brand new gravure sleeves program. DSI® UV inkjet label printer; a modular printing concept One of the main attractions at our stand will be the DSI® UV inkjet printer. The Stork Prints DSI® UV inkjet label printer is the modular concept for short and medium run digital label printing. In fact, the DSI UV inkjet printer takes modularity to the next level in 3 aspects. Firstly there’s modularity in the configuration: stand-alone digital printing or a complete line with inline (semi-rotary) converting. Secondly, there’s modularity in print positions. The DSI comes with four print heads as standard, although an additional six can be added to enable options like digital white, digital primer and an extended color gamut through the colors orange and violet. Thirdly, there’s modularity in printing widths, ranging from 135 mm to the standard 330 to as wide as 530 mm. This versatile unit is ideal for markets ranging from food and personal care to beverages, wine and spirits, household goods and outdoor applications. The DSI is a truly cost-effective UV inkjet label printer, offering sublime

printing quality at amazing speeds. Its combination of photographic quality and a rotary screen “look and feel” makes it suitable for everything from short- to medium- and even longrun jobs. Especially when used in combination with Stork Prints’ ownbrand inks, all developed and produced in-house, it gives superior results characterized by a high resistance to light and impressive scratch-proofing. The DSI achieves visual resolution on labels of up to 1000dpi, as well as 3D effects that resemble screen printing. It also accurately reproduces tonal values as low as 1%. Printing on many different types of substrates can be accomplished and the new digital primer even enables printing on machine coated paper. Repeat lengths of up to 7m are possible, and are therefore not limited by the drum size. Easy conversion with RSI® Also on display will be a modular print unit based on our renowned Rotary Screen Integration (RSI®) technology. These units are easily shifted to the

position where screen printing is needed using an optional sliding rail. The print units reach speeds of up to 100 m/min. Contemporarily designed, the RSI print modules can be seamlessly integrated into the architecture, software and mechanics of the latest-generation presses. Key benefits include full interaction, user-friendliness and a short learning curve. It can be controlled through the main panel of the press. This provides simultaneous, centralised monitoring of all rotary screen positions alongside other printing and converting operations. With RSI, label printers can produce special effects and access extra functionality that cannot be achieved by any other printing process. Reliable and economical value-added production of the 'non-label look', metallic and opaque colors, glitters, tactile warning symbols, texture varnishes, scratch-off inks and many other effects can be applied using

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

37 our RSI technology. RotaMesh® and RotaPlate® screens Other rotary screen highlights at the Stork Prints stand include the re-imageable RotaMesh® screens for RSI systems, and the re-usable RotaPlate® screens for nonStork Prints systems. Both screen systems feature the ultra-stable electroformed pure-nickel construction, offering easy handling, high stability and longevity at relatively high speeds. The RotaMesh and RotaPlate screens and samples will be on display, featuring applications characteristics such as tactile, glitter, holograms, opaque whites, adhesives, glow in the dark, UV-active, thermo-sensitive, iridescent, security and brand protection. Gravure Sleeves Program improves flexibility and profitability Visitors to the booth can also view Stork Prints renowned gravure sleeves dedicated to the packaging industry. The gravure sleeves are popular due to their positive effect on handling, storage and transport savings. At Labelexpo Stork Prints will have the exclusive premier of the brand new Gravure Sleeves Program in North America. This program consists of light weighted sleeves and light weighted adapters. The completely reengineered gravure sleeves are based upon a one metal technology, direct engraveable nickel. The user-friendly nickel sleeve material is also a much less of a hazard for the environment, than for instance cupper plate with chrome.

nyloﬂex® NExT – Video on

www.ﬂintgrp.com

That‘s NExT!

Radically new LED exposure technology for ﬂexo

innovative

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Besides the current process of EME (electromechanical engraving), the engraveable nickel sleeves can also be engraved by Stork Prints’ direct laser engraving systems. The laser technique engraves images onto sleeves in a fully digital, one-step process - simply engrave your desired design and the sleeve is ready to print. It eliminates costly products like film and time-consuming processes such as exposure, washing and drying. No chrome plating is needed, which saves handling and also contributes to the environmental protection. The sleeve is sustainable: after usage, the sleeve can be scrapped and the nickel can be re-used for new sleeve production.

nyloﬂex® NExT Exposure The smart solution

The sleeves are light weighted -5 to 20 pounds-, that will simplify handling as compared to heavy cylinders. Sleeves will thus reduce the need for large stocks of cylinders. The sleeves are available in any repeat size from 12” to 42” and in printing widths up to 75”.

• Easy implementation to existing digital workﬂow

The Program is completed with Stork Prints’ adapters, being the bridge between mandrel and sleeve. This Gravure Sleeves Program will reduce the stock of cylinders and will even further decrease handling costs. Sleeves can be mounted in and outside the machine and will reduce set-up times dramatically. This Gravure Sleeves Program will have positive effects on the flexibility and profitability in gravure printing.

for Flat Top Dots and Surface Screening • High-intensity LEDs (>800 mW/cm2) for highest efﬁciency • Consistent UV emission guarantees long-term repeatability • Easy-to-use – requires no additional processing steps or consumables • Compatible with all standard prepress software & HD Flexo

• Suitable for all digital plates – any type, thickness & format nyloflex® NExT Technology nyloflex® NExT is a high-performance exposure technology for precise image reproduction and the highest print quality with excellent ink laydown. High-intensity UV-LEDs guarantee consistent long-term UV emission and reproduction of even the finest detail. The new and innovative exposure units, nyloflex® NExT Exposure FIII and nyloflex® NExT Exposure FV – available now.

Flint Group Flexographic Products T +44 151 482 4722 info.ﬂexo@ﬂintgrp.com

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Eye Graphic earns Esko HD Flexo certification Clients of Malaysian-based trade shop now assured of highest quality print Eye Graphic Sdn. Bhd., a leading supplier of packaging solutions in Malaysia, has achieved Esko´s HD Flexo certification (www.esko.com). This quality seal offers Eye Graphic’s clients the assurance that the flexographic (flexo) plates they receive will deliver exceptional print results with quality levels comparable to offset and gravure. Eye Graphic joins the fast growing list of certified customers, digital flexo partners and vendors around the globe who are now delivering the highest quality flexo prints – and doing it faster, with increased flexibility and lower cost. Esko´s HD Flexo is a combination of smart screening software and high resolution optics to image digital flexo plates. HD Flexo is a cutting-edge process in digital flexo printing that delivers higher dot quality and prints more consistently than standard digital flexo plates. It has set a new quality standard for flexo printing in the labels and packaging printing industry. Since it was established in 1990, Eye Graphic Sdn. Bhd. has gained a reputation as an integrated packaging center, providing leadership in design, manufacture and supply of packaging solutions to both the Malaysian market and the wider South East Asia region. With a commitment to offer the high-

est quality flexo plates and continuously create value for their clients, Eye Graphic had invested in 2006 in a CDI Advance 5080, Esko’s unique large format digital flexo imager. In 2011 they added another CDI Advance 5080 and subsequently upgraded both devices to Esko’s HD Flexo. “The decision to go digital with the Esko CDI and incorporate HD Flexo was purely customer driven,” says Mr. Benny Ho Wei Min, Executive Director of Eye Graphic Sdn. Bhd. “Our clients are looking for more flexibility from plate makers and are pushing for faster turn-around times.

