FMN | May 15th, 2017

FMN | May 15th, 2017

An N.V. Publication FLEX

May 15, 2017

Vol. 19 No. 10

Market News

®

Serving The Flexographic Printing Industry In Print and Online at www.nvpublications.com

Innovation Leads Way At FTA Forum by Greg Kishbaugh T he Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) held its annu- al forum at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix, in Phoenix, Ari- zona, April 30 - May 3. The 2017 Excellence in Flexography Awards were presented at the Annual Award Banquet.

Dow, DuPont Get China Approval DuPont,Wilmington, Delaware, and The Dow Chemical Company, Mid- land, Michigan, announced that China’s Ministr y of Commerce (MOFCOM) has granted conditional regulatory approval of their pro- posed merger of equals. MOFCOM’s approval is conditional on DuPont and Dow fulfilling commit- ments given to MOFCOM in connec- tion with the clearance.This approval continues the progress that the com- panies have made to secure regulato- ry clearances around the world for their procompetitive merger. Working With Regulators Dow and DuPont continue to work with regulators in the remain- ing relevant jurisdictions to obtain clearance for the merger. On March 27, the European Commission con- ditionally approved the merger. The companies reaffirm their ex- pectation for closing of the merger to occur between August 1, 2017 and September 1, 2017, with the in- tended spin-offs to occur within 18 months of closing. For exclusive content and breaking news please visit www.flexomarketnews.com

The FTA’s Annual Banquet ( above ) was a showcase for the Excel- lence in Flexography Awards, among a host of others. A reception ( right ) started the evening.

The winners, totaling 121 awards, consisted of: 39 Gold, 42 Silver, 37 Bronze, 2 Self Promotion awards, and 1 Non-Tradition- al award. “Best of Show” designees (selected from the gold award recipients in their respective categories) in the 2017 Excellence in Flexography Awards included: • Advance Packaging Corp. for its Berkley Jensen Ultra Laundry Detergent Carton – combined corrugated, screen. (Cont’d on Page 4)

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EskoWorld Welcomes Record Number

Last week, Esko held its annual EskoWorld user event, May 9-11, at the Sheraton Charlotte/Le Meridi- en Charlotte complex located in downtown Char- lotte, North Carolina. EskoWorld is the annual conference of Esko users whose mission is to con- nect the entire packaging supply chain, bringing to- gether packaging buyers and manufacturers, industry partners, application specialists and support staff to share ideas, product knowledge and business exper- tise. It is attended by leading brands, graphic and structural designers, flexo trade shops, sign makers and packaging and label converters. “This 26th edition of EskoWorld has taken a very pronounced focus on user education and training,” says Mark Quinlan, President, Esko Americas. The three-day event will included more than 75 ed- ucational sessions, which helped attendees enhance their knowledge of Esko solutions they currently own — or expand their education on the industry’s latest trends. Interspersed were sessions explaining specific product roadmaps, product training, and lec- tures on relevant topics — including two keynotes. EskoWorld a number of educational tracks, including: • Brands, Specification & Briefing focused on the

holistic go-to-market process, including project and asset management and the packaging production workflow from idea to shelf, connecting stakeholders including brands, designers, premedia and converters. • Design sessions helped attendees make packaging and display designs better, and faster. • The Artwork & Repro track covered ways to pro- The executive team of Esko met with journalists at the annual EskoWorld meeting to discuss innovations within the company. (From left) Bernard Zwaenepoel, Senior VP Software Business; Thomas Klein, VP Hardware; Philippe Adam, Vice President Global Marketing; Joakim Weidemanis, Vice President & Group Executive Product Identification; Udo Panen- ka, President; and Jan De Roeck, Director Solutions Management.

(Cont’d on Page 12)

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Flexo Market News May 15, 2017 3

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Badger Breaks Ground On New Building

