Asia-Pacific

Reflex Labels installs Xaar Versatex Printbar

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:46:07 +0000

Australia-based Reflex Labels has installed a Xaar Versatex Printbar at its new site in Adelaide, branded as Reflex Labelplus Australia, to focus on high-end label embellishment for the wine and premium drinks markets.

The installation, facilitated by Jet Technologies, includes the Versatex Printbar mounted on the Jet IQ M370, enabling Reflex to produce labels with high-build varnishes, textured effects and vibrant finishes in a single digital pass.

'We're proud to support Reflex with cutting-edge technologies like Versatex that enable production of creative and innovative premium labels,' said Shane Sullivan, national manager, print division at Jet Technologies. 'This installation highlights the strength of our working partnership with Xaar and our shared commitment to delivering world-class capabilities to label printers in our region.'

The Versatex Printbar jets high-viscosity fluids and handles a wide range of substrates, allowing brands to create standout labels with textured and high-build print effects, cold foils, spot varnishes and high-opacity whites.

'The addition of the Jet IQ and Versatex Printbar represents a significant investment in quality and innovation,' noted Jim Chatzopoulos, managing director Asia Pacific, Reflex Labels & Packaging. 'These technologies enable us to deliver premium, high-impact label options with exceptional precision and speed.'

The Adelaide site marks a milestone in the evolution of digital print for wine and spirit labels in Australia, with potential expansion into cosmetics and nutraceuticals.

Jet Technologies has worked with Reflex Labels & Packaging for over three years, delivering advanced digital print capabilities. The company continues to bring global innovations like Xaar's Versatex to the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Posted date

2 days 4 hours ago

Short title

Reflex Labels installs Xaar Versatex Printbar

Short summary

Xaar printbar powers premium label embellishment in Adelaide greenfield site.

First paragraph

Xaar printbar powers premium label embellishment in Adelaide greenfield site.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Other topics

Finishing & embellishment

Related suppliers

Jet Technologies

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Installations

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Jiangtian Technology lists on Beijing Stock Exchange

Selah Zighelboim — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:16:40 +0000

Jiangtian Technology has officially listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE), making it the first Chinese label converter to do so.

Founded in 1992, Jiangtian Technology holds various authoritative certifications, including ‘National Printing Demonstration Enterprise’, ‘Jiangsu Provincial Specialized, Refined, Differential and Innovative SME’, and ‘Jiangsu Provincial Green Factory’. These honors underscore its comprehensive strength in technology, management and sustainable development.

The company focuses on R&D, production and sales of label products, with core offerings covering film-based and paper-based self-adhesive labels. These products are widely applied in daily consumption sectors such as beverages, alcohol, daily chemicals, food, health products and petrochemicals, providing customers with one-stop integrated label printing tailored to their needs.

By focusing on the mid-to-high-end consumer brand label market, Jiangtian Technology has successfully entered the supply chains of numerous domestic and international brands, including Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Shell, Wyeth, Nongfu Spring, Yili, Mengniu, Haitian and HeyTea. This diversified customer structure has laid a solid foundation for the company’s stable operations and sustainable growth, strengthening its market competitiveness.

The total funds raised from this listing reach 280 million RMB (40.26 million USD), which will be fully allocated to the intelligent production line construction project and the technology R&D center project. The company plans to introduce high-end printing equipment to expand production capacity and upgrade intelligent manufacturing levels, further optimizing production efficiency and product quality.

Upon the completion of these projects, Jiangtian Technology will consolidate its large-scale production advantages, refine its product structure and better meet downstream consumer brands’ demands for high-quality and customized labels, paving the way for leapfrog development.

Financial data shows that the company has maintained steady growth in recent years. In 2024, it achieved an operating income of 538 million RMB (77.36 million USD) and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 102 million RMB (14.67 million USD), demonstrating robust profitability and significant development potential.

