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    PostPress

    Print Decorating, Binding and Finishing

    News

    Registration Now Open for the Print Embellishment Conference

    Press release submitted on behalf of the Foil & Specialty Effects Association

    The 2024 Print Embellishment Conference, sponsored by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) and Amplify Print, will be held April 9 – 11 at the Delta Hotels Dallas Southlake in Dallas, Texas.  Registration is open, and early bird rates are available.

    The conference offers a supplier trade fair, educational programming to address new technology and trends in the industry, and an awards reception where the recipients of the 31st Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards will be honored. Conference attendees also will attend a plant tour with stops at Brodnax 21C Printers, where attendees will see both cold foil transfer and digital foil and coating technology, and Xplor Group, which specializes in laminating and spot and flood UV coating.

    Networking: A supplier trade fair and welcome reception kick off the event, providing attendees with the opportunity to discover what’s new from supplier partners and network with peers. Peer exchanges continue throughout the conference, with programming designed to let attendees share their challenges and find solutions from others in the industry.

    Educational Opportunities: From professional keynote speakers to print industry experts, educational content aims to give attendees knowledge that can be used to improve their operations. Programming will include Vicki Stull discussing the power of touch, Adam Peek speaking on sustainable packaging and Sabine Lenz educating the audience on trends in print and embellishments in 2024. The conference also will include several panel discussions on topics that include the importance of technical knowledge when selling embellishments, the latest technology and cost savings with foil stamping and embossing engravings, and trends in the trading card industry.

    For more information – including detailed session descriptions, speaker biographies, travel information and easy registration – visit www.fsea.com/print-embellishment-conference or call 785.271.5816.

    The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) provides a wide range of resources to help print finishing companies remain profitable today and into the future. From tangible benefits offered through cost-saving programs to educational opportunities (conferences, webinars, case studies and articles) to green initiatives proving the sustainability of foil decorated paper/board, the FSEA strives to provide its members with ideas, data and solutions to grow in today’s marketplace. For more information, visit www.fsea.com.

    Amplify is an exhibition and educational program spotlighting the print finishing value chain, held for the first time in May of 2022. The event welcomed print and packaging designers, commercial printers, print finishers, binders, mailers and creatives to connect with the equipment manufacturers and suppliers to those industries. From the exhibit hall to the educational program and beyond, attendees networked with all the key players in the finishing cycle, learned best practices, discovered emerging technologies and heard real-world success stories. The Amplify expo will return in 2025.

    BindTech LLC Acquires Eckhart & Co.

    Press release submitted on behalf of BindTech LLC

    BindTech LLC has added to its expanding platform of book manufacturing with the acquisition of Eckhart & Co., based in Indianapolis, IN.  Founded in 1918, Eckhart has been an important supplier to the trade publishing industry, providing hardcover, softcover, and mechanical binding services. In addition, Eckhart offers a number of custom and specialized services including rigid boxes, 3-ring binders, gilding, leather case manufacturing, and foil stamping to support the deluxe book and bible market segments.

    With facilities across the country, BindTech has been growing its national footprint through targeted acquisition strategies to become the leading provider of book binding and book finishing services, as well as warehousing and fulfillment under the Publishers Storage & Shipping (PSSC) brand. The acquisition of Eckhart further strengthens BindTech’s position with book publishers and book printers. 

    According to BindTech CEO, John Helline, “We are excited to add a respected business, such as Eckhart, to the BindTech family. Their reputation and expertise help to keep BindTech at the competitive forefront of the publishing supply chain.  Importantly, our growing platform of book finishing, warehousing, and fulfillment – along with our heavy investments in technology designed to support our publishing customers – allows us to offer creative, integrated solutions utilizing our broad platform.”

    Chris Eckhart, President of Eckhart & Co., added, “Personalized service combined with extensive production capabilities and combinations has allowed Eckhart & Company to continue a pace of steady growth through the years. Partnering with BindTech, and utilizing their considerable resources, will help to accelerate our growth and put us in a solid position for many more years to come.”

