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.
AWA Releases Liner Report
Digital Edition Exclusive:
The Reality Of Packaging by Greg Kishbaugh
The demand for release liners in a wide range of applications has led to the release of an updated AWA report offering comprehensive and expanded market coverage. Overall, worldwide annual mar- ket growth in 2022 was estimated to be 2.1 percent. Going into 2023, AWA forecasts a growth of 2.6 per- cent. The release liner market saw
I ntegrated communications company R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) has released its 2023 (Un)Packaging Reality Report , revealing how brands navigated last year’s market pressures and shortages to ease certain supply chain
a significant downturn in the sec- ond half of 2022 and the start of 2023. While the pressure sensitive la- belstock segment continues to be the largest, with a 48 percent share of the market worldwide — and forecast growth at 2.7 percent per
challenges and meet e-commerce demands. The second edi- tion of RRD’s annual report now includes complementary input from label decision makers, in addition to the original audience of packaging decision-makers. According to the report, those citing product-related concerns
(Cont’d on Page 3)
(Cont’d on Page 4)
July 31, 2023
Packaging Reality (Cont’d from Page 1)
dropped to 20 percent from the previous 34 per- cent, while concerns surrounding packaging mate- rials and transportation also mellowed. Meanwhile, e-commerce orders rose for 60 percent of respon- dents. Despite this challenging environment, 77 percent claimed their organizations moved closer to sustainability goals. In 2022, packaging and label decision-makers began to see some supply chain and market con- ditions stabilize. In addition to easing concerns around product, packaging materials and transpor- tation, there were other signs of improvement in market dynamics. Concerns settled around staffing challenges, demands on capacity and speed to mar- ket compared to last year’s study. However, supply chain conditions — compound- ed by other market pressures — still presented challenges. Down slightly from 2022 figures, the vast majority (87 percent) still reported that disrup- tions to the global supply chain caused their or- ganization to change how they source packaging and/or labels. Of those, 72 percent were forced to make changes to packaging selections over the past year. Specific to packaging, nearly three-fourths made selections to minimize cost and 60 percent altered designs for efficiency and cost reductions in
transportation. Faced with continued supply chain hurdles, more respondents planned ahead by either 1-2 months or 3-6 months while fewer are planning just weeks in advance compared to 2022 figures. The number of respondents seeing increased e-commerce orders was up slightly from last year’s report. Of the 60 percent of decision-makers citing an increase in e-commerce orders over the past year, the proportion who saw an increase in packaging needs (92 percent) remained consistent year-over- year. Additionally, 86 percent reported an increase in labeling needs.
(Cont’d on Page 7)
Take the pain out of selecting the right product Picking the best inking system or parts washer for your pressroom can be confusing. We’ll make sure that the products you order decrease downtime, clean your parts and keep your pressroom running efficiently. We speak your language and understand your needs. We may have 10,000 choices in our catalog - but there’s only one solution for you. You Don’t Make Money When Your Press Isn’t Running!