Huang Yanguo, general manager of Jiangtian Technology, stated that the listing on the BSE marks a new starting point for the company’s development. He also expressed his gratitude for the trust and support from all customers and partners. Looking ahead, the company will continue to increase investment in technological R&D, deepen cooperation in core sectors including food and beverage and daily chemicals, and actively expand new business segments such as smart labels, shrink sleeves and flexible packaging, in alignment with the industry’s trends of intelligence and green development.

Posted date

2 days 11 hours ago

Short title

Jiangtian Technology lists on Beijing Stock Exchange

Short summary

The company is the first Chinese label converter to be listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange.

First paragraph

The company is the first Chinese label converter to be listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Conventional printing

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Dongding builds flexible service with digital printing

Selah Zighelboim — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:17:08 +0000

Digital printing 26 January 2026

Dongding builds flexible service with digital printing

Moving from sheet-fed to web-fed flexo and digital printing, Dongding is deepening its digital transformation journey.

Founded in 2014 and located in Tianqiao District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, Dongding specializes in self-adhesive label production. Its products are widely used in sectors such as health supplements, food and pharmaceuticals.

In June 2025, Dongding relocated to a new factory covering 5,000sqm and equipped with a wide range of equipment, including flexo, offset and digital.

New business model

Sun Shasha, general manager of Dongding, explains that before the current company was founded in 2014, its main business was selling barcode printers, scanners, blank labels and blank die-cutting services. After seeing the decorated label business growing, Sun Shasha and her husband officially registered Dongding in 2014, marking a new phase of their business.

‘Label printing and barcode printer industries share many similarities. Both have relatively low investment and technical thresholds, leading to intense competition as the market matures. So, from the start, we made it clear: Our business must be founded on the premise of ensuring quality and delivery of premium services,’ says Sun Shasha.

All orders are tracked through the entire process from raw materials, printing, post-press processing, warehousing and delivery to customers, and any issues are resolved in the shortest possible time. ‘We are more service providers than printers. Only by striving to satisfy customers in every detail can we achieve their long-term loyalty,’ she adds.

The success of this strategy is evident: Existing customers now account for 60 to 70 percent of the company’s client base.

Tech trial to capacity upgrade

Dongding has always kept a close eye on digital printing technology. The company first installed a Xerox sheet-fed digital press. ‘At that time, small-run orders were scarce, so the machine sat idle for a long time. I even questioned myself if this was a flaw, whether it was an internal issue or a mismatch with customers,’ says Sun Shasha.

“The new machine adds white ink functionality, ideal for film label printing, which is our core need. Over 60 percent of our labels are now film-based”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, demand for small-run orders surged, and the idle machine was put back into use. After that, Dongding further expanded its digital printing capacity by adding a Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 190.

Increasing volumes of short-run work soon led the company to consider investment in a new digital press to boost capacity.

The decisive factor in choosing the Konica Minolta AccurioLabel 400 was a request from an overseas client for a new product launch with tight deadlines.

After the press was installed in November 2024, Dongding shifted all short-run orders to the new equipment.

‘Compared to the previous model, the new machine adds white ink functionality, which is ideal for film label printing and what our core need. Over 60 percent of our labels are now film-based,’ she notes.

To handle digital orders efficiently, Dongding hired dedicated pre-press operators.

‘Digital printing lowers the skills requirements for machine operators but raises them for pre-press file handling, especially color control. Unlike traditional printing, where ink can be adjusted to modify colors, digital printing uses specific inks, so the pressure of color control falls entirely on pre-press technicians,’ explains Sun Shasha.

Dongding has also invested in new digital embellishment equipment for processes like varnish and foil stamping.

People-centric path

Dongding currently has over 40 employees, and they adhere to a ‘people-oriented’ philosophy.

‘Our equipment is usually updated every four to five years. When we moved to this new factory, we phased out our old offset printing machines and invested in three new Zonten intermittent offset presses. High-quality hardware not only ensures product quality but also provides employees with a better operating platform. New equipment and technology boost work efficiency and reduce waste,’ says Sun Shasha.

