packagePRINTING June 2010 edition
Coast to Coast
Equipment, software and service purchases by U.S. packaging printers, including Dion Label.
Converter Perspectives: Digital Printing in Packaging
In late 2009, InfoTrends, Inc. (www.infotrends.com), a market research and strategic consulting firm, conducted a Web-based survey of converters about the role and prospective role of color digital printing in their operations. packagePRINTING magazine contributed to that effort by inviting subscribers to participate in this effort. InfoTrends is grateful to the many packagePRINTING subscribers that supported the survey. This article provides key results from the feedback.
Credit Squeeze? —Polischuk
It's mid-2010, and we're well along the way of climbing out of the depths of a deep recession. That is not to say that the climb has been entirely successful; it's still too early for that conclusion and there appears to be many dangers lurking (e.g., unemployment, deficit spending, European financial stability, etc.). What can be said is there have been significant actions on many fronts that have been in place for some time now. Minimally, these efforts have shored up the global economy to prevent a financial collapse.
Design Innovation
Innovative packaging implementations, featuring High Liner Foods, NextLife Packaging Group, Display Pack and MeadWestvaco.
FIRST Methodology Takes a ‘By the Numbers’ Approach
The sheer variety of flexographic printing techniques has been an undeniable boon to the field of packaging and labeling. It has also been something of a double-edged sword in resisting the establishment of standard criteria and practical process controls associated with color-managed systems. To remedy this state of affairs, the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) 12 years ago sought to impose order on potential chaos by developing a set of Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances—better known as FIRST.
Label Market Remains Strong
The label market is in good shape. Although the recent recession has affected every segment of package printing, the label industry is still well positioned for the medium to the long term, according to Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA. "Unfortunately in the short term, the impact has been negative with plenty of casualties in job losses and business performance, even company and plant closures," he says.
Poised for Growth
Some companies are old; some are new; and some, such as Omaha, Neb.-based YORK Label, are both old and new. The "new" YORK Label was formed in early 2006 when management and a private-equity sponsor acquired York Tape & Label of York, Pa. and Industrial Label Corporation (ILC) of Omaha, Neb., says Mike Polcyn, chief financial officer.
Printer News
Packaging printer business and personnel news, including items on FetterGroup, Multi-Color Corporation and YORK Label.
Supplier News
News on suppliers to the packaging printing industry, featuring International Converting Exhibition USA.
Sustainability Watch
Sustainability in package printing news, including items on SunChips' compostable chip bag and Procter & Gamble.
Technology’s Edge
New developments in technologies for package printers from NTERA and TAGSYS.
