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UPM invests over 10 million EUR in Finland

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 28 May 2025 11:01:49 +0000

UPM Specialty Papers has confirmed that it will invest over 10 million EUR (approximately 11m USD) in the modernization of UPM Tervasaari mill in Valkeakoski, Finland.

The investment will allow UPM Specialty Papers to boost capacity and improve production stability in its highly specialized products, such as glassines and flexible packaging papers.

‘UPM Specialty Papers has over 40 years of experience producing highly demanding specialty papers. This investment underscores our commitment to serving customers in the label, tape and industrial value chains as well as packaging,’ highlighted Tomi Lonka, senior vice president, global specialty papers, UPM Specialty Papers.

The modernization project includes the paper machine drying section rebuild and related steam system upgrade. The project is expected to be completed at the end of 2026. In recent years UPM has also invested approximately 20 million EUR (approximately 22m USD) in boosting the energy efficiency of UPM Tervasaari mill. For example, in 2023, a new electric boiler was installed.

UPM Specialty Papers offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality glassine papers and packaging papers. The glassines include a wide range of shades and basis weights. These papers are typically used in labels, double-sided tapes and other industrial end-uses.

For flexible packaging it offers a wide portfolio of fiber-based, recyclable papers, including barrier, barrier base, and C1S (coated one side) packaging papers.

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UPM invests over 10 million EUR in Finland

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The investment at its Tervasaari mill will boost production of glassines and flexible packaging papers.

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The investment at its Tervasaari mill will boost production of glassines and flexible packaging papers.

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Konica Minolta plans for Innovation Open Day

Adyasha Sinha — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:08:48 +0000

Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) has planned Channel Partner Training and Open Days to support its channel partners in delivering advanced print production capabilities to their customers. The event is scheduled for June 4 and 5 at its Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Houghton Regis, near Luton.

The event will showcase Konica Minolta’s latest innovations in digital print technology, including the newly enhanced AccurioPress C14010 series and C7100 production presses, giving partners hands-on experience and expert insights into how these technologies can drive new opportunities.

In addition to the new digital production presses, Konica Minolta will also provide a deep dive into its next-generation IQ real-time intelligent quality care technology. Attendees will learn about new enhanced features, including built-in spectrometers for smarter, faster setup and improved output quality, as well as significant product enhancements. The sessions will focus on key enhancements and real-world benefits, and partners will also have the opportunity to hear about new controllers and workflow processes during a presentation entitled 'Driving the Potential'.

Rod Heaton, PP and IP channel manager - Indirect at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK), commented: 'The Partner Training and Open Day is the perfect opportunity for our partners to get hands-on with our new AccurioPress range and to learn how they can benefit from delivering enhanced digital print production capabilities to their customers.'

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Konica Minolta plans for Innovation Open Day

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The event is scheduled for June 4-5 at its Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Houghton Regis, near Luton.

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The event is scheduled for June 4-5 at its Client Engagement Centre (CEC) in Houghton Regis, near Luton.

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Enfocus and DesignNBuy team up for error-free printing

Adyasha Sinha — Fri, 23 May 2025 08:27:43 +0000

Enfocus, the provider of flexible automation software for the printing industry, has integrated the Rest API of its PitStop Library Container into DesignNBuy’s flagship web-to-print platform, DesignO 2.3. This partnership brings automated PDF file checks and fixes into the heart of online print ordering, setting a new benchmark for speed, quality and customer satisfaction.

With DesignO 2.3 and PitStop Library Container working behind the scenes, online printers can avoid missed errors, costly reprints and endless back-and-forth with customers over file issues.

Whether customers upload artwork or design directly on the storefront, PitStop Library Container steps at the moment the order is placed, automatically pre-flighting files and correcting common problems like missing fonts, low-resolution images, RGB color spaces, incorrect bleeds and trim marks. The result is clean, press-ready files delivered straight to production, with no extra steps for the customer or the production team.

For online print businesses, the stakes are high. Even minor file errors can trigger production delays, reprints and frustrated customers. With this integration, those worries become a thing of the past. PitStop Library Container can inform users early in production about any errors within their PDF files. It can automatically fix many issues, which means fewer manual interventions are required, freeing up prepress teams to focus on higher-value tasks while keeping workflows running smoothly.

