ProPack December 2019 by The Intermedia Group

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ProPack People Technology Business

www.propack.pro December 2019

A FOCUS ON:

Largest offering of label printing tech at Labelexpo 2019

Pack Print Thailand A value-packed program that covered the end-toend of the packaging and printing value chain

ProPak Myanmar Showcasing the latest innovations to help improve Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food, drink and manufacturing industries

Improving egg packaging Kuhn Corp and Ovotherm focus on the production of innovative and ecofriendly egg-packaging ALSO INSIDE...

Heidelberg News

TAU 330 RSC E TAU 330 RSC E TAU TAU 330 330 RSC RSC EE

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> 1,200 x 1,200 dpi print resolution at 52 lin. meters printing speed in CMYK+W > Fully field upgradable in colors (CMYK+W+OVG) and speed (78 lin. m/min) 85% Pantone color gamut coverage with only 4printing colors (CMYK) > 1,200 >>>1,200 x 1,200 x 1,200 dpidpi print print resolution resolution 52 at 52 lin. lin. meters meters printing speed speed in CMYK+W inOMET CMYK+W Available as stand-alone press,atwith jumbo winders or in-line with Xjet hybrid press > Special high opacity white print mode available > 85% > 85% Pantone Pantone color color gamut gamut coverage coverage with with only only 4 colors 4 colors (CMYK) (CMYK) Fully high field upgradable inprint colors (CMYK+W+OVG) > Special >> Special high opacity opacity white white print mode mode available available and speed (78 lin. m/min) Available as stand-alone press, with jumbo winders or in-line OMET Xjet hybrid press > Fully >> Fully field field upgradable upgradable in colors in colors (CMYK+W+OVG) (CMYK+W+OVG) and and speed speed (78(78 lin.with lin. m/min) m/min) > Available > Available as as stand-alone stand-alone press, press, with with jumbo jumbo winders winders or or in-line in-line with with OMET OMET Xjet Xjet hybrid hybrid press press durst-group.com/label

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CONTENTS

IN THIS ISSUE... Heidelberg news Asia Pacific: Growing Gallus from humble beginnings P19-22 How the company went from being a homegrown business to evolving into a large conglomerate

interpack 2020 focus: showing entire value creation chains P23-25 Why itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the top trade and packaging fairs of the year and needs your attendance

Cracking the egg packaging market

P6-7

Brings to market rPET egg cartons together with Ovotherm

Labelexpo 2019 focus P8-16

Food packaging: Integral in selling convenience and health P26-27 Dr Anneline Padayachee explains how it is no longer for containment and protection only

Landmark 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe 2019 closes on a high note

Reactions to Pack Print International 2019 P33 Did Pack Print International 2019 deliver on its message?

Top news from Pack Print International 2019 P34-35 The latest from Heidelberg, HP and Canon

ProPak Myanmar 2019 focus P 36-39 Key insights from Myanmarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier processing and packaging event

ProPak Myanmar drives local packaging innovation P36-38 How the latest technologies helped improve the local food, drink, and manufacturing industries

Reactions to ProPak Myanmar 2019 P39 Did the tradeshow deliver?

Labelexpo 2019: The largest, most international show to date P8-9 A wrap-up of the the largest offering of label and package printing technologies and live demonstrations

Pack Print International 2019 focus P28-35

The newest of technologies from Labelexpo 2019 P10-14

Covering the end-to-end of the packaging and printing value chain

A shift towards sustainable packaging P 40-41

The latest from Canon, Xeikon, Gallus, Miraclon, Bobst, MPS, Omet, Mark Andy, Durst, Screen, HP, Roland, Konica Minolta, and Epson

Leading innovation in SEA at Pack Print P28-29

A need to develop structured plans with packaging designs in mind

Reactions to the Labelexpo 2019 tradeshow P15

A forward-looking event that showcased smart technology, equipment and solutions for the industries of today and the future

Addressing the value that Labelexpo 2019 offered

A stepping stone in the lead up to drupa 2020 P30

Jet Technologies hosts dinner at Labelexpo P16

Addressing the symbiotic relationship between Pack Print International and drupa 2020

Brings together some of its partners from Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia

Pack Diary P18 The upcoming packaging industry events that you need to attend www.propack.pro

Conversation points: Addressing trends that are driving the packaging industry P31-32

Esko gives future roadmap

Thought leaders outline areas of opportunity in packaging

Insights on new products and where the company is moving towards

P 42

December 2019 ProPack.pro 3

EDITOR’S NOTE HAFIZAH OSMAN

Packaging takes centre stage In this issue of ProPack.pro, we celebrate the success of what the packaging industry has to offer. Within a short span of just two weeks, I recently attended three printing tradeshows that were dedicated to packaging – ProPak Myanmar, Pack Print in Bangkok, and Labelexpo in Brussels. All three tradeshows had one trend in common – the packaging industry is expanding rapidly worldwide and printers, manufacturers and end users alike need to jump on the bandwagon before they get left behind. This was highlighted in Myanmar, which is a developing country with a huge resource in food production. Vendors and manufacturers were showcasing their technologies, suited

mainly for SMBs, to aid them with their packaging needs and in a way that their produce can be sealed for freshness and for longer. In Bangkok, with label and package printing skyrocketing, the focus was on what end customers can create with the latest technologies available in Asia. There were plenty of local solution launches and kit sales, in addition to education streams to keep attendees up-to-date with the latest trends in that space. Labelexpo, the biggest of the three shows, stood up to what it’s known for – showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in relation to all things in and around labels. Sprawling across a massive venue in Brussels, the tradeshow saw

attendees from all over the world congregate to see the newest kits from manufacturers and learn about the most disruptive trends in the industry. In this edition, we also delve into the misconstrued assumption that cardboard egg cartons are a better packaging alternative to plastic ones. In this deep-dive, Kuhn Corp’s Walter Kuhn explains why rPET egg cartons do better justice to the quality of eggs and can be recycled in a more sustainable fashion, as compared to the more commonly seen method using cardboard. The issue also gives us a prelude into interpack 2020, the hotspot for innovation and knowledge sharing when it comes to processing and packaging. Hope you enjoy the read. Hafizah Osman Editor hosman@intermedia.com.au Ph: +61 2 8586 6161

Stay informed… visit www.propack.pro and subscribe to receive the latest packaging industry news and views

ProPack Industry Supporters

Managing Director & Publisher: James Wells Editor: Hafizah Osman Editorial: Paul Brescia Editorial: Sheree Young

Design: Mark Alston Sales Manager: Brian Moore Sales Manager: Carmen Ciappara Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper

Pre-Press Manager: Tony Willson Mailed by: D&D Mailing Services Printed and Finished by: Hero Print, Alexandria, NSW 2015

ProPack.pro is published by Printer Media Group, registered in Australia ABN 47 628 473 334. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. While every care has been taken in the preparation of this magazine, it is a condition of distribution that the publisher does not assume any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which may result from any inaccuracy or omission in the publication. 4 ProPack.pro December 2019

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Specialising ininCapital Capital Equipment Equipment Sales, Sales, Service, Service, Specialising Specialising ininCapital Capital Equipment Equipment Sales, Sales, Service, Service, GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK Specialising Engineering Engineering Solutions Solutions and and Consumables Consumables Specialising Specialising Specialising ininCapital in Capital inin Capital Capital Equipment Equipment Equipment Equipment Sales, Sales, Sales, Sales, Service, Service, Service, Service, Engineering Engineering Solutions and and Consumables Consumables GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK SUPPLIER SUPPLIERPROFILE PROFILESpecialising Specialising Specialising Specialising Specialising in Capital in Capital inSolutions Capital Capital Equipment Equipment Equipment Equipment Sales, Sales, Sales, Sales, Service, Service, Service, Service, GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK Engineering Engineering Engineering Solutions Solutions Solutions Solutions and and and and Consumables Consumables Consumables Consumables GRAPH-PAK Engineering

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Since Since2005 2006GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAKPTY PTYLTD LTDhas hasdelivered deliveredhigh highquality qualityproducts productsand andservices servicestotothe theprintin print and and packaging packaging industries industries in in Australia Australia & & New New Zealand. Zealand. Our Our mission mission is is to to continue continue to to provide provide Engineering Engineering Engineering Engineering Solutions Solutions Solutions Solutions and and and and Consumables Consumables Consumables Consumables Since Since Since 2005 Since 2006 2005 GRAPH-PAK 2006 GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK GRAPH-PAK PTY PTY LTD PTY LTD PTY has LTD has LTD delivered has delivered hasdelivered delivered high highhigh quality high quality quality quality products products products products and and services and services andservices services toand tothe the toservices printing tothe printing theprinting printing advanced, advanced, reliable reliable and and functional functional equipment equipment and and engineering engineering solutions solutions and services that thatena en and andpackaging and packaging and packaging packaging industries industries industries industries in in Australia Australia in in Australia Australia & & New New & & New Zealand. New Zealand. Zealand. Zealand. Our Our mission Our mission Our mission mission is is to to continue is continue is to to continue continue to to provide provide to to provide provide our ourcustomers customerstotomaximise maximisetheir theirbusiness businesspotential. potential. advanced, advanced, advanced, advanced, reliable reliable reliable reliable and andfunctional and functional andfunctional functional equipment equipment equipment equipment and andengineering and engineering andengineering engineering solutions solutions solutions solutions and andservices and services andservices services that thatenable that enable thatenable enabl our ourcustomers our customers ourcustomers customers totomaximise maximise totomaximise maximise their theirtheir business their business business business potential. potential. potential. potential.

Automatic die-cutter can be offered with or CARTON ERECTOR – with all the pressure on us to reduce plastic, adding a without stripping unit. erector– with to –your makes great sense. We offer a complete range 1050 Automatic Die Cutting CARTON TONcarton ERECTOR ERECTOR with all business the all pressure the pressure on us ontousreduce to reduce plastic, plastic, adding adding a  aTECHNOCUT Machine. It can run large formats. High precision, of carton for justmakes about every application boxes,range chiprange boxes, on carton erector erector to erectors your to your business business makes great great sense. sense. We offer We– burger offer a complete a complete high speed, easy to operate, quick changeovers, hotdog boxes, trays andabout more, plus a range–ofburger cups !! boxes, durability and stable performance. Features that arton of carton erectors erectors for just for about just everyevery application application – burger boxes, chip chip boxes, boxes,

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 Carton board max. 2000 g/m² Corrugated board max. 4mm Capability Sheet size min. 350 x 400 mm Sheet size max. 740 x 1050 mm  Speed 7500 s/h  Cutting force 300 Ton  Converting  Cutting size max. 730 x 1040 mm  Gripper margin min. 9.5 mm  Pile Height  Feeder 1650 mm  Delivery 1300 mm

TYPE A: (4 corner box without lid) approx: 80~160 pcs/min TYPE B: (hot-dog box / burger box) approx: 80~120 pcs/min TYPE A: (4 A: corner (4C:corner box without box without lid) approx: lid) approx: 80~160 80~160 pcs/min pcs/min TYPE (food pail) approx: 80~110 pcs/min TYPE B: (hot-dog B: (hot-dog box /box burger / burger box) approx: box) approx: 80~120 80~120 pcs/min pcs/min TYPE C: (food C: (food pail) approx: pail) approx: 80~110 80~110 pcs/min pcs/min

CONTACT US TODAY Many models available including HOT FOIL STAMPING CONTACT NTACTEquipped USUS TODAY TODAY with advanced state of the art technologies for fast job changeover.

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SMARTFOLD Ultra X 1100 – PC suitable for straight-line, crash-lock bottom & double wall boxes SMARTFOLD Ultra X 1100 – SL suitable for straight-line, crash-lock bottom, double wall, 4 & 6-corner boxes SMARTFOLD ULTRA X-1100 folder gluer models are equipped with advanced state of the art technologies for fast job changeover, especially focussed on multi-type work capabilities with medium-long to shorter run lengths in mind. Speed up to 500 meters/min. Motorized carriers, full and sectional job/memory recall, extended pre-folding section up to 3 meters in total length. Lifting upper carrier on pre-folding section. New “universal multi-function section” with integrated “bump & turn” allows to turn cartons 90º and its alignment. Pre-breakers device by outer belts on both sides. New servo drives technologies, extra length crash lock bottom section. Extra folding & closing section with collapsible central carrier, able to produce complex carton structures, straight line, lock bot-tom, 4 & 6 corner cartons and more. DGM has been committed to offer the industry an affordable, cost effective and complete state of the art solution for the folding and gluing needs of today’s converter and market demands, one of the best cost/value/productivity equipment combination to be offered to the industry. Several options different widths with more or less automation, inline box packaging and palletising available

 Die cutting Flat bed With all the pressure on getting work  Die cutting Rotary out the door fast, with today’s focus on  Folder Box Gluers speed to market and efficiency, labour  Carton Erectors reduction & automation is essential, ‘’ -for Window Patching Machinery high high technique technique for a a cleaner cleaner and and better betterworld world  Paper to Board mounting and laminating GRAPH-PAK leads the way ‘’ !! high high high high technique technique technique technique --for for --for for amachinery acleaner acleaner acleaner cleaner and and and and better better better better world! world! world! world! Our business specialises in providing  Thermal Laminating Machinery finishing solutions for the ever growing  Digital SPOT UV corridor of packaging.  Digital Foiling – Liquid Metal FOR FORFURTHER FURTHERINFORMATION INFORMATIONPLEASE PLEASECONTACT CONTACTOUR OURHEAD HEADOFFICE OFFICE FOR FORFURTHER FURTHERINFORMATION INFORMATIONPLEASE PLEASECONTACT CONTACTOUR OURHEAD HEADOFFICE OFFICE Unit Unit1G, 1G,1-3 1-3Endeavour EndeavourRoad, Road,Caringbah CaringbahNSW NSW2229 2229email: email:info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au Unit Unit 1G, 1G,INFORMATION 1-3 1-3INFORMATION Endeavour EndeavourRoad, Road, Caringbah Caringbah NSW NSW 2229 2229 email: email: info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au FOR FOR FOR FURTHER FOR FURTHER FURTHER FURTHER INFORMATION INFORMATION PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT OUR OUR OUR OUR HEAD HEAD HEAD HEAD OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE Toll Toll Free: Free: 1300 1300 885 885550 550 Office: Office: +61 +61 229525 9525 8009 8009 www.graph-pak.com.au www.graph-pak.com.au FOR FOR FOR FURTHER FOR FURTHER FURTHER FURTHER INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT OUR OUR OUR OUR HEAD HEAD HEAD HEAD OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE OFFICE

