PRESSIdeas May 2023 Issue

FROM THE EDITORS’ DESK

In talk with the World Packaging Organisation’s President, Luciana Pellegrino

Messe Frankfurt India and Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media join forces

KODAK PRINERGY Access now available worldwide

High-speed inkjet in a class of its own

FUJIFILM India installs Revoria PC 1120 at Megha Enterprises

Kohinoor Ribbon Factory cracks new dawn of colours with RICOH

Konica Minolta India installs AccurioJet KM1e at JB Khanna Pictures

Graphic India in Dimapur buys RICOH Pro 8300S

KODACHROME sets new standards in inkjet production printing

Impress Advertising Media upgrades with RICOH PRO C7200X

Monotech awarded multiple accolades from RICOH

Jodhpur’s Best Offset invests in RICOH PRO C7200X

FIG crosses 50 mark in Rhyguan equipment installation in India

Kodak acquires Graphic Systems Services

Hybrid machines are on the rise, and for good reason

VINSAK installs USAR 430 at UAE packaging producer

Scodix at LUXE PACK 2023

Doubling productivity in packaging production

Labelexpo Europe moves to Barcelona in 2025 .................................................................................................................................................................

Mark Andy Pro Series: Optimizing single pass pressure sensitive label printing

Flexo Image Graphics Annual Meet

BOBST acquires majority share in Dücker Robotics

43rd FINAT Label Competition 2023

Flint Group launches its PRISM sustainability framework

IntraPac India moves to India Expo Centre

Miraclon boosts flexo printing efficiency with UV Choice Printing launch

Malcolm Rae wins Global Achievement Award

Durst Group wins 3 EDP Awards at FESPA Global Print Expo

and Monotech Systems sign MOU

Jasmeet D. Editor & Publisher (jasmeet@pressideas.com)

Vineet K G. Associate Editor (vineetkg@pressideas.com)

Jasvinder S. Sub-Editor (jasvinder@pressideas.com)

Jacob George Marketing and Sales (jacob@pressideas.com)

M.S. Mukundan

Advertising and Sales Southern and Western India (aims@pressideas.com)

Graphic Designer Anil Kumar

Networking/ Hardware Consultant Sukhdeep Singh

USA Correspondents Tensi M., Preeti

European Correspondent Rimi, Yadhu Morphine

Production Thomas K Alex

Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. All material supplied is compiled from sources believed to be reliable or solely an opinion of the authors. PRESSIdeas is not responsible for any steps taken based on the information provided herewith.

FROM THE EDITORS’ DESK

Dear Readers,

Luciana’s extensive experience with ABRE will certainly be a crucial asset at WPO. Her vast career at ABRE built in governance and transparency and on the innovation mindset that largely involved analyzing the challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry from a broader perspective, beyond packaging. Luciana Pellegrino spent 26 years at ABRE – 20 years managing the Brazilian Packaging Association and representing ABRE at WPO´s board. She has recently been elected President of WPO for the period 20242026. We have an exclusive interview with the WPO President in this issue of PRESSIdeas.

Term ‘High-Speed Inkjet’ applies to the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press better than other presses. It is the world’s fastest web-fed inkjet press for CMYK production printing. It’s a perfect combination of turbo speed and flexibility, printing with an optimal combination of speed and quality. KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press is driving print’s transformation from traditional analogue to digital production.

Another innovation from Kodak is its innovative KODACHROME Inks that enable KODAK ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology to deliver offset-level performance. These inks enable presses using KODAK ULTRASTREAM Continuous Inkjet Technology to achieve high levels of colour rendition, image stability, and detail; besides acting behind the outstanding offset-quality of recent KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press.

The future lies in inline operation, especially for medium to long runs and a medium degree of finishing. Gallus One, a stand-alone machine, follows the hybrid DNA of the Gallus and contains the expansion capability to become an inline machine or hybrid digital flexographic printing machine. Hybrid machines are on the rise,

and for good reason – Dieter Finna discusses the three phases of development of the new hybrid solutions by Gallus.

HEIDELBERG unveils new Boardmaster at Interpack 2023. The new flexographic web printing system for high-volume folding carton production addresses key challenges of packaging producers. With a machine availability of up to 90 percent and a maximum printing speed of 600 meters per minute, it delivers double the productivity and thus dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership in industrial packaging production.

Mark Andy PRO Series fully servo-driven presses expand the long line of proven printing solutions. Designed to optimize single pass pressure sensitive label printing, the PRO Series delivers extremely low operating costs with a proven print station design, built-in sMArt link production monitoring system, and distinct features.

Flint Group’s PRISM sustainability framework includes a range of targets such as circular economy product development, reducing operational impacts, and building a diverse workforce.

Miraclon boosts flexo printing efficiency with UV Choice Printing. Available to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology users, UV Choice Printing opens opportunities for narrow web printers.

CECRI and Monotech Systems have signed MOU under which they aim to enhance additive manufacturing and foster the growth of local supply chains.

We have a series of Ricoh installations besides many other key installation stories. Find all this along with the regular news on events, technology, collaborations, acquisitions and much more.

- Jasvinder Singh, Sub-editor

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In talk with the World Packaging Organisation’s President, Luciana Pellegrino

Luciana Pellegrino has been elected President of WPO for the period 2024-2026. She shares the organizations key points and future plans.

Luciana Pellegrino’s professional journey has largely been a dedicated career in the packaging industry. Though she worked for an investment bank in Brazil before a brief stint at the American Chamber of Commerce; her career in packaging started in 1996 at Bryce Corporation in the USA for an internship. Her following 26 years were at ABRE – 20 years of them managing the Brazilian Packaging Association and representing ABRE at WPO´s board.

Luciana’s extensive experience with ABRE will certainly be a crucial asset at WPO. Her vast career at ABRE built in governance and transparency and on the innovation mindset that largely involved analyzing the challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry from a broader perspective, beyond packaging.

Key Notes :

> 26 years at ABRE – 20 years managing the Brazilian Packaging Association and representing ABRE at WPO´s board.

> Focused on structuring projects opened for the market aiming to build a positive impact to strengthen and foster the packaging industry.

> Exploring different innovation approaches and mindset and at the same time building a strong connection with the entire ecosystem.

Luciana has recently been elected as the President of The World Packaging Organisation (WPO). “I would like to thank so many packaging professionals and partners from all over the globe at this special occasion,” says Luciana while taking over her latest responsibility as the President of WPO. “It is indeed a great honour to become the first woman president of such a prestigious global organization. I am receiving so many massages daily that truly inspire and empower me for the great impact of this role,” she adds.

Throughout this journey I have always focused on making an impact, counting and embracing the support of peer packaging passionate professionals. In a nutshell, I have always focused on structuring projects opened for the market aiming to build a positive impact to strengthen and foster the packaging industry. Going beyond, exploring different innovation approaches and mindset and at the same time building a strong connection with the entire ecosystem.

Sharing her vast experience in the packaging industry, she continues, “This industry is so dynamic and continuously evolving that I can say each year has been different from another. There was consistency, continuity, hard work, proactivity, engagement, team work, transparency, governance, respect, friendship and fun for over 20 years.”

Of course the responsibilities with the new position are vast but Luciana has her focus areas well sketched. “Together with WPO members, the General Secretary and the executive team, I aim to continue and expand the excellent work that is being done and lead by Prof. Pierre Pienaar. Key highlights of first initiatives would be:

• strengthening the voice of the entity globally

• placing it more as a spokesperson for the industry in international forums

• be present at more events carrying our message

and sharing the references and content available

• expand strategic partnerships for projects of positive impact for the sector

• bring WPO closer to members by strengthening them and jointly offering knowledge exchange programs (such as a MasterClass for their members and market

• expand the focus areas of WPO, embracing innovation culture and ecosystems’, FMCG´s market + retail + supply chain dynamics, among others.

Luciana’s extensive experience with ABRE will certainly be a crucial asset for her at WPO in coming years. Her vast career at ABRE has been built in governance and transparency and on the innovation mindset. That largely involved analyzing the challenges and opportunities for the packaging industry from a broader perspective, beyond packaging. All these years, she attended different global conferences expanding her understanding on leveraging on strategic networking and ecosystems of platforms for strategies. “I intend to share all this knowledge at WPO and leverage it on a global level,” states Luciana.

When asked about key challenges before world packaging industry today, Luciana points out the superficial knowledge about packaging as the main concern. “While on my visit with my colleague Mrs. Soha Atallah, VP, Trade Shows and Awards, WPO, to Expo Dubai in 2021, I observed this commonly there. The information that flows among society about packaging is based on assumptions. Everyone talks about packaging but they know little about real issues with packaging and the packaging industry. At WPO we, along with our members will be focusing on redefining the cause of packaging before society and striving to expand the right information flow for packaging,” perceives Luciana.

“As WPO we understand that we have to empower WPO member organisations, national and regional ones to raise the voice on behalf of the packaging industry. It only can happen by collaborating with key strategic partners that have been joining efforts with us as UNIDO, international packaging tradeshows, packaging journalists, members of IPPO and magazines

among others,” she continues.

Luciana emphasizes the role that India can play in the growth of global packaging industry. “India is the largest populated country in the world, with huge challenges, huge opportunities, strong knowledge and capabilities in packaging and cutting-edge technology in place. The IIP – Indian Institute of Packaging is an important member of WPO, and with the support of Chakravarthi AVPS as a WPO Ambassador, we expect an active involvement of both to build the bridge between the packaging industry in India and other countries and to promote the exchange of knowledge and references. We can tell from the WorldStar Packaging Awards promoted by WPO that India is very well advanced in flexible packaging and cartons, among others. Only in 2023 we got more than 50 entries from the country, showing that the industry is investing in innovation and technology,” emphasizes Luciana.

All of WPO activities in India are being managed with the support of IIP. In May 2024 the WorldStar Packaging Awards ceremony will happen in Hyderabad, India, hosted by IIP and Chakravarthi AVPS.

WPO offers online Webinars via its Youtube account. There are numerous guidelines, position papers and trend reports available for download at www.worldpackaging.org. “When it comes to training programs, this is in fact one of WPO´s main areas of activity and it goes on in different countries aligned with the local members (for example IIP in India). At the same time, since the pandemic, WPO has been offering once a year an online packaging developing program, that is announced via WPO´s Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram.

The future of packaging –balancing the technology, sustainability and affordability aspects

Balancing the technology, sustainability and affordability is the only way possible for future of packaging, underlines Lucianas. “Sustainability is default; not only from packaging, materials and production perspective, but from our lifestyle as well. That means, it goes beyond packaging and embraces consumers’ behavior; municipality and its infrastructure for reverse logistics and recycling; and most of all, brands’

purpose focused on building a sustainable consumption chain,” she elaborates.

“When it comes to technology, we have to embrace technology - manufacturing through smart processes like Industry 4.0, flexible volumes and digital printing processes to cope with a more customized market and also to offer different experiences to consumers, and to cope with a more tailored supply chain. And last but not least, make sure the product is suitable to each consumer. That it comes with quality, functionality, information, safety and experience at an affordable cost,” further adds Luciana.

WPO supports its member organisations and global bodies as per WPO´s MOU with UNIDO to strengthen the industry in different regions. In addition, it creates packaging associations and awards where there is none. And those projects may start from a Government contact, with the aim to foster the privet sector.

Food safety – one of the key focus areas of WPO

One of the key topics for WPO is food safety. Luciana plans WPO to reinforce and share knowledge globally in this area: “Our General Secretary, Dr. Johannes Bergmair, PhD, CPP, is specialized in this field and we do have to foster food safety legislation, references and benchmarks on a global level. We will take a note on this!”

