Print Innovation Asia March Issue

Print INNOVATION

Asia

Magazine

Serving Printing, Packaging and Publishing Industries across Asia Pacific since 1985 Issue 3 2022 2022 ASIAN

PRINT AWARDS

Indonesia’s incredible success with MK Easymatrix Die Cutters -

-

Read full story on page XXX

REDUCE THE COST OF MAKING A BOX WITH HP PAGEWIDE CORRUGATED SOLUTIONS Get a digital printing solution that optimizes your supply chain and gives you new competitive advantages that cater to your customers’ needs.

HP PAGEWIDE T1190 PRESS

Deliver maximum efficiency for high-volume production with preprint image quality and digital versatility.

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

High performance

Offset-like print quality

To find out more, visit: www.hp.com/go/corrugatedpackaging ©2021 HP Development Company. LP.

HP PAGEWIDE T470S PRESS

Optimize production by combining the power of digital roll efficiency and offset print quality.

Food-compliance water-based ink

Digital Profitability

Invest with confidence

Asian PrintAwards 2022 th

PACKAGING EXCELLENCE AWARDS: 2022

2022

_018 022 Contents Page 4

Indonesia’s incredible success with MK Easymatrix Die Cutters

6 8 10

Sun Chemical unveils edible ink Looking to a sustainable future for the label industry Dealing with Asia’s rise in brand counterfeiting

14

HP Indigo and The Hershey Bring Women’s Stories to Life, One Chocolate Bar at a Time EFI launches enhanced platform for Nozomi singlepass inkjet presses Here are the winners of the FUJIFILM Innovationj Print Awards 21 Kodak installs world's largest CTP system at WKS Group World-first 3-in-1 BOBST MASTERCUT 1.65 now available to market Driving Thailand’s economy in the packaging, printing and corrugated sectors Xiamen Songde installs world's first 8-color Lithrone G40 advance Innovation needs technology Extra-long presses distinguished by individual configurations & equipment options Driving Turkey’s Leading Corrugated Company into Digital Production Omnicell increases blister packaging production with MPS EXL-Packaging flexo press How can I achieve color-accurate contract proofs?

Food-compliant label production with the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration Poor packaging recyclability puts consumers off buying fashion items online or by mail order Indusrty news from the region & around the world

16 18 20 22 24 28 30 32 36 38 42 46 50 52

Issue 3 - 22

Print INNOVATION

Asia Magazine

Published by Asian Print Awards Management Pte Ltd 65 Chulia Street #46-23 OCBC Centre 049513 Singapore Print Innovation Asia Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia Asian Print Awards Packageing Excellence Awards Label and Packaging Conferences Publisher Paul Callaghan paul@printinnovationasia.com Editorial Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com Editor Sha Jumari sha@printinnovationasia.com Packaging Sales Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com

2022 ASIAN PRINT AWARDS

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

4

Indonesia’s incredible MK Easymatrix Die Cu Since it was first launched at Indoprint 2016 exhibition in Indonesia, the Easymatrix was quickly identified as being different from the other die cutters being made in China or Taiwan.

The secret behind this success is the cooperation between Heidelberg and MK Masterwork which is founded on the perfect fit between the two companies’ core strengths.

MK Masterwork with a long history of quality manufacturing combined with Heidelberg's sales organization and after sales service quickly lead to many sales inquiries. To ensure the equipment met the stringent customer requirements, CE and GS safety certification was established.

The Indonesian customers had high expectations and were looking for a German technology robust die cutter, with an Asian price level, they have found that in the Easymatrix with the added bonus of the machines delivering high productivity being user friendly and a secure investment. With its excellent sales and service infrastructure all over Indonesia, Heidelberg is the partner for distribution, installation and service over the lifetime of the machines.

Heidelberg has sold over 75 Easymatrix die cutters in Asia with Indonesia having installed 50 MK Easyma-trix die cutters in less than 5 years. Installations are spread across various cities in Java, Bali and Sumatera. Especially the repeat orders of the 2nd or even 3rd machine by many printshops after installing and running the first unit proves the high level of customer trust in MK Easymatrix and Heidelberg Indonesia.

Technology The Easymatrix is equipped with nonstop feeder head with quick set-up. It has 8 feeder table belts and 4 sensors on the front lay. It has side-lays in both the OS and DS as standard features.

The cutting pressure adjustment is driven by a servo motor. The quick set up features of the quick-lock die-chase, side jogger, sheet brake and non-stop delivery make tuning the Easymatrix fast and accurate. Operators enjoy these features as it significantly eases the daily job changes ensuring highest productivity of the equipment.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

success with utters

5

If your business is in commercial printing and you are interested in entering the packaging market or you are an existing packaging printer with medium run lengths, then the Easymatrix is the right solution for your business.

"We are highly interested in adding additional units as this machine has a very reasonable price with various features that are already included in the machine standard. In terms of output the machine is very productive and quite stable and versatile as it can produce a variety of different stocks and thicknesses.

It was an easy decision for us to decide to add a 2nd die cutter last year. If the economic condition improves after this pandemic, we plan to add more units."

- A comment from customer who added die

cutter, Easymatrix in the production floor.

https://www.heidelberg.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

6

Sun Chemical unveils edible ink Sun Chemical has launched FSR, a new edible ink which has been developed to meet the needs of the food industry and has been verified for printing directly onto food including baked goods.

Intended to offer ‘outstanding color and sharpness,’ while also complying with the highest levels of quality and safety regulations, FSR has been based on synthetic colourants suitable for use for direct-to-food printing using mid-viscosity range piezo printheads.

FSR completes a series of digital edible inks, joining the existing low and high viscosity FSE and FSS lines and enabling food decoration with ‘a full range of digital printhead technologies.’

The FSR range of inks has been developed using synthetic food dyes that conform to FDA and EU legislation and is suitable for food printing when used in the right conditions for food production.

Beyond this, Sun Chemical says that it is also suitable for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.

Sergio Molto, Sun Chemical’s business development manager, food and

Pharma inks, commented, ‘We are seeing substantial growth in the personalised packaging market, with the latest trend being toward customisation of the food product itself – particularly baked goods. This development marks a clear step forward for adding significant value within this industry for brands and consumers alike.

‘Sun Chemical, together with DIC Corporation, has an ongoing commitment to developing solutions for the food and nutrition industry to add color through innovation.

Product safety and print quality were critical objectives in the development of these products to ensure consumer protection and maintenance of converter and brand reputations.

The range combines an in-depth understanding of food with deep knowledge of the digital printing market to deliver a high-quality and

safe solution for customers. Sun Chemical continues to innovate and work with partners to bring new inks and solutions to the market within this field.’

About Sun Chemical Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us.

With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

7

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

8

Looking to a sustainab label industry Sustainability has moved from a marketing buzzword to an essential part of every company’s business strategy, as the world turns its focus to saving the planet from climate disaster.

In every aspect of modern life, consumers are demanding to know the impact that each product has on the environment, and packaging has been vilified in the public conscience.

Each piece of plastic is perceived as detrimental to our collective future irrespective of its power to reduce the mountain of food that is wasted every day and the role it plays in ensuring consumer safety.

The UN warns of severe future consequences for our natural world and its biodiversity unless we all take drastic action now. It states that “to preserve a ‘liveable’ climate, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net 0 by 2050.” Imagery of forest fires and decimation, severe flooding and plasticfilled oceans has affected us all. Not to forget the visible evidence of the ongoing extinction of many species of animals, birds, butterflies and insects.

Global concern has now accelerated to ‘danger level’.

For the label industry these ominous predictions mean increased pressure to clean up its operations and reduce wasteful practices in answer to demand from brand owners looking to elevate their green credentials. Printing companies are responding by digitizing processes and reducing waste through the entire value chain.

Companies wanting to future proof their businesses should invest in digital printing, which is a more sustainable way of producing labels and packaging.

Digital offers many kinds of efficiencies and savings, such as: print on demand shorter runs low waste reduced setup times just-in-time delivery highly automated production Individual digital technologies can provide even more benefits: dry toner technology in particular excels due to its low use of energy and water, and the fact there are no harmful chemicals or Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) in the toner.

In line with Flint Group’s 2030 environmental strategy and the UN’s latest guidelines, Xeikon aims to radically reduce its environmental impact and energy consumption. The first step is a comprehensive inventory and an overall evaluation, as the company implements considered ecofriendly choices within the structure of its business model.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

9

ble future for the

As a digital innovator and manufacturer of printing systems for the global label industry, Xeikon has set out its own ambitious Sustainability Plan for the three years to 2024. Some of the many aspects that are being closely scrutinised:

paper and plastic; savings on the composition of marking materials and the reduction of LED lamp usage on press.

reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, better energy and site management, responsible water management waste elimination Xeikon is also developing new innovations that will improve its ecosystem impact and is actively looking at new printing concepts for the future.

Xeikon is also planning to move away from the use of plastics in labels and packaging towards more sustainable packaging, including for transport and deliveries. A key development will be significantly reducing the number of business trips and purchasing electric cars, along with installing charging stations. In terms of ecosystem impact, apart from its established recycling campaign, the company is also working on a new solution for its toner bottles.

The Sustainability Plan lays out a timeline for reducing energy consumption in a variety of different ways starting with digital print carbon footprint calculations; de-inking of

A trailblazer in ecologically sound site management, Xeikon converted its factories to 100% green energy more than 10 years ago in 2010. Now it is adding solar panels to all its buildings to

increase the amount of self-generated electricity that it uses.

As we all look to a very different future for the label printing industry, it is clear that we must do more than simply pay lip service to being ‘green and clean’. Every company must take responsibility for our common destiny and work towards clear sustainability goals.

Xeikon is playing its part with radical changes to the structure of its processes and procedures, while continuing to use the latest communication technologies as an integral part of the business model. Thanks to its strong ethics and keen sustainability focus, customers are guaranteed that Xeikon’s digital products and services have been developed with the greatest attention and care for the environment.

https://www.xeikon.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

10

Dealing with Asia’s rise in brand counterfeiting - How does

print keep businesses on track to success

The pandemic has changed the way we shop, purchase and sell goods. Asia’s e-commerce revenue is predicted to grow to 1.92 trillion U.S. dollars by 2024, which will account for a whopping 61.4% of the global e-commerce market then.

