Label & Narrow Web Breaking News

New FINAT survey shows signs of economic improvement

Jack Kenny — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:12:00 -0500

Business confidence has returned to the self-adhesive label sector in Europe although total demand is still showing a decrease over the equivalent period of last year, according to a new survey conducted by FINAT, the European label association.

The Trend Survey for the third quarter of 2009 confirmed the return of business confidence, but also indicates the volatility that the industry has been faced with during the last two years, according to Jules Lejeune, FINAT’s managing director.

After a dramatic all-time low in the first quarter of 2009 in all sectors, the business climate has returned to positive figures in the third quarter of 2009. “This is encouraging, but in day-to-day trading, label producers are still seeing a reduction in demand – as is to be expected in the economic conditions we have seen in the last year,” Lejeune says.

Total demand for self-adhesive label materials in Europe decreased by 1.7 percent in the third quarter of 2009, compared with the same quarter of last year. Although still in the red, the decrease is lower than the minus 11.6 percent (Q2) and minus 12.1 percent (Q1) year-on-year recorded for the previous two quarters.

“It should be realized, however, that the crisis first hit our sector in the third quarter of 2008, and the first two periods of that year were still buoyant,” Lejeune adds. “The slowdown of the deceleration pace in our sector confirms cautious signs of economic recovery that have become evident since the summer.”

For the year to date, total labelstock demand in Europe was 8.3 percent below the levels recorded in the first three quarters of 2008. This figure corresponds with decreases of 7.5 percent in paper roll demand, 6.1 percent in filmic roll demand, and a dramatic downturn of 22.9 percent in sheets.

Compared with the third quarter of 2008, filmic rolls have taken the lead in the return to positive year-on-year growth rates. Regionally, the recovery appears to be driven by demand in Eastern Europe, although the source of this growth lies mainly in the countries outside the European Union, which were hit earlier by the crisis in 2008.

Label Traxx users group holds largest ever meeting

Jack Kenny — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:10:00 -0500

Early in November, Tailored Solutions, developer of Label Traxx print business management software for narrow web label printers and converters, hosted the largest gathering of Label Traxx users ever assembled for a four-day review of the software. More than 50 users at the conference – held in Milwaukee, WI, USA – were taken through each module of the software, and were offered the opportunity to discuss and request enhancements that would smooth their individual operations.

Commenting on the successful meeting, Tailored Solutions Sales Manager Dorothy Asboth said:

“Label Traxx has long been known as software that evolves in direct response to the needs of our users,” says Dorothy Asboth, Tailored Solutions sales manager. “The 2009 Label Traxx User Group meeting once again provided a forum which enables us to better understand the needs of label printers, and enables our users to probe deeper into the software. This year, we were particularly gratified by the number of relatively new users who attended.Response to the meeting was very positive, and we look forward to an even larger gathering in 2010.”

Tailored Solutions provides automated job management software for the printing industry. The company was formed in 1993 by Ken Meinhardt and David Porter, both of whom remain active in the business. Tailored Solutions offers two versions of its job tracking software: Label Traxx for flexographic narrow web converters and printers, and Litho Traxx for sheetfed lithographic printers and prepress trade shops.

Omet/EskoArtwork seminar draws full house at Clemson

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:22:00 -0500

A capacity crowd of 60 participants filled the Sono Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University recently to learn about new technologies and expanded gamut printing at a two-day seminar sponsored by Omet and EskoArtwork.

Presentations were made and demonstrations were conducted by several packaging industry suppliers: EskoArtwork showed its new Equinox expanded gamut and high definition software; Harper Corporation exhibited its new QD proofing system; the Fastmatch color management system was demonstrated by Environmental Inks & Coatings; Flint Group exhibited its ultra-thin printing plates, and Anderson & Vreeland showed its new plate measuring devices.

Omet, whose Varyflex press is a feature at the institute, demonstrated the low waste and quick change features of the press, running three jobs on two substrates.

Featured speakers included Mark Samworth of EskoArtwork, who spoke on the advantages of expanded gamut printing for packaging, and John Fulcoly of Packaging CPR, who addressed the commercial considerations of expanded gamut printing for packaging based on his experience implementing a large North American expanded gamut platform.