Badger Tag & Label recently broke ground and con- struction is already underway for a new 22,000- square-foot building in Sherman,Wisconsin. This will be Badger’s second facility in the area. Comprising the new building space will be 14,271 square feet for production, 4,393 for warehouse/stor-

age, 2,280 of corporate offices, and 1,056 feet for a receiving area. The production area will be the new home of four flexographic presses, to be moved from the original facility, for printing custom tags and la- bels; the rewind department, which will also move from the original facility; as well as a digital press and plotter cutter for diecutting of specialty projects that are currently housed at a separate Plymouth location. Construction is slated to be complete later this year.The footprint of the new building will be placed on the property with future expansion in mind. Up to 10,000 square feet could be added to this build- ing. Also with an insight for future growth, the 12- acre parcel that Badger chose allows for sale of select portions for construction by other businesses. Lux Global Label Acquires National Label assets Lux Global Label Company, a newly formed holding company backed by private equity firm Resilience Capital Partners, has purchased certain assets from National Label, Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, a 103- year-old label manufacturer. As part of the transac- tion, Resilience will commit significant financial capital to the new company. In connection with the agreement, Resilience has partnered with LBC Credit Partners, a provider of middle-market financing solu- tions, and The Kennedy Group, a supplier of labeling, packaging and identification solutions. Badger Tag & Label leadership participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking ( left to right ): Jim Thiel, past VP; Joel Entringer, past President; Bob Thiel, President; DJ Jacoby and Kevin Kalkofen, VPs.

6 May 15, 2017 Flexo Market News

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FTA Annual Forum ( Cont’d from Page 4)

The Digital Series platform is customizable and con- figurable, with each configuration specific to con- verter requirements. In addition, the platform is modular, allowing in-line flexo modules (foil, lamina- tion, die cutting, spot color printing, etc) to be added as needs change.This modularity also accommodates simple upgrades, allowing the technology to be up- dated as flexo and digital technologies evolve. This eliminates obsolescence of the technology each time a new advancement is made. In the Prepress – Pressroom category, a 2017 Tech- nical Innovation Award was given to Flint Group for its EkoCure ANCORA Ink. The ink joins UV LED and low migration properties to create eco-friendly, food- safe packaging. Supporting an extensive catalogue of global regulations and industry standards, EkoCure ANCORA uses include pressure sensitive labels, wrap around labels, inmold labels, yogurt lids, pouches, shrink sleeves, folding cartons and flexible packag- ing. The ink consumes less energy while reportedly being more efficient to print with. The new low migration technology made available in EkoCure ANCORA delivers low migration proper- ties, suitable for the most stringent food label and packaging applications, at very high print speeds, in excess of 150 m/min or 500 fpm. An additional benefit is the ensured cure aspect over the lifetime of LED lamps. Consistency and as- suredness of cure, at the highest levels, provides peace of mind to converters and their customers. In the Prepress Graphics category, a 2017 Technical Innovation Award went to Esko for its XPS Crystal 5080. The XPS Crystal 5080 is a digitally controlled UV LED exposure unit that provides both main and back exposure for photopolymer flexo plates.With lit- tle required from the operator, the machine fits into a fully automated workflow that can be monitored from a remote workstation.Additionally, the XPS Crys- tal 5080 emits a more focused spectrum of light, shorter dwell time, plus removal of the mercury filled fluorescent tube traditionally used in plate making, making this technology good for the environment. Hall of Fame Steve Smiley was welcomed into its Flexo Hall of Fame as its 55th inductee. Smiley currently serves as FTA’s representative on Committee for Graphic Arts Technology Standards’ (CGATS) Color Reproduction and Process Control for Packaging Subcommittee. Over the years, he chaired FTA’s Color Management Subcommittee for the second edition of Flexographic Image, Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances,

SCIENCE of flexo rollers and sleeves

The

Skilled flexo printers know any variation in temperature, humidity, substrates and a host of other conditions will affect the quality of their work. Cleanliness of lines, accuracy of colors and softness of shades can make or break a job. But if you want to maximize profits, you need to optimize uptime, speed and quality. The anilox rollers and sleeves in your presses are only as good as the science behind them—the technology of precision . ARC rollers and sleeves are built to exacting OEM dimensions, with cell geometries engineered for efficient ink usage and precise volumes. Contact ARC today or visit our website to learn more about what the science of flexography from ARC International can do to enhance your graphics.

HV Extended Cell

HG 60° Cell

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(Cont’d on Page 10)

