.smi-preview#smi-preview-10580 { --smi-column-gap: 10px; --smi-row-gap: 20px; --smi-color: #ffffff; --smi-hover-color: #90c43c; ; ; --smi-border-width: 0px; ; --smi-border-radius: 0%; --smi-border-color: #3c434a; --smi-border-hover-color: #3c434a; --smi-padding-top: 15px; --smi-padding-right: 0px; --smi-padding-bottom: 0px; --smi-padding-left: 0px; --smi-font-size: 20px; --smi-horizontal-alignment: flex-end; --smi-hover-transition-time: 1s; ; }

    PostPress

    Print Decorating, Binding and Finishing

    Articles

    Empowering Timely Retirements Through Active 401(k) Participation

    By Joseph P. Trybula, CFP®, AIF®

    In today’s fast-paced work environment, ensuring employees retire on time isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for fostering a vibrant, dynamic workforce. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by encouraging active participation in 401(k) plans. Let’s dive into how 401(k) plans can pave the way for timely retirements and why employers should champion these powerful retirement savings tools.

    Understanding the Power of 401(k) Plans

    A 401(k) plan isn’t just a savings account; it’s a robust, tax-advantaged vehicle designed to secure financial well-being in retirement. By contributing a portion of their paycheck—either pre-tax or to a Roth 401(k)—employees set themselves up for a financially secure future. Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable income now, while Roth contributions, made with after-tax dollars, offer tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Both options, often bolstered by employer-matched contributions, allow employees to build a substantial financial cushion that can be relied upon during their golden years.

    The Unmatched Benefits of 401(k) Participation

    1. Securing Financial Freedom in Retirement
    • Consistent Savings: Regular contributions to a 401(k) plan allow employees to build a significant nest egg over time, ensuring they are financially prepared for retirement.
    • Compound Growth: The magic of compounding interest means that the earlier employees start contributing, the more their savings can grow exponentially, resulting in a robust retirement fund.
    • Employer Matching: Many employers sweeten the deal by matching a portion of employee contributions, amplifying the savings without any extra effort from the employee.

    2. Encouraging Timely, Confident Retirements

    • Adequate Savings: Employees who actively participate in their 401(k) plans are far more likely to have the funds needed to retire comfortably at the traditional retirement age.
    • Reduced Financial Stress: A well-funded retirement plan alleviates the financial anxiety that often leads employees to delay retirement, allowing them to exit the workforce with confidence.
    • Workforce Planning: When employees retire on schedule, employers can plan for succession and hiring more effectively, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining a well-balanced workforce.

    3. Maximizing Tax Advantages

    • Pre-Tax Contributions: By contributing pre-tax dollars, employees lower their taxable income for the year, offering immediate tax savings.
    • Roth Contributions: Employees who choose Roth 401(k) contributions pay taxes upfront but enjoy tax-free withdrawals in retirement, providing flexibility in managing their future tax obligations.
    • Tax-Deferred Growth: Investments within the 401(k) plan grow tax-free until withdrawal, allowing for potentially higher returns over the long term.

    Proven Strategies to Boost 401(k) Participation

    1. Education and Awareness
    • Workshops and Seminars: Regular educational sessions help demystify 401(k) plans, highlighting the importance of early and consistent contributions and how these efforts translate to long-term financial security.
    • Personalized Advice: Providing access to financial advisors allows employees to receive tailored guidance, ensuring they understand their unique retirement needs and how best to meet them.

    2. Incentives that Drive Action

    • Enhanced Matching Contributions: Employers can make their 401(k) plans more attractive by offering competitive matching contributions, making it easier for employees to build their savings.
    • Automatic Enrollment: By implementing automatic enrollment with an opt-out option, employers can ensure that employees start saving from day one, without the need for them to take the first step.

    3. Consistent, Clear Communication

    • Monthly Newsletters: Keep employees informed and engaged with regular updates on their 401(k) options, plan changes, and actionable tips for maximizing their savings.
    • Interactive Tools: Provide online calculators and tools that empower employees to visualize their retirement savings goals and track their progress, making the path to financial security clearer and more attainable.

    The Win-Win of 401(k) Participation
    Promoting active participation in 401(k) plans creates a win-win scenario for both employers and employees. Employees gain the peace of mind that comes with financial security, enabling them to retire on time and with confidence. For employers, this translates to a stable, predictable workforce, enhanced succession planning, and a more productive work environment. By prioritizing 401(k) participation through strategic education, appealing incentives, and consistent communication, employers can cultivate a culture of financial wellness that benefits everyone.

    For further assistance or to schedule a consultation, contact me at joe@diversifiedfa.com or 800-307-0376.

    Embellished Roll-to-Roll Labels

    By Liz Stevens, writer, PostPress

    The design and production of roll-to-roll embellished product labels evolve as the buying public becomes more discerning and as pressure increases for greater sustainability in the production process. To keep up with demand, label producers must explore and embrace new technologies for creating stand-out labels while simultaneously adopting new production methods that cut costs and tread more lightly on the planet. PostPress took a look at forecasts for the label market and drew insight from players in the sector about the current state of affairs.

    Market Stats and Forecast for the Near-Term

    According to Labels and Labeling’s “Sustainability and digital innovation to power label market’s growth,” 1 which cites information from Smithers’ “The Future of Printed Labels to 2029 Report,” the total global market value will reach USD 44.8 billion in 2024. A stable market should lead to 3.8% CARG through 2029, which will increase total global market value to USD 54.1 billion. Growth in sales of packaging labels will be prompted by sustainability issues and innovations in digital printing.

    The Smithers report predicts that new graphic and embellishment techniques, along with connected label technology and security markings, also will drive growth. The adoption of artificial intelligence for label design and layout, and the use of advanced QC and visual inspection technologies, will continue to be time-saving positives for label production. In the largest end-use segments for printed labels – beverages and food products – healthy market growth will stem from new labeling requirements for ingredient, allergen and nutrition data, as well as the continued push for label recyclability.

    Per the recent Alexander Watson Associates (AWA) evaluation of the label and package printing market, as cited in Label and Narrow Web’s “Mid-Year Economic Report,” 2 significant challenges as well as plentiful opportunities will affect the industry. Emerging advanced technologies will be welcomed to mitigate continuing economic and workforce challenges.

    Digital Embellishments and Labels

    As digital printing technologies continue to grow for roll-to-roll label applications, embellishing labels through digital inkjet and digital toner technologies continues to grow as well. Specialty markets with smaller label runs have helped spark this growth.

