EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS FOR GULF PRINT & PACK

F&E has announced several new initiatives for the next edition of Gulf Print & Pack, which will take place at the Airport Expo in Dubai on 14-17 March 2011. All of these are aimed at addressing the exciting developments within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

As previously announced the exhibition is now under new management and is being run by the same team that organizes the Labelexpo Global Series exhibitions around the world, specializing in printing events with the latest working machinery. The show will be marketed under one brand (Gulf Print & Pack), instead of the former Gulf Print and Gulf Pack shows.

In terms of packaging, the focus will now be on package printing and converting. In particular, this will include flexible packaging, carton and box production and corrugated case production. The materials as well as the printing and packaging processes for these will also be covered extensively in a series of workshops being run throughout the four days. Bottling, filling, canning and logistics will also feature to a lesser degree.

A dedicated section for labeling will bring together suppliers in this lucrative sector, offering new solutions in areas such as security labeling. In addition to the latest printing technology, there will also be a series of workshops focusing on digital printing. They will highlight the latest technologies, opportunities and the wider reach of digital printing as well as demonstrating how digitalizing a businesses printing environment will help cost production and profitability.

Gulf Print & Pack will be the industry event of the year in the MENA region, attracting printers and brand owners with its focus working machinery and interactive workshops. Key manufacturers in the industry have secured their exhibition space and large delegations are expected to attend from across the Middle East and North Africa.

Roger Pellow, Gulf Print & Pack Managing Director said: “The MENA region continues to be one of the most exciting hubs for the world’s printing and packaging markets. Many recent advances in technology provide extraordinary opportunities for print and packaging converters and manufacturers. We look forward to be in Dubai with visitors and exhibitors alike to benefit from generating business, to share knowledge and, most importantly, to network and set up new partnerships and contracts.”

L&L BRINGS THE FIRST EVER ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BRAND PROTECTION AND SECURITY PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Labels & Labeling has just added an exciting new publication to its popular bookshop. The Encyclopedia of brand protection and security printing technology is the first ever encyclopedia to provide an information and reference resource for all those involved in the production and use of brand protection and security printing technologies and techniques used in and on packaging, labels, tickets and tags, documents, cheques, currency, credit and debit cards, passports, forms, identity cards, travel documents, security access, and related applications.

Written by internationally renowned label guru, Mike Fairley, and the Product & Image Security Foundation’s Jeremy Plimmer, the Encyclopedia of brand protection and security printing technology is a must-have resource for brand owners, marketing teams, designers, product manufacturers, packaging and printing technologists, pack and label printers, and materials and equipment suppliers.

With some 250 pages and over 200 diagrams, tables, charts and illustrations, the book is a comprehensive A to Z encyclopedia of security materials, technologies, products and solutions – as well as a guide to requirements and applications − and is also meant to be a companion publication to the Encyclopedia of Labels and Label Technology - now a major global reference publication for the world of label production and usage!

The Encyclopedia of brand protection and security printing technology is undoubtedly the standard reference resource for all those undertaking relevant degree, technician, technology, apprentice or industrial training courses worldwide.

Priced at Rs 7,988/- this could be the smallest and most worthwhile investment you make this year! Don’t miss out! Order your copy of the Encyclopedia today

WORLD SUCCESS FOR THE 4TH PENTAWARDS CEREMONY IN SHANGHAI

They came in large numbers from 5 continents and more than 20 countries to receive their Pentawards. The VIP business lounge of the Belgo-European pavilion of Shanghai Expo 2010 was full when the official Pentaward ceremony 2010 commenced on 30 September. More than 60 prizes, bronze, silver, gold, platinum and diamond Pentawards, were given out, including the special prizes sponsored by AveryDennison (best creation in the wines and spirits categories) which went to the Fritz Müller wine, created by Timo Thurner of Schmidt/Thurner/von Keisenberg (Germany), and by Sleever International (best creation in the Limited Editions-Collectors categories), the prize for which went to a creation by the great designer Karim Rashid for a Hugo Boss perfume bottle by Yuan Zonglei, Design Manager at Jahwa Shanghai and Gérard Caron, president of the Pentaward panel of judges.

Luxepack also gave a special prize for the best creation in the Luxury category, the Oriens bottle of Van Cleef & Arpels, created by BrandImage Paris which in addition to its Platinum Pentaward, was offered a stand at the next Luxepack fair that will be held in Shanghai in March 2010.

