True to its roots and yet international in outlook, and highly innovative while respecting its long tradition – this is how Siegwerk presents itself at the drupa 2008 trade show in Duesseldorf, Germany.

Visitors can find one of the world’s leading manufacturers of printing inks at booth E49 in hall 04. Siegwerk’s new philosophy “Ink, Heart & Soul” means that Siegwerk people develop individual printing ink solutions with heart and soul. Siegwerk partners with customers to deliver optimum results at every stage of the printing process and beyond. The booth contains examples of how this approach has succeeded, drawn from ten different customer segments.
 
“Because we are a family-owned business, our people feel a real connection with the company, and we have built up long-term relationships with our customers over many years,” said Siegwerk CEO Herbert Forker. “Our approach consciously differentiates us from other players in the market, and it enables us to offer genuine added value to our partners. Global customer surveys tell us that we are seen as being highly professional, passionate about what we do, always close to the customer and extremely reliable.”

Through an international manufacturing and development network, Siegwerk can offer a consistent product quality and short delivery times all over the world. High-profile global brands and big publishing houses in particular demand for consistent quality levels for all markets served.

“As a globally integrated supplier with Ink, Heart & Soul, we have a key competitive advantage in the global printing inks market – and it’s an advantage we fully intend to build on,” Mr. Forker said.

The booth is decorated in the corporate red color, and has a total floor space of 480 square meters (5,150 square feet), spread over three levels. The focal point are the glass cases that contain individual customer solutions developed by Siegwerk for some of its high-prestige customers. These samples provide evidence of the company’s high technical and consulting expertise, relating to every aspect of printing across all of its ten different customer segments: flexible packaging, tobacco, labels, liquid food packaging, conventional sheetfed and UV, paper & board, coldset, heatset and publication gravure.

Solutions on display include:

•    A dark black UV printing ink for the Harry Potter books
•    An innovative two-component solution for flexible packaging
•    High-quality UV inks for packaging used for perfumes and spirits known around the world
•    New water-based technologies for tobacco packaging
•    Scented inks and lacquers for coldset and heatset applications
•    Offset printing inks with vegetable-based solvents.

Proximity, reliability and tradition
Three Content Areas of the booth are dedicated to Siegwerk’s proximity, reliability and tradition. They contain interactive multimedia displays where visitors can find out more about these three aspects of the company.
•    Proximity: Siegwerk has a global presence, delivers just-in-time, and provides customers with on-site support from skilled staff as and when required.
•    Reliability: “Siegwerkers” always respond quickly, and try to make things as easy as possible for the customer, building lasting relationships based on trust.
•    Tradition: Siegwerk has a long-term vision, and a strong commitment to product and service quality that goes back 175 years.

Siegwerk’s new positioning has been built upon far-reaching changes in recent months and years. Since the last drupa trade show in 2004, the company has tripled its annual sales, and 3,000 people have joined the company. Centers of Excellence in each important market produce the basic inks for all Siegwerk products, while blending centers in the individual markets carry out the final stage in the manufacturing process and blend the inks according to individual customers’ specifications.

In Europe, Siegwerk aims to further strengthen the market-leading position it already enjoys. In the Asian region, the company sees enormous growth opportunities in the flexible packaging segment. In 2007, it acquired full ownership of PIBU Ink India. It also opened a Competence Center for flexible packaging in Shanghai, and announced plans to expand its Chinese manufacturing capacity. The North American plant in Des Moines, IA has already more than doubled its flexible packaging production capacity in the last two years. In South America, a new Center of Excellence is being built for Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a new Blending Center for São Paulo, Brazil. Siegwerk has also expanded its operations in Africa, and just recently started to produce in Ibadan, Nigeria.

With more than 175 years of experience, Siegwerk commands a profound product knowledge and expertise for many printing methods. Its actions are market-driven – or even drive the market, which is proven by many patents. With currently 4,000 staff in 34 country organizations we are able to supply and support every customer anywhere in the world.

At drupa, Sun Chemical will be announcing ‘world firsts’ in UV curing printing inks and flexible packaging, advances in water-based printing technology and international strategic partnerships. The company will be on stand B75, Hall 6, at the show in Düsseldorf from May 29 to June 11. 
 
Around the theme "Working for You," Sun Chemical will be presenting full details of its products and solutions within the packaging, publication, commercial and industrial sectors that deliver quality, service and innovation. It will also be running the graphic arts industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of inks on the printing presses of most manufacturers throughout the exhibition.
 
