Adding a new dimension to your offering is always a great way to build business and increase profitability, and that’s exactly what Océ Australia has introduced this week, both literally and figuratively, with the launch of its new Touchstone® elevated printing technology for Océ Arizona® Series of large -format UV flatbed printers – and visitors to Visual Impact this month will be able to ‘see , touch and feel’ exactly what that will mean for their business.

Garry Muratore, Product Manager – Graphic Arts for Océ Australia, says the new workflow software has the potential to help businesses broaden their offering and build their business by creating new high-value, high-margin products using what Océ terms ‘2.5D’ print.

“We’re all aware of the advantages of normal, 2D print and it’s been interesting to see the buzz around 3D in recent years, although the ability of print service providers to integrate those technologies profitably into their business has given it limited relevance for our industry,” Muratore reflects.

“With Océ Touchstone, Arizona printers can take advantage of dimensional print in the form of commercially viable and profitable ‘2.5D’ applications, creating layered, textured prints that command significantly higher margins, without the need to invest in any additional hardware.”

Citing recent research, Muratore says print buyers expect to pay a premium for tactile prints, creating genuine opportunities to add value and improve margins for print service providers who can find a cost-effective and efficient way deliver.

“In any business, profitability is the key to success. Improving efficiency and reducing costs can help, but the real key is leveraging new technologies to establish a genuine competitive advantage,” Muratore says. “Touchstone provides the solution with a suite of new productivity tools that make it
easy to achieve high quality, repeatable results with an exciting sensory dimension.”

“Touchstone uses extensions to the Adobe toolset to allow designers to build dimensional features into print jobs at the design stage,” Muratore explains. “The design tools are free to use, but production does require Océ’s patented ALPS technology, which sits within the Onyx Thrive/ Océ
Arizona ecosystem, speciality Océ IJC257 inks and, of course, an Océ Arizona printer.”

In fact, the system offers two categories of dimensional print. Alto offering provides opaque elevation plus colour in depths of up to 1mm, while Brila offers a lower profile up to 0.5mm, with colour and varnish, opening the door to applications like metallic effects, achieved by printing on reflective media like foil.

Océ’s ALPS technology also ensures every pixel of the final ‘top layer’ – or image layer – is printed at the optimum height, exactly as if it were a 2D job, achieving outstanding quality with no softening of the image in valley.



The results are certainly impressive, with the quality, versatility and tactile appeal of Touchstone prints making it easy to appreciate how it could enhance a range of applications from wallpapers and interior products, short-run or personalised marketing, limited edition packaging, POP and signage, prototypes and moulds, and more.

“We think Touchstone will appeal particularly PSPs with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, who understand that creating a point of difference can really help them stay ahead of the game. And, of course, those who – and also those who service ‘bespoke’ markets where print is only one component
of the finished item,” Muratore says.

“Importantly, Touchstone makes it easy for printers to achieve these dimensional enhancements, with straightforward, intuitive operation, simplified ‘real-world’ design dimensions and a high level of automation. There are no complex iterations required in the design phase and, in terms of production,
it’s pretty much ‘set and forget’.”

Those keen to “feel the difference” will have the opportunity at Visual Impact, where Océ Australia will have an entire ‘Touchstone Wall’ on display on Stand D17. If you can’t be in Sydney, but still want a preview, you can contact your local Océ business development manager to book a demo – the company has even introduced trial licenses of up to 12 months for existing Arizona users who are keen to dip a proverbial toe in the dimensional print market.

“Océ’s is committed to helping print businesses achieve success through new and profitable print technologies,” Muratore says, “and it’s fair to say that, with the introduction of Touchstone, printing has never felt so good.”

For more information, just email support.au@oce.com

Komori Announces Plans to Field Test Impremia NS40 Nanographic System

Komori Corporation announced plans to initiate field testing of its new Impremia NS40, a 40˝ sheetfed Nanographic Printing System, during the spring of 2019. First shown at drupa 2016, the Komori Impremia NS40, a sheetfed inkjet press equipped with Landa Nanography technology, has been in development at Komori in Japan for more than two years.

Keeping the needs of today’s customers in mind, the NS40 is designed to combine the versatility of digital with the quality and speed of offset printing at a low cost per page. It has the capability to print on any off-the-shelf substrate, from coated and uncoated paper stocks to synthetic substrates and paperboard—up to 32 point—without the need for pre- or post-treatment of any type. Operating at an initial throughput rate of 6,500 straight sheets or 3,250 perfected sheets per hour, the NS40 will be available in multiple configurations, from a 4-7 color straight press to an 8-color perfector with in-line coating.
Based on the progress of the development of the Impremia NS40, Komori plans to carry out the first field test of the beta press in the Japanese market in the spring of 2019. This will be followed by similar plans to further test the NS40 in other countries as well.

“Komori has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this game changing technology to the market so we are very excited that this product will soon be a reality,” says Scott Robertz, NS40 product manager for Komori America Corporation.

General availability of the product is planned for late December of 2019.

Epson Introduces Dye-Sublimation Solution Optimised for Rigid Photo Applications

Epson today announced a new solution designed for creating dye-sublimation photo panels and other rigid substrates. New Epson DS Transfer Photo Paper, a high-quality, lightweight dye-sublimation transfer paper, combined with Epson SureColor® F-Series dye-sublimation printers, inks and Wasatch RIP support, creates a complete solution designed to produce rigid photos with advanced print quality and vibrant images with minimal grain, consistency and reliability.