This year, the Best of the Show, Diamond Pentaward went to Hoyu3210, a range of packaging for hair products created by the Japanese agency ADK, which, in addition to its prestigious trophy, received an EskoArtwork software worth €5000.

Two special Pentawards were also given out, one to DesignBridge, Pentaward agency of the year for having received no fewer than 12 Pentawards over 3 years and the other to the Japan Packaging Design Association (JPDA) in recognition of its 50 years of existence devoted to promoting packaging design in Japan.

Finally, the ceremony was brought to a close by giving out the brand new book published by the famous publishers TASCHEN, known for the quality of its works devoted to the arts, a book that contains all the Pentaward winners for 2009 and 2010 as well as the main winners for 2008. More than 400 pages long and printed in 12,000 copies, this book will be a formidable promotion tool for all the winners of Pentawards and serve as a reference for actors in packaging design throughout the world.

FINAT ORGANISES A FORUM TO DISCUSS TRENDS IN THE BEER LABEL MARKET

On 9 November 2010, FINAT is going to tap from the source of the beer market by organizing a special Label Printer Forum around Brau Beviale in Nuremberg. Label printers will not only have the opportunity to hear from expert speakers and direct contacts with end-users the latest trends and developments in the beer/beverage sector; they will also be able to visit the exhibition. The event that will be held at Park Inn Hotel, Sandstrasse, Nuremberg is open to all FINAT converter members and is free of charge. Seats for this meeting will be assigned on a first come first served basis.

While Corey Reardon / Bill Llewellyn of AWA Alexander Watson Associates will speak on the End-user trends and requirements in the beverage sector, Jantien Brugmans, Claesens of Cartils (NL) will share his insights on “Labels in the beer brand strategy”. Paul Jarvis of 4impression will speak on “The versatility of self-adhesive labels for the beer sector”, Mark Ruijgrok of Avery Dennison Roll Materials Europe will throw more light on Materials/application speed and how to grow your beer business – with an insight from the marketplace. The event will be concluded with a presentation by Detlev Machei of Novamelt who will speak on “Wash off” before being rounded off with a Round Table Discussion that will be moderated by Dr. Harnisch Verlag, Communications Director - Simon Reay.

Conducted by the Finat Label Printer Forum, this Forum aims to provide an open platform where label printers from different countries meet to discuss and benchmark common management problems and solutions. The idea is to organise two or three meetings per year each focusing on one specific theme (lean management, succession, young executives education, exports, waste management etc.). Meetings are held in accordance with the 'weight watchers' principle: participants should bring in an open mind and be prepared to share ideas and solutions at the meeting with the other participants. The Label Printer Forum (LPF) are chaired by the Vice President of FINAT. Meetings of the LPF will be linked to the meetings of the FINAT Board, allowing participants to provide direct feedback and input to the FINAT Board on other topics relevant to label printers

IIP SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCTS THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT FOR PACKAGING INDUSTRY 2010

The Guest of Honour – Shri Ashok Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Chief Guest – Shri Subodh Kant Sahay, Hon’ble Minister for Food Processing Industries, Government of India inaugurated The International Summit for Packaging Industry (ISPI) organized by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) and supported by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and the Asian Packaging Federation (APF). The two days summit was held during the 1st and 2nd October, 2010 at the Hotel Renaissance, Powai, Mumbai. The theme of the summit was ‘Packaging Innovations and Sustainability’ where national and internationally renowned experts presented papers to cover prospects of the packaging industries, printing technology, converting technology, packaging media, packaging system and machinery, packaging testing and evaluation, packaging distribution etc.

800 delegates representing packaging raw material suppliers, convertors, machinery manufacturers from India as well as other South East Asian countries from India as well as from the adjoining countries participated in this Conference. In addition, Keith Pearson, President, WPO; Sanjay Bhatia, Chairman, IIP; N C Saha, Director, IIP; S K Ray, Chairman, ISPI 2010 & Sr. Executive VP, Reliance Industries Limited and other dignitaries from APF were also present for the event. The theme for the first day was ‘Sustainability Day’ with the second day being designated as the ‘Innovations Day’.

Shri Ashok Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India stated, “This is one of the world’s largest diversified sectors with a value of more than 5 million people. It is estimated that 100,000 companies are involved in the packaging sector. In the Asia Pacific region, packaging industry is the 3^rd largest market and it is growing at an average rate of 5-6%. In India, total turn over from the packaging industry is Rs. 65,000/- crores or Rs. 650 billion. The average growth rate is 15%. It is further estimated that a total growth will increase to Rs. 725 billion by 2015. Hence packaging is considered to be sunrise industry in the world market.”

