Printer News

TLMI "Get Smart" Technical Conference

GLOUCESTER, Mass.—More than 300 attendees gathered in September for TLMI's Technical Conference, an association event held biannually in Chicago. The two-day conference featured technical presentations and discussions involving expert panels comprised of industry converters, suppliers, and end-users. TLMI's goal with this format was to ensure presenters were addressing those issues relevant to converters' day-to-day operational issues and growth strategies. Presentation topics included new prepress developments, TLMI's L.I.F.E. certification program, substrates, digital printing, G7 color calibration, and printed electronics.

Chairman of the TLMI Board of Directors, Frank Gerace, comments, "As narrow-web converters, our need to become more productive, more resourceful, and more innovative tops our strategic objectives and short-term goals ... Given the economic climate of the past 18 months, this [year's conference] might be one of the most important and timely events the association has ever sponsored."

Sonoco Selected for Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

HARTSVILLE, S.C.—Sonoco has been selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World). DJSI World comprises the leading global companies in terms of economic performance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Only seven companies from the U.S. were added to the index in 2009 including Johnson & Johnson, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive, Genzyme, Pacific Gas & Electric, and El Paso Corp.

"We are very pleased to join this elite group of DJSI World companies as it recognizes the importance Sonoco places on being a leader in sustainable packaging and recycling services," says Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., chairman, president, and CEO, adding that only three global packaging companies are members of the index.

Disc Graphics Adds Digital Capability

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—With the recent acquisition of a NexPress S3000 with SE-Class upgrades, Disc Graphics, a provider of packaging solutions, now provides digital printing capability to its customers.

"The NexPress complements our present offset press capabilities and delivers the digital solution required by many of our markets," states Don Sinkin, CEO of Disc Graphics. "It gives us state-of-the-art capabilities like '5-over-5' color printing, as well as the option to print four colors and apply coating in-line."

EPA Recognizes Impressions Inc.

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Impressions Incorporated announced that it appears on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) new Top 20 Printers List of the largest green power purchasers in the commercial printing business. Impressions Incorporated is purchasing nearly 2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 45 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use.

"EPA commends our leading partners for its continued commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Kathleen Hogan, director of the Climate Protection Partnerships Division at EPA. "By supporting green power, Impressions Incorporated is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy technologies, and contributing to a clean energy future."

RockTenn's Rubright on Industry Power List

NORCROSS, Ga.—RockTenn Chairman and CEO Jim Rubright was named one of the 50 most powerful people in the global pulp and paper industry in 2009 by RISI, an information provider for the global forest products industry. He was also nominated as a Top Five Finalist in RISI's 2009 Global CEO of the Year, with the winner to be announced in October.

In making the selection, RISI editors note, "Lawyer-trained, but also an astute businessman, Rubright has made some shrewd acquisitions for RockTenn, turning what was once a marginal player into a significant one in the packaging market." pP