Digital flexo enables us to offer this.” continues Mr. Ho. “With the combination of the CDI and HD Flexo, we can now produce plates with sharper and more accurate imaging with greater consistency and full tonal range” explains Mr. Ho. “Being HD Flexo certified definitely strengthens our competitiveness and confirms our commitment to providing the highest level of quality to our customers which in this case means delivering high quality prints that exceed their expectations”. “Over recent years, we’ve seen an increasing demand for flexo plates in Ma-

4 OPEN CONCEPT & OPEN MIND

T H E

F I N I S H I N G

C O M P A N Y

Since 1973, we have been designing and manufacturing machines for the label finishing industry: inspection, die-cutting, matrix removal, slitting, rewinding, overprinting and personalization.

w w w. p r a t i c o m p a n y. c o m

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

40 laysia – especially in the corrugated market,” says Hoshi Deboo, VP Asia Pacific & Japan at Esko. “Eye Graphic prides itself on continuously creating value for its customers and this quality seal endorses this commitment. We are delighted to partner with Eye Graphic to lead the flexo boom in Malaysia.”

Spectral colour measurement within the printing press

inco_check Ensure the colour consistency throughout the entire production! Your benefits: _ Simple, intuitive operation and easy handling of the system _ Flexibility – the system can be used for all web printing processes _ Reduction of start-up times and waste in new orders _ Faster and more accurate correction of all colour variations _ Reproducible protocols which can serve as proof for customers

www.eltromat.de eltromat Automation South Asia Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad, India T +91 79 40322848 southasia@eltromat.de eltromat GmbH Hong Kong office T +852 8201 6832 (Hong Kong) T +86 139 2602 7506 (China) china@eltromat.de

HD Flexo: printing as in offset and gravure Combining CDI digital flexo imagers with HD Flexo technology, Esko has driven flexo printing to a new quality benchmark comparable to gravure and offset. The full tonal range of offset can now be reproduced with flexo and gradations are printed smoother. HD Flexo combines high-resolution optics (4000 dpi) with unique MicroCell screen technology to deliver prints with sharper text and lines, sharper images and more clearly defined, better shaped screen dots. Furthermore, the high resolution imaging on the CDI creates a textured surface on the plate, improving ink transfer and increasing ink density on the final print delivering improved image richness and contrast. This is particularly helpful for PANTONE® colors and white under prints. In addition, it is now possible to achieve greater run lengths and fewer washing cycles with the new technology. Customers confirm that HD Flexo has improved the quality and consistency of their existing printing press equipment. HD Flexo certification program The Esko HD Flexo Certification program is a rigorous certification process requiring vendors to pass a number of strenuous tests. These include consistently producing ten different print samples from five different jobs. An annual renewal of certification ensures print quality is maintained in line with market developments. About Eye Graphic (www.eyegraph.com) Eye Graphic Sdn. Bhd. was established in October 1990 as a joint venture between Texchem and Eye Corporate Planning, Japan. They are the first company in the flexographic printing plate industry in Malaysia to be awarded with the ISO 9001:2008 Certification. They also pride themselves on being the first in Malaysia to become HD-flexo certified by Esko. Eye Graphic’s vision is to be the leading provider of Flexographic printing solutions in Asia and they aim to be the supplier of choice by focusing on customer care, continual quality improvement and technical innovation.

Grow Profitably With HP Indigo digital presses With the industry’s widest range of digital presses, HP Indigo’s continuous innovations deliver offset quality with productivity and flexibility together with seamless end-to-end solutions. Result? The world’s no.1 provider of commercial digital print solutions makes the perfect partner for profitable growth. For more information please contact Edcent Chan at +65 98626092 or email edcent.chan@hp.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

High-end folding cartons – non-stop.... Protect the contents, communicate brand and product value, win the race to catch the customer’s attention at the critical moment in the retail store (at the much-quoted point of sale) – these are just a few of the very diverse requirements that have to be met by top-quality folding cartons. If they are to succeed in all of this, a wide array of finishing techniques is an essential prerequisite alongside exclusive print and precise processing. High-gloss or special-effect coatings, for instance, the application of gold, silver, or special-effect foils and embossing can enhance the sales packaging with distinctive or tactile features. With traditional, sheet based production, the carton sheet passes through a whole series of machines and processors that carry out the various steps leading up to the finished, separated folding box blanks: printing on a medium or wide-format sheetfed press (usually offset), possibly a second pass for printing on the reverse side depending on the job specification, finishing of the printed and coated carton sheets on an embossing foil

press, creasing, scoring, and cutting in a die-cutting unit, and if necessary also stripping, blanking, and stacking in another machine. Non-stop workflow to finished, high-quality folding carton blanks Gallus Stanz- und Druckmaschinen, based in Weiden (Germany), has developed a coherent inline machine concept with a clearly defined objective – to reconcile highquality folding carton production with maximum efficiency and economy – as its answer to traditional workflows. From the carton roll to the cut and separated blanks, all printing, finishing, and processing steps are integrated in a single, streamlined pass. Compared to step-by-step production comprised of multiple passes and interruptions, this approach offers a host of advantages. It goes without saying that single-

Detail of a Gallus ICS 670 production line showing a cold foiling module (left) and a HiDef flexoprinting™ module (right), each positioned on an Easy Value Add platform

pass production accelerates the entire process enormously and makes it more efficient. Tight customer deadlines and the constraints of modern, just-in-time production strategies are no longer an obstacle. Owing to the continuous production workflow, no extra space is needed to store stacks of paperboard in the intervals between process steps – something that is unavoidable with conventional lines. The manpower and logistics linked to stacking are naturally also economized. By definition, roll based in-line production eliminates the need to feed and insert the carton sheets several times. Make-ready waste is consequently also a thing of the past. Paperboard waste in general is reduced to a minimum as a result of the inline principle. Roll processing allows the folding carton blanks to be nested more or less "endlessly" on the substrate. In contrast to sheet based production, there is no waste due to gripper margins or blanks that cannot be completely placed at the edges. Utilisation of material is optimized, leading to lower costs. Seamless flexibility Many experts may be asking whether the inevitable outcome of this seamless chain of printing, finishing, and cutting in one line will be to put folding carton production in a kind of straitjacket. In fact, the opposite is true, as Gallus' inline machine concept proves. A modular system solution based on a universal EVA (Easy Value Add) platform lends exceptional flexibility to production and processes alike.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

We bring you the latest technology in gravure and flexo to help your business Arcotest Series of Test Pens and inks

Recyl’s products for flexo and gravure

Ecograph products for flexo and gravure

DAILIAN INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD 71 Ubi Crescent #02-08 Excalibur Centre Singapore 408571 Tel +65 6748 2662 Fax +65 6747 9929 Email: info@dailian.com or visit www.dailian.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

44 Multiple processes and printing techniques can be integrated in this platform as modules. A broad range of printing and finishing modules are offered by Gallus for this purpose. At the same time, the open architecture allows the machine system to grow in the future as and when necessary. New market trends and changing customer requirements can be responded to without any problems. Together with the rock solid construction and sophisticated design features, this openness makes the Gallus machine solution a safe and viable investment. The Gallus inline machine system enables different printing processes, finishing methods, creasing, embossing, and cutting to be combined in a single line. Each system can be fine-tuned to the customer's individual requirements, from the unwinding station to the inline flat-bed die-cutter. It doesn't always have to be offset With the Gallus ICS 670 the press manufacturer focused on the high end of the market. Gallus trusts in the exceptional quality of HiDef flexo printing™ with UV inks as the mainstream printing method, and the inline system will be enhanced with a completely new, easy-to-use gravure unit that was introduced at Drupa 2012. As far as finishing techniques are concerned, modules can be supplied for laminating, cold foiling, rotary hot foil embossing (hot foiling and stamping), and rotary screen printing. Thanks to the EVA concept, HiDef flexo printing™ and finishing modules can be alternated on one and the same platform, depending on the job specification. The process can be changed over in a few minutes without any tools. Special module carts and quick-release couplings for umbilicals make light work of swapping the modules, which can of course be prepared offline in the midst of normal production. These and other smart solutions to support rapid job changeovers reduce make-ready times and waste to a minimum while maximizing production flexibility. All in all, the inline concept allows high-end folding cartons with a variety of effects to be produced extremely efficiently in a single pass – with up to seventy percent fewer staff compared to conventional, sheet based processes.