Flexo Market News May 15, 2017 7

ICE USA, InPrint USA Report Strong Sales

Following three conference days, ICE USA, the In- ternational Converting Exhibition, and the inaugural InPrint USA, the Industrial Print Show came to a close at the Orange County Convention Center in Or- lando, Florida, with more than 3,400 verified regis- trants in attendance. ICE USA 2017, marking its fourth edition in the Americas, brought together more than 250 exhibitors together with thousands of packaging, paper, non- woven and self-adhesive industry professionals. InPrint USA 2017 focused on connecting manufac- turers who use print as a key component of the man- ufacturing process with leading brands in the fields of industrial specialty, screen, digital, inkjet and 3D technology print solutions. Highlights of the ICE USA and InPrint USA exhibi- tions included: • Support from Latin American converting associa- tions and industry media helped drive new visitors from the Latin American region which helped boost the total ICE USA 2017 attendance numbers. • The first Global Industrial Inkjet Conference drew more than 50 registered attendees. • Visitors were able to take advantage of more than 85 conference sessions. • The Future of Converting Theater offered techni- cal educational sessions on the show floor to share best business practices, M&A’s, sustainability, industry forecasts, and more. • Dr. Robert Fry, Chief Economist, delivered a keynote presentation with his outlook for the global economy in 2017 and beyond, with emphasis on U.S. manufacturing. • More than 30 companies took advantage of the “Ask the Experts” program at ICE USA, which offered complimentary strategic and operational advice. The next ICE USA and InPrint USA shows will be held in Louisville, Kentucky,April 9-11, 2019. Flexographic Ink Market To Hit $4.16 Billion The flexographic ink Market is projected to grow from $3.27 billion in 2017 to $4.16 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 4.89 percent during the forecast period, according to a new report from MarketsandMarkets. By technology, the water-based segment accounted for the largest market share in 2016. The growth of this segment can be attributed to the various proper- ties of water-based flexographic inks, such as less flammability, low VOC emissions, stable viscosity, and environment-friendliness, among others.

www.nvpublications.com

8 May 15, 2017 Flexo Market News

Partnership adds true value to our business

We have been working with Nilpeter for years now, their commitment and attention to detail is unparalleled.

Bill Cheringal & Jeff Levine Control Group

visit nilpeter.com

Setting the new standards in corrugated anilox and glue-set value and quality .

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THE FUTURE OF CORRUGATED FLEXO.

The future of anilox begins today with GTT.

Reliability, durability and precision are hallmarks of all Apex products, with continual innovation a core value within the global Apex organization. With manufacturing and sales operations in more than 80 countries, someone from Apex is always close by to personally attend to customer needs.

Apex Group of Companies is the world’s leading manufacturer of precision ink- and glue-transfer technology products including anilox and metering rolls for corrugated, flexible packaging, label, offset, and industrial coating applications. Apex anilox products are tested, approved and deployed by all leading flexo press and corrugating machine manufacturers.

APEX NORTH AMERICA Tel: +1 (0) 724 379 8880 www.apex-groupofcompanies.com [email protected]

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EskoWorld ( Cont’d from Page 3)

Flexo Market News

duce print-ready artwork efficiently and avoid rework. • Flexo Platemaking showcased how companies can take control of their flexo plate production. • Printing presented ideas to help tackle the in- creased complexity of mixed printing environments (flexo, digital, gravure, offset) with extra attention to achieving color consistency and improving printing press uptime. • Finishing showed how companies with digital fin- ishing departments can get the absolute most out of their equipment, their workflows and their staff. During the sessions, users contributed their own ex- periences working with changing packaging regula- tions, creating photo-realistic 3D packaging and successfully implementing an extended gamut print- ing process. In one specific workshop, Esko conduct- ed an event-wide exercise to map each participant on a large-scale workflow diagram, specifying roles, com- munication channels and requirements in order to build a giant visual map of the connected value chain. Executive Summit, Brand Owner Track For the first time, there was a one-day concurrent Ex- ecutive Summit. While EskoWorld always focuses on sessions that benefit those who build workflows and operate Esko tools, the Executive Summit focused on inspiring business owners and decision makers about solutions and opportunities to improve their business- es.The objective was for customers to develop deeper trust relationships with Esko, built on intensive inter- action among decision makers on relevant business, technology and economics subjects. In addition, EskoWorld was home, once again, for a Brand Owner track. Those responsible for brand packaging can understand how to efficiently manage packaging and packaging assets as part of the go-to- market process and work with partners throughout the complete packaging supply chain. EFI Acquires CRC Information Systems Electronics For Imaging, Inc. has acquired privately held CRC Information Systems, a Reynolds and Reynolds company, headquartered in Dayton, Ohio. CRC, which is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a provider of business management information sys- tems (MIS) for commercial printers and packaging label and forms printers throughout the United States and Canada. While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it is not expected to be material to EFI’s Q2 or full year 2017 results.