The integration with PitStop Library Container is a key change. It delivers immediate, tangible improvements where it matters most. Since the PitStop Library Container Rest API is already integrated into DesignO, time and money are saved.

DesignO 2.3 brings many other improvements, from 2,500+ packaging models and AI image enhancement to smart uploads, cloud storage, and barcode-based job tracking.

'At Enfocus, we’re all about making life easier for printers,' said Piet De Pauw, head of marketing at Enfocus. 'By teaming up with DesignNBuy, we’re extending the power of automation and quality control to a whole new audience. It’s about giving printers confidence that every PDF file that comes through the door is production-ready - no surprises, no headaches.

'The best results come from great partnerships. Think Batman and Robin, cheese and wine, Lennon and McCartney. Now, you can add DesignO 2.3 and PitStop Library Container to that list. And at a time when printers are under more pressure than ever - with tight deadlines, rising costs and sky-high customer expectations - tech collaborations like this help them stay ahead of the game.'

The Enfocus PitStop Library Container, built on Docker technology and accessible via Rest API, is already helping businesses worldwide automate PDF pre-flighting at scale. Thanks to this integration, DesignO users can tap into the same world-class technology with zero disruption to their existing workflows.

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Enfocus and DesignNBuy team up for error-free printing

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This powerhouse combo brings automated PDF file checks and fixes into the heart of online print ordering.

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UFlex reports strong growth in Q4 FY25

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:01:49 +0000

UFlex has reported a fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 audited consolidated net revenue of 38,738 million INR (452.7 million USD). The normalized EBITDA for the year was 4,782 million INR (55.8 million USD), and the normalized EBITDA margin was 12.3 percent. Profit before exceptional items and tax for the quarter was 1,119 million INR (13 million USD).

In its meeting held on May 17, 2025, the board of directors approved and recorded the audited consolidated financial results of UFlex Limited and its subsidiaries for the quarter and the year ended March 31, 2025.

Q4FY25 – key businesses, strategic geography mix boost growth, profit

The strong momentum of the first nine months continued in Q4 FY25 despite significant disruptions in the global trading environment caused by the unpredictable imposition and suspension of tariffs since January 2025. The inconsistent tariff environment unsettled market confidence and created uncertainty.

Total sales volume reached 165,147 MT in Q4 FY25, reflecting a 4.6 percent YoY and 5.2 percent QoQ growth. The volume mix comprised 76.8 percent from packaging films and 23.2 percent from packaging, underscoring sustained demand across both segments. Revenue for the quarter rose to 38,738 million INR, a 10.8 percent increase YoY from 34,967 million INR in Q4 FY24. The growth was primarily driven by increased volume, the right product mix and pricing strategies across product categories. Normalized EBITDA stood at 4,782 million INR, up 5.1 percent YoY compared to 4,550 million INR in the year's corresponding period. The normalized EBITDA margin was at 12.3 percent. Normalized Profit After Tax (PAT) for the quarter was 986 million INR, compared to 1,188 million INR in Q4 FY24. Normalized Profit After Tax (PAT) in Q4 FY25 included an adjustment of approximately 700 million INR due to currency translation gains during the quarter, in contrast to the currency translation loss of 3,897 million INR in Q4 FY24.

In fiscal year FY25, our consolidated sales volume grew by 8.0 percent YoY to 647,499 MT, up from 599,616 MT in FY24. The sales volume comprised 77.7 percent packaging films and 22.3 percent packaging business in FY25. Total revenues increased by 12.4 percent YoY to 151,838 million INR, up from 135,098 million INR in FY24. Normalized EBITDA increased by 18.1 percent YoY to 19,024 million INR compared to 16,103 million INR in FY24. Normalized EBITDA margin expanded by 60 bps YoY to 12.5 percent from 11.9 percent in FY24. Normalized profit after tax was up by 77.5 percent YoY to 3,201 million INR compared to 1,803 million INR in FY24. Normalized Profit After Tax (PAT) for FY25 includes an adjustment of approximately 1,778 million INR for currency translation losses compared to 8,713 million INR in FY24.