For the first time at drupa, Sun Chemical will be showing security and brand protection solutions as one example of the specialist markets within which the company has an ever-expanding presence.
 
Sun Chemical Security has been active for several years and has grown a customer profile of national governments, major brand owners around the world and converters interested in offering brand protection features as part of their own portfolio. 
 
Visitors to the show will be able to explore the company’s products that go from generic entry-level up to very high security proprietary technologies.
 
A new range of market-leading sheetfed offset process inks will build on the unparalleled success of the World Series launched at drupa four years ago. Sun Chemical will also unveil a "world first," a new range of UV curing inks – called SUNCURE Advantage – that comprises around 30 percent sustainable materials.
 
In packaging, Sun Chemical will be using drupa as the platform for advanced color management solutions for brand owners and designers as well as printers. Latest developments on Sun Chemical’s FastJet digital presses and new coating technologies will also be a key focus at the show.

In order to meet the challenges of the printing industry even better, Sun Chemical and UPM-Kymmene, both world leaders in their respective fields, are jointly developing a new magazine paper and ink concept for heatset printing.

This is part of Sun Chemical’s publication sector initiatives, where the company will be showing at drupa ways in which printers can enhance print quality and press productivity to increase operating profits.  The offerings will include a unique, "next-generation" matrix of products and services, which includes consumables, training, technical service, R&D and value packages for customers.  This robust set of services complements a range of innovative products designed specifically to add value for printers operating in the heatset, coldset and publication gravure markets. 

From Industrial, there will be updates from the screen, optical discs and digital aftermarket.
 
“We continuously push the limits of efficiency and strive to adopt the best operational practices to create value and remain competitive,” said Felipe Mellado, corporate vice president and group managing director for Sun Chemical Europe. “Drupa is the perfect showcase to demonstrate our world-class initiatives that are helping our customers through quality, service and innovation.”

The business of ALTANA continued its positive development over the first quarter of 2008. Compared to the prior year's period, sales as well as operating earnings increased in spite of the cloudier general economic conditions especially in the U.S.

Sales amounted to €357.6 million, following €348.6 million in the prior year, corresponding to an increase of 3 percent. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose disproportionately to sales by 16 percent to €71.7 million (prior year: €61.6 million). At 20.1 percent, the EBITDA margin was at the upper end of ALTANA's medium-term target range of 18 to 20 percent.

The first quarter business performance of all divisions was influenced by negative exchange rate effects (in particular the U.S. dollar). The BYK Additives & Instruments division was able to increase sales by 7 percent, with sales growing from €112.7 million to €120.2 million. EBITDA rose by 5 percent from €35.3 million to €37.1 million.

At €93.9 million (prior year's period: €89.4 million), sales in the ECKART Effect Pigments division were up by 5 percent. At €21.0 million, EBITDA remained almost unchanged,

Sales in the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division were also slightly down to €55.4 million compared to €56.8 million in the prior year (a decrease of 3 percent). EBITDA rose by 2 percentfrom €6.3 million to €6.5 million due to the concentration on higher-margin products.

"Despite the more difficult market environment, especially in the U.S., we were able to once again increase sales and earnings in comparison to the excellent first quarter of 2007," stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG. The results proved that the company was very robustly positioned and was able to compensate for regional economic slowdowns through the dynamic development in other markets and regions. "We therefore still hold firm with our expectation of a positive business year 2008 and we are confident to achieve our earnings goals."
 
At the company's annual general meeting in Frankfurt ,the shareholders of ALTANA AG approved the dividend proposal made by the Supervisory and the Management Board. As a result, a regular dividend of €0.25 per share for the past business year will be distributed. This corresponds to a payout ratio of around 33% measured in terms of the net income (EAT), adjusted for the income from the investment of the purchase price for ALTANA Pharma (€35 million after taxes). This income will be fully distributed to ALTANA’s shareholders in the form of a special dividend amounting to €0.26 per share. Consequently, the shareholders will receive a dividend totaling €0.51 per share. The total dividend payment to the shareholders amounts to €69.4 million.

In the business year 2007, ALTANA achieved sales of €1,380.4 million. This is an increase of 7 percent on 2006.

At €248.5 million, ALTANA’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose disproportionately to sales by 33 percent. The EBITDA margin climbed from 14.4 percent to 18 percent. All divisions were able to increase their EBITDA margins. 