Universal Woods, the world’s leading manufacturer of hard surface products for sublimation, has been using the new Epson solution – DS Transfer Photo Paper with the Epson SureColor F6200 printer on its ChromaLuxe panels. “The new DS Transfer Photo Paper was manufactured with ChromaLuxe in mind, and it addresses some of our main concerns with sublimating – texture and lack of sublimation dye around the outer areas of the aluminum photo panel,” said Josh Bender, sublimation specialist, ChromaLuxe. “This complete Epson dye-sublimation solution achieved a WIR Display Permanence Rating of 65 years1, the highest we’ve seen to date with ChromaLuxe prints.” 

In addition, Image Wizards, the inventors of metal prints, has been using the new Epson transfer solution to create rigid photo prints. “The new Epson DS Transfer Photo Paper is the best dye-sublimation paper for rigid applications I have used,” said Roger K. Laudy, founder and president, Image Wizards. “In particular, the ink transfer onto metal prints on aluminum is amazing, with virtually no grain, as well as high ink transfer. This is easily the paper of choice for my customers.”

The new DS Transfer Photo Paper delivers excellent color gamut and black density, with reduced grain and mottling for smoother flesh tones and cleaner, lighter colors. In addition, it offers superb handling with almost no curl and warping under the heat of a flat press. The paper offers high ink transferability with slight transparency, which helps register the printed paper to the rigid substrate. Best used with the SureColor F6200, Wasatch SoftRIP version 7.6 offers full support for the DS Transfer Photo Paper for color management, print cost estimation and color profiles.

“This new paper is especially beneficial for the SureColor F6200 user who is producing high-quality photographic prints on ChromaLuxe plates,” said Tim Check, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “There are a lot of multipurpose transfer paper solutions available; this is one of the first that is specifically designed for rigid photo print quality – reducing grain to provide a more dynamic range of color.”

Pricing and Availability

The new DS Transfer Photo Paper is available now through Epson authorized Professional Imaging Resellers in three roll sizes for the following MSRPs:

-        17” x 300’ – $65

-        24” x 300’ – $89

-        44” x 300’ – $165

For additional information, visit www.proimaging.epson.com

Epson launches new T-Series large format wireless technical printers
SureColor T3160 and T5160 offer speed, precision and reliability in ultra-sleek, compact design

Epson Australia has launched two new high-speed, easy-to-use large-format printers – the 24-inch SureColor T3160 and the 36-inch SureColor T5160, available as desktop or floor-standing models. Marking Epson’s expansion of the T-Series product line to the low-to-mid-range CAD, AEC, GIS, POS poster and education markets, the wireless models feature a new clean and compact design coupled with the reliable printing performance inherent in Epson’s technical solutions.
 
Whether printing blueprints, line drawings, signage, or classroom posters, the SureColor T3160 and SureColor T5160 will assist professionals across a wider range of segments including architecture, engineering, CAD, GIS, education, corporate, home and small office users. The unique auto-switching functionality enables the printers to swap between large format roll paper and A4/A3 size paper, without users having to touch the printer, ideal for small companies that have multi-purpose print requirements in a limited workspace.
 
Epson Australia’s GM sales & marketing of their business division Craig Heckenberg said, “The SureColor T3160 and T5160 are designed specifically for the technical community including engineers, designers and architects who are looking for a fully functioned and compact printer that fits neatly in their office. These new printers also produce quality colour posters and displays, and they enable users to wirelessly produce accurate and vibrant prints from tablets and smartphones virtually anywhere.”



SureColor T3160

Leveraging Epson’s PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead technology and Nozzle Verification technology to automatically detect and adjust nozzle condition, the new printers offer fast print speeds producing accurate A1 prints in 31 seconds for the SC-T5160 and 34 seconds for the SC-T3160, with precise detail and commercial-grade reliability. Featuring integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, users can seamlessly print from tablets and smartphones or use the new 4.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen with simple and intuitive menu control and navigation. Next-generation high-capacity UltraChrome XD2 pigment inks deliver durable archival prints with brilliant colour and crisp lines on many paper types.



SureColor T5160

The 24-inch SureColor T3160 and the 36-inch SureColor T5160 printers deliver a range of features designed to help industry professionals increase productivity, including:  

• Fast print speeds – The SC-T3160 and SC-T5160 produce accurate A1 prints in 34 and 31 seconds, respectively.
• Easy to operate – A large, intuitive 4.3-inch LCD colour touchscreen simplifies print tasks.
• Compact, clean design – Ultra small footprint and sleek, minimal design enhances workspaces.
• Replace ink less often – High-capacity cartridges, up to 50ml colour and 80ml black.
• Print from virtually anywhere in the office – Integrated wireless and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity allow for easy printing from tablets, smartphones and more.
• High-performance – PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead offers Precision Droplet Control for outstanding clarity, and commercial-grade reliability with Nozzle Verification Technology.
• Durable, vibrant prints – Next-generation UltraChrome XD2 archival pigment ink technology produces brilliant colour, crisp lines and delivers prints that are water and scratch resistant.
• Versatile media handling – Accommodates rolls up to 24 and 36 inches and up to 50 sheets of A4 and A3 paper through the auto sheet feeder with autoswitch, as well as cut-sheet papers up to A1 (24”) or A0 (36”).
• Precise, sharp detail – Print blueprints, line drawings, posters, and more up to 2,400 dpi.
• Easy set up – Get up and running out of the box in rapid time.
 
