Kodak completes acquisition of Relief Plates business from Japan’s TOK

Eastman Kodak Company has completed its previously announced acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the relief plates business of Tokyo Ohka Kogyo Co., Ltd.  TOK . The acquisition expands and enhances Kodak’s capabilities to serve customers, particularly in the packaging industry, a key growth segment for the company. This newly acquired business is now a part of Kodak’s Prepress Solutions business and will conduct business under the name of Yamanashi RPB Supply Company.

The relief plate business includes flexography, letterpress, Braille and molding plate products produced and marketed by TOK worldwide. Included in the acquisition agreement is a manufacturing plant and development facility located in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, which produces relief plates.

“Kodak is strongly committed to the packaging industry and we are seeing growing demand, especially in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Douglas Edwards, Vice President and General Manager, Prepress Solutions, Kodak. “Delivering solutions for the packaging industry is one of Kodak’s key corporate growth initiatives, and we expect to double revenues in this segment by 2 2, so this will contribute toward that goal.”

The approximately 100 employees who were part of TOK’s relief plates business, most of them located in Yamanashi, have joined Kodak. “We are delighted by this opportunity to add TOK’s talented employees to our existing team for the benefit of our customers and shareholders,” said Edwards.

Kodak is a worldwide leader in the printing plates market, with a portfolio that includes digital offset plates, flexographic plates, and analog offset plates, which are part of Kodak’s comprehensive family of prepress solutions, including computer-to-plate devices, proofing solutions, plate processing equipment, and workflow. Kodak has been steadily expanding its portfolio to offer complete solutions for packaging customers, including the award-winning Kodak FlexCel NX Digital Flexographic System, Kodak Prinergy PowerPack Workflow, and the Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System.

UPM Raflatac launches range of biodegradable films and face material for tamper-free packaging

Aimed at the food, beverage and personal care segments, UPM Raflatac has recently launched its RafBio range of biodegradable cellulose films, PLA films, and paper faces combined with the company’s new biodegradable adhesive RP 55 Bio. The RafBio cellulose films in Clear, White and Silver are made from renewable wood-pulp from managed plantations. They are sustainably sourced and home-compostable. Cellulose films are top-coated for good printability.

The RafBio PLA films in Clear and White are derived from corn starch and are suitable for direct food contact and are designed to offer versatile options compliant to EN13432, the European standard for compostable packaging. These industrially compostable PLA films have naturally good printing properties, excellent scratch resistance and higher levels of transparency and gloss, says the company. They also offer resistance to moisture, fats and oils.

The newly launched RP 55 Bio adhesive has been formulated for sustainability and biodegradability. It includes a high content of renewable (non-fossil derived) materials. RP 55 Bio is available with the biodegradable films as well as two paper faces: Raflacoat Plus and Thermal ECO 300. Most papers can be classed as chemically unmodified materials of natural origin, and can be accepted as biodegradable without testing.

RafBio films are also supplied with UPM Raflatac's RP 37 adhesive. The adhesive itself isn’t biodegradable, but adhesive and ink amounts below 1 percent of the total packaging are ‘considered negligible’ under EN 13432, according to UPM Raflatac. RP 37 is water resistant.

UPM Raflatac has also introduced a face material for tamper-free packaging. Holo Security is a metalized paper material with integrated holographic effect, which the company says can replace cost-intensive hot stamping on-press, yet has the same advantage of being hard to reproduce. The lacquered face assists a good overprint with conventional printing techniques and thermal transfer.

Holo Security is at its best on sealing labels for luxury and consumer goods packages as well as in logistics and transport applications. An even higher degree of protection can be reached by adding security die-cutting on the printing press.

OMET's open house to conclude today..

OMET that is hosting an Open House for existing and potential customers in their premises in Lecco, Italy from March 9th will conclude today. This open house has given the visitors to view new OMET machines running in their production facility. Among the new presses is the 430 VaryFlex combination press including Offset groups, bound to Turkey. The offset group that made its appearance at Label-Expo 2007, is a compendium of technology, printing precision and robustness for the printing of added-value labels. Being the VaryFlex a true combination press, capable of harmonizing in line different printing solutions like rotogravure, flexo, silk-screen, foiling, converting and, of course, offset, this machine is a true "must see".

OMET is also showing the 430 X-Flex, the benchmark of label presses since its debut in 2007 – and winner of FTA Innovation Award in 2008 and of Label Award for Continuous Innovation during Label-Expo 2010 - with flexo, silk-screen and converting groups, and a 530 VaryFlex machine with a mix of printing technologies, specifically rotogravure and flexo, for the printing of flexible packaging film. Two further machines that the customers could see in operation were a 530 VaryFlex for the printing of heavy-duty carton and a 670 VaryFlex with in-line lamination.

