printing review' march april 2016

Vol. 30 No. 2 | March-April 2016 | New Delhi, India

Wide-Format Printing

New Products

Improved CTP Automation

Packaging Innovations! Digital Networking

Printed, Published & Owned by Balbir Kaur,Published at D-182, Anand Vihar, Delhi-110092and Printed at Technical Press Inc., D-182Anand Vihar, Delhi-110092. Editor: Sarvjit Singh

ISSN : 0971-0795Vol. 30 No.1 | January-February 2016 | Annual Subscription: Rs.2000

Worldwide Magazine on Graphic Arts Technology

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Editorial Advisory BoardAlex & Lilly - [email protected] McCourt - Australia

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EditorSarvjit

Associate EditorReny

Joint EditorsVishwapreet

Amrita

ProductionRakesh

Marketing & CommunicationsLovleen

Web EditorRavindar

CirculationSurekha

Secretary & Legal AdvisorSurinder

China CorrespondentsYing Wei / Adrian Liu

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e d i t o r i a l

Printing Review | January-February 2016 | 3

The global market for printing isforecast to to $724 billion by2014. In 2008 North American

held the largest market share with31.2 percent. By 2011, Asia isexpected to become the marketshare leader due to emergingmarkets in the region and itexpected to hold 34.9 percent ofthe market share by 2016.

Understanding the number ofestablishments that produce print,at a cost or for-a-profit, is animportant requirement for any print-related market sizing, planning, andforecasting project. In recent years,

the printing industry has beenundergoing significant consolidationand the process is still ongoing. Thenumber of companies is expectedto decrease by 2%-5% per year,depending on the industry. Therevenue will hold up somewhatbetter as the value per print item andrevenues from value added servicestend to rise, although slowly.

Commercial printers account for thebulk of shipments, with more thanhalf of that revenue. In-houseprinting sites and packaging printersadd about 10% each to the totalEuropean revenue, while other

types of establishments contributesignificantly less. More than 140,000establishments are active in theprinting industry, although almost allof them are small.

The European printing industry isvery sizeable, but dominated bysmall companies. The competitionthrough electronic channels is takingits toll, as advertising spending ismoving to electronic media andprinted documents are replaced byelectronic ones.

While the impact of the financialcrisis in 2009 overstated that

decline, the outlook is not positivedespite a short-term rebound.

Nevertheless, many companiesthrive in a challenging businessenvironment. With almost •150billion in revenue, printing remains asizeable industry. In fact, there aremany niches that offer growthopportunities and those can befound in almost all industrysegments. Print service providers willneed to adapt not only to thecompetition within the printingindustry, but across all media byworking on adding value to all oftheir products.

Global Print Market

4 Goss appoints Alles International as agent in South Korea

6 FedEx Launches FedEx Customized Freight in China

7 Touch the Future -drupa 2016

18 CHINAPLAS 2016 Reaches 30th Edition

20 Increased productivity and premium quality – Hofmann Druck

22 ABP believes in the power of QIPC – EAE

24 Hybrid printing: Offset and Digital join forces for newspapers

26 All in Print China 2016: Connecting the World with Printing

30 manroland web systems – powerful ergonomics in a powerful design

34 SAN FRANCISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

36 HP Inc. Reinvents Corrugated Packaging Printing in Collaboration with KBA

39 DOMINO DIRECTOR WINS PRESTIGIOUS ENGINEERING AWARD

43 Enhanced productivity and profitability with KBA Service Select

44 Packaging Touchpoint at drupa 2016:

48 Canon increases market share

52 Fujifilm’s Flenex




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EditorSarvjit



Amrita

ProductionRakesh


Web EditorRavindar

CirculationSurekha




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EditorSarvjit



Amrita

ProductionRakesh


Web EditorRavindar

CirculationSurekha




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Vol.30 No.2 | March-April 2016 | Annual Subscription: India: Rs.2000 | Overseas: US$250.

Space travel relies on electronics. But conventional electronic components have some disadvantages: They add weight and have the tendency to break. While this is not a huge problem on earth, the need to bring replacement parts can add significant costs to a space mission. Dr. Lynn Rothschild, senior scientist at the NASA Ames Research Center, is now working on a solution that uses microbes to recycle spent electronics.

The process, explained in a simplified manner, involves grinding up broken electronics such as cell phones or tablets and feed them to microorganisms. To create new electronics, the microbes will be used as bioink to print new integrated circuit (IC) chips, using plasma jet electronics printing. While the benefits for space travel are clear, the technology could have an even greater impact for our planet: “Yes, we envision this being a game-changer for recycling on earth,” Dr. Rothschild wrote in an email interview.

Dr. Rothschild’s project titled ‘Urban biomining meets printable electronics: end-to-end destination biological recycling and reprinting’, has been selected by NASA for Phase 1 of its Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program. The project has also been supported by the Advanced Exploration Systems group at NASA.

Dr. Rothschild’s lab has been interested in biomining – mining with the help of microbes – since 2011. When a graduate intern, Jesica Navarrete, arrived with both an interest in biomining and a masters degree in geology, the team was able to make this work a reality and Jesica Navarrete continued to work on the topic for her PhD thesis. Scientists in other research labs at NASA Ames had been developing a plasma printer, which turned out to be an important part of the puzzle. “When we discovered that our cells could be feedstock for their printer all the stars had aligned!” says Dr. Rothschild.

For a proof-of-principle the scientists are using a microbe that is commonly used labs, Escherichia coli. The process works with single metals at present and the researchers are getting ready to try it with a mixture of metals before they move on to the next challenge: a ground-up cell phone or computer.

In this phase of the research, the scientists are developing the method and analyzing what kind of infrastructure would be required to execute this concept on Mars. They are also looking at the benefits the technology could have on earth. The process could make metal recycling less toxic and could improve the availability of metals for electronics by reducing the need for traditional mining. And those would be pretty impressive results – both in a terrestrial and space environment.

NASA scientists take bioprinting to new heights

4 Kodak Announces Improved CTP Automation 8 Lüscher Technologies AG at DRUPA 2016 16 NEXPRESS Color Press at drupa 2016 18 drupa cube partners with The Medici Group to spur out-of-the-

box thinking 21 Windmöller & Hölscher at drupa2016 22 All-in-Print China: Discover the Future of Printing 25 Q.I. Press Controls expands activities into labelling and

packaging market 35 Agfa Graphics: - 36 Drupa Specialist Article: Digital versus traditional packaging

print 42 96-page LITHOMAN press from manroland web systems 46 Packaging Innovations: labels and cartons success for Xeikon 50 DRUPA 2016: Mega Trend Print 4.0 and the Digital Networking

of Machines and Systems 54 FedopressadoptsXeikon3500forfiscaldutystampprinting

Kodak will unveil its rapidly growing range of automation options to complement the renowned TRENDSETTER and ACHIEVE CTP families at drupa 2016.

The new Multi Cassette Unit (MCU)1, the new Single Cassette Unit (SCU) and the new In-Line Punch System for KODAK TRENDSETTER Platesetter and KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetter create a formidable range of options that will help offset printers to produce operationally efficient, finished plates without costly remakes and errors. All of these options deliver functionality and performance in a compact footprint driving efficiency for the printer.

The latest additions to Kodak’s CTP portfolio continue the expansion of affordable CTP offerings, including the robust, entry-level KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetter which was recently introduced. The KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetter is now established as a highly reliable, high quality CTP at an affordable price point, which now has grown to be an established presence around the world. Sustainability is critical to Kodak and its customers and the latest generation of KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetters features a new cooling system which improves the power savings by an additional 43% from its initial design, down to only 400 watts

while imaging.

Building on the industry leading KODAK SQUAREspot imaging technology, Kodak will also announce the introduction of an ultra-high speed KODAK TRENDSETTER Platesetter1, which significantly increases throughput to 68 plates per hour to create the world’s fastest process-free CTP in the world. This configuration will deliver a more efficient, compact and faster plate making process – all without chemistry or processor use.

Kodak will be showcasing new options to connect remotely to your CTP using a Mobile application1 from your handheld device. This will enable printers to easily attend their operations remotely wherever they are, driving further flexibility and responsiveness to today’s ever changing business demands.

“Kodak will keep investing to create more choices and options in the future to enhance our customers’ quality, efficiency and flexibility,” said Chris Balls, GM Output Devices and VP Print Systems Division, from Kodak. “Since Kodak introduced the thermal CTP technology at drupa in 1995, we have shipped over 20,000 CTP devices worldwide. This is a strong testament to our customer’s demand for Kodak’s market-leading CTP technology, strong support infrastructure and broad portfolio that enables them to choose a device that perfectly fits their needs. Combined with Kodak’s robust plate portfolio, customers are assured that they are getting the best, full-system and highest-value solution on the market today.”

Kodak Announces Improved CTP Automation PortfolioKodak Extends CTP Options Giving Printers Choice, Efficiency and Speed

Drupa visitors interested in the company’s full span of prepress offerings can experience Kodak’s enhanced CTP portfolio with better speed and new, affordable automation options to best fit today’s customer needs.

drupa year 2016

4 | March-April 2016 | Printing Review

Messe Duesseldorf India Pvt. Ltd.

Centre Point 7th floor

Junction of S.V. Road & Juhu Tara Road

Santacruz West _ Mumbai 400 054

Tel. +91 (0)22 66 78 99 33 _ Fax +91 (0)22 66 78 99 11

[email protected]

www.md-india.com

touch the future

May 31 – June 10, 2016 Düsseldorf/Germanywww.drupa.com

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Inspiring ideas for successdrupa is the must-attend event in 2016: Starting point of highly promising visions. Focus of future technologies. Meeting point of ideas that electrify the markets.

Innovative business models and best-practice examples will show the growth potential of the future: print, packaging production, green printing, functional printing, multichannel and 3D printing.

The programme “drupa future visions” is a look far ahead. Be part of it!

daily news, trends, innovations blog.drupa.com

dru1602_IM_235x300+3_IN.indd 1 11.01.16 12:26

Asahi Photoproducts, a pioneer in flexographic photopolymer plate development, is pleased to report that its customer, FFP Packaging, located in Northampton in the UK, is raising the bar on flexible packaging printing with its Platinum Print platform, powered by Asahi. The company specializes in high quality flexographic printed flexible packaging, heat seal lidding films and films for high temperature or oven use. FFP, with its work force of 140 talented employees, prides itself on continuously innovating to add value to the work it does to set it apart in the marketplace.

“We are achieving quality that we could only dream of in the past,” says Paul Hesketh, Print Development Manager at FFP. “In addition, we have reduced costs and turnaround time, both critical elements of success in today’s fast-paced world. Thanks to our partnership with Asahi Photoproducts, we have been able to complement our solvent based in-house platemaking facility with a more environmentally balanced water-washable plate solution, and absolutely delight our customers with the results.”

After extensive due diligence and in-house trials in its quest for the next generation of flexo quality, FFP selected an Asahi AWP™ 4835 P plate processor (48” x 35”) and Asahi AWP™-DEF water-washable plates based on

the quality and speeds they were able to achieve with this configuration. FFP operates with three modern 8-colour flexo presses, including their recent installation of a second W&H Miraflex commissioned last month. They also have five lamination machines, and extensive array of finishing equipment including slitting, laser perforation, hole punching and re-seal label applicators.

Hesketh cites one customer as an example of the company’s ability to achieve the impossible with Platinum Print. “This customer was undergoing an extensive brand Packaging improvement Project,” he says, “they wanted ‘stand out’ Packs on shelf with high quality reproduction of Photographic images”. This required us to print very fine tonal transitions with no hard edges. The brand owner was absolutely delighted with the results we achieved, and we certainly would not have been able to do this on standard digital plates.” This project also earned us a nomination for outstanding Technical innovation at the forthcoming 2016 EFIA print

Achieving The Impossible With Platinum Print Powered By Asahi

awards”

Asahi AWP™-DEF water-washable plates produce superior results compared to traditional technologies and even out-performs the latest generation of digital flexographic printing plates. The AWP™-DEF plate delivers a level of graphic reproduction similar to other digital plates, with more complete ink transfer and a wider tonal range.

“We are proud to be partnering with a company as innovative and results-driven as FFP Packaging,” says Paul Chant, Branch Manager of Asahi Photoproducts Europe. “The testing and implementation process went smoothly and the results have been terrific. Their recent recognition with a number of prestigious awards in 2015 at EFIA and FlexoTech validates the quality they have been able to achieve.”

For more information about innovative flexo plate technologies from Asahi Photoproducts, visit www.asahi-photoproducts.com, or visit Hall 11, Stand A60 at drupa 2016.

drupa year 2016


At the 2016 SGIA Expo in Las Vegas, specialty imagers will gather to experience the newest equipment and applications for graphic imaging, apparel decoration, printed electronics and

industrial printing, including: Digital inkjet, screen printing, direct-to-garment inkjet, media and substrates, and much more from the industry’s leading exhibitors. You’ll also see the most

innovative software, automation solutions and color management tools available.

Don’t miss the best show for

specialty imagers: 2016 SGIA Expo, September 14–16

in Las Vegas!

New Corporate DesignAfter the takeover of 100% of the Lüscher shares by Heliograph Holding

last summer, the management of Lüscher Technologies AG has decided

to redefine its corporate design by bringing it in line with the Corporate

Identity of the Heliograph Group. Besides adapting the colors of the Holding

Company for the company logo, the new company appearance also includes

a redesign of all product brochures and a new web appearance. The new

Corporate Design will be launched on May 1, 2016.

Presenting the XPose! FlexLineAt DRUPA 2016, Lüscher Technologies AG will show a new model of its

XPose! product line: XPose! FlexLine 330L for 42x60 inch formats. The

imagesetter combines a revolutionary dual optic with 5080/2540 dpi with a

unique patented inside drum system. Customers and interested parties will be

able to see for themselves how easy this system is to use.

Lüscher Technologies AG at DRUPA 2016

The All-rounder MultiDX! 320 in ActionAt the show, a further product development of the well-established MultiDX! 220 will be presented: MultiDX! 320, the «all-in-one» Computer to Plate system. The new 320 line is equipped with a dynamic autofocus, which automatically adjusts any unevenness of the plate material of up to 0.5 mm during the exposure. Furthermore, MultiDX! 320 can be equipped with up to 128 laser diodes to allow processing of larger screen frames. With this universal system, almost any printing forms such as rotary screens, letterpress, flexo and offset printing plates, flat screens and aluminium and copper plates can be exposed. And last but not least, Lüscher will come up with a surprising novelty for flexo applications.

Welcome to DüsseldorfIn hall 16 at booth no. C07, a qualified Lüscher team will be ready to give expert advice to any interested customer or distributor and offer sales negotiations at all times.


• Colour control• Dampening control• Register control (incl. fan-out)• Fault detection

IDS-3D The double sensors and build-in microprocessors make IDS-3D multifunctional in a revolutionary manner. A unique patented image based solution that combines colour and register control in one camera and that can also be configured for detecting production failures. All functionalities are executed with joint intelligence and without the need for register marks or colour bars.

w w w. q i p c . c o mw w w. e a e . c o m

I AMALL-IN-ONE

Lake Image Systems will feature its latest portfolio of powerful solutions for Document producers, Label printers and Packaging converters to automate variable data integrity and print quality inspection requirements. Four industry applications zones will be demonstrated at the show. These include:

• Zone1:DigitalPackaging:With variable data, digitally printed on packaging is on the increase,

Lake Image Systems To Showcase Its Full Range Of Industry Specific Solutions At Drupa 2016

Lake Image Systems Ltd., a leader in variable data integrity and print quality inspection for the packaging, labels, and commercial print industries, is pleased to announce that they will be exhibiting at the drupa 2016 trade fair (Düsseldorf, May 31 to June 10, 2016) on stand #11B42.The company is presenting a full suite of integrated, tailored solutions to help customers in all segments of the graphic communications market, to prtoduce error-free printing, automate inspection requirements and reduce waste to drive profitable growth.

