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Vertis Invests in Esko-Graphics' Flexo Platemaking Devices

Vertis, a provider of technology-based marketing and advertising solutions, recently announced the purchase of multiple Cyrel Digital Imaging Units from Esko-Graphics, a producer of computer-to-plate (CTP) technology and packaging prepress products.

SunSure: Sun Chemical InkSure Partner to Combat Counterfeit/Diversion Losses

Sun Chemical Group B.V. reports it has formed a strategic marketing alliance with InkSure Technologies "to attack multi-billion dollar counterfeit and diversion losses."

Agfa Intros Elite CTP Platesetters

Agfa reports it recently introduced the Elite versions of the :Xcalibur VLF large-format CTP (computer-to-plate) platesetter and the :Xcalibur 45 8-up CTP platesetters.

IIMAK Petitions Govt. to Investigate Foreign Violation of Trade Laws

International Imaging Materials Inc. (IIMAK) alleges "the dumping" of wax and wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons—by manufacturers in Japan, the Republic of South Korea, and France—into the US market.

Harper Celebrates Flexo Ed; Thousands Attend Seminars

Celebrating more than a decade of a focused effort on flexographic education, Harper Corp. of America says it has recorded more than 6,500 flexographers, co-suppliers, and educators attending their various flexo education seminars. According to the co., this number includes participants in Harper's WalkingSeminar and Flexo Technology Tours, which, adds the co., were created just four years ago.

Honeywell Contributes Grant to UBC Pulp and Paper Center

Honeywell recently announced the presentation of a $30,000 (CND) grant to the University of British Columbia (UBC) to support research at the university's Pulp and Paper Center. According to the co., the grant will fund joint industrial/academic supervision of graduate student thesis projects and larger research programs, particularly in the area of control engineering.

Folding Carton Shipments Up in 2003

After two years of registering negative growth, the folding carton industry recently took a turn for the better, says the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC). According to the trade group, April marked the third consecutive month in 2003 to show year-over-year increases in shipments.

US Govt. to Help Intl. Buyers Exhibitors Connect at NPE 2003

According to the US Commercial Service department, US exhibitors will have more opportunities to make international sales this year at NPE 2003—thanks to extensive participation by overseas visitors and expanded US government export assistance services.

PCI World BOPP Study Reveals China Impact Maybe Not as Dramatic as Some Fear

A new study on the 3.2 million tonne world BOPP film market by UK-based market intelligence firm PCI Consulting Ltd. concludes the effect on the world supply/demand balance of planned capacity increases in China may not be as dramatic as some fear.

United Graphics Intros In-House Sheeting with Valmet's TSK Model

Valmet Converting reports United Graphics Inc., Mattoon, IL, USA, will introduce in-house sheeting into its sheet-fed printing operation with the addition of Valmet's TSK sheeter.

Zip-Pak's New Retortable Zipper Provides Even More Consumer Convenience

Zip-Pak reports the introduction of a new Zip-Pak retort zipper, calling the development "a major leap forward in packaging technology."

Brewing Label Excellence: Miller Honors NorthStar Print Again

NorthStar Print Group reports it's earned Miller Brewing Company's "Partners in Excellence" award for the sixth consecutive year. The co. was honored again for its performance in 2002.

Avery Dennison Adds SynCarta BOPP to Fasson Rapid-Roll Line

Avery Dennison Corp. reports it's enhanced its Fasson Rapid-Roll product line with SynCarta synthetic media. According to the manufacturer of pressure-sensitive technology and self-adhesive solutions for label materials and consumer products, these BOPP films are highly engineered synthetic media available in C1S matte and ultra-high-gloss finishes.

Rexam Blister-Pack Pharma Service Can Open Profit Windows

In an effort to cut product-launch times and bump up clients' profit windows, Rexam Healthcare Flexibles introduces "a suite of innovative pharmaceutical packaging services around its proprietary Black Box virtual modeling technology," reports the co.