There has been a recent series of dramatic increases in the price of crude oil on the international market. The ink oils which play a significant role in the formulation of heatset inks are a direct derivative of basic crude oil. As a result, Central Ink announces a $0.05 to $0.07 per pound increase on all HS series inks.

In a state known for tough environmental laws and leadership in eco-friendly practices, various California regional, county and community organizations also play active roles. Such is the case with ABAG, the Association of Bay Area Governments and public agencies, a nine-county organization that extends eastward to Solano County and the City of Dixon.
 
Through a grant provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9, ABAG developed the Bay Area Green Business Program to certify the environmental performance of businesses and government agencies wanting to operate in a more environmentally responsible way.
 
The program provides information and, importantly, technical assistance as needed to enable organizations to comply with environmental regulations. Going beyond compliance is a key part of the program, involving the adoption of environmentally sound practices in energy efficiency, water conservation, solid and hazardous waste reduction and pollution prevention.

What began as a request by Triangle Digital INX (TDI) plant manager Heidi Dudley for insights and assistance in meeting Green Business standards quickly evolved into benchmark inspections of the manufacturing facility at 405 Industrial Way, and TDI’s distribution center at 1000 Business Park Drive – and not only one, but two of the fastest Green Business certifications on record.
 
Twenty-some inspectors checked out both facilities during late February and March and found full compliance with all pertinent environmental regulations. Furthermore, environmental practices at the TDI locations were found to be above and beyond compliance in all areas. No “write-ups” regarding shortfalls were made; no changes were required.
 
Less than six weeks after the initial phone call, management was notified that both Triangle Digital INX Co. facilities had earned “Green Business” certification.
 
“It’s been part of our company culture from Day One,” said Ms. Dudley during the recent certification award ceremony at the Dixon plant attended by ABAG, Solano County and city officials, as well as employees from the plant and distribution center.
 
“It’s what our employees do, every day,” Ms. Dudley continued, “and what we’ve been doing for all of the five years we’ve been here.  From management, throughout the plant, it’s individual people paying attention to how we handle waste as well as how we handle our products, how we can save energy, the paper we buy, reusing totes and recycling pallets – so many little things that add up.”
 
Ms. Dudley’s thoughts were echoed by Ken Kisner, TDI's senior vice president and chief technology officer. “This is the real deal,” Mr. Kisner said. “Green Business certification recognizes the daily sustainability practices and environmental stewardship exercised by people in our factory and warehouse.
 
“Our company commitment starts with top management and extends through R&D, product and package design, responsible manufacturing and distribution," Mr. Kisner said. "It’s not enough to make biodegradable or low-VOC products; it involves our own vendor requirements, every step in our manufacturing processes and people in the factory, for example, properly disposing of hazardous waste. It shows that each of us can make a difference, every day.”
 
“We’re not done,” Ms. Dudley added. “Continuous improvement is also part of our culture. Although we meet Green Business standards, other checklist items will be addressed – installing more energy-efficient lighting, for example."  

EFI announced today its results for the first quarter of 2008. For the quarter ended March 31, 2008, the company reported revenues of $136.6 million, compared to first quarter 2007 revenue of $147.8 million.

Non-GAAP net income was $11.8 million or $0.20 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $19.6 million or $0.30 per diluted share for the same period in 2007.

GAAP net loss was $5.4 million or $0.10 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2008, compared to $2.1 million or $0.04 per diluted share for the same period in 2007.

"We are pleased to report revenue and earnings at the high end of our range due to the better than expected performance of our Fiery business," said Guy Gecht, CEO of EFI. "At the same time, challenging economic conditions in the U.S. resulted in growth rates in our inkjet business below our expectations. Despite this environment, our inkjet businesses still grew a robust 11 percent over the prior year, fueled by approximately 20 percent growth in international markets. We expect to see continued sequential improvement in both our Fiery and inkjet businesses during the current quarter."

Sensient Technologies Corporation reported that diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2008 rose 16.2 percent to 43 cents, compared to 37 cents in the prior year's comparable period. Revenue reached a record level of $307.4 million, up 7.8 percent from the first quarter of 2007. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on revenue of 6 percent in the quarter. First quarter 2008 operating income increased 15.8 percent on higher sales and improved margins.

"For the first quarter, we reported record revenue and our ninth consecutive quarter of strong earnings growth," said Kenneth P. Manning, chairman and CEO of Sensient Technologies. "We see favorable pricing and growth in several key product lines, and we expect our strong performance to continue throughout the year."