India remained the largest contributor, with a 46.1 percent share, followed by the Americas at 18.4 percent, Europe at 17.4 percent, and the Middle East and Africa at 15.5 percent. The remaining 1.7 percent came from other regions, reflecting a well-diversified global revenue base.

In Q4 FY25, inflation in India continued to be moderate. By March 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as reported by MOSPI, GOI, stood at 3.34 percent, while the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) declined to 2.69 percent. This easing trend continued into April 2025, with the CPI falling to 3.16 percent and the CFPI to 1.78 percent. Both reached their lowest levels in 14 months, reflecting a significant decline from the peaks of 6.21 percent and 10.87 percent recorded in October 2024. We anticipate that this favorable trend in the price index will support improved volume growth and profitability in our packaging films and packaging business in FY26.

The packaging business segment—comprising flexible packaging, aseptic liquid packaging and holography—witnessed 14.4 percent YoY and 16.3 percent QoQ revenue growth in Q4FY25, reflecting better realization, the right customer mix and the addition of new brands with existing customers. The packaging business revenue grew by 11.4 percent YoY in FY 25.

Over the past four quarters, the Indian FMCG sector has experienced muted urban growth, primarily driven by elevated food inflation and rising living costs. In contrast, rural markets have consistently outperformed urban demand during this period. Rural demand momentum is expected to continue, supported by favorable monsoon forecasts for FY26, whereas urban demand, crucial for overall sector performance, is expected to stabilize, backed by premiumization, the right product mix, easing retail/ food inflation and tax reliefs announced in the FY25 budget.

Across geographies, the overall consolidated packaging films production volume grew by 3.3 percent YoY to 127,778 MT in Q4 FY25, compared to 123,714 MT in Q4 FY24. Overall capacity utilization for the quarter stood at 81.9 percent. The sales volume of packaging films increased by 5.3 sales YoY and 2.9 percent QoQ, reaching 126,907 MT, up from 120,515 MT in Q4 FY24.

For FY25, production volume grew by 10.4 percent YoY to 514,758 MT, compared to 466,416 MT in FY24, underscoring the company’s focus on operational efficiency and continued market demand. Capacity utilization improved by 415 basis points, reaching 83.1 percent in FY25 versus 78.9 percent in the previous year, reflecting enhanced resource optimization and improved plant efficiency. The annual sales volume of packaging films grew by 10.3 percent YoY, reaching 503,153 MT in FY25, compared to 456,179 MT in FY24.

India packaging film – growth accelerates on demand tailwind

The business outlook for packaging films in India remained upbeat in Q4 FY25, supported by steady demand across key end-user industries, improved operating efficiencies, and sustained consumption growth. Favorable demographics, evolving consumer preferences, rising demand for branded packaged food and beverage, growing urbanization and higher disposable incomes will continue maintaining high single-digit consumption growth in India.

UFlex India’s packaging film capacity utilization increased by 140 basis points to 73.8 percent in Q4 FY25, up from 72.4 percent in Q4 FY24. This improvement in utilization contributed to a 7.9 percent rise in production volume to 30,279 in Q4 FY25 compared to 28,053 in Q4 FY24, reflecting increased operational performance and a positive business outlook. Sales volume followed a similar pattern, increasing by 17.2 percent YoY, driven by strong demand across key segments and markets.

For the full year FY25, UFlex India’s packaging film segment delivered a steady performance, with production volume rising by 5.8 percent YoY to 121,842 MT, compared to 115,202 MT in FY24. Sales volume also reflected this positive trend, growing by 3.8 percent to 109,738 MT, up from 105,771 MT in the previous fiscal.

Americas Region (US and Mexico) – growth on track at the epicenter of tariff uncertainty

Tariff-related uncertainties in the Americas have compelled businesses and consumers to adopt a more cautious approach to spending and investment decisions. The unpredictability around trade, intermittent tariff implementations, and shifting import-export regulations have created a challenging environment for business planning. This has not only impacted business spending but also affected consumer sentiment, leading to cautious discretionary spending.

