Xitron acquires Computer-to-Plate and Computer-to-Film RIP business of RTI

Xitron, the leading independent developer of RIP and workflow products for commercial, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing has announced an agreement with Global Graphics Software, developer of the Harlequin RIP and parent company to RTI-RIPs.com. On January 2, 2018, Xitron acquired the Computer-to-Plate and Computer-to-Film RIP business of RTI.

Prior to the agreement, RTI sold and supported Harlequin RIPs through their website, mostly to print providers in North America. Xitron will now be responsible for all new Harlequin RIP sales, as well as upgrades for existing RTI RIPs in the commercial offset and flexo market segments. In turn, RTI’s focus will shift to light production printing applications, screen printing, and direct digital markets.

“Xitron and RTI have existed in the same vertical space together for years, with RTI selling Xitron interfaces as part of their Harlequin RIP kits,” said Karen Crews, president of Xitron. “This agreement reinforces our commitment to supplying these markets with productive, economical RIP and workflow products well into the future.”

The accord comes as many print providers find themselves in transition between traditional printing processes and digital alternatives such as high-speed inkjet and other digital press technologies. As printers migrate toward these new alternatives, continuity of workflow and operator familiarity become important keys to a successful transition.

“This is an area where Xitron continues to excel,” said Jeffrey Piestrak, Xitron product manager. “RTI’s computer-to-plate customers will find Xitron’s Navigator workflow driving many of the digital presses currently enjoying success in the inkjet market. Since that same workflow can be configured to drive their CTP engines, RTI RIP customers will find themselves in an excellent position for transition with little additional cost.”

According to Ms. Crews, Xitron will continue to pursue development paths for traditional prepress RIP and workflow products, as well as high-speed inkjet and other digital press applications. “There’s no question that digital technologies get the lion’s share of attention in print media today,” she says. “However, there are thousands of printers in the commercial and flexo markets who still need our help with conventional prepress technology.”

INX to feature solvent-based packaging and metal decoration inks at ExpoPrint Latin America

With a significant worldwide presence supported by parent company Sakata INX of Japan, INX International Ink Co. will display its strength and global reach by showcasing a complete product line of inks and coatings at ExpoPrint Latin America, being held March 20-24 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

South America’s largest industry event, ExpoPrint Latin America represents the first time INX (booth 417) will be exhibiting in South America. The product lines that will be displayed are geared to showcase the strengths of Creative Industria e Comercio Ltda., one of the leading manufacturers of flexographic and gravure packaging inks. INX acquired the company in December 2016.

“ExpoPrint is an excellent opportunity for INX to demonstrate our consistent global expansion efforts and commitment to the South American market by providing packaging solutions to our worldwide customers,” said Rick Clendenning, President and CEO.

INX will exhibit Synergy and Belle Color solvent-based inks for flexible packaging and 2-piece metal decoration inks and coatings. Synergy is a flexographic laminating ink that works well with a wide range of solvent-based and solvent-less adhesive systems. Designed to run at press speeds of 2000 feet per minute, it is a high performance product with excellent printability and heat resistance for general purpose, snack food packaging. Synergy possesses superb bond strength and resolubility, and low solvent retention is achievable with extrusion and adhesive lamination.

Belle Color solvent-based rotogravure laminating inks are the highest performing inks on the market for adhesive and extrusion lamination. These inks are specifically formulated for retort, boil-in-bag and a vast range of diverse packaging applications. A proprietary, high quality ink system, customers are impressed by how sharp it prints on many different substrates. Belle Color, like Synergy, also offers excellent heat resistance, low solvent retention, and resolves doctor blade issues that are commonly found with other inks.

INX is the largest worldwide producer of 2-piece metal decorating inks. Many popular beverage brands understand the significant value and shelf appeal that INX metal decorating inks have to offer. With outstanding bright and sharp colors, make sure to ask about the INX Color Perfection 2-Piece Metal Color Catalog, which contains over 600 metal color swatches. It is the industry’s first true color standard for beverage can design printed directly on metal.