The packaging industry people can follow WPO in social media: Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram and access the organisation’s website to download many research articles and papers as well as attend online webinars. “Besides, our industry people can keep close contact with IIP that is a key and strategic body to foster the packaging industry in India,” concludes Luciana.

Messe Frankfurt India and Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media join forces

Messe Frankfurt India and Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media to now organise PrintExpo.

PrintExpo – one of South India’s popular and biggest trade shows focusing on the printing, packaging, signage and advertising segment, will now be organised by Messe Frankfurt India in collaboration with Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media. With 25+ years of experience in the Indian market, Messe Frankfurt India will further strengthen the position of PrintExpo by leveraging its intelligence, worldwide network, trusted brand name, operational excellence and streamlined processes developed domestically and internationally over the years.

The upcoming 13th edition in August 2023 will mark the first PrintExpo with the involvement of Messe Frankfurt India. Taking place in Chennai, the show is projected to evolve as a robust platform displaying cutting-edge technological innovations in machinery, processes and products, to meet the burgeoning demands arising from the e-commerce and economic developments. Printing and packaging solutions are the indispensable needs of every industry, except for those whose products and services are consumed digitally like the entertainment industry.

The industry is witnessing demand and shows signs of gradual progression basis recent reports. According to GlobalData, the Indian packaging market size in 2021 was USD 373.6 billion and is growing at a CAGR of 6% while the global packaging market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2022 to 2031, reaching USD 1.5 trillion. Looking at the commercial printing side, according to IMARC Group’s recent report –India is one of the largest markets in the Asia Pacific region. Its market size was at USD 33.2 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 41.6 billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% during 2023-2028. The push comes from fast-paced economic growth and e-commerce developments.

Expressing his vision on this collaboration, Raj Manek, Executive Director & Board Member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, said “We are pleased and prepared to

expand our Indian portfolio by entering into this strategic alliance with Showcase Trade Fairs and Business Media for organising PrintExpo. I think a medium like this unifies the Indian printing and packaging industry and offers a competitive edge to the SMEs exhibiting beside the global names in the field. It gives an equal opportunity to the SMEs aiming to expand their businesses, showcase the potential they bear and bring to the forefront the technovation happening across the layers of this industry. Messe Frankfurt India will boost the scale of this show by expanding its reach in terms of domestic exhibitors, expanding the visitor base to PAN India and offering international exposure and outlook. We are certain that our strong network of MediaExpo – which is interrelated to the category of PrintExpo will be a strong value-add to the new show.”

Ashok Neelkant, Managing Director, Showcase Trade Fairs And Business Media Private Limited, expressed his view by saying “I am delighted to have entered into a

strategic tie-up with Messe Frankfurt India, a global leader in organising trade shows. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey and opens up exciting new opportunities for growth and success. By joining forces with Messe Frankfurt India, we will combine our expertise, resources and industry knowledge to create a formidable synergy that will enhance our ability to deliver bigger, better and more dynamic PrintExpo.”

With its humble beginnings in 2009, the show has completed 12 successful editions, with the last three editions garnering an average of 10,000+ visitors and 150+ exhibitors for the show. The show is a magnet for press owners, commercial printers, vendors, publishers, packaging professionals, brand marketing managers, OOH advertising and media companies, creative and art directors, label-offset-screen printers, digital printers, graphic designers, photographers and videographers – who are only a few of the visitor profiles for PrintExpo.

KODAK PRINERGY Access now available worldwide

Provides full connectivity to ANY digital press as well as any on-premise third party or KODAK PRINERGY Workflow.

Kodak has announced the global launch of KODAK PRINERGY Access content management Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. Kodak has expanded its PRINERGY Cloud offerings to include an innovative browser-based solution enabling printers to streamline the file upload and approval process, putting their print buyers in control of file preparation from anywhere in the world. PRINERGY Access, previously announced as PRINERGY On Demand Access, provides full connectivity to ANY digital press as well as any on-premise third party or KODAK PRINERGY Workflow.

KODAK PRINERGY Access provides printers of all sizes with access to PRINERGY’s highperformance prepress and customer portal tools including Smart Review. PRINERGY Access allows customers of printing companies to upload, annotate, preflight, review and approve their files online.

The power of KODAK PRINERGY as an easily accessible SaaS solution

PRINERGY Access integrates seamlessly into any print production environment. It

includes Kodak’s industry leading Preflight+, color management, file management, backup, trapping, and routing software. The SaaS offering takes full advantage of the unexcelled versatility, dependability and security of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. PRINERGY Access enables printers to make use of the latest, most reliable IT infrastructure without the cost and

responsibility of maintenance and upkeep, while eliminating costly IT resources required for hardware and software upgrades or changeovers. Since PRINERGY Access has minimal network bandwidth requirements, using the system is simple and efficient for both printing companies and their clients. Another benefit for printers is that PRINERGY Access reduces prepress time and file handling, boosting productivity without the need for additional prepress staff.

“We are very pleased that PRINERGY Access is now available around the globe. It enables commercial printers of all sizes to easily benefit from our unmatched prepress and print automation and customer collaboration tools,” said Jim Barnes, Kodak’s Chief IT Implementation Officer. “Printers can use PRINERGY Access immediately without complex implementation, and without having to invest in the acquisition and maintenance of additional hardware or IT infrastructure.”

High-speed inkjet in a class of its own

KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press: driving print’s transformation from traditional analogue to digital production.

High-speed inkjet is considered a technology that can drive print’s transformation from traditional analogue processes – notably offset – to digital production, even far beyond short-run production. There is currently no other press on the market to which the term high-speed inkjet applies as much as the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press. With printing speeds of up to 410 mpm (1,345 fpm), it is the world’s fastest web-fed inkjet press for CMYK production printing and the perfect solution whenever bigger jobs need to be migrated from offset to digital. Kodak has designed the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press for high-volume production in several fields of application.

Turbo speed and flexibility

With over 1,600 KODAK PROSPER Inkjet systems in use globally and Kodak’s over 55 years of experience installing and commissioning inkjet systems, it’s an effortless transition for customers to digital.

Key Notes :

> Term ‘High-Speed Inkjet’ applies to the KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press better than other presses.

> It is the world’s fastest web-fed inkjet press for CMYK production printing.

> Perfect combination of turbo speed and flexibility – prints with an optimal combination of speed and quality.

The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press’s wide range of possible uses is largely due to its three print modes. They enable the press to print different applications with an optimal combination of speed and quality. Turbo Mode, with a maximum speed of 410 mpm (1,345 fpm), is appropriate for low ink coverage applications, such as transactional documents, direct mail solicitation letters and trade books. In this mode, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press is capable of reliably printing 34,835 B2 sheets per hour, perfected in full colour – nearly 35% faster than its nearest competitor. This means printers can achieve a correspondingly greater turnover with the press day after day. Performance Mode offers higher resolution and speeds of 300 mpm (1,000 fpm), making it ideal for

textbooks, direct mail and other medium ink coverage applications. Quality Mode delivers the highest resolution, the equivalent of 175 lpi (70 l/cm) offset, at the no less impressive speed of 200 mpm (650 fpm) and is just right for full-colour commercial jobs like direct mail self-mailers, brochures, catalogues and magazines. Thanks to its tremendous productivity in all three print modes, the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press delivers an excellent return on investment.

Operationally it is easy to change over the press from one print mode to another. After an initial setup for each mode, it is just a click on the press controller, the KODAK 800 Print Manager. This simple and fast switch is particularly advantageous for printers who frequently have to produce very different applications. The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press integrates seamlessly with PDF workflows, such as the KODAK PRINERGY Platform, for maximum efficiency. With Kodak’s colour expertise, the 800 Print Manager makes it easy to achieve superb colour and image quality right out of the box. An advanced object-oriented colour engine offers sophisticated colour control options, ICC profile support, object-independent screening options and text enhancement.

Two workhorses – same stable but a different focus

Naturally, the question of interest is: how the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press compares to the recently launched PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press in Kodak’s inkjet portfolio and what are the key differences

between the presses. Both are based on a Kodak continuous inkjet (CIJ) technology that generates a non-stop curtain of ink drops. The printing drops go directly onto the substrate and the non-printing drops are deflected and recirculated for reuse. Kodak’s continuous drop generation virtually eliminates clogged jetting modules and maximizes uptime and productivity of the presses. Other benefits of CIJ include that drops travel to the substrate faster than with Drop-On-Demand (DOD) technology, which targets them exactly for better quality.

PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press was designed for high-volume direct mail, commercial, transactional, and book printing, compared to the PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press which was designed for the highest quality applications such as brochures, catalogues, magazines, and full colour photobooks.

The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press utilizes KODAK Stream Inkjet Technology, which accounts for its exceptionally high speeds. The advantages of Stream result from the technology’s ability to control placement and dot uniformity extremely accurately at very high speeds. The PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press, on the other hand, uses the higherresolution KODAK ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology which allows the press to print with a quality on par with 200 lpi (80 l/cm) offset at speeds up to 152 mpm (500 fpm).

Flexibility in substrate types and sizes

The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press can print on a wide range of substrates from 42 to 270 gsm including uncoated papers, lightweight

publishing grades and matte, glossy or silk coated papers. The machine’s versatility and productivity are further enhanced by its ability to make optimum use of the available substrate size. For example, thanks to its maximum web width of 648 mm and print width of 621 mm, it can print A4 textbook pages in 3-up (3 copies side-by-side). Alternatively, the web width can also be used highly efficiently for 2-up production of A4 full bleed pages in short-grain format.

The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press’s eight intelligent near infrared (NIR) dryers – four for each side of the web – facilitate reliable high-speed production of jobs with high ink coverage on coated papers. The dryers are arranged in an inter-station configuration and can be adjusted according to the ink coverage. Together with Kodak’s lowhumectant pigment inks, this proprietary drying concept ensures efficient drying of the images even at high ink coverage and web speeds.

Lean operation, smart quality optimization

Among other things, a press’s costeffectiveness depends on how many staff are required to operate it. The PROSPER 7000 Turbo requires just one operator, who is mainly called on to start and monitor print jobs. Kodak’s patented, cameraaided KODAK Intelligent Print System (IPS) supports them here. IPS ensures peak output by continuously monitoring and evaluating system operation. It measures and optimizes stitching, colour-to-colour and front-to-back registration, making up to five real-time adjustments to the image data on

every printed page, and providing a visual monitoring system for operator inspection. As a result, the press offers reliable production with consistently high quality and minimal waste.

Free choice of pre- and postprocessing options

To enable fast and reliable production of print products, a digital press should integrate as seamlessly as possible with the print finishing stage. The PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press hosts an open architecture for preand post-processing options. Therefore, customers can work with a variety of vendors for unwinders/ splicers, pre-coating and post-coating units, rewinders and finishing equipment.

Whether a printer chooses an inline or nearline finishing solution depends on their individual requirements, job structure and the throughput capabilities of the available finishing equipment. As an inline configuration always carries the risk that printing will have to be stopped in the event of a technical issue in the finishing section, roll-to-roll production and utilizing offline or nearline finishing will maximize press productivity.

Decades of production inkjet experience ensures excellent start-up aid

Printers who have never previously used high-speed inkjet may need some assistance getting started. Kodak draws on more than 55 years of experience installing and commissioning inkjet systems for many customers transitioning to digital for the first time. More than 1,600 KODAK PROSPER Inkjet systems are being used successfully by printers around the world, which is why the company has vast experience with the use of its technology by customers in different industry segments. Kodak’s expertise in technology extends to service and training as well. A comprehensive learning and development plan is available to all PROSPER Press printers.

