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    Print Decorating, Binding and Finishing

    Press Release

    Metsä Board Introduces QR Code with Recycling Information on Delivery Packaging

    Press release submitted on behalf of Metsä Board.

    Metsä Board, the leading European producer of premium fresh fiber paperboards, has launched a new solution to enhance and simplify the recycling process for packaging materials customers receive as part of Metsä Board product deliveries.

    Metsä Board has introduced QR codes on the pallet and reel labels of its products for all volumes delivered to its customers. The QR code directs customers to an intuitive app that provides detailed information on the various packaging materials used to protect the paperboard during the logistics chain. This information will assist customers in determining how each component of the delivery’s packaging should be recycled.

    By providing accessible and clear recycling information, the company aims to make it as easy as possible for customers to sort and recycle all the materials they receive with the product deliveries. In addition, customers will be able to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and ensure the materials are recycled as part of the local circular economy loop.

    “The implementation of the new recycling QR codes on our paperboard deliveries stems from a strong commitment to sustainability and customer convenience,” says Isto Hongisto, Product Safety Specialist at Metsä Board. “Recycling can sometimes be complex, and our goal is to make it as seamless and straightforward as possible for our customers. This initiative will not only save them time, but it will also ensure that the materials used in our deliveries are recycled in an optimal way.”

    The new initiative is part of Metsä Board’s ongoing strategic commitment to sustainability and innovation in its operations. The company invites all customers to take advantage of this new feature and contribute to promoting efficient recycling practices within the packaging industry.

    The QR codes have been visible on all paperboard deliveries as of November 2024.

    Metsä Board

    www.metsagroup.com/metsaboard/

    Metsä Board is a producer of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. The pure fresh fibres we use in our products are a safe, renewable and recyclable resource, that can be traced back to northern forests. We aim to have completely fossil free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030. We promote a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion.

    Metsä Board is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. In 2023 our sales totaled EUR 1.9 billion, and we have around 2,300 employees. Metsä Board is part of Metsä Group, whose parent company Metsäliitto Cooperation is owned by over 90,000 Finnish forest owners.

    Konica Minolta’s Laura Blackmer Named Best Female Executive

    Press release submitted on behalf of Konica Minolta

    Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), Ramsey, New Jersey, is pleased to announce Laura Blackmer, President, Dealer Sales, has received the 2024 Frank Award for “Best Female Executive.”

    The Frank Awards recognize outstanding achievements and excellence in the independent dealer channel of the office technology industry. This is the eighth time Blackmer has received this distinction. Toni Gorveatt and Noah Maphis of Cobb Technologies presented the award to Blackmer during The Cannata Report’s annual gala on November 7.

    “It was a delight to have again received this accolade, I am always humbled by this award since it is open to all dealers. I truly appreciate their support and have enjoyed my relationships within this community,” said Blackmer. “I am grateful to The Cannata Report for not only recognizing women in leadership roles with this award category, but also the importance they place on female executives through their Women Influencers program.”

    “Laura Blackmer’s recognition as Best Female Executive reflects the deep respect and appreciation she has earned from dealers across the channel,” said CJ Cannata, President and CEO, The Cannata Report. “Her dedication, approachability and communication skills set her apart as one of the most highly esteemed leaders in the industry, and her multiple wins demonstrate her remarkable influence and unwavering commitment to dealer success.”

    The Cannata Report’s annual gala raised funds for research led by Rena Feinman, Ph.D., Associate Member of the Center for Discovery and Innovation at Hackensack Meridian Health, seeking to improve response to anticancer therapies for breast cancer patients.

    See the full list of 2024 Frank Award winners online.

