Michelman Archives

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.

S-OneLP Media Solutions Approved for HP Indigo Digital Printing

February 10, 2019 By Shellie Terry

SARASOTA, FLA. – S-One Labels & Packaging, a global leader in digital printing solutions, is excited to announce that it has been named an HP Indigo Media Solutions Partner, focusing on the Indigo ecosystem surrounding the fast-growing digitally printed label and flexible packaging market.

Providing best-in-class, cutting-edge products, S-OneLP’s product line includes approved primers, coatings, security inks, overprint varnishes and flexible packaging films formulated specifically for digitally printing labels and flexible packaging on HP Indigo digital presses. S-OneLP offers complete and integrated solutions for a wide variety of applications while simplifying the ordering process for customers, with no minimum quantities and fast delivery times. It is the first digital-dedicated supply and support team in this ever-evolving industry.

“S-OneLP and HP Indigo share a desire to connect the application needs of our customers with cost effective high-performing answers,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP Vice President. “This collaboration agreement will enable us to create and communicate those solutions more effectively and with greater speed.”

With deep and long-held relationships with key manufacturers in this space, S-OneLP is further expanding partnership with Michelman, Kustom Group, Toray, Protect-all, VerifyMe, Charter NEX and others. The S-OneLP team brings to market industry-changing solutions, with fully integrated recyclable and compostable materials to be released in the near future.

“Building on a solid foundation of dependable service to customers and several customized application solutions, S OneLP is expanding to provide materials like OPVs and flexible packaging films to the market with timely delivery to mirror digital’s promise of quality and fast time to market,” says Allon Maoz, Director of Supplies, Media and Materials. “The alliance with S-OneLP will accelerate the adoption of digital solutions for labels and digitally printed flexible packaging solutions in the marketplace.”

Visit S-OneLP at the upcoming HP Indigo VIP Event on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, in Tel Aviv.

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 Expands into EMEA

November 2, 2018 By Shellie Terry

S-One Labels & Packaging is excited to announce its expansion into the EMEA region, as of Nov. 5, 2018. Effective immediately, all orders that were processed through BMG Media Source will now be handled by S-OneLP.

In addition to offering products like Michelman’s DigiPrime and DigiGuard in select countries, S-OneLP EMEA will present a growing list of products for digital printing of customized labels and flexible packaging, including over-print varnishes, coatings, additives and films to the entire EMEA region.

As with the S-OneLP business in the Americas, S-OneLP EMEA will pair relevant products with unparalleled service, technical know-how and integrated solutions with a highly experienced team based in the region.

An immediate benefit in logistics is that we are moving from the BMG media warehouse in Saint Witz, France to Nijmegen, Netherlands. This will drastically shorten lead times and improve service. This new warehouse also enables us to carry other chemistries besides water-based products.

This expansion responds to the ever-increasing demand for new innovative label solutions and for digital printers to integrate into providing customized and shorter runs of flexible packaging to their brand customers.

“S-OneLP’s mission is to understand our label and packaging converters applications, bring them critical information, and provide optimal product solutions to help them serve their brand owners,” says Ralph Giammarco, S-OneLP’s Global Vice President. “This expansion into the EMEA market will allow us to work with our customers to shorten time to market and to create innovative label and packaging solutions for important areas like durable labels, security, sustainable solutions and flexible packaging.”

To contact the S-OneLP EMEA team, email: labelsandpackagingEMEA@sone.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

Our First Labelexpo Americas Was Hot & Spicy!

October 8, 2018 By Shellie Terry

Labelexpo Americas 2018 did not disappoint for the S-OneLP team! During the late-September three-day show in Chicago, we met many industry leaders, movers and shakers. Plus, we had the opportunity to showcase many of our products and services to the thousands of enthusiastic attendees who visited our booth.

Labelexpo Recap: Our Showcase Brands

Our booth’s “Marketplace” theme was created to showcase four real companies who partnered with us to discover how re-imagined packaging could elevate their products and boost their brand image. We displayed packaging for Boyland Sauce Co. Wake ‘n’ Bake Chipotle Hot Sauce, Amy’s Candy Bar Turtles, Savory Spice Onion Dip Mix and Boardwalk Craft Beer Pretzels in our booth.

Our goal in featuring these brands was to show label and packaging printers how they, too, can find local, artisan brands and help them upgrade their packaging so that it will pop off the shelves and stand out in the crowd. We started with Boyland Wake ‘n’ Bake. When brand owner Rob Boyland found himself in a pinch, he ended up using his home computer to print bottle labels, which had a craft-paper type look to them.

Boyland let us re-imagine his label design, and our graphic designer took it to the next level with a new label featuring Boyland’s iconic look. We loved having him in the booth to hand out samples and share his experience. He and S-OneLP product specialist Kara Work talked to Label & Narrow Web magazine in this video.