Unit Unit Unit 1G, Unit 1G, 1-3 1G, 1-3 1G, 1-3 Endeavour 1-3 Endeavour Endeavour Endeavour Road, Road, Road, Road, Caringbah Caringbah Caringbah Caringbah NSW NSW NSW 2229 NSW 2229 2229 2229 email: email: email: email: info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au Toll Toll Free: Free: 1300 1300 885 885 550 550www.graph-pak.com.au www.graph-pak.com.au Unit Unit Unit 1G, Unit 1G,1-3 1G, 1-3 1G,1-3 Endeavour 1-3 Endeavour Endeavour Endeavour Road, Road, Road, Road, Caringbah Caringbah Caringbah Caringbah NSW NSW NSW 2229 NSW 2229 2229 2229 email: email: email: email: info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au info@graph-pak.com.au

PROFILE WALTER KUHN

Cracking the egg packaging market Kuhn Corp and Ovotherm care about the environment, therefore are continuously focusing on the production of eco-friendly egg-packaging

alter Kuhn, director of Brisbane-based printing and packaging business Kuhn Corp, is celebrating 21 years of working with European-based manufacturer Ovotherm – the creators and largest global supplier of clear egg packaging. “In 1998, we were printing for an Australian egg company called Sunny Queen and I was talking to some of the directors at the time and they told me there was an issue with getting supply of egg cartons in Australia, as there was only one supplier at the time,” he said. “We then started looking worldwide for what could be available and we found a company called Ovotherm in Austria that produces plastic cartons and at the time they were made from clear polystyrene. “Even though Ovotherm had tried to get into the local market before, we approached the business and with an initial agreement for one million cartons a month, were successful with the license for Australia, South Pacific and South East Asia. “At that time, all of the cartons were made with a gloss self-adhesive label which was about six times more expensive than using paper labels, but

1. Creating clear egg packaging the sustainable way is important for Walter Kuhn from Kuhn Corp 2. rPET cartons protect the eggs, prevent breakages and protect the environment

The 2000 Egg-lympics At the time, Kuhn Corp developed a promotion known as the Egg-lympics, which caught the eye of SOCOG – the Australian company running the Sydney Olympics in 2000. “They sent us a letter claiming that we were infringing the Olympics, but we were actually having a bit of fun and when they realised that our event was being held at a fictitious place known as Eggles Island and that we replaced eggs for the circles of the Olympics, they got the joke,” Kuhn explained. “That was the first time that any real marketing was done on egg cartons, and we could do it because of the quality of the packaging. Prior to that, it was just spot colours on a grey cardboard carton and even then, a lot of the printing was out of register. “But with only one supplier in the market at the time, you can get away with whatever you want.”

From clear polystyrene to rPET Kuhn Corp was manufacturing the clear polystyrene egg cartons in Australia from 2000 to 2007 and then worldwide. Based on an initiative from Walter Kuhn, there was an agreement

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at the time we just didn’t have the machine that could apply it. “My background is in engineering, so after six months we created a machine that could apply a paper label to an egg carton, at high-speed for the first time ever in the world. We then produced the paper labels, die cut them, and applied them to our first cartons for Sunny Queen shipped from Europe in 1999 and 2000.”

1 to take the product from polystyrene to rPET due to environmental reasons. However, it couldn’t get material for rPET in Australia to manufacture. “Even though there is a lot of waste out there today, we still can’t get the raw material,” he said. “The biggest issue faced by eggs is they are porous and they are fragile. For example, if you take an egg and place it next to an onion in your fridge, it will taste like an onion because it takes all of the pathogens from outside the egg through the porous shell.” As a result, Kuhn said rPET cartons protect the eggs, prevent breakages and protect the environment, in addition to other benefits.

Willie Kallhammer – the clear egg packaging pioneer The first transparent egg carton was initiated by the Ford Motor Company in 1968. The person that realised the potential was a man by the name of Willi Kallhammer, who was an Austrian man born in Vienna with a marketing and sales education at Vienna University and Ford Europe. In 1969, he established Ovotherm clear egg packaging worldwide, creating successful egg marketing and merchandising concepts. Currently, he is a senior partner and advisor, helping to coordinate the international sales and marketing activities. His motto: Success is based on innovation, investments and most importantly, on a dedicated team which actually has built Ovotherm since 1965 to become the market leader for clear egg packaging.

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WALTER KUHN PROFILE

Manufacturing rPET sheet in Australia Kuhn Corp currently supplies enough cartons to package 4.3 million eggs per week, with some retailers such as Costco selling two 30-egg containers strapped together. Compared to a paper pulp egg carton with capacity for 30 eggs, the Ovotherm clear rPET packaging is more economical. “Our dream is to be making these clear egg packaging trays in Australia using locally-sourced PET bottles. Most of the rPET currently used in Australia is imported from Asian countries where the recycled material is hand sorted,” Kuhn said. “Our ultimate goal is to recycle bottles from Australia and make rPET sheets that can be converted into egg cartons. It will cost around $45 million in investment to set up the entire business. This would be the joint venture between Ovotherm and Kuhn Corp. We are currently speaking to government representatives, and this may take another two to five years, but we are determined to make this happen.”

“What’s also important is the bottom of the cell of these egg cartons – when an egg is suspended and has air around it – it stays fresher for longer. By placing it into cardboard containers, you are almost suffocating it. By suspending the egg, you keep the airflow through it,” he explained. “The rPET packs that are currently supplied are the only food-grade packaging; by comparison, cardboard is not food grade. When you make cardboard cartons, who knows what goes into them?” Kuhn further elaborated that many years ago, egg cartons had a product

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3. Walter shows how durable the cartons are by standing on a stack of packaged eggs 4. Walter Kuhn (r) with his wife and Kuhn Corp administration manager, Sharon Kuhn (l)

called TetraChloride to bind paper together. This chemical was banned in the US, and eventually in Australia, as it was claimed it would leach into the eggs because the egg surface is porous. “If you look at the lifecycle of an egg carton and the energy used, it is significantly less for rPET so the carbon footprint is less than pulp and it also uses zero water, whereas with pulp you use a lot of water, so there are so many advantages, and overall the egg stays fresher,” he said. “People only think that cardboard is more natural because it is biodegradable. But to place this back

into the earth, it needs oxygen to biodegrade. So, all of a sudden you end up with methane that is 28 times worse for the environment then carbon dioxide, from putting this into landfill. By comparison, the rPET carton can be recycled back into itself again without taking natural resources.” Together with Ovotherm, Kuhn aims to set up a recycling plant here in Australia for rPET. “We would produce rPET sheet and then create our own cartons. But at this stage, due to politics, we can’t get our hands on the recycled materials and we are shipping them from Europe.”

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FOCUS LABELEXPO

Labelexpo 2019: the largest, most international show to date The landmark 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe 2019 closed on a high note, with its largest, most international show held to date

total of 693 exhibitors took part in the show, which took place between 24 and 27 September, at Brussels Expo in Belgium. Spread over nine halls and covering almost 40,000 sqm of floor space, up from 37,600 sqm in 2017, the show presented the largest offering of label and package printing technologies and live demonstrations seen. This included the fast-growing areas of hybrid printing, flexible packaging and automation. About 37,900 visitors from 140 countries flocking to the four-day show – a substantial increase on 125 in 2017. India, China and Japan were especially well represented with large visitor delegations. Eastern Europe also showed a stronger representation compared to 2017, in particular Croatia, with a 51 percent increase,

1. One of the many halls of Labelexpo 2019 in Brussels 2. Nilpeter showing off its latest solutions 3. The Gallus stand had a constant stream of visitors 4. OMET’s stand at one of its demonstrations

Lithuania (36 per cent), Romania (25 per cent), and Russia (14 per cent). Major press manufacturers announced multiple sales on a daily basis, including: HP’s 200th HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press sold to a Slovenian converter; Domino’s seven-colour N610i inkjet press sold to a Belgian converter; Lombardi’s sale of five Synchroline 430 presses during the first two days of the show; Gallus’ sale of three presses into India; Konica Minolta’s AccurioLabel 230 toner label press, sold on day one and which also debuted at the show; Grafisk Maskinfabrik’s DC350 digital converting line and a SR350 inspection slitter rewinder sold to a UK converter; Grafotronic’s laser die-cutting system sold to an American label converter after launching the machine at the show; and Screen’s first Trupress sold into Germany. Demonstrating that the show has evolved from a labels show into a wider package printing show, flexible packaging innovations were much in evidence on the show floor. Hybrid machinery was another key trend in evidence, with launches including solutions from Bobst, Mark Andy and MPS. Labelexpo Global Series managing director Lisa Milburn said, “We are

delighted that our 40th anniversary edition of Labelexpo Europe has been our largest, most international to date, especially as it is now rapidly moving forwards into a show that encompasses not just labels but also package printing. “This was clear from the incredible array of flexible packaging innovations and hybrid machinery on the show floor, giving label converters ever more options to diversify their businesses. “The feedback we have received from visitors and exhibitors alike has consistently highlighted the superior quality of the leads, enquiries and contacts made at the show, with an incredible number of deals sealed on the exhibition floor and 83 per cent of space already booked onsite for Labelexpo Europe 2021. “This demonstrates that the global label and package printing industry remains as vibrant as ever, and that this show – 40 years on – is still a vital platform at the forefront of the entire supply chain.” The show’s main feature, the flexible packaging arena, drew in large crowds at every one of its eleven live demonstrations. At the neighbouring Sustainability Insight Café, visitors saw how they might boost their green credentials with a gallery of the latest

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LABELEXPO FOCUS

sustainable innovations. Reflecting increasing interest from Asia, and with just two months until Labelexpo Asia 2019, Labelexpo Europe 2019 also hosted its first China Day on day one. This saw representatives from more than 100 label printers and converters from China visiting the exhibition, including the vice-president of trade association PEIAC, key show partner

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to Labelexpo Asia 2019. Labelexpo also housed an education stream, the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most extensive to date, which drew in attendees eager to boost their industry knowledge. Three expert-led Label Academy hosted master classes covered hot topics around inks, coatings and varnishes; digital label and package printing; and flexible packaging, while

a workshop covered self-adhesive label materials. At Labelexpo, Milburn also presented further details about the newest addition to its portfolio, Labelexpo Mexico 2021, along with its new Brand Print global series of events aimed at printers of promotional materials and collateral for brands. Continued on page 10

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FOCUS LABELEXPO

The newest of technologies from Labelexpo 2019 Miraclon unveils Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra

Canon launches new Océ LabelStream 4000 series

Miraclon, the new home of Kodak Flexcel solutions, introduced its next generation Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution. The Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is an addition to its Flexcel NX product family and has the advantages of its imaging and print performance capabilities. It is a solvent-free, VOC-free, waterbased processing solution that allows printers to create a press-ready plate in what Miraclon says is less than an hour. Enabled by patented Kodak Ultra Clean technology and developed by the Miraclon team, the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is, according to the company, the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment. Miraclon worldwide product manager Bill Schweinfurth said the solution meets customer demands and provides them with options. “We listened to our customers and delivered to the market an aqueousbased Flexcel NX solution using all of the technology that the Flexcel NX can drive,” he said. The product is currently in beta and expected to be commercially available in the first half of next year.

Canon took the wraps off a new label conversion machine, the Océ LabelStream 4000 series at the tradeshow. The solution is an industrial scale UV inkjet conversion platform for self-adhesive labels and selected flexible packaging applications. It comes in two print widths – 330mm and 410mm, and is based on inkjet DNA and aims to adapt to changing market dynamics by delivering on time, cost and value. Canon product line manager Roland Stasiczek said digital printing for labels and packaging is the answer to fundamental trends in the packaging value chain, such as decreased run lengths, waste and cost reduction, and reduced turnaround times. “As a result, the new Océ LabelStream 4000 series delivers on time and is combined with the ability to individually change contents and artwork, whilst enabling the shortest possible time to market,” he said. “Rapid job changeover, customised content and inline finishing and embellishment will give customers a boost while meeting the most demanding supply chain challenges. The Océ LabelStream 4000 helps change challenges into opportunities.”

Canon product line manager Roland Stasiczek

Some of its key features include: the latest Xaar 2001 UV inkjet printheads with up to 720 x 1080 dpi for vibrant colour, print speeds of 40m/min to 75m/min, a wide range of standard label stocks, seamless integration and automation, strong digital white and a wide colour gamut, and workflow integration with Océ LabelStream. The solution also goes from being a standalone digital press to a full hybrid configuration – a custom mix of digital, flexo and finishing, all integrated into a machine. The Océ LabelStream 4000 series is commercially available in Europe, with global rollout to follow shortly.

Gallus unveils two new Labelmaster presses

Xeikon and UPM Raflatac bring labels and packaging online

Gallus, a Heidelberg Group company, launched two new upgraded models of Gallus Labelmaster presses, the Gallus Labelfire and the Gallus Smartfire. The Gallus Labelfire is designed for digital production of narrow web products, especially self-adhesive labels. Showing its range of possibilities for digital and conventional label printing and converting, the hybrid label press Gallus Labelfire combines industrial inkjet printing with conventional label printing at printing speeds up to 70 m/min and further shows a range of digital finishing possibilities with the integrated Digital Embellishment Unit (DEU). If integrated inline, the digital finishing technology of the DEU

Xeikon presented its latest advancements in labelling technology, a new ‘smart label’ solution developed and created in partnership with UPM Raflatac and Magic Add, at Labelexpo. The cloud-based application enables track and trace capability for labels, designed to help brand owners wanting to bring labels and packaging online. According to Xeikon, they are now better able to measure the success of their campaigns or to control the supply chain, bringing added value to the end user. Xeikon product management director Jeroen Van Bauwel said many industries are integrating technology into their product lines and producing ‘smart’ products to meet current trends. “More and more brands want to say ‘we are providing the

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creates tactile relief effects and matt or gloss spot coatings in various thicknesses digitally. The advantages include shorter set-up times, minimised cleaning, and no costs for additional tools. Moreover, inkjet low migration inks for the Digital Printing Unit (DPU) of the Gallus Labelfire, Heidelberg Saphira Digital inks, were introduced. As for the Gallus Smartfire digital label printing press, it is said to be ideal for short runs that are constantly changing. Heidelberg Asia Pacific managing director Thomas Frank said the new Labelfire offers efficiency, speed increases and better productivity gains. “With our knowledge on the digital front end, the perfect offering to the short run label market is this solution,” he said.

