IndustryNews


Xeikonannounces passing of founder Lucien De Schamphelaere


De Schamphelaere, on January 20. He was 85 years old. After a 40-year career with Agfa-


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Gevaert, where he was instrumental in forming the company’s Electronic Imaging System Department, De Schamphelaere wanted a new challenge. In August 1988 he established the limited liability company, Ellith NV, which started with just five employees. That name would soon be changed into Xeikon NV, the


composition of the Greek words “xeros” (dry) and “eikon” (image). Xeikon went public in March 1996 by listing on the NASDAQ stock


exchange - it was only the second Flemish company to do so – and in 1997, now with 340 employees, the company moved to new, larger premises in Antwerp. Xeikon was acquired by Flint Group in 2015. Wim Maes, Xeikon CEO, commented: “We were so saddened to hear the


news of Lucien’s death. He had an amazing passion for digital printing and unstoppable drive that lead him to achieve such an incredible amount in his lifetime. His pioneering approach remains a key cornerstone of Xeikon today.” De Schamphelaere’s continuous search for new challenges was a


constant in his career. In an interview with a newspaper, he said: “Once a project gets rolling, I tend to lose interest. I’m happiest at the start of it, when I can develop what doesn’t yet exist.” De Schamphelaere received multiple distinctions for his pioneering work.


In 1988, he was awarded the Otto-Bayer Medal, the first in a series of prizes he would receive over the years for his contribution to digital imaging.


Xeikon establishes new division in Australia and New Zealand


Xeikon is creating a dedicated sales, service and support operation in Australia and New Zealand, which will be fully operational by next month. The decision follows the acquisition of Xeikon by Flint Group following a


thorough review of synergies between the companies. At the same time, Xeikon will cease its collaboration with dealer Absolute Electronics. Bent Serritslev, managing director, Asia Pacific, explained: “After assessing


the opportunities for both companies we have decided the time is right to establish a direct sales and service organisation in Australia and New Zealand. It will handle the full range of Xeikon digital presses and solutions for labels, folding cartons and commercial printing.”


announced that it is entering 2017 with the celebration of its Ruby anniversary, marking the occasion of its 40th year of trading as an independent, privately owned company. By way of a birthday gift, the company is


Warren celebrates 40th anniversary U


K independent carton board, graphical board, and paper stockist, Warren, has


earlier, he asked Anne to join him in the new venture and the business partnership was formed. There have been some exciting additions over


distributing a little chocolate treat to customers in celebration of the anniversary; these have been wrapped in a personalised sleeve as a give-away to its customers. The wrappers have been printed on LumiArt 115 gsm, supplied by StoraEnso. Warren opened its doors for business back in


1976, when its chairman, Barry Pincott, at the age of 29, made the decision to set up his own business. Having met Anne Ferguson some years


4 February 2017


the years, including the new paper division along with the acquisition of its converter facility in the West Midlands, as well as a logistics partnership. More recently the industry has also had to contend with the uncertainty of what Brexit will deliver and mean for the paper and board sector in the UK. Commenting on the 40th anniversary of Warren,


Pincott said: “It’s great to be celebrating 40 years in business, our Ruby Anniversary, and it’s all thanks to our wonderful staff, most of whom have been with us over 20 years. Here’s to the next 40 years!” Warren is now entering its third year of


offering a range of branded paper products. The


company’s 45 employees have over 450 years combined industry experience and some members of staff are now racking up 25 and 30 years of service with the company.


www.convertermag.co.uk


eikon has announced the death of the company’s founder, Lucien


Consumers prefer new experiences over new products


consumer insight firm Canadean, 60 per cent of consumers find new experiences more exciting than new products, and are starting to seek products offering more than just functionality. The company’s latest report


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states that packaging’s role in catching the consumer’s eye is vital, as it not only forms their first impression of the product, but can enhance its functionality and consumption experience, helping the item to stand out among competition. In this way, new packaging technologies are set to grow in popularity. Veronika Zhupanova, analyst at


Canadean, explained: “Competitive new technologies offering creative ways of targeting consumer needs will become increasingly important. Take, for example, Japanese Rescue Rice. It comes in an aluminium can with a plastic lid containing modified and dried Japanese rice filled without


ccording to a Global Survey from Q1 2016, produced by


oxygen. The product can be cooked in a can in 20 minutes by adding boiled water and, despite its foundation in the emergency market, will also appeal to those looking for novel experiences.” Technologies allowing


packaging personalisation will be popular for special and gifting occasions. For example, Medea Vodka produces bottles with programmable LED displays with which consumers can display personal messages sent via Bluetooth from their gadgets. Zhupanova added: “Packaging


requiring this level of consumer involvement must ensure the process is uncomplicated. Simple actions such as scanning QR codes or typing messages into an app are key to a product’s success.” Finally, fun packaging that


capitalises on consumer social media use, such as a beer bottle that takes pictures of consumers and uploads them online, will create a buzz, enhance brand image, and increase brand awareness.


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