Upload
moon-sun
View
226
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
1/20
An N.V. Publication
The Bi-Weekly News Publication Serving The Flexographic Printing Industry
ExecutiveOutlook
Atlas Converting Bobst Color Resolutions Esko
DuPont Flexotecnica FLXON Mark Andy
2012
Market News
FLEX
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
2/20
2012DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and Cyrel are registered trademarks or trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates.
DIGIFLOWTHE NEW DUPONT CYREL
WORKFLOW.
IMPRESS...DOT BY DOT.
For higher quality at high speedwww.cyrel.com/digiflowDuPontTMCyrel
Introducing DuPontTM Cyrel DigiFlow, the latestfexographic platemaking innovation rom DuPontPackaging Graphics. Cyrel
DigiFlow allows you to
achieve true one-to-one reproduction in a standarddigital workfow, and it is ully compatible with bothdigital Cyrel and digital Cyrel FAST.
Cyrel DigiFlow allows you to optimizethe eectiveness o the latest high-resolutionand solid-screening applications in a highly
productive workfow. Print results areoutstanding, showing expanded tonal rangeand improved solid-ink density.
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
3/20
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
4/204 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
Brian StiffSales Manager
The constant quest for improved productivity and
profitability through reduced machine downtime and
reduction of waste remain the most important priori-
ty of any converter in todays flexible materials mar-
ket. Whether wide web flexo, gravure printing,
coating & laminating or slitt ing/rewinding, all
processes must strive to achieve an acceptable re-turn on investment and capital employed.
After printing or coating, most flexible materials
proceed to the slitting department for further pro-
cessing. Enter Titan slitter rewinders.
The next generation Titan SR9 Series slitter
rewinders from Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd.
(UK) not only introduce a new technology platform
for higher performance and improved productivity,
but also provides a more flexible and sustainable
solution in slitting & rewinding.
Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd. launched its new
Titan SR9 Series slitter rewinder technology at the ICEEurope exhibition in Munich, Germany, in November
last year with the new Titan SR9-DT Dual Turret
rewinder. A Dual Shaft (DS) module will be available
later this year followed by a Single Turret (ST) module.
The concept of the Titan SR9 Series technology
platform features 3 separate machine modules of un-
wind, slitter & rewind sections. The idea being that a
converter only need change the rewind section of the
slitter from a Dual Shaft (DS) to a Single Turret (ST)
or Dual Turret (DT) configuration, without the need to
change the existing unwind and slitting modules.
Innovative engineering design has led to applica-tion for four patents on the Titan SR9-DT model, one
of which, the Turret Support Device (TSD), has al-
ready been granted. These advanced designs have
led to significant improvements in quality of slit
reels, reduction of set-up time and increased pro-
ductivity. As an example, the Linear Tracking Slitter
(LTS) section ensures the shortest and a constant
web length between the knives and the rewind
shafts for improved web control giving the highest
possible side wall quality of rewind reels and also
reducing the possibility of waste material.
Between all three versions of the Titan SR9 plat-form, many new features provide exceptional perfor-
mance and productivity at
speeds of up to 3,300
ft/min (1,000 m/min).
Acceleration Speed
Control (ASC) and Predic-
tive Stopping Control
(PSC) ensure the fastest
acceleration and stopping
to minimize machinedowntime.
Knife Positioning Systems (KPS3) from a manual
Positive Positional Device to semi-auto and fully au-
tomatic (male & female) knife positioning meet all
production demands. A pre-setting system ensures
all running parameters are ready from the first set,
reducing operator intervention.
The time required for reel set changes is greatly
reduced with the Rewind Core Positioning (RCP3)
system using either laser, servo or a fully automated
system. The Rewind Clamp Cut-off mechanism
(RCC) automatically cuts all slit web tails, saving op-erator intervention for either the DS or DT rewind
modules. Automatic Tape Down (ATD) then secures
all tails to the reels and new rewind cores, enabling
a fast re-start.
To maintain focus on its objectives for sustainabili-
ty, the Titan SR9 Series has many features for
achieving reductions in the use of energy and reduc-
tion of waste materials.
