Plastic Film, Foil, Paperboard, Laminations

Labeling substrate

3 Sigma Corp., a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive and other materials to the label industry, has added two new options for converters producing affixed or integrated cards. The two new 3 Sigma options to the Sigmature product line include a three-up landscape configuration available from inventory, and a three-up portrait version available as a custom product with a five-day lead time. Like all Sigmature products, these new offerings feature a smudge-free writeable backside, clean removal with no adhesive residue, and excellent converting and press performance.

The landscape product, on 11.25-inch 10,000-foot rolls, increases converter press efficiency by 50 percent over conventional configurations.  A four-roll minimum applies. 

The 3 Sigma portrait product—a modified version of the popular Sigmature 2378 three-up portrait product—enables converters to increase press efficiency and to service business forms manufacturers running products on 11-inch wide by 8.5-inch tall configuration.

3 Sigma Marketing Manager Terry Cudney, discussing the new card products, said: “3 Sigma has once again broadened the options available to converters producing complex products.  These products increase the productivity of converters while reducing raw material costs—exactly what converters need in current economic times.”

Since 1980, 3 Sigma has been a fast-growing, resourceful innovator of specialty pressure sensitive adhesive coated products.  3 Sigma offers expertise in solvent, emulsion, and hot melt technologies, to provide the optimum solution for any label need.  Quality teams monitor and inspect material throughout the manufacturing process according to ISO 9001:2000 guidelines, to ensure that 3 Sigma customers receive the best label stock available.  For additional information, log on to www.3sigma.cc or call 927-440-3400 or 800-347-3091.

posted on: 08/20/2009

Digital printing boards

GPA announces their new collection of Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers. The unparalleled variety of board papers is creating new marketing opportunities for digital printers across the country. Digital printers are finally enjoying the same flexibility as offset printers when printing on heavy stock, but have the added advantage of producing short runs with variable text and images.

Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers are GPA’s answer to a wide variety of demanding applications including folding cartons, point-of-purchase displays, specialty items and beyond. Their excellent printing properties give brand owners the freedom to express a brand’s individuality and attract the customer’s attention.

GPA’s collection of board papers are available in a wide variety of basis weights and finishes in 18” x 12” and 19” x 13” sheet sizes, and are optimized and RIT certified for HP Indigo digital presses. Their 93 brightness and uniform surface provide the ideal backdrop for vivid colors, beautiful contrast and sharp image reproduction.

These papers offer a superior converting performance for a variety of finishing processes including: laminating, UV coating, die cutting, scoring, folding, gluing, embossing, debossing and foil stamping. Due to its layered structure and mix of short and long fibers, it can be folded in either direction without cracking, also allowing for deeper impressions when embossing or debossing. And since Ultra Digital Board Papers are made with virgin fibers, they offer maximum stiffness with relatively low weight.

GPA’s Ultra Digital portfolio contains a blend of substrates to fit a wide range of results-driven applications. For samples, more information on Ultra Digital C1S and C2S Board Papers, or to request a copy of GPA's Ultra Digital catalog, contact GPA Customer Service at 800-395-9000 or e-mail GPA at info@askgpa.com

posted on: 08/20/2009

Flexible packaging papers

Boise Inc. announced the launch of Boise Block, a treated paper used to hold out oil and grease in food packaging applications. This new product family expands Boise's leading portfolio of tailored coated and uncoated products for the flexible packaging industry. Boise BLOCK extends Boise's product capability in oil and grease resistant papers by providing higher oil and grease hold out than is currently offered in the Boise EcoOGR product line. Boise BLOCK is PFOA free and works in low, medium, and high oil and grease hold out end uses.

The introduction of Boise BLOCK to the Boise Flexible Packaging product portfolio is a component of Boise's strategy to grow specialty and premium papers driven by packaging related demand. "The debut of Boise BLOCK is another example of Boise's commitment to leadership in flexible packaging," said Mary Ignas, Sales & Marketing Manager, Boise Flexible Packaging. "Our focused flexible packaging resources will continue to provide our customers with the service, capability, and consistent quality they need to be successful."

