digital printing Archives

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.

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!

Where in the World Is S-OneLP?

June 26, 2019 By Shellie Terry

June was a busy month for the S-One Labels & Packaging team as the digital flexible packaging printing industry continues to expand! We hit some important events to continue the conversations with our peers, partners and customers.

Global Pouch, Chicago

For the first time, we exhibited at Global Pouch to share our growing portfolio of solutions for flexible packaging, including our line of pre-laminated films that have the HP Pack Ready thumbs-up, as well as mono-web films, all of which are backed up with our technical expertise. We gave a sneak peek at what we’ve got in store for our Sustainable ByDesign™ product lines of recyclable and compostable solutions, which was, by far, the hottest topic, especially in terms of qualifying films.

Ralph Giammarco and Roymal’s Ginger Cushing talk flexible packaging at Global Pouch in Chicago.

“One major brand was looking for compostable films for bar-shaped snacks, yet they would only purchase compostable packaging if the packaging films were ASTM approved and BPI certified,” says S-OneLP Product Marketing Manager Dan Halkyard. “If they are going to claim their package is compostable, they want paperwork to back it up.”

And that was just the beginning of the sustainable conversation …

“There were a lot of questions, especially in the sustainable realm,” says S-OneLP VP Ralph Giammarco. “What is meant by sustainable? What tests are relevant? Which materials can be combined? What do the new materials cost and how do we reduce it? Who can I collaborate with? To find the answers, converters need someone with a 360-degree view, up-to-date technical knowledge, and a desire to help make them successful … that is S-OneLP.”

Another hot topic was cannabis packaging, especially the fact that different states have different requirements for packaging messages, which is an ideal play for digital printing and shorter runs! Add the need for product verification, and you’ve got a double win for digital and track-and-trace capabilities, such as VerifyMe’s RainbowSecure inks and VeriPas program, created for HP Indigo printers.

For S-OneLP, Global Pouch was a success. “The show had great traffic and it was a great exhibiting and networking event,” Giammarco says. “It was only a few hours out of the conference, but it was power-packed!”

Dscoop Edge, PortAdventura, Spain

The week following Global Pouch, our team descended upon our third Dscoop event of 2019, this time in Spain. We love the Dscoop community, which is always up for a fun time and inspiring ideas.

Tom Hauenstein and Gerard Geurts at Dscoop Edge.

“The Dscoop platform is known for gaining inspiration and new ideas, learning and understanding new digital products and application solutions and eagerly looking to push the envelope further,” says Gerard Geurts, who heads up S-OneLP EMEA new business development. “Dscoop Edge came to PortAventura this year, which is known for its amusement park and amazing roller coaster attractions for all ages … including the elderly among us.”

At the event, the S-OneLP team joined our Michelman partners in their booth as a joint partnership with Michelman and Brigal (an HP Indigo distributor for Spain/Portugal).

An exciting development was S-OneLP’s EMEA team bringing flexible packaging solutions to the market, including S-OneLP being the first EMEA supplier with HP Indigo-validated Pack Ready thermal lamination films for Indigo flex-pack customers, Geurts explained.

“S-OneLP’s unique proposition offering low MOQ and short lead times of newly released Pack Ready film is exciting news and an open door for customers seeking new HP Indigo thermal lamination solutions,” he says. “The news spread fast!”

So where are we going next? You can meet our European and American teams at Labelexpo in Brussels this September! See you soon!

Ideas, Innovation & Inspiration Bloom at Dscoop Edge Orlando

April 5, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Dscoop Edge Orlando proved to be another week of bringing together the top creative and innovative minds in our industry. During the event, we were encouraged to think openly, meet new professionals and continue to envision the dynamic future for everyone who makes up and supports the HP Indigo market.

Carl Joachim of ePac presents at Karlville’s pre-Dscoop open house.

The week started for us in Miami with a visit to Karlville to learn more about HP Pack Ready converting and finishing. We also encountered the growing excitement for HP Indigo in Latin American counties. We learned about the market drivers and the state of the flex-pack space thanks to a presentation by HP and Karlville partner, ePac.

