Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia #3

LABELS & PACKAGING

INNOVATION ASIA

8 -21

Introducing the NEW JETSCI COLORAQUA Press for label production.

Full article on page 10

2022

RIGHT LABELS, RIGHT TIME, RIGHT COST.

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*VP550/VP660 provide enhanced water-resistant inks for chilled food and beverages and most moisture exposed product labels.

2022

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COVER STORY Digital label production that keeps pace with

modern Marketing, full article on page 10

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Packaging is next growth focus for EFI

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No compromise in print quality when using latest

thermal plate technology

10

Digital label production that keeps pace with

modern Marketing

12

Parkside encourages industry innovation to meet consumer

needs in APAC region

14

Connect to Grow your business with MPSConnect

16

ePac Flexible Packaging Launches in Australia

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Aims to conquer the corrugated cardboard sector

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Best Practice for Compostables Infrastructure

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Food Packaging Market Expected to Reach USD 464.98

Billion by 2027

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Kolkata-based packaging expert Libako invests in

Gallus ECS 340

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Sustainability through Sonoco's fully recyclable Envirocan™

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Creating Safe, Sustainable Food Packaging with the

Right Ink

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Flint Group announces sale of XSYS Division to

Lone Star affiliate

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High barrier flexible packaging solutions designed

for recyclability

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Passion for pharmaceutical packaging – growth with new

machine generation

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Toppan creates NFC labels with decorative printing

technologies 48

UFlex unveils set of new launches

50

Doubles it's capacity with a brand new B

OBST NOVA RS 5003

54

DKSH partners with Creative Edge Software in Asia

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HP Unveils PageWide Corrugated Innovations to Drive

Scaled Volume Digital Production 60

News and information from around the world

NOVEMBER 2022 SINGAPORE

Asian Print Awards Management Pte Ltd 65 Chulia Street #46-23 OCBC Centre Singapore 049513 Chairman

Paul Callaghan paul@printinnovationasia.com

Conference Director

Elizabeth Liew elizabeth@printinnovationasia.com Editor Sha Jumari sha@printinnovationasia.com

Chairman Judging Panel 2020 Packaging Excellence Awards Judges -Wim Swiggers - Phee Boon Eow Ben Kwok SHIFT_20 (AFTA) has 11 active Committee members for 2019/2020 For everything you need go to www.printinnovationasia.com

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Packaging is ne focus for EFI EFI highlights its importance in supporting analogue to digital transformation in Asia Pacific’s burgeoning digital print packaging industry.

Digital printing in packaging is projected to grow at the rate of 14.73% CAGR by 2026, according to Trends Market Research. Asia Pacific accounted for a higher share in the total digital printing packaging market. As Asia Pacific is projected to have the highest growth due to increasing urbanisation and rising disposable income, EFI is perfectly poised to grow its packaging footprint in the region.

“Moving into packaging is a hot button issue for EFI in general, in Asia and globally. We are bringing out new and innovative products that allow the transition from analogue to digital. That's really the focus for us as – for over 20 years we have been bringing digital production to analogue processes and we've made huge

inroads. We started this transformation journey with our customers in display graphics, and packaging is just getting into that digital space, and, therefore, there is huge growth potential,” said Rodd Harrison, vice president of sales for Asia Pacific, EFI. The award-winning EFI Nozomi press platform is a digital press for high-quality graphic corrugated board printing. The 1.8m-wide press prints at speeds up to 75 metres per minute, providing a level of digital productivity unmatched in the industry. In addition to the standard CMYK ink set, the printer is available with optional orange, violet or white inks for an imaging gamut of up to 97% of PANTONE colours.

“Our Nozomi product design is a world leader in corrugated packaging.

We have 33 Nozomi presses placed around the world, which is more than our closest competition. The reason why, is that it’s a great product. It’s a single pass product with excellent colour gamut and efficiency in terms of running cost, speed and quality,” said Harrison.

The EFI Nozomi C18000 press is one of the leading digital technologies in corrugated packaging. Two leading corrugated producers in the Asia Pacific region – Opal in Australia and SCG Group in Thailand – are using EFI Nozomi printers to drive more value and innovation in corrugated packaging and display.

Paul Haggett, National Sales Manager Pos & Digital, Opal Packaging Plus, said: “We are helping our customers innovate by optimising designs through digital printing in ways that enhance consumer appeal in retail furniture promotional displays. Our EFI Nozomi printer helps us deliver outstanding colour vibrancy while allowing us to provide value producing work with low setup costs and the ability to produce premium-quality displays in exact quantities.”

In late 2020, EFI launched a new version of the single-pass digital inkjet corrugated printer, the Nozomi C18000 Plus. It builds on the performance features of its predecessor to ensure greater productivity, quality, and versatility for post-print corrugated packaging and display operations. Key

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ext growth EFI Nozomi C18000 Plus

improvements include an advanced transport feed and patented vacuum table systems to eliminate warping while maximising printer productivity and uptime. It has an improved postprint quality inspection system to help users monitor quality and quickly identify inkjet nozzle issues or other defects.

an important factor in many products standing out in unboxing experiences.

Sustainability has also made corrugated packaging more important than ever, as brands look to create corrugated packaging solutions that can replace plastic packaging.

Digital Print aligns with Branding Demands All types of fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) product brands are looking to improve their packaging, and digital print has been an important solution for brand presence, both in traditional retail and e-commerce.

According to Harrison, EFI will be bringing out a series of new products based on the Nozomi platform. “We want to help grow that market by bringing more products to market, at different price points, that suit different applications. We want to convert more and more packaging to digital because then it becomes efficient and offers opportunity to enhance brand value.

And of course, with e-commerce, the unboxing phenomena remains a hot trending topic in Asia and throughout the world. Digital printing has become

“We’re not trying to replace super high volume, traditional flexo corrugated production. Within the packaging space, printers can produce good quality, but

Photo courtesy of Electronics for Imaging, Inc.

not that fast. We want to convert more corrugated packaging – especially litho-lamination – to digital because then it becomes efficient. The value of digital is important with brands which want mass-customisations and massversioning. Digital offers that flexibility without a penalty of make-ready, and dialling in the press,” said Harrison.

Digital printing in packaging opens opportunities to produce packaging print-runs of any size and just-in-time production of high-quality boxes. As life cycles of products on the shelf are shortening, brands are under a time pressure to sell as much as possible in the shortest time. Digital printing allows brands to market-test designs efficiently and respond quickly and effectively to the needs of the market.

Due to the high productivity of the Nozomi, time to market is reduced, so

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 9 2021 -

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Photo courtesy of Electronics for Imaging, Inc.

“If we can cut out ways to do short runs in mass customisation, we can help brands communicate with consumers in a much more efficient way. Brands can now customise and do different versions at no extra cost, because you don't have any make-readies, nor any waste associated with that. With digital, brands can customise 15 different versions, for example, so they’re not just putting the same packaging on the shelf at any one time,” Harrison explained.

“We've got a lot of new, unlocked value to deliver to customers with greater efficiency, higher productivity, and lower labour cost. We can help packaging converters reduce the number of shifts they have to run or allow them to handle peak periods while minimising overtime. All these things realise real measurable and tangible benefits,” added Harrison.

Job processing for the Nozomi C18000 Plus is 5% faster thanks to the latest version of the EFI Fiery NZ-1000 digital front end (DFE) used to control the printer. It additionally features Smart Ink Estimator, which can accurately analyse image data for more-

precise control of ink costs, as well as Fiery Edge, to deliver colour and quality enhancements.

Rodd Harrison, Vice President Sales, APAC at EFI

In addition, EFI's MarketDirect Pack Central solution allows packaging

and corrugated service providers to increase value for their customers using powerful features like the SmartBox Designer, a web-based tool that enables packaging providers to host their product library online and allow their customers to create 3D visual mock ups before placing an order. The SmartBox Designer provides print buyers with beautiful 3D rendered artwork with the power to control substrate and finishing options all in a single application. Brands and designers can now bring their designs to life in realtime before placing orders, delivering brand integrity and consistency with a faster speed to market.

www.efi.com

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Unbox faster turnarounds Make the move to digital – and unbox your business with the flexibility to accommodate fast turns, versioning requests, last minute edits, and changing buying decisions.

With the EFITM Nozomi C18000 Plus digital press for corrugated packaging and POS, you can reduce process steps from weeks and days to hours and minutes. And personalize runs from one to infinity at higher margins and with lower costs – all in a single pass.

Let’s build your brilliant future. Together. Visit nozomi.efi.com to learn how corrugated converters and packaging printers are opening up new ways to say, “Yes!”

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No compromise in p using latest thermal Following the completion of a comprehensive new print trial, XSYS has revealed the results of detailed tests comparing flexo printing with thermal plates and those processed with solvents. Working together with press manufacturer Nilpeter, the company set out to find a more sustainable solution that would not compromise print quality.

The sample job was printed, in turn, with the solvent nyloflex® FTS plate and the thermal nyloflex® XVH plate from XSYS. The thermal plate was processed with a nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processor, which offers considerable sustainability benefits compared to standard solvent processing systems in use.

“Our main aim with this print trial is to confirm that there is no compromise in print quality when switching from XSYS solvent plates to thermal,” said Friedrich von Rechteren, Global Commercial VP at XSYS. “In fact, what we found is that besides producing excellent print quality and improving flexo’s green credentials, the versatile

nyloflex® XVH thermal plate – like the solvent nyloflex® FTS – also reduces complexity, inventory, and waste to provide a higher Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE).”

The thermal nyloflex® XVH Digital plate brings similar benefits to the table as the solvent nyloflex® FTS Digital.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 9 2021

print quality when plate technology Both are inherent flat top dot plates with a smooth surface that has a very fine grain making them able to hold customized surface screening patterns, such as Woodpecker. They also both feature good wettability and anti-ink fill-in (AIF) technology, which keeps plates clean for longer print runs to allow increased press uptime.

The thermal nyloflex® XVH, however, offers additional benefits, most notably in sustainability by not requiring solvents for processing and thereby avoiding VOC emissions in the print room and further into the atmosphere.

Productivity is also significantly increased as the nyloflex® Xpress Thermal Processor delivers print-ready nyloflex® thermal plates in less than one hour, which translates to 88% lower energy consumption. It also eliminates the long drying times experienced with solvent systems, which often cause a bottleneck in production and delay press restart when damaged plates have to be replaced.

The print trials were conducted at the Nilpeter Technology Center in Denmark, where the sample jobs were produced on a flagship FA-17 Line narrow web flexo press running at 200 m/min. The same design was printed on three different substrates: a 38-micron White BOPP, a self-adhesive white PE, and a 45-micron PET shrink material with a solvent nyloflex® FTS 114 Digital plate and a thermal nyloflex® XVH 114 Digital plate using UV flexo inks from Flint Group Narrow Web. Jesper Jørgensen, Global Sales Manager at Nilpeter, said, “When we compared the results from the two different plates, there was no difference in quality or registration – it was just spot on. With most new jobs, there are always some start-up difficulties getting the plates, the inks, and the material to

mix and match together, but we found it surprisingly easy. It was a walk in the park.”

“We continue to investigate ways in which printers can improve their process to make it more efficient and productive, and we do that by partnering with other leading manufacturers in our industry to offer the best solutions to our customers,” said von Rechteren.

“Sustainability is one of the biggest drivers in today’s market, so naturally

we have a very strong focus on finding ways to produce eye-catching print without negatively impacting the environment.”

