Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia 5

5 - 2018

Reinvent Packaging with HP Digital Printing Solutions LIC Packaging (Italy) has just hosted a successful event, showcasing the latest digital packaging printing solutions with HP Pagewide C500 press See full story pages 8-9

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amazon to invest $10m to increase packaging recycling rates LIC Packaging keeps things fresh with HP PageWide C500 Rapidly expanding potential of corrugated market in India Kodak sells flexo division, postive outlook ahead Innovations identified to transform sustainable packaging LEDcure for rotary and flexo applications now available Kodak announces game changing KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution Esko launches expanded packaging software drupa touchpoint packaging: the intent is not to predict the packaging future but to enable it 4 Ways Custom Packaging Can Be a Game Changer Flint Group India offers gravure inks with no Ketone and toluene Complete and unrivalled portfolio of advanced corrugated packaging production technologies OMET X6: more than 2000 printing units manufactured More effective print time HP signs largest deal to date with ePac for 20 HP Indigos Packaging / Printing Inks Market 2025 Flint Group announces the launch of nyloflexÂŽ XVH Digital printing plate How to print with low migration inks: 5 things to take into account Trends in the label industry: an exciting future Researchers Found a Method For More Slippery Packaging to Cut Food Waste Why the Right Colour System Is Crucial for Packaging News from around the world and around the region

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Chairman Judging Panel 2019 Packaging Excellence Awards Head Judge - Bob James Wim Swiggers Phee Boon Eow SHOFT _019 (AFTA) has 11 active Committee members for 2019/2020 For everything you need go to www.printinnovationasia.com

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

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to invest $10m to increase packaging recycling rates The investment will divert 1 million tons of recyclable material from landfill into the recycling stream eliminating the equivalent of 2 million metric tons of CO2 by 2028.

Amazon announced that it will invest $10 million in Closed Loop Fund to support recycling infrastructure in the United States.

Closed Loop Fund invests in sustainable consumer goods, advanced recycling technologies, and the development of the circular economy. It aims over the next 10 years to eliminate more than 16 million tons of greenhouse gas, divert more than 8 million cumulative tons of waste from landfills, improve recycling for more than 18 million households, and save nearly $60 million for American cities.

Amazon’s investment will increase the availability of curbside recycling for 3 million homes in communities across the country, making it easier for customers to recycle and further develop end markets for recycled commodities.

The investment will divert 1 million tons of recyclable material from landfill into the recycling stream and eliminate the equivalent of 2 million metric tons of CO2 by 2028—equivalent to shutting down a coal-fired power plant for six months.

“This investment will help build the local capabilities needed to make it easier for our customers and their communities to recycle and to increase the amount of material recycled across the country,” said Dave Clark, Amazon’s senior vice president of Worldwide Operations.

“We are investing in Closed Loop Fund’s work because we think everyone should have access to easy, convenient curbside recycling. The more we are all able to recycle, the more we can reduce our collective energy, carbon, and water footprint.”

Amazon’s investment in Closed Loop Fund furthers the company’s longstanding commitment to reducing packaging waste through its Frustration-Free Packaging programs, which are designed to produce less

waste than traditional packaging.

Amazon works directly with thousands of manufacturers to help them redesign their packaging, eliminate waste throughout the supply chain, and ensure products arrive undamaged on customers’ doorsteps. Amazon introduced Frustration-Free Packaging 10 years ago, and it has eliminated more than 244,000 tons of packaging materials to date, avoiding 500 million shipping boxes

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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LIC Packaging keep HP PageWide C500 HP hosts first worldwide Customer Open House with Italy’s LIC Packaging for the HP PageWide C500.

Over two days from 14 to 15 November 2018, LIC Packaging, together with HP, held an open house to showcase the recently installed HP PageWide C500 digital press. The event marks the first customer open house for the corrugated packaging digital press.

LIC Packaging is an Italian industrial packaging firm that designs and manufacture packaging solutions for direct packing and displays.

The HP PageWide C500 was first announced at drupa 2016, and commercially launched in early 2018.

LIC Packaging is one of the pioneering European customers for the HP PageWide C500 press. The press completed installation at the end of July, and is now printing commercial production.

Held at LIC’s facilities in Brescia, Italy, the open house featured three separate events. The first session targeted LIC’s

customers and brand owners, logging over 60 attendees. The second was attended by Italian-based prospects, and a final event was targeted at worldwide prospects which attracted over 100 delegates. According to HP, in attendance from the Asia Pacific region were customers from Japan and China.

electronics box, frozen pizza boxes, housewares, amongst others. One of the event highlights were the printing of photographs of event guests taken the evening before, and presented to the guests upon arrival at the LIC. Visitors were reportedly wowed by the print quality.

Some of the applications on showcase on the PageWide C500 were the printing of a print quality and colour capabilities file, a fruit box for oranges, a customer

True Food-Safe, Water-Based Inks A main feature of the HP PageWide C500 is its food-safe, true water-based inks. The inks contain no UV-reactive

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

ps things fresh with chemistries, enabling printing on both primary and secondary food packaging without the need for an additional barrier. This allows LIC Packaging to comply with even the most stringent global food safety regulations – including Nestle guidance and Swiss Ordinance.

The company has been utilising the PageWide C500 for food-safe digital corrugated packaging. In addition, LIC Packaging has been able to now maximise their opportunities by extending to other sensitive applications that require food-safe inks, such as for toys, cosmetics, pet food and pharmaceuticals. Besides that, the company has been able to take advantage of the digital print to produce non-durable and fast-moving consumer goods as well.

The press has allowed LIC to meet increasing demand from brands for short runs, shorter turnaround times and creative marketing campaigns. The company has already begun transferring some short run jobs to digital, making it profitable. Due to this, they have been able to improve the productivity on the analogue presses by focusing on the long runs.

The HP PageWide C500 delivers offset quality on both coated and uncoated papers 9 while delivering digital flexibility in mainstream production. The press employs proprietary Thermal Inkjet technology, designed for best-in-class print quality at production speed. With 1200 dpi resolution and one million nozzles, the C500 Press is able to produce offset quality in demanding production environments. The press prints 75 linear m/min at top print quality. Another major benefit of HP’s Thermal Inkjet is nozzle redundancy of up to 6X.

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Rapidly expanding potential of corrugated market in India At ICCMA (Indian Corrugated Case Manufacturers Association) 2018, in Mumbai from 4 to 6 October, BOBST presented a number of its most efficient solutions for boosting productivity in the corrugated manufacturing market.

BOBST has now sold a total of thirteen in-line flexo-folder-gluers (FFGs) in India since 2013, and the feedback at the BOBST stand in Mumbai suggests that the in-line solution is the way forward for mid- to large-size CB converters in the medium- to long-term.

“Several of our clients were present at ICCMA and reiterated just how satisfied they are with the performance of our machines in terms of the quality and quantity of corrugated boxes produced,” said Venugopal Menon, business director, BU Sheet Fed – Indian Sub-Continent at BOBST. “From our conversations at the stand with so many manufacturers, we think we are at a real turning point in India. As a result, a significant number of converters are now seriously considering upgrading their technology and utilizing completely automatic lines, capable of faster, high quality corrugated box production.

The inline process starts making real business sense once a threshold limit is reached – between 1000-1500 MT (Metric Tonnes) per month or more of conversion or close to 100,000 boxes per day.”

Several BOBST innovations were presented at ICCMA 2018, but the one that perhaps drew the most attention was FFG 8.20 DISCOVERY, an exceptional flexo-folder-gluer that recently set two new world production records. Visitors were hugely impressed by its production rate of around 18,000 boxes an hour, its easy drive and set-up time, and its folding quality for brown RSC boxes. Other highlights included FFG 924 NT and FFG 1228 NT, stateof-the-art converting machines able to ensure first-class printing, excellent diecutting and accurate folding in a single pass.

A specialty folder-gluer that was a focus of discussions was LILA II 106 | 145 | 170, a highly configurable machine designed with the needs of both litho-laminated and corrugated board packaging manufacturers in mind. The many benefits of LILA II include advanced feeding, accurate pre-breaking and a perfectly controlled folding process, ensuring perfect box quality and outstanding productivity.

It wasn’t all about folder-gluers, however.

Die-cutters, such as VISIONCUT 1.6 also attracted

considerable attention. VISIONCUT 1.6 is a high quality flatbed die-cutting machine for nano/micro flute to double-double corrugated board and litho-laminated packaging. Linked with the optional “POWER REGISTER” the accuracy and print-to-cut quality is perfect. Attendees heard how this small, simple and efficient machine minimizes down time, allows flexibility for various die-cutting jobs and delivers job changeovers in less than 10 minutes.

“The potential of the corrugated box market in India is unfolding before our eyes,” said Bhavesh Pingle, business manager, corrugated business at BOBST. “There have been challenges in this market due to the very nature of the industry, comprising thousands of small players running manual/ semi-automatic plants to cater to the needs of local nearby industries. But manufacturers are now seeing the benefit of automation and of running full lines, and the huge boost that this brings in terms of productivity and cost-savings. We are excited about what we can help manufacturers in India to achieve, both now and in the future.”

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Kodak sells flexo division, postive outlook ahead Kodak has sold its flexographic packaging division to a private equity firm for up to an estimated $390 million USD The sale to Montagu Private Equity will see the division spun off into a new standalone company which will develop, manufacture and sell flexographic products including the flagship Flexcel NX system. The management team and organisational structure will be retained, with Chris Payne, president of the flexographic division, taking over the new company as CEO. "We are very pleased that Montagu will be supporting the ongoing growth of the business going forward and that our customers will continue to experience the same product, same people, and same trusted brand," said Payne.

"Under Montagu ownership, the company will have the focus, agility and resources to maintain a constant stream of innovation for our customers and continue the journey of transforming Flexo into the premium print process of choice for packaging."

Jeff Clarke, Kodak.

The proceeds from the sale will be used to reduce Kodak's debt, with the remaining debt to be paid through more asset monetisation, or refinanced.

Jeff Clarke, CEO Kodak, said the flexo division sale was an important step for the company. “This transaction is an important turning point in our transformation and is a significant, positive development for Kodak,” he said.

Chris Payne, president of the flexographic division “The sale of the Flexographic Packaging Division unlocks value for shareholders and strengthens our financial position by providing a meaningful infusion of cash which allows us to reduce debt, improving the capital structure of the Company and enabling greater flexibility to invest in our growth engines.”

According to Christoph LeitnerDietmaier, investment director at Montagu, Kodak's flexo division is well-placed to take advantage of the growth in the packaging print market.

"The company’s proprietary thermal imaging film technology enables it to offer a truly differentiated product that consistently produces high performing output. We are very much looking forward to working with the management as the business enters this next stage of its development," he said.