    Kurz has introduced roll-to-roll digital embellishment technology with its patented process where the inkjet image is printed on the back of the transfer foil, opening up applications for metallic finishes that have never been done before. The process can be used on a wide range of substrates beyond just coated label stock, including uncoated stocks and thin film materials. “This technology allows for automatic job recognition and instant order change,” commented Michael Aumann, global director – Digital Embellishment Solutions at KURZ. “This results in continuous operation with no stops for job changeover, set-up or makeready.”

    Kurz also offers the versatility to apply metallic decoration to printed materials from a toner-based printing platform. The technology is based on its combination of Xeikon’s durable TITON toner and KURZ DIGITAL METAL© transfer foil applied inline on the Xeikon TX500 press and KURZ R520 embellishment unit. KURZ also has 3D inkjet technology for roll-to-roll applications, combining the spot-coating process with the application of a raised or flat metallic decoration, which can be completed in one pass.

    CARTES provides digital embellishment and finishing solutions for roll-to-roll labels.

    CARTES offers many digital embellishment and finishing solutions for label applications. These include incorporating laser diecutting with digital foil embellishments all inline, providing a complete digital finishing solution. “Our Jet D-Screen for digital foil embellishments is a state-of-the-art technology designed to create outstanding labels garnished by multi-layered effects,” explained Michael Debard, president of Diversified Graphic Machinery, representing CARTES. “This includes spot coating, complex tactile raised volumes and braille printing, as well as detailed foiling of metallic-doming transferring.”

    A B Graphic International’s digital embellishment module, DigiJet, is a fully digital system for roll-to-roll label decorating either inline or offline. “The DigiJet allows for multiple processes in one pass, including spot varnishing, digital cold foiling and tactile screen effects on any size print runs with no tooling,” stated Floriana Montella, product manager. “Our technology allows users to maximize their productivity with zero tooling, zero waste and market-leading levels of efficiency. The Digijet is a module of the Digicon Series 3 and is the perfect match with Digilase, ABG’s laser diecutting machine.”

    Another option for roll-to-roll label embellishments is Konica Minolta’s new JETvarnish 3D Web 400, a 100% web-fed digital embellishment solution that integrates spot UV varnish, hot foil stamping and variable data printing in a single pass. “Tailored for the evolving needs of the self-adhesive label and flexible packaging sectors, the JETvarnish 3D Web 400 enables converters and printers to reduce customers’ time-to-market, while transforming the impact of their labels and packaging on the shelf,” commented Frank Mallozzi, president, Industrial & Production Print, Konica Minolta. “It meets the requirements for short, medium and long runs by enhancing basic four-color production with digital spot UV varnish and hot foil stamping in fixed or variable data, flat or embossed, facilitating multi-runs and versioning.”

    Cold Foil Transfer on Labels

    K Laser Technology offers cold foil for an array of roll-to-roll label applications.

    The use of cold foil transfer inline with roll-to-roll label printing has been popular for many years. However, in the past, there was a question on overall brilliance of a cold foil transfer compared to hot stamping the foil inline on a roll-to-roll flexo press. The quality of cold foil has improved tremendously and has its place with label embellishments.

    “Brands often use foil because of its glossy, high-visibility effects. Research has shown that packaging decorated with foil rates more effective than non-foil packaging,” remarked Gary Bibler, director of new creative business for K Laser Technology (USA) Co. “The use of cold foil on roll-to-roll can be less expensive for production than other applications. Roll-to-roll also can be beneficial for certain jobs, reducing waste as opposed to sheet-run projects.”

    Bibler added that cosmetics packaging is a highly competitive market, and the luxury component is key. The cold foil – even in a minimal application – adds distinct value. Cannabis and the CBD market have become increasingly powerful as well. The use of foil embellishment, combined with creative artwork for packaging, has allowed for higher consumer awareness.

    Another advantage of a cold foil transfer unit is the ability to use it to apply Cast and Cure. The Cast and Cure process provides a clear holographic pattern over the label and can be applied in a similar manner as cold foil, using a clear adhesive that then is UV-cured inline. The main difference is that nothing from the film carrier is applied to the label stock and the Cast and Cure film can be used several times.

    Hot Foil Stamping for Roll-to-Roll

    Although there has been tremendous growth in both cold foil transfer and digital foil technologies in the decoration of labels, more traditional hot stamping still is popular for many roll-to-roll label applications. Hot stamping is being performed both inline on a flexographic press using an engraved brass rotary die or offline on a dedicated roll-to-roll hot stamping press utilizing flat engravings.

    The advantage of the inline process certainly is the ability to add the foil and embossing in one pass. The advantage of the offline process, where flat dies can be used, is that the overall tooling costs are much lower. The size of the label job usually will determine the best approach.

    Telstar’s Interprint Die Station is an inline option for most flexo printing machines and bridge-mounts above any two flexo print units. Die frames match the dimensions of the parent machine so that all press tooling is interchangeable. The servo drive features auto and re-register capabilities. The hot stamp system features a digital touchscreen control unit with recipes for steel, brass and magnetic dies. There also are various anvil coverings available for improved performance on hot stamping, heat sealing and embossing.

    “[With] many applications for high-end labels, including wine and cosmetic labels, the brand owner still wants the crisp hot foil stamping look,” stated Tom Kirtz, president at TelStar Engineering, Inc. “In addition, many wine labels are produced on an uncoated, textured stock. Hot stamping is the best choice when adding a metallic finish.”

    Future Trends with Label Embellishments

    Paragon Label, Petaluma, California, offers high-quality labels for the wine, beauty and food brand markets. The company offers a variety of printing and embellishment options for its clients. Jeremy Jolly, general manager for Paragon, has seen embellishments and other specialty techniques continue to grow for label applications.

    “At Paragon, we offer rotary screen, flatbed foil stamping and embossing, as well as decorative laser cutting, with decorative laser cutting being our newest addition,” stated Jolly. “The spirits market is doing the most interesting things with embellishments currently. We are seeing a wider range of stocks and methods being used there vs. other markets.”

    “More and more, manufacturers are beginning to realize the opportunities that digital embellishment technology allows – such as instant order change,” remarked Aumann. “The ability to combine multiple label jobs on one roll and instantly change from job to job based on automated job recognition can result in higher levels of production efficiency and time savings in the digital embellishment process.”

    Aumann also explained that combining digital embellishments with conventional embellishments can produce stunning effects mixed with variable imaging and versioning.

    Woodcock has seen a rise in the need for embellishments on fast-moving consumer good labels. “The rise in popularity of fitness supplements and protein powders has required more premium labels to rise above competition and look more appealing on supermarket shelves,” he said.

    “Every day, it becomes more important to preserve the image of products and guarantee that their quality is consistent with market requirements,” added DeBard. “To this end, companies in constant competition always seek to differentiate their products with special features like foil embellishments to make them stand out on the shelf, so that consumers feel identified as much as possible.”