Xeikon’s Jeroen Van Bauwel and Trevor Crowley

authentic product’. In creating this smart label solution for brand owners, we have added the ‘smart’ part into label design. Xeikon continues to utilise the constant advancements in technology for the benefit of the label community. What’s exciting is the technology behind the action,” he said. The solution is yet to be made commercially available. www.propack.pro

LABELEXPO FOCUS OMET showcases its XJet

MPS and Domino partner for wider hybrid EF SYMJET press

OMET launched a range of its technologies, with the show stealer being the XJet powered by Durst. The solution is a OMET hybrid machine flexo + digital inkjet, which the company says is the first and only line on the market able to print shrink labels with combined technology. “OMET XJet powered by Durst is the hybrid printing machine that offers the widest range of in-line multi-process technologies for finishing requirements as well as efficient converting solutions as OMET Monotwin-Cut variable size die-cut, OMET Twist easy-change die and OMET Rock’n’Roll matrix stripping,” the company said in a statement. “Thanks to OMET’s experience on tension control (Masters in Motion), working on special supports is not a problem but a winning challenge: XJet is the first and only hybrid machine on the market able to work shrink materials with combined printing.” OMET also unveiled its new XFLEX X7 printing press at the event. This 26-inch flexo printing press comes with a suite of features and showcases a new High Value Rotogravure (HVR) Print Unit and merges the best features of OMET’s XFLEX X6.0 and VARYFLEX V2 into a new printing press.

MPS and Domino partnered to launch a wider version of their hybrid MPS EF SYMJET press. Shown for the first time at Labelexpo, the new MPS EF SYMJET press comes with a fully integrated 17-inch new Domino N617i unit with the established MPS EFA flexo platform. Domino Digital Printing Solutions global commercial product manager Louise Adcock said, “The Domino N617i is based on our N6-series ink jet product range; but has been designed exclusively for MPS. The first N617i based MPS EF SYMJET deliveries are being scheduled from January 2020.” The press will be equipped with five flexo stations, digital cold foil, a Kurz cold foil unit for single images and optical effects, lamination and die-cutting. MPS CEO Atze Bosma said the company’s goal with this technology is to push the limits of flexo and ink jet printing and converting. The MPS EF SYMJET press will be available in 13 and 17-inch widths, and can be equipped with multiple flexo units, lamination and embellishing units, die-cutting and many more converting options. In Australia and New Zealand, MPS is distributed by Nekkorb. At Labelexpo, Nekkorb

Nekkorb managing director Frank Brokken

managing director Frank Brokken said the new MPS EF SYMJET press will generate a lot of interest in the local market. “We’re trying to offer a one-stopshop to wide-web and label printers and this new solution fits right in. There’s a lot more happening in the narrow web space,” he said. “This hybrid machine has conventional and digital combined. There are lots of people that have digital units and conventional units, but having them together will be a point of differentiation for many.” In addition to the new press, the company has collaborated with Colordyne Technologies to bring new hybrid printing solutions to the market.

Bobst launches new Mark Andy debuts hybrid press Master DM5 Evolution Series Bobst revealed its latest innovation, the new hybrid press Master DM5, aimed at combining digital and DigiFlexo printing in a single press. The Master DM5 is a combination of digital flexo and Bobst’s Mouvent inkjet digital technology. It is associated with total flexibility for high added value labels, with a short job setup and fast return on investment. Bobst senior innovation advisor and hybrid and label program manager Federico D’Annunzio said the solution heralds a new era in label printing as two of the greatest benefits of the Master DM5 are its productivity and reliability. “It represents a total flexodigital-converting integration, with non-stop productivity, and the highest press uptime in the industry,” he said. “It prints at speeds of up to 100 m/min at the highest quality, 1,200 x 1,200 dpi. Full digital www.propack.pro

Bobst senior innovation advisor and hybrid and label program manager Federico D’Annunzio

automation means that only one press operator is needed to print high added value label jobs, in short and medium runs. “The Master DM5 is a fully digitally integrated label press like this has never been invented before. The benefits for printers and converters are significant,” D’Annunzio added. “We aim to digitise the world of labels packaging and printing, and avoid the bottlenecks of die cutting. This digitised press allows us to do just that.”

Mark Andy added a new Evolution Series to its suite of flexographic offerings, which it debuted at Labelexpo. The new series is a simple to operate platform powered by Mark Andy engineering and technology, providing converters with a scalable production solution designed to serve their business needs today, while providing adaptability to the needs driving future business growth. The Evolution Series is available in 13 and 17-inch (330 and 460 mm) web widths with production speeds up to 230 m/min. Mark Andy Flexo chief business officer Tom Schelmbauer said the Evolution Series is a strategic addition to the company’s flexo solutions by providing full servo technology previously unattainable to this wide of a range of the market. “Full servo flexographic printing is now within reach for all converters,” he said.

“This technology, with the highest possible quality and engineering, has been a longstanding and noticeably absent request in the industry. Building on the success of our existing technology, we’re able to bring the Evolution Series to market as a solution for converters that need a label or film press with the capability to grow as their business grows. “The Evolution Series joins Mark Andy’s flexographic portfolio offerings, as well as the Performance Series P7E and P9E.” Mark Andy has also launched Digital Pro, the latest solution to its digital product offerings, at Labelexpo 2019. The CMYK dry toner Digital Pro line includes a roll-to-roll press, Digital Pro 1, and a configurable inline hybrid model, Digital Pro 3. The new product line brings to market better production speeds and low cost to print. December 2019 ProPack.pro 11

FOCUS LABELEXPO Roland debuts new VersaUV print and cut machine Roland showcased, for the first time, its VersaUV LEC2-300 print and cut machine at Labelexpo. The VersaUV LEC2-300 is a UV printer, together with sharp, precision contour cutting capabilities. The new unit replaces an older model, the VersaUV LEC-330. It works for one-off and short-run production of custom labels, decals, prototypes and one-of-a-kind personalised items with a premiumlook on a wide variety of media. The Eco-UV ink used by the unit is designed to adhere to a broad range of media, including adhesive sheets for stickers and labels, special PET or PVCbased substrates, and textiles, Japanese paper, leather and tarpaulin sheets. The device can also automatically counter cut any shape printed around graphics, photos or text to produce adhesive labels, stickers, and customshaped displays without using a die punching machine. “This new unit comes with a new print head and LED lamps for high definition printing. The machine can print faster than its predecessor and has better curing because of a more powerful UV curing lamps,” Roland product specialist Nadia Plomp said.

Screen unveils Truepress Jet L350UV SAI inkjet system Screen Graphic Solutions took the wraps off its new Truepress Jet L350UV SAI inkjet system for label printing, making its global debut at Labelexpo. The press is an upgrade from the Truepress Jet L350UV and features improved colour reproduction and scalability, enabling it to meet a wide variety of market needs. Screen Australia managing director Peter Scott said since the release of the Truepress Jet L350UV, adoption of short runs has been accelerating, creating a need for better print quality than ever before. “So, the Truepress Jet L350UV SAI enables significantly richer colour expression and is available in a lineup of four models that can be selected according to the production environment,” he said. The units will come in the S, E, Z, and LM models, with the units featuring additional slots for mounting inkjet print heads. Along with CMYK, most of the units can be loaded with white, orange and blue inks for a total of seven colours (the LM model excludes blue). The system also features proprietary colour management technologies developed in collaboration with CGS Publishing Technologies International,

Screen Australia managing director Peter Scott

providing a wider range of colour expressions. “The line-up provides printing companies with a model for current application while also allowing them to flexibly expand functionality as their operations grow. The eighth extra print head slot will enable companies to use new inks, varnish or a primer of the future,” Scott said. “SAI represents stable print quality, accurate colour reproduction and integration with workflows and other systems, which means you get higher productivity, the ability to get into different applications, shorter runs and variable data,” he added. Screen will launch the S, E, Z and LM models sequentially from January 2020.

HP and Kurz partner for DM-Jetliner launch

Durst launches its Tau RSCi UV inkjet series

HP and Kurz partnered in the creation of the newly launched DM-Jetliner, a solution for digital inline metallisation on paper and label materials. The machine aims to let users transfer metallisation effects onto paper and label materials during digital printing. The transfer process is said to be integrated seamlessly inline into a digital printing machine – upstream from the digital colour printing. Once the foil is applied with a UV-curing adhesive to the unprinted substrate, the PET carrier is removed, and the substrate can be overprinted within the printing machine. Kurz digital foiling global business development manager Simon Rumble said the solution harnesses the full benefits of Digital Metal, Kurz’s all-inone solution. “Digital Metal blends machine, appropriate foil solutions and ink together into efficient real metal enhancements,” he said.

Durst expanded its RSC platform of UV inkjet label presses with the addition of a new inkjet digital label press. The Tau RSCi UV made its first debut at LabelExpo, alongside the company’s new dedicated label workflow and prepress software. The advanced modular Tau RSCi UV inkjet digital label press comes in three variations – with print widths of 330, 420 or 508mm (13, 16.5 or 20 inches) and a higher printing speed of up to 100 linear m/min. New features for the RSC portfolio include a high opacity white print mode for an increased screen-like opacity and a high speed white mode that allows high speed printing at 80 linear m/min of all colours, including white. In addition, it has added new features to the Durst Workflow Label, combined with the adapted Durst Smart Shop and integration packages, to help to fulfil Industry 4.0 standards and drive forward the expanded Tau RSC portfolio.

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“It’s a pre-print technology; we’re applying foil to the substrate before the print engine. Metallic colours can be achieved by printing CMYK, thanks to Electro Ink from HP. “For those in labeling, Digital Metal, the DM-Jetliner and customised foil-based solutions open up new perspectives and interesting new fields of business ready to be fascinated brilliance, quality resolutions and uncomplicated overprinting.” According to Rumble, HP’s market leadership in digital label printing was the reason behind the partnership. “The company is a market leader, so it just made sense for us to align ourselves with HP.” HP Indigo Asia Pacific and Japan graphics solutions business labels business manager Yoav Lotan said the machine allows more flexibility with embellishment. “By working alongside our partners, we now have the best of all worlds to offer.”

Durst Oceania labels and package printing sales manager Paul Sanelli

Durst Oceania labels and package printing sales manager Paul Sanelli said Durst has created a product platform to address customer applications. “We’ve now expanded our portfolio of solutions with the main driver behind the RSCi range is to offer flexo-like productivity at 100 lineal metres per min with the renowned RSC high print quality through 1200 x 1200 dpi actual resolution,” he said. Durst is expected to ship the units out of Europe in Q2 2020. www.propack.pro

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FOCUS LABELEXPO Epson leads the way in sustainable inkjet innovation Epson introduced its latest range of inkjet label printers for on-demand, commercial and industrial label printing markets. The first is the global launch of four new ColorWorks on-demand digital label printers (the ColorWorks CW-C6000Ae, CW-C6000Pe, CW-C6500Ae, and CW-C6500Pe). These on-demand label printers extend Epson’s existing range and aim to meet the needs of customers across many sectors including food, chemical, beverage, horticulture, logistics etc. The range includes auto-cutter models (Ae) and time-saving autopeeler (Pe) functionality that automatically removes the label backing paper and can be integrated seamlessly into existing print-andapply production lines. Epson Europe product manager Adam Samuel said the solutions will make life easier for time-sensitive businesses with many SKUs to manage. “We’re seeing people coming down from large production runs. As the market is changing, we want to keep up to the customers’ needs and this range allows us to do just that.” At Labelexpo, Epson also launched a new Epson SurePress industrial label press (L-6534VW) for label converters looking to expand their operations. It also launched two new all-in-one LabelWorks industrial label makers (the LW-Z5010BE with integrated keyboard, display, and Li-ion battery and the LabelWorks LW-Z5000BE for PC and smart device use).

Winners revealed at 16th Label Industry Global Awards Avery Dennison, Esko, and GMG were among the category winners honoured at this year’s 16th Label Industry Global Awards, which took place at Brussels Expo on the first night of Labelexpo. The awards aim to recognise the most innovative, influential and successful work from the label and package printing industry across the globe in the last twelve months. The award for innovation (for companies with up to 300 employees) was presented to GMG GmbH & Co. KG, for its GMG Calibration Creation Wizard. The award for innovation (for companies with more than 300 employees) went to Esko for its Esko Print Control Wizard software. Avery Dennison won the environmental and sustainability award for its Recycled PET Liners. The rising star award went to Robert Rae of GEW. With a chemistry degree from Durham University, the judges said his skills have enabled him to contribute towards developing an LED product introduced in 2016, and launching a revolutionary LED system at Labelexpo 2019. The European converter of the year award went to Reynders. The judges said its recent developments in digitally printed, full colour booklets were noteworthy. A special recognition award was made to Clive Smith, founder of Labelexpo, honouring his creation and ongoing development of the label and

Some of the winners of the night

package printing exhibition. The final award of the night, the R. Stanton Avery global achievement award, went to Jim DeFife, vicepresident of pressure-sensitive materials at Multi-Color Corporation. DeFife was selected for driving the global label industry for almost 40 years, with a focus on the development of technical solutions for the pressuresensitive market. Mike Fairley, chair of the judges, said, “I would like to commend and congratulate all our finalists and winners at this year’s Label Awards. What really made them stand out was the demonstration of genuine brilliance in their innovation, leadership and sustainability, and dedication to improving their businesses. “They illustrate the very best of the label and package printing industry.”

MGI, Konica Minolta unveil new JETvarnish press MGI and Konica Minolta unveiled a new JETvarnish 3D Web Color + press at Labelexpo. The JETvarnish 3D Web Color + is said to be the world’s first inline label and flexible packaging solution for high-definition digital CMYK colour printing, personalised 2D/3D dimensional textures and variable embossed foiling applications. It features semi-rotary cutting and slitting functions, as well as both corona treatment and flexo primer coating stations for maximum substrate diversity and print surface flexibility. The range of flexible packaging and label materials that can now be decorated with visual and tactile enhancements include plastic, synthetic and paper-based 14 ProPack.pro December 2019

The new JETvarnish 3D Web Color + press

stocks. These substrate management tools are also complemented by an automatic rewinder utility and a selfcleaning inkjet system. Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia industrial print national manager David Cascarino said the JETvarnish 3D

Web Color + analyses each piece with the AIS Smartscanner intelligent and adaptive registration system. “We took all the intelligence that MGI has in doing sheetfed, jet varnish printing, spot UV and raised foiling into a web-based solution for the label market.

