Issue 27 • January/February • 2017

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CONFERENCE COVER STORY INK AND TONERS LASER CUTTING Report on Digital Print for Xeikon Café opens its An update on printing How to keep up digital Brand Success event doors again in March for food packaging printing in die-cutting Tonejet – INPRINT Advert October 2016 210mm(w) x 297mm(h) v1.indd 1 14/10/2016 08:41 CONTENTSCONTENTS 3 22 25 COVER STORY: INKS AND XEIKON CAFÉ TONERS 29 LABEL&PRINT 19 INKJET SHOW PREVIEW PRESSES

32 SMART PACKAGING

12 DIGITAL PRINT FOR BRAND SUCCESS 34 LASER CUTTING

04 NEWS

38 EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE EFI 55 CONNECT Welcome to the first issue of 2017. In the seven DIARY years since the magazine was launched, digital print technology has taken giant leaps forward to become a major player and DL&P has been there to document this development. With Labelexpo Europe on the horizon, there is no doubt that we have another exciting year ahead for labels and packaging. Not that 2016 wasn’t – we certainly ended it on a high note with our third successful conference on digital print for brand success. There is a lengthy report in this issue for those of you who missed out. 52 41 A bit closer to home, the Label&Print show INPRINT MY DIGITAL at the NEC Birmingham promises to be another REVIEW JOURNEY: buzzing event. We will be there in full force to ESHUIS report back and to support our sister title Flexo- Tech, which will be hosting The Flexo Debate on day two of the show. Do come along to hear what is happening in the conventional 47 print world. They’re bound WASTE AND to touch on digital too. RECYCLING

Neel Madsen, editor

www.dlpmag.com www.dlpmag.com 4 NEWS EFI close to Double digital for $1 billion goal Qualvis Packaging The financial results for EFI for 2016 saw a record fourth quarter result bring the yearly In a world first, revenue to $992.1 million. The Leicester-based goal set by the company was to Qualvis Print & Pack- reach $1 billion. aging has installed two The company reported fourth Xerox iGen presses as quarter revenue of $266.7 the company expands million, up 4% compared to the into digitally printed same period in 2015. For the folding cartons, aimed year ended 31 December 2016, at the food, cosmet- the revenue posted is $992.1 ics and confectionery million, up 12% compared markets. to the $882.5 million made The investment, in 2015. totalling over £2 mil- ‘EFI delivered another record lion, features a Xerox revenue quarter and our team’s Two Xerox presses have launched Qualvis firmly into the execution drove significant iGen 4 sheetfed digital digital market press and an iGen5 improvements in margins, cash automated line. The presses can print on for our needs and the two Xerox digital flow, and earnings per share, board up to 610 microns in thickness, at a presses are ideal. As a leading print and despite the negative impact of maximum sheet size of 364 x 660 mm. Both packaging business, we are seeing diminish- foreign currency,’ said CEO Guy include inline Tresu Pinta coating units and a ing run lengths and increasing demand for Gecht. ‘As we start the New Year Kama DC 76 cut and crease line, offering the innovation from our customers, including we are even more excited about same finishing effects and varnish levels as personalisation and localisation. Brands and the road ahead, especially with the company’s litho department. retailers are looking for variety and having our upcoming introduction of Managing director Jason Short said, ‘We the ability to produce quick-to-market pack- the Nozomi platform targeted at spent 18 months researching the best match aging is essential.’ digital printing for packaging.’

ANI acquires First Symjet sold in the US

Trojanlabel Minneapolis-based label, card, the Domino N610i seven-colour MPS technology and innovation,’ Danish subsidiary of AstroNova, signage and display company, digital UV inkjet label press, and said president Gregg Temple. ‘The ANI ApS, is acquiring digital Meyers, has purchased an MPS will offer the US company more addition of the hybrid press to label press manufacturer Trojan- EF Symjet hybrid press to advance flexibility and shorter turnaround our operation has provided the label for £7.48 million. Mikkel its digital offering. times to deliver print treatments to biggest positive impact on our Wichmann, Trojanlabel CEO, The Symjet combines the its customers at lower costs. business that we have seen in the said, ‘Our companies not only automated MPS EF platform and ‘We have great confidence in last 10 years.’ align perfectly from a technol- ogy standpoint, but also share similar operating cultures. Like AstroNova, much of our success can be attributed to staying close to our customers and tightly managing product development and manufactur- ing processes to ensure a short time to market, and a focus on creating products that are cost-effective for a broad range of users and industries.’ The MPS hybrid press combines flexo and inkjet

www.dlpmag.com NEWS 5

Xeikon founder passes away Second 20000 for Charity Xeikon has announced the Enplater Mike Burton hopes death of its founder Lucien De to raise £30,000 Schamphelaere. for MacMillan Born in Flemish Belgium in Enplater, a leading Cancer Support 1931, Mr De Schamphelaere Spanish flexible packag- had a 40-year career with Agfa- ing printer founded in Gevaert. He established Ellith 1962, has installed its NV, later renamed Xeikon, in second HP Indigo 20000 1988 with just five employees. press in two years, as it Capability In 1998, he went on to found expands its digital offer- The Xerox presses Triakon, a digital printing ing to the Spanish food at Qualvis Print company specialising in point packaging sector. & Packaging can print on 610 of sale. The BRC accredited Enplater’s HP Indigo 20000 micron board CEO Wim Maes said, ‘We company, which also were so saddened to hear the exports to France, the news of Lucien’s death. He had UK, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, runs. ‘The printing quality of the HP Indigo an amazing passion for digital Denmark and Portugal, serves a wide 20000 encouraged us to choose the same printing and unstoppable drive variety of markets, including fresh and model and manufacturer once again,’ said Mergers that lead him to achieve such frozen food, drinks and dry goods, and marketing manager Albert Valldeperes. AJS Labels was an incredible amount in his confectionary and pet foods. ‘Our strong innovation plus the experience bought by Multi lifetime. His dedication and pio- Traditionally a gravure printing com- with HP makes an excellent combination, Packaging Solu- neering approach remains a key pany, Enplater started offering digital print enabling us to generate new business tions last year cornerstone of Xeikon today.’ in 2014 to meet the demands for shorter opportunities for our clients.’

WestRock in MPS takeover ABG’s Burton in Atlantic US packaging company WestRock will buy Multi Packaging Solutions row for charity (MPS) to boost its portfolio of products that serve the spirits, Managing director of ‘Having rowed a pairs confectionary and cosmetics ABG International, Mike boat with my good markets. Burton, hopes to raise friend Tom Salt in the This deal is one of several in excess of £30,000 for Talisker Atlantic Ocean moves over the past year made to Macmillan Cancer Sup- Race in 2013/14, I streamline its portfolio and focus port during a solo row decided, in a moment on its core paper and packaging across the Atlantic. of madness, to attempt businesses. WestRock recently The three-month an unsupported solo sold the part of its business which journey started on 10 row of the Atlantic,’ designs and produces value added January, when Mr Burton explained Mr Burton dispensing systems and closures set off from Gran Canaria, ahead of the event. ‘At for the global home care, lawn in Storm Petrel, a six- the time the challenge and garden, personal care, beauty, metre-long, 1.8-metre- didn’t appear too fragrance and healthcare markets. wide boat constructed of daunting. But as the The deal continues the con- glass fibre and Kevlar, departure date draws solidation trend in the packaging bound for Antigua some closer, the realisation industry globally. WestRock itself 3000 miles away. of rowing solo and was created in 2015 by the $16 He intends to row two ABG’s Mike Burton is currently on his way not part of the Atlantic billion merger of MeadWestvaco hours on, two hours off, across the Atlantic Challenge race is slowly and Rock-Tenn. MPS’ most recent 24 hours a day, seven but surely sinking in.’ acquisition in the UK is AJS La- days a week until arriving winds and weather, and due to To follow Mike Bur- bels, which joined the MPS stable into English harbour. This will this he spent his first 30 hours ton’s journey via a live tracker and in November last year. vary depending on the prevailing rowing non-stop. to donate, visit www.sprata.org. www.dlpmag.com Finish your customers’ jobs quicker than ever before…

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ABG Advert SGTR A4 Nov16 AW.indd 1 24/11/2016 14:13 NEWS 7 TLCG installs Tau 330 E

Netherlands-based The Label Collective Group total cost of ownership model of the Durst Tau impressive! Now we are looking to grow further has installed in a Durst UV inkjet press to 330 E was a defining factor in the decision- into new markets thanks to the speed and qual- open new markets and further accelerate its making process. ity of the machine, plus the huge potential for fast-growing business in labels. It is the first TLCG has more than 45,000 clients across variable data. We are confident that we’ll quickly customer to benefit from the new Benelux Europe. The company is largely a trade printer get a good return on investment from this Durst cooperation deal between Durst and Wifac. with only 30% of volume produced directly Tau 330 E solution. We have ambitious growth Critical to the company, which is known as for the end user, all sold through its online plans. We’re delighted to have secured this TLCG, is increasing capacity to cope with ac- portals. Goods are typically shipped within Durst solution through Wifac, a company local celerating demand – its turnover is growing by 24 hours of job ordering. to us with which we have developed a long- over 40% a year. In addition, the lower Managing director Richard Rensen said, ‘It’s standing relationship.’

The Dutch company has made a success of selling labels online

SATO takes over Survey confirms expected growth in digital DataLase Tokyo-based SATO has acquired The sixth edition of the FINAT quietening-down a 100% share of DataLase. The RADAR has been published. in the market two companies first teamed up in Conducted by market research expansion of the October 2015 to form the strategic company LPC Inc, its main find- new technologies.’ partnership SpeciaLase to introduce ing is that self-adhesive labels He continued, ‘The DataLase IDP technology (inkless at will continue to dominate the tremendous leaps that the point of printing) in Japan and narrow web market, with digital have been made in the the Asia-Pacific region. print playing an increasingly digital printing arena The Auto-ID solutions specialist important role. are, of course, bring- held a 33.3% share of DataLase President Thomas Hagmaier ing flexibility for high- prior to this acquisition. The full said, ‘Over two-thirds of brand quality short-run print takeover is expected to provide owners surveyed indicated that to the label industry benefits for customers in the manu- they would not migrate away too, and brand owners a slight decrease on 2016 facturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals from self-adhesive decoration to indicated they expect to procure expectations. Western European and food and beverage sectors. another technology in the coming 5% more digital print solutions label converters continue to claim DataLase CEO Chris Wyres said, year – evidence that gives us in the coming year.’ the largest share of the market, ‘We firmly believe this will enable cause to believe that our self- Overall, brand owners surveyed but over a third of brand owners our revolutionary inline digital print- adhesive labels are still versatile, indicated their expectation that indicated that they are looking at ing solutions to be delivered to a top performers in today’s complex total demand for labels in 2017 sourcing labels from other areas, global customer base.’ market, and that there is some would increase by over 3% – mostly from Eastern Europe. www.dlpmag.com 8 NEWS Software update adds bump displacement

Creative Edge Software has Illustrator file using the same released version 4.1 of its software that performs every other iC3D packaging design packaging design visualisation software. Among the updates application. designed to further aug- CEO Nick Gilmore said, ‘Luxury ment the photorealistic brands use selective embossing capabilities, the new version and debossing to convey a higher includes bump displacement pedigree for their products. It’s the – also known as displace- very complexity of producing the ment mapping – which ena- packaging that distinguishes it from bles packaging creatives to regular high street brands.’ create and visualise emboss He concluded, ‘We pride our- or deboss design features selves on having the most versatile to a photorealistic standard – and affordable – packaging design in real time. It means that application on the market, and this is designers can achieve the yet another step towards making the same visual effect with an Embossing visualised using iC3D software best capabilities available to all.’

Plasma expands capabilities Siegwerk reports of folder-gluer on sustainability Based on the international Global Kama has added plasma lengths, the machine can now technology. The first machine Report Initiative (GRI) standard, IMAGE treatment as an option glue sealed, smooth surfaces, to offer the new option has Siegwerk has published its first sustain- to its folder-gluer, the including as UV-coated, been sold. ability report to lay a new basis for FlexFold 52i. Developed metallised or laminated ‘UV coatings in packaging evaluating its sustainable actions. especially for short run cartonboard using plasma is increasing, especially with ‘We want to become the world’s lead- digitally printed folding boxes ing manufacturer of packaging inks and and high-quality special are doing our utmost every day to attain editions,’ said Kama’s CEO this status. To achieve this objective, Marcus Tralau. we have committed to a process of The plasma treatment permanent evolution, which always system consists of a plasma factors in the needs of current and generator and a plasma future generations,’ said CEO Herbert nozzle with a transformer. Forker. ‘By launching the sustainability When using the treatment, report, we want to provide even greater the coated surface is opened transparency and enter into an open up by passing it over the dialogue with our stakeholders. That nozzle, which gives off is the only way to boost the company’s energised, ionised air to future viability and to improve our make the surface responsive. performance even more,’ he added. This process changes the ‘We want to continue to promote surface temporarily; if glue sustainability at Siegwerk and make it is not applied it returns to its measurable. For that reason we keep on original state. This makes the adding tangible goals to our pro- solution optimal for straight- gramme. They apply to all our subsidi- line boxes (often used for aries worldwide and are a benchmark pharmaceuticals), but also for the sustainability of our actions. for crash-lock bottom boxes, This is the only way we can regularly such as for healthcare and check whether we are maintaining our Plasma treatment is now an option on the Kama beauty products, which have course or whether we have to readjust,’ FlexFold 52i several bonding surfaces. concluded Mr Forker.

www.dlpmag.com Tau330E-L&P-EN-A4.indd 1 10.02.17 09:54 10 NEWS Kwality keeps up with digital trend

Indian label manufacturer Kwality Offset Printers has acquired a Xeikon 3030 Plus press to embrace digital production and increase turnover by up to 15%. The New Delhi offset and flexo operation caters mainly to FMCG companies, including spirits, food and healthcare. Clients include Pernod Ricard, Nestlé, GlaxoSmith- Kline and Heinz. The digital invest- ment was prompted by an increase in the number of shorter and varying job lengths. ‘By moving these jobs to digital production, we are able to free up production on our flexo and litho presses for the longer runs,’ explained (L–R) Bent Serritslev, Xeikon MD Asia Pacific with Rajeev Chhatwal and Krish Chhatwal, owner Rajeev Chhatwal. ‘The first partners at Kwality, and Neeraj Jagga, Xeikon sales channel manager Asia Pacific stage following installation will be the focus on moving smaller orders from of the small volumes they were looking for,’ about digital more and more.’ traditional production to digital printing. Then he continued. ‘If we hadn’t moved into digital, The company is predicting a marked at the second stage, we will talk to customers our competitors would have. For the last six increased in turnover within two years, growing we haven’t really been interacting with because or seven months, customers have been talking its US$6 million turnover by 12–15%.