Nevertheless, UFlex’s packaging films capacity utilization rose by 710 basis points to 97.8 percent in Q4 FY25, up from 90.6 percent in Q4 FY24 in the Americas region. The increased utilization resulted in a 7.8 percent YoY growth in production volume to 21,995 MT, compared to 20,396 MT in Q4 FY24, demonstrating a strategic focus to enhance operational efficiency. Sales volume in the region also grew by 7.6 percent YoY. This performance highlights the inherent strength and adaptability of the company’s business model in the Americas, reaffirming its ability to navigate and succeed amid global uncertainties.

In FY25, the capacity utilization in the Americas region increased by 380 basis points to 97.5 percent, up from 93.7 percent in FY24. The higher utilization contributed to a 5.8 percent growth in production volume, reaching 89,230 MT in FY25 compared to 84,316 MT in FY24. The Americas region’s annual sales volume also demonstrated strong growth, increasing by 19.0 percent during the financial year FY25.

Europe (Hungary, Poland, CIS) – Hungary led with a future-ready film focus

In the European region, UFlex packaging film production volume grew by 1.8 percent in Q4 FY25, reaching 34,066 MT, up from 33,453 MT in Q4 FY24. Capacity utilization stood at 82.6 percent during the quarter. In Q4 FY25, UFlex plants in the region recorded an 11.4 percent YoY increase in sales volume, reflecting steady demand. Correspondingly, revenue rose by 14.5 percent compared to last year's quarter, underscoring a healthy market performance.

In FY25, capacity utilization increased by 480 basis points, driving a 19.3 percent rise in production volume. This growth was primarily supported by the Hungary BOPP line, where utilization surged by 2,210 basis points to 105.0 percent in FY25, up from 82.9 percent in FY24. Additionally, Poland’s utilization improved by 520 basis points to 70.2 percent, compared to 65 percent in FY24. Sales volume in the region rose by 22.9 percent YoY. Hungary led with a 26 percent increase in sales volume, while the CIS region, boosted by the commissioning of a new CPP line in Q1 FY25, posted a strong 42.4 percent growth. This robust operational and sales performance translated into a 26.0 percent YoY revenue increase in FY25, reflecting sustained demand for packaging films and a positive contribution to overall business growth.

MEA (Dubai, Egypt, Nigeria) Region – remained resilient amid challenges

In Q4 FY25, the capacity utilization of UFlex in its packaging film plants in the MEA (Middle East and Africa) region remained almost constant at 83.3 percent, compared to 84.0 percent in Q4 FY24. Production volume stood at 41,438 MT, marginally lower than 41,812 MT in the same quarter last year. A key highlight was the strong performance of the Nigeria BOPET line, where capacity utilization rose to 82.5 percent in Q4 FY25 from 67.2 percent in Q4 FY24, driving a notable increase in production volume to 9,277 MT from 7,558 MT year-on-year. The Q4 FY25 sales volume declined by 9.7 percent YoY, primarily due to subdued demand and increased import inflows from other geographies.

In FY25, capacity utilization in the region rose by 750 basis points to 84.8 percent, up from 77.3 percent in FY24. Production volume increased by 9.8 percent to 168,743 MT, compared to 153,743 MT in the previous year. This better annual performance was primarily driven by the Nigeria facility, which achieved 78.5 percent utilization and produced 35,337 MT in FY25, up from 58.8 percent utilization and 26,444 MT in FY24. We expect further improvement in utilization and sales volume in FY26.

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UFlex reports strong growth in Q4 FY25

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The company continues to grow amidst challenging market dynamics.

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Eco-friendly paper holograms on the rise

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 19 May 2025 16:36:41 +0000

Sustainability 19 May 2025

Eco-friendly paper holograms on the rise

In an era where sustainability and security are paramount, discover which innovation is transforming the label printing industry.

Paper holograms made with eco-friendly materials are emerging as game-changers across the pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food and beverage and automotive industries. These labels address environmental concerns while also providing a robust defense against counterfeit products for which holograms are best known.

Regulatory mandates, consumer preferences and corporate sustainability goals drive the rising demand for sustainable packaging and labeling. At the same time, counterfeiting continues to pose a significant threat to brand integrity and consumer safety.

The global hologram label market is experiencing robust growth. According to Allied Market Research, the hologram market size was valued at 5.3 billion USD in 2022 and is projected to reach 11.1 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.3 percent during the forecast period. The increasing demand for secure packaging, driven by the rise in e-commerce and counterfeit goods, has fueled this market expansion.

Sustainability
Paper holograms can offer an alternative to alleviate environmental concerns. Unlike traditional holographic labels made with PET and other plastic substrates for their durability and optical clarity, paper holograms are crafted from biodegradable and recyclable materials, reducing their environmental footprint and aligning with the sustainability goals of many brands.

Several factors drive the growing popularity of biodegradable holograms.

Global regulatory frameworks increasingly favor sustainable packaging alternatives. In the European Union, the Single-Use Plastics Directive has accelerated the shift toward biodegradable materials.

Companies increasingly use sustainable packaging alternatives to enhance their brand image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Shobhit Gupta, joint managing director at Holostik, observes: ‘Brands began to realize that adopting paper holograms was not just about compliance but also a powerful way to connect with environmentally conscious consumers.’

“The convergence of sustainability and security is reshaping the future of labeling”

Holostik, an Indian company, transitioned to paper holograms instead of plastic, eliminating polyester from its process entirely. In addition to holograms, the company provides security inks and security printing, variable data from barcodes, QR codes, alphanumeric numbers and more.

Ankit Gupta, joint managing director at Holostik, explains: ‘The shift to paper holograms was a natural progression as the industry sought to balance performance with environmental responsibility. The challenge was ensuring that paper holograms could match their plastic counterparts’ optical brilliance and security features.’

3D AG is a company that produces compostable custom holographic labels with biodegradable cellulose film. The labels are made from plant-based cellulose material, which is 100 percent biodegradable and breaks down into natural components in composting facilities. The company’s biodegradable hologram label ‘Holo-Sprout’ can withstand various environments while breaking down in compost conditions (extreme heat, moisture and pressure).

Aleksandar Milutinovic, head of client solutions at 3D AG, states: ‘Eco-friendly and sustainable holograms align with current and upcoming regulations, making them a future-proof option for global markets. Sustainability is not just a buzzword but a responsibility we all share.’

Cold foil materials specialist K Laser Technology’s new sustainable substrate products, Viridian Eco-Paper and Eco-Paperboard, feature 150 holographic patterns and can be used to create a range of folding cartons, mailers, hang tags, postcards and labels.

‘The key lies in sustainability, with the products allowing foil designers, product designers and printers to have the best of both worlds: green packaging with stylish holographic effects,’ says Nicole Rivera, director of administration and marketing at K Laser Technology.

Pre-printed with a registered hologram, Viridian Eco-Paper and Eco-Paperboard enable users to create premium designs by overprinting the substrate with white ink using various screens of opacity to cover, reveal and colorize the holographic underlayer in a single pass.

Challenges ahead
While eco-friendly holograms represent a significant advancement, their adoption is not entirely smooth sailing. Some hurdles that need to be addressed include the cost of production, compatibility with existing packaging lines and consumer awareness.

The rise of eco-friendly holograms signifies a pivotal moment in the labeling industry.

As brands across sectors strive to meet sustainability goals and combat counterfeiting, the demand for innovative options like paper holograms is set to grow exponentially.

Rivera concludes: ‘The convergence of sustainability and security is reshaping the future of labeling. Eco-friendly and sustainable holograms are more than a trend; they’re a testament to the industry’s commitment to innovation and responsibility.’

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AWA plans seminar series during Labelexpo Europe 2025

Adyasha Sinha — Mon, 19 May 2025 10:04:00 +0000

Alexander Watson Associates (AWA) has planned the AWA Seminar Series 2025 alongside Labelexpo Europe 2025 in Barcelona. The two-day program will bring professionals from across the labeling and packaging value chain for focused discussions, updates and networking opportunities.

Representatives from organizations including MCC Label, Checkpoint, CCL, Beontag, Delfort, Dow, Avery Dennison, Elkem, and others are expected to attend, highlighting the Seminar Series' relevance within the industry calendar.