The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) is an autonomous and apex body working under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India for the promotion of packaging standards in the country. The Institute set up in 1966 is dedicated in serving the nation and industry to achieve excellence in packaging through its diversified activities that encompass the entire spectrum of packaging.

ANY GRAPHICS CHOOSES ESKOARTWORK CDI IMAGER FOR ROTARY LETTERPRESS LABEL PRINTING

EskoArtwork, a global supplier and integrator of innovative solutions for the packaging value chain strengthens its position of preferred partner of packaging converters in all segments of print process with supply of Prepress Software and Hardware to Any Graphics Pvt. Ltd. in Noida.

The only company in India to win Global Award for excellence in technical achievements in printing, Any Graphics Pvt. Ltd. is an ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 certified company having more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and supplying stickers and labels for both product and publicity requirements. The company’s incorporation of various printing facilities like screen, digital and label printing serves as a one stop shop for its customers. Any Graphics, a global award winner in the field of label printing through letterpress and screen printing process has set up in a new unit in Noida with huge expansion in existing operations. A new sprawling and tastefully built unit is constructed in Noida with a built up area of 100,000 sq. mtrs. with addition of label printing machines including others.

Any Graphics realized the need of in-house prepress facility for better control and consistency. To fulfill the needs of Prepress and Digital Platemaking for Label printing (rotary letterpress), Any Graphics has got the complete workflow from EskoArtwork including Software as well as Hardware systems.

DeskPack for Graphic Editing and Plato for Step-n-Repeat nesting arrangement produces a certified PDF output called Digital Plate. The Digital Plate from workflow is further fed to the most versatile EskoArtwork FlexRIP for a complete control of plate imaging and to maintain consistency. FlexRIP connects to the Flexo / Letterpress imager from EskoArtwork - a CDI Spark 2120 with HiRes Optics.

Mr. Kuldip Goel, Managing Director, Any Graphics says “EskoArtwork’s strong solutions for Packaging Prepress in all segments like Offset, Flexo, Letterpress or Screen and their efficient Sales and Support structure in India are the driving factors on their decision to choose EskoArtwork as their partner. The Sales and Support staff from EskoArtwork are very competent and supportive”.

EskoArtwork did extensive trails of CDI imaged Letterpress plates for Any Graphics and were able to prove the superiority of High Resolution (4000ppi) imaging advantages clearly. The first print results from plates imaged at 4000ppi resolution on the CDI have shown drastic improvements in print results.

Mr. Naveen Goel, Marketing Director, Any Graphics said “EskoArtwork software and hardware systems for Packaging completely complements our plan of producing best quality and maintaining consistent production environment. For any stream in Packaging, be it Folding Carton or Labels, EskoArtwork has the best solution in prepress. We could not think of anything else but EskoArtwork for prepress and we already can feel a lot of difference in our production controls through their excellent prepress tools designed specifically for packaging. In a short span, we’ve realized why EskoArtwork is the frontrunner in Packaging Prepress solutions.”

EskoArtwork maintains its market and technology leadership through persistent product development and enhancements. For example, EskoArtwork’s HD Flexo technology brings offset quality, 200-line screen flexo / letterpress printing to converters worldwide. The off-line plate-loading table provides safe, damage-free, and distortion-free plate handling throughout the entire plate making process, right from loading to unloading in the imager, UV-exposure or washer. The dedicated Digital Flexo Suite tools optimize plate productivity and repeatability. As converters continue to embrace ‘in the round’ technology, EskoArtwork CDIs provide the widest product line that can produce sleeves to serve these markets.

PROCESS METALLIC COLOR SYSTEM BY COLOR-LOGIC RECEIVES AWARD

The Process Metallic Color System by Color-Logic received a coveted MustSee’ems! award at Graph Expo 2010 in Chicago. Commenting on the award, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves said: “We are gratified that the editors and consultants evaluating product introductions at the show singled out our Process Metallic Color System as one of the most important products for show visitors to see. This honor reinforces the fantastic acceptance of our system around the world, and the increased awareness which will result from the award should bring it to the attention of still more graphic designers, printers, converters, and sign makers.”

