Ink World Magazine Breaking News

Flint Group Narrow Web Introduces Flexocure FORCE

Dave Savastano — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:19:00 -0500

Flint Group announced the world introduction of Flexocure FORCE – the milestone development in UV flexo technology that will enable printers to take another step in print quality, improved mileage and press performance. With much easier handling due to lower viscosity and no foaming, greater adhesion to a wider range of substrates and improved performance on many variable printing techniques - Flexocure FORCE covers everything a label and narrow web printer needs today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.

Inks play an essential role in achieving optimal printing results and, at the same time, provides advantages on operational costs, as great inks impact the whole print process with good uptime and low waste. All are clear benefits for improved profitability for any label printer, and the launch of Flexocure FORCE is further proof that Flint Group Narrow Web are masters at incorporating these aspects in their ink formulations.

“As an integral part of developing new products we have a clear customer focus and always involve leading quality minded converters in the development process,” said Par Olsson, Flint Group’s product manager for UV inks. “They are asked to explain and exemplify prior to the project what properties and parameters they are missing in the market, and after we have listed all parameters our researchers start to build the technology that can provide solutions for them.

“Naturally we close the loop by getting these parameters verified and controlled by the same clients by offering them beta test opportunities prior to the commercialization of any of these products,” Mr. Olsson said. “With regards to results from the BETA test of Flexocure FORCE, we did get an overwhelmingly positive response with literally 100% of the customer feedback reporting clear improved properties from printability and adhesion to press performance. Obviously we are very pleased that we have managed to exceed the ambitious target of improving on all of the identified properties. It is clear that Flexocure FORCE will provide great power to the printer.”

Nazdar Announces ISO 9001:2008 Certification

Dave Savastano — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:18:00 -0500

Nazdar announced certification of its quality management system to ISO 9001:2008 standards.

In the audit conducted by Orion Registrar, Inc., Nazdar was found to be compliant to the new comprehensive set of standards dictated by the International Standards Organization (ISO), covering all aspects of business: design, development, manufacturing and service.

“Receiving and maintaining ISO 9001:2008 certifications requires continuous process improvement aimed at achieving total customer trust and satisfaction.” said Mike Fox, president of Nazdar. “The entire Nazdar team has been aggressively focused on developing and delivering quality products and services. Our customers realize that maintaining ISO 9001 certification since 2002 is a way of ensuring the quality and reliability of our products in the marketplace.”

Lubrizol to Close Chagrin Falls Coatings Facility

Dave Savastano — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:34:00 -0500

The Lubrizol Corporation announced its decision to close its Chagrin Falls, OH overprint coatings manufacturing facility. Today’s action to end production of Algan overprint coatings and varnishes was made after a complete and thorough business analysis and is part of the previously announced restructuring of the company’s Performance Coatings product line.

Overprint coatings consist of custom products for the commercial printing, packaging and specialty printing sectors of the North American graphic arts industry. This action will not affect Lubrizol’s polymer, waxes-surface modifiers and hyper-dispersant product offerings. The company remains committed to providing innovative solutions to the graphic arts industry.

“This decision is another step in our continuing effort to improve the performance of our coatings product line and, ultimately, strengthen our ability to be a more valuable partner to our customers,” said Joseph Chai, vice president and general manager, Lubrizol Performance Coatings. “After careful review and evaluation of various business options, it was determined that this facility was not strategic and did not meet the necessary criteria for future growth and profitability.”

In April 2008, Lubrizol Performance Coatings redefined its business model to focus on fewer, higher growth market end uses where it believes it can deliver the most value to customers. Actions taken at that time included the disposition of a manufacturing facility in Lawrence, MA and a restructuring of its sales, marketing and research and development organization. In June 2008, Performance Coatings announced it would close an acrylic emulsions production line at its Avon Lake, OH facility by the end of fourth quarter 2008 and discontinue merchant sales of styrene butadiene (SB) latex from its Gastonia, NC plant by the end of August 2008.

