Industry News 


 Editor’s Note


Hello and welcome to the May issue of Converter magazine. Coronavirus is having a huge impact on all industry globally, with production in some sectors grinding to a halt due to the pandemic, whilst others have stepped into overdrive to supply essential


equipment, medicines and packaging to the frontline, and keep production running smoothly. The converting industry has truly stepped up the mark. Collaboration between industry figures on new design projects is becoming the norm, as we work together to try to solve supply chain and logistical issues, making sure we continue to work through this monumental disruption, and come out stronger the other side, whenever that may be. In the meantime, we’ve got a plethora of features for your perusal.


From the latest in Drying, Curing & UV to the newest Flexible Packaging solutions, this issue is a comprehensive guide at the coalface of the industry. We’ve also got incredible sustainability case studies, and a in- depth preview into ink technology. As ever, if you’d like to write an editorial article for the magazine, on


any given subject in the industry, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me by emailing nmarriott@datateam.co.uk. I am always looking for new ways to communicate your key issues and opinions. In the meantime, please enjoy reading this magazine. I hope you find it informative, intelligently curated and inordinately useful.


Stay safe,


Niamh Marriott Editor nmarriott@datateam.co.uk


Arctic Blue Gin package wins product of the year


US-based Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) presented its 2020 Product of the Year award to Hazen Paper Company for an Arctic Blue Gin package featuring images of flaming Northern Lights. Metsä Board, a producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, designed the package structure, the original graphics and the embossing. The impressive package uses the lightweight and strong MetsäBoard Pro FBB Bright folding boxboard 350 g/m2. “Producing a highly challenging


holographic package requires a lot from the material. Smoothness and stiffness are needed to get the large hologram surface adhered to the paperboard without any flaw. Here the Metsä Board team was able to deliver,” said John Hazen, president of Hazen Paper Company. “The paperboard has a very uniform smooth surface, scores and folds exceptionally well, and has economic and environmental superiority. It is an optimal paperboard for transfer metallising and ideal for a high-end graphic arts application, with both beauty and brawn.” “We wanted to convey an image of a clean, crisp, winter night, highlighted


with northern lights rippling across the Finnish sky. The imagery really stands out and provides exceptional visual elements for maximum brand enhancement,” said Mark Beamesderfer, packaging services director Americas of Metsä Board.


convertermag.com


The Label Makers work with Astonish to ensure supply of anti- bacterial handwash


UK cleaning products manufacturer, Astonish, has teamed up with Bradford-based The Label Makers, for the supply of labels for its antibacterial products. A surge in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic has seen UK shoppers buy 7 per cent more liquid hand soaps and spend 10 per cent more on household cleaners compared to this time on 2019. In addition, sales of hand sanitisers has seen a marked increase of 255 per cent year-on-year. Astonish, a 2nd generation, UK-based


family business that has been manufacturing cleaning solutions for over 40 years, produces a range of over 60 products. From mould removers and oven cleaners to stain removers, the firm sells their merchandise in stores nationwide. An initial order earlier in the year saw The Label Makers complete the job in just 4 days,


the fast turnaround providing Astonish with the confidence to further increase volumes. The flexo printed labels are finished with gloss varnish, with the label front on clear PP and the backs on white PP. Astonish’s senior buyer, Brandon B. Noble, commented: “We have a


great working relationship with The Label Makers, particularly their account manager and internal team. We are extremely pleased with the quality of the labels, which are produced at a competitive price and on time. We look forward to continuing our working relationship during this particularly busy time.”


May 2020 5 


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