The Flavors & Fragrances Group reported record first quarter revenue and operating income. Revenue for the quarter increased 8.1 percent to $195.2 million, compared to $180.5 million in last year's comparable period. Quarterly operating income was up 13.2 percent to $28.8 million, compared to $25.4 million in the first quarter of 2007. Group revenue in the quarter benefited from favorable foreign currency translation and improved pricing.

The Color Group's first quarter revenue reached an all-time record level of $102.8 million, an increase of 6.8 percent, compared to $96.2 million in last year's comparable period. Operating income for the quarter was up 8.1 percent to $18.5 million, compared to $17.1 million reported in the first quarter of 2007. Color Group revenue in the quarter reflects favorable foreign currency translation and improved pricing. Quarterly operating income rose as a result of the higher sales and improved product mix.

By David Savastano
Editor

Jeff Koppelman, president of Gans Ink & Supply, was presented with the Ault Award, the highest honor in the U.S. ink industry, during the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers’ (NAPIM) annual convention on April 13.

“I have to say that I am shocked and overwhelmed,” Mr. Koppelman said after he received the award. “It’s an incredible honor and an incredible industry.”

In addition, NAPIM presented the following six industry leaders with the prestigious Printing Ink Pioneer Awards:
• Richard Breen, president, Central Ink Corporation
• Jim Cunningham, president, Sun Chemical Latin America
• Ronald Grant, senior director of outside operations, Kramer Ink Co.
• William Miller, president, Flint North America
• Hiroshi Ota, chairman, INX International Ink Co. and senior managing director, Sakata INX
• Joe Schlinkert, technical director, Color Resolutions International LLC.

Flint Group is preparing for its debut at drupa 2008.

“Having been brought together from four major well respected businesses, each leading companies in their own right, and having leveraged our strengths and capabilities, we now as Flint Group have more to offer than ever before,” said CEO Charles Knott.

Around the theme “Always imPRESSive!,” Flint Group is presenting their product offerings on its two stands: the Printing Inks Division, as well as the Flint Group Flexographic Products, Flint Group Narrow Web and Flint Group Pigments Divisions will showcase their broad portfolio and innovative service solutions at stand C38 in Hall 5. Day International and Flint Group Flexographic Products are demonstrating their commitment to the printing and packaging industry with high-performance products and services at stand A21 in Hall 16.

The innovations include:
• Printing plates and sleeve systems: The main focus is on the new ready-to-image photopolymer sleeves nyloflex ITR Thin and nyloflex ITR Classic. nyloflex ITR sleeves are seamless printing forms inclusive LAMS layer ready for digital imaging, especially developed for high-quality flexographic printing, which were launched onto the market in April 2008. Easy operation, faster make-ready, improved press speed and last but not least cost savings for customers are the advantages of this new generation of product. Furthermore, a new nyloflex plate especially developed for UV printing will have its debut at drupa.

As another highlight, the nyloflex infinity technology for manufacturing endless printing forms is presented. This technology allows printers to improve print quality while saving on plate mounting time, press make-ready time as well as gaining from improved press speed.

• Printing inks: The new Novavit F 950 PLUS BIO and Novavit F 550 PLUS ranges for sheetfed offset printing will be introduced. These inks have been developed for fast running printing presses and are ideal for shiny coated paper and cardboard. Novavit F 550 PLUS is especially suitable for straight printing mode; the most recent binding agent technologies facilitate an even better ink/water performance. Novavit F 950 BIO PLUS has been designed for use in very fast running multi-color printing presses for face and reverse printing modes. Both series demonstrate clearly improved misting properties at high printing speeds.

The INULINE ink/varnish system constitutes a further innovation. The name stands for two innovative ink-varnish systems: the first system consists of a special printing ink, Novavit F770 INULINE, which penetrates particularly quickly, is highly pigmented and has a wax-free formulation, and Ultraking INULINE, a corresponding UV varnish. The system permits the user to apply a UV varnish directly inline to a conventional sheetfed offset printing ink without using a primer.  The second element of the INULINE system delivers extremely high gloss rates with a water-based coating. The same Novavit F770 INULINE is used, this time combined with the special Novaset 7302/100 INULINE water-based coating.

Another theme is Premo, the concept developed last year. Diverse possibilities and flexibility during the development of optimal printing ink systems for the packaging industry are available using the water-based printing ink building block technology.