GMG ProofControl 2.4 opens up to digital printing

Color management expert GMG is making its proof control software for digital printing future-proof with version 2.4. Product manager Jens Bloeck explains: "We are meeting industry demands with the support of the digital standard Fogra PSD (process standard for digital production): process stability and quality assurance are playing an increasingly important role in digital printing."

GMG ProofControl can be used to import and verify control strips for print standards. If the proof corresponds to the target values, then a label is printed out as a seal of approval and is attached to the proof. This is how proofs can be objectively measured and serve as a legally binding basis for an order.

Creating templates for custom print standards

GMG ProofControl can be customized even further in version 2.4. Independently created color rule sets can thus be saved as templates and applied to any output standards. This makes packaging printing easier, where individual adjustments are part of everyday business. Templates for ISO12647-7:2016 and FOGRA PSD 2016 are already pre-defined.

Useful features thanks to Microsoft Excel and XML Support

Analyses and statistics can now be collected from measurement data, for example about printing stability, by using the new Microsoft Excel Support. In addition, you can create your own print standards in this way. The print standard list can be saved and imported into other work stations via XML in order to ensure consistency.

New evaluation criteria and 64-bit support

Control strips and individual patches can now be evaluated with 95% quantiles and the weighted Delta Ch formula. That means that this complies with Fogra PSD and G7 Greyscale. GMG ProofControl 2.4 is now designed as a 64-bit application and offers noticeably better performance, especially when it comes to large quantities of measurement data.

Apex International place largest single order on Troika Systems for its AniCAM with Anilox QC

Troika Systems Limited and Apex International announced that Apex is to use the Troika anilox measurement products, the AniCAM with Anilox QC, at all of its production sites worldwide. The order for 10 systems is the largest single order placed on Troika for its flagship product.

The combined expertise of Apex International’s production processes of anilox roll manufacturing technologies and Troika’s accurate anilox measurement systems, of which over 950 units have been installed globally, will complement the requirements of many significant print groups and private converters who already manage their anilox inventories with their own AniCAM and Anilox QC systems.

Toon van Steensel, Plant Manager of Apex Europe stated: “The need to get the latest technology with the Troika AniCAM microscope will allow us to get a fully calibrated system of our present microscopes, our daily measurement on our calibrated rolls and a full integration between readings of different types of microscopes is an essential part or our QA/QC system in order to provide our customers with the best validated information on our products. Furthermore the reliability and consistency of measurements from the Troika AniCAM /Anilox QC is an essential part of the print community’s needs, but most importantly for Apex to improve our QA/QC procedures for all our plants around the world in order to assure the consistent engraving quality that our customers expect from us”.

The same can be said for any manufacturer of anilox rolls and gravure cylinders, the AniCAM with Anilox QC will help them produce consistent engraving quality. For our print customers they will be able to reduce their make ready waste and press set-up time by knowing the condition of their anilox rolls and gravure cylinders and with this ‘right first time’ process, increase profits.

Managing Director of Troika Systems, Phil Hall, stated “Many print groups globally are looking to standardize their production between plants. With a significant number now using the Troika AniCAM with Anilox QC and the Anilox Management System (AMS) for their inventory management. Using the same measurement systems will ensure compatibility and enhance confidence in what the printer measures and what anilox manufacturer’s state is the volume engraved”.

Troika’s continued development in response to the ongoing changes within the flexographic and gravure industry will prove to be of further benefit to the industry in the future. 

Pamarco invests in two new lasers for its ceramic anilox business and major plasma upgrades

As the leading anilox roll manufacturer in an expanding packaging industry, Pamarco is dedicated to exceptional service, consistency, and precision. To uphold this commitment and enable further development of its account base and flourishing clientele, the company has invested in two new lasers for its ceramic anilox business and major plasma upgrades. These acquisitions are the latest technology in hardware and software, strengthening Pamarco’s global presence.

