Consumables

Spandex has introduced its “Digital on Demand” initiative at FESPA 2013. This new initiative enables customers to purchase exactly what they need to complete the job and have the materials delivered the next day, negating the need to purchase full rolls of digital material.

The carefully selected range of ImagePerfect digital materials serve a broad range of applications and are now available by the running metre. With Digital on Demand, customers can order from 1m to 50m across a range of materials including self-adhesive vinyls, banners, perforated window films, display media, canvas and textiles.

“In 1983, Spandex was the first business to sell coloured self-adhesive vinyl by the running metre. Something we still do today. Twenty years later we continue to innovate, by introducing digital materials by the metre,” comments Leon Watson, Spandex UK General Manager.

“Digital on Demand provides customers with the flexibility to buy what they need, when they need it and have it delivered the next day by a supplier they can trust. Reflecting on the current economic situation, Digital on Demand allows our customers to improve their cash flow, whilst still being competitive”, concludes Leon.

Spandex is launching a whole range of products and initiatives to the graphics industry on its stand (B48S) at FESPA 2013 in London.

Among the key launches, visitors will be able to see for the first time:

• Avery® True Impact™: A PVC-free printable film with a five-year indoor durability. It is ideal for wall and window graphics, POS, trade shows and other interior advertising.
• Avery® MPI™ 1950 Cast Films: Part of the established MPI 1900 series, this film is designed to deliver stunning print performance and easy handling on latex printers. It is ideal for a wide variety of applications - indoors and out.
• 3M™ Envision™ Print Wrap Film 480Cv3: This PVC-free film offers high performance with a sustainability edge. It is ideal for wrapping walls, vehicles, trucks, trailers, boats, textured surfaces and more.
• 3M™ Scotchprint® Car Wrap Film Series 1080: Visitors will be able to see the introduction of the latest colours used to wrap a vintage style Vespa.

In addition to showcasing its latest offering on the stand, visitors can get a copy of the brand new Wrap Essentials, a complete guide for wrapping professionals. Produced by Spandex, the guide provides an overview of the most complete range of wrapping materials and accessories on the market today. It presents over 170 colours/finishes from Imageperfect, 3M, Arlon and Avery, as well as range of professional tools and training courses.

Spandex customers can also take advantage of the company’s new Digital on Demand initiative, which enables them to purchase digital materials by the metre - negating the need to order full rolls. Digital on Demand allows customers to order from 1m to 50m of a range of materials, including self-adhesive vinyls, banners, perforated window films, display media, canvas and textiles (more information on Digital on Demand will be presented at FESPA 2013).

FESPA visitors will be the first to be able to take advantage of Spandex’s Super 7 partnership with Ilford, one of the leading manufacturers of high performance aqueous inkjet media. Offering a selected range of water-based inkjet substrates, the range includes media for Posters, Photo Production, Photo Premium, Fine Art Canvas, Backlit, Roll Up and Pop Up Displays.

In addition to the wide range of media available on the Spandex stand, visitors have the chance to view printers including Roland’s ‘Beast’, its SolJet Pro4 XF-640, and Epson’s SureColor SC-S 70600 and SC-T 7000.

Win a Vespa at Fespa – all visitors to the Spandex stand have the chance to win an iconic, 3M sponsored, Vespa motorcycle, wrapped in their choice of 3M™ Scotchprint® Car Wrap Film Series 1080.

Reserve your Brand Bag - Visitors who pre-register on the Spandex website (www.spandex.co.uk) will receive a Brand Bag worth over £150 with a range of tools including a Vehicle Outline DVD and reusable USB device with plenty of information for graphic professionals.

Avery Dennison is announcing four new products at FESPA 2013.  These include:

• TrueImpact™ films
• 19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio
• a new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks
• a new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours

TrueImpact™ films

TrueImpact™ is a range of digital and screen printing films that combine powerful graphics with a lower environmental impact. TrueImpact films give converters a more sustainable choice for indoor mid-term graphics applications. The product line is currently available in six constructions, including a white multi-print film and the choice of a matt or gloss protective overlaminate.

Although PVC films are readily used in many graphic applications today, there are a growing number of customers looking for alternative materials that have an improved environmental health footprint across the manufacturing, use and disposal phase of the product lifecycle. According to Elizabeth Park, Avery Dennison senior product manager for new graphic technologies, “A sustainability goal of ‘PVC out’ is now a priority for many end users and TrueImpact TMP 7000 / TOL 7000 series films allow converters to differentiate their offer and open up new business opportunities.”

The patented series TMP 7000 / TOL 7000 films are 100% free of PVC and phthalates, and deliver high-level performance. An easy-to-clean overlaminate resists graffiti and protects the material for up to five years in interior applications, and the films will conform to both flat surfaces and simple curves.

19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio

Avery Dennison has added 19 new colours and textures to its popular Supreme Wrapping Film portfolio for vehicle wrapping. Now available in 69 different colours, Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film delivers major benefits during both application and removal. Installers can apply wraps almost 20% faster than the average competitive products, as Supreme Wrapping Films are more slideable. Removal of the wrap is residue-free -- which can improve removal time by up to 90%.

Avery Dennison Supreme Wrapping Film meets the needs of both individuals and fleets. According to Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, “The full potential of vehicle wrapping has often not been realised in the past because it is perceived to be time-consuming and costly. With this high-performance material wrapping companies benefit from substantial productivity gains in both application and removal of the material. And it allows the creation of a highly customised look, with a showroom quality paint-like finish and the option to use textures.”

Supreme Wrapping Film provides a clear protective layer that gives a paint-like finish that lasts up to a maximum of 12 years. The film’s excellent conformability is suitable for all types of vehicles as it easily accommodates difficult curves and recesses.   Avery Dennison’s unique Easy Apply™ RS adhesive has long-term removability properties, so film removal is problem-free even after long periods. In fact, vehicle paintwork is protected by the film during use, so residual vehicle values are higher.

A new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks

Avery Dennison has introduced a new range of cast latex films specifically recommended for HP Latex inks. Avery Dennison MPI™ 1950 delivers exceptional print and handling performance in the fast-growing digital print sector.

According to Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, “Demand for latex films is accelerating rapidly, as they enable striking and innovative graphics. Avery Dennison MPI 1950 Latex cast white films allow converters to make the most of a very important technology.” She adds that, “the longstanding collaboration between HP and Avery Dennison means that converters can rely on optimal print performance. Avery Dennison’s Easy Apply™ technology brings simple repositioning as well as an ultra-smooth final result without bubbles or wrinkles.”

Long life, outstanding conformability and faster, easier application are some of the benefits provided by Avery Dennison MPI 1950 Latex cast white films. The materials perform well indoors or outdoors, and they are sufficiently conformable to cope with even the most demanding 3D applications, such as where rivets or corrugations are present. Avery Dennison Easy Apply™ adhesive eliminates the need to use air-release pens during application and delivers faster removal without cuts in the applied film.

A new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours

Avery Dennison has introduced a new range of cast films in 100 REACH-compliant colours, designed to offer a significant performance improvement to the competitive mid-range computer-cut signage market.

Avery Dennison’s premium products have always offered the level of conformability and flexibility needed to handle recesses and curved surfaces. With 777 Cast Film, Avery Dennison now delivers visual impact and very high levels of converting productivity at a competitive price. The new material performs well on rivets and corrugations. It is easy to apply, with no lifting from recesses, and suits a wide range of computer sign-cutting equipment.

Joanna Wolska-Kinneging, Avery Dennison’s senior product management leader, sign and digital, explained that “Avery Dennison 777 Cast films open up new possibilities for sign makers. Brand owners want the best possible look without breaking the bank, and that means a durable, dimensionally stable material with outstanding colours and finishes.”

She concludes, “These new cast films outperform more familiar polymeric calendared films with best-in-class cutting, plotting and weeding capabilities. They offer a conformable, low-calliper and ultra-smooth material that suits vehicle signage, window graphics, outdoor advertising, point-of-sale items and much more. In effect, these materials represent the sign makers' new ‘standard’ choice for mid-range signage solutions."

Lintec Graphic Films is showcasing a range of its latest PVC-free premium window films and durable label substrates for screen and digital applications on stand N45S at FESPA 2013.

Transforming glass into canvases

Large glass panels allow visitors to view new ideas and opportunities for both architectural and promotional applications, printed on Lintec Graphic Films’ range of non-PVC products. All films in the range offer excellent see-through vision, and allows for images of photographic quality to be printed in vibrant colours.

Visitors to the stand at FESPA can test and view the UV printable E-2200ZC and eco-solvent printable E-1000ZC films. In addition, the E-1000ZC media is also displayed with a matched overlaminating film that offers excellent scratch resistance and produces an ultra-clear glass-like end result to the printed image.

The versatile Lumisty® window film, which has a unique ability to control what can and cannot be seen by changing from translucent to transparent depending on the viewing angle, will also be showcased on the Lintec Graphic Films stand. It is often used to create privacy effects, draw attention to retail displays or block unsightly views – making it ideal for creative, architectural, security and promotional applications.