PSG goes digital Invisible ink introduced with Colordyne retrofit Videojet has launched new other consumer goods. caps and closures, and dark Adding digital printing to increase in-house UV fluorescing ink for its The new ink is colourless substrates where a barcode product offerings, Prairie State Group (PSG) 8610 thermal inkjet printer in normal light and fluoresces is needed. has installed a Colordyne 3600 Series retrofit. to produce ‘invisible’ codes blue under a black light. With The ink is suitable for The digital module was installed at the com- that can only be seen under its MEK solvent base, the GS1-DataMatrix and other 2D pany’s Illinois headquarters, where it prints black light to improve product ink adheres to a variety of codes, and is resistant to the packaging materials, including pressure- traceability of high end cos- substrates including coated autoclave process. It offers a sensitive labels and flexible packaging. metics, pharmaceuticals and cartons or glossy labels, vial two to three second dry time PSG chose to retrofit an existing flexo on non-porous ma- press, adding four-colour inkjet capabilities, terials, such as ABS, due to the low cost of entry, minimal disrup- HDPE, PET, PVC tion to current business and the ability to use and nylon. existing tooling and finishing equipment. ‘This ink was Prior to adding digital, the company pro- initially developed duced more than 150 jobs under 5000 feet for the pharmaceuti- every month on its own flexo presses or out- cal market, however, sourced to a digital printer. ‘With the growing it is also suited to demand for short-run jobs, we knew it was a variety of other a bigger risk not to go digital,’ said Dan Do- applications includ- herty, executive vice president of operations. ing retort processed ‘Adding the Colordyne 3600 Series Retrofit food containers and allows us to transition our existing high-mix, cosmetic packaging,’ low-volume jobs to the digital press. This said Heidi Wright, opens up the capacity to print hybrid jobs business unit man- and new product launches, particularly in the Fluorescing UV ink is only visible under UV lighting ager, TIJ and TTO. test market stage, for our customers.’

www.dlpmag.com ADVERTORIAL 11

A significant impact on the economics’ of the booklet manufacturing sector

s demand for product Innovative thin-film handling and personalisation, growing folding techniques are used within the content and the macro Digi Leaflet ‘Origami’ machines to produce Atrend toward ever smaller produc- robust, lightweight, colour communication tion batches grows, a flexible book- formats that effectively deliver instructional let manufacturing solution that requirements across a broad range serves the needs of the short run is of markets. increasingly relevant. For conver- Unlike conventional processes, with DLT tors and as an in-house process one operator is able to run a single machine for many. that can convert a reel of thin film, typically Creating optimised, targeted, 30/35µm material, directly into a booklet product information is key to format. By adding digital print in-line, motivating use and generating utilising Industrial Inkjet DOD technology, understanding from users across full-colour booklets can be created in a agrochemical, pharma and other technical product markets. Within single pass. The final conversion stage maximises print area avail- the pharmaceutical industry, adherence to prescribed treatments is ability, using ultrasonic weld technologies to create a flexible spine a key area of opportunity, that works to provide a focus on deliver- of exceptionally narrow width. The digital technology; print and ing better patient outcomes - achieved, by delivering best practice machine allowing artwork and formats to be rapidly changed and if presentation of therapeutic content. required pre-printed stock utilised. Furthermore, the presentation of patient information in the The thin film utilised provides further performance and pharmaceutical industry regulated in the UK by the Medicines and delivery benefits; the matt surface enhances legibility and readabil- Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is essential in ensuring that ity and is accepted for use by the MHRA. The 30/35µm material is the patient has access to high-quality used to create multi-page booklets which, due to their robustness information – key if medications are to can be applied directly to packaging, included as an insert or incor- be used as intended, without supervision. porated into booklet labels adding further flexibility and reducing Using a familiar format, logical flow manufacturing costs of those items. of information all within full-colour designs, Unlike conventional booklet production processes which gener- readable font sizes and appropriate graphics ate waste, require skilled operators and additional resources for ensures the best outcomes are consistently delivered for patients in set-up and trim etc, Digi Leaflet has evolved to deliver upwards of Pharma and farmers in AgChem. Digi Leaflet (DLT) was born out 60 booklets per minute from unprinted reels or pre-printed stock of the need to cost effectively meet this challenge; the demand for into finished items - within a simple, single machine and process. short runs, customised content with rapid turn-arounds. With their flexibility, rapid format changes and digital capability Existing production methods, whilst effective, struggle to meet it is clear that the Digi Leaflet ‘Origami’ machines are set to have the demands of the agile supply chain model; quantity and flex- a significant impact on the economics’ and flexibility within the ibility. To remain competitive and meet growing yet diverse market booklet manufacturing sector. needs, businesses recognise the need to minimise stock write-offs derived from industries typically large and inflexible Minimum Order Quantity conditions. Chris Waterhouse The need for highly skilled staff within a capital equipment is Chairman of the heavy manufacturing process to produce booklets Packaging Society, can now be achieved in a single streamlined Managing Director of process. One that also works to Digi Leaflet and iDi open additional business Pac; a company whose opportunities. mission is to solve Printers and product and supply Convertors are now chain challenges able to handle small through effective volume demand, cost design and pragmati- effectively, within cally engineered packaging existing processes. The solutions. simplified Digi Leaflet process also opens the To find out more contact Chris on door for brand-owners 01420 538055 or visit www.idipac.com who seek greater autonomy and the opportunity to bring booklet making in-house. www.dlpmag.com 12 CONFERENCE REPORT Inspiration and innovation in packaging

There was plenty of brain food served up at the third annual Digital Print for Brand Success confer- ence. Organised by Digital Labels & Packaging magazine, the inspirational event took place at the IET Savoy Place in London. Neel Madsen chaired the event and reports back.

he Institution of Engineering and Technology provided the frame for a list of speakers, who Taddressed issues such as neuro-marketing and what really goes on in the consumer’s brain, how to pitch your print to the retailer, why corrugated is going digital, what inkjet can offer, how the design agency uses digital technology and what lies beyond person- alisation. A new feature was the Printer Innovation Zone, where eight printers displayed a recent project showing what digital can offer brands. Almost half the 100 delegates were printers, while brands owners and retailers in attendance included Mars, Nestlé, Mizkan, Premier Foods, Habitat, Anthro- pologie and Tesco. The conference was sponsored by HP, Konica Minolta, ABG International and Label Traxx. Dave Ellerington spoke about DS Smith’s implementation of digital print for corrugated

Fringe thinking more visually literate, having been brought up on video games and music Taking a look into what happens in the consumer’s brain, keynote speaker videos.’ The eyes will even override what we hear, so much so that we Dr David Lewis-Hodgson from Mindlab International, explained the con- ‘hear’ the wrong word if the visual clues don’t match the sound (the cept of neuro-marketing. He said, ‘Attention is one of the rarest and most so-called McGurk Effect). expensive commodities today. As consumers we are walking through a When consumers make their decisions, they rely on both conscious haze of information and we have to make sense of all that. So I want to and non-conscious thought. Conscious thought is considered and talk to you about the brain and essentially how it perceives vision. How reflects deeply held beliefs and opinions, whereas unconscious thought do you catch attention through the visual medium?’ is impulsive, reflecting experiences and associations. The area between He explained that the brain is a very frugal organ, which tries to the two is known as ‘the fringe’ and this is where most people make their conserve energy at all times. ‘The brain receives about 12 billion bits of purchasing decisions, ie employing a mix of feelings and facts. Scientists data per second. It consciously attends to just 20 of them!’ he said. As a can measure fringe reactions through electrical impulses in the brain and pattern-matching device, the brain helps us make sense of the world. Dr also through online tests where the subject is put under time pressure. Lewis-Hodgson illustrated this with a picture of a table with six chairs This obliges them to rely on mental shortcuts as they do for many real around it; although the chairs were partly obscured, the brain fills in world decisions. the blanks because it recognises the pattern/object. This explains why ‘Products, packaging design and online previews must deliver standout familiar brands are so powerful. The brain doesn’t want to do too much and findability, clear communication, and fringe appeal via positive as- work and the brand we already know is the easy choice. sociations,’ said Dr Lewis-Hodgson. ‘If people don’t notice your product, Dr Lewis-Hodgson stated, ‘Vision is the queen of the senses. It will they’re not going to buy it. People avoid uncertainty, which demands override all the other senses, particularly in the under 25s, as they are far more brain energy.’ He concluded, ‘In order to stand out, you must be

www.dlpmag.com CONFERENCE REPORT 13 able to differentiate yourself from is the growth in condiments where there is a your competitor.’ huge array of choice enabling the consumer to personalise their food in a low risk way.’ Customer obsessed He continued, ‘Personalisation is much more Tesco packaging manager Paul Earnshaw than just a name, so how do we get it to continued the investigation into the brain. reflect the consumer’s life style and choices?’ He illustrated the importance of engaging all the senses by miming the first part of From medium to message his presentation, much to the amusement Richard Askam, who is the founder of Woolly of the audience. ‘Doesn’t it feel strange North Consulting, is a great advocate for when one of the senses is ignored?’ he personalisation, having first used the concept said before continuing the rest of the to turn around the fortunes of his family’s presentation in normal fashion. wine business by offering champagne bottles Tesco puts two billion pieces of with individual messages on the label – his packaging on shelf every week. ‘And if Networking during the lunch break ‘light bulb moment’. we can do anything to lift the packaging – Previous to this, the knowledge of wine that is what we are after,’ said Mr Earnshaw. ‘We want to deliver products had been the value-adding factor, but as consumers became increasingly our customers love,’ he continued emphasising that Tesco changed its knowledgeable about wine themselves and wine became commoditised, mission to be customer centric two years ago when a new CEO took over. the margins began to slip away. What Mr Askam discovered was that per- This view translates into demanding that packaging innovation should sonalisation adds value to the product, and in gifting, this is represented focus on helping the customer and not be technology lead. by the thought the sender has put into making the item special. ‘Innovation leaps ahead whilst the business case stumbles around like Using this insight, Mr Askam has worked with a number of big brands a drunk,’ he stated, explaining the need to make innovation profitable and to launch personalisation or mass customisation campaign, amongst also apply to the customer. In other words, if you are pitching to Tesco, them Coca-Cola and Marmite. ‘Packaging stopped being the medium always start with the customer’s need or problem, and explain what you and became the message. It is not about the product but the gift,’ he said. can offer them and why they would buy the product. ‘However, putting names on products is dull, but we still love to see our The mega trends that are influencing the decisions of the market- name in print. It is the simplest form of personalisation and the one that ing department should be noted, he said. People are using shops more is available to us now, so that is what we do.’ He stated, ‘We are still on like store cupboards; just popping in regularly and no longer doing big day one, page one, and personalisation for me hasn’t really started yet. weekly shops. They display less loyalty to the retailer, which creates The limit is our imagination and there is so much more to come.’ financial uncertainty. Health and wellness is a huge trend Digital for corrugated as is the provenance of the After a break to digest the morning’s inspirational talks and products (packaging should do some networking, the topic turned to digital printing, first reflect ‘the story’). There is for the corrugated market. also a retro renaissance going DS Smith has in the last few years embarked on an ambi- on with old style comfort food tious investment programme, which has seen the company rising in popularity. In terms buy an HP PageWide T400 Simplex Color Web Press for of taste, consumers are more corrugated pre-print. This was installed at its Belper site, experimental with their cook- part of DS Smith’s UK packaging division, where it has been ing, trying new cuisines from functioning both as a digital pre-print R&D centre for the other cultures, and there is also company and also printing live jobs. a demand for new flavour com- Head of business development, UK packaging, Dave El- binations, eg salted caramel. lerington invited the attendees to reframe their thinking when Personalisation is also on it comes to digital and look at what it can offer right across the agenda. Mr Earnshaw said, the supply chain for customers and their customers. He said,

‘People want stuff that reflects Keynote speaker Dr David Lewis-Hodgson explained ‘Digital print is the future so let’s start to think big and scale it

their life style. A good example how the consumer makes purchasing decisions up for the volume market,’ explaining that using pre-print is q www.dlpmag.com Save the DIGITAL PRINT

date! FOR BRAND SUCCESS CONFERENCE 2017 12 October 2017 • IET London • Savoy Place • London

The Digital Print For Brand Success Conference returns for 2017!

Reactions from 2016

‘Superb’ 80% ‘Exciting’ of the delegates rated the conference as either ‘Inspired’ excellent or good

To register your interest: email [email protected]

@DigitalLPack_Gr • digitalbrandconf.com CONFERENCE REPORT 15 the fundamental difference to the company’s approach. presses; a consistency we haven’t seen before especially across the web DS Smith’s main reasons for choosing digital include superb print and on longer runs. This is a big plus for us when we are talking to our quality and the ability to print on existing uncoated substrates. Mr customers, particularly in the paint sector, but also in the beauty market. Ellerington said, ‘The fidelity we’re getting in terms of colour bleed and Inkjet gives us the ability to accurately match their colours to a commer- the size of fonts; the quality of the images we can now put on pack is out- cially acceptable tolerance, consistently, time and time again.’ standing. It can’t be matched by any other print process.’ Other benefits By building production efficiencies through linking the presses with are repeatability, matching brand colours and agility. He also highlighted Cerm and Esko using JDF/JMF integration, Springfield has been able to personalistation, tracking shopper behaviour, transparent chain of cus- significantly reduce its lead times. In terms of aesthetics, the company is tody and traceability. experimenting with different finishes. Mr Dass compared the feel of the inkjet ink to screen printing and also praised the laydown and vibrancy of Inkjet innovation the ink. He continued, ‘White has always been a challenge for digital, but Digital-only print company Springfield Solutions is an early adopter of the quality of inkjet white opens up new markets for us, for instance in inkjet technology. Joint managing directors Matt Dass and Dennis Ebel- beauty and cosmetics.’ toft took to the stage to explain how their business works and how inkjet meets their customers’ needs. On the panel Springfield is today an all-digital print company with both toner and The first of two panel discussions on the day looked at how packaging inkjet technology in house. It was the first in the UK to install the Indigo can be in the driving seat of innovation. It was chaired by Stefan Casey, Omnius 50 digital press in 1996, which was used for mock up and innovation lead, NPTC confectionery, Nestlé, and consisted of Brian prototypes. In 2012, the decision was made to divest with the last of the Stow, packaging innovation technical leader UK future innovation, R&D company’s conventional printing presses, and in 2014, the world’s first Chocolate, Mars UK; Guy Colebourne, sales manager food packaging, Screen Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet press was installed. This was fol- Integrity Print; Antoinette Devine, experienced packaging professional; lowed by a second and a third is currently being installed. The inventory and Andy Lima, digital strategist, lecturer and researcher, Leeds also includes two HP Indigo 6000 series presses. Beckett University. Andy Lima spoke about how packaging can be used to engage with the customer using visual recognition and augmented reality. Turning more specifically to print, Brian Stow said, ’I am super excited about the technology, but scale is currently a major barrier for using digital print in packaging.’ Antoinette Divine agreed that scale had been a problem in the past, but pointed to the earlier presentation from DS Smith as proof that you can now get to scale. Guy Colebourne presented a case study where Integrity had used digital print on a special beer, Printer’s Pleasure, created by its customer 3 Daggers Brewery to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary and given to each employee in a personalised box. The design incorporated pictures of local places and the labels were printed in house on Integrity’s Xeikon press, with each bottle numbered. Later, the Futurists’ Panel saw Alex Higgs from Think Tank, Stefan Casey from Nestlé and Andreas Freund from mymuesli debate the Lots to discuss brave new world of opportunities. Speaking via a video link, Mr Freund Matt Dass challenged the notion that digital is a short run technology. described how the muesli start up brand has installed a printer in store in He said, ‘We will be printing 160 million labels this year on our digital Heidelberg to allow customers to personalise their packaging. He said, presses.’ This is equivalent to over 10.4 million linear metres and many ‘Printing can be a great part of the sales situation. Customers love to be jobs are in the order of 15,000 to 20,000 metres, run in a single shift on involved in creating their very own product and that’s possible with new the inkjet presses. techniques like the inkjet-powered Omnifire by Heidelberg or other well Talking about the strengths of inkjet, Mr Dass mentioned colour known players in the area.’ consistency, production efficiencies and aesthetics as key plus points. He Mr Casey shared some case studies from Nestlé, including a person-