The first laser to be installed is a 3.5 meter ALE in Pamarco’s La Palma location, in April of 2018. The second will be installed in May 2018, a 5.5 meter ALE laser in the company’s Warrington, U.K., facility. In addition to the lasers, the most recent plasma installation, a fourth Sinplex at Pamarco’s Atlanta operation, company-wide plasma improvements are officially complete; each plant is now equipped with Triplex and Sinplex systems.

The additional laser engraving capacity and plasma updates, complemented by significant investments in upstream technologies, allows Pamarco to be even more responsive to the needs of the market. Meeting ever-increasing graphic demands at increased press speeds for a growing client base means the company is positioned to remain the leader in anilox technology. Flexo Division President, John Burgess, stated, “We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the packaging industry with investments. Not just in capital, but investments in our people and in the education of the market - these will provide a return for generations to come.”

UK’s leading packaging show calls for truly innovative and sustainable solutions

The UK’s largest event for the entire packaging community, Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print, returns to Birmingham’s NEC on 28 February & 1 March 2018. With the reduction of plastic packaging a current hot topic in the media, the event comes at a time when there is more attention on the packaging industry than ever before.

The two-day event, which shines a spotlight on the most cutting-edge innovations within the packaging industry, is once again calling for the most sustainable packaging solutions to come forward and take part in its highly anticipated Ecopack Challenge, which will run in collaboration with Marks & Spencer. The competition offers companies that are creating innovative and environmentally responsible products the chance to develop an idea with Marks & Spencer, as well as being crowned Ecopack Challenge champions. The Dragons’ Den style session will see four shortlisted companies demonstrate why they should be voted best in show, not only by an expert panel, but also the show’s interactive audience.

Kevin Vyse, Primary Foods Packaging Technologist & Packaging Innovation Lead at Marks & Spencer said, “Marks and Spencer is pleased to continue its support of the Ecopack Challenge and is looking forward to seeing what new sustainable packaging ideas the show has to offer this year.”

Entries are not restricted to exhibiting companies only. In fact, in the search for truly sustainable excellence, the show has opened up the Ecopack Challenge to non-exhibiting companies, who can participate at the event, as part of the Innovation Lab. The deadline for all Ecopack Challenge entries is Friday 2nd February and can completed by filling out the online application form.

Commenting on the Challenge, James Drake-Brockman, Divisional Director for Packaging at Easyfairs, said, “The Ecopack Challenge is open to anyone with a truly sustainable solution for packaging, and we welcome submissions from any companies that are creating innovative and sustainable offerings. We launched Ecopack back in 2008, when we first identified sustainability as becoming one of the biggest challenges facing the packaging industry. Ten years later, the issue of sustainability is more prolific than ever and we are excited at the prospect of discovering some of the very latest and most innovative new solutions available to the packaging community.”

New for 2018, the Innovation Lab will join the Ecopack Challenge, as part of a series of features aimed at enhancing visitor exposure to environmentally friendly packaging across a range of industries and inspiring them to take more creative and bold paths in future. This new area will showcase ground-breaking products, materials and services, providing visitors with the perfect platform and meet the great minds behind these ideas.

The Innovation Lab offers exhibiting and non-exhibiting companies the chance to showcase their products free of charge, with the winners being invited to speak as part of a panel on the Innovation Stage. The deadline for entries for Innovation Lab is 2nd February, with all sustainable or circular economy related products automatically being entered into the Ecopack Challenge. Companies can apply for Innovation Lab by filling out the online application form. The winners of both the Ecopack Challenge and the Innovation Lab will be presented live at the show on the Innovation Stage.

For further information, visit www.easyfairs.com/EmpackUK, www.easyfairs.com/Label&PrintUK and www.easyfairs.com/PIUK

Coca-Cola conferred the WorldStar 2018 Awards for developing Made-for-India heat resistant tarpaulin

Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s top 5 FMCG companies, has won the prestigious WorldStar 2018 Award, instituted by the World Packaging Organization, for developing “heat-resistant tarpaulin” – a packaging material that ensures freshness of beverage products during transportation, even in the heat conditions prevalent in India. Representatives from 16 global packaging associations chose HCCB’s nomination from a total of 318 global submissions out of 38 countries. The Award will be presented to HCCB later in the year, in Australia.