As consumers are increasingly compelled to use online marketplaces, combined with increasingly available trade goods, an influx of new threats in relation to brand counterfeiting has emerged. The counterfeiting industry is currently estimated at 509 billion U.S. dollars and set to grow at an accelerated rate. It is thus paramount for brands to step up now to save resources and protect diminishing market share.

Many organizations have been addressing these challenges publicly, pledging commitment to adapt in line with increasing threats. They are also working more closely with print service providers (PSPs), as well as technology enablers to continue improving security solutions.

In tandem with digital growth, the print industry in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the highest rate from now till 2026. Countries such as China, India and Japan are leading the way in

commercial and digital graphic print to support the significant growth in industrialization. As part of a collaborative effort of the print industry to stay one step ahead, digital security printing has become an instrumental tool against counterfeiting. Even the most sophisticated counterfeiters find it extremely difficult – often impossible – to replicate these features unique

to digital security printing. This also make fake goods easier to spot, helping authorities track them down to stop them from travelling any further.

One of the main applications is advanced brand protection, where enterprises use secure-printing features to demonstrate the authenticity of a product. This helps to keep low-

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

11

www.cgs-oris.com

Quality improvement Environmental resistance Faster drying Eco friendly

Ink Saving is so much more than just reducing costs: It helps optimizing the entire production process. How?

Learn more

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

12

quality counterfeit goods that are often dangerous out of the supply chain, in turn, keeping consumers safe while protecting brand revenue streams and reputation. Another use case is security printing.

Often used by governments, regulators and other institutions which produce printed materials, such as forms and documents, security printing allows brands and organizations to track, authenticate and identify different points of the workflow. This is very much similar to how countries need to identify a passport not only by its authenticity and validity, but that is belongs to a single, unique individual as well.

Brands are increasingly turning to PSPs to power the high-growth, highrevenue digital security printing market.

In a digital security printing perspective, PSPs offer value in ensuring that the printing process for brands is anchored on multi-security layers, printing one pass in a secure environment at one time.

Tech enablers are also an important player in the ecosystem. For example, HP provide PSPs with technology such

as the HP Indigo Secure platform, enabling them in providing valueadd services including multi-layered measures of overt and covert elements, with any combination of invisible inks, infrared inks, variable data printing, unique serialized IDs, QR codes, serialized microtext, guilloche patterns, and cloud-connected track and trace.

Retrospectively, applying multiple layers of security to documents, labels and packaging would have created a safer pharmaceutical supply chain. Nosco Inc. is a great example – the company printed variable barcodes invisibly to allow customers to scan and trace barcodes across any country to ensure the medicine’s legitimacy.

The most common threats PSPs currently face The change in landscape accelerated by the pandemic benefited e-commerce merchants, consumers, but also counterfeiters. As shoppers increasingly rely on different sales channels like E-commerce and M-commerce, it has become easier for counterfeiters to impersonate authentic retailers and brands.

In today’s competitive business landscape, brands that are unable to curb counterfeiting will find it tougher to obtain their business goals, whether that is to enter a new market, or to gain market share. As consumers become more discerning in their purchasing values and behaviors, and where brand equity is now perceived highly, the authenticity of goods is of paramount importance.

This causes a concern not only revolving around revenue loss, but also brand equity, which will be damaged because of customer distrust. During this time, the industry that suffered most in this regard was the pharmaceutical sector, where demand and supply for counterfeit medicine reached all-time highs.

While digital security printing has been proven to be a reliable and effective way of curbing counterfeits and fake goods, the action (or inaction) ultimately lies with brands and businesses.

BY Arnon Goldman, Director and General Manager, HP Industrial Business, Asia Pacific & Japan, HP Inc.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

13

Unbox faster turnarounds Make the move to digital – and unbox your business with the flexibility to accommodate fast turns, versioning requests, last minute edits, and changing buying decisions.

With the EFITM Nozomi C18000 Plus digital press for corrugated packaging and POS, you can reduce process steps from weeks and days to hours and minutes. And personalize runs from one to infinity at higher margins and with lower costs – all in a single pass.

Let’s build your brilliant future. Together. Visit nozomi.efi.com to learn how corrugated converters and packaging printers are opening up new ways to say, “Yes!”

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

14

HP Indigo and The Hershe Stories to Life, One Chocol In celebration of International Women’s Day, HP and Hershey unveil a new film to value female talent The Hershey Company has been leveraging the power of digital printing technology to transform its iconic chocolate bar packaging into a celebration of women. Now in its third year, and coinciding with International Women’s Day, the #HerShe campaign, sees Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar packaging being used to promote and honor female talent across the world.

First launching the campaign in 2020, Hershey collaborated with HP Indigo and used a highly productive, costeffective HP Indigo 20000 digital press,

by Brazilian print service provider Camargo Cia de Embalagens Ltda, to develop 320,000 limited edition #HerShe chocolate bars. The campaign, which featured artwork to celebrate the talent of female musicians, illustrators, photographers and poets throughout Brazil, saw huge success. In Brazil, the parallel social media campaign reached close to 2 billion impressions.

Fast forward to 2022, the campaign is being run in collaboration with HP Indigo digitally printed packaging for a third time and will help make ‘invisible women, visible by supporting gender equality through a global movement that celebrates female achievements in science, business, sports, activism, and music.

This year, the Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars will feature a QR code, also printed with an HP Indigo 20000 digital press, that will open consumers’ eyes to the many contributions of women, beyond each bar. In addition, HP will be unveiling a film with Hershey, amplifying how HP Indigo’s digitally printed packaging can be used, not only to keep food safe and airtight, but also to elevating brand engagement through

the co-creation of user generated content, to become the ultimate vehicle for cultural relevance and on-pack storytelling.

Matching Hershey’s ambitions with the right HP Indigo solution The HP Indigo 20000 digital press was the ideal printing solution for this campaign, designed with diverse labels and packaging applications in mind.

“Empowering women, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is a business priority for us. We invite new perspectives, ideas, and experiences

in everything we do to reflect the diversity of consumers around the world. Throughout the campaign, HP has helped us to open our eyes to the power of digitally printed packaging, allowing us to engage with our audience in a creative and unique way while celebratingwomen and their achievements globally,” said Santhi Ramesh, CMO International, The Hershey Company.

The HP Indigo 20000 digital press 29-inch image width can capture the majority of packaging applications,

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

15

ey Company Bring Women’s late Bar at a Time

including flexible packaging, shrinksleeve, wrap-around labels, and inmould labelling, and contains the only digital colour printing process that matches gravure printing, delivering high resolution printing and perfect registration. This enabled Hershey to meet its strict brand colour needs using 7 ink stations, whilst also bringing the female voices and stories to life.

Commenting on the campaign, Jose Gorbea, Global Head of Brands, Agencies & Sustainability, HP Indigo, said: “I’ve loved seeing how the #HerShe campaign has evolved over the past 3 years and I’m excited to see what other personalized storytelling opportunities HP’s digital print technology can achieve in order to make tangible connections and further

engagements with consumers.”

Recent research carried out by WARC (Sept 2021) on the Marketing Effectiveness of Digitally Printed Packaging, in which more than 9,000 marketing campaigns were analyzed and benchmarked, highlighted that brands have the potential to double their sales and marketing ROI when they utilize personalization and most importantly, user generated content in their packaging. “ This can be achieved through digital print, and it is why now 70% of digitally printed packaging campaigns, like Hershey’s, are being used strategically as the lead communication touchpoint of the marketing mix to build brand equity”, added Gorbea.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

16

EFI launches enhanced platform for Nozomi single-pass inkjet presses Electronics For Imaging, Inc. announced its newest ultra-high-speed inkjet solution for the corrugated market – the EFI™ Nozomi 14000 LED press.

This advanced direct-to-board digital press leverages world-class Nozomi single-pass UV LED inkjet technology with improvements that bring enhanced productivity, reliability, value and flexibility to the industrial packaging segment.

Available this year, the 1.4-metrewide press runs at faster speeds up to 100 linear metres per minute with new productivity modes, offering remarkable throughput while meeting corrugated packaging manufacturers’ needs for more compact production lines. The Nozomi 14000 LED also boasts a robust design for heavy industrial use, high reliability and high productivity. It offers packaging converters high uptime plus the versatility to print nearly all board flute types, with enhancements to automatically reject damaged boards without stopping print production.

The digital solution for success in mainstream packaging operations “This next evolution in EFI’s breakthrough Nozomi technology delivers a tailor-made solution to meet the current demands of the industrial packaging segment,” said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging & Building Materials, EFI. “This remarkable new press builds on the industry leading technology that defines our Nozomi platform to balance the many requirements crucial to successful day-

to-day corrugated packaging operations in a manufacturing plant.

Users can choose from a range of configurations to complement individual needs, with single or dual bottom feeder options, a roller coater capable of applying varying amounts of primer, an optional varnish station that allows for a range of gloss or satin finishes, and full or bundle stacker options. Available with up to six colours, including white, the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED press’s high-viscosity inks provide outstanding colour registration and coverage, and its high-speed, nonclogging, high-performance jetting printheads deliver unrivalled accuracy and smooth colour gradients.

Nozomi capabilities used by packaging businesses worldwide to an even broader swath of the packaging industry. Businesses from independent box plants and start-ups to integrated paper companies will find the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED to be a durable, reliable, sustainable and efficient digital alternative to analogue corrugated production.

It delivers energy-efficient productivity, with virtually no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and up to 35 percent lower energy consumption than flexo printing. The press also significantly reduces ink and board waste compared with flexo and litholamination.

The new press features powerful image management and data collection software, as well as a new, intuitive, userfriendly interface. The latest-version EFI Fiery® NZ-1000 digital front end (DFE) used to drive the press features the new Fiery system platform – Fiery FS500 Pro – enabling quick processing and outstanding colour management at full press speeds. Plus, the Fiery DFE can connect users with EFI IQ™, a robust, comprehensive suite of cloud business intelligence and management solutions.

EFI Nozomi is the industry’s best singlepass inkjet corrugated technology in terms of power consumption efficiency, according to testing by the Fogra Research Institute for Media Technologies against the ISO 20690 energy standard. Plus, EFI Nozomi is the only single-pass inkjet offering in the industry to have its output certified for OCC recyclability and repulpability by the Western Michigan University Recycling, Paper and Coating Pilot Plant – a leading certification organisation for corrugated recycling.