Both printers come with a comprehensive 1 year on-site warranty and CoverPlus service packages are extendable up to 3 years.
 
The SureColor T3160 and SureColor T5160 will be available in Australia from September 2018 with RRPs beginning at $1,495 including GST.
 
For more information on the Epson SureColor T3160 and T5160 click here 

Hop Industries Releases Hop-Syn GO Synthetic Paper Exclusively for HP Indigo Digital Presses

Hop Industries, manufacturer of the durable Hop-Syn synthetic paper today announces the immediate availability Hop-Syn GO, a new grade specifically designed for all models of the HP Indigo digital press. Environmentally-friendly and 100% recyclable, the Hop-Syn GO grade is a surface-treated, clay-coated, calendered polypropylene substrate. Its unique composition offers superb ink adhesion and high-quality graphic imaging unlike any other synthetic paper for the HP Indigo press.

Hop-Syn GO is 100% waterproof and is extremely scuff resistant, ideal for menus, identification cards, P-O-P signage, retail tags, and more. Competitively priced, Hop-Syn GO provides the durability, tear resistance, and weather resistant properties of polypropylene plastic with the print performance and efficiency of conventional paper.

“Our customers have been asking for a Hop-Syn grade made specifically for the HP Indigo press, and we delivered a substrate that outperforms all other synthetic papers in the market, both in quality output and price,” comments Jack Smith, Senior Vice President of Hop Industries. “Hop-Syn GO grade has been put through our rigorous R&D and field-tests. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. HP Indigo customers rave about the Hop-Syn GO’s high quality and boast about how easy it is to run.”

Hop-Syn GO synthetic paper produces vibrant imaging with 85-90% opacity. Its smooth matte finish is printable on both sides. Hop-Syn GO is UV resistant up to 3 months outdoors and can be scored and grommeted. Hop-Syn GO is available in stock sheet sizes including 12 x 18 in, 13 x 19 in, 20.5 x 29.5 in, and 55 in stock roll width.

Hop Industries stocks its full line of Hop-Syn synthetic paper in its NJ warehouse; all grades can be shipped within 24 hours. The company also offers In-house converting, slit rolls from 1-in up to 54-in, and custom sized sheets and quantities.

For questions or more information visit www.hopsyn.com

COLORTUFF EXT ® : THE NEXT WAVE IN SIGNMAKING SUBSTRATES

ColorTuff EXT ® is the industry’s first 5 year exterior sublimatable aluminium sheeting. Available in sizes up to 2400mm x 1200mm and in 3 different finishes, it will stand up to the demands of the harshest environment.

Tom Johns from Rowmark Australia stated, “Come and see our ColorTuff EXT ® display at VI Sydney. The look and feel of the Texture finish bring an authenticity to signage that will change your perception of the applications and potential of sublimation.”

With great outdoor weatherability, durability of colour and 5 year performance guarantee, ColorTuff EXT ® will open many opportunities for sign makers from Architectural, Wayfinding, Exterior Signage to Compliance Signage, Garden Art and Outdoor Informational Graphics.

Colortuff EXT ® guillotines cleanly, drills without chipping and crazing and is graffiti resistant for easy removal of spray paint and permanent markers and will provide great new option for sign makers.

For more information about ColorTuff EXT ® contact: sales@rowmark.com.au , phone 1300 023 370, see us at VI Sydney 2018 or click here for more details.

SAi Receives Software Certification for HP DesignJet Z6610 and DesignJet Z6810 Printers


Salt Lake City, Utah, USA – SA International (SAi), the leading provider of software solutions for the signmaking, digital printing and CNC machining industries, today announces that its market-acclaimed SAi Flexi software solution is certified for use with both the HP DesignJet Z6610 and DesignJet Z6810 printers. The certification helps ensure print providers and sign & display companies to streamline their workflow, increase their throughput and guarantee premium quality output for their customers.
 
Applicable to FlexiPRINT, FlexiSIGN & PRINT, FlexiPRINT SE and HP FlexiPRINT edition v12, the certification officializes the software with HP’s stamp of approval and confirms that these Flexi solutions fully comply with its rigorous performance requirements for both DesignJet printers
 
Efficiency-Enhancing Tools
For users, this provides the assurance that the software will seamlessly integrate with their HP DesignJet printer without disruption to their print line.
 
The certification also offers those users who require advanced production tools – such as nesting, tiling and color management options – access to a catalogue of efficiency-enhancing tools. These include the ability to minimize material waste and maximize profit margins using Flexi’s new contour cut true shaping nesting tool. Users can precisely match the job spot colors with ease using Flexi’s spot color swatch tools.
 
Commenting on the certification, Eyal Friedman, Vice President, Technical Services at SAi, says, “As this certification demonstrates, our software solutions continue to perform at the highest level to equip print providers and sign & display companies with a multitude of business-enhancing tools.”
 
Designed as the world’s first and only all-in-one design, print and cut software solution, Flexi provides users with a comprehensive design-to-output workflow under one roof. Users have the choice to either purchase the software outright or via SAi’s subscription model. Subscribers have the financial flexibility to add extra licenses during peak periods as well as enjoy instant access to the latest upgrades.