With smooth installation, efficient integration into a customer’s operational infrastructure and thorough operator training, Kodak’s service and support teams ensure that printers can rev up a profitable digital business with the PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press right away.

FUJIFILM India installs Revoria PC 1120 at Megha Enterprises

The next-generation machine integrated with a 6-station printer engine and option of 10 colours is a full production digital printing technology that fosters maximum quality and productivity.

FUJIFILM India paves the way into the heart of the digital printing space of the country’s capital, Okhla region, with the installation of its cutting-edge digital printing press Revoria PC 1120 at Megha Enterprises. Megha is one of the popular digital printing enterprises in the area and now with the Revoria press is offering a broad range of sizes with excellent print quality for fine art, media versatility, while optimizing costs with its innovative ‘tonerout’ model.

“The Revoria Press PC1120 is an advanced Toner Digital Press known for its unrivalled expressive power and its boundless spectrum of colour possibilities. It features a state-of-the-art 6-colour print engine and maintains its fast-printing speed of 120 ppm, even when using all 6 colours,” said Mr. Sri Prasad & Mrs. Anuradha Dayal – Proprietors, Megha Enterprises. They also added “This machine is best suited for all kinds of commercial jobs including books, photo and commercial. It also gives us the best ROI with its combination of machine life, additional colours and a “toner out” model. We can see that the market is growing for CMYK + Color jobs, which enables more value to be offered in the market. Some of our existing vendors are very happy with the quality.”

Accompanied by an impressive output resolution of 2400 x 2400 dpi, it produces prints that are exceptionally crisp and

intricately defined. This printing solution is devised with strong versatility features that support a wide range of media types and finishes accommodating various paperweights, sizes, and even banner sheets. Noteworthy features include the ability to create metallic effects with Gold and Silver underlay, access to pre-installed metallic colours, high-opacity White toner for printing on coloured stocks, and AI-based photo quality optimization. It is equipped with a high-performance print server, allowing it to support a wide variety of paper stocks and providing convenient feeding and finishing options to streamline the printing process.

Mr. Koji Wada, Managing Director, FUJIFILM India, cited the importance of advanced technological integration in digital printing and averred, “FUJIFILM India is always at the forefront of integrating innovation and latest advancements in the digital printing industry. We aim to provide printing machines that translate quality business to our customers and Revoria PC 1120 is equipped with state of art technology to aid that goal for those who want to excel in the digital printing business.”

Mr. Ajay Agarwal , CEO of Insight Print Communications- Distributors for FUJIFILM India Graphic Communications Products, commented “Fujifilm Revoria PC 1120 is the only press that gives a very strong

ROI for both the photo segment where the volumes are less and the requirement is very high quality and in the commercial printing segment where the requirement is high volumes at lower cost per print. It is also unique in its 10-colour option that opens up a huge opportunity with Media, designs and Applications.”

Mr. Priyatosh Kumar, Head of Division, Graphic Communications Business, FUJIFILM India, Graphic Communications Division, said, “There is no doubt that the way digital printing has revolutionized visual communication over the years, the transformation has been rapid with the intervention of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Revoria PC 1120 is one such game-changer in the industry which is playing a pivotal role in this advancement. The Press has certainly opened new avenues for creativity, handling various materials, and delivering exceptional quality. We are excited about this new install at Megha and wish him success.”

FUJIFILM India Graphic Communications Division is steadfast to bring forth the best global technology, complemented with effective and prompt local assistance through its distributors Insight print Communications to provide superior technology in the constantly evolving world of graphic communications.

Kohinoor Ribbon Factory cracks new dawn of colours with RICOH

Upgraded competency in delivering vivid colours and impressive textured media printability with the new RICOH Pro C7200X.

A household name in the world of ‘trim’ manufacturing, New Delhi-based Kohinoor Ribbon Factory offers high-end printed labels and accessorial products as per their client’s requirements. The company has upgraded its competency in delivering vivid colours and impressive textured media printability with the installation of a new RICOH Pro C7200X digital production press that has been supplied and installed by Monotech Systems, a one-stop solution provider for the printing and packaging industry.

Incorporated in the year 2004, Kohinoor Ribbon Factory has been a renowned player supplying and manufacturing printed & woven labels, tapes, heat transfers, hang tags, tag seals, ticket & barcode stickers, embroidery badges, etc. “Having been a leader and created a niche in the label industry over the last two decades we have made a tremendous contribution to the country’s label manufacturing and exports,” says Mr Vaibhav Maini, Director, Kohinoor Ribbon Factory.

Kohinoor Ribbon Factory has a state-ofthe-art production facility equipped with a huge portfolio of high-end machines and allied tools for label printing and production. The portfolio consists of Jacquard looms, Heidelberg offset press, Giussi Tulio button maker, Windsor & Kolsite extrusion solution machines, and the latest being the RICOH Pro C7200X, a highly advanced & versatile digital production press for short-run prints from Monotech Systems.

“We keep upgrading our machine portfolio with the constant updates of the latest machines and technologies. Our state-ofthe-art production facility as well as our competency in quality print production is the cornerstone on which we have traversed the road to growth and set ourselves apartfrom the market competitors,” asserts Mr. Maini, adding that RICOH Pro C7200X has brought a new dawn of print value, colours and embellishment for Kohinoor Ribbon Factory.

He continues, “Our first impression of the RICOH Pro C7200X from Monotech Systems

was its advanced and added features to Pantone colours and extend their colour gamut with neon colours.” Nevertheless, this RICOH digital production press is an ideal workhorse capable to gallop at the speed of 85 pages per minute (ppm). It can take up a broad range of stocks comprising coated, coloured, textured, and synthetic possibilities, up to 360 gsm.

“RICOH Pro C7200X is indeed a powerful digital production press capable to offer outstanding quality print innovations using special colours like white, neon and customised metallic colours. In fact, with these advanced and flexible features of the digital press we are now set to amaze our customers with new creative applications and effects,” tells Mr Maini. He further mentions that the new RICOH digital press

has redefined colours for Kohinoor Ribbon Factory to a new level.

RICOH Pro C7200X has revolutionised the overall capability of Kohinoor Ribbon Factory to pull off extensive innovative prints beyond the usual CMYK gamut. “The machine’s advanced features like the ‘fifth colour station’ for adding custom colours and special effects help us pull the attention of our customers. Some of our key customers include Tofs, Super Dry, Copper Oak, and Dressy Twenty4, to name a few,” says Mr Maini, adding that whether it is colour or substrate, Kohinoor Ribbon Factory understands the importance of getting things right with the right machines like RICOH Pro C7200X, from the right suppliers like Monotech Systems.

MrVaibhav Maini with RICOH Pro C7200X

Konica Minolta India installs AccurioJet KM1e at JB Khanna Pictures

The state-of-the-art AccurioJet KM1e Press to streamline production process and boost efficiency for JB Khanna Pictures.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions India has announced the installation of its AccurioJet KM1e Press at JB Khanna Pictures, the printing company known for its impactful visual communication production. This marks Konica Minolta’s latest addition of AccurioJet KM1e in the Indian market for the first time.

The KM1e LED UV inkjet Press is a stateof-the-art solution that utilizes advanced technology to provide high-quality prints on a variety of surfaces. With its speed, accuracy, and versatility, our machine is ideal for industrial and commercial applications, enabling companies to streamline their printing processes and improve their productivity.

Commenting on this special occasion, Mr. Katsuhisa Asari, Managing Director of Konica Minolta India, said, “It gives me immense pleasure to announce our collaboration with JB Khanna Pictures, and we are delighted to bring the AccurioJet KM1e to India. As a leader in industrial, commercial, and packaging solutions in the B2C segment, we understand the need for advanced printing technology, and our latest addition to the Indian market is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence.

We firmly believe that the AccurioJet KM1e will revolutionize the printing industry in India and streamline the processes for our Indian partners. With its speed, accuracy, and versatility, this machine has the potential to transform the way they approach printing and achieve their business goals more efficiently and effectively.

At Konica Minolta, we are committed to provide the highest quality products and services to our customers. We are confident that this collaboration will be a long and successful one, and we look forward to working closely with them to achieve their printing goals.”

To mark the installation of the AccurioJet KM1e, JB Khanna Pictures organized an on-site event at their Chennai facility on April 30th, 2023. The event showcased the advanced capabilities of the machine, emphasizing its potential impact on their business. Attendees were treated to a demonstration of the state-of-the-art technology, which left them impressed and inspired. Overall, it was a successful event that highlighted the benefits of this cuttingedge solution for industrial and commercial printing needs.

JB Khanna Pictures pioneers in the application areas of religious pictures, images of national leaders, Sceneries, and variety of wall décor designs. Company operates with more than 5000 active dealers PAN India and number is growing. Company takes pride by stating that every house in India will have minimum one picture printed at JB Khanna Pictures.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Rajesh Khanna, Director, JB Khanna Pictures, said, “We are pleased to announce our partnership with Konica Minolta for our printing needs. As a printing company that values innovation and quality, we are excited to have found a like-minded partner in Konica Minolta.

The AccurioJet KM1e is the machine that has already shown great promise in revolutionizing the printing industry. We are thrilled to see the benefits it will bring to our production process, enabling us to deliver even more impactful visual communication to our clients.

We are confident that our partnership with Konica Minolta will be a fruitful and longlasting one.”

Graphic India in Dimapur buys RICOH Pro 8300S

The RICOH Pro 8300S answers their desperate search for a high-speed monochrome production press for high-volume black and white jobs.

Monotech Systems, authorised RICOH distributor in India, expanding its installation base of RICOH digital presses further is covering even far-flung tier-II and III cities. The recent installation by the company is a RICOH Pro 8300S black and white digital production press at Graphic India in Dimapur, Nagaland.

Graphic India in Dimapur is an old and popular reprographic shop located strategically on the city’s busy uptown PWD Road. Recalling the early days of the shop, Mr Suresh Bilala, Proprietor, of Graphic India, narrates, “My shop is 27 years old. I started it merely as a stationery shop installed with a Xerox machine for photocopy service.” He mentions that he coined the name ‘Graphic India’ only after they started indulging in digital printing with a Konica Minolta AccurioPress.

On choosing the new RICOH Pro 8300S black and white digital production press from Monotech Systems, Mr Bilala says that they were desperately looking for a highspeed monochrome production press for a high-volume black and white job. “Our quest for the machine ended when we embarked upon the RICOH Pro 8300S, which Monotech Systems supplied to many other reprographic shops in the region.”

He continues, “RICOH Pro 8300S is an ideal press for crisp black and white print documents we supply to government offices, private companies, students and others all over Nagaland and some parts of neighbouring Assam. We are quite satisfied with the uninterrupted productivity of this compact production digital press. Following the installation of this RICOH production press, we are now really capable to boost both production speed and production volume.”

When it comes to features and competency, RICOH Pro 8300Soffers a superb resolution of 2400 x 4800 dpi and capable to run at the speed of 96 pages per minute (ppm). This digital press can print on lightweight to heavyweight stocks up to 350 gsm. It can also take up diverse stocks such as NTR,

synthetic media and oversized sheets.

Backed by a team of 12 printing and production boys, Graphic India is a cosy commercial printing corner for customers rushing from all over Dimapur and other towns of Nagaland. “Most of our customers are from Dimapur, Kohima and some neighbouring towns of Assam, such as Karbi Along, Golaghat, Diphuand others. Students from schools, colleges and vocational training institutes from these towns of Nagaland and Assam also form a major chunk in our client list,” says Mr Bilala.

Mr Bilala mentions that RICOH Pro 8300S boosts the business

of Graphic India to another level. In addition to this production machine, he emphasises that they are happy to be partnered with Monotech Systems whose after-sales support is very swift as they immediately attend us whenever we call them.”

