Autajon purchases second Lemorau CRL 330

Autajon, a family owned label converting business based in Motelimar, France has invested in a Lemorau CRL 330 machine to expand its portfolio of finishing equipment. The company started in 1964 in the French Drôme region is today a prestigious group of international reach with its expansion throughout Europe, USA and China. Its label and packaging production is highly diversified, however, the company focuses on pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, and wine labeling markets.

Autajon has invested in a Lemorau CRL, a finishing machine that can be used in-line with a semi-rotary or flatbed printing machine. The web travels through a buffer box with electronic sensors that allows a perfect synchronization between both machines.

‘The CRL works really well, we are very happy with it. We also bought the machine because of the trust we have in Lemorau,’ commented Dani Matin, R&D at Autajon. “The machine features an electronic counter for labels, meterage or rollers, two interchangeable pneumatic rewinders, paper break and waste detection, air trim removal, vacuum table, buffer box with electronic sensors, label rewinding inside and out, automatic tension control system and memory for 250 jobs that facilitate future repetitions,” he added.

Autajon’s CRL was also equipped with the optional clear on clear sensor, razor slitting knife unit, additional mandrels in customized sizes, Quick Remote Connection module and right to left configuration.

Graphic Products launches DuraLabel Toro Max

Graphic Products has launched DuraLabel Toro Max portable all-in-one industrial label and sign printer. Toro Max offers new features and enhanced technology.

‘We’ve engineered a faster loading process, and a smarter print system overall,’ said Andy Sobiesczyk, research and development manager at Graphic Products. ‘With this approach, the printer automatically switches to the best settings for the supplies that are loaded, so users don’t need to manually fine-tune those controls. That reduces the time needed to create new labels and avoids wasting supplies on bad prints.’

Toro Max includes a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, full-size Qwerty keyboard, and optional battery. Graphic Products said that the portable label printer offers a powerful processor, enhanced label design software, and a simplified supply loading system. Toro Max includes supply recognition and auto-calibration features. 

The applications of the printer include labels for arc flash, GHS/HazCom, asset management and wayfinding. Like all DuraLabel printers, Toro Max comes with a 5-year guarantee and support for the service life of the printer.

Artoption becomes latest industry member of Ghent Workgroup

The Ghent Workgroup (GWG) is pleased to announce that Artoption has joined as its latest new industry member. Artoption is a German based company located in Stuttgart, specialized in the development, production, and distribution of software solutions for the print and publishing industry. 

Since its inception in 2016, Artoption has not only been developing and distributing software solutions in the field of industrial production processes but has also been consulting in the development and use of software and hardware solutions. Furthermore, they develop PFD workflows based on Enfocus SWITCH such as 3CPDF. 

3CPDF is an application that can check and correct your PDF print data in the cloud and is not only device- but also platform-independent. It helps to create a printable PDF file without needing any expertise. CEO of Artoption, Dirk Simanek has more than 20 years of experience as a SWITCH integrator and consultant to the print industry. 

Dirk Simanek states: “To be successful in a print production environment, workflows and especially production must be automated. One of GWG's strengths is to take direct input from print industry professionals and to integrate and develop this knowledge when developing specifications or standards.Because what we all have in common is that only print data that meets the specifications can lead to optimal print results and thus to satisfied customers. We are proud to be a member of the Ghent Workgroup and look forward to the exchange.” 

“As PDF continues to provide an important document exchange format for print and packaging design and production, having companies like Artoption as a member of the GWG and developing new tools to support those efforts is critical. We welcome Artoption and look forward to their valued participation”, stated David Zwang GWG Chair.

Kolkata-based packaging expert Libako invests in Gallus ECS 340

Libako Packaging, a print and packaging specialist, boosted its production efficiencies after installing a Gallus ECS 340, a flexographic press with UV application, in-line foiling, lamination, and die-cutting. Seeing the potential of flexo printing and labelling for several years, Libako Packaging decided to invest for the Gallus ECS 340 during the pandemic of 2020. The flexo press was installed and inaugurated at the plant in the presence of family members and well-wishers. 

Balai Adhikary, Director at Libako Packaging, comments: “We preferred to invest proven technology along with innovation, brand value, versatility. We examined all the presses and their configuration, where Gallus flexo press stood out as the leader for us. We were awestruc
k by the print quality, registration with minimal wastage, and the support from Heidelberg India’s service team. Process flexibility and ease of use were among the other highlights of Gallus ECS 340 which helped us to seal the decision.” 

“We are extremely happy with the full journey of Gallus ECS 340 discussion, along with service provided by Heidelberg India. Amid the pandemic and lockdown, they did a fantastic job of installing the new press in a record time of just six days upon receipt of the equipment at our site“, comments Balai Adhikary, in front of the new Gallus ECS 340 flexo press.

