N.V. Business Publishers Corporation (with offices in New Jersey and Illinois) is truly the only trade journal specialist that serves the worldwide corrugated and folding carton industries with separate publications. The company is fully integrated with publishing, design, reproduction and origination. N.V. produces a selection of magazines (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and bi-monthly) exclusively covering every aspect of the Corrugated, Folding Carton, Flexographic Printing, and Recycling industries. An added extension for our worldwide publications is our affiliate in England, Brunton Publications, Ltd.
Vol. 23 No. 1 An N.V. Publication Market News FLEX Serving The Flexographic Printing Industry For More Than Two Decades ®
January 4, 2021
2020: Looking Back On Unprecedented Year
NAM Report: Q2 Manufacturing Slides Manufacturing activity severely plummeted in the second quarter, with sizable demand and business disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data re- leased from the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) in its Manu- facturing Outlook. On The Rebound Manufacturers have rebounded strongly since the spring, with vari- ous sentiment surveys reporting sol- id gains in new orders and output and respondents generally upbeat in their outlook for the coming months. Despite that significant progress, however, manufacturing production remains 3.7 percent below the level seen in February, and employment is down nearly 600,000 workers on net over that same time frame. Indeed, most assessments predict that output will not get back to pre-pandemic lev- els until the second half of 2021, and firms continue to cite supply chain and hiring challenges amid lingering
by Greg Kishbaugh
I t was a historically challenging year, filled with unprecedented hurdles, but the flexo market remained vibrant.Technological ad- vances continued unabated, as did mergers and acquisitions.What follows are some of the key new events that took place in 2020. Uteco North America , producers of printing equipment for the flexible packaging industry, reported record sales for the
North American market in 2019, demonstrating double-digit growth over 2018. Specialty chemicals group Altana took over the Swiss over- print varnish specialist Schmid Rhyner. Schmid Rhyner specializ- es in print finishing systems. In 2018, it generated sales of rough- ly EUR 50 million with around 80 employees. Packaging company TricorBraun acquired Minneapolis-based Packaging Solutions, Inc. (PSI) , a rigid packaging distributor serving several markets, including pharmaceutical, pet food and personal care.
(Cont’d on Page 4)
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(Cont’d on Page 3)
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ter from Koenig & Bauer. In developmental partner- ship with Klingele, the new press was designed for the high-performance rotary production of die-cut corru- gated products in ultimate flexo post-printing quality. The global food packaging market was predicted to approach $400 billion by 2025, making operational improvements and new equipment critical for con- sumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to keep pace, according to the Trends and Advances in Food Pack- aging and Processing infographic and report from PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Pro- cessing Technologies . Bingham Flexo Services and Uteco reached an agreement wherein BFS will bring Uteco Converting’s product line to the 14 Midwestern states that BFS cur- rently services. Skanem Stavanger, Norway’s largest producer of self-adhesive labels, acquired a new 9-color FA-22 from Nilpeter . INX International Ink Co. , Schaumburg, Illinois, entered into an agreement to acquire RUCO Druck- farben , a longtime printing ink manufacturer in Eppstein, Germany. SAB (South Africa Brewery) , part of ABInBev Group company, is the first worldwide to adopt Ritra- ma ’s Core Linerless Solutions to label its beer bottles.
2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 1)
The American Packaging Corp. renewed its fund- ing support to Rochester Institute of Technology and its packaging science program with a gift of $1 million. The relationship between Uteco Group and ESI was reportedly strengthened as the commercialization of the Gelflex-EB technology began to make an impact; Uteco’s Diamond Flexo press is designed to accommo- date this technology. Glenroy Inc. , a converter and printer of flexible packaging for more than 50 years, joined the Sustain- able Packaging Coalition and the How2Recycle label program. The membership allows Glenroy to expand its sustainable packaging portfolio with How- 2Recycle labeled store drop-off recyclable flexible packaging options. Koenig & Bauer Flexotecnica launched a brand new high performance compact CI flexo press---the Evo XC---to join its line of Evo models.The eight-color press offers a small footprint and is available in two different versions with a maximum repeat length of up to 850 mm and printing speeds up to 400 m/min. TLMI announced that the association entered the NewYear with a record number of converter members. The Klingele Group ,Stuttgart,Germany,was the first customer to install the new CorruCUT sheetfed flexo press with integrated high board line rotary die-cut-
(Cont’d on Page 5)
Designed with input from HP Indigo experts, our Parts Washer (model number A-44213-A) was created specifically to clean parts from HP Indigo digital presses. It speeds productivity through an extra long flush hose for direct hands-free flushing of press parts. The Graymills abrasive resistant pump, twin filtration system, and rugged power-coated steel construction are up to the challenge of cleaning with imaging oil. DOES AN HP INDIGO NEED ITS OWN PARTS WASHER? They Thought So.
Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 3
www.nvpublications.com
worries about the negative impacts of COVID-19. With that as context, the Manufacturers’Outlook Sur- vey for the fourth quarter of 2020 was conducted from Nov. 19 to Dec. 3, and 74.2 percent of respondents were either somewhat or very positive about the out- look for their company.This was roughly equivalent to the historical average of 74.4 percent, and it represent- ed notable improvement after the 33.9 percent and 66.0 percent readings in the second and third quarters, respectively.The second quarter survey reported activ- ity that was the worst since the Great Recession. On average in 2020, 62.4 percent of manufacturers were positive in their outlook, down from the 92.4 percent and 76.2 percent averages seen in 2018 and 2019, re- spectively, and the lowest annual average since 2009. The NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index measured 49.9 in the fourth quarter, up from 44.5 in the third quarter.This is consistent with the current outlook be- ing just marginally shy of the historical average. In the latest data, 42.1 percent of manufacturers re- port higher production in the fourth quarter than in the third, with 31.3 percent predicting output will be lower and 25.8 percent feeling there will be no change. At the same time, 57.1 percent and 55.4 percent of those completing the survey anticipate no change in hiring and capital spending in the fourth quarter, re- spectively,with 26.3 percent and 22.3 percent expect- ing increased employment and investment. Respondents were asked when they expect rev- enues to return to pre-pandemic levels. Just over 29 percent said that their revenues will have recovered either before or during the fourth quarter, with 38.3 percent expecting their revenues to return to normal at some point in 2021.As such, 67.7 percent of manu- facturers completing this survey anticipate that their revenues will be back to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2021, with 86.2 percent saying the same thing by the end of 2022. After two quarters with weaker domestic demand top- ping the list of primary business challenges, the inabil- ity to attract and retain talent led the pack once again in the fourth quarter. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce challenges had been the primary concern for 10 consecutive quarters, and its reemergence at the top of this list reflects the structural skills mismatches that many manufacturers face regarding employment. The weaker domestic economy fell to second place, with 50.4 percent. Other top worries included rising health care and insurance costs (50.2 percent) and increased raw material costs (43.2 percent). Manufacturers were asked about their policy prior- ities for the incoming Biden administration and the Manufacturing Report (Cont’d from Page 1)
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(Cont’d on Page 10)
4 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 3) Maxcess , provider of products and services for web handling applications, announced its intention to merge with RotoMetrics , a manufacturer of cutting dies and support tooling technologies. All Printing Resources , Glendale Heights, Illinois, installed its 50th SUPPLYSENTRY RFID Inventory Man- agement System at Oak Creek, Wisconsin-based Süd- pack USA . Südpack, a multinational packaging group with headquarters in Germany, specializes in flexo, ro- togravure and digital flexible packaging applications. Consolidated Container Company , a packaging solutions company, rebranded the company as Altium Packaging . Further, Tri State Distribution , a phar- maceutical packaging manufacture that CCC acquired in June 2019, was rebranded as Altium Healthcare . A release from Smithers, The Future of Retail-Ready Packaging to 2024 , forecasted that the value of the glob- al retail-ready packagingmarket would increase from$60 billion in 2019 to more than $77 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. Nosco, Inc. , a subsidiary of Holden Industries, Inc., acquired the assets of Haapanen Brothers, Inc. , a full-service graphic arts and printing company located in Gurnee, Illinois. TLMI hosted its Committee Summit in Orlando, Flor- ida, January 27-28.Nearly 120 registered attendees rep- resenting five TLMI committees came together for the event, where delegates mapped out each committee’s respective agenda for the coming year.The TLMI com- mittees represented were Technical, Government & Regulations, Marketing, Environmental and Workforce Development. Fedrigoni Group , an Italian specialty paper manu- facturer, completed the acquisition of Ritrama , spe- cializing in self-adhesive products with production facilities in Italy, Spain, UK, Chile and China. ARC International , Charlotte, North Carolina, part- nered with David Contant of Enov Anilox Solutions in Terrebonne, Quebec to represent its full line of roll- ers, sleeves and doctor blade chambers and to provide technical support in Ontario, Quebec and the eastern provinces. Pixelle Specialty Solutions completed the acquisi- tion of two specialty paper mills from Verso Corpo- ration , reportedly becoming one of the largest paper producers in North America, manufacturing currently over one million tons annually. Resource Label Group , a full-service provider of pressure sensitive label, shrink sleeve and RFID/NFC technology for the label and packaging industry, ac- quired Los Angeles, California-based Axiom Label & Packaging .
