Flash 2014 Edition
Customer magazine
EN TREPR ENEURIA L SPIRIT ACROSS 4 GENER ATIONS
The Wipf Group celebrates its 100th anniversary Digital printing Wipf is the world‘s first beta user Trade shows Successful kick-off: Innovationparc Packaging (Interpack 2014) Products Superbly packaged
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Editorial
Flash | 2014
Dear customers and partners, We are now 100 years old and still young! A remarkably eventful year started in 2014. First of all, the Wipf Group turned 100 – as a privately owned enterprise! Despite difficult phases, the owner family always stood behind the company and resisted all temptations to generate short-term profits. We, the employees, are grateful for that. But you, as customers and partners, always had and continue to have the assurance of of working with a reliable supplier. Our underlying values – quality, innovation, reliability, customer orientation, social stewardship, and sustainability – are not empty phrases. They have evolved over time and today give you the certainty that we will give our very best to assist you in the development of new and sustainable solutions. On the other hand, we as the Wipf Group and also as Wipf AG are eager to explore new avenues and give new technologies a chance. What has happened since January 2014: Our Elco Shop went online for B2C (Business to Consumer) processes. Visit www.myelco.ch to see the many products our subsidiary can personalize for you. A high-performance digital press was inaugurated on 20 January by Swiss Direct Marketing AG, the youngest subsidiary of the Wipf Group. After an 18-month development phase, Wipf AG was the first European beta user of the latest digital printing technology when it commissioned the first HP Indigo 20000 press. This issue of Flash provides details and explains what we expect this investment to yield. In our role as a pioneer, we are delighted to acquaint you with new and interesting options based on the link between the digital world and the realm of flexible packaging. Now, you can expect to tap into many new opportunities. Just like Coca-Cola, which boosted sales with a personalized label, you can set yourself apart from the competition with new concepts and position yourself as a unique and innovative market player. All it takes is a good idea and a conversation with our specialists. We will celebrate the anniversary appropriately before the summer holidays begin. Details on our history and the festivities are provided at the end of this issue. I would be very happy if you could take the time to join us in raising a toast to our storied past and to an interesting and innovative future rooted in a spirit of partnership. With kind regards,
Hansruedi Schafflützel CEO
Impressum Publisher Wipf AG, Industriestrasse 29, 8604 Volketswil Switzerland Phone +41 (0)44 947 22 11 Fax +41 (0)44 947 22 89 info@wipf.ch www.wipf.ch www.wicovalve.com
Responsible for content Karin Weidmann, Marketing Manager, karin.weidmann@wipf.ch Editorial staff Wipf AG, Marketing Graphic Design Concept FBM Communications AG, Zürich
Published once a year / Downloadable as a PDF from www.wipf.ch
Photos Wipf AG © Copyright by Wipf AG, 2014 All rights, especially distribution rights, reserved. Reproduction of text and images, translations into foreign languages and duplication are prohibited.
Shortlist
Successful cooperation with Compass Group For 5 years now, we have been in a close working relationship with Compass Group, one of the world’s largest providers of catering and food services. As a specialist in serving nursing centres and hospitals, Compass Group has enjoyed international success in the healthcare sector for the past several years, not least due to the innovative DreamSteam® cooking process, which is marketed under the Steamplicity® trademark. With the DreamSteam® system, complete meals can be quickly prepared in portion trays or pouches in microwave ovens. The WICOVALVE® valve integrated in the system regulates the pressure built up in the microwave while the food is being cooked. The fast, gentle, and fresh food preparation method is appreciated particularly in nursing centres and hospitals.