SCREEN and Meccanotecnica co-operate for optimised on-demand production of premium section-sewn books

SCREEN and Meccanotecnica are collaborating on optimized on-demand production of premium quality books using Screen’s EQUIOS universal workflow and roll-fed full-color high-speed inkjet press, the Truepress Jet520HD, and Meccanotecnica's automatic book folding and sewing machine, the Universe Sewing Digital print finisher.

Screen’s Australian Managing Director, Peter Scott says: “Section-sewing of bookblocks for hard cover binding is recognised as the most robust way to finish quality books for durability and appearance. By integrating Meccanotecnica’s folding and book sewing technology with EQUIOS workflow, an automated end-to end production line is possible using barcodes to carry the required information through the workflow to finishing.”

The much-awarded Truepress Jet520HD with SC inks achieves quality suited to high-end publication work and is compatible with a wide range of paper stocks including standard offset coated papers. The latest version, 3.4, of EQUIOS provides roll-to-book imposition and variable barcode output functions that support automation with Meccanotecnica's Universe Sewing Digital print finisher. 

Scott adds: “Now that high-definition inkjet digital printing is possible with the Truepress Jet520HD and Screen SC inks, short-run digital printing has moved up to a new level where high-quality finishing is called for. Meccanotecnica is a leading vendor of automatic book sewing equipment, and our collaboration has enabled the automation of a process that provides exceptional durability and quality. The digital on-demand creation of books now offers quality and productivity levels that far exceed standard digital printing.”

Italy-based Meccanotecnica was founded in 1964 and is the world's leading manufacturer of automatic book sewing equipment and lines for book finishing. Globally renowned for its ASTER book sewing machines for offset print finishing, Meccanotecnica has entered the digital print finishing market by developing new solutions to allow cost-effective binding of short runs and the production of high-quality books.



www.screenaust.com.au 

Konica Minolta has appointed Andrew Ward to the role of Sales Manager for Production & Strategic Sales, New South Wales. 


Andrew is focused on assisting commercial printers to improve their businesses and increase efficiencies through the use of Konica Minolta technology, as well as continuing to build a collaborative team that is well-trusted and respected by printers, suppliers, partners and peers. 


Andrew has more than 25 years’ experience in the print industry from graphic arts to commercial print. Prior to this role he held various roles at HP and Canon. 


Andrew Ward said, “Konica Minolta has a supportive, collaborative culture with a real social conscience, which is what appealed to me. With my broad experience in the industry I look forward to working with business owners to leverage their Konica Minolta technology to drive their businesses forward.” 


David Procter, Director of Sales and Service, Konica Minolta, said, “Having experience in both the vendor and commercial print space means that Andrew has a depth of knowledge that will add significant value to our customers. We look forward to seeing how Andrew can motivate and coach a high-performance sales team that delivers outstanding service to our customers.” 

Océ Colorado to Pop-Up at Visual Impact Sydney

If you’ve been thinking about popping over to Sydney Olympic Park for the Visual Impact expo next month, there’s now another compelling reason to attend, with Océ Australia confirming that they will bring their new ‘pop -up showroom’ featuring the revolutionary Océ Colorado 1640 64” roll -to-roll printer, to the show.

Visual Impact has a well-established reputation for bringing the very best knowledge, resources and technology to the sign, display, wide-format and digital print sectors and next month’s show in Sydney will be no exception, with market leaders like Océ Australia putting their latest and greatest on show. For Océ, VI provides the opportunity to give the Océ Colorado 1640, the first machine to feature the company’s game-changing UVgel technology, its first official show outing in the Harbour City.

Reputed to be the fastest 64” roll-to-roll machine on the market, almost five times faster than its competitors, the Océ Colorado capitalises on the gel-like structure of Océ’s unique ink technology, which allows the image to be pinned instantly to media via an LED ‘pre-cure’ process prior to full curing once the image is complete. This delivers exceptional image quality, with virtually no dot gain, and also extraordinary media versatility.

The machine’s debut at the Sydney show, where it will be teamed with an Océ Arizona 2280GT UV Flatbed Printer, follows enthusiastic feedback from Brisbane print service providers, who recently became the first in Australia to experience the ‘pop-up’ when it visited New Farm for a couple of weeks in July. According to Dale Hawkins, Senior Marketing Manager from Océ Australia, the company is hoping the same formula will be equally well received at the Sydney Showground.

“The Colorado has generated enormous interest to date, and the pop-up showroom setup is designed to allow visitors to really experience the speed, automation, quality and flexibility which allows you to print more for less – and put more money into your wallet,” he says.

“Visitors will be able to watch live demos of the Colorado producing a range of applications, learn about UVgel technology and why we believe it is the future of print, and talk to our product and technical specialists about how this technology could fit their particular business situation. Plus, we have an innovative new ROI tool which will allow visitors to crunch the numbers and see just how much of an impact the Colorado could have on their productivity and profits.”

There also seems to be plenty more attractions planned, with our spies telling us that the Océ Australia team will demonstrate plenty of ways to put more dollars in your hip pockets as well as some special VI deals for orders written at the show. For those who book a demo ahead of time (bookings can be made here), there will also be a couple of movie tickets to pop in their wallet.

Visual Impact Sydney will be held from 12 – 14 September at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. Click here to find out more, or register online today.

Mactac enters craft beer labelling market

Officially announcing its entrance into the craft beer labeling market, Mactac Roll Label has launched a new line of all-temperature pressure-sensitive paper and film craft beer labels.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s craft beer brand owners, Mactac’s new craft beer labels are specially formulated with a variety of facestocks and finishes. With roughly 13 products available, Mactac offers semi-gloss, white and clear film options for bottle applications, as well as chrome films for cans.