Located in Bainbridge Township, OH, the site will cease production as of Jan. 31, 2010. The 35 employees impacted by the closing will receive severance packages and outplacement assistance. Some employees may be relocated to other Lubrizol sites.

Charlie Weinholzer Retires from INX International

Dave Savastano — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:33:00 -0500

INX International Ink Co. announced the retirement of Charlie Weinholzer, who will be feted at a company ceremony in Appleton, WI on October 29. Mr. Weinholzer has been associated with the company since 1984, holding many management positions and a member of the INX Board of Directors until last year. During his outstanding tenure at INX, he will be remembered for his uncanny ability to build a high powered team and help drive them to success.

It was 25 years ago in 1984 when Mr. Weinholzer joined Roberts & Porter, Inc. as vice president – general manager of the Ink Division. He began his career in 1961, working at Kohl Madden Printing Ink Corp. and earning promotions that led him into management. Twelve years later, he moved on to stints at Graphic Service and Anchor Paper Co.

After his first two years at Roberts & Porter, the company was acquired by Midland Color Company in 1986. Midland would later become part of INX International in 1989. By this time, Mr. Weinholzer was promoted to vice president – regional manager and worked from the West Allis, WI office. Successive promotions followed, first as senior vice president of the north central region in 1996 and as senior vice president of the Liquid Ink Division in 1999, until appointed to the executive advisor role. He joined the INX Board of Directors in 1996.

Mr. Weinholzer’s distinguished career led him to being awarded the prestigious National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) Pioneer Award in 1993. This award is given by the members and directors in grateful recognition of long and meritorious service to the industry and the association. He also served as a Gravure Association of America board member.

“Charlie’s knowledge of the industry and our customers has served us well for many years,” said Rick Clendenning, president and CEO of INX International Ink Co. “He was well respected throughout our industry, even by our competition. His vast knowledge and experience will be missed by all of us at INX. We wish him well as he starts winding down and enjoying his retirement.”

SKion GmbH Makes a New, Improved Tender Offer for Acquisition of ALTANA Shares

Dave Savastano — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:15:00 -0500

SKion GmbH has decided to make a new, improved offer for the acquisition of shares in ALTANA AG.

SKion offers to acquire the shares for a purchase price of €14 per share in an acceptance period that is expected to last from mid-November to mid-December 2009.

SKion GmbH is currently holding approx. 91.7% of the shares in ALTANA AG. Susanne Klatten is the sole shareholder of SKion GmbH. She is also acting as vice chairwoman in the supervisory board of ALTANA AG.
In November 2008, SKion GmbH had already made a voluntary public offer for the acquisition of shares in ALTANA AG to the shareholders of ALTANA AG.

On the basis of this voluntary offer and by means of further acquisitions of shares, SKion GmbH had been able to continuously increase its shareholding in ALTANA AG. SKion GmbH is currently holding 124,788,843 of the 136,097,896 shares of ALTANA AG corresponding to the 91.7% of the total share capital. With SKion GmbH´s announcement for a voluntary purchase offer in November 2008 ,the ALTANA share price rose by approximately 38% from 9.39 up to the level of the former offered purchase price of €13 per share. Since that time the share price has constantly been within a narrow range around this offered purchase price.

The management board and the supervisory board of ALTANA AG will thoroughly examine,and comment on the acquisition offer upon publication of the offer document.

Mamoru Sasajima Named Toyo Ink International Corporation's New President

Dave Savastano — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:20:00 -0500

Mamoru Sasajima was appointed as Toyo Ink International Corporation's new president effective Oct. 1, 2009. Headquartered in New York, Toyo Ink International is a member of the Toyo Ink Group headed by Toyo Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd. of Japan. It serves as a holding company for the Toyo Ink Group’s operations in the Americas.