Friedrich von Rechteren concluded, “We can now fully recommend the nyloflex® XVH plate as an alternative solution to current market challenges, because it delivers print quality that equals solvent plates, offers reduced Total Cost of Ownership, and is more environmentally friendly.”

www.xsysglobal.com

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Digital label production that keeps pace with modern Marketing The world's label market is going through a period of transition. Trends that were impacting the market before the pandemic have accelerated during the time of COVID-19.

That means label printers and converters can expect to see an increased demand for shorter run lengths, customization and personalization, increased media costs, faster turnaround times, and value-added services.

But with profit margins shrinking, printers must find a cost-effective way to meet these demands from customers for today – and well into the future.

Affordable, Quality Digital Label Production Given these trends, it comes as no surprise that many printers are considering a move to digital printing.

Digital printing technologies offer vital benefits that enable providers or converters to produce short and medium runs effectively, economically, and profitably.

Yet with all its benefits, some in the industry remain unsure of the value of digital printing. These printers are reluctant to invest in digital equipment, believing that the high cost of consumables and the end price to consumers put profitable digital label printing out of reach.

JETSCI® Global offers digital printing solutions that put these concerns to rest. The company's complete range of

digital solutions is designed to work for printers of all sizes while meeting the highest international quality standards.

JETSCI® ColorAqua, for example, is an entry-level digital label press that bridges the gap between a printer's existing equipment and market demand.

"The Jetsci ColorAqua is the right solution for any label printing businesses that wants to attract forwardthinking prospects. It is a productive and versatile solution that comes in a compact footprint for the converters.

The high-quality output of the Jetsci addresses market requirements of short-run jobs," says Neeraj Thappa, vice president of Jetsci Global.

Powered by Memjet's DuraFlex water-based pigment ink technology, the Jetsci ColorAqua enables label printers to adopt a digital workflow in label printing at a low entry-level cost. Despite its low price, the Jetsci ColorAqua includes several key features: high definition CMYK fullcolour printing, micro text, variable data, and security printing. The system can print on most general label stocks (coated or uncoated) without primers and many films substrates by applying primers. The ColorAqua prints at the resolution of 1600dpi and run speed of up to 45m/min.

Real-World Label Success Romanian-based PlusPrint, a signage and promotional items customization specialist, has invested in Jetsci ColorAqua full-color digital label press. The company chose the Jetsci ColorAqua to expand its production capabilities to various applications, including short-run labels and the security printing segment.

“We were looking for the latest technology in roll-to-roll label printing that would offer top quality and productivity at low cost. We are happy to be among the first companies to have access to this new technology offered

by Jetsci Global in partnership with Memjet. The quality and productivity of this machine are unmatched in the industry by any machine in its price range," commented Ionut Buhagiar, managing partner at PlusPrint.

"The installation at PlusPrint in Romania is our fifth Jetsci installation this year. It's always great to connect with the business leaders who have a vision and intention to expand and invest in innovations," concludes Thappa.

For more information visit www.jetsciglobal.com

DIGITAL LABEL PRINTING FOR THE MODERN MARKET

JETSCI® ColorAQUA Label Press Powered by Memjet DuraFlex® Technology • CMYK full color up to 1600x1600 dpi • Aqueous pigment inks for food packaging safety • Micro text and variable data security print • Print up to 326mm wide and 45m/min

www.jetsciglobal.com/product/coloraqua

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Parkside encourages industry innovation to meet consumer needs in APAC region Hot on the heels of the recent upgrading of its Malaysian HQ, packaging solutions provider Parkside is calling on the flexible packaging industry to follow suit and boost investment in new product development (NPD) and innovation to ensure brands can meet changing and emerging consumer trends in the APAC region.

As with other sectors, the flexible packaging industry has struggled to move forward in new product development (NPD) during the pandemic. Many businesses suffered supply chain challenges and needed to streamline their ranges to core products only. In addition, widespread furloughs have reduced the workforce numbers required to create new lines.

McKinsey reports that online sales of fresh food by a large online retailer in China grew more than 200 per cent during a ten-day period in late January 2020, during the early days of the pandemic, compared with the same period in 2019. This growth ultimately set the precedent for the next few months and resulted in increased cost pressures as packaging converters needed to keep their plants wellutilised and ensure they could keep up with growing demand and shifting consumer trends.

General Manager of Parkside Asia, Paula Birch, said: “This is a pivotal

General Manager of Parkside Asia, Paula Birch

time for the flexible packaging industry across the Asia-Pacific region as consumers purchasing habits are forcing significant change. Their behaviours are shifting because of the pandemic, and this is creating new trends like safety, hygiene and a huge boost in e-commerce which require innovative packaging solutions.

“As these new consumer behaviours play out, it’s time for manufacturers to reimagine their packaging portfolios to ensure they lead the way in the next normal. The key takeaway for brands is that while new product launches may have slowed, consumer appetite for innovative products that match their new lifestyles has in fact grown. This has resulted in the emergence of these new trends and that bodes well for the industry and consumers.”

Parkside specialises in compostable,

recyclable, paper-based and innovative flexible packaging solutions for the food & drink, personal & household care and tobacco sectors and has made significant investment in its Asian HQ with the installation of a 10-colour print press, three coater/laminators, three slitting lines and flexo plate making facilitates, alongside a new business development strategy to meet the changing consumer demands in the region.

Birch concluded: “It’s an exciting period for the flexible packaging sector as new product development kicks back into gear. We can only hope this energy and appetite for innovation continues because it could signal a prosperous end to 2021. What will prove crucial to the sector is how well brands meet the evolving demands of the consumer under a supply chain that is still somewhat challenged.”

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Connect to Grow your with MPSConnect

MPS recently introduced Connect to Grow as our new brand promise, aligned to our new vision.But what does this mean? Bringing experience with machine learning, with the development of this new strategy.

Why are machine data so important?

We found out that most customers do receive manual operator data on performance, reasons for downtime and other operational events. With addition of connectivity in the press, it takes over the insights and operator activities by the second. We are now collecting even more data about the printing press during the day or week.

focus on your results by addressing all aspects involving the printing press.

messaging, humidity and environmental temperature.

By making use of hundreds of events and many sensors in the MPS press, continuous streaming data can be collected and analyzed to understand bottlenecks, benchmark, and to continuously improve the press performance.

The data factory runs a series of algorithms to create clear performance

These unbiassed insights are valuable to ensure your printing press is well performing and your ROI is maximizing. To ensure a more competitive position in the market, it’s critical for your business to increase the understanding of your overall label print operation.

We call this MPSConnect. This makes your printing press on par with an F1 car.

Beyond the Machine Our mission is to not only develop and deliver robust, reliable, highly qualified and highly automated printing presses ready for 24 x 7 operations. We also help you achieve the best performance and maximum return from your MPS machine.

Together, we look ‘Beyond the Machine’ through intensive cooperation. We

MPSConnect: 24-7 valuable insights at your fingertips With MPSConnect, you dive into the printing press and see exactly what’s happening.

Our sensor technology combined with the internet (IoT) makes real-time data collection possible. Many sensors and hundreds of event-registrations in these intelligent presses collect data over all printing and operational processes.

The sensors process information like web speed, web tension, power usage, register & pressure settings, alarm

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business

quality as well as decrease waste and energy consumption.

insights of the press. Software converts this data into an array of reports and charts. These valuable insights are presented 24x7 in the Performance Dashboard on your mobile, computer, at the press, wherever you are. Based on these online, fact-based insights you can optimize performance, improve

Reports are available online and can be accessed and reviewed at any time at any place. You’ll be faster than your competitor who doesn’t have access to these valuable insights. And you’ll gain a lot of extra productivity due to the continuous implementation of best practices, reductions of errors and downtimes. All at a much earlier stage.

What are the benefits of MPSConnect?

In a nutshell: Real-time performance insights of your

machines for relevant KPI’s.

Information about maintenance and service.

Benchmark information industry leaders.

against

Identified bottlenecks, errors and inefficiencies in the operator process.

Recommendations for performance optimization and suggested tools from a team of experts.

MPSConnect enables you to take the right actions for continuous improvements. All of this leads to higher productivity and profit!

Connect to Grow Connect to Grow is the key to your success. Connect with machines to create insights in your productivity level. Connect with our service for maximum uptime. Connect with our specialists to create access to knowledge and expertise.

By connecting with MPS, you ensure the best in reliability and productivity from your printing press. You’ll increase competitive advantages and maximize profits. Your business will be stronger and ready for future growth.

And the profit continues. Your connection with MPS also enables us to further innovate on technology, connectivity and service for your benefit. This is how we evolve: connect to grow together.

www.mps4u.com

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ePac Flexible Packaging Launches in Australia All digital packaging company to offer leading packaging solutions to local Melbourne businesses ePac Flexible Packaging (ePac), the industry leader in digital printing for flexible packaging, has launched in Australia, with its first manufacturing facility opening in Melbourne in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Built entirely on breakthrough digital printing technology, ePac serves local brands of all sizes, with a particular focus on small and medium sized businesses producing snacks, confections, coffee, natural and organic foods, pet food, and nutritional supplements. ePac provides 5-15 business day lead time, focuses on small and medium run-length orders, and enables brands to order to demand and avoid costly inventory and obsolescence. ePac’s first production facility will open eight kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, at the new Newlands Road food manufacturing hub, located in the heart of Coburg’s thriving industrial district.

Jack Knott, ePac Flexible Packaging CEO said, “We’re very excited to be expanding ePac’s growing international footprint into Australia. We are focused on bringing the same great ePac

experience to our customers, helping small and medium sized businesses grow and achieve big brand presence.”

Jason Brown, ePac Flexible Packaging Managing Director, Australia said, “ePac helps local brands grow into major contributors within the community, with a unique offering for brands to rapidly go to market with great packaging. Opening our first facility at Newlands Road is an exciting milestone for ePac Australia, and we’ve already had a great response from the community.” ePac was established in the US in 2016 to provide locally-based consumer packaged goods companies the ability to compete with large brands with great packaging, give back to the communities it serves, and contribute to the creation of a more sustainable, circular economy. Since the opening

of the company's first manufacturing facility in 2016, ePac’s mission has been clear – to help small brands obtain big brand presence and grow.

About ePac Flexible Packaging ePac is the first company created based entirely on break-through digital printing technology from Hewlett Packard, the Indigo 20000.

This technology platform enables the company to provide fast time to market, economical short and medium run length jobs, customization, and the ability to order to demand to avoid costly inventory and obsolescence. By harnessing the true power of digital printing, ePacConnect enables brands of all sizes to take advantage of the growing trends in connected packaging. ePac’s digital platform is inherently eco-friendly, while offering several sustainable film options.

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Aims to conquer the cardboard sector With more than 35 years’ experience in the packaging printing industry, Chemence Graphics, a leader in flexo prepress solutions, pioneered the use of a KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide 4260 CTP System in the Spanish market several years ago. fleet of machinery to produce all types of plates, and we wanted to continue to offer a service of the highest caliber.

While it is true that in recent years the sector in general has made great strides forward in quality, both in plates and in machinery and software, FLEXCEL NX Technology from Miraclon is still a step ahead.”

The company has now decided to enlarge the format of the laminator and installed a KODAK FLEXCEL NX Wide 5080 System, also from Miraclon, at its facility in Amposta, Spain. The new device allows the company to “manufacture top quality, large-size plates for the corrugated cardboard printing market to eliminate the need for splicing, reduce waste and optimize production,” explains Jorge Rubio, Manager of Chemence Graphics.

