Registration is Open for PRINTING United Expo
The PRINTING United Alliance, based in Fairfax, Virginia, announced that registration is now open for the PRINTING United Expo – an event for professionals in the printing and graphics arts community – is taking place September 10-12, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 600 exhibitors from around the world have already booked space at this year’s event, with more than 800 expected as had participated in 2023. Participants will discover the latest technology, trends and innovations in the industry. Visit www.printingunited.com/register to register online.
Grafotronic, Leonhard KURZ Announce Global Partnership
Leonhard KURZ, a leader in thin-film technology and digital embellishment technology headquartered in Fürth, Germany, and Grafotronic, experts in modular label converting equipment headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, have announced a global partnership. According to a press release, this alliance builds upon a series of successful collaborations, demonstrating the benefits of combining their expertise to elevate label industry standards. Both companies are committed to advancing the label sector through technological innovation and networking. By merging Grafotronic’s manufacturing capabilities in modular label equipment with KURZ’s advancements in digital embellishment technology, this partnership aims to enhance label enhancement solutions. Learn more at www.grafotronic.se and www.kurz-world.com.
Henkel Publishes 2023 Sustainability Report
Henkel, with North American headquarters in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, has published its sustainability report for fiscal year 2023, reporting on progress in the implementation of its global sustainability strategy, particularly in the use of renewable energies and the promotion of the circular economy. Additionally, the company continues to work systematically on a more sustainable product portfolio and further expanded its employee engagement program. An important goal of Henkel is to promote a circular economy. Overall, Henkel has increased the share of recycled plastic in its consumer goods packaging to 19% worldwide. Henkel also has continued its efforts to protect natural resources. This includes the responsible use of raw materials such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. At the end of 2023, the company was able to cover 96% of its global demand with sustainably certified palm (kernel) oil and reached a traceability rate up to the mill of 89%. Learn more at www.henkel-northamerica.com.
INX Earns Great Place to Work Certification
INX International, Schaumburg, Illinois, was acknowledged as one of the best workplace cultures in the United States with a Great Place to Work Certification. INX earned the employer-of-choice recognition after 71% of its surveyed workforce – 14% points higher than the average US company – indicated that INX has developed an outstanding work environment and employee experience. With corporate headquarters and a separate R&D facility in suburban Chicago, plus manufacturing facilities in states from coast to coast, INX employs over 1,200 employees in the US. Susan Supergan, the company’s senior VP of human resources, said the certification helps with employer branding, reputation and credibility. Learn more at www.inxinternational.com.
NPE2024 Features First-Ever Women in Plastics Breakfast
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), located in Washington, DC, confirmed the participation of Kerrie Greenfelder, engineering director for Burns & McDonnell’s Water Division, as its speaker at the first-ever Women in Plastics Breakfast, sponsored at NPE2024 by LyondellBasell and Syensqo. Greenfelder’s session is entitled: ‘Sorry, I’m Not Sorry’ (A Tale of Unapologetic Ambition). The Women in Plastics Breakfast, which will be held on Tuesday, May 7, is one of many networking events at NPE2024 designed to connect industry veterans and young professionals. Over 55,000 individuals are projected to attend NPE2024, the largest plastics trade show in the Americas from May 6-10, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Learn more at
www.npe.org/women-in-plastics-breakfast.
Krones Successfully Completes Acquisition of Netstal
Krones, based in Neutraubling, Germany, has completed the acquisition of Netstal Maschinen AG (Netstal), based in Näfels, Switzerland. The acquisition was subject to regulatory approval. Krones now has received that approval with no conditions. Krones will consolidate Netstal in the filling and packaging technology segment as of March 28, 2024. Learn more at www.krones.com.
Graham Packaging Releases 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report
Graham Packaging, a leader in rigid plastic packaging based in Joplin, Missouri, has announced the release of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. This report highlights the company’s progress, performance and initiatives related to sustainability, social priorities and corporate responsibility. Highlights include success with a ‘safety first’ approach, No. 1 ESG ranking in the containers and packaging industry by Morningstar Sustainalytics and GHG emissions reduction of 20%. Learn more at
www.grahampackaging.com.
AWA Virtual In-Mold Labeling Seminar 2024
On May 24, AWA Alexander Watson Associates will host the AWAVirtual™ In-Mold Labeling Seminar 2024. This half-day seminar will gather leading companies and experts of the in-mold industry alongside the value chain, sharing insights and advances driving the market today. This virtual event is tailored for industry participants, offering an opportunity to delve into the latest advancements and trends in in-mold labeling. Learn more at www.awa-bv.com.
New Faces
Inland Packaging announces its new chief operating officer, Scott Roob. Roob brings over 25 years of experience, not only in the label industry, but at Inland. Roob began his career with Inland as a label line associate at the company headquarters. In 2007, he joined the sales team and started his journey into leadership.
Inkcups announced strategic changes to its executive team to better position the company for continued growth and innovation. Benjamin Adner, founder and CEO has taken on a new role as chief innovation officer, and Rick Hajec has assumed the Inkcups CEO position. James Burns, vice president of sales, has been promoted to chief commercial officer.n