July 31, 2023 3
AWA Report (Cont’d from Page 1)
Experience the power of SWED/CUT ® “Any defect, any mid-run press stop, can entirely eliminiate margin from a job. As QA Manager, it is up to me to prevent waste before it happens. That’s why I rely on FLXON’s products and support to gain our competitive advantage. QA Manager, Wide Web Pressroom
annum — other segments, benefiting from the re- lease liner as a carrier for adhesive coatings or oth- er substances, continue to grow, driving the overall growth of the global release liner market to 2.1 per- cent in 2022. Faster-growing markets like tapes, medical, and electronics, and other application segments such as graphic films, food & bakery, and envelopes are de- tailed, providing in-depth analysis in more than 400 pages of data, information, and insights. The new edition of the AWA Global Release Lin- er Annual Review 2023 covers all aspects of the market by geographical region and sub-region, sub- strate, application segments, trends, developments, and growth drivers, including more analysis on sil- icone usage and more granularity on applications segments. To access the report, visit: https://awa-bv.com/ product/awa-global-release-liner-annual-re- view-expanded-edition/ . Mill Tour Brings 60 AICC Members Together More than 60 attendees participated in the 2023 AICC Southeast Summit in Kingsport, Tennessee, touring Domtar’s mill, and playing in the annual golf tournament. AICC members, including several first-time Sum- mit attendees, saw Domtar’s modernized, Kingsport Mill. Originally opened in 1916, the mill is a down- town landmark on the Holston River. Through extensive renovation, Domtar convert- ed the facility into the company’s first 100 percent recycled containerboard facility. It is expected that the mill will be able to produce and market about 600,000 tons of recycled linerboard and corrugated medium annually, making it the second-largest re- cycled containerboard machine in North America. Domtar sells its output to independents. The attendees received a tour that began with the historical aspects of the mill and progressed through the renovations and upgrades that have made the mill a showcase of the most modern pa- per-making technology. The mill utilizes 50,000 tons of recycling residuals and other by-products that otherwise would enter landfills. The golf tournament was held on the Cattails Golf Course at the MeadowView Marriott Resort. The 39th Annual West Coast Golf Tournament will be held October 17 at the Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine, California.
Columbus, OH - Booth #854
SWED/CUT ® PERFORMANCE DOCTOR BLADES
Meter More Precisely Print Cleaner Dots Longer Protect Anilox Investment Avoid Mid-run Press Stops Experience No Break-in Time Receive Fewer Customer Complaints Reduce Your Annual Doctor Blade Spend
FLXON INCORPORATED 8531 Crown Crescent Court, Charlotte, NC 28227 (800) 756-6474 I (704) 844-2434 I wecare@flxon.com ASK ABOUT OUR 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE!
equarterHOUSEAD.qxp_Layout 1 8/13/19 6:21 PM Page 1
www.flxon.com
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.
• Exclusive online sponsorships allow your company to have sole ownership over online content, in addition to your ad on a web blast that goes to our readers. • Web blast sponsorships that reach our entire
readership with your exclusive content. FlexoMarketNews.com
NVPublications.com
4 July 31, 2023
Fujifilm Announces Supplier Partnership With Kongsberg FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Graphic Communication Division, has signed an agreement with Miamisburg, Ohio-based Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems (Kongsberg PCS), as its supplier of digital cutting table solutions for the sign and display, packaging production, and manufacturing markets. Through this partnership, Fujifilm will distribute and sell all Kongsberg PCS digital cutting systems across the United States and Canada. By partnering with Kongsberg PCS, Fujifilm cus- tomers will have direct access during the purchase process to Kongsberg cutting system solutions for multiple materials, including folding cartons and packaging, labels and decals, POP displays, banners, wall graphics, aluminum signs and flexo plates. As part of this partnership, Kongsberg PCS will not only provide Fujifilm and its customers with sales, service, and support for the Kongsberg pre- cision cutting platforms, but also will offer ongoing training and technical support to Fujifilm customers throughout the lifecycle of their cutting system.