Omet and EskoArtwork will repeat the seminar in the spring of 2010 as well as present seminars and workshops on other pertinent topics next year at the Sonoco Institute. Omet is represented in North America by Matik.

Dekel to head marketing at AVT

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:19:00 -0500

Advanced Vision Technology (AVT) has appointed Amir Dekel its corporate marketing vice president. Amir joined AVT in 2001 as marketing manager with special responsibilities to develop AVT’s business in the labels market.

For the past four years, Amir has been based in Atlanta, GA, USA, working as marketing director for AVT, Inc., the US arm of the Israel-based company. Amir is well known in the label converting industry especially through his work with the PrintVision/Helios solutions, defining the product and successfully introducing it to the world market.

Amir Dekel holds a master of science degree in electrical engineering in communications and computer science from Polytechnic University, New York. Prior to joining AVT, he worked in various positions in communications and telecommunications, and with consumer electronics products companies.

Dekel assumes marketing responsibilities from Gal Shamri, who had been filling that role as well as that of president of the GMI Product unit. Shamri will now focus exclusively on the management and business development of the GMI product line.

“This appointment recognizes Amir’s contribution to AVT’s success in the labels sector and draws on his marketing capabilities to benefit the whole of AVT,” says Shlomo Amir, president and CEO of AVT. “With both Amir and Gal now able to give full-time attention to their respective roles, AVT will be in a stronger position to grow and bring its solutions to market.”

AVT develops and manufactures automatic inspection systems for web applications in the packaging, labels, forms and converting sectors. Graphic Microsystems Inc. (GMI) is a supplier of closed loop color control systems.

MPI installs first two Mark Andy Performance presses

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:17:00 -0500

MPI Label Systems has installed two new Mark Andy Performance Series P7 presses in its US facilities. The first installation is a 10-color, 17" (430 mm) water based press with a final UV. The second is a 10-color, 17" combination UV and water based press with an embossing unit and hot foil cassette, along with a rail system for carrying such components as rotary screen units and web turn bars.

Mark Andy introduced the Performance Series presses this past summer, and exhibited them for the first time at Labelexpo Europe 2009 in Brussels in September.

“Mark Andy is honored to have partnered with MPI Label Systems on this exciting installation,” says Paul Brauss, president and CEO of Mark Andy. “Their ‘whatever it takes’ business practice is complementary to the approach we take with our valued customers, and we look forward to long-lasting success with this industry leader.”

Founded in 1968, MPI has eight manufacturing facilities, 30 sales locations and more than 500 employees. It specializes in prime pressure sensitive labels, flexible packaging, RFID, and automated labeling equipment, parts and service.

Upgrades available for AB Graphic’s SabreXtreme laser cutter

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:14:00 -0500

AB Graphic International has announced new upgrades for its SabreXtreme laser label cutting system, including enhancements to label cutting software and the ability to change jobs without stopping the web. SabreXtreme now offers network connection, enabling a company’s art department to directly load a library of label cutting patterns to run. The patterns are selected by the operator using bar codes printed on work orders. In addition, the software now permits all machine settings to be saved so that exact patterns can be stored for later use.

“Network connection means that the artwork can be edited by the prepress department and sent to a job queue ready for digital printing,” says Mike Davison, designer of the system. “The digital die pattern is created within the software and sent to the laser label cutting system. Small label jobs are grouped by material so they can be run on a single roll using a digital press. At the same time, a work order is generated that lists the jobs in the sequence in which they occur on the roll using a bar code list. The operator then loads the roll and the patterns using a bar code reader. As one job is running, the next can be loaded. Job changes are carried out through a single push button.”

The SabreXtreme laser label cutting system is designed to meet the increasing demand for shorter print runs and is capable of producing hundreds of different die patterns a day. The system is currently available for 330mm (13”) maximum web widths.

