Whilst we are being bombarded with stories of factory closures, it is encouraging to note that many converters are continuing to invest in the latest technology and are expanding their businesses.
It is imperative that converters keep abreast of innovations and invest accordingly. In this issue, Gary Doman, sheet-fed sales director of manroland GB, rightly comments: “Regardless of the different market conditions, those that hold back now might be in danger of being left behind by those that don’t. Any gains made now would mean that you could be placed for significant growth when the economy begins to recover.”
Now more than ever before, brand owners are aiming to package their products in an attractive and cost effective manner, and the converting industry must capitalise on this. It is heartening that suppliers to the industry are continuing to invest in R&D, introducing new technology that will produce innovative packaging in a lucrative manner.
For decades, the German printing and packaging industry has been at the forefront of technology. Despite the current economic downturn, this country is continuing to drive innovation.
As a part of our focus on German innovation in this issue, Converting Today spoke with manroland, to gain a view of market conditions, competition and technological developments in the country (page 13). We also present several case studies.
Last year, Glasgow based label printer John Watson installed the world’s longest B2 Speedmaster. One year on, we look at how the Heidelberg press is helping the company ride the credit crunch, and meet commercial and environmental objectives (page 14). Another case study looks at how Swiss based group Model Holding is employing KBA’s Rapida offset press technology to increase production volume at its Czech production plants (page 16).
Speaking about technology, this issue also looks at web treatment, web cleaning and static control.
We now see an increasing trend towards the use of coatings that contain nanoparticles. However, these coatings are susceptible to defects caused by contamination that may be present on the surface of the web. In this issue, we look at some advances in web cleaning and static control that may help reduce contamination (page 17).
We also look at innovations that are helping wallpaper converters (page 21) to remain competitive in the current economic scenario.
Sonali Advani
Group Editor