The pre-eminent international award in packaging - WorldStar – recognizes the continual advancement of the state of the packaging art and creates a living standard of international packaging excellence from which others may learn.

The heat-resistant tarpaulin - an in-house innovation of HCCB along with key partners and subject matter experts - serves the needs of beverage transportation in extreme summers. To ensure freshness of a carbonated beverage, carbon dioxide (CO2) loss owing to product exposure to extreme temperatures needs to be kept to a minimum. Conventional tarpaulins only act as a cover to dust, water and sunlight but do not offer protection from heat. This specialized heat resistant tarpaulin offers the benefits of a conventional tarpaulin and also doubles up as insulation to help reduce the temperature of a shipment to 5-6 degrees lower than outside temperature. Lowering the temperature, in turn, helps improve CO2 retention considerably, thereby improving the freshness quotient of the beverage in the hands of the consumer.

Delighted at winning the award, Mr. Dinesh Jadhav, Executive Director, Supply Chain, HCCB said, “The award recognizes the culture of continuous improvement that we are building at HCCB. The recognition will also spread the word of such an innovation to the larger global packaging ecosystem, thereby enabling the entire fraternity to benefit from this package. What makes us happier is that the consumer will now get an even better product experience. I am thankful to my team at Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages for having brought together a group of in-house and external experts to bring this innovation to life.”

Founded in 1968 on the occasion of the second Japanese International Packaging Exhibition, the World Packaging Organisation is made up today of member organizations from 42 countries. Many members are packaging institutes; other significant members are national or regional trade organizations that promote their countries’ packaging products. In recent years, WPO has focused on packaging in developing nations.

With headquarters in Chicago (USA) the entity promotes projects and actions aligned to its main slogan “Better Quality of Life through Better Packaging for More People”. With that mission in mind, WPO encourages the development of packaging technology, science and engineering; stimulation of international trade; and the advancement of packaging education and training. 

Customers now can streamline anilox and gravure roll care by bundling cleaning and analysis technology

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC) - a division of Barry-Wehmiller and a leading supplier of high-performance converting machinery for the tissue, nonwovens and package-printing industries worldwide - pleased to announce a strategic partnership with MicroDynamics. The two industry-leading companies are teaming up to provide customers with the option to include MicroDynamics’ 3DQC RollScope as part of a bundled package with PCMC’s Meridian laser anilox cleaner.

The Meridian uses a powerful laser to clean anilox cells without damaging them, resulting in a superior clean, improved print quality, reduced waste and a longer life for anilox rolls.

The 3DQC also reduces waste and downtime, making this bundled package an attractive option for customers. By quickly scanning the surface of anilox and gravure rolls, the 3DQC provides the measurement of cell volume that achieves repeatable results better than plus or minus 1 percent. Featuring microscope control, data collection and a visualization database, the 3DQC’s MicroScan software monitors the volume as the roll wears and reviews the measurement history, enabling customers to precisely track every roll.

“I’m very excited that we’re able to team up with the industry leader of analysis technology,” said Rodney Pennings, Printing, Coating and Laminating Sales Director for PCMC. “We’re thrilled to offer our customers this state-of-the-art tool that will help instill quality control in their tooling inventory, as well as enhance their repeatability. We are looking forward to this collaboration and creating additional value for customers.”

“This opportunity to partner with PCMC is ideal for MicroDynamics, as we promote quality across the printing industry,” said Brent Zurcher, Product Engineer at MicroDynamics. “Being able to pair our technologies means offering streamlined and cost-effective process control for customers.”

Process Label Systems acquires Domino N610i 7-Color Digital UV Inkjet Label Press

Process Label Systems, a Minneapolis-based converter of labels and tags for promotional/marketing, food & beverage, security, industrial, and automotive industries is extremely excited with the addition of their first digital label press -  The Domino N610i 7-color digital UV inkjet.