    “Consumer-attention timespan is at an all-time low,” explained Bibler. “Beyond shelf appeal, foils and embellishments can be utilized as a more affordable security feature. Social media has revolutionized how we shop; it isn’t only about buying the product anymore. It has become about the entire experience of shopping, purchasing and unboxing. Eye-catching, unique labels and packaging can make or break a product.”

    The future for roll-to-roll label embellishment looks bright, with plenty of fresh, new effects, techniques, consumer accessibility enhancements, advances in sustainability and technologies for streamlining production.

    For more info, visit www.kurzusa.com, www.abgint.com, www.coldfoil.com, www.paragonlabel.com, www.dgmna.com, and www.telstareng.com.

    References

    1. “Sustainability and digital innovation to power label market’s growth,” Labels and Labeling. August 1, 2024. www.labelsandlabeling.com/news/market-trends/sustainability-and-digital-innovation-power-label-market%E2%80%99s-growth.
    2. Greg Hrinya. “Mid-Year Economic Report,” Label and Narrow Web. August 1, 2024. www.labelandnarrowweb.com/issues/2024-07-01/view_features/mid-year-economic-report-852946/?widget=listSection

    K & W’s Finishing Processes Mesh Like Gears in a Fine Timepiece

    By Liz Stevens, writer, PostPress

    K & W Finishing, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, earned the gold award for best use of foil/embossing – business card/stationery and the bronze award for best use of laser cutting (decorative) in this year’s FSEA Gold Leaf Awards. The company’s entry was a set – a business card and a capabilities brochure. The set features a warm, dark gray cover stock with fine gold and silver intermeshed gears amid plenty of negative space, and with further embellishment in gold, silver, white and burgundy. The pieces feature precise foil stamping and extensive intricate precision laser cutting. Judicious embossing adds a subtle haptic effect. Jordan Levine, customer service rep/account manager, filled PostPress in on details of the project.

    The company created the brochure as something tactile as a visitor’s take away or a leave behind when K & W attends meetings. The brochure was designed to highlight the company’s array of finishing services. “We used a graphic design firm that was recommended by one of our customers,” Levine explained, “and let the designer have creative freedom with the design while focusing on our business. After visiting our shop, the designer decided to focus on the industrial machinery aspect of what we do, taking care to make the design very artistic and to use four colors that could be foiled (white, gold, silver and K & W burgundy), plus embossing and laser diecutting.” The business card was created later, after the company saw the great reaction to the brochure. “At the time,” said Levine, “we had a fairly plain business card that featured our branded colors in print on nice card stock, but aside from scoring and folding, it didn’t show off the kind of special finishing that we can produce.”

    Levine described the step-by-step of production for the brochure. “First, we chose a graphic designer, had that individual visit our shop and later approved the design offered,” Levine said. “We picked out a Gruppo Stardream cover stock in a nice darkish gray with a shimmery pearlescent metallic finish; along with burgundy, dark gray is one of our brand colors. We did not use printing for these pieces – only stamping and diecutting.”

    The graphic designer used timeless typefaces – including the K & W brand’s sans serif and a very readable serif font that looks good in white foil – that were above the point requirement for creating stamp dies. “The designer also did a great job of thinking in three dimensions with the final product in mind,” Levine explained. “The brochure has laser diecut elements that overlay on top of each other, almost like a pop up (which we do a lot of on the laser.) The business card uses the same set of elements, simplified, but still using multiple levels of graphics that fold on top of each other.”

    The company purposely chose to not use print on brochures or business cards. “We thought it would be great,” said Levine, “to focus on the finishing aspect in both pieces.” The design features a mix of metallic and pigment foils to convey brand identity. “We used Kurz Luxor alufin matte silver,” Levine said, “which is good for readability as it’s not too reflective. It has a nice metallic effect that emphasizes our industrial machines, yet it feels classy.”

    “Once in production,” said Levine, “we stamped the brochures using copper dies, letterpress – scored them and used laser for the diecuts. The brochure also has a very cool embossed element that looks like a strip of metal with screws, joining two parts of the card. It almost looks like a piece of machinery. And the brochure features razor thin but still structurally sound laser cut negative space.”

    K & W used one of its Kluge presses for stamping. “We stamped multiple-up and were spinning the sheet ‘work and turn’ basically,” Levine explained, “so it didn’t need more than one makeready for each color. Next, we letterpress scored and then laser diecut. These pieces combine work made with a 100-year-old machine with work done using one of the most cutting-edge pieces of technology in the 21st century! Lastly, we hand-folded the pieces and packaged the brochures in a lovely translucent envelope of Glama Natural.”

    The cutting-edge equipment that Levine refers to is a PaperOne 5000 laser system made by SEI. “We have been early pioneers in sheetfed laser diecutting,” Levine said, “bringing in the first SEI laser system in the country – and still one of the only systems in the country – to be operated by experienced print finishers. Some people have trepidation with the laser, as they may have had bad experiences with a laser company. We were finishers first, and we know what it takes to make something as high quality and efficient as it can possibly be.”

    Levine said that there were challenges to overcome during production of these pieces, but nothing beyond K & W’s capabilities. “Stamping four separate colors, plus diecutting and scoring, is a pretty cumbersome task, but it’s a challenge that our press operators take in stride,” he said. “And when you’re showing off what you do, it’s no time for half measures. Greg Ruby, one of our press operators, dialed in the temp on the heat just right to get the white of the type to stick while not filling in small details. And it was the same thing with applying pressure; hitting as light as possible while getting everything to come through clearly.” Registration for these pieces was critical because they were not only four color, but front and back on each side of the sheet. “Rule ups were made,” Levine said, “and Greg would take sheets to the laser to run a quick test, making sure the registration was perfect on all colors. We got strip dies made of the different names for the gold layer of the business cards, so we could basically run them all at the same time or, at the most, with two makereadies.”

    The thoughtful design, the choice of paper stock and foil colors, and the careful attention during production really paid off for K & W. “We get great reactions to the brochure and business card,” said Levine. “It’s nice to have the brochure for times when that is appropriate, but also to have a mini brochure in our business cards for other times. We made the business cards with our company’s website, address and names and email addresses for each of K & W’s employees. Inside the folded card is a list of our current services.” Levine said that potential customers benefit by leaving the K & W shop with something they can hold in their hands. “The meeting/tour/handshake and conversation may be the first impression,” he said, “but for a lasting impression a brochure or a card – something so special that it is hard to throw away – is something they may keep around to show colleagues and customers.”

    K & W features a video of the laser diecutting process for the brochure on its website home page. “This machine running is one of the things we love to show visitors,” said Levine, “and having them come away with a physically lasered piece to feel and think about later is wonderful. The effect of this process is literally burned into the finished product.”