Mr. Sasajima has been with the Toyo Ink Mfg. Co. since 1983, most recently serving as general manager of the Americas Business Division, International Business Headquarters from 2008. Throughout his career, he has held diverse assignments that involved international business planning and management. From 1997 to 2001, he served as general manager of Toyo Ink Pan Pacific Pte. Ltd.’s regional office in Singapore. He was then transferred to Malaysia to take on the role as president of Toyochem Corporation Bhd. from 2001 to 2005.

Mr. Sasajima succeeds Fusao Ito, who has returned to Japan to take over the helm as division director of Toyo Ink Mfg. Company’s International Operations Headquarters.

INX Holds International Partners and Distributors Meeting

Dave Savastano — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:18:00 -0500

INX International Ink Co. recently held their International partners and distributors meeting in Chicago during the PRINT ’09 show. Thirty partners and distributors representing a dozen countries attended a series of presentations led by various INX executives and personnel.

The International group attended a general meeting, which was followed by sheetfed, web offset division and ink and coating solution presentations. A dinner outing concluded the day-long program that took place at the company’s R & D facility in West Chicago.

The general session covered the global network of products, which included a 3-piece metal decorating update from both INX and INX Digital. The sheetfed presentation discussed G7 and ISO 2846-1, examined the Bio Renewable Content (BRC) ratings and INX sheetfed product line, and INX Euro process colors. Additional topics covered were the Liquid Ink product lines, including Lamiall and NXT systems, Roto Lamiall, Belle Color and shrink sleeve systems.

The web offset session discussed manufacturing capabilities and new products, including current HWO offerings such as the ColorTrac series. The ink and coating solutions discussion centered on energy curable products and provided an overview of the company’s manufacturing capabilities. New products and an open discussion wrapped up the program.

IFRA 2009: Siegwerk Supports Quality and Sustainability

Dave Savastano — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:47:00 -0500

At the IFRA trade fair in Vienna, Siegwerk presented a broad portfolio of products for tomorrow’s newspaper business, including Aridas, a scale ink series for waterless coldest printing, along with the new production technology Omniline.

Aridas features a high degree of brilliance and dot sharpness, as well as good ink absorption that facilitates problem-free handling at maximum printing speed. With the Cortina from König & Bauer, 80,000 four-color newspapers can be printed per hour. At the same time, paper waste is reduced – since fewer copies need to be discarded due to quality issues.

With Omniline, Siegwerk’s business unit Web Offset is further optimizing production processes and quality.

“Both our own processes and the printing quality experienced by the customer have improved significantly,” said business unit head Michael Müller-Samson. He sees many advantages for the customer, including high product consistency, individualized formulation solutions, fast adaptation of recipes to new demands and shorter production times.

Sensient Technologies Reports Earnings for the Quarter Ended Sept. 30, 2009

Dave Savastano — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:55:00 -0500

Sensient Technologies Corporation reported that diluted earnings per share for the three months ended Sept. 30, 2009, equaled 47 cents. Diluted earnings per share for the prior year's comparable period were 50 cents. Third quarter earnings, as stated in local currency, would be approximately 3 cents per share higher than reported earnings and even with the prior year.

Consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2009 was $303.2 million compared to $318.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. On a local currency basis, consolidated quarterly revenue was lower by approximately 1% in comparison to the prior year.

Diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended Sept, 30, 2009, were $1.45 compared to $1.46 cents in last year's comparable period. As stated in local currency, earnings per share for the 2009 year-to-date period would be approximately 14 cents higher than reported earnings. Revenue for the first nine months of this year was $890 million, compared to $958.8 million in the prior year's first nine months.

Cash provided by operating activities in the third quarter rose sharply to $43.1 million, compared to $27.8 million in the prior year's comparable period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, cash provided by operating activities was $98.6 million, an increase of 48.7 percent compared to the prior year.

"We saw strength this quarter in a number of markets, but overall results continue to be impacted by soft economic conditions," said Kenneth P. Manning, chairman and CEO of Sensient Technologies. "Our strategy of reducing debt and investing in our business has allowed the company to deliver stable results during this challenging period. I remain optimistic about Sensient's prospects in the future."

