• Syracuse Label opts for digital-halftone proofing: The Liverpool, NY converter closes the digital loop in its prepress operation with a new Prediction 1420 system from Latran Technologies LLC, Bedford, MA. Syracuse Label serves the HBA, food, automotive and household-product markets with p-s labeling and flex packs printed in flexo, UV-flexo, rotary letterpress and rotary screen. The Prediction system, which handles more than 200 proofs in a typical week at Syracuse Label, allows proofing on the actual label stock used for the print run.
• Expanding its vision: Waukesha, WI-based KDV Label Co., a family-owned printer of labels and packaging films, has purchased Vision Group International of Milwaukee. The acquisition complements the companies' already diverse capabilities and product mix and provides international exposure, KDV says. KDV Label now has the ability to print 14 colors on webs up to 16 in. wide, on a variety of pressure-sensitive and non-p-s materials. KDV will consolidate operations into its two current Waukesha manufacturing facilities.
• Newborn converter: Richburg, SC-based Pac-Edge Corp., a new manufacturer of protective packaging products made from recycled paperboard, opens its doors for business. It specializes in edge-protector products for customers in the southeastern US.
• Eclipsing the market: Pompano Beach, FL-based converter FlexSol Packaging Corp. acquires Eclipse Packaging Inc. of Statesville, NC.
• A maker of coextruded, multilayer films, Eclipse will be consolidated under the FlexSol organization.
• Half-dozen of one: WI-based converter Charter Films will install its sixth blown-film line from Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp., Lincoln, RI. The 3-layer VAREX® coextrusion line, equipped with OPTIFIL® P-2 automatic die control and Module ISP for integrated quality control, was exhibited at NPE 2003 in Chicago last month.
• Labelmaking powerhouse adds to arsenal: WS Packaging Group, Algoma, WI, acquires the assets of Scottsdale, AZ-based Gorilla Label on June 17. Founded in 1998, Gorilla Label is a flexographic, custom-label converter. Rick Timone, founder and president, will remain as head of this new WS Packaging Group division and will eventually move the business into the current WS Packaging facility in Phoenix.

Multilayer film keeps time-sensitive DVD "oxygen-free" until package is opened:

The Duncan, SC-based Cryovac® OS System is the packaging behind Flexplay Technologies' introduction of its Flexplay-enabled DVD, which has a 48-hr viewing window that begins when the disc is removed from the package. Once exposed to air, an oxidation reaction begins that renders the DVD unplayable after the specified viewing period elapses.

The core of the Cryovac OS Systems is a proprietary, oxygen-scavenging polymer layer in the multilayer film. The scavenger is invisible to the naked eye, giving consumers a clear view of the product. Cryovac OS films do not require moisture to activate or sustain the scavenging process. Instead, the oxygen scavenging is initiated "on demand"—with a patented UV-light triggering process. Cryovac's Scavenging Verification System (SVS) provides rapid verification that the OS film has been properly triggered and is absorbing oxygen. The SVS decreases the amount of production time that elapses before the converter obtains a confirmation that the oxygen-scavenging system is working. Originally developed to protect perishable foods, the technology behind OS films is easily adapted to preserve many oxygen-sensitive nonfood products. New York City-based Flexplay Techologies used a "36-hr viewable DVD" packaged in OS films for a press promotion of the James Bond movie, "Die Another Day."