The initial web version was released at drupa a few years ago but this version provides added functionality,” he said. “It’s one solution offering an end-to-end functionality. This is the first time we’re launching globally but we’re in the process of localising it for the Australian market. We’ve already received significant interest from the Australian Labelexpo attendees.” According to Cascarino, the product will support and boost many of the local Australian industries, which includes wine and manufacturing. “Our print lengths are shorter, so it makes more sense to have a digital embellishment appeal as opposed to a traditional embellishment process,” he said. www.propack.pro

LABELEXPO FOCUS

The value that Labelexpo brings

Sappi Southern Europe self-adhesives sales manager Michele Penna

“We produce speciality paper for the self-adhesive market and the flex pack market. Labelexpo is one of the most important tradeshows for us to be in as our customers for the self-adhesive market are all here. One of the biggest trends that Labelexpo has picked on, is self-adhesive, so it’s crucial for us to be at this show. Many of our manufacturing partners are also here, in addition to the printers who are our end customers. It’s a one-stop shop that allows us to connect and do business with them all. We have been at this show multiple times and it’s given us plenty of leads to follow up on every single time. This show has brought in more end users and distributors for us from various countries, which gives us the opportunity to expand our network.”

PrintIQ global sales director Adrian Fleming

“This is the first time we’re showcasing at Labelexpo Europe. We were at the Chicago show the last time and found that to be very valuable. We’re a global player these days. Our primary product is the PrintIQ Management Workflow Solution (MWS) platform, and we’ve spent a lot of time tailoring the solution for the labels and packaging market. The digital printing space is ingrained into the labels market now so having an MWS system that can handle both traditional printing methods and digital methods is a big message that we received. Customers also needed a solution that scales across multiple disciplines across labels and other elements of their business, not just packaging, so we are now delivering on it. So, we’ve been quite busy over the days of the expo and people are liking what we’re showing.”

CRON Europe international marketing manager Isabel Shuxue Zhou

“This is the third time for CRON at Labelexpo Europe. This time, we brought our full label printing line-up to showcase what we have in narrow to mid web space. CRON was launched in 1992, and in 2015 got into the labels market following labels’ expansion in print. This is now a market we detected for our huge format solution, the HDI 2000, which we will launch at the end of the year. So, Labelexpo lets us do some ground work and market research about how that will fit in to the needs of the industry. We have already used this opportunity to target customers, especially those that have taken a keen interest to our solution and have spoken to us. In Australia, we go to market with the Currie Group and we’re looking for more flexo partners to service the region.”

Labelexpo is one of the most important tradeshows for us... Sappi’s Michele Penna

Esko marketing vice-president Danielle Sauvé

Jet Technologies director Jack Malki

“The show was fantastic; it got a great turnout, as always and I met many of our Australia and New Zealand clients. There has been a lot of strong interest in our new digital inkjet, the L350 SAI, with our partner Screen, which has also just launched an upgrade to the SAI. It’s going to be released shortly and will put you into the medium-run market. So, the show has been great for us to get that message out.” www.propack.pro

“Labelexpo sits right in our sweet spot in terms of having the most solutions for the labels and packaging segment. We only invest in a few big events and Labelexpo is one of them. Just a few weeks ago, we launched our cloudbased Software-as-a-Service Share and Approve solution – a simple workflow tool for the market to get approvals quicker in order to meet lead times. Labelling has been one of the first few segments to adopt digital print and therefore, has resulted in the need for it to adopt more automated tools. So, Esko is digitising the packaging value chain, not just for those that are making packaging. And this show allows us to get that message out. We’ve had a lot of energy at our booth and many orders signed.”

Trotec Laser strategic segment development manager Axel Rieckmann

“Our main products are laser engraving systems for non-metal applications, for cutting and engraving, but also marking on metal. We have brought one of our prototypes to the show to see what the industry’s reactions are. From the conversations we’ve had at this show and other meetings, we know that all customers want to grow their business but for us, the opportunity is in where we can help them do that – what new applications we can offer. This is our first time at Labelexpo as we’re interested in doing some market research before making our strategic moves in labels and packaging. The response at this show has been great so far as the concept of laser cutting is relatively new for this industry.” December 2019 ProPack.pro 15

FOCUS LABELEXPO

Jet Technologies hosts dinner at Labelexpo Jet Technologies hosted a dinner at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Labelexpo, bringing together its partners from Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Guests mingles over drinks and food, and had conversations around all things labelling and packaging. 1

2 7

2 16 ProPack.pro December 2019

1. (Seated) Hendro JS, Jeniaty Satjawiguna, and Naomi Bongso (PT Master Label) with Tina Bedjo, William Yani and Hedy Yani (PT Menara Cipta Profilindo) 2. Adam Bamford (Labelmakers Group), Lee Gorman (United Labels), Meindert Greik (Labelmakers Group), Jack Malki (Jet Technologies) 3. Steve Horne (K&B UK), David Morris (K&B USA), Jack Malki (Jet Technologies) 4. Belle and Mark Sproule (DS Labels) 5. James Malone (Label Power), Michael Nankervis (Onpack) 6. Hamish Kincade (Albel & Litho NZ), Penelope Savidan (B&F Papers NZ) 7. Jeff Morris and Trevor Coon (Elna Press) 8. Lars Beck (Kocker & Beck GMB), Robert North (K&B UK) www.propack.pro

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For further information and assistance with travel and accommodation planning Robert Laing _ Messe Reps. Tel. +64 9 5219 200 _ robert@messereps.co.nz Tel. +61 427 353536 _ robert@messereps.com

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PACK DIARY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Labelexpo Asia 2019

Label. Code. Print. Ink. Foil.

Dec 3-6 2019 Shanghai, China labelexpo-asia.com pacprocess Middle East Africa

Dec 9-11 2019 Cairo, Africa pacprocess-mea.com pacprocess India

Dec 12-14 2019 New Delhi, India pacprocess-india.com printpack Alger 2020

Mar 9-11 2020 Algeria, Africa printpackalger.com Labelexpo Southeast Asia 2020

May 7-9 2020 Bangkok, Thailand labelexpo-seasia.com interpack 2020

May 7-13 2020 DĂźsseldorf, Germany drupa.com drupa2020

Jun 16-26 2020 DĂźsseldorf, Germany drupa.com INDOPLAS, indopack and indoprint 2020

Sep 2-5 2020 Jakarta, Indonesia indoprintpackplas.com

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Heidelberg News Asia Pacific

December 2019

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Gallus: Growing from humble beginnings Heidelbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richard Timson, Ferdinand RĂźesch and Thomas Frank

PACKAGING HEIDELBERG NEWS ASIA PACIFIC

Gallus: Growing from humble beginnings Three of Heidelberg’s executives talk about how the company went from a homegrown business to a large conglomerate

allus, a Heidelberg company that manufactures label printing and folding carton presses, has evolved its business since its acquisition. Heidelberg anchor shareholder and senior vice-president of global key accounts Ferdinand Rüesch Snr (FRS), Heidelberg Asia Pacific managing director Thomas Frank (TF), and Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand managing director Richard Timson (RT) caught up with ProPack.pro at Labelexpo 2019 to talk through the company’s progress and transition since its time as an independent family business.

How did Gallus go from a home-grown family-owned company to what it is today? FRS: My grandfather founded the company in 1923. My father took over in 1956 and I took over in 1991. In 1989, Heidelberg was interested in the narrow web, roll-to-roll market where we had a huge presence. So, we inked a partnership. In 2014, Heidelberg and myself exchanged shares, so Heidelberg now owns 100 per cent of Gallus shares and I got to be the anchor shareholder of Heidelberg. Since then, we have been working even more closely together, integrating

1 20 Heidelberg News Asia Pacific

1. Heidelberg Asia Pacific managing director Thomas Frank

services, spare parts, and sales, along with production and assembly. We’re using the synergies from both companies, especially for a demanding product like the Labelfire, where you need a great worldwide service network because you can’t afford to have any downtime. Gallus, before the shareholder exchange, was a mid-sized company that was well-established in conventional technology but needed a digital product. But with a digital product, you need inks and a business model where you can make money on it. So, collaborating with Heidelberg is great for us as the company has access to the inkjet heads and software for colour management. It has been great for us because we are able to bring to the customer a solution from one company. This business opportunity, for me, was the right thing to do. When you’ve been in a family company for so many years, you realise your loop to the customer is very close. But now, as a more complex sales organisation, there needs to be more training involved to achieve that level of stickiness with the customer. In saying that, it gives us a greater opportunity for customer contact. On the flip side, Gallus’ focus has been on label printers. Now we’re getting leads from sheetfed printers that are looking for new business opportunities. So, we now can integrate those printers. The art is to take the best from both sides of the business and put people who understand the customer world at the forefront to lead.

What was it like going from a company that serviced a small market to one that is global? FRS: We grew Gallus to be a wellknown company before we partnered with Heidelberg. We did business on a global level but what the collaboration with Heidelberg allowed was for our global reach to go even further, into countries we didn’t have a presence in. For example, we’re now deep in markets like Russia that we weren’t present in. The labels market is growing – people now get the need to decorate labels more and this opens many doors for printers. We have many sheetfed printers that are looking into growing opportunities, so for the print market

that is shrinking, they can still depend on the label world.

What are the plans for Gallus now that the integration process is underway? FRS: We have started putting manufacturing and assembly lines together. Since 1999, we have been developing offset technology together. Now, our sales and service sides have been put together. Step by step, where it makes sense to put our operations together, we have been doing it and will continue to do it. We have to ensure that when we are putting everything together that we don’t lose the strengths of before. When you’re a big, complex organisation, there are many more layers within the organisation so you have to ensure that the messaging gets through across the organisation and we don’t lose the sense of what our joint goals are and what needs to be done to achieve that. In the coming years, I would like to see the strengths of both companies reinforced.

Thomas, how did you get involved with Heidelberg? TF: After I finished my studies, I did mechanical engineering, I started as a young product manager travelling www.heidelberg.com

HEIDELBERG NEWS ASIA PACIFIC PACKAGING catering to Australia in a way that is different to how a team in India, for example may work. He also has a differently structured organisation as compared to some of the other Asian operations. RT: The labels market is one of growth for customers. They haven’t discovered all the possibilities that they can achieve, and the possibilities are growing. Label printers are busy and looking for new opportunities and processes. And it’s quite exciting because if you compare them to some of the offset companies where they’re all lacking capacity and consolidating, it’s an exciting area. It’s a great spot for us to be in, especially now with Heidelberg and Gallus coming together in our offerings.

What are some pain points that customers have brought up recently?

2 around, doing market studies and meeting customers, trying to find out what they really need. I was trying to detect market trends and finding out the pros and cons of our concepts in a world with plenty of competitors. I had to come up with a plan that grew our market share and to first of all, come up with an innovative product which had a lot of benefits to our customers’ businesses. I did this for a few years and I also had the opportunity to bring new sheetfed machines to the market, together with my team, and later on, recognising gradually that the focus in the printing world was shifting from North America to Asia. I was getting interested in working in that region so about 11 years ago, I made that move to be part of the management team in Asia Pacific. I then got a chance to take over the leadership for Heidelberg Asia Pacific some two years ago.

With so many countries within the Asia Pacific scope, what was your approach for the different regions? TF: In the end, all customers have one thing in mind – they need to make money and they need to survive. In whichever country, we are after longterm partnerships using all of our www.heidelberg.com

2. (L-R) Heidelberg’s Richard Timson, Ferdinand Rüesch and Thomas Frank

solutions. Whether for commercial print, folding carton, or labels, we need to provide the biggest customer benefits. We believe we can achieve this by offering scalable products. While a solution for one of the more developed countries might be more automated, the solution for a developing country needs to be a robust product. Within the modular scope of solutions, we need to pick the right ones for the various markets. What we also do is best practice sharing. For example, what works in Australia will also work in a developing country like Indonesia three to four years later. So, what we learnt with a developed country, we can implement that into the developing countries as they grow.

What are some trends specific to Australia? TF: In Australia, the structure of the industry has completely changed. It used to be the country with the highest degree of concentration for years, and then we saw more recently a backward trend because some of the conglomerates were falling apart. As I see it, in Australia, as with many of its other industries, what is key now is speed. You simply need to be fast. This is why Richard and his team is

TF: Make ready times are a big one that we come across often. The second one is complexities, followed by waste. If you talk about the infrastructure in Europe, it’s a different degree to that in some other emerging markets. So, in the emerging markets of Asia Pacific, customers need a rock-solid product – a sturdy machine – whether it’s sheetfed or label. And then we need to have a service organisation in place which gives them a chance to service equipment in days instead of weeks. We’ve also come across some customers that buy products, but don’t understand the full capacity of the product, meaning that some of their functions just sit idle and not in use. This is a pity. This is why it’s also our goal to have applications specialists to help a customer achieve the productivity and quality that they need. This is part of the basics in the Heidelberg and Gallus world. FRS: Run sizes are getting smaller and smaller in the labels space, as well as in sheetfed. And the make ready times are becoming more important. That’s why we have improved on some of our solutions, that we just launched at Labelexpo, to address those needs. Customers also now want to know how to differentiate themselves from others – what can they do with their products that their competitors can’t. Solving these problems will position themselves better in the market. Everyone can buy a machine – but the key thing is, what do you do with it? Specific to label customers, their challenge lies in where they want to position themselves in the market – do they want to be a king in price or speciality? They need to find their Continued on page 22 Heidelberg News Asia Pacific 21

PACKAGING HEIDELBERG NEWS ASIA PACIFIC Continued from page 21

position because the labels world is so diverse. The more they understand, the more profitable they become. Some companies understand it very well, some are on that curve, but some don’t get it yet.

How will the upgraded Labelfire and Labelmaster Press launched at Labelexpo address market needs? FRS: The Labelfire now comes with a digital embellishment unit where you’re able to cold foil, varnish, it comes with CMYK seven colour plus white, you can do flexo, ink-before and all in line. It also comes in a budget digital version with four colours. We also launched the Labelmaster Press in two versions – in basic and advanced. The new addition is a print bar, where you can digitally print one specific ink down. We also have a new rotary die cutting unit that automatically changes, within a minute, to a completely different die cylinder when it needs to be changed. The speed increases and process efficiencies are now massive. TF: In Asia-Pacific, we have three Labelfires installed – two in Australia and one in Singapore. And we have closed a deal in Korea. In Asia Pacific, we see more and more short runs coming. With the knowledge we have in the area, the Labelfire is the perfect solution for the short run label market. When it comes to the Labelmaster, the beauty of the concept is that we have a scalable platform. Having two versions means that for the emerging markets, the base version is the offering. And then we go up in scale to the advanced unit, which is more industrialised. So, now we have the full range of features and accessories available. And specifically, for the very widespread scope of products in Asia, this is the ideal concept because it’s flexible and you can pick the modules you need. RT: We’ve had more than 100 Labelmasters sold globally since its release. That just goes to show how it suits diverse needs and markets.