The Board of Directors of Sensient Technologies declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of $0.19 per share. The cash dividend will be paid on Dec. 1, 2009, to shareholders of record on Nov. 9, 2009.

Trinity Mirror and Flint Group Complete Supply Agreement

Dave Savastano — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:39:00 -0500

Flint Group and Trinity Mirror have completed a new supply agreement committing to a long term partnership, with Flint Group becoming the sole supplier of coldset newspaper ink to all Trinity Mirror Print Centres.

The agreement was reached after an extensive tender process run by Trinity Mirror, which assessed manufacturing and support capabilities along with some specific partnership criteria. This resulted in Flint Group being successful and moving from a minority supply position to a 100 percent supply position.

Having supplied to Trinity Mirror for more than 25 years, this success is seen as a tribute to the supply performance and commitment that Flint Group have provided to Trinity Mirror.

Flint Group are the market leading supplier to the newspaper Industry across Europe, and this new supply partnership significantly increases their market share in the UK.

Flint Group's Rodney Balmer, Sun Chemical's Maurice Carruthers Honored by NPIRI

Dave Savastano — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:20:00 -0500

Last night, the National Printing Ink Research Institute’s (NPIRI), the research arm of the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM), honored Rodney Balmer of Flint Group and Maurice Carruthers of Sun Chemical Performance Pigments with major industry awards.

Mr. Balmer, Flint Group’s technical director for sheetfed inks, received NAPIM’s Technical Achievement Award (TAA), which honors a printing ink scientist who has contributed to the ink industry.

After receiving a degree in printing ink technology and also in chemistry from the University of Manchester Mr. Balmer joined Sun Chemical. In 2000, he joined Flint Ink as technical director paste ink and is a leader in the company’s energy cure and sheetfed ink research efforts.

Mr. Carruthers received the Technical Associate Member (TAM) Service Award, which honors outstanding individuals who, as suppliers, have played a significant role in the progress of printing ink technology or have contributed outstanding service to NAPIM and the printing ink industry. Mr. Carruthers has been involved with the ink industry for more than 40 years, starting at Ciba Geigy in the early 1970s as a dry color technician. He joined Sun Chemical in 1978 as dispersion manager, rising to director of manufacturing and his current position as vice president and general manager.

In addition, Gary Deeter of BASF Resins received first place honors in the NPIRI Lecture Series, sponsored by Hexion Specialty Chemicals, while Don Henderson of Sun Chemical earned second-place honors.

Rich Czarnecki of Superior Printing Ink, Bemly Randeniya of Arizona State University, and Jeanine Snyder of Air Products & Chemicals each received honorariums from Lubrizol Advanced Materials, which sponsors the Best of Show Poster Boards awards.

ALTANA Completes Acquisition of Water Ink Technologies

Dave Savastano — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:49:00 -0500

The specialty chemicals group ALTANA AG has today concluded the purchase of the business of Water Ink Technologies, Inc. The company mainly produces water-based and UV inks, varnishes and coatings for narrow web applications at three sites in North Carolina, USA.

With consolidated sales of around $34 million in 2008, Water Ink Technologies is one of the leading manufacturers of these products in the U.S. Within the ALTANA Group, Water Ink Technologies will be integrated into the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division under the name of ACTEGA WIT.

Technology Partners Form INX Digital

Dave Savastano — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:45:00 -0500

INX Group Ltd. announced the formation of INX Digital International Co. The formation of this company is the next step in Sakata INX’s digital strategy to combine its digital resources into one cohesive group. Former joint venture partners Triangle Digital INX, Megaink AS, and Anteprima SRL have agreed to transfer their interest from their former companies for ownership in INX Digital International with Sakata INX being the majority shareholder.

