FMN_DEC4

FMN, BCN To Combine Forces Beginning in 2024, Board Con- verting News will be incorporating its sister publication Flexo Market News into its weekly publication, combining their respective editori- al, sales and management teams. Industry Service The publications have served the corrugated, folding carton and flexo industries, respectively, for more than a combined 65 years. Ever Expanding “We continue to grow and expand every year,” said Len Pryzach, Pres- ident of NV Publications, parent company of BCN and FMN, “always searching for ways to bring in- creased awareness and value to our customers. This is another exciting move for the company, adding ad- ditional levels of editorial coverage for our readers and market aware- ness for our sponsors.” Industry Leaders “ Board Converting News is the undisputed premiere publication serving the corrugated market,” said FMN Editor Greg Kishbaugh. “Combining all the resources of FMN with those of an industry leader such as BCN opens up un- told opportunities for the future.” The new venture will begin with the January 1, 2024 issue.

Digital Edition Exclusive:

Drupa Releases Global Trends Report by drupa Research Team C onfidence levels were found to be growing across all markets and almost all regions, despite challenging eco- nomic headwinds. It is clear that the old saying, “Adapt or die”, applies as printer and suppliers alike seek new ways to grow and thrive.

Last year’s report, the first since the Covid pandemic, was remarkably positive as the ever resilient print industry bounced back, reporting a more positive condition than in 2019 i.e. before COVID19. The results this year have main- tained that momentum, with a further improvement in senti- ment for 2023 and very positive expectations for 2024.

(Cont’d on Page 3)

December 6, 2023

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Trends Report (Cont’d from Page 1)

than last at 32 , down 2 percent. North America, South/Central America and Asia were up, with Eu- rope down 5 percent. All markets were fairly flat this year, but all showed great confidence for next year. For the second year running, printers raised pric- es globally; this after seven years of falling prices. Revenues grew at the fastest rate by far and mar- gins decreased at the slowest rate ever recorded. The pattern was not universal, with Europe and South/Central America reporting a more mixed situation. Suppliers reported a similar upbeat as- sessment. Commercial pricing is strong, net balance average +57 percent for the last two years compared with an average of -21 percent 2013-2017. Publishing is also an average +57 percent last two years; average -18 percent 2013-2017.These figures suggest the beginnings of better times for both market sectors. The stronger financial performance for the industry as a whole is welcome, as long as it does not crum- ble under wider inflationary pressures. Every year we ask printers to assess the net print volume by print technology. Flexo grows fast in packaging and Digital toner cutsheet color is far ahead of all other digital processes in all markets.

Globally in 2023, 44 percent stated their compa- ny’s current economic situation was ‘good’, and 12 percent described it as ‘poor’ while the remaining 44 percent described it as ‘satisfactory’. The net pos- itive balance being +32 percent i.e. 44 percent mi- nus 12 percent, is the overall result shown as the green column in the chart, 14 percent better than in 2022. It is this net positive or negative balance that is shown in many of the charts that follow. It is not all good news. Germany was downbeat at +12 percent, the same as 2022. Yet the Rest of Eu- rope was +34 percent. North American (N. America) sentiment softened to +50 percent from the peak last year. However, South/Central America (S/C. America) +24 percent, Africa +34 percent, Middle East +52 percent (small data set) and Australia/Oce- ania +56 percent (small data set) all recovered well from previous lows. Looking ahead, all regions, ex- cept Australia/Oceania, expect better performance in 2024, although Germany at just +4 percent is far more cautious than most. Looking at markets, there is a striking recovery in confidence amongst Commercial and Publishing printers across the globe, while Packaging contin- ues in its confident fashion. Suppliers were a little more cautious this year

(Cont’d on Page 9)