The Guider Knife Positioning (GKP2) system not
only saves time in setting up the knives but also sig-
nificantly reduces the amount of wasted material
pulled through the slitter for alignment.The SR9 Series features a Moving Splice Table
(MSTV) which is ergonomically positioned at the un-
wind to enable fast, accurate and minimal waste re-
moval, with precise splicing.
Elimination of all hydraulics on the SR9 Series has
helped to provide a cleaner environment and a con-
siderable reduction in energy consumption. The use
of high efficiency motors and regenerative braking
makes the SR9 Series the most energy efficient slit-
ter in the Titan range.
The Titan SR9 Series is set to smash all productiv-
ity records and provides a genuinely flexible andsustainable new approach to slitting and rewinding.
Atlas Converting
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
5/20
Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd., Bedford MK42 7XT, UKT: +44 1234 852553 E: [email protected]
Atlas Converting North America, Inc., Charlotte, NC 28273T: +1 704 587 2450 E: [email protected]
www.atlasconverting.com
Rewind to the Future
The new
TITANSR9-DT
raises thebar in slitterrewinderproductivity
SEE US AT
STAND12-D67
SEE US AT
BOOTH 735
The latest generation TITAN SR9 Series slitter rewinderplatform saves valuable seconds - and minutes - during
the entire slitting and rewinding process.
And its new modular design concept means the TITANSR9 can be configured to meet current productiondemands, with simple bolt on options for changingfuture requirements.
A host of other new TITANSR9 Series features provide exceptionalperformance & productivity at speeds ofup to 1,000 m/min (3,300 ft/min).
Reduced waste
Linear Tracking Slitter (LTS)
Guider Knife Positioning (GKP2)
Moving Splice Table (MSTV)
Reduced downtime
Acceleration Speed Control (ASC)
Predictive Stopping Control (PSC)
Knife Positioning Systems (KPS3)
Reduced set change time
Rewind Core Positioning (RCP3)
Rewind Clamp Cut-off (RCC)
Automatic Tape Down (ATD)
Reduced downtime + Reduced set change time + Reduced waste = more $$$ Profit
EVERY SECOND COUNTS!EVERY SECOND COUNTS!
KPS3
RCP3
GKP2
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
6/20www.nvpublications.com6 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News
Executive Outlook
Michael DAngeloVice President
I never think about the future. It comes soon
enough. This quote by Albert Einstein is appropriate
for us to consider as the flexo industry enters 2012.
We have weathered the storm and many companies
have flourished. There is still a lot of uncertainty,
economic and political, both at home and abroad.
Meanwhile, time marches on, regardless of whether
we want to take a breath or leap ahead. The future
arrives daily. Leading companies look confidently to
the future. This is why the Bobst Group continues to
make vital investment in new developments for our
entire product range.
Thomas Paine famously said, Lead, follow or get
out of the way. Fischer & Krecke (F&K) has chosen
once again to lead. Backed by the strength of the
Bobst Group, the development program of F&K
brings a new flexo press solution, the 20SIX to the
market. Intelligent Design. Intelligent Economics.
Flexo converters wanted a press that was designed
to carry out a wide variety of printing jobs and pro-
vide an impressive return on their investment. They
also required a press that could be customized to
their own needs. F&K delivered.
The 20SIX is designed to perform, improves print
quality, improves operator interface and information
and offers impressive versatility. Intelligent Design.
Intelligent Economics. This criteria goes into everyfeature of the 20SIX. With trust in the F&K name,
more than 130 years of satisfying customers and an
unparalleled reputation in quality innovation, the mar-
ket has responded impressively to the 20SIX with
multiple orders already booked around the world.
Offering optimum press technology is not solely
where F&K success is found. Driven by a philoso-
phy that the press should print, our engineers have
been moving changeover activities more and more
off press. During 2012 F&K will introduce moresmart ways to improve press efficiency and uptime
by moving non-printing make-ready functions off
press. While this philosophy is best exemplified by
our award winning smartGPS, now the industry
standard for precise registration and impression set-
ting, there are far more opportunities to allow the
press to print even more. Those of you going to
Drupa will have much to see and hear from
Bobst/Fischer & Krecke in Hall 10, at stand A04.
Those of you not going to Drupa, we will also be at
the FTA Forum 2012 Infoflex and at CPP Cleveland.