    For more information, visit www.kwfinishing.com.

    A Viewpoint on Folder-Gluers – Yesterday and Today

    By Jeff Wilcox, Independent Trainer, Finishing Industry

    Fifty years ago, I started a journey into the field of the printing and converting industry. I found it fascinating to watch the machines that were folding paper cartons. The sound coming from those machines while in production was music to my ears. I decided that this was something that I would like to do. When I began my training to become a “machine setter” on a folder-gluer, I quickly learned that it was not as easy as it looked. I was not provided much training with my first job, and I was forced to “figure it out” on my own for setting up new folding/gluing jobs. I noticed that on any given folder-gluer machine, when a change of shift happened, a change of set-up often would follow. Each folder-gluer operator would have his or her own special tricks to get a job running more quickly. Sometimes the trick would work, and I would put it into my notebook for future use, and other times the operator spent time fixing something that was not broken.

    I developed an interest in learning how to set the machines up as quickly as I could and how to run them as fast as possible. Once I established myself as a skilled folder-gluer operator, I had opportunities to gain experience on several different folder-gluer machines, from many different OEMs, over the years. I noted the separate ways to do the set-ups on each of them. The carton styles were the same, but the tooling used on the different machines looked different and the set-up procedure was different on each as well. I remember when I first started as an operator, I had to use a hand crank to move the machines carriers to various positions for the varying carton and box styles and sizes. Using a hand crank to move the carriers reminded me of an old “Model T“ car. This process was not entirely accurate. Set-ups could take a long time. I began to understand why my fellow operators told me to figure it out on my own. There was no established standard operating practice. Each job, even repeat jobs, could be a new and different set-up.

    Today, folding/gluing machines have a much more advanced method of set-up and operation. The addition of motorized carriers, instead of hand cranks to position the carriers, has been a huge advancement that allows for far greater accuracy and job repeatability. Having the opportunity to use a digital scale that is built into the side of the machine at each carrier location as referenced when positioning each carrier was a significant improvement. This cut the time for set-up considerably. The elimination of the hand crank was well timed and very welcomed. Setting up a job on a folder-gluer with motorized carriers can be a straightforward process, and this process generally performs very well.

    In addition to the use of motorized carriers, today’s folder-gluers are equipped with industrial computers to help with job set-up changes and establish standard set-up practices. An operator can enter the dimensions of a particular carton style and the folder-gluer will use those dimensions to automatically move the carriers for the set-up of the carton. This works great and saves an enormous amount of time during set-up, although, in many cases, the operator still must make slight changes to the carton style and then set-up the feed section and the delivery section for each carton style, among other refinements to the set-up. Having an experienced folder-gluer operator still is very important, even with automation and computer technology.

    The advancements to folding/gluing machines today are incredible. The amount of production and running speeds are amazing. The folder-gluers now are capable of more inline processes, such as turning the carton blank 90 degrees like a “right angle machine” but doing it in a straight line through the machine; producing cartons with a front fold, such as an automatic lock-bottom style without the use of mechanical lifting devices; inline cellophane window application and label attachment systems that can be added to the folder-gluer and used as needed. In addition, glue application systems have evolved and now are multi-functional glue applications and inspection systems, that require a skill set of their own.

    The newest folder-gluers on the market have even more advanced automation for set-up and production. The automation still requires the operator to enter the dimensions of the carton blank into the computer. However, this process now is more advanced and there are more carton styles to call up in the computer system, with added options to control or tie into the set-ups of the aforementioned ancillary processes.

    With the added features and convenience of the new machines, the cost of the more advanced folder-gluers has risen. However, users must balance the savings in set-up times and increased production rates, which can offset a great deal of these costs. I recommend that those in the market for a new folder-gluer carefully assess the automation features and software and be sure to check with other users on how well it has performed. The folder-gluer should have the ability to store past set-ups, including special set-ups that can cause frustration for the operator. There are many OEMs in the marketplace today and it is important for companies to do their homework before purchasing a machine. It also is recommended to check the warranty periods of the machine. I have seen a fluctuation from different manufacturers with what warranties are being offered. There are machines on the market today where the tooling for the different carton styles stays on the machine and the carriers that the tooling attaches to are lifted and scuttled out of the way when they are not needed – so there are no worries the tooling will be damaged with making a changeover to a different style. I have found this extremely useful, especially for newer operators.

    There are many new and inexperienced people becoming folder-gluer operators. It is far better to train a person on a new automated folder-gluer just by the mere fact that the machine does most of the set-up work and new operators do not have to figure it out on their own. If an investment in new folder-gluer machinery is called for, one should consider as much automation and computerization as possible. It will be well worth the investment.

    Jeff Wilcox has over 50 years in the finishing industry and now is “semi-retired” but still in the industry working independently as an operator trainer. He can be reached by email at jsw7355@gmail.com.

    The Bill of Rights Institute Establishes the Power of the Printed Word Initiative

    By Cori Watkins, writer, PostPress

    The Bill of Rights Institute (BRI), according to the institute’s website, was founded in September of 1999 in Arlington, Virginia, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nonpartisan, educational organization that teaches civics and equips students and teachers to live the ideals of a free and just society. The materials and programs provided by the BRI encompass American history, government and civics. All resources and programs are rooted in the principles of the Founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. BRI offers a variety of programs, resources and scholarship opportunities for middle and high school students.

    One such program inaugurated by the BRI is The Power of the Printed Word. The Power of the Printed Word (POTPW) is a funding and printing initiative to enable the BRI to provide pocket copies of the US Constitution to teachers and students nationwide. Through the POTPW campaign, Bill of Rights Institute Director of Corporate Relations Justin Goldstein, a longtime printing and graphic finishing industry veteran, asks printing, binding and graphic finishing companies to donate their time, talent and services to ensure students in their states can have their own pocket constitutions. These pocket constitutions are valuable teaching tools that give students access to primary sources, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The BRI’s pocket constitutions are in high demand among history, government and civics teachers.

    Recently, two companies in Ohio rose to the challenge to help provide pocket constitutions to schools in their state. Students across the state of Ohio will have their own copies of America’s founding documents, thanks to the generosity of these two businesses.

    Group of students holding donated pocket constitutions.

    Cleveland-based Foote Printing and BindTech, which operates a plant in Macedonia, Ohio, have donated more than 13,500 pocket-sized constitutions for use in Ohio classrooms. The companies donated paper, printing, binding and finishing services as part of BRI’s The Power of the Printed Word campaign.

    “I believe a good understanding of the United States Constitution is paramount for creating the civic-minded leaders the US needs now and in the future,” said Foote Printing Co-Owner Michael Duhr.

