No, I didn’t spell that wrong.

Dunn, director of the school’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise, is a former packaging manufacturing and logistics manager for H.J. Heinz Co. and author of The Green Baron (Trafford Publishing).

Among the points he made:

• Sustainability began as strictly an environmental stewardship idea, but today it also means still being in business 50 years from now.
• GREAN is thinking about what’s in your product, what’s used to make it and how to deal with it now and later. Get all your vendors onboard with your GREAN movement.
• Climate change is happening so fast, we can’t keep up with it. The geologic time periods scientists think in terms of are hard to understand by business people used to dealing in financial quarters.
• The Internet makes the whole world instantly knowledgeable about consumer goods. This can rapidly create material shortages for making things everywhere. Consequently, the supply chain needs to work together better to reduce, recycle and replace some types of materials in the first place.
• Sustainability also has a social side. Businesses need happier employees to stay with the company and be better workers so it, in turn, can succeed. Healthier, engaged employees can help you find the solutions you need.
• China is building “green” cities from the ground up in greenfield places, partly to offset the tons of coal the country burns. It is also hugely subsidizing solar power (likely to severely impact international competition in this area).
• Business owners need to teach young people that US manufacturing is not “dirty factories and greasy machines” anymore; it’s not a second-tier career choice.

Click HERE to read the Digital Edition.

In the 2012 Quarter 2 Issue

• 2012 AIMCAL Awards
• 2012 FPA Achievement Awards
• Impact of web-product development on web handling
• How to upgrade your web-handling drives
• Guidelines for selecting idler rolls
• Barrier Packaging Materials Market Forecast
• Proper barrier-package engineering requires detailed product analysis
• AlOx coated films: Transparency with high barrier
• Evaporated aluminum on polypropylene: Oxide-layer thickness as a function of
  oxygen plasma-treatment level
• Role of the substrate in web-coating defect formation
• Five packaging sustainability trends
• Scrap prevention in laminated flexible packaging
• Understanding variable-speed AC, DC drive technology
• Accurately measuring web-product length, speed with non-contact laser encoders

So, along those lines, here a quick look at just a few of the new product introductions to come out of the Westphalian Fairgrounds in the past few days. Enjoy!

Following its pre-show publicity juggernaut, Landa Corp. unveiled its groundbreaking Nanographic Printing Presses, two of which are aimed specifically at the web-fed package-printing market. The Landa W5 is a 560-mm (22-in.) web width press capable of single-sided printing at up to 200 mpm (656 fpm) on plastic films and shrink sleeves (12 to 250 microns) and on label stocks, tube stocks aluminum foil and paper (50 to 300 microns). The 1,020-mm (40-in.) runs similar substrates at similar speeds. Both systems are 8-color-capable. As Landa NanoInk will be FDA-compliant for food packaging, the W10 should be of interest to mainstream packaging.

At the heart of the nanographic printing are Landa NanoInk colorants, comprised of pigment particles only tens of nanometers in size. These nano-pigments are extremely powerful absorbers of light and enable unprecedented image qualities, the company says. The printing is characterized by ultra-sharp dots of extreme uniformity, high gloss fidelity and a broad color gamut. Nanographic printing begins with the ejection of billions of microscopic droplets of water-based NanoInk onto a heated blanket conveyor belt. Each droplet of aqueous NanoInk lands at a precise location on the belt, creating the color image. As the water evaporates, the ink becomes an ultra-thin dry polymeric film, less than half the thickness of offset images. The resulting image is then transferred to any kind of ordinary paper, coated or uncoated, or onto any plastic packaging film – without requiring pre-treatment. The NanoInk film image instantaneously bonds to the surface; forming an abrasion-resistant, laminated layer that doesn’t leave any residual ink on the blanket. Because NanoInk images are already dry, there is no need for post-print drying.