Additionally, Dongding has established a Mutual Assistance Fund, which is funded by revenues generated from waste reduction efforts. Beyond a monthly salary, employees receive supplementary medical benefits covering themselves and their family members, in addition to basic medical insurance. The company also directly provides elderly care allowances to employees’ parents every month.

‘A large proportion of our staff are long-term employees, many of whom have been with us since the company’s early days,’ Sun Shasha says.

To meet future industry challenges, Shasha believes companies should secure reasonable profit margins instead of competing for orders solely through low prices. ‘Building differentiated competitiveness, such as high-quality products and services, and flexible production capabilities, is the key.’

Going forward, Dongding will deepen its focus on digital printing and digital post-press processing, while expanding into other printing areas like corrugated and non-woven fabrics to meet existing clients’ label needs and beyond.

Edit content

Yolanda Wang

China editor

Article Also Filed in:

Asia-Pacific

Top story

Related magazine Issue

Oct - Dec 2025

Xinma transforms with Flora

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:58:15 +0000

Digital printing 23 January 2026

Xinma transforms with Flora

Having started its digital journey in 2021, Xinma is now planning its fourth press investment.

Focused on the tire label sector, Xinma has leveraged digital printing technology as the cornerstone of its business. By enhancing quality, improving efficiency and concentrating on high-value clients, it has blazed a trail for the digital transformation of the traditional label converter.

Founded in 2007 in Yantai, Shandong Province, Xinma relocated to its current factory in 2018. Presently, it employs over 50 staff, with a total workshop area of 4,500sqm. The company’s core clientele includes renowned Chinese tire brands such as Linglong, Chengshan, Sailun, Haohua, Hengfeng, Yongsheng, Fengyuan, Xinghongyuan and Formax.

From diversification to specialization

Tian Xuping, founder of Xinma, has been engaged in the printing industry for nearly 30 years. He witnessed the industry’s initial period of rapid growth, but now, like everyone else, faces increasingly fierce competition.

Xuping’s printing career began with bill printing for government institutions, including post offices and electric power bureaus.

Later, the company attempted to expand into new business areas, including label printing, gifts and catering. The gift and catering businesses were eventually shut down as its label printing business achieved rapid success. In June 2008, Xuping reorganized the company, renaming it Xinma Super Label and establishing a strategy focused on tire labels.

‘This decision was based on two considerations. First, the industrial foundation of Yantai and its surrounding areas: 70 percent of the world’s tires are produced in China. Tire enterprises in Yantai alone account for about 60 percent of the national total, presenting significant industrial cluster advantages.

Second, the logic of long-term development means, rather than being an all-encompassing but unrefined multi-category supplier, it is better to deepen our presence in a segmented fi eld and strive to become a leader in that industry,’ Xuping explains.

Xinma expanded its production facilities. The company added 11 intermittent letterpress presses. In response to the special characteristics of tire labels – large in size, and requiring specialist materials – Xinma invested in coating equipment to produce its own self-adhesive labels, achieving quality and cost control over the entire supply chain. Additionally, its own intermittent gluing technology has solved an industry pain point of glue overflow after application, further consolidating its technological advantage.

Digital transformation

Xinma’s digital printing journey began in 2019, with an investment in a second-hand digital press.

In 2021, Xinma installed its first Flora J-330 digital press in Shandong Province, gradually shifting small-run orders to this digital production line. ‘The print-on-demand model enabled by the digital press not only enables rapid response to customers’ urgent needs but also helps to optimize inventory management and achieve lean production,’ he explains.

Xinma soon found that the long-term savings in plates, time, labor and inventory far outweighed the additional cost of digital inks. The company workers also gradually adapted to the fast-paced delivery model of digital production.

In 2023, the company added another Flora digital press to expand capacity. In March 2025, the third Flora press, Model J-350GT, was put into operation.