WH Introduces New Extrusion Technology Developments; 450 Attend Open House

Windmoeller & Hoelscher (W&H) announces the introduction of extrusion technology developments and advancements at a May 14-15, 2003, open house at its company headquarters in Lengerich, Germany.

Chromas Goes Back to Aquaflex Name

Chromas Technologies reports it has changed its corporate name back to Aquaflex Inc. as of June 1, 2003.

Remote Proofing: Have Lunch This Week with Fujifilm WGMT

Women in Graphic Media Technology (WGMT) and Fujifilm say there is still space available for their June 5, 2003, luncheon that will highlight the advantages of remote proofing.

Pechiney's IDEA Exceeds Planned Performance

Bobst Group USA reports the installation of a Schiavi IDEA press at Pechiney Plastic Packaging's plant in Asheville. According to the converting equipment supplier, the gravure IDEA press features an automatic on-press wash-up system and print cylinder changeover.

Harvard Label to See Fast ROI on HarperScientific.com Investment

HarperScientific.com reports it has installed an enclosed chambered system on a Komori offset press for Harvard Label Company in California.

Barrier Coatings Friendly to Environment Now Available

After 20 months of targeted planning by a newly established team, BASF reports it's offering environmentally compatible barrier coatings for paper packaging; according to the manufacturer, the coatings are fully recyclable.

Suppliers Unveil First-Ever Flexograph at InfoFlex; Flexo at Litho-Quality Standards

At the Flexographic Technical Association's 2003 meeting earlier this month, a group of printing industry leaders introduced a first-of-its-kind litho-like flexograph artistic print.

AIMCAL Summer School: Get an Educational Edge

Need an edge for your converting operation? Now in its fifth year, AIMCAL's "highly rated" summer school has assembled the best consultants and educators in the industry for four days of focused technical sessions, says the converting industry trade group—education that may just give your business the competitive edge it needs.

Top Brauss at Mark Andy; Eulich Hands Over Prez Job

Mark Andy, a sub. of Dover Corporation, reports John Eulich, Mark Andy's president for the past 18 years, will hand over the job to Paul Brauss, current sr. VP at the narrow web flexographic press manufacturer.

Schiavi's Eco Jr. Solventless Laminators Appeal to Flex-Pack Converters in Canada

Schiavi, a member of the Bobst Group of companies (including Bobst Canada Inc.), reports three Eco Junior solventless laminators have been sold to "major flexible packaging converters" in Canada.

BASF Opens World's Fastest Coating Plant

BASF announces the launch of its newly modernized center for pressure sensitive adhesives at its Verbund site in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

Black Clawson to Install Coating Line for Window Films Producer

Black Clawson Converting Machinery Inc. reports it will manufacture, install, and start-up a film coating line for Commonwealth Laminating and Coating, Martinsville, VA.

Pack Strat Study IDs Alternative Pouches as 'Next Wave'

Packaging Strategies reports the publication of a study Alternative Pouch Formats: Global Markets, Technologies, Opportunities & Economics. According to the packaging information/resource firm, the study was authored Allied Development Corp. and in it, "retailers; users; converters; material, component, and equipment suppliers alike will discover the leading alternative pouch formats..."

Comco Educator Series to Cover Folding Cartons

Comco reports the presentation of "Flexo Rocks," a free one-day seminar that is "focused directly on the key issues facing today's print and packaging buyers and the industry's folding carton printers and converters," says Jenny Taylor of Mark Andy, parent co. of Comco.

Jefferson Smurfit to Sell 300 Million (USD) Sr. Notes

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. recently announced that Jefferson Smurfit Corp. (US), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Smurit-Stone, has entered into an agreement to sell $300 million (US) of 7.5 percent senior notes due 2013 (identified as "the Notes").

'Business as Usual Isn't an Option' for 900 Flexographers at FFTA

No blame, no excuses," was some of the advice imparted by the Foundation of the Flexographic Technical Association's keynote speaker at FFTA's annual forum held earlier this month in Salt Lake City, UT.

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