MrSuresh Bilala with RICOH Pro 8300S

KODACHROME sets new standards in inkjet production printing

Innovative KODACHROME Inks enable KODAK ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology to deliver offset-level performance.

Kodak sets new standards in inks for inkjet production printing with its new KODACHROME Inks. These inks enable presses using KODAK ULTRASTREAM Continuous Inkjet Technology to achieve high levels of colour rendition, image stability, and detail. KODACHROME Inks play a major role in helping the recently launched KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press, which utilizes ULTRASTREAM Technology, deliver outstanding offset-quality print at high speeds covering a broad range of applications.

A new dimension in colour vibrancy and consistency

KODACHROME Inks provide exceptional vibrancy and colour consistency on a wide range of substrates. The secret lies in Kodak’s proprietary pigment micro-milling process, which creates pigment particles that are typically less than 50 nanometers with a very narrow size distribution. Competitive pigment milling processes cannot approach these levels.

The finer pigments created by this unique process result in faster ink drying times and very thin dried ink layers. This means less scattering of light, richer and purer colours with extraordinary vibrancy, and wider colour gamut without sacrificing image permanence. KODACHROME Inks produce a 95% larger gamut volume than SWOP (web offset) and a 39% larger gamut than GRACoL (sheetfed offset). Because these properties mean the inks require less laydown to achieve outstanding colours, they help reduce the running costs of the inkjet press.

KODACHROME Inks make continuous inkjet more sustainable

The water-based, low-humectant KODACHROME Inks are more sustainable than conventional solvent-based inks. They do not contain PVC or phthalates, making them safer for people and the environment. Together with Kodak’s proprietary range of printable water-based optimizer agents (primers), KODACHROME Inks can be used for printing on practically any substrate. The

optimizer agents improve ink receptivity, ink adhesion, rub resistance, and image quality on most types of paper, plastic, and film.

“Kodak has been pioneering inkjet production printing for 56 years, and our new KODACHROME Inks are designed to deliver outstanding print results and maximize productivity and value for our customers,” said Jim Continenza, Executive

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kodak. “KODACHROME Inks, together with our highspeed ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology and optimizer agents, create efficient digital solutions for cost-effective printing of a broad range of applications. This enables customers to shift more work from traditional printing processes such as offset to digital, opening up new opportunities for increased revenue and profits.”

Impress Advertising Media upgrades with RICOH PRO C7200X

“We are now empowered to increase our production speed and colour print quality.” – Mr. Movva Hari Babu, Impress Advertising Media

Guntur based gains growth Guntur-based Impress Advertising Media has upgraded its production setup with the addition of a new RICOH Pro C7200X digital press to its existing machine portfolio which consists of another RICOH Pro 8310 and others. The RICOH production digital presses at the company’s production setup are supplied and installed by Monotech Systems.

Since its establishment in the year 2001, Impress Advertising Media has incarnated into different avatars of printing. In this respect, Mr. Movva Hari Babu, Proprietor, Impress Adverting Media, recalls, “We started our printing business two decades ago as a digital large-format or signage printing shop cum a newspaper classified ad agency at Arundelpet in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.” He adds, “Following the growing market trends and new developments in the sector, we eventually switched to commercial printing.”

When Impress Advertising Media worked for a handful of reputed local and national newspapers, namely, The Hindu, Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi and others, they came to know the fact that demands for commercial printing from their clients get growing. So, a commercial printing division was

unveiled with the installation of a line of digital presses, including a Konica Minolta Bizhub Press C1060 and a RICOH Pro 8310, backed by a team of around dozen printing professionals including two graphic designers.

“Though we have been the user of RICOH Pro 8310, which is merely a black & white cut-sheet press, we had the feeling to add yet another advanced and versatile RICOH production digital press in our portfolio for sharp and high-textured colour graphics,” mentions Mr Babu. He continues, “After that, we decided to get one from Monotech Systems whom we know well and trust for their products and cooperative after-sales support. This is how we purchased the production workhorse—RICOH Pro C7200X Graphic Arts Edition.”

Mr Babu further says, “Our purchase of the advanced RICOH Pro C7200X with white ink tonner option has changed the way we used to work earlier. We are now empowered to increase our production speed and colour print quality. Our growth trajectory is now pointed at capturing additional high-end photo album printing for customers from different parts of Andhra Pradesh.” Main

applications which at Impress Advertising Media have been enhanced to another level using the RICOH Pro C7200X including coffee table books, photo albums, pamphlets, brochures, etc.

RICOH Pro C7200X is an ideally engineered digital press to create vivid colours in offset quality. It can run at the speed of 85 ppm (pages per minute) and can print on a range of media stock up to 360 gsm. “We have an ambitious motto saying ‘You imagine. We print!’ Now, we can convert this slogan into reality using the RICOH Pro C7200X,” asserts Mr Babu.

If harnessing greater efficiency in high-end graphic printing is the main objective of Impress Advertising Media using the new RICOH digital press from Monotech Systems, Mr Babu says they are now pulling up their sleeves to exploit the capability of the press. “If it was not the combination of advanced features of the digital press and dedicated support from Monotech Systems, we might have never achieved what we garner today in the domain of commercial printing,” he concludes.

Monotech awarded multiple accolades from RICOH

Monotech Systems garners multiple awards from RICOH, acknowledging exceptional achievements.

Monotech Systems, manufacturer and one-stop solution provider for the printing and packaging industry has been awarded multiple accolades from RICOH, the global imaging and printing technology expert.

The prestigious awards received by Monotech Systems underscore the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. These achievements not only validate Monotech Systems’ expertise but also reinforce its position as a trusted industry leader.

The awards received are in the following categories:

• Top Achiever Award - Production Printing Sales

• Elite Achiever Award - Solution Sales

• Star Achiever Award - Overall Sales Revenue

The recognition from RICOH serves as a testament to Monotech Systems’ relentless pursuit of delivering unparalleled solutions and services to its esteemed clientele. The awards highlight the company’s ability to consistently surpass industry standards and address the evolving needs of the printing and packaging industry.

“We are immensely proud to be honoured with multiple awards from RICOH,” said Mr Tej Prakash Jain, Managing Director of Monotech Systems. “These accolades are a testament to our team’s dedication, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We are grateful to our valued customers and partners for their trust and support, as they have played an integral role in our success.”

Monotech Systems has established a reputation for its innovative technologies, including digital printing presses, digital enhancement, label printing, wide-format printing, packaging solutions, largeformat printing, and 3D printing systems. The awards from RICOH further validate the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new industry benchmarks.

As a leading player in the printing and packaging industry, Monotech Systems remains focused on exceeding customer expectations and providing exceptional aftersales support. The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction has been a driving force behind its consistent growth and success.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to RICOH for recognizing our contributions to the industry,” added Tej Prakash Jain. “These awards motivate us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation and deliver even more advanced solutions to our customers. We are committed to further strengthening our partnerships and maintaining our position as a trusted leader in the printing and packaging sector.”

Monotech Systems expresses its sincere appreciation to RICOH for these prestigious awards. The company looks forward to continuing its partnership with RICOH and further enhancing its offerings to cater to the evolving needs of its customers.

Jodhpur’s Best Offset invests in RICOH PRO C7200X

The new digital press enhances the print quality and creative art elements in Best Offset’s marketing materials.

Best Offset in Jodhpur is one of the foremost commercial printing corners in Rajasthan with a state-of-theart production facility equipped with complete lines of pre-press, press and post-press machines and equipments. The company has upgraded the facility with the addition of a new RICOH Pro C7200X digital press from Monotech Systems, machine manufacturer and one-stop provider of printing and packaging solutions.

Incorporated in the year 2016, Best Offset is known for being a provider of complete printing solutions under one roof. The pre-press portfolio of the company consists of a BasysPrint CtP digital imager for conventional offset plates and Fuji Violet CtP plate machine; and the line of offset presses in the facility includes Komori Lithrone 540, Heidelberg MOV, RMGT-760, and RYOBI 3304 HA; and the post-press division is equipped with a range of advanced finishing equipments folding machines and perfect binders.

“With this highly versatile RICOH digital production press, we are prepared to exploit the advanced features and competency of the machine to produce unconventional graphics which stand out amid the crowd,” Mr. Rehan Khan, Director, Best Offset.

Mr. Khan adds, “Our facility is equipped with almost all machines and presses for offset, label and large-format printing. AstroJet digital large-format printer in the portfolio is for vinyl printing for signage and display graphic applications as well as T-shirt and other garment prints. In addition to our capability to produce whole gamut of

applications, our newly adopted RICOH Pro C7200X has fuelled us to boost the digital printing power.”

RICOH Pro C7200X is a highly versatile digital press with the 5th Color printing capacity. In this respect, Mr. Khan says, “This new RICOH digital press in our facility is indeed a highly stable machine for premium quality print production at high speeds. It can run at a speed of up to 85 ppm and can print on a variety of substrates up to 360 gsm with the segment’s highest resolution of 2400 4800 dpi.” He adds that this digital press has enhanced the print quality and creative art elements in Best Offset’s marketing materials like brochures, business cards, fliers & leaflets, and so on.

With a team of 55 highly experienced printing and graphic designing professionals, Best Offset maintains highest standards of printing, which combines with affordability and quality in equal measures. “We do

our best to satisfy our customers, who are predominantly from Rajasthan, and they are a mix bag containing almost everyone. The list consists of local publishers of magazine like My Home Interior & Design,” mentions Mr. Khan. Best Offset can also be profiled as printer of journals, notebooks, calendars, certificates, etc.

“If you can think it, we can ink it,” says Mr. Khan, putting it rightly to convey the capability of Best Offset following the adoption of the new RICOH Pro C7200X. This robust digital press has triggered them to take up new commercial printing projects with special colour gamut and on a variety of substrates. When it comes to printing with ‘special colours’ on heavily textured stocks, Mr. Khan says the credit for such accomplishment must also go to Monotech Systems, which not only delivers the RICOH Pro C7200X but also the support and guidance they provide to utilise the press efficiently and cost-effectively.

FIG crosses 50 mark in Rhyguan equipment installation in India

With prominent label convertors opting for Rhyguan, Flexo Image Graphics installs more than 50 Rhyguan machines in the country.

Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), an Indian representative of Rhyguan Machinery has announced more than 50 installations of Rhyguan equipment in Indian market.

Label convertors JD Printers, Amba Multiprint, Monarch Graphics, Zircon Technologies India, Screen Land Print India, Unick Fix-A-Form & Printers, Wonderpac, Uniglory Packaging Industries, Jain Transfer Products, Coats & Pack, Graphic Color Pack, Pioneer Arunachalam Packaging and many more to come.

“The overwhelming support and feedback we received have been fantastic. Thanks to the exceptional quality and performance of Rhyguan products, we successfully installed over 50 units in the Indian market. It’s gratifying to see the industry’s increased focus on post-production.” Mr. Gourav Roy, MD, FIG

Key Notes :

> Installed at JD Printers, Amba Multiprint, Monarch Graphics, Zircon Technologies India, and Screen Land Print India.

> Unick Fix-A-Form & Printers, Wonderpac, Uniglory Packaging Industries and Jain Transfer Products.

> Coats & Pack, Graphic Color Pack, Pioneer Arunachalam Packaging and many more.

“Mr. Gourav Roy, Managing Director of Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), expressed his satisfaction with the response from the Indian market regarding their new product. He stated, ‘We approached the Indian market cautiously, but the overwhelming support and feedback we received have been fantastic. Thanks to the exceptional quality and performance of Rhyguan products, along with the relentless efforts of our team, we successfully installed over 50 units in the Indian market. It’s gratifying to see the industry’s increased focus on post-production. We are immensely grateful to the Indian label fraternity for their unwavering support.”

