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MUST ATTEND EVENT North America’s new dedicated paper, film, foil, nonwovens converting show 250+ exhibitors Running machinery Comprehensive 3-day conference Pre-show flexible packaging conference and technical seminars Industry meeting point
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April 6-8, 2011 OCCC • Orlando • Florida ®
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paper, film, foil converting show • Orlando • Florida re! See you the
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PACKAGING THAT POPS Flexible substrates and stunning quality wins new business
In today’s competitive market, great presentation builds great brands. And the first tangible asset any brand has is packaging. As once-unique features become commonplace, the need for short-run flexible packaging is on the rise. Produced by digital packaging converters, flexible packaging is easier to ship and distribute, and it can protect and extend product shelf life.
Digital opens doors The digital label and packaging market is expected to grow from $1.95 billion in 2009 to $4.05 billion in 2014, according to InfoTrends’ March 2010 report, “Digital Color Printing in Packaging: The Ecosystem.” And flexible packaging can position digital converters to stake their claim. “We see the ability to offer high-quality flexible packaging as a major advancement for the CPC market,” says Kathy Popovich, director of marketing for Innovative Labeling Solutions (ILS). ILS uses an HP Indigo digital press in combination with the AB Graphic Digilam to provide turnkey flexible packaging solutions for virtually every segment. Brand owners rely heavily on consumer trial to build awareness around new formulations and SKUs, so being able to deploy a robust program is a must. With HP Indigo digital technology, digital converters can deliver high-quality packaging that can meet these needs better than conventional printing methods.
Investing in HP Indigo Packaging converters can add flexible packaging to their offerings, and win new business, using one of HP’s end-to-end digital printing solutions, including the HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press. Already in use at facilities around the world, HP Indigo digital presses can print on a wide variety of flexible packaging films and other substrates.
Delivering packaging that pops on store shelves, HP Indigo digital presses replicate PANTONE® Colors and special brandspecific hues. Eric Knop, director of business development for ILS, explains, “HP Indigo technology provides us with the print quality of gravure, without the minimum order quantities, lead time or setup waste and costs.” And the HP Indigo WS6000 prints at speeds up to 98 feet per minute in 4-color mode, getting packaged products to market faster than traditional processes. HP SmartStream workflow solutions offer a special Labels and Packaging module for increased productivity from start to finish.
Winning business By offering more—stand-up pouches, three-side seal bags and mock-ups—packaging converters can really grow business. Knop says that so far, ILS’ new flexible packaging services have been incredibly well-received, both by current and potential customers. “Impact at shelf is paramount for today’s brands, whether they are private label or a worldwide brand,” adds Popovich. “The versatility that HP Indigo digital presses offer in terms of graphic flexibility, print quality and speed-to-market is critical to success in this new consumer landscape. We’re excited to be one of the first to deliver it.”
Learn more at www.hp.com/go/packaging
© Copyright 2011 Hewlett·Packard Development Company, LP. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
T H E I N D I S P E N S A B L E T O O L F O R C O N V E R T E R S & P R I N T E R S O F FLE X I B LE PA C K A GI N G
Table of Contents ®
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20 COVER FEATURE CONVERTER PROFILE: St. Johns Packaging Charts a Global Course Recent expansion into key countries repositions this growing vertically integrated flexible packaging manufacturer.
26 FEATURES 12 FPA UPDATE Association Activities Update FPA Annual Meeting Highlights… FPA Environmental Health and Safety Summit Wrap-up…New Membership Announcements.
60 Q&A: ICE USA TRADE SHOW Inaugural Show Held in Orlando Interviewed by Flexible Packaging, Michael Boyle, ICE USA show director, explains how he is the man behind the ICE success story.
26 PRINTING: DRYING
DEPARTMENTS
Successful Ink Drying in Flexo: A Finely Tuned Process Ink drying is an extremely important element that affects a myriad of points in packaging.
28 TECHNOLOGY: FILMS & SUBSTRATES Altogether Better: Flexible Laminations in Food Packaging Processing efficiencies, sustainability and solventless adhesives are top-of-mind for experts in adhesive-laminated flexible packaging.