Unlocking digital’s sustainable potential in digital print The new press takes the awardwinning, proven high-volume EFI

For more information about highvolume, sustainable digital corrugated production on the EFI Nozomi 14000 LED press, visit nozomi.efi.com.

https://www.efi.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

17

SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS REVORIA PRESS™

www.fujifilm.com/fbau/revoria Find out more

REVORIA PRESS™ PC1120 Experience a world of infinite colour beyond CMYK, driven by AI-powered possibilities.

REVORIA PRESS™ E1-SERIES Unlock a universe of mono print opportunities with superior print speeds, unrivaled quality and diverse applications.

https://www.fujifilm.com/fbau/en/Products/AU-Production-Print Click the button on the right to explore our wide range of print solutions from FUJIFILM Business Innovation.

Explore

FUJIFILM and FUJIFILM logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of FUJFILM Corporation. Revoria is registered trademark of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Corp.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

18

FUJIFILM Business Innovation Congratulates Winners of the Innovation Print Awards 2021 Entries from across APAC were assessed on output quality, degree of innovation, business effectiveness and overall creativity FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific today announced the winners of the 14th Innovation Print Awards (IPA) 2021. The annual competition honours the most outstanding and innovative users of Fujifilm graphic communication solutions across the region with a total of 248 entries received this year from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The award welcomed entries of digitally printed communications created on any FUJIFILM Business Innovation or Fujifilm products. Out of 28 winning entries, 22 entries were printed using the IridesseTM Production Press. The winning entry of the “Best Innovation Award” from Art Book Coop. online in Japan was printed on both IridesseTM Production Press and FUJIFILM Jet Press 750S. Entries were judged based on the works submitted, and details of the individuals behind the submissions including name and company were kept from the judging panel.

A panel of independent judges with print and design expertise, and regional judging experience in print competitions were at the heart of these awards. They include head judge, Paul Callaghan, and member judges, Major Wong Wing Kwong and Sarah Tang. Paul Callaghan holds several leadership positions in the print industry such as chairman of the Regional Asian Packaging Conference and chairman of the Asian Print Awards committee since 2001.

He is also a publisher at Print Innovation Asia magazine, the region’s only print industry magazine. Major Wong Wing Kwong was the past President and General Secretary of the previous Institute of Printing (Singapore), and has extensive experience as a print consultant and judge in local and regional print awards. Sarah Tang is the co-founder of Sarah and Schooling, a graphic design practice that supports local publishers in Singapore and she is an adjunct lecturer at the prestigious Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).

The winning entries will be showcased in the FUJIFILM Business Innovation Graphic Communication showroom in Tokyo, Japan and in regional Graphic Communication industry events. To further profile these talents, FUJIFILM Business Innovation Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. will submit all entries to the Asian Print Awards.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

19

2021 Innovation Print Awards Winners Category

Award

Company Name

Location

Books

Winner

Image Quality Lab Co., Ltd.

Thailand

Runner-up

Colourman Online Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

Winner

Art Book Coop. online

Japan

Runner-up

Image Quality Lab Co., Ltd.

Thailand

Catalogues

Winner

Shoei Printing Co., Ltd.

Japan

Multi-Piece Campaign

Winner

Marga Kirana Printing

Indonesia

Runner-up

Shirahashi Co., Ltd.

Japan

Winner

Art Book Coop. online

Japan

Runner-up

All Flags Signs and Banners

Australia

Winner

Artech Printing & Graphix Pte Ltd

Singapore

Runner-up

Colourman Online Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

Winner

Colourman Online Sdn Bhd

Malaysia

Runner-up

Home Making Creative Printing Co., Ltd.

Taiwan

Winner

M.I.W. Group Company Limited

Thailand

Runner-up

PT. Panca Indonesia Sampurna Indah (Sampurna Print Shop)

Winner

TVG Thai Co., Ltd.

Thailand

Runner-up

SpeedJet Company Limited

Thailand

Winner

Intertype

Australia

Runner-up

Pen’s Wedding Invitation House

Vietnam

Brochures

About FUJIFILM Business Innovation

Large Format/ Poster/ Banner

FUJIFILM Business Innovation is a global leader committed to continuously deliver innovations to customers’ businesses worldwide, for creating innovative and fulfilling workplaces by effectively adopting information and knowledge through digital transformation (DX). We have pioneered numerous technologies and accumulated expertise since our establishment in 1962, to build an environment that encourages the use of one’s creativity to maximize organizational strengths.

Our portfolio includes conducting R&D, manufacturing and sales of world-class workflow solutions, IT services, and printing equipment such as digital multifunction printers (MFPs). We also offer business process outsourcing (BPO) services as well as marketing and implementation support of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

On 1 April 2021, we have changed the company name to FUJIFILM Business Innovation. More than just a name change, it embodies our commitment to continue as a company that always pursues business innovation.

Folding Cartons & Packaging

Calendars

Food/Drink Menus

Art Production

Direct Mails

No Winners

Office Products Open Category

Winner

Artech Printing & Graphix Pte Ltd

Singapore

Labels

Winner

GMW Creative Prints Malaysia

Environments

Winner

Takeda Printing Co., Ltd.

Japan

Fingerprint Ltd

Hong Kong

Winner

Fandata Pty Ltd

Australia

Runner-up

Man Sang Envelope Hong Kong Manufacturing Co. Ltd.

Use of Specialty Winner Colour Company Self-Promotion

No Winners

Technology Special Recognition Award

Winner

PLUS Collaboratives

Singapore

Runner-up

Kult3d Pte Ltd

Singapore

Art Book Coop. online

Japan

Best Innovation Winner Award

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

20

Kodak installs world's largest CTP system at WKS Group Kodak has completed the installation of the first KODAK MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter at the WKS Group in Essen, Germany.

Equipped with an XPL Pallet Loading System with four pallet stations for four different plate formats, the overall configuration of the MAGNUS Q4800 is almost 19 meters (62 feet) long and 3.5 meters (11.5 feet) wide. That makes it the biggest CTP system ever to be installed anywhere in the world.

WKS Group is one of the leading print and media service providers in Europe's German-speaking countries.

The Group comprises nine companies at six sites across Germany. Advanced production facilities enable printing projects to be executed ranging from print runs of one to enormous quantities in the high-volume segment.

WKS Group provides web and sheetfed offset as well as digital printing and finishing. Fulfillment and cross-media expertise round off WKS Group’s portfolio of services.

The fully automatic MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter went into operation as planned at the WKS Group's web offset site in December 2021. Yet before that could happen, the Kodak team had to overcome daunting logistical challenges for a CTP project.

Fifteen large shipping crates had to be taken by truck from Kodak's CTP development and production center in Vancouver, Canada, to Chicago.

The journey then continued by air to Frankfurt, Germany, where they were subsequently transferred to the

WKS Group’s Essen facility on four semitrailers. On arrival, the crates had to be lifted up to the fourth floor by crane – a full 16 meters – for installation.

The MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter offers market-leading speed and productivity for extra-large format (XLF) plate making. It supports plate sizes up to 2.86 m wide and uses KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, providing unparalleled stability, accuracy, and reliability for maximum efficiency and superior print quality. The MAGNUS Q4800 configuration installed at WKS Group provides fully automatic XLF plate loading from four pallets with up to 4,800 plates online, which enables over 10,000 m2 of plates to run before reloading.

we need. We’re delighted that Kodak managed to install our new CTP solution right on schedule, especially during the continued difficult situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic," concluded Döding.

"The investment in such a huge CTP equipment configuration makes sense because it perfectly meets the current and future requirements of our Essen high volume production site in terms of plate sizes, throughput and fully automated operation," said Frank Döding, Business Manager / Operations Manager of WKS Group’s Essen site. "The MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter places the plate imaging capability for our web offset presses on a new technological foundation.

It allowed us to switch from UV to thermal plate imaging, and it gives us the much higher plate making capacity

"We are extremely pleased with the successful completion of this pioneering installation. The MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter will open up new dimensions for the WKS Group in terms of XLF plate imaging quality, automation and productivity," commented Giuliano Bianchet, VP Sales EAMER, Kodak. "The new MAGNUS Q4800 Platesetter is further proof that Kodak is investing heavily in advancing prepress and print technology, meeting our customers' needs to drive productivity, cost effectiveness and growth as the industry evolves."

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

21

19 – 22 October 2022

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

22

World-first 3-in-1 BOBST M available to market Flatbed die-cutter can handle corrugated, carton and litho-laminated board without compromising productivity and quality BOBST has announced that its flagship flatbed die-cutter, MASTERCUT 1.65, is now commercially available to folding carton and corrugated box manufacturers around the world.

Bringing together the very best in BOBST technology and innovation, MASTERCUT 1.65 is completely unique as it is the only machine on the market that has been specially designed for litho-laminated converting and can handle strong corrugated board and carton equally well – making it one machine for all jobs. Importantly, tooling compatibility and an exceptional level of automation guarantee minimal downtime when switching from one material to another.

Marco Lideo, Product Line Director for Die-cutters, Hot foil stampers, Flexo post printers and Litho-laminating at BOBST said: “The development of this machine is the result of great engagement with some of the most experienced professionals in the packaging world. When we asked what they were looking for in a flatbed diecutter, the feedback we received was for a unique machine that had the capability to handle multiple substrates, while still offering a high level of productivity and unrivalled production quality.

“The MASTERCUT 1.65 delivers on all these fronts. It can process both robust and delicate materials, ranging from 300g solid board to 7mm BC double

wall litho-laminated at speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour, and its highcutting force enables extremely precise and exceptional die-cutting quality, even for complex box designs.”

Marco Lideo added: “With the MASTERCUT 1.65, we have brought together a combination of tools and technologies that reflect and support our vision for the future of the packaging industry, in terms of automation, connectivity and sustainability. It has been built to serve as a long-term asset for converters.”

The MASTERCUT 1.65 combines the best of corrugated board and folding carton machines. It has been designed to be versatile, robust and equipped

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

MASTERCUT 1.65 now

undamaged. The unique blanking system incorporates a dynamic waste ejection feature and automatic cutting force adjustment increases tool longevity. Single cut, double cut or full sheet delivery: all options are available on this machine.

To enable short job changeovers, the intuitive BOBST HMI SPHERE allows for quick navigation and the storing of up to 5,000 job tickets. This is supported by the BOBST MATIC system which supports a vast number of automatic settings. These two features combine exceptional ergonomics, accessibility and a maximum level of automation for fast and easy handling, guaranteeing optimum productivity. With HMI SPHERE, the machine is also ready to join the BOBST Connect platform, opening up the possibility to interlink and optimize the whole converting process in the future.

for Industry 4.0 and can be combined with a range of downstream peripherals to create a full production line.