World´s best register mark sensor! _Safe detection of register marks, even with very low contrast _Register mark live display in the actual colour _Certified for hazardous explosion environments (ATEX) Your benefits: _Ensure quality and minimise costs _Fast ROI _Reduce waste during machine start-up and production _Ease workload and increase productivity

www.eltromat.de

eltromat Automation South Asia Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad, India T +91 79 40322848 southasia@eltromat.de

Easy Value Add platform without printing and finishing modules. The EVA platform facilitates toolless module and process changeovers in only a few minutes.

eltromat GmbH Hong Kong office T +852 8201 6832 (Hong Kong) T +86 139 2602 7506 (China) china@eltromat.de

Capturing the Endless Power of Productivity and Details Leverage on the capabilities of Fuji Xerox D95/D110/D125 Copier/Printer and D110/D125 Printer for quick and dynamic high-volume printing. Improve work productivity with efficient print and scan capabilities • Scan your documents quickly with speeds of up to 200 images per minute • Process high quality text, photos and graphics with a 2400x2400 dpi print resolution with single-pass colour scan function • Print, scan and copy with an easy-to-use touch screen

Streamline your workflow with the most innovative tools

• Print from and save your documents to a USB storage device • Improve work productivity and execute complex jobs easily by adding on FreeFlow Print Server to your copier/printer

Expand your publishing capabilities with vast multi-purpose finishing options • Put together your documents with professional finishing options such as booklet making, creasing, stitching, hole punching and more

Fuji Xerox D95/D110/D125 Copier/Printer and D110/D125 Printer

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Comexi Group marks a turning point in flexible packaging printing at Drupa The latest innovations presented at the international graphic arts trade fair place Comexi Group in the vanguard of sustainable printing.

During the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to see in operation COMEXI PROSLIT’s slitting and rewinding unit, the S-TURRET, the COMEXI FLEXOF2 press and the

COMEXI CINGULAR modules, as well as the stand’s star attraction: the COMEXI OFFSET CI8 press. The company’s Chairman Manel Xifra stated: “Without doubt, Drupa is the Olympiad of the printing world. To be present at an international gathering of this calibre to present our most recently released innovations is very important to us. It ranks us as a market leader in innovation and development. Machines like the OFFSET C18 represent a turning point in the sector, a change

of parameters, and for me it is a matter of pride to be able to demonstrate the work of the Comexi Group team at the most important trade fair for the graphic arts." Over these last few days, Drupa has been a showcase for Comexi, which has been able to demonstrate its latest products which are consistent with the spirit of innovation and respect for the environment that characterise the company.

pluess-ag.com

Comexi Group, a specialist in the manufacture of machinery for the flexible packaging converting industry, has presented all its latest innovations at Drupa, the international graphic arts trade fair. The machines exhibited at the meeting marked a turning point in printing as well as in lamination and slitting.

SOFT DOCTOR BLADE

www.swisstec-ag.com

For decades Daetwyler SwissTec, formerly known as Daetwyler, has been the leader in innovation for doctor blades. During this time many of the Daetwyler products have set new standards in the printing industry. | The innovative SOFT Doctor Blade is made of carbon doctor blade steel with a corrosionresistant coating. With its self-repairing feature this doctor blade has a softer, gentler point of contact, resulting in a significant reduction of score lines in Flexographic printing and reduced streaks and hazing in Gravure applications.

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IST METZ presents: The new MBS®-6 Most efficient UV system of the world

Thanks to the completely new URS® Duo Reflector Geometry the MBS®-6 sets new standards. The system requires a lamp output of just 120 W/cm in order to achieve the same curing results as standard 200 W/cm UV units. The energy saved has a direct influence on electricity bills.

For further information please visit our website www.MBS-6.com.

IST METZ GmbH Lauterstraße 14-18, D-72622 Nürtingen Tel. +49 7022 60 02-0, Fax +49 7022 6002-775 info@ist-uv.com, www.ist-uv.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Cerutti Group adds QuadTech register control technology QuadTech’s AutotronTM 2600 with ClearLogicTM is now a standard offering on Cerutti rotogravure package printing and converting presses Cerutti Packaging and Equipment (CPE), a subsidiary of the Cerutti Group (Vercelli, Italy), has approved QuadTech’s Autotron 2600 Register Guidance System with ClearLogic as a standard feature on its gravure packaging presses. This approval follows joint development tightly integrating the QuadTech Autotron register sys-

cost-efficient tool for minimizing waste at the start of new and repeat jobs in the first phase of production. Riccardo Montagnini, Innovation Manager CPE, says, “As leaders in the rotogravure printing sector for packaging and converting equipment, we need to ensure that our presses maintain the

pre-set capabilities, which access stored job parameters for easy alignment, regardless of substrate. It easily switches between paper and film or foil modes without having to stop the press. The scanning heads then send corrections through the joint Ethernet Interface, recognizing register errors invisible to the human eye, giving the operator more control over make-ready and quality. Randy Freeman, QuadTech general manager of packaging says, “We are very pleased with the results of our cooperation on this project. With the ability to pre-set, store and share information via the jointly-developed interface, the next job can be set up while the current job is running and corrected within in a run length to precise register. This eliminates time-consuming manual intervention and waste.”

tem into Cerutti’s press controls. The system enhances the press’ ability to pre-set the cylinder positions, and enables the press to lock into register seconds after production has started. The press can then maintain tight tolerances throughout the print run. By minimizing start-up waste, QuadTech’s Autotron register system enables Cerutti presses to maintain profitability in short-run printing situations. The Autotron system achieves complete control regardless of ink, speed or substrate, and can measure opaque, transparent, reflective substrates such as BOPP, metalized film and high-gloss cast. The system works seamlessly with the Cerutti Auto Presetting System (CAPS) as an integrated, flexible and

highest levels of efficiency. It is essential that we adapt to the marketplace by investing in automation to increase speeds of production and decrease job change-over times. QuadTech’s Autotron register control system delivers exactly what our customers need for fast, reliable manufacturing. As shorter runs become the standard in package printing, down-time and waste need to be minimized. This system will ensure that start-up times are optimized and defects eliminated.” The Cerutti packaging gravure presses will use QuadTech’s Autotron 2600TM register scanning heads to assist in phasing and sequencing all of the cylinders into register. This process uses programmable scanning-heads and

Since QuadTech was recognized by Cerutti as an approved supplier of register control systems, the American manufacturer’s press controls are being installed on Cerutti presses at Containers Printing Pte Ltd, Singapore, a leading manufacturer of high-quality metal and plastic packaging products, and Shanxi Yongji Printing and Dyeing Co.,Ltd., China, which specializes in printing, dyeing, and final finishing of textiles.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

Be Impactful With HP Indigo digital presses With HP’s high quality, high impact solutions you can meet all your label and packaging growth opportunities and better respond to your customers’ evolving demands. No wonder 7 out of 10 digital label presses sold are HP Indigo. For more information please contact Edcent Chan at +65 98626092 or email edcent.chan@hp.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Dairy industry's next big opportunity Fifth Tetra Pak Dairy Index highlights the challenges and opportunities in meeting rising expectations of low-income consumers in developing countries New research from Tetra Pak has identified 2.7 billion low-income consumers in developing countries as the dairy industry’s next big growth opportunity due to an expected rise in prosperity, purchasing power and desire for packaged liquid dairy products (LDP).