INX Digital will be led by key personnel from Triangle, Megaink, Anteprima and INX forming a global management team. Together, the group can expand its product and service capabilities such as traditional and environmentally friendly ink, along with engineering expertise and distribution for the wide and super-wide format digital inkjet marketplace. Current product line offerings will continue to support regional channel strategies with customers receiving technical assistance and support from one of three global divisions: the Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

“The world continues to become smaller every day and in today’s environment, it makes sense to maximize each and every opportunity to help our customers. It’s good for their business as well as ours,” said Rick Clendenning, INX International president and CEO. “By combining these companies’ cumulative resources, INX Digital is well positioned to deliver to a worldwide audience in a responsive manner not seen before. With the vast capabilities and global support of Sakata INX in relation to its raw materials, logistics, manufacturing, and R&D resources, we are excited and optimistic INX Digital will meet and exceed the demands of the marketplace.”

INX Digital is a world leader in OEM equipment-matched solvent based inks. In recognizing the strong marketplace positions it has developed, customers can expect valuable technical assistance and support to continue from the three global divisions. The Americas will be supported through INX Digital’s offices and manufacturing locations in California, the Asia Pacific division by its established presence in Guangzhou, China, and the EMEA division by the existing facilities in Milan, Italy and Prague, Czech Republic.

Toyo Ink Features Expanded Flexo Ink Lineup and More at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2009

Dave Savastano — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:47:00 -0500

Toyo Ink Mfg. America, LLC, a member of the Toyo Ink Group, will showcase an expanded lineup of packaging products and materials at this year’s Pack Expo Las Vegas, Las Vegas Convention Center, NV from Oct. 5-7, 2009.

At the Toyo Ink booth S-5101 in the Lower South Hall, showgoers will be able to see firsthand the performance benefits of two new flexographic ink products – retort-stable AquaLiona and the UV PowerFLEX series – and a whole host of flexo and gravure packaging inks and coatings designed specifically for value-added performance and environmental advantages.

Toyo Ink today launched the new AquaLiona series of water-based flexographic lamination inks for conventional and retort pouch packaging. Toyo’s new AquaLiona ink prints on various substrates ranging from BOPP, PET, PVDC coated films to nylon and works well with a wide array of lamination adhesives such as solvent-based, water-based and solvent-less types. In addition, the new series can be used for retort food packaging applications with the addition of a hardener that enhances resin durability. As a result, the new AquaLiona series is able to withstand temperatures up to 250ºF, making it the world’s first water-based flexo ink to achieve this performance benchmark.

Debuted at Print ’09 last month, Toyo’s UV PowerFLEX series of flexo ink combines the printability, efficiency and stability for which Toyo inks are acclaimed with the energy savings associated with UV curing. Specifically designed to be a solid, all-around UV-curable ink series, UV PowerFLEX performs extremely well over a wide range of flexographic printing applications. The low-viscosity ink affords excellent transfer, good adhesion and low dot gain on both plastic and paper substrates. The quick-curing properties enable faster turnaround times on print projects.

“Toyo Ink will be introducing a number of exciting, new products this year as we expand our footprint in the US packaging sector,” remarked Shingo Harako, Toyo Ink Mfg. America’s packaging inks marketing manager. “Products such as retort-stable AquaLiona are part of our commitment to serve our customers with a broad range of innovative product and service options. And with the 2008 opening of our new polymers and packaging inks manufacturing site in Texas, we’re able to bring our manufacturing operations are closer to our US customers, allowing us to better optimize our supply chain and meet the diverse needs of our expanding customer base in the region.”

Other products Toyo Ink will feature at Pack Expo are:

• Gravure Lamination Inks: LioValue Series and AquaEcol Series

Retort flexible packaging has been perfected for eco-friendly food applications that can conserve natural resources and energy while reducing waste. The Toyo Ink solvent-based LioValue and water-based AquaEcol are Toyo’s best gravure inks for this purpose. Both toluene- and MEK-free, LioValue is formulated to meet the performance demands of general-purpose flexible packaging through boil and retort packaging, providing excellent lamination on a wide range of plastic films, particularly transparent barrier films.