    “BindTech is honored to partner with the Bill of Rights Institute and Foote Printing on The Power of the Printed Word initiative,” said John Helline, CEO of BindTech. “We are happy to support BRI’s vital work providing educators with the classroom resources to help students establish a strong foundation in US history, civics and our founding principles.”

    “Through this collaboration we aim to foster a deeper commitment to our constitutional democracy among the next generation,” Helline continued. “The printed word holds immense power to educate and enlighten, and BindTech is honored to harness that power alongside BRI for such a worthy cause.”

    Goldstein said he was honored but not surprised that Foote Printing and BindTech offered their services to benefit Ohio kids.

    “One of the first things you learn about the printing and graphic finishing industries is that these companies are deeply committed to the communities in which they operate,” he said. “We are incredibly grateful that BindTech and Foote Printing stepped up for Ohio students, and we can’t wait to distribute these pocket constitutions throughout the Buckeye State.”

    Because of generous contributions from supporters like Foote Printing and BindTech, all of BRI’s resources are provided free to teachers, students and the general public. As stated on the institute’s website, BRI aspires to bring resources and knowledge to all US schools to ensure social studies educators are better equipped for educating young minds about the Founding and the Constitution. Since its beginning in 1999, BRI has reached five million students and over 50,000 teachers and has increased knowledge of the constitution, all the while inspiring a renewed commitment to protecting the liberties that Americans enjoy.

    The BRI is calling all printing companies, binderies and suppliers to help support this inspirational campaign to get pocket constitutions to students.

    To learn more about The Power of the Printed Word campaign, visit https://billofrightsinstitute.org/in-kind-donations. For more information on the Bill of Rights Institute, visit https://billofrightsinstitute.org/.

    Gluing Poly-Coated Substrates: Dyne Level

    By Capital Adhesives

    The process used to glue folding cartons or other products that are poly-coated and/or cartons that require a window film can create a series of challenges if pre-planning is not involved. In both instances, whether it be a poly-coated board stock or a window film to board, the surface is considered a poly surface and is not easily glued. The surface can, in fact, appear to be glued, only to have bond failure sometime after the process is complete. Below are key questions to consider when developing a strategy for improvement.

    What does “dyne” mean?

    Dyne is simply a mathematical term used to measure surface tension. All surfaces have a “surface tension,” but for a poly-coated surface to respond well to gluing it is important that the surface tension or dyne level of a poly board or film be equal to or greater than 38 at the time of gluing – noting that the higher the dyne number, the better the treatment. For incoming film or material that has poly coating, the minimum dyne should be 44 as it will lose treatment during the normal use and processing of the material.

    What is a good process to manage dyne?

    Five components should be managed to monitor dyne treatments of a poly material.

    1. Purchase properly treated material with a specification as to the dyne level. As a reminder, the incoming treatment of a poly surface board or film should be 44 or greater.
    2. Check dyne level and record results at time of receipt of the material. Sometimes a shipment will not meet the specification requested, but without the quality check upon receipt there is no way to be certain. Also, capturing the data will help identify reliable sources and provide the ability to track the degradation of the treatment.
    3. Check dyne level throughout storage of material to avoid printing, cutting and gluing of low dyne materials – or at the least, to help prepare the manufacturing process for dealing with materials that have less than desired treatment levels.
    4. Check dyne level at time of gluing as material will lose surface treatment within the process and storage. As previously mentioned, the dyne level at point of gluing is to be greater than or equal to 38 for more consistent results. As a note, there are special solutions and markers available for testing dyne levels. Dyne solutions are the best measuring tool and give more accurate results.
    5. Work closely with an adhesive professional to identify test methods for measuring dyne levels properly and to identify the best adhesive product for bonding the poly surface material being used.

    Does the dyne level of a poly surface stay the same?

    Absolutely not. As stated previously, treatment levels dissipate from the moment they are treated. The average life span of a treated surface for gluing purposes is approximately 12 months. Aged poly-treated material is a high-risk glueable surface. The more aged a poly surface is, the more difficult it becomes to glue.

    What can be done to help ensure the glueability of a poorly treated, low-dyne-level poly material?

    In some applications, skiving the material provides a solution to a poorly treated poly surface, but skiving creates dust and oftentimes is inconsistent. A more reliable and cleaner process is to use inline plasma or corona treatment systems. These systems can be expensive, and proper use is essential to increase the consistency in gluing. Whatever the issue, having a knowledgeable resource that understands these challenging applications is essential. Aged poly-treated material is a high-risk glueable surface. The more aged a poly surface is, the more difficult it becomes to glue.

    Does it matter what adhesive is used?

    Emphatically yes. Too often, the wrong glue is proposed or used for gluing poly surface. The reality is that using the wrong glue will create more cost than any factor related to the price of the adhesive. Be cost effective more than simply price conscious. Choosing the right adhesive supplier will make money and retain better customer relationships. Selecting the wrong or cheaper glue may be more costly and create inconsistent gluing and wasted product.

    As with any process, many factors contribute to success. The dyne level is not the only factor to consider when gluing a poly surface, but it is a critical component. Understanding and managing the “dyne factor” will promote a better first step in the process.

    This article was submitted by Capital Adhesives, a leading supplier of high-performance adhesives and coatings. For more information, visit www.capitaladhesives.com.

    Q&A on Foil Stamping and Embossing Engravings

    Photo courtesy of Datron Dynamics – www.datron.com
    By Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, PostPress

    Foil stamping and embossing engravings are the tools that drive the design and look of a final piece. The importance of engravings sometimes is forgotten – all foil stamped or embossed projects start with how the artwork is prepared for the final die. At FSEA’s Print Embellishment Conference in April 2024, a panel of engraving manufacturers shared information on the latest technologies and uses for foil stamping and embossing engravings. The panel included Daniel Rivera, H+M USA; Ross Hutchison, Universal Engraving, Inc.; and Mark Schumacher, Metal Magic.

    What new technologies has your company introduced in recent years in the development and manufacturing of foil stamping and embossing engravings?

    Schumacher: One of the newer additions that we have added to Metal Magic is our 3D simulations. These allow customers to have a vision of what the emboss will look like before the project begins. Once the simulation is created from the initial artwork, customers have an opportunity to see what the final emboss will look like and make modifications. Customers can increase or decrease depth or include more or less texture, and these changes can be accomplished before any type of die is produced. In the past, the customer really relied on the engraver to create the proper depth and embossing levels. Today, customers can have input on the final look before the die is made.

    A newer advancement for us is to take the 3D simulation and mirror it to the print file. It is the same simulation with the print file included in perfect register. The 3D simulation technology allows the customer to see a proof faster and, in turn, receive the die faster as well.

