June 2007 Issue
A Little QC Goes a Long Way
For all its hype during the past few years, RFID is still a technology trying to get its feet firmly planted in the packaging sector. That is not to say that package printers should sit back and wait to see where RFID is going. There’s no doubt it will entrench itself in the packaging market. The question is when will it happen? According to an IDTechEx study, “RFID Forecasts, Players & Opportunities 2007-2017,” label and packaging converters continue to enter the RFID business to meet their customers’ demands. During 2007, IDTechEx expects that 1.71 billion tags will be sold, and that the total RFID
Clean as a Whistle
It’s a job that Mr. Clean probably wouldn’t take on, but somebody’s got to do it! Cleaning anilox rolls on a regular basis is part of every printer’s routine—a critical requirement for reliable flexographic printing. Even though anilox roll cleaning is a common requirement in flexo printing, problems still abound due to misapplication or lack of knowledge. To get an idea of some real-world problems (and solutions) in the industry, packagePRINTING contacted a number of companies that provide anilox roll cleaning solutions to see how they solved specific customer problems. They supplied the following examples. Clogged up Bill Poulson, northeast technical graphic advisor
Countdown to drupa 2008 — June, 2007
packagePRINTING is proud to be a media partner for drupa 2008, the mega trade show held every four years in Düsseldorf, Germany. Each month, packagePRINTING will provide updates on this international blockbuster as we count down the months to the start of the show in May 2008. Also, look for regular updates on the packagePRINTING Web site at www.packageprinting.com. drupa 2008, print media trade fair, will be the largest in its more than 50-year history, with 1.8 million square feet of exhibit space in 19 halls and more than 1,800 exhibitors. The show will occupy the entire Düsseldorf fairgrounds—including all new halls—from
In the Aisles —Tom Polischuk
It’s another busy year for trade shows. FTA’s INFO*FLEX took place in early May and CMM International held its every-two-year show earlier this month. Graph Expo (without the postponed PrintPack) and Labelexpo Europe will rule the roost in September, followed by Pack Expo and CPP Expo in October, this year heading back to Las Vegas. By all accounts, INFO*FLEX had a good showing. This is a targeted flexographic printing event, run by its association, and is typically a good draw for suppliers and printers that are involved with flexography. Unfortunately, the term “by all accounts” wouldn’t fit for CMM International. The aisles were never too congested
Leading with Alternatives
Remaining competitive is one goal of many companies, but the companies that stand out are those that choose leading over simply competing. Syracuse Label Company, Inc., of Liverpool, N.Y. is one company that has worked hard to lead throughout its 40-year history. “We were one of the first rotary letterpress printers in the United States that offered high-quality print (4-color process) and chemical-resistant labels that flexographic printing was unable to offer at that time,” says Kathy Alaimo, president. “The rotary letterpress contributed to our rapid growth in the mid 1980s. Currently our goal is to continue our growth through the UV and water-based flexographic
MPS and Drent Goebel Start Innovative Cooperation
DIDAM, The Netherlands—MPS, manufacturer of narrow web label and packaging UV-Flexo presses, announced an innovative cooperation with Drent Goebel, manufacturer of hybrid web offset presses for printing markets worldwide. Drent Goebel will deliver offset printing towers to MPS for integration in new MPS press lines. MPS noticed an increasing demand for offset print quality in the narrow web label and packaging market lately. In reaction to this trend, the company asked Drent Goebel if they would be interested in supplying MPS with the necessary offset technology for their narrow web flexo presses. Rob J. Teunissen, CEO of Drent Goebel, said, “We are pleased to
Pretty Please. . .
Specialty inks are the cherry on top. Just like cherries add a little something extra to a gooey hot fudge sundae, specialty inks give consumers a special treat that enhances an already attention-grabbing package. “Packaging converters in today’s marketplace are routinely looking for innovative ways to attract consumers to the shelves,” says Joe Schlinkert, technical director, Color Resolutions International. “Increasingly the converters are asking their ink suppliers to develop inks that truly stand out and grab the consumer’s attention.” He explains that some approaches being used include phosphorescent inks that glow in the dark, high luster metallic inks, pearlescent inks that change color based
Secure to the Max
Most people never think of packaging as a life-or-death proposition, but for companies that handle the intricate and complex business of pharmaceutical packaging, that’s exactly what’s at stake. With counterfeiting becoming a growing international problem, the integrity of a pharmaceutical brand and the confidence of consumers in that brand depend to a large extent on the security and traceability of data prior to print. The introduction of new drugs requiring more information drives new layouts to support the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) labeling requirements for pharmaceutical inserts, brochures, directional circulars, and patient information labeling. This makes compliance a critical element of pharmaceutical
The Heat is On
Food packaging runs the gamut of methods and techniques, some tried and true and some pushing the envelope of contemporary packaging. Pouches fall into this latter category, with an even more targeted segment dealing with retort packaging. With retort pouches, the food is processed (cooked) in the actual package. Therefore, the pouch construction must withstand the rigors of high temperatures and pressure, testing the robustness of all aspects of the package—seals, closures, inks, laminations, and adhesives. All this means is that retort pouches fit the age-old adage, “you don’t get something for nothing.” The “something” you get is fairly substantial. Tobin Hass,
Top Tag & Label Converters — Covering New Ground
As consumers change their shopping behaviors and refine their tastes in the selection of products, opportunities arise for tag and label converters; that is, if they keep an open mind and are willing to reinvent their businesses. It is not good enough to display products in packaging that is simply functional. People are drawn to the bells and whistles that make effective labels stand apart from the rest. Living in a world of convenience and information that is readily available at our fingertips, people also desire packaging (such as smart labels or RFID tags) that can actually communicate with end users concerned with product safety
