S-OneLP: Blog - Digital Labels and Flexible Packaging

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

Podcast: Benefits of eBeam Finishing with PCT

November 13, 2019 By Shellie Terry

In our latest episode of PrimeTime with S-OneLP, we sat down with Tyler Matlick of PCT Ebeam and Integration to talk about the benefits of electron beam technology for finishing flexible packaging.

“Electron beam use is wide-spread, but flexible packaging is a growing market for electron beam,” Matlick says. “The reason that it’s now all of the sudden growing is because electron beam is instant curing of an overprint varnish. There’s different ways to convert a flexible package. You can put a laminate on it, you can use different types of solvents … all kinds of different methods. An electron beam is completely in alignment with not only digital, but also with sustainability.”

PCT provides the technology and equipment for the eBeam portion of the CatPak™ finishing system, available at S-OneLP.

Listen to the full episode below, and let us know what other topics you’d like us to cover on PrimeTime with S-OneLP.

U.S. & Canada: Stock Up to Avoid Winter Shipping Delays & Freezing Damage

November 7, 2019 By Shellie Terry

As the weather cools around the country, we wanted to offer some reminders and service updates about shipping guidelines as you look to stock up on supplies for the winter.

Many of the products you need for day-to-day production, such as water-based coatings, cleaners and defoamers, are susceptible to damage if they are exposed to temperatures below freezing. Following our Winter Shipping Guidelines & Policies helps ensure your products are protected from freezing (PFF). We encourage you to order enough coatings to get you through these winter months. If you choose not to stock up for winter, you may experience delivery delays due to weather that is out of our control.

We recommend that you order early and allow 10-15 business days for delivery, instead of our standard 1-3 business days.

S-OneLP Winter Shipping Guidelines and Policies:

All orders must be placed, shipped and received before the weekend. Standard LTL and UPS or FedEx ground orders will only ship on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for delivery by week’s end.

Orders shipping ground during freezing temperatures must ship in insulated boxes ($45 per box). Expedited shipping or increasing your order so it can ship LTL-PFF (taking advantage of our extended terms for a second stocking order) are additional options.

LTL-PFF services are available through most trucking companies, with an average $50 PFF upcharge. Be aware: Trucking companies will refuse to pick up any freezable shipments on days with very low temperatures.

IMPORTANT: Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Wednesdays this holiday season, only Expedited Shipping Options will be available from Dec. 23, 2019 – Jan. 3, 2020.

We appreciate your adherence to our freeze protection guidelines and policies. If you request that S-OneLP ship without any type of freeze protection, you then assume all responsibility for any damages to the product as a result of freezing. This includes filing the claim with the carrier, as well as payment to S-OneLP for the cost of the product. Payment of the product’s invoice cannot be delayed pending the resolution of the claim with the carrier.

We maintain inventory for you at multiple warehouses to decrease your transit times:

Sparks, NV
Carol Stream, IL
Atlanta, GA
Harrisburg, PA
Toronto, Canada
Ft. Worth, TX (NEW!)

NEW SERVICES to make this a successful winter for you and your team:

Extended Terms to Add Safety Stock: S-OneLP is now offering extended terms on stocking orders. Call your Technical Sales Representative or a member of our Customer Service team for more details.
Planning Assistance: Our team will communicate with customers in specific regions most likely to have winter restrictions. We will share weather warnings, planning suggestions and scheduling information as needed.
New Warehouse, More Shipping Options: Our new warehouse in Ft. Worth, Texas, combined with our Atlanta warehouse, allow us to ship from warm-weather locations to areas that are not affected by winter restrictions.
More Inventory: We’ve increased inventory levels to help you to build up your pre-winter stocking levels of primer.
Additional Support: We’ve added Customer Service and Technical Sales personnel to help you plan and expedite your requests.

Thank you for working with us, and please communicate any questions to our team at (941) 256-7900 or labelsandpackaging@sone.com.

S-One Labels & Packaging Installs First CatPak eBeam System at GOpak

November 6, 2019 By Shellie Terry

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SARASOTA, FLA. (Nov. 6, 2019) – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce it has successfully installed its first CatPak™ eBeam Finishing System at GOpak in Delafield, Wisc. This new equipment allows GOpak to provide state-of-the-art, fast and clean eBeam finishing for digitally printed flexible packaging.

“The value we bring to our customers is all about the flexibility and cost effectiveness of digital printing combined with speed to market,” says AJ Buran, president of GOpak. “The CatPak, with its e-beam curing technology, is far superior to traditional methods of finishing, eliminating costly lamination and allowing us to offer our customers faster turnaround and more innovative solutions, especially when it comes to sustainable solutions, such as recyclable and compostable pouches and films.”

S-OneLP’s Tom Hauenstein and GOpak’s AJ Buran

The CatPak system combines an eBeam curing system for 30-inch flexible packaging film, a Corona treater and 30-inch web unwind and rewind modules, integrated into the eBeam curing system base frame. The system takes up less than 300-square-feet, a substantially smaller footprint than competitive systems on the market.

“Seeing the CatPak concept come to fruition is a testament to the true collaboration that exists within the labels and packaging industry,” says Ralph Giammarco, VP of S-OneLP. “The creativity and willingness to partner on this market-changing innovation says a great deal about the manufacturers, suppliers and end users within this space. At S-OneLP, we’re excited to contribute with our extensive coatings and films knowledge and to bring these players together to make real, much-needed changes and opportunities within the industry.”

The development of the CatPak system was in partnership between S-OneLP, Custom Design Applications and PCT Ebeam and Integration.

“Brand owners and, in turn, converters demanding faster turnaround of their packages, is driving the equipment manufactures like ourselves to provide easy coating solutions with the eBeam curing systems,” says Tim Burke, president of Custom Design Applications. “At CDA, we accomplished this challenge with a compact, robust, easy-to-operate coater that has a small footprint, quick change-over features and registration that matches the HP Indigo 20000 press repeat.”

CDA worked with PCT to integrate eBeam technology into the CatPak design.

“We are pleased to work with a forward-looking group such as S-OneLP,” says Karl Swanson, president of PCT Ebeam and Integration. “They recognize the significant role that electron beam curing can play in the production of sustainable, digitally printed, flexible packaging. The CatPak solution is an important channel to market for PCT Ebeam and Integration.”

The CatPak system produces a food-compliant finished surface with no post-cure time, and is compatible with digitally printed flexible packaging, such as those printed on HP Indigo. CatPak can also be used with other narrow-web flexible packaging printing, such as flexographic printing.

To learn more about CatPak™, please visit S-OneLP.com/CatPak or call 941.256.7900.

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.

All Around the World with S-OneLP

October 8, 2019 By Shellie Terry

S-OneLP’s Renate Jeutter, center, at Labelexpo Europe 2019

Our team has been travelling the world, working trade shows, checking out conventions and, most importantly, talking to the industry to learn more about what converters need to grow their businesses.

S-OneLP’s Andrew Kalina, Sharon Beeman, Dan Halkyard and Nichole Danzig at Pack Expo

All in one week, we had team members in Las Vegas at Pack Expo, where they learned about the latest innovations in flexible packaging; and another team working our booth at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, discussing advancements in label printing and flexible packaging.

“With these two teams in two parts of the world, we heard the same message impacting both the packaging and labeling markets — and that message is sustainability,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP VP. “We’ve had fleeting waves of interest in sustainability before, but this time, we’re seeing a real excitement and passion for finally making a substantial change. And the demand for it is coming from all sides — consumers, brands and converters — who all want to make a difference.”

Even last month, at Natural Products East in Baltimore, an event that focuses more on products and less on the packaging, we were told: “No one wants to talk about packaging that goes into a landfill.”

While at Labelexpo Europe, the S-OneLP team featured our Sustainable ByDesign product portfolio with includes full solutions for creating either recyclable or compostable flexible packaging. The product line includes flexible packaging pre-laminated films for surface printing, coatings, fitments like zippers and finishing equipment utilizing eBeam technology to retain the package’s sustainability.

Another big topic for label printers is finding a quick, easy and cost-effective solution for increasing the durability of labels — especially those that need to withstand heat, cold, water, chemicals and extreme friction in transport.

S-OneLP’s Tom Hauenstein, right, discusses HP Pack Ready for Labels at Labelexpo.

HP invited S-OneLP to display information about the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which includes an additive, which is mixed with an over-print varnish. After testing and trial runs, the preferred formula is 1 part Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener to 9 parts S-OneLP KustomLP KKLP OPV in gloss or matte.

“Early this year, HP recognized S-OneLP as an HP Indigo Media Solutions Partner, and we’ve continued to grow our partnership,” Giammarco says. “We’re honored to have played a part in HP’s booth discussions for truly viable solutions for today’s label printers.”

Joining us in the HP booth was our partners at VerifyMe, who showcased their security inks and track-and-trace system for product packaging authentication. We also announced an agreement with Cellcoat to bring the T14 13-inch thermal laminator to market.

Where will S-OneLP be next? You can catch us at Printing United Oct. 23-25 in Dallas in booth #6810, where we’ll be discussing flexible packaging and coatings for commercial printers. Don’t miss it!

And if you want to learn more about our Sustainable ByDesign product line and where sustainable packaging is headed next, listen to our podcast, PrimeTime with S-OneLP.