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 December 4, 2023 3

Reflex Group Purchases Two Nilpeter FA-26 presses The Reflex Group has invested in two identical 10-color Nilpeter FA-26 flexo presses for its location in Newcastle, UK. This machine is specifically built for value-added short run flexible packaging and labels. The presses boas features such as unit construc- tion, a compact footprint, and a landscape design. The addition of the two new FA-26s by Reflex Group brings the total number of new Nilpeter presses ac- quired over the last couple of years to six. Channeled Resources Earns Ecovadis Certification Channeled Resources Group (CRG), a manufac- turer of release liners, blank shipping labels, and pressure sensitive roll labelstock, as well as a sup- plier of reprocessed, coated, treated, and laminated papers and films, has been awarded the Ecovadis Bronze certification. This recognition acknowledg- es CRG’s commitment to environmental sustainabil- ity, ethical labor practices, human rights, and sus- tainable procurement. An internal team spearheaded the certification

process earlier this year. Ecovadis is a provider of business sustainability ratings, intelligence, and collaborative performance improvement tools for global supply chains. In addition to securing the Ecovadis bronze certi-

fication, Channeled Resources Group holds an ISO 9001 certification and proudly operates as a Wom- en’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified woman-owned business.

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4 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

Resource Label Group Acquires Coast Label

Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG) has acquired Coast Label Company based in Fountain Valley, Cal- ifornia. Coast Label is a seven-time winner of the Eugene Singer award for Best Managed Company. It is a supplier of UL Labels, medical device la- bels, engineered applications, industrial and secu- rity solutions.

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.

In addition, Coast Label maintains certifications including ISO 9001:2015, UL Printers Agreement, UL Recognized Component Manufacturer and oper- ates with a commitment to environmentally sensi- tive manufacturing practices. INFOFLEX 2024 Reportedly 75% Sold Out INFOFLEX 2024 booths are already reportedly 75 percent sold out for the May 6-7, 2024, show at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. The show is the first installment following the start of FTA’s CPC Awareness Campaign. Designed to in- crease CPC and brand owner engagement at As- sociation events, the Campaign reportedly brought a 200 percent increase in CPC attendance at FTA’s Fall Technical Conference 2023—plus, a nearly 20 percent increase in printer attendance. Now in its fifth decade, INFOFLEX is a network- ing event that brings the complete package print- ing industry together to discover new technolo- gies, talk to solution experts and improve printers’ production. As one half of FORUM & INFOFLEX, it comple- ments the technical presentations, panel discus- sions and professional development at FORUM by providing live demonstrations, real-world applica- tion and hands-on interaction.

www.FlexoMarketNews.com

Flexo Market News December 4, 2023 5

Maxcor Joins All4Labels Group

All4Labels global packaging group, a manufactur- er of sustainable and digital printing solutions, is consolidating its presence in LATAM by welcoming Maxcor Indústria de Etiquetas, a labelling company for the chemicals and oil market in Brazil and is known for PSL production. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval. Terms and con- ditions of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1990 near Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Maxcor Indústria de Etiquetas is a converter for the industrials, chemicals and oil markets. Autajon Group Acquires Royston Labels Autajon Group, a privately owned, international manufacturer of folding cartons, labels, set-up box- es and POS, has acquired Royston Labels, a UK- based manufacturer of self-adhesive labels. The acquisition of Royston Labels is Autajon’s sec- ond in the UK and follows its recent acquisition of Simply Cartons in August 2023.

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Royston Labels is a manufacturer of self-adhesive labels for a variety of industries, including beauty and personal care, beverages, automotive, health- care and pharmaceuticals. The company operates from a manufacturing facility in Royston, Hertford- shire, UK. The Autajon Group has been a specialized pack- aging supplier for almost 60 years and is now es- tablished in 12 European countries, in the United States and in Asia.

6 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

UPM Raflatac Targets Label Waste Recycling UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of sustainable self-adhesive paper and film products, has an- nounced Soprema as its main partner in label waste recycling in the EMEIA region. Soprema, a global specialist in waterproofing and

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roofing and insulation, will transform the label waste collected through the RafCycle by UPM Ra- flatac recycling service into new construction and insulation materials. Soprema operates 123 manufacturing sites and has more than 120 subsidiaries worldwide. UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle service is committed to liner waste recycling. With this partnership, label waste is converted into insulation solutions, sup- porting the use of renewable sources in the con- struction industry at Soprema’s site in France. This collaboration will let Soprema take a new step forward in the integration of the release liner as raw material for an insulation product that is more effective for all-season thermal comfort, So- prema’s management team said. Smithers Examines Future of Global Packaging Over the five years to 2028, the global packag- ing market is forecast to grow from $1.17 trillion to $1.42 trillion, according to new research released by Smithers. Globally, the packaging market is forecast to ex- pand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.9 percent over the next five years Flexible plastics will be the material type with the highest CAGR: 5.1 percent for 2023–28. Asia is the largest market accounting for $470 bil- lion of world packaging sales in 2023. North America is in second place accounting for $270 billion of world packaging sales, ahead of Western Europe with $234 billion.