We found that, just like traditional flexographic, offset and letterpress printing, digital technology is not a one size fits all technology

‘After nearly six years of experience with digital printing technology, we found that, just like traditional flexographic, offset and letterpress printing, digital technology is not a one-size-fits-all technology,’ Xuping states. ‘So, in addition to considering the equipment itself, the supplier’s service response capability is crucial. This is why we have always chosen Flora digital machines.

Its after-sales service and response speed are extremely fast. For example, when we reported an issue with uneven laminating, the manufacturer quickly optimized the technology and applied it to its new-generation machines. This is the core reason for our long-term cooperation with Flora,’

Today, short-run orders of 100-200 sheets (as the production mode of tire labels is roll-to-sheet) account for 70 percent of Xinma’s total orders, and digital printing contributes half of its total revenue, becoming a key driver of the company’s business growth.

Ecosystem expansion

Xinma operates in an intensely competitive market environment. Facing cost control pressures from brand clients, the company has maintained steady growth by leveraging its years of experience in in-house raw material production, equipment operation and maintenance, and quality control management.

Xuping has a clear plan for the future. Xinma plans to install a fourth Flora digital press and, at the same time, gradually reduce the number of letterpress printing machines to two or three units for special orders. Additionally, in 2026, the company plans to invest in flexographic and offset combination presses.

Xinma will expand into automotive-related label fields such as engine oil and adhesive labels. The company also plans to develop its own range of adhesives to reduce its reliance on the raw materials supply chain, and will attempt to replace release papers with release films to help clients achieve their sustainability goals.

Edit content

Yolanda Wang

China editor

Article Also Filed in:

Top story

Related magazine Issue

Oct - Dec 2025

Article type

Features

Edale appoints Indonesian distributor

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:23:09 +0000

Edale has appointed PT Samafitro as its distributor for Indonesia, extending the flexographic press manufacturer's reach in Southeast Asia through a partner offering sales, installation and service support.

PT Samafitro, a Jakarta-based industrial printing and finishing provider, will distribute Edale's LabelLine and CartonLine platforms to label and carton converters across Indonesia. The company already carries Canon technologies and brings deep experience in digital and packaging printing.

'We're thrilled to partner with Samafitro,' commented Ryan Barrett, head of sales APAC for Edale. 'Their strong presence and local service capabilities make them ideal distributors for Edale in Indonesia. Together, we'll be able to serve converters more effectively, bringing the technical support, flexibility and innovation Edale is known for directly to the Indonesian market.'

Tjhin Bui Phin, president director at PT Samafitro, added: 'We are excited to represent Edale's LabelLine and CartonLine presses in Indonesia. Their flexographic technology complements our commitment to delivering advanced, end-to-end printing systems. We look forward to helping converters across the region benefit from single-pass capability, robust support and become the preferred option for their production line.'

The distribution agreement follows Edale's recent showcase at Labelexpo Europe 2025, where it demonstrated its CartonLine FL6p press with live production of integrated carton applications.

Posted date

1 week 1 day ago

Short title

Edale appoints Indonesian distributor

Short summary

Canon-owned press manufacturer partners with PT Samafitro for Southeast Asian expansion.

First paragraph

Canon-owned press manufacturer partners with PT Samafitro for Southeast Asian expansion.

Regions

Other topics

Related suppliers

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Folding cartons

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Indonesian converter’s bold flexo investment pays off

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:56:13 +0000

Conventional printing 21 January 2026

Indonesian converter’s bold flexo investment pays off

Five Omet iFlex presses position Indolabel as one of the leading manufacturers in Southeast Asia.

PT Indolabel Surya Pratama has completed a remarkable transformation from traditional letterpress to advanced flexographic printing with the acquisition of five Omet iFlex presses, positioning itself as one of Indonesia’s leading label converters and a driving force in the Southeast Asian label market.

The Jakarta-based company’s journey began with a strategic decision to modernize its production capabilities to meet growing demand for high-quality, short-run and sustainable label production across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, electronics and logistics.