said, ‘We are seeing some outstanding results with colour on the inkjet alised dog food campaign and the story of the Kit Kat Chocolatory, which q www.dlpmag.com 16 CONFERENCE REPORT he said has taken personalisation to a new level. Alex Higgs talked about creative packaging consultancy Think Tank’s most innovative projects using digital print. One employed digital to create unique record sleeves tailored to each recipient, which is now going into a second run. Mr Higgs said he is very keen to push digital finishing technologies, such as Digital Metal and Scodix, to add a luxury feel. The company has also worked with Novalia adding conductive inks to turn the whole piece of packaging into an interface. Faster to market More insights into the key trends capturing the digital print for packaging market came from Ian Schofield, Iceland Foods, and Lucie Tomlin, senior technical The Printer Innovation Zone showed great examples of digital print project manager at design agency Pearlfisher. world that goes with it and digital can be used to play around with ideas Mr Schofield said,’ We are changing our packaging so and deliver this faster. Clients include whiskey brand Jameson, where much and so frequently, and we don’t want stock sitting in the warehouse. Pearlfisher worked on Caskmates, which saw 3500 bottles produced This is why we need digital, but if it is going to cost more, that is a prob- with digitally printed labels, and Manomasa tortilla chips, a small artisan lem.’ Currently, only 5% of Iceland’s packaging is printed digital brand, which launched a large range of unique flavours. Ms Tomlin said, due to costs, but Mr Schofield said that the technology is going from ‘Having that speed to market is essential to us.’ strength to strength. ‘Lots of things have to come into place,’ he said, In another presentation, HP’s Oana Manolache shared some of the ‘but it is coming.’ many success stories from the company’s customers. She spoke about Design agency Pearlfisher works with many ‘challenger’ brands. Lucie the rise of the pack as media and said, ‘You can unsubscribe from most Tomlin, who works in the realisation team, always takes the opportunity things, but the packaging can’t be screened out. We agree that we need to to recommend using digital technology for clients who are not sure about target the individual consumer, but we have to make the message relevant the volume needed, who need to be reactive and quick to market. She for the person.’ said, ‘There is a drive towards handcrafted products; something different Jon Pritchard from Konica Minolta also spoke about ways of engag- that doesn’t look like it comes from a packaging line. The focus more ing with the consumer through the senses using tactile finishes created than ever is on the detail.’ with inkjet. Paul Chaplin from KM’s innovation team shared his thoughts She said that clients no longer just want a label, they want the whole on augmented reality (AR) and how this can work for brands as the technology is transitioning into using 3D triggers. Conclusion Feedback showed that 92% rated the event as either excellent or good, and 80% said they would attend again next year. ‘This was a very informative event with inspiring speakers presenting many great innovations. I made great contacts and gained amazing access to leading end users,’ said Tom Allum, chairman, Abbey Labels. Publisher Marie Rushton commented, ‘Building on last year’s suc- cess, the conference continues to drive forward the debate on digital print for packaging and highlight the advantages it brings brands and retailers alike. We are very proud to help facilitate the exchange of ideas and bring the various links in the value chain together.’ The fourth Digital Print for Brand Success conference Questions from the audience will take place in London on 12 October 2017. •

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MPS Systems B.V. To see the latest roles visit dlpmag.co.uk The Netherlands [email protected] www.mps4u.com PRESSES 19 Getting a taste for inkjet

Narrow web inkjet presses have gradually grabbed increasing share of the label market across the world, and there are numerous vendors competing in this very crowded marketplace. Sean Smyth gives an overview.

t is a global market. Beijing Founder, Miyakohsi, Shiki and Iwatsu have flexibility to produce a wide range of products with the ability to add vari- all shown their narrow web presses in Europe, but few have been sold. able data and a variety of special and tactile effects all on the one press.’ IAt Asian print and label shows, I come across companies I had never The Graphium is 420 mm wide, with two flexo stations; four-colour plus heard of before showing inkjet label machines. At the K-Print exhibition white inkjet; a Xaar Print Bar; with lamination, die-cutting and rewinding, in Seoul last September, the folks at Dilli confidently told me they had printing at 50 m/min. The Xaar Print Bar System enables a range of inks sold ‘many tens’ of the NeoMercury label presses into the domestic mar- and varnishes to be jetted at variable position in the line. This allows ket, although I am unsure if I have translated this figure accurately. What special effects including protective lacquers, high-build spot varnish and is a fact is it had five of them on its stand, which it confidently predicted cold-foil adhesives. would be sold at the show. While not all suppliers are active in the Europe, it is difficult to see how they can all continue profitably, particularly considering HP and Xeikon with their toner presses. The shake out of suppliers has not occurred yet, and Labelexpo in Brussels in September will showcase several more inkjet press manufactur- ers entering the sector. Highly productive There are some 1000 high performance inkjet label presses in use across the world. Durst said it placed over 60 presses in the last year or so. The Tau 330 E is the entry level roll-to-roll configuration, while the Tau LFS 330 includes integrated laser finishing system onto a 330 mm print width at 48 m/min in seven colours including white. Durst uses the Xaar 1003 piezo head with UV curing inks, which is also used in EFI Jetrion presses, INX, Systec, Hapa, CSat, the SPGPrints DSI press and Edale/FFEI Graphium. Domino’s N610i inkjet press FFEI has a long history in inkjet, making the Caslon in partnership with Nilpeter and then taking that experience in ‘The Graphium press is highly productive solution which is a perfect fit the Graphium hybrid label press. The first one in the UK was placed into for ProPrint which is a highly innovative company,’ said James Boughton, Wellingborough converter ProPrint in 2016. managing director of Edale. ‘We have always looked at the relationship The press was supplied by Edale, which has a fleet of its flexo presses between ProPrint and Edale as a partnership and I look forward to work- there, and is printing labels and cartons. ‘The Graphium is a very strate- ing with, and supporting, them with the Graphium and their long term gic investment for us,’ said ProPrint founder and director James Denny. growth plans.’ Edale believes in the benefits of hybrid inkjet/flexo produc- ‘The label market is dynamic, changing rapidly and our philosophy is to tion and report a lot of interest from large packaging and label suppliers change with it to meet the evolving needs of customers. The combination looking to harness the benefits of high performance taking advantage of

of conventional and digital printing capabilities gives us the power and the strengths of analogue and digital capability. q

www.dlpmag.com 20 PRESSES

In combination reflects the complexity of the label and packaging market, which contrib- uted to the fact that Nilpeter always has been spearheading combination Philip Easton, director, Domino digital printing solutions, reported sig- printing. Now we can add reliable and highly productive digital printing nificant progress in combining flexo and inkjet in a single pass operation. and finishing applications, which meet global brand owners’ expecta- He said, ‘Domino has supplied narrow web hybrid solutions in conjunc- tions, to the menu.’ tion with AB Graphics, MPS, OMET and CEI with 13 systems now sold. We launched the N610i integration module designed for hybrid solutions at Labelexpo 2015 and it has opened up new market opportunities for us. Excitement The hybrid format is especially suited for applications where there are Screen is also selling its Truepress Jet L350UV into label converters, multiple SKUs per production job. One customer used to spend days on reporting a growing user base for this machine. One customer is Baker printing a job with 60 SKUs, but now with the N610i hybrid solution it is Labels, which put its first inkjet machine in early in 2016. The company taking just hours. Having looked at a number of business cases with label is a leading trade printer and was an early adopter of digital technology, printers, the broader print capability of a hybrid solution is an excellent so it was interesting to learn they opted for an inkjet press alongside its way to remove a high proportion of smaller and medium sized production HP Indigo and Nilpeter presses. jobs away from flexo presses, significantly improving a label printer’s Steve Baker, managing director, commented, ‘Our Screen inkjet line is productivity.’ a brilliant press, combining quality and speed it just runs and runs with very good uptime and excel- lent stability. We have been through a learning curve on substrate suitability from light films to aluminium foils. I am excited by the opportunities to improve the service we provide to customers who are always looking for faster turnround and new features. We want to exploit the digital capabilities better and I am looking forward to seeing the next generation of machines at Labelexpo later this year. Inkjet is very tasty!’ These machines use UV cur- ing inks, there are also several The entry-level Tau 330 E from Durst water-based machines. Epson Several other suppliers are adding inkjet firepower to their flexo and has sold more than 200 of its high quality SurePress L-4033AW presses existing digital presslines. Gallus, Mark Andy, Nilpeter, Omet, MPS and and has launched a higher performance single pass UV model. Edale all provide inkjet units alongside their flexo machines. As well as the high performance presses, there is a growing sector of Nilpeter has integrated the Screen inkjet engine, utilising the high low-cost, lower performance machines using water-based inks. These performance web handling to print and convert at up to 50 m/min on may be used by converters as an entry into digital or for samples and paper and filmic substrates from 90–350 microns. Options include flexo prototypes, and by commercial print companies entering the label market. print units, lamination, die-cutting with Nilpeter’s QC-Die smart stripping The biggest sector is small to medium end users of labels who take unit, and hot/cold foiling. The digital front end eliminates many repetitive production in-house, usually to improve their flexibility. Some use very manual tasks and automates the planning and step and repeat routines. cheap office/desktop printers but the range from £5–30,000 is becoming Information is fed back in real time to the dashboard, which displays increasingly significant with suppliers including Epson, Afinia, ITE, production data, and it features advanced online diagnostics that help Primera, VIP, TrojanLabel and QuickLabel aggressively attacking reduce service calls. this market. The company is targeting existing digital press users, many from its Inkjet technology is improving all the time, in reliability, quality, existing customer base. ‘There is no winning technology that covers all productivity and cost. It is inherently flexible and scalable; if you think applications,’ said Jakob Landberg, sales and marketing director. ‘This one could improve your business there is a lot of choice. •

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Focus Label Machinery Ltd: Kendryl Park • Chapel Lane • Bingham Nottingham • NG13 8GF • England • Telephone: +44 (0) 1949 836223 • Fax: +44 (0) 1949 836542 E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.focuslabel.com 22 ADVERTORIAL – COVER STORY Demystifying the hype

The third edition of the Xeikon Café educational conference is back in 2017. Scheduled for 28 to 31 March at Xeikon’s Lier facility near Antwerp, in Belgium, the event will be extended to four days instead of three, reflecting global growth and interest.

his engaging event is designed to be an informal knowledge The true value of digital exchange platform around packaging and label innovations, ‘A production process is more than just printing. It requires an efficient demonstrating end to end digital production solutions with content T workflow with little human interaction, the right print media, economical presented by leading industry suppliers, including experts from Xeikon consumables like foils, varnishes, and glues, and converting equipment and its Aura partners. that can effectively process media,’ said Mr Weymans. ‘As the market Driven by high quality content and an interactive format, the Café offers continues to evolve, there are challenges ahead in terms of reduced lead first-hand, actionable information and advice on industry innovations and times from concept to the store. This is combined with the drive toward trends. The 2017 edition will offer a strong conference programme with a higher quality.’ focus on key innovations, technical aspects, and business education. He continued, ‘In addition, there is the need for packaging to be food Filip Weymans, VP of marketing, explained, ‘This year will mark the safe, with several variants of the same products produced in different third edition of the Xeikon Café Packaging Innovations, and it will be quantities, resulting in the shorter run lengths that present a challenge for much bigger than the previous events with not only more partners but conventional printing technologies. That’s why it is crucial for packaging also many more applications. The intention is to give information about converters to invest in digital technologies. At the same time there are a the industry that is easy for attendees to take in and understand, and to variety of opportunities to create new business models, building a service have a practical dialogue so visitors can get the most out of the event.’ around the package. So many opportunities and so many challenges, but He continued, ‘We want this event to demystify the hype around digital where can you see everything together?’ production, and help you determine where the real value lies for your This is the true value of Xeikon Café – the ability for visitors to observe business. With the overwhelming amount of information out there about an end to end digital workflow, learn how to efficiently and effectively in- digital production, it’s easy to get confused about which solution is best corporate digital technologies into the mix and ask questions relevant to or what approach is the most valuable for your business. The Xeikon Café their production process. Industry experts are also present to educate on offers a hands-on platform to get direct answers from industry experts market trends and the value of digital production. The event is the perfect and other business owners to help you decide what is relevant and what setting for printers and converters to learn which tools and equipment is the best choice for your business.’

Packaging innovations will be in focus at the Xeikon Café in March

www.dlpmag.com ADVERTORIAL – COVER STORY 23 are right for them, and how to efficiently and effectively incorporate these fer label decoration, an application that doesn’t really have an exhibition investments into their packaging production platform. platform for us to illustrate its uniqueness and strength as a unique decoration method. We see Xeikon Café as an exceptional opportunity to New applications demonstrate our capability to a broader audience and provide a deeper Many new applications will be on show to demonstrate what can be understanding of the concept to attendees.’ achieved with Xeikon’s technology. Mr Weymans said, ‘Our customers are always pushing the boundaries of digital printing capabilities, as suppli- ‘A range of live demonstrations will be run, for a variety of labels ers continue to provide new workflow, substrates and finishing solutions and packaging that are also clustered into vertical sectors. For that open up new opportunities. During our many successful years in the example, for pharma where labels, lightweight leaflets and cartons label and folding carton packaging industry, we notice these sectors are will be produced with features including track and trace, or anti- broadening, into lightweight unsupported films, stand-up pouches, cor- counterfeit capability. In the beverage sector this could be wet rugated liner and a fast-growing segment today for paper cups. We have glue, self-adhesive and wraparound labels, drink cartons and liner a lot of interest here, and many requests from potential users. Some are for a corrugated wine box producer, or for soft drinks or spirits. very big opportunities, and we see some interest in replacing litho lam in We are broadening the range of the solutions on show, also in corrugated – Xeiko-Lam!’ confectionery, DIY, automotive and even in media, where we see The hot topic of food safety will also be on the agenda. ‘Food safety Xeikon users producing is one of the core strengths of Xeikon’s dry toner technology: the toner vinyl record sleeves. is approved as food safe in Europe and North America, amongst other ‘There will also be a regions,’ explained Mr Weymans. ‘In fact, we have two customers in business and technical the Netherlands who have been producing lightweight (21 gsm) paper conference programme labels that are directly affixed onto cheese balls for many, many years! running, and a series of How much closer can you be to the food … It will actually be one of the open panel discussions applications on show. Another example is coffee cup production which is toward the close of each seeing strong growth in many regions in the world and we have sold sev- day where key trends will eral machines for this specific segment. We are seeing demand for cups be covered. Hence the themed for events that are being successfully produced by companies café theme; we encourage moving into digital production, making short runs economical.’ open dialogue following the model of the discus- Building on success sions held in cafés across Vice president of marketing at In 2015, Xeikon Café attracted more than 800 attendees with representa- Belgium for many years.’ Xeikon, Filip Weymans tion from Asia, Europe and the Americas, including converters, brand owners and design agencies. In addition, approximately 30 industry sup- pliers from different segments demonstrated more than 15 live applica- Partner network tions, ranging from popular self-adhesive and wet glue labels to folding Knowing how important information exchange and networking sources cartons and paper cups. are, Xeikon built its own network of partner companies, the Xeikon Aura Key Xeikon Aura partners expressed their appreciation of the value Partner Network. This is a robust and fully encompassing network that delivered by Xeikon Café, and are looking forward to the 2017 event. brings together the latest evolutions, innovations and solutions of Geert van Damme of CERM said, ‘Xeikon Café provides us with a great all members. platform to showcase how our MIS systems integrate seamlessly into a Partners presenting at the event include, amongst others, AB Graphic wide variety of production environments. We will demonstrate how our International, Actega Terra, Advanced Track & Trace, Agfa Graphics, Ar- software supports a range of print engines to truly deliver value.’ gos Solutions, AVT, Bograma, Brotech Graphics, Cartes, Cerm, Diamond Peter Baird of Flint Group commented, ‘Our customers in the packag- Photofoil, Esko, Flint Group, Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM), Grafotronic, ing and label market have been asking us frequently about how our Highcon Systems, Hybrid Software, Iggesund Paperboard, Label Traxx, products, such as varnishes, can be used with digital printed output. Pro- Lake Image Systems, Michelman, Meech International, Metsä Board, viding samples and information that demonstrate this is one thing, but OneVision Software, Smag Graphique, Stora Enso, Treofan Germany, showing it live is priceless. It is our first time participating in the Xeikon Xeikon Prepress and Yupo Europe. • Café, and we are confident the event will deliver against our expectations.’ David Hitch of Diamond Photofoil said, ‘We are a pioneer in heat trans- To register, please go to www.xeikoncafe.com. www.dlpmag.com 24 ADVERTORIAL Unlocking the potential of inkjet technology