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.

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Flexo Market News December 4, 2023 7

ARC_.5pFMN_Eng.indd 1

3/31/21 5:52 PM

Independent II Expands With Domino Press Independent II, in Louisville, Kentucky, is a pri- vately-owned and operated corrugated manufac- turer, providing total packaging solutions to its

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 Owners, President, VPs and General Managers The Top Minds In The Flexo Industry Are Waiting To Hear From You

customers. Independent II designs, manufactures, warehouses, and delivers corrugated packaging. The company operates a Domino X630i digital aqueous inkjet corrugated press in a brand new 340,000-square-foot facility. “Our motto is ‘Experience Packaging Success’,” said Finn MacDonald, President of Independent II. “That’s what we’ve brought to our market for close to 60 years now, and the constants are quality, service, and consistency in relationship…all included in the cost of the box. We’re changing...from a brown box manufac- turer to a brand box and a digital box performer. Our vision was relatively simple… diversify from brown box, but do it in a way that would deliver consistent value and quality to our customers.” “Everyday digital is really the philosophy that drove my vision for getting digital to our compa- ny, and into our market,” MacDonald said. “When Domino came out with the X630i single pass aque- ous-based digital press, we said ‘that’s it.’ For us, it’s really as simple as sell it, rip it, and print it… it’s that easy. of capacity, and great innovation to make use of. This is the type of press that we can install in the middle of our converting facility. You don’t need a clean room. You don’t need a lot of special air filtration. You don’t need a lot of special con- crete build up floor placement. You’ve got arguably the most compact press on the market, so it’s going to get a whole lot done in a very small footprint.” Domino is celebrating its 45th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world head- quarters in the UK, and North America headquar- ters in Gurnee, Illinois. Domino has 25 subsidiar- ies, representation in more than 120 countries, and more than 3,000 employees worldwide.

To boost your market presence contact:

Greg Kishbaugh / 317-306-1060 / flexo@nvpublications.com

Robyn Smith / 910-553-4055 / rsmith@nvpublications.com

8 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

Trends Report (Cont’d from Page 3)

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

Labor shortages are reported by both printers 47 percent and suppliers 39 percent. Conventional press operators and finishing staff are hardest to recruit for printers and manufacturing and techni- cal support staff amongst suppliers. Supply chain issues have loomed large for both Printers 63 percent and Suppliers 73 percent, al- though all expect issues to be less next year. Capi- tal expenditure fell back during the pandemic and there was an inevitable lag last year but demand picked up strongly in 2023 with even higher fore- casts for next year. There was the expected sus- tained demand from Packaging printers, and an en- couraging surge from Commercial and Publishing printers, while Functional printers returned to lev- els not seen since 2018. As usual, print technology and finishing equipment are the strongest targets by far. Capital expenditure amongst suppliers was rela- tively flat at just +4 percent net balance. Howev- er, all were bullish for 2024 at +24 percent across all markets, particularly for the Functional market. Building sales channels, raising efficiencies and de- veloping new services are the preferred targets.

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Both printers and suppliers have increasingly re- lied on diversification to create growth, though the rate of change is slower as trading has returned to more normal patterns post-Covid. Socio-economic issues loom as large as ever over all regions. The risk of economic recession is the top concern 47%, knocking the impact of pandem- ics into second place 41%. However, beyond the top two issues there were major variations across almost every region. For example, South/Central American printers were concerned about Political instability 52 percent, African printers highlight- ed currency issues 51 percent, Australian printers

To take advantage of this opportunity contact:

Greg Kishbaugh / 317-306-1060 / flexo@nvpublications.com

Robyn Smith / 910-553-4055 / rsmith@nvpublications.com

(Cont’d on Page 13)

Flexo Market News December 4, 2023 9

APR Introduces FlexoAcademy Program All Printing Resources (APR) has introduced Flexo- Academy, a new training program for the printing industry. “Our goal is to create a training environment that fosters collaboration and empowers individuals to think beyond their immediate roles,” said Catherine Haynes, VP of Strategic Initiatives for APR and lead developer of the FlexoAcademy program. “By leverag- ing the familiar features of collaborative platforms, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and participa- tion, particularly among the younger generation, who are accustomed to social media-like interactions.” Traditionally, according to APR, businesses have struggled to allocate resources and time for employee training. The shortage of skilled personnel and the ever-increasing demands of a busy, overloaded work- force have made sending employees off-site for train- ing even harder. Furthermore, the lack of organized training options and concerns about the quality of trainers have hindered companies’ ability to provide consistent and effective learning experiences.