3 3. Heidelberg anchor shareholder and senior vicepresident of global key accounts Ferdinand Rüesch Snr 4. Heidelberg Australia and New Zealand managing director Richard Timson

We have to solve their problems if there’s something which isn’t running up to expectations. This is why we’re also in the consumables business. If you take the Labelfire for instance, it’s not just about putting the inkjet heads and mechanical components together; you also need the digital front end. This digital front end fits into our system so the customer can also do some resource planning or production planning. And we will probably see this more in the future, that customers aren’t only doing labels but also folding cartons. This is an interesting approach as you don’t want to have two isolated systems. The more they are all

integrated into one, the better for the future of the customer. RT: We have a global bank of knowledge and know how that can be utilised worldwide by customers. The future is bulletproof if you tap on that resource.

How can this industry be forward thinking? FRS: Customers have to understand their business. There are labels that are suited for different industries so you have to know which world you’re in and which types of labels work best for your business. You need to pick the best equipment for your needs.

How does Gallus now differentiate itself in the market? TF: What we can offer customers that’s different to other players in the industry is a standardisation – things that make it easier for them. Standardisation in terms of having one partner to go to for all their needs. Published by Heidelberg Australia (Heidelberg Graphic Equipment Ltd), PO Box 750, Mulgrave Vic 3170, Australia. Tel 1300 135 135 (Australia), 0800 684 684 (New Zealand). heidelberg.com info@heidelberg.com 22 Heidelberg News Asia Pacific

www.heidelberg.com

INTERPACK FOCUS

interpack 2020 – exhibition space sells out ahead of event Messe Düsseldorf confirms that the interpack exhibition is totally booked out, and will feature a new layout with re-built exhibition halls

he interpack 2020 tradeshow, to be held from 7 to 13 May 2020 in Germany, is already totally booked out in exhibition space, according to its show organisers, Messe Düsseldorf. It confirmed that by the time the official registration deadline for the most important international event for the packaging industry and related process industries had arrived, businesses had inquired about far more space than was available at the Düsseldorf Exhibition Centre – as had already been the case with previous editions of the tradeshow. Approximately 3,000 exhibitors

expected from around 60 countries will occupy all 18 of the available halls as well as large parts of the outdoor facilities when the fair. Components – a special trade fair by interpack with offerings from the industry that supplies packaging technologies – is in its third edition and will again be staged entirely concurrently with interpack in the temporary Hall 18. It is also totally booked out.

More efficient trade fair visit

1. Attendees from all over the world congregated in Düsseldorf for interpack 2017

interpack focuses on packaging solutions and related process technology, addresses target groups in the fields of food, drinks, confectionery, bakery products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, non-food consumer goods and industrial goods. Exhibitors have now also been brought together to create more focused segments with corresponding offerings in order to prevent visitors from these

industries from having to cover long distances at the tradeshow. According to Messe Düsseldorf, that is why suppliers of processes and machines for the packaging of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics have gathered together in Halls 15 to 17, while interpack 2020 visitors from the fields of machines for labelling and identification technology, packaging materials production and integrated packaging printing will find what they are looking for in Halls 8a and 8b. “The offerings in these halls have also been more clearly structured so that it will be easier for visitors to find the exhibitors that are of interest to them at the venue. Offerings that focus on specific process steps have also been grouped closer together,” the organisers said. “This applies not only to the fields already mentioned above but also to the segment for processes and machinery employed in the packaging of food, Continued on page 22

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December 2019 ProPack.pro 23

FOCUS INTERPACK Continued from page 23

1 drinks, consumer and industrial goods that will now be located in Halls 5, 6 and 11 to 15 as well as to the segment for processes and machinery for the packaging of confectionery and baked goods that will now be located in Halls 1, 3 and 4. “Companies presenting packaging materials and supplies have been positioned centrally around the Haupteingang Nord (Main North Entrance) in Halls 7a, 7, 8a, 9 and 10. Hall 8a offers great potential for

1. HP’s stand at interpack 2017 brought had many interested attendees 2. Thinking out of the box to solve industry problems is crucial 3. Esko showcased its latest and greatest at its stand in 2017

synergies within these areas. “That is where machine suppliers from the fields of packaging production, converting, packaging printing and labelling will be able to find the relevant suppliers of corresponding packaging and materials. The packaging / packaging materials area alone has attracted more than 900 exhibitors.”

New: Hall 1 and Eingang Süd (South Entrance) Halls 1 and 2 – which had first been built in the 1970s – were demolished shortly after interpack 2017 to create space for a newly-designed Messe Düsseldorf’s architectural flagship: The ‘Neue Messe Süd’ (‘New South Trade Fair Centre’). It is now home to the new Hall 1 and has an entrance area with a foyer directly in front of it, which boasts a 17-metre-high pointed canopy that has been realised in translucent glass-fibre fabric and integrated LED lighting. It will be providing exhibitors at interpack 2020 with state-of-the-art architecture and technology as well as around 500 square metres of more space. The building also includes six conference rooms and is directly connected to the Congress Center Süd (South).

‘Components’ to run concurrently with interpack

3 24 ProPack.pro December 2019

The concept of ‘components – special trade fair by interpack’ is to be continued in its tried-and-tested iteration following the success it enjoyed at the last interpack. Visitors will once again find the supplier trade fair in the temporary

2 lightweight Hall 18, which is centrally located within the Düsseldorf exhibition centre and offers around 5,000 square metres of space. This hall is located between Halls 10 and 16 and will be complementing interpack’s portfolio for the entire duration of the trade fair with presentations from the areas of drive, control and sensor technologies, products for industrial image processing, handling technologies and other (machine) components. All visitors and exhibitors at interpack are entitled to free admission to components.

New impetus for Save Food During interpack, the topic of Save Food is going to be brought to the city of Düsseldorf for the first time, with several different campaigns underway to reduce food losses and waste. It also aims to get the public directly involved. The programme details are currently still being developed in consultation with the official bodies.

‘Life without Packaging?’ conference Sustainability has been a subject shaping the industry for years. It has recently become a hotly debated issue as a result of the discussion about plastic packaging in particular. The new ‘Life without Packaging?’ conference will be examining the contentious issue of packaging, sustainability, and the environment from various aspects to enable both critics and advocates to have their say and explore what is essential and what is avoidable. The event will be focusing on www.propack.pro

INTERPACK FOCUS

sustainability and environmental impact, hygiene and the reduction of food waste. The top-class speakers include such representatives from the industry as Prof. Dr. Thomas Müller-Kirschbaum, Head of R&D and Sustainability at Henkel; Louis Lindenberg, Global Packaging Sustainability Director at Unilever; and Xavier Caro, Head of Packaging for the Food Category, Nestlé; as well as Alexander Baumgartner, CEO at Constantia Flexibles. Dr. Marina Beermann from the WWF as well as representatives from environmental organisations will further be joining the line-up of speakers. Prominent voices from science along with sustainability consultants will also be joining the bill: Prof. Dr. Martin Stuchtey, Founder of and Managing Partner at Systemiq, Frank Wellenreither from the ifeu Institute and Sophie Kesselbach from Thinkstep will also be introducing their analyses and solutions. The one-day conference will be taking place at the CCD Süd from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on 12 May, the penultimate day of the fair. Tickets cost €299 and are available from the interpack online shop at www. interpack.com.

Startup Week in Düsseldorf The Startup Week is expected to be staged concurrently for the first time in the city with interpack, bringing visionaries, fighters and high-flyers together with innovative companies, services and products of the future. A total of around 150 events, workshops and pitches will be taking place in Düsseldorf.

4 4. A smoothie brand on the production line 5. Plastics and sustainability are some areas of discussion

Online services to help you with your trip to the trade fair Visitors will find useful tools to help them efficiently plan their visit to the trade fair at www.interpack.com. These tools include the exhibitor database that allows visitors to create their own personal hall plans and a completely revised matchmaking function for initiating meetings with exhibitors. This also includes details about the latest developments being presented by the companies at the fair. An iPhone and Android app are also available for visitors. The apps provide, among other things, the daily updated exhibitor and event database, graphically optimised hall plans and

exhibitor details, including contact details, product information, forms for arranging appointments as well as the option to save notes about the respective exhibitors. All individual edits will be available on all platforms – regardless of where they were created. interpack’s homepage also provides information about the ‘Life without Packaging?’ conference, hotel-booking options and tips for the city’s cultural programme to help you plan your stay in Düsseldorf. For more information about attending interpack, contact Robert Liang on +64 2168 2300 or email robert@messereps.co.nz. You fill find a summary of the services to help you prepare your trip to the trade fair at www.interpack.com/ tradefairplanner.

Opening times and prices interpack will be open every day between 10.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. from 7 to 13 May 2020. Tickets will be available as eTickets starting mid-October 2019. Day tickets purchased in advance from the on-line shop at www.interpack.com cost €57 (sales on-site: €67), pupils, students and apprentices pay €15 on-site. A three-day ticket may be purchased on-line in advance for €107 (sales on-site: €125). There is a new ticket that provides admission for the entire duration of the trade fair. It costs €115 when purchased on-line in advance (sales on-site: €145). It is possible to directly print out all eTickets purchased on-line from the purchaser’s computer. All admission tickets and exhibitor passes for interpack 2020 entitle holders to www.propack.pro

free travel to and from the fair on the public transport systems within the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR – RhineRuhr Transport Network), which also serves the cities in the regions around the Messe Düsseldorf’s location. December 2019 ProPack.pro 25

UPDATE FOOD PACKAGING

Food packaging: Integral in selling convenience and health Traditionally, food packaging has been used for containment and protection. In todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all that and more

hen consumers look for convenient cooking (different to convenience eating), packaging can be a major factor in aiding that choice. Meal kits, partially prepared meals and complete meals are a growing market in Australia. While the offerings are broadening to include sweet potato chips vacuum packed in ready-to-bake foil trays, Wagyu cottage pies pre-packed in bakeat-home ramekins and lamb shoulder bake-in-a-bag-in-a-tray available from grocerants like The Standard Market 26 ProPack.pro December 2019

Dr Anneline Padayachee

Company in Newmarket QLD, the convenient pre-prepared cookat-home meal kits are far more advanced in Europe in many ways. As part of a speaking trip to Ireland in September 2019, I had the priviledge of travelling through various key locations. This gave me the opportunity to assess consumer behaviour from what was on offer in supermarkets. There are entire refrigerator aisles dedicated to fresh meal kits that require one-step cooking-at-home. Everything from par-cooked chicken wings, small packs of sausages, individual or duo steak packs with flavour butters through to bake-intray pasta with raw meat balls and raw meat and vegetable stir-fry packs. While the packaging is not always the most elegant or sophisticated, the strategic choice of packaging that aids in convenience was evident. The par-cooked chicken portions are contained in a waxed paperboard round tub style container. The packaging was specific for microwave cooking. The chicken could be reheated on an oven tray if one so chose. It is interesting to

note the similarity in circular design to the KFC style bucket. Small pouch packs of sausages (eightpack) are ideally suited for quick use and portion control. These packs are similar in size to a sandwich and do not take up much refrigerator space. While skin packaging is starting to make its way into the Australian market due to a better effect on meat quality, aging and a more enjoyable eating experience, skin packaging also aesthetically looks

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FOOD PACKAGING UPDATE

3 better than modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Although there is still the same amount of packaging, the lack of head space gives the perception of less packaging. The meat has a chance to be noticed unhindered by packaging. However, the Irish also packaged twin steak skin packs with two knobs of the accompanying flavoured butter for basting, taking convenience up a whole notch further. No need to head to the dairy section or condiments section for herbs and butter: the steak comes prepacked with the ideal flavour pairing. However, it was the meal kits that really got me: fresh vegetables and raw meat in twin compartment MAP packages. Consumers literally do not need to spend time in the fresh produce section at all as all the vegetables and sauces are contained within the same package as the meat. Curries and pastas: raw mince kebabs with a rich tomato and spinach curry base, or raw meat balls with par-cooked pasta and a cheese sauce requires only the plastic wrapper to be removed and the foil tray containing the cook-at-home meal be placed in the oven for 30 minutes. Perfect time to empty a meal-kit salad into a bowl, set the table and get the kids to have a shower before dinner. What does this tell us about consumer behaviour and where we are heading? www.propack.pro

1. Food vacuum packed in oven ready trays at The Good Market Company (Source: A. Padayachee 2019, used with permission) 2. Marks and Spencer pork sausage eightpack (Source: A. Padayachee, 2019, used with permission) 3. Marks & Spencer Cook with MS range in a modified atmosphere package (Source: A. Padayachee, 2019, used with permission) 4. Bake-in-a-bag-ina-tray kit at The Standard Market Company (Source: A. Padayachee, 2019, used with permission)

4 As much as take away and restaurants and uber eats are a major part of many consumers’ lives, home cooked meals are here to stay. But only if they are quick, fast, and do not require any preparation time and very little effort to actually cook. Packaging has a major role to play in this space. Consumers want to be involved in their meal preparation. They want the sense of cooking at home. They also want the sensory experience of different cuisines without the range of herbs and spices that they may not know what to do with. Add to this the

desire for a gourmet eating experience without the time engagement of purchasing all the various food components (and preparing it). As innovative as these meal kits are, the real innovation is in the use of packaging for a broader application than separate food groups. No one eats a plate of steak or a whole chicken (perhaps some do) all by itself. Healthy diets focus on having vegetables and protein in adequate amounts. The Europeans seem to be leading the charge already in this domain. Whole meals packaged in microwaveable paperboard packaging, multi-compartment MAP or Darfresh skin packaging are being used for more than just meat quality and food safety. Packaging has the potential to bring food groups together in a nutritionally healthy balance in a way public health has not been able to message. Convenience is the driver. If convenience can be packaged, you’re heading in the right direction. Dr Anneline Padayachee is an award-winning scientist and published author named as one of Australia’s leading science communicators. Dr Padayachee is an independent consultant in Australia and overseas, and is also an adjunct senior lecturer with the University of Queensland and Associate Academic with the University of Melbourne. December 2019 ProPack.pro 27

FOCUS PACK PRINT THAILAND

Pack Print International 2019 leads innovation in SEA

1 It featured a value-packed program that covered the end-to-end of the packaging and printing value chain

s the leading exhibition of its kind in Southeast Asia, Pack Print International 2019 attracted an international and diverse exhibitor and visitor base, making it the trade platform of choice to conduct successful business transactions, secure deals, and network with relevant brand names. A tripartite collaboration between Messe Düsseldorf Asia, The Thai Printing Association and The Thai Packaging Association since 2007, Pack Print International was driven by sector-leading trade fairs drupa and interpack, reflecting the latest trends in the packaging and printing markets. Held over an eventful four days, the 28 ProPack.pro December 2019

1. Curious attendees at Pack Print International 2019 2. Messe Düsseldorf’s Gernot Ringling 3. Packaging and printing came under one roof at Pack Print International 2019 4. Getting up close with one of the kits on display 5. Paying attention to speakers at educational sessions

7th iteration of the show saw over 19,000 trade visitors from 62 countries, representing a 15 per cent increase from 2017, and 325 exhibitors at the venue – up 10 per cent from 2017. Pitted as a one-stop gateway to the region’s next-generation manufacturing, the show hosted four synergistic exhibitions in one venue at BITEC Bangkok. The four exhibitions: Wire and Tube Southeast Asia (co-located), Pack Print International and T-PLAS 2019, brought in thousands of trade visitors, with some 30 per cent from outside Thailand. The exhibitions brought with them smart technology, equipment and solutions for the industries of today and the future. It brought together some 5000 innovative products, machinery and solutions across the key sectors of wire, cable, tube, pipe, packaging, printing, plastics and rubber. There were also over 50 concurrent events by industry experts tailored to improve end-to-end manufacturing

productivity and efficiency, and to fulfil sourcing and procurement objectives. This coincides with recent reports that show that about 50 per cent of manufacturers in Thailand are looking to adopt automation and related systems within the next three years, backed by growing export demand in sectors such as food and beverage, automobile and petrochemicals.