Winpak Installs First N.A. CrystalCleanConnect Winpak Ltd., Winnipeg, Canada, is the first in North America to install Asahi Photoproducts’s CrystalClearConnect automated flexo platemaking system at its Winpak Films business unit in Senoia, Georgia. This automated system was co-developed with Esko and Kongsberg. With CrystalCleanConnect, press-ready plates are reportedly prepared in a single step, reducing op- erator interventions normally required in a 12-step traditional plate production. Winpak Ltd. is a $1.2 billion packaging compa- ny that manufactures and distributes packaging materials and related packaging machines. The company uses solvent-based inks in the produc- tion of wide web flexible packaging. Its products are used primarily for the protection of perishable foods and beverages, including thermoformed cups and lids, flexible films, meat trays and covers, and other packaging comprised of flexible and rig- id substrates. The company manufactures several solutions for healthcare as well. Winpak operates twelve production facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
LEARN MORE
July 31, 2023 5
Wausau Coated Products Announces Label Awards Wausau Coated Products, Inc., Wausau, Wiscon- sin, a manufacturer of adhesive-based label prod- ucts, has announced the WCP Second Annual Label Awards Contest, competition dedicated to showcas- ing exceptional design skills and innovation in la- bel application. Entries are now open until Friday, September 1, 2023. Judges will evaluate each label based on original- ity, execution, print quality, embellishments, shelf appeal, and communication effectiveness for two categories – People’s Choice and Best in Show. All label submissions must use Wausau Coated Prod- ucts Pressure Sensitive Sheet or Roll Label products. AICC To Analyze Packaging Industry Trends AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, is bringing Packaging Industry Trends - Pay for Per- formance in 2023, a free webinar, to members on Thursday, August 10 at 2:00 pm ET. As everyone in the industry has seen, there have been many changes this year and there are more to come in 2024. One of the biggest changes has been in the labor market. It is critical for companies to
understand salary changes in the market across dif- ferent geographical areas, industries, and job levels. A key to understanding pay positions is relevant survey data to benchmark positions and assess how much inflation and other economic factors impact the market. AICC Technical Advisor, Tom Weber, will review some of these trends that he has witnessed recently regarding pay for performance to help companies stay competitive. Attending the live webinar is free. A recording of this webinar will be available on AICC NOW for companies with the All Access Pass or for individu- al purchase for those not registered. Learn more about this webinar and register at www.AICCbox.org/Calendar .
For the latest, up-to-the minute news in the Flexo Industry — acquisitions, installations, market trends, personnel changes — visit FlexoMarketNews.com EVERY day. On your laptop or mobile device.
www.FlexoMarketNews.com
6 July 31, 2023
Packaging Reality (Cont’d from Page 3)
The majority of packaging and labels specifiers had to adapt their selections to meet these needs. Among the most reported responses, 74 percent changed materials based on availability for pack- aging, up 22 percent from 2022 and 64 percent did the same for labels. Up slightly from last year’s report, 37 percent developed e-commerce-specific package design/structure. Half responded by in- creasing inventory and 39 percent boosted support from external vendors. The vast majority (90 percent) continue to agree that sustainability is a key consideration in pack- aging and label decisions. Despite the challenging
AUTOMATION IS YOUR FUTURE • LESS LABOR • LESS DOWNTIME • 100% CLEAN Get Maximum Production For Less With Flexo Wash Today DON’T WAIT! flexowashus.com 888-493-5396 STILL CLEANING YOUR PLATES BY HAND? It’s time to improve your process with Flexo Wash and realize your return on investment today.
macro environment, 77 percent of respondents claimed they moved at least slightly closer to their organization’s sustainability goals. This represents a substantial increase over similar indicators from last year’s report, where 55 percent of packaging decision-makers said they moved closer to carbon emissions goals and 66 percent said they shifted to more sustainable packaging. Among the top reported sustainability-led selec- tions in packaging, 72 percent prioritized reduction of material waste, 66 percent prioritized material recyclability and half prioritized inclusion of recy- cled material. More progress may be on the horizon with two- thirds reporting they are likely to make sustainabil- ity-led changes in the next two-to-five years — and there is room for improvement. While only 49 per- cent of respondents said they are measuring envi- ronmental impact — a decline over last year — 38 percent acknowledged they are not currently, but plan to in the future. Also, less than half (48 per- cent) strongly agreed their brand’s packaging can be easily and widely recycled across the United States, making the prioritization of recyclability an important factor to watch.
July 31, 2023 7
Bobst Reveals 2023 Innovation Award winners Bobst has presented its annual Inventor Awards, given to innovators and their patents within the business that have pushed the boundaries of tech- nology to enhance print and packaging workflows for customers. For 2023, Bobst has issued two awards for the first time. The main Inventor Award has been presented to Patrice Chatry and Maude Steiner, inventors of the Non-Stop with Automatic Swords Selection innova- tion, while a Special Jury Award has been presented to Rene Heinze, inventor of an intermediate dryer in particular for rotary printing presses. The Non-Stop with Automatic Swords Selection, created by Inventor Award winners Patrice Chatry and Maude Steiner, is a sheet pile supporting assem- bly. The device automatically selects which swords are used to temporarily sustain the pile of blanks in the separation station. With efficiency central to printing success, the key advantage of this patent is that job-dependent blank separation structures can be avoided, meaning a replacement pallet of blanks can be swapped in without stopping the machine and disrupting productivity. The innovation offers packaging converters a valuable time saving of six
smart SOLUTIONS
Sustained solutions to your most pressing pressroom concerns.
