Smurfit Kappa win record number of awards at this year’s FIA ceremony

Miraclon, home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, has announced its plans to open a third Flexo HUB as it continues to invest in the development and growth of the flexographic industry. Based in Oakdale, Minnesota, the new Flexo HUB will allow customers, partners and industry stakeholders based in North and South America local access to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Technology demonstrations, training and networking events. “With our hubs positioned across the globe – one representing the Asia region in Shanghai, China, and the other co-located in Europe with Miraclon’s corporate headquarters in Brussels, Belgium – Miraclon is well positioned to collaborate with customers, partners and stakeholders in the flexo industry from a truly global, yet local perspective”, says Grant Blewett, Miraclon Chief Commercial Officer. Miraclon appointed Charles Schoen as Flexo HUB Manager, Americas to oversee the HUB construction and with responsibility for all Flexo HUB technology demonstrations and training activities. He brings over 30 years of flexo platemaking and managerial experience to the role.

Like many other major plastics applications, plastics use in flexible packaging has come under deep scrutiny in recent years as sustainability concerns rise and spread globally. Paper is often lauded as a far more environmentally friendly alternative but how do the two materials really compare? And what is the most sustainable solution? Historically, papers have been used in flexible packaging for many applications, including confectionery, pet food and dried food. By the early-2000s, however, paper demand as a flexible packaging substrate began to decline due to competition from down-gauging and the rise of plastic alternatives. Consumers today widely view paper as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. A European consumer preferences survey, commissioned by Two Sides in 2020, concluded that 62% of consumers see paper and cardboard packaging as better for the environment. Additionally, 70% of consumers surveyed said they were actively taking steps to reduce their use of plastic packaging. Comparing green credentials isn’t as straightforward as some would think, however.

UPM Raflatac has joined Ellen MacArthur's Circular Economy 100 programme on its journey towards a more sustainable future. As the world's most sustainable labeling company and as part of UPM, the Biofore Company, UPM Raflatac wants to aim higher and make the circular economy a reality in the whole packaging value chain. The Circular Economy 100 (CE 100) is a pre-competitive innovation programme established to enable organisations to develop new opportunities and realise their circular economy ambitions faster. It brings together corporates, governments and cities, academic institutions, emerging innovators and affiliates in a unique multi-stakeholder platform. Specially developed programme elements help members learn, build capacity, network, and collaborate with key organisations around the circular economy. Click Read More below for additional information.