After the deal, which is expected to complete in the first half of next year, Kodak says it will focus on growth areas such as Sonora environmental plates, enterprise inkjet, workflow software, and brand licencing.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

©2018 Kodak. Kodak and the Kodak logo are trademarks.

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We. Are. Flexo.

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To the next 10. Advantage: Flexo.

KODAK.COM/GO/FLEXCELNX

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Innovations identifi sustainable packag Smithers Pira identified 20 innovations set to transform packaging into a sustainable industry in new study.

The arrival of new technologies is coinciding with renewed enthusiasm for greater sustainability from key participants within the packaging industry.

Across all industrial sectors sustainability is an increasing priority.

This is especially true in packaging which is single-use and consumes high volumes of plastic. Furthermore, brandowners and legislators are increasingly seeing packaging as an easy target to cut their carbon footprint.

The packaging industry is responding to and initiating its own response to this challenge. While incremental reductions in environmental cuts will still be possible – major future

reductions often rest on implementing a new disruptive technology.

• Enhancements in distribution and the consumer use phase

In its new study - Ten-Year Forecast of Disruptive Technologies in Sustainable Packaging to 2028 – Smithers Pira has surveyed the packaging market and related segment to identify the top 20 technical innovations that will underpin a greener future for packaging.

•Improvement to end-of-life processing

The technologies identified in the Smithers Pira expert survey emphasises this, and can be sub-divided into four broad categories: • Innovative raw materials & feedstocks • Advances in design and material substitution (including their converting and processing)

Raw materials/feedstocks Naturally based barrier coatings used to protect paperboard from water or grease and the demand for recyclable paper cups represent the application of the new priority on recyclability penetrating market for material selections.

Consumer facing brands, in food service are a key driver for these cup solutions with a number of technical solutions; such a bioplastic coating layers or those designed to detach easily in a materials recovery facility.

ied to transform ging Overall bioplastics – polymers constructed from natural plant sugars and proteins rather than oil – present a compelling route to more sustainable sourcing of materials for packaging.

As a concept for packaging, bioplastics have been demonstrated in several segments including films, liquid paperboard cartons; and, in particular, carbonated soft drink bottles due to the proactive policies of major beverage suppliers such as Coca Cola. Wider penetration has been inhibited by relatively low oil prices in recent years, but there has still been substantial commercial development in terms to increase volumes in the future.

A wider use of the first range of commercial bioplastics – typically sourced direct from crops – would place a strain on agricultural resources, especially in tropical regions, at a time when world hunger remains a problem.

Hence a key disruptive technology ranked second is the evolution of bioplastics production from alternative sources agricultural or paper mill waste, plants grown on marginal land, or even waste methane.

In their initial phase the aim of bioplastics has to been to create a more sustainable alternative to existing polymer types.

For the future they do also present a new polymer tool kit for developers with the option of developing new plastic types with enhanced properties – such as polyethylene furanoate (PEF) which promises better gas barrier performance, tensile strength and thermally stability than PET grades.

Design/ material selection Design and material selection present the easiest means for converters and

brands to effect immediate changes in the environmental impact of their packaging. Lightweighting of existing designs is an established process which ranked joint seventh and still has the potential to effect further gains across 2018-2028.

at end-of-life processing in the design phase for their packaging this ranked joint seventh. A future solution that will aid this is the evolution of mono-layer barrier materials in films and pouch constructions ranked joint thirteenth.

Use-phase

A restraining factor for several segments in moving to lighterwieght materials is replicating the same customer performance with less heavy materials.

Significant innovation is underway to allow this especially focussed on pack fixtures – for example, for resealablity, child-resistant opening, and gas release valves – which placed this trend thirteenth.

The use phase – the period after which a pack leave the factory of the filling company until it enters a waste recovery stream – is often neglected from a sustainability perspective.

The key focus for the use phase is ensuring goods, especially perishable goods like food or pharmaceuticals, reach the consumer in optimum or at least suitable condition. The Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research estimates that 30 and 40% of food produced around the world is never eaten annual cost and is responsible for

One of the simplest steps a brand can make is to consider sustainability, and especially the separation of materials

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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around 0.5 gigatonnes (GT) of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

The most disruptive technology in this area is the evolution of intelligent labels for packaging (Rank #6) that can verify to the consumer that a pack’s contents are safe to consume ranking sixth. This can use a variety of on-pack technologies chemical or electronic time-temperature loggers, and increasingly monitors for changes in internal gas composition that signal spoiling.

Another application of digital technology ranking fourteenth is the application of enhanced data analytics to supply chain and logistics shipments.

These processes would be able to ensure optimal use of shipments of perishable goods in warehouses and on delivery routes, again cutting food waste and offering monetary savings to retailers. Of particular interest hear is blockchain software that can track shipments of goods even if a pallet is subdivided or repackaged during its journey to the consumer.

E-commerce is a booming segment of the retail trade. From an environmental perspective its saves on heating and lighting for a retail location, but does entail increased transport mileage per unit and typically consumes more packaging. Smithers Pira data shows that across 2017-2022 the value of packaging for use in this distribution channel will almost double from $28.1 billion to $55.0 billion. While most of this is corrugated board, which can incorporate recycled pulp; protective elements like air cushions, bubble wrap, or foam cushions have a poorer environmental profile. In response the

industry is developing more sustainable protective packaging elements for ecommerce ranked fifteenth using paper or biomaterials that can replace plastic pillows or EPS peanuts.

End-of-life processing The end-of-life processing phase has the most technologies identified by the Smithers Pira survey. Arguably its pre-eminence could be greater as several of the raw material/feedstock technologies have their impact at this phase – as both recyclable paperboard cups and natural barrier coatings are sustainable because they permit paperboard pulp to be recycled effectively.

The key economic actor here is the quality or purity of the recyclate.

Minimal levels of contamination of different plastics or other contaminants can seriously diminish the usability and hence price of post-consumer packaging waste to a point where their recovery and processing becomes nonviable commercially.

This factor is the reason for the high scores given to the top scoring disruptive technology – improved nearinfrared (NIR) recycling, as this will be the cornerstone for better sorting and hence less contamination of polymer waste. While industrial polymer waste is often separated at collection this will less of an impact, but it could be truly revolutionary when dealing with large volumes for mixed consumer waste if it can be done at high speed.

There is an added impetus particularly to recycle more plastics. With a legislative imperative in Europe via the EU’s new

Plastic Strategy. Until Q1 2018, large volumes of less recyclable plastics were exported from the EU, and North America to China. However new rules from the Chinese government to ban imports of 24 classes impure waste is creating a need to process this in the country in which it originates. As the value of recycled material improves it represents a key trend in the evolution of the circular economy, as even general waste becomes a genuine resource with a commercial value. This is being supported by the arrival of technologies enabling easy free market trading which ranked sixteenth of waste outside existing channels.

Effective de-inking of cardboard and flexible plastic formats ranked third, aligning with the same commercial dynamics. For flexible polymers, which typically have much higher ink loadings than rigid plastic formats, this will allow recycled materials to be used in a wider range of applications. For paper formats the issue is removing inks containing potential contaminants, such as mineral oil components. As there is concern over these migrating into food where recycled materials are used in primary packs it inhibits the value of recycled paperboard stock.

The same end goal – producing materials that can be reused in food and beverage packaging underlies the potential for end-of-life better cleaning technologies ranked ninth, as these segment combined represent a major use for commodity plastics generally, and command a value of nearly $330 billion worldwide in 2017.

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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LEDcure for rotary and flexo applications now available IST Metz is releasing a specially designed retrofit concept for rotary and flexo presses called LEDcure SCR. This concept is designed by experts with more than 40 years of experience of installing UV onto rotary or flexo presses. LEDcure SCR fits perfectly the needs for the production of labeles and can easily be integrated into a new or existing press.

IST has long been globally recognized for providing the highest performance, reliable and longes lasting UV platform in the traditional UV curing arena, which is called LAMPcure. Now, UV specialist IST Metz, provides the same

attributes on the LED side, something the industry has been anxious to experience.

Compact. Modular. Powerful.

A smart modular basic concept in combination with a robust and compact design provide the user with maximum flexibility and versatility.

The length of the system can be freely scaled (90 – 540 mm) and also adapted to suit all requirements of rotary and flexo presses.

The new LEDcure is the final element in the completely reengineered range of LED solutions supplied by IST in collaboration with its subsidiary Integration Technology Ltd. (ITL).

Synergies between the two companies have an increasing impact here – like the XT8 booster, for instance. XT8 booster technology means that the LEDcure has up to 30% more output than currently on the market available LED systems. The LEDcure SCR is supplied as fully configured package including cables, power supply, control and chiller, full light shielding and interlocking for total safety compliance.

The system will be installed by experienced IST technicians.

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EVOXD – The right choice for high profits in Flexo

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

KBA Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd kba@kbaasiapacific.com koenig-bauer.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Kodak announces gam FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solu Kodak expands its industry-leading FLEXCEL NX product family with new integrated, solvent-free and VOC-free flexo plate making solution to enable a pressready plate in less than an hour.

Over the past decade, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System has revolutionized the flexo industry, bringing an unprecedented level of quality and performance to flexo printing for the benefit of everyone involved in the packaging value chain. Kodak is now announcing another revolutionary innovation – the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution. This new solution is the result of Kodak's continued R&D investment in flexo, which has repeatedly produced

progressive advancements in recent years.

Next phase in the continuing success story of FLEXCEL NX The FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution enables the outstanding and proven print performance for which FLEXCEL NX Plates have become well known, with solvent-free, VOCfree, water-based processing that can deliver a press-ready plate in less than

an hour and sustain clean, consistent plates in a high-volume production environment.

Enabled by new, innovative and patent-pending KODAK Ultra Clean technology, the FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment.

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

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me changing KODAK ution space that drives growth and business success for our customers.

We’re focused on solving complex technical challenges.

KODAK Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates and will enable printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing,” said Chris Payne, President, Flexographic Packaging Division and Vice President of Kodak.

“The FLEXCEL NX Ultra 35 Solution is the first product to be commercialized from the Ultra NX technology demonstration that we previewed at

solution r gamut!

drupa two years ago and has undergone extensive customer beta trials in demanding production environments.

We’re passionate about bringing robust technologies to market and extremely encouraged by the positive experiences of our early adopters.”

Beta sites have adopted FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plates into full production G3 Enterprises is a busy wine label operation in California that produces over 8000 production jobs a year and switched from thermal plates to

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Esko launches hugely expanded sofware for packaging Esko has unveiled the latest update to the Esko Software Platform. This newest release delivers a host of platform-wide updates and continues Esko’s ongoing commitment to regularly and consistently enhancing the solutions portfolio customers rely on. for viewing. This allows users to control the quality of ripped files on the fly, during the ripping process. This eliminates waiting times and frees up capacity. “This is particularly important in high-volume converter and premedia operations that increasingly need to manage a higher volume of label and flexo short-run, fast-turn around jobs,” De Proost adds. “It eliminates the need for the process to be completed as a separate task in Automation Engine, and helps premedia operations handle increased throughput.”