The Process Metallic Color System by Color-Logic provides a communication system linking graphic designers with printers and converters. It was introduced in 2010 and has quickly gained recognition and popularity for its ability to produce striking metallic images and special effects using offset lithography, flexography, digital processes such as those used by Xeikon and HP, and wide-format digital printing. In addition to conventional paper, the process may be used on films, foils, and other substrates. The Process Metallic Color System software provides graphic designers with the ability to add a fifth silver separation to their usual CMYK images, and to create designs heretofore impossible to achieve. Many Color-Logic special effects can be created with a single mouse click. Printers license the process from Color-Logic on a one-time basis, for perpetual use. Color-Logic partners with major press and output device suppliers, including manufacturers providing coating and proofing equipment, as well as ink and substrate suppliers, to ensure compatibility with existing printer workflows and practices. Color-Logic sells directly to printers in major industrial countries and relies on screened and qualified agents in smaller markets.

Color-Logic develops color communication systems and software tool sets for a variety of special effect printing applications. Color-Logic provides brand owners, product managers, corporations, and their advertising agencies the ability to differentiate themselves and their clients with a simple print production process that yields dramatic results. Color-Logic special effects utilize the existing workflows of printers and designers, yielding dynamic results without the use of special equipment.

GMG TO PRESENT NEW VERSION 5.2 OF GMG COLORPROOF

GMG, a leading developer and supplier of high-end color management software solutions, is showing version 5.2 of GMG ColorProof for the first time at Graph Expo in Chicago from October 3-6. Version 5.2 incorporates major innovations such as the integration of the new Adobe PDF Print Engine 2.5 and support of the new Epson Stylus Pro 4900, 7890 and 9890 printers. The packaging market will benefit from a number of improvements to the SpotColor Editor.

GMG ColorProof 5.2 is compatible with the completely new GMG ProofControl Inline module, supporting the recently launched Epson 4900, 7890, 9890 proof printers as well as the 7900 and 9900 printers with an integrated measuring device. It provides time-saving, automated verification of contone proofs. Furthermore, the interaction of ProofControl Inline and the GMG AutoCalibrationWizard helps to keep these printers automatically calibrated. Version 5.2 will be available for purchase at the end of the year.

INTEGRATION OF THE ADOBE PDF PRINT ENGINE 2.5

The Adobe PDF Print Engine 2.5 supports the latest PDF technologies and specifications providing, among others, exceptional reliability when proofing graphically complex effects created by any application. The most accurate compatibility with Adobe® Creative Suite 5 is guaranteed.

IMPROVED SPOTCOLOR EDITOR

GMG ColorProof 5.2 incorporates new, advanced tools for expert handling of spot colors, increasing efficiency by saving time and minimizing errors. It is now possible to create a spot color database with normalized paper tints. Based on GMG MX-profiles, an accurate paper tint can be applied during the process of proofing. A new feature is the ability to export a report showing spot colors, listing the spot color name, CMYK values, the target and current values, and even out of gamut colors according to current value estimates and delta E.

SUPPORT OF THE EPSON STYLUS PRO 4900, 7890 AND 9890 PRINTERS

With the help of the GMG AutoCalibrationWizard and an internal measuring device, Epson Stylus Pro 4900 (17''), 7890 (24'') and 9890 (44'') printers can be calibrated automatically without requiring any user intervention. The 4900 printer features a super-wide color gamut for the simulation of saturated spot colors and is very suitable for color-accurate remote proofing applications. The unique combination of the GMG printer driver, AutoCalibrationWizard and the GMG ProofStandard technology deliver remote proofing with the highest possible reliability and efficiency. Compared to previous-generation printers, Epson Stylus Pro 4900, 7890 and 9890 printers will certainly impress the proofing market with faster print speeds and, therefore, increased productivity.

GMG PROOFCONTROL INLINE FOR FULLY AUTOMATED PROOFING

GMG ProofControl Inline is an additonal module for GMG ColorProof 5.2, allowing fully automated proofing and fast, error-free verification of contone proofs on Epson Stylus Pro printers with an integrated measuring device. GMG ProofControl Inline automates selection of the correct target values and manual printing of proof labels within the Epson printer, making this "seal of quality" forgery-proof. Verification results can be seen within ColorProof, while measurement results of several GMG ColorProof 5.2 installations can be stored in one central database. If proof verification fails, the printer is automatically re-calibrated.