Mr. Ankit Mehta, Amba Multiprint, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, says, “We have invested in a couple of Rhyguan finishing machines—Rhyguan Smart 330 &450 and Rhyguan Top 450 from FIG. The machines are exactly what we were looking for. We have taken the right decision to add such machines to our postpress division. The Rhyguan Smart 450 and Rhyguan Top 450 slitter rewinders are economical machines in European standard with unique features like high precision inspection system. The machines are our perfect choice for rigorous rotary die cutting and finishing. We are always in pursuit of such machines because we maintain a standard to meet the need of our valued clients like Marico, ITC Group, etc.”

Mr. Sahil Chopra, Director, MBR Flexibles, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, says, “Over the last 50 years we have been the provider of most cost-effective, durable and sustainable packaging solutions to different market clusters which primarily include food & beverages. We have two production units located side by side—one is quite new, barely one year old, designed for label printing and production. We are setting up a machine portfolio for this new unit with the installation of some standard printing and finishing tools and machines. Our recent installation

of a Rhyguan Smart 330 slitter rewinder in the unit is very much a part of the process. We are very thankful to FIG for their help and this versatile Rhyguan machine in our new venture. We have bought a pre-owned Mark Andy 2200 press too.”

Mr. Deepan Samarth, CEO, Sai Paks India, Pune, Maharashtra, says, “One primary reason for us to choose Rhyguan Smart 450 slitter rewinder is the machine’s cost effectiveness. This finishing machine is really economical when we compared it to others in its class. We would rather say ‘very economical’ and we don’t need to worry about ROI. Apart from its cost-effectiveness Rhyguan Smart 450 has the required features which every standard slitter rewinder must have. Its 100 percent offline inspection system, optical camera, workflow, final report editing… we are quite satisfied with these features. After all, a big thanks to all-time supportive Team FIG.”

Mr. Arun Tenzing, Director, Pioneer Arunachalam Packaging, Chennai, says, “Our relationship with FIG started when we invested in a Mark Andy label press from them. We are quite satisfied with the machine and the way they provide us highly

committed after-sales service. That’s why we went to them for the second purchase—a Rhyguan Smart 450 slitter rewinder. This finishing machine is indeed a ‘smart’ system with advanced features like inspection (100 percent offline). So far, we are quite satisfied with this finishing machine and overall service and support we receive from the technical team of FIG whenever we need their help. We bought first Rhyguan Plus 420 equipped with semi/full rotary die cutting; hot foil stamping; silk screen printing; hologram registration and other features.”

Flexo Image Graphics (FIG) is a prominent

Kodak acquires Graphic Systems Services

Kodak strengthens Inkjet capabilities – improves ability to reliably develop and deliver leading-edge inkjet solutions.

Kodak has acquired Graphic Systems Services Inc. (GSS), a leading provider of web inkjet press transport systems and other print-related components and engineering services. The acquisition reflects Kodak’s ongoing investment in digital print technology, giving the company greater control over its supply chain for inkjet press components and additional engineering expertise as it seeks to expand its growing portfolio of inkjet presses.

Kodak recently showcased its new KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press at the Hunkeler Innovationdays print industry event. Powered by Kodak’s proprietary ULTRASTREAM continuous inkjet writing system, the PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press rivals offset by providing breakthrough image quality (comparable to 200 lpi offset) at production speeds (152 mpm).

GSS is a longtime Kodak vendor, providing leading-edge transport systems for the KODAK PROSPER Press line, including the KODAK PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press and KODAK PROSPER 7000 Turbo Press. GSS is located in Springboro, Ohio, near Kodak’s inkjet design and manufacturing hub in Dayton, Ohio.

“Having an in-house source of transport systems and additional expertise from an industry leader like GSS will immediately make our inkjet business stronger and more sustainable,” said Jim Continenza, Kodak’s Executive Chairman and CEO.“As business conditions continue to be challenging, now is the time to control our own destiny and mitigate supply chain risks to ensure reliable delivery of presses to our customers. Looking forward, our ability to leverage GSS’s skills and resources will be extremely valuable as

equipment & solutions provider for labels production and post production. FIG represents multiple overseas machines manufacturers include Eson, Luster, Mark Andy, Kluge, Presstek, Rhyguan, Rotoflex, and Maxcess, which are all represented by FIG in India, Bangladesh, Srilanka and East African countries.

FIG has installed more than 520 machines at more than 310 customers since its inception in 2000. A team of 27 professionals ensures smooth operations and 12 are after sales service engineers.

we continue to focus on expanding our inkjet portfolio and providing completely integrated inkjet solutions.”

“Over our 20 years of working together, we have developed a very close working relationship with Kodak,” said Dan Green, President and CEO of GSS. “Our employees are enthusiastic about Kodak’s decision to acquire GSS. Our portfolio of inkjet transport systems and other components, along with our manufacturing expertise and engineering consulting services, will help Kodak further strengthen their position as a leader in inkjet technology.”

Hybrid machines are on the rise, and for good reason

Dieter Finna discusses the three phases of development of the new hybrid solutions by Gallus.

Since reliability and speed of printing are no longer limiting factors, these are now in fact driving the development of hybrid digital flexo presses. For Swiss press manufacturer Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG it’s confirmation of the inline concept that they have always pursued. The company says that now, when developing new hybrid solutions, it builds on three phases that have shaped its digital development.

today’s market, the Gallus Labelfire is used equally for labels, folding cartons and special packaging. Having reached this stage, the company can look back on three development phases that it has gone through in the design of hybrid machine systems.

Phased development of digital printing

The future lies in inline operation, especially for medium to long runs and a medium degree of finishing. Gallus One, a stand-alone machine, follows the hybrid DNA of the Gallus and contains the expansion capability to become an inline machine or hybrid digital flexographic printing machine.

Key Notes :

> The first (innovation) phase involves the challenge of integrating inkjet printing into a hybrid digital/flexographic printing system.

> The second (stabilization) phase focused on the camera-based “Vision System”.

> At the start of the third phase in 2022 Gallus focused on innovative “ease of use” concepts.

Looking back at the design of Gallus presses, the production of labels and packaging in a single pass is in the DNA of the St. Gallen-based press manufacturer. This did not change even when electrophotographic digital printing processes and production methods with stand-alone machines made their way onto the label printing market.

The basis of current hybrid solutions

Gallus brought a hybrid digital flexographic printing system onto the market when it first entered the field of digital printing, with the Labelfire in 2016. In the years that followed, it underwent significant further development and is now used by high-performance users in 24/7 continuous operations. The demands of brand owners in the tobacco sector have significantly shaped the development of machine systems. In

The first phase, which Gallus describes as the innovation phase of digital solutions, involves the challenge of integrating inkjet printing into a hybrid digital/flexographic printing system. The starting point for development was the initial lack of performance consistency of inkjet, compared to conventional processes. This made it necessary to integrate improved print head technology into the machine concept. With their integration, Gallus then succeeded in significantly expanding the process window in which inkjet print heads function reliably.

Due to a lack of existing solutions on the market, Heidelberg/Gallus decided in 2019 to carry out numerous in-house developments, which heralded the stabilization and thus the second phase of its hybrid digital flexographic printing system. The focus was on the camera-based “Vision System” for artifact compensation and the associated development of

necessary algorithms to counteract detected errors such as missing nozzles and density unevenness in solid areas.

A major leap in print quality was also achieved by lowering the print heads nearer to the substrate, which significantly increased the jet accuracy of the ink droplets. The lowering of the heads, in turn, prompted the installation of an automatic splice detection system using sensors, in order to trigger an increase in the distance between the print heads and the substrate at short notice, when splices were detected in the web, and to protect the print heads from damage. This phase is generally referred to at Gallus as the period in which the company implemented fundamental development steps that led to stable, continuous operation of the hybrid printing systems, and ensured the company a leading position in the elimination of process errors.

Backed by the established Labelfire technology, at the start of the third phase in 2022 Gallus focused on innovative “ease of use” concepts. Developments that simplify digital printing and take the strain off operators – an increasingly important aspect, particularly in the age of a shortage of skilled workers. This included the further development of the “Vision System” into a highly automated variant with which a test chart can be printed between each job and not just manually once a day, as is usually the case. This automated solution provides the operator with quick assistance when “weak nozzles” occur, which only become apparent during day-to-day operations. Their direct elimination affects the print quality through the greatest possible process stability and consistency.

Greater user-friendliness and standardisation are also achieved by cleaning the printheads in a fully automated cleaning process, for which the operator can additionally activate an ultrasonic cleaning step. In practice, this design solution has proven itself to such an extent that physical contact with the printheads is no longer necessary during the cleaning process, and the cleaning principle is proving to be groundbreaking for standardised cleaning of printheads.

The fixed installation of the print bars and print heads also contributes to user-friendliness. Permanently mounted

printheads minimise the need for servicing and, thanks to this lower maintenance requirement, lead to significantly higher machine availability and thus an increase in productivity.

In general, all these design solutions are based on a high degree of automation with defined standards that enable the efficient integration of digital printing into hybrid machine systems.

The conventional influence on hybrid printing technology

But it is not only digital printing that has gained in performance for hybrid press solutions. In parallel, the conventional basic/ carrier press side has also evolved and its level of automation has increased in favour of user-friendliness. A press pre-set, for

example, enables a job to be set up quickly by retrieving all press setting data from the job file. Among other things, format length and format length correction, substrate data with substrate type, web thickness and width, and web transport settings with web tension and web stretch are all pre-set.

The automation also includes longitudinal and cross register presetting, which does this for each printing unit on every job, as well as permanent register control and regulation during the run. This is a real convenience feature that frees the press operator from this otherwise constant monitoring task over the entire run.

With “web-to-web” control, sensors measure the distance between the specially designed register marks and react very precisely and

Forcleaning,thecleaningboxeswithfloodcleaningandultrasoniccleaningunitsmoveunderthefixed printheads.(Source:GallusFerd.RüeschAG)

quickly to deviations in the print image/ register that may occur, for example, due to substrate tolerances. Since the press automatically adjusts the register as soon as the register marks are in the catching area, this mode of operation contributes significantly to avoiding and thus saving waste.

Hybrid is on the rise

If you look at the increase in performance in digital printing on the one hand and the

higher degree of automation of conventional press parts on the other, this can be put together to form a coherent picture in the construction of hybrid systems. The market is currently witnessing an increase in the development of new hybrid digital flexo presses as well as digital presses with inline finishing and/or flexo units, even if various finishing processes such as screen printing, hot foil stamping, digital foiling and digital varnishing still somewhat slow down the inline process.

Depending on the order structure, the future often lies in inline operation, especially for medium to long runs and a medium degree of finishing. In this situation, it is not surprising that the Gallus One, recently presented as a stand-alone machine, also follows the hybrid DNA of the St. Gallen mechanical engineering company and contains the expansion capability to become an inline machine or hybrid digital flexographic printing machine.

VINSAK installs USAR 430 at UAE packaging producer

Precise and efficient finishing processes for EPI with the VINSAK’s cutting edge finishing machine USAR 430.

Emirates Polystyrene Industries (EPI) was first established in 1988 in Dubai, UAE. Increasing demand for plastics in the dairy and ice cream industries coupled with the need to produce eco-friendly durables spurred EPI into making high-quality plastic packaging products.

A wide range of operations and impeccable quality has made EPI one of the pioneers in the UAE and GCC markets, being the leading manufacturers of plastic rolls from basic raw material to finished products required by a plethora of industries. Recently, VINSAK has installed a USAR 430 at EPI.