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(Cont’d on Page 7)
Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 5
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Outlook Group Recognized For Recycling Excellence The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recognized Outlook Group with a 2020 Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award. Based in Neenah,Wisconsin, Outlook Group is a manufacturer of flexible packaging, folding cartons, pressure-sensi- tive labels and shrink sleeve labels. The company diverts more than 95 percent of man- ufacturing waste from going to landfills, either by re- cycling fiber and other materials or by sending lam- inated films, pressure-sensitive label material, matrix waste and release liner to theirWaste-to-Energy (WTE) partners. Guiding Principles Outlook Group is one of fifteen recognized by the state department amongst a mix of businesses, non- profits and local governments. The Wisconsin DNR has four award categories within its Recycling Excel- lence recognition program including Overall Program, Projects and Initiatives, Innovation and Special Events. Outlook Group was chosen as a Wisconsin Recycling Excellence Award winner because of its overall robust and constantly improving landfill diversion program, and for demonstrating a commitment to improving its already sophisticated recycling scheme. Additionally, Outlook Group has established a corpo- rate environmental policy; it is committed to reducing the impact of its manufacturing operations on the en- vironment and has outlined a series of guiding prin- ciples to support this commitment. Outlook Group has also formalized specific processes and services to extend its values beyond its own business footprint to support customers and suppliers in achieving their sustainability goals. Guiding principles within Outlook Group’s environ- mental policy include seeking ways to further reduce waste sent to landfill and facilitating reuse and recy- cling partnerships to drive progress towards a circular economy. eAgile Inc., Inkas Installs Nilpeter Presses RFID-specialists, eAgile Inc. of Grand Rapids, Mich- igan, have invested in a new Nilpeter FA-17 to meet specific process needs within their pharmaceutical and nutraceutical product portfolios. In other News, Inkas LLC has purchased a 9-color FA- 17 from Nilpeter, the first of its kind to be installed in Kazakhstan. Inkas LLC was founded in 2002 and now has more than 140 employees
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6 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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Printing Industries of America and the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts announced the cancel- lation of theTAGAAnnual Technical Conference slated for March 15–18 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Acucote , a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating man- ufacturer, expanded its portfolio of stocked label mate- rial for the cannabis industry. Greif, Inc. , Delaware, Ohio, completed its previous- ly announced divestiture of the Consumer Packaging Group business for $85 million in cash to Graphic Packaging Holding Company . Between 2018 and 2028 the global packaging mar- ket is set to expand by almost 3 percent per annum, reaching over $1.2 trillion, according to research by Smithers in The Future of Packaging: Long-Term Stra- tegic Forecast to 2028 . The global packaging market has increased by 6.8 percent from 2013 to 2018. The Paperboard market was valued at $184.64 bil- lion in 2018 and expected to reach $273.19 billion by 2027 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.5 percent throughout the forecast period from 2019 to 2027, according to a new report from ResearchAnd- Markets.com . Total packaging industry M&A deals in February 2020 worth $781.11 million were announced globally, according to GlobalData ’s deals database.
2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 5)
ALTANA completed the acquisition of the overprint varnish company Schmid Rhyner AG , which was previously part of the Swiss Conzzeta Group. Avery Dennison announced plans to open an RFID manufacturing facility in Brazil in 2021. The move marks Avery Dennison’s first manufacturing facility in Brazil and fifth in the world.The new factory will be located in Vinhedo. Hasnet Label , a Turkish producer of self-adhesive la- bels, acquired a new Nilpeter FA-Line, its fourth from the Danish press manufacturer, adding both capacity and label options to its modernized and eco-friendly factory in Gunesli, Istanbul,Turkey. According to a survey by Mondi of more than 2,000 people aged 16-75 across the United Kingdom, the ma- jority of consumers said they would switch to a differ- ent brand because it uses less packaging than other brands do. Uteco North America hosted an open house at its headquarters in Kennesaw, Georgia, on March 12.The event provided the press manufacturer the opportu- nity to showcase its Crystal flexo press through live demonstrations. Nilpeter announced the launch of the new FA-26 press, which the company said will assist converters in the flexible packaging market.