“What Indolabel has built here is nothing short of outstanding. The facility is one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia”

Over the past several years, Indolabel has systematically invested in flexographic technology, with each press installation building upon the successes of its predecessors. The latest acquisition, a fifth Omet iFlex press that was recently showcased at Labelexpo Southeast Asia, demonstrates the company’s unwavering confidence in both the technology platform and its strategic partnership approach.

This progressive investment strategy reflects broader market dynamics across Southeast Asia, where converters are responding to evolving customer demands for more sophisticated label applications, shorter run lengths and faster turnaround times. Indolabel’s approach has positioned it at the forefront of this transformation, creating a competitive advantage that extends well beyond its domestic market.

Partnership drives technology adoption

The transformation has been supported by a strong partnership with Jet Technologies Indonesia, the exclusive dealer and service partner for Omet across Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. This relationship has extended beyond equipment supply to encompass comprehensive training, optimization and production planning support that has been crucial to Indolabel’s success.

‘The simplicity and efficiency of the Omet iFlex made it the right machine for our team and our production needs,’ says Benny Kartaraharja, managing director at Indolabel. ‘But just as important has been the strong, ongoing support from Jet Technologies. The service didn’t stop at installation. They’ve been a true partner throughout our transition from letterpress to flexo.’

The partnership model exemplifies how successful technology adoption requires more than equipment procurement. Jet Technologies has worked closely with Indolabel throughout every stage of its transformation, providing expertise that has enabled the company to maximize the potential of each press installation.

Jack Malki, director at Jet Technologies, emphasizes the consultative approach that has characterized the partnership. ‘We take a consultative approach with all our clients, and in the case of Indolabel, we’ve partnered with the company every step of the way, from planning and investment to training and optimization,’ he explains. ‘The result is a production setup that’s both scalable, efficient and well positioned to support Indolabel’s continued growth.’

This comprehensive support model has enabled the Indonesian converter to avoid many of the common pitfalls associated with major technology transitions. Rather than simply installing equipment and hoping for the best, the partnership has ensured that each press installation has delivered immediate productivity gains while building capabilities for future growth.

The relationship has also facilitated knowledge transfer that has elevated Indolabel’s internal capabilities. Through structured training programs and ongoing consultation, Jet Technologies has helped develop Indolabel’s technical expertise, creating a more self-sufficient operation that can adapt quickly to changing market requirements.

Indolabel’s investment extends beyond equipment to encompass a state-of-the-art facility located near Jakarta, which has impressed industry leaders and set new standards for label production in the region. The facility represents a comprehensive approach to modernization that addresses every aspect of the production process.

Marco Calcagni, sales and marketing director at Omet, recently visited the site and praised its scale and sophistication. ‘What Indolabel has built here is nothing short of outstanding,’ says Calcagni. ‘The facility is one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. It’s a world-class production hub, and we are incredibly proud that Omet plays a central role in Indolabel’s journey.’

The facility design reflects Indolabel’s understanding that successful flexographic printing requires more than advanced equipment. Environmental controls, workflow optimization, quality control systems and material handling capabilities have all been carefully planned to support high‑performance production across multiple product categories.

The successive investments in Omet iFlex technology reflect Indolabel’s confidence in flexographic printing

The investment in infrastructure demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to the Indonesian market and its confidence in continued growth. By creating a facility that can accommodate future expansion and technology upgrades, the company has positioned itself to respond quickly to evolving market opportunities.

The facility also serves as a showcase for Indonesian manufacturing capabilities, demonstrating that domestic converters can compete effectively with international competitors through strategic investment and operational excellence. This has important implications for the broader development of Indonesia’s packaging industry.

Strategic growth

The successive investments in Omet iFlex technology reflect Indolabel’s confidence in flexographic printing as the optimal approach for meeting evolving market demands. Each press acquisition has added capacity and flexibility to handle the growing requirements for short-run, high-quality production while maintaining efficiency and quality standards.

