Ralph Giammarco Archives

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.

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.

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.

S-OneLP & CDA Partner to Launch CatPak™ eBeam Finishing System

March 12, 2019 By Shellie Terry

SARASOTA, FLA. (March 12, 2019) – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Custom Design Applications (CDA) to develop the CatPak™ System.

CatPak™ is the full solution for coating and curing 30-inch flexible packaging films utilizing eBeam technology. EBeam is the state-of-the-art, high-demand finishing option for fast, clean, food-safe flex-pack films. CatPak™ brings all the key components together in one system.

Converters opt for eBeam because it offers a uniform, instantaneous cure that creates a food-compliant finished surface without post-cure time, and eBeam provides the same gloss and depth of image as reverse printed and laminated packaging. Plus, the CatPak™ System won’t damage HP Indigo ElectroInk, and it seamlessly supports fixtures like zippers and spouts.

The CatPak™ System includes the eBeam coater, Corona Treater and 30-inch web unwind and rewind modules integrated into the eBeam curing system base frame. The system can also be customized to include digital embellishing equipment. EBeam coatings and flexible packaging films will also be available through the CatPak™ System and S-OneLP to complete the full flex-pack printing and finishing solution.

“We are excited to combine CDA’s amazing ability to build high-quality, state-of-the-art equipment with S-OneLP’s extensive films and coatings expertise and offer to our customers the single most reliable high performing eBeam system for flex-pack applications,” says Ralph Giammarco, VP of S-One Labels & Packaging.

CatPak™ System Highlights:

Compact finishing system
Instantly cured high-performance indirect food-contact compliant coatings
Speed: Up to 600 feet per minute (mechanical speed)
Patented integrated shield roll fixes the position of the web
Minimizes nitrogen flow
Easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning
Use for fully flood-coated or spot-registered eBeam coating

“This partnership with S-OneLP allows CDA to utilize our expertise on not only building and maintaining custom designed equipment, but to create systems that will be optimized with coatings and films to produce the best solutions for our customers,” says CDA President and CEO Tim Burke.

To learn more about the CatPak™ System, call S-OneLP at 941-256-7900.

About Custom Design Applications: CDA is a solutions provider in the printing industry, with an established a commitment to quality and exceptional client service. Through its extensive background of specialty applications for more than 30 years, CDA is committed to go above and beyond to make sure customer needs are not only met, but exceeded. CDA continues to be a leader in the industry by bringing innovation to the field, adopting cutting-edge technologies and expanding to new customer sectors. Visit CDA at CustomDesignApplications.com.

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

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

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.

S-OneLP Partners with Kustom Group to Offer Specialized Coatings

May 9, 2018 By Shellie Terry

SARASOTA, FLA – S-One Labels & Packaging is pleased to announce a new partnership with Kustom Group to introduce a wide variety of over-print varnishes and coatings designed for both flexo and digitally printed label and packaging markets.

Under the Kustom Koatings brand, S-OneLP will offer standard coatings, such as gloss or matte, and specialty coatings using sand, glitter and many more. The two companies will also jointly create proprietary coatings individually customized and developed under the new co-branded KustomLP product line.

“Utilizing the exceptional products developed by Kustom Group and S-One’s Utopia Digital Technologies’ development lab creates a powerful partnership that is sure to disrupt our industry with all of the new possibilities in coatings and over-print varnishes,” says Ralph Giammarco, Vice President of S-One Labels & Packaging. “And we’re going to bring these customized products to our customers with shorter lead times than they’ve had access to in the past.”

This new partnership will not only allow PSPs to receive products more quickly, but will offer the opportunity to create one-of-a-kind UV-based coatings that perform special functions, such as greater adhesion, more or less gloss levels, light or gritty sand, hieroglyphics effects, scratch-and-sniff or whatever finish a customer’s designer can dream up.

“We have been selling our products through various channels in the past with great success but are looking forward to a more direct approach with a service expert like S-OneLP,” says Michael Gerkin, Jr.; Kustom Group President & COO. “Having a partner eliminating barriers and creating exposure in the expanding digital, labels and packaging markets is very exciting and a huge advantage to print producers.”

The S-OneLP/Kustom Group partnership adds to the growing list of partnerships for S-OneLP, the direct source for primers, over-print varnishes, pre-laminated films, thermal laminates and customized coatings for HP Indigo press owners.

About S-One Labels & Packaging

S-OneLP is a new division of S-One Holdings Corporation providing in-line, off-line and custom primers, pre-laminate films, thermal laminates and custom coatings for HP Indigo print providers, as well as materials, technical know-how and integrated solutions for digital label and flexible packaging printing. To learn more, visit S-OneLP.com.

About Kustom Group

Kustom Group is a manufacturer of overprints and coatings in oil based, aqueous and energy curable chemistries used to coat, protect and enhance virtually all forms of printing. We are unique in our understanding of the interaction of these chemistries when being applied. We take pride in our problem-solving abilities and will be glad to work with you on your specific application. We are your technical resource for print coating technology. To learn more, visit KustomGroup.com.