s digital print continues its meteoric rise, attention has turned to the future of inkjet technology. At the forefront is SunJet, whose innovation and collaborative partnerships are Aat the heart of unlocking inkjet’s global potential. With the ongoing growth in digital print, it is the rapid increase in the inkjet sector that presents the most exciting prospects for the future across a whole range of applications, from publication, security and commercial printing through to the field of packaging and labels. While inkjet has certainly come a long way over the past few years, for the technology to reach its full potential, the industry requires more than change. It demands transformation, and this is where SunJet, the global inkjet division of Sun Chemical, shows its unique strength as a partner with its wealth of expertise, knowledge and capabilities to transform potential into reality. Based just south of the city of Bath, in the South West of England, its rural setting belies a hive of research and development activity around a centre of excellence that delivers new, ground breaking digital inkjet ink chemistries. For over 25 years, the SunJet team has SunJet’s Midsomer Norton site near Bath is a centre of excellence been committed to the development, manufacture and supply of for research and development inkjet products and solutions that has earned its reputation today tion and compliant solutions for food packaging applications have as the leading global supplier of premium inkjet inks for graphics, played a fundamental role in the development of suitable inks. industrial, commercial and packaging applications. Quality has greatly improved with better design and integration of print technology while improvements in printheads and ink solu- Collaborative Partnerships tions have enabled the use in a wider range of applications, opening Over the years, SunJet’s inks have gained credibility among up new markets and revenue streams. manufacturers and system integrators worldwide for high qual- SunJet offers a range of award winning core inkjet ity and consistency enabling optimum performance with their chemistries, including a portfolio of energy curable products for use specific hardware technologies. It is this combination of expertise, with UV, LED and EB technologies, including low migration compli- technological advance and innovation in ink development together ant solutions. In addition to the energy curable chemistry SunJet with the integrity of its collaborative partnership approach that has also offers water, wax, solvent and oil-based inks. enabled SunJet to play such a fundamental role in supporting OEMs to bring their own inkjet technologies to market. And by doing so, AquacureTM - Breakthrough platform SunJet has, and continues to play, a key role in helping the market In anticipating market trends and predicting future demand, SunJet exploit all the many opportunities in wide format, coding, labelling, has also proactively developed Aquacure, a breakthrough ink packaging, décor, textile, publication, transactional and commercial platform delivering a truly functional aqueous inkjet ink. Aquacure print as well as other industrial areas. is based on unique aqueous chemistry which combines the best of both water-based and UV curing technology, delivering maximal Unrivalled expertise colour gamut, outstanding adhesion to a wide range of media, SunJet’s objective is to continue to develop new technology that superb flexibility as well as low odour properties and a host of envi- meets the needs of the market and demands of its customers, often ronmental benefits. All of which allow for its use in a wide range of through strategic partnerships and collaborative development. It’s applications and for future needs as the inkjet market continues to unrivalled formulation expertise and breadth of product and appli- diversify and grow. cation knowledge sets SunJet apart, delivering a proven track record Today, the inkjet print market is certainly thriving and looking for quality and innovation backed up by global service and technical to an even brighter future with industry expert Smithers Pira once support. And, with the support of its parent company DIC and Sun again presenting further encouraging predictions that by 2024, inkjet Chemical, SunJet follows global best practices and remains constant- will account for 56% of the value and 53% of the volume of ly up to date with the latest trends and technologies from around all digital print. the world. It also has the capability to conduct extensive research As an independent inkjet partner, SunJet provides the expertise, and development into the building blocks of ink chemistry, includ- knowledge, technology and global service to formulate solutions for ing pigments, polymer and resins technology combined with jetting the next generation of inkjet printing equipment to support its part- science to support the formulation of application-focused inks. ners to expand their businesses in exploring new market segments The combination of technological advance in hardware and the and applications with cutting edge inkjet ink solutions. demand for high impact, consistent and accurate colour reproduc- www.sunchemical.com

www.dlpmag.com INKS AND TONERS 25 Creating an image

Ink has to perform well not only in the printer on a range of substrates, but all the way through subsequent converting processes, in filling and distribution, and in the consumer’s hands, then be recyclable. By Sean Smyth.

n packaging a key consideration in the choice of the printing method is the performance of the ink and coatings. Food, tobacco Iand pharmaceutical applications account for the majority of the packaging market and ensuring there is no possible contamination has been a drag on the adoption of digital technology. Changing print methods means converters must conduct comprehensive testing to guarantee the performance of the new packs. There has been steady progress in the use of toner technology with HP Indigo and Xeikon continuing to build their market presence in labels, cartons and increasingly flexible packaging. Using toner technology means there are fewer potential issues with food contact, provided suitable care and barriers are present between the print and the product in the pack. Dr Carole Noutary, technical manager R&D at FSIS, with the Q-TOF Xeikon claims its toners are completely food safe – as part of a tour mass spectrometer of the toner plant in Heultje, the guide actually ate some of toner – and it has a couple of users who print 21 gsm paper labels that are stuck products. SunJet makes OEM inks for machine manufacturers, not selling directly onto cheeses. Filip Weymans, director of marketing, also high- to users under its own brand. It is the leader in producing low migration lights a number of recent press installations printing paper coffee cups, formulations for food and pharmaceuticals, and the company utilises as a niche the food safe toners can exploit. this expertise in inkjet, with the Amphora brand for packaging and EtiJet HP Indigo provides a wealth of information on its toner systems in for labels. labels and packaging, and with the suitable barriers Indigo is approved Rick Hulme is the global sales and product manager for SunJet. He is for many food packaging applications. excited by the opportunities for the new AquaCure range of inks, ‘SunJet remains focused on delivering market defining inkjet chemistry to labels Inkjet developments and packaging. This started in 2008, with low migration UV inks in 2013 It is inkjet where there are significant ink developments. At drupa 2016, and most recently AquaCure – ink formulated to cure with UV, UV LED Kao Collins showed its first electron beam (EB) curing ink. The first or EB. The EB technology is unique because it can be pinned, boosting applications are aimed at adding variability to flexo presses, but it is also image quality and allowing single pass inkjet to be utilised. In the case aimed as an alternative to UV curing. The advantage is that the ink is of 100% solids pinning is with LED lamps prior to final EB cure, while lower cost than the standard UV formulations because there is no pho- AquaCure manages image quality with thermal pinning followed by full toinitiator, which is typically the most expensive part of the ink vehicle. thermal cure to remove the remaining water before EB curing. While the EB drying unit is a much higher cost than LED or mercury ‘AquaCure is exciting because it delivers a similar appearance to flexo vapour lamps, there are fewer potential components that could migrate to or offset. Other benefits include low film weight, low odour and low create a possible contamination in food or pharma applications. migration properties as well as reduced hazard labelling and an extended Sun Chemical has experience in most ink markets; it is the biggest colour gamut. All are achieved whilst being more sustainable than UV inkmaker in the world and also makes pigments and resins. SunJet is the and solvent chemistries.’ division making inkjet inks, with headquarters and technical development AquaCure is a functional aqueous formulation that can contain up centre in Midsomer Norton, where it also makes screen inks and circuit to 80% water, with pigmentation and vehicle components. The print is

www.dlpmag.com 26 INKS AND TONERS initially dried with media heating and hot air to remove water, thereby pin- nitrogen inertion to minimise odour and taint to ensure complete through ning the ink, followed by UV or EB curing. Using water provides several curing. The two-pack ink system reduces the film build weight, which is advantages, not least a lower ingredient cost, while allowing low viscosity widely seen as a potential problem when printing onto thin films. Fujifilm formulations that perform well in the latest generation of fast, high quality is continuing to develop new UV LED inkjet technologies suitable for the printheads. What is more significant is the final print that has a much EMEA and American markets. lower film thickness compared with 100% solid UV inkjet, which will provide a boost to the acceptance of inkjet in labels and packaging. The More joining ink is suitable for printing onto a variety of substrates without any need Some companies believe that water-based inks (although they may con- for priming, and the low film profile – similar to flexo or gravure – will tain solvents and organic humectants) will open up packaging markets. open up flexible packaging applications. Heidelberg, Landa and KBA-Xerox are promoting their water-based inks SunJet is very aware of the food safety requirements, moving experts for the sheetfed carton presses coming to market. In corrugated, HP, in from the analogue business to make sure the inkjet conforms to the Screen/BHP, SunJet and Bobst are using water-based inks, but EFI and legislation across the world. Barberán are working with UV curing, while Durst uses a hybrid UV/water system in its Water Ink. Designing inks Agfa also has much experience in producing low migration UV curing ink, particularly for the growing direct to shape market where it supplies inks suitable for printing onto plastic cups. These inks use high molecu- lar weight components that are inherently low migration, including poly- merisable Norrish Type II photoinitiators (the photochemical homolysis of aldehydes and ketones into two free radical intermediates – which I am sure you remember). The company sells inkjet inks under the Altamira brand for packag- ing and labels, with the Altamira Pack LMX ink targeted at migration- sensitive applications including direct print on food containers and blister foils. The company stressed that food-safe packaging printing Inkjet drop analysis equipment at SunJet laboratories results from the correct combination of substrate, low migration ink with the print system and conditions (especially curing), type of food, and As the market matures more players are joining in. Siegwerk started processing conditions after printing. This food or pharma safety needs to to develop inks for labels (UV curing) and packaging (water-based) in be proven by migration testing. 2013, opening an inkjet facility in Annemasse, France, last year. Over Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems (FSIS) is a leading producer of inkjet 90% of Siegwerk ink is for packaging and labels, and it is focused on inks for graphics, packaging and industrial products. Based at Broad- the sector and understands converter and brand-owner requirements. stairs, in Kent, it has a focus on supplying robust, reliable products Matthieu Carni, business development manager, said, ‘The opening of tailored to a range of specific applications. Packaging should not Siegwerk’s inkjet centre created incredible momentum with our partners affect any food contents and this means migration levels of volatile ink and customers and we are excited to be supporting them in this rapidly and coating components at levels of less than 10 parts per billion. As changing environment. Now that inkjet is making its way into labels and analytical chemistry develops these limits will fall. FSIS recently spent packaging, we see a growing demand for application-driven inkjet ink several hundred thousand pounds to acquire a Q-TOF (Quadropole systems. The market pull for customised solutions fits excellently with Time Of Flight) mass spectrometer to identify minute quantities of trace our value proposition based on application expertise, product safety and contaminants, which is an important capability when designing inks for ink performance.’ food contact applications. FSIS takes ink development very seriously, Nazdar supplies UV and UV LED inkjet inks for a variety of equipment continually improving its manufacturing methods and testing processes including narrow web label presses. It competes with equipment suppli- to ensure full safety for customers. ers to provide alternatives to the manufacturers ink with a lot of business In Japan, Fujifilm is using a novel two-pack UV curing ink on the 520 in wide format. mm wide MJP20W flexible packaging press. This uses a base primer that In the preparation of this article I visited several inkjet ink manufactur- is a component of the ink vehicle; the jetted ink includes pigment, mono- ers and spoke to many others. All see packaging as a major, growing mer and initiator printed onto the primer. This is cured under cool LED, market opportunity over the next few years and are spending considerable allowing thin heat-sensitive films to be printed, with the system using sums in development, manufacturing and distribution. •

www.dlpmag.com CUSTOMIZED INKJET SOLUTIONS FOR PERSONALIZED PACKAGING Siegwerk inks for digital printing YOUR BENEFITS: The printing world continues to develop and market requirements are also changing. Less mass production, · Label and Packaging expertise increased flexibility and customization options are highly demanded. Inkjet printing has all the answers for this with · Low migration inks regard to packaging printing. Siegwerk offers excellent UV inkjet inks for labels and waterbased inkjet inks for · Taylor made solutions packaging.

www.siegwerk.com

Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA · Alfred-Keller-Straße 55 · 53721 Siegburg · Tel.: +49 (0) 2241-304-0 · Fax: +49 (0) 2241-304-777 · [email protected]

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Digital Printer Matrix Full Page Foiling Feb 17 PrintWeekLive Packaging Innovations 17.indd 1 24/01/2017 11:58 SHOW PREVIEW 29 Innovation in packaging on show

Visitors will have plenty to see at the UK’s leading packaging event, which returns to the NEC Birmingham on 1 and 2 March. There will be 350 exhibitors plying their wares alongside a packed seminar programme on all things packaging.