PRATI to unveil SATURN PLUS at Gulf Print & Pack 2011

PRATI demonstrates its servo–slitter-rewinding-inspection SATURN PLUS now equipped with new options at Gulf Print & Pack on PRINTECH booth, E417, East Hall. PRINTECH is PRATI's official distributor in the Middle East regions. During the trade show PRATI will unveil the SATURN PLUS, a new version of the robust inspection SATURN machine. It is equipped with a servo rotary die-cutting unit and a completely new NIKKA compact inspection system with an iPhone touch-screen interface, for which NIKKA gave PRATI the sole right on this product. 

The SATURN PLUS enables pre-printed materials to be die-cut in register. Users can benefit of functions to suit their needs, such as unwinding, counting, slitting, rewinding and die-cutting of paper labels, clear-on-clear labels and single paper layer. The inspection system identifies if there are printing nonconformities, missing labels, the presence of matrix and flag before automatically placing the errors on the splicing table for correction. Its high productivity makes a single unit enough to serve two printing presses.

 

As all SATURN machines, the SATURN PLUS solution can be customized and has a full program of upgrade and options that can be implemented at any time, including inkjet print-heads. This modular design ensures the SATURN series can accommodate current and future label finishing requirements.

 

PRATI is in a leader position as provider of finishing systems for the label industry in Middle East. Chiara Prati, Sales Director at PRATI, comments: "Label printers and packaging suppliers in Middle East have appreciated the SATURN  as a great cost-saving investment, combining mechanical precision with electronic technology. In this region we count over than 30 machines installed."

New Color-Logic silver ink to revolutionize metallic printing..

Color-Logic, developer of the popular Process Metallic Color System, has simplified metallic printing with the introduction of its Color-Logic BEST Silver Ink.  Announcing the new ink, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves said: “Unlike other metallic inks in the marketplace, Color-Logic BEST Silver Ink has unique properties that revolutionize metallic printing.  With a maximum ink density of only 0.35—compared with 1.0 for standard silver inks—Color-Logic BEST Silver Ink is much easier than conventional metallic inks to control on offset presses, and is far less inclined to pile in the ink fountain. Even more important, Color-Logic BEST Silver Ink does not dull down under either aqueous or ultraviolet coatings, or lamination films.  Unlike conventional metallic inks, the Color-Logic ink gets brighter when coated.” Color-Logic BEST Silver Ink is specifically formulated to be compatible with conventional process inks.  It may be used with the Color-Logic Process Metallic Color System or with conventional designs.

Multiprint Labels purchases ROTOCONTROL RSC Slitter/Rewinder with Die Station

Ralph Beier, ROTOCONTROL International Sales Manager, recently announced the receipt of an order from Multiprint Labels for a RSC Slitter/Rewinder 340mm web width with an added Die Station. Technology discussions for the project where led by Patrick Aengenvoort, Director from ROTOTEC, the local Agent for ROTOCONTROL throughout South Africa.

Chris Bobbert, Multiprint Labels Managing Director and General Manager commented:  “Quality is one of the most important aspects of our business.  To maintain our high standard of quality, Multiprint Labels invests in technology that will provide an equally high return in investment, which is why we selected the ROTOCONTROL RSC. The ability to inspect, slit, rewind and die cut our large variety of material on one machine is the type of versatility that we require to keep us at the leading edge.”

Headquartered in Johannesburg, Multiprint Labels manufactures High Quality self adhesive labels, Unsupported films and papers, Tags, Hot and cold Foiling, Numbering, Coupons, and Sheeted labels.

First 2011 Harper Road Show conducted by Mark Andy is a grand success

The 2011 inaugural Harper Road Show held at the Mark Andy campus in Chesterfield, Missouri, was attended by 70 converters and suppliers. The focus of the day was short run flexo and presentations and demonstrations focused on increasing converter profits for short run work using flexo technology.

Presentations were provided by Harper Corporation, Actega WIT, FLXON, RotoMetrics, 3M and DuPont, all with valuable technical information for converters on how to efficiently increase short run productivity throughout the in-line flexo press workflow. After the presentations, attendees witnessed a live press demonstration in which the Mark Andy Performance Series ran three different jobs, highlighting flexo technology’s capabilities with regards to short run work. 

Elimination of waste was a significant message for the press demonstration, with actual material being pulled off the rewind to show a 7 ft (2.1 m) material requirement for initial set up of a 4-color wine label job on 80T print cylinders. After a version change on the wine label, a health and beauty label run was started, demonstrating a 4-color full job changeover in three minutes and low changeover waste of 20 ft (6.1 m) from the first job to the next. Ease and efficiency of repeat changes were then demonstrated with the changeover to a third job run on 96T cylinders. 

In addition to the press demonstration, attendees were guided on a manufacturing floor tour where they witnessed the effects of Mark Andy's Lean manufacturing implementation. 

‘We are honored that Harper Corporation chose Mark Andy as its inaugural stop in the 2011 Road Show tour. We are always excited to see converters taking an interest in flexo issues and by hosting this tour we have played a role in furthering the education of our existing and future customers,’ said Paul Brauss, president and CEO of Mark Andy. 

