While work on the first issue of 2025 is well underway, we paused to see which PostPress articles from 2024 caught the eyes of our readers. The following stories were the top reads from 2024 for visitors to the website.

1.            Industries Stay Committed to Embellishments
Segments of the printing industry are cautiously optimistic about the next few years. Sales revenue for commercial printing, direct mail, greeting cards, trading cards, and folding cartons and packaging is expected to grow. One contributing factor is the increased use of embellishments, particularly combinations of decorative technologies.

2.             Foil Set-Up and Makeready on a Clamshell Press
Working with clamshell-style foil stamping presses presents specific challenges on press. Correct set-up and makeready are critical to ensure a quality job and one that runs with few rejects and at speeds that provide an adequate ROI.

3.             Saddlestitcher Heads – 7 Deadly Sins to Avoid
The stitching head is one especially critical area for proper operation of a saddlestitcher. Even the simplest of newer stitching heads is a complex piece of equipment which, if not properly handled, will cause slowdowns, poor-quality stitched books and machine downtime. Discover the seven common mistakes that stitcher operators and bindery managers make with their stitcher heads.

4.             In a Design Bind? Try These Unique Binding Options
Since the beginning of books, there has been a need for binding. When Hindi scribes in India began binding palm-leaf manuscripts together with twine during the second century BC, so began the craft of bookbinding. Over time, the need has remained, although the techniques have evolved.

5.             Top 5 Lighthearted Animated Films that Cover Serious Workplace Safety and Health
The Napo Film Consortium is a source for short, animated, lighthearted videos on a variety of workplace health and safety topics. In review of these videos, find out how Everyman Napo and his co-workers humorously illustrate pitfalls, risks and hazards on the job as well as measures for preventing and mitigating harm to employees.

Press release submitted on behalf of Green Bay Innovation Group

Green Bay Innovation Group (GBIG), Green Bay, Wisconsin, and International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), Madison, Wisconsin, will partner for a premier Packaging Showcase Expo. This event is set to take place February 25-26, 2025, at the Fox Cities Exposition Center, formerly known as The Paper Valley Hotel, 355 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, Wisconsin. The expo promises to unveil the latest innovations in packaging technology, focusing on sustainability and high-tech solutions tailored for the food, dairy, deli, bakery, and retail markets.

“This expo is a must-attend for anyone involved in the food packaging industry who wants to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market,” said Marty Ochs, GBIG Executive Director.

IDDBA Vice President Jeremy Johnson agreed.

“We are excited to showcase revolutionary technologies and materials that not only meet the needs of modern food processors,” Johnson said. “Co-fillers and brand owners, but also address the pressing environmental challenges of our time.”

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore a variety of cutting-edge materials and technologies, including recyclable films, sustainable packaging materials, advanced printing capabilities, and the latest in converting technologies. The expo will feature interactive exhibits and demonstrations, providing an in-depth look at the newest trends and developments in food packaging for retail.

Highlights of the Packaging Showcase Expo include:

Recyclable and Sustainable Materials: Discover new ways to enhance environmental sustainability through innovative packaging solutions like biodegradable films and compostable containers.

Advanced Printing and Converting Technologies: See how updated printing techniques and converting technologies are creating more efficient and flexible packaging options, reducing waste and energy usage.

2D Barcodes and RFID Technology: Learn about the latest trends in 2D barcodes and RFID technology that enhance tracking, inventory management, and consumer engagement.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers with keynote presentations and panel discussions led by experts in the packaging industry.

Trending Packaging Products: Experience the latest trending packaging products that are setting new standards for quality and innovation in the food and retail sectors.

The cost to attend the two-day event is $60.00, which includes lunch and refreshments. The cost to exhibit is $1,500, which includes 2 FREE tickets for exhibitors for an 8’W x 10’D booth. Corner exhibits are available for $1,700. (Set-up is on February 24). The Expo hours: Tuesday, 2/25 – 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. followed by networking. The Expo hours Wednesday, 2-26 – 9:00a.m. to 3: 00p.m. followed by networking.

SPECIAL SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!
Register at www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events – 5P Showcase Expo. Hotel rooms are available at a discount for early sign-up.

The event host is Green Bay Innovation Group, which provides news, events, and collaboration opportunities for the paper, packaging, printing, pulp, plastics and converting industries.

The co-host is the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association, a nonprofit trade association for food retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, brokers, distributors, and other industry professionals. For more information, visit www.greenbayinnovationgroup.com/events.

Press release submitted on behalf of Duplo USA Corporation

In response to the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles, particularly in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, Duplo USA Corporation, Santa Ana, California, announced a $10,000 donation to support immediate disaster relief and recovery operations. The funds will aid local organizations in their efforts to assist individuals and communities directly impacted by the fires.

“We are deeply saddened by the destruction caused by these ongoing wildfires,” said Rick Salinas, president of Duplo USA Corporation. “Our thoughts are with the countless families and businesses who have lost so much. We’re proud to support local organizations dedicated to providing critical aid during this challenging time, and we stand with the community of Los Angeles as they begin to rebuild.”

The wildfires, which broke out on January 7, have burned more than 40,000 acres across the region, making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles County’s history. According to Cal Fire, over 100,000 residents have been displaced, with many losing their homes and livelihoods.

Duplo USA’s donation will go directly to trusted relief groups that are delivering emergency aid, shelter, and resources to those in need as recovery efforts continue. For more information, visit www.duplousa.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of the POLAR Group

Markus Judel has been appointed Head of Business Development and Sales at the POLAR Group, Hofheim, Germany. By merging the divisions, the interlocking of future-oriented developments for customers will be even closer and the POLAR Group will be able to strengthen its technology leadership.

For decades, POLAR has specialized in the design of innovative and future-proof solutions in the print finishing industry. With around 350 employees worldwide at its Hofheim and Shanghai (Chi-na) sites, POLAR develops efficient systems for the automation of industrial cutting and die-cutting processes.
Based on his relevant knowledge of the global print finishing market, Judel, who has been with the company since 1989, also wants to intensify the exchange with customers.

“Our biggest goal is holistic process optimization – from the printed sheet to the finished shipping unit. With the greatest possible customer benefit in mind, we focus on achieving an optimum balance between quality and speed,” says Markus Judel.

For more information, visit www.polar-mohr.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of FSEA

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has opened the 32nd Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards Competition, with entry forms available to print finishers, printers, design groups, brand owners and all others creating work worth celebrating. The Gold Leaf Awards recognize the best in print decorating and enhancements on greeting cards, folding cartons, book covers, calendars, direct mailers, labels and more.

The FSEA Gold Leaf Awards program has grown as entries are submitted from around the world by printers, finishers and binders that want to compete against the best in the industry with foil, UV coatings, diecuts, folds, embossed images and more. New technologies have fueled growth, too, with expanded award categories in areas such as digital embellishment processes and specialty UV coatings. Entries are judged on design, execution and level of difficulty in more than 30 categories, with a gold, silver and bronze award presented in each. A “Best of Show” award is selected from among all of the Gold Award winners.

“For over 30 years the FSEA Gold Leaf Awards have been celebrating the best of the best in print enhancements,” said FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “This year, we’re ready to ‘Dive Deep into the World of Embellishments’ and recognize the amazing work that is being done to bring attention to embellished printed pieces – whether that’s a highly decorated wine label, a foiled carton to draw consumer eyes on the retail shelf or a diecut holiday card that stands out from the crowd.”

All winning companies will be announced at Amplify Print, to be held June 10-12 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, IL. Competition winners also will be highlighted in promotional campaigns, PostPress magazine and other trade publications, and on the FSEA website.

To submit entries or for complete information on rules, regulations and entry fees, download an entry form from the FSEA website at www.fsea.com. Questions? Call the FSEA at 785.271.5816.

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) provides a wide range of resources to help companies remain profitable and gain market share through the use of print enhancement technologies such as foil stamping, embossing, digital embellishments, specialty coatings and more. From cost-saving programs and educational opportunities to green initiatives proving the sustainability of foil decorated paper/board, the FSEA strives to provide its members with ideas, resources and solutions to grow in today’s marketplace. For more information, visit www.fsea.com.

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.