• Pressroom chemicals, printing blankets and sleeves: Visitors to stand 16 A21 can obtain detailed information on the new range of Varn fountain solutions for sheetfed offset printing as well as the environmentally friendly and easy to use range of Varn Spray Powders.

Also on display from Day will be dayGraphica printing blankets, metal back printing blankets and sleeves for heatset printing, all of which are known for their long durability and excellent print quality.  The new dayGraphica Sunday 5000 sleeve developed in collaboration with Goss for their new 96-page S5000 offset press is a real breakthrough in technology. dayGraphica metal back blankets for heatset and coldset printing as well as the Duco headline printing blankets for coldset printing will also be presented.

“Flint Group has developed into a leading supplier for the printing and packaging industry," Mr. Knott concluded. “Strong companies and recognized product brands are united under our umbrella.  We are looking forward to drupa 2008 where for the first time we will be able to demonstrate our comprehensive product and service competency as Flint Group. We hope our customers will then also state that we are ‘very impressive’.“

Toyo Ink America, LLC has launched UV Kaleido Ink, the new zero-VOC, ultraviolet-curable system in the Kaleido Ink series of wide-gamut inks.

Kaleido Ink formulations expand the CMYK gamut to nearly the full Adobe RGB gamut, resulting in inks that offer richer, deeper colors than conventional four-color process inks.

Digital printing data is currently using the RGB color space as seen in picture files, prepress monitors and digital photography. Since the CMYK color gamut is narrower than that of RGB, it is impossible to reach the original RGB color range. Reproducing a picture which included colors beyond the CMYK color space requires a printing process using six to seven colors as well as a costly investment in sophisticated equipment.

Toyo’s Kaleido Ink series has been engineered to resolve narrow-gamut issues related to four-color process printing by expanding the gamut to the equivalent of that to six or
seven. This allows designers and print professionals to produce a wider spectrum of colors that offer vibrant, true-to-life reproduction with the use of fast and affordable four-color process.

How Kaleido Ink Works

Leveraging its pigment production expertise, Toyo Ink completely reengineered the four CMYK process colors by developing dedicated pigments with substantially more brilliance relative to existing inks. The new pigments enhance the chromogenic
properties of secondary and tertiary colors, thereby improving the transparency of yellow, magenta and cyan. As a result, magenta and pink hues appear vivid, and blue and red tones are notably improved.

Other benefits are superior gloss and vibrant gradations from yellow to red. In addition to demonstrating cutting-edge color reproduction capabilities, UV Kaleido Ink dries instantly and contains zero-VOC for an environmentally safe formulation.

For proofing, the Kaleido Ink lineup offers a wider color gamut than inkjet printers and even high-end direct digital color proofers. It also has its own ICC (International Color Consortium) color profile for efficient color matching.

The UV Kaleido Ink series is now available in the U.S. market,
following the successful introduction of the soy-based sheetfed version at Graph Expo 2006.

Pröll KG's core business lies in the development of custom chemical products for coating/decorating plastics and other materials, as well as innovative ink systems for IMD/FIM technology and screen and pad printing inks.

A new range of products manufactured using IMD/FIM technology (film back molding technique) and new effect pigment colors can be seen at the Proell KG booth in hall 3 – E51 at drupa 2008.

These include NORIPHAN HTR, a  screen printing ink that is a well established IMD/FIM ink system for the film insert molding technique. NORIPHAN HTR is designed for back printing polycarbonate films,
such as Makrofol®and PC-blend films such as Bayfol. For 3-dimensional products, an additional forming step of the decorated films can be an option. NORIPHAN HTR is extremely flexible and resistant to the high temperature of the melted resin
during injection molding. In the final product the ink layers are sandwiched between PC film and resin. The decoration is protected to an optimal degree from damage. NORIPHAN HTR is used to decorate lenses, housings and keypads of mobile phones, panels
and bezels of car interiors (climate control panels, speedometer panels), housings and displays of medical devices, panels of household appliances as well as high-grade cosmetic packaging.
A wide range of metallic, pearlescent and chameleon color shades is available as for all Proell IMD ink systems.
 
NORIPHAN N2K is a solvent-based two-component screen printing ink for second surface IMD/FIM technology using PC films.
NORIPHAN N2K is optimized for the needs of processing thin films (e.g. < 100 μm). Printed films decorated with NORIPHAN N2K show no curling effect. The screen printing ink guarantees excellent adhesion to PC, PC/ABS and silicon rubber resin in the injection molding process.