We begin with an investigation that benchmarks the most common causes of waste/downtime and their costs including:
Job Changes Mid-run Press Stops Customer Complaints Excess Blade Consumption Inadequate Best Practice SOPs
Anilox/Cylinder Wear and Damage Print Defects Like Dirty Print, Streaks Lack of On-going Compliance Training After careful ROI analysis, we help you develop and implement a sustainable solutions plan.
Exceptional Quality. Superior Results. Guaranteed.
Ask About Our Proven Track Record!
FLXON INCORPORATED (800) 756-6474 To learn more visit www.flxon.com
Every Thursday, Flexo Market News sends out a web blast that includes a round-up of all of the week’s most important news. Sponsorships of the web blast are available.
minutes per job, creating valuable gains throughout the workflow. Presented with the Special Jury Award, Rene Heinze’s Dryer is a new geometry of intermediate rotary printing press dryer. The design features ar- eas of both high and low pressure and comprises a novel system of nozzles and openings for the dis- charging of heated gas in exchange for cooled gas. In judging, the dryer was noted for presenting a 15 percent performance increase over conventional dryer designs, improving the yield of the overall drying process and making efficient use of hot air.
www.FlexoMarketNews.com
8 July 31, 2023
FINAT Unveils Whitepaper On PET Recycling FINAT, the European label association, has released its whitepaper Role Of Self-Adhesive Labels In PET Recycling , calling for a full value chain partnership to develop circular packaging. Self-adhesive labels are a highly versatile packaging solution, and follow Eco-design principles to fit different packaging types and applications, according to the report. The choice of a self-adhesive label and its components is appli- cation-dependent, and the design of the packaging needs to take into account its complete life cycle, including recycling. During the recycling of PET con- tainers, shredded PET flakes need to be separated from other materials as efficiently as possible. Specifically created “wash-off” self-adhesive labels are designed to release from the PET container in the washing step of the recycling process, resulting in clean PET flakes that enable closed-loop recycling.
Engineered Better Anilox Sleeves and Rollers Crafted Specifically For Your Budget, Your Press, Your Job.
If it’s your job to nd better ways to offer great printing at competitive prices, you should have The ARChitects of Flexo
on your team. For more than 35 years our success has been built on engineering a competitive edge for exo printers. ARC International focuses on giving you better: Better control. Better options. Better margins. Whether you prefer berglass or carbon ber anilox sleeves from our High Graphics TM division, you can be sure it will be crafted to exacting OEM specs. Durable and lightweight as well as corrosion and damage resistant, your sleeve will be precision ground and t perfectly with your mandrel, whether steel or carbon ber. ARC’s plasma coating provides an excellent engraving surface for a full array of laser engraved line counts and volumes.
Labels incorporating permanent adhesives, on the other hand, could hinder recycling as these are not designed to be cleanly released in the washing con- ditions used and contaminate PET flakes or stick to the recycling equipment. Both technologies are visually indistinguishable, but behave drastically different during the recycling process. The whitepaper calls for producers of packaged goods to critically assess the overall recyclability of their packaging designs. For this purpose, FINAT pro- poses a full value chain partnership between brand owners, converters and manufacturers of self-adhe- sive labels to ensure that the optimal label is used for a specific purpose, taking the recycling into account. Wash-off self-adhesive labels are an existing solution to increase the quantity and quality of recycled PET, thus enabling packaging circularity. The whitepaper is available for download at https://www.finat. com/documents/1070/20230720-finat-whitepa- per-labels-enabling-pet-recycling.pdf .
