S-OneLP: Blog - Digital Labels and Flexible Packaging

Happy 50th Earth Day!

April 22, 2020 By Shellie Terry

Introducing S-OneLP’s Sustainable ByDesign Portfolio

What better way could we honor Earth Day than to roll out the Sustainable ByDesign materials created to help reduce the impact of packaging on the world’s landfills, shorelines and oceans?

We’ve worked with the world’s top manufacturers to upend the old, ecologically damaging paradigms of food packaging with all new materials. We’re diverting used packaging away from landfills, saving emissions in transport and creating bio-based materials to eventually be recycled or composted.

Our product team has developed, tested, printed and pouched our ReEarth™ and ReTreve™ products so we can ensure they perform to the standards you expect.

ReEarth™ Bio-based Solutions:

This product line includes S-OneLP-created prelaminate composites. They can be paired with specific water-based and eBeam OPVs, which are designed to get the best performance once tested for compostability. ReEarth™ flexible packaging products that can contain cookies, chips, granola, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, coffee, pet foods and more, include:

Metallized Snack Web and Stand Up Pouch Surface Print Films
Clear Stand Up Surface Print Pouch Films
White Snack Web and Stand Up Surface Print Pouch Films
Silver, White & Transparent Reverse Print Laminates
Clear Sealant Monowebs
Gloss and Matte Water-based Overprint Varnishes*
CatPak™ eBeam Gloss, Matte and Soft Touch OPVs*

ReTreve™ Recyclable Solutions:

This line of products includes high-performing prelaminate films and OPVs that meet specific government requirements for recycling. ReTreve™ flexible packaging products that can contain cookies, chips, granola, chocolate, nuts, dried fruits, coffee, pet foods and more, include:

White and Clear Stand Up Surface Print Films
White and Clear High-Barrier Surface Print Film
These films can be paired with CatPak™ eBeam Gloss, Matte and Soft Touch OPVs*

“Our goal is to bring real, sustainable solutions that will make a difference,” says Ralph Giammarco, VP of S-OneLP. “Working with our partners, we look forward to adding more sustainable products in the future. Even in the midst of dealing with COVID-19, we’re all committed to making a lasting difference.”

Our experts are available to assist with pouch constructions that meet brand requirements, so please connect with us HERE.

*Must not exceed maximum allowable limit for compostability or recyclability

Digital … in a Dangerous Time

April 21, 2020 By Ralph Giammarco

Over the past month, we have all been part of conversations talking about how this is a moment-in-time that will change behaviors, change economies, change lives. We often find ourselves reflecting on changes that were made after other moments-in-time; from big bang moments like the launching of the internet to extreme negatives, such as 9/11. In the flexible packaging industry, we may be on the verge of as big a wave of change as we have ever seen before … the shift toward digital printing.

The hockey-stick increase in demand that we have seen for flexible packaging can absolutely be tied to a population retreated to their homes and the dramatic shift in the need for packaged food that has prolonged shelf life and can be easily transported.

Converters find themselves pushed to their capacity, operating in this difficult environment to produce essential packaging for everything from nuts to pharmaceuticals. Many digital converters are benefiting from the overflow of larger analog converters, exposing new customers to their capabilities. So, what happens when the world comes back out of our caves? Will demand and production methods return to pre-virus conditions?

No, I don’t believe so. This moment has exposed not just the value of flexible packaging, it has shown many medium to large brands what was already known by smaller brands. The converters with digital printing capabilities can do more than just customize and do short runs. These converters have the ability to produce high-quality, cost-effective pouches and flow wraps and sachets and turn them around faster than anything they’ve experienced with the tried-and-true methods of the past.

The new normal requires we plan on a degree of chaos and uncertainty far greater than before this moment. This means throughout the value-chain we need to stay flexible and avoid tying up working capital in inventory. It means we need to be adaptable enough to add instructions, regulations and information, keeping our packaging current and maybe even customized for the region. It requires having the speed to react to shifts in design and demand and market opportunities, such as more sustainable packaging. All of this describes the converter with digital printing capability.

For the past few years, digital printing has been on the rise at a higher rate than the overall market for flexible packaging. That was before this moment-in-time. Coming out of this, which will hopefully be soon, watch for the continued exponential explosion in demand for the digital converter.

If you are a digital converter, this will be your moment in time. Use social marketing, networking and promotion to deliver the message that your operation is agile and ready with the cost-effectiveness and speed you can deliver with your model. Connect with us at S-OneLP so we can help you create that flexibility and streamline your costs, inventory and workflow.

S-OneLP and Cyngient Announce New Channel Partnership

April 2, 2020 By Shellie Terry

SARASOTA, FLA., APRIL 2, 2020 – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce that it has joined forces with Cyngient to provide vital products into the global narrow-web marketplace.

S-OneLP will now provide Cyngient’s complete portfolio of narrow-web UV/LED inks, functional coatings and HYPERcure® and HYPERcolor® cold-foil adhesives for shrink sleeve and label applications. HYPERcure® is a clear cold-foil adhesive that provides a silver foil look to the finished application. HYPERcolor® is a tinted adhesive that will add various colors to the foil treatment utilizing only one print station.

HYPERcure® and HYPERcolor® branded adhesives UV/LED are all designed for wet lamination for extreme transfer and bonding film-to-film and film-to-paper at high speeds. These cold-foil adhesives deliver the extreme flexibility that is needed for shrink sleeve, eliminating cracking during the cold-foil process.

“As our existing converter customers who produce shrink sleeves and labels continue to grow and more customers venture into providing shrink sleeves, we have been asked to deliver technology that has high performance and can work on the breadth of designs and materials demanded for by the brands,” says Ralph Giammarco, VP of S-OneLP. “The technology team at Cyngient has produced what we think is the absolute best combination of adhesive, performance and cost, and we are excited to partner with them and bring it to our customers.”

Cyngient customers will now have access to S-OneLP’s technical and product support, including a full range of digital and analog solutions for the narrow web marketplace, which can be combined with many of Cyngient’s specialties, including HYPERcure® cold foil and structural adhesives, inks and custom built solutions for the UV and waterbase narrow web industry.

“This is a game changer for Cyngient partnering with S-One, a global leader in digital technology offering a full range of digital solutions,” says Andrew Wasserman, Managing Partner of Cyngient. “The partnership of S-OneLP and Cyngient will enable our narrow web digital and analog customers with a combined resource that integrates both platforms with a one-stop solution.”

About S-One Labels & Packaging: S-One Labels & Packaging is a division of S-One Holdings Corporation, the parent company of LexJet and Brand Management Group. This division provides materials, technical know-how and integrated solutions to print providers who are currently active or expanding into label and flexible packaging digital printing. Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Sarasota, Fla., S-One provides innovative product research, development, manufacturing and worldwide distribution to digital imaging, design and print professionals. Visit S-One Labels & Packaging at S-OneLP.com.

About Cyngient: With over 100 years of combined experience, Cyngient is a full-service, technology-driven provider of inks, coatings, adhesives and custom-built solutions for the flexographic and commercial printing industries. Cyngient’s unmatched expertise and personalized service delivers the highest level of excellence in the graphic arts industry. Our motto is to always consider the environment, the safety of our employees, clients and the earth we live on.

Media Contact:
Shellie Terry, S-OneLP
shellie.terry@sone.com; 941.256.7915

Tips for Label & Packaging Converters to Optimize Operations During COVID-19

March 27, 2020 By Shellie Terry

As many companies in the labels and packaging market are considered essential businesses, they are seeing high demand in the wake of COVID-19. We gathered a few members of the S-OneLP team to discuss ways converters can navigate these challenging times.

In the video above, we discuss:

Increase in demand for flexible packaging
Supply chain fluctuations
How digital processes can help with fast turnarounds
Collaborating with converters to keep production moving
Connecting with manufacturers and suppliers who can provide guidance, tips and assistance
Communication needs internally and externally
How COVID-19 may affect sustainable packaging testing progress
Best business practices

If you have any questions or need assistance of any kind, please reach out to the S-OneLP team: 941.256.7900 (AMS and Canada); +31 43 799 5005 (EMEA); labelsandpackaging@sone.com.

Navigating the Urgent Increase in Packaging Demand

March 24, 2020 By Ralph Giammarco

With so much around us changing daily, the one constant of the past few weeks has been the collective positive response of our industry; an industry that supplies the labels and packaging for so many of the products described as essential.

Judging from how you have reached out to us for core products and supplies the past few weeks, we know you are busier than ever. Busy taking care of your employees, busy changing processes to accommodate new demands for quality and safety, and busy running your presses and supplying packaging that is needed to get us through this time.

Please know:

Our team is operating at full capacity with all of our technical sales specialists and customer service team.
Our warehouses are fully operational throughout North American and The Netherlands
We are adding inventory in anticipation for sustained high demand
We can connect you to other converters in your region that may be able to help with needed services or outsourcing
Our faster material delivery with no MOQs will help offset increased lead times on vital materials from manufacturers

In this moment, the recognition of the value of flexible packaging has never been greater. Whether it’s the performance, the protection, the communication capacity, or the efficiency, it is evident that coming out of this moment in time we will expand the use and capabilities of flexible packaging. We are also seeing brands turning to the short-run and customization benefits of digital printing to speed up the delivery of vital nutraceutical and specialty food products.

In addition to the production activity, the response to this crisis by so many of our customers and partners has been inspiring, and makes us proud to be part of the community. From companies like PCT Ebeam and Integration offering up their pilot line to converters who need finishing capacity to Michelman sharing new best practices in the sanitizing of equipment to protect production workers, so many companies have stepped up.

At S-OneLP, we have ensured our team is safe so they are there for you; equipped with vital technology to respond to your information and service needs. We have added inventory and implemented customized supply chain processes to make sure we are quick in our responses, helping you service your customers during this critical time.

While our hearts are reaching out to all of the people who are negatively affected by this pandemic, our team is here to help you not just navigate the rough waters, but to come out the other end stronger. While we are here to connect you with the integrated solutions you need, we also would be glad to help. So, please feel free to reach out to us.

Now Available at S-OneLP: Sun Chemical Anilox Cleaner

February 20, 2020 By Shellie Terry

Want to give these new cleaners a try? Fill out the form below.

S-OneLP is excited to announce that it now provides two Sun Chemical solutions for cleaning anilox rollers to all U.S. customers. These cleaners help press operators save time and money with an easy two-step process that won’t stop production for days on end while waiting for anilox rollers to be shipped out for cleaning.

The newly available products are:

SunVisto™ Anilox Renew 65F – Water-Based Cleaner
SunClean™ V3-25 Cleaner – UV & Solvent Cleaner

SunVisto™ Anilox Renew is a cleaner for water-based flexographic ink that’s the ideal option for narrow web and HP Indigo presses. The highly concentrated cleaner is sold with melamine sponges for optimal results.

This unique foaming cleaner is designed to deep clean anilox rollers and bring them back to “like-new” condition. Anilox Renew 65F is HAP’s free and Proposition 65 clear

Key Product Features:

Compatible with all water-based inks and plates
Non-corrosive to metal**
Improves print quality
Environmentally friendly

**Based on laboratory testing as various dilutions using aluminum foil

SunClean V3-25 Ink Cleaner is designed to remove solvent-based and UV inks from anilox rollers and presses. It’s a simple, quick and safe way to clean and re-establish the cell volumes back into anilox rollers.

With simple weekly cleanings that only take minutes, SunClean V3-25 will minimize the need to remove and blast the anilox rolls each month, saving time, money and production, while improving overall quality.

Key Product Features:

Quick and easy to use and apply
Economical
Deep cleaning
HAPS Free and Prop 65 Compliant

Using these cleaners can save tens of thousands of dollars annually. Contact S-OneLP at 941-256-7900 for more information and cleaning guidelines.

Join Us at Dscoop Edge Orlando!

February 11, 2020 By Shellie Terry

If you’re heading to Dscoop Edge next month in Orlando, we’re excited for the opportunity to connect with you! Be sure to find us at booth #807 in the Solutions Showcase, and on Monday, March 30 at 11:45 a.m., we’ll be hosting an educational session in the Solutions Showcase Theater:

Session Title: Boost Your Flexible Packaging Business: Insider tips & tricks to prime, print and finish flexible packaging

Speaker: Tom Hauenstein, S-OneLP Global Sales Manager

Be There: Solutions Showcase Theater, Monday, March 30 at 11:45 a.m.

In our booth, we’ll show you how S-OneLP is the partner who’s ready to provide vital tools and technical support as you begin or expand your HP Indigo capabilities. Our products and services include:

Sustainable ByDesign solutions. We continue to build our ReTreve (recyclable) and ReEarth (compostable) flexible packaging products to include films, laminates, zippers, coatings and more.
Ink adhesion primer. S-OneLP is the channel partner for Michelman primers in the U.S.
Flexible packaging films. We’ve got mono-web and surface-print pre-laminates to optimize your Indigo to create high-demand flexible packaging. No minimums and quick turn-around — order only what you need when you need it!
Varnishes. We love to help you create specialty and customizable overprint varnishes, as well as durable labels solutions.
Security inks. We’re the U.S. partner for VerifyMe security inks, already formulated and packaged in canisters for HP Indigo use.
Finishing. Ask us about a variety of finishing options, such as the T14 Thermal Laminator or our CatPak eBeam system, which provide state-of-the-art technology for finishing flexible packaging.

If you have questions, please reach out to us at 941-256-7900 or email labelsandpackaging@sone.com.

FREE Webcast! Boost Your Flex-Pack Business with Thermal Lamination

February 3, 2020 By Shellie Terry

S-One Labels & Packaging’s Tom Hauenstein discusses the latest techniques in finishing flexible packaging films printed on 13-inch HP Indigo 6X00 presses.

Tom explains how pre-laminate, surface-print films can be printed on an HP Indigo, and then protected with thermal lamination, using equipment such as the 14-inch Cellcoat T14 Thermal Laminator, the ideal finishing equipment to pair with your HP Indigo press.

Enter your email address to watch the free webcast now!

A Sustainable Conversation About Consumers & Packaging

January 16, 2020 By Shellie Terry

We were thrilled to be a part of Haney’s VIA Alliance Learning Series, The Sustainable Reality, where S-OneLP’s Ralph Giammarco presented alongside Meghann Jones from Ipsos and Craig Robinson from PTI.

When it comes to the conversation around a more sustainable world, it’s natural in our market to zero in on packaging. But before we get to that, we heard from Jones and Robinson about some fascinating consumer and industry behavior.

“78% of people surveyed believe we’re heading toward environmental disaster if we don’t change our habits … and waste and packaging are growing concerns,” Jones explains.

However, some companies, governments and even consumers are finding more sustainable ways to manage packaging and handle waste.

“[Consumers] are more willing to recycle and to reuse. This makes sense. It’s where consumers experience the greatest sense of urgency,” Jones says. “When it’s just them and the empty package, they start to feel some responsibility to what happens next. It’s their responsibility.”

When it’s just [the consumer] and the empty package, they start to feel some responsibility to what happens next. It’s their responsibility.”
— Meghann Jones, Ipsos

Next up, we learned about recycling challenges we’re facing in the U.S. with Robinson.

“In the United States, only 26% of glass is collected [for recycling],” Robinson says. “29% of PET plastic is collected. PET can actually be completed recycled back into a bottle. There’s not a lot of loss. 50% of aluminum cans are recycled in the United States.”

Rounding out the presentation, Giammarco discussed the current state of recyclable and compostable packaging materials.

“Today, the easier point of entry is recycling because we have some infrastructure in place; it’s easier and lower-cost” he says. “For compostable packaging, it’s far more complex and needs a lot of product testing … but it is the better end game.”

To hear highlights from the discussion, watch the video posted above! To learn more, visit S-OneLP.com or call us at 941.256.7915.

Year in Review with S-OneLP

December 11, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Since we launched S-One Labels & Packaging in January 2018, it’s been a whirlwind of activity, not only from a business development side, but for our entire industry as well. Take a look back at 2019 with us.

NEW FACES

You’ve likely already connected with the new players on our team, but here’s a quick look at who joined the S-OneLP crew in 2019:

Sharon Beeman: With a strong background in flexible packaging films that’s been an invaluable addition for the S-OneLP team, Sharon heads up sales in the Midwest. She joined S-OneLP in December 2018, and came to us from Cosmo Films, where she was the regional sales manager. Before bringing her knowledge to customers, she worked with specifying and purchasing flex-pack films.

Tricia Olm: Tricia is an multi-talented force who came to S-One in 2005. This October, Tricia became a product manager at S-OneLP, working with manufacturers to bring products to market. Tricia has deep understanding of HP Indigo primer needs, as she helped launch S-One’s initial partnership with Michelman as part of the Utopia Digital Technologies team, based in Wisconsin.

Michelle Oczkowski: Michelle joined us over the summer as a customer service representative, handling customer queries and supporting the sales team to ensure an excellent customer experience. Before S-One, she worked in the hospitality industry in Raleigh, N.C. She’s also been an instrumental player on the team that is helping our Sarasota headquarters office find new ways to implement recycling and sustainability initiatives.

Adria Manyas: We’re excited to bring Adria on in a sales role in our Barcelona office. He’s been working with S-One’s Brand Management Group customers for a few years, and is now developing his skills with the S-OneLP team, working with Gerard Geurts, who heads up Business Development in Europe, and Michelangelo Petrarca, who supports S-OneLP marketing efforts in Barcelona, as well.

Tricia Pokorney: Tricia brings her nearly seven-years of logistics expertise at S-One to the S-OneLP team, now serving in a buyer-planner role. She works with our suppliers, sales team and customers to ensure the right products are in the right place at the right time.

NEW SOLUTIONS

In 2019, we brought several new opportunities to our customers from some of the best names in the industry. The variety of options we’re offering is geared to helping customers build their businesses using their preferred technology.

CatPak™ eBeam Finishing System: This year, we launched a full solution for coating and curing 30-inch flexible packaging film utilizing eBeam technology. The new machinery is changing the game for flexible packaging finishing and providing fast and clean film finishing that’s food-safe. We installed our first CatPak at GOpak in Delafield, Wisc. We’re excited to see what 2020 brings for CatPak at GOpak!

Cellcoat T14 Laminator: Before Labelexpo 2019 in Brussels, we connected with Cellcoat to offer the T14 Laminator, which allows 13-inch press operators a state-of-the-art finishing option for flexible packaging. Want to learn more? Join us for a free webinar on thermal lamination finishing on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m.

Sustainable ByDesign™: We’ve been hard at work bringing recyclable and compostable flexible packaging solutions to the market, and launched our ReTreve™ and ReEarth™ product portfolios. We’ll see even more excited developments in this area in 2020, so stay tuned!

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

Our goal is to provide world-class service while offering the best technical know-how for our customers. Take a look at a few other developments from 2019:

Texas Warehouse: To service our Southern customers more efficiently, we opened an additional warehouse in Fort Worth, Texas. For most regions, shipments will deliver in one day instead of two to three days.

PrimeTime with S-OneLP Podcast: This summer, we launched our new podcast, bringing industry experts to the mic to discuss everything from durable labels to eBeam technology. Check out PrimeTime HERE.

HP Media Solutions Partner: Early in 2019, we signed an agreement with HP as a new Media Solutions Partner, with a special focus in the Indigo ecosystem surrounding the fast-growing digitally printed label and flexible packaging market. This means S-OneLP is able to accelerate the adoption of digital solutions for labels and digitally printed flexible packaging solutions in the marketplace