Harper seminar draws large crowd in Appleton

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:12:00 -0500

The Harper Flexographic Solutions Tour concluded its five-city 2009 run in front of an enthusiastic audience Oct. 14 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, WI, USA. The free, day-long seminar, featuring presentations by Harper Corporation technical experts Bill Malm and Tony Donato, attracted more than 100 technical and professional people. All Printing Resources, BST Pro Mark, FlexoWash, Flxon, and Eastman Kodak also participated in the sessions.

Harper designed this year’s flexographic tour to appeal to print managers and supervisors, operators, prepress managers, graphic designers, ink, plate and prepress suppliers, as well as general managers and purchasing staff.

During the Appleton stop, speakers focused on available options for enhancing print quality, troubleshooting common flexo problems and improving the efficiencies within pressrooms.

Seminar attendees were encouraged to take an active part in the sessions and submit their flexo related questions to the assembled experts. Also, they were invited to visit the college’s extensive flexo lab and review the school’s printing curriculum.

Label converter sponsors international crime conference

Steve Katz — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:06:00 -0500

The Label Printers recently participated in the 2009 International Law Enforcement IP Crime Conference in Dublin, Ireland. The company was a Gold Sponsor of the conference, which brought together 390 attendees from 44 countries, representing the law enforcement community, IP (intellectual property) and brand owners, anti-counterfeiting solution suppliers, and others interested in combating the global menace of counterfeiting and piracy.

The label converter, which is based in Aurora, IL, USA, facilitated conference workshops at the event, and participated in an exhibit of IP crime fighting technologies and solutions.

CEO Bill Kane and Lori Campbell, chief operations manager of The Label Printers, attended the conference. “On the first day, the keynote speeches covered a range of topics, and included an up-close-and-personal demonstration of IP crime fighting,” says Campbell. “The MPAA showed a video of its trained DVD-sniffing dogs, whose job it is to find counterfeit DVDs.”

The second day of the conference began a series of 16 workshops addressing various issues involved in fighting IP crime. Kane, along with Russ LaCoste of SICPA, headed a workshop titled Utilizing Product Security Technologies to Defeat Transnational Organized IP Crime. “All of the workshops were designed to generate discussion about the workshop topic, but also IP crime in general,” Kane says. “Brand owners shared with us the difficulties they face in determining the extent of their losses (or potential losses) so that they might decide what kind of investment in technology they should make. Of course, we believe that by utilizing some of the very sophisticated technologies of inks, substrates, and label constructions, brand owners can protect their intellectual property in a very cost effective manner.”

Campbell adds, “IP owners understand that they can’t wait for the perfect solution, because there is no perfect solution. Just like with most technologies, anti-counterfeiting technologies continue to evolve. Brand owners and suppliers understand that they have to do their homework. They have to understand the problem, understand their supply chain, and know their suppliers.”

Keith Williams, the president and CEO of Underwriters Laboratories, said that today’s economic climate meant that public and private organizations were now combating IP crime with fewer resources, leading to increased global opportunities for international counterfeiting and piracy networks. He described it as a global epidemic requiring international cooperation and partnerships.

Describing intellectual property crime as a “thriving multi-billion dollar global industry” closely linked to transnational organized crime, Interpol Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said, “As with other transnational crimes, no single country can effectively fight the production and sale of counterfeit products. The solution must involve all stakeholders – the public and private sectors, international bodies, and non-governmental organizations – at the national and global levels, for counterfeiting is a global menace which law enforcement alone cannot address.”

3M and Spear receive TLMI environmental awards

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:19:00 -0500

At the recent Annual Meeting of the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) held in Scottsdale, AZ, USA, 3M and Spear Inc. each received TLMI Environmental Leadership Awards. The award recognizes TLMI member companies that have consistently demonstrated a commitment to progressive environmental practices across a range of areas including solid waste reduction, recycling, waste or energy recovery, the implementation of new clean technology and/or processes, and the implementation of an education program.