ackaging Innovations (including Ecopack and Contract Pack), Label&Print and Empack 2017 has got more to offer than ever be- Pfore with an expanded exhibitor base, more new product launches and over 30 hours of educational content. Label&Print is the UK’s fastest growing packaging print and label exhibition in the UK. Features galore Features always play a major role at the show, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn and interact with some of the most influential names from the packaging industry. In the HP Label&Print Theatre, our sister publication FlexoTech will

host The Flexo Debate, which returns for the fourth time to debate in- The Label&Print show returns to the NEC novation and challenges in flexo printing today. Chaired by editor Michal Lodej on day two at 11:10am, this seminar will feature a panel of leading new gloss super varnish is a cost-effective alternative to clear gloss foil printers and pre-press experts, who will discuss the latest developments, or screen-printed ink, highlighting specific areas of the label. trends and challenges in flexographic printing. API Group (M26) will launch its new API Trends Folio, which has Also on day two, the Big Print Debate will be chaired by Gareth Ward, been curated by the company’s creative development manager, David editor of Print Business, who will be focusing on inkjet technology and Peters. The Folio acts as a source of inspiration for packaging designers, asking if its time has finally arrived? In another session Katherine Conto, agencies and brand owners. It has been designed to be a working docu- R&D global senior packaging technologist, Mondeléz International, will ment that will be updated during the year with the latest macro-trends and be looking at flexible packaging and the packaging needs of the con- creative uses of foils, films and laminates as they are launched. sumer. Packaging as a key enabler for the Internet of Things will be the CS Labels (G15) will show its flexible stand up pouches printed on topic for a session from Cameron Worth, founder, SharpEnd, while Geert its Xeikon presses. These are available in various materials and finishes, Berckmans, commercial director at Blippar, will reveal what the packag- such as double or tri-laminate PET/PE films in metallic, clear, white ing industry can learn from FMCG adoption of AR. Also of interest will and kraft paper constructions. The company can manufacture to BRC be how learnings from neuroscience can enhance packaging design by food safe standards in its specially designed cleanroom. Simon Smith, Chris Peach, who is head of packaging and design at Marketing managing director, said, ‘We want our customer to make the most of the Sciences Unlimited. benefits that digital can bring – flexibility, special effects, personalisation, versioning and variable data capabilities.’ Innovative show floor Dantex (H23) will have a fully operational PicoColour digital The event will feature a wealth of international suppliers, which will be press running on stand for the duration of the show. The press has a demonstrating the latest industry innovations to the dedicated audience printing width of 210 mm and running capacity of 35 m/min. It works of key decision-makers and buyers. with UV-based inks and is available with CMYK plus white. ‘With the Abbey Labels (H20) will be exhibiting a range of self-adhesive majority of printers under market pressure to offer the benefits of digital

labels, including scratch-off and five-page peel & reveal. The company’s print – shorter runs, flexibility, quick turnaround and cost effective label q

www.dlpmag.com 30 SHOW PREVIEW solutions – the PicoColour is the ideal solution for label producers,’ said sales manager, Andy Abbott. Domino Printing Sciences (K13) will focus on its ‘Textures by Domino’ technology printed on the N610i press to show visitors the variety of effects that can be created with inkjet, with lower costs than by using textured papers. It will also demonstrate the Domino K600i monochrome printer, which can be used to create a digital cold foil effect. Finally the company will debut its AX-series of continuous inkjet printers. This includes the Ax150i, an entry-level printer suitable for all budgets, and the Ax350i, which combines a remote user interface with high printer speed and quality. Also, part of the new AX-series, the Ax550i is particu- larly suitable for harsh environments. A full seminar programme will be on offer Durst Phototechnik (H12) will be showing print samples produced on its Tau 330 and Tau 330 E inkjet presses. The Tau 330 platform is Label Apeel (H19) said it will be taking an artful approach to the a UV inkjet label press with more than 100 installations worldwide. It show and set up its stand as ‘a gallery of labels’ to display its capabilities features a 330 mm print width, up to seven colours (CMYK+OVW) and and latest projects. offers printing speeds of up to 48 m/min with up to 1260 dpi print reso- Martek Industries (E4) will be showing the Valentin DuoPrint two lution. The budget-priced, single pass Tau 330 E press features highly colour label printer, which is specifically designed for printing GHS pigmented UV inks for reduced ink consumption, and is designed for the chemical labels in two colours simultaneously. Also on its stand will be small and medium-sized label converters. the Flexacode handheld inkjet printer, which is fully portable and allows Epson (G23) will demonstrate the ColorWorks series of desktop for printing text, logos, barcodes and 2D codes onto porous or colour label inkjet printers and portable LabelWorks labelling devices, non-porous materials. including the new LW-Z700FK, which makes its UK debut at the show. Mercian Labels (B26) will show its expertise in custom printed The LabelWorks range features handheld industrial label printers for self-adhesive labels, cartons and security seals. The company specialises labelling electrics, cabling, including audio/video cables, data communi- in digital label and carton printing, and high volume variable data and cations equipment, as well as pipes and machinery. barcode labels. Herma UK (E5) will be showcasing its Tamper Evident Labeller, Qualvis Packaging (G45) will be promoting its new digital print which has been developed to meet the requirements of the Falsified capability for folding cartons. The company has recently installed two Medicine Directive 2011/62/EU. The labeller prints a unique 2D code Xerox iGen production lines (see also News p4). and serial number to each carton. A vision system verifies and stores the QuickLabel (G21) will be exhibiting its new range of colour label codes. A tamper evident label is applied to each side of the pack and the printers for in-house production. This includes the new QL-800 high secure pack exits the machine sealed with a unique identifier. speed, wide format colour printer which prints labels 54 to 214 mm wide HP (G27) will be at the show to discuss its range of digital presses, at 1600 dpi. which includes the WS6800, 20000 and 30000. These have been SPGPrints (J26) will be present to display print samples from the designed for high-quality printing applications such as labels and shrink DSI UV inkjet press and discuss customers needs in the label sector. sleeves, flexible packaging, folding cartons and more. VIP Color Europe (H11) will present its VP700 digital print on Impression Technology Europe (J10) will show the Vortex 850R demand colour label printer, which is powered by Memjet thermal inkjet memjet label printer, the Eclipse LF3 laminator/digital cutter and Com- technology and prints at a speed of 18 m/min. press LP4 dry toner digital label printer. The show will also be the UK Vivid Laminating Technologies (G11) will showcase the finishing launch of the Eclipse DC220 finishing system, which uses a semi-rotary effects achievable on its Matrix and Easymount systems and Boss range die-cutting system. of lamination film and special effect foils. The Boss Premium Foil range KTEC Group (H6) will have a wide range of printing equipment on allows metallised effects to be added to packaging and print. The foiling its stand, including the NSPro and NSF22 mid range digital press and and over-printable coloured foils work by combining the Matrix with a finishing machine from New Solution, which promises a cost of £0.35 digital printer. per metre of printed material including inks, parts, service and warranty. Zünd Plotting Systems UK (G29) will be exhibiting a Zünd S3 It will also show the Primera range, including the FX1200E multi-lane M1600 digital cutting system. The modular S3 range includes a variety of press, CX1200E label press and CX1000E press, along with printers from sizes, tools, modules and material handling systems; the model on show Epson, VIPColor, Toshiba, NeuraLabel and SwiftColor. will be one of the larger options. •

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* To find out more, download our Visit us on Stand K13 White Paper www.N610i.com 01 & 02 March 2017 | NEC Birmingham www.dominoprinting.com/UKdigitaldebate 32 INNOVATION Packaging keeps getting smarter

Information is the name of the game, whether it is offering more about the product to the consumers or gathering intel on their shopping habits; verifying the authenticity of a product or tracking it through the supply chain; the possibilities are endless.

he term ‘smart’ or ‘intelligent’ packaging has been in our vocabulary Jim Reiman, director of for a few years now. QR codes, or invisible marks printed onto brand protection for Sun Tthe packaging, signifies access to content provided by the brand Chemical, said, ‘We’re owner, while new technologies play a vital role as anti-counterfeiting particularly excited by DSS’ measure and tracking devices. advanced smartphone au- thentication capabilities and Intelligent goods how they complement our A new collaboration between global packaging company WestRock, inno- own product portfolio.’ vator and technology provider Digimarc and software company Evrythng DSS’ brand protection Protecting the brand with AuthentiGuard is taking advantage of the thirst for interaction by introducing a so-called solutions include a portfolio from DSS ‘connected packaging solution’. This combines Digimarc’s enabled of products, which help barcode technology with Evrythng’s IoT (Internet of Things) Smart Prod- businesses and governments protect against fraud and counterfeiting. ucts Platform to bring embedded, real time, connected digital intelligence The AuthentiGuard enables consumers or supply chain personnel to to billons of WestRock packages, in-store signs and displays. validate product authenticity with a smartphone. As part of this new offering, which is designed for paper-based Mike Tobin, vice president of marketing at DSS, said, ‘We have made consumer packaged goods (CPG) products, WestRock will print Digimarc significant investments in brand protection solutions like AuthentiGuard barcodes that can be scanned by smartphones, point of sale scanners and this partnership with Sun Chemical, one of the most respected and other devices. These invisible barcodes are repeated across the companies in the market, helps to validate our strategy.’ whole surface of the product and other media. The company explains that these ‘digital triggers’ are integrated with the IoT platform, giving Breakthrough year each product a unique Active Digital Identity (ADI) and data profile in The AIPIA, the acronym for the Active & Intelligent Packaging Industry the cloud. Association, said after its annual congress last year that ‘a new age ‘WestRock’s Connected Packaging Solutions brings new levels of real- of packaging has dawned’ and that 2016 had been ‘something of a time interactivity to paper based consumer packages globally,’ said Craig breakthrough year for active and intelligent packaging technologies’, with Gunckel, president of enterprise solutions and displays business seg- companies such as Stora Enso, NXP, Thinfilm, Digimarc and Zappar all ments. ‘The combination of smart packaging, powered by smart software showing products already providing security and supply chain solutions, in the cloud, makes literally billions of packaged goods more intelligent, as well as major marketing opportunities, to brand owners. more interactive, more trackable and more valuable to CPG companies Commenting on a report by Nielsen on the power of packaging design, and their customers.’ Eef de Ferrante, executive director, said, ‘Good design is very important, but new ways to engage customers and grab their attention, using active Sun smart and intelligent packaging, are now firmly on the agendas of many brand Sun Chemical and Document Security Systems, Inc (DSS) have gone owners. We have seen some major applications in 2016, with many more into partnership to cross-market and sell one another’s anti-counterfeiting set to roll out in the coming year.’ products. Sun Chemical will market and sell DSS’ suite of anti-coun- He added, ‘Consumer engagement is a key element of active and intel- terfeiting technologies that include smartphone authentication, hidden ligent packaging adoption for many brands. Marketing through packag- images and copy protection. DSS will also market and sell Sun Chemi- ing to millennial consumers and smartphone users of all ages is really cal’s wide range of anti-counterfeiting solutions, including multiple covert gathering pace. We expect packaging to go from being a ‘dark horse’ to taggant-reader systems, special effect inks and smart sensor technology. a front runner in this particular race.’ •

www.dlpmag.com ADVERTORIAL 33

Printing Solutions for On-Demand Label Printing

anufacturers of almost any type often find themselves Speaking of finishing – the FX1200e Digital Finishing System in need of short- to medium-run, full-colour customised completes the digital label production as it “finishes” the printed product labels. The reasons are many: for use on proto- output with several different operations including: lamination, Mtype products, promotional campaigns, and perhaps most often, digital die-cutting, waste matrix removal, slitting and rewinding. because the manufacturer has many different products that are all Utilizing Primera’s QuadraCut™ technology, virtually any size and produced in smaller quantities. shape of label can be produced including complicated contour cuts, In all of these cases, the quality of these labels is extremely impor- without the need to purchase expensive rotary or flat dies. tant. Providing a professional appearance on packages can easily make the difference between a product selling well or simply sitting Alternative: LX2000e – Primera’s inkjet-based on the retail shelf. Putting the most professional colour labels pos- industrial printer sible on products will set them apart from others. This is especially As an alternative to label printers using laser technology, Primera important for smaller manufacturers who can actually increase their offers with its LX-series printer models for smaller production sales by making their products stand out through innovative pack- runs using inkjet technology instead. One of the latest modes is aging and labelling. It also allows manufacturers of all sizes to offer the LX2000e Color Label Printer, a new industrial-grade desktop private label goods in smaller quantities. printer suitable for use in off- and in-line productions. It stands out Primera Technology, a leading developer and manufacturer of especially for its robust construction, its reliability and consistency speciality printer, successfully developed short to medium-run label of the printing output which is extremely important for example in solutions using inkjet- or laser-based technology. Primera’s product the logistics or chemical sector. line of colour laser label presses and digital finishing systems is LX2000e is Primera’s fastest pigment inkjet label printer us- called CX/FX-Series, which includes the CX1200e Color Label Press. ing BS5609 certified ink. In combination with various synthetic CX1200e is the perfect solution for a broad range of manufactur- materials like the company’s own Tuffcoat Extreme Polyjet mate- ers who need to print from just a few labels to tens of thousands of rial, LX2000e labels are highly water and UV resistant and therefore labels at a time. Digital label printing has many advantages versus fulfil all equirementr for GHS compliant labelling. This durability other printing technologies, including the elimination of plates, supports applications such as frozen or refrigerated foods, bever- set-up, make-ready and clean-up. ages, but also bath and shower products or containers and drums Key features of the CX1200e include 2400 dpi print resolution of chemicals. Large, separate ink cartridges keep cost per label low and print speed of five meters per minute. With that the CX is able while print speeds of 152mm/s, along with 210mm print width pro- to deliver professional full-colour print quality along with high- duce full colour labels extremely fast. Wired Ethernet, USB 2.0 and speed production. CX1200e output has much deeper and far more wireless connectivity enables an easy integration of the LX2000e in vibrant colours. existing production processes, allows printing jobs to be decentral- A wide variety of substrates can be printed on CX1200e, includ- ized started and controlled and supports the cost evaluation. ing matte, semi-gloss and glossy laser plain papers, white and clear polyesters and many more. The built-in electronic tensioning See them in action control system delivers perfectly wound output rolls that are ready Primera’s UK distributor KTEC GROUP will showcase the LX-series for off-line finishing. inkjet label printers and the CX/FX laser printing and finishing systems at the following shows:

• Label&Print (co-located with Packaging Innova- tions) – Stand H6, NEC Birmingham, 1–2 March 2017 • Pro2Pac – Stand N600, ExCeL London, 20–22 March 2017

At Pro2Pac, representa- tives of Primera Tech- nology Europe will join the team of KTEC. http://primeralabel.eu

www.dlpmag.com 34 LASER CUTTING Laser sharp shapes

The agility offered by cutting labels using a laser is well suited to digital printing technology. Neel Madsen speaks to a handful of manufacturers about the advantages and potential issues of laser cutting.

igital label printing, with its shorter runs and fast turnaround are numerous,’ said ABG’s laser business development manager Floriana times, has changed the demands on finishing equipment. Each Montella. ‘There is no need to keep a wide library of conventional dies, Dlabel can be different in terms of colour and design, so it is only tying up limited resources, such as money and space.’ natural to expect the same from the shape, but cutting with a solid or ‘Laser technology has come a long way, and new advancements are semi-rotary flexible die does not offer this option. Enter the laser with taking place every day,’ said David Grenwis, marketing coordinator its flexibility to cut each label to a different shape and even to a different at Delta ModTech. ‘The laser’s claim to fame is that it can cut through cutting depth. intricate, tricky patterns that would be difficult for a traditional rotary The synergy between digital printing and laser cutting offers a smooth die-cutter.’ He continued, ‘It is also a prototype friendly technology with and much faster workflow. William Dinauer, president of LasX Industries, a quick turnaround. Laser cutting doesn’t require hard tooling, so it’s said, ‘Being digital in nature, laser cutting is highly compatible with digi- ideal if you want to create quick prototype. You can then invest in a more tal print. The ability to create the print and laser files in the same artwork durable rotary cut die down the road for long runs.’ file streamlines the workflow processes.’ The latest developments in laser cutting can be seen particularly in the software that drives the modules and integrates them with the workflow in label production. Here as in most other sectors, automation and digitisation is the name of the game. Automation ABG International has been developing laser technology for 16 years and at last year’s Labelexpo showcased the new Digilase workflow solution. ‘We have developed software that in conjunction with an MIS compiles the artwork automatically into a laser file that is optimised for the die shape. Each job’s cutting/slitting criteria is downloaded directly onto the machine and sets up the back scorer and slit- ting knives automatically,’ explained Ms Montella. She continued, ‘Our Complier software package is unique. Not only because it can be modified/ ABG Digicon converter with Digilase module upgraded by our engineers to meet each customer’s ‘Companies that have invested in digital printing equipment have done specific needs, but also for its functionality, which allows a completely so due to the need to provide short job turnaround times and unlimited automatic workflow changeover. The software processes a job in advance, printing possibilities for their customers,’ said Mike Bacon, VP of sales so when the printed web enters the laser cutter, the job barcode has and marketing at Spartanics. ‘Laser cutting provides immediate job already been read and the laser is prepared for that individual job, mini- turnaround and unlimited cutting possibilities at no additional cost. Many mising set-up time. customers are still able to charge set-up fees that go directly to the bot- ‘The software controls every single step of every job printed on the tom line of any label job.’ same roll and automatically adjusts the register and the settings at each There are also a number of cost savings. ‘The benefits of using a laser job changeover.’