Dan Spah, General Manager at Process Label Systems (PLS) says, “My excitement for the press has been the ease of use and the short learning curve for the PLS team.”

Process Label Systems has been producing promotional marketing products including labels, decals and small signage for over 25 years. Today, they are a multi-faceted company providing many capabilities including promotional products & primary labels; rotary die-cutting & custom converted products; specialty & security products; barcoding, QR codes & sequential numbering; in-mold labeling; tag products; window & door labels and gaskets; blank & color thermal transfer roll labels; laser/inkjet pre-die cut sheets, and more. Most recently, Process Label Systems has added digital label printing to their arsenal with the Domino N610i.

“In our search for digital, we had been reviewing many digital presses and my first thought was to find a press to get PLS into the digital market. Then, we were doing homework on which markets we currently serve and which markets we would like to serve. While looking at cost of equipment, materials, ink, and support I felt we needed to purchase the Domino N610i. The speed of the press, the durable ink system, and the print quality made the decision,” says Spah.

The press was installed in October 2017. So, has the Domino N610i lived up to the expectation?

“Now that we have the Domino press we are happy to say it has worked well. We spent so much time planning for the press, that once it arrived we were ready for it. Domino’s training and install was very professional and timely. Printing high-quality labels for short and medium runs is easy now!” adds Spah.

According to Process Label, the Domino N610i has already proven to be exactly what they needed.

“We are a project focused printing/converting company creating solutions for our customers. The Domino N610i has already been a solution for PLS. From matching designer colors to standard pantone, this press does a very good job. And having the ability to print out all samples for a press approval at one time vs. running one copy at a time is also a very nice option with digital. Having this Domino digital UV inkjet press makes our life easier,” concludes Spah.

Toray Plastics launches its third generation of Torayfan polypropylene packaging films

Consumer demand for fresh, shelf-stable food in transparent packaging and CPG companies’ preference for a PVdC-free, high-barrier film that delivers extended shelf life performance have driven the development of Toray Plastics (America)’s third generation of Torayfan clear, high-barrier BOPP films. The new Torayfan CB3 portfolio is manufactured with Toray’s proprietary formulation and a patented PVdC-free coating. The films offer superior oxygen-barrier protection along with excellent moisture barrier and are available in sealable and non-sealable versions. In addition, the robust 70- and 80-gauge CB3 films are a thinner alternative to thicker OPP films and enable source reduction, yield, and economic benefits. The CB3 films’ strength also enables them to withstand the rigors of the laminating and converting processes without any degradation to barrier performance. All CB3 films are manufactured at Toray’s world-class site in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. CB3 films are suited for bags, pouches, stand-up pouches, and flow wrap. Among their applications are nuts, seeds, salted snacks, cookies, dried fruit, and confectionery items.

“The third generation of Torayfan CB films is an exciting advancement,” says Tammy Williamson, Associate Product Manager of the Torayfan Polypropylene Films Division, Toray Plastics (America), Inc. “These are very sophisticated films that combine a modified base film and complex coating to achieve impressive barrier. In addition, consumers today want to see the item they are purchasing; it helps them feel confident that the food and ingredients are fresh. CB3 films offer the transparency and freshness protection they expect.”

Williamson notes that Toray’s new CB3 technology has an oxygen transmission rate (O2TR) of 0.06 cc/100in²/day at 73° F, 0% RH, without any compromise to moisture-barrier properties. The previous generation of CB films has an O2TR value of 0.25. In cases where end users are using a lamination made with PVdC-coated PET and a sealant web, the CB3 OPP films offer a significant improvement in both moisture and oxygen barrier.

“Also important,” she says, “is CPG companies’ preference that PVdC be eliminated from packaging because of the environmental concerns associated with it. They also appreciate Toray’s commitment to sustainability. Now manufacturers are able to specify a transparent package with even greater shelf stability, without PVdC issues.”

Williamson notes that the CB3 films are also an excellent alternative to acrylic-coated and AlOx-coated films, EVOH sealant web films, and metallized BOPP films. They run on VFFS and HFFS equipment.