Learn how you can bene t from better engineering. Contact The ARChitects of Flexo today and arrange for a free press evaluation.
ARCInternational.com 800-526-4569 The ARChitects of exo
July 31, 2023 9
ARC_.5pFMN_Eng.indd 1
3/31/21 5:52 PM
Baldwin Technology Launches Inspection System Baldwin has launched the Guardian PQV 4.0 in- spection system. The technology is now upgraded with advanced automation, micrometer inspection precision and its new Wizard-iQ Interface. Building on the Guardian PQV 3.0, the new sys- tem reportedly offers three substantial upgrades to enable operators — through the simplified access to newly automated advanced and powerful features — to enhance efficiency, and boost productivity. Wizard-iQ can set up a repeatable process with a few simple clicks, lowering the barrier of entry for new employees, according to the company PQV 4.0 offers automated-Delta-E color monitor- ing, barcode recognition and sensitivity and light- ing presets, taking the legwork out of automation setups. PQV 4.0 boasts micrometer inspection precision, and camera systems that offer both single- and du- al-sided 100 percent print quality inspection for any application.
Flexo Market News I nternet D irectory
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. Apex International www.apexinternational.com Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com Apex International is an award-winning global lead - er of anilox rolls, sleeves, glue sets, metering prod - ucts, and print maintenance solutions. With seven production facilities on four continents, a growing portfolio of clients in over 110 countries, and a high-performance continuous-improvement culture, Apex’s mission is the customer’s production suc - cess. Through technical innovation, service, and manufacturing precision, Apex delivers reliable, durable, and predictable metering solutions to its client’s presses every day. ARC International www.ARCInternational.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. Eaglewood Technologies, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com Eaglewood Technologies offers trusted cleaning technologies for the world’s best printers and convert - ers. Solutions include the award winning Sitexco+ Anilox Laser System, the Nanovis Parts Washing System, the Sitexco L10 Label System, the innovative Sanilox™ System or Alphasonics solutions. We also offer Xpress™ mobile cleaning service at your facility or ours.
PEI Bag Installs New Koenig & Bauer Press
PEI Bag, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has pur- chased of a new CI flexographic printing press: a Koenig & Bauer XG LR CI eight-color press. A 2006-purchased Italian Galaxy gear-driven eight-color will be removed to make room for the new Koenig & Bauer XG LR. At the end of this phase, PEI Bag will be operating two flexo printing
presses from Koenig & Bauer. The new eight-col- or XG LR will print a large portion of PEI’s larger repeat bags, but the firm will continue to use the 2010 press for its other for smaller repeat jobs. Man- agement foresees the new XG LR producing 50-60 percent of the firm’s work due to its high speed, increased flexibility, and faster automated wash-ups and clean-ups, according to the company. PEI Bag’s XG LR highly automated CI flexo press is configured with eight print stations and a print- ing repeat length of 1,250 mm.
10 July 31, 2023
AWA Alexander Watson Associates Repositions AWA Alexander Watson Associates is repositioning itself to better reflect what the company does and how it supports customers and the value chain it serves. “In the past we have historically positioned our- selves as a ‘Market Research & Consulting Firm,’ but we are expanding our positioning as a ‘Market Intelligence & Business Insights Service Provider,’ better reflecting what we do for our customers and how we support the value chain we serve, whether
For the latest, up-to-the minute news in the Flexo Industry — acquisitions, installations, market trends, personnel changes — visit FlexoMarketNews.com EVERY day. On your laptop or mobile device.
