Printer News - February 2012

Shrink Film for Multi-Packs

OSHKOSH, Wis.—Bemis Clysar has introduced premium-quality Clysar® polyolefin shrink film that can be printed with high-impact, 360-degree graphics for multi-packs and bundled items. The product is strong enough to replace wrapped paperboard trays or paperboard sleeves and can be used for a wide range of multi-packs and bundled goods including juice minis, wipes canisters, personal care products, automotive supplies, and promotional "buy-one, get-one-free" products.

"Printing polyolefin shrink film poses a unique set of challenges due to the thin gauge and balanced shrink characteristics of the film," says Vicki Larson, Clysar's marketing manager. "That's why Clysar and our distributors now offer a single-source, managed process to help brands maneuver the intricacies of designing, printing, and packaging multi-packs in printed shrink film. We're making it easy and fast to enjoy the productivity, sustainability, cost, and aesthetic advantages this packaging format delivers."

Multi-pack operations using printed shrink film can be fully automated, eliminating the hand assembly and of many traditional packaging operations. Replacing multi-component tray, film, and label packaging with printed shrink film can save up to 69 percent in material and offers sustainability improvements throughout the package's life.

The graphic coverage, which billboards multi-packs on shelf, can provide brand marketers with added promotional firepower. Flexo-printed in up to eight colors, printed shrink film can mirror existing trade dress, highlight offers, target offers to specific demographics, provide account-specific programs, or create seasonal packaging.
Spear, Mitsubishi Are Sustainability Partners

MASON, Ohio—Spear has added a liner recycling process—in partnership with Mitsubishi—to its Spear Earth global corporate environmental leadership program. Release liner represents approximately 30 percent of Spear's product. Traditionally, this has been landfilled, a practice that Spear believes is not sustainable in today's industry. Mitsubishi Polyester Films, one of the largest PET film release producers, has developed a solution—Reprocess™, a technology that allows cradle-to-cradle recycling of spent liner into new, quality liner.

Bill Wells, sales and marketing director, label, for Mitsubishi Polyester Films Americas comments, "Spear has demonstrated true industry leadership by supporting the commercialization of our Reprocess™ closed-loop product system. The full scale-up of our program requires continued industry support of the collection of spent PET film release liners. It is imperative that we identify the appropriate contacts within the pressure-sensitive user companies, to reach the decision-makers empowered to implement the change to Reprocess™. Our association with Spear has been fruitful and invaluable in assisting our efforts to present sustainable solutions regarding the recycling of spent PET film release liner."

Colbert to Close 
Louisville Facility

CHICAGO—Colbert Packaging Corporation, a manufacturer of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes, and paperboard specialty products, announced that it is closing its 33,500 square foot manufacturing facility in Louisville, Ky. Colbert obtained the Louisville facility, as well as equipment, inventory, employees, and customer accounts, in its December 2009 acquisition of folding carton manufacturer Dayton Carton and kept the operation running for more than two years.

"At this time, with increased manufacturing capacity in our three other production facilities, and in an effort to streamline operations to meet the increasing demand from customers for cost containment, we have made the difficult, albeit necessary, decision to close our Louisville manufacturing plant," said Jim Hamilton, president of Colbert Packaging.

Customers currently serviced through Louisville will be transitioned to other Colbert facilities, including its two operations in Lake Forest, Ill., and one in Elkhart, Ind. Equipment currently used in Louisville will also be transferred to the other Colbert facilities. Many of the 35 full-time employees currently in Louisville are being given the opportunity to apply for open positions at one of Colbert's other locations.

New Members for PPC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has announced the membership of two new principal members: Tap Packaging Solutions of Cleveland, Ohio, and Captíva Group Inc. of Albuquerque, N.M.

Tap Packaging Solutions is a manufacturer of high-quality packaging and presentation products. Its primary markets include confectionery, food, and pharmaceutical. Captíva Group specializes in printing materials for packaging, retail merchandising, POPs, direct mail, and printed collateral materials.

PEOPLE

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa.—TAGSYS, a leading provider of item-level RFID infrastructure, and supply chain visibility and tracking systems, announced the appointment of Monte R. Lucas as vice president of sales for North and South America. He has more than 23 years of hands-on experience in the automation market, including 14 in RFID.

GRANITE CITY, Ill.—Timothy J. Nelson, principal and Gateway Packaging Board Member, along with the Board of Directors of Sawmill Capital, has approved the transition of Roger D. Miller from chairman and CEO to chairman of the board, effective on January 1, 2012. At that time, Gateway President and Chief Operating Officer, Omar Abuaita, will become CEO, reporting directly to the Board of Directors. Miller will remain active through ongoing leadership and strategic direction of Gateway in his role as Chairman. Abuaita has worked in the packaging industry for more than 24 years and took the role as COO of Gateway Packaging in June of 2011. pP