Press release submitted on behalf of INX International Ink Co.

INX International Ink Co. has released its inaugural Sustainability Report, offering a comprehensive overview of the company’s evolving practices. The extensive 36-page report emphasizes INX’s continuing commitment to become a greener company, and how it translates into providing customers with best-in-class ink and technology solutions that enable world-class printing standards.

Since the introduction of a Coloring a Safe and Sustainable Future (CSSF) model in 2020 that is aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, INX has been steadfast with its approach to developing new products and processes. All North American INX printing facilities have also committed to achieving a significant reduction of GHG emissions by 2030.

“As an industry leader and providing customers for decades with a broad range of commercial, packaging, and digital printing applications, we are dedicated to developing products that create value for our customers and help safeguard our planet,” stated Bryce Kristo, who was promoted to INX President and CEO in January 2023.

“We recognize the value of investing in a circular economy, and we have identified specific steps to improve how we manage our resources and eliminate waste through better product and process designs,” continued Kristo, who has worked at INX since 1991. “By aligning our CSSF model with the United Nations 2030 Agenda – and combining it with the proper focus and our extensive R&D capabilities – I am confident we will help our customers innovate and achieve their sustainability goals while delivering greater value to their customers.”

A priority assessment project helped INX identify Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives that were aligned with the CSSF model and integrated into INX’s Sustainability strategy. The report explains the company’s Sustainability strategy, focusing on the three areas of impact within the CSSF model: Product Design for the environment, Process Design for the environment, and Social Responsibility.

It further details the sustainability attributes of INX’s products, the optimized manufacturing processes supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), INX’s identification of six high impact areas, and more. The INX Sustainability Report can be accessed here.

Press release submitted on behalf of Two Sides North America

Two Sides North America (TSNA) President Kathi Rowzie announced that Jules Van Sant and Jill Crossley have joined the TSNA leadership team as Executive Director and Director of Operations, respectively.

“I am thrilled to welcome these two outstanding professionals to help lead Two Sides North America into the future,” Rowzie said.  “As we continue to grow, Jules and Jill bring a wealth of sustainability knowledge and industry experience that will add value to everything we do for our members and will make us even more effective in eliminating anti-paper greenwashing and telling the great sustainability story of print, paper and paper-based packaging.”

Van Sant has decades of experience in the printing, graphic arts and advertising industries, and has a high profile presence on national print and paper industry task forces, committees and networking initiatives. She served as Executive Director of the Pacific Printing Industries Association from 2006 to 2018, and is current chair of the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation.

Crossley has worked in and with the paper industry and related organizations for more than 15 years. Her breadth of marketing experience supporting business groups across both manufacturing and corporate settings gives her a unique perspective on the industry and its sustainability, as well as a distinct advantage in developing communication strategies and campaigns that resonate with stakeholders across the print, paper, paper-based packaging, and consumer sectors.

Rowzie will continue as President of Two Sides North America.

The 9^th drupa Global Trends Report, published in November 2023, tracks key economic and market developments across the print industry globally, regionally and within markets. Confidence levels were found to be growing across all markets and almost all regions, despite challenging economic headwinds. It is clear that the old saying, “Adapt or die,” applies as printers and suppliers alike seek new ways to grow and thrive.

Last year’s report, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, was remarkably positive as the ever-resilient print industry bounced back, reporting a more positive condition than in 2019 i.e. before COVID-19. The results this year have maintained that momentum, with a further improvement in sentiment for 2023 and very positive expectations for 2024.

Globally, 32% more printers and suppliers described their company’s economic condition as “good” compared with those reporting it as “poor.” Among printers, almost all regions and markets were more optimistic than in 2019, i.e. before the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking at markets, there is a striking recovery in confidence amongst commercial and publishing printers across the globe, while packaging continues in its confident fashion. The unexplained dip in confidence for functional print in 2022 is reversed – probably a result of the small data set.

Richard Gray, operations director at Printfuture, said: “While positive forecasts might be expected from packaging and functional printers, what was pleasing was the increasing confidence amongst commercial and publishing printers.” It seems that commercial and publishing printers have overcome the greatest impact of digitization and are now more optimistic about the future.

Higher prices bring more confidence
The reason for the increased confidence across all markets can be seen in the financial performance figures. Globally, 50% more printers raised prices in 2023 than lowered them, continuing last year’s trend after seven years of falling prices. This results in improved revenues and margins. This pattern can be observed across all markets, although there are regional differences.

Digital adaption is growing
The resilience of Sheetfed offset print volume across all markets is remarkable. This also applies to growth in flexographic printing among packaging printers. Digital toner cutsheet color remains the volume leader among digital printing technologies. Globally, the digital adoption – printers generating more than 25% of their turnover from digital – is growing from 26% in 2014 to 29% in 2023. At first glance, this is only a modest growth. However, various industry sources show that volumes have grown significantly since 2014 even though the digital adoption rate appears to be slowing down.

Good prospects for investment
Capital expenditure fell during the COVID-19 pandemic, recovered a little last year and increased this year with 27% more printers investing more in 2023 than those who reduced expenditure; a better global figure than in any year since 2017. An even higher investment rate is forecast for 2024, by both printers and suppliers. In general, the most significant investments are in printing technologies and finishing, with sheetfed offset and digital toner cutsheet color being the most popular technologies globally, though there are significant differences depending on the market.

The report also showed employment numbers amongst printers are flat in the developed economies but show significant growth elsewhere. Labor shortages are reported by both printers 47% and suppliers 39%. Conventional press operators and finishing staff are the hardest to recruit for printers and manufacturing and technical support staff amongst suppliers.

Supply chain issues have loomed large for both printers 63% and suppliers 73%, although all expect issues to be less next year. Strong industry growth forecasts must of course be put in relation to economic challenges, with the risk of recession or at least damaging inflation now outweighing the impact of the pandemic and a wide variety of specific regional socio-economic concerns. The question is whether the industry will remain as positive in the face of inflationary pressures.

Sabine Geldermann, director drupa and Global Head Print Technologies at Messe Duesseldorf, said: “Printers and suppliers know they must innovate to succeed in the longer term. I am confident that drupa 2024 will be the ideal opportunity to explore how best to achieve this objective.”

Focusing on the megatrends sustainability and digitalization, the international print and packaging sector will meet at drupa from May 28 – June 7, 2024, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Purchase the full report or tickets for drupa 2024 at www.drupa.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Owosso

OWOSSO Graphic Arts, Inc., Owosso, Michigan, has created a system to recycle magnesium dies into new dies, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Magnesium recycling plays a crucial role in promoting sustainability and reducing the environmental impact associated with the production and disposal of magnesium materials. Magnesium is a valuable metal used in a wide range of applications. Its lightweight and high-strength properties make it an attractive material for various industries.

OWOSSO will accept dies from its customers and has the ability to recycle and utilize the metal for future use in its magnesium die production. For more information on the OWOSSO magnesium recycling program, visit www.owosso.com or call (989) 725-7112.

Press release submitted on behalf of ICEC USA

International Converting Exhibition and Conference – also known as ICEC USA – is returning to Orlando, FL on January 9-11, 2024. As the Americas’ leading event for paper, film, foil and nonwovens converting, buyers, suppliers, and manufacturers convene here to get a firsthand look at the latest machinery, technology, and manufacturing solutions.

The show attracts industry experts from a wide range of sectors, including packaging, printing, plastics, textiles and nonwovens, paper, engineering, chemical, medical and pharma, automotive, aviation, food, and electronics.

Attendees of ICEC USA have three days to discover leading global vendors and see machines in action, attend hands-on demonstrations, and test full-scale operating equipment on the show floor – all at ICEC USA.

A sampling of some of our leading exhibitors include: Catbridge Machinery, Maxcess, Double E Group, New Era Converting, Davis Standard, Delta ModTech/Frontier, DIENES Corporation, Kroenert, TC Transcontinental Packaging, and many more. A full list of exhibitors as well as the product directory is available at www.convertingshow.com.

What visitors will see:

• Coating, Drying/Curing, Metallizing, Packaging, Toll Coating, Treating, Finishing, Laminating
• Printing, Adhesives, Inks, Substrates, Labels & Labeling
• Slitting, Rewinding, Sheeting, Cores, Core Cutters
• Automation, Handling, Retrofits/Used Machinery, Bag Making
• Machine Components & Accessories
• Inspection, Test & Measurement, Quality Assurance
• And more!

Returning to Orlando, FL
Conduct business with the North American converting industry in sunny Orlando, FL! Orlando is the preferred location for the event with an easily accessible international airport, low labor and drayage costs at Orange County Convention Center, and low rates for surrounding hotels. Not to mention with lively entertainment, great restaurants, and tons of shopping, networking opportunities are bound to happen both on and off the Show floor – and there’s something for everyone.

Learning Opportunities
Take advantage of multiple learning opportunities throughout the event to sharpen your expertise, strengthen your network, and stay up to date on the latest industry developments. Attendees will learn how to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness on the job, with information that can be implemented in the workplace immediately. Conference sessions offer content for every level of experience, whether you are just starting out and need the basics or you are looking for in depth industry research.

Technical Program
Technical sessions, organized by the Association for Roll-to-Roll Converters (ARC), are comprised of concurrent tracks covering a range of industry topics including flexible packaging, gravure, sustainability, vacuum coating, web coating and laminating, web handling and much more.

Fundamentals Courses
Also curated by ARC, Fundamentals Courses are one-day programs taking place on January 9. Taught by industry leaders, these programs provide value whether you are established or brand new to the industry, with multiple different courses to select from.

Ask the Experts
Back by popular demand! Meet one-on-one with some of the industry’s most accomplished experts who can help solve strategic, technical, and operational business challenges. These valuable 15-minute consultations are FREE and private, and available right on the show floor.

Future of Converting Theater
Be prepared for what’s on the horizon and how it will impact your business with these forward-leaning presentations led by the converting industry’s visionaries and leaders. Stay ahead of your competition with new technologies and best business practices. The Future of the Converting Theater is conveniently located on the show floor.

Whether you are looking for new products and technologies, new contacts, or new ways to keep your business running at peak performance, your solutions are here. There are several conference programs and networking events taking place each day of ICEC USA – both in the classroom and on and off the show floor.

Register today via the link http://icec24.com/PPF to receive a complimentary Exhibit Hall Only badge (a $50 value). To learn more, visit www.convertingshow.com.

To inquire about exhibiting at the event, please contact Allison Honkofsky at allison.honkofsky@rxglobal.com.