‘The iFlex has consistently delivered on performance, ease of use and quality,’ notes Malki. ‘We’re thrilled to see Indolabel’s trust in the technology reaffirmed with each investment.’

The company’s evolution from traditional letterpress to advanced flexographic printing mirrors broader industry trends toward more flexible, efficient and sustainable production methods. As demand continues to rise across Southeast Asia for sophisticated label applications, Indolabel’s investment strategy positions it to capitalize on market growth while maintaining operational excellence.

The Omet iFlex platform offers several advantages that align with market trends in the label industry. The servo-driven technology provides precise registration and consistent quality, while the modular design allows for configuration flexibility that can accommodate diverse application requirements. These capabilities are particularly valuable in markets where customers demand both quality and responsiveness.

The investment in multiple iFlex presses also provides operational advantages through standardization. By building expertise on a single platform, Indolabel has created efficiencies in training, maintenance and production planning that would be difficult to achieve with a mixed equipment base.

Technology enables ambitious goals

Indolabel’s approach to technology adoption demonstrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate transformation in the label printing industry. The company’s experience highlights the importance of comprehensive support throughout the transition process, from initial planning through ongoing optimization.

‘This partnership has empowered us to chase our ambition of becoming one of the top label printers in Indonesia,’ states Kartaraharja, reflecting on the journey that has seen the company install five Omet iFlex presses over recent years.

The investment trajectory showcases how Indonesian label converters are embracing advanced flexographic technology to compete in an increasingly sophisticated market. Indolabel’s success provides a model for other converters seeking to modernize their operations while building sustainable competitive advantages.

The company’s commitment to continuous improvement extends beyond equipment acquisition to encompass process optimization, quality enhancement and market development. This holistic approach has enabled Indolabel to maximize the return on its technology investments while building capabilities for future growth.

Future outlook

With its world-class facility, advanced equipment and strong industry partnerships, Indolabel has positioned itself as one of the leaders in the Indonesian market and a significant player across Southeast Asia’s expanding label printing sector. The company’s success demonstrates the potential for domestic converters to compete effectively in regional and international markets through strategic investment and operational excellence.

“This partnership has empowered us to chase our ambition of becoming one of the top label printers in Indonesia”

The continued expansion of Indolabel’s capabilities reflects broader economic trends across Southeast Asia, where growing consumer markets and increasing sophistication in packaging requirements are driving demand for advanced label printing services. The company’s investment strategy positions it to capitalize on these trends while contributing to the development of Indonesia’s manufacturing sector.

Looking ahead, Indolabel’s experience provides valuable insights for other converters considering similar transformations. The importance of strategic partnerships, comprehensive planning and sustained investment in both technology and capabilities emerges as key factors in successful modernization efforts.

The company’s journey from traditional letterpress to advanced flexographic printing illustrates how thoughtful technology adoption can create competitive advantages that extend well beyond immediate operational improvements. By building capabilities that anticipate future market requirements, Indolabel has positioned itself for continued growth in an evolving industry landscape.

Edit content

Piotr Wnuk

Senior digital and Southeast Asia editor

Article Also Filed in:

Top story

Article type

Features

AllenPack installs Omet press

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 20:28:15 +0000

AllenPack has strengthened its production capabilities with the installation of a new Omet KFlex K4 530 press, delivered and commissioned in January, to support growing demand for high-definition, fast-turnaround shrink-sleeve applications.

Founded in 1980, AllenPack has built its reputation as a provider of shrink-packaging products, offering PVC, PET, POF and PE shrink film, shrink tubing and sleeves, as well as its own sleeving machinery. This ability to control the full process, from film production to labeling equipment, has made AllenPack a trusted partner for beverage, household and personal-care brands.

The new Omet press was selected to help increase efficiency and competitiveness in established markets while opening opportunities for new segments where flexibility and waste reduction are critical. The machine's configuration enables faster changeovers and fine-tuned quality control, key factors for a company managing diverse product SKUs and short-run requirements typical of today's consumer-goods landscape.