“The larger plates give us flexibility when switching from one order to another, increasing our agility and

reducing waste, thanks to the maximum plate format of 1,270 x 2,032 mm. We use the KODAK FLEXCEL NXC plate, which delivers better ink coverage in spot color printing and a good transition in gradients. This minimizes the effect of material waves for the corrugated cardboard printer, which means working with less pressure between the plate and the substrate,” says Rubio.

It was clear for Chemence’s Manager that Miraclon would be the go-to supplier for this equipment upgrade.

“Chemence Graphics Spain has a large

More production capacity According to Rubio, with the installation of the FLEXCEL NX Wide 5080 System, Chemence has not only improved quality and format flexibility, but also increased its production capacity by around 40%, an investment that has clearly paid off. “We have been working with the FLEXCEL NX System for many years and have no doubts whatsoever about its quality and results. We are totally satisfied, as are our customers who use this solution.

And although it is still too early for them to assess the full impact of the new equipment as it has only just been installed, we are convinced that the quality offered by the FLEXCEL NX System, together with our experience in NX technology, puts us at the forefront of delivering some of the highest quality print in Spain.”

The fine image reproduction, print contrast and high print densities achieved with the FLEXCEL NX System allows Chemence to compete for contracts that were traditionally outside the capabilities of flexographic printing, so brands can take advantage of the flexibility and cost effectiveness of flexographic applications without compromising on the quality they would normally expect from offset,

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e corrugated to ensure we offer a differentiated solution and they support us in our goal to offer the highest quality and the best service. On the theme of quality, we are testing alternative screens with which we are obtaining extraordinary results. In terms of service level, the new production plant and a revamped team in Madrid bring us closer to our customers in central Spain and allow us to meet the most demanding service standards. Currently, we serve our customers directly both in Catalonia and Levante, and now also in Madrid,” concludes Chemence Graphics Manager Jorge Rubio.

gravure or digital printing. In addition, FLEXCEL NX plates deliver print efficiencies such as shorter make-ready times, reduced waste and a longer plate life.

DIGICAP NX Patterning and KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology from Miraclon The texturization of the plate surface using DIGICAP NX Patterning, which is part of the FLEXCEL NX System, guarantees higher densities, a wider color gamut and improvements in the utilization of combination plates, making it possible to reduce the number of plates required for each job. As Rubio puts it, “the possibility of using DIGICAP NX Patterning has enabled us to improve ink transfer on different substrates and achieve higher densities, and to widen the color gamut. It has

also allowed us to create designs with fewer colors, in some cases completing orders with a smaller number of inks.”

Chemence Graphics Spain also uses KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging technology to provide exceptional quality, productivity and uniformity that Jorge Rubio believes is indisputable. “This technology gives us the possibility to work with a very high recording resolution that sees us consistently recording minimum percentages below 1%, thus achieving a great result in high-light designs. It also allows us to keep our process more stable, and commercially these features pave the way for improvements in the different markets we serve.”

“Miraclon has been a key supplier to Chemence Graphics Spain for many years. We cooperate on several projects

Chemence Graphics Chemence Graphics was established through the acquisition of several well-known prepress companies in the European flexography industry.

All these companies had a wealth of knowledge and experience built up over many years, supplying tailor-made solutions for the changing packaging printing industry and with a strong commitment to environmental and quality standards. Chemence Graphics currently has four sites in Europe (three in Spain and one in France), and a total of 150 employees enabling it to offer its customers a global and optimized management of their packaging requirements.

“Our work is mainly the manufacture of all types of flexo plates, with particular emphasis on high-quality flexible packaging printing and focusing on the added value offered by our expert prepress team. In addition, Chemence Graphics Spain is one of the few suppliers that also boasts a corrugated cardboard printing division,” says Jorge Rubio.

“Since expanding into Spain at the end of 2014, we have been committed to continuous and progressive improvement, and the market is recognizing our good work. We have become a total supplier, in that we offer the widest range of plates and local production,” concludes Rubio.

www.miraclon.com

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Best Practice for Compostables Infrastructure Specialist packaging converter, Parkside Flexibles, is well known for producing sustainable flexible packaging. Their own range of laminates, Park2Nature™, is fully certified compostable.

Specialist packaging converter, Parkside Flexibles, is well known for producing sustainable flexible packaging.

Their own range of laminates, Park2Nature™, is fully certified compostable. Parkside is a valued customer of Futamura’s NatureFlex™ renewable and compostable packaging films that provide an essential barrier layer for many of the Park2Nature laminates.

NatureFlex films are produced from sustainable wood pulp harvested from responsibly managed plantations and are certified to both EU (EN13432) and US (ASTM D6400) composting standards. In addition to industrial composting, the product has also reached the TŰV Austria OK Compost Home standard. This means that the films are suitable for home / backyard composting too.

Recently, Parkside has received Ireland’s Cré Accreditation for compostability and anaerobic digestion (AD) for their innovative paper triplex, containing NatureFlex as its barrier layer. The triplex is a high-performance flexible packaging structure for products such as coffee, confectionery, snacks, and

dried foods. The Cré accreditation means that the packaging can easily be identified by both consumer and collection facility as certified for composting / AD processing with household food waste collection (in accordance with EN13432) and that those facilities are regulated to a high standard.

Andy Sweetman, Futamura Sales and Marketing Director said; “We are delighted to see Parkside has achieved the Cré accreditation for their triplex containing NatureFlex. Ireland is providing a case-study here into how to make compostable packaging fully circular: Readily renewable raw materials, clearly marked so that consumers can dispose of the finished packaging correctly and so that waste collection agencies recognise it too and finally returned to nature via effective organic recovery methods.

Independent certification of compostability and clear labelling are imperative. Food waste collection is the logical vehicle to process compostable packaging and I hope to see a similar system rolled out in the UK with the support of OPRL, BBIA, REAL, major

retailers and the UK Government when mandatory food waste collection comes in to play in England in 2023.”

Mark Shaw, NPD Technical Manager Parkside Flexibles said; “A surging number of countries are phasing out or banning single-use plastics altogether, so having certification schemes that confirm a material’s composability to build consumer confidence is paramount. Cré accreditation is an important step forward for Parkside as we extend our customer base in Ireland. It demonstrates our strong focus on packaging solutions that work for brands and shoppers alike.”

Mark added; “The Cré accreditation gives our innovative compostable packaging recognition, which has previously been difficult to achieve.

Our success in this area means that environmentally aware brand owners, retailers and consumers across Ireland have a choice of high barrier packs that can be disposed of in a composting environment. Innovation sits at the heart of everything we do at Parkside, and our latest accreditation is testament to the hard work of our talented team.”

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Food Packaging Mar Reach USD 464.98 B Asia Pacific expected to lead global food packaging market The global food packaging market size was accounted at USD 305.29 billion in 2019 and expected to reach around USD 464.98 Billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 5.4% during the forecast period 2020 to 2027, according to Precedence Research.

Why Food Packaging?

The modern day food packaging solution provides tampering & biological safety, complete protection, and counterfeit resistance. It often includes nutritional information on the label along with additional facts about

the product offered for sale. Emergence of labels or packaging has helped marketers to trap potential customer.

Packaging further plays a vital role in assuring customer satisfaction along with information transmission. Food packaging instructs customers on how the product should be used, recycled, transported, disposed, and many other significant information.

What are the growth factors of food packaging market?

The food packaging market projected to exhibit prominent growth over the analysis period with the advent of

various production facilities having an objective of catching up with the latest trends in the market. In addition, rapid changes in the lifestyle of the people along with shifting food preferences of consumers towards packaged food expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period.

Further, increasing preference of people for processed food owing to shift in population dynamics from rural to urban areas also propel the growth of the food packaging market.

The market is further driven by numerous factors that include shifting consumer preference towards processed & specialty food, adoption of various marketing strategies by key players in the industry, advancement in materials used for food packaging, rising demand for food packaging materials along with increasing awareness of consumers towards the necessity of good quality food packaging especially in the developing countries.

Introduction to various technologies for manufacturing processed food product’s packaging solution as well

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rket Expected to Billion by 2027

as introduction of different types of packaging solution for food packaging further fuel the growth of the market.

Asia Pacific to Lead Market Growth The Asia Pacific expected to lead the global food packaging market followed

by North America and Europe. In 2019, the region accounts for around 40% of the total value share. Besides this, the region has reached its maturity stage that is projected to subsidize the growth of the region in food packaging market.

India and China are predicted to be the most lucrative regions among other Asian countries and analyzed to dominate the market during the forecast period. This is mainly due to an increase in the demand for healthy

food fueled by the escalating growth in population.

Moreover, increasing demand for packaged food due to positive impact of western culture in eating habits along with technological development and innovation in packaging material together with techniques anticipated to propel the overall market growth in the coming years. Also, an increase in Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the food industry along with significant consumption of packaged food among consumers expected to further drive the growth of the market.

Type of Packaging The paper and paper-based material segment led the global market and accounted for a value share of nearly

32% in 2019 due to its high adoption in a bid to substitute non-biodegradable packing solutions.

Plastic food packaging anticipated to witness considerable growth owing to its increasing adoption because of its low price along with rising usage of plastic films in secondary food packaging.

Based on type, rigid packaging is increasingly used due to its properties that include high barrier to moisture, light, and oxygen that prevents food from getting contaminated.

Flexible packaging expected to be the fastest growing segment by type owing to its ability to form lighter, thinner, and compact packing solution.

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Libako Packaging Libako Packaging, a print and packaging specialist, boosted its production efficiencies after installing a Gallus ECS 340.

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.

Balai Adhikary, Director at Libako Packaging, comments: “We prefer 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 awestruck 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.”

For several years now Libako Packaging is seeing the potential of flexo printing and labelling. The company had 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.

“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.

Narendra Kulkarni, Regional Product Manager, Asia – Gallus and Sales Responsible for India, adds: “We are truly happy to be part of Libako’s success story of Gallus ECS 340, and

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we welcome the whole Libako team at the Heidelberg and Gallus family."

The Gallus ECS 340 press comes with a technical core granite base which eliminates the vibration during printing operation. The modular design and low carbon footprint ensure minimal space requirement and the very short web path reduces the production waste.

Journey of Libako Packaging The company has one factory in Matheswartala road in Kolkata, India, which is spread across 45,000 square feet dedicated to offset, digital, and large format printing, pre-press, and post-press along with other fabrication machinery, while the second newly constructed 9,000 square feet ecospace at Jalpath, Kolkata is a one-stop solution provider for premium quality products output. Ankan Adhikary, the next-generation entrepreneur who joined his father’s business, comments: “We want to diversify into a complete packaging solution provider with wide service offerings. We are more concerned over the environment, and hence, we have set up our new factory adhering to all eco-friendly norms at Jalpath.”

“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, Director at Libako Packaging, in front of the new Gallus ECS 340 flexo press 1981 with a vision to provide quality print solutions. The company saw a great opportunity and potential in the print and packaging industry with printing labels for footwear and cotton garment manufacturers in Kolkata,

by using screen printing. Within few years, Libako Packaging diversified its portfolio to include commercial printing, packaging, POS, wood, metal, and plastic fabrication.

Libako Packaging was established in

www.gallus.com

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Sustainability through Sonoco's fully recyclable Envirocan™ The leading global snack manufacturer is taking full advantage of Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ range for its Mini Cheddars, Cheeselets, Cracker Crisps and Twiglets products. to achieve as a brand, and it helps consumers make a more sustainable snack selection.”