Working with VINSAK has been an incredibly customer-centric experience for EPI. “From the moment we engaged their services, they demonstrated a deep understanding of our printing and packaging needs and a genuine commitment to our satisfaction. Their team went above and beyond to ensure that our requirements were met with precision and timelines,” says Mr. Rajan Antony, General Manager at Eva Labels.

EPI has enhanced its production capabilities by installing the VINSAK USAR 430, a cutting-edge finishing machine. The VINSAK USAR 430 is perfectly complemented by its high-quality features and functionality. This modular Universal Slitter & Re-winder operates on a fully servo-driven system, equipped with Inline Die Cutting, Pneumatic Unwinders and Rewinders, a Razor slitting system, Dual Rewinders, and the ability to slit a wide range of material from 12-micron films to 450 GSM boards.

With the integration of the VINSAK USAR 430, EPI can now achieve precise and efficient finishing processes for labels, ensuring superior quality and meeting diverse customer requirements.

VINSAK is a supplier of printing and packaging solutions in India, Africa, and the Middle East.

Scodix at LUXE PACK 2023

Reveals how high-end packaging can be more sustainable at the show.

Scodix exhibited at LUXE PACK this month, on booth E04. As part of the show’s 20th anniversary, Scodix was involved in three experiential events at the show, helping brands to tap into the latest packaging innovations to enhance the customer experience. Scodix also focused on sustainability at the show following the recent publication of its Lifecycle Assessment results.

As part of LUXE PACK’s ‘Exploratorium’ gallery, Scodix showcased a luxury packaging sample decorated with its SHD (Smart High Definition) technology – which allows the finest clarity and delicate details for eye-catching results. Scodix was also on the ‘Lightning Lane’ tour which took place both days of the show beginning at 11:15 am allowing visitors to get a whistle-stop tour of the newest technologies and products at the show.

Scodix’s third experiential event was on the main stage, as part of a panel discussion entitled ‘Pack to the Future’. The panel comprised four participants: Mark Nixon, Global VP of Sales and Marketing for Scodix, Brian Saputo, CTO and President of Seacliff Beauty, Inger Heinke, Sales Director of Billerud, and Richard Einhorn, Business

Development Director of Crane Authentication.

Nixon brought his expertise on the power digital embellishment brings to the future of packaging to the panel and how Scodix’ latest software development, SHD (Smart High Definition), can contribute.

April Lytle, Regional Marketing Manager for Scodix North America states, “Scodix has such incredible tools and messaging to help brands reach levels of luxury and customization that hasn’t always been possible economically before now. Scodix embellishment really can revolutionize the consumer experience, and yet also delivers an economic and sustainable process.”

Back on booth E04, Scodix discussed its LCA results, which concluded that Scodix technology reduces CO2e (CO2 equivalent) by 85%, fossil fuel usage by close to 85%

Scodixshowcasesluxurypackagingsamplesdecorated withitsSHD(SmartHighDefinition)technology

and water consumption by 80% per B1 sheet in print runs from 1 to 100,000, in comparison to traditional hot stamp foiling. As such, Scodix is supporting responsible brands who strive to make less impact on the environment, whilst increasing the impact of their customer experience.

Scodix participated at LUXE PACK from May 10–11th at the Javits Center, located near the Hudson Yards district in New York.

Doubling productivity in packaging production

HEIDELBERG unveils new Boardmaster at Interpack 2023.

Heidelberg is unveiling a world premiere for the growth segment of high-volume folding carton printing with the completely new HEIDELBERG Boardmaster. This flexographic web printing system with a machine availability of up to 90 percent and a maximum printing speed of 600 meters per minute delivers double the productivity and thus dramatically reduces the total cost of ownership in industrial packaging production. As the global demand for packaged goods continues to grow, packaging and label printing is experiencing structural growth, making it an important core segment for HEIDELBERG.

“With the world premiere of our HEIDELBERG Boardmaster, we are responding to key customer challenges in the packaging market – cost pressure, the skills shortage, and the need to optimize productivity and sustainability,” says HEIDELBERG CEO Dr. Ludwin Monz.

Interpack 2023: New flexographic web printing system for high-volume folding carton production addresses key challenges of packaging producers.

Key Notes :

> Brand corporations increasingly using more sustainable option of folding cartons.

> Heidelberg underlines leading role in packaging market.

> First systems already installed at sites of large packaging customers.

HEIDELBERG has unveiled the Boardmaster at Interpack 2023, from May 4-10 in the German city of Düsseldorf. Interpack is one of the world’s leading trade shows for the packaging segment.

Flexographic printing is now the number one

technology in the packaging market and is continuing to benefit from the globally stable and significant growth of packaging and labels. It is already being used to produce some 15 percent of the total folding carton volume and this proportion is continuing to increase, with flexo folding carton printing volume exhibiting above-average growth of 2,4 percent in packaging printing.

Brand corporations increasingly using more sustainable option of folding cartons

International brand corporations in particular are looking to combine printing quality with ever greater sustainability and recyclability across their entire packaging portfolio, and they are increasingly moving away from plastic. In the food sector, plastic is still the dominant packaging material by some margin. According to a recent study by Smithers, however, the proportion of fiber-based packaging made from materials such as board and paper will overtake plastic in the medium term and assume the top spot with a proportion of over 40 percent. The new HEIDELBERG Boardmaster is especially suited to the food and beverage sector’s folding carton applications, which are becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to a growing global demand

for packaged products.

HEIDELBERG Boardmaster reduces total cost of ownership in high-volume folding carton production

“The HEIDELBERG Boardmaster enables industrial packaging producers to significantly reduce their operating costs. With its numerous benefits for customers, the Boardmaster also provides an attractive alternative for many users who have so far opted for VLF – very large format – sheetfed offset printing,” says Christian Steinmassl, who is in charge of the Packaging segment at HEIDELBERG.

The Boardmaster was developed completely

from scratch at the HEIDELBERG competence center for high-volume flexo folding carton printing at the company’s Weiden site in Bavaria.

• Development work was carried out in close collaboration with international packaging customers and factored in their key challenges – cost pressure, the skills shortage, and the need to optimize productivity and sustainability. The first systems have already been installed.

• The solution is designed to dramatically reduce industrial packaging customers’ total cost of ownership.

• Each print deck has two print units. While one unit is busy with production, the second one is being readied for

the next print job. Depending on the configuration, a machine availability of up to 90 percent is possible in production.

• The printing speed is up to 600 meters per minute, which corresponds to around 38,000 print sheets in format 6 (sheet width 148 centimeters) per hour.

• Substrates with grammages of between 70 and 800 grams per square meter can be processed.

• Depending on the postpress concept (reel to reel, reel to sheeter, or reel to die cutter), it is possible to avoid losing any time during production.

• The HEIDELBERG Intellimatch prepress scanner safeguards printing quality, also ensuring the print decks are adjusted correctly and fully automatically.

• Conserving resources is a key focal point:

• Less than ten meters of paper waste per job change

• Far higher energy efficiency as a function of productivity than in offset printing

• Recovery of warm air that is generated

• Using water-based inks improves the material’s recyclability

• High investment security is ensured, as the system’s modular design means users are able to grow in line with market requirements and adapt the relevant machine configuration to changed market conditions.

Labelexpo Europe moves to Barcelona in 2025

The label industry’s leading show builds on its Brussels success to move to the Fira heralding the next phase for Labelexpo Europe’s growth.

Tarsus Group, organizer of the Labelexpo Global Series, has announced that Labelexpo Europe will move from its current location at Brussels Expo to Barcelona Fira for the 2025 edition. The move does not affect the upcoming Labelexpo Europe 2023, which will go ahead as planned at Brussels Expo 11-14 September.

The move to Barcelona in 2025 comes after extensive consultation with label industry stakeholders and takes advantage of the excellent facilities both at the Fira venue and in the city of Barcelona.

“The benefits for both our exhibitors and visitors in moving Labelexpo Europe to Barcelona are clear,” said Jade Grace, portfolio director at Labelexpo Global Series. “We have reached maximum capacity at Brussels Expo, and the Fira heralds the next phase for Labelexpo Europe’s growth. The bigger halls promote an easier flow of visitors around the show and the infrastructure lends itself to the technical needs of our exhibitors. The modern halls are equipped with a ventilation system to continuously replenish the air and the fast, complimentary wifi can link up to 128,000 concurrent users. There are extensive catering options and the venue has a strong commitment to green energy

and sustainability – the Fira has over 25,000 solar panels installed on the roof.”

Fira de Barcelona is well situated for convenient access to the city of Barcelona with its world-class hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities. Barcelona offers more than 40,000 hotel rooms, estimated to be double that currently available in Brussels. Hotel block booking with discounts has already been confirmed by the organizer.

The venue is a 15-minute drive from the international airport and is located on two metro lines, for those travelling to the show by car there are 4,800 parking places on site.

Christoph Tessmar, director Barcelona Convention Bureau, commented, “We are grateful to Labelexpo for choosing Barcelona for their flagship show! We look forward to hosting such an important event in 2025. All city partners will help in making the event a huge success. We welcome the labels and package printing industry to Barcelona!”

Commented Lisa Milburn, group director of Tarsus, “We will always look back with fondness at the years we spent in Brussels, where Labelexpo grew into the worldleading exhibition it is today. The move to

Barcelona will build on that heritage and gives Labelexpo Europe the room it needs for future growth. The amazing Fira de Barcelona venue, and the commitment of Barcelona City to make the show a success, will ensure that Labelexpo Europe continues to hold its place as the world’s leading event for the labels and package printing industries.”

Quotes from the industry:

“For decades Labelexpo has been the clock for the label industry. Working closely with Tarsus has helped BOBST to shape the future of the Label industry. The move of Labelexpo 2025 to Barcelona, a prime location, is a sign that Tarsus want to further reinforce its positioning as the place to be. We are looking forward to attending the event in 2025.” - Matteo Cardinotti, GM and Global Head, BOBST Narrow-Wide-Web

“Times change along with the requirements of visitors and exhibitors, and I have to say Gallus are delighted that Labelexpo Europe is moving to the Fira in Barcelona in 2025. Barcelona is a real destination city with excellent transport links, and the facilities at the Fira exhibition centre are outstanding, with a commitment to sustainability. This signals a new period in the history of

Labelexpo Europe – the industry is evolving rapidly, and so is Gallus. We feel we are in step with the Labelexpo team in embracing this new change and direction, and look forward to heralding this new era with our long-term partners in growing and supporting the labels and package printing industry together.”

- Dario Urbinati, CEO, Gallus Group

“We’re excited that Labelexpo Europe is moving to Barcelona - a modern Expo center in a vibrant European city. We are looking forward to meeting and connecting with our customers and partners across the industry in Barcelona in 2025.”

- Nataliya Malhanova, Director Innovation & Marketing Communication, Labels and Packaging Materials Europe, Avery Dennison

“As a Belgian national I will have to get used to no longer being able to visit this event in my own backyard. However, as the current FINAT President, and as an active participant and visitor of the Technical Seminar, I have come to value the city of Barcelona as FINAT’s second home, with meanwhile 10 events that our association has organized there, right across the road from Fira exposition centre. From this experience, I am convinced that Barcelona will be a worthy successor of Brussels. I thank my home town for its hospitality of the international community over the past nearly 40 years, and wish our new hosts from Catalunya all the best in staging Labelexpo Europe for the years to come.” -

Phillipe Voet, President, FINAT

“I am very happy with this great news. I think it is right for Labelexpo to change and it gives a sign of novelty and modernisation towards the world of printing, which is constantly changing. I can’t wait to be at Labelexpo in Barcelona, and start a new chapter. See you in Barcelona!”