“Low-income consumers represent one of the biggest growth opportunities for the dairy industry. The key to tomorrow’s success is reaching these consumers today,” said Tetra Pak President and CEO Dennis Jönsson. “They

make up almost 40% of the world’s population and live in economies driving our industry’s growth and they are growing more affluent.” These low-income consumers live on $2-$8 a day and are virtually untapped by today’s dairy processors. Called

Deeper in the Pyramid (DiP) consumers by Tetra Pak, they make up about 50% of developing countries’ population and consume 38% of LDP in developing countries. Half of these DiP consumers live in India and China. The Tetra Pak research focused on six countries which account for more than pluess-ag.com

Consumption by low-income consumers in developing markets is forecast to increase from about 70 billion litres in 2011 to almost 80 billion litres in 2014, according to the Dairy Index, which tracks worldwide facts, figures and trends in the global dairy industry. Many of these consumers are expected to switch in coming years from drinking loose milk to packaged milk.

Goldstar doctor blade

www.daetwyler-usa.com

Daetwyler SwissTec continuously strives to develop specialized doctor blades for flexographic printing. Through extensive lab and field research, we put the best tools in the pressman’s hands to address specific printing problems. | The GOLDSTAR doctor blade combines extraordinary durability with a smooth and rounded, coated edge. It has a low coefficient of friction and the corrosion resistant coating has a self-lubricating effect. This adds to its long lasting properties, as well as further extends the life of the anilox roller.

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“We are the color and inspection experts who also sharpen your competitive edge, and strengthen your profit margins.” Mr. Karl Fritchen, President QuadTech, Inc. Sussex, Wisconsin, USA

100% inspection for 100% confidence The QuadTech® Inspection System provides TRUE 100% inspection on 100% of your print or non-print product, web or sheet 100% of the time.

We can help you brighten your future. Let us show you how. www.quadtechworld.com

Accurately measure color in the image, in-line, on paper or film. The QuadTech® SpectralCam™ delivers L*a*b* data for precise, cost-effective color management.

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

The global DiP population is forecast to fall by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% a year from 20092020. The population living on more than $8 a day is set to rise by 4% (CAGR) annually, according to Boston Consulting Group, which helped Tetra Pak to develop the DiP classification.

76% of LDP consumption by DiP consumers in developing countries: India, China, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan and Kenya. Many DiP consumers are expected to grow in affluence, shifting from low to middle incomes by the end of the decade, boosting their purchasing power

“Today’s low-income consumers are tomorrow’s middle class,” said Jönsson, noting “this is a golden opportunity for dairy processors to cultivate consumer loyalty among a new generation of dairy consumers in developing countries.” Tapping into this market is not without its challenges, according to the report. Tetra Pak has identified three key challenges for dairy processors seeking to reach consumers in this growth market. They need to make products which are affordable, available and attractive to

consumers on limited incomes. That means dairy processors must produce healthy, safe and nutritious packaged dairy products without adding unsustainable costs. They must also make them available in small traditional stores in remote rural areas or congested cities where DiP consumers shop. Innovation and efficiency will be vital in helping the industry to develop products, packaging and processing to meet the needs of these low-income consumers, according to the report. “We must develop products differently, distribute them differently and sell them differently to extend the availability of good nutrition in developing countries,” said Jönsson. Tetra Pak has identified a number of ways to make products more affordable. Among them is changing the way both milk products and packages are developed – with the price of the product driving development. By using alternatives to whole milk – such as whey or lactic acid – it is also possible to produce nutritious and healthy dairy products at lower cost. Another way is to reduce package sizes or opt for more pluess-ag.com

and the range of products they buy. As they gain The increase in spending power along with greater awareness of food safety and a need for convenient, ready-to- drink solutions is expected to increase the demand for packaged products.

SOFT DOCTOR BLADE

www.swisstec-ag.com

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

Find out why hundreds

of flexo printers worldwide have

already said “Bye bye anilox.”

Join the flexo revolution: enjoy higher quality, predictability, cost-reduction and uptime. Isn’t it time to say: Adios, unwieldy anilox inventories. Sayonara,

BCM/LPI math. Bon voyage, sleeve and roll changes. So long, pinholes, dot gain, mottling and haloing. See ya later, downtime.

Hello, GTT When the world’s largest anilox ®

manufacturer rewrites the flexo rulebook with an invention that practically renders obsolete conventional hexcell anilox technology, you know it’s a pretty big deal.

Meet GTTFLEX for wide web and GTTLABEL for narrow web. And meet the future of high-quality flexo inkto-plate metering technology. Imagine replacing your vast stockpile of hexcell anilox rolls/sleeves with just two or three GTT surfaces. Streamline your pressroom: use the same surface for fine screens and stronger solids — on fewer ink stations at higher speeds. Re-imagine your flexo future producing high-definition output. Gain unparalleled print quality and consistency. Do more with less – and free your bottom line to soar.

Is this an evolution in flexo? More like a revolution. Here’s why: we reinvented the very concept of ink-toplate transfer and perfected a new Open Slalom Ink Channel surface geometry, a new hybrid ceramic and a new laser engraving process. Coupled with new flat-top-dot plate technology, GTT delivers unrivaled clarity and predictability — typically at faster speeds and with less clean-up. And don’t worry — if you’re not quite ready to join the GTT revolution or just don’t require the benefits of GTT, you can still enjoy our premier UltraCell and UltraCellPLUS series of conventional hexcell anilox rolls — still our top-selling global brand. So save time. Save ink. And save money. Let us prove it: download your own GTT brochure today. Or better yet, ask for your GTT quote today.

GTTLABEL for Label/Narrow Web | GTTFLEX for Flexible Packaging | GTTCORR for Corrugated | GTTOFFSET for Offset | UltraCell & UltraCellPLUS Anilox Cylinders

Download your GT T brochure or request a quote today

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Apex AsiA Apex eUROpe T 65 (0) 6284 7606 T 31 (0) 497 36 11 11 E apexasia@singnet.com.sg E info@apex-europe.com W apex-groupofcompanies.com W apex-groupofcompanies.com

Apex nORth AmeRicA Apex lAtin AmeRicA T (724) 379 8880 T 55 (41) 3677 2678 E info@apexnorthamerica.com E info@apexlatinamerica.com W www.apexnorthamerica.com W www.apexlatinamerica.com

The Measure of Quality.