“We are extremely happy with the full journey of Gallus ECS 340 discussion, along with service provided by Heidelberg India. Amid the pandemic and lockdown, they did a fantastic job of installing the new press in a record time of just six days upon receipt of the equipment at our site. The whole Gallus and Heidelberg team were extremely cooperative and supportive. We are impressed with the excellent print quality which was as per our expectations and it has set benchmark during ongoing print trials”, affirms Adhikary. 

Gallus ECS 340
The Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) of the press is defined by various factors including available time, quality, machine production speed as it is the mantra towards the success of label converter. “The equipment automation in Gallus ECS 340 ensures highest level of OEE to us, the dedicated service and print application support from Heidelberg and Gallus team helped us to reduce material waste and time loss in production and job changeovers, resulting in high productivity. These are some of the driving factors to be with Heidelberg and Gallus family”, explains Adhikary.

Fujifilm India appoints Koji Wada as MD

Fujifilm India has appointed Koji Wada as the new managing director, effective from June 29, 2021. Taking over the baton from Haruto Iwata as he moves to his new role as managing director for the Asia-Pacific region in Singapore, Wada will spearhead Fujifilm’s operations and business strategy in India. In his new role, Wada will be responsible for organizational growth and profitability with an integrated approach towards sales, marketing, and business policies.   

‘I had joined Fujifilm in 2001 and it has truly been an incredible journey for me,’ Wada said. ‘During my tenure at the company, I have had the opportunity to work with an excellent team of skilled and motivated professionals. As I transition into the new role, I am looking forward to collaborating with the teams across various divisions to take the company to newer heights. With India as a market thriving with opportunities, we will continue with our endeavor of “Never Stop” adding value to the lives of consumers and stakeholders.’  

Wada has been contributing to the businesses across corporate offices in Japan, Myanmar, Thailand and India. He brings a vast experience of over 20 years. Before taking over his role as managing director, he was responsible for leading the medical business of the company in India as a general manager.   

This is Wada’s second stint in India. He was marketing manager of PI, EI, RM for Fujifilm India in 2007. Post that Wada was appointed as the secretary to Global CEO Shigetaka Komori.   

Later, Wada was made the general manager for Fujifilm Thailand in 2014 and then managing director for Fujifilm Myanmar in 2017. In 2019, he was appointed as the senior manager of ME and director of FFIN.

Water-based flexographic printing steps up to the sustainability challenge

The recent Leaders Summit on Climate, hosted by U.S. President Biden, demonstrates the growing commitment leaders of many countries have to addressing the climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) among other initiatives. This will likely translate into increased regulatory pressure on a variety of industries, including printing, to moderate their emissions of CO2 and other global warming gases such as CH4 and N2O. As a leading supplier to the flexographic printing industry, Asahi Photoproducts is dedicated to delivering flexographic solutions that are in harmony with the environment. In doing so, the company enables its customers to be proactive in contributing to the overall reduction of GHG emissions. 

Over the last half century, Asahi Photoproducts has worked hard to bring innovative solutions to flexography, and most recently with the Asahi AWP™ CleanPrint water-washable plates. This solvent-free process delivers more sustainable printing while at the same time improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in the press room to the tune of 30% or more, which results in a significant increase in quality due to the precise register these plates deliver. 

What that means for the printing industry is that flexography is now competitive with gravure for all except the longest print runs. To validate this assertion, Flexo Technical Association Japan (FTAJ) and Water-based Flexographic Printing Advancement Council partnered with the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO), a well-known Japanese association, to calculate GHG emissions during the entire printing process for each of these two technologies, using the Life Cycle Assessment method. 

The results were enlightening. We found that when printing a job of 5,000 linear meters with water-based flexographic printing and comparing the result with the simulation of the same job with gravure printing, GHG emissions from water-based flexographic printing can be reduced by about 65% compared to gravure. We measured GHG emissions from the gravure life cycle at 668 kg, whereas emissions from water-based flexography were 231 kg. 

The gravure printing simulation results from using electronic engraving of the cylinders and solvent-based inks, while water-based flexographic printing uses water-washable plates and water-based inks. The results are shown in the image below, broken down into 3 steps: platemaking/engraving, ink manufacturing, and printing. 

The sustainability of the print can be further enhanced by using solvent-free laminating where lamination is required or desired, instead of dry lamination where the bonding agent is dissolved in solvent, applied, and then evaporated in a drying oven. With solvent-free lamination, a low viscosity adhesive is applied, requiring only a heated nip to mate it to the substrate. This creates an additional advantage of solvent-free lamination beyond the reduced GHG and VOC emissions since it does not require a drying component, further reducing energy consumption and increasing its sustainability as compared to the conventional dry lamination process. Thus, we recommend water-based flexographic printing technology combined with solvent-free lamination and water-washable flexographic printing plates as the most sustainable approach to producing packaging. 