I NTERNET D IRECTORY

Adheso-Graphics, Inc. www.adheso-graphics.com

AGI manufactures, distributes and converts current tech- nology flexo mounting tapes and backing systems for cor- rugated plate mounting. Flexstik hard vinyl, FlexSoft, bi.esse brand, Gold Series Thin tapes for sleeve and Narrow web plate mounting. Specialty tapes that cover the vast thickness range re- quirements and specific adhesion systems for all flexo mounting requirements. We provide technical service and problem solving services for unique customers & applications.

Anderson & Vreeland, Inc. www.andersonvreeland.com

A&V manufactures a complete line of photopolymer plate processing systems and is a leading distributor of flexo- graphic platemaking materials. A&V also sells digital imag- ing systems and software specifically designed for flexography.

ARC International www.ARCInternational.com

ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nanotechnolo- gy laser engraving in our Charlotte and Las Vegas manu- facturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.

Comexi Group Industries S.A.U. www.comexigroup.com

The Comexi Group is a leading supplier of quality flexographic C.I. presses for the flexible packaging indus- try worldwide. We also provide solventless laminators, slitter/rewinders and related peripheral equipment such as automatic wash-up systems, solvent recovery sys- tems, automatic roll unloaders, and plate cylinder/sleeve storage systems. DuPont Packaging Graphics is the world’s leading suppli- er of flexographic printing systems in digital and conven- tional formats; including Cyrel® brand photopolymer plates, Cyrel® FAST processing equipment, Cyrel® round sleeves, mounting and finishing products. For more than 35 years, beginning with Cyrel®, the first photopolymer printing plate, through to today’s digital workflow revolution, DuPont has been driving innovation in the Flexo and package printing industries. The Digital Cyrel® FAST imaging system has been broadly recognized for its efficiency, productivity, print perfor- mance, and environmental benefits. DuPont Packaging Graphics www.cyrel.com/na

12 May 15, 2017 Flexo Market News

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Lackner has overall responsibility for production oper- ations at Colbert’s three facilities, including manufactur- ing, facilities maintenance, inventory management, and shipping and receiving. Ultimately, he is tasked with en- suring that the company meets all plant safety, quality, productivity and customer satisfaction objectives. Kenjarski is leading a team of sales professionals, and his focus is the company’s strategic sales growth through maintaining, evaluating and earning opportu- nities at current customers, while pursuing new ac- count development across all product lines. He will also oversee all marketing strategies. Southern Lithoplate Ted McGrew has been promoted to Vice President Sales for Southern Lithoplate. McGrew is a director of the Inland Press Foundation and a member of numer- ous print associations across the country. Heaford David Muncaster has been appointed to the new role of Director of Operations and Business Develop- ment for JM Heaford.

People & Places

Anderson & Vreeland Melissa Hubbard has been named CRM / Marketing Coordinator for Anderson &Vreeland. In her new position, Hubbard will further develop integrated marketing campaigns and messaging that will educate the flexographic marketplace of emerg- ing technologies and solutions that improve perfor- mance and foster innovation. Additional responsibilities include training Anderson & Vreeland personnel to fully utilize the dynamic features of Cus- tomer Relationship Management (CRM) that improve customer service by offering specific solutions to in- dividual customer needs. Colbert Packaging John Lackner and Kevin Kenjarski have been added to the leadership team of Colbert Packaging Corpora- tion, Lake Forest, Illinois. Lackner joined Colbert Packaging as Vice President of Corporate Operations, and Kenjarski stepped into a newly created Vice Pres- ident of Sales and Marketing role.

Flexo Market News May 15, 2017 13

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Flexo Market News

FTA Annual Forum ( Cont’d from Page 10)