THE FUTURE OF FlExO

CONVENTIONAl ANIlOx. UNCONVENTIONAl QUAlITY

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

54 basic packaging. Figuring out ways to make packaged dairy products widely available to DiP consumers is another challenge. Around 70% of DiP purchases are in the so-called traditional trade, smallfamily run shops rather than modern supermarkets or convenience stores. Companies are coming up with innovative ways to reach these consumers. They are producing locally where demand for packaged liquid dairy is growing. They are teaming-up with distributors who have a track-record of working closely with traditional stores and they are using appropriate transport, like bicycles, to distribute products. Making products attractive to DiP consumers, who focus on providing the best for their children and often reduce other expenses before compromising on basic nutritional food such as milk, is the final challenge. Companies need to generate significant sales to achieve the economies of scale required to provide value for money and quality nutrition to DiP consumers, according to Tetra Pak. They also need to create brand awareness and excitement around products for kids who buy dairy

drinks and snacks with pocket money. LDP growth to speed up in 2011-2014 Separately, Tetra Pak announced that LDP demand is set to accelerate in 2011-2014, led by Asia, Africa and Latin America. Global LDP consumption is forecast to rise by a CAGR of 2.9% in 2011-2014, accelerating from 2.5% in 2008-2011, led by buoyant demand in emerging markets, according to the Tetra Pak research. Lactic acid drinks (LAD) , baby and toddler milk, and flavoured milk are forecast to record the fastest growth rates in 2011-2014, Tetra Pak analysis shows. LAD, which tends to be afford-

able beverages and a favourite among Asia’s DiP consumers, are expected to notch up the fastest growth rate with a CAGR of 11.9%, followed by baby and toddler milk with a CAGR of 9.0%. Flavoured milk, another affordable favourite among DiP consumers, is in third place and is expected to record a CAGR of 4.8%. “Providing affordable, healthy and nutritious packaged LDP to DiP consumers is not just a business opportunity. It is an opportunity to transform lives by making safe and nutritious food available to a new generation of emerging consumers,” said Tetra Pak president and CEO Dennis Jönsson.

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The 2012 Packaging Excellence Awards, show your customers you are the best

A GA Asian Gravure Association

11 Year

Asian Label Association

UP 0 0 0 US$6 ABS R G FOR e3 g a P See ils! a t e for d

Entries close on October the 1st at 5pm. Join Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest Awards Event for the Packaging Industry today, Show everyone you are the best.....

Gala Awards Dinner November 22nd 2012 - Sentosa - Singapore

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Apex “FlexoKitchen” Served Irresistible DRUPA Results Sensory overload? While thousands of curious visitors to Apex Group of Companies’ DRUPA stand came to sample the tasty Dutch “Stroopwafels” prepared hot and fresh for each recipient, many stayed to satisfy their hunger for high-performance, streamlined expanded-gamut flexography made possible by Apex’s GTT ink-to-plate metering cylinders.

Flexo printers and OEMs flocked to view stunning 4-color Pantone® simulation press samples printed while using superfine plate screens, intelligent software, and GTT predictability to produce consistently accurate color fidelity. This is the basis of the “Flexo(R) evolution” project partnership between Apex, software, plate and ink manufacturers. Apex also introduced two brand new products at DRUPA: the X-Sleeve line of plate-mounting and adapter sleeves; and GTT Offset/Coating cylinders which enable offset printers to gain the quality benefits of GTT for varnish, lacquer and coating applications. While the X-Sleeve products are in limited early release, interest in their unique

new construction, dimensional stability and strength led to many orders at DRUPA. And while Apex waffles are always a hit at DRUPA (14,000 individual waffles were pressed and served during the show), Apex VP of Sales/Eurasia Willem-Jan Kersten believes interest in GTT and the Flexo(R)evolution drove visitors to investigate further. “Apex measured more than a 35% increase in active visitors to our stand compared to 2008 – even though DRUPA reported an overall decline in 2012 attendees,” notes Kersten. “In challenging economic times, technical innovations like GTT that save time and improve predictability are very attractive.”

Ken Ralton, VP of Sales/Americas also noted an uptick in visitors from emerging markets like Latin America and Asia. “Apex is grateful for all the enthusiastic feedback we received about the Flexo(R)evolution print samples, our UltraCell conventional anilox products – and especially our current GTT customers who visited,” Ralton observes. “With ten-thousands of GTT installations worldwide, we were thankful to greet so many customers who shared their success stories with us. GTT and our Flexo(R)evolution really stole the show.” About Apex Group of Companies Based in Hapert, Netherlands, Apex Group of Companies is the world’s largest manufacturer of anilox rolls for narrow-, wide-web, corrugated, offset and coating applications. With manufacturing and sales operations on six continents, Apex provides continued value in supplying customers with end-to-end anilox and GTT solutions including plate-mounting and adapter sleeves, ink measurement devices, cleaning products, and educational/ use-and-care seminars. Apex is dedicated to enabling its customers to do their best work – consistently and proudly – every day.

YOU CAN’T LEAD FROM BEHIND! Martin Automatic Puts You in the Winner’s Circle

MARTIN’S ROLL CHANGE AUTOMATION SEPARATES YOU FROM THE COMPETITION AND DELIVERS POWERFUL ADVANTAGES With more than 8000 successful web-handling and automatic splicing installations worldwide, our 44 years of experience is second to none.

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OUR EXPERIENCE...YOUR ADVANTAGE

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Second Singapore Packaging Agreement To Achieve 315 Signatories By 2015 Following the success of the first Singapore Packaging Agreement (SPA), signatories have expressed keen interest in continuing their participation in the programme. The second SPA commenced on 1 July 2012, and the companies who have signed on voluntarily will work together to achieve a total annual reduction of 6,500 tons of packaging waste by 2015. In 2011, the annual waste reduction was close to 3,000 tons. By the end of the first SPA there were 139 signatories, and this new SPA aims to increase the number of signatories to 315 by 2015. The second SPA was announced at the WasteMet Asia 2012 Networking Dinner, part of the inaugural CleanEnviro Summit Singapore. The SPA, which was first launched in 2007, provides a platform and structure for industries to reduce packaging waste. It aims to reduce waste from product packaging, and to raise awareness and educate consumers

on the benefits of reducing packaging waste. A cumulative total of 10,000 tons of packaging waste, the equivalent of about $22 million, has been saved since the SPA was signed. The participating companies achieved these results through various initiatives, such as reducing the size and thickness of packaging, switching to reusable packaging in logistical processes, or changing the way products are packaged. 3R Packaging Awards 2012 This year, 16 companies will be presented with the 3R Packaging Award, which recognises SPA’s signatories for their notable efforts and achievements in reducing packaging waste. The Awards were presented

by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the same WasteMET Asia Networking Dinner, at Megu Hall at The Singapore Flyer (see Annex A for list of winners). Two companies namely Tetra Pak Jurong Pte Ltd and Nestlé Singapore (Pte) Ltd will be awarded the Platinum Award, which is given to companies that win two consecutive Distinction Awards. Tetra Pak had managed to save about 162 tons per year of paper through making improvements to the printing and lamination processes – two processes involved in its production of beverage cartons. The company also initiated the Tetra Pak Schools Recycling Programme in 2008 to encourage schools to recycle used beverage cartons. Tetra Pak

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

has sustained this educational programme over the last five years, providing educational trips and prizes to encourage the schools to keep up their recycling efforts. Currently, 100 schools participate in this programme. Nestle Singapore cut plastic laminate losses by 0.13 ton per year by increasing the length of laminate per reel so as to reduce the frequency of changeover of laminate reels in the production process for its MILO Hi-Calcium 3-in-1 sachets and MILO Easy Cool 3-in-1 sachets. The company also did away with the carton packaging for its laminate reels, saving about 0.39 ton of paper packaging annually. In addition, Nestle changed the packaging of one of its seasoning products from a plastic tub to a plastic pouch, thereby saving 1.23 ton of plastic per year (See Annex B for more details on Tetra Pak’s and Nestle’s projects). Chief Executive Officer of NEA, Mr Andrew Tan said, “It is important to tackle waste at source and the SPA does this by encouraging businesses to reduce packaging waste and save costs at the same time. The second SPA builds upon the success of the first by aiming for more ambitious targets and encouraging participants from other industry sectors to join in the effort. NEA will work closely with the SPA to achieve these targets.” Albert Lim, chairman of Singapore Packaging Agreement Governing Board said, “I am heartened to see, among this year’s 3R Packaging Award winners, signatories who have taken the first step in making improvements to their packaging practices. There are also signatories who have demonstrated continued commitment to reducing packaging waste. I hope to see more signatories participate in the awards in the coming years and integrate sustainability into their business strategy and operations.”