“In a fast moving market, we need to ensure our solutions are ahead of the game,” states Geert De Proost, Director Solutions Marketing of Esko.

“With that in mind, we are constantly looking to make improvements to all aspects of our software solutions.

They may be large or small, but the aim is the same: we want to make sure that our customers receive the utmost in value for their investment in the Esko Software Platform and software maintenance. We carefully consider market trends and customer feedback, and these shape many of our improvements. This release is no different. Our overall aim is to ensure customers have the right tools and capabilities to strengthen their efficiency and profitability.”

ArtPro 64-bit includes hyper-modern packaging editor Among the key highlights is the availability of a macOS-supported 64bit version of ArtPro. What’s more, customers with a maintenance contract are also entitled to a complimentary

copy of ArtPro+, the hyper-modern packaging editor. ArtPro+ features a unique and clean task-driven user interface, enhanced performance, and support for ArtPro-files.

ArtPro+ action lists in Automation Engine for increased prepress efficiency The new release also features ArtPro+ action lists in Automation Engine.

Time-consuming prepress tasks become automated and operators can focus on value-added processes, making the overall prepress operation more efficient.

Full compatibility with Creative Cloud 2019 The newest version of Esko Software Platform ensures full compatibility of all plug-ins with Adobe Creative Cloud 2019, including Studio, DeskPack, and Dynamic Content.

Viewing on the fly In another release highlight, Imaging Engine now includes In-RIP Prepare

Create display variants in seconds With this release, ArtiosCAD users can create new variants of displays or other multi-part designs in seconds. Users can start from a single resizable canvas design template. This is perfect for sign and display customers and corrugated operations that face lots of design requests and need to offer faster times to market.

“These latest improvements are just the tip of the iceberg,” De Proost concludes. “We have many more in this release. What’s more, we are developing a number of important additional improvements we cannot wait to bring to market to help our customers with their efficiency and cost effectiveness.”

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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drupa touchpoint packaging: the intent is not to predict the packaging future but to enable it. drupa has announced the partners who will contribute to the touchpoint packaging 2020 steering committee.

After a successful premiere at drupa 2016, touchpoint packaging will once again be the place to be for converters and brand owners involved within the packaging industry.

The representatives cover the full spectrum of packaging: Agfa, BOBST, Danone, ESKO, Heidelberg, HP Indigo, Kurz, Nestlé and Siegwerk.

All members of the drupa touchpoint packaging 2020 project, printing and converting industry manufacturers and international brand owners will closely work with packaging designers and students bringing to life the latest possibilities in packaging

The objective of the committee is to understand how the mega trends shaping our society will influence the packaging production. From new substrates, customisation, reduced environmental impact, connected packaging and more, the drupa visitors will discover amazing solutions. The intent is not to focus on what is already being done but to showcase inspiring new cases addressing brands challenges and pointing out meaningful directions where packaging can go.

All members are engaged with this topic and they all want to contribute to a better world with a better packaging production. BOBST as a packaging pioneer and innovator is “proud to partner with drupa, giving printers, converters and brand owners the chance to experience the future of packaging in a very engaging way across all types of applications from design to printing and finishing.” HP Indigo added, “innovative printing technologies have the power to use packaging to inform customers, convey new ideas and support causes. It’s changing the relationship between a brand and its customers”.

According to Esko, “the packaging production process today is connected, digitized and automated and touchpoint packaging is a platform to demonstrate how packaging solutions support and connect the entire supply chain effectively”. Agfa developing innovative, smart packaging printing solutions commented that “touchpoint packaging will enable brand owners to increase efficiency and security, as

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

25 International brand owners are going to play a major role. Nestlé commented, “touchpoint packaging is a unique opportunity to showcase solutions addressing the needs of our consumers and societal impact of packaging in an ever-changing environment”. Danone added, “the steering committee in a team of interdisciplinary experts of the brand and packaging business can contribute to creating the future of packaging.”

well as grow their business with better conceived packaging”.

Heidelberg, as a major industry player joined the committee with the intent “to show the vision of the future, along with new challenges in the market”.

Siegwerk, as global leader of inks for packaging applications commented that the collaboration among all the members in the project will “address promising trends and visions of future packaging that meet future requirements of packaging in a fastchanging world”.

Last, Kurz, an expert for decorative and functional coatings, has always

regarded packaging design as “a connecting element and decorative and functional surface finishes as a sensory contact between the product and the consumers, between technology and aesthetics; between manufacturing and marketing; between protection and decoration; reflecting the true product’s soul”.

In a nutshell, drupa touchpoint packaging 2020 will display the latest solutions and applications and show how future packaging and design will deliver additional value, stimuli and growth opportunities in a fast-changing world.

Packaging is the largest printing market and is growing. Brands invest heavily in new designs and customer experiences. Packages are the brands preferred customer touchpoint. The global population enrichment and growth, the new customer living styles and expectations for more relevant packages, the growing requirements for reduced environmental impacts and the digitalization of all kinds are all forces driving and shaping the packaging evolution.

The drupa touchpoint packaging experience will be a drupa 2020 must see with guided tours, short lectures and samples to collect. For more information, please visit www.drupa. com/tpp-en.

FACT: 80% of print quality

issues stem from the condition of the anilox.

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

26

4 Ways Custom Packaging Can Be a Game Changer Packaging sometimes may be referred to as “the silent salesman”. The packaging you choose will have to portray the right image, and position the product in such a way that creates the best decision making opportunities for the customer.

Custom packaging with your brand’s message will unquestionably deliver an unboxing experience worth sharing.

Customers usually do not have the time to sit and weigh the pros and cons of the product in their shopping carts.

They’re more likely to make a purchase because of the way it is packed. Great packaging also makes the shopper buy more, because – for instance – they know their product will be safe: be it food, clothing or electronics. Long story short: Packaging is as important as the product itself. Good packaging would help your customers feel an emotional attachment to your brand.

Making it a daily activity to show your appreciation for the customers who use your products transcends into a meaningful relationship.

But this is not all: You can also make an impression with packaging supplies!

Here are 4 ways that help you leave a mark on your customers: 1. Use Packaging Inserts It is usually cheaper to retain your current customers than constantly acquiring new ones. Companies can communicate a strong brand message by including packaging inserts like a hand-written thank you note.

Resonating with your audience through

your company’s voice and positioning will lift your performance in a crowded marketplace. For instance, a lot of bloggers today are sent PR packages that come with packaging inserts and they like to share their unboxing experience with their viewers. This is a great way for companies to showcase their packaging on a large scale.

2. Printing Your Boxes with Custom Stamps Printing your own boxes with custom stamps will be a great way to increase the appearance of your packing boxes.

But minimalist packaging can also be a good choice. The advantage: The less material you use to make your packages, the less you will have to spend on the material. Minimal packaging is also lighter and if you have to ship your products over long distances, their weight can make a big difference.

3. Make Use of Stickers Make use of stickers on your packaging as they are low-cost and yet have the power to create a splendid unboxing experience. A well-designed sticker is a simple addition that transforms your brand and gets people talking about you. Packing tapes are a super affordable option, e.g., for start-ups or small and medium-sized businesses aiming to take their products to the next level. So it helps you ensuring that your

products stand out from competitors.

Besides, it gives your packaged product a professional brand presence.

4. Put Your Logo on Your Bags A strong logo is the birth of your company’s branding and conveys your business vision. It can easily grab the attention of shoppers and communicate a company’s core values right. A well-thought placement of your logo also evokes positive feelings of brand superiority. This is especially true for companies that show their product’s purpose. For instance, using an image that is placed in the left corner lets the brand appear of top quality.

They lead to a better brand recall and are an ideal placement, where the eye is naturally drawn.

Packing supplies are more than just a requirement. It’s an important part of your customer’s experience. Poor packaging can also lead to a bad shopping experience and even if the product is good, the packaging is what your customer receives first. Moreover, making use of these strategies can add to your brand’s recognition and give your business a lift.

Let us know your thoughts on our article and tell us about other ways packaging can be a game changer. We are looking foward to your comments.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

27

AHEAD OF THE PACK B2 format or bigger 5 print stations for CMYK plus fifth color 1630 B2 sheets per hour toner with high light-fastness, food-safe

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direct. dedicated. digital

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

28

Flint Group India offers gravure inks with no Ketone and toluene The ArrowFlex and ArrowBond inks for solvent-based gravure meet new regulations that will come into effect in 2019.

It is known that inks produced using toluene and/or ketone, which are used in some packaging and labels can pose health risks. Flint Group’s ArrowFlex and ArrowBond line of products in India addresses market requirement for inks that are safe for packaging and labelling of food and other consumer products.

The inks are designed to be used with existing equipment, eliminating the

need to invest in new equipment to achieve the same high quality print results. “At Flint Group, safety has always been our primary concern and that is why our development teams have now formulated a groundbreaking range of products which provide printers with the high quality results and safety they expect from Flint Group,” said Upal Roy, managing director, Flint Group India.

“These inks, which are already fully compliant as per BIS 15495 current guidelines and proposed guidelines for toluene free products, have been in the market in Sri Lanka and India for over one year and have yielded the desired outcomes. The inks are within safety limits, print results are stunning, and no new equipment has been necessary.”

„The new LEDcure

makes our green heart beat faster! The LED system from IST Metz does not produce mercury, is ready for immediate operation without warm-up and can be switched off instantly in case of production stoppages. The LEDcure affords us a high energy-saving potential and

let us print in an eco-friendly way.“ THE NEW LEDCURE:

Karl-Heinz Dersch Managing Director, Offsetdruck Dersch GmbH & C

EFFICIENT. INNOAVT

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

29 Flint Group produces ArrowBond and ArrowFlex inks at its India mother plant location in Lamdapura.

Anticipating the growing market in India, Flint Group invested a significant amount in 2017 to construct a modern manufacturing environment which includes state of the art equipment specifically designed to support the production of these, and other, products.

The facility in Lamdapura is a full service facility with employees working in manufacturing, technical service, customer service and sales. The facility employs more than 120 people focused on the production, service, and delivery of inks and coatings to package and label printers throughout India.

Co.