(Cont’d on Page 9)
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Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 7
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Classic Packaging Integrates Sitexco System Classic Packaging Company of Pfafftown, North Car- olina, recently purchased the Sitexco SL 1.5 Laser An- ilox Cleaning System from EaglewoodTechnologies, in partnership with Anderson &Vreeland. Classic Packaging is a family-owned business that of- fers their top-of-the-line packaging technologies to a variety of retailers, food processors and packaging dis- tributors across the country. “We were looking for an anilox cleaning system that could provide more consistent print results, reduce noise pollution and be easier to operate,” said Nathan McKinney, Production Manager at Classic. “We also liked that we could integrate the AniCAM into the Si- texco System to control our anilox inventory better.” Classic Packaging also considered their sustainabili- ty goals in their decision. A system that met the FDA requirements for food packaging was critical. The Si- texco System operates with no media, no chemicals, no water and no residue that could contaminate food packaging. AICC Webinar Aimed At Reduced Risk In R&D AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has opened registration for How to Reduce Risk in Major R&D Projects with Confidence, a new webinar, to be heldThursday,February 9,2021,at 2:00 pm EST,with Kel- ly Lawrence, Founder & CEO, Lawrence Innovation and Dan Adams, Founder & President,The AIM Institute. This webinar will give attendees a new approach to managing large, high-impact R&D projects.With this method, par- ticipants will confidently uncover and defuse“landmines” that blow up schedules,projects, and careers. Kelly Lawrence is the Founder and CEO of Lawrence Innovation and a coach for The AIM Institute. Dan Adams is the Founder and President of The AIM Institute and author of New Product Blueprinting:The Handbook for B2B Organic Growth . Morgan Stanley Invests In AWT Labels & Packaging AdvancedWebTechnologies Holding Company,which operates as AWT Labels & Packaging and Citation Healthcare Labels, announced that Investment funds managed by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners (MSCP), the middle-market focused private equity team at Mor- gan Stanley Investment Management headquartered in New York, NY, completed an investment in AWT from MasonWells, a Midwest-based private equity firm.
In addition to its bi-weekly print edition, Flexo Market News also offers unprecented online reach for advertisers, as well. * Every ad in our print edition appears in our online edition, which includes a link back to your company’s website. • Banner ad opportunities exist at both www.flexomarketnews.com and www.nvpublications.com.
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Get your company in front of the flexo industry’s key decisionmakers. Flexo Market News ’ readership is comprised of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases. An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of the industry’s best thinkers and most influental leaders. Reach the Decisionmakers
8 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 7)
Experience the power of SWED/CUT ® “Anydefect,anymid-runpressstop, canentirely eliminiatemargin froma job. AsQAManager, it is up tome toprevent wastebefore it happens. That’s why I rely on FLXON’s products and support togainour competitiveadvantage. QAManager,WideWebPressroom
Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. announced its deci- sion to become a leading sponsor of STRIPE VR, the virtual print training simulator developed by Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics, with a donation of $80,000.The Sonoco In- stitute is Clemson University’s research and develop- ment center for advanced solutions and resources for the printing and packaging industry. It was announced that interns at Clemson Univer- sity’s Erwin Center for Brand Communications were working with Pamarco on an interdisciplinary cre- ative packaging project from ideation to production that will have them collaborating with their peers in Graphic Communications. Case Paper acquired the assets of the formerAPI Lam- inating operation of Steel Partners in Osgood, Indiana. Hub Labels, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, was certified as a Sustainable Green Printing Partnership Printer. Hub Labels is the second facility in Maryland to become certified. European labelstock demand grew by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter last year, according to new market research from FI- NAT , the association for the self-adhesive labeling and narrow web converting industries. Flexo Wash , in response to the pandemic, an- nounced that its Demo Center was open and fully-op- erational for Plate Washing, Liquid and Laser Anilox Roll or Gravure Cylinder Cleaning and PartsWashing. Brook and Whittle Holdings expanded its shrink sleeve capabilities with the acquisition of a label con- verting facility in Croydon, Pennsylvania, which man- ufactures shrink sleeves for consumer and healthcare markets supplying many of the leading customers and brands in North America. Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. , reportedly the old- est continuously operating paper mill in the United States, and Spectrum Packaging Corporation , Or- lando, Florida, a specialty folding-carton package print- er, partnered to create an interactive sample kit high- lighting myriad decorative techniques and paperboard fiber options for luxury brands and retailers. Steinhauser , Cincinnati, Ohio, installed a Plate Washer from FlexoWash and within eight months had reportedly completed the return on their investment. Graphic Dimensions, Inc. acquired certain assets of FormsAmerica Corporation in New Albany, Indi- ana.All order and composition files have been moved to Graphic Dimensions’ Erlanger, Kentucky, facility. FTA announcedVirtual Innovation Central, an online theater for package printers and converters to discov- er the latest industry technologies and solutions. (Cont’d on Page 11)
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Reach thousands of potential customers by sending a targeted web blast to the entire online readership of Flexo Market News .