Outstanding precision and ergonomic quality control features guarantee minimal waste, saving resources and reducing cost.

With a re-designed top feeding system, SMART FEEDER 3, ensures a smooth start to operations. Built-in suction units ensure friction-free feeding for all substrates. Meanwhile, a feeding table with dedicated pressing device has been tailored for careful processing of warped materials. With delicate and precise feeding, production stoppages are reduced to a minimum and blank quality is assured.

A bespoke POWER REGISTER offers contactless sheet registration and preserves perfect sheet integrity. The optical register can read printing marks from top/bottom and lateral/lead edge, allowing flexibility in lay-outs and substrate choice. Perfectly registered sheets pass into locked gripper bars for exact die-cutting – MASTERCUT 1.65 provides folding-carton print-tocut precision for corrugated and litholaminated board.

The die-cutter is also the only solution in the market for corrugated and litholaminated board blanking in size VII and offers a cutting force of up to 5.5 MN for perfect cutting of solid substrates, while low pressure on the sheet ensures delicate materials remain

“To further support our vision for a connected packaging supply chain, MASTERCUT 1.65 is available with TooLink,” said Marco Lideo. “TooLink is a platform that connects the diecutter with tooling to bring together the entire converting process and retrieve job data in a matter of seconds.

Ultimately, it simplifies job changeover by automating the recipe management, saving time and eliminating the risk of human error. Operators have access to a higher level of production data and insight, and benefit from increased control, automation and efficiency!

“We are delighted to be able to bring this machine to market and enable converters to see for themselves the value it can bring to their operations, not only today but well into the future too.”

23

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

24

Driving Thailand’s economy in the packaging, printing and corrugated sectors • Insights from The Federation of Thai Industries and TCEB indicate optimistic outlook for the sectors • Synergistic industries reunite to reconnect and rebuild at PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and CorruTec Asia 2022 After more than a two year absence due to uncertainties caused by the pandemic, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL is keeping its sights firmly fixed on the 19-22 October 2022 dates for its 8th edition.

As a leading platform for the packaging and printing sectors in the region, Thailand continues to be the choice location for the exhibition, with optimistic growth projected for the sectors. Broadening its reach and application sectors, this edition will see PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL co-locating with a newly formed exhibition on corrugated packaging - CorruTec ASIA. The synergy-rich product and technology mix offered by the two exhibitions will reunite Thailand’s packaging, printing and corrugated packaging industries by offering a lively platform for faceto-face meetings, spur business opportunities and investment prospects, as well as international collaboration and innovation.

Messe Düsseldorf Asia, joint organizer of both exhibitions, has taken the opportunity to rethink what PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and

CorruTec ASIA have to offer and to open up new and unique perspectives and thus strong business potential for exhibitors, trade visitors, and the industries as a whole. Mr Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia, said: “The pandemic has served as an accelerant in multiple ways, particularly spurring the adoption of e-commerce and innovation. It has also magnified the value and power of human connection and importance of face-to-face interactions, and it is proven that the business community is keen and ready for the return of MICE events.”

“We are looking forward to bringing decision makers from the industries together in October, to a dynamic show

floor to generate new business and establish new contacts. In addition to smart business matching opportunities, the six focus areas at PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL 2022: artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital economy, 3D printing, security and safety, and premium design – will set the stage for an exhibition like no other, said Mr Ringling.”

Forging ahead With Thailand stepping up efforts to welcome back large-scale international business events and host iconic events, TCEB (Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau) is well on its way to positioning the country as the preferred MICE destination in the region. PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and CorruTec Asia will be well placed later in the year against a backdrop of stronger global business activity, unrestricted travel and overall confidence.

In the fourth quarter of last year, Thailand’s economy showed optimistic growth, rebounding faster than expected, on robust exports and a recovery in domestic activity following Mr Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Düsseldorf Asia,

Connect to Grow Unleash your printing potential Connect to Grow. That is your key to stay ahead in a demanding market. By connecting with MPSConnect, you ensure the best in reliability and productivity from your printing press. You will increase competitive advantages and maximize profits.

With MPSConnect we see recurring annual cost savings

To improve productivity and profitability,

of €50,000 - €100,000 and even

it’s critical to increase the understanding

more thanks to a more efficient

of your overall label print operation. With

workflow, time management and

MPSConnect, you get real-time insights in the

waste reduction.

operator activities. You dive into the printing press and see exactly what’s happening.

mps-printing.com/connect-to-grow

mps-printing.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

26 easing of coronavirus curbs and as international travel restrictions improved. While for foreign direct investment, strong growth continues in foreign investments in target sectors such as smart electronics, specialty chemicals, bioplastics and the medical cluster[1].

Other industries that are expected to see continued growth include exports and digital business and their supply chains.

Notable examples are automobiles and parts, food products, e-commerce, delivery and packaging services, logistics and warehouses, IT solutions, cybersecurity services, telemedicine, hard disk drives, cloud data centres, and digital asset platforms[2].

Looking ahead with confidence and optimism, Mr Kriengkrai Thiennukul, Vice Chairman, Industrial Promotion Support, The Federation of Thai Industries, said: “It has been and continues to be a challenging landscape for Thailand and world economies.

Now is the time for us to enhance capacity and foster growth of Thai industries by promoting the use of science, technology, innovation and digitalisation in product development and production efficiency improvement; skills development - management, technology and innovation - of entrepreneurs, workers and all players in the value chain.”

“Thus, these two exhibitions provide an ideal showcase for the industry to share best practices and also for the international business community to experience Thai capabilities and what we have to offer,” said Mr Thiennukul.

Often referred to as the exhibition by the industry for the industry, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL is a tripartite collaboration by The Thai Packaging Association, The Thai Printing Association and Messe Düsseldorf Asia (MDA), while

CorruTec Asia is co-organised by MDA and the Thai Corrugated Packaging Association.

Invest in technology and adopt innovative mindset The growing e-commerce market and surge in demand for consumer goods and health products have been driving demand for packaging. “There are enormous opportunities for Thai manufacturers and entrepreneurs, the prospects of the global packaging business are promising, with the world market forecast to grow by 7.5% annually through to 2027[3].

Thai companies should heighten efforts to better position themselves for global opportunities, ramp up their competitiveness and tap on this growing market,” said Mr Manit Kamolsuwan, President, The Thai Packaging Association. Currently, Thailand is the largest exporter of packaging in ASEAN.

The pandemic has also manifested itself as a catalyst for new developments and ideas, particularly with changing consumer demand. “The marketplace has to adapt and renew itself,” said Mr Chusak Deetrakunwattanapoen, President, Thai Corrugated Packaging Association. He went on to cite the example of how the industry came together at the height of the COVID-19 health crisis to help with the short supply of hospital beds by recycling corrugated paper and carton boxes to produce thousands of field hospital beds.

Digital label and packaging print volume have also seen a significant rise the last couple of years due to customisation, short lead-time and high SKU printing from ready to eat food. “In recent months we have seen some companies focus their business on customised labelling, variable label

printing, corrugated packaging and packaging to include QR codes. This is the time for the Thai printing industry and commercial printers to invest in new machinery and digital machines to automate workflows to be able to run productions with smaller manpower resources and to serve demand from e-commerce,” said Mr Pongthira Pathanapiradej, President, The Thai Printing Association. “ Against the changing backdrop and fluid global economy, Mr Pathanapiradej said it is critical for local businesses to align themselves with the global packaging and printing trends and adapt to new competitive landscapes, revamp business models and find new ways to value-add their offerings.

Defining Packaging and Printing in Asia Backed by a successful track record that continues to gain momentum since it began in 2007, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL celebrates the theme ‘defining packaging and printing in Asia’ for the 2022 edition, where at the heart of the exhibition is a focus on technology and innovation. Showcasing these latest trends with their machinery and product solutions, are industry heavyweights from brands coming from Germany, Japan, Switzerland, such as: Bobst, Heidelberg, Konica Minolta, Tsukatani, Zund, as well as leading home-grown brands – Comprint, Cyber SM, Nationwide, Sansin Printing Machine Material and more.

PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL and CorruTec Asia are looking forward to welcoming over 12,500 trade visitors including some 30 percent coming from outside Thailand, while on the exhibitor front some 250 international companies are expected. Attendees to the exhibitions will come mainly from the printing and packaging industries as well as vertical markets such as consumer products, cosmetics, luxury goods, medicine, banking, and security technology.

PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL is modelled after the sectors’ leading trade fairs, drupa and interpack, by the Messe Düsseldorf Group in Germany.

For more information on the exhibitions, log on to: www.pack-print. de and www.corrutec-asia.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

27

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

28

Xiamen Songde installs w Lithrone G40 advance Founded in 2019, Xiamen Songde Printing focuses mainly on product development and design as well as cigarette packaging, paper product packaging, and paper cup manufacturing. Today Xiamen Songde is one of the few printing companies in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China, that can provide one-stop services to customers.

Wang Huiquan, President

color Lithrone G40 advance press with the latest coater. In early July 2021, after the exhibition, the machine was delivered to our factory. After about 20 days of installation and adjustment, it started up smoothly and went into full operation. To date, there have been no problems of any kind."

"Why did we choose a Komori press for our production equipment? The reason can be traced back to Print China 2019 held in Dongguan," says Wang Huiquan, President of Xiamen, "When I saw the Komori machine at the exhibition, I was very impressed by the press's appearance, printing speed and printing quality. Following the exhibition, I contacted Komori right away, and after we visited several printing plants in Xiamen, I decided to install the first Komori press in our new plant."

The five-color Lithrone G40 with coater was installed and commissioned in October 2019. The Komori engineers demonstrated outstanding skills during the installation, providing excellent installation guidance and after-sales service. This further improved the

reputation of Komori products in the view of Xiamen Songde. As a result, when the company made plans in 2020 to expand into cigarette packaging production, it did not hesitate to choose Komori for its next machine.

According to President Wang, "At the time, we wanted to install an eight-color UV printing press with coater. Our first Komori press had been in operation for more than a year, and its excellent performance had impressed us tremendously. After seeing the Komori UV presses and printing samples, we decided to order a Komori machine.