Water-based AquaEcol is also capable of printing on an array of substrates for flexible packaging use, including OPP, PET, nylon and PVDC-coated film. AquaEcol maintains its color and viscosity for longer periods providing better print quality under long-run printing conditions.

• Flexo Lamination Inks: IroFlex Series and AquaLiona Series

Toyo’s flexographic inks are suitable for various different uses, offering superior printability and high strength lamination. Toyo’s solvent-type flexographic lamination ink, the IroFlex series excels at high-speed production, easily standing up to press speeds of 900 to 1,200 feet per minute. It promotes superior adhesion on OPP, PET and nylon, while minimizing solvent retention.

AquaLiona delivers reliable image quality for snack packaging. It can be printed on various types of film, such as OPP, PET and nylon and is formulated for printing high-resolution images. Like AquaEcol for gravure printing, AquaLiona provides a green choice for flexo printing. This water-based ink allows printers to satisfy high-speed printing applications and reduce their impact on the environment.

• Laminating Adhesives: DynaGrand Series

DynaGrand series of high-performance, highly durable laminating adhesives for food and industrial purposes is ideal for materials such as film and foil, and is heat, moisture, acidity, and alkali resistant enough to be used outdoors. Toyo’s high performance adhesives are custom engineered to meet a wide range of performance characteristics for virtually any application.

Toyo Ink Launches New Water-Based Flexo Lamination Ink for Flexible Packaging Applications

Dave Savastano — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:36:00 -0500

Toyo Ink Mfg. America, LLC, a member of the Toyo Ink Group, today announced it has commercially launched a new AquaLiona series of water-based flexographic lamination inks for conventional and retort pouch packaging.

Toyo’s new AquaLiona ink prints on various substrates ranging from BOPP, PET, PVDC coated films to nylon and works well with a wide array of lamination adhesives such as solvent-based, water-based and solvent-less types. On top of that, the new series can be used for retort food packaging applications with the addition of a hardener that enhances resin durability. This enables AquaLiona to withstand temperatures up to 250ºF, making it the world’s first water-based flexo system to achieve this performance benchmark.

Toyo Ink newly engineered an ink resin and other composition components that comprise the basic structure of AquaLiona, improving its compatibility on various substrates and performance of various physical properties. With conventional flexo inks, there are discrepancies in print reproducibility and uniformity when applying the inks on to film. The new AquaLiona series, however, improves print resolubility and on-press stability and offers superior bonding strength, providing excellent transfer of inks from plates to films. Moreover, its remarkably low solvent (alcohol/glycol) retention and ability to handle microwave reheating makes retort-stable AquaLiona ideal for dry, oily or wet food packaging applications where product purity is an absolute must.

In addition to demonstrating superior performance under strict retort conditions, the new AquaLiona water-based system provides an excellent barrier to odor, particularly ammonia, further bolstering Toyo’s ever-growing eco-friendly product lineup. The Toyo Ink Group has long focused efforts on the development of environmentally compatible products such as water-based inks, solvent-recycling inks and solvent-less lamination adhesives for the packaging field as part of its commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of its products and operations.

“At Toyo Ink, we feel flexographic and gravure printing processes can coexist in the flexible packaging sector. Flexo printing technology is suitable for short-run jobs where the end-user is looking to reduce excess inventory or waste,” commented Shingo Harako, Toyo Ink Mfg. America’s packaging inks marketing manager. “And as the majority of converters use flexo presses in the US, Toyo’s new AquaLiona product is sure to open up new growth avenues for converters not only to become greener, but also meet the high-purity packaging needs of their customers.”

Toyo Ink Mfg. America will be showcasing the new AquaLiona series along with the company’s complete lineup of packaging products and materials at Booth S-5101 at Pack Expo Las Vegas, Las Vegas Convention Center, NV, from Oct. 5-7, 2009.