Boise BLOCK 5 and Boise BLOCK 7 provide converters with a new alternative to meet their customers' increasing and ever-changing flexible packaging needs. Boise BLOCK 5 provides an ideal option for end uses requiring a moderate level of oil and grease hold out including sandwich, hamburger, and taco wraps; basket liners; and take out bags. Boise BLOCK 7 is great for applications requiring a higher oil and grease hold out. This product is the ideal option for french fry pouches, hash brown pouches, clamshell liners, and higher grease sandwich applications.

Key benefits of Boise BLOCK include PFOA free, consistent quality for efficient runnability, excellent flexographic print surface, and FDA-approval for direct food contact. Boise has strengthened this product line by offering customers the option of sustainability attributes including chain of custody certification and the addition of unbleached fiber content.

Boise will continue to offer the Boise EcoOGR product line for low oil and grease hold out end uses. Boise EcoOGR is a fluorocarbon-free, natural-based alternative to traditional synthetic based oil and grease resistant products. Visit us at www.BoiseFlexiblePackaging.com

posted on: 08/17/2009

Substrate capabilities book

Hazen Paper Company has introduced a new capabilities book, Shimmer-E, to showcase sustainability as well as an inspiring range of attention-getting products.

Chain-of-Custody certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC), Hazen has a long-standing commitment to the environment. Many of the company’s sustainable practices are detailed in the Shimmer-E™ book. In addition, the book demonstrates the variety of decorative effects that can be achieved with gravure printing and embossing on environmentally friendly materials.

Broad product diversity is immediately apparent, and appealing. Pearlescent coatings are shown on both toothy and smooth certified paperboards. Embossing options add graphic impact with unique textures. Holography boosts the thrill factor by imparting dimension and movement to any project; matte pearl overcoats can also be employed to create unusual matte holographic effects. Shimmer-E™ exhibits a collection of samples to fuel the imagination.

Hazen Shimmer pearlescents can be used to sophisticated effect with a compelling iridescence that changes color with viewing angle. Shimmer products feature FSC-certified bases with 100% post-consumer waste. Pastels, Neutrals, and Jewels offer a versatile and stimulating selection of colors. A duplex version of Shimmer is also included to demonstrate Hazen’s multiple-ply laminating capabilities.

Mica Cadillac Cover, from Hazen’s Decorated Paper Division, is stocked in 6 popular colors and sheet sizes. Custom versions with the Mica overtone print can be made as special orders.

Holography, much of it originated and produced at Hazen, provides an eye-catching allure. A variety of popular in-stock film and transfer metalized patterns on FSC-SFI-PEFC certified board are included, as well as samples of combination coatings for special effects.

Custom products are everyday assignments at Hazen, and they can be as environmentally friendly as they are unique. Shimmer-E also contains examples of products that can be made to order with pearl coatings and reused film on a variety of certified substrates. www.hazen.com

posted on: 08/17/2009

Medical disposables benefit from new Rollprint prototype lab

Addison, IL — Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc., opens a new prototype laboratory designed to provide pharmaceutical and medical-disposal manufacturers with state-of-the-art packaging support.

“Our goal in upgrading our prototyping capability is to provide our customers with package performance information that will paint an accurate picture of what would happen in a commercial environment,” explained Doug Dodrill, vice president of technology, Rollprint.

One of the components of the new prototype lab is a commercial Multivac® thermoforming unit (left). Coupled with the lab’s tray sealers, Rollprint will now be able to test a wide variety of thermoformed tray/lidding combinations. The lab also has cold form foil packaging and pouch-making capability.

“We are now able to run a variety of material configurations on a commercial machine which is a big asset in determining what packaging ‘behavior’ is best suited to the product,” Dodrill says.  “For example, we can mate a thermoformed bottom web to an uncoated or coated paper, coated or uncoated Tyvek®, or a high-density polyethylene peelable lidstock. Also, our bottom webs can be made from a wide range of materials including ones with barrier properties.”