AquaPress ME is a water-based, screen printable heat reactive adhesive. The system shows good adhesion to many plastics, high flexibility and good temperature resistance. The hot melt adhesive is suitable to support the lamination for the IMD/FIM two film technique,
as well as the manufacturing of high quality, multi layer plastic cards.

Mirror Ink M1 is a special screen printing ink for printing chrome effects. The ink system is used for second surface decoration of transparent plastics and films (PC, PMMA, PVC rigid and pre-treated PET films). While drying, the metal pigments are aligned parallel to the substrate’s reverse site. Viewed through the transparent material from the first surface, the pigments create a mirror like
effect. 

Rainbow Ink is a solvent-based metallic screen printing ink for creating iridescent rainbow-like color effects on clear transparent PC, PMMA, Rigid PVC and pre-treated PET films, when printed
on the reverse side of the materials (back surface print).
Even by first surface decoration, interesting effects can be achieved.

NORIPHAN HTR 3D INK is a magnetizable effect screen printing ink. Various color shades can be achieved by mixing with transparent colors. NORIPHAN HTR 3D INK is suitable for printing
on PC and PMMA films. The effect screen printing ink is also available as water-based ink system Aqua-Jet FGLM 3D
INK and in various standard screen printing inks such as Thermo-Jet.

NoriCure UV-L 3 is a new UV-curing screen printing lacquer with excellent scratch and abrasion resistance. The high glossy UV-lacquer is designed for printing on PC films, coated PET films, various rigid PVC films and for overprinting of printed products.
NoriCure® UV-L 3 shows good adhesion to UV, solvent and water-based screen printing inks as well as most offset inks. The lacquer is used to overprint and protect displays, lenses and
panels.

NoriCure®AP is an UV curing ink system for printing on rigid PVC and self-adhesive PVC films, as well as on diverse paper and cardboard qualities. The press ready UV curing screen printing
ink NoriCure AP is easy to process with unlimited screen opening, which is typical for UV inks. When completely cured, NoriCure AP shows good resistance to chemical and mechanical
influences. The ink system is suitable for processing on high performance screen printing
machines.

Aqua-Jet FGL M is a well established water-based screen printing ink for printing on plastics such as various PVC types and PC. Paper and cardboard as well as wood are also printable substrates. Due to its water-based formulation, Aqua-Jet FGL M is a good alternative to
solvent inks. The ink system is easy to process, suitable for many substrates, and therefore a good substitute for conventional solvent-based inks. 

Superior Printing Ink has introduced EVOLOCITY, a breakthrough in ultra-low VOC sheetfed technology that combines unrivaled press performance with environmental advantages that enable the printer to operate a greener pressroom.

"EVOLOCITY delivers on multiple levels of customer value as printers are striving to minimize time and material waste in their manufacturing operations, while at the same time moving toward more environmentally responsible printing technology,” said Steve Simpson, senior vice president and chief technical officer. “For example, Evolocity can reduce the time to bindery to as little as 30 minutes on gloss, matte coated and offset sheets, with no aqueous coating and minimal spray powder – even when printed on both sides.  Not only does this make the printer more efficient, but it eliminates the need to use petroleum-derived aqueous coatings.”

EVOLOCITY delivers the same superb lithographic performance as Superior’s flagship EVOLUTION series, but with minimal VOCs. Rich Czarnecki, vice president, technology, noted, “By eliminating conventional formulating materials such as petroleum-derived ink solvents and incorporating a significant amount of biomaterials derived from renewable resources, EVOLOCITY offers a high performance alternative for today’s more environmentally conscious printers and their customers.”

Formulated for optimum press stability and stay-open performance, EVOLOCITY minimizes make-ready waste and restarts to just a few sheets. 

“The blanket stability of EVOLOCITY is ideal for customers who are printing sheets that have an increasingly higher post-consumer recycled content,” Mr. Czarnecki added.  EVOLOCITY also conforms to ISO 2846-1 color standards, letting the printer run to ISO 12647-2 and G7 specifications in the pressroom.

Hall 4, Exhibit C11 is a “must see” for designers and brand marketers as well as printers, converters and other drupa visitors looking for new ways to achieve higher-impact and more precisely and efficiently produced packaging and commercial printing.
 
Drupa Hall 4, Exhibit C11 is where the Sakata INX Group, under the banner of “Bringing Vision to Creation, Originality to Communication and Color to Human Life,” will showcase its products, world-wide systems and services, along with those of its U.S.-based subsidiary, INX International Ink Co. and its digital arm, INX Digital.  A separate display in Hall 8b, Exhibit C02, will more extensively cover INX Digital offerings.
 
