I hope you’re ready, because there’s a lot going in this final issue of the year. There is so much to discuss I don’t know where to begin, so I’ll start with how I normally end these “letters from the editor,” with a personal tribute.

Last month, at the TLMI Annual Meeting in Florida, the association – as it always does – handed out awards at the closing reception and banquet. Among the honors was the TLMI Environmental Leadership award, which is given to both a converter and supplier member. Going forward, it was announced, this award – given to companies that have demonstrated a commitment to progressive environmental practices across a range of areas – will be known as the Calvin Frost Environmental Leadership Award.

I have known Calvin for more than a decade now, as his time contributing to this magazine predates the start of my L&NW tenure. Our readers know there is not a more passionate person within the label industry when it comes to sustainability. Please join me in raising a glass of Boodles (that’s gin, and Cal’s favorite) in toasting our Letters from the Earth author.

I’d also like to take a moment to personally congratulate Mike Ring, VP of digital solutions at Gallus Heidelberg, for winning the 2018 TLMI Supplier of the Year award. During his remarks in accepting the honor, he singled out L&NW and our staff, thanking us for years of support. It was very much appreciated, and Mike, right back at you – thank you for supporting us.

Mike has been at the forefront of the label industry’s move to digital printing. He played an instrumental role in growing Xeikon technology, and he’s now bringing to market the Gallus Smartfire, an-entry-level digital press, which had its official introduction to the North American market at Labelexpo in September.

This issue is jam-packed, as it always is during Labelexpo Americas years. Starting on page 80 is the Post-Show Report, which is our attempt to break down the event’s most important product and technology launches, as well as review some of the newsworthy purchases, awards and announcements.

The November/December edition also serves as our Digital Printing Issue. Once again, digital printing pioneer Sean Skelly returns, this time to give his take on hybrid printing. Starting on page 48, Sean tackles “Hybrid Printing: Hype Versus Reality.”

I imagine there were articles written 20 years ago that challenged whether digital printing itself was a passing fad or a technology with legs.

Finally, serving as a contrast, we have a feature from Patrick Hogan of Harper Corporation of America, where he reviews the history and growth milestones of the anilox roll, what’s often referred to as the “heart of flexo.” It’s funny to think about, but there was probably a time when the notion of flexography as a dominant print method was something to scoff at.

I love how there is so much change and evolution in our industry, and always something to write about. Bring on 2019!


Steve Katz, Editor
skatz@rodmanmedia.com
Twitter: @LabelSteve