    Hutchison: One of newest introductions to the market has been our NW SpeedChase® NTX™ for hot stamping, embossing and combination flatbed dies and pre-cast counters on a narrow web flatbed press. With this system, lock-up is reduced to one UniLock-Up® NW steel plate for engraved dies and another for pre-cast counters. Typically, job changeover is accomplished in mere minutes. The engraved dies are pre-mounted and pre-registered onto a UniLock-Up® plate and are ready for press right out of the box. Set-up and changeover can be done hot or cold. This lock-up technology uses magnetics and replaces the typical grid or honeycomb and includes an air ejector box to easily release the UniLock-UP plate from the chase. In addition, because of the smaller size of a narrow web chase, we can pre-set-up the counters as well. So, makeready is 80% complete when the dies and counters are received.

    For offset applications, both small and large, we offer another system. The SpeedChase®, our air pneumatic magnetic chase, utilizes another type of UniLock-Up die plate. As with the narrow web system, all the engraved dies come pre-locked in register to the file supplied by the customer.

    These systems have been a game changer, especially with foil stampers trying to find skilled operators and the labor shortage overall. It makes training simple and overall set-up much easier for the operators.

    Rivera: One of our newer technologies for engravings is our NanoEmbossing effects. This technique provides amazing lenticular and photorealistic effects through H+M’s laser. This technique makes it possible to create textures that are up to 40% finer than standard micro-embossing effects, along with other effects that no other embossing technology can match. It is a perfect way to add a unique highlight to a foil stamped image.

    Another product we offer is the EasyFix die lockup system to minimize set-up time on press, suitable for flat stamping, embossing and combo stamping. With this system, the dies are pre-mounted and pre-positioned on the plate and corrections can be made quickly to compensate for printing tolerances. Once the customer receives the plate, everything already is in place. It is a system for efficient set-up of foil stamping and embossing dies when there are several die positions on one sheet.

    Other metallic decorating processes, such as cold foil transfer and digital foil processes, have continued to grow. How do you think this has impacted more traditional foil stamping and embossing applications?

    Hutchison: I believe adding more decorative foil effects onto all types of printed work is great for the entire industry. No matter how it’s done, whether it’s cold, digital or hot foil decorating, they all have their place and have their correct applications. It is just about knowing when to apply each process and what jobs are best suited to a foiling process. An example of this is in the wine industry, where big-name brands were the primary ones adding foil. Today, due to machinery and other technological advances, there are smaller wineries that now can decorate their labels, too, with all the different foil decorating options available to them.

    Schumacher: I totally agree. The more metallic enhancements that are out there, the more visibility there is. We have seen a decline in certain longtime hot foil jobs that have switched to cold foil transfer, but the overall pie is growing. All of us win. We now can reach a variety of different markets from small to large. Markets, such as wedding announcements, are adding metallics with digital enhancements, and these would have just been printed in the past.

    The growth of CNC engravings continues. What are the advantages of CNC engraved dies and is there new technology now available in their manufacturing?

    Rivera: Discussing CNC engravings, the longevity of the die is a key advantage. Another is the defined edges that help with the foil release to provide quality results of the stamped image. The other advantage of CNC is the ability to create a combination engraving to allow foil and embossing in one pass vs. two passes on press. Choosing CNC is design specific. It will continue to grow, technology wise, opening up even more possibilities.

    Hutchison: CNC technology is a common manufacturing process and, in our industry, it typically is used to produce a brass engraved die. For our company, we manufacture both copper and brass dies, but we choose which manufacturing process best suits the customer’s needs and application. When brass dies are chosen, it often is based on the desired effects and/or duplicity of dies, among other factors – and we generally engrave these dies with a CNC. The metal itself determines the recyclability and durability. Brass and copper are similar, but an inherent value of CNC brass manufacturing is the ability to have precision and the ability to easily duplicate. Another benefit of CNC engraved dies is the use of interchangeable counters, meaning that if several brass dies (of the same image) are ordered, the counters can be interchanged. This provides cost-savings as well as reduces challenges.

    Schumacher: For us, our CNC technology continues to improve and continues to grow. Years ago, CNC was limited in how dimensional it could get. We could achieve one to two dimensions and then we would finish the die by hand. But the CNC technology is much improved, and we can achieve more three-dimensional engraved images. This helps drive quality and consistency. We certainly are cutting more CNC dies that may have been cut by a master engraver in the past.

    What type of recycling programs do you have in place at your engraving facilities?

    Hutchison: At Universal Engraving, Inc., we recycle 100% of our scrap copper and brass metal. We also have developed a compliant process to remove the metals from our spent etching baths. In addition, we ‘internally’ recycle a large percentage of our etching bath back to our manufacturing process.

    Schumacher: Our system at Metal Magic is 100% contained, so the waste acid is recycled by a certified recycler. We have zero discharge of hazardous materials – all copper/brass gets recycled, and we are diligent at recycling paper and plastic as well.

    Rivera: H+M only works with brass engravings, so all the brass scrap and shavings are recycled. We have a recycling program for the entire facility at H+M.

    Rollem’s Insignia Diecutting Systems

    Edited by Cori Watkins, editor, PostPress

    Rollem’s line of Insignia diecutting systems offer a modern option to traditional methods of diecutting. Flexible diecutting systems provide the advantage of reduced and streamlined makeready processes compared to the conventional diecutting methods. While the traditional machinery requires skilled operators to perform complicated procedures to achieve the desired cutting results – skilled operators who rapidly are departing the workforce and leaving a void of technically capable machine operators – the more contemporary machines like Rollem’s Insignia offer simplified operation with the use of flexible dies and a faster learning curve for unskilled operators.

    The Insignia enables very quick changeover times and efficient processing of short-run work. It will diecut along with related functions, such as partial cutting, creasing and embossing. Insignia has an automatic waste stripping unit to divert the matrix of the sheet, leaving only the finished product with no extra manpower. It is integrated with either a slow-moving conveyor for easy off-loading of the product or a StackMaster receding stacker delivery. It also can operate inline with folding/gluing units for a single, uninterrupted finishing line, such as flat sheet in folded/glued box out, all with one operator.

    The flexibility of Insignia’s design, as well as its multi-function capacity, makes it ideally suited to meet the converting demands for a wide range of printing operations. It is capable of handling shorter runs and repeat jobs while also being able to output runs in the hundreds of thousands due to its heavy-duty, production-built design.

    Advantages of Diecutting Systems

    The Insignia line includes features allowing the user to convert unlimited products with just one machine and just one operator. It easily handles common products, such as shaped photo, greeting cards, door hangers and presentation folders, while providing the ability to expand offerings into the packaging sector as well. Folded cartons, card carriers, insurance ID cards and industrial component overlays are just a few products guaranteed to add value when produced on the Insignia diecutter.