Sales team strengthened In early February 2014, Ms Gülcin Gök joined our subsidiary Wipf Doypak A.S. in Turkey as Head of Sales. She has several years of flexible packaging market experience. During her career, she held a number of management positions in various industries. In her new function, Ms Gök (42) will be responsible for new customer acquisition and distribution. Additionally, Ernst Herrmann and Monika Signoriello will support the sales team in Volketswil. They both have many years of experience in the packaging industry. Most recently, Ernst Herrmann was a key account manager and Monika Signoriello a sales executive. Ernst Herrmann will develop digital printing activities at the national and international levels, while Monika Signoriello is responsible for expediting Wipf’s export business.
INVITATION C E L E B R A T E
W I T H
U S
Climate-neutral packaging Climate neutrality is becoming a more and more important criteria in packaging business. For this reason, we have been committed to climate protection together with the myclimate environmental organization since early 2012. myclimate is an internationally active organization based in Switzerland. It ranks among the leading providers of voluntary compensation schemes. You have the option to offset the emissions generated in the production of your packaging by committing to various projects. Your contributions support myclimate’s certified climate protection projects. All contributions are forwarded to myclimate which in turn guarantees that the same volume of CO2 will be offset across a maximum of three years. We trust that you will continue to decide in favour of climate-neutral packaging and make a crucial contribution Confirmation toward a better environment. The Swiss climate protection organisation myclimate confirms that
Wipf AG in Volketswil, Switzerland participates in the myclimate program carbon neutral packaging. Confirmation-Number: 111010-107342
Zurich, 4th of Januar 2012
For further information, visit www.myclimate.org or contact our sales team.
René Estermann Chief Executive Officer
myclimate - The Climate Protection Partnership is registered under Swiss Federal Law as a non-profit, tax exempt foundation that promotes climate protection. Date of issue: 5th July 2011 File number: 11/10 312
In this Flash 2 3
Editorial Shortlist
Successful collaboration with Compass Group / Sales team strengthened / Climate-neutral packaging
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Markets
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Trade shows
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Products
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Marketing and communication
You are cordially invited to attend our anniversary party in Volketswil on 20 June 2014.
The Wipf Group – with its three operating companies Wipf AG, Elco AG, and Swiss Direct Marketing AG –is celebrating its 100th anniversary on 20 June 2014. We cordially invite you to come to Volketswil and celebrate with us. / page 7
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First beta user worldwide – Wipf AG invests in a further digital press High exposure in Germany and the USA Superbly packaged with innovative solutions Entrepreneurial spirit across 4 generations – The Wipf Group celebrates its 100th anniversary
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Markets
Flash | 2014
FI R ST B E TA U S ER WO R L DW I D E
Wipf AG invest in a further digital press
Above: The assembly team Left: The new digital press HP indigo 20000 guarantees a high degree of printing accuracy with minimized material consumption.
As the first of 4 beta users worldwide, Wipf AG is investing in an additional digital press. The performance of the HP Indigo 20000 and the consistently good results are impressive. The beta system was installed in early March 2014. As a reel fed press designed primarily to handle flexible packaging materials, the HP Indigo 20000 accommodates rolls with a width of 76.2 cm (30 inches) and a repeat length of up to 1.1 m (44 inches). With this width, it covers virtually all sizes and materials used for flexible packaging films and pouches. The printing technology of the HP indigo delivers very good rotogravure like quality with up to 7 colours and meets all requirements. Digital printing offers numerous advantages for successfully implementing customer projects. The print data is transferred directly to the press and requires no plates. Therefore, the production process is very fast and flexible, and the consistently high quality is one of the key benefits of this printing method. Additionally, we use the Esko Webcenter to handle the “OK to print� process online. The Esko WebCenter is a high-performance web-based platform for
packaging that handles the entire digital data organization process. Fast and precise display tools are always available, which is another advantage. Because of the intelligent approval and review process, the user-friendly interface, and not least the tools that are perfectly tailored to packaging, WebCenter is the ideal platform for managing and releasing graphics files. The HP Indigo 20000 allows us to increase our productivity and take a quantum leap forward in quality. Needless to say, this system also delivers all the other advantages of digital printing: With digital printing, the precise amount of short-run stock can be printed just-in-time in exactly the right quantity. Digital printing assures that the printed packaging material fulfils all relevant legal requirements.