10 EDITOR’S FORUM 16 CONVERTER NEWS TLMI Environmental Certification…New Printing Press Purchased…International Expansion…and more. 38 INDUSTRY INSIGHT 40 SUPPLIER NEWS Flexographic Press Purchased…Open House Held for Converters, Vendors…State-of-the-Art Clean Compounding Plant Now Open…and News Briefs.
32 Q&A: WEB GUIDING
28
The Integral Points of Web Guiding Factors to consider, potential problems to overcome, and improvements that can be made for optimal web guiding.
43 HOT PRODUCTS 47 WEB SNAPSHOTS 54 CLASSIFIEDS
36 Q&A ON WORKFLOW & ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT (SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)
59 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & AD INDEX
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WWW.FLEXPACKMAG.COM FAST ACCESS TO WEB-ONLY FEATURES SUCH AS:
JOB SEARCH epackagingjobs.com, the premier online job search site for packaging professionals. “Unwrap your potential!”
TIMELINE OF INNOVATIONS in Flexible Packaging from the past 10 years.
NEW! FLEXPACKREPORT NEWSLETTER delivers the latest research and business data needed by flexible packaging converters. Includes links to sources of current resin prices. Sign up for your FREE subscription today.
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Editor’s Forum
THE INDISPENSABL E TOOL F OR CONVERTERS & PRINTERS OF F LEXIBLE PACKAGING
®
MAKING THE RIGHT MOVES hat constitutes making the right moves? Is it the thoughtful consideration when tackling a game changer, the weighing of all conceivable options or the possibility of an outcome due to your decisions? Now consider what making the right moves is in the current economy. Do your thoughts change? In business, the right moves could be investing in a well-researched innovation, like a new technologically-advanced machine or new material to run. A great move might mean bolstering personnel with professional education and training, or simply offering employees a refresher course in best practices. It could also mean physically expanding the business to other hot areas, filling a geographical void with your company’s products and services. Flexible Packaging’s cover story, penned by Executive Editor Rick Lingle, highlights the expansion of one Canadian company into both the United States and China. St Johns Packaging is a vertically integrated converter that found both opportunity and need in these two packaging hotspots. As Lingle writes, “[St Johns Packaging’s] moves represent a cohesive, proactive response to an evolving market.” Be sure to read about this company’s journey, both figurative and literal, on page 20.
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Extending the business means more hard work and dedication; I have noticed that both of those qualities run a-plenty in this industry. Our issue is chock full of information on making the right moves in business. We’ve published an informative technical piece on Drying for printers of flexible packaging materials on page 26. Ensuring proper web guiding and what to look for is highlighted on page 32. Even our Special Advertisers Section includes information on MIS/ERP software. To find out what that is and how it can create a better production flow, turn to page 36. And of course, our Converter News and Supplier News sections will get you up-to-date on industry movers, shakers and money makers (pages 16 and 40, respectively). Be sure to read this month’s issue to bolster your own decision-making process. Taking your company to new heights can allow for more opportunities. And it also means more hard work and dedication; I have noticed that both of those qualities run a-plenty in this industry. Perhaps it’s time for introspection if you feel your company is not making the right moves. FP
Sincerely, ERIN J. WOLFORD (847) 405-4042
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Publisher Mike Barr,
[email protected] Associate Publisher Randy Green,
[email protected] Senior Marketing Manager Steve Liput,