Xeikon launched its new Xeikon 3030Plus, the fifth model in the Xeikon 3000 Series of digital label presses. With a top speed of 15 mpm (49.2 fpm), the new narrow-web printer offers entry-level technology with 50% more productivity versus competitive offerings in its class, the company says. At 330 mm wide, the Xeikon 3030Plus uses high-precision, LED-array imaging technology, which combines 1,200-dpi resolution at 4-bit per spot to deliver the finest print quality. Incorporating full rotary-printing technology, combined with virtually unlimited variable-repeat length, the press speed is not affected by either the label size or the number of colors used. The Xeikon 3030Plus runs various labelstocks constructions including co-extruded films, BOPP, PVC and PET, paperboards, 40-350 gsm paper transparent and opaque PET films.

Epson America announced its SurePress L-4033AW – a seven-color inkjet, digital label press with White ink that makes high-quality, short-run label printing easier and more efficient. The new system leverages EPSON SurePress AQ seven-color technology with new White ink, which can be printed first or last, for solid, opaque white printing on materials such as clear film and metallic substrates. To deliver precise color matching and accurate reproduction of spot and specialty colors, the ink set also includes Green and Orange inks for higher saturation and true-to-life shades. Press parameters include variable web widths from 3.15 to 13 in. up to 0.013 in. (0.32 mm) thick, and press speeds up to 16 fpm.

For those investigating printed electronics, NovaCentrix presented its new PulseForge 3200-X2, which offers increased production speeds and decreased consumables cost in comparison to other PulseForge tools. The system is being demo’d as integrated into a MicroFLEX™ roll-to-roll web processing system offered by 3D-Micromac AG. This duo is printing NovaCentrix Metalon® ICI copper-oxide reduction inks and curing them to copper in a single operation on-site in real-time. PulseForge photonic-curing tools process high-temperature materials on low-temperature substrates and are said to be ideal for drying, sintering, annealing and reacting the functional materials for the emerging printed-electronics industry, such as PV, RFID, displays, sensors and thin-film batteries.

For a more sustainable laminating solution, Henkel has added a new solvent-free Liofol laminating adhesive based on renewable raw materials that makes it ideal for biofilms. The Liofol adhesive exhibits very good wetting behavior, which results in excellent laminate appearance. Moreover, it has a long workability time of up to 60 mins. Even after longer downtimes due to cleaning or resetting of the machine or a switch in film/foil materials, the adhesive will remain workable within the stated time. The long pot life helps to reduce material usage as it lets work to be done on the machine without needing to fear that the adhesive will have become unusable when production is resumed.

Spain’s Comexi Group is showing its commitment to the flexible-packaging converting industry with several machines on display. Along with its partner BASF, Comexi is demo’ing a fully compostable package: BASF Ecovio® substrate with Premo®Film SXS certified inks from Flint printed on the Comexi Flexo F2 press and laminated on a Comexi NEXUS EVO with Epotal® ECO compostable, water-based adhesive also from BASF. For laminating, the new Comexi NEXUS Optima 450 is equipped with the Nexus OPTIMA drying module, closed-chamber doctor blade and self-cleaning system, which offers greater capacity for turbulence and great savings in energy consumption. For gravure printing, Comexi ACOM is showing a new unit that features the latest electronic innovations, such as Siemens Sinamics Simotion with built-in controls into the Comexi ACOM software. For finishing, the Comexi Proslit S-Turret slitter/rewinder opens up anew market as it’s aimed at slitting rigid and semi-rigid materials, such as paper and pressure-sensitive material along with flexible materials such as BOPP. This machine supports parent rolls from 1,400 to 2,200 mm wide and 1,500 mm in diameter. Finished rolls are rewound in a single turret shaft in diameters of up to 1,000 mm at speeds to 600 mpm.

Represented by Matik here in the US, Goebel Schneid- und Wickelsysteme GmbH is running its fully automatic KPW3 slitter/rewinder; and Italy’s Omet is demo’ing a Varyflex flexographic web press for board and film and an X-Jet digital press.

Taiwan’s KYMC introduced the new Moduflex mid- or wide-web, full servo modular in-line flexo press for multiple markets. The system provides fast register setup and tight register tolerances vertically or horizontally in-line with multiple printing and converting machinery. The Moduflex mid-web press has a 870-mm (34.25-in.) web with UV and/or hot-air drying for short-run folding carton either R2R or with a die-cutter and sheeter/stacker. Shrink-sleeve or cut-and-stack label solutions with print repeat range of 300 mm (11.8 in.) to 800 mm (31.5 in.) allows for multiple SKUs. The Moduflex wide-web press comes in 1,070-mm (42-in.) to 2,000-mm (78.75-in.) widths with a print repeat range from 380 mm (15 in.) to 1,300 mm (51 in.).

CPP EXPO 2012,

Beta LaserMike’s LaserSpeed® non-contact encoder helps converters accurately and consistently measure the length and speed of product during production. The laser projects a unique pattern on the surface of the product. As the product moves, light is scattered back to the LaserSpeed unit. This information is translated into product speed and pulses are produced to determine the product length, independent of shape, color or texture. Length and speed measurements are captured with better than +0.05-percent accuracy and 0.02-percent repeatability. LaserSpeed measures up to 39,400 fpm.

Engineered for general converting and corrugating applications, the new high-efficiency Maxcess MAGPOWR HEB250 pneumatic brake, has a 250-mm rotor and a sleek design built into its framework to maximize productivity. It helps reduce maintenance costs and downtime with thicker pads that last 20% longer. Greater heat dissipation ensures that the HEB runs at cooler operating temperatures, making it ideal for managing tension on larger rolls and extending pad life. Designed to be extremely safe and easy to use, the brake also integrates with other MAGPOWR tension controls and web-handling components.

Dover Flexo Electronics offered demos of  communications options for its  SteadyWeb^™5 tension controller.  The unit maintains set tension on a web in any zone to improve process consistency. Its Web-server option allows Ethernet communication for setup and control via connected PC or remotely from a Wi-Fi-enabled smart device. For setup and configuration, users have a choice of the controller’s standard graphic interface with a color backlit LCD and convenient scroll knob, or a communication option of serial  interfaces or Ethernet.

Tilt-Lock Tip Lifts for roll-handling operations are either electrically or pneumatically powered and all feature ergonomically designed, handle-mounted controls for combined control of the hoist and the Tip Lift. The spring-loaded probe easily inserts into the roll-material core. Four gravity-activated teeth on the end of the probe grip the core firmly. Models are available with horizontal probes from 11 to 52 in. and vertical probes from 34 to 65.5 in. Rolls from 150 to 2,000 lbs can be lifted, turned and put into place in seconds.

Mark Andy’s Rotoflex VLI Series inspection slitter/rewinder has been re-engineered with a new redesigned web path to improve access, set up and changeover efficiency, allow fault placement in multiple locations and easier vision system integration. The modular platform has an expandable unwind design for future configurations and applications. Human-centric common-sense controls allow instant access to primary functions for optimized operator use. All VLI models, which inspect film labels, flexible packaging and other tension-sensitive materials, run at speeds up to 950 fpm and handle unwind diameters from 30 in. to rewind diameters up to 24 in.

Finzer Roller introduced its new line of back-up brushes to replace metal anvil rolls for multi-wall bag, plastic-web and film manufacturing applications. The back-up brushes feature an extremely uniform density that presents individual strands of bristle rather than clumps or tufts. This controlled brush density allows unlimited bristle patterns from “open” to “super dense.” The lightweight brushes have quick-changeover designs with external or internal bearings, and high-temperature brushes are available.

My Thoughts:  The Cleveland edition of CPP EXPO will fast fade into memory as that anomaly between the show’s co-location with PACK EXPO and its new co-location with PRINT 13 (Sept. 8-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place).

While organizer H.A. Bruno reports 1,200 attendees and traffic was certainly busy on the opening morning, it fell off rather quickly after that. Visitor numbers, of course, is only one measure of a show’s health. Ultimately, it comes down to how happy exhibitors were with the quality of those attending. CPP EXPO demographics listed 81% as having direct influence on their companies’ buying decisions. Twenty-nine percent were upper-management types, and 24% head engineering or R&D operations. Several exhibitors I spoke with were pleased but an equal number were not so happy.

It could be argued that Cleveland is a regional site within reasonable shouting distance of many converting businesses (and their end-user customers). But fortunately for
CPP EXPO, returning to Chicago and running next to a show likely to attract 20,000-30,000 printing-related professionals is the right move.

Questar polyester-film rolls being slit at Filmquest Group, Inc. (Bolingbrook, IL)

The meeting’s panel of industry experts is headlined by John Felinski, president/CEO of Filmquest Group, Inc., (Bolingbrook, IL). Filmquest, a supplier of polyester, Nylon and OPP films, was featured on “Fox Business Manufacturing Marvels” last month. According to John, the program spotlighted Filmquest’s value-added polyester films. He will share some of the behind-the-scenes work that led to this achievement.

John will also join in a panel discussion about the latest in flexible displays that can be rolled and bent into everything from computer screens to coffee mugs and wallpaper.

Registration is a nominal $50 for members, $60 for non-members. Well worth the investment for almost a full day to catch up on new technological developments.

While I was in town the day before to attend the ICE USA 2013 Steering Committee meeting, I had to leave by a day later to get the next issue of Converting Quarterly off to my art director and managing editor. Consequently, here’s my brief—but hopefully helpful—review of some important developments on display at NPE2012.

Dow Performance Packaging and Nordmeccanica collaborated with a joint exhibit of an adhesive lamination with high-clarity film. The outside skin of the lamination film was a blend of two Dow LLDPEs. The subskins were composed of ELITE™ 5940G polyethylene for a balance of stiffness and toughness, a Dow LLDPE for toughness in the core without optics impact, and the interior sealant was SEALUTION™ 210, the newest of Dow’s peelable sealant offerings targeted at high-clarity, easy-opening applications. The film was laminated to reverse-printed, 0.5-mil PET with new MOR-FREE™ fast-curing adhesive. No detectable amine levels are achievable in as few as two days, depending on extraction temperature and film construction, and further processing is possible within a shift, Dow says. The lamination was made on the Nordmeccanica SUPER SIMPLEX™ laminator, which is capable of 1,200-fpm speeds.

Parkinson Technologies exhibited a new Dusenbery® Converting Systems Genesis 700 slitter/rewinder. The entry-level model offers both strong value and performance.

Brückner Maschinenbau offered new line concepts for efficient, flexible production of battery-separator film, including output capacity of up to 30 million sq meters/yr, 12-30 micron film thickness, 4.2-meter-wide net film and no separate annealing tenter.

Davis-Standard displayed a variety of extrusion and converting technology geared toward energy efficiency, product versatility and maximum productivity. Among the systems: A 75-mm (3-in.) Thermatic® HS high-speed extruder for increased outputs and performance; a running compact HPE-H extruder with a direct-drive AC vector motor with fully integrated KXE-I808C inspection system for continuous flat film and sheet; and a new three-layer blown-film Vertex die technology with improved internal bubble cooling.

NDC Infrared Engineering had a new application for its Model 8000—a scanning blown-film web-gauging system to measure and control complex, multilayer products—the DLSA (Double Layflat Separation Algorithm) and the APC (Automatic Profile Control).

CMD Corp. launched its efficiency-focused bag-on-a-roll system. The Model 0864GBW Global Bag Machine and Winder give converters proven technology, simple operation, low maintenance and fast changeover.