TIVE.

www.ist-uv.com

IMPRESSIVE.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Complete and unrivalled portfolio of advanced corrugated packaging production technologies Electronics For Imaging, Inc is has a complete and unrivalled portfolio of advanced corrugated packaging production technologies including the launch of new print modes for the EFI™ Nozomi C18000 This ultra-high-speed, single-pass inkjet corrugated board press that is helping many of the world’s leading packaging companies thrive with high-graphic, direct-to board digital printing and just highlights the complete EFI portfolio of print and workflow solutions for advanced, integrated and automated corrugated production.

Corrugated packaging workflow products include EFI Corrugated Packaging Suite business and production software, and EFI Escada, a product in the Suite that helps packaging companies maximize the potential of their operation, from corrugator and process control to full traceability and reporting.

With the white ink, packaging converters can create impressive photographic images and vivid colors directly on brown kraft board liner.

The high-end, powerful EFI Fiery® NZ 1000 digital front end (DFE) driving the Nozomi press simplifies the process of creating spot or flood white layers for print jobs.

“EFI’s new print modes for Nozomi and our new white ink further strengthen our overall portfolio for efficient corrugated production with world-class digital print engine and packaging workflow solutions,” said José Luis Ramón Moreno, vice president and general manager, EFI Industrial Printing.

New innovation in digital with Nozomi Nozomi’s new white ink feature, while the Nozomi press prints in up to six colors (CMYK, orange and violet), it now includes a newly available white ink option that significantly increases users’ capabilities.

In addition, the press now offers three new modes to optimize printing capabilities and ink consumption: PHOTO mode allows matching of up to 97% of PANTONE® Colors in six colors with no ink consumption limit – an ideal feature for printing corrugated

LET US BE THE FUEL

Industrial Textile

MIS Systems

Hybrid Superwide

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Thermoform Printing

Web to Print Solutions

Fiery Servers

Ceramic

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

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

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

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

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

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

32 The press’ Fiery DFE efficiently processes the large amounts of variable data needed to make these applications a reality. And, as the digital production opportunity expands the number of shorter-run, versioned and fully personalized jobs that packaging converters produce, the EFI ecosystem of corrugated technologies helps those customers thrive with a complete workflow that streamlines job submission, planning, order promising, accounting and more.

Powerful business and production workflow management

display materials where saturation and vivid colors are key.

POP mode reduces the color gamut slightly, without a significant difference in the final appearance, and is ideal for photographic printing where ink saving is an important criterion.

ECO mode works with a restricted color range and the lowest possible ink consumption. It is intended for printing packaging where lower cost is a critical factor. Even when using uncoated boards and simple graphics, it is possible to achieve significant ink savings with excellent print results.

The new print modes help customers address a wider range of production needs. Not only can users leverage the high-end quality that recently earned the Nozomi press Product of the Year honors for single-pass inkjet devices

from industry association SGIA, but they also can cost-effectively take digital production beyond premium shelf-ready packaging and display applications by economically producing less-sophisticated color designs.

Versions increase packaging relevance Full-scale digital corrugated packaging production on the Nozomi press gives packaging companies and brands a new opportunity to cost-effectively create unlimited versions, small production batches, and even jobs where every package differs from the others.

Packaging is a key element in brand positioning for the growing online shopping market, and, for that segment, the Nozomi press gives e-tailers the power to include images relevant to the recipient and/or the product(s) contained in the box, and even include special, targeted offers right on the box.

EFI’s workflow for corrugated production, the Corrugated Packaging Suite, is an end-to-end, comprehensive software offering for box plants, sheet plants, sheet feeders and corrugated display businesses. The Suite integrates with EFI Fiery DFEs, the Nozomi press and other digital production devices.

Version 6 of the Suite on display at All4Pack includes robust shipment planning technology that optimizes trailer load capacity so users can reduce both their costs and their carbon footprint. Plus, the Suite’s Corrugated Business System offers robust new order-promising, back-tofront scheduling, search features and a powerful new data import tool that simplifies the process of upgrading to the Suite from legacy systems. Other enhancements include a new feature to implement universal pricing changes by customer, ship to location, sales rep, product styles, and/or board grades.

Productivity Workbench and Business Intelligence tools for the Suite simplify the process of reviewing, managing and analyzing detailed production and sales data. A new integration with Esko CAD-X for the Suite lets users create simple European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) styles for boxes and import existing Esko ArtiosCAD ARD files.

Plus, the Suite’s industry-leading EFI Escada corrugator control technology helps users increase profitability, achieve greater efficiency and productivity, and reduce downtime and waste.

PrimeBlade ®

900

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MADE IN SWEDEN PrimeBlade Sweden AB

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

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

34

OMET X6: more than 2000 printing units manufactured Significant milestone for OMET XFlex X6: over the last weeks, production has passed the 2000 printing units mark for this line that is raising higher and higher international interest.

OMET X6 is among narrow and mid web platforms most appreciated by the labels and packaging market, for its exceptional performances in terms of flexibility, quality, wide range of applications and customization possibilities.

OMET X6 has been a revolution for the market: it’s the first press with short web path, using the chill drum as impression cylinder, thus obtaining a drastic reduction in waste, as never seen before on a narrow web press.

It has been also the first line equipped with Vision-1 fully automatic system for

perfect adjustment of the register, with no need for operator’s intervention, able to reduce set-up time and optimize productivity, reaching perfect register of 0.05 mm. It is also the first press featuring Servo Direct Drive technology and “Gearless” concept, which allows perfect stability even at high speed. This line has been the first offset+flexo press with automatic sleeve changeover and thanks to its flexibility it can be equipped with many exclusive unit such as the Monotwin Cut, the first variable rotary die cutting unit.

Because of its pioneering features, it has been the most imitated press ever.

Versatile and able to produce from the simplest to the most complex and creative label on a wide range of substrates, the OMET X6 is the perfect synergy of different technologies: the modular units can be combined at will, with no limitations, allowing the implementation of different processes and special finishing applications inline, to always get to the final product in one single passage.

“The OMET X6 is one of the flagships of OMET’s excellence and innovation – says Paolo Grasso, Head of Sales for OMET Labels Business Unit -.

This line, with its latest evolution X6.0 presented at Labelexpo 2017, represents a step towards digital workflow and independent process: it can meet any need thanks to the enhanced automation and a unique user-friendly approach.

Customers confirm important increases in efficiency and productivity, as well as the opportunity to improve their production potential and extend their product portfolio with top quality results. Definitely, it’s a great return of investment”.

Prepared for interconnection and able to display and control all production data and working conditions as well as all OMET presses, the X6.0 version can also count on new devices driven by the concept of Industry 4.0.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

NEXT 450

35

THE BEST MEDIUM AND LONG RUN GRAVURE PRINTING FOR FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

Energy saving ventilation system “CUBE”®

Trolley handled by a single operator Only one operator control point

BEST PERFORMANCE FOR BETTER PRINTING.

WWW.UTECO.COM

Next 450 meets the customer’s most demanding needs of efficiency, productivity and quality.

Our technology focuses on: • Solutions for quick job changes • Reducing set-up time through automated solutions • Implementing an energy saving ventilation/ drying system • Centralizing all operating parameters in one point

UTECO: NOT ONLY FLEXO.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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More effective print time In spring 2019 the Hammer-LĂźbeck packaging plant celebrates its 100th anniversary. The traditional company, which specialises in folding carton for the food and luxury food industry, commissioned a Rapida 145 with coater and extended delivery just in time for its big celebration.

The new press produces up to 18,000 sheets per hour in 106 x 145cm (41.7 x 57in) format and is equipped to meet the needs of printing operations down to the last detail. Its high level of performance has proven itself even in the first few months of operation.

Whereas printing time was 70% with previous technology and around 30% was spent on makeready, now more than 93% of the time can be planned for the printing process. Unproductive makeready times have fallen to 6.8%.

The press often goes back into operation after job changeover times of just 10 minutes. A whole range of automation solutions, which have meanwhile become indispensable to the company, contribute to this.

Inline control considerably reduces waste Inline ink density measurement and control with QualiTronic ColorControl has delivered huge improvements. It

has halved waste during production and reduced it to a quarter or less than 100 sheets during makeready.

Production can often start right after the first print. This was a different story in the past. Today, electronic systems support the register-accurate setup of each individual job via register marks. The press is also extremely stable during production thanks to permanent measuring and control. The use of the digital colour databases has greatly changed the process of printing spot colours. The Lab targeted colour range is always the same, no matter the board type. Thanks to the measuring and control technology, it can be quickly achieved using ink density values dependent on the substrate.

Both Lab target colour coordinates and target colour densities are managed in the colour database.

The company mixes its own special inks.

Cutting-edge measuring technology

simulates the required illuminant ensuring that all specifications are met in order to get as close as possible to

Relief for the press crew: the pallet of waste paper is lowered from the gallery to the pressroom floor

Why do Award-winning flexo converters use DIC inks?

Because DIC stands behind every drop they make

DIC is the biggest ink manufacturer in the

For more information on how DIC can

made from similar chemicals and pigments,

Andrew Brown on +65 9017 5510

world. But while inks can look the same, be

make you an award-winner, contact

it’s DIC SERVICE that sets DIC apart.

www.dic-global.com

The back-up, laboratory assistance and technical knowledge which DIC offers

customers, is unsurpassed.

PROUD

P A C K A G I N G

ASIAN PACKAGING C O N F E R E N C E 2019 2017

•

L A B E L S

•

B R A N D

P R O T E C T I O N

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

38 the colour range required. The CXF files provided by the customer not only determine the Lab colour range, but also provide all information about the ink.

Colour measurement even on the rear sheet edge QualiTronic ColorControl can also measure and evaluate measuring strips at the trailing edge of the sheet so that

Cutting-edge underfloor logistics - here at the Rapida 145 feeder existing cutting dies, creasing plates and blank separators can continue to be used. Thanks to an extended sheet guide, this works up to substrate thicknesses of approx. 350g/m² (225lbs), depending on the material.

Inline colour control is now an indispensable production tool. The system also measures control strips at the rear edge of the sheet

YOU’RE THE DRIVER

Plate stretching is also possible on the Rapida 145. When using simple types of board, dimensional changes occur repeatedly during the printing process at the rear sheet edge. This can have a particularly negative effect on the display of small reverse type, which is almost standard for folding carton for food. Whereas in the past the plates were pressed into the correct position with a wrench, patience and skill, this process can now be conveniently

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

Open technology for open minds.

You’re welcome on WWW.THERMOFLEXX.COM

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

23/02/15 09:09

_018 019 2019 PACKAGING CONFERENCE FAST TRACK FOR YOUR BUSINESS

NEW DELHI - INDIA - MAY 2019

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

40

controlled from the press console with ErgoTronic PlateStretch.

The enlarged 145 format, combined with small measuring strips only 5mm high, has an effect on the number of blanks per sheet. Output per hour thus increases significantly. Due to the short job changeover times and the high production output, B3 jobs also run on the large press. Despite the smaller sheet format in the large-format press, this can be effective as makeready and production run faster than on the existing B3 press.