Visitors to the Sakata INX display in Hall 4 will find exhibit sections focusing on INX’ traditional ink and coating systems, advanced software and related technologies, and the company’s global network, which includes more than 60 participating Sakata INX sales and service affiliates from throughout Europe, Asia and the Americas.
 
“Developing forward-focused products and practices is imbedded in INX culture,” noted Rick Clendenning, INX International president and CEO.  “Drupa visitors will find a number of new and innovative, eye-opening examples here.”
 
At drupa, INX will introduce Color-Chain Workflow Suite, advanced-technologies to dramatically increase design and production speed, color accuracy, quality and efficiency.

“We all know that ink is one of several critical components in packaging as well as commercial print design and production,” states Kiniyoshi Horimoto, senior manager – new products marketing for Sakata INX’ corporate marketing division. “Our extensive experience in developing not only high-performance inks and coatings, but also equipment and software workflow solutions gives us total-system insights and perspectives that few can match.

“Furthermore, we work closely with leaders in complementary print design, color management, pre-press, quality control and production processes, in order to provide integrated solutions," added Mr. Horimoto. "As a result, INX customers can now access an unmatched group of technologically advanced products and tools – tools with multiple benefits for designers and end-use marketers, as well as printers … all under our umbrella of the INX Color-Chain Workflow Suite. Drupa visitors can see firsthand how these tools can help reduce package design time and costs dramatically, achieve more-precise color matching, enhance detail and color clarity, provide more-efficient proofing and more.”
 
Available as a fully integrated Suite or in a la carte versions, Color-Chain Workflow tools include:
 
Visualizer software by ESKO Artwork:  Designers can create on-screen 3D mockups of package and label designs — complete with substrate, ink and/or varnish, embossing, foil stamping and other finishes.  Packages can be viewed in different venues (e.g. store shelf, in the home …), in varied lighting and more.
 
“It’s easy to spend weeks conceptualizing and designing a new package,” pointed out Mr. Clendenning, “plus thousands in prototyping and related costs; a single prototype can run $5,000.  Visualizer with a full gamut of INX inks and coatings incorporated, not only eliminates most out-of-pocket costs, it also shortens time-to-market for new packaging dramatically – a huge plus in a tight economy with intense competition for consumer dollars.”
 
Beyond Stochastic – Concentric Screening: By Esko Artwork and part of the Color-Chain Workflow Suite, this provides an even more photo-like look than FM, and more detail than AM.  It can also result in ink savings of 10 percent to 30 percent.  

Super R-SKAT — Computer Color Matching software developed by Sakata INX: Highly user-friendly,  Super-SKAT is process control software for use in the pressroom that enables even inexperienced operators to match colors precisely and ensure consistent color accuracy, job after job.  The program also enables operators to calculate and reuse leftover ink and improve their technical knowledge of color.
 
TCM Program with CP3NAVI: Comprehensive print quality diagnostics software used in concert with Sakata INX-designed print analysis technology, this Color-Chain Workflow Suite tool helps lock-in quality and consistency.  It can virtually eliminate waste at color matching stage, by ensuring a match between printed samples and proofs with either DCCP or inkjet printer.
 
Media Beacon: This Digital Asset Management system, used with Auto typesetting Software developed by Baby-Universe, enables digital data and usage to be centralized and shared – resulting in the ability to complete page layouts automatically, with a single keystroke.
 
In addition, end-use products at DRUPA will showcase an extensive range of current INX inks covering:
• Virtually all commercial printing and packaging applications.
• All print processes, including sheetfed, web offset, energy curable, flexo and gravure.
• An extensive array of environmentally friendly water-based flexo and gravure inks, low-VOC sheetfed inks and next-generation products that are formulated VOC solvent-free.
• INX’ latest pressroom supplies and equipment will also be showcased, including fountain solutions, coating agents and automated ink dispensing systems – another print operational area where INX leads the industry with liquid and paste ink dispensers.

Responsible environmental stewardship, long a hallmark of Sakata INX worldwide, will be evidenced as well, including the latest INX initiatives in utilizing, recycling and renewing natural resources, conserving water and energy, and reducing emissions that contribute to global warming.

The display will detail steps taken by INX to comply with REACH Act requirements to register information in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) data base, as well as updates on progress in substituting more environmentally friendly materials within products and systems.
 