All of this demonstrates the significant progress that has been made towards reduction of the carbon footprint for flexographic printing as compared to gravure, and the fact that this approach to packaging printing has the potential to change the global packaging market. But we are not stopping here. The talented and innovative engineers at Asahi Photoproducts continue to seek new ways to reduce the environmental impact of flexographic printing processes even further, and we have full confidence that they will find even more ways to make flexographic printing more sustainable. 

Ref.1:  Calculation Assumptions by Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (SuMPO).

• Film substrate and packaging process are not included in this calculation since there is no difference in-between water-based flexo printing and solvent gravure printing at them.
• This calculation is done by 5 colors printing.
• Plate making processes are: water washable plate technology for flexo printing, electronic engraving technology for gravure printing.
• Utility data at printing machine is based on typical and theoretical data on product catalogue since actual utility can be fluctuated as per actual printing condition and environment.
• Printing speeds are: water-based flexo 200m/min., solvent gravure 150m/min.
• Disposal method of printing wastages are: water disposal at water-based flexo, incineration at solvent gravure.
• Plate sleeve at flexo printing and steel cylinder at gravure printing are part of printing machine and not included in this calculation.
• Proofing process is not included in this calculation.
• GHG emissions of ink manufacturing are based on published data of Japan Printing Ink Makers Association.
• Transportation of intermediates and wastage are, 500km for intermediates, 100km for wastage respectively.
• LCI Database IDEAv2.3 is used.

For more information about flexographic solutions from Asahi Photoproducts that are in harmony with the environment, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com.

Registration opens for Label Congress 2021

Label Congress 2021 is a new niche event from the Labelexpo team specifically tailored to the current climate and will give a much-needed chance for the industry to meet in person. Built around two days of conference sessions featuring leading edge presentations and discussion panel sessions, followed on the third day by a Label Academy master class on self-adhesive materials, Label Congress 2021 will be running alongside the congress sessions and masterclass will be an exhibition hall packed with the latest technologies from leading industry suppliers including Xeikon, Accraply, MacTac, Durst, Fujifilm, Colordyne, Labeltraxx and Cartes. 

Organized by Labelexpo Global Series, Label Congress 2021 will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Conventional Center in Rosemont, Chicago, IL between September 29th and October 1st 2021. This one-time show will feature a conference program featuring expert speakers, a technical Label Academy master class and an expo hall filled with the latest technologies. It will give senior level converters the opportunity to meet, learn and connect with the largest suppliers in the industry. 

Registration is now open for Label Congress 2021, the first in-person networking and educational event for the US label industry since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Early bird discounts are available at www.labelexpo.com/congress/ 

The Congress conference sessions are broadly divided into Technology and Global Market overviews on day 1 (Wednesday 29th) and Future Proofing Your Business streams on day 2. Day 1 features an overview of the global label market, followed by a session on exciting new developments in digital embellishment technology. Panel discussions will look at how to optimize hybrid printing and strategies for diversifying into flexible packaging - the latter including leading converting group AWT Labels & Packaging. The first day concludes with a session on how the Internet of Things will impact the future of smart labels and packaging. 

Day 2 starts with Lifetime Achievement winner Federico d’Annunzio examining how converters should respond to brands’ increasing demands for data transparency. This is followed by panel discussions on practical sustainability strategies and how to recruit and retain talent, concluding with a session from regular L&L contributor Paul Brauss on lean manufacturing strategies. 

The half day Label Academy Masterclass is led by Tarsus Labels & Packaging group Strategic Director Andy Thomas-Emans and includes deep dive sessions into adhesive and silicone technologies, manufacturing process and performance characteristics of self-adhesive labels, die cutting properties and testing procedures for in-plant quality control. The masterclass is targeted at brand owners and designers who specify PS materials as well as label converters and industry suppliers. 

The machine demonstrations and conference sessions will be made available to the rest of the global industry the day following the event itself, broadcast on Labelexpo’s secure online platform. This will allow a global audience to benefit from the technology demonstrations and expert-led sessions available to Congress visitors during the week when Labelexpo Europe would usually have been running. 

‘Label Congress 2021 has been specifically tailored to the current climate and will give a much-needed chance for the industry to meet in person,’ said Label Congress 2021 Event Director Tasha Ventimiglia. ‘Label Congress 2021 is situated at the heart of the US print industry, within driving distance of most of the key converting states. The Congress will include a VIP program engaging directly with the key converters from the Midwest.’ 