In the area of cold-formed foil packages, Rollprint is providing prototyping capability for products which generally require a higher barrier level. This includes moisture-sensitive products such as dissolvable sutures, diagnostic devices or liquids which maintain their properties by eliminating oxygen ingress. Cold formed foil packages are frequently accompanied by peelable or weld-seal foil, depending on opening criteria.

The company is also able to seal lidding to preformed rigid tray prototypes with vacuum and/or gas flushing.  Rounding out the lab is a retort/autoclave unit and container abuse test equipment.

“Today’s pharmaceutical and medical disposables manufacturers are frequently looking upstream to help support development efforts and help speed-to-market. At Rollprint, we pride ourselves in helping make that happen,” Dodrill says.

With manufacturing facilities near Chicago, IL, Rollprint Packaging Products, Inc. is a worldwide supplier of packaging materials for the healthcare and food industries. The company offers a complete range of flexible, heat-sealable materials incorporating film, foil, Tyvek® and paper.  Structures can be designed to accommodate any sterilization method. Available in rollstock, pouches and die-cut lids, Rollprint’s materials can meet the needs of most peelable, chemical resistant and barrier applications.

The company has also formed Alliantz Flexible Packaging Pte. Ltd., a joint venture between itself and Acme Packaging Co. (Pte) Ltd., Singapore. Headquartered in Singapore, Alliantz has been formed to serve the flexible packaging supply needs of Southeast Asia and China. 

Rollprint is respected throughout the packaging industry for its heat-sealable, peelable rollstock and pouch technology, as well as its ClearFoil® ultra-high barrier transparent laminates, Allegro® peelable sealants and ClearForm® forming webs. Rollprint has supplied flexible packaging materials into healthcare, industrial and food end-use applications for more than 50 years. 

Additional information can be obtained at www.rollprint.com

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posted on: 08/14/2009

Inflation hits recycled-paperboard market

It's definitely a trend. Price increases for various types of recycled-paperboard substrates are continuing to be announced by major suppliers across the US.

The latest to join the chorus: 

Norcross, GA-based RockTenn said yesterday it will hike its price $40 per ton price on all grades of coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, effective with shipments on Sept. 10. 

And Graphic Packaging International, Inc. (Marietta, GA), also announced the same price increase yesterday for its coated and uncoated recycled board "to offset rapidly escalating recycled fiber costs and steady increases on other input costs." GPI's price hike is effective with shipments on or after Sept. 1 and will apply to all grades supplied by mills in Pekin, IL; Middletown, OH; Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, MI; and Santa Clara, CA. 

Price increases of $40 per ton had been announced by Caraustar and Sonoco last week.

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posted on: 08/12/2009

Paperboard stock

The Fasson Roll North America division of Avery Dennison Corporation is pleased to announce the addition of four new Tango Advantage board stocks to their Fasson Rapid-Roll portfolio.  Converters now have access to an extensive selection of first-quality board products available in custom width/length in low minimum order quantities. 

8 & 10 pt. C1S & C2S Tango Advantage products deliver superior performance and aesthetics with their high brightness, clean white styling and ultra smooth print surface.  Known for their outstanding stiffness and feel from proprietary manufacturing design, these products are recognized for outstanding runnability, printability and consistency on press and through the converting process.  Tango Advantage products complement the portfolio’s existing board.  Converters can select from light-to-medium weight C1S & C2S Carolina boards, tri-layer C1S Galerie Card and high-gloss C1S Kromekote, along with a line of specialty board products.