    An additional benefit of the diecutting system is its faster turnaround time – given that the majority of customers need their work completed yesterday. Most Insignia customers develop a ‘flex-die’ library, allowing them to sell products already sized to their existing dies (i.e., 5″ x 7″ postcards, mailers, ID cards; most of which have standardized sizes). Thus, the return on investment on the flexible die is met quickly as the customers continue to generate profits with the longer lifespan of flexible dies.

    The Insignia line is offered in four model sizes, from 20″ x 15″ up to 30″ x 24″, guaranteeing a diecutting solution for all press sizes. The Insignia6 and Insignia7 machines are offered in a ‘dual magnetic H’ model, which utilizes two flexible dies running as a male/female paired set-up to channel score or emboss substrates. Alternately, the “H” function accommodates a single upper die, utilizing a lower solid ‘blanket’ or ‘jacket’ die on the bottom cylinder to function as the cutting surface when strictly cutting is desired. The “H” feature offers the operator the benefits of using paired die sets or a single die, depending on the product. This versatility of functions is a valuable feature on the Insignia H models.

    A recent addition to the Insignia line is the PLUS feature. This package is ideal for digital print users who change jobs frequently. The touchscreen interface allows for quick and efficient training of operators and user-friendly machine operation. This package includes batch sequencing – either variable, code-based or static. Bar code reading is another optional package.

    Customer Feedback

    Many customers who have converted to flexible diecutting now have purchased multiple units and, in some cases, replaced several platen diecutting presses with two to three rotary systems while producing more throughput with less labor.

    Curtis Howells of Consolidated Printing stated, “We love our Insignia and could not be happier with its ease and functionality.” The quick changeover of the Insignia maximizes efficiency when running customizable diecut event tickets, souvenir tickets, credentials and parking passes with its quick simple operation.

    Made in the USA

    Rollem is especially proud of the fact Insignia is manufactured in the US. The accomplished team of sales, service and support are invaluable to the customer. Rollem will install the diecutters, train the operators and assure the owners that they always can reach the diecutting team for questions.

    The Neuroscience of Touch

    This example of elegance uses four-color process printing with a spot reticulating varnish, gold pearl UV coating and a rainbow foil.

    How the sense of touch creates physical and emotional experiences that engage customers, drive sales and build brand loyalty.

    By Vicki Strull, design strategist, Vicki Strull Consulting

    As designers, marketers, printers and converters, most of us can’t help but think about the power of touch when we think about the essence of print marketing and packaging. Over the past several years, the latest research attests to the relationship between touch and human emotional connection. The importance of special effects and embellishments for the entire print and packaging industry can be summed up quite simply: touch creates memorable customer experiences that build connection, sales and brand fans.

    To achieve credibility, this packaging, with bold typography and color blocks, is printed using a four-color process, chrome silver and a spot pearl UV coating.

    The Neuroscience of Touch

    There are dozens of studies on the sensory connection of touch. Neuroscientists have discovered that more than half of our brain energy is devoted to processing sensory input. The part of the brain that receives input from our sensory receptors is called the somatosensory cortex, and a significant portion of that is devoted to our sense of touch.

    Findings like these are revealed in “The Neuroscience of Touch,” an extensive piece on “neuroscience, communication, paper, persuasion and touch,” conducted by Sappi North America in conjunction with neuroscientist Dr. David Eagleman. ¹ For example, one of the questions explored in the research is whether or not we remember content differently when we read it digitally (such as online or on an iPad or Kindle) vs. when we read it on paper (such as a newspaper, catalog, magazine or book).

    When we consume content online, we tend to read or scroll pretty quickly. But when we read something on paper, we engage in touchpoints, such as folding down a page or marking an item or highlighting a passage. Actions like these help us remember the content better, longer and more accurately. That’s the mental sensory mapping that occurs in our brain when touch is involved. The answer is yes, we do remember content we read on paper better than content we read online.

    Following that study, researchers began to wonder if the medium of paper itself could explain the memory advantage of print vs. digital. Turns out, that is exactly what makes the difference. One theory is that the physicality – the realness of print and packaging – has a powerful effect on how we comprehend and retain messages, as compared to digital mediums. ² And, because more parts of our brain are activated when we are touching or holding a printed piece or packaging, we again are creating stronger memories and remembering the content better.

    Touch, Texture and Trust

    This tactile research also applies to substrates, special effects and embellishments. A texture on a package may encourage someone to take it off the shelf or hold it a little longer. That kickstarts a connection to the product or brand that is both physical and emotional. It affects our perception of the product’s quality and value, too. And since research shows that 95% of our purchasing decisions are subconscious and based on emotions ³, you can see how haptics drive sales. One more important finding is that because paper and paper-based packaging have a tangible quality – that realness mentioned above – humans also put greater trust in it. And trust is essential to building brand loyalty.

    Recently, Sappi partnered with Clemson University to undertake a series of custom research studies to compare premium packaging and non-premium packaging to see which sold better. For the studies, premium packaging was defined as printed on Sappi’s Spectro®, a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) paperboard of the highest quality, and with at least one special effect or embellishment – namely metallic foil, spot gloss or embossing. Non-premium packaging was defined as printed on coated recycled board (CRB), typically used for household goods or nonfood-contact dry food packaging, such as cereal, crackers or processed foods.

    To test the comparison, 60 participants shopped in a mock retail store. One data point became very clear: people overwhelmingly chose the premium packaging over the plain. They touched it, held it, turned it over in their hands. Specifically, 93% of people chose to purchase premium; they also chose the packaging with metallic foil 50% more often than any other packaging.

    “The Packaging is the Product.”

    Sappi North America’s Standard 7

    Twentieth-century graphic designer Saul Bass liked to say, “The packaging is the product.” For examples, see Sappi’s Standard 7, “A Guide to Designing for Print: Tips, Techniques and Methods for Achieving Optimum Printing Results.” On one page, a brand that uses a uniquely shaped box with subtle color and jewel-like metallic foil creates a sense of elegant luxury beyond the product itself. On another page, a package with bold typography, pearlized graphics and straight-forward information offers the credibility of a high-quality brand that reassures shoppers. In another instance, a package with muted gradations and a spot gloss wave pattern evokes serenity and tranquility. All of these examples show how packaging becomes the product, how it reflects the brand and how it creates a positive perception that gives the consumer confidence, builds trust and creates a memorable customer experience so people will choose that brand. Sensory embellishment can drive that.

    Although multiple techniques are both inspiring and effective, the Sappi and Clemson study showed that even just one embellishment, just one special effect, can have a very big impact on consumer behavior and conversion.