“Craft beer packaging is all about shelf appeal, and today’s brand owners are trying to capture a certain look, with only seconds to persuade potential customers,” says Kim Hensley, marketing manager, Mactac Performance Adhesives. “Often, this means the labels on bottles and cans are just as important as the liquid inside. With a goal to stand out as much as possible at the point of sale, brand owners are seeking labels with special effects that give the perception of quality – such as varnishes, textures, the ‘no label look’ and specialty inks, in addition to vibrant, colorful labeling solutions.”

With nearly 60 years in the pressure sensitive adhesive business, Mactac has decades of experience and expertise in producing PS label solutions with a variety of specialty finishes and high-performance adhesive attributes.

Featuring the latest in Mactac’s all-temperature adhesive technology, the new craft beer label solutions are all designed with either Mactac’s industry-leading 640-AT acrylic adhesive or the company’s newest  Chill AT hot-melt rubber adhesive. Both adhesives are ideal for cold and damp environments, as well as elevated temperatures. They also contain water resistance properties, maintaining adhesive integrity and aesthetic appeal if exposed to water or moisture.

Converters and printers alike will appreciate that Mactac’s craft beer label solutions allow short- and medium-run label jobs and are available under Mactac’s Precise Program, which allows customers to order less material for smaller runs – an extremely beneficial value-addition in the craft beer labelling market.

Mimaki Australia partners with Gravotech Australia.

Mimaki Australia is pleased to announce that Gravotech has been appointed as a National Reseller of a selective range of Mimaki Industrial Products.

As part of a Global Partnership Gravotech Australia will resell Mimaki’s very successful UJF Series LED UV Flatbed Printer range to complement there range of laser and engraving equipment.

As an introduction to this partnership Gravotech and Mimaki will be displaying “Print & Cut” solutions at Visual Impact Sydney exhibition on the 12th-14th September. A combination outlining the bundled benefits of the technologies.

“It is a pleasure to welcome Gravotech to the Mimaki family,” said Tomomitsu Harada - Managing Director of Mimaki Australia. “With our extensive UJF Series product range we are looking forward to bolster sales and customer focus with this partnership.”

Gravotech & Mimaki are global leading brands manufacturing premium printing & engraving machines to a wide variety of applications and Industries. “This relationship allows us to increase our product range and services that we can offer to our customers giving them access to the latest technology and products, with our combined Print & Cut solution” according to Simon Scott, Managing Director of Gravotech Australia. “It’s the perfect partnership for our business as we continue our focus on adding value to our customers’ business through service excellence – both customer and technical service alike.”

About Mimaki
Mimaki Australia are committed to support our dealer network to grow Mimaki brand awareness. Adapting new Australian initiatives which include service and warranty strategies. Regular Mini Trade show events in-conjunction with our dealer network. These events outline educational and advanced application workshops so we can provide the benefits of Mimaki products to Australian customers. Increase opportunities with IP (industrial products) TA (textiles and apparel) markets within Australia.
Mimaki is a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutting machines for the sign/graphics, textile/apparel and industrial markets.


About Gravotech Australia
Gravotech is the global leader in the manufacture and supply of rotary and laser engraving machines, engraving material, consumables and extruded signage products. Through our Head Office and Manufacturing facilities in France, the Gravograph brand has been at the forefront of machine technology and quality since 1938. With offices all over Australia we are well positioned to serve and support our customers’ with the widest range of technical solutions.

Kodak to sell flexographic packaging division


Kodak is to sell its flexographic packaging division, allowing it to focus on environmental plates, enterprise inkjet, workflow software and brand licensing.


The division produces and markets the Flexcel NX system of flexographic imaging equipment, printing plates, consumables and related services. For the last 12 months, the division has reported revenues of US$150 million and operational EBITDA of US$33 million. During this period, it has demonstrated strong growth, achieving a nine percent increase in revenue and 18 percent operational EBITDA growth.


Kodak noted that during the sale process, it will continue to make significant investments by expanding manufacturing capacity, developing advanced technology and increasing headcount to meet customer needs.


Kodak CEO Jeff Clarke said: ‘This is a great opportunity to unlock value for shareholders given the strong interest we have received in the flexographic packaging division. The division has performed exceptionally well over the past five years and has become a significant player in the industry. This business is an excellent example of Kodak incubating and bringing disruptive innovation to the marketplace. Kodak has been evaluating monetization opportunities for the last several years in order to deleverage the company and we believe this is the right time to monetize this valuable asset.’


Clarke added: ‘Following this transaction, Kodak’s improved capital structure will allow us to increase our focus on demonstrated growth engines, while continuing to invest in and provide solutions across the commercial printing, film, and advanced materials industries.’


Post-sale, Kodak will focus on the demonstrated growth areas of Sonora environmental plates, enterprise inkjet, workflow software and brand licensing. Each of these businesses has delivered growth, profitability and strong margins, Kodak noted.


‘The company is well positioned for the future by leveraging these growth engines and continuing to maximise value in print systems, film and advanced materials,’ Kodak clarified in a statement.