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Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 9
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Flexo Market News
Manufacturing Report (Cont’d from Page 4)
117th Congress. Their top responses related to their bottom line, with 67.1 percent citing a desire for re- duced regulatory burdens. That was followed by a request for controlling rising health care costs (59.1 percent) and retaining and strengthening tax reform (57.6 percent). In addition, 52.9 percent and 46.4 per- cent appealed for slowing the growth of entitlement spending and finding a long-term deal that tackles the deficit and debt, respectively. For much of the past couple years, large manufac- turers (i.e., those with 500 or more employees) have been the least positive in their outlook likely due in part to trade uncertainties.That turned around in the previous survey and continued with the latest one, with larger firms more positive than smaller business- es. Eighty-one percent of larger manufacturers felt pos- itive about their company’s outlook in the fourth quar- ter. In contrast, 68.1 percent of small manufacturers (i.e., those with fewer than 50 employees) and 73.4 percent of medium-sized businesses (i.e., those with 50 to 499 employees) felt positive in their outlook.As such, only large manufacturers had optimism levels that exceeded the historical average. Some other trends regarding predicted growth rates over the next 12 months: • Sales : Respondents expect sales to rise 3.4 percent over the next 12 months, the best reading since the second quarter of 2019. Nearly 66 percent of manu- facturers predict that sales will increase in 2021, with 43.0 percent feeling that orders will rise 5.0 percent or more. Firm size mattered in the data. Large firms anticipate sales rising 4.5 percent, whereas small and medium-sized manufacturers forecast increases of 2.6 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively. • Production : Respondents also expect production to increase 3.4 percent over the next 12 months, the strongest reading in six quarters. Almost 66 percent forecast output to rise over the coming months, with 12.2 percent seeing declining production. Large manu- facturers felt the most optimistic, anticipating 4.2 per- cent growth in production over the next 12 months. In contrast, small and medium-sized firms expect output to rise 2.7 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively. • Full-Time Employment : Respondents expect full-time employment to rise by 1.8 percent over the next 12 months, up from 0.7 percent in September and the highest rate since the second quarter of 2019. The percentage anticipating more employment rose from 37.9 percent in the third quarter to 49.2 percent in the fourth quarter, with those predicting declined hiring dropping from 15.9 percent to 12.1 percent. In terms of hiring, it was small and medium-sized man-
Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com
AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current technology flexo mounting tapes and backing sys- tems for corrugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thick- ness range requirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving ser- vices for unique customers & applications. A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distribu- tor of flexographic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imaging systems and software specifical- ly designed for flexography. ARC International www.ARCInternational.com Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com ARC International is a world leader in the manufac- turing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnology laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers. DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading supplier of flexographic printing systems in digital and conventional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and fin- ishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to today’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing indus- tries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broadly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print performance, and environmental benefits.