“The sharing of knowledge, like that from ePac CMO Carl Joachim, was truly invaluable,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP VP, “You just don’t see people in other industries sharing information like this. Plus, this open house showcased HP’s strength in how they work with their partners, such as Toray, Charter NEX, Nobelus and S-OneLP, who were all represented.”

Once in Orlando, it was a whirlwind of activity and inspiration throughout the Solutions Showcase. In the S-OneLP booth, we had conversations on this year’s hot topics: Sustainable solutions, brand protection and HP Pack Ready for Labels.

A Finish for Everyone

For flexible packaging pouches, we provided samples of white and metallic pre-laminated flower seed pouches, which were printed at CL&D Digital and finished with a gloss OPV from Michelman. We also had clear pre-lam film that was printed at ePac in Miami and made into stand-up bird seed pouches and finished with thermal lamination at Karlville. Finally, we had NatureFlex pouches with compostable layers of film from our partners at Futamura, which were finished with eBeam technology. (Plus we continued our launch of the CatPak eBeam Finishing System with Tim Burke from CDA.)

We highlighted the durability of the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution, which included labels printed by Consolidated Labels, and finished with a mixture of Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and KustomLP Gloss OPV. This combination provided super durable labels that were tested to stand up to water, chemicals and more.

“What we heard at Dscoop is that people are looking for a solution for scratch resistance when printing to metallized BOPP,” says Tom Hauenstein, S-OneLP global sales leader. “DigiGuard 901 with our KustomLP UV overprint varnish delivered rock solid results for scratch resistance as well as the best results we’ve seen for ink adhesion and chemical and water resistance, too.

“We also learned that printers turn to digital to create durable labels so they don’t have to produce short-run jobs on flexo. The HP Pack Ready for Labels option provides the easy, cost-effective answer.”

Talking Security

S-OneLP’s Nichole Danzig demonstrates VeriPas to the HP team.

We also demonstrated VerifyMe’s newest VeriPAS authenticator device along with its track-and-trace software that allow brands to use both overt and covert codes, serial numbers or graphics to protect and authenticate their products anywhere in the world. This proved to be a hot topic throughout the conference.

“We can’t emphasize enough how important it is for our customers to be prepared to talk about product protection with their brand customers,” Giammarco says. “I encourage them to check out HP Link, GlobalPas, VerifyMe and others who are providing truly viable options in the digital printing space. Every day we hear about how brands will need to validate and authenticate their products in the market. Label and flex-pack printers and converters are in the perfect position to deliver easy, cost-effective ways to do just that.”

Sustainable … by Design

With major CPGs committing to using all sustainable packaging by 2025, the supply chain in the digital printing space jumped into action to begin designing solutions that are eco-friendly.

“It’s not enough to simply say: This pouch contains compostable layers,” Giammarco says. “We need to start with the application — what’s going in the pouch, what kind of finishing does it need, how will it be composted … or recycled? Once these questions are answered, we can move forward to design a sustainable pouch for that particular application. Customizing both the pouch itself and what’s printed on it are the two key aspects of driving this forward. Again — the digital space is primed to tackle this and support brands of all sizes.”

It was another awesome week at Dscoop, and we look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando next year!

We Put DigiGuard 901 + KustomLP OPV to the Test

March 22, 2019 By Shellie Terry

Last fall we helped HP introduce HP Pack Ready for Labels, a fast and easy solution for creating very durable labels that can stand up to all sorts of conditions. By simply adding the Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener additive to a silicone-free OPV, such as KustomLP 200 Gloss or 405 Matte, you can achieve high-resistance labels that open up new market opportunities for HP Indigo printers.

In January, we printed a new batch of labels to test using the Sutherland Rub Test and tape tests that are industry-standard tests for durability. We digitally printed standard white, clear and metallized BOPP labels on an HP Indigo 6800 Press. Then, we mixed batches of DigiGuard 901 with our KKLP 200 Gloss and KKLP 405 Matte Overprint Varnish in a radio of 9 parts OPV and 1 part 901, as instructed by the HP Pack Ready for Labels process.

After a couple of days, we immersed the labels in hot water and chemicals for tests ranging from 2 to 8 hours, and then applied the Sutherland Rub Tester for 1,000 rubs with 2 pounds of pressure, at 21 cycles a minute. After these vigorous tests, we saw no visible change to the labels.