Gloucester Engineering Co. (GEC) displayed a range of blown and cast film, sheet and foam extrusion products, including an improved 4180 bag machine. At the show, Leon, Mexico-based Grupo REYMA placed a US$6 million order for four new monolayer polypropylene sheet lines, which will go into the company’s Nogales plant.

As they like to say in TV-show previews, there was “All this…and more” at NPE2012, but what can one do with barely a day to cover the 1,900 exhibitors across 900,000 sq ft.

Want more plastics-extrusion technology? Stay tuned for the next installment of the K Show, set for Oct. 16-23, 2013, at the Fairgrounds in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Back row (l-r): AIMCAL executive director Craig Sheppard; Roger Halligan of H&A Intl.; ICE USA show director Bob Chiricosta; Bob Dages of CoSo LLC; Mike Pappas of Catbridge Machinery; and Ed Montalvo of The Montalvo Corp. Front row (l-r): Kurt Oegerli of Max Daetwyler; Yolanda Simonsis of PFFC Online; Bob Pasquale of New Era Converting Machinery; and yours truly.

The event will follow closely on the heels of ICE Europe on March 19-21, 2013, in Munich, Germany. Show organizer Mack Brooks Exhibitions isn’t worried about that arrangement, saying that while many of the exhibitors are similar to ICE USA, the visitor audiences are, of course, geographically different.

Here’s a rundown of developments for next spring’s program with
lots of good news for visitors and exhibitors alike:

• 

  A sunny, palm tree-laden view of the ICE USA venue in Orlando.

  One year before ICE USA 2013, the same number of sq ft of display space has been reserved. In 2011, there were 252 booths, and so far for 2013, there are 205 booths taking up the same amount of space. Thirty-one companies have taken bigger booths, and there are 17 new first-time exhibitors signed up. All in all, show director Bob Chiricosta predicts 2013 will top out at 25-30% bigger than the premiere event.

• AIMCAL will again organize and present a comprehensive, two-day technical conference as well as its CEMA Fundamentals seminars on slitting/rewinding and coating/laminating. Along with the TAPPI-sponsored conference, there may also be courses offered by RadTech and the Pressure-Sensitive Tape Council.
• Pavilion-wise, the AIMCAL group of 24 member companies will return, and there may be pavilions set up by TAPPI or for the folding-carton segment of the industry.
• A new 20×40-ft Technology Showcase Theatre will allow exhibitors to make 15-min commercial presentations right on the show floor. They will run noon to 4 p.m. each show day so as not to conflict with the educational conferences in the mornings. Visitor attendance is free; exhibitor cost is $399 per time slot.
• The highly popular “Ask The Experts” setup returns with industry consultants answering attendees’ questions on coating, laminating, film extrusion, slitting and flexographic printing. Visitors can reserve specific appointment times online.
• And speaking of flexo, a demonstration center highlighting the print method (as well as diecutting and embossing) is planned. Committee members pointed out that ICE USA would be the only East Coast-located flexo show next year as the FTA INFO*FLEX will be run in San Diego in 2013.
• All-inclusive booth packages will make exhibitors happy by providing all elements needed at greatly reduced prices. Silver, gold and platinum 10×10 setups range from only $225 to $1,775 for everything from carpet and furniture to lighting, cabinets, literature racks and 4c custom-printed wall panels.
• In other good news for exhibitors, drayage rates for machinery are down 20% from 2011, and a second machinery crate pays no drayage at all.
• And in good news for everyone, the ICE USA Golf Tournament makes a comeback on Monday, April 8, 2013–the day before the show opens. The four-person scramble format will be run on the award-winning Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club course.

I know that 12 months is a long time to plan ahead, but I know where I’ll be next April 9-11. Join me and the thousands of converting professionals who should be in Orlando for ICE USA 2013.

Having been to drupa twice already, it’s safe to say you should have made your travel arrangements months ago. But it’s not too late. Perhaps the best plan is to first check out details HERE or the official Business Travel & Convention Service team. You can also go to TTI Travel, Inc.

For package printers and converters, there will be scores of companies exhibiting mainly in Halls 10-12, but packaging-related substrates and inks can be found somewhere in just about every hall. The drupa cube, a centrally-located presentation site, will feature “Day of Packaging” on Friday, May 4. Among the topics will be “Megatrends shaping the new consumer exeperience,” “Illuminating packaging,” “Sustainability is driving packaging” and more from speakers such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, HP and KBA.

Follow my Blog and Twitter account for the latest news from the show. Bis gleich!

Dual AIMCAL technical programs will feature 60 presentations, two keynote speakers, tabletop exhibitions and more.

The AIMCAL Web Coating Conference and the AIMCAL Web Handling Conference (formerly AWEB) have a long, joint history of advancing the technologies of web processing and finishing. By bringing the state of the art to the plant floor, these technical programs address the problems and opportunities that are part of every manufacturing process. Now, after many successful years in the US, the two conferences are set to premiere this summer in Europe.

Scheduled for the week of June 11-15 at the 4-star Diplomat Hotel in Prague, Czech Republic, the two three-day events overlap on Wednesday, June 13 (see box below). Surrounded mainly by diplomatic residences and close to Prague Castle and the historical city center, the Diplomat Hotel is renowned for its upscale business and conference facilities.

The Web Coating Conference Europe is organized into two concurrent tracks – Web Coating and Vacuum Web Coating. Attendees are free to go between tracks to whichever presentations hold the most interest. Coating & Laminating sessions include coating techniques, substrate development, adhesives & coatings; and online measurement and cleanliness. Vacuum Web Coating topics are electronics; photovoltaics; barrier; measurement & monitoring; and tools & hardware. The Web Handling Conference Europe will cover rollers; web conveyance; drives; roll winding; and splicing.

Both conferences are preceded by several optional short courses taught by AIMCAL technical consultants. Among the offerings: “How Substrate Quality and Cleanliness Affects R2R Vacuum Deposition,” “Basics of R2R Vacuum Deposition,” “A Practical Approach to Eliminate Web Wrinkling,” “Turret Winder Drives” and “Winding: Equipment, Mechanics & Roll Quality.”

Each conference also features a tabletop exhibition, allowing attendees to meet with industry suppliers in an informal and relaxed reception environment. An added bonus for the 2012 European events will be a June 13 afternoon of R2R market overviews, led by AWA Research. This session is open to all conference delegates.

Details At A Glance

WHAT: AIMCAL Europe Web Coating Conference & AIMCAL Europe Web Handling Conference 2012. The two separate three-day technical programs feature more than 60 presentations, two keynote speakers, five optional half-day short courses, networking receptions and two tabletop exhibitions. The conferences overlap on Wednesday, June 13, with a session on roll-to-roll market forecasts of interest to both groups.
WHEN: June 11-13 and June 13-15, 2012, respectively
WHERE: Diplomat Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
ORGANIZER: Assn. of International Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators (Ft. Mill, SC)
FEES: AIMCAL members: Web Coating 795€; Web Handling 595€; both 1,100€; Non-members: Web Coating 895€; Web Handling 695€; both 1,300€; Academia/Students: Web Coating 385€; Web Handling 385€; both 595€. Early Bird prices, which end May 20, 2012, are 100€ less in all cases.
TRAVEL INFO: Diplomat Hotel at +420-296-559282, fax: +420-296-559114, www.diplomathotel.cz
MORE INFO: 803-802-7820, fax: 803-802-7821, email: aimcal@aimcal.org, www.aimcal.org; Netherlands office: +31-20-8208635, fax: +31-20-8208634

2011 PLGA Global Domestic Best of Show Winner: Noni Maui Health sleeve label printed by Multi-Color Corp. (Batavia, OH)

Yeah, there’s been a lot of “doom and gloom” from various industry pundits over the past 10 years about the continued  viability of rotogravure as a package printing method (especially here in the US). But plenty of presentations at last week’s 2012 PLGA Operational Conference in Miami showed that a significant course correction is needed for that line of thinking.

For the 150 or so industry professionals on hand, the Thursday session covering the past, present and future of gravure, flexo, offset and digital prepress systems provided lots of pros and cons for good working comparisons. Here’s a summary of what lies ahead for tomorrow’s successful gravure package printing:

Cylinder processing/engraving, Eric Serenius, Ohio Gravure Technology:

• Continued automation will make cylinders in minutes, not hours. Through process control, the entire line (engraving data, chemistry data, centralized chemical supplies) will be connected. A QC station will then test everything (hardness, size, roughness, weight) before shipping the cylinder to the customer.
• Totally integrated lines will exist in a clean environment for all steps; water and wash recycling for “green” initiatives with zero-discharge equipment; less energy used, too.
• Direct copper laser engraving will be the standard; a pulsed fiber laser will debut at drupa this spring. Makeready times will be reduced with direct magnetic drives, multi-axis servo drives, PLCs, links to QC management.
• Electromechanical engraving speeds of 18,000-24,000 cells per second will be typical. Hybrid engraving for sharp text to become standard.
• Gravure’s distinct advantage with X-Y axis screening fits well for future printed electronics apps because it can change depths easily.

Gravure presses, Dick Chesnut, president, Chesnut Engineering:

• The basic design of gravure presses still works, it’s simpler than the competition, and it’s what the market would like to have.
• Solvent-based inks and the consequent oxidizer need to be eliminated. Alternative UV-cured and water-based inks must become the rule rather than the exception.
• An alternative image carrier is needed. In-house engraving (such as a DIY system similar to flexo and offset) should be adopted by printers. Digital laser engraving can make it possible, and no regulated chemicals are required.

Summary of future gravure:

• Press speeds become even faster; print tolerances move to microns; changover times will continue to decrease; gravure presses will become platforms to accept whatever process is best for the printer’s target market.

Finding future factory-floor talent

2011 PLGA Global International Best of Show Winner: Kirieshki Rusk packaging wrap printed by Urkplastic (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Technology aside, the human element will always be key to the success or failure of any manufacturing process. To that end, part of the Wednesday session on workforce issues on the factory floor addressed how to attract gravure-printing talent. James Siever, secretary general of the European Rotogravure Assn., offered the view of Germany’s apprenticeship program. Read his article, “Packaging gravure is booming.”

• In 2011, there were 50 gravure-printing plants and 156 gravure presses in Germany.
• Half of all flexible packaging in Europe is printed gravure, half in flexography.
• The German education system begins with 10 years of primary, then secondary school.
• Apprenticeship programs (similar in Austria and Switzerland) include practical training in manufacturing plants (four days a week) and theoretical training in vocational schools (one day a week) for three years.
• Exams are given under state supervision at chambers of industry and commerce. Apprentices get paid by the companies they work for to help offset their expenses and vocational-school classes.
• Ninety-one percent of German companies with more than 500 employees are involved in apprenticeship training; 71% of those with 50-500 employees; 48% of firms with 10-50 employees; and 17% of those with fewer than 10 workers.
• A 20-year-old graduate of a highly technical apprenticeship in gravure printing can become a full-time, valuable employee with three years of experience and education.

My Thoughts: The future of gravure package printing is NOT an oxymoron. Printers, CPGs and other end-use printing customers will always pick the best process available. And as graphics remain THE driving force behind packaging, gravure printing far excels in this area. Read more about the 2011 PLGA Global Print Quality Award winners shown above.

On a side note, PLGA executive director Jim Lepp officially retired at the conference’s conclusion. Join me in welcoming the association’s new manager, Phil Pimlott. He can be reached at 812-406-5434, email: ppimlott@mac.com