The industry should be innovative and forward looking, says Gernot Ringling

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PACK PRINT THAILAND FOCUS

Messe Düsseldorf Asia managing director Gernot Ringling said as industries worldwide embrace digitalisation and automation, and reap in the effects of a boosted economy and investment opportunities, it is also important for businesses to innovate while building on and strengthening partnerships. “Through this, businesses can improve and extend their existing relationships with their client base in Thailand and the ASEAN region. For smaller set-ups, trade platforms like this provide an opportune opening for them to share their services or products with a wide, yet targeted group of audience,” he said. “As a forward-looking exhibition located in a part of the world that is experiencing a paradigm shift – rapidly rising middle-class, increased internet penetration and e-commerce growth, these are all triggering a major shift in packaging requirements. “While on the printing front, digital print continues to grow strong with greater customisation and digital print packaging gaining momentum to soon become the new industry gold standard,” he said. Ringling added that to prepare for the future, the printing and packaging industry needs to shape it. “As the world of packaging and printing wakes up to a new dawn where solutions of the future of packaging and printing are centered on efficiency, speed-to-market, personalisation, enhanced consumer experiences, and reduced carbon footprint, brands around the world are looking to shorten time cycles, combat environmental issues and stand out from a saturated market as best they can,” he said.

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December 2019 ProPack.pro 29

FOCUS PACK PRINT THAILAND

A stepping stone for drupa 2020 Sabine Geldermann talks about the upcoming drupa 2020 tradeshow

esse Düsseldorf print technologies global head and drupa director Sabine Geldermann said there is a symbiotic relationship between Pack Print International and drupa 2020. “Pack Print International allows us to connect with the Asian multiplications such as associations. We have some of the international players exhibit at the event via national representatives, but it’s still impressive to see the representation,” she said. “This gives us a platform to talk about drupa 2020 and to build up the momentum towards the event. Preparations today for drupa 2020 are already running full swing and exhibitors are aligning innovation cycles next to drupa. “So, we’re very much convinced that there will be upcoming technologies and innovations shown. We’re trying to support the industry as much as we can and Pack Print International is one of the shows that we are able to do that.” According to Geldermann, the ASEAN region is an important visitor region for drupa and having the Pack Print International show builds a following for the upcoming event. “Due to this event, we’re able to further build the attendee numbers at drupa, with representation from the ASEAN region. It connects well and gives us the stage and the opportunity for us to talk face-to-face to people about the benefits of attending drupa,” she said. “There’s going to be a firework of innovations and trends setting the scene at drupa 2020. We can expect an increased digital world because of the show. In terms of product shifting, packaging would be more visible at drupa and it’s something that many of the manufacturers have on their agendas.” Geldermann mentioned that there will be five dedicated drupa forums – drupa cube and drupa next age (dna) – along with three touchpoints – packaging, 3D fab + printing, and textile. They involve the following: • drupa cube: where packaging production, printing and digital solutions come together • drupa next age: addressing what is driving industry and start-ups that are driving innovative thinking 30 ProPack.pro December 2019

1. Sabine Geldermann talks about the upcoming drupa 2020 tradeshow

1 •

•

drupa touchpoint packaging: a dedicated touchpoint that provides visionary solutions of packaging drupa touchpoint 3D fab + print: Additive manufacturing and how it relates to almost every vertical including medical printing and automotive drupa touchpoint textile: An area touching fashion and industrial textile products

She mentioned that a number of changes in the industry has resulted in this approach of having multiple streams. It involves global trends such as Industry 4.0, sustainability, security, circular economy, AI and having connected customers becoming key talking points. “There’s no industry that can escape all of these global trends and we have to find answers. The printing industry needs to do so to meet the needs of the

industry and to understand its needs of the future,” she said. “These are areas for potential. They all involve the incorporation of smart and intelligent technologies. The industry is evolving into different areas so, it has now become a universe of print applications and it’s extending out of the graphic cards industry. “It’s very exciting to see the areas that print is conquering – from the packaging point of view to fashion, interior design, and automotive. We’re talking about printing going into personalisation and entering different markets. “It’s about what can print deliver in terms of value and outspoken creativity for vertical markets. You can see how powerful print is. Our industry is full of potential and opportunities. As our exhibitors and visitors enter new areas of businesses, we, as drupa, are the mirror of the market and have to adapt as well in terms of our showcase.” www.propack.pro

PACK PRINT THAILAND FOCUS

Trends driving the packaging industry Forward-thinking discussions addressed areas of opportunity for packaging

mithers Asia information division vice-president of business development and director of operations Ciaran Little gave Pack Print attendees an overview of the global print industry. Little said the print market is going through significant transformation and overall, its growth is slow globally. “We valued the print market to be about US$760 billion in 2014 and that has risen to US$840 billion in 2024. There is some growth, but it is very modest in terms of volume growth. Living in the digital age and connected world, that impacts print,” he said. “There has been a lot of consolidation in the packaging sector, but also in the solutions provider landscape. Print technology itself has changed radically in both offset and digital. But alternative media channels can provide the functions of print. Print just has to do more, but do it differently to be part of a broader communication system. Little said Asia is the biggest growing market for print, while numbers are decreasing in the Europe, US, and Australian markets. “We believe the Asian print market will grow from 37 per cent globally to 45 per cent by 2024,” he said. “By segment, newspapers are the largest declining media form, but the highest growth is emerging from packaging. Digital print is driving growth opportunity in packaging. The global packaging market stands at US$851 billion, and it’s growing at 2.9 per cent CAGR to 2022. Packaging is outgrowing print, which is why we’re seeing many print players moving into packaging.” But in which area is digital growing today? According to Little, labels is where the value is at. www.propack.pro

1 1. Smithers Asia’s Ciaran Little outlines areas of opportunity in packaging 2. Sustainable packaging is no longer a nice to have but a need to have: HP’s James Yew

“Corrugated is starting to make significant ground, driven by ecommerce. As ecommerce is taking over retail, it’s worth bearing in mind that additional packaging will be required to support ecommerce. This is creating strong synergies for digital print, in particular,” he stated. “Digital print improves speed and reduces complexity. And direct to shape is the next big thing in digital – it uses inkjet to print directly onto objects. Currently, it’s targeted at

printing onto glass and metal but plastic companies are also beginning to get involved. “It gives you the high degrees of personalisation and quick turnarounds that digital offers but it can be run at a very high speed. Its immediacy and versatility could make it a game changer but, there’s still a lot to do for this technology in terms of capabilities.” Flexible packaging is also anther area where growth is expected.

Continued on page 32 December 2019 ProPack.pro 31

FOCUS PACK PRINT THAILAND Continued from page 31

HP SEA and Korea labels and packaging business manager James Yew spoke about the issue surrounding sustainability of flexible packaging, saying that it not only involves the use of sustainable packaging but also involves renewable energy within production facilities. “What you do today will have an impact on the future – it’s about business sustainability. You have to take an interconnected approach, taking into account things like business needs, the environment, and technological sustainability,” he said. “There is an interconnected relationship between people, corporations and the planet and the environment that we operate in. When we think about sustainable packaging, it has to be something that is made with significant effort to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging. “Its materials and the processes used need to minimise waste. But at the same time, the packaging surrpunding a product has to be functional as well.” According to Yew, some factors that determine the sustainability of packaging include: • CO2 emissions • Raw material sorting • Reducing wastage • Energy costs • Ability for packaging to be sorted, reused and recycled “So, from a sustainability perspective, flexible packaging has key advantages. It usage of resources is much more efficient as compared to rigid packaging. In terms of transportation, it’s lighter, breaks less and extends shelf life. It also reduces landfill and is high product to package ratio,” he said. “When you talk about the circular economy, it’s no longer about the cradle to grave concept but rather, it’s now about the cradle to cradle concept, which means how can we, as much as possible and as long as possible, try to maintain a continuous cycle from usage to recovery to usage again.” Yew spoke about some current trends that are happening as a result of the circular economy. “In the flexible packaging space, we see the moving away from mixed material flexible packaging construction to mono material flexible packaging. We also see more printers doing surface printing,” he said. “So, there’s a reduction of plastic, reduction of plastic package weight, and a move from rigid to flexible. 32 ProPack.pro December 2019

1 1. Traceability needs more connected technologies, according to GS1 Global’s Patrik Jonasson

“But as a print service provider, how do you take advantage of this business opportunity? “Consumers would rather buy from companies that support social and environmental causes, so your brand needs to adapt and evolve in that direction.” He added that print service providers need to change their perception and how they look at the value of print. “This is no longer a nice to have, it’s now a must have. Otherwise, you may end up being an unqualified supplier in future.”

The need for more connected technologies GS1 Global international public policy director Patrik Jonasson identified the need for blockchain technology, amongst other new technologies. He suggested they be included within the packaging supply-chain as they aid traceability. “We believe that traceability is going to become more important to consumers, regulators and companies alike,” he said. “This is so you know where the product came from, where it’s going and who had the product in their custody. “All this information shared will generate a wealth of data and that when shared, can mould better sustainability, logistics and services,

enable customisation, better automation, and empower customers with decision-making power. Jonasson identified the tech enablers that would give rise to this technology. They include: • IoT, sensors and biometrics, especially during the identification of products • AI and machine learning • Open, structured and linked data • Autonomous logistics • Blockchain and distributed data • Computer vision (such as RFID) for more information • Voice recognition • Robotics • Augmented and virtual reality “Putting these enablers together and talking about sustainability and traceability, we need to extend the technologies and operations of what we now have,” Jonasson said. “Right now, we have product data associated with most of the products stored in databases all around the world. “We need to associate additional data and link that data to the consumer/ regulator/ manufacturer/ whoever is in need of that data. “We want to make products into sources of data when they are scanned, in a standardised way. “This is the cutting edge of what’s needed in the packaging industry.” www.propack.pro

PACK PRINT THAILAND FOCUS

Did Pack Print International 2019 deliver?

KURZ Thailand head of sales Boonchai Laohateerapong

“I was at ProPak Myanmar and am at this show and there’s a huge difference in terms of what we’re presenting the markets. Myanmar is looking for more basic technologies because that is something new for them. But Thailand is leading trends and is seeking new technologies and sustainable solutions as it’s a more developed market. Thailand, for us, is the hub of South East Asia to branch out into the more emerging markets that are geographically close by and it is also particularly strong when it comes to printing and packaging in Asia-Pacific. So, for example, we’ve chosen to promote our AI and VR technologies in this country as we don’t just want to offer decoration but integrate mobile technologies to packaging.”

Duplo Thailand business development manager Rattana Chaturasap

“We’re a Japanese company but have been in the Thai market for about 21 years and use Neopost as a distributor in Australia. We’ve participated at Pack Print International since 2011, but I have some mixed feelings for this year’s show. We have participated in a few of these shows so we come across customers but that doesn’t always translate into deals. In saying that, Thailand itself is a hub for printing and packaging and it’s got all the big brands established here. So, we see value in building on relationships.” www.propack.pro

C. Illies prepress and digital printing division manager Surapol Pummee

Wittmann Battenfeld East/SEA, Australia and Oceania area sales manager Florian Herbst

“We have been at Pack Print International from the start and we have seen massive developments since back in the day. For Thailand, producing goods in big volumes is bread and butter for the country so the quality and value of packaging solutions needs to be improved for them to have some differentiated value. Signage and packaging are some of the key areas that we find are growing. Publishing and commercial has slowed down so as an industry, we need to target key areas of growth and delve deeper into them. Pack Print International allows not only us but all the other attendees to do that. We’ve had many printing and packaging companies come see us and we’ve closed a number of deals closed at this show.”

“Industry 4.0 is a big buzzword affecting our industry and we have to adjust our ways of marketing to make way for changes that come with it. We have been in the Thai market for more than 10 years, looking after sales and service for the region. The country itself is central for Asia and is growing. Automotive and packaging have been the two biggest areas for us in this country and being at this show has allowed us to acquire new contacts. We have been at this show on and off a number of times. We find that the first few days of the show aren’t that well visited but the following days get better. As an exhibitor, having multiple shows at the same time, like what this show has done, breaks visitors up, so we’d prefer having one show with all customers at one venue.”

Koenig & Bauer SEA CEO Rene Ludvigsen

Rieckermann Thailand managing director Marcus Grundke

“We’ve been working more and more on digitised packaging since we rebranded last year. So, what we’re now doing is collaborating digital and offset on a single pass; we’re aggressively expanding into web to print for commercial printing. Asia Pacific is one of those real growth areas, so we’re looking at how to grow our business and further establish ourselves into the market with our partners, along with expanding our service network and introduce new packaging products as they become available. The Asia Pacific market is so diverse that you need a specific strategy for each cluster. So, being at Pack Print International not only allows us to bring our products to market but also learn more about this region and trends that are affecting it.”