The award for Technical Innovation was given to 3M, a company with a long history and culture of promoting sustainable values, strategies and principles. The company’s vision, traditions, performance and commitment to environmental improvement from the top down earned it this year’s award. The award for Best Practices in Environmental Leadership was given to Spear, for reducing its carbon footprint in every aspect of their business. Spear’s commitment to change includes the down-gauging of substrates, the establishment of liner recycling programs with their customer base, diverting matrix to waste-to-energy applications, using eco-friendly materials, energy reduction, the use of boxless pallets. and the reduction of carbon dioxide by 9,250 tons.

“This year’s entries, like those of the past, demonstrate a commitment of time and research. An enormous effort is required and I would like to congratulate this year’s winners, and all of the companies who submitted entries for their contributions,” said Calvin Frost, CEO of Channeled Resources Group and the TLMI Environmental Committee chair.

Also at the Annual Meeting, TLMI named Gary Smith, VP Sales for RotoMetrics, the Supplier of the Year. Presented on an annual basis, the Supplier of the Year Award honors and recognizes an individual for their ongoing volunteer service and dedication to TLMI, and to the industry. Criteria for winning the award includes service to TLMI on the association’s board and committees, in addition to continuous commitment to the industry as a whole by helping to promote and foster its growth.

Smith recently served a term on TLMI’s board of directors, and in the past was involved with the association’s Membership Committee.

EskoArtwork opens new facility in India

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:18:00 -0500

Global prepress leader EskoArtwork, headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, has opened a new facility in Bangalore, India, in order to strengthen its systems integration development and E-support operation. The 6,000 square foot office will enable EskoArtwork's team of programmers, software developers and application engineers to extend the systems integration capabilities and E-support services to customers around the world.

EskoArtwork has been active in India since 1996 with a focus on developing commercial opportunities in the domestic market. In 2007, the company established the Global Resources Centre (GRC), which concentrates on providing support for its systems integration projects mainly originating in Europe and North America. With India taking an increasingly important role in the global economy, establishing a larger operation in the territory is a logical step in EskoArtwork's growth strategy.

“India is one of the world's fastest-growing business territories, so it's vital we have a strong presence in the region – not just from a sales perspective, but also from a development and global support standpoint," says Carsten Knudsen, CEO of EskoArtwork. "The new premises underline our commitment to investing in the GRC. We're dedicated to attracting the region's talented IT professionals and providing customers worldwide with exemplary technical support."

EskoArtwork's Indian operation employs 40 people divided among two areas: software developers and printing and packaging application engineers.

Stork Cellramic announces new national sales manager

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:17:00 -0500

Stork Cellramic, Milwaukee, WI, USA, has announced the appointment of Timothy Justice to the position of national sales manager. Justice joins the company with more than 20 years of experience working with customers in the printing and industrial coatings industries.

"We are very pleased to welcome Timothy to our team. He has a great deal of deep market and technical knowledge of the companies we serve with engineered coatings. Timothy has served many industrial companies nationally with thermally sprayed engineered coatings to resolve wear, release and corrosion issues on their products and in their processes,” says Daniel Ruiter, general manager for Stork Cellramic. “He will be available for our clients in oil and gas, power generation, food processing, paper and pulp, printing and packaging, pump and valve manufacturing, general manufacturing, and other industries across the US as well as North and South America. We think his background and skill set will prove to be beneficial to our diverse client base."

Stork Cellramic Inc., a member of the Stork Materials Group of companies, provides professional application of engineered coatings for industrial components using plasma, HVOF, and arc-spray processes. Stork Cellramic is also a leading manufacturer of anilox rolls, specializing in the resurfacing of worn anilox, idler and water rolls for the printing industry.

ChemInstruments reorganizes and expands its European sales team

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:15:00 -0500

ChemInstruments Inc. has announced the reorganization and expansion of its Manufacturers Representative organization in Europe. The ChemInstruments Manufacturers Representative group is responsible for selling and servicing the ChemInstruments line of adhesive testing and development equipment in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

In order to better serve its customer base in the EU, particularly the areas of Eastern Europe experiencing significant industrial and economic growth, ChemInstruments has named three existing manufacturers representative organizations (Adhesive Technical Services in the UK, Ichemco in Italy and Likk in Russia) as master representatives. With this change, all three companies will take on additional geographic responsibilities and implement a Sub-Group Representative Program in their expanded geographic areas of responsibility. The new geographic areas of responsibility are:

Adhesive Technical Services: Austria, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, United Kingdom

Ichemco: Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Albania, Bosnia / Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Greece, Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Romania

Likk: Russia, Belarus, Moldavia, Ukraine

Spinnaker Coating adds to its tamper evident product line

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:14:00 -0500

Spinnaker Coating, Troy, OH, USA, has added a new product to its SafeTE line of tamper evident constructions. The product, White Void Polyester, is a film engineered to show tamper evidence by leaving the word “VOID” in a diagonal pattern on the substrate and label when removed.

According to Spinnaker, White Void Polyester has excellent tear strength, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. The material is paired with SFA, an acrylic adhesive specifically designed for film facestocks; it offers high ultimate adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, including high and low surface energy surfaces. Void polyester can be printed by both thermal transfer and flexo..

SafeTE White Void Polyester / SFA / 50# is available Trimless in 2,500 and 5,000 foot rolls. Typical applications include warranty labels, door/packaging seals, calibration stickers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Ti Films opens new facility in South Carolina

Steve Katz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:02:00 -0500

Taghleef Industries (Ti), a global producer of BOPP films, has announced the opening of its new US offices in Charleston, SC. In addition to the new entity, the polypropylene film manufacturer also announced that there will be warehousing facilities courtesy of a partnership with Dockside Logistics, based just a few miles from the facility in Charleston.

Colin Jones, Ti’s USA market development manager, comments, “Ti Films is the fastest growing BOPP producer in the world. We wanted to prove to the US flexible packaging industry that we are determined to establish a real presence in the USA. And with these new facilities coming on stream as we speak, we look to develop strategic partnerships with many leading BOPP film converters and users. Our raw material resources for the future are well documented and with that support we ensure that Ti is ready for the challenges ahead.”

Jones also notes the advantages Charleston offers. “Furthermore, Charleston is proud to claim the title of ‘most efficient port’ in the US and with several major shipping lines increasing traffic between the Gulf and the East Coast, in particular Charleston, this allows us the benefit of fast transit times. Combined with inventory programs, I would like to think the US converters and end users can consider us as a domestic supplier,” Jones says.

Headquartered in Dubai, Ti Films has six production sites across the globe with a nominal capacity of almost 600 million lbs per year. The company develops, manufactures and markets BOPP and CPP films for snacks, confectionery, frozen and normal food packaging, fresh produce as well as labeling and adhesive tapes

Three converters win Best Workplace awards

Steve Katz — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:11:00 -0500

Three US label converting companies have won the distinction of being among the “Best of the Best Workplaces in America” for 2009, as judged by the Printing Industries of America (PIA). They are Smyth Companies, St. Paul, MN; Tailored Label Products, Menomonee Falls, WI; and Label World, Rochester, NY.

A total of 37 graphic arts companies, both members of PIA as well as non-members, were selected by a committee of human relations experts from within the industry. The program is designed to recognize graphic arts companies for their outstanding human relations efforts which contribute to a successful workplace.

Entries are judged on the company’s management practices, work environment, training and development opportunities, recognition and rewards, workplace health and safety, health and wellness, financial security, and work/life balance. The awards are presented on two levels: Best Workplaces in America, and Best of the Best. A total of 21 companies received the designation Best of the Best, while 16 earned Best Workplace honors.

Label World has won Best of the Best for seven out of the past eight years, and has also earned a Best Workplace award. For Tailored Label Products, this marks the fourth year of recognition, and the company has received similar recognition in the greater Milwaukee area. “We have our team’s best interest each and every day,” says President Mike Erwin. “As I have heard most of my business life, if you take care of your people, the rest will take care of itself. That includes providing supportive leadership, sincere recognition, and reliable business execution.”

“Being recognized with this award publicly confirms what our company privately practices every day,” says John Hickey, CEO of Smyth Companies. “I am very proud of Smyth’s employee-focused culture, as it reflects what is truly meaningful to ownership and management at Smyth. All our stakeholders are rewarded for this focus.”