Check out the video above to see how we did it! Plus, if you’re at Dscoop Edge in Orlando, we’ll have HP Pack Ready for Labels samples in booth #305, or visit our Contact Us page to request a sample. See you in Orlando!

S-OneLP Joins HP Indigo VIP Event

February 19, 2019 By Shellie Terry

S-One Labels & Packaging was excited to join other industry leaders at the HP Indigo Global VIP Event in Tel Aviv, Israel. The event held earlier this month was a celebration of innovations, technology advancements and burgeoning trends for HP Indigo users.

Just days before the event, S-OneLP was named an HP Indigo Media Solutions Partner, offering HP Indigo approved solutions, including primers, coatings, security inks, overprint varnishes and flexible packaging films formulated specifically for digitally printing labels and flexible packaging.

“Every year, HP puts on an excellent event with the top names in the Indigo space,” says Gerard Geurts, who heads business development in EMEA for S-OneLP. “The S-OneLP team has made great progress in strengthening its position in this market and developing strong ties with both customers and partners who are embracing our customer-oriented activities, support and technical capabilities.”

During the VIP event, S-OneLP showcased its long-standing partnership with Michelman along with its flexible packaging products, which are currently available in the Americas and will soon be offered in EMEA. S-OneLP is working to bring its “Sustainable by Design” portfolio of products to market soon, as well, which will include fully compostable and recyclable packaging options.

Also in attendance was Keith Goldstein, COO of VerifyMe. VerifyMe specializes in brand protection products, such as RainbowSecure security inks. S-OneLP is the sales and marketing partner for VerifyMe.

“With just one year in the market, I continue to be amazed by the impact our S-OneLP team has had in the Indigo market,” says Ralph Giammarco, VP of S-OneLP. “We’ve been humbled by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from our customers and partners like HP, Michelman, VerifyMe and many others.”

S-OneLP will be at Dscoop in Orlando, March 24-27, with product samples and expertise in Solutions Showcase booth #305, and presenting educational sessions, as well. For information on S-OneLP’s offerings or technical support, call us at 941-256-7900.

Gerard Geurts Joins S-OneLP to Lead Business Development in EMEA

November 12, 2018 By Shellie Terry

SARASOTA, FLA. (Nov. 12, 2018) – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce that Gerard Geurts, formerly of HP Indigo, has joined S-OneLP to lead our Business Development in the EMEA region, based in Maastricht, Netherlands.

Gerard brings an extensive career that spans four decades, focused on both conventional and digital printing technologies, and he most recently served as the HP Indigo EMEA Media and Materials Business Solutions Manager for Label and Packaging, where he was the focal point and intermediary for digital developments with media suppliers and solution providers, customers, R+D and others.

His responsibilities extended to implementing new processes to improve availability and compatibility of pre- and post-printing solutions, such as digital label and flexible packaging films, primers, over-print varnishes and lamination adhesives and most recently involvement with Pack Ready Lamination and Pack Ready for Labels projects.

“HP Indigo has been an amazing and passionate digital journey of 18 years, working with many great innovative minds and dedicated people in Israel and around the globe who have a never-ending passion and belief in changing the printing industry,” Gerard says. “Joining S-One Labels and Packaging is a natural fit and feels immediately like a new home-base. The S-OneLP team has the same passion and innovative minds to bring exceptional offerings of high-quality products and services for the digital printing industry.”

With S-OneLP, Gerard will primarily focus on working with S-OneLP’s technical team and strategic partners to develop and bring to market new solutions for label and flexible packaging converters.

“Gerard has been a global leader and a major innovator, successfully collaborating with HP Indigo printers and suppliers over the years,” says S-OneLP Global Vice President, Ralph Giammarco. “Bringing his unique experiences and his passion for product development to S-OneLP will help us to quickly and effectively build the best solution portfolio and connect our EMEA customers with the customized technical expertise our customers in the label and flexible packaging markets desire.”

Please join us in welcoming Gerard to our team. For more information about S-OneLP, please visit S-OneLP.com.

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.

