Reporter Clips
- Published: July 01, 2001, By Edward Boyle, Contributing Editor
Narrow Web Converting Industry News
Propheteer Takes Best of Show Awards in Moscow
PALATINE, IL , USA —Propheteer Intl. was awarded both show awards for flexographic presses at the Poligraphinter 2000 show held in Moscow last November.
A special commission of technical experts, businessmen, and writers from graphic arts magazines awarded the prestigious “Khrustalny Marzan” prize for the best flexo press at the show to the Propheteer 1800 press.
In addition, the Inter-Regional Assn. of Russian Printers awarded its “Zolotaya Matritsa” award to the 1800. Propheteer is represented in Russia by Animar Graphipress.
RadTech International Forms “Plastics Focus Group”
BETHESDA, MD, USA—RadTech Intl. North America has formed a “Plastics Focus Group” to develop industry programs devoted to the technical and market promotion of UV and EB curing of plastic products, including composites, films, and laminates, as well as coatings for plastic products. The focus group held its first meeting during the Spring RadTech meetings in Indianapolis, IN, May 1-2.
The association notes that with growth rates of 10%-20%/yr in the various sectors over the last several years, UV and EB plastic applications represent one of the fastest growing segments of the industry.
The association reports that, in addition to saving users the high cost of equipment for the collection and destruction of polluting compounds, UV and EB coatings allow faster production, use less space, improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and improve performance. As a result, the UV/EB industry is growing at more than twice the rate of the traditional coatings industry.
Shrink Labels Reflect Fiber Beverage Flavors
FARMINGDALE, NY, USA —Seal-It Inc. has converted a heat shrink label for Essentia Water Inc., a wholly owned sub. of NextPath Technologies, for the launch of Aquess water-soluble fiber beverage. The single-serve purified water with all natural ingredients features a label inspired by ingredients and essences.
In order to provide consumers with a distinctive but familiar taste, Aquess is offered in two flavors: peach and lemon essence. The two flavors are conveyed with illustrations of the fruits printed on the sleeve labels in their exact colors. The lush and realistic lemon and peach on each label is illustrated against a blue water background guaranteeing that the consumer can recognize the flavors easily. The images on the Seal-It labels are gravure-printed in ten colors on heat-shrink PVC.
“The attractive presentation of the graphics, the billboard effect of the 360-degree graphic orientation, and the ability of the label to shrink to the contours of the bottle ensure a unique way to differentiate the product and attract the consumer to the shelf,” says James J. Tonkin, CEO of Essentia Water. “We are extremely happy with the final results of the label, thanks to Seal-It.”
TLMI Produces Revised North American Label Study
NAPERVILLE, IL , USA —The Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute has released an updated version of its extensive study, “The North American Market for Pressure Sensitive Labels.”
The report examines the latest trends in raw materials, converting methods, and end-user markets for the tag and label industry. Individual chapters include An Overview of the North American Label Market; The End User; Substrates, Presses and Process Utilization; Inks; The Future; The Internet: Is mainstream commoditization inevitable to the pressure sensitive label industry?; The Mexican Opportunity; and In Search of Value Added.
The study also takes a first-time look at the North American end-user market by sector, profiling how today's p-s label converters are positioning themselves for the future.
The report is available for $495, plus $15 shipping and handling, for TLMI members US and Canada; $50 shipping and handling outside the US and Canada. The cost is $750, (plus $50 shipping and handling) for FINAT members, and $4,000 plus shipping for non-TLMI members. Copies are available by calling headquarters at 630/357-9222, 800/533-TLMI; fax: 630/357-0192; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; web: tlmi.com.
Universal Engraving, Fine Cut Intl. Report Merger
OVERLAND PK., KS, USA —Universal Engraving Inc. has announced a subsidiary merger with Fine Cut International Ltd., based in the U.K.
Fine Cut is a leading manufacturer in the rotary engraving industry throughout the European Community and reaching into the Far East and Australia. The new name for the company will be Fine Cut Intl. Ltd., a sub. co. of Universal Engraving Inc.
Labelexpo Europe's Global Presence Increasing
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM —More than 350 exhibitors have taken stands at Labelexpo Europe, which will be held Sept. 26–29 at the Parc des Expositions in Brussels. And, as the exhibitor list grows longer, an increasing number of countries are being represented, reports show organizer Tarsus Exhibitions & Publishing Ltd.
Turkey, Poland, and Israel are the latest countries to be represented. The number of exhibitors from Germany has jumped by about 50%, and there is a 30% increase in exhibitors from the U.K. The rise in the number of U.K. exhibitors is partly fueled by the offer of government sponsorship arranged through PICON, the leading trade association representing machinery suppliers.
For more information on Labelexpo Europe, contact Tarsus at ph: +44 (0) 20 8315 4800; fax: +44 (0) 20 8468 7472; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; web: narrowweb-printing.com.
Narrow Web PEOPLE & PLACES
FLEXcon Co. Inc., Spencer, MA, has promoted William Sullivan to VP, Performance Products Business Team.
Indigo NV, Maastricht, The Netherlands, has appointed Dr. Joel S. Birnbaum to its board of directors. Dr. Birnbaum is currently special technical assistant to Carly Fiorina, CEO, president, and chairman of Hewlett Packard.
Kocher + Beck USA, Shawnee, KS, has opened a manufacturing, sales, and service facility in Shawnee, KS, a suburb of Kansas City. Kocher + Beck is a manufacturer of various components for the label, narrow web, business form, envelope, paper converting, and printing industries. The company has manufacturing divisions in Pliezhausen, Germany, and Coalville/Leicester, England. This is the company's first manufacturing facility in North America.
AAA Press Intl. Inc., Arlington Hts., IL, has named Luis Martinez international mfg. rep.
GPA, Chicago, IL, has moved its West Coast facility (GPA West) to Santa Fe Springs, CA. This larger facility includes a customer service center for advanced technical support and a distribution center. GPA distributes sheet-fed label papers and specialty products for several printing processes.