In addition to low- and non-VOC formulated ink systems, this area will feature advances in energy-saving efficiencies and other INX facility achievements – including ISO 14000-Certification by production plants.

Toyo Ink Manufacturing Co., Ltd. unveiled its plans to exhibit its world-leading print innovations at the drupa international graphic arts show, held May 29 - June 11, 2008, in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The announcement marks the second time the Toyo Ink Group will be participating at drupa. At the previous show in 2004, the group presented a booth under the theme “establishing the Toyo Ink brand around the world with the introduction of a wide variety of innovative products and technology”. Subsequently, the company carried on this theme at the international graphic arts shows of Print 05, IPEX  2006, and IGAS  2007, further deepening Toyo Ink brand recognition and penetration.

The Toyo Ink Group has now made a mark in all four of the largest international printing exhibitions, enabling the company to live up to the vision laid out in its original theme. Moreover, marking the dawn of a new era on the heels of its centennial anniversary in January 2007, the company will highlight the latest in its product and technology offerings under a new theme “building a successful foundation for business in Europe.”

At drupa, Toyo Ink will continue to use the group’s global tag line “Value You Can See” as its fundamental show concept. The tag line emphasizes the aim of the company’s manufacturing-based operations, namely through its various high performance materials, environmentally harmonized products and next-generation materials and related products, to propose and provide the utmost value not only to the print-related industries but also to a wide range of industries and people throughout the world, continually posing creative ideas and solutions for a new era.

At the Toyo Ink exhibit space in Hall 4, Booth C40, taking center stage will be a variety of high-quality, high-performance products, such as printing inks and next-generation print materials targeting the European marketplace. Additional exhibit details will be announced in upcoming weeks.

In addition to actual product displays, Toyo Ink will make public its strategic business plan for Europe. The Toyo Ink Group already maintains an extensive sales distribution network in each country within Europe, and details of this scheme will be outlined in a subsequent announcement and at the booth site.

DuPont Packaging Graphics and Sun Chemical have joined forces to create a new standard in quality and environmentally smart flexographic printing by bringing together Sun Chemical’s patented WetFlex wet-on-wet flexographic printing process with its patented UniQure electron-beam cured inks and DuPont Cyrel FAST technology.
 
The joint work was focused on linking the WetFlex printing process with the DuPont Cyrel photopolymer plate technology and resulted in obtaining previously unachievable levels of print graphics while providing the market with a solvent-free process that can contribute to sustainability improvements in printing and packaging.
 
R&D teams from both companies worked together to determine the optimal Cyrel photopolymer printing plates for the WetFlex™ process.  The Cyrel FAST plates outperform all Cyrel solvent plates in terms of print quality and staying clean on press.  The combination of the WetFlex process and Cyrel FAST produces some of the highest print quality graphics ever seen.
 
“DuPont and Sun Chemical both are focused on innovations in printing that make a real difference to customers,” said Lisa DiGate, global business director, DuPont Packaging Graphics.  “We are very excited about continuing to work closely to push the boundaries of current flexographic printing technology to improve quality and productivity as well as environmental sustainability.”
 
DuPont introduced Cyrel FAST Digital, the first solvent-free platemaking process for flexographic printing and brought to market a system that lowers energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminates the impact solvents have on the waste stream. The rapid access platemaking system reduces total plate production time to less than one hour by eliminating the washout and drying steps.  
 
“Working with DuPont to optimize the results of the WetFlex printing process helps flexography grow its position as the process of choice around the world for high-quality, high-impact packaging,” said Richard Pettifor, president, North America Packaging, Sun Chemical.  “With two of the most innovative companies in the packaging market working to build end-to-end solutions for environmentally sustainable flexo processes—all while maintaining and exceeding the quality that brand owners demand from their printers—we can resolve the quality-versus-green conundrum for our industry.”
 
The patented UniQure inks used in the WetFlex printing process offers the flexo industry an ink system based on both water-based and energy curable chemistry—bringing users all of the universality, printability, and press speed advantages they expect from solvent-based inks, but without solvents’ drawbacks. Using the WetFlex process, printers no longer need to monitor VOCs or compensate for viscosity, solvent losses and dot fidelity gains—all while capitalizing on the advantages of electron-beam curing. UniQure is a low odor, high-performing ink system that makes wet trapping possible, advancing print fidelity in the flexo process to levels comparable to gravure.