[email protected] Inside Sales Kristina Lorio,
[email protected] EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief Erin J. Wolford,
[email protected] Executive Editor Rick Lingle,
[email protected] Art Director Frank J. Mayeran Advertising/Production Manager Courtney Warnimont EDITORIAL BOARD George Thibeault, Constantia Hueck Foils LLC Michael Impastato, Flint Ink. Fredy Steng, Berry Plastics Marla Donahue, Flexible Packaging Association FPA OFFICERS Chairman John Baumann, Ampac Packaging LLC Immediate Past Chairperson James E. Love, III, Printpack Inc. Executive Vice-Chairman (chairman-elect) William Burke, Nordenia USA Treasurer Michael Impastato, Flint Group President (non-voting member) Marla Donahue, Flexible Packaging Association Executive Committee Members At Large Hans Deamer, Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp.; Jim Mize, Sealed Air Corp.; Ken Swanson, Berry Plastics Corp.; Rob Tiede, Sonoco Flexible Packaging AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT Corporate Audience Development Director Rita M. Foumia Audience Development Manager Kourtney Bell Multimedia Specialist Katie Jabour Audience Audit Coordinator Carolyn M. Alexander For subscription information or service, please contact Customer Service at: Tel. (847) 763-9534 or Fax (847) 763-9538 or e-mail
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[email protected] BNP MEDIA CORPORATE OFFICERS Publishing: Timothy A. Fausch Publishing: John R. Schrei Corporate Strategy: Rita M. Foumia Marketing: Ariane Claire Production: Vincent M. Miconi Finance: Lisa L. Paulus Creative: Michael T. Powell Directories: Nikki Smith Human Resources: Marlene J. Witthoft Conferences & Events: Emily Patten Clear Seas Research: Beth A. Surowiec FOR VOLUME REPRINTS: Reprints Sales Representative Jill DeVries Phone: (248) 244-1726 • Fax: (248) 244-3934 E-mail:
[email protected] CONTACT FLEXIBLE PACKAGING Phone: (847) 405-4000 • Fax: (847) 405-4100 Mail: 155 Pfingsten Road, Suite 205, Deerfield, IL 60015 Internet: www.flexpackmag.com Circulation: (248) 244-6421
BNP MEDIA HELPS PEOPLE SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITH SUPERIOR INFORMATION. VOLUME 13, NUMBER 2
MARCH 2011
Advanced Technologies in solvent recycling/reclaim/reuse & water waste treatment
Solvent Recyclers Distillation Columns Water and Solvent Separators Water Evaporators Thermal Evaporators Water Flocculation Systems Contact PPC Technologies & Solutions LLC for more information Ph: (262) 695-7536 Ɣ
[email protected] Ɣ www.ppcts.com/solventrecyclers.htm
FPA Update | F LE X I B LE PACK AG I N G AS S O CIATION
ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES UPDATE The Flexible Packaging Association provides informational updates on the activities and accomplishments of the Association. Following are updates on new FPA members, and the recently held 2011 FPA Annual Meeting and the 2011 EHS Summit.
2011 FPA ANNUAL MEETING: STEVE FORBES DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Steve Forbes
Jeff Ma
he Flexible Packaging Association’s 61st Annual Meeting was recently held at The Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. Steve Forbes, chairman and CEO of Forbes Inc. and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine delivered the keynote address during the Annual Meeting Luncheon and shared his insight on "Navigating the Current Economy for Business Growth and Success." The Meeting also featured Jeffery Ma, former member of the MIT Blackjack Team and subject of the hit movie 21. Ma discussed "The $100,000 Lesson: Business Lessons from the World of Blackjack." The 2011 FPA Annual Meeting focused on key industry topics including open innovation, private equity, M&A activity, and flexible packaging material availability. Meeting presenters and panel discussion included: • William Burke, president and COO of Nordenia USA and Flexible Packaging Association chairman, who provided the 2011 Annual Meeting opening remarks and preview of the 2011 State of the Flexible Packaging Industry Report.