A key contributor to this project has been Ben Liu of Yah Sheng Chong Yung Kee Co., Ltd, Omet's representative in Taiwan. His technical expertise and close support to local converters have proven essential in creating a channel between market needs and OMET's technology.

The collaboration between AllenPack, Omet and its local representative represents an example of how tailored machinery, efficient communication and on-site expertise converge to create improvements in productivity and competitiveness.

Posted date

1 week 4 days ago

Short title

AllenPack installs Omet press

Short summary

Taiwanese packaging specialist strengthens shrink-sleeve production capabilities with KFlex K4 530.

First paragraph

Taiwanese packaging specialist strengthens shrink-sleeve production capabilities with KFlex K4 530.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Other topics

Installations

Related suppliers

OMET

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Conventional printing

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

FPLMA opens 2026 Print Awards

Piotr Wnuk — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:44:05 +0000

The Flexible Packaging & Label Manufacturers Association (FPLMA) has opened entries for the 2026 FPLMA Print Awards, inviting printers, converters and suppliers to submit work produced between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.

The competition is open to companies producing work using flexographic, gravure, offset, letterpress, digital, screen, combination or other eligible processes for the Australian and New Zealand packaging and label markets.

Categories include flexo, offset, letterpress, gravure, digital, combination, booklets, screen and innovation.

Entry materials must be submitted by May 1, 2026, including a completed online entry form, print samples and technical details with any supporting color data as outlined in the official FPLMA entry documentation.

The awards program provides national recognition for packaging and label print while allowing participants to showcase innovation, color management and finishing capabilities. Winners can leverage awards in marketing, sales and recruitment efforts while strengthening relationships with brand owners and print buyers.

The FPLMA Print Awards benchmark print quality against industry standards across multiple printing processes and application categories. Entries are judged according to official FPLMA criteria, with work evaluated on technical execution and visual impact.

The entries can be submitted online on the FPLMA website.

Posted date

1 week 5 days ago

Short title

FPLMA opens 2026 Print Awards

Short summary

Entries from Australia and New Zealand are accepted for the packaging competition until May 1.

First paragraph

Entries from Australia and New Zealand are accepted for the packaging competition until May 1.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Associations, events & awards

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

UPM Adhesive Materials launches new product line at Labelexpo Asia

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 07:00:54 +0000

UPM Adhesive Materials, formerly known as UPM Raflatac, returned to Labelexpo Asia 2025 with a renewed focus on premium adhesive performance.

With printers and converters under increasing pressure to enhance label material performance, choosing the right adhesive plays a key role in enabling business success. Application specific demands, challenging substrates and conditions, as well as regulatory requirements must all be carefully considered in adhesive formulation and development.

To address these requirements, UPM Adhesive Materials highlighted its adhesive capabilities at Labelexpo Asia 2025, backed by its global innovation network and sustainability expertise. A wide range of adhesives was on display, including specialized adhesives designed to meet the demanding requirements of high-speed labeling, high-temperature resistance, and cryogenic environments.

During the show, UPM presented its comprehensive label product portfolio at the stand, launching a new ‘value’ brand called UPM Intercoat. The company’s premium label materials will be sold under the UPM Raflatac banner. The two lines meet different needs of clients.

Frederick Chong, area sales director of NOA, covering China, K&J, Taiwan, UPM Adhesive Materials, said: ‘The UPM Intercoat line is tailored precisely the demands of price-sensitive customers. While ensuring the delivery of core functionalities, the portfolio empowers customers to gain a competitive edge in cost-conscious market segments. This new product line serves as a strategic addition to our offerings.’

Henning Krebs, vice president, APAC, UPM Adhesive Materials, reinforced this message: ‘UPM Raflatac is the premium line the applications like FMCG, Pharma, Tyre, RFID, Durables, Wine etc. Our new brand that we launch here, UPM Intercoat, is for more cost-competitive and high-volume applications.’