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 five production facilities on four continents, a grow - ing portfolio of clients in over 80 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 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.

FlexoAcademy addresses these challenges head- on by leveraging the power of online training. The virtual platform ensures consistency in content de- livery and accessibility, freeing employees from the constraints of rigid schedules. Now, individuals can access training materials without disrupting their daily responsibilities. FlexoAcademy emphasizes collaboration and in- teractive communication. Through the platform, employees can engage with one another, share ex- periences, and ask questions. The incorporation of exercises challenges participants to think critically, encouraging them to consider the broader impact of their work on the company, industry, and the people they interact with regularly. FlexoAcademy training programs are offered in three ways. Participants can choose from an entire- ly online course, a blended learning approach com- bining online modules and instructor-led sessions.

10 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

www.nvpublications.com

FlexoColor Completes Miraclon Certification

(10 percent) international visitors. All in Print China took place in nine halls at SNIEC (Shanghai New International Expo Center), with a

FlexoColor, based in Valencia, Spain, has complet- ed the Miraclon Certification Program for FLEXCEL NX Plates. The certification has been designed to evaluate KODAK FLEXCEL System users’ ability to meet international standards in flexographic plate- making and represents a feature set that drives ef- ficiency, repeatability, and consistent qCuality flexo plate production. The certification process is supported with com- prehensive data measurement and analysis. All In Print China Wraps Show In Shanghai At the recent staging of the 9th All in Print China trade fair in Shanghai, 1,003 exhibitors from the printing and packaging industry from 14 countries and regions, including China, Germany, India, Ko- rea, and Japan, participated in the event. On more than 110,000 square meters, they repre- sented the entire value chain of the sector, includ- ing publishing, paper packaging, flexible packaging and labeling. A total of 108,136 trade visitors from 126 nations attended the 4-day event, with 10,164

focus on seven main themes: Digital Printing, Pre- press and Digitization, Comprehensive Printing, In- telligent Post-press, Comprehensive Packaging, In- novative Materials and Label & Flexible Packaging Industry. The show featured two specialized zones — Print- ing Digitization Factory and Innovation Factory, and one special display area — Display on the Achievements of Digitalization of Printing Industry in Yangtze River Delta. The 10th All in Print Chi- na is scheduled for October 28-31, 2024, at SNIEC (Shanghai New International Expo Center).

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

Flexo Market News December 4, 2023 11

People & Places

Flexo Market News I nternet D irectory

MPS Davide Pomati has been appointed Regional Sales Director for the Mediterranean area for flexo press manufacturer MPS, covering Italy, France and French speaking countries, Greece and the Balkans. Mark Andy Duane Pekar has been named Chief Executive Officer for Mark Andy, a manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment with a specialty in the narrow web label industry Pekar brings more than two de- cades of C-suite leadership experience across vari- ous industries. Davide Pomati Pekar’s latest role was as President and CEO of Trajus Building Products, where he steered the par-

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/

ent company – and its three subsid- iaries, including multi-family interi- ors leader Republic Elite – through significant operational enhance- ments, resulting in a doubling of Trajus’ revenue.

He held additional key leadership roles at Midstate Berkshire, FRAM Group, Honeywell, Carrier, and General Motors. FLAG To Host November Lunch & Learn FLAG (Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC), a buy- ing group with 140 label converter members, has announced its next Lunch & Learn event scheduled for November 30th, featuring Label Traxx. The event, titled “Automatic Stock Planning with Batched,” will be presented by Nick Wagner and John Mullins from the Label Traxx team at 1:00 PM EDT. The session will cover how Batched can provide a better, more complete toolset for reducing on-hand inventory, eliminate tedious, manual, error-prone processes and free up skilled resource time. Attendees will also learn how Batched can help eliminate friction between material planning and scheduling, as well as create more realistic, achiev- able, and optimal production schedules. FLAG members have complete access to a Lunch & Learn library, including more than 50 past sessions fo- cused on helping them grow their label businesses. Duane Pekar

12 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

Trends Report (Cont’d from Page 9)

Industry Events

pointed to environmental issues 33 percent, Asian printers commented on trade wars 23 percent and North American printers worried about standards of living 32 percent. Opinion is divided between those that think market forces are more important 43 percent and those who think socio-economic forces 46 percent.