A relief for employees In addition to the press’ equipment for high performance, it was important to production manager Steffen Klingbeil that the operators of the Rapida 145

were relieved of routine tasks and physically heavy work. As a result, the press has particularly wide galleries with unusually large storage areas. The plate carriage loaded with the printing plates for 3-4 jobs is delivered directly to the press and lifted to the gallery level. At the delivery there is also a lift system for the pallet cage with waste paper. The press crew only has to cover short distances with the large sheets.

In addition, DriveTronic SFC enables the coating plates to be changed automatically and extremely quickly.

The Rapida 145, the company’s first ever Koenig & Bauer press, automates a whole range of tasks that had to be carried out by the operators on the previous press. Therefore it is no wonder that the company soon realised

that no one wanted to go back to the old technology.

Print capacity almost doubled Today, the Hammer-Lübeck packaging plant processes 20,000 tons of cartonboard per year into 750 million folding cartons. In addition to the plant on the outskirts of Lübeck, which was built on a greenfield site in 1981, it has had a further production facility in Poznan, Poland, since 1995.

The production and storage area in Lübeck covers an area measuring 10,000m² (107,639ft²) with 7,500 pallet spaces added for logistic companies.

Everything is equipped to meet future challenges in packaging production.

From substrate logistics on sheetfed offset presses to robots on folding box gluers and driverless transport systems, everything is designed to enable the plant to respond quickly and flexibly to all customer requirements. These are predominantly brands that operate throughout Europe.

The new Rapida 145 is the perfect solution. It was configured together with the print management system and meets the requirements of the packaging company in every detail.

No wonder the company produced as many large-format sheets in the first seven months as they used to within a year.

WWW.MPS4U.COM

OPERATOR FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN.

EF SYMJET The hybrid printing solution Flexo & inkjet printing and converting, all-in one pass

Hybrid printing makes the impossible, possible.

HYBRID PRINTING THE KEY TO FUTURE PROFITABILITY

DIGITAL

The EF SYMJET press is a hybrid flexo inkjet solution that gives converters a range of new print potential with the symbiotic combination of conventional and digital printing technologies. With a Domino digital inkjet unit integrated on the standard EF platform, you get the best of both worlds.

MPS Systems B.V. The Netherlands info@mps4u.com www.mps4u.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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HP signs largest deal to date with ePac for 20 HP Indigos US-based ePac to add HP Indigo 20000 units to expand its business throughout the country with new business model HP Inc. announced that ePac Flexible Packaging is purchasing 20 HP Indigo 20000 digital presses to expand its business throughout the US.

US by 2020, as it expands its business model to 15 locations. Four ePac sites are currently operating eight HP Indigo 20000 presses.

This is the largest deal to date for the HP Graphics packaging business; the new ePac order is estimated to be worth over $100 million, including hardware, supplies and services.

Founded in May 2016, ePac Flexible Packaging is the first North American all-digital, all Indigo full service, printer/converter providing economical short and medium run length jobs, to brands of all sizes, with rapid time to market and true high definition quality graphics. ePac is a full service converter, offering a range of end-to-end solutions including HP Indigo Pack Ready Lamination, eBeam curing, and pouch-making lines.

“ePac’s rapid success using HP Indigo is proof positive that the market is ripe for digital transformation,” said Enrique Lores, president, imaging, printing and solutions, HP Inc. “In two years, ePac has become a force in digital flexible packaging with HP Indigo at the center of its visionary business model. We look forward to building on this momentum as more companies like ePac unleash the versatility and power of HP digital print.” ePac experiencing triple-digit growth ePac is currently enjoying triple-digit growth by delivering high-quality packaging with the fast turnaround to benefit brands, especially its main customer base of SMBs. The 20 new HP Indigo 20000 presses are scheduled to be installed at sites throughout the

“ePac’s collaboration with HP Indigo is a huge success and we believe this can easily turn into a billion dollar business,” said Jack Knott, CEO, ePac Flexible Packaging. “Thanks to HP Indigo digital printing and our unique business model, our customers are benefitting from an improved experience, including completing orders within 10 business days – compared with six to 12 weeks for conventional printing – as well as reduced environmental impact and ondemand customization.”

Growing momentum for HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press The HP digital disruption now gaining a foothold in the packaging arena can be evidenced by more than 160 HP Indigo 20000 digital presses already sold to converters around the world, up from 100 a year ago.

The 76cm HP Indigo 20000 can print virtually any sized flexible packaging application with unlimited variation and support demand for growing SKUs, alongside benefits of reduced waste from minimal setup and production of only the quantities needed. The solution provides converters the freedom to produce nearly any flexible packaging application, in addition to labels, and shrink sleeves on film or paper – all with the proven quality to help meet strict brand requirements.

The HP Indigo 20000 is connected to HP PrintOS, allowing PSPs to monitor the press performance in real time anywhere and anytime, and thus continuously optimize operations.

Powerful apps running on the cloudbased PrintOS platform offer advanced capabilities that simplify and automate the print operations. In addition, by connecting their brands directly to PrintOS, PSPs can efficiently produce large volumes and be part of a global print network.

The HP flexible packaging ecosystem has grown to include end-to-end solutions including HP Indigo Pack Ready Lamination for immediate timeto-market with high-performance laminates. The system consists of the Pack Ready Laminator, supplied by Karlville, and Pack Ready Film.

More difference, more profit Make every job different cost-effectively, with HP digital solutions for Corrugated packaging and displays

HP PageWide T400S Press

HP Scitex 17000 Corrugated Press

HP PageWide T1100S Press

HP has reinvented the versatility, productivity and quality of Corrugated printing so that you can stay ahead of your competitors. From basic corrugated to high value boxes, reduce delivery times on long and short runs while providing offset-substitutable quality. Always with end-to-end support from HP. The HP PageWide T400S Press gives you preprint and digital in one. The HP Scitex 17000 Corrugated Press ensures high-quality results delivered cost-effectively. Meanwhile, the HP PageWide T1100S Press with Multi-lane Printing Architecture cost-effectively prints multiple short runs with variable box sizes on one roll.

As with all HP PageWide Presses, you can take advantage of HP PrintOS, an open and secure cloud-based print production operating system to help you get more out of your HP presses and printers, simplify and automate your production process and enable new forms of collaboration.

Find out more: hp.com/go/pagewidepress/corrugated, hp.com/go/scitex/corrugated and hp.com/go/PrintOs Š 2017 HP Development Company, L.P.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Packaging / Printing Inks are employed in thin films on a lot of substrates, for example, paperboard, paper, metallic foil and metal sheets, moulded plastic articles and plastic films, glass and textiles. It may be intended to have communicative, protective, or decorative functions.

In several cases, mixtures of these functions are achieved.

It is a form of an ink which dries quickly, flows smoothly as well as consistency to hold adequate color to arrive at legibly printed matters utilized to transfer printing surface. The various functionalities of the ink include effective printability by an applied process, visual characteristics, drying in set conditions, resistance properties by means of the end user requirements and adhesion to the given substrate.

According to a latest market studied published by Research Report Insights (RRI) on the global market for printing inks is expected to account for a market value of close to US$ 18 Billion during the year 2017 as well as is likely to reach a market value of around US$ 27.5 Billion through the end of the predicted year 2025. The overall market is expected to exhibit a 5.5% CAGR all through the calculated period. However, in volume terms, the worldwide market is anticipated to record a 4.7% CAGR all through the estimated period.

The factors might be affecting glossiness of the ink are particle shape and size, nature of the colourant, surface characteristics, quantity and nature of resins, nature of solvent and degree

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

g Inks Market 2025 of dispersion. However, the factors affecting the drying characteristics are oxidation drying, absorption drying, radiation stimulated absorption and drying and oxidation drying combined.

The basis of the formulation can be oil based, water based, solvent based and others.

comprise of pigments of the demanded color moreover are blended with varnishes and oil. A number of pigments are employed so as to develop new color blends furthermore such forms of inks are employed in diverse applications.

Some instances of printing ink application are reading a magazine or a book a newspaper which may possibly be executed exclusively all the way through printing ink, as a result of printing ink, the brand name in addition to the content of a packet may possibly be displayed and knowledge of a product to the people is brought all through the printing ink. Printing is not only used in publishing print products for example magazines, newspapers and books but also in the packaging of e-commerce products.

There are various types of printing ink, such as letterpress inks, flexographic inks, lithographic inks, digital inks, gravure inks and others. These varied varieties are applicable in publications, commercial printing, label printing along with others. Printing inks employed in printing applications

This report profiles some of the key players operating in the global printing inks market such as DIC Corporation, Flint Group, Toyo Inks SC Holdings Co., Ltd, Sakata INX, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, Huber Group, T&K TOKA CO., LTD., ALTANA AG, TOKYO PRINTING INK MFG Co Ltd, Wikoff Color Corporation, Royal Dutch Printing Inks Factories Van Son and Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg.Co.,Ltd.

About Us: Research Report Insights (RRI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver a host of services including custom research reports, syndicated research reports, and consulting services which are personalised in nature. RRI delivers a complete packaged solution to clients; this combines current market intelligence, technology inputs, statistical anecdotes, valuable growth insights, 360-degree view of the competitive framework, and anticipated market trends.

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

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Flint Group announces the launch of nyloflex® XVH Digital printing plate A smooth versatile Flat Top Dot flexo plate for the flexible packaging and label market, suitable on any ink system No need for additional equipment or auxiliaries thanks to inherent Flat Top Dot plate The nyloflex® XVH Digital is the first inherently flat top dot plate of the thermal plate family, with a unique formulation optimised to be processed on the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processor. The versatile plate is designed to serve the flexible packaging and Label market, delivering high quality print results on various substrates with all ink systems.

Thanks to the inherent flat top dots in nyloflex® XVH Digital, there is no need for additional equipment or auxiliaries, which is perfectly suited for printers who want to benefit of lightning fast plate production and of flat top dot plates.

Flint Group’s nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processing System delivers on the companies Better. Faster. Easier to use. promise. The innovative system brings several expertly-developed components together, providing BETTER plate quality, FASTER plate production and EASIER handling.

The Xpress Thermal Processing System was first launched in 2016, and since then introduced to customers globally under the tagline “Thermal Like You’ve Never Seen Before”.

“Thermal processing systems for the production of flexographic printing plates have been in the market for many years. We didn’t believe that with the technology available at that time, we could meet our customers, or our own quality expectations from thermally

processed plates”, says Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial VP Flexographic. He continues, “As we shadowed the market and developments in thermal technologies, we put a focus group within our own R&D department with the aim to develop a thermal processing system, which delivers plate and print results the market has never seen before”.

Thermal Like You’ve Never Seen Before refers to all the solutions Flint Group found to the pain points the printing industry was experiencing with existing technologies.

Flint Group works daily on all customer critical topics to satisfy their needs for improving cost and quality according to the key principle of Better. Faster. Easier to use. Flint Group is dedicated to serve the global

printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables. This includes a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications; pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colourant applications.

With a strong customer focus, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world.

Thermal like you’ve never seen before

Focus on Innovation

nyloflex®

nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processing System A smarter design for thermal processing of flexo plates for greater productivity with less maintenance, less downtime and lower operating costs.

For further information about our unmatched product portfolio for the packaging industry, please visit us at www.flintgrp.com

Flint Group T +44 1978 812 216 info.flexo@flintgrp.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

48

How to print with low migration inks: 5 things to take into account The demand for food safety, food packaging guidelines, and other standards and legislation require the label printing industry to offer labels that meet ink migration limits as ink contain ingredients that are harmful to our health.

resultant printing ink film will be within accepted migration limits.

5 things to take into account when printing with low migration inks to comply with international standards As said before, working with low migration inks isn’t as simple as loading up the press with this type of ink. Several things should be taken into account to be sure your labels are within accepted migration limits.

Ensure proper maintenance of the UV system To make sure your labels are compliant with the required standards, you need to frequently check the entire UV system.

You have to keep track of how many hours UV lamps have been running, if they are still working properly and if the reflectors are still good.

Can the UV system ensure the quality you need?

Low migration inks might be the answer to this challenge. Many think that when low-migration inks are applied to a substrate, the ink will not migrate to the other side, causing unwanted contamination. However, there’s far more to consider than just loading up the printing press with a low migration ink. It may sound simple, but it is not always easy to keep ink on its

side of a package and the food on the other.

What are low migration inks?

The definition of low migrations inks, used by the European Printing Ink Association, is: an ink designed for use on food packaging that is formulated using selected components which should ensure that migration from the

Work clean You want to prevent contamination of conventional and low migration inks. Both ink types shouldn’t come into contact with each other because it affects the curing process.

To prevent contamination from happening, you should only use one type of ink on a single press and don’t replace ink types during changeovers.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

49 Provide an environment with consistent temperature and humidity Low migration inks have a different chemical composition compared to conventional inks. Because of this, it reacts quicker to temperature and humidity changes, which could mean that you no longer comply with the migration limits.

If you want to work with low migration inks, you need to meet the recommended temperature and humidity levels.

Ensure higher power of UV curing Although there is a trend to work more energy efficient — and to reduce UV consumption — low migration inks require a higher power of UV curing. Why? Because of the different chemical composition, you need more power to make sure the ink polymerizes and attaches to the material. In other words: to ensure the required quality.

Thermal like you’ve never seen before

Use higher volume anilox rolls If you run a job using low migration inks, you don’t get the same the same color as when using conventional inks. Low migration inks have a lower density, so it is required to have a higher volume of anilox rolls to meet quality requirements.

In short, to print jobs that require low migration properties, you need to make several adjustments to your printing process to ensure the desired quality and meeting the migration limits.

If you want to further discuss the possibilities of low migration inks - and how it could make your printing process more viable in the long term - please feel free to reach out to one of our specialists. We are happy to help!

Focus on Innovation

nyloflex®

nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processing System A smarter design for thermal processing of flexo plates for greater productivity with less maintenance, less downtime and lower operating costs.

For further information about our unmatched product portfolio for the packaging industry, please visit us at www.flintgrp.com

Flint Group Flexographic T +49 711 9816-541 info.flexo@flintgrp.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

50

Trends in the label indus The self-adhesive label industry has been one of almost continuous above GDP growth and innovation worldwide for many years, driven by the need to meet ever-changing brand owner and consumer requirements, emerging new markets and the new worlds of IT, communications, social media, and the like - with some of the fastest changes in these areas taking place over the past ten years or so.

Once primarily a technologically-based industry using conventional letterpress or flexographic printing, we now also widely use offset, some gravure, and most recently the toner-based and inkjet digital printing processes, often with several different printing (and finishing) processes all brought together in one combination or hybrid press line. The options today for converters and brand owners to add

value are becoming almost limitless, and all in shorter and shorter runs and with reduced lead times.

The growth in installations of color inkjet printing over the past ten years (either on their own or in a variety of hybrid options) have certainly added even further variety and possibilities for the label converter, with personalization, multi-versions, variations, raised image

areas and variable graphics all now possible, either in stand-alone inkjet machines or in a hybrid line.

To make all of this feasible there have also been major advances in recent years in electronic label design, prepress operations, artwork origination, shrink sleeve image distortion, stepand-repeat, platemaking, digital front end formats, and now increasingly moving into brand owner supply chain management.

Consequences for converters and brand owners What does all this mean for the

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

51

stry: an exciting future Samples printed using flexo or hybrid printing technology is still largely regarded outside of the printing industry as a messy ink on paper business, change its image and recruitment to one increasingly reliant on IT skills, software, digitization, computerization, automated technology and workflow systems.

An automated future ahead While conventional servo drive flexo and offset presses will still continue to have a dominant place in the installed base of label presses for many years because there are still many long runs and types of work not suited to digital printing it is digital, particularly inkjet, that will undoubtedly become a longer term market leader as quality and performance continues to improve.

Most certainly, hybrid conventional and inkjet presses will find a growing market alongside stand-alone digital presses. Everything will continue to become more automated, and technology, software and IT skills will become more and more of a necessity. converter and brand owner? Short run lengths, reduced lead times and quick turnarounds can all lead to production bottlenecks which, in turn, have stimulated major steps forward being taken in workflow automation and more sophisticated management information systems (MIS).

This will only continue to speed-up over the coming years. Indeed, we are already seeing ever-increasing integration and automation of both inline and on-line processes - automated un-winds and rewinds, automated MIS and inspection, automated finishing operations from turret rewinding to

slitting, varnishing and cold foiling and of necessity today, between MIS and software companies and equipment/ technology suppliers.

Workflow automation, whether of management information, pre-press and origination, or the press and process stages (probably the three most dominant trends in recent years), and all increasingly integrated with each other, is undoubtedly where the industry is going in terms of running tomorrow’s presses and converting plants.

However, this all brings its own challenges. How does an industry that

Hopefully the label industry, with the right people and skills, will be ready for this new, exciting and automated future.

Reproduced from MPS and written

by Mike Fairley as their guest writer

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

52

Researchers Found a Method For More Slippery Packaging to Cut Food Waste A research project executed by Virginia Tech in cooperation with Bremis North America led to a new approach to slippery packaging. The goal was to reduce leftovers in food packages to a minimum.

Every year roughly one third of our annually produced food – approximately 1.3 billion tons – gets lost or wasted. One element which contributes to this waste is the fact that there are always leftovers of food in the packaging. Therefore, researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, USA, set out to cut down those residues to a minimum by a novel approach to creating super slippery industrial packaging.

The team of four researchers has found a method for wicking chemically compatible vegetable oils into the surface of common extruded plastics, like those used for ketchup packets and other condiments. Unlike previous methods, this new approach doesn’t require any nano- or microroughness in the surfaces, which keeps the oil in place.

“We actually found oils that are naturally compatible with the plastics, so these oils are wicking into the plastic itself, not into a roughness we have to apply”, says Jonathan Boreyko, one of the researchers involved.

Consumer Convenience Will Be Reinforced For consumers as well as food industries this novel approach comes along with several benefits. First of all and most importantly, the new method will help to cut food waste by reducing the remains of food which are trapped in their packaging and which thereby add up to big numbers of wasted food over time.

Second, the consumer convenience will be reinforced.

Almost everyone who eats packaged food has experienced the frustration of trying to squeeze

out the last drops of, for instance, ketchup or mayonnaise or any other thick fluid which is stored in tubes or plastic bottles. By means of this new super slippery kind of packaging, the consumer experience will be improved considerably. Furthermore, the use of natural oils prevents people from dreading health disturbances. Boreyko explains: “We’re not adding any mystery nanoparticles to the surfaces of these plastics that could make people uncomfortable. We use natural oils like cottonseed oil, so there are no health concerns whatsoever. There’s no fancy recipe required.“ Low Costs Attract Processing Industries Third, these new so-called SLIPS (slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces) can be applied to readily available inexpensive plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

This makes them a very attractive opportunity for industrial applications whereas the previously developed SLIPS were very expensive and therefore often neglected by the packaging industries. Furthermore, the new approach has got high potential for being applied in the pharmaceutical industry, too: The oil-infused plastic surfaces are naturally anti-fouling, which means that they resist bacterial adhesion and growth.

The research was funded through an industrial collaboration with Bemis North America. The study was published in Scientific Reports and has yielded a provisional patent.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

53

NEW RS 6003C HS

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

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

Watch the Gravure Innovation Open House video

www.bobst.com

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

54

Why the Right Colour System Is Crucial for Packaging As colours are the language of packaging it is very important for brands to choose the right ones. This article examines how the colour space PMS might help with this decision, and which advantages it brings along.

Another issue with CMYK is the difficulty to get bright and sharp colours. As the brightness of colours is very important for packaging design to communicate attributes like freshness, energy, vitality or strength, this is a major problem. In comparison to PMS colours, CMYK colours often appear a little bit dull. The third issue with CMYK is the knockout phase, as a PMS colour just needs one printing plate and a CMYK colour needs four plates. So when printing on packaging with a good amount of “knocking out”, in CMYK every colour must be perfectly registered to the others. The PMS colour runs only on one plate and is therefore more controllable.

For packaging, colour is like a language.

It is a quick and efficient way to communicate with costumers and to give them a preview of the product inside. As consumers perceive colours much faster than shapes or information on the packaging, they also find and choose products first and foremost by colours. So it is not surprising that printing plays an important role in the packaging industry and special inks based on special colour systems are increasingly entering the market.

After all they help brands in creating packaging that stands out in the shelf.

We present you a colour system every packaging manufacturer should know about.

The Difference Between CMYK and PMS CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black – the primary colours for print. As we all learned in school, yellow and blue make green, and yellow and red make orange. In the printing

universe varying cyan, magenta, yellow and black creates an endless array of colours. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) instead, uses standardized colours. It is a proprietary colour space, and used in a variety of industries. The main advantage of this system is that each colour is depicted always the same, for every manufacturers worldwide.

The Benefits of PMS for Packaging The main problem with CMYK-based inks is that the colours will change from one print run to another. Of course, sometimes this inconsistency is just slightly noticeable, especially for untrained eyes, but often it is very easy to see. Therefore the change of colour can affect the experience and perception of the brand. For instance, consumers are likely to interpret the colour differences as a mark that the product has been on the shelf for a long time and gotten discoloured by age.