These Fasson Rapid-Roll board products are stocked in regional distribution centers.  Some specifications are available Fasson EXACT, a powerful service program designed to help converters achieve operational efficiencies by reducing scrap, lowering inventory costs, reducing freight and improving operational efficiencies, all of which have a positive impact on the environment.  For roll or sheet samples, contact Fasson customer support at 1-800-944-8511 or visit www.na.fasson.com  

posted on: 08/07/2009

Glassine liner

Spinnaker Coating now stocks 42# BWG (Bleached White Glassine) liner.  This low opacity, non-filled, heavily calendered liner features consistent caliper for press control and enhanced die cutting capabilities.  This dense glassine grade liner provides a hard surface to die cut against, reducing the potential of fracturing the liner causing problems on press. It is an excellent option for auto-applied roll applications. 
Spinnaker Coating, LLC, 800.543.9452, www.spinps.com

posted on: 08/07/2009

Laser-polyeser labelstock

Spinnaker Coating now offers the convenience of Laser Polyester for use in standard desktop laser printers.  This 2.5 mil material is a top coated, matte white polyester film featuring excellent laser print quality and durability.  It is moisture, tear, and smudge resistant and is compliant with BS5609 Maritime Standard Section 2 for marine transport.  Laser Polyester is ideal for small runs requiring variable information.  The facestock is also suitable for printing by all conventional processes. 2.5 mil TC Matte White Laser Polyester is available Trimless from Troy, OH and Los Angeles, CA in 5,000 foot rolls with BP-52, a general purpose permanent adhesive on a 3.5 mil layflat liner. Spinnaker Coating, LLC, 800.543.9452, www.spinps.com

posted on: 08/07/2009

Coupon stock

3 Sigma Corp., a leading supplier of pressure-sensitive and other materials to the label industry, has introduced 54-inch master roll widths of its popular Standard Circle Coupon label stock.  Offered from stock, the product features 3 Sigma AT2000 adhesive and 40-pound liner.  Other configurations—such as the popular 3 Sigma PE3 permanent adhesive—are available as custom orders with five-day lead times. 

According to 3 Sigma Marketing Manager Terry Cudney, “3 Sigma continues to expand the label stock options available to customer for their converting needs.  “We have been manufacturing the Universal Coupon product line for 15 years and earlier this year surpassed 100 Billion square inches of production. Over that time, we have provided our various constructions to more than 350 converters worldwide.  3 Sigma Universal Coupon products are available in Standard and Tight Circle Wavy patterns to meet every converting need.  Master rolls are available in 20-, 30-, 40-, and now 54-inch widths (Standard Circle only).”

For additional information, log on to www.3sigma.cc or call 927-440-3400 or 800-347-3091.

posted on: 08/07/2009

Sonoco raises North American paperboard prices

Sonoco will increase prices in North America for all uncoated recycled paperboard grades by $40 per ton effective with shipments on August 31, according to James Harrell, division vice president and general manager, Paper - North America.

"The cost of recovered paper, our primary raw material, has increased significantly over the past several months along with other input costs which makes it essential that we begin recovering these higher costs,” said Harrell.

Sonoco joins Caraustar, which raised its prices yesterday by $40/ton on all recycled paperboard grades, effective with shipments on Aug. 24.

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $4.1 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations.

For more information, visit http://www.sonoco.com

posted on: 08/05/2009

Caraustar to raise price $40/ton on all recycled paperboard grades

ATLANTA -- Caraustar Industries, Inc. announced today that it will increase prices by $40 per ton on all recycled paperboard grades produced by its mills, effective with shipments on and after August 24, 2009.

Greg A. Bartlett, vice president sales and marketing for Caraustar's Mill Group, stated, "This price increase is necessary due to the upward movement in recovered fiber costs during 2009 and recent increases in other input costs. Our mills are operating at high utilization rates due to increased demand. We continue to invest in our mills and are committed to being the first choice for recycled paperboard."