IT’S TIME FOR MORE IMPACT LESS DOWNTIME.

Want to offer your customers bright, vibrant colors on virtually any substrate? Want to improve your margins in the process? That takes a Kodak Solution. We provide the tools, experience, support, and bulletproof workflow you need to be efficient, innovative, and profitable. It’s time for packaging solutions that connect to people and to your business goals. Get connected now at kodak.com/go/connect It’s time for you

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Contact Kodak at: Indonesia 001-803-657-008 Malaysia 1800-806-480 Philippines 1800-1651-0685 Singapore 1800-856-3251 Thailand 001-800-658-055 Vietnam 120-65-131 Email ap-gcg-marketing@kodak.com

Kodak Flexcel NX Digital Flexographic System using Kodak Flexcel NX Digital Plates

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

100% Inspection + Workflow Solutions = Guarantee of Quality with Enhanced Performance Especially in package printing such as for example flexible packaging, liquid packaging or cigarette packets, brand manufacturers make uncompromising demands. Not only a consistent quality control, but also the subsequent defect elimination is essential in this context. Even better, if reaching those quality goals also has a positive impact on production performance. eltromat GmbH, manufacturer of innovative systems for optimising print processes for over five decades, therefore has upgraded the established 100% inspection system ìtwin_checkî by workflow solutions, which make complying with quality guarantees effective and efficient.

twin_check ñ Two in one: entire web monitoring and 100% print inspection

Above Practical example of cost savings: Flexo printing press for flexible packaging, web width 1200 mm Left System overview: the twin_ check flexibly meets the demands due to its modular structure A high-performance 100% print inspection is the pre-requisite for a well-organised quality workflow. The inspection system ìtwin_checkî allows a high-resolution inspection at high machine speed. According to the provider located in Leopoldshoehe, Germany, it reliably detects processrelated as well as sporadic print defects. The system is designed for all established printing methods as well as

20SIX

Intelligent design. Intelligent economics. Experience the new benchmark for flexible packaging at drupa.

See it in action at drupa Hall 10/ A04-1

www.bobst.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Workflow for 100% print quality: eltromatís modular solution concept for the whole range of print substrates ñ including reflecting and transparent material. In addition to an extensive defect classification, masking functions with useful possibilities of sensitivity adjustments, ìtwin_checkî also provides the fully-integrated functionality of a 100% web monitoring. eltromat promises even more process security with its ìPDF plate_auditorì. Already during the set-up phase, this module compares the pre-press PDF to the print image and thus recognises defective or wrong printing plates/ cylinders at an early stage. In order to reliably eliminate waste in a downstream process, the module ìevent_loggerì logs all defects in a protocol, which, according to the producer, can also be used for additional in-house analyses due to the interchange format XML.

User-friendly rewinder control for waste elimination The 2012 Packaging Excellence Awards, show your customers you are the best

A GA Asian Gravure Association

Not every deviation which is of interest during the printing process automatically causes waste. In an optional step, the software solution ìquality_assistantì offers the opportunity to re-evaluate the defect protocol according to harmonised internal quality criteria and to classify defects as being irrelevant if necessary. The module ìrewind_navigatorì for example controls the rewinder on the basis of the defect protocol in a way that allows it to operate at maximum speed and to stop precisely at the spot where waste is to be eliminated.

11 Year

Asian Label Association

P 000 U US$6 ABS R G FOR side See in s! etail for d

Entries close on October the 1st at 5pm. Join Asia’s biggest Awards Event for the Packaging Industry today, Show everyone you are the best.....

Gala Awards Dinner November 22nd 2012 - Sentosa - Singapore

AFTA AGA ALA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 1 2012

LASER ENGRAVING SYSTEM MANUFACTURERS

ALE design and manufacture laser engraving systems for engraving fine topographic structures on the surface of cylindrical forms. For further information please visit our web site: www.appliedlaser.co.uk

Variable control of anilox cell angle to roller length axis for increased doctor blade support

Complex cell creation with X-Cell engraving function

Channel cell creation with X-Cell engraving function

Complex Cell design with dam - (Arrowdam Cell)

Long hexagon cell functions, Custom Pulse & Custom Cell control

WIDE & NARROW WEB SYSTEMS FOR A RANGE OF INDUSTRIES & APPLICATIONS.

Gravure cell example

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250 micron height text metal engraving example

Printed Electronics. Gravure roller engraving capabilities. Ceramic Anilox roller engraving systems, standard and complex cell engraving capabilities. Security applications. Embossing - Imprinting master tool engraving. BEF, (Brightness Enhancement Film), master roller engraving. Fine topographical organic textures & geometric engraving functions. Flexographic sleeve engraving systems. 3D Depth scanning system.

Tel: +44 (0) 208 941 1101 Fax: +44 (0) 208 783 1348 Website: www.appliedlaser.co.uk

Applied Laser Engineering Ltd, Molesey Business Centre, Central Avenue, West Molesey, Surrey, KT8 2QZ, England This document is subject to change without notice and does not form part of any performance specification or contract of supply. 15/03/2011

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

66 Successful drupa for tesa

The leading adhesive tape specialist tesa reported a very successful Drupa 2012. Despite a significant decrease in the number of visitors at the Drupa compared to 2008, tesa managed to significantly increase the number of acquired leads at the booth. The key to this success was the very interactive presentation attracting many visitors from all around the world. Packaging printers very often asked for the new tesa Softprint® Hard. The especially hard plate mounting tape provides optimum printing results even at high speeds. It maintains a high solid

ink density, improves the ink transfer and also prevents a significant dot gain and bounce stripes. A highlight for paper producers or printers was the new tesa® CaRes splicing tape - the only adhesive tape in the world that is resistant to calcium carbonate, especially when the splice remains in the paper reel for longer times. In general tesa tape could be found all around the Drupa at a great number of booths. Many partners like printing press manufacturers used tesa tapes in their product presentations. This is just another example for the leading role of tesa in the print and web processing markets.