Describing the company’s strategy in China, Chong added: ‘We are doubling down on the high value applications like pharma, tyre, RFID and durables where we can differentiate. Customers want a one stop shop – they want products for the price-sensitive mass market, but also need more specialist products from the same supplier.

‘China is very competitive and characterized by over-supply. We can leverage the experience and innovation from the competitive market in China to be more competitive globally, and we can leverage our global knowledge for product innovation and speed of response to better meet the local customers’ needs in China. We have started on our transformation journey.’

UPM Adhesive Materials is expanding throughout the APAC region, with Southeast Asia showing particularly high rates of growth.

‘In the ASEAN region we are expanding and upgrading our factory in Malaysia and investing in a new terminal in Vietnam,’ said Krebs. ‘We are seeing amazing growth in Vietnam, especially in durables and pharma.’

The investment in Malaysia includes a new coating line and brings new filmic label capabilities.

Comparing the European and Chinese label markets, Krebs said: ‘The big difference between China and European markets is speed. Some customers did not exist two years ago and now they take massive orders. We need to be 24/7 on WeChat because customers just expect an answer if they contact us at 11pm. And that is why service is so important, because they move fast.

‘In Europe sustainability is the core issue. Here it is more pragmatic, but legislation can move much faster so things could change very quickly. For example, in China we are helping set PET/HDPE recycling guidelines. Very important here is how to design for recyclability, and we will see more of that.’

Krebs added that the company works with its key customers on materials like wash-off labels to ensure that when the legislation does come they are ready. ‘We have been seeing lots of visitors to the sustainability part of our booth during Labelexpo Asia.’

Chong emphasized that UPM Adhesive Materials has worked hard on developing a local network of suppliers in China.

‘We have put in place a local supply chain, so all components including face papers and films, release liners, adhesives and silicone coatings all come from China. And we have to address our smaller customers more directly with a more flexible supply chain.’

Krebs said that RFID is a growing market in China and throughout the APAC region. ‘We have a strong position there. We have special designs to tackle different end use applications like Retail and Pharma. And we have partners who work across the value chain. We have some customers who are label printers and we also work directly with some end customers and brand owners - for example on inserting RFID into pharma bottle caps and NFC for toll booths. We are growing the whole business, so it is a win-win for label converters here. Much of the RFID work we do here is targeted for export.’

Posted date

2 weeks 1 day ago

Short title

UPM Adhesive Materials launches new product line at Labelexpo Asia

Short summary

During the show, UPM presented its comprehensive label product portfolio at the stand, launching a new ‘value’ brand called UPM Intercoat.

First paragraph

During the show, UPM presented its comprehensive label product portfolio at the stand, launching a new ‘value’ brand called UPM Intercoat.

Regions

Asia-Pacific

Other topics

New products

Related suppliers

UPM Raflatac

Rate

Top story

Article main topic

Substrates & adhesives

Redirected

Off

Moved to features

Off

Lead image:

New batch

Off

redirected

Off

Xeikon launches Ecolyne subscription press at Labelexpo Asia 2025

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:25:41 +0000

Redirected

Off

Asia-Pacific

Reflex Labels installs Xaar Versatex Printbar

Jiangtian Technology lists on Beijing Stock Exchange

Dongding builds flexible service with digital printing

New business model

Tech trial to capacity upgrade

People-centric path

Yolanda Wang

Share this

Stay up to date

Xinma transforms with Flora

Digital transformation

Ecosystem expansion

Yolanda Wang

Share this

Stay up to date

Edale appoints Indonesian distributor

Indonesian converter’s bold flexo investment pays off

Piotr Wnuk

Share this

Stay up to date

AllenPack installs Omet press

FPLMA opens 2026 Print Awards

UPM Adhesive Materials launches new product line at Labelexpo Asia

Xeikon launches Ecolyne subscription press at Labelexpo Asia 2025