Caraustar Industries, Inc. is one of North America's largest integrated manufacturers of 100% recycled paperboard and converted paperboard products. The company is a socially responsible corporation, is committed to environmentally sound practices and is dedicated to providing customers with outstanding value through innovative products and services. Caraustar has developed its leadership position in the industry through diversification and integration from raw materials to finished products. Caraustar serves the four principal recycled boxboard product end-use markets: tubes and cores; folding cartons; gypsum facing paper and specialty paperboard products. For additional information on Caraustar, please visit the company's website at www.caraustar.com

posted on: 08/04/2009

Package Design Ideas for August 2009

Earthbound Farms moves to 100% PCRPET

Organic produce marketer Earthbound Farms is converting all of its plastic clamshell packages for lettuce and other produce to those made of 100-percent post-consumer-recycled PET (PCRPET). The organic produce grower is emphasizing its commitment to protecting the environment with the new clamshells, which are thermoformed by Packaging Plus (www.packagingplusllc.com) using material made from used soft drink bottles. The PCRPET is made from previously used plastic products such as soda or water bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. The clear clamshell package is light, shatter-resistant and recyclable. Earthbound believes its conversion to 100-percent PCRPET for packaging will conserve 424,000 million BTUs and 68,307 gal of water, as well as eliminate 16,191 tons of carbon dioxide and divert 1.3 million lb of solid waste from landfills. 

A p-s paper label featuring redesigned graphics is supplied by Spectrum Label (www.spectrumlabel.com) for Earthbound’s salad greens packages. The label calls out the packaging’s post-consumer content.

Shrink-sleeve labeling for protein tea

Unlike many protein drinks on the market that are in the form of a shake, Poze, which was introduced last month by Vigorous Brands Inc., is a hydrating protein green tea. “We introduced Poze because we felt there was a need for a protein product that acts as a natural hydrator,” says principal owner Phil Marchese.  “Green tea has a tremendous amount of health benefits, and the idea was to marry all of the benefits of whey-protein isolate with the benefits that go along with green tea.” Poze has 40 g of whey-protein isolate, vitamins and minerals, but contains no sugar and only 2 g of carbohydrate. The suggested retail price is $3.59 to $3.99 for a 20-oz serving. Poze is produced by contract packer Diamond Drinks Inc. (www.diamonddrinksinc.com). The PVC bottles are produced by Suscon Inc. (570/326-2003) and the shrink-sleeve labels are supplied by Creative4sight Inc. (www.creativefoursight.com). The labels and company logo were designed by Mosaic Interactive (www.mosaicwebsite.com). “The market response has been tremendously positive,” says Marchese.

"Green" gift bags made from limestone

Paper gift bags may not carry a high price tag for consumers, but they can have a major one for the planet in terms of water-borne waste, air pollutants and electricity consumption. 

That’s why Joy Harding (Sarasota, FL) developed the Earth Balance Bag, a line of tree-free “paper” bags. The proprietary bagstock (www.earthbalancebag.com) uses inorganic mineral powder from pulverized limestone combined with a small amount of HDPE as a binder. Graphics are offset-printed with vegetable-based inks. For every ton of tree-free “paper” produced, Harding says 20 trees are saved, 42 lb of water-borne waste is eliminated, 236 lb of atmospheric emissions are eliminated, 16,000 gal of water are conserved and 36,000 BTUs of energy are saved.

posted on: 08/02/2009

Barrier film

The newest addition to co.'s Freshness Plus™ line of active packaging yields superior oxygen protection by incorporating scavenging material into the barrier layer of the film. The scavenging components trap oxygen that can slowly migrate into the product from the package headspace or from the outside environment. Freshness Plus™ active barrier films do not require moisture to activate the scavenging reaction and are equally effective with wet or dry products, says co.

SEALED AIR, 800/845-3456, www.sealedair.com

posted on: 08/01/2009

Operational audits: Cut costs, build profits

The economic downturn has impacted nearly all industries, and everyone is trying to maximize budgets and prioritize spending. 

The Global Packaging Solutions business unit at MeadWestvaco (MWV) is not only aggressively pursuing its own cost-reduction action plan but is working closely with strategic partners. The service delivers added value to converters, which is only enhanced by MWV’s paperboard substrates, technical expertise and innovative design capabilities. These audits allow MWV to understand a potential customer’s business on a very detailed level and to build long-term partnerships.

