Press release submitted on behalf of Two Sides North America

Two Sides North America (TSNA), Portland, Oregon, announced the launch of the Love Paper Campaign, an innovative initiative to educate and inspire consumers about the sustainability, versatility, and everyday benefits of paper-based products.

Now accessible at www.lovepaperna.org, the campaign highlights the essential role of paper in our lives, from books to pizza boxes, magazines to milk cartons. The Love Paper Campaign provides fact-based insights and practical tools to make informed decisions about supporting sustainable print, paper, and paper-based packaging.

“At Two Sides North America, we’re passionate about sharing the story of paper as a renewable, recyclable, and responsible choice,” stated Jules Van Sant, Executive Director of TSNA. “The Love Paper Campaign is designed to inspire confidence in paper-based products and dispel misconceptions about their environmental impact, helping consumers recognize the vital role paper plays in building a sustainable future.”

The Love Paper Campaign Provides:

Engaging, Educational Content: Access factual, research-backed information highlighting paper’s environmental benefits, from its recyclability to its role in the circular economy.
Sustainability Facts: Discover how the paper industry is a leader in sustainability, boasting recycling rates between 65-69% and adopting practices that support responsible forestry.
Resources for Everyday Use: Find practical tips and tools to incorporate and communicate more sustainable choices using paper-based products in your daily life and business.

Introducing Love Paper Week

To celebrate the campaign’s launch and ensure a unified global message, TSNA is introducing the inaugural Love Paper Week from February 3-7, 2025. This global event will feature educational activities, information sessions, and digital engagements, uniting consumers, businesses, and the media to spread awareness about paper’s sustainability.

Join the Movement

To further support the campaign, TSNA has released Love Paper-branded ads and promotional materials for businesses, educators, and the media. By sharing campaign resources, engaging with the Love Paper community on social media, or adopting sustainable practices, every action helps to promote a more informed and eco-conscious society about the benefits of paper.

About Two Sides North America

Two Sides North America is a member-supported non-profit advocacy organization for the graphic communications, paper, and paper-based packaging industries. Our goal is to dispel common

environmental misconceptions and to inspire and inform businesses and consumers with engaging, factual information about the environmental sustainability and value of print, paper, and paper-based packaging. We are the only group that works to dispel and pursue the removal of greenwashing language used by companies and organizations in North America. For more information, visit www.twosidesna.org.

Press release submitted on behalf of Taktiful Software Solutions

Taktiful Software Solutions, Melbourne, Florida, an innovator in digital print embellishment software and services, is proud to announce it has been invited to join the Ghent Workgroup (GWG). This prestigious invitation recognizes Taktiful’s thought leadership in the market and marks a significant step toward the development of industry-wide best practices and specifications for digital print embellishments.

The Ghent Workgroup is an international assembly of graphic arts industry professionals dedicated to producing, testing, and disseminating process specifications for best practices in print and packaging workflows. By uniting with GWG, Taktiful will contribute its expertise in embellishment technologies and processes—ensuring a higher level of standardization, efficiency, and interoperability for digital print enhancements worldwide.

“We are honored to be invited to join the Ghent Workgroup which we believe will help our mission to help mainstream digital print embellishments,” said Kevin Abergel, CEO and Founder of Taktiful Software Solutions. “By collaborating with GWG’s global network, we’re one step closer to simplifying and streamlining the process of creating high-value print enhancements.”

For over two decades, the Ghent Workgroup has set key benchmarks within the graphic arts community, paving the way for innovative new standards—particularly around PDF specifications for print and packaging production, bringing intelligence and consistency to Workflows and the industry. Taktiful’s membership will focus on advancing uniform guidelines for digital embellishments, thereby making it easier for print service providers, designers, and brand owners to produce high-quality, consistent, and cost-effective decorative print applications.

“We’re delighted to welcome Taktiful to the Ghent Workgroup,” said David Zwang, Chairman of the Ghent Workgroup. “Their dedication to mainstreaming embellishment technology aligns perfectly with our mission to foster collaboration and codify best practices. We look forward to working together to shape the future of digital print innovations.”

Through this strategic collaboration, Taktiful and the Ghent Workgroup will aim to deliver practical guidance, robust standards, and innovative solutions that address market demands for eye-catching and value-driven print embellishments.

For more information on the Ghent Workgroup, please visit gwg.org. To learn more about Taktiful Software Solutions and its range of digital print embellishment offerings, please visit Taktiful’s website or contact the media representative below. For more information, visit www.gwg.org and www.taktiful.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Convertible Solutions

This year, Convertible Solutions, Sedalia, Missouri, proudly marks 20 incredible years of innovation, growth, and partnership in the world of print and paper.
From our beginnings in 2005 to becoming an industry leader, we’ve been driven by a passion for creating groundbreaking solutions that empower businesses and inspire creativity.

20 Years of Achievements:
• Revolutionary product innovations like MultiLoft and specialty coated sheets
• Countless partnerships with amazing customers and collaborators
• A commitment to excellence, quality, and continuous improvement
• Dedicated to environmentally safe products and FSC compliance

Be on the lookout for our special ‘Celebrating the Journey’ series!

Throughout the year, we’ll be highlighting the stories of the influential people who have played vital roles in our success over the past 20 years. From team members to partners, these reflections will showcase the passion and dedication that made this milestone possible.

We couldn’t have done it without YOU—our valued customers, partners, and dedicated team members. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Here’s to 20 years of BREAKTHROUGHS and many more to come! For more information, visit www.convertiblesolutions.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Marbach

Marbach, Heilbronn, Germany, a globally operating diemaker, launched its new transfer system for embossing dies at drupa in June of this year. With this system, packaging manufacturers will be able to significantly reduce the set-up times for placing their embossing plates on the cutting plate.

Marbach Industry Manager Bernhard Reisser explains: “The positioning of male embossing dies on the cutting plate is often a time-consuming process for our customers, for which there is currently no standardized method. Every packaging manufacturer does it its own way. To make this process more time-saving and thus more efficient for our customers in the future, we have developed a ready-to-use solution that standardizes the placement process of the male embossing dies. But that’s not all: compared to many conventional methods, our embossing transfer system not only protects the cutting rules, but also the male embossing dies. This increases the service life of the tool.”

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the Marbach embossing transfer system, also ensures that the female and male embossing dies are perfectly in register, thus guaranteeing flawless embossing results.
Combined with the new paper-based embossing pads developed by Marbach, customers have a smart and efficient solution for the entire embossing transfer process.

About Marbach.
Packaging. Performance. You. This is the slogan of Marbach, the world’s leading manufacturer of die-cutting and thermoforming tools. With 1,600 employees worldwide, Marbach sets the benchmark in its industry. Since 1923. And delivers pure performance to its customers. Totally individual. For each requirement the best solution. In every price range. Worldwide. For more information, visit www.marbach.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of IMPACK

IMPACK, Quebec, Canada, has announced the appointment of Mathieu Tremblay as Managing Director. A dedicated team member since 2003, Mathieu’s leadership journey and expertise have been pivotal in shaping IMPACK’s reputation as a leader in specialized automation for the packaging industry.

A Proven Leader
Mathieu’s career with IMPACK began as an intern in 2003. After completing his engineering degree, he rejoined in 2005, steadily advancing through key roles, including Engineering Project Coordinator (2013), Director of Engineering (2016), Director of Production and Engineering (2020) and Deputy General Manager (2021). His appointment as Managing Director is a testament to his commitment and vision for the company.

Reflecting on this milestone, Mathieu expressed gratitude and optimism:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead IMPACK into a promising future. I am committed to building on our strong foundation by expanding our automation portfolio and fostering collaborations that drive innovation in packaging solutions.”

Driving Innovation and Collaboration
Under Mathieu’s leadership, IMPACK will continue to tackle industry bottlenecks, leveraging engineering expertise to enhance efficiency and productivity for folding carton and corrugated box producers. The company’s commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships remains at the forefront of its 2025 objectives.

Founder Dominic Theriault spoke to Mathieu’s qualities:
“Mathieu’s expertise and dedication inspire trust—both within our team and among our clients. His leadership reflects the values of cooperation and equity that define IMPACK.”

Dominic originally championed IMPACK’s unique cooperative structure where ownership of the company is shared with the employees. He will now transition into a strategic role as president of IMPACK, focusing on business stability and development.

About IMPACK
IMPACK specializes in designing and manufacturing automation solutions for the folding carton and corrugated box industries. For over 20 years, the company has addressed workflow bottlenecks with innovative products, including pre-feeders, packers, and counting modules.
Rooted in values of cooperation, collaboration, and partnership, IMPACK helps packaging producers optimize operations and meet industry challenges such as labor shortages and rising costs. For more information, visit www.impack.ca.

Press release submitted on behalf of Mark Andy

Mark Andy, a leading provider of label and print solutions, is pleased to announce key additions to its sales leadership team as part of the company’s commitment to enhance customer satisfaction and drive mutual growth. Mark Andy welcomes Craig Black as Senior Vice President of Domestic OEM Sales and Steve Welkley as Regional Vice President OEM Sales, both bringing decades of experience in sales, leadership, and customer-focused solutions to the organization.
Craig Black, a seasoned executive with expertise in sales strategy, account management, and team development, joins Mark Andy from Baldwin Technology Co., where he served as Vice President of Sales, Americas. Prior to that, Black was Director, National Accounts for Eaton Corporation. With a proven track record of integrating sales teams and driving customer value, he will lead Mark Andy’s efforts to deliver innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.
Steve Welkley brings more than 20 years of experience in consultative sales and business development, most recently serving as Director of National Sales at Kyocera Document Solutions. Welkley has successfully built and led high-performing sales teams focused on aligning customer solutions with business goals.

“Craig’s leadership and expertise will enhance our ability to meet evolving customer demands while driving growth and innovation across our product portfolio,” said Mark Andy CEO Duane Pekar, “and Steve’s extensive experience in building relationships and delivering tailored solutions will strengthen our ability to serve customers at a regional level.”

These appointments are part of Mark Andy’s broader efforts to evolve to meet the dynamics of industry consolidation and to reinvigorate the company’s commitment to all domestic converters large and small. The company aims to provide more personalized service and a single point of contact through strategic account management and a consultative selling model that focuses on delivering tailored ROI-driven solutions. Pekar added, “These changes to our domestic sales organization reflect Mark Andy’s long-term commitment to our customers. By realigning our approach, we intend to better serve and help our customers grow because their growth is our growth.”

Caption: Craig Black, Senior Vice President of Domestic OEM Sales

Caption: Steve Welkley, Regional Vice President OEM Sales

About Mark Andy Inc.
Mark Andy is a pioneer of the graphic arts and printing industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of narrow- and mid-web printing and finishing equipment, it supplies leading global brands, including Mark Andy and Presstek printing presses, Rotoflex finishing solutions, as well as a complete line of Mark Andy Print Products consumables and pressroom supplies. All products are backed by the largest customer support team in the industry, minimizing downtime and helping customers be profitable, efficient and at the forefront of innovation. Mark Andy does what it takes to understand each customer’s unique business, the challenges they face and the pressures they feel. It strives to provide products and services that help customers solve their problems and solutions that go a step further, allowing them to excel in their day-to-day operations, ultimately increasing productivity and reaching their full potential. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of honle group

The Hönle Business Unit Curing, Gilching, Germany, will showcase LED-UV and UV curing systems, as well as IR/hot air dryers for digital printing at the Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025. The drying specialists offer tailor-made solutions for every printing application, ensuring process reliability and top-notch product quality.

For decades, the Hönle Business Unit Curing has been a trusted partner of the printing industry, with their customized curing and drying systems used worldwide in a wide variety of printing machines. At the Hunkeler Innovationdays, the focus of their exhibition will be on combined IR/hot air modules designed for drying water-based inkjet inks. The highlight of these systems: the hot air not only enhances the drying process through powerful removal of moisture but also cools the IR lamp, thus significantly extending its lifespan. Both drying components can be controlled independently.

Developing this IR/hot air module the developers also prioritized user-friendliness: Thanks to its space-saving design, the module can be easily integrated into printing machines. Moreover, the IR/hot air dryer can be quickly and easily removed from the machine due to its unique cassette technology – for instance, for the rare lamp replacement or to make room for an optional UV module, depending on the application’s requirements.

Hönle will also present a selection of its pioneering LED-UV curing devices for digital printing.

A world first is the new UV Scan MACS, featuring patented measurement technology for the simple and precise determination of UV dosage. The system consists of the reliable, industrial grade macsReader and the calibratable macsStrips, providing accurate measurement results.

Learn more and visit the Hönle Business Unit Curing at the Hunkeler Innovationdays in Hall 2, Booth 611.

With Hönle BU Curing’s IR/hot air cassette, water-based inkjet inks can be reliably dried.

Highly precise, easy to handle – and a world first: the UV dosage measurement device UV Scan MACS with patented measurement technology.

About Hönle Group:
Dr. Hönle AG is the parent company of the Hönle Group, based in Gilching / Munich. The publicly listed UV specialist is one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial UV technology. The company develops, manufactures, and markets UV/LED-UV systems and equipment, UV lamps, and UV measuring technology worldwide. The business is divided into three units:

The Business Unit Curing comprises experts in curing and drying solutions for printing and coating applications, as well as for exposure and solar simulation. Hönle develops, produces, and distributes UV/LED-UV devices and systems for coatings and digital printing, along with the corresponding measuring technology. Additionally, the product range of the UV expert includes devices and systems for solar simulation and professional lighting, for example in the automotive industry.
The division Eltosch Grafix represents UV/LED-UV curing devices and IR/hot air dryers for sheetfed printing applications, as well as peripheral equipment for the printing industry.
PrintConcept is the expert for UV devices and UV/inert UV systems for web printing.

The Business Unit Disinfection consists of disinfection experts such as uv-technik Speziallampen (UV/IR lamp manufacturing, ballasts, sensors), Sterilsystems (UVC devices for disinfection and sterilization of air, water, and surfaces), Hönle (UVC surface disinfection), and Sterixene (pulsed-light xenon systems, bioindicators, rapid analysis in microbiological laboratories).
Raesch Quartz (Malta) is the expert in glass and lamp manufacturing, specializing in custom quartz glass components.

The Business Unit Adhesive Systems units experts for bonding and sealing applications: Panacol (industrial adhesives and sealants), Eleco (industrial adhesives and dispensing systems), and Hönle (UV and LED-UV curing systems). Their products are used in manufacturing processes for emerging markets such as electronics, microelectronics, precision mechanics, optics, automotive (including e-mobility), aviation, and medical technology.

In addition to international subsidiaries in China, Korea, France, Great Britain, Austria, Malta, and the USA, as well as a sales office in Italy, the group has a dense network of distribution partners worldwide.

For more information, visit www.hoenle.de.

Press release submitted on behalf of Great Western Foils.

Great Western Foils (GWF), Sparks, Nevada, has announced its new black holographic hot stamping foils. Customers can unveil a new level of brilliance with GWF’s stunning black holographic hot stamping foils. With a black base that offers a timeless elegance which then transforms into an iridescent, multi-colored refraction, these foils add an eye-catching, dynamic effect to any project.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your packaging, add a bold statement to branding, or create limited edition designs, GFW’s black holographic foils are designed to help you make a lasting impression.

GFW is currently stocking the following patterns:
HU 987,  Circles
HU 988,  Stars
HU 989,  Sunburst

GFW will be adding more of these black holographics, so please check back periodically to see what has been added.
For more information, visit www.gwfoils.com.

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions (PLPS) Deer Park, New York, announced today that it won Silver at the 44th Annual Package of the Year Awards in the Health & Beauty / Personal Care category. The winning package was produced with longtime client Devoted Creations for its Vault Tanning Bronzer.

The packaging design was a true partnership between Devoted Creations and PLPS. The design team at Devoted Creations drew inspiration from the product’s name and its benefits, aiming “to unlock the darkest color possible.” This concept was brought to life by mimicking an actual bank vault, featuring silver tones and 3-D embellishments replicating a door and lock.

PLPS produced a multi-dimensional silver shrink sleeve that complemented the uniquely shaped container and closure. The sleeve exemplifies 2024’s “pattern” packaging trend by showcasing a herringbone and repeat pyramid pattern that tricks the eye into perceiving texture where none exists. This effect was achieved by strategically applying silver cold foil alongside black, white, and silver inks.
Renowned for its expertise in specialty finishes and shrink sleeves, PLPS has received numerous industry awards. This latest accolade further solidifies their status as an industry leader

Leslie Gurland, VP of Sales and Marketing at PLPS, expressed the company’s excitement, stating, “The designers at Devoted Creations are some of the best we’ve had the pleasure of working with. We love being challenged by their out-of-the-box, intricate label and shrink sleeve designs, and we have won numerous industry awards for our work with them.”

Premium Label & Packaging Solutions was formed in 2021 to bring together a group of award-winning converters with decades of experience in the Pharmaceutical, Nutraceutical, Beauty, Food & Beverage, and Household Product industries. Forming one company with redundant capabilities, a large fleet of state-of-the-art equipment, and market proficiency offers the personal touch of a small business with the infrastructure of a large organization and a unique quick-turn model that puts exceptional quality, speed, and customer service first. They supply best-in-class pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, extended content labels, and flexible packaging to companies nationwide. For more information, visit www.premiumlabelandpackaging.com.

About Devoted Creations
Founded in 2004, Devoted Creations has provided the highest quality sun care products to professional salons worldwide. With over 15 diverse product lines distributed in over 70 countries, their products are designed and formulated to meet the needs of all salon clientele. Recognized as one of the fastest growing and most renowned names in the sun care industry.

About New Jersey Packaging Executives Club (NJPEC)
Founded in 1962, the NJPEC is a non-profit organization of packaging professionals from all disciplines in the industry. The organization provides valuable networking, learning, and business-building opportunities to those working in all areas of the packaging industry.