Labelexpo Asia December 5-8, 2023 SNIEC Shanghai, China

Gulf Print & Pack January 9-11, 2024 World Trade Center Dubai, United Emirites

Labelexpo Summit March 12-13, 2024 Agora Bogota Convention Center, Bogota, Colombia

We returned to market specific questions for the first time since 2019. For commercial markets, the key takeaway is the advantages of diversification in both markets served and services offered. The

FTA Forum May 5-8, 2024 Lowes Kansas City Hotel Kansas City, MO

Labelexpo Americas September 10-12, 2024 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois

Labelexpo India November 14-17, 2024 India Expo Centre & Mart Greater Noida, Delhi NCR

proportion of publishing printers in the sample has halved since 2014 (from 30 percent of the total 2014 to 15 percent in 2023). And the mix of mar- kets they serve has also changed, with fewer in the newspaper, magazine and catalogue markets but more offering varying book printing options. Packaging printers report increasing demand for added value packaging e.g. interactive print. The search for more environmental alternatives to plas- tic packaging is a major focus for many, particularly for Flexible printers of course.

FTA Annual Meeting May 4-7, 2025 David L. Lawrence Convention Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Flexo Market News December 4, 2023 13

Flint Group Evolution Products Launch Worldwide Following its European launch during Labelexpo in Brussels, Flint Group’s Evolution products are now available for narrow web printers worldwide. The latest innovation includes Food Contact Ma- terial (FCM) compliant technologies that enhance shrink sleeves and label recyclability. Evolution products, which reportedly enable packaging to be reused in ever-evolving forms, are designed to increase the yield of material reclaimed from the recycling process by enabling label mate- rial to be recycled at the same time as a PET bot- tle without risk of contamination. Using Evolution products, previously unrecyclable products can be reprocessed, potentially boosting reclaimed materi- al yield by up to 10 percent. Evolution Deinking Primer is applied to the sub- strate before the ink and provides strong ink ad- hesion throughout the life of the label. The Prim- er then reportedly enables the ink to be released (de-inked) into the recycling caustic wash and the substrate is broken down into flakes. This ensures that more than 99 percent of the material can be recycled into something new. Evolution Varnish reportedly ensures that inks remain on the label during the caustic wash used in the recycling process. The varnish application avoids contamination of the washing solution while not impacting the floatability of the label, and there- fore, the resulting quality of the reclaimed materi- al is significantly improved. The protected ink can then be skimmed off with the floating label and directed to an alternative waste stream. The Evolution product range, previously launched in North America, has been recognized by the As- sociation of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for compliance with critical guidance for PET packaging and re- cently won the Environmental Sustainability cate- gory at the 2022 Global Label Awards at Labelexpo Americas. The European versions of these products are entirely FCM compliant, and the Deinking Primer has been shortlisted in the pre-commercialized category at the Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards 2023.

HELP WANTED

Flexo Market News® is published bi-weekly by NV Busi- ness Publishers Corporation, in association with Board Converting News®, International Paper Board Industry®, Folding Carton Industry®, and Board Converting News In- ternational. 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. Responsibilities include fostering client relationships, meeting sales targets, and becoming the face of Apex while extensively utilizing Salesforce. The ideal can- didates should have at least 3 years of experience in the printing industry, proven sales skills, a willingness to travel frequently (including internationally), and an eagerness to excel in a multicultural setting. Interested individuals can get further information and apply by visiting: https://apexinternational.com/ careers/ Apex International , the global leader in roll manufac- turing, is hiring for three Sales Professional positions to expand its North American team. Apex is scouting for energetic, ambitious individuals who are passionate about sales and thrive in fast- paced environments.

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 ©2023 NV. Publications All Rights Reserved www.nvpublications.com

14 December 4, 2023 Flexo Market News

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: .

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Greg Kishbaugh (317) 306-1060 flexo@nvpublications.com

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