When we learned that an eight-color press with coater was being exhibited at China Print 2021 in Beijing, we immediately decided to purchase the display machine, the world's first eight-

World's first high-end Lithrone G40 advance offset printing press According to press chief Shao Fangyong, "The Lithrone G40 advance has a maximum printing speed of 17,200 sph*. We handle a large variety of substrates, such as thin and thick papers, foils, films and specialty

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

29

world's first 8-color

substrates. The feeder of the new machine consistently feeds all of them stably.

The Lithrone G40 advance eight-color machine with new coater, the first of its kind in the world, is equipped with

Full-APC Automatic Plate Changing, ink distributor roller cooling, automatic blanket cleaning, automatic ink and dampening roller cleaning, a new Komorimatic dampening system, and KHS-AI and PDC-SX systems for automatic control of register and color. These systems greatly increase production efficiency and reduce manual operations.

Because of the high-quality print capability, the Lithrone G40 advance is now their go to press for jobs such as cigarette, liquor, cosmetics, and luxury goods package printing. An additional advantage is that the press reduces the amount of postpress work. The UV curable inks and inline coating unit produce effects inline that are very close to traditional offline laminating, silk screening, and embossing.

Continuing to focus on growth in the package printing market Regarding the future growth of the company, President Wang says, "According to the current forecast,

conventional printing is expected to be the mainstream for the next few years, and at this point our printing business is expected to continue to grow healthily, and the prospects for business expansion are very bright. We will continue to expand our business by installing more Komori machines to enhance our production lines."

"In addition, we have been paying attention to the growth of Komori's business in digital printing equipment and are considering purchasing Komori digital products when the time is right," he adds.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

30

Innovation needs technology Tsun Hing Printing Company Limited introduced a brand new ROLAND 906 LV and ROLAND 705 LTTLV Evolution Tsun Hing Printing Company Limited, established in Dongguan City in 2005, is a packaging printer specializing in colour boxes, display boxes, blister cards and manuals. Adhering to the service principle of integrity and customer first, the company provides the high quality printed products and a full range of packaging services for customers with its three major strategies of "brand, innovation and culture". In addition, it has received the Disney certification and the high recognition from its customers.

Mr. Cao Bohua, general manager of the company, said, "We are constantly seeking more efficient and more innovative production means, continuously improving our productivity, and capable of continuously meeting the needs of our customers. Our vision is to become the largest advanced packaging printer in the region and guarantee our commitment to the customers with the world’s first class quality and service!".

Continuous innovation requires the strong support of advanced technologies. In order to realize the above vision, further improve the production efficiency and shorten the lead time, the company has recently cooperated with Manroland again by the introduction of a brand new ROLAND 906 LV. The new machine has been successfully installed and officially put into production by now.

According to Mr. Cao, the newly installed press has become the company's second Manroland sheetfed offset. Previously, they already had a ROLAND 705 LTTLV Evolution press. He added that their company had been very satisfied with the stable high performance and comprehensive technical support services of Manroland presses. This is also one of the important reasons why Manroland has been their first choice.

The ROLAND 700 EVOLUTION gives the packaging printers unprecedented levels of efficiency and productivity, premium print quality and more value added printing. For example: With three different ink distributions at the push of a button, TripleFlow offers high color consistency during the whole print run and drastic savings in waste, which could further reduce the production costs.

InlineInspector 3.0 detects even the smallest hickeys, splashes, scratches, creases, streaks, scumming or smearing just as reliably as it detects color deviations or substrate defects, which could lower the manpower costs.

The picture shows Tsun Hing Printing and Manroland service team. The third person from the right is Mr. Cao, general manager of Tsun Hing Printing.

InlineColorPilot 3.0 measures and controls register and color automatically without the need of a pull sheet, which not only ensures the high color stability, but also at the same time significantly saves time and wasted sheets and increase productivity.

InlineFoiler 2.0 is a groundbreaking enhancement solution that meets market demands for more creative, more eye-catching and more vibrant print. With the InlineFoiler, printers can cold foil and overprint a full spectrum of colours inline on a broad range of substrates in a single pass and it can be combined with delicate embossing and effect or spot coatings or varnishes for maximum impact. It could achieve excellent printing effects, while at the same time the productivity could be increased to a very large extent.

With the installation of a brand new ROLAND 906 LV and ROLAND 705 LTTLV Evolution equipped with the world's advanced packaging printing technologies, Mr. Cao is full of confidence in further improving the company's market competitiveness and realizing the company's grand vision soon. He continued, "There is no smooth road for development, and there is no end to innovation. Facing the future, we have a long way to go with full confidence!"

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

31

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

32

Extra-long presses distinguished by individual configurations & equipment options Trends in packaging production • Presses with up to 19 printing and finishing units and an overall length of 35 metres • High level of automation thanks to parallel processes • Top production speeds and fastest job changeovers • Individual, applicationoriented configurations • Comprehensive process knowhow is crucial A glance around the final assembly hall at Koenig & Bauer leaves no doubt whatsoever: Rapida sheetfed offset presses, especially those in the 3b format, are again being configured with an increasing number of printing and finishing units. It is possible to marvel at combinations of printing, coating and drying units that would have been unthinkable in this form just a few years ago.

All these presses are catering to the trend towards ever greater product refinement in the packaging industry.

At the same time, there is growing pressure to provide complex press

Ultra-long packaging press with 17 printing and finishing units in the final assembly hall at Koenig & Bauer solutions capable of printing exactly this type of highly finished products in a cost-effective process. A further objective in many cases is to use the printed and finished cartons as ecological primary packaging and to eliminate the need for additional plastic film materials.

This trend has already become evident among the print companies that produce packaging for cigarettes for some years now. In the past, Koenig & Bauer has supplied sheetfed offset presses with 17, 18 or even 19 printing and finishing units and overall lengths of up to 35

metres for such special applications.

And now other industry segments are also recognising the economic necessity of long, individually configured presses capable of handling a broad spectrum of inline product finishing. Here is an overview of the possibilities: 1. Straight presses with coating before and after coating in combination with cold foil application This technology is used to produce packaging for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and cigarettes, for example.

The Rapida 106 X defines international benchmarks in terms of production speed and makeready times: a long finishing press from this series is available in the CEC at Koenig & Bauer to test the latest process trends, including the incorporation of further printing units after coating

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

33

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

34

Printing units after coating provide for precise and cost-effective matt coating effects Characteristic for these presses are the coater and two intermediate drying units immediately after the feeder and infeed. They are followed by a significant number of printing units, the first (two) of which are frequently used to apply cold foil (Figure 1).

With the option to print multiple spot colours, or similarly to print with six or seven process colours to extend the available colour gamut, the number of printing units can easily exceed the magic figure of ten. The printing units are followed by further coaters and a corresponding number of intermediate drying units, ahead of a triple-length extended delivery (3.8 metres).

logistics solutions and a selection of anilox rollers for different coating thicknesses and types.

unit – with offset-quality registration and at favourable cost, because no photopolymer plate is required.

With the AniloxLoader of the Rapida 106 X, the anilox rollers are exchanged fully automatically in next to no time.

DriveTronic SFC, furthermore, enables coating formes to be changed in less than a minute – parallel to other makeready processes on the press.

Another benefit of this type of coating is the reliable avoidance of unsightly fringes around the coated areas.

Special drip-off effects are similarly straightforward to produce. Should a classic double coating process be necessary (e.g. for metallic or haptic coatings), the printing unit can be disengaged from the production process at the press of a button and the second coater used in its place.

2. Straight presses with printing units after coating

Totals of 17 to 19 printing units are currently ‘standard’ for presses like this. They are in use in a number of industrial nations in Central Europe, but also in regions where few people would expect to find such complex presses. And they have long since ceased to be one-off installations.

Their number is increasing steadily.

These presses are frequently chosen by producers of packaging for the food industry (and especially for bakery products and confectionery), but are also in use in the general packaging segment, for cosmetics and care products, household goods and pet supplies. They are the ideal means of production for highly finished folding cartons, sleeves and wraps: on the one hand to protect the product, and on the other hand for optimum presentation.

After all, these Rapida presses not only offer capabilities to combine print with high-quality and extremely versatile inline finishing (including multiple UV coatings), but also do so at aboveaverage production speeds that can still reach 15,000 sheets per hour. The equipment package usually includes

The eight to ten printing units are followed by a coater, intermediate drying, a further printing unit and sometimes a second coater (Figure 2). This permits all-over coating in the first coater, for example, and then application of a matt spot coating by means of the additional printing

Another possibility is to prepare a currently unused coater for the next job while production is still running on the rest of the press, in order to minimise the makeready time at the subsequent job changeover.

Depending on the equipment options, the degree of product finishing and the substrates used, these presses – which can reach a length of 30 metres with their 13 units, a triple-length extended delivery, raised foundations and additional gallery – run at speeds up to 18,000 or even 20,000 sheets per hour. It almost goes without saying that they often incorporate a full package of accessories for UV finishing.

Rapida 106 X with 17 printing and finishing units: coating facilities before and after printing

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

35

Perfector presses with multiple coating on the front of the sheet, followed by printing and coating on the reverse: in addition to printing and finishing, these presses add coatings that are able to modify the properties of a carton 3. Perfector presses with printing units and coaters before and after the perfecting unit This press configuration is also aimed at producers of packaging for the cosmetics and confectionery industries.

And in this case at brand owners in particular. The classic perfector press prints one or two colours before the perfecting unit, such as a recipe or instructions for use of the product on what later becomes the inside of the packaging.

This is followed by coating, drying and turning of the sheet. The image for the reverse side of the sheet – later the outside of the folding carton or box – is then printed in high colour and with a single- or multiple-coating finish to achieve interesting matt/gloss or haptic effects and thereby attract attention at the point of sale (Figure 3). Additional packages cater for the processing of metallised board and plastic films. The inclusion of cold foil systems with various levels of automation is also possible.

These perfector presses may well comprise 13 to 16 printing and finishing units, and also reach an overall length of 30 metres. The perfecting unit is usually incorporated after the fifth or sixth unit. Various drying technologies are possible, among them systems for

dispersion coatings on the inside and UV coatings on the outside of the finished carton.

Running speeds of up to 18,000 sheets per hour are achieved, depending on the substrate, the image to be printed and the process media used. Automation features for fast job changeovers (simultaneous plate and coating forme changing, AniloxLoader, CleanTronic Synchro) are examples of further efficiency-enhancing components.

Application-specific logistics variants for fully automatic pile handing also deserve mention. This all means that the press is highly productive both for very long runs and where frequent job changeovers are required.

4.Perfector presses with multiple coating on the front of the sheet followed by printing and coating on the reverse Two or even three coaters together with the corresponding drying facilities, a perfecting unit and then the required number of printing units, followed by one or two further coaters – that is the ultimate configuration for inline product finishing in sheetfed offset (Figure 4).

These presses clearly illustrate: printing presses are also coating machines.

After all, one of the purposes of such applications is to produce a coating that prevents moisture absorption or makes

the board resistant to other substances (e.g. fats) so that it retains its form and rigidity. At the same time, the coating layers prevent the migration of board or ink constituents into the packaged food or beverage.

In combination with appropriate board and paper products, or laminated board types and other materials wholly suited for direct contact with foods, these presses enable very economical production of a broad range of different items: Packaging for frozen products, cake boxes, trays and cups, packaging and trays for high-quality desserts, kraft papers as outer and presentation packaging, snack boxes such as those used by fast food chains, stackable boxes and trays for catering companies or pizza boxes, to name just a few examples.

Presses in this category incorporate more coaters and drying units than printing units. Comprehensive process know-how and long-standing experience are also crucial when working with these special technologies.

Extreme specialisation for profitable production All four trends point to the possibilities for specialisation in a certain product range within the packaging industry, as a basis for profitable, forward-looking production in this field. Like many other packaging machines, sheetfed offset presses are becoming increasingly tailored to a specific end product.

Six-, seven- and eight-colour presses, with singleor double-coating applications, still dominate today’s packaging market and while their era looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, everyone must be aware that the trend to highly complex, individually customised printing presses is gaining momentum.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

36

Driving Turkey’s Leading into Digital Production Modern Ambalaj – Turkey’s largest corrugated packaging producer – sees value in adding single-pass digital printing capabilities Istanbul-based Modern Ambalaj has installed an EFI™ Nozomi C18000 Plus single-pass inkjet corrugated packaging printer. Founded in 1997, Modern Ambalaj is Turkey’s largest producer of corrugated packaging, operating out of six factories making approximately 600,000 tonnes of corrugated packaging annually.

Modern is continuing to grow, with the Nozomi installation in its Manisa factory helping to increase total production capacity to 800,000 tonnes in 2022. Additional investments at a Modern Ambalaj plant in Turkey’s Sakarya province will further

increase the company’s overall annual production capacity to 900,000 tonnes in 2023.

With its proven high quality and highvolume output, the EFI Nozomi single-pass system installed in Istanbul delivers the world’s leading single-pass inkjet corrugated printing capabilities.

The C18000 Plus model of the multiple award-winning digital direct-to-board Nozomi production platform includes a number of enhancements that further expand Modern Ambalaj’s offerings.

The newly installed printer reflects Modern Ambalaj’s focus on remaining

ahead of trends to help make its customers more successful. “The Turkish corrugated packaging industry needs fast and high-quality digital solutions to adopt new market demands,” said Modern Ambalaj General Manager Kubilay Alkan of his new single-pass inkjet corrugated production workhorse.

A key enhancement to the Nozomi C18000 Plus is a transport that provides consistent throughput at higher speeds and with fewer interruptions, along with a patented vacuum table system that eliminates warping, making the printer even more productive and profitable. The 1.8-metre-wide printer also features an improved inspection system to help users monitor quality and quickly identify inkjet nozzle issues or other defects.

Busy shops like Modern Ambalaj also appreciate the Nozomi C18000 Plus printer’s rush proof feature, which can generate and output a proof within 90 seconds while another job is running on the printer.

Operating at speeds up to 75 linear metres per minute – producing up to 10,000 890x890-mm boards per hour two-up – the printer also features advanced coater options, including

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

g Corrugated Company

a quick-change anilox coater for improved performance. In addition to its standard CMYK inkset, Modern Ambalaj’s printer features orange, violet and white ink options for an imaging gamut that can reach up to 97% of PANTONE® Colors.

Modern Ambalaj’s new printer also includes the latest version of the EFI Fiery® NZ 1000, an advanced digital front end print server offering significant production advantages, including exceptional colour management and a powerful Smart

Ink Estimator feature that accurately analyses image data for more-precise control of ink costs.

“The corrugated industry continues its progression toward digital print adoption, and we are excited to help continue that market transformation with Modern Ambalaj’s installation of the first EFI Nozomi printer in Turkey,” said Evandro Matteucci, vice president and general manager, Packaging and Building Materials, EFI. “The adoption of EFI direct-to-board inkjet printing

by this outstanding and well-respected company demonstrates the value that adding high-quality digital printing to the corrugated production process can bring to even the most well-managed packaging businesses.”

About EFI

EFI™ is a global technology company, leading the worldwide transformation from analogue to digital imaging. We understand our customers want breakthrough technologies to lead them through their digital journey.

That’s why we’re passionate about driving their business growth with a scalable portfolio of products, solutions, services, support, and worldclass partnerships for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, building materials, commercial print, and personalised documents with a wide range of printers, inks, digital front ends, and workflow software.

They work together to increase profits, cut costs, improve productivity, and optimise efficiency – job after job, year after year. We’re committed to our customers’ success. And we definitely believe we have the right people, technology and experience to help them achieve their business goals. (www.efi.com)

https://www.efi.com

37

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

38

Omnicell increases blister packaging production with MPS EXL-Packaging flexo press In 2018, world leader in medication packaging, Omnicell, recognized the need to increase capacity at their St. Petersburg, FL facility and began searching for a flexo press solution to meet the demands of the market.

Specializing in high volume blister packaging, Omnicell produces various single and multi-pill packaging products for use in their autonomous pharmacy machines.

“We were at max press capacity with the packaging we were producing in our Florida plant and we needed to find a new solution to ramp up production,” says Chris Hayes, Manufacturing Engineer at Omnicell and leader of the press initiative.

Requirements for high speed card applications As the search began for a new press solution, Chris and Omnicell leadership had one key goal in mind: increase production capacity while maintaining the Omnicell standard of quality. Chris, a 10-year industry professional in engineering and packaging applications, laid out clear targets for press manufacturers to meet and evaluated five popular flexo packaging press OEMs over the course of one year.

Omnicell’s main criteria: the equipment needed to produce at top speeds for heat seal card applications and cold seal card applications. In addition,

there were unique restrictions on the substrate thickness and width, in order to effectively produce the complex blister packaging applications in their everyday production. Press

speed, local service and support, responsive communication and niche auxiliary equipment were all important considerations when choosing the right press partner to meet their goals. These standards were sent to each final OEM for evaluation and, in the end, “MPS CRUSHED every single requirement we had,” boasts Chris.

Performance beyond expectations After rigorous OEM testing and evaluation, Omnicell made the decision to purchase an MPS EXL-Packaging 680 flexo press, in 2019, to achieve their goal of increased production.

Omnicell’s MPS EXL-Packaging press is equipped with an impressive list of state-of-the-art technology, including:

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

39

Learn more

New solution for direct-to-substrate proofing on uncoated packaging media - now available for FLEX PACK!

www.cgs-oris.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

40

6 flexo stations, reversed flexo and reversed solvent and water-based gravure printing, hot air dryers, Kocher & Beck cassette die-stations and 3 automatic unwinders from Martin Automatic. The press is also equipped with the latest 100% inspection technology from AVT, communicating with the stacker from Gannicott to remove failures immediately during production.

The Omnicell press marks a record length built for MPS, with an astonishing 118 feet / 36 metres of length. HarmJan de Jong, Vice President MPS North America: “This has been an exciting project for us, as besides the printing aspect, this press features a lot of integrated embellishment equipment from OEMs that has to all work together smoothly.”

Productivity - MPS Machines are known for their ability to precisely produce large volumes at very high press speeds. The EXL-Packaging press at the Omnicell facility certainly lived up to its reputation and helped their Florida plant meet their production goals, easily.

Manufactured for blister packaging production, up to widths of 26”, the EXL-Packaging press can produce at speeds of over 500 ft/min and “can do anything and everything that all other presses at the facility can do, combined.” Chris continues “It prints better, has quicker changeovers, is fully automated, modular and easy to maintain. Our MPS press is incredible.”

According to Chris, the MPS EXLPackaging press not only meets, but exceeds all expectations, and has become a valuable asset to their St. Petersburg operations.

Service & Training – MPS takes

pride in our responsive service and support, providing converters with the knowledge they need and the respect they deserve. “In the beginning, we weren’t hitting our production numbers as expected. After speaking with the MPS team, they dedicated one of their Field Service Engineers to our facility to run the press for a full week” explains Chris. “It turns out, the press could easily reach our production goals, however our operators were running the system slower than necessary.”

Before the MPS machine, Omnicell had never encountered a press perform well at such high speeds. “The speed is almost intimidating,” Chris mentions, “but after our MPS technician proved the press can run at record speeds for the long run, with no complications; he trained our operators to do the same and we began hitting our production goals easily thanks to him and the MPS Service team.”

Communication - “Communication with the MPS team, both in the States and overseas, has been great. Mike Weyermann was a pleasure to work with and gave his word that the MPS press could reach our production goals without a problem,” says Hayes. “If anyone in our facility needs assistance, we know we can contact Mike, HarmJan and the Service team, and our requests will be acknowledged within the hour.” With a responsive service and support team, Omnicell has access to the knowledge they need to keep production at a maximum.

Connectivity – Additionally, the MPS EXL-Packaging press was equipped with Connectivity solutions, connecting their machine directly to the MPS Service Team. Chris states, “having the ability for MPS technicians to login and provide remote support, software

updates, troubleshooting etc. directly to our machine has been phenomenal.”

Chris mentions that the Omnicell team has reached out to MPS’s remote support team numerous times with changes and ideas and they are always greeted with innovative solutions that meet their needs.

The press partner for success At MPS Systems, we tailor our press solutions to meet the unique needs of each converter we partner with. Chris Hayes appreciated that “MPS was willing to work with other vendors that specialized in the niche equipment needed to produce complex blister packaging, in a single pass.”

Through continuous innovation and collaboration, MPS Systems designed a press solution optimized specifically for Omnicell and their future.

With the new MPS EXL-Packaging 680 press solution, Omnicell is equipped and eager to handle the increasing demands of the pharma packaging market for years to come.

“I’d recommend MPS to any converter looking to increase capacity. Their press technology, service and the whole MPS experience has been incredible.

Watching the speed of the machine, the quality of the print and witnessing the variety of applications possible, I know we made the right choice choosing MPS as our press partner.”