Although all in all PMS allows more control and better quality when printing packaging design, it can be more expensive than using CMYK. Additionally, there are still some areas where you have to use CMYK, for example for photography where you always need four colours.

But to generally say which colour system is better is much too sweeping a statement. This always depends on the specific resources and requirements.

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Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

56 Flint Group announces the launch of nyloprint® WF SHARP Digital Plate As the leader in flexographic plates and sleeves solutions, Flint Group continues to innovate new letterpress plate solutions.

Flint Group is excited to announce the launch of nyloprint® WF SHARP Digital, a water washable, film-based plate for the high-end label market.

The new plate is ideal for high quality print jobs as well as for aluminum and plastic laminated tubes.

This new technology delivers digital images with up to 10.160 dpi for superior print quality with sharper images, more open reverses and finer highlights. The digital workflow allows data transfer without loss of quality.

The latest generation of photopolymer plate technology allows the plate to be processed on all common types of processing equipment. The high flexibility of the polyester base and its superior adaption to different cylinders simplify the plate mounting.

Furthermore, the durability of the digital label plate leads to longer print runs and increased resource efficiency.

“We leveraged our vast knowledge in the letterpress segment to develop the nyloprint® WF SHARP Digital plate.

This plate is specifically designed for letterpress applications in the label market, completing our offering to label producers,” says Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial VP Flexographic.

Flint Group works daily on all customer critical topics to satisfy their

needs for improving cost and quality according to the key principle of “Better. Faster. Easier to use.” Flint Group is dedicated to serve the global printing and packaging industry. The company develops, manufactures and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables. This includes a vast range of conventional and energy curable inks and coatings for most offset, flexographic and gravure applications; pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves for offset printing; photopolymer printing plates and sleeves, plate-making equipment and flexographic sleeve systems; pigments and additives for use in inks and other colorant applications.

Xeikon Café announces 2019 dates Xeikon Café announced the 2019 schedule for its Xeikon Café Exhibition & Conference events worldwide.

Under the tagline “Learn, Connect, Discover”, 2019 will feature two editions designed to help print service providers evaluate and experience new aspects of digital production. The first edition is the European event, the second will occur in North America.

Through demonstrations, presentations, workshops and discussions, visitors will receive firsthand actionable information and advice on industry innovations and trends, and learn how these can help improve their bottom lines.

“We are excited to announce the 2019 editions of our successful Xeikon Café concept, which now occur annually based on attendee demand,” said

Danny Mertens of Xeikon Café.

“Each year, we work hard to bring content to attendees that will inspire them to take their businesses to a new level. We take visitor and partner feedback seriously as we continue to evolve this exciting industry event year over year. And we are committed to sharing actual applications and business ideas that can immediately drive business growth. Each edition is tailored to regional needs, as popular applications, substrate choices and suppliers can differ between Europe and North America. With planning already underway, the Xeikon Café 2019 editions are shaping up to be blockbuster events!”

“We regularly see visitors that have not yet embraced digital production but are ready to take their first steps and want to learn about the specific advantages and disadvantages of different digital print technologies. We also offer insights to attendees that are familiar with digital production, and are now looking into new business generation ideas, or innovative ways to grow their business through automation, optimization or new services,” Mertens explained.

“Xeikon customers who have attended Xeikon Café in the past tell us that the events and the information they received there reinforces the decision they made to go with Xeikon and its partners. In-depth insights into all aspects of digital production demonstrated throughout the Xeikon Café is what they appreciate most as it helps them stand out and stay ahead of the game.”

Xeikon Café Europe – 26 to 28 March, Belgium The fifth edition of Xeikon Café Europe will focus on the labels & packaging industry. It will highlight

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • Issue 5 2018

57 sector promoting respect for the environment, officially put into production the new printing machine Topaz 608 with flexographic high quality technology and performances produced by Uteco Group.

The cooperation between Daishowa and Uteco begins in 2011 with the purchase of the first flexo machine laying the groundwork for a strong relationship characterized by constant and common growth.

the latest innovations in an evertransforming world of digital production. In addition to the educational Academy with technologydriven presentations and practical workshop sessions, the Conference will feature strategic high-level speakers that provide inspiration and education designed to help attendees move their businesses forward.

The exhibition portion of the event will feature a diverse range of leading industry suppliers, each participating in end-to-end demonstrations of unique and innovative applications designed to provide attendees with new ideas to drive revenue.

For the first time, a Student Day is added to the program and will take place on Friday, 29 March. The addition is aimed at encouraging the next generation of talent to join the industry.

Xeikon Café North America will happen from 14 to 16 May in Chicago.

Now in its third year, it will be a threeday exhibition and conference focused on labels & commercial printing including the graphic arts market.

The Xeikon Café website has been revamped to include a dedicated application section where all applications that have been demonstrated at a Xeikon Café event are available online, including full descriptions and production details, offering an extensive and inspirational library of business opportunities for digital printing companies.

“This will increase and extend the value of the work all Xeikon Café partners put into making the Xeikon Café events unique in the industry,” said Mertens.

For more information about the 2019 Xeikon Café events, visit www. xeikoncafe.com.

Daishowa inaugurates the third Uteco flexo machine - Continuity and reliability make the difference, even in Japan Yokaichi near Kyoto - Japan, two new plants at Daishowa Paper Products Co.Ltd. were inaugurated with an official cerimony.

Daishowa Ltd was founded in 1940; this Group of about 1000 employees, operating in the paper

The new plants’ inauguration took place at the presence of the owner and CEO Mr. Ryosuke Saito, the managers and workers of Daishowa, Mr. Davide Cucinella, CMO of Uteco Group and Mr. Hongo, Director of Itochu Machine, distributor of Uteco printing machines in Japan.

The second plant inaugurated was a bag making machine of the Japanese company NewLong.

The ceremony, performed according to the most ancient Japanese traditions, was very moving.

Waterless Internet flower packaging wins top Sustainability award Uflex Ltd’s biodegradable, waterless flower packaging innovation won top honours at the Sustainability Awards 2018.

The Waterless Internet Flower Packaging was announced winner of

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

58 consumers and regulators have demanded solutions to environmental problems associated with packaging in the past few years.

the overall ‘Best Sustainable Packaging Innovation’ Sustainability Awards 2018. It also emerged as a front runner in the ‘Resource Efficiency’ category that honours innovations in packaging that do more with less, such as downgauging material or reducing the carbon footprint without increasing the environmental impact of the packaged products.

The award comes after winning the Dow 2018 Packaging Awards for innovation.

Organised by Packaging Europe, the Sustainability Awards is an initiative that recognizes the packaging industry’s top achievement in innovative packaging design, material, technologies and processes.

The competition challenges the industry to take a holistic approach to sustainability and to bring out the best ideas around improving the environmental footprint of packaging.

The Waterless Internet Flower Packaging Uflex’s Waterless Internet Flower Packaging is based on Active Modified Atmospheric Packaging Technology (AMAP). Uflex has engineered Flexfresh™, a special proprietary patented polymeric film for offering packaging solution for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

This special proprietary polymeric substrate is the first biodegradable (by composting) film that maintains the hydration of flowers during transpiration (evaporation causing loss of moisture during respiration) thus creating a closed loop system.

Flowers are put to slow respiration mode by reducing the oxygen

availability preventing excess oxidation and dehydration. The film keeps the flowers breathing in hydrated oxygen and release excess humidity keeping them touch dry. The flowers thus can go without water for 20 days as the humidity is fed back in to the flower when it continues to breathe in the modified atmosphere and further seven days in vase.

“In addition to multiplying the shelflife and slashing energy consumption in the supply chain for flowers, Uflex is applying Flexfresh to a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Flexfresh brings in significant competitive edge to Supermarkets around the world for providing sustainable solutions to their fresh produce packaging. Uflex is currently testing its new improved Flexfresh with high clarity which could replace conventional bags/pouches in supermarket shelves. This change would facilitate Supermarkets to achieve their sustainable goals in the short term,” said N Siva Shankaran, vice president for Flexfresh at Uflex Ltd. “The ever growing engagement in the Sustainability Awards reflects the increased urgency with which

Not only that, it also reflects the serious thought and investment the whole packaging value chain has been putting into sustainability. In selecting it as the overall winner of this year’s competition, our expert, independent judging panel has endorsed Uflex’s Waterless Internet Flower Packaging as a clear case of sustainable innovation which creates significant energy reductions in the supply chain,” said Tim Sykes, head of content for Packaging Europe, organiser of the Sustainability Awards.

The 2018 edition of the Sustainability Awards chose winners in six categories: Resource Efficiency, Driving the Circular Economy, Bio-Based Packaging, Best Practice, Machinery and Recyclable Packaging. The overall winner of the Sustainability Awards was chosen from the shortlisted entries in these six categories. The awards received over 100 innovative submissions, which were graded by a seventeen – strong, independent, expert judging panel representing the breadth of the European packaging value chain.

Partnership between Esko and Amtech is further validation of Esko’s dedication to its Packaging Connected strategy, and enables additional automation for corrugated converters.

The companies are developing an integration between Esko’s ArtiosCAD, Automation Engine, WebCenter QuickStart for Corrugated solution, and Amtech’s Encore ERP solution to create bi-directional

THE PERFECT SYNTHESIS OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Frontal Dual trolley

Combi drying system

Fully encapsulated Fully automatic

HIGH PERFORMANCE. BEST PRINT. WWW.UTECO.COM

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

NXS 300 is equipped with unique and innovative solutions.

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

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

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

Automatic positioning of the doctor blade and ink tray.

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

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

60 ArtiosCAD is the world’s most popular structural design software for packaging converters. With dedicated tools for packaging professionals working in structural design, product development, and virtual prototyping and manufacturing, ArtiosCAD increases productivity throughout the packaging operation. Automation Engine is Esko’s workflow server.

It automates prepress tasks, which speeds up the process, but also reduces the error rate and the need for operator intervention.

WebCenter QuickStart for Corrugated is a design workflow management solution for corrugated converters.

Based on Esko’s WebCenter, WebCenter QuickStart for Corrugated comes preloaded with proven workflows that increase a converter’s capacity to handle a greater number of design requests with the same head count. With just 5 days to get it up and running, companies begin reaping the benefits of efficient project management immediately.

communication that eliminates double data entry and enables further downstream automation of the workflow for corrugated converters.

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, with growing demand for smaller lot sizes and faster time to market, corrugated converters will be able to benefit from this integration to streamline business processes, saving time and money while increasing their competitive advantage.