    About Konica Minolta
    Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.’s (Konica Minolta) journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company innovates for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept it moving then, keeps it moving now. Konica Minolta aims to partner with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. Through its ongoing work, the company is fortunate to be continuously recognized for its products and services. This includes, but is not limited to being included on CRN’s MSP 500 list numerous times; named a finalist in the IT Software Category by The World Technology Awards; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys and presented with Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its account on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

    About The Cannata Report
    The Cannata Report is the leading intelligence resource for the document imaging channel in the office technology industry, covering a range of topics, including managed IT solutions, managed print services, digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud communications, network security, production print, services and supplies, vendor finance, mergers and acquisitions, and more. Written specifically for the independent dealer channel, The Cannata Report, founded in 1982, has an audience that includes business leaders in the office technology industry’s hardware, software, IT, leasing, and supplies segments.

    Schumacher Packaging Achieves Peak Performance with EXPERTFOLD 110 from BOBST

    Press release submitted on behalf of Schumacher Packaging

    Schumacher Packaging, Ebersdorf, Germany, produces a wide range of corrugated and solid board packaging for customers all over the industry. The German company uses the e-commerce version of the BOBST EXPERTFOLD 110 folder-gluer to produce shipping packaging that covers market requirements across Europe.

    Schumacher Packaging Group was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Ebersdorf, Germany. The company is one of the largest European manufacturers of custom-made corrugated and solid board packaging. Hendrik and Björn Schumacher are the third generation to run this family business, which has a total of 29 production facilities in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, and the Netherlands.

    The company has recently installed two EXPERTFOLD 110 e-commerce versions in each of their production plants in Hauenstein and Schwarzenberg. “These folder-gluers are extremely flexible, high-performance machines operating in three shifts, 24 hours a day, five days a week. With our EXPERTFOLD 110 folder-gluers, it’s easy to switch between solid and corrugated board. For us, this sets BOBST machines apart from the competition,” explains Hendrik Schumacher, Managing Partner of Schumacher Packaging GmbH.

    The e-commerce version has two features that distinguish it from the standard edition. Firstly, it has a GYROBOX module which can rotate blanks up to 1800 in any direction between two folding operations. Secondly, the distance travelled by the boxes from the gluing station to the delivery is longer. This ensures that the glue has time to set, even at high machine speeds. The resulting bonds are guaranteed to give the blanks the necessary stability.

    GYROBOX improves reliability
    “For the past few years, the demand for packaging which requires a 900 rotation during the folding-gluing process has been growing. That is why we decided to switch to the BOBST GYROBOX system four years ago,” says Schumacher.

    Previously, the blanks hit a stop bar before being rotated. However, this standard approach had a serious disadvantage: the faster the machines run, the harder the blanks hit the mechanical stop. “The lighter the material and the faster the speed, the more unreliable the mechanical process became”, reports Schumacher.

    GYROBOX, on the other hand, rotates the blank with absolute precision without stopping the box flow. Schumacher: “The BOBST rotating module ensures a steady box stream movement throughout the machine. The result is a more controlled folding-gluing process, less prone to disruption. That’s why we can run our machines at faster speeds, enabling much higher productivity. It also means that we are less dependent on the substrate grammages and the stiffness of the blanks.”

    Productivity virtually doubled
    Another plus is that the machines, including the GYROBOX, can be set up very quickly. “It only takes a few minutes. After a changeover, the quality stays just as high – whether it’s solid board or corrugated board packaging,” says Schumacher, describing the process continuity.

    Once the machine is set up, the company quickly gets another sellable job out of the machine. For a converter active in both industries, this represents a considerable advantage. The EXPERTFOLD 110 machines produce a wide range of production runs at competitive prices. Starting with quantities of about 3,000 boxes, there is virtually no upper limit.

    Schumacher explains how the productivity almost doubled: “When the blanks had to be rotated during the folding-gluing process, we managed to produce up to 120,000 boxes per shift. With the new machines, the net production is about 200,000 boxes per shift.”

    Also, the longer distance between the gluing and packing process allows the machine to run faster while making packing the boxes less stressful. “It’s the same for the folding process: the longer the folding distance, the more time the machines have to fold the flaps of the boxes.” This improves the quality of the final product.