The series begins with a welcome reception on September 14, designed to foster a collaborative environment for participants. The opening session will feature a keynote address and welcome remarks from Stijn Biliet, vice president of EMEA innovation and global sustainability at MCC Label, and Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director at Informa Markets Labels + Packaging Group.

Three seminars are planned across the two-day program, which serves as a valuable lead-in to Labelexpo Europe 2025, offering a full-spectrum view of market dynamics and innovation across the labeling sector. It is designed for suppliers, converters, producers, brand owners, and other key stakeholders.

The first of the three seminars is the AWA Label Release Liner Seminar 2025. Now in its 17th edition, this flagship event offers a deep dive into the global pressure-sensitive label and release liner market. Attendees can expect updates on market trends and emerging challenges.

Next is the AWA Sleeve Label Seminar 2025, which will focus on the fast-evolving sleeve labeling market. Industry professionals will explore technology developments, applications, and market growth. A key feature will be the AWA Sleeve Awards 2025, which recognizes industry excellence, innovation, sustainability and leadership.

The last one in the series is the AWA & AIPIA Smart Labeling Seminar 2025, which spotlights emerging technologies and sustainable options in smart labeling. Attendees can gain insider insights into the latest innovations, from RFID, NFC, and QR codes to intelligent packaging and Augmented Reality (AR). This session explores how digital transformation reshapes brand engagement, consumer interaction and product functionality.

The AWA Seminar Series 2025 offers an opportunity to gain timely insights and connect with peers from across the labeling ecosystem. It is relevant to professionals at every level of the value chain, from suppliers and converters to end users and brand owners.

To register or learn more, you can visit AWA’s website.

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Recoup hosts inaugural Recoup Summit

Adyasha Sinha — Thu, 15 May 2025 11:10:10 +0000

The UK’s leading independent authority on plastics resource efficiency and recycling, Recoup, has organized its inaugural Recoup Summit, sponsored by Wrap and Ecosurety. The summit, held in Leeds, reconfirmed the need for more innovation and collaboration with industry and government support to ensure a plastic circular economy. Focused on technological developments that will drive improvements in plastics recycling and resource efficiency value chains, the event hosted attendees from across the plastics value chain and featured an exciting line-up of speakers.

The event kicked off with a focused session on advanced recycling technologies, where speakers, including Geoff Brighty from Mura Technology, Emmeline Aves of ReVentas, and Sam Pine from Greyparrot, shared tangible examples of innovation transforming the sector and facilitating the circular economy. Talking about various alternatives, including low carbon dissolution recycling, scalable chemical recycling approaches and AI-based waste intelligence tools, their message was clear: technology is available now – but its deployment depends on supportive infrastructure, policy alignment, and commercial investment.

Another session zeroed in on food contact packaging, exploring how innovation enhances recycled content in high-end applications. Speakers for this session included Jeremy Blake from Amcor, David Bargery from Regis Machinery, and Paul Marshall from Nextek, who highlighted the industry’s regulatory, legislative and cost hurdles. The session honed in on options for producing food-grade recycled polypropylene (PP), removing contaminants from recycled materials and alternatives for converting films back into food-grade material. This session made it clear that with the right technologies and collaborative effort, existing barriers can be broken down, taking higher levels of food contact recycled content from aspiration to reality.

In the final breakout session, the conversation turned to the role of data in the circular economy – its power, gaps, and role in delivering a truly circular economy. Sophie Walker from Dsposal, Rachel Warren from Re-universe, and Will Addy from Polytag highlighted the need for good data, stressing how upcoming legislation and new targets require data from the sector to benchmark delivery and progress. It was apparent throughout the session that inefficient data gathering systems and inaccurate data can hamper progress; however, with effective and accurate data, we can make better and more informed choices that play a massive role in delivering a circular economy for plastics and packaging materials.