Owen concludes, “Moving to Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ solution is part of our wider mission to make our packaging easier to recycle. This is integral to our sustainability agenda, which illustrates our commitment to making our packaging more sustainable and is one of many great strides we’ve made in this area already.”

pladis, the global snack company behind some of the UK’s most loved and iconic brands, has been on a mission to substantially reduce its environmental impact by updating the packaging of various products to more ecological alternatives.

This is part of the company’s sustainability agenda, which reflects its commitment to making all its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Most recently, pladis has made steps forward to move toward more paper-based solutions – its Mini Cheddars and Cheeselets ranges now use Sonoco’s EnviroCanTM with paperboard end. Cracker Crisps and Mini Twiglets are also set to use EnviroCanTM later this year.

“Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ with paperboard end meets the recycling requirements of the UK, which is great for our brand and the consumer, who can have peace of mind when disposing of the packaging in household waste recycling bins,” says Christopher Owen, Marketing Controller at pladis UK&I. Owen continues, “we are using this new, innovative product from Sonoco for the summer launch of our Mini

Cheddars and Cheeselets caddies, helping our customers to tap into the ‘big summer nights in’ from the comfort of their own homes. In September, we’ll be utilising EnviroCanTM for our customer’s favourite festive caddies, which include Mini Cheddars, Treeslets and Twiglets.

“We feel these occasions present the perfect opportunity to utilise Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ with paperboard end.

The container is made with recycled, recyclable and renewable paper fibres — making it a responsible choice from the beginning to the end of its lifecycle – perfect for what we’re looking

Philip Brown, UK Sales Manager at Sonoco Consumer Products Europe says, “We’ve been working with pladis for 13 years now, and we’re immensely proud to have provided them with various innovative packaging solutions for their immensely popular snack ranges.

“We’re delighted that Sonoco’s EnviroCan™ with paperboard end, part of our EnviroSense™ product range, is helping pladis on their journey to make its packaging easier to recycle and fulfil the requirements of its sustainability agenda. We’re looking forward to helping them with their other ranges in the future.”

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Creating Safe, Sustaina with the Right Ink As demand for packaging continues to grow and strengthen, partly due to the pandemic, digital printing is uniquely positioned to produce the customized, sustainable, recyclable packaging needed to meet the demand of brands and consumers.

When it comes to food packaging, choosing the right ink technology plays a crucial role in the overall safety and quality of your package and its contents.

Creating Safe Food Labels and Packaging Most labels and packages produced today are for food and beverage products. Anyone working — or expanding — in this growing market must understand how each component used in the packaging impacts the food inside. Each step in the supply chain should ensure their own regulatory responsibilities are met. In doing so, the company putting the product on the market can ultimately prove that the complete food package is compliant with all applicable regulations and safe for its intended end-use.

Failure to meet such regulations can lead to product recalls, sickness, or worse.

Whether you are a seasoned professional in the field of packaging and label production, or just beginning, it is critical to have an in-depth understanding of the principles of Food Contact Material (FCM) regulations and compliance.

FCM compliance is about more than individual substances (or components) within each layer of a packaging article; it’s about ensuring that ALL the layers together — commonly known as the packaging “sandwich” — covers, protects, and preserves the food, and is holistically in compliance.

While these jurisdictions may maintain regulations on the substances used within FCMs, such as paper, adhesives, and plastics, they are not in the business of certifying or approving individual layers or a complete food contact article (FCA), although you can submit them for review. While ink is not meant

The primary purpose of food packaging is to protect its contents from contamination or taint from the time it is put into the package until a consumer empties the package. A common method of contamination comes from the migration of substances from the packaging into the food.

to come into contact with food, there is no FDA or EU certification or even a harmonized regulation specific to ink.

This migration can happen from any material layer within the packaging, including the substrate, label, adhesive, or ink. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) both regulate and evaluate the safety of most substances used in FCMs. Remember each layer in the packaging article constitutes its own FCM.

Compositional Review and Migration Understanding how each layer in the packaging sandwich supports the overall compliance of the entire package is crucial. These are some of the critical areas within the packaging sandwich to review: Compositional Compliance The composition or individual substances in each layer should first be assessed according to their corresponding material regulations in the jurisdiction(s) of interest. This may include maximum use limits or other specifications like food or temperature

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able Food Packaging

restrictions, extractive limitations, and specific migration limits.

Barrier/Structural A functional barrier is any material or combination of materials that prevent the migration of components from any layer beyond the barrier layer into the food. Thicker packaging materials generally perform better as barriers but can be impacted by multiple factors and should be tested. Properly tested inkjet media, with its fast dry time, can enhance water resistance properties, protect the food and improve the quality of the label and/or package.

Inks Inks often get a greater amount of attention because they are a visible

part of a packaging sandwich. Ink contributes to the communication of a brand’s value — attracting customers to the product and letting them know what’s inside. With the focus on branding, the critical role that ink plays in creating safe food packaging is often overlooked. Ink migration is the transfer of ink components from or through a label or packaging. Here are two potential ways that migration can happen: 1. Penetration Migration is the migration of a substance from the printed side through the substrate onto the food.

2. Contact Migration or Set-off Migration can occur when a substance

from the printed side migrates to the non-printed surface during manufacture or storage of the printed item in a stack or roll. One way to help limit ink set-off risk is to implement proper handling and drying methods.

Some companies use claims of “low migration inks” without assessing both the components and migration.

While a company can formulate their ink with higher molecular weight components that tend to migrate less than lower molecular weight components, this does not mean there is zero risk of migration and contamination of the food within packaging. It still needs to be proven with substantive data.

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achieve the safest inks possible without compromising performance – and it starts with water.

Outer Layer — Lamination and Varnishes Outer lamination and varnishes (or overcoats) play a unique role in food labels and packaging. While they do not protect against potential ink migration through the backside of a label, they can help limit set-off, and protect what’s printed on the label.

Complete Package Safety After reviewing and evaluating any individual material regulation requirements, the complete package must then be assessed as a whole, including good manufacturing processes, organoleptic properties, and migration limits.

A best practice for migration testing is to consider the worst-case conditions, including food type and temperature while transported, stored, processed, and consumed. For example, fatty and acidic foods may induce a higher migration of some chemicals than dry foods. Foods stored in the refrigerator/ freezer and/or used in the

microwave will experience greater condensation or evaporation and therefore may require more substantial media, barrier and/or overcoat solutions.

Migration testing is your proof that the package is not releasing components into the food that might impact human health, the taste, or odor of the product.

Selecting the Right Ink + Technology There are many types of printing inks available in the market and selecting the right printing ink and/or print partner is an important factor to consider for your food packaging or sensitive application. Some ink technologies while okay for other print processes, can be hazardous when used near the production of food products. Using safe, high quality ink protects the safety and efficacy of the food product.

As a company focused on our own environmental impact, as well as that of our customers, Memjet strives to

Memjet’s all water-based ink portfolio is free from toxic and reactive chemistries, making them safer for the earth and human health than other ink alternatives. The water-based formulation benefits print workers and can potentially cut your environmental costs (permits and disposal fees) in half.

Building on that strong foundation, Memjet puts focus on purity of ingredients, consistency in manufacturing, and rigorous quality control to ensure high-performance and lifecycle reliability.

The newest generation of Memjet inks are carefully designed specifically for use in food packaging and other sensitive applications — an essential differentiator.

Many companies make claims like sustainability, environmentally friendly, low migration, and recyclability. All too often, these claims are unsubstantiated. When it comes to these important topics, Memjet has the science and data to back up our ink chemistry claims.

Choosing the right inks up-front can

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VP550 help you to create high-performance, sustainable labels and packaging that do not negatively impact food, human health, the environment, or your wallet.

Discover Memjet partners with new label and packaging print solutions Powered by Memjet water-based ink.

• VIPColor recently launched four new desktop color label printers suited for tight spaces: VP500, VP550, VP610 and VP660. The VP500/550 are the best solutions for small and mediumsized businesses or first-time buyers.

They are six times more productive and more user-friendly than other print solutions in this price category. The brand new VP610 and VP660 replace

the current VP600 and VP650 desktop label printers respectively.

The new models are supercharged with a print speed of up to 12 inches/second and have sizeable 250ml ink cartridges ideal for medium-sized companies and enterprises scaling up their production or in need of extra burst speed. Users also benefit from lower cost-per-print compared to the earlier models.

The VP 550 and VP660 models include Memjet’s enhanced water-resistant ink technology suitable for chilled food & beverages, and most moisture exposed products.

VP660 • Coaso iCueLabel 420 is a Memjet DuraFlex-powered roll-to-roll label printer producing high-quality labels— including food-safe and high-security labels — in a fast, affordable way.

• Winjet PE4600 Powered by Memjet DuraFlex® print technology with a 324-mm wide colour print engine and new generation water-based pigment inks make this solution ideal for any packaging including food packaging. It includes added versatility of an optional conveyor and can accommodate printing of corrugated boxes either lying flat or assembled, plus flat paper bags.

• The JETSCI® ColorAqua hybrid, full-colour digital label press bridges the gap between existing equipment and market demand. Powered by Memjet DuraFlex technology and water-based pigment inks, enables label printers to adopt a digital workflow in label printing at very entry-level cost with heavily loaded features of high definition CMYK full-colour printing, micro text, variable data and security printing.

The system can print on most of the general label stocks (coated or uncoated) without primers and many films substrates by applying primers.

The ColorAqua prints at the resolution of 1600dpi and runs at speeds up to 45m/min.

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Flint Group announces sale of XSYS Division to Lone Star affiliate Divestiture allows Flint Group to strategically focus and invest further in its market leading packaging inks and digital printing businesses, in addition to strengthening its balance sheet. Flint Group COO Steve Dryden will become new CEO as Antoine Fady takes on CEO position for XSYS.

Flint Group announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its XSYS division (“XSYS”), which specializes in the development and supply of printing plates, sleeves and adapters, and prepress equipment to the packaging industry, to an affiliate of Lone Star Funds, a global private equity firm (“Lone Star”). The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Upon closing, the XSYS management team will be led by Antoine Fady as Chief Executive Officer, Dagmar Schmidt as Chief Operating Officer, and Martin Sauer as Chief Financial Officer. Steve Dryden will succeed Mr. Fady as CEO of the Flint Group.

“The carve-out we are announcing today represents the next logical step for Flint Group and XSYS,” Mr. Fady

said. “It will further enable the XSYS business to advance as a standalone, best in class, full solutions provider to the flexographic and letterpress pre-press industries, with tailor-made solutions developed for each market segment and customer type. We look forward to working with Lone Star, whose experience and track record will be of great benefit as we move XSYS forward in this next phase.”

“With this transaction, we will create two dedicated management teams with increased strategic and operational focus,” said Steve Dryden, newly elected Flint Group CEO. “Flint Group becomes positioned to further invest in the structurally growing segments of paper and board, flexible packaging and labels, serviced with our conventional and digital printing consumables. This successful strategy – centred around product and service innovation — enables Flint to grow with customers that value our colour proposition

by helping them to standardise and reduce their costs.”

“We look forward to working with XSYS, a leading global provider of printing solutions,” said Donald Quintin, President, Lone Star Opportunity Funds. “We recognize not only the resilience of the XSYS business and the diversity of its offerings, but its growth prospects as well. We appreciate the value that XSYS provides its many customers, and have great confidence in the management team’s commitment to realizing XSYS’s potential in the years ahead.”

Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE and J.P. Morgan acted as financial advisor and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP acted as legal advisor to Flint Group. Lone Star was advised by Perella Weinberg Partners and Weil, Gotshal & Manges.

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High barrier flexible packaging solutions designed for recyclability BOBST and its partners have announced a key milestone in their pioneering work to replace non-recyclable high barrier multi-material packaging structures with mono-material alternatives designed for recycling.

The launch of a new generation of BOBST ‘hero samples’ represents a significant achievement in the mission to deliver state-of-the-art solutions utilizing a new generation of polymers.

After several different samples of mono-material standup pouches (MDO PE, BOPE, BOPP and CPP) were launched at K 2019, the partners involved have continued their considerable investment and intense research to progress the samples even further, to ensure all industry requirements are met in terms of processability, barrier, safety and optical quality.

“Finding sustainable alternatives to non-recyclable plastics is one of the most important challenges of our times,” said Nick Copeland, R&D

Director at BOBST. “It is a particular challenge for flexible packaging such as that used for food packaging, where the high barrier protection against oxygen and water that prevents deterioration is currently provided by multi-layer, multi-material packaging, which cannot be recycled. This next generation of high barrier mono-material structures brings us one step closer to being able to provide completely recyclable solutions to replace non-recyclable packaging.”

“Brückner is convinced that the future will continue to belong to plastics if they are used and reused sustainably,” said Helmut Huber, COO Sales & Project Management, Brückner Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG. “As part of a circular economy, the undeniable

advantages of plastic can be combined absolutely well with the sustainability goals of a modern society. Regarding the discussions about recycling targets for plastic packaging, we see monomaterial packaging structures clearly on the rise.”

BOBST’s ‘Generation 2.0’ samples include: New ultra-high and high barrier full polypropylene laminated pouches, printed in gravure and recyclable, with the option of an AluBond metallized barrier or transparent AlOx (aluminum oxide) barrier layer and solvent free barrier adhesive and/or topcoat. The first ever UV flexo combined with digital inkjet printing for AluBond metallization, full polypropylene laminated bags with barrier performances - using a solventless adhesive again for a mono material pouch designed for recycling.

UV low migration flexo printing, providing barrier with AluBond

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“Sun Chemical is committed to contributing to a more circular economy and is dedicated to supporting the flexible packaging industry to becoming more sustainable,” commented Nicolas Bétin Director of Product Strategy EMEA, Packaging Inks & Materials & Global Sustainability Business Leader. “Close collaboration between the various players in the value chain, sharing knowledge and competence, can lead to tangible results which can efficiently be implemented in the market. This is precisely the case of this co-operation”.

metallization, on full low-density polyethylene laminated pouches.

CI flexo water-based printing on full MDO-PE laminated pouches with AluBond metallization, providing ultra-high barrier using a high barrier solventless adhesive.

Every project partner has played an essential role in achieving this important milestone to develop and industrialize a series of new mono-material solutions.

Dow is a leading global supplier of major polyethylene (PE) resins and represents the first step in the Generation 2.0 samples’ production chain.

Brückner Maschinenbau is the market leader for biaxial (BO) film stretching lines. With Brückner’s R&D competence, the good performance of the BO films regarding barrier values and processability could be achieved.

Hosokawa Alpine is a leading supplier in the field of blown film extrusion and expert in MDO (Machine Direction Orientation) technology, a crucial component in manufacturing high-performance single-material compounds made of polyethylene.

Elba develops and manufactures automatic high-speed bag and pouch making machines. The company converts the finished reels into pouches.

Sun Chemical is a global leader in inks, coatings, pigments and advanced materials, and provides the sustainable oxygen barrier solventless adhesives used in the program.

Michelman develops and manufactures specialized sustainable chemistries used in digital printing and foodservice packaging and they supplied he waterbased barrier topcoat used in part of the project.

“This is a partnership of like-minded companies, who are all determined to develop sustainable alternatives to non-recyclable flexible packaging,” commented Nick Copeland. “The BOBST Competence Centers are used to test the viability of the materials in terms of their barrier, printing and lamination, to ensure they can cope throughout the production process.

We are thrilled to contribute to this important milestone.”

Indopoly manufactures a wide range of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films for the flexible packaging industry and supplied a BOPP film with special skin layer for one of the pouches.

UFlex is India’s largest flexible packaging and oriented film (BOPET & BOPP) company and supplied the BOPP film used in some of the tests.

“Recyclability brings a major layer of complexity to designing efficient and effective packaging. We strongly believe that collaboration with the whole value chain is not only the fastest, but the only way to help accelerate the market moving towards ambitious sustainability targets,” said Jaroslaw Jelinek, Global Marketing Manager for oriented PE technologies at Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.

“We are delighted to be part of this knowledgeable and innovative project

2022

www.bobst.com

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SPEED UP YOUR PROCESSES with optical systems for UV curing and drying

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Passion for pharmaceutic with new machine genera • Papierwerk Landshut Mittler has been producing highquality folding cartons for decades • New 2020 generation Speedmaster XL 75 from Heidelberg and new MK Diana Smart 115 ensure top quality with increased productivity • Reduced washup time thanks to Wash Assistant with artificial intelligence

Papierwerk Landshut Mittler (plm), whose high-quality packagings are found the world over, can be summed up in three words: quality, reliability, and passion. Targeting further growth, the company was the first folding carton printer last year to invest in a Speedmaster XL 75-7+L from the new 2020 generation. A new Diana Smart 115 folder gluer from the partner MK Masterwork completed the investment in the latest packaging solutions from Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg). Using state-of-the-art and innovative technologies makes it possible to combine top quality and high productivity.

“To enable us to produce the best folding cartons for our customers, we’re constantly on the lookout for the most innovative equipment,” explains Günther Berninghaus, the third generation of the family to

manage plm. “Our slogan “Beyond the box” says so too, and we’re proud that we’re still independent.” The trained letterpress printer and printing engineer has worked in the company for 40 years, and says he has “always invested in the right machines.” plm has been in existence since 1914, with mediumsized pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland accounting for 80 percent of its production. The remaining 20 percent is split between folding cartons for cosmetics and general consumer goods. plm also works with an internationally renowned pharmaceutical manufacturer to develop and produce complex color guides to guarantee globally harmonized production.

Since 1996, the company has been based in Wörth an der Isar – where it has enough space for both a structured

production process and further growth. “We have always focused on one site, where we maintain a high level of productivity. What’s more, we invest heavily in our own training and are proud of our rate of ten percent,” says Günther Berninghaus in explaining his recipe for success. And there is one other special thing about plm: almost half of the 134 employees are women.

Partnership with Heidelberg as a win-win situation The partnership between Heidelberg and plm goes back decades, and has benefited both sides. For example, plm was one of the first concept customers in 1992. As a field test customer, plm has been involved in several major projects with Heidelberg – whether the expansion of the substrate range and the first coating unit in the Speedmaster SM 52 or the Prinect Inpress Control inline color and quality measurement system on the Speedmaster CD 74.

Other field tests were conducted on Last year plm invested in a new Diana Smart 115, which expands the product portfolio by adding new gluing options for the folding cartons.

Labels and Packaging Innovation Asia • 9 2021

cal packaging – growth ation plm has a total of four Diana folder gluers, which process the high output of the Speedmaster printing presses.

the Prinect Press Center XL 3 and its LED daylight lamp, which Günther Berninghaus says makes it easier to approve sheets by simply switching from D50 (5000K daylight) to D65 (6500K daylight). plm has focused on the medium-size format 50 x 70 for many years.

In the press room you will now find a Speedmaster XL 75-6+L from 2008 as well as a Speedmaster XL 75-5+L that was added three years ago and most recently the Speedmaster XL 75-7+L from the 2020 generation one year ago. All three presses run at a speed of 18,000 sheets per hour and have a sheet format of 605 x 750 mm (23.82 x 29.53 in.), which is perfect for packaging companies.

Prior to its most recent investment, plm had scoured the printing press Printer Stephanie Gottswinter likes the modern workstation with good accessibility and easy operation thanks to the Heidelberg UX. She was named Germany’s best printer in 2015 by the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce.

market and was also considering a change to the next bigger format.

It soon turned out, however, that another Speedmaster XL 75 was the best solution. What clinched it were the innovative solutions in the new 2020 generation – the clear operating concept with the new Heidelberg User Experience (UX), the good accessibility, and the high print quality thanks to the perfectly optimized inking unit for this press series. The large diameters of the cylinders ensure that the cardboard is transported smoothly through the press.

“We consider ourselves in a good position with the three almost identical presses from Heidelberg. The printers can work on all the presses, we operate a standardized printing process, and can offer our customers fast production with zero defects,” says Günther Berninghaus in summary.

“The medium-size format is the perfect fit for us as well at the moment.

This is confirmed by our profitability calculations. We have faster setup times, greater color stability, and uniformity of colors over the entire sheet, which helps us with the many gang runs we have.”

All of the presses have a service agreement in place and the Heidelberg technicians are held in high regard at plm. The washing fluids and aids are from the Saphira range.

Production operates on a threeshift schedule on all but the oldest Speedmaster XL 75, in some cases also at weekends. An active sales force and the additional demand from the pharmaceutical industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic resulted in growth of twelve percent last year.

Turnover in 2020 was 20 million euros. Further growth came from the increasing substitution of plastic packagings and from monoblock cartons.

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Modern workstation and increased productivity Print shop manager Günter Zöttl keeps an eye on the productivity gains offered by the three presses. The new Speedmaster XL 75 is 30 percent more efficient than the 2008 press. The new press is also five percent more efficient that the 2018 one. All in all, what sets the new 2020 generation press apart is its reliability, stability, quality, and good accessibility. “ When I ask my printers what their favorite press to work on is, it’s always the new Speedmaster,” confirms Günter Zöttl. “They're big fans of the new operator guidance system, and the new 24-inch touchscreen makes their work more direct and straightforward.”

The company is also taking advantage of the navigated printing: Intellistart 3 compares two jobs and suggests the best production approach to the printer. Intelliline, the system of optical guidance by means of LED strips on the printing units, provides outstanding navigation and support for the assistance system.

Spot colors account for 80 percent of the inks used at plm and the colorfulness of the jobs is on the increase, which means frequent colors changes. This is now much easier with

the new Wash Assistant and its artificial intelligence. The Wash Assistant selects the right washup program for the inking unit and dampening system, blanket, and impression cylinder based on corresponding job and press parameters.

plm has focused on the format 50 x 70. The press room contains three Speedmaster XL 75 presses, all of which produce at a speed of 18,000 sheets per hour.

When washing ink rollers, it can, for example, identify when switching from a dark color to a light one, and initiates the optimal washup program.

If necessary it can even automatically initiate deep cleaning. Apart from saving time, this also saves washing fluid and washup cloths. Any inking units not needed are continuously supplied with roller protection liquid by the new “Auto Protect” function. Once ink is added again, the roller protection is removed fully automatically in the Intellistart 3 workflow without any input from the operator.

folding cartons. The new Diana also made it possible to further increase the quality and productivity.

The average run length is just under 8,000 sheets. The main material processed is primary fiber cardboard with grammages from 220 to 500 g/m².