“The goal of this partnership is to facilitate advanced automation for corrugated converters. We are pleased to be joining forces with this industry leader for the benefit of our joint customers,” explains Chris Miller, Vice President, North America & APAC at Esko. “This is yet another example of how Esko continues to develop its Packaging Connected strategy, furthering Esko’s vision to connect its packaging supply chain solutions with leading hardware and software solutions in the packaging supply chain.”

Amtech’s Encore ERP solution is cloud-enabled, mobile and tablet ready, and it features real-time tracking of production and delivery, helping corrugated converters manage their plants with algorithmic trend detectors while optimizing the performance of their people by enabling a mobile workforce. Combined, these solutions

create an operational powerhouse for corrugated converters of all sizes.

“This is a true partnership between industry leaders who will bring a stronger offering to their mutual customers by integrating two stateof-the-art solutions,” said Cosmo Denicola, President and Owner of Amtech Software. “Our combined expertise is second to none and will deliver great cost and time savings for our joint customers. We are looking forward to working with Esko in this important development project.”

For more information about Esko’s solutions for the corrugated market, visit www.esko.com. To learn more about Amtech Encore, visit www. amtechsoftware.com.

Koenig & Bauer and Duran Machinery unite to form Koenig & Bauer Duran Duran Machinery, leading manufacturer of folder gluers becomes member of the Koenig & Bauer Group Complete lines from printing to the processing of folding boxes from a single source Duran’s brand OMEGA machines set new standards in the field of folding carton and corrugated gluing lines Increase in market share and sales growth expected

With the acquisition of Duran Machinery Koenig & Bauer further expands its activities in the growing packaging market (from left to right): Christopher Kessler, legal counsel Koenig & Bauer; Patrick Masson, CEO of KBA-Iberica; Ralf Sammeck, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed and member of the Koenig & Bauer management board; Oktay Duran, chairman of Duran Machinery; and Apo Kücükaras, Duran Machinery, after signing the contract

customers’ needs, in order to rise their efficiency and their competitiveness.

An important example is the possibility of positioning the rotary screen-printing unit on a rail instead placing it on the printing station: this avoids losing one flexo station and helps saving space.

Koenig & Bauer has agreed with Duran Machinery in Istanbul to take over 80 per cent of its folder gluer business and integrate it into the Group under the name Koenig & Bauer Duran.

With this latest acquisition, the world's oldest printing press manufacturer is once again strengthening its activities in the growth segment of machines and systems for packaging production.

Together with the Rapida sheetfed presses from Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed, flatbed die cutters from Koenig & Bauer Iberica and the folder gluers from Duran, the company can now offer complete lines for the printing and processing folding boxes from a single source – with products made in Europe. This gives Duran a clear competitive advantage over other suppliers of folding box gluers, which are left to their own resources in this market segment.

Ralf Sammeck, CEO of Koenig & Bauer Sheetfed and member of the Koenig & Bauer management board is pleased: "Over the past few years Duran has set new standards and successfully strengthened its position among our customers in the industrial packaging sector. We are now further expanding our worldwide presence as the printing press and die cutter manufacturer with the broadest product portfolio.“ Duran has more than 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing folder gluers in various formats and configurations. Thanks to market share gains, today Duran has

established itself as one of the leading manufacturers in its field. Along with six standard series of Omega folder gluers with different specifications and ancillary equipment, the company also provides R&D services to meet specific production requirements, starting from unique packaging designs and the manufacturing of innovative tailor-made machinery.

Duran machines are used worldwide by manufacturers of cardboard and corrugated board packaging in more than 65 countries.

Koenig & Bauer Duran will proceed its activities in Duran Machinery’s existing premises in Istanbul and with Duran’s management fully on board.

Oktay Duran, Chairman of Duran Machinery states: "We are proud to be a part of the great Koenig & Bauer Group and we are certain that we will achieve greater success in the global folding carton market with our new synergy.“ Koenig & Bauer expects the acquisition and integration of Duran to boost its market share in folding carton gluers, strengthen packaging production activities and boost sales.

The acquisition and integration of Duran is in line with the global Koenig & Bauer Group‘s strategy of focusing on growth markets.

OMET X6: new solutions for the maximum flexibility Tailor-made solutions for any necessity. OMET is specialised in on-demand solutions suitable for

The printers, who realise complex labels, need to use all the colours provided in the machine configuration, adding the screen-printing unit as additional printing group. Positioning it on a rail, you can avoid the loss of a station that can be used for the flexoprinting. Moreover, you can also take up a minimal amount of space in the production workshop, by optimising the space in terms of height rather than in length.

The silk-screen printing group is completely independent, both electronically and drive-wise; it has an integrated chilled impression cylinder and an independent UV lamp. It could be moved everywhere on the rail system inside the machinery’s track, even before or after other finishing units as the hot foil or the cold foil.

Thanks to a special rail system the unit can easily be moved from one position to another just by sliding them and without removing them from the machine.

This is just an example of a creative solution developed in collaboration with the client in order to solve specific needs with the aim of being more competitive. Machineries designed with personalised configurations lead to strong advantages for the printers, in such a competitive market.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • issue 5 2018

62 tools will enable quality managers to deliver full production overviews to print buyers and brand owners. These enhancements provide even greater control for highly accurate, fast, pressside correction of ink formulations.

The new Vision Systems business unit of Baldwin Technology Company The new Vision Systems business unit of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc. unites former brands PC Industries, QuadTech, and Web Printing Controls into a “print technology powerhouse,” according to Isaam Lutfiyya, Director of Global Sales & Marketing for BVS. It is clear now that combining engineering talent and resources is already bearing fruit, bringing proven technology to the next level.”

One “first look” is the Guardian RTM, a new real-time quality monitoring and reporting tool for the Guardian PQV advanced 100 percent print inspection.

Guardian RTM uses a central server to monitor, collect, and display real-time inspection data for multiple presses and jobs—and even across multiple plants—on a simple, uncluttered dashboard user interface.

Mr. Lutfiyya comments, “This dataconnecting technology allows printers to track and compare many different production metrics. Press managers can monitor changes as they happen, and make highly-informed decisions about print quality, defect management, and even operator-to-operator performance. This is a unique competitive advantage, in that it’s truly the first product of its kind to tie together how you manage your processes, your

print customers, and even your people.

You’re empowered to quickly identify any mechanical issues, process inefficiencies, or even tailor your operator training to eliminate defects. This new platform opens the door to build even more functionality into the system.”

Additional enhancements to the Guardian PQV include automated setup and automated job changeover, limiting operator intervention for a more efficient and accurate inspection process. The system provides true 100 percent print inspection for pharmaceutical, converting, label, flexo, wide, and narrow web applications. Other defect management solutions featured at the show include Guardian OLP PDF proofing and offline inspection, Guardian LSI inspection, and GV-500 Series digital web viewers.

Color management workflow technology includes ColorTrack™ software, which automates the process of delivering absolute consistency from press-to-press, shift-to-shift, and plantto-plant. Significant advancements being demonstrated include options for customized ‘out of tolerance’ alerts, capabilities to reduce changeover time and leftover ink, precise calculation of required ink quantities during job setup, per-job monitoring of real ink costs, and the ability to manage conditions across different processes, presses, and facilities to guarantee brand color fidelity. New data gathering, production monitoring, and reporting

Color Measurement with DeltaCam™ delivers affordable, accurate inline spectral measurement to achieve absolute color consistency. Packaging converters can utilize automated, full spectral value measurement—in agreement with ISO standards—on film, paper, or board, ensuring that all printed products are within their customers’ color specifications. Using InkWeigh™ software and scales, press operators can eliminate trial and error by weighing and tracking ink corrections at the press for each client, each job. Printers can fully track ink inventories for the creation of new recipes, for managing leftovers, for ensuring full traceability, and for optimizing ink storage to greatly reduce waste and cost.

According to Mr. Lutfiyya, “The launch of new products and features will demonstrate our heightened focus on providing the latest solutions to meet market demand for fast, accurate, and increased quality control. These enhancements exemplify our commitment to delivering future-proof systems that regularly undergo updates to ensure they meet printers’ changing requirements.

The Vision Systems business unit of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc. is the world’s leading innovator of advanced color and inspection technology for the printing industry.

BALDWIN Vision Systems sells its automated control systems in more than 100 countries, and maintains a worldwide network of sales and service operations.

The Right Temperature – DHL and Blulog Develop Innovative Monitoring Solution DHL and Blulog have found a solution to easily and efficiently monitor the state of perishable goods as well as the conditions under which they are stored and transported.

Both, the logistics company and its customers benefit from this system.

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Tracking Temperature via Smartphone or Logger Blulog’s NFC temperature loggers are pre-programmed with specific shipment and stability information.

They are integrated into the DHL SmartSensor solution for temperaturecontrolled shipments. First, the measurement process must be activated by pressing the start button.

This can be done manually on the logger or virtually via app. During the transport, the logger can track the temperature with an accuracy of ± 0.2°C between 0 and 30°C using fully calibrated sensors. Then, the receiver

If the temperature drops or rises too much during transport, a red diode switches on and alerts the receiver.

The NFC logger is read at least four times during the transport. The data is uploaded and securely stored in a cloud database to which the recipient has access to.

NFC Technology as an Universal Solution “Thanks to the speed and flexibility of the Blulog NFC solution, DHL can decrease the time spent to check the temperature history of the shipments and, as a result, save costs, but also allows customers equipped with the dedicated App to get the information” – explains Christopher Fuss, Head of DHL SmartSensor.

The system enables precise tracking of temperature and schedule data.

The intuitive user interface and the easy handling of the NFC technology make the solution universal and ready for use.

NEW DELHI - INDIA - MAY 2019

Maintaining the high quality of goods that need to be transported at a certain temperature is one of the most crucial challenges for the entire logistics industry. DHL services in this field are essential for businesses in various industries such as FMCG, medicine, pharmaceuticals (e.g. vaccines, medications), biochemistry, etc. The logistics company has been searching for a solution that would allow to easily and efficiently monitor the condition of perishable goods along with the conditions under which they were stored and transported. The DHL SmartSensor team looked at many different solutions and finally chose to cooperate with Blulog. The French-Polish company offers a customized system based on NFC technology.

can check the temperature curve at any time using a smartphone or a specially developed reader with NFC technology.

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The logistics company DHL partnered up with the French-Polish company Blulog to optimize supply chain processes with the help of a temperature monitoring system.

Therewith it is possible to send temperature-sensitive packages internationally under authorised conditions.

The NFC data loggers offer even more advantages. They are passive and can therefore also be used in aircraft, while all devices using Bluetooth or other active transmission must be validated by airlines. In addition, they are cost-effective and consume relatively little battery power, says Jeremy Laurens, CEO of Blulog.

DHL SmartSensor has already purchased several thousand NFC loggers to monitor temperaturecontrolled shipments and will continue to expand its business.

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