    With the addition of Eckhart, the combined BindTech/PSSC facilities now have over 400 employees and a manufacturing and warehouse footprint of over 400,000 square feet with locations in Nashville, TN; Churchill, TN; Macedonia, OH; Phoenix, AZ; Indianapolis, IN; Fitchburg, MA; Ypsilanti, MI; and, Ann Arbor, MI.

    Metsä Board’s Ultralight Pizza Box Concept Wins 2024 WorldStar Award

    Press release submitted on behalf of Metsä Board

    Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, has been selected as one of the winners in the 2024 WorldStar awards for their ultralight pizza box concept developed together with Adara Pakkaus and other industry experts. A total of 435 entries from 41 countries were included in this year’s competition.

    The awarded ultralight pizza box solution, made of MetsäBoard Natural WKL Bright, uses considerably less material than traditional solutions without compromising rigidity, function or print quality. The pizza box was about 38% lighter and, according to the life cycle analysis, the pizza box’s carbon footprint was up to 50% lower than those of traditional solutions made of recycled fiber. The environmental impact comparison was carried out on material and its production.*

    The ultralight packaging concept was created in co-operation with a leading expert of the packaging industry. Packaging manufacturer Adara Pakkaus produced the corrugated material and printing of the pizza box with Marvaco supplying the flexo printing plates. The graphics were designed by Futupack. Researcher and expert on ECG Expanded Gamut printing, Dr Kai Lankinen, provided input on the graphic design, prepress, and flexographic printing requirements.

    The World Packaging Organization (WPO) has been organizing the WorldStar awards since 1970 to recognize the best in packaging innovations from across the globe. The objective is to bring forth advancements in packaging design and technology especially in response to new challenges and global trends such as sustainability.

    Only packaging solutions that have been previously awarded in a recognized national or regional competition are eligible to participate. Previously, Metsä Board’s pizza box concept was awarded a 2023 ScanStar, a competition organized by the Nordic packaging industry associations.

    * Metsä Board follows process category rules for processed paper and paperboard which are based on ISO 14040/14044 life cycle assessment standards when assessing environmental impacts of its paperboards. For comparative assertions external datasets from Sphera have been utilised. These datasets represent typical products on the EU markets. Comparison excludes paperboard converting processes. Climate Change methodology used in the assessment was EF3.0 Climate Change – Total.

    Nobelus® Expands into the European Market 

    Press release submitted on behalf of Nobelus

    After decades of continuous, steady growth in North America, Nobelus, a leading distributor of thermal laminates, unsupported films, and thermal laminating systems, is expanding into the European print service market. The company’s partners have acquired a majority interest in the film division of McKinleys Group, a packaging supply company based in the United Kingdom. The new entity, known as Nobelus Europe Ltd, is based out of Newmarket, UK, and will function independently of McKinleys Group, which will continue distributing packaging supplies.

    Jeremy Fentiman, Managing Director of Nobelus Europe, states, “This exciting development formalizes a long-standing partnership between Nobelus and McKinleys Group. McKinleys Group has represented Nobelus in the UK and Europe for nearly 10 years, and the two have been joined at the hip.” Fentiman continues, “Nobelus is a market leader in lamination technology in North America, and this acquisition provides a significant opportunity to establish the Nobelus brand in Europe.”

    European print service providers will gain direct access to a greater range of finishes in the Nobelus product portfolio, and current Nobelus customers with facilities located in Europe will be able to offer brands greater consistency across different products regardless of geographic location. Nobelus will offer European customers the same dedicated service and support North American customers currently receive, including personalized consultations, technical support, and access to experienced solutions experts.

    “The entire Nobelus team is excited about the opportunities a new continent will provide,” states Steve Truan, Global CEO of Nobelus. “We are growing again, and expansion in Europe opens up a whole new world of possibilities for the innovative finishing films, equipment, methods, and sustainable products that we have developed over the past eight years.”

    Aligning with the Nobelus mission to enhance people, partners, and the world’s brands, Nobelus Europe will enable the company to realize significant growth in the UK and Europe, expand into new verticals, and leverage its premium finishing solutions to a larger customer base with unique needs. “The Nobelus team is keen for the challenge,” says Truan.

    Management Changes at EyeC: Markus Fietkau Is the New Sales Director

    Press release submitted on behalf of EyeC GmbH

    Markus Fietkau has been appointed as Sales Director for EyeC GmbH, effective October 1st: Markus is now responsible for planning, implementing and controlling the sales activities of the global provider of print image inspections. He takes over the position from Ralph Beier, who in his new role as Business Development Director will now focus exclusively on operational and strategic development in the company’s global environment. Both Fietkau and Beier will report directly to the executive management of EyeC GmbH.

    With over 30 years of experience in technically demanding sales and an impressive track record, Markus Fietkau has been playing a key role in the further development of EyeC’s global sales organization as the new Sales Director since October. The industry expert began his professional career after graduating from high school with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk and expanded his knowledge with a degree in business administration. Before joining EyeC as Global Account Manager in April 2017, the 50-year-old worked in sales at a northern German printing company for four years. He then spent a further 10 years in the field of pharmaceutical logistics, where he deepened his expertise and further expanded his network. Most recently, he held the position of Deputy Sales Director at EyeC, in which he successfully looked after global customers and interested parties from the print sector and supported the sales team in all matters. In his new position, Fietkau will be responsible for the company’s global sales activities and work closely with sales partners to drive EyeC’s further development.

    The experienced sales expert will take over directly from Ralph Beier, who will assume the position of Business Development Director after more than six successful years as Head of Sales at EyeC. Beier brings with him over 40 years of experience in the field of technology and many years of work in the printing industry. The move will see the internationally experienced manager concentrate on expanding special projects, products and markets and identifying strategic business opportunities.

    “We are delighted to welcome Markus Fietkau as the new Sales Director at EyeC,” says Dr Ansgar Kaupp, Managing Director of EyeC. “Together with Ralph Beier in the position of Business Development Director, we now have two experienced executives with a strong entrepreneurial track record who have already been able to profitably establish numerous national and international sales strategies in the market thanks to their valuable expertise and passion for sales. This is the best basis for making a valuable contribution to the continued success of EyeC,” continues Kaupp.

    With the personnel changes at the management level, EyeC is focusing on its commitment to continuous growth and enhancing its position as one of the world’s leading artwork verification and print image inspection companies.

    Two Sides North America Announces Retirement of President Kathi Rowzie

    Press release submitted on behalf of Two Sides North America

    Two Sides North America (TSNA) today announced that Kathi Rowzie will retire as its president effective February 1. Over the past four years, Rowzie has led the non-profit membership organization chartered to eliminate unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims about print, paper and paper-based packaging and to promote the paper industry’s continuously improving sustainability performance.

    Under Rowzie’s leadership, TSNA has persuaded dozens of major corporations, government agencies and other organizations to remove unsubstantiated environmental claims about paper from their customer communications, resulting in the elimination of billions of instances of anti-paper greenwashing. Since 2020, TSNA has also increased its LinkedIn followers by 125%; initiated and conducted two Trend Tracker research studies which showed incremental improvement in consumer attitudes toward paper products and the environment; significantly increased engagement with the media on paper-related sustainability issues; introduced the “3 Minutes with Two Sides” podcast; redesigned TSNA educational materials to make them more user friendly; and more.

    “On behalf of TSNA’s members and supporters, we thank Kathi for her leadership and unyielding determination in busting common environmental myths about print and paper products and promoting the paper industry’s ever-improving environmental record,” said TSNA Executive Director Jules Van Sant. “Her efforts to eliminate anti-paper greenwashing claims and to educate businesses and consumers about the environmental benefits of paper products have laid the groundwork to continue our efforts through advocacy and education.”

    “It has been my great privilege to serve as Two Sides North America president,” Rowzie said. “I am especially grateful to our members whose support has made it possible for Two Sides to consistently deliver on our commitments to eliminate unsubstantiated and misleading environmental claims about print, paper and paper-based packaging and to tell the great sustainability story of the paper industry and its products. I look forward to seeing Executive Director Jules Van Sant and Director of Operations Jill Crossley take Two Sides North America to new levels of success in 2024 and beyond.”

    Rowzie will continue to work with paper industry clients and their customers, providing sustainability strategy and communications services through her consulting practice, Rowzie Group Ltd.

    Top 5 Articles from 2023

    While work on the first issue of 2024 is underway, we paused to see which PostPress articles from 2023 caught the eyes of our readers. The following stories were the top reads from 2023 for visitors to the website.

    1. 2023’s Hottest Print Design Trends
      Each year, a handful of printing and finishing techniques set the industry on fire, transforming the way designers create their work and spread their message – and even the way they think. If you’re looking for a way to help your clients jumpstart their creativity while giving you a competitive edge, you really can’t afford to ignore them.
    2. Embellished Direct Mail Marketing Creates Sensory Experience
      Brands add embellishments to printed products to make them stand out and to grab the consumer’s attention. Studies show that people will look at a branded product with enhancements, such as foil, 50% longer than without such enhancements. Brands put this to work for many packaged products; consider those rows of beautifully embellished wine and liquor labels on store shelves. But there is a blue ocean of opportunity in a market people may not associate with print embellishment – direct mail marketing – and it is proving to be a boon for the savvy marketers who are using it to stand out in the sea of white envelopes in the consumer’s mailbox.
    3. Company Creates Business Card Too Beautiful for the Rolodex
      On Line Bindery, Richmond, California, earned the gold for Best Use of Foil/Embossing – Business Card/Stationery in the 30th Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards with the design and production of an outstanding business card. On Line’s triplex mounted card with foil and laser cutting was created with a three-layer card, with laser cut text in the top layer which revealed foil in the middle layer, backed by a solid bottom layer.
    4. CNC Engraving Improves Embossing, Stamping Dies
      Computer numerical control (CNC) engraving is a process where a computer-controlled cutting tool is used to remove material from a workpiece to create a desired shape or pattern. This process has been around for several decades and has been widely used in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing industries.
    5. PDF Files Can Help Streamline the Embellishment Process
      Digital embellishment is a really hot topic in the world of printing and finishing these days – and with good reason. The ability to differentiate oneself from competitors and increase the services offered to potential or existing customers are reasons enough. But increasing margin and profitability on each printed piece makes an investment in digital embellishment a no-brainer for a lot of print service providers.

    Paperboard Packaging Council Names Emily Leonczyk Executive Director and Vice President

    Press release submitted on behalf of the Paperboard Packaging Council

    The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has promoted Emily Leonczyk to Executive Director and Vice President. A servant leader with a strong business and nonprofit association management career—including five years in the paperboard industry—Leonczyk will oversee PPC’s operations while facilitating stakeholder collaboration and driving strategic initiatives.

    Leonczyk has served PPC since 2018, first as Director of Marketing and Communications followed by a promotion to Director of Operations. Notably, her role in overseeing the 2018 rebrand of PPC underscores her contribution to shaping a modern-day vision for the organization. Leonczyk was also crucial in guiding PPC through the COVID-19 pandemic, including the successful transition to virtual events and the subsequential resurgence of in-person engagement to pre-COVID numbers.

    “I am honored to serve as the Executive Director and Vice President of PPC, and grateful to the entire PPC community for their support and trust,” said Leonczyk. “It’s my commitment to listen and respond to the needs of our members and empower our passionate and hardworking team to elevate the industry for the benefit of all.”

    In charting the course for the potential challenges and opportunities ahead, Leonczyk underscores her commitment to thoughtful listening and cross-industry collaboration. She believes this approach will enable PPC to tailor its programs and initiatives to meet the evolving needs of its members and the industry.

    “My goal is to have the systems in place so that we can be agile, assess the impact of our programs, and ensure they positively impact our members,” she explained.

    Sustainability takes center stage in Leonczyk’s vision, including both the promotion of paperboard as a renewable and recyclable packaging material as well as the development of a viable future workforce. She is passionate about equipping PPC members with the tools to champion the sustainable value of paperboard packaging while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.

    PPC President Ben Markens will continue to serve as the association’s chief staff officer, owning overall vision and strategy. He expressed his confidence in Leonczyk’s capabilities: “Emily’s leadership and dedication have been evident throughout her time with PPC, and her background in trade association management, business development, and marketing positions her well for the new role. I am sure that her approach will take the organization to new heights, provide an elevated experience for members, and ultimately lead us into the future.”

    “I’m excited to see Emily step into this role and support our vision for the future,” said Laura Brodie, Chair of PPC’s Board of Directors. “Her commitment to engaging the next generation aligns seamlessly with our goals, and we look forward to her continued contributions.”

    Not only is Leonczyk’s appointment significant for PPC, but it also highlights the power of women in the paperboard packaging industry. Stepping into the future, Leonczyk and Brodie represent a dynamic leadership duo that reflects the industry’s commitment to diversity and progress.

    “As a woman in a leadership role, I feel a deep responsibility to empower and support other women in the industry. Collaborating closely with Laura and other women leaders, we aim to inspire positive change and drive the industry forward,” said Leonczyk.

    To understand the nuanced needs of PPC’s diverse membership, Leonczyk plans to embark on a series of member plant visits across the country. Furthermore, leveraging technology such as the newly implemented PPC Member Portal, she aims to create a collaborative environment and facilitate the sharing of valuable insights and best practices. Leonczyk extends an invitation for conversation, expressing her eagerness to connect with PPC members, stakeholders, and the broader community.

    “I want to hear from our members and encourage everyone to get to know our team,” said Leonczyk. “We’re here, energized, excited to try new things, and ready to increase PPC’s value to all.”

    To learn more or get involved with PPC, visit paperbox.org.

    Announcement on the Change of Managing Director at Gietz AG

    Press release submitted on behalf of Gietz AG

    After successful years as Managing Director of Gietz AG, Hansjoerg Gietz has decided to hand over the management of the company to Marcel Gerber, who is currently working as Engineering Director. This change will take effect from 01.01.2024. From now on, Hansjoerg Gietz will focus on his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors and continue to support the company with his extensive experience and foresight.

    During his long tenure as Managing Director, Hansjoerg Gietz has made a significant contribution to the development and success of Gietz AG. His commitment to excellence and his ability to turn vision into reality have made the company a leading player in print finishing and security printing. His contribution and performance will continue to be invaluable as he now focuses on driving the strategic direction of the company as Chairman of the Board.

    Marcel Gerber, who has worked in the printing industry for around 15 years and has headed the engineering department at Gietz AG for 6 years, brings with him a broad range of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry. His deep understanding of the technological landscape and commitment to innovation will help to keep the company on track for success and open up new opportunities for growth and development.

    The management team will be comprised of Michael Grau (Head of Sales), Felix Kramer (Head of Engineering), Claudia Heer (Head of Finance), Daniel Sund (Head of Production) and Christian Casutt (Head of Service). Marcel Gerber is looking forward to taking over the management of the company and, together with the dedicated team at Gietz AG, achieving the ambitious goals that have been set for the future.

    Hansjoerg Gietz and Marcel Gerber agree that this planned transition phase will allow the company to develop seamlessly without compromising the quality and service for which Gietz AG is renowned.

    Hazen Paper Awarded for Holography Application

    Holyoke, Massachusetts-based Hazen Paper Company’s cover for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Book was awarded Best Applied Decorative/Packaging Product in the Excellence in Holography Awards from the International Hologram Manufacturers Association.

    The cover was created using Hazen Paper Company’ HoloJet® paper, projecting an amplified refractive three-dimensional image of a basketball symbolizing the Hall of Fame Dome. The cover includes Fresnel Lens technology and a new holographic element that Hazen calls “Metal-Morphosis™,” which utilizes a new deep-groove system for sharper images and greater dimensionality. Appearing to move and change with the angle of light, the holographic treatment induces engagement and interaction with the book.

    The custom holograms were created at Hazen’s US holographic laser lab, then micro-embossed and transfer-metallized onto smooth, 12-point WestRock Tango C2S using Hazen’s environmentally friendly Envirofoil® and HoloJet® process. The holography is created with an optical structure that is imparted on the surface of the paper (underneath the printed graphics) with an ultra-thin polymer layer that is less than 2 microns in thickness. Envirofoil is a non-plastic paper that is recyclable as paper.

    The Excellence in Holography awards come as the sector continues to see achievement during challenging economic times, marking the pinnacle of success for those at the forefront of developing innovative or commercially viable holography products or techniques in the last 12 months.