    Outside the Box: From Packaging to Other Touchpoints

    The data regarding the power of touch and the influence of haptic techniques also are relevant to general commercial print, marketing materials, direct mail, catalogs, magazines, hang tags and book covers. Marketers and printers recognize that these various touchpoints are all critical for creating a comprehensive customer experience of a product or brand. Consistency of design, story, color, quality and imagery across the digital and print world is imperative. Everything needs to work together as an integrated, omnichannel marketing strategy, with a cohesive look and feel, while sensory print and packaging reinforce the entire branding ecosystem and enhance the human emotional connection.

    With today’s competitive marketplace, brands continually are looking for new and more powerful ways to connect with their consumers and create memorable experiences. While digital may be an early impression consumers see via e-commerce or online ads, print marketing materials and packaging drive the connection, the engagement, the influence and the sale.

    Vicki Strull has more than 25 years of experience in the marketing and design industry as a brand strategist, creative director and packaging designer. She has advised both emerging and top-tier brands, such as Sappi, HP, Bayer, Coppertone, Pizza Hut and Wildfare, on how to leverage the power of design and packaging to increase sales, create new revenue streams and build brand loyalty. In addition to writing articles in global trade publications, Strull is an international speaker and an adjunct professor at Tulane University. Join fellow trendsetters at vickistrull.com or follow her on LinkedIn @vickistrull.

    Reprinted with permission from Sappi.

    See and feel how Sappi makes packaging come alive through “The Standard” by ordering your own copy at https://go.sappi.com/l/405492/2023-10-23/gnkx9c.

    References

    1. Dr. David Eagleman is a neuroscientist, author, and adjunct professor at Stanford University.
    2. “How the Medium Shapes the Message,” study referenced by Dr. David Eagleman; see more at www.SappiPops.com
    3. Harvard Business School Professor Gerald Zaltman, Working Knowledge, “The Subconscious Mind of the Consumer (And How To Reach It)”

    Mixed Forests Are the Forests of the Future

    As climate change progresses, various forms of forest damage are expected to become more common. The risk of damage can be reduced by diversifying the proportions of tree species.

    By Elina Hovinen and Maria Latokartano, Metsä Group

    In 2015, an agreement was signed in Paris by 195 states which committed themselves to restricting the temperature rise to clearly below 2° C, and preferably below 1.5° C, compared with pre-industrial times. After nine years, it seems unlikely that the target will be achieved. In Finland, where the temperature is predicted to rise more steeply than the global average, preparations must be made for a climate up to six to eight degrees warmer than today. Seedling stands established this year will be mature in 80 years on average. The climate probably will be very different from today then. Preparations for the changes must, therefore, already be made today.

    “Nationally, adapting to climate change is one of the most important tasks in Finland. Our future and the competitiveness of our bioeconomy depend on it,” says Timo Lehesvirta, leading nature expert, Metsä Group.

    Climate Resilience Through Forest Management

    The rising temperature and the increased carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere accelerate the growth of forests. However, at the same time, the risk of different types of forest damage increases. Forests’ ability to adapt to climate change can be improved through appropriate forest management.

    Metsä Group, which also encompasses Metsä Board, adopted its regenerative forestry principles in the spring of 2023. The goal of these principles is to ensure that forests are transferred to the next generation in an increasingly vigorous and climate-resilient condition.

    Increasing the diversity of tree species in forests is one of the core principles of regenerative forestry. It makes the species found in forests generally more diverse. It also is an important way to adapt to climate change.

    Aiming for Mixed Forests

    In recent decades, forest cultivation in Finland has favored spruce. However, forests consisting of spruce alone, are exposed to risks resulting from climate change.

    The most significant risk is considered to be insect damage, especially the spruce bark beetle, which threatens both the availability of wood raw material and carbon sinks, as it spreads.

    In practice, the diversification of tree species means increasing the share of deciduous trees, especially birch, in forests. Instead of a single tree species, the goal is a mixed forest consisting of several tree species.

    “The spruce bark beetle does not live in deciduous trees. A forest consisting of diverse tree species diversifies the overall selection of species found in the forest, which has a generally balancing impact on biotic communities,” Lehesvirta says.

    The State of Biodiversity Is Improving

    In regenerative forestry, a mixed forest either can be established through cultivation, or deciduous trees can be allowed to grow naturally alongside cultivated seedlings. The main point is that deciduous trees are taken into consideration and left in the forest during all stages of forestry, from young stand management to regeneration felling.

    Every tree species has its own group of species living on it, so making the tree species more diverse increases the biodiversity of forest nature.

    In addition to the different tree species, trees of different ages and in different stages of decay are needed in forests, as some species are highly-specialized regarding their habitat. There are 5,000 species of organism that live on decaying wood, for example.

    Understanding Nature

    Globally viewed, regenerative forestry is an exceptional way to practice the bioeconomy, according to Lehesvirta.

    “In regenerative forestry, tree species used industrially are grown as part of an ecosystem with conditions to which the trees have adapted during their evolution. This approach is fundamentally different from mainstream land use such as cultivated forests and plantations that are based on changing the land use and removing the original nature. We can organize the production of raw material on an industrial scale in a way that allows the majority of the area’s original species to continue to occur in the ecosystem despite the production.”

    The goal of regenerative forestry is to strengthen forests’ vitality, biodiversity and climate resilience. When this goal is achieved, economic growth will no longer entail the decrease of the state of nature. Instead, forests can be used so that they simultaneously provide raw material, food and recreation, act as carbon sinks, clean water and air, and combat erosion.

    “Regenerative forestry offers a very interesting answer to the question of how to use land when faced with the current environmental challenges. It also is a good example of Metsä Group’s efforts to operate in a way that shows a better understanding of nature.”

    This article was originally printed in the Metsa Board Magazine – Spring 2024 edition. https://boardmagazine.metsagroup.com/view/149858928/32/#zoom=true

    Artificial Intelligence Detects the Early Stage
    of Forest Damage

    Metsä Group and the AI developer Collective Crunch have developed an application that makes it easier to identify and visualize insect damage.

    The application is based on artificial intelligence and remote surveying data. It detects changes that indicate that trees are under heavy stress and point to early forest damage. The application shows the area of damage in red on a map and estimates both the probability and severity of the damage.

    The application can identify the early stage of forest damage even earlier than the human eye, making it possible to prevent the expansion of the damage.

    Metsä Group’s forest owner members can use the application through the Metsäverkko service. Metsäverkko is a free online service that facilitates forest owners’ management of their forest assets.

    The damage detection application was chosen as the innovation of the year in the Quality Innovation Award 2023 competition, both in Finland and internationally.