In a Word / Graphic Arts Industry News - May 22, 2025

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Every week, we feature the latest news from the graphic arts and packaging industries. From technical innovations and major investments to strategic acquisitions and regulatory changes, discover the essential information you need to keep up to date in these constantly evolving sectors.

If you're organizing an event or would like to share a breakthrough in your company, whether in terms of innovations, green initiatives or new training courses, we'd be delighted to hear from you Keep us informed of your news so that we can pass it on to the graphic arts community.

Death of François Gutlé, former president of the FICG

The Union nationale des industries de l'impression et de la communication (Uniic) announces the death of François Gutlé, on May 20, 2025, following a long illness.

A former director of the Huber family printing plant in Hoerdt (Bas-Rhin), founded in 1955, François Gutlé chaired the Fédération de l'imprimerie et de la communication graphique (FICG), now Uniic, from 1999 to 2003. Renowned for his commitment to small and medium-sized enterprises (EPMD), he embodied a collective approach to the profession, driven by deep-rooted human and social convictions. Also active in the community, he chaired a branch of the Saint-Vincent de Paul Society in Schiltigheim.

Uniic will pay tribute to him at its next congress in Strasbourg, on December 5 and 6, 2025.

Castorama returns to paper with Lenglet Imprimeurs

Lenglet Imprimeurs, a subsidiary of the Riccobono Group, has just successfully completed a major project, printing Castorama's new L'Incontournable catalog under the cameras of M6's Capital program broadcast on April 27. This 500-page catalogue, printed in 650000 copies, marks the company's remarkable return to paper-based communication, after an 11-year hiatus.
It was built at Raillencourt-Sainte-Olle in the Nord region of France, close to the DIY chain's headquarters.

Saica sets up new French headquarters in Pessac

Spain-based paper group Saica has inaugurated its new French headquarters in the Amperis business park in Pessac, Gironde. Designed as a modern, eco-responsible space, this site, some ten kilometers from the former headquarters, now houses the group's strategic functions for the French territory, serving its industrial units.

Set in a wooded environment, the building's wood construction and extensive glazing integrate photovoltaic panels for self-consumption and a geothermal system, and boast an energy consumption of 37 kWh/m² 2 per year and greenhouse gas emissions of 1 kg CO2/m 2 per year.

The new headquarters accommodates around forty employees in modular, user-friendly spaces. It houses the management, HR, IT, finance, sales, purchasing, QHSE, legal and production departments. The Group is thus strengthening its local roots and environmental commitment, while asserting its identity as an employer in the paper and packaging industry.

Mondi starts production of recycled corrugated base paper in Duino, Italy

Paper group Mondi announces the commissioning of its new paper machine for recycled corrugated board at its Duino site in north-east Italy. The investment, completed on schedule, will enable the company to produce 100% recycled fiber paper for light cardboard applications, notably for e-commerce and consumer goods.

This ramp-up marks a strategic step in the Group's industrial integration. The machine strengthens Mondi's internal supply chain, already structured around six paper mills dedicated to the manufacture of boxboard, and contributes to the security of its supply chain.
According to Mondi, production will favor local sourcing of raw materials to reduce transport distances and carbon footprints, while supporting the regional economy.

Quo Vadis adopts eco-grazing on its logistics site

Diary manufacturer Quo Vadis, a subsidiary of French group Exacompta Clairefontaine, has introduced seven Ouessant sheep to naturally maintain its 8,000 m 2 green spaces at its Carquefou logistics site in Loire-Atlantique.

By eliminating the use of motorized mowers and phytosanitary products, Quo Vadis aims to promote local biodiversity while reducing maintenance costs. Employees also benefit from a calmer working environment, with the presence of sheep contributing to on-site well-being.

Caldera DTF now compatible with Mimaki TxF150 and TxF300 printers

Software publisher Caldera has announced support for the Mimaki TxF150 and TxF300 printers in its Direct-to-Film (DTF) RIP software. This compatibility makes it possible to fully exploit the capabilities of both Mimaki textile printer models, combining colorimetric accuracy and workflow automation.

The Caldera DTF solution facilitates printing on transfer film prior to textile application, and is aimed in particular at the fashion, personalized garment and promotional item markets. This technical integration aims to improve workshop productivity and reduce margins of error, while maintaining a high level of quality on a variety of substrates.

James Cropper launches a recycled graphics card with enhanced whiteness

Presented at the PCD Milan trade show dedicated to beauty packaging, Rydal Eco White extends the range of eco-responsible media developed by British papermaker James Cropper. This new uncoated card features a higher whiteness than the other recycled references in the Rydal collection, while being manufactured from 100% recycled fibers.

Dedicated to premium applications such as cosmetics, perfumes, spirits and electronics, Rydal Eco White combines rigidity (350 g/m2 for 435 µm thickness), tear resistance and printing performance. It is compatible with the most demanding converting processes: embossing, hot foil stamping, varnishing or laser cutting.

According to its manufacturer, this quality benefits from FibreBlend Upcycled technology, enabling a rendering close to that of a coated board made from recycled fibers. It meets the circularity criteria sought by luxury brands: chlorine-free, recyclable and with no compromise on printed rendering.

Mondi unveils sample book for Pergraphica papers

Mondi launches Spectrum of Impressions: The Print Book a guide for printers, converters and buyers of high-end print jobs. This demonstration book highlights the technical and sensory possibilities of Pergraphica uncoated papers, produced in Austria and FSC, European Ecolabel and Cradle to Cradle certified.

Designed to accompany paper selection, the book explores five key areas: choice of substrate, printing techniques, finishes, sensory rendering and durability. It presents numerous techniques such as embossing, gilding, varnishing and laser engraving, comparing their rendering with the textures and colors of the Pergraphica range.

The launch is part of the Full Spectrum Feels campaign, which focuses on the emotional role of paper in design, publishing and packaging projects. According to Mondi, the Print Book is to enable professionals to enhance the value of their creations with a medium that is both aesthetically pleasing and high-performance, and in line with rigorous environmental commitments.

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