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• Gregory Myers, managing director for Mason Wells, who discussed the "Impact and Role of Private Equity on the Flexible Packaging Industry." • Jon Ewing, managing director for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, who examined "Merger and Acquisition Activity in the Flexible Packaging Industry." • Jan Homan, CEO of Constantia Flexibles and Flexible Packaging Europe chairman, who provided an update on the European Flexible Packaging Market. • Nick Vafiadis, polyolefins business director for CMAI, who reviewed current "Trends and Opportunities in the Flexible Packaging Materials Market." • Consumer Packaged Goods Manufacturers panel discussion on Open Innovation, which included panelists Michael Okoroafor, Vice President, Packaging R&D/Innovation, Heinz; Asad Hamid, Vice President, Global Packaging, Campbell Soup Company; and Denise Lefebvre, Director, Packaging Innovation, PepsiCo. The panel discussion was moderated by Brian Wagner, PTIS co-founder of Packaging and Technology Integrated Solutions, LLC. The 2011 FPA Annual Meeting also provide attendees with great opportunities to interact with industry leaders and peers during several networking events including the 2011 Welcome & Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards Dinner, and the Annual Meeting Networking Luncheon with keynote speaker Steve Forbes. Special thanks are given to FPA members including Berry Plastics Corporation, Bobst Group North America, Exopack, LLC, Flint Group, Hosokawa Alpine American, NEX Performance Films, Nordmecannica, NA, NOVA Chemicals, Incorporated, P&O Packaging, LLC, and Siegwerk for their generous support of the 2011 FPA Annual Meeting Networking Events. For more information, visit FPA at www.flexpack.org. FP
MARCH 2011
2011 FPA ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY SUMMIT ocusing on environmental and safety issues specific to flexible packaging converters and suppliers, the 2011 EHS Summit was recently held at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Petersburg Beach, FL. Presented by the Flexible Packaging Association, the three-day EHS Summit provided regulatory updates, guidance on complying with industry-specific environmental and safety regulations, and presentations from industry experts and government officials. The EHS Summit opened with the Safety Session, which included a review of OSHA’s 2011 priorities and enforcement focus, and Voluntary Protection Program and certification process. The Safety Session also included presentations on Investigating and Managing a Fatality Incidence; Combustible Dust: Fire and Mitigation Strategy; Workplace Safety & Financial Rewards; Flexo Press
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Safety: Features and Considerations; and Developing & Implementing a Medical Surveillance Program. The EHS Summit continued with the Environmental Sessions, which examined the Economic Impact of EPA Regulatory and Enforcement Priorities; Web Based Training; Chemical Classification and Labeling; Energy Management and Recovery Options; TSCA Modernization; and, the DOW Jones Sustainability Index. The Environmental Sessions also included an update on FTC “Green Guides” Revisions and Industry Impact; DOT Security Plans and Training Requirements; R22 Refrigerant Phase-Out, Replacement Options & Compliance; and a panel discussion on Subparts AA, BB, CC and Industry Applicability. Special thanks are given to FPA members Exopack, LLC, Flint Group, and Sun Chemical Corporation for their generous sponsorship of the EHS Summit Networking Events. Presentations from the 2011 FPA EHS Summit are available on the FPA Website, www. flexpack.org. For more information, contact FPA at (410) 694-0800 or fpa@flexpack.org. FP
FPA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS The Flexible Packaging Association is pleased to announce that Advanced Barrier Extrusions LLC; Automated Packaging Systems, Incorporated; Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Emerald Packaging, Incorporated; Extrusion Dies Industries, LLC; Flexo Wash LLC; Hilex Poly Company, Plastic Packaging Technologies; and, Prairie State Group, have joined the Association. Following are descriptions of the new FPA members.
CONVERTERS
ADVANCED BARRIER EXTRUSIONS LLC Advanced Barrier Extrusions is a privately held manufacturer of multi-layer cast film. Their primary market is barrier film for food packaging, using nylon, EVOH, polyethylene and polypropylene resins in co-extrusions. The company’s FPA official representative is Tony Haug, president; and the FPA alternate representatives are Kevin Kopplin, vice president, Finance, and Steve Pawelko, vice president, Operations. For more information, visit www.abx-films.com.
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EMERALD PACKAGING, INCORPORATED Emerald Packaging is a printer/converter of flexible packaging for the produce industry. The company’s FPA official representative is Kevin Kelly, CEO; and, the FPA alternate representative is Todd Somers, Director of Sales and Marketing. For more information visit www.empack.com.
HILEX POLY COMPANY Hilex is the nation’s largest manufacturer and closed loop recycler of plastic bags. The company is also a leading supplier of environmental packaging solutions that create value, quality and service. The company’s FPA official representatives are Stan Bikulege, president and CEO, and New Members continues on page 14 >>
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FPA Update | F LE X I B LE PACK AG I N G AS S O CIATION