So far in 2009, MWV teams have performed several of these customer operational audits. The teams are created after an in-depth discovery process identifies each converter’s specific issues, at which point MWV employees are selected based on their skill sets. MWV audit teams use Six Sigma® and lean manufacturing tools to analyze package-manufacturing equipment and process data.

Fresh perspectives
“Our teams have been extremely successful with these audits and have saved customers anywhere between $50,000-$500,000 annually,” says Jay Woodson, technical manager for Global Packaging Solutions, MWV. “When you bring a fresh set of eyes into a facility, it shines new light and brings a different perspective to the project. Our teams have seen converting lines all around the world, and we have a substantial range of best practices to offer our customers for improvement.”

“We recently performed an audit for a major West Coast converter, and we asked a lot of pain-and-gain questions in the upfront process,” adds Judith Oprandi, MWV West Region account manager, Global Packaging Solutions. “Knowing information about the customer’s challenges allows us to create a systematic approach to process improvement. In this particular audit, we were able to address four areas: materials storage, inventory control, cleanliness of sheet and incoming material quality check.

“Our recommendations allowed them to reduce their material-storage and inventory-control costs by roughly 13 percent. In addition, our suggestions from a converting standpoint gave them an 18-percent efficiency gain.”

Quantifiable analysis
MWV conducts these audits while a customer’s facilities are running at full capacity. The audit process takes around a week to gather needed information. The data is then loaded into a proprietary Paperboard Performance Model (PPM), and quantifiable analysis work begins. This tool was developed by MWV as part of a consultative approach which highlights opportunities to gain efficiencies throughout the printing and converting processes.

“The PPM allows us to quantify the impact of sheet cleanliness, press speed, impressions between blanket washes and the overall operational job costs,” explains Chris Moser, MWV global marketing manager. “This tool shows customers how productivity can be increased, and it calculates how many dollars can be saved.”

Following an audit and PPM analysis, MWV reviews detailed reports with converters. This typically includes a healthy dialogue about suggestions and ideas for the customer to consider. In addition, the audit team often returns to the facility to measure improvement and monitor the process. 

MWV’s approach is to provide a dedicated process improvement team to its customers that helps build solid and long-lasting partnerships. The depth of knowledge these teams provide is an added benefit and service that can help customers in any economic environment by improving efficiencies, reducing total costs, and creating a more profitable operation. 

Editor’s Note:Six Sigma is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.

MORE INFO:
SUPPLIER:
MEADWESTVACO, www.mwv.com

posted on: 08/01/2009

DuPont Teijin Films to consolidate US PET-film production

DuPont Teijin Films has announced a plan to consolidate all US PET film production to its Hopewell, VA. location. The Florence, SC, plant will be phased down during that period with full closure of the facility planned at the end of 2010. A total of 210 manufacturing jobs, including 40 contract positions, will be impacted at the SC facility. Some of these positions will be relocated to the Hopewell facility to support the technology transfer from the Florence site.

"The consolidation of PET film operations into our Hopewell, VA, facility completes our strategic plan to address structural changes in our industry and positions us for solid growth in our key markets," said Jean-Philippe Azoulay, President of DTF Americas. "The capability and productivity of the Hopewell Site are well suited to developments in electronics, medical and industrial markets as well as emerging green technology applications. Furthermore, with our Richmond Spruance operations specialized in Coated Flexible Packaging, and our overseas operations, we can supply a full range of solutions to our entire customer base."

posted on: 07/30/2009

Roll-fed shrink-film distribution agreement set

PASADENA, Calif. & NEGEV, Israel--Avery Dennison announced today that its Roll Materials division has entered into a collaboration agreement with Polysack Plastic Industries Ltd. to exclusively distribute and sell Polysack’s Polyphane™ Fit roll-fed shrink films in the United States, Canada Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. The deal is the first distribution arrangement Avery Dennison has established with another label material supplier.