Lake Image will be showcasing its latest range of solutions for reading, grading and verifying barcodes, QRcodes and text elements as well as for detecting print defects such as streaks, hickies & voids and print registration issues for a variety of flexible packaging applications• Zone2:VariableDataLabels & Security Printing: Variable data and barcodes on labels such as tax stamps, pharmaceutical and authentication labels are now critical for many anti-counterfeit


and traceability applications such as track and trace systems. Similarly, many security documents and paper have unique identifiers which need to be tracked and verified to prevent criminal activity and ensure process integrity during complex, multi-step production processes. Lake Image will demo its industry winning Discovery MaxScan solution for inspecting, reading, tracking and verifying variable codes on a variety of challenging substrates including highly reflective tax stamps for out of sequence, missing or duplicate labels as well as for positional and print defects issues. The Lake Image Discovery software tools provide 100% quality inspection and print data integrity for all label presses and applicators at speeds exceeding 300 metres per minute.

• Zone3:Transactionaland Direct Mail: The full Discovery platform will be demonstrated, including a comprehensive range of verification, inspection and integrity software tools to ensure mission critical documents and mailings are always 100% correct.

Sequence check, data matching and presence/absence software tools provide variable data verification from page to page printing including duplex operations. Inspection tools detect print defects such as print registration, colour deviation and print quality. Integrity tools such as Batch Control, File Audit and File Look-Up, verify that each and every printed page is produced with the highest levels of integrity compared to the original customer data job files. Discovery tools can be invoked conditionally by detecting triggers in the data, an image or a code printed on the document. Combining multiple tools enables complex inspection tasks to be performed when required and is saved with the specific job.• Zone4:Loyalty,Gaming& Plastic Cards: A variety of inspection solutions will be on display including card number verification, missing/duplicate card detection, scratch off verification, pin number legibility, pin & account number reporting, sorting/batching and database integrity reporting. Other requirements such as card/

carrier matching & magnetic stripe reading are also available.“Drupa is an important event for us, and offers the perfect stage to present our full portfolio of solutions for improving print quality, variable data integrity and waste reduction, and illustrates our commitment to working with our customers to grow their businesses” commented Martin Keats, Managing Director at Lake Image Systems Ltd. “We will be demonstrating our broadest array of industry targeted solutions ever which effectively addresses all the inspection needs for today’s blended conventional and digital production environments, Our application and technology experts will be on the stand throughout the show to ensure visitors get all the information they need.”

About Lake Image Systems:

Lake Image Systems is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of imaging and scanning technologies for the world’s printing, labelling and packaging industries. By reading and processing the variable data now commonplace on many printed items our systems inspect, verify, track and report on millions of documents, printed pieces, plastic cards and packages daily using codes such as OCR, barcodes, 2D codes, QR codes and many more. With over 3000 installations worldwide, our products have given data traceability and variable print integrity confidence to our customers for 20 years, optimizing their processes, enhancing their product quality and increasing their profitability. With manufacturing in Europe and the USA, Lake Image Systems provides turnkey integrity solutions which identify defective print, generate detailed audit trail reports and feed ADF and MIS architecture with piece/pack level information. www.lakeimage.com.

Printing Review | March-April 2016 | 11

The unique technology was created exclusively for HP’s line of Latex printers to address rising demands for e-commerce integration between PSPs and customers and is the first HP solution to integrate everything from the design process to quotes and customer orders in one place. “Our PSP customers have told us they want easy-to-use, affordable, intuitive software that makes printing and communication with their customers easier,” said Joan Perez Pericot, worldwide marketing director, HP Inc. “With the new HP WallArt Suite, PSPs and their customers can manage everything from design to order information in real-time online.” Features of the HP WallArt suite includes:Improved interface that is intuitive and easy-to-use tailored specifically for end customers;Updated dashboard design to better manage customer orders;Easy web integration;Four free HP Wall decoration web apps;Access to different content sources such as Fotolia, Pattern Design, Instagram and Dropbox.This announcement is the first of many that builds on HP’s strategic vision

of being the first open platform in the large-format market that allows the integration of different digital content apps and new applications development. HP at Heimtextil 2016At the HP booth (Hall 4, booth C15), HP will showcase an exciting display of design works by Robin Sprong, who developed the concrete wallpaper for the production area, designer Agustina, who designed the HP Latex concept proofing area, and designer Victoria Dvorzhanska, winner of “Best Digital Wallpaper Design” in 2015, who will showcase her winning wallpaper design throughout the exhibit. The hospitality area was designed by

interior design studio Eque y Seta. In addition, HP will also have presence at Hall 5.1, booth C29, displaying the new application solutions for window coverings demonstrating HP Latex Printing Technology enables virtually unlimited design options with highly efficient production. HP will also showcase its latest portfolio of solutions at Heimtextil 2016 including: The HP Latex 310 and HP Latex 360 Printers that allow customers to take advantage of third-generation HP Latex technology for proofing interior decoration applications such

HP Inc. Unveils Next Generation WallArt Suite at Heimtextil 2016

HP Inc. introduced the next generation HP WallArt Suite, an easy and innovative web-to-print experience designed to help small-to-medium sized print service providers (PSPs) in the decoration space.


as home textiles.The recently introduced HP Latex 3500 Printer for industrial customers looking for high-volume printing enabling more unattended operation with heavy-duty roll-handling and 10-liter ink cartridges. More information about HP solutions for wallcoverings is available at www.hp.com/go/latexdecoration and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and through the HP Graphic Arts Twitter Feed, www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts. HP WallArt users are invited to showcase their wallcovering installations with the global design community on the HP for Designers Facebook page atwww.facebook.com/hpdesigners and via Twitter using #HPWallArt. About HP Inc.HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP Inc. (“HP”) and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking

statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of HP for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance, market share or competitive performance relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the need to address the many challenges facing HP’s businesses; the competitive pressures faced by HP’s businesses; risks associated with executing HP’s strategy and plans for future operations and investments; the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the need to manage third-party suppliers and the distribution of HP’s products and services effectively; the protection of HP’s intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; risks associated with HP’s international operations; the development and transition of new products and services and the enhancement of existing products and services to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its suppliers, customers, clients and partners; the hiring and retention of key employees;

integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the execution, timing and results of restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost and the anticipated benefits of implementing those plans; the execution, timing and results of the restructuring plans, including estimates and assumptions related to the cost (including any possible disruption of HP’s business) and the anticipated benefits of implementing the separation transaction and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, and HP’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including HP’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2015. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.


Tosho Printing, a subsidiary of the global Toppan group, has installed ahighlyautomatedfour-colourandafive-colourhigh-endRapida106.The two new Rapidas have raised the bar with regards to productivity within the company. They are equipped with a camera system for monitoring sheet travel, DriveTronic SPC dedicated drives at the plate cylinders, CleanTronic Impact combined blanket, impression cylinder and roller washing units, Emission Extraction System (EES), ErgoTronic ACR auto-register, QualiTronic ColorControl for quality control and inspection, optimum control strip height for improved paper format utilisation, DataMatrix-Select and the LogoTronic Professional production management system.

High production output and short lead timesThe management of Tosho Printing knew that their new Rapidas would produce more per hour than their other machines and just one month after installation the two presses met the company’s ambitious targets. Even Tosho’s executives, who would have preferred to invest in Japanese technology, now trust in KBA presses from Germany. Despite high press speeds of 18,000sph, the press operators can relax during production thanks to the high level of automation. The sheets that are cured with LED-UV can be sent straight to post-press reducing lead times, minimising short-term storage requirements and enhancing overall productivity.

Tetsuo Ouchi, corporate officer production control at Tosho Printing, describes the situation as follows: “Japanese press manufacturers will have to work even harder. We hope that they will also develop the solutions

Large Japanese print firm enhances productivity with KBA technologyTwo fast Rapida 106 presses with LED-UV at Tosho PrintingJapan used to be a trendsetter when it came to LED-UV curing in sheetfed offset making it all the more noteworthy that one of the country’s largest printing companies has fired up two KBA Rapida 106 presses both with future-focused LED-UV curing technology. This once again highlights the trailblazing role of KBA-Sheetfed Solutions regarding the implementation of new processes.

High production output is standard at Tosho Printing: The management team and KBA sales manager Michael Grieger (centre) at the sign-off of the two Rapida 106 presses


Two Rapida 106 presses with LED-UV curing in Tosho Printing’s cutting-edge press room

already offered by KBA.” Nevertheless, he expects significantly more than the contractually agreed delivery and efficient service from KBA. “It’s all about working together as partners, even when it comes to developing new print products.” The company recently tested FlyingJobChange. It permits the even more efficient production of 1/1-colour Mangas on a four-colour perfector. While units 1 and 3 are printing, units 2 and 4 are set up or vice versa.

Strong when it comes to newspapers and commercialsFounded in 1911, Tosho Printing now operates 30 sheetfed offset presses and other newspaper and commercial presses at five sites. Yomiuri, Japan’s largest daily, and others are produced at the firm’s three newspaper operations. The other two specialise in commercial products, books and magazines. The same is true of the plant in Kawagoe-shi on the edge of Tokyo that operates the two new Rapidas. 1,700 employees work at the company.

Both Rapida 106 presses are in operation on the edge of the Japanese capital Tokyo

A team from Tosho Printing recently tested FlyingJobChange in the KBA training centre

Smiling faces: (l-r) Motoki Suzuki, manager press department, Wolfgang Ley, head of the KBA customer centre, Naoki Akiyama, manager technical division, Michael Grieger, sales manager at KBA, and Tetsuo Ouchi, corporate officer production control, during a print test in Radebeul


Kodak will showcase its new KODAK NEXPRESS ZX3900

Digital Production Color Press at drupa 2016, which will be

running live throughout the show on the company’s stand

(Hall 5, Stand F09). The new press supports thicker paper

and the use of synthetic substrates that will open up new

opportunities for printers, including short-run packaging

applications like labels, tags and small folding cartons, as

well as differentiated commercial and publishing products.

Complementingthesestate-of-the-artNEXPRESSZXPressmodels,thecompany will also preview a new KODAK NEXPRESS Platform on its stand, with commercial availability targeted for 2017. The new platform will feature a new multi-bit LED writing system that provides industry-unique computational halftone screening, enabling extremely consistent, high image quality with minimal artifacts.

Additionally, switchable color stations that allow for colors to be printed in different sequences and combinations will broaden the spectrum of applications that can be produced (for example CMY plus two specialty inks). The new NEXPRESS Platform will be capable of delivering peak

Kodak Announces the Latest NEXPRESS Color Press and its Next Generation Electrophotographic Platform, Poised to Deliver Category’s Highest Quality, Greatest Value

NEXPRESS Color Press at drupa 2016NEXPRESS Platform Offerings Support Industry Growth and Demand

quality over longer runs with less operator effort. It will also have the ability to print on longer sheets of up to 48” to accommodate additional retail and other specific applications.

The company is launching a new KODAK NEXPRESS Opaque White Dry Ink for NEXPRESS Presses for the Fifth Imaging Unit. This new specialty dry ink complements the nine inks already available, while delivering excellent opacity in a single pass through the press, and providing increased productivity and higher quality short run production for applications such as packaging, signage, labels and invitations.

“Our expanding NEXPRESS portfolio plays a critical role within Kodak’s digital print offerings. These announcements

are testimony to the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and investment in this space,” said Robert S. Taylor, General Manager, Electrophotographic Printing Solutions, Vice President, Print Systems Division. “NEXPRESS Presses deliver industry-leading productivity, unique print capabilities and modular design – enabling customers to upgrade to the latest technology available within each NEXPRESS Platform. And, with the introduction of the newest NEXPRESS Platform, printers can continue to broaden their application offerings, enabling them to grow their businesses and customer base.”

Visitors can also learn more about how the company is further leveraging its strengths in materials and small particle manufacturing to participate more broadly in the electrophotographic market as a supplier of unique, high quality chemical toners.

“Kodak’s legacy is deeply rooted in materials science, imaging and manufacturing excellence that allows the company to be a full systems provider – from components to hardware to software solutions to world class customer service – within the market segments we holistically serve,” said Taylor. “We’re very excited to bring a spectrum of important new offerings to the market at this year’s drupa, and look forward to engaging with our customers and delivering the best solutions to their needs.”

drupa year 2016


Recently, the Polish members of the VSOP club (Very Smart Offset Printers) gathered for their annual meeting at KBA-Sheetfed Solutions. Along with specialist presentations on current topics and a series of live press demonstrations, the Rapida users were also treated to a cultural pre-Christmas programme in Dresden.

When welcoming the guests Jan Korenc, managing director of KBA CEE, expressed his pleasure at the growing number of Rapida presses in the Polish market. Dirk Winkler, head of print technology, gave an initial overview of the Drupa-year 2016 ahead. With ServiceSelect service manager Benjamin Seipt presented a tailor-made programme aimed at securing the performance, availability and print quality of the high-performance Rapida in all product life phases. Maintenance monitoring online, performance checks and benchmark comparisons are just some of the raft of new services available as part of digital transformation promoted by KBA-Sheetfed.

Polish Rapida users visit KBA

LED-UV, quality control, finishing and culture

drupa year 2016

Shop talk at the press: A high level of practical relevance is essential in the KBA customer centre Sophistication inline: The Polish printing experts study the sheets finished with cold foil

The press demonstrations covered all format classes. A print demo on a Rapida 145 focused on quality control. From QualiTronic ColorControl inline colour control to PSO-Match, Lab, DotView and QualiTronic PDF, an inline PDF reader, process technician Simona Jurk and head of the KBA customer centre Wolfgang Ley presented the sophisticated measuring and control technology of Rapida presses using various print jobs. On a Rapida 75 Dr. Petra Schottke from KBA’s project management department demonstrated finishing with UV coating and LED-UV curing on various substrates. Anne-Kathrin Gerlach talked the visitors through cold-foil finishing with web splitting and MultiFoilUse as well as Micro Embossing with UV embossing coating on a Rapida 105 PRO with twin coaters and ColdFoiler.

What is more, the 60 visiting print experts from Poland had the opportunity to network and chat during an evening at the Dresden Christmas market and a ride on the steam-powered, light railway from Radebeul to Radeburg.

Starting early: The next generation of printers pack samples to take home Just arrived and already on paper – even the youngest visitors were amazed


Four months prior to the start of the trade show on 31st May, the programme for drupa cube, the conference and event location at drupa 2016, is

now largely set. The primary partner for development and delivery of innovative content for drupa cube 2016 is international innovation firm The Medici Group and its founder and CEO Frans Johansson. Johansson caused somewhat of a furor with his 2004 book “The Medici Effect,” and since then has been the go-to expert for the concepts of thinking and acting outside fixed limits and the “out-of-the-box principle.” Worldwide brands such as American Express, IBM, Nike, Volvo and The Walt Disney Company have already been drawing on the strategic expertise of The Medici Group. Now drupa is doing the same. “With The Medici Group, we have precisely the right partner at our side for drupa cube. A consistent approach to change management is absolutely necessary to master the challenges in the print, packaging and media sectors”, says Sabine Geldermann, Director at drupa. “I extremely pleased that we will be presenting a high quality and clearly structured programme that will appeal both to the print and media industry as well as to web agencies, brands and print buyers, with The Medici Group and other impressive

drupa cube partners with The Medici Group to spur out-of-the-box thinkingBest selling author Frans Johansson and other thought leaders to deliver keynotes during drupa 2016

thought leaders at its core.”

Keynote speaker Frans Johansson, Silas Amos & Shane Wall In his opening keynote on 31st May, bestselling author Frans Johansson (The Medici Effect) will base his talk on the drupa theme “touch the future” and ‘Intersectional Thinking’. The core question that will be addressed is, “What happens when technological revolutions meet an industry that has been around for a millennium?”. The second keynote on 2nd June will build on this and explore key situations where one can forge a route to a future vision. The third keynote speaker on 6th June, Silas Amos (Founder of Silas Amos Ltd. Design Thought), has worked as a designer and strategic partner for several firms in the FMCG industry, including AB InBev, Bacardi, Diageo, Heinz, Mars and Unilever. The final keynote will be held on 8th June with Shane Wall, Chief Technology Officer at HP and Global Head of HP Labs, as the speaker.

There will be a mix of the following five sessions across the eleven days: Business Evolution: Twelve 30-minute slots are aimed primarily at decision-makers in the printing industry who are focusing on increasing efficiency and profits within their companies. Accordingly, both “best practices” and business models, as well as investment strategies and human resources management will be discussed. Already on the list of speakers are:

RonanZioni/HP,NeilFalconer/Print Future, Ulbe Jelluma/Print Power and Chris Bondy/RIT’s School of Media Sciences.

Technology: Eleven 30-minute slots will focus on technological innovations and their new areas of application. How can these innovations be integrated into existing workflows and what will be the consequences? These and other topics are aimed at decision-makers and management at printing firms, and will also appeal to all other drupa visitors who have an interest in technology. One special event of note is the three one-hour “Gladiator Sessions” comparing two converging technologies where the pros and cons are discussed with a moderator. The following speakers have already committed to participate: Chris Bondy (RIT’s School of Media Sciences /USA), Joanna Stephenson (DataLase/UK) and Lilach Sapir (Massivit 3D printing/Israel).

Intersectional: These six sessions, led by The Medici Group, will focus on “Innovation @ the Intersection” and will encompass the six highlight topics of drupa 2016 (multichannel, print, functional printing, 3D-Printing, packaging production and green printing). In each interactive lecture slot, several of these highlight topics will be combined with one another using specific application examples, such as functional printing & packaging print, 3D printing & sustainability or multichannel & print.


C-Level: The four invitation-only slots in this programme segment are aimed at a fixed, defined subscriber group at management level as well as at exhibitors and visitors. These C-level sessions will directly follow the four keynotes and are formatted as interactive workshops where strategic insider knowledge is conveyed. The keynote speaker whose talk precedes each session will act as the moderator.

The strategic and creative design of the programme and on-site implementation have been entrusted to London-based brand experience agency FreemanXP. “Just as Gutenberg revolutionised communications by converging the spoken word with print, we are seeing new crossroads that are spawning unimaginable results in every sector. Be it personalisation of printed products, ‘fabbing’ or even human organ printing, drupa is a showcase for how we ‘Touch the Future’ of print. With The Medici Group, drupa Innovation Partner 2016, we have evolved the drupa cube experience to encourage conversation and convergent thinking that will lead to the co-creation, re-imagination and re-invention of the future of printing,” added Jordan Waid, Vice President Brand Experience, FreemanXP EMEA.

A provisional programme will be online from February; the complete programme is scheduled to be online in March. An extra special feature: participation in the cube programme is free of charge for drupa visitors, included in the daily ticket price of € 65 (or € 45 for the online ticket).


EyeC focuses this year’s Drupa on buyers and manufacturers of high-quality packages. The inspection experts will be in full force in

Düsseldorf, from May 31 to June 10, to introduce its latest advances in print quality control.

Ansgar Kaupp, CEO of EyeC, commented: “We are now able to offer buyers and manufacturers of high-quality folding boxes efficient solutions for a total quality control. We are especially able to meet their three main needs: Ensuring a 100% outgoing control of folding boxes with complex finishing, reducing production costs through ever faster quality checks, and providing a comprehensive range of solutions for a suitable integration in their budget and environment.”

Among the innovations presented at the EyeC booth (hall 3, booth 3A92), visitors will discover:• TheEyeCProofRunnerCartonPre-Feeder.Thismovable and flexible module can be connected to any folder gluer in order to check the complete quality of the processed packaging materials before delivery. • ThenewinspectionheadoftheEyeC

ProofRunner Carton range. This new system verifies the quality of the most complex folding boxes, such as the ones combining hot foil stamping and embossing, and provides a secure answer to the requirements of luxury packages.• ThenewEyeCProofiler.

This off-line inspection system has been fully optimized in order to enable an ultra-fast sample checking. Large printed sheets, as for instance from 1060 x 750mm (42” x 30”), can now be proofed with maximum accuracy (600 dpi) in less than two minutes.

A stop at the booth of some of the major machine manufacturers will also allow visitors to:• Seeinactionthelatestin-line inspection systems for presses from KBA and Manroland. Fully integrated to the production process, these in-line systems monitor print quality in real time, and reduce material waste and production costs.• Discoverhowtoperform100% outgoing controls for folding cartons. With an inspection performed on an independent sorting unit such as the one from Kohmann, or directly integrated to new folder gluers such as the ones from Kama, Masterwork and Vega.

In short, this will be an appointment not to be missed for all companies wanting to reduce costs, and improve their quality and productivity.

100% Conformity For High-Quality Packaging

Preview Drupa 2016

Accurate checks of print on all kinds of folding boxes - including the ones combining hot foil stamping and embossing -, ultra-fast verification of large printed sheets, state-of-the-art in-line inspection for presses and folder gluers: EyeC will showcase the latest advances for quality assurance this year, at Drupa.

The new inspection head of the EyeC ProofRunner Carton range verifies the quality of the most complex folding boxes, such as the ones combining hot foil stamping and embossing.

About EyeCEyeC keeps an Eye on your print quality from the first artwork file to the finished product. The German company develops, sells, and supports a complete range of user-friendly and innovative artwork and print inspection systems worldwide. EyeC systems are used by numerous industries, including the top pharmaceutical and printing companies. EyeC products give users 100% verification of content and print quality in any language, color, or format. They have been developed in close cooperation with actual users and with a strong emphasis on reliability, ease of use, and conformance to applicable ISO, cGMP, GAMP5, and 21CFR regulations.

For more information, please visit: www.EyeC-Inspection.com


Windmöller & Hölscher at drupa2016

About Windmöller & Hölscher:

Windmöller & Hölscher, a family owned company, is world leader for machinery and systems for the manufacturing and converting of flexible packaging. The product portfolio includes high-performance machines for film extrusion, printing and converting. As a global company W&H offers its clients everything from a single source: from expert consultation and engineering to the delivery of high quality machines and complete packaging production lines. Approximately 2,500 employees create optimal solutions for the individual production tasks of flexible packaging producers – bringing the corporate philosophy “Passion for innovation“ to life. Machines by Windmöller & Hölscher are in use in over 130 countries and by more than 5,000 customers. In 2015 the Windmöller & Hölscher Group with its headquarters in Lengerich, Germany reached sales of approximately 720 Mio. EUR.

Presenting the new generation of flexo and gravure presses

Windmöller & Hölscher Group will present its comprehensive product portfolio on more than 1,000 m2 at drupa2016 in Düsseldorf (Hall 15, Booth A41).

A new generation of flexo and gravure printing presses will be premiered at the event. “As is customary for W&H, we will unveil our newest technologies at drupa where visitors from all over the world can have a close-up view,” says Dr. Jürgen Vutz, Chairman of W&H. Live machine demonstrations will run several times daily.

At this year’s tradeshows, W&H will focus on the concept of Packaging 4.0, the company’s vision of Industry 4.0 applied to the production of packaging. “We will show how intelligent machines, integrated processes and intuitive handling are already increasing efficiency during production and bringing customers substantialadded value,” adds Vutz.

In addition to the booth at drupa, W&H will simultaneously host an in-house Expo with further machine demonstrations in its new 3000 m2 technology center in Lengerich.


On October 18-22, 2016, The 6th All in Print China will be held again in Shanghai New International Expo Centre. It is estimated that All in Print China 2016 will occupy an exhibitionareaof82,000m2andusefiveindoorhallsandadozen of outdoor halls, covering a total of six major themes, i.e., All in Digital, All in Packaging, All in Press, All in Label, 3D Printing & All in Creativity and Webprint Factory, the latter two of which are featured theme pavilions especially developed in view of the hottest technologies and the frontierfieldsoftheindustry.

All in DigitalThe digital printing technologies have presented a trend of rapid development worldwide, as highlighted by the R&D of ink-jet technology. Considering that the advantages of low cost, short duration and rapid turnover of digital printing are driven the development of digital printing market in a healthy direction, expanding the businesses of digital printing will provide new market opportunities for printing enterprises, and create a huge potential on China’s digital printing market. All in Digital will still take the lead in the pavilion distribution of All in Print China 2016, as usual, and the exhibition space, 20,000m2 in area, will provide a comprehensive display of all the new technologies and complete solutions of digital printing.

All in PackagingOffset printing still takes up the largest share of the market, and traditional prints have almost covered every field of daily life. In face of constant impact by the tide of digital printing, traditional printing manufacturers are continuously making creative efforts, and becoming more stable, more efficient and more intelligent. In the All in Packaging of All in Print China 2016, the latest publication printing and commercial printing equipment will join hands to strike a pose as expected, and will provide a wide range of

options for you.

All in PressIn China’s printing industry, the package printing industry, also referred to as an “urban industry”, has become one of the fastest-growing industries, and is continuously growing by a rate of 10%-12%. The explosive growth of e-commerce industry has created a huge potential for the packaging market, and “Quality by China” packaging and post-press giants will present a collective appearance in All in Press, providing assistance to you in quickly seizing the booming business opportunities and controlling a commanding point in future package printing industry.

All in LabelIn the context of the structural regulation, transformation and upgrading of the printing industry, China’s label market is presenting a strong growth impetus. Currently, Asia is leading the global label market, while the demand of China’s label market has accounted for above 50% of that of Asian market, receiving close attention from all over the world.The widely-applied digital printing, the eye-catching functional labels and various other innovative technologies are driving forward the development of label printing will all show up in All in Label.

3D Printing & All in CreativityWhen 3D printing encounters printing: 3D printing technology, since the day of its launch, has attracted worldwide attention, and can be widely applied in

numerous fields like design, packaging, machinery & equipment manufacture, aerospace, auto technology, dentistry, health care, etc. Many “traditional” printing equipment providers, including HP, Roland, Ricoh, Xerox and so forth, have all marched into the 3D printing field. The 3D Printing & All in Creativity of All in Print China 2016 will not only exhibit 3D printing cloud platform, 3D printing equipment & materials, 3D printing researches and other contents and provide a comprehensive display of the most advanced technologies, but also bring exciting practical cases, thus providing a long-expected development and innovation opportunity for China’s printing and cultural creativity industry.

Innovative materials, adding wings to printing technologies: Having gone through a history of more than a thousand years, the printing industry is now experiencing transitions from “content printing” to “functional printing”, and from the pure description and duplication of information to the functional construction and innovation of products. These new developments are imposing increasingly higher demands on the innovativeness, environment-friendliness and customizability of materials. 3D Printing & All in Creativity will provide a collective exhibition of environment-friendly ink and innovative materials, which are currently driving the printing industry to construct a brand-new service system with higher values added.

Featured Theme Pavilions Sticking to Hotspots, Leading the Industry to Discover the Future of PrintingSix major themes, embodying the innovative future of printing

6th All in Print China, Shanghai


Webprint Factory: One-stop display of frontier technologiesAll in Print China will present a perfect Webprint Factory for all the colleagues in the same trade, where the visitors will be able to see four major modules, i.e., network printing, print collections, latest drupa technology zone and green printing.

Network printing: The combination of printing technologies and the Internet has created a brand-new printing mode, i.e., network printing. The network printing zone of Webprint Factory will provide a collective display of various types of renowned network printing platform providers, so that the audience can experience on site all kinds of advanced network printing platforms and high value-added printing solutions, and select from a wide range of commercial patterns.

Print collections: Through exploring the prints with the greatest market potential and highest commercial values, it will display all kinds of e-commerce prints, on-demand publications, individualized prints, intelligent packages, home decoration accessories, 3D&4D prints, etc. There will also be field online exhibitions and one-stop procurement recommendations, so that the audience can “buy what they see”.

Latest drupa technology zone: The latest techniques and technologies of drupa 2016 will all be collectively exhibited here, so that the audience in domestic can enjoy direct access

to the exhibition center of latest and hottest equipment, materials and techniques in the industry, and to all the latest developments of drupa.

Green printing: This zone will exhibit not only one-stop procurement solutions of green printing consumables and equipment, but also provide the sharing of cleaner production cases, the sharing of policies and the performance of excellent activities on site.

Professional outdoor halls, meeting multiple functional and effect requirementsAll in Print China 2016 will also set up outdoor halls, with the purposes of effectively supplementing exhibition categories and exhibition area on the one hand, and separately displaying more professional theme pavilions. It will be clearer in classification and more prominent in themes, giving the audience a direct grasp of the exhibits.

The service providers undertaking the construction of outdoor halls have gone through multiple rounds of selection, and eventually a wellknown German-funded tent manufacturer is selected and entrusted with full authority. Well known as a service provider for the construction of exhibition buildings, it participated in the construction of exhibition works in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and 2010 Shanghai World Expo, and enjoys high reputation in the industry. The main sectional material used for the outdoor halls of All in

Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Established in 2009, Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (MDS) is a subsidiary of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, one of the world’s top 5 exhibition organizers. MDS is committed to introducing world’s No. 1 trade fairs to China and to providing Chinese customers with superior exhibition services. MDS is successfully holding 15 leading trade fairs in China, covering the industries of printing, packaging, wire and tube, plastics, renewable energy, medical devices, retail, safety and health, wine & spirits and caravanning. MDS runs branch offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenyang and Chongqing with a workforce of 70+ full time employees. The worldwide outbound exhibition business (trade shows in Düsseldorf, Germany and other leading Messe Düsseldorf Global Shows) is organized by Messe Düsseldorf China Ltd. (MDC), serving Chinese exhibitors and visitors with superior customer service from its Hong Kong branch office. Find out more at www.mds.cn

Print China 2016 is aluminum alloy four-hole sectional material, and the surface of the rigid components is adopted with hot-dip galvanization

processing, thus achieving an aesthetic appearance and a high fire-proof and wind-proof performance. Having won the German TÜV product certification, it fully meets the high standard, high quality and professional service demands of All in Print China. All in Print China 2016 will embrace all the colleagues in the trade with richer exhibition contents and more excellent services.

More information about the exhibition, please view the official website: www.allinprint.com.


Co-hosted by the BOBST agent in Egypt, Sidhom Co., the event gathered around 100 participants, who braved a day of inclement weather to be present, as did representatives of local financial institutions. The event provided the opportunity for delegates to hear from world-leading equipment and consumables manufacturers about the advantages and opportunities provided by the latest technologies and processes for the production of flexible packaging and labels, as well as enjoying the networking sessions that the day also offered.

The equipment presentations spotlighted the performance and technologies of printing and converting equipment throughout the production chain, for both flexible packaging and labels, from

film extrusion to slitting-rewinding, by way of vacuum metallizing, flexo and gravure printing, lamination, extrusion coating and coating. These were complemented by the latest updates on new generation high performance adhesives and on food contact legislation, flexo plate technology, printing sleeves and rollers, the future of flexo with fixed palettes, and solvent recovery systems for flexible packaging.

“Despite the economic and political uncertainties, demand for flexible packaging is growing and the local industry continues to make progress,” commentedRoyObeid,ZoneBusinessDirector,BOBSTBusinessUnitWeb-fed. “This seminar illustrated ways that enable our customers to unlock hidden profit potential within converting and printing operations, while still ensuring the highest levels of output quality. This was not only true for equipment, peripheral devices and systems, but also, and very importantly so,

for services. The timeliness, efficiency and quality of services must support the installed equipment in order to make it always perform at its very best. The capabilities of BOBST services to keep machines at full efficiency were clearly illustrated by Nitin Ashar, Regional Service Manager, Bobst Africa & Middle East.

Sherif Sidhom, CEO of Sidhom Co., co-hosts of the roadshow, said “For many years we have been the BOBST agent in Egypt for their range of web-fed equipment and we have a solidly established position

BOBST & industry partners highlight latest technologies for flexible packaging at roadshow in Cairo, Egypt BOBST and industry partners Apex International, Atlas Converting, COIM, DEC Impianti, Kodak, Reifenhäuser and Rossini, convened in Cairo, Egypt, to meet representatives of the Egyptian flexible packaging and label converting industries who attended the roadshow on 26 January 2016 at the Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers hotel.

Roy Obeid, Zone Business Director Middle East, BU Web-fed presenting an overview of BOBST’s comprehensive range of solu-tions for printing and converting flexible materials

in the printing and converting market for wide-web equipment. Further to their acquisition last year of the Italian company Nuova Gidue, which is now Bobst Firenze, BOBST has extended its solutions in the different segments of the label industry to now encompass narrow-web printing and converting equipment. The roadshow has provided us with a tremendous opportunity to touch base with narrow-web and label converters, along with existing BOBST customers, which is invaluable for the development of our business in this sector of the industry.”

About BOBSTWe are the world’s leading supplier of equipment and services to packaging and label manufacturers in the folding carton, corrugated board and flexible materials industries.

Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 11 production facilities in 8 countries and employs over 4.800 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.33 billion for the year ended December 31st, 2015.



Recently the products of German-based company INTRO International become part of Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC). QIPC, developer and supplier of measurement & control systems for web offset printing presses, has acquired the assets and the intellectual property of INTRO International as part of a so-called asset deal.

Like QIPC, INTRO International is responsible for developing and supplying optical measuring & control systems to the print industry. However, the German-based family business has a greater focus on narrow web presses and digital printing, as opposed to QIPC, which has hitherto concentrated on web offset printing presses. “Our aim is to expand into digital printing and the labelling and packaging market”, explains Menno Jansen, one of the two directors at QIPC. “Their optical measurement

Q.I. Press Controls expands activities into labelling and packaging market and joins forces with INTRO International

systems are a perfect match for our own products. By furthering the development of their products through our own extensive R&D team, we can bring about greater synergy.”

INTRO International’s products will now be traded under the QIPC-INTRO name (www.qipc-intro.com ). Contact was first established between QIPC and INTRO International in 2013. “Our relationship goes back some way”, explains INTRO International’s Sascha Eschweiler.“ Contact between the two companies has always been good and that’s now crystallised into something more tangible.”Sascha Eschweiler, who now joins the QIPC team, is also keenly aware of the opportunities that this new collaboration offers. “From our perspective, as a family-run concern, I see great potential in raising our products to a new level backed by the support and know-how QIPC and Engineering Automation Electronics (EAE). We will certainly benefit enormously

from their global sales and service network in increasing the reach of our products.”

Sascha Eschweiler himself sees the existing collaboration between QIPC and EAE as an added bonus. EAE develops control systems for printing presses and is also owned by QIPC. “With the addition of INTRO International and EAE, QIPC is now taking responsibility for a larger share of the production process”, Menno Jansen adds. “This joining of forces offers customers convenience and, as such, the three companies can capitalise collectively on their individual strengths.”

About Q.I. Press Controls:Q.I. Press Controls develops and delivers innovative, high quality optical measure and control systems. We are globally active in the newspaper and magazine printing industry. Our total solutions are supported by a worldwide service network. These reliable systems are proven in the market of existing and new printing presses and offer our customers structural better results.

Dscoop Appoints Keith Ferrel as Member of the Global Board of Directors

Keith Ferrel was today appointed to the Board of Global Directors for Dscoop. Keith, who has been a member of the Asia

Pacific board for three years and recently became its Chairman, brings a wealth of experience to the role and will continue to play an integral role in promoting the benefits of Dscoop to the Sign and Display sector.

Keith is regarded as one of the most influential and well respected industry figures within the Asia Pacific region, and has been a great advocate of Dscoop since he became a member for Cactus Imaging, a company he co-founded in 1992.

“The value Dscoop provides for its members is immense – great

networking, relevant educational opportunities, superb conferences, and a Dscoop family that is prepared to share,” explains Keith, going on to describe how the benefits of the group increase as the organisation grows.“Dscoop has provided Cactus Imaging with numerous opportunities and additional industry and technical knowledge that has enhanced the business for both the company and the staff. As Dscoop grows its worldwide membership, the expertise and advice provided by this ever-expanding community provides further value to our company. This is why the introduction of a free membership scheme and the prospect of the organisation significantly increasing its reach presents such an exciting time for all Dscoop members.”

Keith is passionate about supporting this growing Dscoop community, and encouraging new members to join is the main goal he has set himself in his new role. Keith also expects a challenging, yet exciting future.

Both dresses, which form part of threeASFOUR’s highly anticipated ‘Biomimicry’ collection, were produced with Stratasys’ Objet500 Connex3 3D Printer, featuring the world’s only multi-color, multi-material 3D printing technology. The 3D printed dresses are also the first demonstration of a special Nano Enhanced Elastomeric Technology material* from Stratasys, which has extreme flexibility and

durability, and represents a big step forward for 3D printed fashion design. The material will also be ideal for additional applications and industries, such as automotive, consumer goods, consumer electronics and medical devices.

Known for their experimentation with complex designs and cutting-edge materials, threeASFOUR designers, Gabi Asfour, Angela

Stratasys And Threeasfour Showcase Limitless Creativity With 3D Printed Dresses At New York Fashion Week• Designers, threeASFOUR, create high-end fashion pieces with unique expressions and geometries

only possible with Stratasys 3D printing technology

• Stratasys’ mission is to change the way people think about design and to redefine its possibilities

• Stratasys Defines New Movement in 3D Printed Fashion at New York Fashion Week

Stratasys, Ltd. (Nasdaq:SSYS), the 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions company, today announced that it has collaborated with esteemed fashion designers, threeASFOUR, and New York-based designer, Travis Fitch, to create two unique forward-thinking 3D printed dresses, only possible with Stratasys 3D printing technology. The ‘Pangolin’ and ‘Harmonograph’ dresses have been unveiled at threeASFOUR’s Fall/Winter Runway Show, held at Milk Studios, New York, on Monday 15th, 2016 at 7pm EST, as part of New York Fashion Week.


Donhauser, and Adi Gil, have continued to reflect the natural geometries of their surroundings in these latest works. Both 3D printed dresses explore the way in which biological forms and natural morphologies can be replicated in a fashion context with 3D printing. “Having the capability to vary color and rigidity in a single piece using Stratasys’ Connex3 3D printing technology inspired us to explore flexibility, depth and transformation as inherent design objectives,” comments Adi Gil, threeASFOUR. “As artists and designers, it is our prerogative - and our nature - to explore the bounds of new technological opportunities, and to push the limits of the way in which forms are created. As the most advanced 3D printed dresses that we have created to date, we are extremely excited to showcase these pieces and demonstrate the unique possibilities unfolding at the intersection of fashion, design and technology.”

The Harmonograph dress circles around the body in three spirals, following the geometry of the Fibonacci sequence and optically portraying the effect of a harmonograph. Combining geometry, biology and logarithms, Gil explains that the designs were entirely dependent on the new possibilities that Stratasys multi-color, multi-material 3D printing is able to provide - most notably, the ability to mix both rigid and rubber materials to any degree of flexibility, in any color, within a single print. “Not only were the 3D printing capabilities of the Objet500 Connex3 essential in the production of the dress, but the entire design from its initial conception was intended to maximize the potentials inherent to this technology. The interwoven nature of the geometry could not be produced in a traditional manner, and it was critical to us that the design should

evoke a language unique to 3D printing.”

The second 3D printed fashion piece from Stratasys and threeASFOUR unveiled during New York Fashion Week, the Pangolin dress, is derived from a signature threeASFOUR design comprised of 14 pattern pieces. In this new 3D printed version, an overall skin is created by mixing a variety of interlocking weaves, biomimicking natural animal textures. The Objet500 Connex3 3D Printer’s precision and ability to vary material properties such as rigidity and color gradation, provided the designers with the geometric control to create nuanced, deliberately placed transformations in the membrane’s porosity and flexibility. This also allowed threeASFOUR to produce alternating states of transparency and privacy, while accommodating the movement demands of the human body.

The collaboration with threeASFOUR is the latest in a series of high-profile fashion and design collaborations for Stratasys, which have included Prof. Neri Oxman, Iris van Herpen, Francis Bitonti, Julia Koerner, Eyal Gever, Nick Ervinck,ZahaHadidArchitectsand more. “We are always looking to revolutionize manufacturing methods, pioneer new design options, and inspire designers and students to create avant-garde expressions of fashion,” comments Naomi Kaempfer, Creative Director, Art Fashion Design, Stratasys. “Collaborative projects with talented and visionary designers, such as threeASFOUR, are the ideal way to showcase to aspiring designers, students and creatives the types of organic and complex mathematical structures that can become a physical reality with 3D printing. Our mission is to change the way people think about design and to redefine its possibilities.”

Sound Seekers, a UK charity dedicated to helping deaf people in some of the world’s poorest communities, is searching for volunteers to take part in its first ever Manchester Marathon.

The Manchester Marathon is dubbed the “flattest, fastest and friendliest” in the UK, and Sound Seekers are calling out to ten keen runners to take on the challenge while raising money for a great cause in the process. Each runner will receive a free place in the marathon if they pledge to raise a minimum of £500. Emma Judge,

Sound Seekers CEO, explains how the generosity and kindness of the general public in events like this is key for the charity to continue its great work.

“We are delighted to have been able to provide life-changing opportunities to deaf people across Africa for over twenty one years. However, without events such as these and the incredible support we have consistently received, we would not be able to make a difference to so many people. Those who do run on our behalf will be going a long way to raise awareness of deafness as a significant health issue in the developing world and importantly enabling us to provide more children and adults with the support they need to access education and employment.”

Sound Seeker’s great affinity with the city stems back to the charity’s recent initiative where it funded four Malawian students to study audiology at the University of Manchester. Once these students have graduated, they will return to Malawi where their new skills and expertise will be invaluable to people suffering from deafness, as they become the country’s first audiologists among a population of 16,000,000. Emma Judge explains the importance of ensuring that the money raised by Sound Seekers is invested in a way that will lead to sustainable change in Africa.

“Through the establishment of audiology and education services, we can help local medical staff treat African people and reduce dependency on the outside world. This means that the funds we raise through events such as the Manchester Marathon can go on helping people for years to come.”

So if you are looking to challenge yourself and want to help raise money for a really worthy cause, why not sign up? For more details please visit http://www.sound-seekers.org.uk.

Sound Seekers challenges runners to take part in the Manchester Marathon to raise money for the hearing impaired

UK charity offers ten runners free place in marathon for those who pledge to raise a minimum of £500


The WEKO brand has been an important partner for end customers and OEMs in the printing industry for over 60 years. The long-term success of the customers is just as important as the WEKO quality

and ongoing development of solutions for new print technologies. Innovation is constantly driven at WEKO.

Managing Director Marcel Konrad, Sales and Marketing, is therefore excited about drupa 2016. “Especially at this time, when the printing industry is undergoing major changes, WEKO is a committed partner for all printing and digital printing machine manufacturers as well as for printing companies and service providers. We are engaged, both in the area of classical powder sprayers and the development of state of the art conditioning units for digital printing. We are convinced that our new developments are cutting edge innovations. We offer renowned and globally active printing machine manufacturers and their customers WEKO system that make a significant contribution to increasing the print quality and productivity,” delights Konrad.

The systems contribute to increasing the processing speed and decisively

drupa 2016: WEKO – Innovations for the printing and digital printing industry“Don’t play - work with precision!” – this is WEKO’s appeal for its presentation at drupa 2016. With its sustainable and precise WEKO application systems for powder and liquids WEKO positions itself as advanced and innovative development partner.

facilitate further processing. At this, WEKO always pursues ecologically sustained approaches offering benefits for the future compared to current alternative technologies.

Visitors of drupa 2016 can find out first hand at the Stand 2B54 in Hall 2 about the WEKO solutions and meet with WEKO experts. In addition, the new WEKO solutions in the digital printing area are integrated of nearly all OEMs at the drupa.

About WEKO - Weitmann & Konrad GmbH & Co. KGThe WEKO experts offer support worldwide with the choice and integration of WEKO non-contact minimum application systems into the production process. They help customers achieve clear benefits and cost advantages with the materials to be processed and/or in the process itself. Comprehensive services, such as test series at the WEKO technical centre and high WEKO service standards, complete the WEKO offering.In addition to the main office near Stuttgart WEKO maintains two production locations in Germany and Brazil, own sales and service subsidiaries in Italy, the United Kingdom, the U.S., and Brazil. Furthermore, WEKO collaborates worldwide with agencies marketing the products and offering the proven WEKO service standard in addition.www.weko.net


HP Inc. Inspires Print Providers to Reinvent their Possibilities at drupa 2016HP Inc. recently announced that it will exhibit the industry’s broadest portfolio of digital printing solutions at drupa 2016, including new advancements that demonstrate how HP digital print technology enables print service providers (PSPs) to reinvent their possibilities.

For the first time in drupa history, the HP Graphics Solutions Business is hosting the tradeshow’s largest exhibit in hall 17 and the world’s biggest digital printing showcase for the eleven day event. In keeping with the evolving landscape of drupa, HP will display its latest technology for the general commercial printing segment, in addition to new hardware and solutions for labels and packaging, large-format and sign and display application areas.

The company also unveiled HP PrintOS, a cloud-based operating system that reinvents how customers manage print production. The revolutionary new platform will make its worldwide debut at drupa 2016.


“HP is bringing the full power of our vast portfolio of digital printing solutions to drupa 2016, featuring breakthrough innovations,” said Rob Le Bras-Brown, global head of print marketing, HP Inc. “With today’s introduction of HP PrintOS and more ground-breaking pre-drupa announcements to come, HP is following through on our promise to ‘keep reinventing’ with advancements across application segments that truly enable our customers to reinvent their possibilities.”

Simplifying and automating print production managementAn open, secure and integrated platform for print

production management, PrintOS is a cloud-based operating system ideal for PSPs of all segments and sizes for use with HP Indigo, PageWide Web Press, Scitex and Latex digital printing technology.

Featuring a suite of intuitive web-based and mobile applications, PrintOS helps simplify and automate print production, enabling customers to start printing

jobs, faster. Additionally, cloud connectivity allows customers to monitor print status remotely as well as track and improve production performance over time.“We run a multi-shift, multi-press operation at ProCo, yet we have not previously had a window into the production performance of our digital operation,” said Graeme Parry, production director, ProCo. “PrintOS offers anytime, anywhere


access, enabling more visibility than ever into our business. Not only are we using PrintOS to drive better print performance, but it’s also helping raise the bar of our staff, empowering operators with the right tools to better oversee production. It’s fantastic.”

Among others, PrintOS applications include:

• Box,atoolsimplifyingjobonboardingthroughnon-automated channels like email and file transfer services. Often, a disproportionate amount of time and effort are invested in handling jobs prior to production. By standardizing processes, Box reduces upfront overhead, increasing capacity and improving profitability. • SiteFlow,whichcombinesautomatedordersubmission, pre-press and shop floor management capabilities to address the needs of PSPs serving the business-to-business and business-to-business-to-consumer markets. The application allows PSPs to offer attractive costs and higher levels of service to fulfill hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of individual, personalized print orders every day, including direct shipment to end customers.

HP Indigo and PageWide Web Press customers can begin using PrintOS on May 31, 2016. Many apps will be available without charge to existing customers with a service contract, while certain apps will be subject to

monthly subscription and usage charges.

HP Financial Services, IT investment solutions and financing provider for HP Inc., can help customers gain easier and faster access to innovative digital printing technology. Customers have the flexibility to choose how they acquire and pay for an HP PrintOS solution, with IT investment options that can be customized across HP Inc.’s product portfolio, based on business needs.

Visit the HP drupa 2016 online press kit for more information on today’s announcements and to follow HP’s drupa news. More information on PrintOS can also be found at www.hp.com/go/PrintOS. Additionally, new product updates and videos can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HPdesigners, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hpgraphicarts and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts.


ITG acquires big data specialist Creator

Marketing services and technology company Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) has added data management specialist Creator to its growing portfolio.

The acquisition of Creator, which specialises in electronic customer relationship management (eCRM), will enable ITG to offer a deeper level of marketing

intelligence and customer insight to clients.

Simon Ward, ITG chief executive, said: “Marketers increasingly rely on timely, relevant and personalised communications as they engage with customers across multiple channels.

“Providing the detailed customer intelligence to support marketers in developing their communications strategy is at the core of what Creator does.

“The acquisition appreciably extends our proposition in the era of big data. Creator’s expertise perfectly complements the marketing services we currently offer.”

Creator founder Mark Brennan, who continues as CEO of the renamed ITG Creator, said: “Joining the ITG family, with its highly regarded marketing technology and professional services, will significantly strengthen our offering to the retail sector, both at home and abroad.”

ITG’s award-winning Media Centre technology helps manage the marketing operations of major retailers and brands across Europe, including M&S, Audi, Pets at Home and Renault.

Creator’s data management and analysis is already favoured by Virgin Media, Merck Sharp & Dohme and TUI Group.

Birmingham-based ITG recently opened offices in New York and Chicago to expand its operation into the USA. The group already has a mature operation in Europe and currently manages the creation and distribution of Heineken’s below-the-line assets across more than 130 countries.

Mr Ward, who was recently named EY Midlands Entrepreneur of the Year, added: “We work with some of the most forward-thinking retailers and brands in the world. They are always innovating, and we have to innovate too, developing new technology and adding important new services and capabilities.”

In 2015, ITG made a significant investment in retail agency Vitamin, boosting its ability to offer high-level retail strategy and consultancy to new clients, including Tesco and B&Q.

With the acquisition of Creator, ITG now employs over 500 marketing and technology specialists. ITG has grown significantly in the six years since it was established, recently joining The Sunday Times Tech Track 100 of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK.

Covering the realm of modern advertising under one roof, Media Expo has long established its position as a qualified platform for marketing professionals to source indoor and outdoor advertising, printing and signage solutions. With 38 editions in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata and the success of its recent edition having set new visitor records in Mumbai, the organisers have decided to additionally take this renowned exhibition to the south to create a hub for innovations in the field of printing, indoor and outdoor advertising and digital signage.

Representing a premier business platform for the South Indian advertising and media industry, Media Expo will mark its launch in Chennai, this year, from 18 – 20 November at the Chennai Trade Centre.

India’s advertising investment is estimated to see healthy growth in 2016. Overall advertising revenues are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13%, exceeding Rs. 81,600 crore (USD 12.29 billion) in 2019 from Rs. 41,400 crore (USD 6.24 billion) in 2014.* This growth trend is also reflected in the South Indian media and entertainment industry which is expected to achieve a CAGR of 14% to reach Rs. 36,005 crore (USD 53.22 million) by the fiscal year 2015-16. **

Dominated by television which constitutes the largest segment of the southern media and entertainment industry, this growth will be supported by print which is the second largest. Sectors such as new media, signage and radio, with their collective power of engagement will also continue to grow at rates higher than the industry average. Signage, display and billboards are fast getting a techno-lift in metropolitan cities. “Technology has prompted tremendous change in the advertising industry. With the consumer base becoming even more segmented, a specialised show like Media Expo covering varied advertising and promotion mediums can provide expansive reach within key target segments in the South Indian market,” explained Mr Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holding Ltd.

Together with this new edition, Media Expo’s reach will expand over all the prime business hubs in north, west and south of India starting 2016, reaffirming its position as a truly national platform for India’s indoor and outdoor advertising, signage and print industries. More details about the products to be seen at the fair and the adjoining events are expected to be revealed in the coming months.

For more information, please visit www.themediaexpo.com

Messe Frankfurt India announces the launch of Media Expo in ChennaiExhibition to cover prime business hubs in north, west and south India starting 2016


Agfa Graphics Releases Apogee Prepress v9.1 with Increased Support for

Wide-format Printing3AgfaGraphicsannouncedthereleaseofthelatestversionofitsApogeePrepressworkflow.ApogeePrepressv9.1innovatesondifferent features like better support for wide-format printing, optimized imposition layout creation and improved print buyer interaction in Apogee WebApproval.3 AgfaGraphicskeepsup-tuningitsflagshipworkflow,ApogeePrepress,asatrueproductionpartnerforcommercialprintprovidersand print service providers (PSPs).

Apogee Impose is built-in in Apogee and uses patented technology by Agfa Graphics. It now features automatic bleed generation and better support for perfector presses thanks to the full support for slow down rollers, which is unique. The automatic imposition creation in Apogee lowers production costs thanks to less operator interventions and fewer errors. Hard- and softcopy proofingThe increased focus on printed proofing within Apogee is clearly visible in the significant amount of improvements such as the support for on-the-fly page proofing and the support for ISO12647/2:2013 and ISO 13655 standards.Apogee WebApproval gives print buyers access to softproofs via their web browser. The new easy-upload feature allows them to conveniently drag and drop new PDF pages to a specific job and to then assign them to the correct page slots.Because the WebApproval log-in screen and e-mail messages towards users can be personalized, it allows the print service provider to create a better relation with the print buyers, which in turn results in higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Wide-format support in the Apogee workflowApogee Prepress v9.1, which is now available, automates the production for wide-format output with hot ticket support and template-based production and it features enhanced job merging. Thanks to the automation, there are far less manual interventions. The new job-merging feature, which allows for the combination of completely different orders on the same print job, reduces material costs and waste associated with the production process. Advanced imposition automation for web presses

“Apogee Prepress is the only hybrid prepress production solution that

drives wide-format and digital commercial presses, in addition to

CTP, CTF and proofing devices,” said Andy Grant, Global Head of Software, Agfa Graphics. That flexibility helps commercial printers and PSPs offer more solutions for their customers.


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Digital versus traditional packaging print

Author: Michael SeidlMichael Seidl is the publisher and editor-in-chief of various specialist publications in Central and Eastern Europe. These include media such as Print & Publishing, Packaging and Visual Communication. He is extremely well-connected within the print and media industry, and in Austria and beyond is a renowned publisher and specialised journalist, speaker and organiser of various industry awards as well as a member of several industry organisations. As a co-founder of the IMA – International Media Alliance – where media from Asia, Australia and Europe combine to form an industry alliance, he has taken an important step toward achieving global influence.

Whereas digital printing has succeeded in establishing its value in the traditional areas of the print media industry, adoption has been a bit slower in the packaging industry with the exception of the label printing market, which began adopting digital print technologies relatively early.

This is due to multiple factors: there were no relevant digital systems available; the requirements of the packaging industry are completely different from those in the traditional printing industry; and the players in the slightly conservative packaging industry have taken a little more time to adopt a digital future than their commercial printing counterparts. But the tide is beginning to turn. A growing numbers of producers and customers are recognising the benefits of digital packaging print and implementing the technology. Without a doubt, one of the “breakthrough moments” was the now legendary Coca-Cola Share-a-Coke campaign. Just a few months following Coke’s innovative approach to placing names on coke cans, for example, Ferrero followed suit with variable Nutella labels.

The market is growingAccording to the latest forecasts, the volume of the worldwide print market is set to grow to 420 billion euros by 2020 from a current level of around 407 billion – following the significant sharp decline in the years between 2008 and 2010 from 438 billion euros to 407 billion euros. Within the global print market, packaging print is the only area that will grow significantly, with an increase of 3.3% per year, for a share of the overall market of 141 billion euros by the year 2020. This includes folding boxes, labels and flexible packaging. In terms of specific printing processes, flexo printing is projected to see 2.6% growth, and digital printing 8%. Today, only 7% of packaging is printed digitally, but that share is projected to grow significantly. For packaging converters, digital printing can be a logical adjunct to analogue printing and simultaneously allow them to develop new applications. But more on this later.

It is also worth mentioning that the report The Future of Package Printing to 2019 by Vlad Savinov, Smithers Pira, 2014, anticipates an annual growth of 17% for digital printing. This makes it the fastest growing technology within packaging print, projected to reach a volume of 19 billion U.S. dollars by 2019.

Packaging trendsThe choice for consumers has become considerably greater and brands are anxious to differentiate themselves from competitors to acquire market share. Packaging is playing an increasingly important role in acquiring consumers “at the shelf” when the final buying decision is made. Packaging increasingly must influence consumers and engage all of their senses. Marte comments, “The growing trend toward smaller packaging units, ever stricter safety regulations for packaging and booming online sales will continue to drive growth in the packaging market over the next few years. For this reason, it will become increasingly important that packaging is more environmentally friendly, recyclable, printed in high quality and intelligent, integrated into the Internet of Things with features like QR codes, more customization and more.”

“Just how much digital print technologies will impact production depends on how quickly digital printing presses for the industrial production of packaging are developed. A further – very important – factor is the cost of procurement, maintenance and repair, as well as the cost of the printing inks. In addition, it has not yet been possible to achieve all Pantone colours with digital printing. Printing onto coated papers and the drying that requires also remains a serious challenge. Once these challenges are resolved, digital packaging printing will impact production significantly, even revolutionise it,” Hubert Marte, Forum Wellpappe Österreich (Austrian Corrugated Cardboard Forum).


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“The packaging market continues to be marked by integration and consolidation. Overcapacity and resultant price wars are the order of the day. Growth in the entire sector really depends on consumer behaviour. Their buying decisions are often driven by complicated graphical and colour representations at the point of sale. This requires a high level of investment in value added processes by packaging converters in order to create packaging that stands out,” Eduard Fischer, Managing Director, Schwarzach.

The European viewThe European packaging market is continuing to expand due to growing population and converters are using all available print technologies. “The key market trends we see are ever more products on the shelves and micro-segmentation to address a variety of consumer demographics,” reports Francois Martin, responsible for worldwide Marketing Graphic Business Solutions at HP. “For many years, HP has enjoyed double-digit growth in the number of pages printed digitally as a result.” The packaging market – including the related digital printing solutions – can essentially be divided into four sectors: labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated. Each of these areas has its own dynamics and characteristics. The label market was the first to recognise the benefits of digital printing. The other markets are now following suit, but not at the same speed or via the same route. The label market has a 10- to 12-year head start on corrugated in terms of digital printing implementation.

Advantages of digital printing for packaging Today’s media fragmentation means that consumers are continuously bombarded with information and messages that they virtually ignore as a matter of course. Packaging is certainly one of the last media channels that still attracts consumer attention.

But to achieve this, products must stand out on the shelf; and brand owners are responding with ever-faster product cycles and more relevant packaging, which also contributes to smaller lot sizes, shorter production cycle times and more demand for digital printing technologies.

What also drives more interest in digital printing are demographic developments, including increasing numbers of single-person households with purchasing behaviours that differ from those of larger families, including quantities purchased and shopping budget. In addition, households of the 50-plus generation have unique requirements for packaging. Plus consumers are more sensitive cost and environmental issues as well as convenience. For packaging producers, this means handling an increasing number of smaller orders. The turnaround times are becoming shorter as a result, and production planning is becoming more complex.

“Digital printing helps companies meet these new challenges and optimise their production as compared to analogue methodologies,” Francois Martin, Marketing Graphic Business Solutions, HP.

Stephan Ratt, CEO of the Ratt Pack Group in Austria, agrees. “We currently see growth in minimum order sizes in the non-food sector,” he says. “That means more firms here are entering the fray by acquiring digital printing presses.”

The world of digital labelsHP has now installed more than 1,000 digital presses in the market, and considers that digital printing has become mainstream. Xeikon has well over 300 systems installed, and more than 50% of its sales now come from the packaging industry. Traditional companies such as Heidelberger Druckmaschinen have gone down the digital path via Gallus, and since Labelexpo 2015 are fully on-board with digital with the Gallus DCS 340. This converting system, developed in a joint project by Heidelberg and Fujifilm, is equipped with the latest generation of inkjet print heads and prints at a quality level that was previously only achievable in offset printing. It delivers high-end UV inkjet print quality with a


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native resolution of 1200 dpi at a speed of 50 metres per minute, with the flexibility and efficiency of digital printing combined with the benefits of flexo printing. Also unique to this solution, in addition to outstanding print quality, is the integration of inline finishing modules. The Gallus DCS 340 prints digitally from roll to the finished, die-cut label; all in one pass. French company Autajon bought and tested the first system, and has now ordered three further systems.

Label print shops increasingly recognise that digital printing can be used as a logical adjunct to the long print runs in flexo or offset printing. Designs can also be changed rapidly. It’s almost as if label design is turning into fashion design. Some wine bottles are becoming style icons as a result. And the next digital wave is already on the horizon: flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated will also be riding this tide. Flexible packagingThe market for flexible packaging is significant and will continue to develop digitally in the coming 5 years, but it is also subject to social change (primarily due to external mobility). People eat and drink on the move (nomadic mobility). Flexible packs are gaining popularity and increasingly replacing fixed packaging. In the food sector in particular, flexible packs are easy to handle, and they fulfil the current trend for less waste and a smaller carbon footprint. The convenience factor cannot be ignored in this segment, either.

Digital printing provides manufacturers of flexible packaging the opportunity to grow their businesses. The formula is a simple one: high quality packaging, produced digitally, with just-in-time delivery. This is why the technology is currently gaining ground, supported by presses such as the HP Indigo 20000 that issued a clear signal to the packaging market with its launch.

Swiss firm O. KG was the first company in the world to install an Indigo 20000 and specialise in the production of flexible packaging using flexo, gravure and more recently, digital printing. “Digital printing is gaining importance in flexible packaging printing,” says CEO Martin Kleiner. “The HP Indigo 20000 introduced a quantum leap in digital production of flexible packaging and opens up many new opportunities for flexible packaging print with its printing width of 736 millimetres.” O. Kleiner KG has leveraged its HP Indigo 20000 to produce small runs as add-ons and to provide new options for customers in the smaller run sector. A good example of this is closures for small jam jars. Whilst flavours such as strawberry are produced in large runs, other flavours such as raspberry have smaller batch sizes. These will in future be produced using digital printing. Further applications include test packages or personalised packaging.

Colourful world of folding cartonsDigital printing is still relatively new in this market sector within the packaging world, even though there are now several excellent examples of applications here. The folding carton industry tends to use the technology for small and differentiated runs; print runs before or at the end of large, conventional runs are another application. Digital folding carton printing is currently still considered to be in the early adopter stage; in other words, the users who have recognised the trends and developed the first applications. A good example of this is Peter Sommer from Elanders in Germany who, together with Ritter Sport chocolate,

concocted a fascinating project. A special website was set up where consumers were able to order personalised packaging for their Ritter Sport chocolate. This was a venture that really paid off, as customers were willing to pay considerably more for this chocolate. The project also gained recognition from Mediaware in Ireland who implements packaging projects for Microsoft. There are now a growing number of projects of this nature as brand owners recognise the potential and savy print shops are helping them to realise creative ideas.

Packaging made from corrugatedTo date firms processing corrugated have been slow to adopt digital printing technologies, with the exception of those using flatbed systems (HP Scitex, Durst, Mimaki, swissQprint…). However, this is more due to the fact that until now there had not been many systems available on the market that could be used for corrugated. But this will be changing relatively quickly due to providers such as Bobst or the HP / KBA joint venture, both of which will be exhibiting at drupa 2016. And the large players in the industry very clearly see the advantages of being able to respond to market requirements more quickly and thus being able to offer a higher level of service. The use of digital technology is also helping to optimise workflows and potentially also re-design production sites – following the principle of using the right technology for the right jobs.

Digital Colossus in pre-printFollowing barely two years of development, HP and KBA presented the world’s first HP PageWide Web Press T1100S to a group of visitors in Würzburg in November 2015. This gigantic inkjet rotation with a web width of 2.80 metres and with digital pre-printing of the top layer is opening up new options for the flexible production of corrugated packaging in different sizes and run lengths that were not economically feasible before. “Finishers and their customers need to develop both customer-appropriate and effective packaging whilst reducing costs,” comments Eric Wiesner, General Manager, PageWide Web Press Division at HP. “With the combined expertise of HP and KBA, we have now launched the world’s most productive roll printing press for corrugated. The HP PageWide Web Press T1100S allows finishers in the high-end sector to offer added value by combining pre-print and digital printing in one machine.”


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The first customer for the HP T1100S was DS Smith Packaging. The company was interested because in comparison to standard analogue printing technologies, the system offers considerably greater productivity and flexibility, particularly with small and medium sized runs. Thanks to its high productivity of over 30,000 square meters of printed area per hour, the press can be used cost-effectively for large runs as well. The Brits are clearly taking the project very seriously as they have already been experimenting for a year with the T400 system purchased specifically for this purpose.

Another current example in the corrugated card market comes from Bobst. At the last drupa in 2012, CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst announced that his company was developing a digital printing system. The project, shrouded in secrecy, is now in use with beta testers just a little over three years later, specifically at Model in Switzerland and at Schumacher in Germany. This industrial digital solution for printing packaging and displays made from corrugated material uses Kodak’s Stream Inkjet technology and offers not only intense colour reproduction and one of the highest print resolutions available, but also functions with food-compatible printing inks.

The digital sheet press designed for four-colour printing on a wide range of uncoated and coated corrugated permits the personalisation of runs large and small of packaging and displays at high speeds. At an outstanding speed of up to 200 metres a minute, the new press delivers high quality on sheets up to a maximum size of 1.3 x 2.1 metres.

Special applicationsThese days, digital packaging printing is not restricted to just the areas mentioned above. Labels and codes are not covered in this article as that would be far beyond its scope. However, there is a range of special applications that shows just how versatile and creative digital printing can be in practical use. Here are two examples:

The German start-up company mymuesli recently installed a Heidelberg Jetmaster Dimension at its site in Heidelberg for the customised printing of muesli packaging. That means you can not only buy your favourite muesli but you can also design your own muesli container yourself with a picture and text.

The Jetmaster Dimension was modified for mymuesli’s special requirements and installed in the company’s Heidelberg print shop. It is the first machine of this type that Heidelberg has installed directly in a retail outlet.

The filling machine manufacturer KHS has, together with Xaar, implemented a project where printing is carried out directly onto PET bottles at the Belgian Martens Brouwerij. The digital direct printing system uses Xaar 1002 GS6 print heads and achieves a physical resolution of 360 dpi where text and graphics are printed using low-migration LED inks in 4C plus white. This means that 12,000 bottles an hour can be printed directly. “The system now allows us to change graphics in just minutes rather than weeks,” confirms Phil Johnson at NMP, the KHS subsidiary that developed this system. “The use of digital technologies gives the packaging industry the ability to participate in the micro marketing trend. The option to add new designs to bottles on the fly is a powerful marketing tool that permits brands to localise and personalise their products in a customer-oriented manner,” Phil Johnson, Managing Director, NMP.

Looking ahead to drupaVisitors to drupa 2016 will certainly see several solutions that demonstrate the implementation of digital technology in the packaging industry. One example of this is Bennty Landa’s nanotechnology that this time will be shown with a complete system for packaging production. It is a fascinating sector that will be stimulated by all of these developments. And above all… this is a growth market. Good news for the industry!


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SummaryWhereas digital printing has succeeded in establishing its value in the traditional areas of the print media industry, adoption has been a bit slower in the packaging industry with the exception of the label printing market, which began adopting digital print technologies relatively early.

This is due to the fact that until recently, relevant digital systems were not available; the requirements of the packaging industry are com-pletely different from those in the traditional printing industry, and the players in the slightly conservative packaging industry have taken a little time to adopt a digital future. But every journey begins with the first step, and increasing numbers of producers and customers are recognising the benefits of digital packaging print and implementing the technology.

According to the latest forecasts, the volume of the worldwide print market is set to grow to 420 billion euros by 2020 from a current level of around 407 billion – following the significant decline in the years between 2008 and 2010 from 438 billion euros to 407 billion euros. The projected figures show very clearly that packaging print is the only area of the industry that will grow significantly, with an increase of 3.3% per year, to claim a share of the overall market of 141 billion euros by the year 2020.

Consumers demand greater choice, and brands must work to differentiate themselves in order to acquire market share. Packaging is playing an increasingly important role in winning over consumers at the shelf. Packaging needs to impress customers and appeal to all of their senses.

Fundamentally, the market – including digital solutions – can be divided into four sectors: labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated. Each of these areas has its own dynamics and characteristics. The label market was the first to recognise the benefits of digital printing. The other markets are now following the same trends, but not at the same speed or via the same route. The label market is some 10 to 12 years corrugated on the digital adoption scale, as an example.

What also makes digital printing attractive are demographic developments. There are increasing numbers of single person households with purchasing behaviours that differ from those of larger families, including quantities purchased and shopping budget. In addition, households of the 50-plus generation have unique requirements for packaging. Plus consumers are more sensitive cost and environ-mental issues as well as convenience. For packaging producers, this means that they are handling a larger number of smaller orders.

contact person:Press centre for drupa 2016Monika Kissing/Anne Schröer (Assistant)

E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

Tel.: +49 (0)211-4560 543Tel.: +49(0)211-4560 465

Fax: +49 (0)211-4560 87543

more information on www.drupa.com follow us on social media:

5

SummaryWhereas digital printing has succeeded in establishing its value in the traditional areas of the print media industry, adoption has been a bit slower in the packaging industry with the exception of the label printing market, which began adopting digital print technologies relatively early.

This is due to the fact that until recently, relevant digital systems were not available; the requirements of the packaging industry are com-pletely different from those in the traditional printing industry, and the players in the slightly conservative packaging industry have taken a little time to adopt a digital future. But every journey begins with the first step, and increasing numbers of producers and customers are recognising the benefits of digital packaging print and implementing the technology.

According to the latest forecasts, the volume of the worldwide print market is set to grow to 420 billion euros by 2020 from a current level of around 407 billion – following the significant decline in the years between 2008 and 2010 from 438 billion euros to 407 billion euros. The projected figures show very clearly that packaging print is the only area of the industry that will grow significantly, with an increase of 3.3% per year, to claim a share of the overall market of 141 billion euros by the year 2020.

Consumers demand greater choice, and brands must work to differentiate themselves in order to acquire market share. Packaging is playing an increasingly important role in winning over consumers at the shelf. Packaging needs to impress customers and appeal to all of their senses.

Fundamentally, the market – including digital solutions – can be divided into four sectors: labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and corrugated. Each of these areas has its own dynamics and characteristics. The label market was the first to recognise the benefits of digital printing. The other markets are now following the same trends, but not at the same speed or via the same route. The label market is some 10 to 12 years corrugated on the digital adoption scale, as an example.

What also makes digital printing attractive are demographic developments. There are increasing numbers of single person households with purchasing behaviours that differ from those of larger families, including quantities purchased and shopping budget. In addition, households of the 50-plus generation have unique requirements for packaging. Plus consumers are more sensitive cost and environ-mental issues as well as convenience. For packaging producers, this means that they are handling a larger number of smaller orders.

contact person:Press centre for drupa 2016Monika Kissing/Anne Schröer (Assistant)

E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

Tel.: +49 (0)211-4560 543Tel.: +49(0)211-4560 465

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Konica Minolta Business Solutions, a global technological company specializing in office imaging equipment’s, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services recently announced the recipient of the Brand Keys’ Customer Loyalty Award for the ninth consecutive year. This was the 21st annual survey conducted by Brand Keys, a New York-based brand engagement and customer loyalty research consultancy (brandkeys). Ratings were based on a brand’s ability to meet customers’ expectations and do so better than its competition in the category in which it competes. In a marketplace where consumers’ expectations change quickly and brands struggle to create meaningful differentiation and engagement, those better able to identify customers’ expectations and address them via authentic emotional values will see tangible bottom-line results On this Occasion Mr. Yuji Nakata, MD Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt Ltd said “The Brand Keys recognition supports our commitment

to customers and to delivering reliable document management solutions and services year after year, we have immense pride to retain the position this year too.”

Konica Minolta conferred As #1 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty For Ninth Consecutive Year

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.: Konica Minolta Business Solutions is a leader in advanced imaging and networking technologies from the desktop to the print shop. Konica Minolta is the global developer, manufacturer of multi-functional peripherals (MFPs), printers, equipment for production print systems and graphic arts, equipment for healthcare systems, measuring instruments for industrial and healthcare applications, inkjet print heads and textile printers for industrial use, and related consumables and solution services. It is also engaged in the development, manufacturing and sale of electronic materials (including TAC films), lighting source panels, functional films (including heat insulation films), and optical products (including lens units). To know more please visit http://www.konicaminolta.in


“This year we will present a full range of features for business process automation that will make our users faster and more profitable. C3 users will have cost leadership in the organization,” explained Tobias Theurer, managing director at theurer.com.C3 Business Intelligence DashboardsThe C3 business intelligence dashboards bring together all of the important figures and information in a management cockpit. The key elements of a BI dashboard are the adjustable user interface and the ability to combine real-time data from various areas. With just one click on a dashboard, different interest groups, such as sales, production, or controlling, receive the information that is relevant to them and always up to date. One example for the use of a dashboard is a production cockpit that shows production output, on-time performance, costs of errors, and capacity at a glance, with all of this information always up to date. The dashboard visualizes the key results in clear and well-organized graphic form, making it easy to monitor.

New multilingual user interface C3.2016The user interface for the core software was also updated from scratch in the current version, C3.2016. The high-performance technology is completely new with a user-friendly, intuitive user interface in the style of Office 2016 that can be customized very easily by users to meet individual needs. The user interface also offers many new language variations with any desired color and layout schematic and consistent unicode-capable presentation of character sets, like those for Chinese and Cyrillic fonts. C3.2016 is a consistent step from theurer.com in the direction of future-oriented and user-friendly performance.New C3 Cloud EditionThe C3 Cloud Edition is available starting with Drupa, and it supplements

the well-established license editions. C3 is hosted in a high security data center as a “public cloud”, or in your facility as a “private cloud”. With both models, modules and users can be flexibly added on a monthly basis. The monthly hosting charge includes maintenance and the hotline so that users receive high cost transparency.

With the public cloud option, theurer.com handles the operation and maintenance of the software, and data security is carried out daily at the data center. With the private cloud option, you host the installation yourself, and have company-critical data right in your facility. You benefit here from the flexibility with monthly booking of users and modules.

World premiere: JDF automation with HP Indigo 20000 and 30000

As part of the HP SmartStream Solution partner program, theurer.com has reached another milestone with the Job Definition Format (JDF)/Job Messaging Format (JMF) automation between theurer.com C3, the HP Indigo Digital Front End (DFE), and the HP SmartStream label and packaging print server. As a result, jobs for labels, flexible packaging, and folding cartons from theurer.com C3 can be automatically transferred

to the DFE and are ready to print. This eliminates the need for the manual processing of the print jobs, since all relevant production parameters are defined and stored in C3. Along with the color strategy, ink set, PDF file, Indigo material, and finishing marks, the layout for the respective dies are defined using the optimal width and repeat length of the HP Indigo Digital Press. The JDF integration not only improves efficiency by eliminating the need for processing at the HP Indigo front end, but also provides long-term process reliability.

Mobile CRM – mobile access from smartphoneQuickly enter a new contact, visit report, create a “to do” list or get an overview of what needs to be done while you are on the road. With the newly developed C3 mobile CRM solution, the client and contact management is easy to use “right from your jacket pocket.” Whether you want to view current sales stats, accounts receivable, etc. during an appointment with a client, need to get an overview of your upcoming appointments from home the evening before, or want to monitor production output during the night shift, with mobile access to live data you can get the results without a time delay. The data recorded is available to you immediately in your C3 ERP/MIS.

New products for Drupa 2016 – theurer.com C3 ERP/MIS softwaretheurer.com presents several new innovations in ERP/MIS software theurer.com C3 for printing and packaging production at the Drupa 2016 trade show. In addition to the new business intelligence dashboards, JDF automations with HP Indigo 20000 and 30000, and the new C3 cloud edition, the new user interface C3.2016 and the C3 mobile CRM app will also be introduced.

Companyprofiletheurer.comtheurer.com C3 is the leading ERP/MIS business management software for print and packaging. C3 covers every process of your business – from estimating and sales to production planning all the way through to logistics andcontrolling.C3offerspreconfiguredBusinessTemplatesas„BestPractice” solutions for specialized companies like manufacturers of labels, flexiblepackaging,foldingcartonsorcorrugatedproducts.Witharound30employees we support our customers with their daily business in C3. More than 150 enterprises with more than 3.000 users organize their processes with C3 every day.


In June 2014, Dutch Princess Laurentien pressed the start button on the first 96-page LITHOMAN at printshop Em. de Jong. The system runs outstandingly and the Dutch have invested in a second high-volume rotary press in Baarle-Nassau. In the first half of 2016, the 96-page LITHOMAN will take up operation and continue to increase the performance in supplement production. “For us as a press manufacturer, repeat purchases are, of course, a fantastic confirmation of our work. Recently customers have purchased several 96-page LITHOMAN presses, proving their unique performance,”statesSixtenZapf,ExecutiveSalesManageratmanrolandweb systems. The customers of Em. de Jong will benefit from the innovative technology and fast order processing. Managing Director Stijn de Jong represents the fourth generation in this printing dynasty and knows, “We have to expand our company applying an integrated approach. This is why we are also modernizing the existing equipment at our sites, in addition to our new investment. Two further LITHOMAN presses will receive technical upgrades for more variable production.”

Automation as the key to successFor a market leader like Em. de Jong, not investing means taking a step backwards. High capacities, premium printing quality, and folding accuracy: this is what the 96-page LITHOMAN, which will replace an older press, has to offer the pressroom. “On the one hand, the customer appreciates that maximum productivity is ensured permanently. On the other hand, the customer commends the absolutely reliable production process,” states SixtenZapf,adding,“ForEm.de Jong, the flexible production options and enormous, maximum output are also important.” Stijn de Jong: “This investment is necessary for us to maintain and reinforce our position in the increasingly globalized printing industry. In addition, with the new press we can produce new products and offer them to our customers.” With the two 96-page presses and the upgraded LITHOMAN systems, Em. de Jong can now respond even better to increasing demand from the international market.

This high market demand is the result of the hard work of the Dutch over the past few decades, with innovative products such as POS packages and online solutions. The high level of automation at Em. de Jong is the key to successful production for trade, as Managing Director Stijn de Jong explains: “The flexible, automatic plate changes and job changeovers, and the special folding equipment make our production enormously versatile and dynamic. We are able to efficiently print the runs we need and do not lose valuable production time or waste any paper.

Most productive heatset systems in BeneluxThe two 96-page LITHOMAN systems will be the most high-

performance heatset printing presses in the Benelux region. With a web width of 2,860 mm and eight ribbons, the 96-page LITHOMAN will produce nearly five million A4 pages per hour. The Inline control systems for cut-off and color register, as well as ink control, ensure optimum product quality. APL (AutomaticPlate Loading) changes the printing plates on the printing couples fully automatically. The folding configuration realizes a wide variety of printed products – the customer was already impressed with this product diversity with the first 96-page LITHOMAN.

Upgrades at further locationsCustomers of printed products want variable, creative print and advertising products and Em. de Jong will align further locations to these requirements. Upgrades to increase product diversity will take top priority. The 72-page LITHOMAN in Baarle-Nassau will be equipped with an additional folding unit to produce special printed products. After moving to Mercator in Jabbeke, a recently purchased, used 72-page LITHOMAN will be equipped with a folder superstructure and a second delivery for cross-fold products.

Royal printshop Em. de Jong invests in second

96-page LITHOMAN press from manroland web systemsDutch printshop Em. de Jong invests in another high-volume heatset system and upgrades to existing LITHOMAN presses

Royal printshop Em. de Jong invests in second 96-page LITHOMAN press from manroland web systems| © manroland web systems

Royal printshop Em. De Jong ordered a second 96-page LITHOMAN to expand its capacities. The LITHOMAN S is supposed to take up operation in 2016, while existing equipment will be expanded for a wider product diversity.

About Em. de JongEm. de Jong and its subsidiaries Mercator Press, Janssen/Pers Rotatiedruk, and Kampert-Nauta are counted among the most important players on the European market for retail advertising. In the subsidiaries in the NetherlandsandBelgium,around 750 employees work on print solutions for the main distribution countries oftheNetherlands,Belgium,Germany, France, and England.


The Dutch specialist in measurement and control systems for the printing industry, Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC), is set to intensify its partnership with China-based Hunan Xinhua. In addition to the QIPC equipment already installed on its book and newspaper presses, Hunan Xinhua has now placed an order for two mRC-3Ds for automatic colour register on its new Goss book printing press. The two mRC-3Ds will be fitted with Ink Mist Shield (IMS) and a new folder will also be installed in the printing plant, which is located in the south-western city of Shaoyang.

Positive experiencesHunan Xinhua knows exactly what it’s getting with the QIPC systems. Its positive experiences with them in the past were instrumental in its decision to invest in QIPC’s measurement and control systems for the new book printing press. “We have placed three previous orders with QIPC”, explains Xintao Lee, deputy General Manager of Hunan Xinhua. “We’re happy with their systems and know that they deliver superior quality and stable performances. QIPC has an extremely good name in the marketplace. With that reason in mind too, we opted to use QIPC on our new press.”

The mRC-3Ds will enable the colour register to be controlled completely automatically on the press from now on. In terms of speed, the mRC-3D camera is second to none and is able to give accurate measurements independently of the focal distance and irregularities in the paper web. This means extremely short response times as a result of which waste can be substantially reduced. The mRC-3D detection camera is now equipped with double sensors. The double sensor technology not only doubles the

Q.I. Press Controls lands major order from Chinese printer

mRC-3D in action

possibilities, but can also handle depth more efficiently. This concept has proven its value when it comes to unsteady paper web routings and/or surfaces. IMS ensures that the optics on the mRC-3Ds can be cleaned using removable glass. “We expect that the system will maintain our high standards of quality and keep waste to a minimum,” adds Xintao Lee.

Hunan XinhuaHunan Xinhua is a large state-owned company operating in the South-west of China, which is also stockexchange listed. The company’s headquarters is in the city of Changsha, about 200 kilometres from Shaoyang, where the two

New Goss book printing press at HuNan Xinhua

mRC-3Ds will be installed. The company, which prints around 25 million copies annually, has a total workforce of 2,200 employees. “The mRC-3D, which Hunan Xinhua is already using on an existing press, helped convince them of the system”, explains Paul Yu, Managing Director of QIPC China. “They were so satisfied with it, it wasn’t difficult for them to buy the mRC-3D for their new press as well.” The Chinese company has high hopes of this collaboration in the future. To this end, Hunan Xinhua is looking beyond just the installation of the two mRC-3Ds. Xintao Lee: “We are looking forward to QIPC developing even more interesting products in the future.”

About Q.I. Press Controls:Q.I. Press Controls develops and delivers innovative, high quality optical measure and control systems. We are globally active in the newspaper and magazine printing industry. Our total solutions are supported by a worldwide service network. These reliable systems are proven in the market of existing and new printing presses and offer our customers structural better results. I am here… for you For more information: www.qipc.com


The winners of the application categories are:

Category Company

Point of Purchase Products – Paper & Board McGowansPoint of Purchase Products – Plastic Spectrum Scan Pvt LtdPosters, Single Sheets and Multi-Sheets Midiprint LLCOriginal Serigraphies, Giclées and Fine Art Christian M. Walter - Taller de

Serigrafía – EdiciónDecals, Printed Labels and Fleet Marking MakeCoverSpecial Effect Printing Midiprint LLCSpecial Effect T-Shirt and Garment Printing Tarun Printing Works pvt. Ltd.Roll-to-Roll Printed Textile The Look CompanyGlass, Ceramic, Metal and Wood Products P&P PromotionDirect Printing on Three Dimensional Products Matoshri GraphicsNon Printed Signage Sign of the TimesMiscellaneous University of Applied Sciences

Munich

Also announced at the Awards Gala Dinner were the winners of the four non-application focused categories.

The 2016 People’s Choice of the Year Award, voted for online by FESPA’s global print community from the shortlisted entries, was presented to Flyerline of Switzerland.

The Best in Show Award, decided by the judges across all of the entries that they felt offered the most outstanding example of print, went to The Look Company from Qatar for its entry titled ‘Look at the Possibilities’ in the roll-

Fespa Announces 2016 Award Winners FESPA has revealed the winners of its 2016 Awards at its annual Gala Dinner, which took place at Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam.

Winner of Best in Show_The Look Company Winner of Category 6 Special Effects_Midi Print

to-roll printed textile category.

The FESPA Awards, part of FESPA’s Profit for Purpose reinvestment philosophy, celebrates print excellence and aims to inspire and motivate the global print community to push the boundaries of print.

Winner of Category 9 Roll-to-roll printed textile_The Look Company



More and more manufacturers get the customer involved in the product and packaging design. The beverage bottle with your own name on the label, the shampoo with the self-made photo on it or the cereal mixed according to the own recipe: If you want, you can give many products a personal touch. The personalisation of products is an important trend. A personal label or a personalised packaging is very popular and the customers are willing to spend money for this personalisation.

This trend offers companies the opportunity to cater even more individually to the wishes and needs of their customers and to retain them in the long term to their product and the company.

However, in the production of personalised labels the manufacturers are faced with the challenge that the individual label can be produced only after the order has been received and that it is then required only in single or very short runs.

The LX900e Color Label Printer by manufacturer Primera Technology with its high resolution print output, the easy handling and the separate ink cartridges offers the perfect solution, whether you print just one or a small edition of labels at a time.

The desktop printer LX900e with a print resolution of up to 4800 dpi allows professional printing of individual full-colour labels and therefore enables to respond quickly to customer needs.

In addition, certain elements can be accentuated by imprinting them with gold, silver or different colour foils using Primera’s FX400e Foil Imprinter. The shiny metallic effect emphasises the high quality and value of the personalised product. Primera’s label product range is completed by the AP-Series Label Applicators. The AP362e Label Applicator for applying front and back labels to round containers and the AP550e Flat-Surface Label Applicator for square sided bottles, boxes, pouches and bags apply labels faster, more accurately and wrinkle-free in exactly the location desired.

Primera’s full range of Label Production Solutions at the 20th Natural & Organic Products EuropePrimera printing systems allow an easy personalisation of high-quality product labels

This gives finished products a highly professional look and significantly increases the number of containers that can be labelled per hour versus manually applying labels.In order to introduce food and organic products manufacturers to the range of possible applications of a fast and easy label production, Primera exhibits at the 20th Natural & Organic Products Europe in London, April 17 and 18, 2016. On their stand # M21, Primera employees will happily inform visitors about its label printing equipment, the wide range of label materials and their different usability.

Complete product details are available at http://primeralabel.eu. Follow Primera on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/primeraeurope and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/primeraeu.

Commenting on the UK success, Filip Weymans, Director Segment Marketing

and Business Development Labels and Packaging at Xeikon, said: “We have a very strong installed base of label and packaging presses in the UK. They give us regular feedback on the market and their ever-increasing levels of success. Many have been saying that they are running close to capacity with their existing equipment and have been asking us for an even faster solution. We have now developed a press that can provide them with the speed that they need, and customers are showing their commitment to Xeikon and its products by investing in the new product.”

The Xeikon CX3, aka “Cheetah”, is the fastest digital five color label press in its league, being able to produce up to 30 meters per minute. In real terms it is even more productive than that due to the fact that users can now take on longer run orders. This speed increase has been combined with new toner products meaning that users have the potential to open up new and exciting markets.

Commenting on his company’s second investment, CS Labels Managing director Simon Smith said, “Our existing Xeikon CX3 has enabled us to work smarter and faster and it has given us the extra capacity. The purchase of the second Xeikon CX3 was solely driven by customer demand. We’ve

seen a definite transition to digital label printing from flexo and other traditional methods. Quite simply more and more customers are making the switch for reasons of lead times, quality, multiple SKU ability and personalisation.

“Digital is truly no longer confined to shorter print runs and our longest run is now 84,000 linear meters, which would have been unheard of five years ago.”

Further refinements to the manufacturing process for the toner for the Xeikon CX3 have enhanced the QA-Cheetah toner product. This latest enhancement is based on Xeikon’s groundbreaking ICE Toner development, which offered fusing at lower operating temperatures, allowing the label press to run heat sensitive substrates. Whilst the Xeikon CX3 is the new top of the range offering from the company, there is still a choice of equipment for companies entering the sector for the first time. “Xeikon still offer the most comprehensive range of digital label presses,” confirmed Filip Weymans. “The Xeikon CX3 offers a significant advancement for customers seeking to expand their production, but other businesses may not need the full capabilities of such a machine right now. Our upgrade path, however, will allow them to develop their business and their label production over time.”

Packaging Innovations: labels and cartons success for XeikonLeading digital press supplier Xeikon enjoyed yet another successful Packaging Innovations show in Birmingham at the end of February. The company was celebrating the sale of its fifth Xeikon CX3 digital label press in the UK following the decision of fellow show exhibitor CS Labels to invest in its second such machine.

Another recent customer for the machine, The LabelMakers of Bradford, were also exhibiting at Packaging Innovations. Further Xeikon CX3 units have been installed at Abbey Labels in Bury St. Edmunds and at Mercian Labels in Staffordshire. 46 | March-April 2016 | Printing Review

Xeikon and CartonsIn addition to labels Xeikon has also been making significant advances in the digital production of cartonboard products. The Xeikon 3500 system installed at Glossop Cartons was being showcased by the packaging production company at Packaging Innovations, where it was showing samples from its digital carton printing solution. The concept of short run, personalised digitally printed cartons is one that the company were keen to illustrate to an enthusiastic market seeking new and exciting solutions.

Filip Weymans commented, “Glossop Cartons are a very innovative company. Short run, eye catching solutions are an important element within the carton sector, and our folding carton suite has been developed with that in mind. Our products are never going to compete with the volume packaging produced by offset – that’s not what we are aiming for – but we can produce short run, highly innovative packs that many companies are now seeking in order to differentiate their products from their competition.”

The Xeikon Folding Carton Suite is based around the Xeikon 3500 digital colour printing press. It is designed to deliver cut sheets of B2 format printed board, and beyond, printed in five colours, with inline spot varnishing, with application-tuned dry toner. The toner images created deliver food safe printing with

lightfastness, and without the use of any mineral oils. The 1200 dpi quality delivers image quality indistinguishable of offset printing.

Further Integration with LabelTraxxThe company was hosting LabelTraxx on its stand at the show. The US based business provides fully-integrated management software for label converters. LabelTraxx is set to release its latest update incorporating further integration with Xeikon label presses. In addition to providing detailed job information to the press, the software will be capable of receiving toner usage information back from the Xeikon, allowing it to compare actual usage with the original quote.

LabelTraxx is a cross-platform MIS, running on both iOS and Windows operating systems. More than 400 label and commercial printers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia and the Caribbean rely on LabelTraxx to manage and monitor their businesses. LabelTraxx consists of twelve modules - each a complete end-to-end solution that contains

everything needed to streamline communication and manage the modern flexo and digital label printing business. Modules include estimating, order processing, job costing, accounts, and stock management.

ABOUT XEIKONXeikon is an innovator in digital printing technology. The company designs, develops and delivers web-fed digital color presses for labels and packaging applications, document printing, as well as commercial printing. These presses utilize LED-array-based dry toner electrophotography, open workflow software and application-specific toners.

As an OEM supplier, Xeikon designs and produces plate makers for newspaper offset printing applications. Xeikon also manufactures basysPrint computer-to-plate (CtP) solutions for the commercial printing market. These proven CtP systems combine the latest exposure techniques with cost-efficient UV plate technology, high imaging quality and flexibility.

For the flexographic market, Xeikon offers digital platemaking systems under the ThermoFlexX brand name. ThermoFlexX systems provide high resolution plate exposure including screening, color management, as well as workflow management. All the Xeikon solutions are designed with the overarching principles of profitability, quality, flexibility and sustainability in mind. With these guiding principles and a deep, intimate knowledge of its customers, Xeikon continues to be one of the industry’s leading innovators of products and solutions.

For more information, visit www.xeikon.com,


Mid-volume PSPs face a gap in the market, requiring faster

production speeds than what entry-level equipment can deliver but at a lower cost of ownership than high-end industrial presses. With the new HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press and HP HDR245 Scitex Inks, HP is expanding its HP Scitex High Dynamic Range (HDR) portfolio, now installed in over 30 countries worldwide, and reinventing the mid-volume industrial category by making high-quality production at speed even more affordable.

“Sign and display PSPs are constantly challenged with finding

HP Inc. Reinvents Mid-Volume Industrial Category for Sign & Display Print ProvidersNew HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press and HP HDR245 Scitex Inks announced at FESPA Digital 2016HP Inc. recently introduced the HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press and HP HDR245 Scitex Inks, enabling more sign and display print service providers (PSPs) to capture industrial production speeds at an entry-level investment.

engine speed. With its manual media handling, productivity is operator dependent and can reach up to 60 beds/hour.(1) Reaching up to a 500,000 m2/year (5,381,955 ft2/year) duty cycle, the HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press enables customers to print a range of applications, including point-of-purchase signs and displays. Additionally, the press is upgradeable, allowing customers to scale production according to their quality and productivity needs as their businesses grow.

New HP HDR245 Scitex Inks offer cost-effective production on flexible as well as rigid and select plastic medias, providing higher-quality at faster speeds.(2) The new, low odor inks enable longer runs with minimal maintenance intervention and can eliminate the need for additional protective overcoats due to their flexibility and surface durability, ultimately reducing production times as well as

operational costs.(3) HP HDR245 Scitex Inks provide a wide color gamut with up to 86 percent pantone coverage and print longevity of up to two years outdoors.(4, 5)

The HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press will be commercially available beginning June 1, 2016.(6)

HP at FESPA 2016In addition to announcing its latest HP Scitex HDR technology advancements, HP is also showcasing its broad portfolio of industry-leading large-format solutions,(7) including:

• TheHPLatex310,HP Latex 360 and HP Latex 370 Printers, representing the No.1 low-volume printer series,(7)which help customers efficiently expand large-format applications with improved durability and image quality.• TheHPLatex3500Printer, ideal for high-volume

the right printing solutions that fit both their business needs and budget,” said Xavier Garcia, vice president and general manager, Large Format Printing, HP. “The affordable new HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press and HP HDR245 Scitex Inks enable more customers to take advantage of the quality and productivity of HP Scitex HDR printing technology for higher-value jobs, while offering a clear upgrade path for customers as their printing needs evolve over time.”

Competitive offering for mid-volume marketThe HP Scitex 9000 Industrial Press provides up to 90 beds/hour


dedicated application production.• TheHPScitexFB750Industrial Printer providing increased quality, versatility, ease of use, compactness and reliability, as well as the ability to print on rigid and flexible media. • TheHPPageWideXL8000 Printer, the fastest large-format monochrome and color printer ever,(8) redefining technical production with up to 50 percent savings in total production costs.(9) • TheHPWallArtSuite,the first open platform in the large-format market that allows the integration of different digital content applications and new application development.• TheHPDesignJetZ3200andZ6200PhotoProductionPrinters, delivering high-quality output at high speeds and enabling PSPs to expand their offering to include top photo-quality prints, backlit signs, POP displays, roll-up banners, canvases and more.

More information about HP large-format sign and display printing

solutions is available at www.hp.com/go/graphic-arts, on the HP Graphic Arts YouTube channel, @HPGraphicArts on Twitter and on the HP for Designers Facebook page.

About HP Inc.HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through our portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, we engineer experiences that amaze. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.(1) Required 20-40 seconds for loading/unloading (2) Compared to HP HDR250 Scitex Inks(3) HP HDR245 Scitex Inks are formulated to produce low-odor prints that are tested according to the DIN EN 1230-1 odor standard for paper and board. Print odor is rated on a scale of 0 (no perceptible odor) to 4 (strong odor). Print odor with HP HDR245 Scitex Inks at POP Production is rated 1-2 for prints produced in matte mode. Odor test results validated by internal HP testing.(4) HP HDR245 Scitex Inks color gamut based on December 2015 internal HP testing to 2 dE2000, in HQ POP Gloss mode.(5) Up to two years at outdoors illumination conditions(6) Availability will be country dependent and subject to change.(7) Based on IDC market research as of August 2015 specific to the low-volume digital large format market:Size=42-44”, 45-71” and super-wideToner/Ink Type=Aqueous, Solvent, Eco Solvent and LatexMedia Output: Roll-to-RollSource: IDC WW Quarterly LFP Tracker, Final Historical 2Q15, Aug 2015(8) Fastest based on internal HP testing and methodology compared to alternatives for large-format printing of technical documents, GIS maps, and point-of-sale (POS) posters under $200,000 USD as of March, 2015. Production costs savings based on comparison to a setup consisting of one monochrome LED printer and one color production printer, both under $150,000 USD, as of April, 2015. Production costs consist of supplies and service costs, printer energy costs, and operator costs. For testing criteria, see hp.com/go/pagewidexlclaims.(9) HP PageWide XL 8000 printing at up to 30 D/A1 pages/minute for large-format printing of technical documents, GIS maps, and point-of-sale (POS) posters compared with printers under $200,000 USD as of March, 2015 including 36-inch wide LED printers (printing up 22 D/A1 pages/minute) and printers based on Memjet technology (printing up to 800 D/A1 pages/hour) based on internal HP testing. Production costs savings based on HP PageWide XL 8000 Printer compared with a combination of a monochrome LED printer and a color production printer, both under $150,000 USD, as of April, 2015; testing criteria and production cost detail assumptions available upon request.


The leading international trade fair for print and cross-media solutions kicks off with a new strategic focus, improved scheduling over eleven days, a new look and greater frequency running every three years. Under the motto “touch the future” drupa places the industry’s innovative power centre stage and provides a platform for future technologies. The focus is especially on next-generation and highlight themes such as print, packaging production, multichannel, 3D printing, functional printing or green printing.

“With this strategic reorientation and its focus on future and highlight themes we are obviously on the right track. Because the response of international upstream suppliers to the industry has been very good –

which was not a given in view of the difficult market environment,” explains Werner M. Dornscheidt, President & CEO at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. To the tune of some 1,650 exhibitors from over 50 countries will give impressive proof of the versatility and innovative power of their sector from 31 May to 10 June 2016 in all 19 Düsseldorf exhibition halls. “International global players and market leaders will present themselves alongside aspiring newcomers and innovative outfits from throughout the world. The complete spectrum of print and cross-media exhibits and topics will be represented. Such a comprehensive 360° view of the entire industry is provided by nobody but drupa,” underlines Dornscheidt.

The mega trend at drupa 2016 will be Print 4.0 as Claus Bolza-Schünemann, Chairman of the drupa Committee and Chairman of the Board at Koenig &

Mega Trend Print 4.0 and the Digital Networking of Machines and Systems

drupa 2016 – Touch the Future


Bauer AG explains. “Print 4.0 enables individualisation and personalisation in digital printing. In the face of high-quality packaging and the rapidly diversifying range of solutions in industrial and functional printing this digital networking of machines and systems offers the solution and guarantee for efficiency and competitiveness. Print 4.0 is the mega trend at drupa 2016. This is very clear even at this early stage.”

Added Value: Technical Side EventsThe programme of accompanying technical events – including the drupa innovation park, drupa cube, the brands PEPSO (Printed Electronics Products and Solutions), 3D fab + print and “touchpoint packaging” – is a substantial enhancement offering target visitor groups real added benefit.One of the most important highlight themes at drupa 2016 is packaging production. According to current forecasts, the packaging market will grow to US $ 985 billion by 2018. A dedicated Special Show, “touchpoint packaging” comprising some 20 participating exhibitors, reflects the relevance of this market. This special forum in Hall 12 (Stand B53) has been designed and organised in close cooperation with the european packaging design association (epda), Europe’s leading association of brand and packaging agencies. To cater even better to the special needs of the various user industries, “touchpoint packaging” is divided up into four “future labs” namely “food & beverage”, “non-food”, “pharma” and “cosmetics”.

Another highlight theme at drupa 2016 is 3D printing. The potential of these additive manufacturing technologies for any vertical markets should

not be underestimated. “The spare parts business in mechanical engineering or packaging design offer particularly great opportunities for machine producers, users but also print service providers,” says Sabine Geldermann, Director of drupa. The touchpoint 3D fab+print featured in Hall 7A (Stand C41) reflects this spectrum. As part of this special show the latest technical developments are presented here as well as visions and exciting examples of best-practice. Technology suppliers & users, exhibitors & visitors, visionaries & practitioners can all meet here for dialogue and drive this exciting subject forward.

Another major future theme at drupa 2016 is functional printing. Across the globe there are many application examples for printed electronics. Touch sensors on furniture surfaces, Bluetooth loudspeakers from paper or conductive inks are no longer science fiction thanks to innovative printing technology. drupa 2016 picks up on this highlight theme not at one but several points:

1. Under the PEPSO brands various exhibitors will be represented with stands on the theme of Printed Electronics Products and Solutions.2. The OE-A (Organic Electronics Association) covers the topic with its members at “dip” (Hall 7.0).3. ESMA, the European for Screenprinting, Digitial and Flexoprinting Technologies, addresses this issue with a programme in Hall 6 (Stand C02) and Hall 3 (Stand A70).4. And finally, VDMA (Hall 7A, Stand B13) also offers a number of activities at its “Showcase Industrial Printing” feature.

Impulse-generating innovations and business case studies for process-driven print and publishing solutions are centre stage at drupa innovation park, where young companies and start-ups as well as global players are

presented with pioneering solutions. For visitors the so-called “dip” in Hall 7.0 has the hard-to-beat benefit of allowing them to explore trend-setting innovations, solutions and business case studies on an easy-to-manage area. Presentations, lectures and interviews at the “dip energy lounge” round off the ranges displayed by approx. 130 exhibitors.

The drupa cube has opted for a new approach under the heading “Entertaining, Educating, Engaging”. This event and congress programme (Hall 6, Stand D03) will centre on the innovative power of printing and the multi-faceted possible applications of printed products across a multitude of industries and spheres of life. The organisers succeeded in enlisting the multi-national The Medici Group founded and headed by CEO Frans Johannsson as an innovation partner. With his book “The Medici Effect” Johannsson caused a tremendous stir and has been associated with thinking and acting out of the box, known since then as the “out-of-the-box principle”. In addition to two keynotes on 31 May and 2 June the agenda will feature some 40 lectures by international experts.

drupa is open daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm (on weekends to 5.00 pm). 1-day tickets cost Euro 45 online and Euro 65 purchased at the ticket office. 3-day tickets are available online for Euro 120 (Euro 175 at the ticket office) while 5-day tickets are Euro 190 (Euro 290 at the ticket office). Students and trainees pay Euro 15 online instead of Euro 25 at ticket offices. All drupa tickets include free return trips to the Exhibition Centre by bus, light rail and trains within the networks of the Rhein-Ruhr (VRR) and Rhein-Sieg (VRS) transport authorities (on non-supplement trains, travelling 2nd class). For more information on the network go to http://www.vrr.de and www.vrs-info.de.


The global printing ink manufacturer for packaging, labels, and catalogs will present its wide range of products, solutions, and services from May 31 to June 10 at drupa 2016 in Duesseldorf, Germany. Siegburg, Germany, March 14, 2016. – With the motto “We color the future”, the global printing ink manufacturer Siegwerk will be demonstrating its products and services portfolio at drupa 2016 to address current and future industry trends. Best-in-class ink performance, high product safety, and excellent services are the company’s main pillars to support their customers and meet their individual needs with cutting-edge solutions. Visitors can get in touch with experts of one of the world’s leading ink manufacturers for packaging printing at Booth A58 in Hall 3 and ask for more information about the services and solutions offered.

Siegwerk is a leader in ink systems and varnishes, serving different customer segments such as flexible packaging, tobacco, labels, conventional sheetfed, paper and board, and others. “As the world’s

leading trade show for graphic and industrial print, drupa is an ideal touch point for exchanging information and ideas with our customers,” says

drupa 2016: Siegwerk colors the future

Hugo Noordhoek Hegt, President Packaging EMEA at Siegwerk. “We are looking forward to inspiring discussions about new challenges in the market and the expansion of our collaborations.”

As a member of the German Paint and Printing Ink Association (VdL), Siegwerk will support the association’s “Link to ink – The combined know how” program during drupa with presentations about packaging safety and general ink composition given by Siegwerk experts (more information at Hall 3, Booth 3B16).

The future looks digitalDigital and in particular inkjet printing will be one of the leading topics over the next few years. Using its profound expertise in ink technology and its wide application know-how, Siegwerk is today expanding its business into the inkjet ink market – initially, for labels and, secondly for packaging applications too. The company has extended its research and development capabilities and has built a dedicated inkjet laboratory at its Technical

Center in Annemasse (France) to drive the development of inkjet inks that meet the requirements for printing process efficiency as well as the functionality of printed materials.

LED UV technology gains importanceAn increasing number of printers are opting for LED UV technology regardless of the printing process used. With its potential for eco-efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and productivity advantages, it is definitively one technological advance of recent years that will drive future development in the printing industry. With Sicura Nutriflex LEDTec, the first low migration LED UV flexo series for food and pharma packaging, Siegwerk is now also addressing the growing demand for low migration products for food packaging applications. Further expansion of applications will enable printers to use LED UV inks for the full range of products. All in all, Siegwerk expects a volume switch from conventional UV to low migration UV inks in the printing market for this year. LED UV curing will be


one of the growth drivers.

Sustainable inks support a greener futureSiegwerk is committed to a comprehensive approach to sustainability. The company always considers the environmental, economic, and social consequences which applies to its product development, the entire production process, its customer relationships as well as its supplier selection, and employees. Sustainability means progress to Siegwerk. That’s why the company is driving the development of eco-friendly inks. Assessing ways to further improve the ecological footprint of the company’s inks with no loss of performance is one of the key efforts in research and development. With the water-based ink system UniRICS, which contains renewable hybrid acrylic resin partially based on plants, Siegwerk offers a sustainable ink series for paper and board applications that

is already successfully implemented in the market. In addition, the company just launched UniXYL as a new water-based flexo series formulated with renewable, forestry-based components for paper and board applications.

According to the motto “We color the future”, Siegwerk’s presence at drupa this year will be a touch point for discussions and conversations about future trends and current solutions for packaging and label printing. The company’s product portfolio goes beyond inks and also includes an extensive range of services. These services include, among other things, on-site consulting, technical support, printing ink related training, and customer workshops. drupa visitors can obtain more information about Siegwerk’s range of products and services at Booth A58 in Hall 3.

About SiegwerkSiegwerk, a family-owned company in its sixth generation, is one of the leading global printing ink manufacturers for packaging, labels, and catalogs. With more than 180 years of experience, the company commands a profound product knowledge and expertise for many printing methods. Due to a global production and service network, customers benefit from a globally consistent and high quality level of Siegwerk products, solutions, and services. With its philosophy “Ink, Heart & Soul“, the company aspires to long-term relationships with its business partners. Siegwerk is headquartered in Siegburg near Cologne, Germany, and employs approximately 4,800 employees in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Further information can be found at www.siegwerk.com


Fedopress’s core business is the production of transactional documents, providing 25

million dispatches. In addition, the company produces a range of printed products including manuals, forms and brochures, as well as supplying material for government institutions, such as the Finance Department.

Switch to DigitalPrior to investing in the Xeikon equipment, Fedopress was outsourcing the production of fiscal stamps, which was often a time-consuming and costly process. Explains Bart Vanwijnsberghe, Director at Fedopress: “The stamps used to be printed on a relief printing machine, using six colours and four different paper formats. Any minor change imposed by customs or the tobacco manufacturer effectively resulted in the need to produce a new set of plates. In addition, more stamps than necessary were printed, resulting in

TBelgian Finance Department print supplier takes printing of tobacco duty stamps in-house to increase security and efficiency and lower costs

Fedopress, the official print supplier to the Belgian Federal Public Service FINANCE, has taken previously outsourced services in-house following investment in a Xeikon digital printing solution comprising of a Xeikon 3500 digital five-colour press and digital front-end workflow solution X-800.

ABOUT XEIKONXeikon is an innovator in digital printing technology. The company designs, develops and delivers web-fed digital color presses for labels and packaging applications, document printing, as well as commercial printing. These presses utilize LED-array-based dry toner electrophotography, open workflow software and application-specific toners.

As an OEM supplier, Xeikon designs and produces plate makers for newspaper offset printing applications. Xeikon also manufactures basysPrint computer-to-plate (CtP) solutions for the commercial printing market. These proven CtP systems combine the latest exposure techniques with cost-efficient UV plate technology, high imaging quality and flexibility.

For the flexographic market, Xeikon offers digital platemaking systems under the ThermoFlexX brand name. ThermoFlexX systems provide high resolution plate exposure including screening, color management, as well as workflow management. For more information: www.xeikon.com

XEI_pr16006_Left Bart Van Wijnsberghe and team

an accumulation of stock.”

Fedopress decided that change was needed, and opted to switch to digital printing in order to produce stamps entirely on-demand: by printing only the exact quantity of stamps required, production will becomes more efficient and less expensive. Following a thorough market analysis, Fedopress issued a public tender and selected the solution proposed by Xeikon. Vanwijnsberghe: “Xeikon offered the most secure solution and the highest quality for the best price, and scored highly in terms of response-time and service.”Security is paramountFiscal stamps are applied to cigarette packs and other tobacco products as proof that the manufacturer has paid the excise duty. Taxes from such products represent around 30% of the Belgian government’s total income, amounting to €2.26 billion in 2015. This means it is absolutely

vital that the stamps are impossible to forge, as this would result in significant loss of income to the government.

In order to ensure the highest level of security, stamp designs were created using Arziro, a powerful design software for security applications developed by Agfa Graphics, which allows the creation of complex designs that are impossible to reproduce without the software. In addition, the capabilities of the Xeikon 3500 in terms of resolution (1200 dpi) and variable dot density (4 bits), make it possible to reproduce microtext, guilloches, serifs and hairlines in minute detail. The machine uses black ink for variable data, and a concealed image printed with ink only visible under UV-light further adds to the security measures.

Furthermore, each stamp is unique and completely traceable and is meticulously checked by an inspection camera for the presence of all the security features. In addition, the data is stored, allowing customs to verify the authenticity of each stamped tobacco product at any time. Counting is now much easier too. All prints have readable numbering and all sheets have the same format.

In addition to Belgium, Fedopress will also be supplying the government of Luxembourg with tobacco duty stamps, amounting to a total of approximately 1.2 billion stamps per year and an estimated €3 billion in excise duties. Vanwijnsberghe concludes: “The size of orders can be somewhat unpredictable in this market, but thanks to our digital print installation we are now able to respond and adapt very quickly. We now have a solution that is not only much more secure and efficient, but also much more cost-effective.”


GOVT. OF INDIA | Regd. No. F2(P)PRESS/87 - RNI 45915/87

printing review' march april 2016

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