www.dlpmag.com LASER CUTTING 35

Grafisk Maskinfabrik (GM) has many file for the automation finishing pro- years of experience with laser cutters. It cess. William Dinauer said, ‘Generally, has supplied both cutting, marking and the graphics department works with a engraving applications for the self- tool, such as Adobe Illustrator (AI), to adhesive market, passport production and produce artwork, differentiate layers advanced OPV organic solar cells. and edit each layer of a file accordingly, The company’s main product is the which is a powerful advantage when us- DC330Hybrid combination finishing line ing the same software. By exporting the with laser and conventional semi-rotary file to a PDF, the file can serve both the die-cutter in one machine, as well as a printer and the laser.’ low cost entry solution, the LC330 Laser The system employs a barcode, Compact 330. which is used to register the laser cut CEO Uffe Nielsen said, ‘GM launched via a camera reading, and each print a fully automated solution at Labelexpo repeat is registered. This means that 2016. We will continue this trend and every label or part from the first to the develop solutions for fully automated lines last is cut accurately and there is no with cloud connectivity and integration waste in trying to dial in the die register. towards existing digital print solutions like The barcode is placed at every repeat or the Xeikon front end. We are also looking The Flex Edge from Delta ModTech can run roll to roll, the lead edge of the sheet. into offering more economic versions of sheetfed or inline Spartanics offers the SR350, a the LC330 for entry solutions.’ standard semi-rotary die-cutting system, GM too has developed a full automation suite of software to support which has been designed to allow customers to add a laser module at the workflow between the press and the laser converting unit. Mr Nielsen any point in the future. Mike Bacon said, ‘Spartanics continues to be a explained, ‘As an example, it is possible to stack up a full roll of jobs and leader with our L350 Laser Cutting Machine, which is strictly used for then convert them in one go with out stopping the laser. Another example customers that require converting options and laser cutting. Our SRL350 is to run the laser inline with the digital press and change job on the fly.’ includes both semi-rotary and laser cutting, along with other convert- ing options.’ For companies that require part extraction, the L350 roll to Integration part machine integrates an extraction device into the laser cutting line to Delta ModTech has been integrating lasers into converting systems for extract parts from a web of material. over 15 years, most recently under the Edge Laser Technology brand. ‘Most laser cutting software works with PDF files that are typically used It offers the Edge, a modular laser system mounted onto the Crusader when generating a digital printing RIP. A designer selects the die line by rotary converting platform, and the Flex Edge, which is a standalone sys- simply clicking the die layer within the AI file. For example, a laser cut tem, which can run roll to roll, sheetfed or inline with another converting file is extracted through the laser cutting software. Some laser cutting machine. The company also provides custom laser cutting systems that systems can be integrated to work with the RIP software so additional file are designed for specific process and production demands. set-up steps are eliminated,’ he said. David Grenwis said, ‘Recently we’ve integrated barcode readers to load new cut profiles to the laser on the fly. This allows for pattern Potential issues changes without stopping to load a new program mid roll and shortening There are a few known issues that users need to be aware of, such as changeover time.’ white edges, adhesive bleed and scoring. This is dependent on the type LasX Industries was founded in 1998 to deliver laser digital cutting of substrate used, and while a laser can cut very intricate patterns, the solutions to the manufacturing industry. In 2015, the company expanded difficulty of the die line will affect the speed. operations into Europe by opening a sales, service and integration ‘Substrates are a challenge,’ said Mr Nielsen. ‘Even with new 10.2 nm engineering facility in Germany. Its primary product is the LaserSharp lasers that are optimised for PP, there is some melting edge. PVC and Processing Module (LPM), which can be integrated into automated mate- PE are difficult to cut as well. Problems of discolouration on cut to edge rial handling systems in roll, sheet or part format. were more pronounced in the past, but can now be managed via the right With a LasX solution, the laser system exists as a node on the network material choice. Finally cutting on laminated substrates still presents a and the file is dropped into a hot folder where it is automatically prepared challenge,’ he added.

to run via the RIP. This workflow simplifies the process and prepares the Mr Grenwis said, ‘Lasers may struggle with more difficult materials, q www.dlpmag.com 36 LASER CUTTING and it is best to have the material laser tested for cut- ting feasibility. A rotary die usually cuts through any substrate at approximately the same speed, but the laser speed will be dependent on the cut pattern.’ He added, ‘Rotary die is better for handling big produc- tion runs, as it can cut at a faster rate and ultimately a lower cost.’ A traditional rotary die will compress the edge of the label and offer a clean cut. The ‘white edge’ is often mentioned as a problem for laser cutting. Mr Dinauer commented, ‘A common issue with laser converting of labels are with full-bleed printed labels as the laser will leave a white, visible edge due to the angle in processing the outside edge and the interaction of the laser with the ink.’ He explained that as a workaround, there are methods that remove the GM’s DC330Hybrid combination finishing line with laser and conventional semi-rotary die-cutter label from the liner and cut it from the back, and then reapply it to the liner. However, he recommended that ‘Synchronisation with digital print is an area of growth, as short run concerns of the adhesive near the edge of the laser labels being damaged needs will continue to be in demand and push new market segments,’ must be tested before implementing this alternative to the problem. said LasX president, William Dinauer. He also pointed to flexible packag- ing as a key area growth area, as lasers provide a major advantage in The future providing consumer convenience features in packaging. Fully automated set ups, faster processing speeds and new applications He concluded, ‘Printers and converters need to diversify to survive are driving laser cutting into the future. Uffe Nielsen said that GM is long-term by making investments that will give them the ability to expand seeing a growing demand in fully automated set ups – so called ‘Industry into other markets such as industrial, electronics, medical, textile and 4.0’ solutions – and that there is also a steady flow of request for solu- more. Laser processing solutions are a viable solution in expanding tions for ultra short-run applications. Delta ModTech’s Dave Grenwis market potential, especially with the advantage of integration with digital said that the increased speeds of the new large format digital printers will printing equipment and automation technologies such as robots to sort push laser manufacturers to increase the laser processing speeds. and stack sheeted products.’ •

Selling points • Digital workflow • Ease of automation • Zero tooling costs • Zero tooling storage • Variable cutting depth • Instant design change • Order of one • Intricate patterns • Instant verification • Prototype friendly • Quick turnaround • Just in time production • Long lasting • User friendly

Laser cutting on the Spartanics stand at Labelexpo 2016

www.dlpmag.com Digital Finishing Solutions with LasX

LasX Europe Engineering Capabilities u Barcode driven workflow u Equipment tailored to your specifications u Retrofit laser into existing equipment u Sheet and roll-fed configurations u Vision registration and inspection u Robot feeding, sorting, and stacking u Integrate multiple processes such as printing, coating, laminating, die-cutting, slitting

Laser Processes LaserSharp Solutions Built to Specification u Perforating u Cutting u On-demand Folding Cartons u Kiss-cutting u Easy-open Flexible Packaging u Slitting u Breathable Flexible Packaging u Engraving u Antennas for RFID Labels u Etching u Variable Shape Marketing & u Scoring Craft Media u Ablating Delivering engineered roll-fed and sheet-fed equipment powered by world-class LaserSharp® Processing Modules for over 20 years

Europe’s Laser Expert in engineered roll-fed and sheet-fed digital finishing solutions

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LasX Europe GmbH • Bohlenweg 8 • D-30853 Langenhagen • www.lasx.eu • Phone: +49 511 515 411 90 38 COMPANY NEWS The next big thing

The fourth revolution, after the personal computer, the internet and mobile connectivity, is artificial intelligence, or AI, according to EFI CEO Guy Gecht. This was the theme of his opening address at the company’s 2017 user conference, EFI Connect, in Las Vegas. Neel Madsen reports.

know it is a scary thing,’ said Mr Gecht in his keynote ‘ speech, ‘but I believe we should embrace AI and use Iit to our advantage.’ He explained that EFI is look- ing to explore this type of technology to offer ‘smart’ presses and ‘smart’ technical support, in order to reduce maintenance costs and improve the first-time fix rate. ‘It is a few years away, but it is an exciting area, which we are investing in,’ he said and cited the idea of learning and improving as characteristics of AI that fit with EFI’s core strategy. ‘We try to add value,’ he said. When asked about the likelihood of ‘lights out’ production becoming a reality, he declared that this would ‘absolutely’ happen.

Chatting by the fire One CEO to another: Guy Gecht interviewing Xerox’s Jeff Jacobson by the fire There were in excess of 1000 customers in the audience at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas in January when EFI opened its 17th Family business annual user conference. Each year, Mr Gecht takes the opportunity to Joel Quadracci has been the CEO of family company Quad/Graphics interview leading figures in the industry during his ‘fireside chats’. On the since 2006. The Wisconsin-business was founded by his father in 1971, stage this time was recently appointed CEO of Xerox, Jeff Jacobson, fol- and today it employs 20,000+ staff across North and Latin America, as lowed the next day by EFI customer Quad/Graphics CEO, Joel Quadracci. well as a site in Poland. Its packaging division, QuadPackaging was es- Mr Jacobson spoke about creating a winning culture in the newly tablished three years ago, initially starting out in folding cartons, as that divided company. He said,’ Our job is to provide shareholder value, sector was most closely aligned to its experience in commercial print. but to do that you have to take good care of your customers and your This part is now a $200 million business in its own right. employees,’ and described the split of Xerox into two entities as an opportunity ‘to unlock more value for the shareholders.’ He Printers are in a good position to bridge continued, ‘As part of the separation, we have de-layered and my job is to be the face of the company. I want to install pas- the various channels of communication. sion, energy and accountability into every member of our team. ‘ Joel Quadracci, Quad/Graphics This business is about personal commitment and building ’ relationships.’ Talking about the company’s path to success, Mr Quadracci described In a separate session for the 100+ press and analysts present at times of economic turmoil as the perfect opportunity to pitch a differ- the conference, Andrew Copley, president graphics communications ent approach. He said, ‘Never waste tough times as that’s when people solutions, described the split as ‘a new chapter for Xerox’. ‘We have an are willing to try new things.’ He said, ‘Printers are in a good position opportunity to reinvent ourselves and simplify how we operate, to be to bridge the various channels of communication to offer a connected easier to do business with,’ he said. Mr Copley outlined the new strategy campaign for the customer.’ This philosophy, along with the willingness for Xerox, saying that the company is in a unique position to influence to embrace new disruptive technologies, has seen the provider of print the digital transformation and that it wants to capture the new growth in and marketing services over the years transform into a trailblazer that inkjet and packaging. recorded $4.678 billion in annual revenues in 2015.

www.dlpmag.com COMPANY NEWS 39

Mr Quadracci said, ‘Our success is down to 1200 dpi. The widest machine was on show at Con- being able to connect the dots for our cus- nect, where it was also announced that US company tomers. You have to know how to solve your Sandy Alexander has added the 5r to its wide format customers’ problems, even if they don’t know division, in New Jersey. they are there. You have to understand what Also new was the 5.2 metre wide Vutek FabriVU they want before they realise it themselves.’ He 520 printer for soft signage. The printer can pro- explained that Quad got into packaging not just duce 446 square metres per hour in resolutions of due to its great growth characteristics, but also up to 2400 dpi, printing direct to textile or transfer because packaging is part of the whole cam- printing with the same inkset. EFI CFO Marc Olin paign that it offers its brand owner customers. commented that there has been ‘an explosion in demand for soft signage.’ In session Presented as a technology demo was the 65-inch In excess of 200 breakout sessions divided into wide, next generation wide format LED inkjet hybrid 15 tracks provided users with in-depth talks and roll/flatbed printer (yet to be named). This features opportunities to speak directly to the product Mr Gecht went into the audience to hear Cool Cure technology, Ricoh Gen 5 printheads and and industry experts, and learn from the experi- customers’ stories an updated user interface along with anti-media ence of other users. Topics in the Corrugated coning hardware, reduce noise level, enhanced com- and the Packaging tracks included presentations on the digital label and munication speeds, while the lamps have been upgraded to 8W from 4W. narrow web market forecast, opportunities and applications, and an intro- On the software side, version 5 of the Productivity Suites was intro- duction to version 5 of the Corrugated Packaging Print Suite. A panel of duced along with the new Fiery NX server and NX Station for fast RIPing Packaging Suite users discussed their go-live experiences, while Dawn and cut-sheet production automation, Fiery DFE products for wide- and Mutter, from folding carton manufacturer Firstan, reviewed her company’s superwide-format inkjet proofing and production, and Fiery Workflow experience moving from Radius PSA to PrintFlow. Suite offerings for document imposition, assembly, late-stage editing, As part of the conference, EFI partners 3M, Berger Textiles, Canon, visual makeready and pre-press automation. The newest version of EFI Duplo, Enfocus, Esko, KDX America, Klieverik, Kodak, Konica Minolta Fiery Navigator was also on display. Business Solutions USA, NextWave, The Print and Graphics Scholarship Meanwhile the Jetrion line of presses for labels and narrow web pack- Foundation, Print ReLeaf, Progress Software Corp, Ricoh Americas Corp, aging applications remains a focus for EFI, said Ken Hanulec, who is vice Riso, Xerox and Zünd were also present. president marketing for inkjet solutions, in his press briefing. He stated, New introductions to the EFI portfolio at Connect were the Superwide ‘We offer the lowest cost per label and there are now 250 installations Vutek 3r and 5r LED roll-to-roll printers, which offer speeds of up to up worldwide of the Jetrion press. Last year was a record year for us to 345 and 455 square metres per hour respectively in resolutions up to in labels.’ •

First beta site for Nozomi corrugated press will be in Spain Corrugated is a major focus for EFI and Mr Hanulec said that EFI is per inch with four-level greyscale imaging. talking to 15 major customers in that sector about the Nozomi C18000 Scheduled for installation this spring at the company’s Xàtiva site, press. This is not yet suitable for food-based applications, as that will the new press will be the latest digital printing advancement for Hino- require a new inkset, but is aimed at POS and retail ready boxes. Dur- josa, which installed a Barberan BIJB-1260 single pass digital line in ing the conference, it was announced that the first beta installation of 2013. It will include a new EFI Fiery digital front end, and the company the Nozomi, which was launched at drupa last year, will be at Spanish will also use the EFI Corrugated Packaging Suite manufacturing execu- packaging company Rafael Hinojosa, in March. tion system (MES) software workflow to streamline and automate job The press was described by Ken Hanulec as a new platform for preparation tasks. packaging, which EFI has plans to develop for labels and packaging. The company’s CEO said, ‘EFI’s single-pass corrugated board The corrugated press can print 75 m/min, producing up to 7224 sqm/ technology continues that tradition by establishing a new level of hr on materials from 14 point card stock to triple-wall board, including high-quality, higher-volume inkjet productivity that will give our traditional Kemi, model, bleach and kraft materials, at full press-rated customers a distinct competitive edge with reduced waste, just in time speeds. It can be configured with seven colours (CMYK plus optional supply chain efficiency and greater opportunities to grow sales with orange, violet and white) at a resolution of up to 360 x 720 dots multi-SKU marketing.’ www.dlpmag.com SOARING TO SUCCESS

For over a quarter of a century, Whitmar Publications has been delivering specialist industry intelligence to the printing and packaging sectors. Our respected magazines lead their markets, and each has its own dedicated website delivering the latest news and features. In addition, our awards are always keenly contested, and our digital newsletters are recognised as trusted sources of industry news.