The day culminated in a dynamic, collaborative session led by Robbie Staniforth (Ecosurety), where panelists included Liz Wildman (Mars), Steve Walsh (Tomra), James Donaldson (Sociology), Angela Doyle (Robinson Packaging), and Paul Mayhew (MBA Polymers). The panel tackled some of the sector’s thorniest issues: infrastructure gaps, technical limitations, greenwashing, and the reality of consumer engagement. The panel called for smarter packaging design, investment into system resilience, and the need to make recycled plastics commercially viable. However, it was also noted that real progress requires more than individual action, reinforcing the importance of joined-up action across industry, government and innovators, backed by clear policy signals, targeted funding and infrastructure investment. The panelists noted that if everyone united to bridge gaps and technical challenges across industries, they could allow the circular plastic economy to flourish.

The Recoup Summit underscored the critical need for aligned innovation, policy and investment to drive meaningful progress in plastics recycling and the circular economy. By bringing together voices across the value chain, the event highlighted current challenges and showcased tangible alternatives already shaping the future. As collaboration deepens between stakeholders, and with continued support from government and industry alike, a truly circular and sustainable system for plastics can soon be realized.

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Recoup hosts inaugural Recoup Summit

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The summit, sponsored by WRAP and Ecosurety, reconfirms the need for more innovation and collaboration to ensure a plastic circular economy.

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The summit, sponsored by WRAP and Ecosurety, reconfirms the need for more innovation and collaboration to ensure a plastic circular economy.

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Henkel and Nordmeccanica form a strategic partnership

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 15 May 2025 09:57:25 +0000

Henkel Adhesive Technologies and Nordmeccanica, manufacturer of coating, laminating and metallizing technology, have entered into a formal, strategic partnership agreement to develop innovative products for the packaging industry.

The two companies have built a strong and trusted cooperation over the past 30 years. In light of major changes underway in packaging design and manufacturing, both companies have now taken their relationship to the next level by entering into a formal, strategic partnership agreement.

The packaging industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. Evolving sustainability regulations such as the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the USA, rising consumer expectations for recyclable and circular solutions, and the growing push for digitalization and automation of manufacturing processes are reshaping how packaging is designed, produced, and recovered. All these developments demand faster innovation cycles and stronger collaboration within the packaging industry

The strategic partnership between Henkel and Nordmeccanica is designed to meet the new requirements with solutions that go far beyond the development of sustainable products. Beyond technical collaboration, the two partners aim to accelerate innovation and deliver optimally harmonized products across the entire packaging value chain. By combining machinery with adhesives, functional coatings and deep application expertise, the two companies create offerings that benefit not only converters, but also brand owners, retailers, end users, and recycling companies. At the same time, the partnership also supports the further development of digital processes and data evaluation, which contributes to more efficient and sustainable operations. Sharing knowledge is also a key part of the strategic partnership: joint technical training and marketing activities strengthen client communication and support converters in implementing new technologies.

Most recently, the results of the cooperation were presented at drupa 2024. At the Giflex conference in November 2025, another innovative and sustainable packaging solution will be introduced. The newly signed agreement outlines the two partners' shared expectations and responsibilities for the coming years and forms the basis for the joint development of cutting-edge packaging.

‘Our strategic partnership with Nordmeccanica is an outstanding example of how two industry leaders can combine their strengths to set new standards in terms of sustainability, digitalization, and efficiency in times of significant change in packaging design and manufacturing processes,’ explained Rajat Agarwal, global head of Henkel Packaging Adhesives. ‘With this new agreement, we are creating a strong basis for future projects and the best conditions for developing optimized solutions for our customers and the entire value chain.’

Antonio Cerciello, president of Nordmeccanica, added: ‘Our long-standing cooperation with Henkel has led to groundbreaking technologies for the packaging industry. We are delighted to formalize this relationship through a strategic partnership agreement and to continue building on it in the future.’

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Henkel and Nordmeccanica form a strategic partnership

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The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation and deliver optimally harmonized products across the entire packaging value chain.

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PrintoLUX appoints DTM Print as its distributor in the UK and Ireland

Adyasha Sinha — Wed, 14 May 2025 10:55:03 +0000

German industrial company PrintoLUX has appointed DTM Print, an international OEM and service provider for specialty printing systems, as distributor of its industrial marking systems for the UK and Irish markets. The new partnership will ensure closer on-site support for customers.