“South East Asia as a whole is very different and in Thailand, there are trades which distinguish them from other countries. For example, they have oil and gas and financial resources. Over the years, big conglomerates have invested in the country as well. Economically, it has a head start over many other Asian countries. This is the second time we’re at the tradeshow but we’re not yet sure if this is the right platform for our brand. This show has brought in a more local demographic and for us, is important as we recently restructured our portfolio and wanted to show that to the local market. But if asked the question if I will have more business or contacts from this show, my answer is not really.” December 2019 ProPack.pro 33

FOCUS PACK PRINT THAILAND

Top news from Pack Print International 2019

Heidelberg unveils its Speedmaster CX 75 Heidelberg took the wraps off its latest solution, the Speedmaster CX 75 at the Pack Print International trade show in Bangkok. In a world premiere, the Germanmade machine for commercial, label and packaging printing is a similar version to the Speedmaster XL 75, but with a ‘facelift’, according to Heidelberg Thailand managing director Jochen Bender. “It features a new layout. This is a press in 75 format size and is based on the XL 75, which we sold about 19,000 printing units worldwide. We have made some optimisations in the feeder and the delivery and this press comes in a four colour configuration but we can go up to six colours with a coder,” he said. “What we target and market for with this machine is thin materials to thick materials, so for a commercial printer who wants to step into packaging or a packaging producer who also makes a few smaller leaflets, like pharmaceutical, for example, this is the perfect machine for them.”

According to Bender, the inclusion of the cylinder concept from the XL 75 with double-diameter impression cylinders opens up a wide range of applications and a variety of substrates. The flexible straight-printing press comes in a 50 by 70 format, can easily integrate to pressrooms as it has a small footprint, and is said to have 70 per cent less steps between its control station and press. “If you’re a commercial printer and looking to expand into packaging, you will have to deal with packaging jobs overnight. So, you’ll need to have a flexible machine which allows you to produce both labelling and packaging solutions in an efficient, cost effective way,” Bender said. “This machine can go from an 80gsm to a 350gsm – very thin to thick in five minutes. And it can be preset, meaning it requires no manual intervention from the operator.” Bender said the company chose to launch the machine in Thailand as it has the demand for such solutions in the market.

Jochen Bender shows off the new Heidelberg Speedmaster CX 75

“Thailand is one of the strongest markets worldwide for this kind of machine. We have sold many XL 75s here and since the country has plenty of sheet-fed printers, we expect the CX 75 to be just as popular here,” he said. “Thailand also has more SMEs than some other countries that want to step into packaging or who need to replace an older machine, like an SM 74 or CD 74 with newer equipment. This machine is more advanced, and allows for a more seamless process.” At the trade show, Heidelberg, together with its partner Masterwork, also introduced their end-to-end packaging production workhorses. Heidelberg sold all the equipment off its booth by day two of the show, and also brought in a number of orders for the solutions it had on show.

HP debuts Indigo Digital Print Pavilion at Pack Print In meeting market trends, HP inaugurated its Digital Print Pavilion at the show. The company used the trade show to showcase the work of 10 of its partners that have leveraged on the capabilities of HP machines and the digital offset process to bring to market their creative solutions. HP Asia-Pacific and Japan Indigo and PWP graphics solutions business South East Asia marketing manager, Norman Lim, said the move was to reflect the Thai market’s needs and show the end products of what their machines can achieve, rather than showcasing the machines themselves. “If you look at the last few Pack Print shows, the machines themselves are showcased with the addition of finishing solutions to show customers a complete solution,” he said. 34 ProPack.pro December 2019

“But what we decided to do this time around, which is different from all our competitors, is actual jobs that we have done that are out in the Thai market today. At the end of the day, the attendees of the show want to see how they can be profitable and generate more sales through different jobs and applications. “In the digital printing world, we are known for very little wastage and creative personalisation of solutions. So, we wanted to showcase that in this pavilion.” Lim mentioned that the pavilion marks the direction that the company is heading towards. “We first target the big brands. We need to ensure the prints of any brand is true, which means that they need the pantone range to be as close as possible to the brand’s colours. So, digital would be the right fit for them,” he said.

Norman Lim explains the reason for showcasing the work of 10 of its partners

“In addition to those companies, pharmaceutical is huge for us, as is food and packaging and FMCG. “Customers’ experiences are shifting from physically going to buy products to now using ecommerce. So, to improve a customer’s experience, especially when they are consuming more of digital, the first contact point with a product is very important, and this is packaging.”

Lim also mentioned that the Thai market is key to the company’s growth in the South East Asian region. “Thailand’s local market is huge. It also does a lot of export to the rest of South East Asia and Asia-Pacific. In the last few years, our products have been more popular in labels and packaging in this country,” he mentioned. “At this show itself, we have closed a handful of deals.” www.propack.pro

PACK PRINT THAILAND FOCUS

Canon sells three Océ Colorado 1650 units at Pack Print Thailand Canon sold three Océ Colorado 1650 units at Pack Print International soon after its unveiling at the tradeshow. The company used the show to debut the unit to the country and Canon Singapore regional wide format printing division manager Stephanie Fitinghoff said the unit was an immediate attraction to the local market. “The Colorado was first launched at FESPA in Europe. For the Australian region, PrintEx 19 was its first showcase and this is the first time it’s made its debut in the South East Asian market, in Thailand,” she said. “We have already sold three units at this show, are very close to inking two more deals, and have a number of other potentials in the pipeline.” According to Fitinghoff, the Océ Colorado 1650 will open up the business to new markets. The three units sold were to Thai print service providers but she said it opens up the possibility to reach other areas such as interior decoration businesses. “Asia is a very big and diverse market, so the Colorado 1650 fits well into this

The Océ Colorado 1650 was an immediate attraction to many: Stephanie Fitinghoff

geography. It does soft signage, that is very important in Asia and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback in the market here,” she said. “We plan to expand into different verticals within Thailand because its market is quite unique. “Not only can we target print service providers with this unit but also other verticals like interior decoration, which is what this machine is suited for.” The Océ Colorado 1650 is its latest 64-inch production graphics printer. The solution is the “biggest upgrade” from its previous predecessor, the Océ Colorado 1640 and produces

applications such as self-adhesive vinyl, canvas, wall coverings and front- and back-lit graphics that require a high degree of flexibility for finishing, mounting and framing. The Océ Colorado 1650 now can offer both matte or gloss print finishes, through the introduction of the Océ FLXfinish, and a fully integrated double-sided printing feature. The 1650 also enhances performance with more porous media, including uncoated papers and soft signage materials, and is supported by the new version of Océ UVgel ink, formulated for application flexibility by increasing ‘stretchability’ of each cured ink droplet. The solution covers both wide and small format applications. “Consumers in this printing and packaging market are expecting a turnaround time of yesterday. “They need a turnaround of less than 24 hours. So, they were wowed by this printer’s speed and productivity. It’s also the first in the market that can print matte and gloss simultaneously,” she said.

Thailand printers win big at 2019 Asian Print Awards The 2019 Asian Print Awards took place during Pack Print International in Bangkok with many Asian companies winning for their creative solutions. Awards were handed out for gold, silver and bronze winners across a number of categories. Overall, companies from Thailand shone at the awards, picking up the most wins. Thailand printers took home 31 awards across gold, silver and bronze, marking the country with the highest number of wins. But when comparing companies, Pragati Offset from India took home the most number of awards across all three segments – it took home six awards – while Pragati Pack was awarded two wins. Asian Print Awards 2019 chairman Paul J Callaghan compared the calibre of the printed work submitted to a Formula 1 car. “It’s the best they have and they feel it can win the race, in our case, the awards,” he said. www.propack.pro

The 2019 Asian Print Awards took place during Pack Print International in Bangkok

“This work goes head to head with other work from around the region… the awards is where all the hard work – from the job order being won through to production to delivery to the client – becomes well worth the effort. “We need to be recognised for this and the Asian Print Awards provides this platform.”

According to Callaghan, since 2001, when the Asian Print Awards was started, the focus was on improving print quality by way of awarding companies gold, silver and bronze for excellence in print production in Asia. “This goal was achieved several years ago and together with the judges and sponsors, along with the new levels of technology

introduced into the industry, the quality level rose year on year,” he said. “Today, Asia produces some of the world’s best print work you can find for local consumption and export. We produce work that is second to none, and in most cases, much cheaper.” To view the full list of winners, visit Sprinter.com.au. December 2019 ProPack.pro 35

FOCUS PROPAK MYANMAR

ProPak Myanmar drives local packaging innovation Myanmar’s premier processing and packaging event showcased the latest innovations and technologies to help improve the local food, drink and manufacturing industries

roPak Myanmar 2019, Myanmar’s largest industry event of its kind, recently returned for its 6th edition, for manufacturers to interact with the latest technologies and industry professionals. Moving to a new venue at the Myanmar Expo, ProPak served a growing number of visitors looking for solutions in the processing, packaging, filling, quality assurance, testing and measurement sectors, as well as the related fields of automation, transportation, storage, refrigeration, ingredients, labelling and pollution control. ProPak Myanmar is an annual platform for promoting the expansion of processing and packaging within the food and drink industry, with opportunities that included connecting with 151 exhibitors from 20 countries, including three international pavilions from Indonesia, Taiwan and Thailand. The second day was the biggest for the show, with nearly 3000 visitors. It had a total of about 4000 visitors at the show this year, across all three days. ProPak featured three zones covering industry needs, including DrinkTechMyanmar, which focused

1. Processing and packaging at the forefront for Myanmar 2. Myanmar is a ripe market for growth, says Marek Szandrowski 3. Nyein Aye talks about the many benefits of ProPak Myanmar

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on the rapid growth of the alcoholic, soft drinks and dairy beverage market in Myanmar; Ingredients Myanmar, which provided food and drink manufacturers with opportunities to grow their businesses to meet quickly changing demands; and PlasPakMyanmar, which looked into new packaging supply chains and international suppliers showcasing their solutions, innovations, plastics, and other materials. The latest technologies and innovations from around the world were available for local manufacturers to increase their efficiency and competitiveness – from inexpensive machinery for small businesses to high-capacity automation systems for large manufacturers.

Informa Markets ProPak and Plastics international sales office brand director Marek Szandrowski said the event’s technologies and innovations have enabled manufacturers to produce products that meet current trends. “We started a few years ago knowing that the market would do well at some point, and certain sectors like food and beverage are now growing fast. A lot of the multi-nationals are now here; a lot of the larger companies are setting up factories here, especially on the FMCG side,” he said. “So, manufacturers of food need to improve on their processing and value added technologies in order to now improve on their distribution and build on opportunities. “Six years ago, there was no retail infrastructure in Myanmar and now, they’ve got it in a span of five years – it’s fast growth for this region. You can only imagine what the next five years will bring.” The new venue was selected when the team first started running the event six years ago, when there was a real shortage of exhibition space.

Since then, other options became available and this was the first time Informa Markets chose Myanmar Expo as the venue. “Even though it’s not yet a permanent building, it fits the bill for us currently and we’ve got capacity to grow. It’s just 15 minutes away from downtown and there are plenty of parking spots here. It’s in a development zone and ties in well with the development of the country,” he said. “We’ve had a nomadic experience so far in Myanmar and we considered this the best option at this stage of the show. In terms of physical infrastructure, we find that this venue is the best. Hopefully, this is our next home for the next few years.” Szandrowski added that Asia-Pacific businesses interested in the Myanmar market should have a look at it from a medium to long-term perspective. “The country has huge natural resources, it’s got a young population, English has become a prevalent language and so it has become easy to do business here. The only way you’re going to realise those opportunities is if you come out here and visit,” he said. “The multinationals are doing business here, but there are plenty of small to medium sized local companies that don’t quite have an online presence. We’ve also started running educational seminars here. There are a lot of local manufacturers and producers but they don’t know what they need to do to export. Education threads help them with that.”

3 Informa Markets event director Nyein Aye said ProPak Myanmar enabled visitors to see plastic packaging and sustainable solutions that meet the demand for environmentally friendly products, as well as machines designed to be user-friendly and easy to clean. “Sensors are being adopted in various systems to collect processing parameters and deliver manufacturers www.propack.pro

PROPAK MYANMAR FOCUS

real-time operating information to increase flexibility and convenience for operators,” she said. “Visitors also saw how digital technology plays a role in processing and how it enables manufacturers to unlock potential in the production of reliable products. “Food and beverage is one of the largest industries in Myanmar and there is still room to grow to supply Myanmar consumers and serve regional markets.” But in order to move forward and seize this growing market, Aye said there are some key factors that manufacturers need to adopt to improve their capacity and enhance competitiveness. “Myanmar is huge in natural resources. Its economy mainly depends on its agricultural and fishery industries to boost its economy. “The country needs machinery and new technologies to improve their manufacturing and production lines when it comes to meeting international standards,” she said, adding that some of the country’s local businesses export

4. The team behind ProPak Myanmar 5. Crowds fill in to check out the solutions on show 6. Allen Choo explains why an Australian presence is necessary

to other regions and need advanced solutions to ensure that their products and consumables last. “We also have a lot of SMEs in this country that have traditional businesses that have changed their mindsets to improve their business, especially those in the coffee and tea business, to go into mass production and supply on a larger scale,” she said. “They have to invest in machine technologies for this to happen. We have businesses now buying machines from the ProPak show itself and that’s why this show is still important to this region.” As for next year, Aye said the show will revolve more around the concept of doing eco-friendly business and short-life plastic use. “This is our aim for next year with our local entrepreneurs and inventors. For example, this year’s show has two businesses showcasing how bamboo can be used for one-time use as plates, cups and cutlery. So, we’d like to see more of such innovation next year, along with more leading machinery from more exhibitors.”

Aussie footprint Heat and Control sales executive Allen Choo was at ProPak Myanmar. Servicing its Asian market is the company’s staff based in Australia. Heat and Control, which is a global food processing and equipment company that is over 60 years old, specialises in producing snack food related equipment as well as equipment for poultry and seafood. “We provide a turnkey line – the total solution. For example, when making potato chips, our machines do the peeling of the potatoes, slicing, washing, frying and applying seasoning of the product,” Choo said. “We don’t do the packaging part of it, so if our customer wants an end-to-end solution, we use our global partner, Ishida, from Japan. “Ishida is a manufacturer of packaging machines and inspection solutions such as x-ray machines and metal detectors.” Choo said Heat and Control was exhibiting at ProPak Myanmar as it sees huge potential in the market. “We already have established ourselves in other markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. So, this is a new market for us and there’s huge potential,” he mentioned. “The market is still developing here in Myanmar and over the years, their incomes have been increasing. These are good signs that we should be here. “When we are out at the supermarkets, we realise that a lot of the food products are imported from neighbouring countries like Thailand and Indonesia. “So, for the local snack food industry in Myanmar, it is still quite primitive in the way products are produced. Everything is done by hand manually instead of using machinery. “But over time, as the economy picks up, we expect more competition and people coming into this market, so the locals will have to up their game. Continued on page 38

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December 2019 ProPack.pro 37

FOCUS PROPAK MYANMAR Continued from page 37

“For this, they will have to automate in some way.” By having their products created through automation, local manufacturers are expected to produce quality goods and have a production rate faster than what they have now. It also improves processes, their time to market, and provides consistency across products. But the Myanmar market needs some education when it comes to food processing, according to Choo. “Once their economy is open, people will have to do business with the rest of the world. So, education is imperative for this region,” he said. Ishida Thailand supply chain controller Neuthong Panthong said Japan is the biggest market for the company in Asia. It also has an extensive reach within the SEA region, especially Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. “Our intention is to reach further into these markets and into Myanmar with our partner, Heat and Control. “This show allows us to get more customers across the region,” she said.

1. Neuthong Panthong wants to extend her company’s reach into Myanmar 2. Having a smart factory is now a necessity: Dinh Van Thanh 3.SMC (Thailand)’s Somchart Suksuwan

“In the future, we may have a subsidiary in Myanmar so we want to have information ready about this market that we can then bring back to our office in Japan. “The number of customers we have in Myanmar is increasing every year so we want to take a measured approach in building on that growth. “Myanmar still has a low rate of labour cost and cost of living is still low. So that’s a good reason to invest in the country. “It’s also developing, not saturated as a market, so we can use the opportunity to make our mark in this market.” Polyco Group general director Dinh Van Thanh said a focus on quality, capacity and efficiency is necessary in factories. To enable that, he said a few things are required: • Business analytics • Monitoring capabilities • Accurate schedules for manufacturing and maintenance • Suitable planning for capacity

•

A good Manufacturing Execution System that links between ERP and SCADA levels • Energy management • Quality control • Warehouse management “So, having a smart factory integrates all these systems with sensors within a factory. “All the data is stored on a cloud, in the database. So when any information is required, they can be accessed and the information can be used as necessary,” he said. “We need to standardise information and all the data needs to be filled in automatically to reduce human error and to improve productivity. “For us to have enough data for predictions in the future, we need to start collecting data now. “But for that high level of automation to happen in future, there is a requirement for a manual process now. And if companies are expecting to reap the benefits of an automated future, the time to start on the processes is now.”

Automation is needed for energy saving and cost down: Somchart Suksuwan Conferences and seminars were also held concurrently at ProPak Myanmar, with highlighted events including automation for energy saving and cost down organised by SMC (Thailand) and Smart factory in food and beverage industry by Polyco Group. SMC (Thailand) electronic project manager Somchart Suksuwan said Myanmar’s traditional manufacturing can no longer cope with the current dynamic global market, but can be improved through the adoption of automation and machinery to increase operation capacity and efficiency and support human tasks. “We need various machines with advanced functions to produce several

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3 processed food and drink products with more precision, accuracy, and capacity without compromising quality and safety,” he said. “One important area for automation is in energy savings for lower costs.”

According to Suksuwan, Myanmar’s industrial electricity cost savings only sit at 10 per cent, as compared to Thailand and Malaysia, which sit at 38 per cent and 40.6 per cent respectively. As such, he addressed the need for better automation to help the country with cost savings. “Electrical power used for air accounts for 20 per cent of the total consumption. Air leakages result in financial losses. Just a 0.5mm diameter hole comes up to $100 in annual financial losses and this increases to more than $7,000 just for a 5mm hole,” he said. “So, SMC automation helps by reducing pressure loss.”

www.propack.pro

PROPAK MYANMAR FOCUS

Did ProPack Myanmar deliver?

Melchers business executive Pyie Sone Toe

Wolf Verpackungsmaschinen owner and CEO Gunter Wolf

“I’ve been at every ProPak Myanmar show. This year, the show has been a bit slow for us and this venue is not the best one. I came here with some encouragement the first time and it proved to be successful for us. The second and third years were very good. It’s only last year and this year that have become a bit slower. But the quality of the show is there; we have had quality conversations with the attendees. We have an office here, so we catch up on prospects fast. To sell bigger units in Myanmar, money is still in question. They want the larger machines but can’t yet afford it. So, for now, selling the smaller machines to this market works.”

“This is our fifth ProPak Myanmar show. We’ve got an office here, which we have been servicing for more than 20 years. As a company focusing on packaging machinery, this show has been great as we have been effectively meeting up with new and existing customers. They come from all industries, for example, cosmetics. This show is for the packaging industry so we target all businesses and verticals within this space.”

ITC manager of exports Tafseer Khan

Prestar Storage System export executive Kevin Cheah

“This is our second time at ProPak Myanmar. We don’t have physical office here but service the market through an agent that we found last year. We’re currently looking for more potential leads in this country. Every Asian country is starting to grow now in terms of processing and packaging and Myanmar is one of them. So, we use this tradeshow as a platform to showcase our solutions.”

Sanko Machinery Thailand managing director Wirapan Chokphantavee

“This is the first time we are at this show. So far, it has been good for us. The first day was a bit slow but the second and third day has been good. Myanmar is an interesting market going forward; it has huge potential. We don’t have a physical presence in Myanmar yet but we have been discussing that possibility recently.”

“This year’s show has been great for us. We have been with ProPak Myanmar since the start, so it’s been a six-year run for us. The show has been growing every year and it’s been better for us on a yearly basis, which is why we continue our support for the show in this country.”

GC Marketing managing director Krit Kasayapanand

Alliance Packaging managing director Tony Bhumitrakul (right)

“This is the third time we’re exhibiting at ProPak Myanmar. The show has provided a very good opportunity for us and opened up our business into the country, which is why we set up an office here last year. The three years that we have been at the show has helped our business.”

“We have supported ProPak Myanmar for five years running. We have an office in Myanmar and that was established the same time as the first ProPak here. This show has been good for the past few years, but this year, the new location is a bit out of the way.”

SML Machinery Far East area sales manager Dr Yap Kiat Sen

“Location wise, I think it’s perfect. This time next year, there will be a shopping mall beside us, with many food and beverage businesses housed there so it will be good for us as exhibitors. This show has been very positive for us; it has allowed us to make contact with the local businesses. It’s great for an international company like SML. We did a lot of networking at this show and it’s also about networking with other exhibitors as well, because there is room for potential partnerships in the future. We don’t have an office in Myanmar yet, we’re still building up our network but with this exhibition, we can get contacts and some representation.” www.propack.pro

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UPDATE FOOD PACKAGING

A targeted shift towards With 2025 only a few years away, now is the time for your business to stop and re-evaluate current packaging designs to format and develop a structured plan

Nerida Kelton, AIP

n September 2018, Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets were announced at a milestone industry event convened by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). These targets build on commitments made on 27 April 2018 by Commonwealth, state and territory environment ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association to set a sustainable path for Australia’s recyclable waste. The 2025 National Packaging Targets are: • 100 per cent of all Australia’s packaging will be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 or earlier; • 70 per cent of Australia’s plastic packaging will be recycled or composted by 2025; • 30 per cent average recycled content will be included across all packaging by 2025; • Problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging will be phased out through design, innovation or introduction of alternatives.

As the peak professional body for packaging education and training in Australasia, the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) is often asked to simply provide a list of the exact substrates and materials that should be selected for every product on the market to meet the sustainable packaging targets. The answer, unfortunately, is never that simple. When you re-design your packaging, please make sure that your team is fully informed and able to truly measure the reasons behind your decisions. Gather as much data as possible to be able to manage all expectations across your business and your supply chain. We often remind packaging technologists and designers that the true role of packaging is its functionality. First and foremost, packaging is designed to ensure that a product is protected all the way across the supply chain until it is purchased by the consumer. This includes the vital role that packaging plays in ensuring the health and safety of the products and consumers, that product waste is kept to a minimum and the efficiency of the packaging can withstand the rigors of transport. The functionality of packaging cannot be ignored when re-designing your packaging to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets. ‘Sustainable Packaging’, in the simplest of terms, is packaging that performs the primary role of functionality but is also designed with the lowest possible environmental impact when compared to an existing or conventional pack. Finding the balance between functionality, commercial reality, consumer demands, and environmental criteria is the real challenge.

Existing packaging

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For existing packaging, ask yourself what the true purpose of the packaging you are currently using is, and then re-evaluate whether the packaging can be improved and altered to either be reduced, reused or recycled. Challenge your design process and start incorporating the 2025 National Packaging Targets in all of your packaging. Re-design your on-pack communication to demonstrate the changes and to enable customers to better understand what your business has done to adhere to the 2025 targets.

When reviewing conventional packaging, ask yourself whether the materials you are currently using are truly right for sustainable packaging and consider alternatives.

New product development For all new product development (NPD), incorporating sustainable packaging design from the beginning of the process will be much easier, resulting in it ultimately becoming a fundamental part of your organisation’s packaging design. NPD is the perfect time to focus on the number one waste management hierarchy item of ‘reduce’. Ask the question – what can you do to reduce your packaging before it is even designed and manufactured? Is your business doing everything in its power to reduce as much packaging as possible from your primary, secondary and tertiary products?

Lifecycle assessment tools and lifecycle thinking Incorporating lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools into your NPD process should be a consideration as LCA quantifies the environmental burdens associated with a product, process or activity over its entire lifecycle, from production of the raw material to disposal at end-of-life (as defined by INCPEN). Using LCA tools provide insight and better understanding of how to include lifecycle thinking into your packaging design processes and will help achieve the 2025 targets. Lifecycle thinking also enables the team to determine whether the changes will have a greater or lesser environmental impact on other parts of your supply chain.

Understanding recycling facility capabilities We would also recommend that your organisation looks at the end of life (EoL) of a product, or the expected disposal option for your packaging when the customer/consumer has removed the product. APCO has developed the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP), which provides information to ensure that you are selecting the most appropriate packaging substrates that will actually be able to be reused, recycled or repurposed. The PREP tool www.propack.pro

FOOD PACKAGING UPDATE

sustainable packaging

1 is the starting point for the application of the new Australasian Recycling Label (ARL), which provides helpful and consistent on-pack information to the consumer on correctly disposing of the packaging items. All manufacturers and their packaging teams have a responsibility to better understand the current recycling facilities and capabilities in this country, and those into which you may export your products, and ensure that your packaging is able to be sorted and processed through these systems. A useful exercise is to take your designers, marketers and agencies down to the local material recovery facilities (MRF) to see what happens to the packaging collected at kerbside. Also arrange with your suppliers to visit the paper, glass or plastics recycling facilities or review the RED cycle program for soft plastics to get a true view of what happens to your packaging at EoL.

Auditing your supply chain partners Are you manufacturing a new product with primary packaging that has been www.propack.pro

1. Are the materials you are currently using truly right for sustainable packaging? 2. Punchbowl Packaging trials a more sustainable packaging option

re-designed to meet the sustainable packaging targets only to find out your supply chain partners are incorporating non-recyclable materials in your secondary and tertiary packaging? Have you reviewed and audited your entire packaging supply chain? Are your partners working towards the 2025 National Packaging Targets? There are so many decision points that need to be discussed when re-designing your packaging to meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets, and many I have not covered. A great place to start is by contacting the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), that is tasked by the Federal Government to ensure that the targets are achieved. APCO has developed a substantial amount of information tools, checklists and guidelines that will guide you and your organisation through the process and will help you optimise packaging to make more efficient use of resources and reduce environmental impact without compromising product quality and safety. The AIP has a focus on educating industry and can work with your teams to better understand the challenges

faced with packaging re-design. The AIP’s ‘Introduction to Sustainable Packaging Design’ training course, which incorporates a visit to a MRF, is a great way to shift your mindset. The Institute introduced the new training course in late 2018 and to date, has trained close to 800 people across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and the Philippines. The AIP has also developed three new courses – ‘Lifecycle Assessment Tools for Sustainable Packaging Design’, ‘Tools to Meet the 2025 National Packaging Targets: PREP & ARL’ and the ‘Future of Flexibles Packaging’ – that are available for all of industry to attend. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve optimal outcomes for packaging functionality and to collectively meet the new 2025 National Packaging Targets. If you haven’t started your sustainable packaging journey as yet, then we would encourage you to take the first step today. Nerida Kelton is the executive director of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) and ANZ board member of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). December 2019 ProPack.pro 41

UPDATE ESKO

Esko gives future roadmap Its open house held in Melbourne gave customers insight on new products, and where the company is moving towards

sko recently held its first open house session at its site in Melbourne, with more to come from the workflow, hardware, and integrated software specialist. Demonstrating where the company has made gains and where it’s investing its R&D, attendees were treated to a preview of what is to come from the company at drupa. As Scott Thompson, regional marketing and channel manager, Esko, explained to ProPack.pro at the event, “These sessions are all about our customers. We do not come up with ideas, then go to the customer saying, ‘we’ve done this, and this is how you will use it.’ “We ask, what do you as a customer need? What are the pain points that you’re having? That is where we invest our time and money. “We are making sure that when we do spend time in R&D, that we are building, developing and improving our solutions that address those issues.” New products are set to come out simplifying workflow for flexo platemakers, with Esko aiming to simplify the process to a degree where the level of expertise required is significantly lowered. Design software was also touched on, with attendees registering interest in a new method of securing client design approvals, based in the cloud with simple sign offs. Thompson continued, “We may move to do some live demonstrations of the software next, also touching on how we’re working and interacting with our other vendors, partners, and sister companies. “Attendees also get the opportunity to ask questions afterwards, where we can clarify some of the things that they may not understand.” Esko has been making major strikes with its packaging software with the latest iterations of its design and management solutions now able to automate one of the most time42 ProPack.pro December 2019

1 1. Esko regional marketing and channel manager Scott Thompson and Esko application sales manager, Christopher Barry

consuming parts of the process, client approval. Being able to automate layers of packaging production is the only way to meet clients’ somewhat unrealistic deadlines, with company research from Esko’s parent company, Danaher, showing that consumers expect a packaging change to be able to occur in a single day. CMOs hope for 90 days, while the reality sits at 180 days for a new product to hit the shelf. For businesses, demand for more jobs with shorter run lengths and short lead times creates order handling bottlenecks and approval delays, restricting growth. “Our software powers your production, from design to prepress, printing, finishing, and shipping,” Thompson said. Esko said its web-based Share & Approve platform makes the approval process three times faster.

The solution is a simple workflow tool to help clients get approvals back from their customers faster, meeting lead times that were promised. Users can upload, share, annotate and approve packaging and labels, in hyper realistic 3D, without the client needing to use the CAD design files. The client can then make comments directly linked with the file, separated to be specific to the version you may be working on. Multiple people can make edits using the platform, with the solution keeping track of who made which edits. “For anyone that has sought client approval over email, with all the multiple threads and chasing it can involve, Share & Approve offers a real productivity benefit,” Thompson said. “It is a powerful tool as with this centralised web and cloud-based portal, it removes the manual, administrative part of the workflow and replaces it with a more efficient system.” www.propack.pro

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