through our published studies, quarterly data tran- scripts, individual customer market research and business development projects, M&A market and customer due diligence, and through AWA confer- ences and events,” said Corey Reardon, President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates. “In today’s changing market and competitive land- scape, much more than market research is need- ed by our clients,” he continued. “A deeper under- standing of market dynamics, changes and insights as to what has, is and will happen in the future, is critical for strategic decision making.” AWA has long focused on the specialty paper, film, packaging, coating and converting sector, with spe- cific subject matter expertise in pressure sensitive materials, release liner, labeling and product decora- tion, and flexible packaging materials. Within this fo- cus and expertise, AWA publishes a portfolio of mar- ket and industry studies, providing the intelligence and insights companies need, while establishing a benchmark of knowledge capital, data and accuracy. “Our subject matter expertise allows us to provide the best market information available, as well as un- paralleled support on custom studies and depth in our industry and market analysis,” said Anum Javed Beg, Manager, Market Intelligence & Business In- sights. “The positioning of AWA Market Intelligence & Business Insight Services better aligns with our capabilities and accurately represents our range of services.”
www.FlexoMarketNews.com
July 31, 2023 11
People & Places SheetLabels.com Barry Wendell has been named as the new Vice President of Sales forSheetLabels.com (SLI), a flexog- raphic and digital label manufac- turer headquartered in the heart of New York’s Adirondack region. Wendell brings to the growing la- bel manufacturer extensive package printing industry experience and
Flexo Market News I nternet D irectory
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 to - day’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing industries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broadly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print performance, and environmental benefits. 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. 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. KBA-Flexotecnica – Get the Edge www.kba-flexotecnica.com/en/
Barry Wendell
expertise. Prior to joining SLI, he’s held business development, sales, and management positions at Bobst, Domino, HP and Hyde Park Label Company, among others. Wendell will be based out of SLI’s second label manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas. The Texas location is outfitted with the same ex- tensive flexo, digital and laser finishing capabilities that are in place at the flagship Upstate New York facility. What began as an e-commerce specialist, SLI has evolved into a full-service label manufacturer, now offering flexographic, both UV inkjet and electro- photographic printing, and most recently laser fin- ishing – all through a streamlined online ordering system. Wegmann Companies
Keith Grimm, a label industry vet- eran and formerly of Label Traxx, has joined Wegmann Label as Gen- eral Manager. Wegmann Companies is a label converter in St. Louis, Missouri, that was founded in 2014. The company has been investing in new technol- ogy since its inception. API Group
Keith Grimm
Jonathan Quinn has been named Global VP of Marketing & Sustainability of the API Group. In his new role, Quinn will be responsible for ad- vancing the company’s film and flexible packaging businesses. Quinn previously led market segmen- tation strategy development and execution as well as sustainability at Pregis. He is also an active member of multiple industry boards such as the Flexible Packaging Association, International Safe Transit Association, and the Clemson University advisory board for the College of Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Science.
12 July 31, 2023
FPA Announces Student Packaging Design Winners The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) has an- nounced the winners of the FPA 2023 Student Flex- ible Packaging Design Challenge. This year’s first winner was a student from Cali- fornia Polytechnic State University, and the second place winner was a team of students from the Uni- versity of Wisconsin – Stout. There was also one honorable mention awarded for the 2023 competition, also from the University of Wisconsin – Stout.
Industry Events
Labelexpo Europe September 11-14, 2023 Brussels Convention Center Brussels, Belgium
FTA Fall Conference October 9-11, 2023 Louisville, Kentucky
TLMI Annual Meeeting October 15-17, 2023 The Broadmoor Colorado Springs, CO
Labelexpo Asia December 5-8, 2023 SNIEC Shanghai, China
FPA’s annual Achievement Awards competition recognizes innovative flexible packaging from across its membership. The industry also believes it is important to encourage and recognize students who are working to become the next generation of packaging designers. The first-place winner was Caroline Powell from the California Polytechnic State University under the direction of Joongmin Shin, Ph.D., Associate Professor. A packaging concept for puppy chow was the sec- ond place winner, a team of students from the Uni- versity of Wisconsin – Stout. Olivia Leipnitz, Elaina Marxen, Annabelle Meyer, and Ella Stelter, under the direction of Gary Borges, Associate Professor, designed a flexible packaging solution that reduc- es packaging waste, food waste, minimizes the use of utensils and dishes, and creates a new storage method with their Puppy Chow Kit concept. For the 2023 competition, FPA received 62 con- cept outlines from some of the top packaging de- sign programs across the United States. From the concept outlines submitted, 21 were selected to continue to the development phase.