The new labels not only featured a new look, but we had them finished in three ways to show how one brand can take on different looks, including a spot Grit varnish on a matte laminate, a Glitter spot varnish on a gloss laminate and a flood of Soft Touch varnish for an all-over smooth finish. All of these varnishes are available at S-OneLP and can be customized for any job. (Special thanks to Consolidated Label in Sanford, Fla., for this awesome print and varnishing job!)

We also reworked packaging for Amy’s Candy Bar and Savory Spice to show how flexible packaging can take the place of simple packaging that the brands were finishing with labels. We redesigned their looks, and had them printed on pre-laminated flexible packaging films in metallic and white for optimal results.

CL&D Graphics’ Digital Division in Hartland, Wis., used an HP Indigo 6800 to create these impressive new packages. They also helped us with a new print job for Boardwalk Foods’ Craft Beer Pretzels, using a customizable film that was reverse printed for the specialty brand. All of these flex-pack films are available at S-OneLP, as well.

Pack Ready for Labels: The Solution for Durable Labels

October 5, 2018 By Shellie Terry

If you’re looking to produce labels durable enough to pass heat, chemical and water-resistance testing, S-OneLP is now offering Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener as part of HP’s Pack Ready for Labels solution.

Creating pressure-sensitive durable labels for cosmetics, household cleaners, auto chemicals, food, beverages and more, is now easy to achieve if you operate the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press, HP Indigo WS6000 Series Digital Presses, and the HP Indigo 8000 Digital Press with inline priming units.

The new DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener is a simple and cost-effective mix-in additive that can open HP Indigo digital print service providers to new markets using the equipment you already own.

In the video above, HP introduces a solution that will increase the durability and resistance of labels using the new DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener, which is mixed with a standard varnish. After printing labels on an HP Indigo press, we chose a KustomLP gloss varnish, available exclusively at S-OneLP, which produced exceptionally durable results, according HP Solutions Architects during the testing process.

To learn more about creating durable labels, and the best products for the job, give us a call at 941-256-7900, email us at labelsandpackaging@sone.com or visit our Contact page.

Insider Tip: The Key to High-quality Flex Pack Printing in Fewer Steps

April 24, 2018 By Ginger Cushing

Let’s cut to the chase: There are just too many choices in flexible packaging design. In conventional converting/flexographic printing, you need to ask: Which substrate/sealant combination will work best for my application? Which adhesive system? How do we know when it’s fully cured? Do we have all the materials lined up, the flexo plates made and time available on the both the press and adhesive laminator? Will the package look good while having the protective barrier needed to assure the product stays intact and fresh? It’s a headache.

Since you asked … first, I’d avoid the flexo process altogether and go with a digital press. Then I’d buy a pre-fabricated structure that’s suitable for the pouch contents (food-safe, for example) in which the webs have already been laminated and fully cured. I’d sleep well knowing that the structure was chosen for its suitability for the application I have in mind, and all I’d need to do is upload artwork, put the pre-laminate on a digital press and make roll stock. Here are steps to choosing the best pre-laminate.

What is the product to be packaged?
What package format, e.g. pouch, sachet or stick pack or flow wrap?
Does the package need to be clear, silver or white?

For example, I want to make 1,000 packages for an order of sugar cookies on a horizontal flow wrap machine and the entire web will be printed. I would choose Protect-all 2mil Snack Web – White (PPC2000W), a food compliant, polyester//white sealant pre-laminate with overall thickness of 2.0 mils. Why white? Because a white background makes colors pop.

Run the pre-laminate through the digital press, top with a water based OPV such as Michelman DigiGuard Gloss 115, wind it up and send the roll to the co-packer for horizontal form, fill and seal (HFFS) packaging.

Once you know the right pre-lam to choose for the contents, the rest is a piece of cake. Ready to get started? Call S-OneLP at 941-256-7900 or email labelsandpackaging@sone.com to request a sample of a printed and OPV finished pre-lam pouch and learn about other packaging possibilities available from S-OneLP.

DON’T MISS our upcoming blogs for more tips on food safety and the flexible packaging printing processes.

We Found Innovation and Inspiration All Around Dscoop 2018

April 6, 2018 By Shellie Terry

Dscoop 2018 in Dallas was filled with inspiring moments throughout the 4-day conference, and we couldn’t have been happier to have our first major outing as S-OneLP during the event. Dscoop lived up to its promise of “Unleashing Print,” with many awesome print displays, conversations and industry-changing ideas that all came together inside the Gaylord Texan Conference Center.

