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Presenters at the Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating and Packaging Conference

Posted on August 14, 2025August 14, 2025 by admin

Presenter, Jay Downey

Product Management Sun Chemical
Responsible for Adhesives and Coatings for Flexible Packaging
1990 UW-Stevens Point Graduate B.S. Degree in Elementary Education
2005 UW-Superior Graduate B.S. Degree in Business Administration

Jay Downey, of Sun Chemicals, has 35+ years of experience in the printing and converting industry. He is an industry application expert for flexible packaging who has managed the Technical Department for one of the largest flexible packaging converters in North America.

He is a Certified ISO 14001 auditor and experienced leader in Six Sigma and Lean Methodology. Jay currently sits on the academic advisory board for UW-Stevens Point’s Paper Science and Chemical Engineering department.

Roles Served: operating manufacturing equipment, managing a Technical Department for one of the largest flexible packaging converters in North America, responsible for operations for a start-up digital flexible packaging platform which included the first commercial install in North America of the HP 20000 press and developed and managed a sales team in North America generating sales and growth in paper and flexible packaging. Viewed as an industry application expert for flexible packaging.

Experience Includes: Digital Print, pouch making, digital print laminations, cold seal application in natural rubber and synthetic, inline processing of water base and solvent base adhesive applications with cold seal, water base ink technology, solventless adhesive/water base ink laminations, reseal cold seal applications, barrier coating technology and quality assurance test procedures for cold seal drying and retained moisture, growing and developing a sales team in North America for the paper and flexible packaging markets.

Association Roles Served: Served as a member of the Flexographic Technical Association Wide Web Leadership Council, served as co-chair of the Sustainable Green Printing Committee, served on executive board of the Sustainable Green Partnership as vice chair of the certified printers of SGP. Certified ISO 14001 auditor and experienced leader in Six Sigma and Lean Methodology. Currently sits on the academic advisory board for UW-Stevens Point’s Paper Science and Chemical Engineering department.

Presenter, Paul Fowler

Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Paul Fowler has nearly 30 years of experience working at the interface of business and academia in the United Kingdom and the United States, translating the best of academic research into actionable outcomes for companies in the pulp, paper, bio-based plastics and packaging industries. He is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology (WIST) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where he leads laboratories dedicated to compostability testing, pulp and paper research and development as well as analytical testing.

With a keen eye to detail and a PhD in organic chemistry, Fowler guides WIST to provide technical excellence, exemplary customer service and world-class results. Fowler speaks regularly at conferences addressing matters of sustainability, paper and paper-based packaging, bio-based plastics, compostability and recyclability.

GBIG NEWS | 91 Stories and Links on the Internet 08/13/2025

Posted on August 11, 2025August 12, 2025 by admin

GBIG News

Get links to the latest news, events, stories, and interviews from our 5P news members. Our goal is to remind the decision-makers in Wisconsin of the importance of our industry both historically, and more importantly, into the future.

Read the latest 91 Stories and Links on the Internet below.

Events

Specialty Paper

Education

Packaging

Label

Paper

Flexible Packaging Company

Keller, Inc.: Nations #6 Top Metal Builder and Wisconsin’s #1

Posted on August 11, 2025August 12, 2025 by admin

The winners have been announced for Top Metal Builder for Tonnage & Top Metal Builder for Square Footage. In 2024, Keller, Inc. ranked #6 in the nation for Tonnage and #6 for Square Footage. Congratulations to all employee-owners on this incredible accomplishment!

Read the Full Article Here

Great Lakes Label adds Mark Andy DSiQ-R ‘powered by Domino’ digital retrofit module

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by admin

Great Lakes Label, located in Comstock Park, Michigan USA, is the very first installation in North America of the new Mark Andy DSiQ-R ‘powered by Domino’ digital retrofit module.

The new Mark Andy DSiQ-R was installed onto an existing 10-color 13” Mark Andy Performance Series P5 flexo press. The DSiQ-R is a digital retrofit module, designed & built by Domino, for converters to add digital printing capability onto an existing flexographic press… without adding additional footprint.

Utilizing the industry-leading Domino N610i digital UV inkjet print engine, the DSiQ-R is a compact retrofittable 3-in-1 flexible hybrid solution, allowing Great Lakes Label to maximize productivity for full hybrid printing, digital-only printing, or flexo-only printing. It is a compact, flexible solution without the need for additional space, delivering excellent print quality and production flexibility, while taking advantage of quick turnaround and non-stop production for multiple SKU jobs. (This retrofit is available from Mark Andy as the DSiQ-R, and from Domino as the N610i-R).

We caught up with Tony Cook, Founder & CEO of Great Lakes Label to learn more about the business, and the drivers for adding the Mark Andy DSiQ-R. Our visit was captured in this VIDEO: Great Lakes Label.

The Drive for Digital Printing

Great Lakes Label has built a reputation for providing high-quality, innovative label solutions across industries including food, beverage, household goods, automotive, and horticulture. As customer demands shifted toward shorter runs, increased customization, and faster turnaround times, the need for digital printing became clear.

“We have always been focused on innovation,” said Tony. “With growing demand for shorter production runs and variable printing, we knew digital was the next logical step. But we wanted to do it in a way that complemented our existing capabilities without compromising efficiency.”

Why Domino? Why Mark Andy?

Great Lakes Label explored various digital printing options over the years but was drawn to Domino’s technology for its superior quality, reliability, and ability to seamlessly integrate with their current flexographic operations. The company was particularly interested in a solution that would enhance productivity without requiring a complete overhaul of its press lineup.

“Our relationship with Mark Andy played a key role,” said Tony. “When we learned that they were collaborating with Domino on a retrofit solution, it was exactly what we had been hoping for—an innovative, hybrid approach that would allow us to maximize our existing press investments while adding digital capabilities.”

The Power of Partnership

The collaboration between Great Lakes Label, Domino, and Mark Andy exemplifies the power of industry partnerships. By installing the Domino-powered Mark Andy DSiQ-R onto an existing P5 flexo press, Great Lakes Label can now offer its customers greater flexibility, enhanced print quality, and improved turnaround times while maintaining the embellishment and finishing capabilities of their traditional press setup.

Mark Andy, a long-standing partner of Great Lakes Label, played a crucial role in bringing this integration to life. With decades of experience in flexographic press manufacturing and innovation, Mark Andy provided the necessary expertise and support to ensure seamless implementation. Their continued collaboration with Great Lakes Label underscores their shared commitment to driving advancements in the label industry.

“We were thrilled to be the first North American label converter to implement this technology,” added Tony. “This partnership is a game-changer for us, enabling us to better serve our customers with high-quality, high-efficiency digital printing while maintaining all the benefits of flexo production.”

Setting the Standard

The digital retrofit module delivers vibrant print with CMYK+ W digital UV ink, crisp detail, and exceptional durability. Combined with Mark Andy’s expertise in flexographic printing and finishing, this investment positions Great Lakes Label as a forward-thinking leader in the label industry.

“Domino has been in the inkjet game for years, Mark Andy in flexo for years, and the reputation of both companies for quality and service made them the ideal partner for this transition,” said Tony. “With this new capability, we’re not just keeping up with industry trends—we’re setting them.”

Great Lakes Label has been a trusted provider of high-quality, innovative label solutions for 30 years. Serving industries from food and beverage to automotive and horticulture, the company is dedicated to advancing label technology and providing unparalleled customer service. For more information, please visit greatlakeslabel.com

As the world’s leading printing and labels solutions company for over 75 years, Mark Andy provides smart, cost-effective, high-quality products and 360-degree service and support to the printing industry and converters – large and small. From pre-press to finishing, Mark Andy is committed to helping its customers grow through solid technology, a complete line of parts and supplies, and a strong portfolio of brands, including Rotoflex, Arpeco, Comco, Kluge, Presstek, and A.B. Dick. Based in Chesterfield, Missouri, Mark Andy serves customers in over 90 countries with the same vision: Your Growth is Our Growth. For more information, visit www.markandy.com.

Domino is a leading manufacturer and distributor of digital printing and product identification solutions. Celebrating its 47 th year in business, Domino is a global organization with world headquarters in the UK, and North America headquarters in Gurnee, Illinois. Domino has 25 subsidiaries, representation in over 120 countries, and over 3,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Domino digital printing, please visit dominodigitalprinting.com

Media Contacts:

Domino
Bill Myers
636.751.2232
bill.myers@domino-na.com

Mark Andy LPC, Inc.
Andrea Richardson
469.231.3649
andrea.richardson@markandy.com

Agency Contact for Mark Andy:

LPC, Inc.
Jackie Kuehlmann
507.313.3243
jackie@lpcprint.com

Apricity Fox Cities: New Location

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by admin

We are excited to share an important update regarding our manufacturing operations and corporate office. To better align with our long-term vision, we will be relocating our manufacturing plant and corporate offices from Neenah to Appleton. The new manufacturing location is on Spencer Street near Apricity’s Women’s Treatment Center. This move is driven by our commitment to creating a unified campus that will enhance our ability to serve men and women in treatment for substance use disorders. Additionally, right-sizing our facility will allow us to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide meaningful employment opportunities for men and women in recovery.

Key Updates:

New Corporate Mailing Address (Effective 7/24): Please send all payments to our mailing address o Apricity Corporate Office, 4764 Integrity Way, Suite 312, Appleton Wi 54913
ACH Payment Option: If you want to change payments from mail to ACH payments, please contact Jessie Llewellyn at jllwewllyn@apricityservices.com.
New Physical Plant Address Manufacturing (Mid to end of Aug.):
- Apricity Contract Packaging 3901 W Spencer Street, Appleton, WI 54914
  - There will be some overlap within the facilities through mid to late August, with a goal of all production being in the Appleton location by the end of August.
  - We will provide updates regarding our transition, including details on when shipping drop-offs and pick-ups will move to the new facility for your organization.
Milwaukee Plant physical address will not change, the corporate address will change.

Apricity’s mission is to provide individuals impacted by substance use disorders with a full spectrum of care, including treatment, employment, and support services within a safe, progressive recovery community. Your contact manufacturing business plays a pivotal role in the lives of those in recovery—offering job skills, stability, and the confidence necessary to maintain sobriety. As we transition to our new location, we sincerely hope to continue our valued partnership with you.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Cheryl Fritz
Business Development
Email:cfritz@apricityservices.com
Phone: 920-215-2933
Mobile: 920-585-4765

Dan Haak
President-Contract Packaging and Recovery Support
Email: dhaak@apricityservices.com
Phone: 920-722-2345
Mobile: 9202099264

Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating and Packaging Conference – Speaker Dave Barr

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by admin

Speaker, Dave Barr

Director of New Product Development – Biorigin

Dave Barr has over 25 years of experience in the paper Industry. Since February 2022, he has been serving as the Director of New Product Development with Biorigin SP
Dave’s career began in 1996 and he has held various roles including Process Engineer, Product Specialist, Account Representative, Technical Manager, Operations Manager, Mill Manager In both MG and Tissue, and also served as the Director of Secondary Fiber Development.

Converting Industry Report in Wisconsin 2025 – The Converting Corridor of the USA

Posted on August 11, 2025August 12, 2025 by admin

See Slide Show

The Green Bay Innovation Group has spent the past three years breaking out the Converting industry in the State of Wisconsin by specific categories to better understand the industry!