Unconventional success at Flexo Image Graphics

Going by the tag line of the new performance series presses that says “There’s nothing conventional about it”, the team at Flexo Image Graphics (FIG) often thinks very un-conventional in search for new successes. And 2010 have been a rather unconventional year for Flexo Image Graphics related to their new found successful installations.

Driven by a passion for offering high quality label solutions and striving for technical excellence has always been the strong focus with Flexo Image Graphics (FIG), right since its inception. And it has surely grown over the years with a seamless sales and service experience led by a well qualified and professionally trained team of sales and service engineers. And with such an excellent sales and service team aptly supported by an excellent management team that, this year has been the most wonderful year for them – what with major installations like XP5000 in Kwality Offset, Pakistan Papers as well as selling not one but two performance series machine in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. And the laurels continue, as their usual hot selling press the Mark Andy 2200 makes its way to quite a few printing houses in India.

According to Shelvam, ‘Though we have the most compelling range of narrow-web presses and printing solutions, yet the addition of the Performance Series will be a big booster for the ever-growing label industry in India. Already two converting leaders like Barcom Industries and Astron Packaging have invested in the P5 proven technology as they were seeking new servo machines with advanced capabilities to add to their existing range. And with the P5's groundbreaking productivity platform and the latest servo technology, they immediately closed the deal. As of now, apart from new installations, we are targeting select converters who have been thinking of replacing their existing machines with a Performance Series.”

Gaurav Roy says that in 2010 the group turnover has grown strongly, “due to the diligent efforts of my team coupled with a good order situation, FIG had its hands full and we have achieved quite upto our satisfactions. Also the participation at the Labelexpo India show has given us good business leads and we are sure to reap in with a couple of strong orders installations. As of now, the focus at customer end is obviously the Performance Series which I anticipate will be a stronghold in the years to come,” says Gaurav.

According to Mike Russel, “India has been a very strong and attractive market for quite some time and with the recent spate of installations, I can for sure say, that the Indian label industry have become very quality conscious and wants to be at par with international standards. We at Mark Andy and especially FIG, we have always strived to offer our customers not only the best product line that is constantly upgraded according to the market requirements, but the opportunity to experience the latest technologies in order to serve their end customers more efficiently.”

With a strong commitment to providing expert solutions, FIG offers a fully integrated service approach to get the most from the technology at our disposal and a system that perfectly fits your requirements. The diversely experienced winning team at FIG not only offers world-class product line, but combines it with consulting and managed services expertise and executes market strategies with technical initiatives leading to the company's fast-paced growth. In addition to the activities in India, FIG also serves the adjoining countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and UAE.

Sino Label starts today – Good enthusiastic response on first day

While exhibitors' recruitment were done in full swing on one hand, promotional activities for the Sino Label Expo 2011 were also being concurrently run alongside with the 18th Printing South China at full throttle to see that he show is a grand success. And the results are to be seen on the first day itself at the show. There is a huge crowd considering that the first day normally has very less visitors, but that’s not the case at this show. One of major reasons might be the launch of a series of promotional programs as well as the support the organizer received from various media and the local printing & packaging industry associations who have organized delegation groups to visit and purchase at the show.

6 Special Theme Zones are organized this time to cater to the market needs. They include: Pre-Press; Digital Printing, Offset / Flexo / Gravure Printing; Screen Printing Equipment & Materials; Printing Ink / Consumables / Materials & Accessories and Post-press / Paper Converting / Paper Package.

On one hand, a wide range of the latest industry's sophistications that cater to the entire printing industry chain are well categorized and featured in the 6 major theme zones; On the other hand, the organizer endeavors to sustain the show quality by inviting more professionals to visit the show. It is no doubt that The 18th Printing South China is a synthetic all-in-one platform for the whole printing industry in China and the nearby regions.

For more information, log on to: www.sinolabelexpo.com

RotoMetrics announces acquisition of Gerhardt

RotoMetrics and Gerhardt International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the acquisition of Gerhardt by RotoMetrics. ‘Combining these two companies will create a supplier with unprecedented global reach and technology leadership to support converters’ total requirements for high quality rotary converting tools,’ said Michael Bryant, president and CEO of RotoMetrics. ‘RotoMetrics is in a strong financial position to pursue the transaction, and we look forward to moving quickly to implement growth plans and expanded product offerings on a global basis,’ said Michael Bryant.

‘The RotoMetrics and Gerhardt teams are excited about the transaction and the opportunity it represents to continue to develop our collective technology leadership in rotary converting tools,’ said Klaus Damberg, president and CEO, Gerhardt International. ‘Our customers can be assured that they will continue to have access to the full range of current product solutions and technologies, along with continued support from their usual contacts within both companies.’

RotoMetrics, with headquarters near St Louis, Missouri, supports customers from operations in eight countries with major manufacturing operations on four continents.  Gerhardt International, headquartered in Herlev, Denmark, is one of the industry’s leading rotary converting tool providers with manufacturing operations in Europe and Australia, and sales and service networks worldwide. The companies anticipate that the transaction will be completed by the end of March, subject to normal due diligence procedures and pending regulatory approvals.