Cost-effective production thanks to digital prepress work, which drastically shortens makeready times before printing. No printing plates or cylinders needed. Less spoilage and waste, lower energy consumption. Minimal inventory. The joint beta phase between HP and Wipf involves testing the press for packaging films and pouches for the flexible packaging industry. The commercial release is scheduled after completion of the beta phase in the course of 2014. The first packaging samples were shown at Interpack in DĂźsseldorf from 8 to 14 May 2014. A milestone in the 100-year history of the Wipf Group.
Markets
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E XHIBITION REVIEW
High exposure in Germany and the USA Interpack 2014 was a great success The world’s most prestigious packaging industry fair – Interpack – attracted 2700 exhibitors from 60 countries as well as about 179,000 visitors this year. For us, it was a great success. The atmosphere was vibrant and many contacts were forged. In the midst of other packaging companies in the Innovationparc Packaging, our première was a welcome opportunity get acquainted with new potential customers. Visitors and exhibitors convened to creatively exchange thoughts in the SAVE FOOD context and jointly develop visionary ideas regarding fundamental social, economic, and ecology topics. Accordingly, seats and standing room in the forum were always booked during the presentations that were held there. Malte Jonsson, VP Sales & Marketing, lectured on “Steamplicity – how Compass Group
helped hospitals reduce Food Waste through Innovative Packaging Solutions from Wipf AG” and was delighted to be able to address such a large audience. During the show, it became clear that stand visitors were mainly interested in the broadly diversified and multifaceted possibilities offered by digital printing. The bio valve was the second highlight at Interpack. Many visitors found the different combinations involving biodegradable components to be particularly appealing. We forged many interesting contacts, and upbeat mood was not only tangible, it was visible as well. “We’ll expect very good post-show business; many people who visited our stand came to us with specific enquiries for which we had perfect solutions,” says Head of Sales Melanie Hauser. Malte Jonsson, VP Sales & Marketing, lectured on “Steamplicity – how Compass Group helped hospitals reduce Food Waste through Innovative Packaging Solutions from Wipf AG”.
The WICOVALVE® line thrilled customers in the USA From 2o to 22 March 2014, we successfully presented our WICOVALVE® line for the second time at the NCA Convention. The 103rd edition of the show took place in New Orleans, where key decision-makers from well-known US coffee roasting companies convened. Malte Jonsson, VP Sales & Marketing, summed it up: “The many professionals who visites our stand and the great interest in our valves once again confirmed that our presence here makes sense.” With partners such as Printpack, a leading US flexible packaging manufacturer, El-Plast, and Planet Label, we were able to boost awareness of WICOVALVE® thanks to a co-branding initiative on various promotion packages. Our participation at the show was worthwhile, and we had many project-related meetings. Wipf’s presence in New Orleans confirmed how important it is for us as a venerable Swiss company to seek exposure in the USA. We plan to be at the show again in 2015.
From left to right: Malte Jonsson, VP Sales & Marketing, was delighhted to be able to address such a large audience. Promotion packages with WICOVALVE® valve.
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Products
Retortable stand-up pouch for corn on the cob
Flash | 2014
Aggressive product packaged with a rigid laminate
WICOVALVE® W606E – Bio valve for the coffee industry
I N N OVAT I V E PAC K AG I N G SO LU T I O N S
Superbly packaged Corn on the cob in sterile packaging for a longer shelf life
Luxurious stand-up pouch for the cosmetics industry
World first: Bio valve for coffee packaging
Agrícola Nova S.A., an innovative company based in Chile, has been active in the agricultural sector for over 20 years. Apart from fresh produce, it also markets a broad line of deep-frozen products, including vegetables and fruit. Since the spring of 2014, the company has been marketing corn on the cob in a retortable POLIVEL® stand-up pouch under the well-known Agrinova brand.