(Cont’d on Page 12)
10 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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TC Transcontinental , Montreal, Quebec, Canada, acquired the assets of Enviroplast Inc . The equip- ment acquired will be used for converting plastic scrap recovered from sorting facilities and other com- mercial, industrial and agricultural sources into recy- cled plastic granules. Baldwin Technology Company Inc. acquired cer- tain assets of Western Quartz Products , an ultravio- let curing and exposure company. Bryce Corporation ’s packaging division invested $10 million to expand its capacity, enhance its techni- cal capabilities and generate an additional 20 jobs. In a continuing effort to reduce its carbon foot- print and meet its sustainability goals, Badger Tag & Label , Random Lake,Wisconsin, launched ongoing eco-friendly initiatives. Badger has adopted measures to decrease energy consumption and waste recycling and/or reduction. C-P Flexible Packaging , a manufacturer of flexible packaging including rollstock, premade pouches, re- sealable packaging and shrink sleeves, acquired Gen- pak Flexible from The Jim Pattison Group. Genpak Flexible is a North American supplier of compostable packaging and offers a wide range of unique, patented flexible packaging solutions.
2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 9)
BestBrightHalfHOUSEtwo.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/18 4:28 PM Page 1 Argentinian packaging holding, Envases Group , ac- quired a Nilpeter FA-22 Multi-Substrate Press. Envases Group has plants in Buenos Aires, San Luis and in Cart- agena, Colombia, and specializes in aerosol aluminium and tinplate cans. Multi-Color Corporation signed the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment Statement, which in- cludes goals about the actions that signatory com- panies will take to drive toward a circular economy. These approaches include redesign to eliminate problematic and unnecessary plastic as well as inno- vation to ensure that plastic is reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Green Bay,Wisconsin-based Rol-Tec, Inc. purchased Axis Machine Company , a grinding company pro- ducing metal rollers and machine parts used in flexog- raphic printing, paper making, and coating operations. Esko , a developer of integrated hardware and soft- ware, and AVT Inspection Systems , provider of print inspection, process control and quality assurance tech- nologies, announced the integration of their businesses. Graphic Packaging International permanently shut down operation of one of its paper machines in West Monroe, Louisiana.
(Cont’d on Page 13)
The Best And The Brightest Are Waiting To Hear From YOU
An ad in Flexo Market News is a direct sales meeting with thousands of Presidents, Owners, VPs and General Managers of flexo operations — the key people who make decisions on equipment purchases.
Greg Kishbaugh 317-306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com Robyn Smith 910-553-4055 rsmith@nvpublications.com
Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 11
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ufacturers that had the strongest anticipated employ- ment growth for 2021, at 1.9 percent,with larger firms predicting hiring growth of 1.6 percent. • Employee Wages :Respondents anticipate employ- ee wages (excluding nonwage compensation, such as benefits) to rise 1.9 percent over the next 12 months, up from 1.4 percent in the previous survey and the strongest figure since the first quarter, which was 2.1 percent. Nearly 28 percent see wages rising 3 percent or more, with 51.8 percent predicting an increase of up to 3 percent. • Capital Investments : Capital spending was also the best since the first quarter (pre-pandemic), with respondents anticipating an average increase of 1.5 percent over the next 12 months, up from 0.7 percent in the third quarter. In this survey, 41.6 percent ex- pect additional capital spending in the next year, with 39.8 percent expecting no change and 18.6 percent forecasting reduced capital expenditures. By firm size, small, medium and large manufacturers see capital spending increasing 1.0 percent, 1.3 percent and 2.3 percent, respectively. • Exports :Respondents expect exports to increase 0.8 percent over the next 12 months,up from 0.4 percent in the previous survey and the best reading since the first quarter of 2019. Nearly 31 percent anticipate higher ex- ports in 2021,with 60.6 percent seeing no changes. • Product Prices :Respondents expect product pric- es to increase 2.1 percent over the next 12 months, up from 1.3 percent in the prior survey.This suggests that pricing power has stabilized since experiencing defla- tionary pressures in the spring. Overall, 58.5 percent anticipate increased product prices over the coming year, with 35.4 percent seeing no changes. • Raw Material Prices : Manufacturers anticipate raw material prices and other input costs rising 3.3 percent over the next 12 months, up from 2.2 percent in the previous release and a two-year high. Almost 76 percent of respondents cited higher raw material costs, including 26.5 percent feeling that input prices would rise at least 5 percent. • Inventories : After six consecutive quarters with expected declines, respondents anticipate inventories will rise by 0.6 percent over the next 12 months.More than 30% of manufacturers anticipate increased inven- tories in 2021, with 20.2 percent expecting decreases and 49.7 percent seeing no changes. • Health Insurance Costs : Manufacturers predict health insurance costs will rise 6.4 percent over the next 12 months, up from 5.8 percent in the previous survey and the fastest pace since the second quarter of 2019. Manufacturing Report (Cont’d from Page 10)