Lisa Milburn, managing director of the Tarsus Labels, Packaging and Brand Print Group, said: ‘Label Congress is a smaller, carefully curated event, different to Labelexpo Americas. This is to adhere to the strict guidelines of COVID-19 protocols, which will include wider aisles, reduced visitor traffic and a strict deep cleaning regime. We are working in partnership with local Illinois authorities, event partners and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center to meet and exceed local safety standards.’ 

From a leading converter’s perspective, Mark Glendenning, CEO & Owner of Inland Printing, said he is looking forward to Label Congress 2021 : ‘I want to be one of those first people reconnecting into the industry because I think we’ll get leverage like we’ve never gotten before. I encourage you to go to Label Congress. It’s a one-time opportunity that will never happen again. You’re going to want to be there.’ 

Commenting on the benefits of the Label Congress conference sessions, Glendenning added, ‘Education is so much more valuable when it co-exists with networking. Live conferences far exceed going it alone watching a Youtube video. Further down the road, if you come across a challenge, you’ve got people you can call to run it by. That’s the power of connecting education with networking. It’s invaluable.’ 

The next edition of Labelexpo Americas will take place on September 13-15, 2022, also at the Donald E. Stephens Conventional Center in Rosemont.

 

New dates announced for Labelexpo India 2022

Labelexpo Global Series organizer Tarsus Group has announced the cancellation of Labelexpo India 2021. The show will now take place on 9-12 November 2022, allowing time for the Covid-19 vaccination program to roll out and for the situation to normalise next year. The show will remain at its existing location at Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida - Delhi NCR.

Labelexpo India Event Director Pradeep Saroha, commented: ‘We have taken the decision not to run Labelexpo India 2021 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Our expectation is that by rescheduling the show a year later, to 9-12 November 2022, the pandemic will be under control with the industry ready and excited to network and do business again.​​

Kuldip Goel, president of LMAI, the Indian Label Association, said, ‘The LMAI fully supports Tarsus’ decision to cancel Labelexpo India 2021. In light of the current situation with Covid-19 it is the correct and responsible thing to do. We look forward to the whole Indian label and package printing industry coming back together for Labelexpo India in November 2022. The LMAI Awards night will also be postponed to Labelexpo India November 2022 to run alongside the show.' 

The last edition of Labelexpo India in November 2018 attracted almost 10,000 visitors from 55 countries, with 250 Indian and global-based exhibitors.

New Dates announced for Labelexpo Southeast Asia

Labelexpo Global Series organizer Tarsus Group has announced that Labelexpo Southeast Asia- ASEAN’s leading labels and package print exhibition moves to February 2023. The exhibition that remains located at BITEC, Bangkok will now be held from 9-11 February 2023 instead of its current dates of 12-14 May 2022.

Labelexpo Southeast Asia Event Manager Richard Quirk commented, ‘Postponing the event will ensure that the show is as big and successful as possible. Labelexpo Europe now lands just two weeks before our originally scheduled Labelexpo Southeast Asia show next year, so we wanted to ensure the show was run at a time when we can maximise exhibitor numbers, visitor turnout and industry engagement. We know that February 2023 will be a time when the entire industry will be excited to come together. Exploring new markets is very important to all companies in the current climate, and with the current size and potential future growth of the Southeast Asian market we know that this event will be an important milestone for all involved.’

The last Labelexpo Southeast Asia exhibition held in 2018 attracted almost 8,000 visitors from 62 countries and 174 international exhibitors. For any exhibitor or show related questions, please contact support@labelexpo.com.

New Dates announced for Labelexpo India - To happen in November 2021

Tarsus Group, organizer of Labelexpo India, has confirmed that the upcoming edition of the show will now take place from November 16-19, 2021, at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.

‘The health and safety of exhibitors, visitors and staff remains our top priority and we have been monitoring the ongoing impact of coronavirus in India over the last few months. Postponing Labelexpo India by a year means that we will be able to run the safest and the highest quality event the industry expects from us,’ said Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series.

‘In taking this decision we considered our wider show portfolio and acted on the advice of our local partners, the venue, the health authorities, and exhibitors. We are grateful to them all for their continued support and look forward to working with them on the 2021 edition of the show. Crucially, this event, as is the case with our other Labelexpo shows around the world, will play a vital role in driving the economic recovery of the region’s label and package printing industry, plus its supply chain, post Covid-19,’ added Milburn.

Kuldip Goel, president of the Label Manufacturers Association of India (LMAI) commented: ‘From a converter perspective, I, as well as the industry, are very much looking forward to Labelexpo India 2021, which will be an extremely important catalyst in the industry’s recovery post coronavirus. We are delighted to lend our support to this much-needed event and urge the industry at all levels to get involved, suppliers, manufacturers and converters.”

The previous edition of Labelexpo India in 2018 attracted 9,851 visitors from 55 countries, who came to see over 250 exhibitors occupying over 7,073 sqm (76,100 sqft) of space.