-Nicola Lombardi, Marketing Manager, Lombardi Converting Machinery

“ABG has been a strong supporter of Labelexpo Europe since its earliest days in Brussels, and we have watched the show grow there into the global success it is today. That chapter will come to a close with the move to Barcelona in 2025, which will give the industry a chance to make a fresh start and build on the successful Brussels years. ABG believes this is the correct decision and we are greatly looking forward to presenting

our automation solutions and other new developments at the fabulous Fira venue.” -

Richard Knight, Chief Executive Officer, AB Graphics

“When Grafotronic learned Labelexpo Europe will move to Barcelona in 2025, we immediately thought this was a good decision. The Fira exhibition centre provides all the facilities and transport links we need to grow the Grafotronic brand and present our new automated solutions to a global audience. We know the city of Barcelona well and can confirm it is an excellent destination for hotels with great places to network with our customers. We are certainly looking forward to 2025!” -

Mattias Malmqvist, Vice President, Grafotronic Printing Machines

“The Labelexpo series of trade shows has been and continues to be the pinnacle event for the label industry each year. Domino is proud to be associated with these exceptional trade shows, and as Labelexpo Europe continues to grow and expand into new markets, we look forward to being in Barcelona in 2025.” - David

Ellen, Global Divisional Director, Domino Digital Printing

“The relocation of Labelexpo can be the spark to bring a whole new generation on board. The label industry has always been about re-inventing itself with creative solutions – this change should bring an acceleration of new people to the show, a reach into different regional markets, inspiration for new applications and as

such fuel growth. It is bittersweet to see a departure from our home country Belgium, who has been home to Labelexpo Europe for almost 4 decades, but this change allows growth and this should be welcomed if the exhibition is to grow to the next level. Barcelona Fira provides all the space and facilities for that to happen, while the city itself is a great destination and major

attraction for our global visitors – especially from Latin America.” - Filip Weymans, VP Marketing, Flint Group Digital

“Over the years, we have appreciated Brussels as the location for Labelexpo Europe, and we have held many fantastic events here that will forever be a part of Nilpeter’s history. However, sometimes

change is necessary, and in a time when customer experience and visitor expectations are constantly being raised, we believe that now is the right time for renewal to continue the development of Labelexpo Europe. We look forward to participating in Barcelona in 2025 and writing the next chapters in the history books”. - Jakob Landberg, Sales Director, Nilpeter

“We have always trusted the Labelexpo team to provide an experience supportive of both suppliers and converters. This shift to a more modern venue with ample services to support our advancing technology needs and room to grow with us as an industry further reinforces that commitment.” - Greg Palm, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Business Development, Mark Andy

“I think Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona is a great opportunity for the entire European and Mediterranean printing market. A choice that I share and support, which allows Labelexpo to grow further and bring a necessary novelty to the industry.” - Marco Calcagni – OMET Sales & Marketing Director

Mark Andy Pro Series: Optimizing single pass pressure sensitive label printing

Flexo and digital printing technology innovator Mark Andy, has developed a new class of fully servo-driven presses that expands the long line of proven printing solutions. Designed to optimize single pass pressure sensitive label printing, the PRO Series delivers extremely low operating costs with a proven print station design, built-in sMArt link production monitoring system, and distinct features that reduce operating costs and improve profit margins.

PRO Series embraces the award-winning attributes of the Mark Andy Performance Series with economics and efficiency in mind. This modular and flexible platform has been enhanced for pressure sensitive label applications and is available globally.

PRO Series is CE certified and configured and built to modernize the pressroom floor, driving efficiencies for shorter run work in larger operations and allowing small and medium label businesses to find a clear

path to operational improvements. It is an easy-to-operate machine for both seasoned operators and new trainees and can help overcome today’s labour challenges. From the ground up, PRO Series maximizes waste savings and drastically reduces set-up/ changeover times.

The modular Mark Andy PRO Series carries future value for adopters of the technology, as well. The system is designed and built as

an upgradeable flexo-to-hybrid solution. PRO Series possesses the ability to upgrade to a digital hybrid label press using Mark Andy Digital Pro MAX technology with the unique ability to run left to right to a right to left web paths.

The new PRO Series flexo press will be featured live at Labelexpo Europe, Sept. 1114, 2023, at Brussels Expo. Visitors will have the first up-close view of the platform and will feature LIVE demonstrations daily.

Flexo Image Graphics Annual Meet

FIG focuses on the future plans and after sales services at the Annual Meet.

Flexo Image Graphics (FIG) recently organized its annual meet at its head office in New Delhi. The three-day event, held from May 8-10, 2023, provided a platform for the company’s employees, partners and customers to connect and share experiences.

FIG represents several overseas brands for printing and post-printing operations, along with consumables for India and the neighbouring countries. These include Eson; Luster; Mark Andy; Kluge; Presstek; Rhyguan, Rotoflex and Maxcess.

Gourav Roy, Managing Director, FIG, says, “The FIG annual meet each year is a celebration of togetherness, where we discuss various aspects of business and market situation. We focus on activities, such as team building, training and cultivating ideas keeping the market trends and needs. I am very proud to say that we work as a strong joint family helping each other grow and develop. Our main focus has been service, and this year, we decided to add more resources to increase our standards.”

Referring to the increasing input cost, Mr. Roy adds, “To ease the challenges for converters, FIG will soon launch training programs for operators. This will include their theoretical and hands-on training. We will also be focusing on the efficiency and productivity improvement of the existing assets for converters.”

“The annual meet is a great opportunity for us to connect with our colleagues, partners,

and customers. It’s a platform where we can share our experiences and learn from each other, which helps us to improve our services and products,” says, M Suresh, Technical Sales Manager, FIG.

Established in 2000, Flexo Image Graphics is a prominent player in the label industry, with a strong customer base of over 310 in India and many other countries including Bangladesh, Srilanka and East African countries.

BOBST acquires majority share in Dücker Robotics

Bobst Group SA has acquired 70% of the equity of Dücker Robotics s.r.l, a global player in use of robots in both loading and palletizing in the corrugated board sector and folding carton industry. The current management team of Dücker Robotics will remain in place.

The acquisition will help BOBST fulfil its vision for the future of packaging production where the entire packaging production line will be connected and much more automated.

The synergies between both companies will enable the development of novel solutions and approaches that meet the current and future needs of BOBST’s clients. With this acquisition BOBST is confident to further accelerate its leadership in printing and converting. The agreement closed on April 28th, 2023.

“In an era where converters are facing

higher demands than ever due to the booming global demand and specifically in e-commerce market, while simultaneously facing challenges in shortages of manpower, automation has never been more important for our clients. Dücker Robotics s.r.l.

has 20 years of proven leadership in the development of robotic systems for the most sophisticated converting machines, and we are very excited to see what we can achieve together,” said Jean-Pascal Bobst, CEO of Bobst Group.

43rd FINAT Label Competition 2023

FINAT celebrates the excellence of the label industry at European Label Forum.

The principal awards were presented on 31 May at the Awards Ceremony moderated by Vlad Sljapic during the FINAT European Label Forum held, this year, in Vienna.

The number of entries this year was slightly down compared to 2022 (222) with 212 entries from 47 companies and 23 countries worldwide. Austria comfortably led the number of countries entering with 44 entries followed by Turkey with 20 entries. The highest number of entries by category was again led by Wines (49), Alcoholic Drinks (32) with Cosmetics and Sets of Labels drawing for 3rd place (16). The number of entries using digital printing technology as their main process remained fairly static at 108.

Group Winners

The label industry continues to go from strength to strength building on the encouraging, buoyant results of 2022.

The FINAT Label Competition retains its popularity and is edging towards its 50th anniversary.

The expert technical judging panel included Tony White (Chairman), Murat Sipahioğlu and Steve Wood aided by Steven de Cleen from Proud Design Agency viewing the entries from a marketing perspective.

The winner of the Marketing/End-Uses Group was Ҫiftsan Label & Packaging Company, Turkey for Mustafakaya Miracle Rose Water. This is a bright and busy label printed using digital technology, and lots of reflective elements giving the label an extra boost. It scored highly from a marketing perspective, “giving a very nice balance of colours, details and enrichments”. Printed on a metallic based film in five colours the added value of varnish, embossing and holographic hot foil all combined to produce a label worthy of the Group award.

Taking the Group award for the Printing Processes Group was also Ҫiftsan Label & Packaging Company, Turkey for Shaik

The winner of the Non-Adhesive Applications Group was Kimoha Entrepreneurs FZCO of the United Arab Emirates for Bird’s Color Sleeve.

For the final group Innovation & Electronic Printing the winning entry was entered by Schreiner Group GmbH & Co. KG from Germany for Film-Based Cover with Pressure Compensation Seal.

A special Judge’s Award was given to Lebone Paarl Labels from South Africa for Neil Ellis West Coast.

L9

World Label Awards 2023

It is planned to reinstate the L9 World Label Awards competition this year with the judging taking place during Labelexpo Europe which is being held in Brussels in September (10-14). The best winning entries from the past three L9 Associations domestic competitions including FINAT will be selected for entry to this prestigious international label competition.

Platinum Love Chloé Body Mist.

Flint Group launches its PRISM sustainability framework

Outlines plans to reduce environmental impact under new sustainability framework.

Flint Group’s PRISM sustainability framework includes a range of targets such as circular economy product development, reducing operational impacts, and building a diverse workforce. Plans include Flint Group’s recent commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with the company reducing carbon emissions in line with the 1.5°C scenario set out in the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Matthew Rowland-Jones, Sustainability Officer at Flint Group, said: “As the focus on climate change grows, brands seek packaging and label formats which are more sustainable to support their objectives. In today’s highly competitive market, printers need confidence that their vendors can help them lead in sustainable packaging via responsibly sourced, sustainable materials.

“Flint Group’s new PRISM framework does just that – with a new set of targets and KPIs, we’re outlining how we will pave the

way for even more sustainable products. But more importantly, this framework will see us overhaul our business. PRISM lays the groundwork for transformational change, from reducing waste to caring for and diversifying our workforce. We look forward to delivering this change and seeing the results.”

In the same way a glass prism separates white light into different colours, the company’s PRISM framework breaks the complexity of sustainability down into three essential parts: Products, People, and the Planet. It is designed to embed sustainability into the business, focusing on the most critical issues affecting the organisation, its customers, and its stakeholders. Specifically by designing products for the circular economy, helping customers be more efficient, and lowering the carbon footprint of its core products.

Steve Dryden, CEO of Flint Group, said: “For

IntraPac India moves to India Expo Centre

IPAMA announces venue change for upcoming IntraPac India exhibition.

IPAMA (The Indian Printing Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association) has announced a venue change for the upcoming IntraPac India exhibition. Due to the unavoidable circumstances and some technical reasons, IPAMA has decided to shift the event to India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, NCR Delhi.

IntraPac India, an exclusive exhibition focused on the Packaging Industry, will now take place at India Expo Centre from 14th to 17th March 2024. This premier event will showcase a wide range of packaging solutions, machinery, and allied products, including plastic packaging, metal packaging, glass packaging, paper packaging, filling, capping, sealing, biodegradable packaging, protective packaging, automation and robotics, tube packaging, mono cartons, pharmaceutical packaging, traceability & tracking, logistics, film, moulding, and many more.

In light of the venue change, IPAMA has revised its rates and is offering exhibitor spaces at a highly economical price to packaging companies. This move aims to encourage participation from a larger number of MSME Units in the Exhibition. The rates for subsequent editions will also be reviewed and adjusted to ensure greater affordability.