“Lintec Graphic Films’ wide range of PVC-free media offers a wealth of new opportunities for printers and specifiers to create vibrant canvasses for corporate branding, privacy, decoration and advertising,” comments Andy Voss, Managing Director. “These films don’t stretch or shrink like PVC material and remove in one piece, which allows for quick changeovers. We look forward to sharing our ideas with visitors on our stand.”

Durable substrates for industrial printers

Also on display is Lintec Graphic Films’ range of durable identification and branding substrates that are developed to withstand extreme climatic, chemical and mechanical exposure. These products serve a diverse number of applications across a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, electronics and pharmaceuticals, and are ideal for industrial screen and digital printers.

“Lintec Graphic Films’ extensive range of label substrates has a rich heritage, and is popular with industrial printers from around the globe,” concludes Andy Voss. “A visit to our stand at FESPA 2013 would be a wise move for any printer seeking out niche substrates to increase their competitive edge, improve their service offering, or gain access to new market areas.”

For more information on Lintec Graphic Films’ range of glazing enhancement and label solutions, please visit www.lintecgraphicfilms.com.

Antalis has made a binding offer to Xerox to acquire the company’s office paper distribution business in Western Europe, along with the exclusive rights to market and distribute Xerox branded paper and digital print media in Western Europe.  The acquisition, which is subject to the approval of the European competition authorities, should be finalised early in the fourth quarter of 2013. Usual HR procedures with the workers councils have started.

Xerox’s office paper business employs about 280 people in 16 countries. It has annual sales of around 300 million euros and volumes representing 280,000 tonnes of paper.

The acquisition will enable Antalis to:

• strengthen its positions on the office paper market in Western Europe;
• offer an even greater choice to its customers, with complementary product ranges and Xerox’s highly renowned global brand;
• expand its customer base and gain access to new sales networks, namely Xerox’s resellers;
• strengthen its strategic partnerships with its suppliers;
• bring new skills into the group;
• improve profitability and operating efficiency, particularly across the supply chain by maximising storage capacities.

According to Pascal Lebard, Chief Executive Officer of Sequana and of Antalis: “Playing an active role in the consolidation of the office paper distribution market will give Antalis critical mass in this segment and double both its volumes and sales.  This acquisition in a competitive market where size is key will allow Antalis to strengthen its legacy business, maximise cash flow generation and improve profitability”.

Hervé Poncin, Chief Operating Officer of Antalis, said “Thanks to this acquisition, Antalis will add a global-renowned brand in the office and digital printing markets to its offer.  Strengthening our presence in Western Europe is key to continue our development not only in our core markets but also in emerging countries and in the Packaging and Visual Communication sectors”.

KIIAN, platinum sponsor for FESPA 2013, has achieved accreditation to the GOTS, OEKO-TEX® and CLEAR TO WEAR certification schemes for a range of its aqueous screen printing textile inks.

In contrast to the comparatively slow uptake in demand for more sustainable rigid graphic print production, textile printing is leading the way with sustainable innovation driven by consumer concern and a subsequent reform in demand from the world’s most innovative clothing brands and retailers.

In response to the increase in demand for sustainable ink, KIIAN has also updated the second edition of the KIIAN MODULAR SYSTEM publication, which enables KIIANs customers to better meet the needs of the end user.   Alessandra Borghi, Commercial Director, KIIAN, explains, “At KIIAN, we have extended our commitment to sustainable production by gaining the approval of GOTS and by complying with the world leading eco-certification standards/RSL for textile.”

“KIIAN ink products are increasingly being used for printing on the world’s largest clothing and retail brands, so by gaining independent validation of our sustainable inks, we are increasing the quality and value of the finished item,” he adds.

Consumer clothing brands and retailers are transforming their production standards to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets. This naturally affects the production of clothing and the suppliers and products that are part of the production supply chain. Leaders such as Nike, Puma, M&S, Gap and H&M are on track to reach tough carbon neutral targets, and this has dramatically increased the pressure on textile producers and decorators for more sustainable production.

“By helping textile printers to source the right ink that is of the best possible sustainable quality, that is verified by highly respected independent accreditation schemes, KIIAN is taking yet another step forward in helping our customers to improve their sustainable and commercial performance.   KIIAN’s Screen ink range is now leading the way in terms of sustainable screen printing ink production and we are delighted to be able to demonstrate our leadership commitment at FESPA 2013,” concludes Borghi.

KIIAN will be exhibiting on stand K50S at FESPA 2013.