Flexo Market News
Eaglewood Technologies, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com
Eaglewood Technologies provides the award-winning Sitexco Laser Systems, Sanilox ™ Systems and Sani- Blast ™ Mobile Service. Sitexco Laser Systems are the latest technology in anilox roll cleaning and are perfect for packaging and label printers. Sanilox ™ Systems are the global standard of reliable, environmentally safe anilox roll cleaning. Sani-Blast ™ cleaning service has been cleaning rolls for over 20 years and offer several cleaning options to minimize downtime. Flint Group www.flintgrp.com Flint Group Flexographic Products develops, man- ufacturers and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consumables, including: nyloflex ® photopoly- mer printing plates and processing equipment, and dayCorr ® die-cutting blankets and anvil covers. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Harper Corporation of America www.harperimage.com We’ve made ceramic anilox rolls longer than any- one in the world and pride ourselves on being the best in the world. Whether wide web, narrow web, newspaper, or corrugated markets, Harper continu- ously strives to bring new flexographic products and services to the printing industry that will improve the
quality of your graphics. J I MacWilliam Co., Inc. www.jimacwilliam.com
Used equipment for flexible packaging, folding carton, paper, film, foil and non-woven industries. Professional, knowledgeable service for more than 30 years.
KBA-Flexotecnica – Get the Edge www.kba-flexotecnica.com/en/
Flexotecnica’s patented Safe Sleeve Change ® system and Speedy Clean ® auto washup system are designed to give converters a competitive edge through Flexotecnica’s commitment to research and development. Sales, service and support for Flexo- tecnica presses is provided by KBA North America, Inc. in Dallas, Texas with U.S. resident technicians, an extensive spare parts inventory and an experi- enced, dedicated service staff.
12 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Pro- cessing Technologies , won a lawsuit against Data Marketers Inc. doing business as LogiChannel for trademark infringement, false association advertising and unfair competition. LogiChannel was falsely posi- tioning itself using the PACK EXPO logo and attempt- ing to sell fake attendee lists. Brook and Whittle Holdings Corp. , a provider of sustainable pressure sensitive and shrink sleeve prime labels, acquired Label Impressions, Inc. According to research shown in a series of down- loadable infographics offered by the Paper and Pack- aging Board , paper and packaging products are pre- ferred by consumers and brands alike. The overall U.S. corrugated and folding boxboard market was estimated at $74.5 billion in 2019 and is expected to hit $93.8 billion by 2026, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 3.5 percent from 2020 to 2026, according to a report published by Global Market Insights Inc. Master Label , an Indonesian printing company, ac- quired a 22-inch Nilpeter FA-Line with 12 UV-flexo printing units, gravure, and cold foil. Uteco , in partnership with Kodak , launched a digi- tal flexible packaging press.The Sapphire EVOW is the first flexible packaging press to enter the market using Kodak’s latest continuous inkjet technology. Vetaphone opened aTest Lab facility at its headquar- ters in Kolding, Denmark.The Test Lab offers printers, converters, laminators and extruders the opportunity to run tests under controlled laboratory conditions prior to committing to the expense of commercial production. Five French manufacturers — Codimag, GIOC, MGI, Serame and SMAG — joined an initiative in the industry and formed the Label French Tech Club. Coveris opened its new Pack Innovation Centre in Halle,Germany, in the hopes to position the Pack Inno- vation Centre as a European hub for technical product development, sustainable innovation and education. Sun Chemical and its parent company, DIC Corpo- ration, completed the purchase of 100 percent of the shares of Sensient Imaging Technologies. Machine manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher held its first Virtual EXPO to present technologies and products initially planned for industry shows Inter- pack and Drupa. More than 2,000 visitors from 120 countries tuned in for live flexographic and gravure press demonstrations, technical sessions and virtual meetings. The final installment of the Flexo Market News re- view of 2020 will appear in the next issue. 2020: Year In Review (Cont’d from Page 11)
Industry Events
TLMI Converter Meeting March 21-23, 2021 Windsor Court Hotel New Orleans, LA
drupa 2021 April 20 – 30, 2021 Dusseldorf, Germany
FTA InfoFlex 2021 May 3-4, 2021 Kansas City, MO
Labelexpo Americas June 8-10, 2021 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL
SuperCorrExpo 2021 August 8–12, 2021 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL
Labelexpo Europe September 21-24, 2021 Brussels Expo Brussels, Belgium
CorrExpo 2021 September 27 - 29, 2021 St. Louis, Missouri
FTA Fall Conference October 4-6, 2021 Frisco, TX
TLMI Annual Meeting October 17-19, 2021 Naples Grande Beach Resort Naples, FL
Flexo Market News January 4, 2021 13
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Classified Advertising
People & Places Avery Dennison Mark Miller has been named Vice President of Marketing for Avery Den- nison’s Label and Packaging Materials, North America division based in Men- tor, Ohio.