Production also runs on a three-shift schedule in postpress, with four die cutters and four folder gluers from the Diana series. The latest – a Diana Smart 115 – is a replacement investment and is expanding the product portfolio by adding new gluing options for the

Team spirit and good collaboration Looking forward, plm wants to improve and expand the integration between the data provided by the Heidelberg presses and the packaging workflow.

These are then also projects for the next generation. Günther Berninghaus’ son Daniel has a degree in business administration and has been working in the company as Operational Excellence Manager for three years. “We’re a company with a strong team spirit, open exchange, and great collaboration – fast, flexible, and agile,” he sums up.

These attributes are fundamental in achieving the objectives set – to continue as an independent mediumsized company with a profitable business that offers the customers the best-possible quality.

www.heidelberg.com

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Toppan creates NFC labels with decorative printing technologies Labels with metallic finishes maintain NFC communication performance to bring new value to high-end products requiring superior design.

Toppan Printing has developed NFC labels combining high-quality metallic design while still able to maintain the communication performance required of NFC tags.

Due to a focus on essential functions, little attention has traditionally been paid to high-quality visual design for RFID tags and QR Code labels used for product management and authentication. Labels have also generally been attached in positions that ensure they are inconspicuous and do not negatively impact the overall design of the product or package.

However, the ubiquity of smartphones has prompted heightened demand for product experiences provided to consumers via the use of NFC tags.

Businesses are therefore considering ways to attach NFC labels in positions that make them easier for consumers to access. The importance of maintaining

the quality of the product or package design has created demand for higher quality design for NFC labels themselves.

To meet these needs, Toppan has developed NFC labels with high-quality metallic design. It is now possible to attach NFC labels to packages for high-end items such as wine, spirits, and luxury brand goods without sacrificing design quality. Brand owners can also leverage NFC functions to facilitate product traceability, anticounterfeiting, CRM, and other customer-focused services driven by digital transformation.

Two types of label are available—a metallic decor type and a metallic surface type. Outstanding design and a premium look has been achieved by combining multiple decorative printing technologies used for creating eye-catching designs on high-quality

folding cartons.

The metallic decor type label features decorative metallic designs achieved by combining a variety of printing techniques, including metal foil transfer employing digital printing. High-quality designs can be produced at low cost and with short lead times because no printing plates or cylinders are required.

The metallic surface type, meanwhile, uses metallizing via vapor deposition to produce a metallic mirror finish.

In addition to gold and other metallic colors, matt finishes are also available.

NFC communication performance can be inhibited by metal materials. Toppan has addressed this by leveraging expertise in NFC tag antenna design to ensure communication performance even when metallic decoration techniques are applied.

“We have taken advantage of Toppan’s wealth of decorative techniques and extensive antenna design know-how to develop labels offering excellent visual quality and optimal NFC communication performance,” said Takamitsu Nakabayashi, senior R&D manager in Toppan’s Security business.

“They can be applied seamlessly to high-end and luxury product packages to provide all the benefits of NFCenabled customer engagement and supply chain management, and we plan to add to this series of products in the future.”

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“Quality is never an accident.

It is always the result of intelligent effort.”

John Ruskin

Martin intentionally designs each piece of equipment so that it is easy to use, easy to understand, and easy to maintain.

We do the hard work so that you don’t have to.

High Performance Splicing, Rewinding, and Tension Control Systems

O U R E X P E R I E N C E . . . Y O U R A D VA N TA G E

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UFlex unveils set of new Uflex has announced a set of new products and solutions, aimed at sustainability and efficiency. It has also commissioned a 10.4 mt wide BOPP film line in Hungary with a production capacity of 42,000 TPA. “Uflex has been on the path to fulfill its vision to get closer to its patrons with manufacturing units across the world with BOPP line in Hungary commissioned and Nigeria set to be commissioned. With consumers getting more mindful of what and how they consume, the packaging industry needs to be proactive in developing sustainable packaging without compromising on convenience and functional attributes of plastic.

Uflex has progressed in developing green products and solutions such as biodegradable packaging, water soluble bags and more, which will not only meet the approval of consumers but also uplift their perception of flexible packaging industry,” said Ashok

Chaturvedi, Chairman & Managing Director, Uflex Ltd.

process is more environment friendly with no carbon dioxide emissions.

Flexible Packaging Business In order to enhance the look & feel of pharma packaging, Uflex replaced conventionally used high metal content foil & poly structure packaging in Vicks Action 500 with a paper structure comprising of 40 GSM OLB paper, LDPE and Foil.

Spout pouches formats have gained worldwide acceptability for packaging due to their multiple attributes such as convenience, easy storage and dispensation, and cost reduction in transportation.

This packaging format uses emerging high energy curing chemistries for delivering high performance, low migration product system that supports cross-linking of inks & high gloss coatings. The cross-linking reactions ensure scratch resistance, chemical resistance & colour fastness. The overall

Uflex’s development for Wipro Softouch Fabric Conditioner has a 3-ply structure of Polyester combined with the virtues of BON (Bi-axially Oriented Nylon) & Natural Poly against the earlier conventional 4-ply structure, thus enabling material reduction at source. With a wider gusset at the base, this combination gives strength to hold large quantity of liquid and has successfully replaced the earlier structure in meeting sustainability standards as well.

Chemicals Business Uflex’s chemical business has launched the PU resin for 1K matt coating FLEXPAK 2765, which offers a matt finish on the surface of printed PET and BOPP films. This coating resin offers high heat and chemical resistance due to its high cross-linking densities.

Another launch by the chemicals arm is the water-based synthetic adhesive technology FLEXBOND SF WET LAM–1178, designed for side pasting and inner liner pasting in cartons, and can be used on all standard nozzle/ roller applicators.

Holography Business The holography business has developed holographic lidding foils with a special invisible ink to arrest counterfeiting in pharma packs. This first time development for holographic blister foil substrate includes an addition of new layer of security that includes covert features by incorporating the

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w launches

invisible ink which is visible only under UV light, thus making it easy for brands to confirm product originality throughout their value chain. In addition, the feature helps consumers to identify the genuine brand before any purchase.

Since this development is viable on the current packaging set-up, it brings no additional cost burden on existing packing lines.

Engineering Business Uflex’s Engineering business has designed a Combi Laminator for use in both dry and solvent-less lamination process. The Combi laminator overcomes the challenge of changeover time, thus saving time. It runs at a speed of up to 450 mpm and has both the lamination units pre-exist in fixed frame that helps achieve higher accuracy by reducing downtime since no change-over is required.

The Engineering Business has also designed a lamination machine that allows registered heat seal lacquer

coating and registered cold-seal lacquer.

With this new machine, coating on preprinted substrates such as chocolates and candies which was earlier a tough task has now been made easy.

Aseptic Liquid

Packaging Business The Aseptic Liquid Packaging Business manufactured aseptic packs with foil stamping aesthetics for liquor brand, UDAAN. These packs create an elevated shelf appeal for the brand with superior aesthetics that makes the pack stir the retail shelves.

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Doubles it's capacity with a brand new BOBST NOVA RS 5003 Flexible packaging manufacturer SPC Interprint has been expanding production capacity over the past couple of years with the support of BOBST. The two companies started their partnership in 2018 when SPC installed Thailand’s first BOBST NOVA RS 5002 gravure press. The great success of that machine meant that the company looked to BOBST again when it wanted to improve response times further, by putting in an order for the NOVA RS 5003 machine.

wicket bag making, and a coextrusion line for producing packaging films.

Successful, sustainable and safe Like the previous 5002 model, the BOBST NOVA RS 5003 has been developed for cost-effective, sustainable production of flexible packaging products. The modern gravure press has been exceptionally well received by printers and converters, such as SPC, looking to improve

Serving domestic and overseas customers throughout Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, SPC Interprint Co. Ltd has been printing flexible packaging using gravure and flexo presses since it was founded in 2007. With the purchase of the NOVA RS 5003, the company is once again leading the way in the region, as the new gravure press was the first of its kind to be installed anywhere in SouthEast Asia.

A large packaging producer with over 180 staff, SPC Interprint is centrally located in Khlong Tamru, Chon Buri, about an hour’s drive south-east of Bangkok. Products manufactured at the 32,000 sqm site include rolls of printed flexible packaging, stand-up pouches and bags for customers in the food and beverage, snacks, household and hygiene markets. Another big seller is printed and plain colored wrappers for ice cream cones. As the region has seen considerable growth in these sectors, the company decided to increase print capacity to meet demand and futureproof its business.

“When we searched for a new gravure press back in 2017, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the market and decided that the BOBST NOVA

RS 5002 would best fit our criteria, which include very high print quality, and fast setups and changeovers with low waste,” said Managing Director Chaiwoot Chotitputsilp. “And we were quickly proved right, the press delivered on all its promises and more, so we then pushed ahead with our growth plans and invested in another press from BOBST.” Both BOBST gravure presses at SPC Interprint can print in 10 colors. Along with an 8-color flexo machine, the factory’s capabilities also include solvent and solventless lamination, slitting,

their environmental credentials and maintain or boost their market position.

With very accurate tension control and precise, effective web handling, converters are able to produce high quality printing on a wide variety of substrates, including very sensitive materials and the new eco-friendly films that are increasingly becoming popular with brand owners. The machine also comes with many innovative safety features that improves life in the pressroom for the operators, such as reducing solvent smell down to 400 ppm (parts-per-million) and

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Learn more

New solution for direct-to-substrate proofing on uncoated packaging media - now available for FLEX PACK!

www.cgs-oris.com

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lowering the noise level to 80 dB(A).

Furthermore, the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) system is the perfect feature to connect the machine to the most popular VOC treatment facilities, reducing harmful VOC emissions into the atmosphere, while the exclusive Twin Flow dryer system guarantees low solvent retention on final product, which further help to meet new food safety targets and regulations.

One of the very strong automation features of the 5003 is the unique combination of BOBST’s proprietary TAPS (Total Automatic Pre-register Setting) and Registron® register control system, which allows SPC to perform very fast job setups and changeovers with much lower waste, at just the touch of a button.

The new intuitive SPHERE HMI (Human Machine Interface) also automates downtime tracking, waste management, and maintenance programming. It also enables the creation of a “Digital Twin” of produced reels that contains all the

job data for full quality control and repeatability.

“Both the 5002 and the 5003 have been incredibly successful in SouthEast Asia with 28 machines sold in the past four years,” commented Sebastien Geffrault, Region Business Director - South East Asia Pacific. “This result is testament to the innovations that BOBST is bringing to the emerging markets, as we endeavour to offer converters worldwide the ability to produce high quality print products in a more sustainable way and at a competitive price point.”

Future opportunities for growth Despite COVID-19 restrictions severely impacting trade over the past year, BOBST has successfully supported all its customers throughout South-East Asia via its extended sales and service network. Indeed, the new press at SPC Interprint was put in place at the factory on the Tong Grow industrial estate, in the Muang district, using only local engineers without any issues.

“The new press was put into full production very fast, and this is not only because our operators are already familiar with BOBST machinery, but also because it is so easy to run,” said Mr. Chotitputsilp. “From what we have experienced during installation, we are happy to know that there is always fullservice local backup just a phone call away, so we can minimize downtime if we have any problems.”

Explaining the roadmap for the next few years, he continued, “With the high print quality that we can produce on both our BOBST NOVA presses, we can now compete in the discerning Japanese market.

We are also looking for new export opportunities and to increase our existing multinational customer base, so having the right equipment is of course very important. This is why we are choosing BOBST as our partner for the future.”

www.bobst.com

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DKSH partners with Creati DKSH has signed a strategic agreement with Creative Edge Software to promote their leading 3D visualization software in key Asian markets.

This partnership is in line with the strategic focus of DKSH Business Unit Technology to solidify its position as a leading integrated solutions provider for the packaging, printing, and converting market.

DKSH Business Unit Technology has entered into an partnership with Creative Edge Software, a leading manufacturer of real-time, all-inone packaging design software, headquartered in Minneapolis, USA. DKSH will provide sales, marketing, and after-sales services in selected markets across Asia, including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.

Creative Edge Software’s product iC3D is the first real-time all-in-one package design software that lets customers generate live 3D virtual mockups onthe-fly. Whether for carton, glass, cans, flexibles, or shrink-wraps, iC3D enables real-time visualization and validation throughout the design process from concept to production.

using a simple Illustrator file or PDF can generate photorealistic results.

No specialist programs, hardware, or outside assistance are required during the process. Just a single application

“DKSH has unique regional coverage, in-depth knowledge and strong sales and marketing capabilities. We are

DKSH will help promote the products to end users including brand owners of consumer package goods, design agencies, packaging and label printers, pre-press trade services, converters and contract packers.

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tive Edge Software in Asia

convinced that DKSH is the right partner to help us expand our coverage and meet our aggressive growth goals,” said Mark Hardaker, Vice President, Sales, Creative Edge Software.

Suhas Kulkarni, General Manager, Business Development Asia Pacific, Printing Packaging & Converting commented: “Due to the growth of eCommerce, the business of packaging mock-ups in Asia has been expanding rapidly. The partnership with Creative Edge Software allows us to connect with the packaging buyers besides the pre-press designers and packaging converters. We are confident to grow the market with the Creative Edge Software and excited to introduce this leading solution to our customers in Asia.”

ideation, design and production for the packaging, labelling & graphics markets.

We supply OEM's, distributors and resellers around the world with our award winning iC3D technology. www. creativeedgesoftware.com About DKSH At DKSH, our purpose is to enrich people’s lives. For more than 150 years, we have been delivering growth for companies in Asia and beyond across our Business Units Healthcare,

Consumer Goods, Performance Materials and Technology.

As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, we offer sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution and logistics as well as after-sales services. Listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, DKSH operates in 36 markets with 32,450 specialists, generating net sales of CHF 10.7 billion in 2020. www.dksh.com

About Creative Edge Software Creative Edge Software is a world leader in creating and developing innovative 3D software solutions for the packaging industry. iC3D is the first real-time, all-in-one packaging design software that lets our customers to generate live 3D digital mockups on the fly! iC3D enhances and speeds up

https://www.dksh.com/ppc

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HP Unveils PageWide C to Drive Scaled Volume

HP Inc. announced a new wave of innovation for its HP PageWide corrugated soluti help drive scaled and profitable production of digitally printed packaging applications The innovations were unveiled throughout SuperCorrExpo, which occurred from 8 – 12 August 2021. HP was not physically present at the event, and instead conducted virtual product demonstrations throughout the event.

The company continues to prioritize the health and safety of its employees, customers and prospects, and chose not to have a physical presence at this year’s conference.

HP PageWide corrugated packaging converters continue to lead digital production in the corrugated market with the highest production volume worldwide, recording a growth rate of more than 60% in 2021 compared with 2020.

“Supply chains are facing pressures never experienced before, with market trends accelerated by the pandemic requiring converters to deliver faster and flexible packaging solutions.

Digital packaging can fundamentally transform the corrugated supply

chain for brands in high-volume and mainstream production, especially for e-commerce, food and household products,” said Carles Farre, Vice President and General Manager, HP PageWide Industrial. “Time-to-market can be reduced from weeks using analog methods to only days with HP digital, in addition to sustainability advantages of reduced waste, and higher shelf impact with greater design versioning.”

Using HP Thermal Inkjet technology and true water-based inks, HP PageWide serves the corrugated market with both preprint liner and post-print direct-to-board digital presses.

The preprint HP PageWide T1195i Press and HP PageWide T470S Press and post-print HP PageWide C500 Press all deliver vibrant graphics, offset-quality and food-compliant applications.

Improved economics and paper handling capabilities for digital preprint corrugated HP continues to advance its corrugated technology to create new opportunities for packaging converters and brands to benefit from the analog to digital transformation.

HP unveiled the HP PageWide T1195i Press for preprint corrugated printing featuring new printhead technology.

New HP Thermal Inkjet printheads on the 110-inch wide HP PageWide T1195i Press are designed to deliver more robust and economical production for roll-fed presses, to drive mainstream production and enable converters to move more jobs from flexo preprint and litholam to digital.

The printhead technology incorporates thermal control features to enhance preprint system performance and help reduce operational costs, while delivering consistent high quality at high speeds. Using these printheads, the press features improved paper

SM CX104 ink mist HP PageWide T1195i

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Corrugated Innovations e Digital Production

ions portfolio to s.

handling capabilities to support a wider range of liners and applications.

Georgia-Pacific’s Hummingbird, a U.S. integrated packaging solutions provider, will be the first to deploy the new HP PageWide T1195i Press at a new Phoenix, Arizona site opening later this year.

“With the purchase of the second HP PageWide T1100 Series Press for installation in Arizona to better serve the west, Georgia-Pacific’s Hummingbird operation will be able to scale its digital print solutions for packaging to offer customers greater flexibility nationwide and meet the increasing demand for shorter turnaround time.

The new printhead technology on the HP PageWide T1195i Press is expected to further enhance the productive capacity and reduce operational costs.

As a strategic customer, Hummingbird, together with HP, will validate the

Sustainable corrugated boxes printed on HP PageWide Presses

improved system performance that will expand Hummingbird’s ability to enter new markets and applications,” said Robert Seay, Vice President, digital print solutions, Georgia-Pacific.

Hummingbird provides a range of digitally printed corrugated packaging solutions for consumer-packaged goods, electronics, and food and beverage brands across North America.

Hummingbird’s digital offerings include

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58 corrugated shelf-ready packaging (SRP), food trays, large-format boxes, e-commerce solutions, and volume displays (POP).

EuPIA. The inks contain no UVreactive chemistries, requiring no additional barriers for food packaging applications.

Boost sustainability profile with compostable digital packaging To extend the HP PageWide sustainability offering, HP announced digital corrugated packaging inks for the HP PageWide C500 have completed tests and received certification for compostability in home and industrial systems.

CompanyBox of the US, operating two HP PageWide C500 presses, said its brand customers are increasingly concerned with sustainability.

Din Certco of Germany, a leading global independent certifying body for compostable products, certified the HP PageWide C500 CV150 HP inks with a “mark of conformity” for the composting process, confirming the inks are “additive harmless to the composting process.”

Compostability certification for HP PageWide C500 allows converters and

“The water-based ink is one of the big reasons brands are choosing us.

This is one of our differentiators.

They know we are taking care of the sustainability for them so they can take care of the environment. It’s the feeling of being comfortable that what you’re ordering is not going to pollute the planet,” said Kyle Dejesus, president of CompanyBox. New HP PrintOS applications boost production efficiency HP PrintOS helps customers to get the most out of their presses, simplify and automate production, innovate

of production-status and job-costing data such as substrate usage and time invested, to a management system (MIS or ERP), to understand the true cost of completed jobs for more accurate quoting.

• PrintOS Supplies and Inventory Management App – allows customers to optimize inventory levels.

Simplifying digital preprint with industry collaborations HP digital preprint offers significant advantages to the corrugated market with its ability to produce a mix of both long and short run jobs in a single roll with consistent, offset quality.

To help drive the analog to digital transformation with HP digital preprint, HP is developing end-to-end solutions that simplify and accelerate the digital business growth of customers.

HP C500 press

brands to improve their sustainability profile for corrugated packaging and contribute to a circular economy, in addition to printing on-demand quantities, reducing inventory waste, and lowering overall environmental impact.

and grow. HP announced the release of a new set of cloud-based PrintOS applications for HP PageWide C500 owners to improve their overall site efficiency and to optimize the management of their production floor, including:

The successful testing verifies HP PageWide C500 press prints can be used as packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation in accordance with leading standards, such as EU regulation EN 13432.

HP PageWide corrugated inks were also tested and found recyclable by Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) of Germany using standard processes.

HP’s true water-based inks can be used for food and sensitive product packaging and meet leading global food safety and environmental guidelines, such as USDA FDA 21 CFR, Nestlé guidance, Swiss Ordinance, and

• PrintOS Mobile App – a tablet or smartphone app that tracks real-time status and updates of job status and production improvements, such as daily count of printed square feet and press availability.

• PrintOS Print Beat – an optimization app that delivers press and consumables historical and near real-time data for better, faster decision-making and improved print operations.

• PrintOS Jobs – provides jobs data including consumables, substrates, print time and more. Enables streamlining

HP digital preprint is a proven solution running on a range corrugators worldwide. Today, HP announced a collaboration with industry leaders Fosber and Erhardt +Leimer (E+L) to enable the synchronization of digital preprint to corrugator job changes within a roll with solutions that can be part of new corrugators or retrofitted onto existing corrugators.

As a result, converters can better respond to market demands dynamically with fast turnaround time, any Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ), and a reduction in waste and inventory to increase market competitiveness without impacting the corrugator’s performance.

Learn more about HP’s corrugated packaging at www.hp.com/go/ corrugatedpackaging.

www.hp.com/go/corrugatedpackaging

REDUCE THE COST OF MAKING A BOX

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WITH HP PAGEWIDE CORRUGATED SOLUTIONS Get a digital printing solution that optimizes your supply chain and gives you new competitive advantages that cater to your customers’ needs.

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Deliver maximum efficiency for high-volume production with preprint image quality and digital versatility.

HP PAGEWIDE C500 PRESS Grow your business with HP’s digital postprint solution delivering offset quality for mainstream production.

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To find out more, visit: www.hp.com/go/corrugatedpackaging ©2021 HP Development Company. LP.

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Optimize production by combining the power of digital roll efficiency and offset print quality.

Food-compliance water-based ink

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Invest with confidence

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60 INDOPLAS, INDOPACK and INDOPRINT postponed to 2022 Messe Düsseldorf Asia and joint organizer Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur, PT (WAKENI), decided to move INDOPLAS, INDOPACK and INDOPRINT to August 31 – September 3, 2022 at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo).

The Indonesian International Plastics, Packaging and Printing Exhibitions were originally scheduled for October 13 – 16, 2021.

“With the recent increase in COVID-19 infections in Indonesia and in the Southeast Asian region, in addition to the ongoing travel restrictions and various quarantine requirements, this has made it extremely challenging for many of our international exhibitors and visitors to responsibly plan their participation at INDOPLAS, INDOPACK and INDOPRINT scheduled to happen in just about two months’ time,” explained Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia.

“The latest developments and growing uncertainties have greatly impacted expectations and with such strong international participation, we felt the decision could not be delayed.

In order to deliver the benefits of an international trade fair, we are therefore looking ahead to 2022 with more confidence.”

Rini Sumardi, Director, Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur, PT (WAKENI), added: “For better planning security, we will look forward

to next year. We would like to thank all the exhibitors who have supported us and remained optimistic along with us so far. We are heartened by the continued encouragement and we are committed to turn this into motivation to drive greater success for INDOPLAS, INDOPACK and INDOPRINT 2022 – with many new features for exhibitors and trade visitors wanting to experience and discuss innovations in the co-related industries.”