About Omnicell Founded in 1992, Omnicell began with a vision to innovate the management of pharmacy supplies and medication to improve the standard of care at hospitals and pharmacies around the world. Through the innovation of autonomous pharmacies and functional pharma packaging, Omnicell has become a world leader in medication packaging and management.

Specializing in high volume blister packaging, Omnicell produces various single and multi-pill packaging products for use in their autonomous pharmacy machines.

https://www.mps-printing.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

41

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

42

How can I achieve c contract proofs?

Proofing has changed and evolved massively in recent years. Today, various approaches are available that can be used to perfectly address different requirements. In this article, we have summarized basic knowledge about proofing and briefly present the approaches – an exciting overview of the evolution of proofing.

Printed proofs are still an institution – even in today's digitalized world.

They are the key to check designs, color, texts or to making a choice from different layouts of new products.

They are an important part of global coordination and approval processes.

For this purpose, of course, they need to be produced color-binding and in regard to particular standards. With professional proofing software, this is achieved fast and reliably. That is no secret and hasn´t changed for many years.

In contrast to that, other things have changed enormously: (1) Proofing does not “just” mean to produce “flat” proofs. Today, there are huge more options!

It includes (2) haptic proofing, which brings, for example, packaging proofs with varnish and embossing effects as well as mock-ups of new products to life. Haptic proofs can be experienced not just on a visual, also on a haptic level.

Besides that, a brand-new technology was introduced: (3) Direct-to-substrate proofing. An amazing approach and a huge step in the development of proofing for many, many companies of the printing and packaging industries as it allows proofing on the original production substrate of each customer.

And, there is much more to discover as we want to have high-quality proofs

of all the things we are printing and on which we are printing today. As a result, (4) proofs of different kinds of surfaces and materials that are commonly used in the interior design sector can be produced without ease.

In this article, we are introducing the different proof approaches – an exciting overview and journey through the evolution of proofing.

Classic Proofing “Traditional” proofs or “flat” proofs help in an easy and fast way to check printouts before the production starts – irrespective of the printing machine or the printing approach which is used in the real production.

Texts, graphics, and colors are checked the last time as well as the entire look and appearance. Is everything in line with the corporate design guidelines and easily legible?

Therefore, proofs are a key element for agencies, printing companies, and many other players in the printing industry as well as their customers. Exhibition banners, business equipment, advertising, flyer, bottle labels, and signage are just some examples that require contracts proofs for decision making and approval processes. They still offer the best basis to visualize the print production fast, reliable, and costefficient.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

color-accurate

With a professional proof software, they can also be displayed virtually or are printed at different locations worldwide. This leads to great cost and time savings and allows common and binding decisions at the same time.

To work very efficiently, it is recommended to rely on professional proofing media which was specially produced for this purpose. Today, the variety of proof paper in different

weight categories, sizes, with diverse surfaces and white points is really huge. You can choose from proofing substrates with or without optical brighteners or different price categories.

Anyway, it always makes sense to choose professional proofing papers with unique coating and optimized properties, which are certified and particular standards are achieved Packaging proofs and mock-ups – haptic proofing 1.0 Based on the cooperation with global players in the packaging industry and intensive development, a new era of proofing started. From now on, it was finally possible to produce color-binding packaging proofs and prototypes that show all finishing effects of the final product. True mockups can be created, which are three-dimensional and allow a real check of the appearance and the “look and feel”.

All details and effects packaging designers created on a new product are shown. This makes it a lot easier for the people who are involved in decisionmaking processes to get a reliable impression of the new packaging before the production starts.

43

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

44 > Alternative flatbed model available (hybrid roll-to-roll/flatbed), prints up to 16mm thickness (10µm)

Glossy, matte, or metalized surfaces, partial embossing, varnish, or sealing effects – any finishings can be simulated easily. No extended explanations how which part of the product will look like are needed as everybody can just see and feel it.

Thanks to additional technics like heat sealing realistic welding lines are perfectly simulated as you can see in this photo.

Proofing on original substrate Working with Transfer Film So far, proofing on original substrate was conducted with a transfer film.

A real breakthrough in the history of proofing! The transfer film can be applied to many different substrates.

From steal to carton – a wide range of proofs and mockups is simulated color-accurately and shows how future products look like.

The advantages of this technic are obvious: Thanks to the Roland printers which are used and their extended gamut inks (XG INKS) a huge color space can be used – and all kinds of finishing effects are possible.

That means, no matter if you like to have matte, semi-matte, or glossy sections on your packaging proof – partial or all over – all effects can be covered easily.

Also, varnish, embossing, or sealing effects can be displayed which allows showing all details a designer planned.

Working with Transfer Film: Advantages at a glance > Proofing on original substrate with Transfer Film > Huge color gamut > Integrated cutting function (label) > Multi-pass printing > Low-cost ownership > Compact printer (30'') Working with resin inks For a short time, a new system is available which allows to proof

directly on the individual production substrate. No transfer film is needed.

This innovative approach the industry has waiting for a long time uses newly developed resin-based inks (“MultiPurpose XG INKS”).

In this manner packaging proofs and mockups are produced which exactly look and feel like the final product.

This technology is especially interesting for very thin films or shrink foils as the distortion of an artwork can be exactly checked in advance with the original substrate. But it is also suitable for other materials like cartons or metal.

Users are speaking about great cost and time savings when they produce packaging proofs or prototypes with this system. And they even had a lot more competitive advantages, won new customers, and entered new markets.

Advantages at a glance >Direct-to-substrate proofing > Fine print > Highly stretchable inks, no cracking > Motorized take-on unit for unattended operation (depending on the flexibility of media) > No media cost

Interior design proofing – harptic proofing 2.0 Nothing seems to be impossible: Today, many printing companies are printing on a very huge range of substrates and materials like textiles, wood, ceramics, etc. Even many components of the interior decoration sector like floor grounds, kitchen units, (garage) doors, or exterior wall panels.

To see the designs in advance of production, to touch and feel the structure of faux wood, even in this area proofs are popular. Flooring manufacturers are producing samples on demand which customers can take home to see if particular designs work in their home – without time pressure or the need to bring the samples back.

Haptic proofing has a new dimension here – this kind of proof really brings the structure of wood, stone, or other surfaces to live. They are achieved easily by proofing software that contains special features to cover the characteristics and requirements.

For more information click on the video links below https://youtu.be/GuzNqx-qR7Q https://youtu.be/hh4opkQDsSc https://youtu.be/_ARkljxh7y8

https://www.cgs-oris.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

45

https://fujifilm-gcb.info/FBNZ_Re

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

46 Gallus Labelfire Low Migration equipped with an additional UV booster enhancing the curing of Saphira Digital Labelfire UVLM inks at higher printing speeds

Food-compliant label production with the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration In an intensive development effort Gallus and Heidelberg engineers have further developed UV inkjet printing to enable the production of certified food-compliant labels with the Gallus Labelfire.

The low migration version of the Gallus Labelfire is designed to produce foodcompliant packaging in accordance with EU regulations and Swiss Ordinance. For this purpose, the joint Gallus/Heidelberg development team developed the Labelfire UVLM ink series, which is suitable for food contact packaging. The UV curing technology of Labelfire was also further optimized to improve the migration properties of the ink film.

“The Gallus Labelfire Low Migration represents a real innovation. Compared to the previous press, it makes no compromises when it comes to print quality, colour gamut and lightfastness of the inks”, says Uwe Alexander, Product Manager Digital at Gallus, describing the new digital press.

Thomas Schweizer, Head of Business and Product Management at Gallus adds: “Indeed! We call it innovation because, together with Heidelberg, we have achieved a new level of UV inkjet technology. This includes the

Saphira Digital Labelfire UVLM inks specially developed for the Gallus Labelfire are supplied in a practical bag-in-box system

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

47

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

48

formulation of the ink and a matching curing technology. This enables our customers to comply with the relevant EU regulations as well as the guidelines of Swiss Ordinance and Nestlé Guidance Note in order to produce food-compliant labels and packaging.“ Saphira Digital Labelfire UVLM inks A prerequisite for the food-compliant production of labels and packaging is compliance with the relevant legislation and, in addition, the specifications of distributors and brand owners. Labelfire UVLM inks therefore comply with the requirements of EU regulations No. 10/2011, No. 1935/2004, No. 2023/2006 (GMP), Swiss Ordinance, Nestlé Guidance Note and EuPIA guidelines.

However, the use of such inks alone does not guarantee automatic compliance with the migration limits required for certification of such labels.

The new curing system of Labelfire Low Migration An important production step takes place after inkjet printing with curing of the inks. In addition to the new ink series, the innovative machine system therefore also includes a highly effective UV dryer system to ensure optimum curing.

Directly after printing, the substrate is fed into a dryer with an inert chamber, which is flooded with nitrogen. The extensive exclusion of oxygen leads to optimised curing of the inks. An optional UV booster enhances curing of the Labelfire UVLM inks at higher printing speeds even at maximum production speed.

In addition to this new UV drying system, the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration is equipped with UV and oxygen sensors that measure production parameters. This supports

the quality assurance processes in label and packaging printing.

"We are proud to offer our customers a machine system that prints flexibly and efficiently, but furthermore it allows a very broad range of applications and thus also addresses various market segments. The Labelfire Low Migration is perfect for a successful entry into digital packaging printing for the food and pharmaceutical markets," Thomas Schweizer concludes.

Successful Labelfire Low Migration field tests Two Gallus Labelfire presses have already been producing food-compliant labels and packaging in line with legal requirements for the European market for months in a field test study. Since October last year, the Gallus Labelfire Low Migration has been sold on to customers as a series machine.

https://www.gallus.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

49

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

Just like you.

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

Direct. Dedicated. Digital.

Xeikon_CorporateAdv_210x297_EN.indd 1

24/08/17 09:45

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

50

Poor packaging recyclability fashion items online or by m - Consumers most concerned about harmful microplastics in the ocean – - New technology enables more environmentally friendly packaging When it comes to the environmental harm caused by plastic, 58% of consumers said it is plastic breaking down to microplastics in the ocean and harming wildlife which concerned them most. This was followed by plastics going to landfill (24%) and being incinerated and causing more pollution (12%).

Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer, Aquapak, comments: “It is two years since Fashion for Good published its report into the use of polybags in the industry and our research shows that the industry is still heavily reliant on single use plastic, despite the fact that consumers are increasingly concerned about the recyclability of packaging and where it eventually ends up.