Gulf Print & Pack January 9-11, 2024 World Trade Center Dubai, United Emirites
Labelexpo Americas September 10-12, 2024 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois
FTA Annual Meeting May 4-7, 2025 David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
July 31, 2023 13
People & Places
HELP WANTED
AWA Alexander Watson AWA Alexander Watson Associates hosted the first edition of the AWA International Linerless Label Conference & Exhibition on June 12-13, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Technical Sales Representative Ontario, Western Canada
Apex International, the world’s largest manufacturer of precision flexographic anilox technology, is seeking a Technical Sales Representative to sell and service our customers in Ontario and Western Canada. This posi- tion’s territory includes Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatch - ewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon Territory. Candidates must currently reside in Ontario. The ideal candidate should have outside sales ex- perience and have an existing customer base in the flexographic industry. We are looking for an individu - al who can work both independently and with a team and has both computer skills and pressroom experi - ence (not necessary but would be a plus).
Building off AWA Seminars and AWAVirtual events on the subject, this conference provided a dedicat- ed platform to learn about market developments, solving problems, and meeting colleagues across the value chain and all linerless label application areas. One of the highlights during the AWA International Linerless Label
Mike Cooper
Conference & Exhibition was the recognition of Mike Cooper, who received a special award for his leadership and pioneering efforts to establish and grow linerless technologies. As read from a congratulatory note to Cooper, from Calvin Frost, chairman, Channeled Resources Group, stated, “With your leadership, ‘Linerless’ is now a household word…….Our industry owes you a debt of gratitude, and the AWA award couldn’t be more fitting” Wayne Middleton, Senior Linerless Segment Lead- er EMENA, Avery Dennison Label & Packaging Ma- terials, Europe, added, “Mike’s early recognition and foresight of the impact of climate change and the need to reduce waste and carbon footprint is commendable. A huge thanks to AWA for the recog- nition of Mike’s contribution to this linerless jour- ney and this well-deserved award.” This annual Conference will next be held in Am- sterdam, the Netherlands, in June 2024. Wausau Coated Products
For more information visit: https://apexinternational. com/careers/ .
Flexo Market News® is published bi-weekly by NV Busi- ness Publishers Corporation, in association with Board Con- verting News®, Corrugated Today® Recycling Markets®, International Paper Board Industry®, Folding Carton Indus- try®, 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 publica- tion may be transmitted or reproduced without permission from the publisher.
Robyn Smith - President/Publisher Len Prazych - Vice President
Rick Laliberte has been named the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Wausau Coated Products Inc., Wausau, Wisconsin, an inde- pendent family owned and operat- ed manufacturer of adhesive-based label products. Prior to his new role at Wausau Coated Products, Laliberte held several executive positions in com- panies including Solid Comfort, Inc, Ingersoll-Rand Company, and Bobcat.
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
Rick Laliberte
Tom Vilardi (1961-2018) Chairman Ted Vilardi (1933-2013) - Founder ©2019 NV. Publications All Rights Reserved www.nvpublications.com
In his new role as CFO, Laliberte will be responsi- ble for the areas of Accounting, Purchasing, and IT.
14 July 31, 2023
EXPAND THE REACH OF YOUR MARKETING MESSAGE! Expand Your Marketing Message
Leverage your message to your customers and potential customers with the power and credibility of Flexo Market News behind it. Sponsor a weekly Monday issue or we’ll send out an e-blast any day of the week to our full on-line circulation. You provide the copy, images and/or link to a video or website and we’ll do the rest for only $1000. An N.V. Publication Market News FLEX ® Serving The Flexographic Printing Industry In Print and Online at www.nvpublications.com Give your digital marketing campaign a boost! Call or write today: .
xo_Header_Layout 1 1/29/15 11:54 AM Page 1
Greg Kishbaugh (317) 306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease