June 2000 Issue
Elusive "Perfect Proof"
The digital-versus-analog debate continues. By Terri McConnell Terri, I read your column last month about [color management] and was wondering if you were going to highlight the difficulties we have with digital proofing in the packaging industry. These "difficulties" specifically pertain to spot colors and the use of modified process. With flexo, gravure, and limited offset packaging, we still have a hard time finding a quality digital proofing device that can reproduce good color when mixing the spot colors together with four-color process... . The world of digital proofing would be so much better if there were products [and] materials [available now] to
It's Miller Time In Plastic
Strong consumer and retailer interest drives the nationwide introduction of beer in plastic bottles. By Chris Bauer You shimmy up to the bar at your favorite local establishment, and order yourself a beer. "Bottle or draft," the barkeep asks. "Bottle," you reply. "Plastic or glass," he inquires. You look back at him, puzzled, thinking he must have spent too much time behind that bar. Beer doesn't come in plastic bottles—or does it? Well, it does now, thanks to Miller Brewing Company and Continental PET Technologies. After extensive test marketing efforts, Miller plastic bottles—the first and only plastic beer bottles available for widespread retail distribution
Take The Right Path
Are electronics the major factor in keeping webs in line? Or are other, more conventional options the answer? By Chris Bauer THE WORLD HAS gone digital. That statement has been beat to death, pushed down your throat, and probably gone in one ear and out the other countless numbers of times in the past few years, especially when it comes to printing equipment. Isn't there anything left that can be done without bits, bytes, or megs? Makes you wonder how we ever got anything accomplished before the "digital revolution." Simpler equipment designs still have a strong appeal. Many printing companies report experiencing difficulty in
Top Tag/Label Converters
Processes: C=Combination, F=Flexo, G=Gravure, L=Letterpress, O=Offset, S=Screen, UV=UV Flexo, D=Digital, T=Thermal/Thermal Transfer 1. Avery Dennison, Framingham, MA Principal Officer: Charles Miller 1999 Rank: 1 # Tag/Label Employees: N/A # of Presses: 400+ # of Facilities: 40 Processes: C, F, G, L, O, S 2. Moore North America, Bannockburn, IL Principal Officer: Ed Tyler 1999 Rank: 8 # of Tag/Label Employees: N/A # of Presses: N/A # of Facilities: 5 Processes: D, F, UV 3. Brady Corp., Milwaukee, WI Principal Officer: Katherine Hudson 1999 Rank: 3 # of Tag/Label Employees: 2,000 # of Presses: 25 # of Facilities: 10 Processes: F, G, S, D,
Winning Combinations
Combination presses continue to gain popularity. See what the experts say is the right combo for your shop. By Chris Bauer PACKAGERS can be on top of their market's mountaintop one day, just to find themselves outdated the next, with newcomers climbing up quickly. Competition for niche markets can be fierce, and you must have the equipment to win the battles for survival. This fight goes on in the package printing industry, as new packages demand new production methods. According to Mark Herrmann, president and CEO of Comco, "We are part of an industry in transition. Today's printer is being asked to create more