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D IGITAL PRINT R

FO BRAND SUCCESS CONFERENCE 2016

+44 (0)1892 779 597 [email protected] www.paperandprint.com INTERVIEW 41

GOING DUTCH Interview with Peter Overbeek, CEO of Eshuis, by Des King

shuis, in the Netherlands, is What were the main challenges you one of HP’s longest-standing had to address? Ecustomers, and having been As one of the first printers in the Nether- used regularly as a reliable beta site lands to adopt digital, we were ahead of for successive new additions to the the competition, but likewise very much manufacturer’s portfolio currently on our own. We went with HP because we operates three WS6800 presses felt that they offered the best quality, the (also a Xeikon 8500) as well as hav- best solution – and we’ve always main- ing access to the flexible packaging tained very good contacts with them. We 20000 system. were giving them lots of feedback on all The privately-owned company the issues that we were struggling with, will be forever associated with the and over the years they have improved ground breaking ‘Share a Coke’ everything that we mentioned in those campaign in which it played a piv- early days. But the reason we get a better otal role by setting up and manag- performance than the competition from our ing the network of eight other HP Peter Overbeek, Eshuis CEO presses is because we have a very dedi- label manufacturers. The campaign cated team of people who are determined captured the imagination of de- to make the best out of the presses and lighted Coke drinkers and rival brand owners alike – and are just very passionate about digital printing. customisation morphed seamless from being a relatively under-used trade secret to a must-have brand-marketing And what have been the main gains? imperative almost overnight. Well, obviously in reducing the volume of plates we needed Since then, Eshuis was directly instrumental in developing to produce, but also in terms of pre-press using all our ca- the equally eye-catching and significantly more complex pabilities in being able to exchange jobs between analogue Coke ‘bow label’ in conjunction with Constantia Flexibles, and digital. We have some top-level pre-press people here which has gone on to garner any number of best in class who understand all about colour management and do a per- industry plaudits. It won the packaging innovation category fect job in ensuring that we exchange the files between the at the FlexoTech Awards last year. technologies as necessary and without the customer ever CEO Peter Overbeek charts a digital journey that started noticing any difference. In fact, maybe 70% of all the files 15 years ago and which through a talent for innovation and that now come in are digital. Meanwhile, in terms of output- a knack for forming strategic partnerships has helped the ting volume I’d say that we’re printing 20% digital. privately-owned Eshuis almost double its turnover to around €20 million in the process. How has customer awareness of digital developed over the years? When and why did you extend into digital print? Not that much specifically. They know it’s there, of course, We installed HP’s ws2000 press in 2002, and subsequently so for example they’re now used to ordering labels with the ws4000 two years later. Prior to that Eshuis had been short lead times, of say a couple of days, in the sure knowl- running both flexo and offset for self-adhesive labels and edge that it can be done. The bottom line though is that they flexible packaging, but the amount of pre-press involved don’t care about printing technology; they want a good label was making it impossible to fulfil the smaller volumes at or good packaging at a fair price. shorter lead times that our customers were expecting. For It’s really about the economics of short runs, however, and example, we were printing a lot of sachets for vegetable and only a small portion of the true potential of what digital can flower seeds but in very small quantities for which the num- deliver. Actually, my biggest problem today is that there’s ber of plates required was enormous – whereas with digital still the need to educate brand owners, because even some you just RIP from pre-press and start printing; so much of the big names don’t have a clue about what’s going on in

easier. That was the main reason for investing at that time. the digital printing world. q

www.dlpmag.com 42 INTERVIEW

And how has digital helped you and them to develop another, better version that comes along with added your businesses? capabilities. There are some brand owners who still need 18 months to prepare a marketing campaign; these are multi-nationals What advice would you give to anyone adopting too, and this is what their system allows them to do. It’s digital now? completely the reverse of what you can do today with digital Years ago I was asked that same question, and my very print capabilities, which can enable you to put together a short answer was, ‘Go for it.’ If you don’t have digital campaign in a couple of hours if necessary. The systems capabilities today then I’m not sure whether you’ve really are leading, and this is the problem for most companies understood the concept, because to my mind it’s something should they want to do things in a different way than before. that you cannot do without. You need to have creativity and a flexibility that their supply It’s not only short runs, it’s what you can do with version- chain simply doesn’t allow for. ing, personalisation, augmented reality, invisible digital codes you can incorporate to fulfil security requirements. There are so many things you can do using HP’s Mosaic software which enables you to make every pack or label unique. With these capabilities you should be able to conquer the world; certainly to enthuse the brand marketers and show them what can be done.

How do you see the future for digital print for packaging? I think if the promise of a 1 metre wide press running at a speed between 100–200 m/min comes good then it will destroy maybe 90% of all conventional printing. I know that there are HP people moving to Landa. I do think that they’ll Personalised Heineken beer bottles digitally printed for various events get there, but when and what the quality will be like, who knows? But there is a big market that’s suitable for this technology. There are other companies, however, which see their We have enquired about the price. It’s quite expensive, but market share maybe going down a little bit and so need to it’s a huge volume you need to address with such a device do something to halt that slide – and that’ll mean customer so that’s another issue. Maybe if you were working together attention, customer awareness and more customer engage- in a network then you could share this technology. ment. They do these campaigns to get back in business, In the meantime, we’ve done some trials with inkjet and and if you do them successfully then they really work. it looks pretty interesting, although there are still some I see a shifting role for us as a traditional converter as well technical hurdles to overcome, for example, there’s a thick to being more of a service provider and even project man- ink layer, which may cause problems. It is a very promis- agement, such as the network of eight European printers we ing technology although I did hear anecdotally that not assembled and ran for the ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, which too many presses are actually being sold. I would have depended upon a degree of co-operation that’s not always expected it to be more. • there in our industry.

It’s now a model I’m quite used to, and when there is trust then you can easily do it. One unanticipated benefit from it

has been a partnering arrangement we now enjoy with one of those competitors to use the new HP 20000 press. Every- one knows that when you work together with other compa- ‘ nies you’re far stronger; you can do much more than on My biggest problem today your own. is that there’s still the Looking back is there anything you wish you’d done need to educate brand differently? ‘ I don’t think there is. I’ve been very happy to have had such owners about digital. an open relationship with HP that has led to improvements year on year, namely ease of operation; the development of an end to end solution; and more and more options. It’s always a question of when to invest though, of course; you install a new machine this year, and by next year there’s CASE STUDY 43 Partners driving digital

The market launch of the Primefire 106 digital printing system is on schedule, says Heidelberg, as international packaging printer MPS begins the pilot phase in Germany.

ulti Packaging Solutions (MPS) has been announced as the its digital business model in packaging printing, its worldwide presence first pilot user of the Primefire 106, Heidelberg’s first B1 format and its industrial manufacturing approach build the right environment for Mdigital printing system. Featuring Fujifilm Inkjet Technology and testing under real life conditions. It brings us a big step closer in Heidelberg Multicolor technology, the press covers up to 95% of Pantone colours. The pilot phase started in January in cooperation with MPS’ German manufacturing facility in Obersulm. Reliability and service MPS specialises in packaging solutions for beauty and personal care, consumer and pharmaceutical brands and employs over 9000 people in 14 countries. The company is planning a major expansion of its digital packaging printing arm in order to offer customers significant added value at the point of sale. ‘Our customers include many well-known brand companies from industries like consumer and cosmetics. Fast, creative changes to the brand and product appearance are crucial here today to sales success. That’s why we offer these customers high-quality, flexible, and vari- able or personalised packaging solutions that will enable them to tap (L–R) Thomas Heissler, global account manager at Heidelberg, Götz Schümann, managing director, MPS Obersulm, and Montserrat into additional business potential and set themselves apart from their Peidro-Insa, head of digital sales and sheetfed digital general manager, competition. For this we need a reliable, industrial digital printing press Heidelberg like the Heidelberg Primefire 106 that can be integrated into our existing workflow,’ explained Steffen Schnizer, managing director and global head qualifying Primefire 106 for true production and starting to establish of beauty and personal care sales, MPS Obersulm. industrial digital printing in the market,’ said Montserrat Peidro-Insa, The image quality, reliability and rapid development of the technol- head of digital sales and digital sheetfed general manager. ogy following the world premiere at drupa 2016 and the company’s long MPS was introduced as the first user worldwide during a Heidelberg years of positive experience of working with Heidelberg in the area of open house at the beginning of February. Over 40 companies, including offset printing were key factors in the investment decision. ‘Our business packaging converters as well as some commercial printers from Europe model is based on zero tolerance of error, quality, availability and on-time and the US, participated in the event where they discovered how the delivery. We have many years of experience with Heidelberg as a reliable press can enable profit growths through new applications and business partner in the area of offset technology. Its quality and service pledge are models. Various presentations and workshops were held during the day, outstanding. As such we’re confident that Heidelberg digital technologies including live production of jobs, a deep dive into the FujiFilm Inkjet are also the right choice for us, and we look forward to being involved Technology and a demo of the Prinect digital front end with its integration in the market launch of the Primefire 106 as an early adopter,’ said Götz in existing workflow environments. Schümann, managing director, MPS Obersulm. ‘Digital applications in packaging printing are changing the market. Packaging will have to become more adaptable to each market segment, Perfect partner more relevant and more creative to attract more interest among consum- ‘[This] is a further milestone in the implementation of our digital strategy ers. This is exactly where we expect the Primefire 106 will bring in cooperation with our partner Fujifilm. In MPS we’ve found the perfect value to our operations and the industry,’ concluded Ms Montserrat company for the first Primefire 106 pilot. Our long-standing partnership, Peidro-Insa. •

www.dlpmag.com 44 CASE STUDY Digital cleans up for Talbot

Based in Newark, in Nottinghamshire, Talbot Chemicals first decided to take label printing in house 10 years ago. Neel Madsen went to see how the company now utilises digital to serve all its labelling needs.

oused in a purpose-built factory which we used for four years. To add on the Brunel Drive industrial an extra layer, they also suggested we Hestate, Talbot Chemicals pro- actually cut our own labels to size, duces a wide variety of chemical meaning we’d just order in one roll cleaning products for catering cleaning of material and then be able to cut suppliers, general cleaning companies, every single label on one unit. So we wholesalers, cash and carry, as well invested in an Eclipse LF3 label finish- as automotive cleaning companies. ing machine. It was a fairly bold move The manufacturer originally bought-in and significant investment, but one we labels from trade, then progressed definitely do not regret.’ to a ribbon and film transfer system, Talbot has its own blow-moulding before making the move in 2011 to facilities and manufactures containers a digital printer and a label finishing to customers’ specifications, with la- machine from Impression Technology bels designed (as needed) and printed Europe (ITE). Last year, Talbot added a in house. The products most often Compress LP4 digital label printer to need batch numbers, use by dates and its inventory. one or more CLP hazard pictograms. Production manager Stephen Mr Greenwood said, ‘Our customers Greenwood said, ‘Requirements vary are not trying to compete with the big and often we’ll get asked to produce brands, but they still want their prod- 20 bottles of one kind, or full pallets of ucts to look great and we can offer that. 20 of one kind of label and 20 another The labels also have to comply with kind. We realised this was inefficient in The latest investment at Talbot Chemicals is a Compress LP4 legislation. There is a lot of informa- LED label printer from Impression Technology Europe terms of ordering minimum quantities tion to fit in, but with our new system, of labels, and having to store these, not to mention waiting for delivery we can react to changes straightaway, whereas before would have needed and having to pass that extra time on to the customer. At base level it was to re-order and potentially dispose of redundant label stock.’ also proving expensive, and so we purchased a four-colour ribbon printer The latest investment is a Compress LP4 LED dry toner label printer, 10 years ago. This was step one for us and gave us the confidence to which run at speeds up to 9.14 m/min printing at a maximum print take more control in house.’ He continued, ‘However, the ribbons were resolution of 600 x 1200 dpi. Mr Greenwood said, ‘As technology expensive, and we were very limited in the type and size of labels we progressed we moved on to a Compress LP4, which has reduced the cost could produce. Having to cut labels to size by hand was just not cost of ink dramatically, half the price, in fact. Costwise we’ve shaved 40% off effective, and only being able to print solids was a real issue.’ each label produced. The glory is that the labels it produces are virtually Customers were increasingly asking for much shorter runs and differ- waterproof, so we can save on over-laminating too.’ ent size labels with more challenging designs, while a gradual change in Talbot Chemicals is the perfect example of how digital label printing legislation was resulting in residual stock, so the need to move to digital can easily be part of the in-house production no matter the size or type became obvious. company. It offers the manufacturer agility with quick turnaround, just Mr Greenwood continued, ‘After speaking with ITE we realised we in time production and no limit on design changes or number of could optimise even further. They recommended the Rapid X1 printer, labels produced. •

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No one in the value chain can afford to ignore the waste produced as part of the packaging process. Print production waste, matrix waste and release liners can all be recycled to avoid landfill.

nd users are increasingly demanding proof that printers and packaging producers are doing their bit for the envi- Eronment and sustainability. Most recycling schemes now offer certification to its members. Global producer of industrial, commercial and consumer care products, Henkel, has been awarded the RafCycle partner certificate for glassine paper liner recycling. In partnership with UPM Raflatac, Henkel’s beauty care business unit, which markets brands such as Schwarzkopf, has reduced its label liner waste to zero. The company generated more than 400 tons of siliconised glassine label liner waste at its Wassertrüdingen facility in Germany during 2016. Through UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle recycling concept, it has been able to recycle the entire amount, equivalent to 20 truckloads of liner waste. John Bambery, BPIF labels (second left), and Jon Hutton, Prismm Environmental (right) presenting the first Zero 2 Landfill certificates to David Hirst of PPL (left), The RafCycle concept gives a new life to self-adhesive label Vince Hughes, Interket UK, and Zenna Parfaniuk, The Label Makers waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled. In this latest project, UPM collects used label release liner from Henkel for suppliers to brand owners and major supermarkets. and recycles it into new graphic printing paper for books and magazines Amberley Labels is one of the 50+ converters that are taking part. at the Plattling paper mill, in Germany. It joined the scheme in 2015 and since then has diverted over 10,000 ‘Cooperating with our partners along our value chain is a key element tonnes of waste from landfill to a waste converter, which can convert the in our sustainability strategy,’ commented Greg Douglas, business devel- labels waste into biomass fuels. opment for tapes, labels, coatings in Europe at Henkel. ‘The partnership Prismm and BPIF labels now offer certification for label printers with UPM Raflatac reflects our belief that sustainability is inseparably enrolled in the Zero Labels 2 Landfill scheme. Over 50 sites have linked to innovation and efficiency. In our workshop with UPM Raflatac, successfully joined the scheme, all of which have been issued with our Henkel Laundry experts were able to develop additional ideas, setting individual certificates. the path for further improvements, especially in the field of new sustain- Any printer can benefit from the service, with as a little as 700 kg able label design.’ of label waste being cost effectively collected, ensuring everyone ‘Henkel has a wide-ranging role in the labelling value chain – both as has the opportunity to divert waste and help the industry achieve its a raw material supplier and as a label end user. This makes Henkel an environmental goals. The scheme is open to all printers, regardless of important partner for us, and the RafCycle programme is a vital element BPIF membership. of our cooperation,’ said Juha Virmavirta, director, RafCycle solutions. Certificates are issued annually and will be issued by BPIF labels once it has been confirmed that a site’s waste is being treated according to Boosting credentials the scheme’s compliance requirements. The logo can be used on all Set up by Prismm Environmental and BPIF labels, the Zero to Landfill business correspondence, such as letter headers, e-mail signatures and scheme launched in April 2013 as a regional pilot in South Yorkshire. business cards. The project is intended to cut the 200,000 tonnes of matrix and produc- Jon Hutton, sales director, said, ‘Together with BPIF labels, we would tion waste that is sent to landfill every year by UK label converters. This is like to congratulate all the scheme members for their achievements in not expected to help save costs while boosting the environmental credentials only raising their company’s environmental credibility, but also contribut- of the industry as a whole – something that is increasingly on the agenda ing to that of the industry.’ •

www.dlpmag.com 48 CASE STUDY Innovation centre benefits from Roland technology

Beatus Cartons in Wales launched a new innovation centre last year. A Roland VersaUV LEC-540 UV inkjet printer/cutter has been essential in making it a success.