Bobst presents its revolutionary smartCOLTM system for colour matching

At drupa 2008, the beta version of Bobst’s smartGPSTM caused a sensation among flexo printers all around the world. smartGPSTM has set a milestone in flexographic printing, because with the new technology, all registration and impression related setup has been shifted from the press to the stage of plate mounting. The reduction of change-over time and material usage results in substantial cost savings in

Twist the world of Converting

03/05-16/05/2012 DÜSSELDORF • GERMANY

Booth # E20 - Hall 03

THROUGH DAILY ASPERITIES AND OVER THE TARGET! Don’t suffer the problems of low productivity on your ﬂexo, gravure, or coating & laminating machines caused by: • Shortening run lengths • Long changeover times • Frequent substrate changes • Extended make-readies • Colour matching

Solve these problems with a Uteco machine ﬁtted with: • Uteco SmartPack® and ShopWare® • Direct Drive Evo® • SynchroWeb® • SprintWash® • Kiss & Go® • SmartMatch®

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GENETIC INNOVATION

And a new innovation is coming...

U T E C O C O N V E R T I N G S PA • I 3 7 0 3 0 C O LO G N O L A A I C O L L I ( V R ) • P H . : +3 9 0 4 5 6174 5 5 5 • FA X : +3 9 0 4 5 615 0 8 5 5 • u t e c o v r @ u t e c o . c o m • w w w. u t e c o . c o m

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

Over 40 years of experience in the ﬂexographic industry, design and production of the highest quality systems. innovation is the key to our success.

Advanced MOUNTING & PROOFING EQUIPMENT (for the ﬂexible packaging, corrugated and label industry)

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PHOTOPOLYMER PLATEMAKING EQUIPMENT

COMPUTER CONTROLLED VISCOSITY CONTROL SYSTEM

production and dramatic increase of press uptime. Ever since the system was ready to go into production in early 2009, far over 100 sold systems – delivered with new printing equipment and as retrofits - provide evidence of the huge benefits for all print houses. With the revolutionary smartCOLTM colour matching system, presented at this year’s drupa, Bobst is adding the missing link to achieve a 100 % offline registration, impression and colour set-up of all manner of flexo and gravure print designs meaning the reduction of wasted substrates and time next to zero. smartCOLTM checks the ink prior to introduction into the machine, prompts necessary changes and makes sure the ink is truly ‘press ready’. This colour checking/matching procedure can be carried out with low overhead costs, while the printing press is used for what it is designed for – production and making money. “With the new smartCOLTM we are forcefully pursuing our philosophy of ‘smart’ offline approaches to set-up resulting in a productivity that no other manufacturer’s equipment can offer. Without a doubt, the new smartCOLTM represents a technological achievement that is just as important as our smartGPSTM and that will further increase the competitive edge of printers using this technology,” says Andreas Kueckelmann, Head of Bobst’s Product Line Flexo and managing director of Bobst Bielefeld GmbH.

Flint Group presents post-print solutions at Bobst Open House

IN THE ROUND SLEEVEMAKING SYSTEMS

PRE-PRESS EQUIPMENT FROM MODEST SYSTEMS TO THE MOST ADVANCED HIGH-TECH SOLUTIONS Head Ofﬁce AV Flexologic B.V. • H. K. Onnesweg 2 • P.O. Box 252, NL-2400 AG • Alphen aan den Rijn The Netherlands • Tel +31 (0)172 434221 • Fax +31 (0)172 437919 • Mail av@flexologic.nl Toll Free number from the UK 0800-3892121 (only accessible in the UK)

www.ﬂexologic.nl

At the end of March 2012, Bobst, a worldwide leading supplier of equipment and services to packaging manufacturers, invited Chinese flexo printers to an open house in Shanghai. The three-day event, organised by Bobst and its Chinese subsidiary Eterna, was aimed at further developing the Chinese corrugated post-print and flexo industry. Well-known suppliers to this industry like the design agency YFY Jupiter, the prepress solution supplier Esko, the famous flexo plates trade shop Sinwa, and the corrugated paper and board machine supplier BHS participated in the show. The two Flint Group divisions Flexographic Products and Packaging and Narrow Web also took the opportunity to present their portfolio and technical solutions at their own stand and during a live demo. More than 300

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012

69 guests from all over China visited the event and many of them came to the Flint Group stand to learn more about flexographic printing plates, plate making equipment, new technologies like nyloflex® NExT, Flat Top Dots and printing inks. They were impressed by the print samples, which demonstrated the perfect reproduction of highlight dots of the nyloflex® ART printing plate as well as the excellent ink stability and its printing performance - another example for the

high standard of the company’s product range for corrugated post-print. All partners are dedicated to support the Chinese corrugated post-print industry in the long term by providing the latest technology and offering high quality products to the flexographic market. “In China many people think that corrugated post-print means low quality”, says Magenta Zheng, General Manager Flint Group Flexographic Products China, but the print results from Bobst’s open house are much better than many customers’ expectations. The two samples printed during the live demo prove that corrugated post-print offers a lot of advantages with regard to quality, cost and efficiency. We hope it will encourage more customers to choose this application in the future.”

BOBST LEMANIC® lines set benchmark in China

When targeting superior quality output and productivity there is no competing with BOBST LEMANIC® production lines. The very high quality standards required by the Chinese cigarette industry as well as structural reforms initiated by the Chinese Tobacco Board have paved the way for increased demands for BOBST LEMANIC® gravure lines with inline converting and its unique concept of Registron® Integrated as a single source supplier. A record number of production lines were installed in China in 2011 and 2012 got off to a flying start. One of the most important printing & converting companies in the Yunnan province

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

is a BOBST customer for almost 20 years. Their latest investment in printing technology is an 8-colour LEMANIC® DELTA gravure press with inline sheeter which will join the three other LEMANIC® printing & converting lines installed in their production site. Through this latest investment in leading-edge technology and additional production capacity, this factory will reinforce their position as one of the three top cigarette packaging printers in the Yunnan province. In the Anhui province an important printing & converting company and member of a nationwide active Group in the cigarette packaging production has just signed for a 10-colour LEMANIC® DELTA gravure printing press with inline rewinder. The Group is engaged in the design and production of high-end cigarette packaging with innovative solutions. This will be 3rd the BOBST gravure press line for this site following a Rotomec line installed in 1998 and a LEMANIC® RIVIERA press installed in 2008. The new DELTA will enable the company to meet the increasing demand for gravure quality printed jobs transferred from sheet-fed offset due to the merging of Chinese cigarette brands. An 8-colour DELTA gravure press with inline sheeter has also been the choice of a first time buyer of BOBST LEMANIC® in Kunming, Yunnan province. With this new investment, the company plans to increase their production capacity and collect new gravure printed orders from tobacco companies in addition to the jobs already processed in offset.

Al Mawrid buys Gallus ICS 670

Al Mawrid Printing & Advertising has invested €4.5m in a Gallus ICS 670 press and associated pre-press equipment in response to growing demand for high-quality packaging in

the region. The 350-staff United Arab Emirates printer, which is part of the Dubai-headquartered Thomsun Group, has purchased the press currently being demonstrated at drupa on the Gallus stand (Hall 2, stand A45). Al Mawrid has specified the new modular press with a continuous unwinder, two gravure print units, cold foil and lamination capability, as well as seven ‘Easy Value Add’ (EVA) units and an inline flatbed die-cutter. Gallus’s EVA concept allows users to change their press configuration depending on individual job requirements, to add features including inline screen printing, high-definition flexo, lamination, hot foil stamping. Al Mawrid general manager TK Babukutty said that the printer chose the Gallus ICS 670 for its quality and flexibility, which also allows users to retrofit the latest technologies as they become available. “Very soon we will introduce screen printing and if we have to add extra screen units or hot foiling in the future that is also possible – we can add or replace at any time,” he added. Babukutty said that Al Mawrid, which already runs an array of sheetfed Heidelberg presses, was also sold on the fact the Gallus press had a flatbed rather than a rotary die-cutter. “It means we can use the same dies we use on our Bobst die-cutter for the sheetfed work,”

he added. Thomsun Group managing director KV Thomas said that the press buy was “good for us, good for Gallus and good for our customers”. “We work with global brands and the quality has to be equal to that in the US or EU,” he added. “Consistency is crucial for brand owners because if there’s any compromise on the standard of the packaging then the buyer may think the product is a copy even though it’s the same.”