Roll-fed shrink films are one of the fastest-growing label decorating technologies, providing the benefit of shrink sleeves at a lower cost. Polysack developed a range of products with a shrink ratio from 15% up to 50% that can be applied to traditional roll-fed labeling using hot-melt or UV glue and advanced technologies such as laser and ultrasonic welding.

Under the agreement, Avery Dennison will provide sales, distribution, marketing and customer support for Polysack’s portfolio of roll-fed shrink films.

“Polysack is a respected leader with a significant presence in the roll-fed shrink market worldwide,” said Don Nolan, group vice president for Avery Dennison Roll Materials. “Polysack’s focus on innovation and quality complements the distribution network and marketing strength of Avery Dennison.”

“Establishing distribution agreements with key marketing partners in international markets is an essential step in supporting our globalization strategy,” said Ofer Tsimchi, Polysack Chairman. “Avery Dennison’s customer base, product knowledge, and sales and marketing expertise will allow us to penetrate the growing shrinkable labels market in North America. Longer term, we will look to partner and grow with Avery Dennison by sharing technology and developing new products together.”

Avery Dennison is a recognized industry leader that develops innovative identification and decorative solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide. The Company’s products include pressure-sensitive labeling materials; graphics imaging media; retail apparel ticketing and branding systems; RFID inlays and tags; office products; specialty tapes; and a variety of specialized labels for automotive, industrial and durable goods applications. A FORTUNE 500 Company with sales of $6.7 billion in 2008, Avery Dennison is based in Pasadena, California, and employs more than 36,000 employees in over 60 countries. For more information, visit www.averydennison.com

posted on: 07/29/2009

Argotec restructures TPU-film business

GREENFIELD, MA — Argotec, Inc., of Greenfield, MA, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of thermoplastic polyurethane films, announced the restructuring of its TPU business to better serve the graphics industry and its other core markets.  President and chief executive officer, Bruce Wilby, stated, “Instead of focusing just on products we can make and market, we are concentrating on better matching our film extrusion capabilities, technical expertise and resources with the applications of our customers – strength to strength.  And that is especially the case with film converters and PSA coating customers, and in turn, their commercial graphics printing customers.” 

The company’s ArgoGraph™ graphics films utilize the same proprietary, lubricant-free urethane resin technology as the highly successful automotive paint protection films Argotec markets worldwide.  The result is a durable, highly conformable, abrasion-resistant film that is compatible with most commercial pressure-sensitive-adhesive and UV/solvent-based ink systems.  This makes them ideal for use in a variety of graphics and protective overlaminate applications where service-temperature performance, printability, optical clarity, lay-flat, UV-resistance, and Class-A gloss, smooth or matte surface-finish options are important. 

“Our customers recognize Argotec as providing the cleanest, highest quality TPU films available in the industry today,” Mr. Wilby stated.  “They frequently come to us looking for solutions to specific application challenges that commodity film producers often say are next to impossible,” he declared.  “But that’s our bread and butter.  It has been since the company was founded in 1988 and we shipped our very first roll of aliphatic TPU film the next year.” 

Describing how they work with customers, Mr. Wilby explained, “our plastics engineers interact closely with the customer’s design engineers to develop a film with the physical properties and surface finish characteristics needed to meet the parameters of the application.”  He continued, “Our engineers are then made available to work with the production engineers at the customer’s location to ensure that our films perform properly in their coating and slitting processes.”  