amily owned and run Beatus Cartons is a design and manufacturing company that produces creative and versatile cartons for a range of Fproducts, from counter displays and confectionery boxes to shelf- ready packaging. Following 70 years of professional trading, sales director Clive Stinchcombe and managing director Steven Lord presented the idea of Beatus Cartons launching an innovation centre, which would serve as an environment for existing and potential customers to explore packaging ideas and then bringing these to life utilising the facilities. The centre would allow individuals to work with the company’s packaging specialists to mock-up initial concepts, before these were produced as samples. Mr Stinchcombe said, ‘While planning the concept for our new in- novation centre, we quickly realised that having the ability to offer instant Beatus Cartons can now offer accurate packaging prototypes prototypes and samples was essential. We therefore needed to invest in to allow customers to proof designs that would eventually be manufac- a device that could produce accurate product samples quickly and easily. tured at larger volumes. In addition to this, Clive and his team were able We searched the market for a machine with the best performance, quality to proof additional finishes and coatings – which until the purchase of and customer support and soon enough, our research established Roland the Roland DG machine, had to go offsite or require a full machine DG to be the stand out option.’ proofing; helping to save both time and money. In October 2015, to facilitate the impending launch, Mr Stinchcombe Mr Stinchcombe said, ‘Customers and potential customers alike are and his team purchased the Roland DG VersaUV LEC-540 UV inkjet blown away by the ability to spend a few hours in the innovation centre printer/cutter from authorised dealer, Revolution Digital. Printing in working directly with our team and to leave with fully printed and cut CMYK plus white and gloss, the LEC-540 had the ability to print prototypes. From the customer’s perspective, these samples can then be colour-accurate packaging prototypes that were virtually indistinguish- used for marketing purposes or exhibitions without the additional costs able from the finished product. of full manufacture. From my perspective as a sales director, by printing ‘The LEC-540 gave us the ability to instantly respond to a customer’s samples on the exact substrate that we can manufacture in larger vol- need with its integrated print, crease and cut functionality, meaning we umes, enables us to showcase our services to customers to help secure could deliver the end to end prototype without time-consuming manual new business leads.’ intervention. In conjunction with our in-house graphic artist, we were Since launching the centre in 2015, Beatus has welcomed copious able to work up an initial concept with a customer and then provide them businesses through its doors. This has resulted in new business leads with an accurate sample there and then. This really was essential for the and further strengthened relationships with existing clients. success of this project, without it the entire ethos of the innovation centre Following the success of its first year, Mr Stinchcombe said, ‘We have would have failed,’ Mr Stinchcombe added. a loyal customer base who value the service and quality we provide. First Prior to this investment, Beatus had to print samples onto standard class response, high quality products and great customer service is what paper, which often did not truly represent the full substrate and colours has been the driving force behind the company for over 75 years and the customer would eventually receive. With the ability to print realistic we hope that the addition of the innovation centre will see us grow and prototypes on virtually any substrate, the LEC-540 was the ideal solution expand even further.’ •

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‘How the market place is influencing developments in technology’ was the topic at BPIF labels’ autumn seminar, held at The Label Makers in Bradford. Neel Madsen reports.

elcoming the attendees to The Label Makers’ facility, manag- Full integration ing director David Webster spoke about how the market has Filip Weymans, VP marketing at Xeikon, gave a talk about the importance changed the way the printing company operates today. He said, W of automation and the company’s developments in digital embellishment, ‘The whole market has changed enormously to just in time production, such as tactile varnish, foiling and Braille. He said, ‘We are looking to smaller orders and more SKUs. Whereas in the old days, we would print create a digital production line, with the press and finishing equip- 100,000 of the same shampoo label, we are now looking at five to seven ment fully integrated.’ He emphasised the importance of connecting the SKUs and volumes of just 10,000 or 20,000 labels. Then the re-print will converting equipment with an MIS. ‘All processes need to communicate have a flash added or taken off, so the runs become even smaller, but the with each other,’ he said. ‘It’s about a changing market space and how you supermarkets still want the smaller amount of labels at the same price.’ react to it.’ Explaining the benefits of UV LED, Marcus Greenbrook, international sales manager at GEW, said that the technol- ogy has picked up faster in the US, with more partner- ships between press manufacturers and ink OEMs. Customers there are also more prepared to speak about having integrated UV LED than their European counterparts. Using the GB cycling team at the Olympics as an analogy, Andrew McKerlie, business development UK and Scandinavia at Cerm, talked about incremental improve- ments and how each link in the production chain plays a vital part in optimising the overall performance. Finishing line at The Label Makers The MIS is the hub of all information and through auto- mation, it is possible to go virtually paperless, eg job sheets To meet these demands, the company established a digital department are created from the sales order and there is no more re-entry of the same in 2011 when it installed its first Xeikon label press. This was followed by information at several points. Estimating, scheduling and impositioning two Durst inkjet machines, one in 2013 and the second in 2015, and in are also handled fully by the system, which will recommend the press to January this year, the Xeikon 3000 was replaced by a new CX3 press. The be used and report back. This all means cost and time savings; for exam- fleet of digital presses is complemented by two ABG finishing lines, ple saving three minutes per job is equivalent to an increase in efficiency a Digicon 3 and a Digicon Lite. of 20%, explained Mr McKerlie. In terms of volume, digital account for 20% of print, so conventional Niklas Olsson, global brand manager, Flint Group Narrow Web, spoke printing is still a big part of what The Label Makers do, said Mr Webster about UV LED inks – their compatibility and use. He said that converter in conclusion. ‘And until digital can produce metallics, can print faster experiences have been very positive, highlighting benefits such as the and becomes cheaper, then there is still a place for flexo.’ much longer lamp life. During lunch, there was plenty of opportunity to see the company’s David Torley, technical sales support manager at Avery Dennison, digital department in action as it was running live jobs throughout the looked at substrates optimised for digital printing of labels and packag- event. The attendees asked questions and spoke to the press operators, ing. He discussed the challenges and advantages around their suitability as well as Mr Webster, who was happy to discuss his portfolio, the dif- for both electrophotography and inkjet digital printing. The company has ference between the two types of digital presses and which jobs are best a vast portfolio, which includes over 150 facestocks for Xeikon presses. • suited to each technology.

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The industrial print show, or InPrint to be more precise, took place at the MiCo Congressi exhibition centre in Milan on 15–17 November. Neel Madsen reports back from the event.

ujifilm focused on its core inkjet technology by demonstrating the or six colour label printing. jetting abilities of its printheads for industrial applications across all Industrial Inkjet (IIJ) shared a stand with Konica Minolta to talk to Fsectors. This was complemented by examples of printed products visitors about how its inkjet modules are making an impact in direct- using different types of Fujifilm inks, and information on its existing to-object printing, packaging and security printing to name a few areas. printing systems. ‘Customers come to us when they have a problem that inkjet can solve. On show demonstrating the scalability of Fujifilm’s Samba technology They are looking for new efficient ways of manufacturing – and inkjet is was a 1.8 metre wide printbar, which can print at 1200 dpi in a single on everybody’s list. It has become an accepted product solution,’ said pass. This was made up of 42 printheads, each with a print width of 43 managing director John Corrall. mm. The parallelogram design of the Samba nozzle plate enables simpli- On show, amongst many others, were label samples printed on Focus fied stitching of the heads. Print applications include commercial print, Label Machinery’s d-Flex hybrid printer and aerosol cans printed on the labels, packaging and textiles. Michelangelo KX48P digital machine from Martinenghi, both machines incorporating IIJ technology and KM printheads. Printing on objects Heidelberg used the show to launch the Omnifire 1000 direct-to-object inkjet printer. After being officially unveiled by Jason Oliver, senior vice president, digital print solu- tions, and Frank Janssen, GM 4D business unit, Heidel- berg, at the start of the show, the machine ran daily live demonstrations printing on hard shell suitcases. The stand showed further printed samples, including footballs, motorcycle helmets, metal cups and plastic sports bottles. It was also announced that the first installa- tion is at Ritzi Lackiertechnik, a German company special- ising in surface finishes of construction elements, such as trim strips, switches, dashboards and other finished Tonejet showed its can printing expertise components for various automotive manufacturers. For corrugated and box printing, the company was showing its StarFire Tonejet had a demo version of its metal can printing system running. SG1024 inkjet printhead technology combined with aqueous latex inks, This included all the components of a full scale printing system and was a system that can be installed directly as part of the filling operation in producing 1 to 2 cans per minute (full production speed is 60–100 cans the factory. per minute). The company manufactures its own nozzle-less printheads, A monochrome imprinting system using Samba printheads and UV which use Tonejet’s own electrostatic jetting process. LED Phoseon curing was overprinting labels with variable data at 150 Simon Edwards, vice president sales and marketing, said, ‘The global m/min (although the system has been run at twice that speed in testing). market for can printing is huge with around 300 billions cans produced ‘I am not aware of any other inkjet system printing at this speed at a trade each year. Using our unique low cost technology, we can print a can for show before,’ commented Fujifilm business development manager Jon just pennies, with no minimum runs and quick turnaround. This means Harper Smith. He continued, ‘This simple set up is focused on demon- that you can get a new product to market in less than a week.’ strating the jetting capabilities that we have, but the technology itself Using 15 times less ink than UV inkjet, the toner-type special ink con- could be used for a wide variety of applications, such as five tains large pigments, which are electrically charged and jetted onto the

www.dlpmag.com SHOW REVIEW 53 can, leaving the carrier fluid behind. This processes, and it is this exciting future results in a very thin ink layer of just half that continues to drive our commitment a micron in thickness, whilst producing a in the research and development of print resolution of 600 x 600 dpi in CMYK. ground-breaking solutions to cater for this growing demand.’ Packaging growth Talking about packaging printing, Xaar had its full range of printheads and Richard Hulme, global sales and product system components on display, along manager, said, ‘We have a lot of focus with examples of applications. CEO Doug on packaging. We are extending our low Edwards explained that packaging and migration ink range to more applications product printing is the fastest growing and it is now used in live production.’ The market for the company. Coding and mark- company is also further developing its EB ing, digital label printing, direct-to-shape inks for food packaging. and product printing accounts for 20% Nazdar Inks was present to share its growth annually for Xaar, and this plays a expertise in inkjet technology. Established vital part in its strategy to double its size some 92 years ago, the US-headquartered by 2020. He said, ‘Packaging is one of company was producing mainly screen our four pillars and an area of great printing inks up until 10 years ago, but interest to us. It is a rapidly growing today 50% of volume is UV inkjet inks. market that hasn’t seen a big digital The largest market is in the Asia Pacific transformation yet.’ region where some 85% of stock is sold Samples shown included labels printed through OEMs. Keith Nixon, sales director on the Graphium press using the Xaar EMEA, said, ‘Inkjet technology is still at Print Bar System to add special effects; the early stages and the market is a huge Fujifilm imprinting system 3D products produced by the Factum growth opportunity for Nazdar.’ Consortium; LCD screens manufactured by a Nakan GEN5.5 polyimide Part of this growth is in UV LED ink technology. Rich Dunklee, who has printing system; laminate samples produced on the Jupiter Digital Print- been tasked with the development and marketing of new UV inkjet prod- ing Line from Hymmen; containers printed direct-to-shape by Till, Direct ucts, and the product management of Nazdar’s portfolio of UV inkjet inks, Print Powered by KHS and INX Digital; and glass printed at high-volume said, ‘UV LED curing is a technology that has been adopted effectively. for automotive and home appliance applications on the new Tecglass From the perspective of an ink manufacturer, we see only growth in UV Vitro-Jet F Type/SP printer. LED curable inks and continue to focus a great deal of our research and Amica Systems showed the Taurus sheetfed UV inkjet systems adding development efforts in this area.’ variable data to folding cartons, printed using a Morpho Color C108P UV Sensient Imaging Technologies presented a new water-based ink inkjet module, at 50 m/min in a resolution of 600 x 600 dpi. The system developed for printing on non-porous board surfaces. Working with Ital- can be integrated into any existing press to add variable data capabilities. ian press manufacturer Engico, this is now offered on the Aqua 250 inkjet The Taurus, which is sold through OEMs, uses Amica’s MagicPage VDP press for corrugated board printing. software to add a variety of objects, including text, dates, times, graphics Available in CMYK, the pigmented water-based inks are marketed and barcodes. It operates using a vacuum-based transport system and under the Sensijet SX platform. They have been formulated for use with UV LED curing. piezo printheads for applications such as sign and graphics, decoration and packaging, and have achieved Nestlé compliance for food packaging. Inks ahead Live production print samples from the first beta site in Italy were on The SunJet inkjet division of Sun Chemical was present to highlight its show at InPrint. These demonstrated uniform ink coverage in the solid products used in applications within the automotive, high technology, areas, high colour density and gloss levels. ‘We create a affinity between interior décor, metal and plastics decoration, direct-to-product, functional the board and the ink, without the need for priming,’ said Rudy Grosso, print and printed electronic industries. commercial director inks global. He continued, ‘This increases the colour Peter Saunders, global business director at SunJet, said, ‘As an ena- density we can achieve and also the reliability of the machine. The ink bler for many industrial-based applications, inkjet technology is finding also fully retains its gloss level when printed, although this does depend itself increasingly used in, or alongside all manner of manufacturing on the quality of the substrate.’ • www.dlpmag.com 42 CLASSIFIED

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Label&Print Dscoop EMEA Labelexpo Europe The NEC Birmingham Lyon, France Brussels, Belgium 1–2 March 2017 7–9 June 2017 25–28 September 2017

Xeikon Café FINAT Label Forum (ELF) Digital Print for Brand Success Lier, Belgium Berlin, Germany IET London, Savoy Place 29–31 March 2017 7–9 June 2017 12 October 2017

Interpack Packaging Innovations Digital Labels & Packaging Düsseldorf, Germany Olympia, London Issue 27 • January/February 2017 4–10 May 2017 13–15 September 2017 ISSN 2044-0685

Contacts

Neel Madsen Advertising Marie Rushton Editor 01892 514991 Publisher [email protected] [email protected] 01892 542099 Lindsey Pearson Sales director Rob Mulligan Rebecca Gibbs [email protected] Managing director News editor 01892 779595 [email protected] [email protected] 01892 779592 Chris Newhouse 01892 541105 Advertising manager Contributors [email protected] Sean Smyth Sean Smyth 01892 779596 Technical editor Des King [email protected] Adrian Jackson Production manager Whitmar Publications Chloë Ward 30 London Road Marketing manager [email protected] Tunbridge Wells [email protected] 01892 779598 Kent, TN4 ORE, UK 01892 779599 Jamie Bristow Editorial: +44 (0)1892 542099 Tracy Delves Production assistant Advertising: +44 (0)1892 514991 Circulation: +44 (0)1892 779597 Circulation manager [email protected] Production: +44 (0)1892 779598 [email protected] 01892 779590 Accounts: +44 (0)1892 514437 01892 779597

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