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Launch of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging
This week, a new organization was formed: the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging (AFBP). The group was created to represent the UK's fibre-based packaging industry. It brings together major companies in the sector, including McDonald's, Costa Coffee, M&S and Huhtamaki, Sonoco, Coveris and Europe ECMA (European Carton Makers), to support regulatory developments in recycling and waste management.
With the introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) and the standardization of recycling, the AFBP aims to ensure that fibrous packaging is better integrated into these schemes. The alliance is positioning itself as a key interlocutor for public decision-makers and recycling stakeholders, highlighting the environmental and functional advantages of this packaging.
Arlon Premium Colour Change: 50 shades now available
Large-format paper and solutions distributor Antalis expands its Arlon Premium Colour Change range with 10 new colors, bringing the total offering to 50 shades.
Designed for automotive wrapping, these films are available in gloss, matte, satin or metallic versions.
POSKey, Epspn's new cloud platform for point-of-sale printers
Epson launches POSKey, a cloud-based, API-enabled web service designed to optimize the management and efficiency of the brand's point-of-sale printers. The platform enables remote printer monitoring, simplified configuration, automatic firmware updates and secure printing via the cloud.
POSKey will initially be available on the T88VII and m30III models, with a planned extension to other references. Epson is also launching the TM-T20IV, which will coexist with the TM-T20III, offering a redesigned design and enhanced connectivity (USB, serial, Ethernet). Launch is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
The platform incorporates advanced cybersecurity measures and is hosted on RGPD-compliant European servers. A 90-day free trial is offered to partners before commitment.
Canon among the top 10 U.S. patent filers
In 2024, Canon filed 2,329 patents in the United States with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), ranking 9th worldwide and 1st among Japanese companies for the 20th consecutive year, according to IFI CLAIMS Patent Services.
A Top 10 company for 41 years, the Japanese manufacturer is banking on patents related to its core business of image and document management, as well as emerging fields such as AI, IoT and environmental technologies.
Mutoh's HydrAton 1642 aqueous UV printer arrives in France
Mutoh Europe announces the launch of the HydrAton 1642, a 1625 mm roll-to-roll printer using aqueous UV technology. Introduced at Drupa 2024, this machine is now available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa through a network of certified distributors.
Equipped with AccuFine HD printheads, it offers high precision and increased productivity. Its Aquafuze ink, developed by Fujifilm, combines the advantages of water-based and UV inks, guaranteeing low VOC emissions and better adhesion to various substrates without primers, according to Mutoh.
The HydrAton 1642 operates at lower temperatures (30-50°C) than traditional latex and resin printers, reducing energy consumption and CO? emissions. It also incorporates automated features such as DropMaster 2 and FeedMaster to optimize production flow.
iLLiCO by l'Artésienne certified ISO 12647-2 for offset printing quality
ILLiCO by l'Artésienne, located in Liévin in the Pas-de-Calais region of France, announces that it has been awarded ISO 12647-2 certification, the benchmark standard for offset printing processes. This distinction validates the rigor and expertise of the company's offset operators in terms of colorimetric precision and print stability.
A scop since its creation in 1967, l'Artésienne has 62 employee-partners committed to 3x8-hour production to guarantee short lead-times and international deliveries. This certification reinforces the company's commitment to high-quality printing, in line with international standards.
Roularta Printing reduces its carbon footprint by 24%
For the fourth year running, Belgian media group Roularta Printing has been awarded ClimateCalc certification, which measures the carbon footprint of printed products.
Thanks to investments in sustainable technologies, including the installation of three new Contiweb dry furnaces by the end of 2023 at its heatset printing plant in Roeselare, Belgium, the Group has reduced its environmental impact by 24% in one year.
This approach is part of an ongoing strategy to improve energy performance and reduce emissions.
Lessebo Recycled 1.3, recycled paper with a minimal carbon footprint
Swedish papermaker Lessebo Paper announces that its Lessebo Recycled 1.3 paper displays "one of the lowest carbon footprints in the sector" emissions, with just 7.81 kg of CO2 per tonne (according to Paper Profile methodology). Designed for high-quality printing projects such as packaging and publishing, this premium paper is available in 100, 115 and 130 g/m2 grammages and is FSC Recycled certified,
"At Lessebo Paper, we believe that sustainability should never come at the expense of quality." said Jens Olson, CEO of Lessebo Paper. "With Lessebo Recycled 1.3, we offer a product that not only meets the highest standards for recycled paper, but also sets a record for some of the lowest carbon emissions in the industry."
New stamp scented with French gastronomy
Every year, for Valentine's Day, La Poste publishes a series of heart-shaped stamps. For 2025, it has teamed up with Maison Pierre Hermé Paris to unveil an olfactory collection comprising the Ispahan Heart Stamp and the Macaron Heart Stamp. Inspired by the French pastry chef's iconic creations, the Ispahan and Macaron stamps diffuse subtle notes of rose, evoking the flavors of letchi and raspberry.
Last May, she launched another baguette scented stamp .