Media contact: Shellie Terry, shellie.terry@sone.com, 941-256-7915

S-OneLP Partners with Charter NEX Films to Sell Specialty Films for Flexible Packaging

October 15, 2018 By Shellie Terry

S-One Labels & Packaging has reached an agreement with Charter NEX Films to sell its flexible packaging barrier/sealant films in North America. These films complement S-OneLP’s current portfolio of flexible packaging print films by offering the option of a food-grade sealant film laminated to a polyester or polypropylene print film to make the final flexible package structure.

S-OneLP is the leading provider of off-line, in-line and custom primers as well as over-print varnishes and custom coatings from manufacturers such as Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies. With more than 15 years in this market, S-OneLP expands its reach into the flexible packaging printing market with this partnership. As digital printing plays an increasingly important role in label and flexible packaging manufacturing, this alliance pairs product excellence from Charter NEX with unparalleled customer service and technical support from S-OneLP.

“Charter NEX is a critical partner as S-OneLP continues to address our customers’ challenges of delivering customized packaging with shorter runs and tighter turn-around times,” says Ralph Giammarco, Vice President of S-OneLP. “With more than 20 years of digital printing experience and our existing HP Indigo client base, we are primed with Charter NEX’s partnership, to help our label printing customers launch into the quickly expanding flexible packaging world.”

S-OneLP’s customer-intimate approach pairs consultative selling with technical support, customer service, fast delivery and the ability to sell products in smaller quantities, which benefits both the manufacturers and print providers.

“Charter NEX believes digital printing will be a key enabler in the flexible packaging industry over the next decade by allowing faster prototyping and greater personalization,” says Apurva Shah, Market Manager of Charter NEX. “We are excited to partner with S-OneLP as they share a similar focus on empowering customers with the tools and information to make better packaging.”

About Charter NEX Films: Charter NEX Films is North America’s leading independent producer of high-performance, specialty films used in flexible packaging. With blown and cast film capabilities, our products are ideal for food, consumer, medical and protective applications. Our engineered solutions include monolayer, coextruded, and barrier films that deliver exceptional quality with improved productivity.

Meet Us at Labelexpo 2018!

September 4, 2018 By Shellie Terry

We’re excited to announce that S-One Labels & Packaging will be exhibiting at Labelexpo Americas 2018 later this month in Chicago. Be sure to swing by Booth #1414 to see printed examples, the latest products and exciting demonstrations.

Narrow-web label printers who are interested in breaking into flexible packaging printing will find inspiration for all their endeavors. In our display, we welcome several artisan food brands who partnered with us to enhance their branding through newly designed, modernized packaging. Their projects include primers, overprint varnishes, flexible packaging films and more — all available through S-OneLP.

Label printers can play a pivotal role in helping their customers — small, start-up, artisan brands — evolve their brands with packaging. We’ll show you several real-world examples and tell the stories behind these burgeoning brands. Plus, we’ll give you all the insider info on how we made it happen for them.

On Display in Booth 1414

S-OneLP will co-present the power of overt and covert security and authentication printing with the experts at VerifyMe. We’re showcasing state-of-the-art technology, paired with HP Indigo capabilities, allowing printers to offer the latest in security printing. You won’t want to miss this demonstration!

In the booth, we’ll break down all the materials and expertise behind short-run flexible packaging printing. We worked with some of your leading peers who have mastered this — and are boosting their bottom line with their new capabilities.

Other hot advancements in our space include cool, customizable coatings that really make labels pop — everything from gloss to soft touch to glitter from our partners at Kustom Koatings. Any brand owner knows it’s vital to have a strong label if they want to stand out from the crowd.

Plus, we’re launching a new Michelman product that allows label printers to create more durable labels (think: lawn mowers, chemicals, gas cans) as part of HP’s Pack Ready for Labels program, as well as an HP Indigo-specific roller cleaner that’s effective, easy to use and a favorite among the HP Solutions Architects.

We’ve got a “Fresh & Fast” theme that we’re building around the opportunities with digital label and flexible packaging printing. We’ll have several bold and vibrant examples printed on HP Indigo printers. We may even have some tasty samples from our featured brands.

You can also find us in the Ecovillage, where you’ll learn how waste from the show is converted into energy pellets. Check out how the packaging industry is evolving to become more sustainable and environmentally responsible — an endeavor that’s near and dear to us.

To learn more about what you’ll discover while you’re in Chicago, check out this video from the Labelexpo team: