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A pressing engagement
10 December, 2019
For all the focus that companies give to the finished printed product, many times they have ignored the previous , vital step that occurs to deliver the printed product to the machine. Matthew Rogerson reached out to Mike Ruff, an industry expert of 40+ years graphics arts experience to understand the fundamental part prepress plays in print quality and excellence, and where he feels the market will go next.

China's Pulp Demand Growth to Stabilize
09 December, 2019
The decline in pulp demand seen in China in late 2018 and early 2019 seems more temporary than structural. Demand drivers point to moderate growth in demand from 2020 onwards, as printing and writing paper are more resilient in China than in other major economies and as tissue has room for sustained growth following rising urbanization. Despite announcements by Chinese mills for new domestic investments, the country is set to remain dependent on pulp imports to supply 60% of its demand going forward. Rabobank expects pulp demand to gradually bounce back in late 2019 and throughout 2020 in China

On a roll
25 November, 2019
Web cleaners are a common feature on printing lines, and remove dust and debris from paper and other materials using a variety of methods. The choice of which unit is most appropriate for one’s line, therefore, is an important one. Michael Shaw talks to Sheila Hamilton, technical director at Teknek, about the types of web cleaner on the market and the future of his essential technology.

The bespoke approach
25 November, 2019
As the market moves from the mass approach to targeted, local and personalised, companies are discovering the many benefits of digital printing to deliver varied and engaging forms of packaging. Does this mean the end for conventional printing techniques? Will Moffitt speaks to packaging technology consultant Ian Schofield, former own label manager for Iceland, about the potential for digital disruption.

A volatile situation
25 November, 2019
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are a hot topic in the flexographic industry. Boosted regulations have brought their challenges to the fore, with the indoor and outdoor emissions from the manufacture of products such as solvents all needing to be made as clean as possible. Emma-Jane Batey reports on how the flexo industry is supporting the strict EU regulations.

Bend and flex
13 November, 2019
Versatile and functional, flexible packaging is, as its name suggests, flexible. Brands love flexible packaging as it allows them to package their products with few disadvantages. Emma-Jane Batey speaks to fans of flexible packaging from across the value chain to learn more

Finesse in the finish
13 November, 2019
With the industry gearing up for Labelexpo Europe in September, print and labelling are at centre stage for packaging, printing and converting companies. One area that is often bundled under ‘print’ as a topic is finishing, but it is so much more than an ancillary process. Tony Snyder, vice-president of product portfolio management and deployment at Philip Morris International (PMI), and Andreia Fontes, the company’s director of printing and converting, explain PMIs interest in digital printing and finishing for cartons and the potential it has for the future of the industry.

Old kid on the box
13 November, 2019
The pretty one. The clever one. The sporty one. Just because something has a label, doesn't mean that's all it is. Gravure printing has long been considered 'the quality one', with digital usually labelled 'the quick one' –however, gravure goes far beyond quality, even though that is a fantastic advantage, especially on long runs.

When Coating Fails to Impress
25 October, 2019
Tom Kerchiss of RK Print Coat Instruments writes about

The European plastics industry: hoping for the best, preparing for the worst”
20 August, 2019
In the run-up to K 2019, the European plastics industry faces challenges on several fronts. Overall, the economy is just bumping along; the prolonged exit of the UK from the European Union is creating disquiet; major traditional export markets are wobbling; and hardening attitudes of consumers towards plastics packaging are leading to hasty – some say ill-judged -- moves among law makers setting out a path to the Circular Economy.

FINAT releases RADAR #11
05 August, 2019
After last month’s report of slowing demand for self-adhesive label materials in 2018, FINAT’s latest edition of the 6-monthly market monitor, the FINAT RADAR, confirms signs of a cooling label market.

WHITE PAPER CONFIRMS SEPHA VISIONSCAN IS NON-DESTRUCTIVE LEAK TEST METHOD
05 August, 2019
Dr Dorian Dixon, packaging specialist and senior lecturer in the School of Engineering at Ulster University, has published a new white paper that confirms the Sepha VisionScan is a non-destructive method to test the integrity of pharmaceutical blister packs. A stability study was conducted to test the hypothesis there is no significant increase in the moisture status of tablets inside a blister pack inspected by the VisionScan test method compared to blister packs in the control group

Worth the paper it's written on
05 August, 2019
Paper has an excellent reputation as a packaging material. Consumers love it, as it taps into their 'doing the right thing' consciousness and brands are fans of consumers’ usage. With paper having a fair wind behind it, it's no wonder that there are all manner of clever new ways to use paper for packaging. Emma-Jane Batey reports on a selection of cutting-edge solutions.

Pretty perfect
22 July, 2019
We all shout about shelf appeal, but what does it really mean? Consumers have to actually see the product for them to be able to buy it, whether that's online or in-store. So while the branding, the format of the packaging and the materials all contribute, the core colours of the packaging are what makes that all-important first impression. Emma-Jane Batey speaks to brand owners to learn how they're using colour to create engagement.

Smart engagement
22 July, 2019
Labels are ingrained in the very fabric of our lexicon, and so it is unsurprising that their importance in converting can never be overstated. As the link between consumers, brands and regulation on pack, they tell us how to use things, when, in what quantities and where they come from, as well as providing a life of the product to track it back if needed to point of manufacture. If the label fails to support any of these activities brands can find themselves in very deep and dangerous waters.

Feel the benefit
22 July, 2019
Innovations in coating and laminating mean that products are better protected than ever before – without compromising on quality or sustainability. With the right solution, brands are able to guarantee premium freshness and meet consumers’ expectations

Colour me good
08 July, 2019
Quality, price, intensity, toxicity – inks deliver visual impact as well as changing the character of the packaging. With increased appreciation of the complete package, ink has to be as transparent as it is colourful. Emma-Jane Batey speaks to brand owners across the value chain to learn more.

miniature sensors enable new applications
08 July, 2019
Damien Wittwer, Director Product Management & Business Development, Contrinex explains that resource-saving, compact design is increasingly gaining acceptance in automation technology. Even when little space is available, full functionality must still be maintained. This is particularly true for sensors, which have important functions as the "eyes" of automation in devices and machines. For photoelectric sensing in confined installation conditions, it is usual to lay fiber-optic cables up to the actual sensing site, which is quite costly. Today, miniaturization makes it possible to accommodate high-performance sensors, including evaluation, inside compact housings with practically the same installation space. This saves installation time and simplifies setup, while IO-Link simplifies parameterization during operation. As a result, it is often possible to implement new applications.

drupa Essentials of Print
01 July, 2019
We deliver herewith a series a series of articles, from designers, brand owners, printers,converters, journalists and influencers. We look forward to working together with experts,who enrich our drupa Essentials with fresh impulses, sound expertise and remarkable experience.All these articles will allow visitors to understand a world that has changed dramaticallysince the creation of drupa in 1951 and will continue to evolve. Different observations andperceptions of an industry seeking innovation in a fast-changing world. Give free rein toyour instinct under the adage: “to each his own drupa”.

Vegan & Vegetarian - Packaging Process & Production Considerations
28 June, 2019
Vegan & Vegetarian - Packaging Process & Production Considerations