    Flexible and sustainable
    The company uses the e-commerce versions of the EXPERTFOLD 110 to make solid board shipping envelopes, corrugated board shipping containers and three-point glued packaging variants. “We can produce complex packaging with specialized gluing and standard boxes with base, cover and auto-adhesive tapes. This makes life easier for our customers, because there’s no need to use adhesive tape to seal the boxes. And simple handling of the packaging is essential for them.”

    Producing high-performance packaging in a single machine pass and doubling the folding-gluing line productivity both reduce the energy consumption per box. Additionally, waste has been reduced by 50%. Overall, the production process and the individual packaging have become more sustainable.

    “Our machine operators can easily get maximum availability out of the EXPERTFOLD 110. BOBST technology is mature and robust. We’ve really put it to the test, but it has never let us down” concludes Hendrik Schumacher.

    Modernizing for the Future: Metsä Board Drives Forward with Major Upgrades to Simpele Mill

    Press release submitted on behalf of Metsä Board

    Metsä Board, a part of Metsä Group, is advancing with its significant investment to modernize the Simpele folding boxboard mill, focused on further enhancing product quality, production efficiency, and reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and products.

    Known for producing the high-quality and lightweight MetsäBoard Classic FBB product, the Simpele mill will undergo significant upgrades in the second half of 2025, further solidifying the company’s position as the leading choice for premium food and healthcare packaging.

    Valued at approximately EUR 60 million, the investment includes the modernization of the pre-drying section and the installation of a new state-of-the-art coating section on the production line. These enhancements will further improve the print quality and visual consistency of the MetsäBoard Classic FBB product while enabling the company to shift to fossil free alternatives in its paperboard production process.

    “This project marks an important milestone in our shift toward fossil free paperboard production at the Simpele mill and is in full alignment with Metsä Board’s goal of achieving fossil free production across all mills by the end of 2030,” says Markku Leskelä, Senior Vice President of Development at Metsä Board. “The mill upgrade will also further solidify our leading position in the food and pharmaceutical segments, offering customers a product with an even higher print quality, better visual uniformity, and a reduced carbon footprint.”

    Announced last April, the modernization of the Simpele mill is being implemented in stages and is progressing according to schedule in all areas. The technology purchases for the project were mostly completed in June, and detailed planning with equipment suppliers is ongoing. The building permit was granted earlier this year and the first visible work at the mill has already started. Most tasks, such as installing the new pre-drying and coating sections, will be completed during a scheduled maintenance shutdown at the mill in September.

    Metsä Board will ensure uninterrupted service and consistent product availability by careful planning in close collaboration with its customers. The upgraded Simpele mill is expected to start up in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    The modernization of the board machine is part of a planned wider investment program at the Simpele mill. The planned programme also includes renewals in the mechanical pulp production, in the finishing area of paperboard as well as a new power plant. The company has not yet taken investment decisions on these.

    Metsä Board
    Metsä Board is a producer of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. The pure fresh fibres we use in our products are a safe, renewable and recyclable resource, that can be traced back to northern forests. We aim to have completely fossil free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030. We promote a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion.

    Metsä Board is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. In 2023 our sales totaled EUR 1.9 billion, and we have around 2,300 employees. Metsä Board is part of Metsä Group, whose parent company Metsäliitto Cooperation is owned by over 90,000 Finnish forest owners. For more information, visit www.metsagroup.com/metsaboard/.

    Highcon and Hybrid Software Collaborates for Digital Diecutting Enhancement

    Press release submitted on behalf of Highcon and HYBRID Software

    Highcon, Yavne, Israel, and HYBRID Software, Gent, Belgium, announced a partnership to elevate the digital diecutting workflow for packaging and display converters by integrating Hybrid’s renowned PACKZ software, offering full PDF support, into Highcon’s Digital Diecutting Workflow Package (DWP). This partnership aims to deliver more streamlined processes, increased precision, and enhanced workflow integration, empowering operators across production sites.