Kraft Heinz aims for 100 percent recycled packaging by 2025

As part of its commitment to reduce natural resource needs and manage overall environmental footprint, The Kraft Heinz Company has expanded its environmental strategy to include time-bound targets for achieving greater packaging sustainability and setting science-based goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Specifically, Kraft Heinz supports the move toward a circular economy and aims to make 100 percent of its packaging globally recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. This announcement, a complement to its ‘Growing a Better World’ strategy, supports the company’s efforts to improve the sustainability of its supply chain.

‘Our collective industry has a massive challenge ahead of us with respect to packaging recyclability, end-of-life recovery and single-use plastics,’ said Bernardo Hees, CEO at Kraft Heinz. ‘Even though we don’t yet have all the answers, we owe it to current and future generations who call this planet ‘home’ to find better packaging solutions and actively progress efforts to improve recycling rates. That’s why Kraft Heinz is placing heightened focus on this important environmental issue.’

Kraft Heinz will aggressively pursue technical alternatives while also collaborating externally to advance its commitment to deliver 100 percent recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025. The company will partner with packaging experts, organizations and coalitions to explore technical, end-of-life and infrastructure solutions, and is already collaborating with Environmental Packaging International (EPI) for consulting, tracking and other specialist services in the packaging space. The company also will work toward increasing the usage of recycled content in its packaging and decreasing the overall volume of packaging used.

While the global packaging target is new, Kraft Heinz is no stranger to advancing the sustainability of its packaging. Evidenced by previous work in this space, the company has been working for years to optimize its high-volume packaging. For example, Kraft Heinz recently exceeded its commitment to reduce the weight of its global packaging by 50,000 metric tonnes. Additionally, Kraft Heinz Europe is working to make the recyclable Heinz Tomato Ketchup PET plastic bottle fully circular by 2022, by using recycled material that can be made back into food-grade packaging.

In addition, Kraft Heinz is doing its part to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by working to set science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in its supply chain. Adoption of these aggressive targets is aimed at helping avoid a global temperature increase of more than two degrees Celsius.

Added Hees: ‘We found that most of our emissions are coming from areas outside our direct operations. To truly succeed as champions of sustainability, we will look at our full value chain and determine where we can make the greatest impact for our planet.’

Lexmark Launches Enhanced Retail Print and Digital Signage Solution

Lexmark, a global imaging solutions leader, today introduced a new version of Lexmark Print and Digital Signage, a unique and powerful solution that automates the store signage and labeling processes, allowing retailers to easily print and publish quality, on-demand signs, labels and tags, freeing store staff to interact with customers. The latest version features enhanced mobile capabilities that allow store associates to make signage without leaving the sales floor, so customers get the attention they need to make buying decisions.

"Generating engaging and accurate in-store signage is a challenge for retailers across the globe, as stores struggle with price changes, pricing integrity, template management and waste," said John Linton, director, Lexmark Retail Industry Solutions. "We developed the Lexmark Print and Digital Signage solution to automate the in-store signage process, helping retailers quickly and easily develop engaging, accurate and on-brand signage so store staff can be on the sales floor with customers."

The Lexmark Print and Digital Signage solution is a proven enterprise solution for printing and publishing shelf-edge signs, labels and tags used in retail stores. The Lexmark Publishing Platform, which evolved from AccessVia software, uses one system to print paper signs from laser printers in the store, produce volumes of press-ready output for high-speed printing at a central location, and print electronic shelf labels, allowing brand consistency across all signs and reducing IT costs.

Solution benefits include:

• Mobility: Mobile applications allow staff to create, audit and print signage when they need it, where they need it--from the sales floor instead of the back office.
• Automation: Automated, graphically-rich sign production with Lexmark colour/spot colour hardware ensures your brand and messaging is well represented in every aisle. Rules-based formatting, dynamic graphics, and multi-item groupings simplify the production of complex signs.
• Scalability: Signage solutions scale to meet the needs of the largest retailers in the world, where productivity gains are multiplied in thousands of store locations.  
• Accuracy: Lexmark software helps ensure price integrity from the host pricing systems, to shelf, and to the register.
• Localisation:  Signs can be localised with store-specific pricing, quantities and formats, in the proper shelf sequence.

"Lexmark solutions are used in more than 70,000 retail stores across the globe, giving us unique insights into the challenges retailers face," said Allen Waugerman, Lexmark senior vice president and chief technology officer. "Our Print and Digital Signage solution, now enhanced with increased mobile capabilities, is another way Lexmark empowers retailers to enhance customer service and increase profits."

The Lexmark Print and Digital Signage solution is available directly from Lexmark.

Mark Andy adds three new models to Performance Series line

Mark Andy has introduced three new press models, P9E, P7E and P5E, to its Performance Series product line, as it seeks to meet and support ever-evolving converter needs.

The P9E press is specifically designed for high-quality flexible packaging production. Available in web widths up to 26in (660mm), the flexo press is engineered as a production tool to print film, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging and foil lidding.

P9E is built standard with new servo-controlled impression adjustment, independent servo-driven anilox rolls and servo side adjust at print speeds up to 1,000ft/min. Ergonomic efficiency is at the forefront of the wider 22in and 26in web widths, which include plate cylinder loading support as well as an anilox and chamber drawer. Configured with Mark Andy AI, the Performance Series P9E offers advanced automation with automated registration and impression, job save, eight servo motors per station and a centralized control system. The enhancements reduce manual adjustments and associated downtime while meeting Industry 4.0 demands.

The Mark Andy AI package is intelligent and customized to unique business needs, curbing potential production bottlenecks.

Mark Andy identified increased demand for shrink and pouches, coupled with larger volumes of shorter run lengths, as making P9E a ‘profitable platform’ for short run flexible packaging production.

Jeff Cowan, business development director at Mark Andy, said: ‘Mark Andy has over 800 Performance Series installed worldwide. We continue to develop flexible printing solutions that allow our customers to evolve as their job mix changes. The Performance Series P9E is an extension of our commitment and solves the pain points narrow web converters are facing plus the growing demand for shrink.’

The Performance Series P7E has been engineered to allow converters to expand into new markets, targeting entry-level film and extended content applications. P5E is designed to increase converter profitability for the simplest to most complex label applications.

Cowan added: ‘The P5 and P7 have been best-selling models in the Performance Series line, based primarily on the versatility and productivity. The release of the P5E and P7E demonstrates updated servo architecture allowing for tighter registration and a complete redesign of the converting options all focused on providing a better operator experience.’

All three of the new presses deliver an updated ProLED system with air cooling and modular recirculation dryers, both offering sustainability benefits. The machines are equipped with Mark Andy Thread-It technology, which simplifies press webbing for operators and is claimed to be three times faster than traditional webbing methods. Additional press options include Digital Plus Screen, a digital inkjet replacement for rotary screen printing as well as QCDC-SR (Quick Change Die Cut Semi Rotary) adding advanced capability to flexo equipment that is also available on Mark Andy digital hybrid technology. 

The Performance Series P7E and P5E are available now for order, with the official unveiling of the Performance Series P9E at Labelexpo Americas 2018.

New EFI Fiery DFE for Konica Minolta AccurioPress 6136 Series Delivers Best-in-Class Quality, Productivity and Workflow Integration

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (Nasdaq:EFII), and Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. announced a new EFI Fiery digital front end (DFE) designed to drive the AccurioPress 6136 series of monochrome digital presses from Konica Minolta.

Running on the latest EFI Fiery FS300 Pro software platform, the new EFI Fiery MIC-4160 external DFE is the first Fiery server for black-and-white print engines to launch on the new NX One server platform with Fiery QuickTouch. The new DFE is almost 50% faster than previous generations and is compatible with the innovative new Konica Minolta IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Optimizer for automated density control and accurate front-to-back registration. The latest Fiery Command WorkStation used with the DFE delivers a true unified job management interface for all Fiery Driven printers including cut-sheet, wide-format, superwide-format and high-speed inkjet devices.

“In-plants and commercial printing businesses need greater efficiencies to streamline their monochrome high-volume production operations and this new EFI Fiery DFE helps users get the most from their advanced AccurioPress 6136 investment,” said Kevin Kern, senior vice president, business intelligence services and product planning, Konica Minolta. “The DFE’s features help make users monochrome digital print workflows just as advanced as those found in high-end digital color print production.”

Free Fiery DFE training from EFI, found at the Learning@EFI site, will give AccurioPress 6136 series customers information to ensure they can use all the Fiery product features to the fullest extent possible.

New, bi-directional communication provides synchronized, real-time paper catalog updates that can be entered from either the press or the Fiery Command WorkStation interface, bringing operational flexibility to users, along with new paper tray assignment tools. Plus, the DFE’s Fiery QuickTouch display provides easy, automated backup and restore features. Optional EFI Fiery JobMaster software available with the DFE simplifies the process for creating manuals and other long documents with visual tools for tab insertion, scanning, image editing and media assignment.

End-to-end integration for greater efficiency
The new Fiery DFE also integrates into existing print production workflows through JDF implementation, which seamlessly connects with automated estimating, scheduling, job ticketing, accounting and other processes managed by EFI's suite of industry-leading MIS and web-to-print products, including EFI PrintSmith, Premium Pace and Enterprise Pace bundles for Konica Minolta.

In addition to built-in, industry-standard and certified JDF connectivity, Fiery API enables print service providers to rapidly develop live, bidirectional integration with their internally developed software or web services for their unique workflow automation needs. Fiery API is a REST (Representational State Transfer) application programming interface, allowing easy development regardless of application or software platforms including web browser, Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android.

“We are pleased to continue our relationship with Konica Minolta in bringing this outstanding DFE to the AccurioPress 6136 series of monochrome printers,” said John Henze, vice president of Fiery marketing, EFI. “It not only gives users our latest production enhancements, it brings users all the efficiencies of our new NX One touchscreen display, giving users faster views of job status information and quick access to server management tools.”

The new Fiery DFEs run on Windows 10 and are available from Konica Minolta and authorised Konica Minolta resellers. For more information about EFI Fiery Driven products, visit www.efi.com

HP One Package Workflow Suite

HP Inc. announced the HP One Package workflow suite for PageWide Industrial corrugated presses, the industry’s first ecosystem for digital corrugated printing. HP One Package offers software and solutions from HP and partners to help converters maximize the flexibility of digital production.

HP One Package workflow streamlines submission and preparation of orders, allowing converters to take advantage of an array of digital value-added possibilities, including solutions for brands’ consumer engagement and piracy protection using variable data, imagery and unique ID serialization. One Package’s production management and automation software also enhances operational performance and optimizes the supply chain.

The suite supports a range of industry third-party workflow solutions, including MIS and pre-press, HP’s powerful print servers, color management tools, and PrintOS cloud-based management applications. HP One Package complements HP’s growing portfolio of corrugated digital presses, including the HP PageWide C500 press for post-print and HP PageWide T1190 for pre-print.

“HP is revolutionizing corrugated printing with digital flexibility, offering high-volume productivity, food-safe inks, and now a sophisticated and integrated workflow solution to drive corrugated jobs from order to fulfillment,” said Eric Wiesner, General Manager, PageWide Industrial division, HP Inc. “Whether converters adopt a strategy for digital pre-print or digital post-print, HP One Package provides an integrated set of solutions for end-to-end productivity.”

HP One Package allows converters to unlock the potential of digital print, while integrating HP digital presses into existing production and business workflows. In addition to HP’s own workflow components, HP selects and qualifies partners and integrates these products. HP One Package workflow suite includes:

HP workflow solutions

• High-performance print servers –featuring high RIP power for demanding post-print and pre-print production. HP Production Prime Print Server is provided on the HP PageWide C500 Press, and HP Production Elite Print Server for the HP PageWide T400S and T1100 series presses. Production Elite also supports high-volume, short-run batch processing of multi-lane jobs.
• HP One Package Elite – Automation software for high-volume digital pre-print, providing advanced, on-the-fly layout and corrugator preparation. This software is built upon HP PrintOS Site Flow, HP’s leading cloud-based production management solution.
• HP PrintOS – HP’s open, cloud-based print software platform created for converters to transform the management of IT, production and business, including interaction with brands. HP PrintOS Box simplifies print file receipt, content validation and routing to production. PrintOS Site Flow efficiently manages hundreds of thousands of jobs per day, from web order submission to shipment.
• HP Packaging Color Studio – Color management tools and services to meet brand color standards and optimize color results in multiple color modes. HP customers may receive training and color management consulting from HP’s workflow partner ColorGATE.
• HP SmartStream Designer, HP Mosaic, and HP SmartStream Composer - Variable data printing (VDP) tools to enable sophisticated, high-value jobs for brands. HP SmartStream Designer and HP Mosaic offer unlimited variable data, imagery, and color for high-value brand campaigns. 1 HP SmartStream Composer provides accelerated composition for high volume applications.
• HP Link Technology - Embedded marks and codes enable tracking and tracing for brand protection, supply chain efficiency and customer engagement. With unique serialized marks, every package or display can have a unique digital identity.

Workflow solutions HP’s One Package partners


HP’s One Package integrates leading workflow solutions from HP's SmartStream partner ecosystem. Partner solutions now available include ColorGATE, Erhardt+Leimer, Esko, Kiwiplan, PXI Digital (Box It Now), and Witron.

• Packaging design workflow management, file creation and pre-press automation solutions from Esko.
• MIS connectivity – Automated file submission and control. HP offers application program interfaces (APIs) and software development kits (SDKs), in addition to integration with leading vendors, Kiwiplan and WITRON.
• Web2package –a PrintOS-integrated web-to-print portal solution from workflow partner PXI Digital Solutions (Box It Now), enabling converters to reach more end-users, accelerating the design and ordering process.
• Corrugator control – Enabling efficient processing of digital pre-printed rolls with integrated solutions from Erhardt+Leimer. 

Kodak launches Global Flexo Innovation Awards 2018

Kodak is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its KODAK FLEXCEL NX System by launching the "Kodak Global Flexo Innovation Awards." The Kodak Global Flexo Innovation Awards are a way of recognizing innovative, game-changing packaging, and emphasize creativity at its best.

According to Kodak, the continued adoption of FLEXCEL NX Plates worldwide underscores the industry’s demand for higher quality packaging with more cost effective and efficient production processes. Many Kodak customers are leveraging the capabilities of FLEXCEL NX Plates to drive growth through the conversion of gravure and offset work to flexo printing – delivering significant quality, cost and time-to-market benefits to their brand clients.

The Kodak awards will honor packaging that produces outstanding quality and convinces with innovation excellence in at least two of the following categories;
• Use of creative graphic design;
• Conversion from other print processes;
•  Print production workflow efficiency;
• Commitment to sustainable print.

The competition invites entries from prepress providers, printers or brands from all over the world. It is open to any commercial packaging project printed with KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates.

An independent panel of judges comprised of experts representing all players in the flexo and packaging value chain will assess the entries submitted. Chaired by renowned flexo expert Pier Luigi Sassanelli, the panel will also include Philippe Roulet, former Head of Packaging Material and Training at Nestlé, Sebastian Longo, Managing Director of Fotograbados Longo S.A. Argentina, Bernhard Stradner, Director Sales at Allstein GmbH, Chris Horton, former Senior Vice President of SGS, Ken McGuire, Research Fellow at Procter & Gamble and Jean-Paul Duquet, Director of Sustainability, Flexible Packaging Europe.

“The Global Flexo Innovation Awards are designed to honor companies who, through their commitment to excellence using FLEXCEL NX Plates, have played a significant part in the spectacular rise of flexographic printing over the last ten years,” says Chris Payne, President, Flexographic Division and Vice President of Kodak. “At the same time, the awards are a celebration of the journey we are on; they clearly demonstrate the FLEXCEL NX technology’s potential to help users gaining additional business opportunities by further improving efficiency, quality and sustainability to continue to fuel the industry transformation and raise the flexo standards.”

For full details on how to enter and a link to the entry form, visit www.transformationalflexo.com. Closing date for entries is October 16, 2018. The Global Flexo Innovation Awards will be presented to the winners in early 2019 at an exclusive gala hosted by Kodak and attended by key influencers from the international flexo community.