Fujifilm and Inca launch robotic automation options for flatbed Fujifilm and Inca Digital announced the introduction of robotics technology for the automatic loading and unloading of media for the large format Onset X HS range.

The automated technology will assist with long run production, while cutting job changeover times and reducing the need for manual intervention between runs.

Utilising Dual Flex and High Five robotics, the range includes a semiautomatic (manual load and automatic

take-off) configuration and a fully automatic loading, take-off and stacking system, designed specifically to handle flexible and difficult materials, such as unconditioned corrugated board.

"The new automation options available with the Onset X HS range are the result of close collaboration with our current Onset X customers," said Matt Brooks, Head of Products & Solutions at Inca Digital. "Longer run, full automation is becoming more and more common, and with the introduction of highly sophisticated robotic arms from ABB and Inca's uniquely designed sheet pick-up technology, our Onset X customers can now produce extremely high volume, high quality print work in even less time. The ultra-high

productivity and rapid job changeovers optimise production levels like never before."

There are four automation options for the Onset X HS range - the 3/4 semi-automatic system, a fully automatic material loading system, a fully automatic handling system for unconditioned corrugated board, and a fully automatic handling system with integrated flexible loading.

The 3/4 automation system allows for single sheet, multiple sheets or double-sided print in registration. The operator loads sheets onto a preload table and the system takes over the rest, stacking it on a pallet for simple removal of the printed media. What's more, the system allows the operator immediate, direct access to the bed and registration points for quick switch between manual and semiautomatic work.

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62 The fully automatic material loading system is designed to handle conditioned and dimensionally stable sheets. It works in conjunction with the 3/4 handling unit to provide full automation, handling multiple sheets with highly accurate registration. The loader can be moved away from the machine to allow access to the print bed.

The corrugated board solution incorporates a fully automatic handling system, specially designed to handle difficult materials like unconditioned corrugated board. Vacuum-to-vacuum transfer ensures precision handling, from the robotic arm pickup to placement on the print bed and stacking of the printed board.

Dual Flex - this unique fully automatic solution with integrated flexible loading enables printers to transition seamlessly between lay table loading and dual robot automation. This solution provides full capability to load and unload flexible, semi-rigid and rigid sheets with a seamless switch from one operation to the other.

In full automation mode, the dual robots also offer an optional "flip to print" mode - High 5 - for front to back, double sided print requirements without manual intervention.

The Onset X range has been setting the standard for quality and productivity in the sector for some years now and we're delighted to be able to offer our customers yet another step up in speed and efficiency.

Metal packaging market to see increased demand from Covid-19 new Smithers data reveals The global metal packaging and coatings market will reach $112.4 billion in 2020. This represents a fall of $4.8 billion compared to 2019; as the industry, and especially industrial segments, reacts to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Critically it will return to positive growth in 2021, and stronger than before Covid-19.

This insight is drawn from the new Smithers study – The Future of Metal Packaging and Coatings to 2025 – its most detailed ever examination of this sector.

It finds that the coronavirus will impact demand for different metal packaging formats differently. Overall a post-Covid tailwind will raise the 2020-2025 industry compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to 3.1% – almost twice that predicted in pre-pandemic forecasts. This will push worldwide value to $131.2 billion in 2025, at constant prices.

The imposition of lockdown orders in Europe and North America in H1 2020 has caused a surge in demand for food cans of around 10%, as consumers stockpiled tinned foodstuffs. There has also been a rise in demand for beverage cans as drinkers move away from bars and restaurants to socially distanced home consumption. In contrast, disruption to international trade is impacting bulk metal containers, fabricated steel boxes, and shipping barrels & drums seriously; with 80% of the 2020 demand drop confined to these formats.

Smithers’ analysis sub-divides the market into five segments: cans (beverage, food, aerosol, and other cans); metal closures; industrial bulk containers; industrial drums and barrels; and other aluminium containers. The largest sector by value is cans, and in 2019 represented 56% of total value. With beverages accounting for 70% of this by volume, future developments – including for soft drinks, energy drinks and beer – is seeing can makers invest in adding capacity as they enter the 2020s.

This will be supported by parallel trends, including the demand for more sustainable, recyclable packaging; a criterion on which aluminium and steel perform well compared to PET bottles. Consumption of carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) is being slowed by healthy eating trends and taxes on high-sugar products; but growth is strong for all other non-alcoholic drinks, fuelling use of speciality cans.

Aerosol demand will be relatively flat in developed markets, but see appreciable growth in developing regions across 2020-2025 – especially in Brazil and China.

Sustainability targets, and cost, favour further lightweighting of metal packaging. For cans the priorities moving forwards will be wider use of lower weight can ends, and replacement of three-piece cans with two-piece constructions. In aerosols, weight savings are being enabled by the use of alloy slugs, and there is new interest in bag-on-valve designs for both single and dual-dispensing products.

In congested consumer applications, there is an impetus for brands to invest in enhanced decoration. To deliver this conventional metal packaging print equipment is being enhanced and supplemented by more inkjet installations; which are allowing more variated and innovative designs, improved matte or glossy finishes, and tactile effects.

In coatings, food can makers have largely moved to replace epoxy phenolic coatings, in response to

pressure from legislators and public health lobby groups over bisphenol-A (BPA). This is despite the substance being cleared in that application by regulatory authorities in the US and EU. The substitution process will potentially extend into less mature economies over the next five years.

The B2 enhancement solution will support Burger’s growth in the commercial and packaging sectors codix, the world’s leading provider of digital enhancement solutions for the graphic arts industry, today announces the first installation of the Scodix Ultra 5000 Digital Enhancement B2 Press at Burger Druck in Germany.

Dirk Burger, Burger Druck Owner, explains, “We decided to attain the Scodix Ultra 5000 because digital enhancement printing is on the rise, and with this press, we continue to outpace the competition in the commercial and packaging sectors.

The investment will be particularly helpful in the short-run, high quality packaging arena where Burger Druck’s business is growing at a very healthy pace.”

Burger Druck has been excelling in delivering commercial print to its customers for the last 30 years. Quick to see the capabilities of digital, the business combined the benefits of both digital and offset printing at its facility in South-West Germany, printing catalogues, brochures, direct mailers and more. The company also made a successful transition into packaging and continues to develop its range of products, allowing customers to benefit from a one-stop-shop for print.

Burger adds, “We see the Scodix

Ultra 5000 press to be the seamless embellishment fit for the HP Indigo 12000 and Heidelberg CX 102 LEUV presses guaranteeing top-quality enhanced print product production.

Working with coated and uncoated substrates, and the widest range of enhancement options we can offer our customers so much flexibility, plus luxurious quality at an affordable price!”

Franz Repp, Scodix Sales Director DACH Region, further states, “Burger Druck is a wonderful addition to the Scodix family and a deserving candidate to receive the first Scodix Ultra 5000 Press. The company’s range of jobs, average run lengths, and substrate variations make this press the ideal platform to enhance not only their print products, but their current and future business. The value they will be able to create is priceless to their business.”

According to Repp, the Scodix Ultra range of presses are the preferred choice for printers to be able to offer shorter run lengths, enter new markets and gain a competitive edge in an industry where value-added services empower brands. The Scodix Ultra 5000 is equipped with dedicated designed capabilities for a large array of materials. The ability to print on thick papers and work with a pallet feeder and stacker supports the critical needs of a production print factory.

Burger concludes, “It’s an exciting time in packaging. Ecommerce is booming and product packaging is a vital part of the consumer experience. Scodix digital enhancement provides instant visual and tactile impact that brands can really capitalize on, and we’re delighted to be able to provide that for our customers.”

Zumbiel Packaging and MilkBone: Bringing personalization to pooches In addition to producing some of the world’s best preserves, peanut butters and coffees, The J.M. Smucker Co. is a major force in the pet care market.

One of its most iconic pet brands, Milk-Bone, has been a trusted treat for dogs for well over a century. The Milk-Bone marketing team recently recognized that a consumer trend toward personalization presented an opportunity for the brand—offering customizable Milk-Bone boxes that allow consumers to personalize the label with a picture of their own furry family member.

Smucker was quick to recognize digital packaging’s potential to engage consumers and bolster brands.

They formed a technical task force comprised of marketing and R&D personnel to evaluate digital print technologies and determine their suitability for the various campaigns they were considering.

PROSPER delivers the whole package Naturally, the team was concerned with print quality and cost, but they had an additional concern regarding throughput. Smucker operates on

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“We helped the Smucker team run trials on every known digital technology from toner to inkjet,” said Ed Zumbiel, President of Zumbiel Packaging. “All the digital devices provided great print quality but most came up short in terms of cost effectiveness and productivity. When the Smucker team visited our shop to run trials on the KODAK PROSPER 6000S Inkjet Press, they were immediately convinced that Kodak’s unique continuous inkjet technology was the process that best fit their needs.”

The Smucker team saw not only graphic quality that was indistinguishable from their current lithographic cartons, they also saw remarkable productivity: their cartons run digitally at 600 feet per minute.

They were impressed by the speed of the Kodak technology and could not seem to take enough video footage of the press in action. Smucker also appreciated the fact that the PROSPER’s water-based inks are food safe and far superior to lithographic inks in terms of sustainability and color reproduction.

“In short,” said Zumbiel. “The KODAK PROSPER was the first digital device that ‘checked all the boxes’ for the Smucker team.”

A streamlined process It is one thing to offer personalized packaging, and quite another to execute and deliver quickly and flawlessly. The J.M. Smucker Co.’s technical and marketing teams worked closely with Zumbiel and Kodak over a period of months as they developed their web-to-print e-commerce portal, variable graphics workflows and internal logistics. In the end, each carton contains four variable elements: background (standard and holiday copies), pet photograph, pet name, and variable barcode (for order tracking and downstream shipping label generation).

Smucker batches images and text collected from its website and transmits them electronically to

Zumbiel, who in turn utilizes variable data software to combine and map the graphics prior to digital printing. The process of converting thousands of variable images into printable files is highly automated and takes less than twenty minutes to transfer, assemble and RIP the files.

Once files are ready, Zumbiel’s unique digital PROSPER Press configuration featuring inline substrate priming, digital printing and high-speed diecutting (over 15,000 Milk-Bone cartons per hour) makes short work of print production. To further compress production cycle times and reduce machine set-up costs, Zumbiel dedicated a folder-gluer to Milk-Bone production. Cartons come straight off the digital press and directly into the gluer. The result is a total cycle time from receipt of files to shipment of finished Milk-Bone cartons in about two hours.

The additional benefit of marketing buzz From a marketer’s perspective, the program will cost effectively drive traffic to the Milk-Bone website and create instant buzz on social media as consumers post images of their lovable dogs on the front of MilkBone boxes. Since its launch, custom Milk-Bone cartons have already been highlighted on NBC’s Today show, and a host of celebrities have posted pictures of their cherished pets’ custom boxes on Instagram and Facebook.

Creating custom folding cartons for dog treats places Milk-Bone and Zumbiel in uncharted territory -- neither can predict just how large the program will become. “One thing is certain,” said Zumbiel. “Our solution based on Kodak technology has proven that digital print is a great option for brands that want to harness the power of personalization.”

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Details of the next Asian Packaging Excellence Awards announced soon.

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Windmöller & Hölscher KG Lengerich / Germany Phone + 49 5481 14 - 0 · info@wuh-group.com www.wuh-group.com Local Contact: Dr. Mathew John +234 8028025787