Steve Wolkenbreit, company co-founder and co-chairman, added: “From the beginning it has been our philosophy to listen to the customer, stay focused on problem solving, and keep technical service as the number one priority.  That hasn’t changed.  What has changed is the way we integrate groups of like products and resources.  This allows us to better approach customer challenges from an application-oriented perspective that is structured around our six core markets.”   Each has its own brand, literature and self-contained sections on the company’s Website, www.argotec.com

posted on: 07/23/2009

Security card stock

Metro card and transit pass manufacturers can now create a card that has anti-counterfeiting properties and is also environment-friendly with recyclable Holographic UniLustre®. One hundred percent recyclable nonlaminated Holographic UniLustre is a unique film-free and foil-free metallized material made without harmful solvents, all of which contributes to source reduction and enables recycling. In addition, end users that choose Holographic UniLustre materials for their metro cards can specify that they be made from post-consumer waste, making them even more environment-friendly. Cards can also be manufactured with custom holographic images for even greater security and enhanced authentication ability. Security, strong aesthetics, and recyclability are features that have powerful consumer appeal.

“Cities and transit authorities can communicate an important message about environmental awareness to riders and the entire community with a recyclable card,” says Joseph Funicelli, CEO and President, Unifoil Corporation. “A secure, attractive card that is also recyclable is good for business, consumers, and the environment.”

Recyclable Holographic UniLustre papers and boards are manufactured with a proprietary transfer-metallization process. Less energy and fewer materials are used to produce them, compared with alternative products. It’s also less expensive to ship products made with Holographic UniLustre.

Unifoil Corp., sales@unifoil.com; telephone 973-244-9900, www.unifoil.com

posted on: 07/21/2009

TAPPI PLACE 2010 calls for abstracts

PLACE 2010, set for the Albuquerque Marriott next April 18-21, calls for papers to be presented at the flexible-packaging technical conference. The 2010 PLACE Conference, organized by TAPPI, is the premier North American event for the flexible packaging industry and will have something for the whole supply chain including suppliers, converters, extruders, retailers, and brand owners.

The 2010 PLACE Program Committee is actively seeking technical presentations, panels, tutorials, roundtables and case studies from the packaging and academic community to be presented at the conference. Extended abstracts will be accepted anytime before Aug. 10. Final papers will be due on or before Feb. 10, 2010. Conference subject matter will include:

New Technology Showcase
Continually voted as one of the most popular ways to deliver new ideas, this session will have a somewhat relaxed commercialism policy to allow presenters to provide new, emerging, and cutting edge technology that are vital to the packaging industry, to conference attendees. Do you have new technology or products that you would like the packaging industry to be aware of? If so, then you are invited to present in the PLACE 2010 New Technology Showcase!

Advances in Materials and Equipment
Explore new materials and additives that are shaping the flexible packaging industry and providing improvements in physical properties, processing, and even sustainability. Combine advances in materials with the latest equipment technology and/or equipment upgrades to maximize efficiencies and profitability in processing and converting. PLACE 2010 is looking for technical papers that highlight the many recent advances in both materials and equipment servicing the flexible packaging industry.

Product Design Innovation
Do you have some real-world experiences on how new product design has been used to improve flexible packaging structures and has been used to meet the ever-changing and challenging demands of the flexible packing industry? If so then come share you success stories and highlight these innovations at PLACE 2010.

New Applications & Product End Use
Explore many new flexible packaging applications at PLACE 2010 and obtain insight as to how these new products are being used and viewed by the end user. PLACE 2010 will bring together processors, converters, brand owners, and end-users to explore all aspects of flexible packaging including new applications and product end use.

Sustainability
The Countdown to the 40th anniversary of Earth Day has begun and will coincide with PLACE 2010, providing a perfect opportunity to examine how the flexible packaging industry is approaching sustainability. PLACE 2010 will focus us sustainability and information related to the use of renewable polymers and look at case studies for sustainability in flexible packaging.

Additional targeted topics for PLACE 2010 include: 
Primers & Tutorials for Extrusion Coating, Film, & Flexible Packaging
Interactive Troubleshooting
SPE Antec & European Exchange
Printing & On-Line Inspection
Analytical Testing Techniques
Flexible Packaging Regulatory Issues 

Submit your abstract now at: www.tappiplace.org
 

posted on: 07/20/2009