I NTERNET D IRECTORY

Flexo Market News® is published bi-weekly by NV Business Publishers Corporation, in association with Board Converting News®, Corrugated Today® Recycling Markets®, International Paper Board Industry®, Folding Carton Industry®, and Board Converting News International. Editorial/Production offices: 540 W. Frontage Rd., Suite 3124, Northfield, Illinois 60093. Phone: (847) 441-5645, Fax: (847) 441-5652, Marketing and Cir- culation offices: PO Box 802, Manasquan, NJ 08736-0802, Phone: (732) 502-0500, Fax: (732) 502-9606. Subscription Rates in U.S. and Canada $60 per year or $105 for two years. Overseas rate per year $80 USD. Current issue single copies (pre-paid only) $5.00 in U.S. (elsewhere $7.50); add $5.00 per order for shipping & handling. No part of this publication may be trans- mitted or reproduced without permission from the publisher. TomVilardi - President/Publisher Jim Curley - Vice President/Senior Editor Robyn Smith - Executive Publisher Polymount International, a global operating produc- tion and trading company serving 80 countries, re- leased its Polymount Film Cleaner, a machine that cleans printed film and enables reuse for the next setup of a new print job. During the three-step clean- ing process, the printed film is guided through the washing unit, the after rinsing water tank, and drying unit. The substrate is then wound into a roll, clean and dry, and is ready for immediate use for the next job. Using such a machine to allow for reuse of a start up roll, even one time, can reportedly reduce a total amount of startup waste by 50 percent. Heritage Envelopes of Blackburn, Lancashire, earned an honorable mention for a “boxless” packag- ing alternative for envelopes, in place of the tradition- al cardboard box. In 2015, the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), recognized Artcraft Label’s innovation as being effec- tive and meeting the established industry protocol.The rPET thermoform recycling process is estimated to re- duce greenhouse gases by 3.8 million metric tons per year, and is priced 40 percent to 50 percent less than virgin PET resins, resulting in tremendous savings.

Eaglewood Technologies, LLC www.eaglewoodtech.com

Eaglewood Technologies is the Anilox Roll Cleaning Ex- pert! We are the creators of Laserlox™ Systems, Sanilox™ Systems and Sani-Blast™ Mobile Service. Laserlox™ and Laserlox™ Flexi are the latest technology in anilox roll cleaning. Sanilox™ Systems are the global standard of reli- able, environmentally safe anilox roll cleaning. Sani-Blast™ cleaning service has been cleaning rolls for over 20 years and offers several cleaning options to minimize downtime. Flint Group Flexographic Products develops, manufactur- ers and markets an extensive portfolio of printing consum- ables, including: nyloflex® photopolymer printing plates and processing equipment, and dayCorr® die-cutting blankets and anvil covers. With a strong customer focus, unmatched service and support, and superior products, Flint Group strives to provide exceptional value, consistent quality and continuous innovation to customers around the world. Flint Group www.flintgrp.com

Harper Corporation of America www.harperimage.com

We’ve made ceramic anilox rolls longer than anyone in the world and pride ourselves on being the best in the world. Whether wide web, narrow web, newspaper, or cor- rugated markets, Harper continuously strives to bring new flexographic products and services to the printing industry that will improve the quality of your graphics.

J I MacWilliam Co., Inc. www.jimacwilliam.com

Used equipment for flexible packaging, folding carton, paper, film, foil and non-woven industries. Professional, knowledgeable service for more than 30 years.

KBA-Flexotecnica – Get the Edge www.kba-flexotecnica.com/en/

Flexotecnica’s patented Safe Sleeve Change® system and Speedy Clean® auto washup system are designed to give converters a competitive edge through Flexotecnica’s commitment to research and development. Sales, service and support for Flexotecnica presses is provided by KBA North America, Inc. in Dallas, Texas with U.S. resident technicians, an extensive spare parts inventory and an ex- perienced, dedicated service staff. Mark Andy, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of nar- row and mid-web printing and converting equipment. The company has a rich history of delivering solutions to in- crease productivity and profitability for the label and pack- aging markets. The company supplies leading global brands including Comco printing/converting machinery, Mark Andy printing/converting machinery and UVTechnolo- gy curing systems and replacement parts. Mark Andy, Inc. is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with sales and dis- tribution offices in France, Switzerland, and the UK. Mark Andy, Inc. www.markandy.com

Greg Kishbaugh - Editor/Co-Publisher Phone: (317) 306-1060 • Fax: (847) 441-5652 email: [email protected]

Gail Kalina - Senior Administrative/Production Manager Michelle McIntyre - Prepress Manager Anna Dutko Rowley - Associate Editor Len Prazych - Editor-In-Chief Jackie Schultz - Contributing Editor T.J.Vilardi - Webmaster/Social Media Coordinator Dan Brunton - Managing Director/Europe Ted Vilardi (1933-2013) - Founder ©2016 NV. Publicaions All Rights Reserved

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14 May 15, 2017 Flexo Market News

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DUPONT ™ CYREL ® SYSTEMS. HIGHER QUALITY. HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY.

DUPONT ™ CYREL ® FAST THERMAL PROCESSING SYSTEM Unparalleled productivity and sustainability. DUPONT ™ CYREL ® EASY PLATE TECHNOLOGY WITH BUILT-IN FLAT TOP DOTS Color complexity and workflow simplicity.

www.cyrel.com/na

© 2017 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont™ and Cyrel ® are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.