Rates: Boxed Ads: Print: $95.00 per column inch . On-Line: $95.00, ($65.00 if placed with print ad). To place ad call (317) 306-1060 or email: flexo@nvpublications.com.
Miller’s most recent role was Gen- eral Manager and Vice President, Global Professional Markets, for SC Johnson. There, he led a multiphase strategy for the acquisition of Deb
Flexo Market News® is published bi-weekly by NV Business Publishers Corporation, in association with Board Converting News®, Corrugated Today® Recycling Markets®, International Paper Board Industry®, Folding Carton Industry®, and Board Converting News International. Marketing and Circulation offices: PO Box 802, Manasquan, NJ 08736-0802, Phone: (732) 245-3702. Subscription Rates in U.S. and Canada $60 per year or $105 for two years. Overseas rate per year $80 USD. Current issue single copies (pre-paid only) $5.00 in U.S. (elsewhere $7.50); add $5.00 per order for shipping & handling. No part of this publication may be trans- mitted or reproduced without permission from the publisher. Eaglewood Seeks Sales Reps Eaglewood Technologies, a leading supplier of SAFE, SMART, SUPERIOR products for the FLEXO market, seeks Independent FLEXO sales representatives in the Eastern and Western regions of the U.S. to represent our growing product portfolio. Please send your inquiries to Petej@eaglewoodtech.com Subscriber Services For change of address, missed issues and other subscription questions call: (317) 306-1060 or email: flexo@nvpublications.com
Mark Miller
Holdings, which increased the business’ global mar- ket opportunity to $45 billion, and oversaw the devel- opment of 70 products. He also served as Vice President of Marketing for Ecolab, where he drove sales and marketing strategies. Miller’s other positions have included marketing roles at Graco, 3M, and Hewlett-Packard. Miller has a business degree from California State University, Sacramento, and an MBA from University of California, Berkeley,Walter A. Haas School of Business. Miller currently resides with his family in the Milwau- kee, Wisonsin, area and will relocate to northeast Ohio in 2021. SGP The Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP), the leading authority in sustainable printing certifications, announced the elec- tions of new officers and directors. Jonathan Graham,TE Connectivity is new chair of SGP and its 501 8c) 3 affiliated SGP Foundation. In addition to Graham, the new officers are • Marci Kinter, PRINTING UnitedAlliance, Secre- tary &Vice Chair Technical • Theresa Vanna, Primex Plastics Corporation, Vice Chair Marketing Jonathan Graham • George Fuchs, NAPIM,Vice Chair Technology • Jodi Sawyer, FLEXcon,Vice Chair Suppliers • Doreen Monteleone,Ph.D.,D2Advisory Group/ FTA,Treasurer • Four new SGP Directors elected: • Sean Carr, HH Global • Ben Covert, Piedmont Plastics • Bryan Rose, Cooley/Group • Kristin Spanier, Shawmut Communications Group
Robyn Smith - President/Publisher Len Prazych - Vice President
Greg Kishbaugh - Editor/Co-Publisher Phone: (317) 306-1060 email: flexo@nvpublications.com
Michelle McIntyre - Circulation Christine Eckert - Accounting Manager Jackie Schultz - Contributing Editor T.J. Vilardi - Webmaster/Social Media Coordinator
Tom Vilardi (1961-2018) Chairman Ted Vilardi (1933-2013) - Founder ©2019 NV. Publications All Rights Reserved
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14 January 4, 2021 Flexo Market News
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Greg Kishbaugh (317) 306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com
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