“There are commercially available alternatives which have all the properties of plastic but can be disposed of easily without harming the environment. Such technologies are slowly being adopted by brands committed to sustainability, but this needs to be accelerated across the industry to achieve real change.”

New research with global consumers launched today reveals the majority (87%) consider the recyclability of the packaging of fashion items such as clothes, sunglasses and accessories bought online or by mail order is important when making their purchasing decision. Over half (52%) said that poor packaging recyclability puts them off buying items online or by mail order altogether.

The study was conducted by Aquapak, an innovative polymer (plastics)

producer, which enables multifunctional materials to be produced that are environmentally-friendly and meet the needs of the circular economy, without compromising functionality. The findings show that currently 28% of UK consumers buy one fashion item online each month, a further 15% buy two every month and 18% purchase three or four items each month. The majority (86%) said items they receive are usually packaged in some form of plastic.

Aquapak has developed HydropolTM, which enables packaging to be produced which is far better than single-use plastic. It is biodigestible, non-toxic, dissolves in water and is marine safe because it subsequently biodegrades, yet still provides the much-needed functionality required to ensure products reach consumers in perfect condition. Fashion brands such as Finisterre have already committed to adding to their sustainable packaging with a new innovative paper mailing bag concept, which combines enhanced end-user functionality with recyclability through its use of Hydropol.

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

puts consumers off buying mail order HydropolTM - all the benefits of plastic packaging but without the problems with recycling Aquapak has developed a novel biodegradable, non-toxic and watersoluble polymer called HydropolTM which is three times stronger than alternatives and is designed to be used in existing thermo-processing equipment, giving it a wider range of applications.

HydropolTM enables up to 100% paper/board recovery whatever the percentage packaging makeup.

The base plastic is currently used for dishwasher tablets, ingestible pill casings and soluble stitches.

HydropolTM‘s resistance to low temperature solubility and high barrier to elements adds functionality, providing a wider range of uses. It can be recycled, re-pulped, composted and is distinctively compatible with

anaerobic digestion. Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, HydropolTM – which

is non-toxic and marine safe - will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade, leaving no trace.

Blown film products commercially available and made from HydropolTM include garment bags, ESD bags, organic waste disposal bags and laundry bags for infection control. Its solubility makes it easy to separate from other materials, simplifying the confusing recycling options that exist for different packaging.

Extrusion coatings and laminates for paper/board applications are at customer production trial stage, including a number of home delivery and ecommerce applications, packaging for dried pet food, snacks, cooked meat and convenience food applications.

Other applications under development with customers and development partners include injection moulded parts such as golf tees, non-woven fibre for applications such as wet wipes and cellulose combinations for thermoformed trays.

51

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

52 Kaliswari Group opts for Fourth Polar 115 PF cutting Equipment Sivakasi-based Kaliswari Group has invested in fourth Polar 115 PF paper cutting equipment in a bid to strengthen its post-press operations.

A.P. Selvarajan, Director at Kaliswari Group, said, “The new Polar 115 PF cutting equipment will further enhance our commitment towards excellent delivery and just in time services to all our factories in need of labels, wick coverings and wrappers.

The Polar 115 PF is suitable for all standard cutting jobs. The cutting equipment is best suited for all the offset formats of 70x100 cm. With cutting width up to 115 cm, the intuitive cutting program enhance faster knife changes and shortest makeready times. The Polar’s positioning system comes with mechanical positioning accuracy of 1/1000 mm and renders greater cutting precision. The Polar is highly reliable for everyday production.

Selvarajan, added, “Like Heidelberg, we always prefer Polar cutting equipment, which is a perfect combination of quality and innovation. We used to cut thin paper stock for firework labels and even thin paper stock for cracker wicks with 100% precision, the touch screen operation is more user friendly for our operators” Kaliswari Group had an amazing run since its inception in 1923 as a match factory. Over the years, the

The Future of Flexo Plate Making + Improve plate print quality and consistency + Lower total cost of ownership + Reduce handling errors + Higher productivity

www.xsysglobal.com info@xsysglobal.com

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

53

SPEED UP YOUR PROCESSES with optical systems for UV curing and drying

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

54 Group grew strength to strength, and soon the company expanded its arms into fireworks. The Kaliswari Group manufactures and sells fireworks under reputed brand name “Cock”.

Other than the Pyrotechnic business, the company also owns educational institutions, transportation company, and hotels in Tamil Nadu.

which can lower the impact of printing with on-demand production while eliminating plates and cylinders.

The in-house printing division caters to the commercial and packaging needs of the fireworks and other businesses. Today, the Kaliswari group operates more than 30 factories and with an employee strength of 9,000 plus people.

RAQAM International Labels and Packaging Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of RAQAM Industries, has expanded into Pakistan

The nine-decade old print house has a complete display of pre-press, press, and post-press equipment including the Heidelberg Speedmaster CS 92 four-color press installed in 2015, first in India to bolster the printing division. The firm also has three Polar 115 cutting equipment, and Suprasetter A 106 CtP equipment with Prinect software including plate on demand.

HP’s Indigo digital press and Sun Chemical’s new solventless lamination solution SunLam Sun Chemical has collaborated with HP to launch sustainable flexible packaging produced with HP’s Indigo digital press and Sun Chemical’s new solventless lamination solution SunLam. Due to its fast-curing, ultra-low monomer and solvent-free properties, SunLam can help brands improve their sustainability and expand the circular economy.

As part of the partnership, Sun Chemical and HP developed standup pouches printed on HP’s Indigo 25K digital press using monomaterial polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) substrates, and laminated with Sun Chemical’s SunLam solution.

The all-PP pouch was certified by Germany’s Institute Cyclos-HTP after being successfully tested for a recyclability rate of 96%.

The PE and PP laminated structures were produced with HP Indigo using SunLam Adhesives ZA-1000+ZB-301

“By working together to deliver end to end solutions for HP Indigo customers, we are helping converters and brands grow their digital printing capabilities.”

on standard mono materials with lamination on the Nordmeccanica Super Simplex E-800 solventless laminator.

Pierangelo Brambilla, Product Director, Global Laminating Adhesives & Cold-Seals Sun Chemical, explained: “The close collaboration between Sun Chemical and HP Indigo is helping develop faster routes to market for flexible packaging. By combining HP Indigo digital printing with the fast-curing capabilities of Sun Chemical’s ultra-low monomer adhesive, without compromising the overall quality of the package – a new solution is now available to enable printers and brands to meet the most stringent food safety regulations.”

He added: “These are just two great examples of how mono material PE and mono material PP were used to show how the proper selection of lamination adhesives and coatings demonstrate the fast-to-market value proposition of digitally printed pouches while providing more sustainable packaging and consumer choice.”

Itai Shifriss, HP Indigo WW Supplies Business Director, commented: “HP Indigo has been collaborating with Sun Chemical for many years to provide innovative solutions to HP Indigo customers. Today, demand for sustainable packaging solutions is driving converters to digital printing

They have invested in a FLEXCEL NX Mid System from Miraclon, provided by local channel partner, DigiPrint Technologies. The packaging and label converter, based in Hattar, required a plate imaging and processing system that could produce both flexo (60%) and offset (40%) plates, and the FLEXCEL NX System’s hybrid option proved to be the only technology that could meet all their requirements.

“With two FLEXCEL NX Systems already installed at our production facilities in Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), we are familiar with the undeniable production, reliability, and quality benefits it delivers,” says Khalid Aziz Shah, CEO of RAQAM International Canada, KSA and Pakistan. “These systems have required minimal maintenance over the past seven years, ensuring excellent productivity and on-time delivery.

It also allows us to achieve solid ink density and higher line screens. And, with the added benefit of being able to use it as a hybrid system, it really was the only option for us as we enter the

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

55

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

56 label and packaging production market in Pakistan.”

Muhammad Irfan Siddique, Managing Director of DigiPrint Technologies, comments: “RAQAM International has firmly established itself in the global packaging and label industries in recent years, and we are excited to support the company’s expansion into the fast-growing packaging and labels market. With short-to-medium run volumes increasing, together with continued turnaround time pressures, the FLEXCEL NX System allows our customers to take advantage of the make-ready efficiencies, minimized downtime and reduced wastage it delivers while still achieving premium quality. I’m confident that RAQAM International will continue on their path of success with this investment.”

To support a complete digital workflow from print to finished product Box Genie, an on-demand e-commerce platform for corrugated packaging, has begun full production on the Highcon Euclid 5C digital converting system. The Highcon Euclid is installed at the Box Genie’s facility in Kansas City, MO to support a complete digital workflow from print to finished product. After less than two weeks following installation, Box Genie has already started full production.

Box Genie, founded by a thirdgeneration family-owned packaging manufacturer, began production in 2021 as an e-commerce packaging provider specializing in corrugated packaging for small to medium size businesses. The company specializes in custom mailer boxes of varying shapes, colors, sizes, and designs. Box Genie chose the Highcon for its ability to reduce tooling costs and shorten lead times without sacrificing quality.

“Box Genie was particularly interested in shortening lead-times to better serve small-to mid-size orders and meet our customers’ needs for custom boxes,” said James Beard, COO Box Genie.”

Highcon digital finishing allows us to increase throughput and cutting capacity as well as the ability to run custom boxes and displays and gang

multiple jobs to improve efficiency.”

In addition to expanding its capacity, Beard said that Box Genie expects to be able to go after new business as a result of the purchase. “We bought the Highcon because we wanted more capacity and shorter lead times,” he added. “We were very pleased with the Highcon installation process and the dedicated onboard and training staff.”

Highcon General Manager and VP Sales, Americas, Michael Ciaramella, said “It is our pleasure to welcome

Out

Box Genie to the ranks of our innovative customers, many of whom are experiencing the benefits of adding Highcon digital converting to their production capabilities. Streamlining the workflow and optimizing production with an end-to-end digital manufacturing process helps our clients stay ahead of the competition while adding incremental value to their customers. Box Genie is joining a growing group of customers that are leading the Web to Pack market transformation.”

2022 for the 2022 entry form coming next Month. Get your best packaging work ready to enter and win GOLD at this year's event....

Print Innovation Asia Issue 3 2022

57

www.cgs-oris.com

Quality improvement Environmental resistance Faster drying Eco friendly

Ink Saving is so much more than just reducing costs: It helps optimizing the entire production process. How?

Learn more

www.xeikon.com