Michelman Archives

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.

Labelexpo Europe: Find the Digital Print Materials You Need Now

September 5, 2019 By Shellie Terry

The S-One Labels & Packaging team will be in Labelexpo stand 7E36 to showcase the latest materials and opportunities for digital printing for labels and packaging. Last year was our first exhibit at Labelexpo, and this year is our first time at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels later this month. We’re excited to join the 40th anniversary of Labelexpo Europe, along with 600 exhibitors and attendees from around the world!

In our stand, you’ll learn about:

Sustainable ByDesign: We’ll introduce our sustainable packaging materials, including our product lines, ReTreve™ (recyclable) and ReEarth™ (compostable). We’ll feature recyclable printed pouches and discuss our growing portfolio of recyclable and compostable product lines.
Flexible packaging: Discover the ideal pre-laminate films, overlaminate films and overprint varnishes for digital flexible packaging printing. This line, which features key products for HP Pack Ready, is being built for the European market, as well as the U.S.
We’ll showcase durable labels, which is made up of Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and S-OneLP KustomLP overprint varnish. These products are exclusively available through S-OneLP, and are considered the preferred solution for HP Pack Ready for Labels to enhance label durability.
Brand protection: We’ll have information about VerifyMe and the HP Indigo approved Rainbow Secure ink and the VeriPas Track and Trace program.
eBeam: As you read this, we are preparing to install our first ever CatPak™ eBeam system in the U.S.! This system includes the eBeam coater and curing unit, unwind/rewind and proprietary features and drive system that can be customized. This ensures ease of operation, reliability and durability for immediate high-output and consistent long-term performance in standard and sustainable flexible packaging eBeam finishing.

Be sure to visit S-OneLP in Labelexpo stand 7E36 to learn about these exiting developments in the label and flexible packaging industry, and how S-OneLP can help you use them to build your business!

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

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!

Now in EMEA: HP Pack Ready for Labels

April 24, 2019 By Shellie Terry

We’re excited to announce that the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution featuring Michelman DigiGuard 901 OPV Strengthener and KKLP200 Gloss OPV is now available in EMEA. This quick and easy option is a cost-effective way to create durable labels that can stand up to water, heat, cold and chemicals.

Just add one (1) part of DigiGuard 901 to nine (9) parts KKLP200 to provide durable and effective labels for many applications, including:

Cosmetics
Household cleaners
Auto chemicals
Food & beverages
Equipment

These results are easier and less expensive to achieve than laminates when creating labels on HP Indigo 20000, WS6XXX or HP 800 digital presses with inline priming units. Learn more about HP Pack Ready for Labels in the video below.

Also, as a partner with Kustom Koatings, we can now offer our EMEA customers an exciting portfolio of varnishes, including:

KK682: Gloss varnish with water and mechanical resistance
KK684: Extremely durable varnish in matte finish
KK810: Foil stampable and thermal transfer printable gloss
KK812: Foil stampable and thermal transfer printable matte
LED003: Excellent LED UV varnish that doesn’t exhibit yellowing
KKLP200: Gloss varnish designed for HP Pack Ready for Labels
KKLP (coming soon): Benzo-free version of KKLP200
KKLP405 (coming soon): Benzo-free matte varnish for HP Pack Ready for Labels
KK718: Press wash that works with most chemistries and rollers

To learn more or to order these varnishes and the HP Pack Ready for Labels solution in the European market, email labelsandpackaging@sone.com or call +49 173 6531949 or +31 437999719.

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.

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.