When we weren’t talking labels and packaging supplies in our booth, we couldn’t help but be impressed with the innovation going on all around us. HP set up four areas, Storyland, Inkland, Brandland and Thinkland, where they showed off what seemed like endless creative ideas, but also the power of personalizing with print and the HP Inkspiration Awards. On display was the winning entry by one of our customers, Bennett Graphics, pairing HP Indigo 6800 and 10000 technology and Scodix Ultra Pro Digital Press (more on Bennett later).

We were also amazed by the new technology and concepts in the HP booth, which included watching Toray Plastics films run on the HP Indigo 20000, and the invisible security inks from one of our partners, VerifyMe. Adding additional layers of security is becoming an important piece of the package printing puzzle, especially in pharmaceutic and cosmetic markets. Expect to hear much more about the possibilities of print and security in the near future!

Check out how a special light is shown on the invisible ink to display the security code.

Back in our booth, we explained S-OneLP’s role as the only channel partner focused solely on full solutions for digital label and flexible packaging printers. We hope we inspired our booth visitors to “Lead the Pack” into this new frontier. Our booth took on that adventurous theme with a camp-out feel that even included a campfire.

Toray Plastics film on the HP Indigo 20000

Our next-door neighbors and partner, Michelman, shared some exciting news during Dscoop, which included the launch of DigiPrime^® 022, DigiGuard^® 222 and DigiGuard^® 901 additive, solutions as part of the launch of the HP Indigo Pack Ready for Labels. These products are geared for “durable labels,” such as automotive oils, refrigerated and sterilized goods, and cleaning and bathroom products, and will be available through S-OneLP.

We want to extend our thanks to Edwards Labels in Ventura, Calif., who printed all of our flexible packaging samples, and Bennett Graphics in Atlanta for producing all the labels on the tins throughout our booth as well as the pre-Dscoop mailer we sent to some customers. With these labels and packaging, we got to show booth visitors our materials at work, including:

Protect-all pre-laminated films: Metallic snack web, clear snack web and clear stand-up
Michelman primers: DigiPrime DP680, DigiPrime DP680 b-1
Michelman over-print varnishes: DigiGuard Gloss 110 and DigiGuard Matte 173
Kustom Koatings custom spot coatings: KS-494 Imprintable Gloss UV Coating, KS-535, Metallic Angle Dependent UV Coating

S-OneLP’s Tom Hauenstein, left, and Ralph Giammarco, right

Our VP Ralph Giammarco and Global Director of Sales, Tom Hauenstein, gave a presentation in one of the break-out sessions titled, Lead the Pack, How to expand your label printing business into flexible packaging printing. We were thrilled at the turn-out — standing room only! The Q&A session sparked great conversations about how we can all work together to take digital label and packaging printing to the next level.

We are excited to see not only how this ever-evolving market continues to grow, but also how the Dscoop community continues to support it. We’ll see you at Dscoop 2019 in Orlando!

S-OneLP Partners with Toray Plastics (America) to Sell Flexible Packaging Products

March 16, 2018 By Shellie Terry

S-One Labels & Packaging has signed an agreement with Toray Plastics (America) to sell flexible packaging and specialty label films to HP Indigo users in North America.

S-OneLP is the leading provider of off-line, in-line and custom primers as well as over-print varnishes and custom coatings for HP Indigo printers from manufacturers such as Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies. With more than 15 years in this market, S-OneLP (originally a division of LexJet) 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 Toray with unparalleled customer service and technical support from S-OneLP.

“Toray Plastics (America) is a critical partner as S-OneLP begins to address our customers’ challenges of delivering more 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 Toray’s partnership, to take the lead in helping 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.

“Toray Plastics (America), Inc. has years of experience as the market leader in various market segments utilizing our polyester, polypropylene, metallization and coating technologies. We believe this partnership coupled with S-OneLP’s Indigo expertise will be a winner out of the gate for the customer base,” says Milan Moscaritolo, Senior Director of New Business Development.

About S-One Labels & Packaging:

S-One Labels & Packaging is a new division of S-One Holdings Corporation, the parent company of LexJet and Brand Management Group. This new 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 Toray Plastics (America)

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., is a leading manufacturer of polyester, polypropylene, bio-based, and metallized films for flexible and rigid packaging, lidding, graphic, industrial, optical, and electronic applications, and conducts all its manufacturing and metallizing at one location. Toray is also a leader in the manufacture of polyolefin, polypropylene, and polyethylene foams for the automotive and flooring industries. The company is a subsidiary of Toray Industries, Inc., the world leader in synthetic fibers and textiles, carbon fibers, plastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and high-performance films, which has annual sales exceeding US$19 billion. Toray Plastics (America), Inc., headquarters is located in North Kingstown, R.I. Visit Toray Plastics (America), Inc. at TorayTPA.com.