Wherever you may be going, please put us in your
visit plans.
This annual issue of Flexo Market News is entitled
Executive Outlook. So, whats our outlook? We at
Bobst/Fischer & Krecke are naturally optimistic. Our
technical and engineering teams are optimistic be-
cause they know that they design and build one of
the best flexographic printing presses in the world
and are in an environment where they can keep im-proving. Our commercial, marketing and service
teams are optimistic because they are in front of
customers daily and they know that F&K equipment
exceeds demands in an incredibly demanding envi-
ronment.
We continue to invest in you, our customers, by
having the resources and spending the development
monies necessary to bring innovation and big ideas
that can make an immediate impact in your press-
room and on your bottom line. Intelligent Design. In-telligent Economics. This can bring a bright outlook
for you.
Bobst Group
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
7/20
2OSIX
Bobst Group North America, Roseland New Jersey, 1-888-226-8800
www.bobstgroup.com
Intelligent Design. Intelligent Economics
Hall 10 Stand A04
The NewBenchmarkfor
Flexible Packaging
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
8/208 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
George SickingerPresident & CEO
There are bright, colorful days ahead
The economy is improving, and there have been a
great deal of capital investments among converters.
We are seeing converters adding or replacing flexo-
graphic presses to become more efficient, which
usually means running faster with more consistent
quality and less down time. Change can always
spell opportunity, and this has certainly been the
case for Color Resolutions International (CRI). New
equipment almost always requires new ink formula-
tions to maximize the capability of the new equip-
ment. At CRI, we love converters who are
aspirational and wish to achieve new, higher levels
of graphic reproduction to differentiate themselves.
We feel very blessed to be a part of the dynamic
packaging industry.
Helping converters grow their business
Converters usually grow by offering something
their competitors cant or wont do. Quality printing,
produced efficiently, is always part of the equation.
The printing impression is like a fingerprint at a
crime scene. CRI has highly qualified technical ser-
vice people who can identify root causes of printing
that is less than the best. With that knowledge, com-
bined with our proprietary ink and coating chemistry,
CRI can solve problems at the pressroom level and
make any converting operation more efficient.
CRI makes a point of knowing our co-suppliers
and their capabilities. That is how we have learned
over the years to understand the whole printingprocess and the myriad of things that can impact a
printed job. Converting companies could benefit
greatly from forming their own co-supplier team cho-
sen from the best of the best. Such a team of pro-
fessionals can be called upon for consultation for
continuous improvement projects or for advice on
new, often bold initiatives involving capital expendi-
tures to go after a new market.
Typically, converters keep suppliers in silos, thus
losing some valuable input that could make for a
more costly implementation. I believe this occurs be-
cause the various suppliers call on different levelswithin the organization, and the top person doesnt
know many of them. Ink and color are the most visi-
ble, and poor printing can
often be a manifestation of a
number of issues going on in the process. Ink, pre-
press, plate, cutting die, substrate and equipment
suppliers at a converters operation should know
each other for the betterment of their mutual cus-
tomer.
Growth markets for Flexo converters
Flexo printing is and has been well represented in
packaging, but there is still plenty of room for
growth. Flexographic print quality has so vastly im-
proved over the years leaving the offset market as
a prime target for growth. Also, flexography is an
ideal process for the developing and growing shrink
market.
CPCs and consumers are leading Flexo
printing
The buzzwords from CPCs are retail ready.
CPCs and the retailers want packaging that is ready
to grab consumers attention on the self without hav-
ing too much product handling at the store. Every-
one in the supply chain should learn to think like a
consumer. Converters need to be very active in the
packaging design phase, including their suppliers in
the process so they can efficiently print the final de-
sign. All packaging components need to be integrat-
ed so the brand identity is supported from the
shipping container to the bag, box or label on the
shelf.
What would we like you to know about
CRI?
What we say about ourselves is far less important
than what our customers and co-suppliers say about
us, but if you were to ask any of them, I think that
they would say that we are problem solvers with a
deep knowledge of the flexographic process.
Color Resolutions
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
9/20
Optimize Your Color Gamut with CRIs TrueColorBalanceTM
Better Process Control
TrueColorBalanceTM is a unique color management
system that helps achieve the largest possible color
gamut in the visible color spectrum when printing withprocess inks. CRIs technical specialists combine
custom formulated ink chemistries with color
management expertise to optimize your process
colors to a neutral gray.
TrueColorBalanceTM gives your operators and
pre-press suppliers a precise target for process image
reproduction, resulting in reduced waste, shorterset-up times, lower ink costs and no more color toning
on press. CRIs TrueColorBalanceTMis compatible with
FIRST 4.0.
www.colorresolutions.com800.346.8570
Enhance Your Bottom Line
Let CRIs color management experts optimize your
capabilities and maximize your level of printing quality
and press uptime.
Request a no obligation consultation from a CRI technical specialist.
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
10/2010 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
Simon JamesVP Marketing
There is likely no argument from anyone that flexo
offers many advantages for the package printer. The
cost-effective print process, with polymer plates, will
make as many as a million impressions on virtually
any absorbent or non-absorbent substrate. Fast-dry-
ing inks assure that the print quality is not smeared
from as many as a dozen ink units, preservingbrand colors.
And now, with HD plate quality, highlights and
shadows are held as well as with offset or gravure.
Vignettes are easily reproduced from zero to a hun-
dred, with strong density and no pinholes.
The entire flexo converting industry benefits when
flexo improves as long as brand owners can see
its visible and economic advantages. This is no
more evident than the migration, slowly but surely,
from gravure and offset.
Esko sees flexo growing faster in every country
than any other print process. Even in China, where
most printers rely on gravure for billions in U.S. dol-
lars of not very environmentally sustainable print,
the most competitive printers who want to differenti-
ate their printing are those who are investing in
flexo. In fact, worldwide, digital (CtP) flexo is grow-
ing 2-3 times faster than analogue flexo and
gravure.
Flexo innovations have benefitted everyone. Inthe round printing assures seamless printing and
plates that can be used for reorders. Meanwhile, just
about everyone touts the ability to print flat top dots.
This is leading, somewhat, to apparent standardiza-
tion in production.
This is no clearer than with the proliferation of
Esko HD Flexo-certified printer providers. Starting
from zero just one and a half years ago, there are
now 160 companies that tout their proficiency in
high definition flexo and that number is increasing
at a rate of 45-50 percent per year. Higher screen
rulings, ink laydown, registration with high technolo-
gy flexo print systems? Its all achievable.
If every vendor can offer a quality solution of one
kind or another, then where is the exposure of differ-
entiating oneself? With increasing commoditization
of flexo quality, how does a flexo print provider as-
sure its getting its share of an expanding market?The next battleground will not be in the hardware,
but the integrated workflow driving all the equip-
ment. For example, to offer compatibility between
flexo, digital, and other forms of printing, you need
color control across all print processes. With web to
print, digital printing significantly reduces the time to
print to as little as a few minutes. And, with in-house
digital platemaking, it is not hard to produce plates
from an incoming order in as little as 1.5 to 2 hours.
Of course, to do this, workflows have to be simpli-
fied to one or two, rather than 15-20.
Tying software to the back end of printing delivers
the value of any process. The future health of flexo
is assured because there are workflow solutions that
can manage the complete complexities of flexo,
from the brand owner and designer throughout the
supply chain to the retailer. They can also replace
other printing methods, and control colors to match
any process. At Esko, wed like to think we offer the
premier workflow to do just that.
What a time it is to be invested in flexo.
Esko
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
11/20
ww.esko.com
The new qu litybe inflex printing
D Flexo combines high resolution imaging with advanced screening.
he result is a digital fl exo plate for superb printingquality and stability.
nally, fl exo is able to match offset printing.
enefi ts at a glance...
Outstanding tonal range, detail & contrast
Smooth vignettes & gradients - print to zero
Reduction of image correction & retouching
Simplifi ed conversion from Offset & Gravure
D Flexo is one of EskoArtworks many
ew technological innovations.
iscover today how EskoArtwork
an boost your fl exo print quality.
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
12/2012 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
Tom JacquesSales Manager
If you could advise a converting company
to focus immediate attention on ONE specif-
ic area of opportunity, what would it be and
why?
Converters need to focus on reducing costs, which
translate into higher profits. The goal is to find meaning-
ful ways, through process improvement, product re-
design and the elimination of waste streams, to movetheir fixed costs downward, while innovating to improv-
ing their quality and consistency to grow revenue.
Flexotecnicas new low waste set-up system is just
one example of a game-changing tool that has cut set-
up waste to a fraction of what it used to be for many of
our latest customers who chose this option.
What specific changes do you see occur-
ring in the flexo industry in the coming years
that might open new business avenues for
printers?
Larger companies, like Bemis and others, are consoli-dating the industry, which is still relatively fragmented,
due to low barriers to entry and the importance of physi-
cal location, as it relates to quicker service and lower
transportation costs.
The dichotomy of ever larger companies versus
smaller, more regional converters, will continue to exist
in this industry. As larger converters focus on building
scale and increasing efficiency as ways to lower costs,
the more typical converters with one or a few locations
are keeping pace with investments in new technology,
in order to allow them to compete effectively in their
local areas.
Do you see any developments in the retail
environment that printers should be focused
on? And do you foresee CPCs demands and
expectations for printers changing in any
way?
The continuing trend of eating more meals at home
will benefit the industry going forward. New products
are being developed to capture the imagination of the
consumer, while the retail food space is morphing into
an experience, with the Whole Foods model being
emulated by other regional chains.Consumer product companies (CPCs) are under a
significant amount of pressure to capture their fair share
of this continued growth by
building the next multimillion
dollar brand, either through
line extensions or new prod-
ucts. Most of the newer
products today focus on
health benefits (so-called
nutraceuticals) and sus-
tainable packaging.
The push for more recycledcontent and better recyclable or compostable package
materials will not abate. Flexotecnica presses have al-
ready successfully printed some bio-based films, which
need to be further developed to be impactful during
their life cycle by minimizing landfills or becoming truly
biodegradable.
The CPCs will continue to ask converters for new
ideas to help sell their new products, which will drive
lots of short run, test marketing work.
What specifically is important for flexo
printers to know about Flexotecnica as theylook into opening new opportunities for their
businesses?
Flexotecnica can provide converters with Something
Special to give them a competitive edge, providing
solid, reliable presses with proven production capability.
Flexotecnicas customers benefit by getting a better
return on investment (ROI) at a better value.
Our success is merely a reflection of our customers
success which has come by focusing on profitability.
By making our presses easier to run and maintain than
ever, we attract todays tech-savvy workers and give
them the high degree of automation they expect withour latest technology.
It is noteworthy that the vast majority of our latest
press orders are from repeat customers, who have
grown with Flexotecnica as their businesses grow.
Our core beliefs are to do the right thing, be proactive
and to insure that our customers presses perform, and
that focus will never change.
Also: Watch this space!
Flexotecnica is coming out with some new innova-
tions at Drupa 2012 to provide even more consistent,
repeatable and reliable production! These novelties will
be unveiled at Stand BO3-1/BO3-2 in Hall 16 at Drupain Dsseldorf this May, and all interest parties are invit-
ed to visit us see you there!
Flexotecnica
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
13/20
Serviced and Supported by:
North American Cerutti Corporation
15800 West Overland Drive
New Berlin, WI 53151
Tel: (262) 327-1667
Fax: (920) 499-2291
www.flexotecnica.it
How Tempo PlasticsGot the Edge
Get the Edge.
The versatility we get from having three Flexotecnicapresses, along with Flexotecnicas service and support, has
given Tempo Plastics a definite competitive edge.
- Michael Bannon, Vice President, Tempo Plastics
Randy OHara, Michael Bannon and Mike Thompson
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
14/2014 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
Paul SharkeyPresident
Once Again improving and controlling a
process leads to sustained profit and
growth.
FLXON INC, like many engaged in the flexo print-ing industry, had a good 2011 and 2012 is lookingeven better. Just about all of the printers and indus-try support companies we spoke with report im-proved revenue and profit. While plant closings arestill happening, they happen far less frequently thanin the past few years and they are usually the resultof big companys mergers, not poor performance.At the same time, a recent article in the NY Times re-
ports trends in the retail sector are very positive. Wal-Mart reported 2011 sales were $443.9 billion (up 5.9%)with an operating income of $26.6 billion up 4.0% fromthe prior year. Interestingly, in the same period, highend retailers like Sakes Fifth Avenue and Blooming-dales reported even stronger year-end results withmargins above 40% compared to Wal-Marts 24.3%.
Analysts report sales improvements were largely a re-sult of improving consumer confidence and less a re-sult of special incentives that can lower profit.
While I am sure to some extent positive news inthe retail sector and our industry is related, improve-ments for many of the flexo printers I have recentlyvisited are also a result of a new, smarter way ofdoing business.
Heres why even though the economy began toslow in 2007 and 2008, few of us were prepared forwhat followed in 2009 and 2010. For many, businessand profits just declined. It took time to realize whatwas happening and then decide how to react.Changes were aimed first at cost cutting but eventu-ally a new reality sank in. To survive and even thrive,every process in a business needs to be optimized.
More than ever, flexo printers are being driven todrive waste out of their production process. Newfocus is given to simplifying the print process by un-derstanding basic set points for each process vari-able and establishing tighter tolerances. Printers arepartnering with key process element suppliers toprovide more in-plant assistance to establish andverify tighter tolerances are being met.
To assist customers wanting to improve their
process, FLXON now of-fers pressroom opportuni-ties assessments gearedto finding often simple, yetoverlooked process ad-
justments that can reduceprint defects, prevent mid-run press stops, increaseoperating speeds, and re-duce downtime between jobs and more. Our find-ings may include recommendations for changes toSOPs and operator best practices training, which weprovide.
While some are investing in new high performancelabel and flexible packaging presses, others find up-grading existing presses can lower waste and in-crease output with less cash outlay and an evengreater ROI.
Until recently, references to best practices per-tained primarily to a production or manufacturingprocess. But in todays environment, companies arelooking to make all aspects of their business moreefficient. This includes sales.
Gone are the days when sales people fromFLXON just stop-in to touch base. Today, our salesand technical service teams visit printers with a pre-itemized and agreed upon agenda centered onadding value to their operation. Our expertise cen-ters on making improvements to the ink transferprocess. Based on our experience and earlier suc-cess, how can we help a printer to improve? If wecan, its a winwin scenario. If we cant, we partfriends. Our commitment is to only engage peopleand companies we can genuinely help. We will notsell a product or provide a service unless there is arecognizable and calculable gain. We feel stronglyabout this process and we guarantee results.
You cant sit still and wait for success to happen. Itdoesnt work that way. Instead, all of us need to stayengaged in every step of the process governingwhat we do from start to finish. Only by constantlyasking what changes need to be made to bettercontrol and improve the process, will we make sus-tained improvements leading to profit and growth.
Todays good news is what all of us have alwaysknown. Change is inevitable. Are we going to be outin front of it or stuck reacting to it?
FLXON
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
15/20
ELIMINATORntroducing a New Standard of Label Metering Excellence
R
TM
Printing Doctor Blades
FLXON IS THE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR IN
CANADA - USA - MEXICO FOR
+1.704.844-2434
www.flxon.com
Performance Through Quality
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
16/2016 2012 Executive Outlook Flexo Market News www.nvpublications.com
Executive Outlook
Steve SchulteVice President, Sales & Marketing
Surviving in flexo
- Is it time to change to survive?
The past few years have been daunting, to say the
least, for all of us in the label and package printing
industries. As Ive traveled around, printers and con-
verters are telling us what they are facing ahead,
and beginning to discuss their options for managing
their businesses and achieving success. Here is
what the majority are thinking about
- Consolidation & Conglomerates
- Cost Cutting/Cost effectiveness
- Sustainability whether you want to or not!
Consolidation & Conglomerates
Consolidations are happening more readily at
every level of the industry as expanding conglomer-
ates are either acquiring local printing businesses or
the bigger players are using their size and investing
in technology for efficiency and a competitive advan-
tage. This will be challenging for the smaller con-
verter. In order to compete, they must also invest in
technology and use their nimbleness as their value
proposition. Also, they will need to either diversify
their product and service offerings or find unique,
protected niches to remain viable and carry a strong
book of clients and business.
Cost Cutting & Cost Effectiveness
In addition to consolidation and larger sized com-
petitors, material, ink and other raw materials contin-
ue to experience double digit price increases, with
no end in sight. This is forcing printers to carefully
plan their material usage and more closely monitor
how they manage their time and waste to maintain
profits and sustain their businesses. Modernizing
and investing in key areas can make vast improve-
ments, and affect future profits, if analyzed and im-
plemented correctly.
Sustainability
A buzzword or new demand? The buzzword is
now becoming a demand. Some major print buyers
are demanding green and that demand is growing.
Not everyone is seeing this demand yet, but at a
certain level sustainability is here. Demand, no
doubt, will continue to increase. With that said, con-
verters and suppliers like Mark Andy must put more
emphasis on sustainability. Some feel this can be an
expensive endeavor. There is a silver lining for con-
verters, however. Results of reducing waste and
streamlining efficiencies (i.e. becoming more sus-
tainable) can really help a business succeed. Sus-
tainability can be a win-win for all of usbut it will
take some effort.
Reviving Business Strategies
The above, coupled with the need to survive in a
new era of a global economy, are challenging. All of
us should take a hard look at our businesses and
how they are run. It is a difficult task to dissect your
business and operational models, making open,
deeply thorough assessments to uncover areas of
real improvement and sometimes uncomfortable
root causes.
I can speak from personal experience at Mark
Andy Inc. We began digging into our business and
operational strategies in late 2010, uncovering some
really good ideas for improvement but also a few,
dare I say, bad habits that are not in tune with new
philosophies and approaches. Throughout 2011, we
have implemented new ideas and processes
through employee empowerment and have already
begun seeing measurable results.
In the end, the world is a different place and it is
time to roll up our sleeves and explore the many op-
portunities that are out there to foster positive
change and future success. It may be time to
change to survive, and to be successful.
Mark Andy
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
17/20
Make everysecond count.
Its the ultimate in workflow acceleration, driving
higher margins and slashing waste. Short run flexo
now makes sense. Its efficient. Its profitable.
Go to markandy.com/secondscount
www.markandy.com
Awarded for Technical Excellence
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
18/20
Executive Outlook
profound impact it will continue to have on all
packaging segments.The idea of sustainability is
now ubiquitous,with seminars and web casts tak-
ing place nearly weekly.A great many equipment
supplier companies have been extolling the
virtues of sustainability for years, advising print-
ers that it is not only the right thing to do but the
prudent thing to do, as well, for sustainable pack-
aging solutions are going to surge over the com-ing years. Eventual ly, the demands of the
retailers (Walmart specifically) and some enor-
mous CPGs like Proctor and Gamble and John-
son & Johnson helped drive the importance of
sustainability home.
The good news is that in the past years convert-
ers have becoming increasingly aware that the
pursuit of sustainability in their packaging prod-
ucts is much more a win-win situation than they
may previously have imagined. The fact is: a
strong and well-defined company-wide environ-
mental initiative not only has a profound positive
effect upon the world, but it can also have a pro-
found positive effect on converters bottom lines,
as well.By doing good, they can do well.
The companies in this years Special Report Atlas Converting, Bobst Group, Color Reso-
lutions, DuPont, Esko, Flexotecnica, FLXON
and Mark Andy understand the changinglandscape of flexo printing and know that the
key to staying ahead is to stay informed.And that
change is just another word for opportunity.
Editorial
QUALITY WORTHEXAMINING CLOSER.
2012 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo is a registered trademark of E. I. du Pont
de Nemours and Company.
(Contd from Page 3)
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
19/20
2012 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo, DuPont and Cyrel are trademarks or registered
trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
Take a closer look and see how DuPont Cyrel ofers higher print quality at
high-speed, with shorter turn-around times and a smaller environmental ootprint.
Look closer! For higher quality at high-speed.
HIGHEST SPEED AND QUALITYIN THE FINEST DETAIL.
www.cyrel.com/na
Grand Hyatt &
Henry B Gonzalez
Convention Center
San Antonio, TX
Booth #525
March 18-21, 2012
8/2/2019 Fmn Exec Outlook
20/20
Executive
Outlook
Atlas Converting Bobst Color Resolutions Esko
DuPont Flexotecnica FLXON Mark Andy
NVP 2012