GMG ProofControl Inline is initially available for Epson Stylus Pro 4900, 7900, 9900, 7890 or 9890 printers with an integrated measuring device. Because user intervention is limited, the proof system can be successfully installed at sites where people are less skilled or who have little knowledge of digital proofing - for example, at advertising agencies, publishing offices or marketing departments.

GMG ProofControl, the company's well-known quality control software for digital proofs, is still the proof system of choice, consisting of GMG ColorProof 5.2 and proof printers that do not have an integrated measuring device. In facilities with different types of proof printers, GMG ProofControl Inline can be used along with version 1.5 - or more recent versions - of GMG ProofControl.

According to Paul Willems, CEO of GMG GmbH & Co. KG, the implementation of the latest features in GMG ColorProof 5.2, "fits the users' growing needs for more automated proofing workflows, very easy use of any software, and continually higher demands on productivity - as time and cost savings are more and more becoming crucial factors of company success. We are therefore convinced that our new version 5.2 represents a milestone in this direction while delivering GMG's renowned, highest possible contract proofing quality and production reliabilty according to our stringent quality standards."

OMET WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR CONTINUOUS INNOVATION AT LEXPO AMERICAS

Omet has gained another prestigious international award for its honours board: ‘The Label Award for the Continuous Innovation 2010’. The presentation was made during Labelexpo Americas, the leading international showcase for the label sector held recently in Chicago, and organised by Tarsus, the publishers of Labels & Labeling magazine. The awards event was held at a gala dinner on board the luxury boat, ‘Spirit of Chicago’, as it cruised Lake Michigan. Receiving the award on behalf of Omet were, Sales Manager Marco Calcagni, Manager of the Research & Development Amerigo Manzini, and Manager of Research and Development for Electronics Gianni Gerosa.

Omet was chosen as the winner from a large number of companies after a careful analysis of the strict category requirements. These are: the innovation capacity of the company; its significant contribution to the sector technological development; the company ethics; the experience; and the care for staff training.

"Omet is particularly proud of this new international recognition,” said Marco Calcagni. “Once again, the continual commitment of our company to research and the development of technically advanced solutions for converters and label makers has been acknowledged. OMET’s mission involves the whole company and is based on the foresight of founder and President Angelo Bartesaghi, who established and fosters the development of the company's human resources as well as technological progress in the sector."

Weldon Celloplast Ltd. represents Omet in India.

IIP AWARDS THE INDIAN PACKAGING FRATERNITY

The Indian Institute of Packaging organized the INDIASTAR and PACMACHINE Awards, the National Awards for packaging Excellence. The official Award distribution ceremony was held on 1st October at Hotel Renaissance, Powai. Around 400 members from the Industry, Award Winners, Government Bodies & overseas delegates were present for the Award Function. The Awards were presented by the Chief Guest Shri Ashok Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Guest of Honour Mr. Keith Pearson, President, World Packaging Organization (WPO) and Dharmatilak Ratnayake, Chairman, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging. Mr. N. C. Saha, Director, IIP read out the award report and congratulated the efforts of the award winning companies.

Mr. Ashok Sinha, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries observed, “It has been a great feeling to note that IndiaStar & Pacmachine Awards have continued to promote the art & science of packaging through the challenges of globalization. Even more encouraging, is to observe that this year has received maximum nominations, surpassing all past records with an evident improvement in the quality of selections as well.”

Mr. Keith Pearson, President, WPO stated “Packaging, is distinctive from mere Packing, as it plays a visible and a catalytic role in a modern economy with the widespread adoption of branding of products and development of consumer preferences. To the extent that any consumer product packed in a manner that meets the criteria of safety, convenience and attractiveness, gains market share. In an aggregate, packaging as a sectoral activity boosts consumption and economic growth.”

The Institute has maintained its unique position as an internationally reputed organisation by responding to the needs of the country, and acting as a single window for India’s capabilities in Packaging science and technology. With standing for the last 44 years, IIP instituted the IndiaStar Awards in the year 1972 to promote and encourage excellence in packaging design, innovation and sustainability once every two years. Over a period, these Awards have become popular and firmly entrenched as the premier event for India’s Packaging fraternity.

IIP also introduced the Pacmachine Awards in 1992 to recognize the achievements and promote the efforts of the packaging machinery sector. The main objective has been to celebrate the excellence with innovative concepts in design and development in packaging machinery particularly for import substitution & promotion of exports.