For more than 30 years, Laboratoires Filorga from France has been developing medical care products used by leading experts in the field of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery. The specialist for anti-aging solutions recently launched a new product: a mask for hands and nails that delivers rejuvenating active ingredients through the skin. The innovative product is distributed in a rigid stand-up pouch.
Wipf AG has launched the world’s first biocompostible valve. The WICOVALVE® W606E was developed especially for the coffee industry and can be composted according to industrial. standard EN 13432 in combination with biodegradable laminates. This innovation is yet another milestone introduced in the centennial year of Wipf AG.
Because the pouch is heated at 800 W directly in the microwave oven, we recommended a POLIVEL® laminate. It is a premium laminate that is suitable for applications of this kind. In addition to a longer shelf life, it offers extra protection against aroma loss, oxidation, moisture, and odours. The pouch is particularly simple to open thanks to convenience features such as tear notches and double laser scoring. The film is printed with high-end gravure quality. Thanks to a window on the front side, the consumer can see the product, which can make a decisive contribution to the purchase decision.
The pouch is made of a POLIALUVEL® laminate which is particularly suitable for aggressive products. The selected thickness of the stock is 200 microns. The laminate, processed in this thickness for the first time, assures optimized light protection and a longer shelf life. Gravure technology with partial mat lacquer was chosen to assure a high-fidelity printing result on the film. Additionally, the customer upgraded the pouch with several convenience features such as a starter notch, laser perforation, and a recloseable zipper. The innovative personal care product is distributed in France.
The WICOVALVE® valve technology has been systematically refined in the past 30 years to attain the highest conceivable quality standards. Thanks to a failure rate of less than 0.01%, comprehensive functionality, and a shelf life of three years, the valves represent the widely accepted benchmark today. The extensive range of valves has now been ideally complemented with the biocompostible W606E. It is based on the highly popular W606 coffee valve and is designed for heat-sealing. In combination with biocompostible laminate materials, the coffee roaster can now offer a packaging system that is totally biodegradable and provides optimized protection of whole-bean coffee against aroma loss. This world first addresses the growing demand for biopackaging.
Marketing & Communication
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EN T R EPR EN EU R I A L S PI R I T AC R O S S 4 G EN ER AT I O N S
The Wipf Group celebrates its 100th anniversary In 2014, the privately owned Wipf Group established by Heinrich Wipf celebrates its 100th birthday. The history of the company has been forged by tradition and innovation across four generations. This is one of the reasons why group members Wipf AG and Elco AG were able to achieve leading market positions in Switzerland and Europe – the former in flexible packaging, the latter in envelopes and stationery.
From left to right: Heinrich Wipf, Active 1914 – 1944 Heinrich Wipf sen., Active 1926 – 1974 Heinrich R. Wipf, Active 1958 – 1999 Christian H. Wipf, Active 1991 – today
On 1 January 1914, Heinrich Wipf (1st generation) incorporated Wipf & Feldmann in the centre of Zürich. He acquired all machines and activities from his apprenticeship supervisor Carl Lüdin, whose company of the same name produced paper bags in a factory building on the Limmat River. After having completed his training, Heinrich Wipf worked for Carl Lüdin as an accountant and was later promoted to authorized signatory. Because Lüdin had no successor, he suggested that Wipf take over the company. It was the beginning of a very successful corporate history. Due to a lack of space on the original premises, Heinrich Wipf and his then partner Hans Feldmann moved the company to a new location somewhat outside the city centre. Even at that time, the emphasis was on investing. In 1926, for example, Wipf & Co. – with Heinrich Wipf (2nd generation) in command – commissioned a modern 3-colour rotary press for paper bags. In the years that followed, the company boomed and grew continuously. In 1970, Heinrich R. Wipf (3rd gen-
eration) moved the business to a new production location in Volketswil – yet another important milestone in the company’s history. Since it was incorporated one hundred years ago, the Wipf Group has experienced sustainable growth by leveraging a successful combination of tradition, innovation, technology, and investment. The Group consists of Wipf AG in Volketswil, which is active in flexible packaging, Elco AG in Brugg with its well-known ELCO brand in the stationery and envelopes segment, and Swiss Direct Marketing AG, also in Brugg, which was recently incorporated and is specialized in cross-media multi-channel direct marketing campaigns. Today, the Wipf Group ranks among the most eminent and innovative packaging specialists in Europe. It generates annual sales of 150 million Swiss francs. Dynamic family enterprise now in its fourth generation Christian H. Wipf, Chairman and CEO of the Wipf Group, represents the 4th generation of the owning family. “Looking
forward, our traditional Swiss values – quality, dependability, and honesty – as well as the firmly established Wipf and ELCO brands remain constant values while our products, services, and technologies will evolve in an environment characterized by rapidly changing market and customer expectations.” Thanks to outstanding employees and market partners, Christian Wipf is convinced that the company can master the coming challenges in development and product management. He is also certain that the Wipf Group’s export quota and foreign market shares will grow beyond the 50% benchmark. Wipf AG in Volketswil substantiates that this is a realistic scenario: its export share is already 70% today.
1914
Incorporation of Wipf & Feldmann
First Paper bag maschine 1890
1926 – 1939
Production of cardboard boxes
Cardboard eyelets for shopping bags and document mallers
The Wipf Group invests in Swiss production resources Christian H. Wipf is committed to the location in Switzerland as well as to progressive and socially responsible working conditions. Every day, some 500 employees focus on delivering premium-quality products and services. The company’s management views the 100th anniversary as a fitting opportunity to ambitiously look forward and create the prerequisites for continued success in the future, for instance with strategically important investments. Last year already, latest-generation digital presses were installed at the plants
1939 – 1950
New factory on Badenerstrasse
in Volketswil and Brugg, and myelco.ch was introduced as Switzerland’s – and the world’s – first online shop for customized stationery as well as gifts and complementary items. Doing business sustainably and caring for the environment – this is the philosophy endorsed by the Wipf Group with a full commitment and latest technologies. For example, group-wide CO2 emissions were reduced by over 50% in the past years. Successful companies have the ability to continually improve and adjust to changing market situations. Christian H. Wipf is certain that the companies of the Wipf Group are
s uperbly positioned for the future and looks forward to successfully mastering the challenges ahead with dedicated employees, loyal customers, and dependable suppliers and partners.
POLAR trimmer
Webbased bag machine
1949 – 1952 Incorporation of Seetal AG envelope factory
1970
Relocation to the new premises in Volketswil
2012
Incorporation of Swiss Direct Marceting AG Elco postcard app and personalised SDM landing page
2002 – 2007
Promotion of the Elco brand
HP Indigo 20000 digital press Paper and plastic bag samples
The seventies
Development of WICOVALVE® valves
Today
In the digital age …
Anniversary party 2014 – Celebrate with us! The Wipf Group – with its three operating companies Wipf AG, Elco AG, and Swiss Direct Marketing AG – is celebrating its 100th anniversary in Volketswil this year. We cordially invite you to come to Volketswil and celebrate with us. Join our party and enjoy a few pleasant hours in unique surroundings. We look forward to receiving your registration.
Programme friday, 20 june 2014 3:45 pm – 5 pm: Production facility tour, optional 5 pm – 6 pm: Cocktails About 6:10 pm: Welcome address by Christian Wipf 6:25 pm – 9:30 pm: Dinner and screening of anniversary video From 9:30 pm: Party
New: Register online! www.wipfgroup.com/100years or scanning the QR code.
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Wipf AG Industriestrasse 29 8604 Volketswil Switzerland Phone +41 44 947 22 11 Fax +41 44 947 22 89 info@wipf.ch www.wipf.ch www.wipfgroup.com/100years
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