Paper Converting: We will identify independent companies that convert jumble rolls for printing paper, labels, tissues, towels, napkins, liner board and corrugate for the Paper Manufacturing Industry. The Paper Mills provide full-wide rolls of paper as it comes from a paper machine.
Paper Mills with Converting: We have seen a major decline of paper companies that convert their paper products as in previous years.
Label Converting: Wisconsin has approximately sixty-nine Label Companies with close to one-hundred multiple plants with in-line and off-line converting capabilities. The label market has been very steady with a 2.5% CAGR rate over the past twenty years. We estimate this sector employes from 6,500 to 7,500 employees and is growing rapidly.
Film Converting: We have identified over thirty-eight companies with an estimate of sixty plus facilities in the flexible packaging in Wisconsin with in-line and off-line converting capabilities. The flexible packaging market is the fastest growth market we are anticipating a 6 – 7% CAGR rate projected over the next 10 years. We would estimate this sector’s employees at over ten to fifteen thousand.
Corrugated and Board Converting: Wisconsin has a large concentration of Corrugated and Board Manufacturers. We will be providing additional information on this sector in upcoming issues of the GBIG NEWS. We are seeing a 2.5% CAGR over the next 10 years. We will be seeing consolidations in this sector and the older plants shut down!
Plastic Converting: There are 43,000 people employed in the plastic industry in Wisconsin and we are the eighth state in the nation in terms of employment and revenue. We are expecting an 8% CAGR growth over the next 10 years. Thanks to research by the University of Wisconsin, we have seen exceptional growth in the Madison area and across the State of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin is a KEY PARTNER in the flexible packaging and plastics industries. Wisconsin plastic industry generates $2.3 billion plastics-packaging industry.

Flexible Printing, Packaging and Converting is a large growing sector with an anticipated 9.8 – 12.2% CAGR through 2028. Wisconsin is a leader with multiple plant locations in Wisconsin. We will be doing a separate report on the number of plants and employment in upcoming issues of the GBIG NEWS. Wisconsin invented flexible packaging in New London.

Wisconsin has multiple large companies producing flexible packaging films for the packaging industry. Charter Next Generation is based in Milton, WI. CNG has fifteen state-of-the-art facilities across the United State with over 1,900 employees with four facilities in Wisconsin.

Offset Printing, Packaging, and other Converting: Wisconsin has a large base of offset printers with a wide variety of in-line and offline converting operations. We have identified over two hundred printers with sales from $3 million to $3.3 Billion. We are seeing more investments in the packaging industry by the commercial printing companies. Wisconsin offset printers employ around seventeen thousand employees.
Non-Woven and Converting: Wisconsin’s non-woven market is a real sleeper in the converting industries with a projected growth rate of 6-7% CAGR. Covid had a massive impact on the industry, and we have seen an adjustment in the market in 2023 back to normal. Wisconsin has approximately thirty-five companies in the non-woven market with a projected employment of 7,500. Rockline Industries employees 2,500 people worldwide with facilities across the USA and Worldwide.

Specialty Paper, Printing, Converting, Coating and Packaging Conference – Speakers

Posted on August 1, 2025August 1, 2025 by admin

Speaker, Breanna Van Nuland

Senior Product Development Engineer – Amcor

Breanna Van Nuland is a Senior Product
Development Engineer at Amcor focused on the AmFiber TM Portfolio, paper-based packaging solutions. While working in R&D, Breanna has amassed experience in both 2D and 3D fiber converting across a variety of consumer products. Her work with Amcor continues to investigate and explore both 2D and 3D paper-based packaging solutions.

Actively involved with TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry) since 2019, participating in various technical committees, she is most honored to actively support the Women in Industry Division as Chairperson for the Solutions and Strategies for Career Development Committee.

Breanna completed Bachelor degrees in both Chemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Prior to her roles in R&D, Breanna has 10 years of Quality Management experience crossing many related industries: starch manufacturing, flexible healthcare packaging and paper converting.

Speaker, Chris Jansen

Principal Product Development Engineer – Amcor

Chris Jansen is a Principal Product Development Engineer at Amcor, a position he has held since January, 2024. His focus is on the AmFiberTM Portfolio, specifically paper based flexible packaging structures that are recyclable in the paper stream and/or compostable.

Prior to joining Amcor R&D, Chris has spent most of his career in technical and product development roles related to specialty paper manufacturing as well as gas sterilizable medical packaging applications. Chris is a 1992 graduate of Paper Science and Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.