PrintoLUX offers, with its eponymous PrintoLUX method, a patented labeling process that enables the production of durable signs and labels made of metals, plastics and foils in industrial quality. There are no limitations regarding applications: cable labels, equipment and type plates, and safety signs can be printed in high resolution and, if required, in color.

Industries such as automotive, machine and plant engineering, energy, chemicals and pharmaceuticals benefit from this robust and versatile labeling technology. In addition to various printing systems, such as the PrintoLUX Signo and a wide range of standard sign materials, PrintoLUX also supplies customized special formats and pre-printed labels according to customer specifications.

Since 2019, PrintoLUX has been part of the SCIO Automation Group, an international corporate group specializing in industrial automation with over 40 locations worldwide.

Founded in 1986, DTM Print is a pioneer in specialty printing with over four decades of experience developing individual printing services. The company offers tailored solutions for label printing, finishing, and applicator solutions, providing installations ‘tailored’ to the end-user’s requirements. In addition to its products, DTM Print works closely with renowned manufacturers such as OKI and Primera Technology, distributing these across the entire EMEA region.

'With the partnership between DTM Print and PrintoLUX, we are taking an important step in expanding our product portfolio in industrial marking systems,' explained Andreas Hoffmann, managing director at DTM Print. 'Together, we combine our expertise to better support industrial companies in the UK and Ireland with their labeling needs.'

Benjamin Heiler, sales manager at PrintoLUX, added, 'Collaborating with DTM Print provides us with a strong platform to successfully position our patented PrintoLUX technology in that region. We look forward to the opportunities to offer industrial labeling options of the highest quality jointly.'

This partnership combines both companies' extensive experience and innovative strength, opening up new opportunities for customers to improve their production processes, making them more efficient and of a superior standard.

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2 weeks 2 days ago

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PrintoLUX appoints DTM Print as its distributor in the UK and Ireland

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The new partnership will ensure closer on-site support for customers.

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The new partnership will ensure closer on-site support for customers.

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Europe

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JPFL Films expands flexible packaging production in India

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 13 May 2025 10:19:28 +0000

JPFL Films, a subsidiary of flexible packaging giant Jindal Poly Films, has confirmed a capacity expansion with new BOPP, PET and CPP lines in Nashik, Maharashtra. The new lines, expected to be commissioned in the next 2-3 years’ time, will see a capex commitment of above INR 700 Crore (approximately 82m USD).

The new BOPP line to have a capacity of up to 42,000 tons per annum (Line 10), new PET line to have a capacity of up to 55,000 tons per annum (Line I) and the new CPP line to have a capacity of up to 18,000 tons per annum (Line 3).

This capacity expansion is in addition to its ongoing new BOPP Line (Line 9) which was announced in the month of August, 2024 and is part of the company’s strategic play in the flexible packaging segment and in line with the company’s aim to increase market share amidst challenging demand-supply imbalances leading to ongoing pricing pressures in the sector. The expansion comes with the YoY growth of around 43 percent in net revenue from operations in 9 months’ period FY 24-25 and to maintain its market leadership despite business headwinds. Flexible packaging, or packaging in general, is regarded as one of the most lucrative industries due to its wide applicability in the food and beverage, personal care, and pharmaceutical industries.

These new lines will be the most advanced in the market, boasting superior width and output capabilities, along with exceptional reliability, equipment quality, and process efficiency, according to the company.

Vinod Kumar Gupta, chief executive officer, JPFL Films, said: ‘With this expansion, we are enhancing our ability to meet and exceed customer expectations with a diverse range of high-performance films with focus of majority of the products made on the line towards sustainability and creation of a greener future. Moreover, this move aligns perfectly with our goals of improving operational efficiency and sets us up well to leverage business upturns as we continue to maintain market leadership. This will further strengthen our capacity to serve our customers with enhanced confidence and commitment.’

Posted date

2 weeks 3 days ago

Short title

JPFL Films expands flexible packaging production in India

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Flexible packaging manufacturer expands BOPP, PET and CPP lines in Nashik, Maharashtra.

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Flexible packaging manufacturer expands BOPP, PET and CPP lines in Nashik, Maharashtra.

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South Asia

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Jindal Films

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