    At the core of this collaboration is a custom-designed version of the PACKZ Engine for Highcon, introducing a fully integrated PDF workflow tailored for the digital die-cutting process. By advancing artwork handling, high-quality previews, and automated XML export capabilities, this collaboration enables packaging converters to seamlessly integrate Highcon’s digital solutions into their workflows, simplifying setup while accelerating production timelines.

    “Our partnership with Highcon is all about empowering the packaging industry,” said Bert Van der Perre, Chief Commercial Officer, Hybrid Software. “Finishing is a vital step in packaging production, and this collaboration streamlines the process, delivering greater efficiency and precision for our customers.”

    “With Highcon’s digital die-cutting systems deployed worldwide, this collaboration with Hybrid Software enables production teams to achieve faster setups and top-quality output,” said Haim Veig, VP Product, Highcon. “Together, we’re optimizing production workflows for digital die cutting.”

    About Highcon
    Highcon develops, markets, sells, and supports a portfolio of digital cutting and creasing systems that cover a wide range of formats, substrates, and applications. The Highcon technology is transforming the industry, by providing cost effective solutions to the increasing manufacturing inefficiencies facing folding carton and corrugated carton manufacturers as the result of the emerging market trends of e-commerce, shorter time to market, lower job sizes and a drive to sustainability. Such requirements cannot be accommodated by the expensive and slow conventional die-making and setup process. The Highcon digital technology bridges the gap between agile production and design flexibility delivering improved responsiveness, JIT production, short runs, customization of structure and design, and the ability to perform a wide range of applications in-house. Highcon products are installed at customer sites around the world, including some multi-national companies, effectively supporting the needs of global and local brands. Highcon is publicly traded in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (HICN) and its leading investors are Landa Ventures owned by Benny Landa and JVP led by Erel Margalit. For more information, visit www.highcon.net.

    About Hybrid Software
    With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, HYBRID Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

    HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ PDF editor, iC3D visualization software, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. Hybrid Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG). For more information, visit www.hybridsoftware.com.

    Leary Introduces LearyVIEW Print-II

    Press release submitted on behalf of W.H. Leary Co.

    Leary, Tinley Park, Illinois, announced LearyVIEW Print-II, the latest advancement in print inspection technology designed to empower folding carton manufacturers in achieving 100% print quality assurance at maximum gluer speeds, with ease. Engineered specifically for industries demanding the highest print quality—such as pharmaceutical, luxury goods, and cosmetics—LearyVIEW Print-II integrates seamlessly with existing folder gluers, offering a retrofittable inline inspection solution to detect print quality defects with unparalleled precision.

    New to this inspection solution are the individual and adjustable carrier belts that offer maximum quality control for the widest range of carton styles. Align individual vacuum belts at any carton location for optimum travel through the camera inspection unit. Additionally, the easy-to-maintain belts can be replaced quickly, reducing downtime, and ensuring reliable operation. The inspection unit is positioned between the register and pre-fold sections of folder gluers, operating at remarkable speeds of up to 760 m/min (2,500 ft/min). Leary partners with Eye C cameras, a leader in vision inspection technology, to provide reliable inspection for print quality, color consistency and blemishes as small as 0.11 mm (.006 in).

    “We are thrilled to introduce LearyVIEW Print-II, a solution that not only guarantees print quality on every single carton, but also operates in an efficient way to boost production efficiency,” said Andrew Sims, Director of Product and Market Development. “By integrating state-of-the-art Eye C camera technology and with new and improved hardware capabilities, we’re enabling folding carton manufacturers to set new benchmarks in quality and reliability.”

    Key Features of LearyVIEW™ Print-II Include:
    • Seamless Integration for 100% Inspection: As the only retrofittable inline print inspection system for folder gluers, LearyVIEW Print-II is compatible with most existing machines, allowing manufacturers to achieve top-tier inspection standards without the need for brand-new equipment.
    • Adjustable Vacuum Belt System: With individual vacuum belts adaptable to various carton shapes and sizes, LearyVIEW Print-II offers maximum control for complex designs, including cartons with cutouts and dividers. The easy-to-maintain belts can be replaced quickly, reducing downtime and ensuring reliable operation.
    • Advanced Vision Inspection Technology: Powered by EyeC camera technology, the system inspects print quality by comparing cartons directly to customer-approved PDF artwork, identifying deviations as small as 0.15mm.
    • User-Friendly Interface and Smart Detection Software: Designed for ease of use, the intuitive interface minimizes setup time, while intelligent software parameters ensure only relevant defects trigger rejection. The system efficiently ejects non-compliant cartons using either OEM ejectors or Leary’s In-Line Diverter ejector, reducing waste and optimizing quality control.