IPAMA has reserved four halls, covering a total area of 14,000 square meters, at India Expo Centre. Within just one month of the exhibition announcement, 48 companies have already confirmed their participation and secured their spaces.

To incentivize early registration, IPAMA has introduced an Early Bird Discount of Rs. 1000/- Per Sq. Mtr. The last date to avail of this discount is mentioned on the official website. Furthermore, exhibitors will also be eligible for a special motivational discount, subject to approval by IPAMA’s governing

Flint Group, it is essential that our inks and coatings be integral to the packaging circular economy. With PRISM, our commitments become clear – to innovate, and to reduce the environmental impact of our products, the footprint of our business, and that of our customers. Importantly, to invest in our people, building a diverse workforce who can support these objectives.

“The targets contained within PRISM are ambitious, but ambition is what our industry needs if our sustainability goals are to make a real difference to the planet.”

council committee. Additionally, membership discounts will be provided based on the tenure of membership.

IntraPac India at India Expo Centre provides a platform for industry professionals to explore the latest trends, innovations, and business opportunities in the packaging sector.

Miraclon boosts flexo printing efficiency with UV Choice Printing launch

Available to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology users, UV Choice Printing opens opportunities for narrow web printers.

Miraclon has recently launched UV Choice Printing, enabled by advanced plate surface patterning technology and specifically tailored to increase printing performance for label and other UV flexo printed narrow web applications. Available to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology users, UV Choice Printing offers both narrow web printers and trade shops the opportunity to:

Increase print performance and stability across a wider range of printing conditions.

Supporting a range of substrates including foils, uncoated and coated labels, UV Choice Printing optimizes UV ink transfer and increases ink density by up to 15%, minimizing the need for troubleshooting quality issues on press, and delivering better reproduction of solids, fine lines, crisp bar codes and text at lower ink volumes.

Decrease press set-up times by 5-20%.

UV Choice Printing simplifies and decreases press set-up times by up to 20%. It enables presses to come up to colour faster, while delivering results in a wider variety of press conditions thanks to the increased latitude offered with lower volume anilox. It also maximizes print productivity and quality when using older equipment or less experienced press operators.

Reduce plate imaging time by up to 50%.

In pre-press, UV Choice Printing maximizes efficiency by cutting imaging times thanks to optimizing the surface area to be imaged (compared to imaging without advanced plate surface patterning), enabling pre-press operators to cut imaging time in half.

UV Choice Printing for labels and narrow web printers

“FLEXCEL NX Technology is specifically designed to address inherent flexo complexities and costs, from pre-press to on-press, to achieve the efficiencies, print performance and productivity users need,” comments Reid Chesterfield, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Miraclon. “This flexible approach allows our customers to continue using the flexo plate technology they trust and benefit from, without the need for new hardware to take advantage of our newest innovations while offering forward and backward compatibility.”

“UV Choice Printing is the simple choice to enhance label and other narrow-web application printing. It addresses the key concerns and challenges our customers are telling us they’re facing, allowing them to continue pursuing better productivity and efficiency across a wider range of print conditions and applications to maximize their savings.”

Accessible through KODAK FLEXCEL NX Print Suite for Narrow-Web

Narrow-web printers and trade shops utilizing FLEXCEL NX Technology can subscribe to UV Choice Printing through FLEXCEL NX Print Suite for Narrow-Web, a fully integrated platform to optimize print performance features for the FLEXCEL NX System.

Subscribers benefit from immediate access to new features and innovations for narrowweb applications as they become available, and Miraclon’s field applications team can provide expert implementation assistance and training, platemaking audits and tools that help maximize the benefits.

Also included: PureFlexo Printing

- now available for water-based

ink applications

Building on the widespread success customers have experienced with PureFlexo Printing since its introduction in 2021, FLEXCEL NX Print Suite for Narrow-Web subscribers will also gain access to the latest advancement of multi award-winning PureFlexo Printing to control unwanted ink spread in printing of water-based ink applications. Already proven in solvent ink on film applications, it utilizes Miraclon’s advanced plate surface patterning technology to reduce press stoppages for cleaning, and now enables better print quality for water-based ink used in paperboard applications such as tags, labels, folding cartons and disposables. PureFlexo Printing brings a wider operational window regardless of line screen, with compound savings from fewer unscheduled press stops each day, reduced downtime and delays, and faster colour setups.

Malcolm Rae wins Global Achievement Award

GEW founder recognized for his unique contribution to the narrow web industry’s transition to UV curing and more.

Malcolm Rae has been announced the winner of this year’s Global Achievement Award, which recognizes an individual who has made a key contribution to the promotion and growth of the label industry and has been a high-profile industry influencer and motivator. The Label Awards judging panel commented, ‘Malcolm Rae is a worthy winner of the Global Achievement Award. This recognizes his unique contribution, through GEW, the company he founded, to the narrow web industry’s transition to UV curing and to the subsequent technological development of the UV curing industry.’

Malcolm Rae founded GEW in March 1991, creating what was to become the largest supplier of UV curing equipment to the narrow web label industry worldwide.

Over a 35-year career, Rae helped enable the transformation of label printing from primarily water-based to majority UV ink by forging long-lasting preferred supplier relationships with almost every major printing machine provider in the narrow web industry.

Still family owned, GEW employs 150 people worldwide, at three UK manufacturing sites and two satellite offices, with sales, service

and distribution serving over 60 countries. A chartered mechanical engineer, Rae holds 21 international patents covering GEW’s key products, including the ubiquitous E2C, which is installed on 30,000 label print stations globally.

His inventions helped pioneer the commercialization of many, now commonplace, UV technologies such as UV cassettes, electronic power supplies and exclusively air-cooled lamps. More recently Rae steered GEW towards a strong focus on UV-LED curing, making the lamps exchangeable with arc UV lamps to help converters make the transition to UV-LED technology.

Rae is renowned worldwide as an expert on UV curing, having presented, exhibited and lectured at label associations, shows and conferences over his 35 years in the business. Under his stewardship GEW has won a number of label industry awards and the Queen’s Award for Export.

Rae is also held in high regard as a leader, role model and mentor to many people across GEW and the industry.

The judging panel consisted of Philippe Voet, president of FINAT, Tim McDonough, TLMI Chairman, Chelsea McDougall, editor of Labels & Labeling, Greg Hrinya, editor of Label & Narrow Web, and Jean Poncet, editor of Etiq & Pack. The judging panel was chaired by Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director of the Tarsus Labels & Packaging Group.

The award will be presented at a gala awards evening on the first day of Labelexpo Europe 2023.

The Label Industry Global Awards were created in 2004 to celebrate innovation and excellence within the label and print packaging sector. The Awards ceremony alternates each year between Labelexpo Europe (Brussels) and Labelexpo Americas (Chicago). The 2023 Awards will take place in Brussels in September.

Durst Group wins 3 EDP Awards at FESPA Global Print Expo

Wins the awards for P5 Robotics, P5 350 HSR and Durst Workflow Software.

Digital printing and production technologies manufacturer Durst Group has won three EDP Awards at the Fespa Global Print Expo in Munich, Germany. The EDP Awards are the most prestigious awards in the digital printing industry and are presented by a consortium consisting of 21 European trade magazines for innovative solutions.

The Durst Group won the awards for P5 Robotics, P5 350 HSR and Durst Workflow Software. P5 Robotics is the next level of automation for flexible and continuous production cycles with long run times. At the heart of P5 Robotics is the P5 350 HS D4 hybrid printing system, whose feeder/stacker unit is formed by two Kuka robots to handle the unmanned production of a complete shift. P5 350 HSR is the fastest 3.5 meter LED web printing system on the market, with a printing speed of up to 670 m2 and the option to feed large rolls weighing up to 1,000 kg and 635 mm in diameter. Durst Workflow is the Durst Group’s successful software that is now used by more than 600

print service providers worldwide for their prepress operations.

“The current EDP awards bring us full circle,” said Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of Durst Group. “Five years ago at the Fespa trade show - also in Munichwe presented our roadmap for an in-house software division and the development of the P5 printer series to offer the industry a new dimension in print quality, print speed, flexibility, automation and for more sustainability. Today we have received recognition for our bold move and more importantly our customers are benefiting

from it. The awards belong to all “Durst’lers” around the world - I am delighted that our desire to innovate, coupled with a dash of Tyrolean stubbornness, has been recognized.”

Durst is a global provider of digital printing and production technologies. In its active business areas, Durst is a preferred choice for the transformation and digitalization of industrial production processes. The family-owned company with an 80-year history boasts values focused on innovation, customer orientation, sustainability and quality.

CECRI and Monotech Systems sign MOU

To enhance additive manufacturing and foster the growth of local supply chains.

CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi, a pioneering research institute in South Asia dedicated to Electrochemical science and technology, is contributing in multifaceted areas like electrochemical power sources, corrosion protection, electroplating, electrochemicals, green hydrogen and of late carbon capture & utilization and smart manufacturing. CSIR-CECRI addresses national goals through technological innovation, translational research and its commercialization.

M/s Monotech Systems Limited, Chennai joined hands with CSIR-CECRI by taking these technologies and entering into its 7th vertical of developing a supply chain of raw materials for additive manufacturing.

Monotech, established in 1999, forayed into Additive Manufacturing eight years back and partnered with global 3D printer suppliers to bring the solutions to various industries in India. Monotech was one of the pioneers to release the potential of 3D printing and scanning in the manufacturing applications and offer a complete range of products and solutions through thermoplastics, thermosets, UV curable plastics, wax, metals and ceramics.

Recently a new partnership has embarked between CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CSIR-CECRI), Karaikudi and M/s Monotech Systems Limited, Chennai through Transfer of Technologies (ToTs)

Events Calendar

Labelexpo Europe 2023

Date: 11 SEP -23 to 14 SEP-23

Venue: Brussels Expo Centre, Belgium

All in Print China

Date: October 2023

Venue: New International Expo Center

Shanghai

Labelexpo Asia

Date: 05 DEC-23 to 08 DEC-23

Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre SNIEC, China

(i) Process for carbon coated polymer material and

(ii) Process for fabrication of indigenous 3D printable polymer composite filaments.

The memorable event happened in the presence of Dr. K Ramesha, who has taken over as Director of CSIR-CECRI recently along with a team of scientists including Dr. V. Ravi Babu, Dr. L. Sravanthi, Dr. S. Vasudevan, Dr. A. Sivashanmugam and personnel from Monotech, Mr. Tej Prakash Jain, Managing Director and Mr. Rajesh Mrithyunjayan, Vice-president. Dr. Ramesha, emphasized that smart manufacturing is emerging as one of the leading technologies, which finds multifarious applications in biomedical, automotive, defence and construction front.

PAMEX 2024

Date: 06 FEB-24 to 09 FEB-24

Venue: Bombay Exhibition Centre

Mumbai

Interpac India

Date: 14 MAR-24 to 16 MAR-24

Venue: IICC, Dwarka New Delhi

drupa 2024

Date: 28 MAY -24 to 07 JUN-24

Venue: Brussels Expo Centre, Belgium

CSIR-CECRI is contributing immensely towards development of newer metal and polymer materials for additive manufacturing as import substitution in the context of “Athmanirbhar Bharat”. Further, Dr. K Ramesha added that the major challenge lies on the development of indigenous polymer filaments, which are imported at present, as suitable feedstock for additive manufacturing.

The present ToTs pave way for creating indigenous supply chain and would save foreign exchange. The technology offers the fabrication route for carbon reinforced polymer composite filaments, which can be made into 3D printed components with superior mechanical strength as well as thermal characteristics.

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