PRATI to showcase fastest booklet labels production at LabelExpo Americas

PRATI introduces its complete workflow for booklet labels production including VEGAplus BOOKLET and SATURN BOOKLET solutions on Stand 717, Hall A, at Labelexpo Americas, which takes place in Chicago, September 11-13. Specifically designed for the off-line production of booklet labels, the 75 m/ min VEGAplus LF 330 BOOKLET has a web width of up to 330mm and can apply - in register - a booklet label on the base label. It is ideally suited to pharmaceutical and agro-chemical sectors as well as the food industry where this type of label is perfect for promotional content on packaging. It runs unsupported and self-adhesive labels - standard, coupon, flat, curved,

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AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

72 and thick booklet - regardless of the diameter. Delivered in a modular format, it can be adapted to meet customer’s requirements. The new SATURN BOOKLET inspection machine is equipped with the BKL web path up-grade, big idlers, special nipping wheels and an out-standing web guide system. The SATURN BOOKLET delivers highly quality BKL labels inspection using the Nikka camera even for ‘irregular face’ labels. It's specifically designed to finish the production process of coupon and booklet labels with slitting, rewinding and full inspection operations. "With the combination of the VEGAplus BOOKLET and the SATURN BOOKLET we want to be a one-stop shop offering a complete booklet workflow" says Chiara Prati, Sales Manager of the company. At Labelexpo Americas PRATI will demonstrate the benefits of the offline production of booklet labels, including higher speed and enhanced productivity if compared to in-line finishing systems.

About PRATI PRATI supplies machines for selfadhesive label print-finishing: covering customization, inspection, die-cutting, matrix waste removal, rewinding, slitting and overprinting. With its forty years of experience, PRATI has developed a reputation as a trustworthy manufacturer of extremely reliable systems, which are tailored to customers’ needs and form a solid foundation that offers mechanical and electronic precision. The company’s product range incorporates versatile-use solutions which contribute to increased productivity at a low cost. These include the JUPITER und SATURN/ SUN inspection tables, the modular and customer-specifically adjustable VEGAplus platforms, the PHARMACHECK finishing system,

which is tailored specially to the needs of the pharmaceutical industry, the VEGA plus BOOKLET maker, the ideal offline unit to produce any type of booklet labels and the URANUS for overprinting and verifying data. With over 2,300 machines installed in the market, PRATI is represented worldwide thanks to a distribution network in Europe, Middle East, India, Australia, Far East, South Africa, North America, Canada and South America. An expansion into other markets is planned.

CCL Industries Acquires Pharmaceutical Label Business in Sydney, Australia

CCL Industries Inc. a world leader in specialty packaging solutions for

Visitors can witness how the preprinted reel is being inserted in the VEGAplus which then applies the leaflet in register with the base label. The booklet labels are laminated using a rotary lamination unit and then die-cut in register and rewound. The next step is the inspection process in the SATURN BOOKLET, which grants 100% error free booklet label production.

Take a seat at the digital event for the Asia Pacific region in 2012 The world’s going digital, are you ready

ASIA PACIFIC DIGITAL PRINTING CONGRESS 28-29th November Singapore

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We bring you the latest technology in gravure and flexo to help your business AFTA AGA ALA â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 1 2012

Static Elimination System

Surface Cleaner

ESA SYSTEM

Electronic Control

Heliofurn H-35 TM

Touch Screen

Heliofurn H-98

Heliofurn ESA-2000

Electronic Static Field Meter

Florentil 2008

DAILIAN INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD 71 Ubi Crescent #02-08 Excalibur Centre Singapore 408571 Tel +65 6748 2662 Fax +65 6747 9929 Email: info@dailian.com or visit www.dailian.com

AFTA AGA ALA • Issue 1 2012 -

74 the consumer products and healthcare industries, announced today that it has acquired the assets of the Pharmaceutical Division of Graphitype Printing Services, a privately owned printing company located near Sydney, Australia, for AUD$7 million paid in cash. The acquired business produces labels and patient instructional leaflets for leading pharmaceutical customers in Australia and will complement the existing CCL Label Healthcare operation in Melbourne. Graphitype's Pharmaceutical Division sales were AUD$7.3 million for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2012, with EBITDA of approximately AUD$2.5 million. Dave and Kath Morris, the founders of Graphitype Printing Services, will continue to operate their commercial printing

business as an independent company. Steve Morris, the business leader of the Pharmaceutical Division, has signed an employment agreement as part of the transaction and will join the Healthcare and Specialty group of CCL Label North America and Australia led by Jim Sellors, Group Vice President. The acquired business will immediately change its trading name to CCL Label. Geoffrey Martin, President and CEO of CCL Industries said, "The Healthcare sector continues to be attractive for us and we have been very successful with similar acquisitions in this product space in the recent past. The excellent facility in Sydney and the great team assembled by the Morris family while building the business will strengthen our position in Australia

Take a seat at the digital event for the Asia Pacific region in 2012 The world’s going digital, are you ready

with sites now located in both of the key pharmaceutical manufacturing centres in the country." With headquarters in Toronto, Canada, CCL Industries now employs approximately 6,400 people and operates 72 production facilities globally located to meet the sourcing needs of large international customers. CCL Label is the world's largest converter of pressure sensitive and film materials for label applications and sells to leading global customers in the consumer packaging, healthcare, automotive and consumer durable markets. CCL Container and CCL Tube are leading producers of aluminum aerosol cans, bottles and extruded plastic tubes for consumer packaged goods customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico

ASIA PACIFIC DIGITAL PRINTING CONGRESS 28-29th November Singapore

SIGN.DIGITAL PRINT PRODUCTION.WIDE FORMAT. PROOFING.PREPRESS. NISHING.PACKAGING SOFTWARE.THE EVENT THAT WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR COMPANY AHEAD IN THE FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRY SECTOR call adrian on +65 6733 5342 or email adriangoh@gmail.com

And book your package for the only regional event of it’s kind

ET VERO EOS ET ACCUSAM ET JUSTO DUO DOLORES ET EA REBUM. STET CLITA KASD.

PRINTINGAFTAEX XTR TRUS U •ION US IO IO N 1 CO C ONV NVER ERTI ER T NG NG AGA ALA Issue 2012

YOU CAN GET WHATEVER YOU NEED FROM US − WE ARE A REAL FAMILY BUSINESS.

Productivity, efficiency, flexibility – each of our flexo presses has its own strengths. But the family resemblence is obvious. Superior quality, advanced technology and proven ease of operation are the hallmarks of all machines made by W&H. This applies to our newest family member, the MIRAFLEX A sleeve press, aimed at the core of flexible package printing at an attractive price. Positioned to complement the extremely successful MIRAFLEX C, it makes the family complete. You can find additional information on our flexo printing presses on the internet under www.wuh-group.com.

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