    LearyVIEW Print-II is a groundbreaking solution for folding carton manufacturers seeking to enhance product quality and reduce errors. Its advanced design supports industry-leading speeds, unmatched defect detection, and adaptability, setting a new standard for print inspection. LearyVIEW Print-II is now available for the folding carton market.

    About Leary – Leary is an industry leader in glue application, quality control and inspection solutions, providing innovative technologies that empower manufacturers to achieve unparalleled precision, efficiency, and reliability in production. With a strong focus on a holistic approach to the full carton process including machine operation, folding, gluing, quality and measuring performance data, Leary continues to set new standards for delivering quality product in an efficient and sustainable way. For more information, visit www.whleary.com. 

    Highcon and Hybrid Software Collaborate to Enhance to Digital Die Cutting Workflow Efficiency

    Press release submitted on behalf of Highcon.

    Highcon, Gent Belgium, and HYBRID Software, Yavne, Israel, announce a partnership to elevate the digital die cutting workflow for packaging and display converters by integrating Hybrid’s renowned PACKZ software, offering full PDF support, into Highcon’s Digital Die Cutting Workflow Package (DWP). This partnership aims to deliver more streamlined processes, increased precision, and enhanced workflow integration, empowering operators across production sites.

    At the core of this collaboration is a custom-designed version of the PACKZ Engine for Highcon, introducing a fully integrated PDF workflow tailored for the digital die-cutting process. By advancing artwork handling, high-quality previews, and automated XML export capabilities, this collaboration enables packaging converters to seamlessly integrate Highcon’s digital solutions into their workflows, simplifying setup while accelerating production timelines.

    “Our partnership with Highcon is all about empowering the packaging industry,” said Bert Van der Perre, Chief Commercial Officer, Hybrid Software. “Finishing is a vital step in packaging production, and this collaboration streamlines the process, delivering greater efficiency and precision for our customers.”

    “With Highcon’s digital die-cutting systems deployed worldwide, this collaboration with Hybrid Software enables production teams to achieve faster setups and top-quality output,” said Haim Veig, VP Product, Highcon. “Together, we’re optimizing production workflows for digital die cutting.”

    About Highcon

    Highcon develops, markets, sells, and supports a portfolio of digital cutting and creasing systems that cover a wide range of formats, substrates, and applications. The Highcon technology is transforming the industry, by providing cost effective solutions to the increasing manufacturing inefficiencies facing folding carton and corrugated carton manufacturers as the result of the emerging market trends of e-commerce, shorter time to market, lower job sizes and a drive to sustainability. Such requirements cannot be accommodated by the expensive and slow conventional die-making and setup process. The Highcon digital technology bridges the gap between agile production and design flexibility delivering improved responsiveness, JIT production, short runs, customization of structure and design, and the ability to perform a wide range of applications in-house. Highcon products are installed at customer sites around the world, including some multi-national companies, effectively supporting the needs of global and local brands. Highcon is publicly traded in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (HICN) and its leading investors are Landa Ventures owned by Benny Landa and JVP led by Erel Margalit. For more details: www.highcon.net, or contact:

    About Hybrid Software

    With offices in Belgium, Germany, US, UK, Spain, France, Italy, and China plus a global partner network, HYBRID Software is an enterprise software development company focused on innovative productivity tools for the graphic arts industry.

    HYBRID Software’s CLOUDFLOW workflow, PACKZ PDF editor, iC3D visualization software, and print quality solutions offer a unique set of advantages that include native PDF workflows, enterprise cloud solutions, scalable technology with low cost of ownership, and direct integration with leading MIS solutions and output devices. These products are used by thousands of customers worldwide in all areas of prepress and print, including labels and packaging, folding cartons, corrugated, wide format and digital printing. Hybrid Software is a subsidiary of Hybrid Software Group PLC (Euronext: HYSG). For more information, visit www.hybridsoftware.com.

    Girls Who Print Honors Three Industry Members with Awards

    Press release submitted on behalf of Girls Who Print

    Girls Who Print, located in Dallas, Texas, presented three awards during the online Girls Who Print Day Conference, the largest global network of women in the print and graphic communication industry.

    The 2024 Rising Star Award was presented to Kiki Heron, Account Manager, Training and Development Leader at Specialty Print Communications, by Kelly Mallozzi, Principal at Success in Print, who runs the Girls Who Print mentorship program. The award recognizes women who have stepped up and taken the initiative to proactively help the industry, their company, and their colleagues.

    “I am honored to receive recognition as a young woman in the print industry,” said Kiki Heron. “I hope my journey can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this space, confidently share their ideas for innovation, and embrace leadership opportunities.”

    The inaugural Girls Who Print Ally Award was presented to Ryan LeFebvre, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Specialty Print Communications. For more than ten years, Ryan has supported Girls Who Print and created initiatives and events to celebrate Girls Who Print Day. He is also a champion of Graphic Communication programs, provides internships for students, and has cultivated a culture at SPC where employees can rise and thrive.

    “I am truly humbled and honored to receive the first-ever Girls Who Print Ally Award,” said Ryan LeFebvre. “I am passionate about growing the next generation of print professionals and proudly support Girls Who Print. I believe in its importance to the industry now and in the future.”

    The pinnacle 2024 Girls Who Print Girlie Award for leadership and community service was presented to Christine Hagopian, President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE). For the past 18 years, she has played a pivotal role in helping her membership thrive in an evolving marketplace through educational initiatives, networking opportunities, and resources that foster growth and innovation.

    Christine is a staunch supporter of women in the industry, producing and hosting an annual event providing women and allies an opportunity to network and strengthen

    their relationships, hear from speakers on relevant topics and feel supported by their regional organization.

    “I am honored to be the 2024 Girls Who Print Girlie Award recipient,” said Christine Hagopian, President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE). “As the first female president in PINE’s 137 years, it is with pride and passion that I lead this organization and the amazing team at PINE. I work on behalf of our membership without question or hesitation, and to be recognized for that is truly humbling.”

    “The 2024 Girls Who Print Day award recipients stand out for their dedication to the industry and the company, customers, and members they serve,” said Deborah Corn, President of Girls Who Print. “On top of that is their dedication to supporting women across their careers in print, making the industry more welcoming for women and students, giving back to their communities, and advocating the Girls Who Print’s mission to ‘Empower Long and Prosper’ through their partnership.”

    Watch the 2024 Girls Who Print Day Awards ceremony and all the #GIRLPOWER session replays from the conference on the new Girls Who Print YouTube channel
    Learn more about the Girls Who Print mission, join our free global mentorship program, save your seat for upcoming online events, get information for in-person events, join our mailing list, and connect with us across our socials at girlswhoprint.net

    About Girls Who Print
    Now in its 15th year, Girls Who Print provides women in print and graphic communications with information and resources to help them navigate the industry and their careers. With a focus on mentorship, community building, and open knowledge sharing, Girls Who Print is the largest independent network of women in print and continues to grow through regional groups, industry partnerships, and a new membership program.
    Learn more at girlswhoprint.net

    Marbach Introduces New Embossing Transfer System

    Press release submitted on behalf of Marbach

    The globally operating diemaker Marbach, 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.

    Konica Minolta Announces Official Launch of JETvarnish 3D Web 400

    Press release submitted on behalf Konica Minolta

    Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), Ramsey, New Jersey, is pleased to announce the official launch of its latest embellishment press. The JETvarnish 3D Web 400, a one-of-a-kind 100% web-fed digital embellishment solution seamlessly integrates spot UV coating, hot foil stamping and variable data printing in a single pass. The new finishing device is the only single-pass spot-UV and hot foil embellishment reel-to-reel system available in the market.

    Today’s creatives and marketers are looking for ways to set their ideas apart in order to engage interest and purchases among highly targeted audiences. Digital production makes embellishment easier, faster and more cost-effective than ever, particularly for short and medium print runs. Additionally, respondents to a digital print trends survey from Keypoint Intelligence report the ability to upcharge approximately 23 percent for print-enhanced jobs.

    Embellishment offers nonstop ways to create visually stunning, tactile, high-value pieces – from brochures and signage to direct mail and packaging. Combining embossing, debossing, varnishing, foils and other techniques with variable data printing to personalize materials creates even greater impact, impressions and ROI, for print shops and their customers. Labels coupled with embellishment are creating major marketing opportunities across the board. In addition, through the production and delivery of boxes and folding cartons with color, embellishments and personal messaging, the industry has helped brands deliver a novel unboxing experience for customers.

    Konica Minolta has a strong footprint and impact in the industrial print market. The company offers top-notch service through 83 service locations nationwide and industrial print specialists across all segments. With competition stimulating the market, the company’s Industrial and Production Print group is also ideally positioned for growth and meeting customer demands through its proven technology already in the field.

    “Konica Minolta was ahead of its time in this space when it launched digital embellishment years ago. We now offer a full lineup of embellishment devices to produce attention-getting materials that also raise profit margins,” said Frank Mallozzi, President, IPP, Konica Minolta. “The fact that embellishments can be created at a production level of one is also impressive, and makes experimenting and testing creative concepts easier and more affordable, all because digital production significantly reduces labor and setup costs.”

    Tailored for the evolving needs of the self-adhesive label and flexible packaging sectors, the JETvarnish 3D Web 400 is the ultimate solution for heightened responsiveness, superior quality and increased value. It enables converters and printers to reduce customers’ time-to-market, while transforming the impact of their labels and packaging on the shelf, in full compliance with their environmental strategies. The new model is print process agnostic, with the ability to embellish offset, flexo, toner and almost any print method.

    The versatile JETvarnish 3D Web 400 meets the most varied requirements for short, medium and long runs by enhancing printed production with digital spot UV varnish and hot foil stamping in fixed or variable data, flat or embossed, facilitating multi-runs and versioning. Optionally equipped with a flexo unit and a semi-rotary die cutter, which will be available shortly after launch, this product seamlessly blends the advantages of both digital and conventional printing.

    “We received some incredibly positive feedback during demonstrations at Labelexpo Americas, with a great deal of excitement over its unique features, and attendees calling the single-pass ability a complete game changer,” continued Mallozzi. “The JETvarnish 3D Web 400 provides real value for our clients, enriching print, customization and personalization. With speeds up to 42 meters per minute, it is more productive than earlier models and accommodates uncoated materials along with coated and synthetics.”
    Learn more about Konica Minolta’s JETvarnish 3D Web 400 online.

    About Konica Minolta
    Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.’s (Konica Minolta) journey started 150 years ago, with a vision to see and do things differently. The company innovates for the good of society and the world. The same purpose that kept it moving then, keeps it moving now. Konica Minolta aims to partner with clients to Give Shape to Ideas by supporting their digital transformation through its expansive Intelligent Connected Workplace portfolio. Its business technology offerings include IT Services, intelligent information management, video security solutions and managed print services, as well as office technology and industrial and commercial print solutions. Through its ongoing work, the company is fortunate to be continuously recognized for its products and services. This includes, but is not limited to being included on CRN’s MSP 500 list numerous times; named a finalist in the IT Software Category by The World Technology Awards; recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys and presented with Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Awards for its bizhub i-Series. For more information, please visit Konica Minolta online and follow its account on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.