The portfolio of materials is designed to reduce packaging falsification and tampering in the pharmaceutical sector.

The need to protect the safety of pharmaceutical products has risen in recent years, and Avery Dennison has developed a portfolio of materials designed to reduce packaging falsification and tampering in the pharmaceutical sector.

“Drug counterfeiting is a major global problem. Patient safety is compromised by product manipulation and substitution, and manufacturers can experience damage to their brand image, sales and revenue,” explains Gabriela Gregor, Avery Dennison’s project manager for pharmaceutical labeling. “Our products can change the game in protecting patient safety and safeguarding manufacturer reputation.”

One key product range in the portfolio is the Tamper-evident Seal Range, which, when combined with newly formulated adhesive S799P, makes tampering with cartons more difficult, and eases compliance with the EU Medicine Directive 2011/62/EU, which is designed to prevent “falsified medicines” from entering the legal prescription supply chain, and also applies to some over-the-counter products.

Konica Minolta has enhanced its new Industrial Printing product portfolio with the launch of the MGI JETvarnish 3D Evolution.

The JETvarnish 3D Evolution, developed and manufactured by Konica Minolta’s strategic partner MGI, is available in three sizes from B2 to B1. It delivers high volume productivity with up to 4,065 B2 size sheets per hour, offers remarkable registration and the ability to create brilliant and highly profitable 2D and 3D effects with up to 200 micron in a single pass.

It applies spot UV coating as a top layer to make prints more vivid, tactile and exclusive. The varnish adds a creative touch to a wide range of applications, including luxury packaging, book covers, business cards or greeting cards, brochures, flyers, posters, magazines, photo books, and many more. This makes the JV3D Evolution an interesting add-on product for more or less any print provider operating toner, offset or inkjet print systems.

With the JETvarnish 3D Evolution it is easy to spot coat digital and offset prints, highlight defined areas, or add tactile 3D effects – all of which create attractive print products that are more vivid and tactile. When combined with inline hot foiling module additional glamorous effects are possible.

Charles Lissenburg, General Manager of Konica Minolta Europe’s Professional Printing Division, said: “The JV3D Evolution is used to add value to existing print jobs and make them more spectacular. The device is the ideal digital solution for digital and offset print providers, turns printed jobs into remarkable and appealing print products that will immediately catch the attention of the end customer and provides an added value to the print product.”

German print provider druckpartner Druck- und Medienhaus GmbH is the first operation to invest in the high-end B1 spot UV varnishing and foiling device. It was founded in 1975 as a book and offset printer. Over the years, the award-winning company developed itself to a full-service provider with 120 employees, serving well-known customers from industry and advertising.

From the outset, its formula for success has been to think one step ahead and to offer outstanding services. As a result, druckpartner focuses on innovative technology and extraordinary ideas. It chose Konica Minolta’s JV3D Evolution to add value to existing print jobs and differentiate its services. And just six months after its installation at the druckpartner premises, the long-time Konica Minolta customer was able to seize new business opportunities and increase its services and offerings. Customers are particularly happy to be provided with truly new printing and embellishment options. In addition to UV-spot-varnishing, for example, druckpartner can now offer hot-film treatment – without the need to involve a third-party service provider. Such an embellishment was previously not on offer as the handling cost would have been too high.

By simplifying the production process, introducing the new JV3D Evolution has also led to significantly faster production speeds. Being able to produce in-house is particularly time saving, as intermediate logistics with external printers become unnecessary. The same goes for technical coordination with another supplier: Projects can be managed and handled on site, written briefings or even print dummies for third parties become obsolete. The accounting department is benefiting as well, as it is relieved of having to negotiate the necessary supplier contracts or manage invoices.

“We were able to secure several projects particularly thanks to the embellishment options we are now able to offer. This really set us apart from our competitors – in a situation where otherwise the deal would have gone to the cheapest competitor. The JV3D is really helping us create a USP, broaden our offer base and create products that really trigger customers’ emotions. This decreases price sensitivity by creating additional value,” Klaus Schotte, registered manager at druckpartner, explained.

www.konicaminolta.com.au/products/production-print/industrial-print/mgi-jet-varnish

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently released Taxation Ruling 2017/D6, setting out the ATO’s updated guidelines regarding when an employee can claim a tax deduction for their travel expenses and the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) implications of these expenses.

According to the ruling, an employee can claim a tax deduction for travel expenses incurred in earning their salary or wage, or if the expense is work-related. However, what exactly constitutes an expense “incurred in earning income”, and what is considered “work-related”?

Normally, the factors looked at when determining if a travel expense is tax deductible include:

• The employee is required by their employer to travel
• The employee is paid in relation to the travel (this excludes a travel allowance)
• The employer has control and direction over the travel

Travel expenses that are typically tax deductible include transport, accommodation, meals and incidentals paid for by the employee during a work-related trip. Travel costs where the employee is travelling to a site or alternative workplace are also included.

Travel expenses that are typically not tax deductible include;

• Home-to-work travel (unless the employee must transport bulky tools/work items etc)
• Expenses in relation to private matters (for example an employee extends their stay in a location for a short holiday after travelling to that location for a work-related matter)
• Travel required to an alternative workplace where the employee has chosen to work there, rather than the employer requiring them to work at the alternative workplace

These principles hold true in the ATO’s current draft ruling. The draft ruling does not provide new ground for tax deductions, but rather provides better and clearer guidance in the context of the modern workplace environment.

In particular, the ruling deals with fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers, as well as addressing the more transient nature of modern workplaces, such as where an employee is required to work in two different locations (i.e. two days a week in one location and the rest of the week in a second location).

For FIFO workers, the draft ruling states that in certain circumstances fly-in and fly-out travel may be deductible, and therefore is not subject to FBT if the employee is being paid for that travel time and is under the employer’s direction and control whilst travelling. However, if the employee is not paid for that travel time, and is not subject to the employer’s direction whilst travelling, these expenses will not be tax deductible and if paid by the employer, may be subject to Fringe Benefits Tax. The ruling provides a number of examples that can assist in determining any associated travel expenses of the employee and therefore whether the trip itself would be FBT exempt for the employer.

In certain circumstances employees who are required to work in two different locations (called “co-existing work locations” in the draft ruling), may claim their travel expenses between these locations (including accommodation, meals and incidentals) as tax deductible. Consideration must still of course be given to whether there is a private and therefore non-deductible portion to these travel expenses.

The ruling introduces a term “special needs travel,” which supports the potential for travel expenses to be deductible. These workers are generally FIFO workers, but this term could also extend to others were the demands under their employment include; a requirement for them to work remotely, travel is part of their employment activity,  to continuously change work locations or to work away from home.

The draft ruling provides eighteen examples of various travel expenses and working arrangements, the tax deductibility available on those expense and the associated FBT impact. Not all scenarios will be covered by these examples, however when read in context, can provide guidance for assessing one’s unique circumstances.

Importantly, the ruling is still only a draft, but we expect that many of the concepts and examples to remain in the final ruling.

For more information about this draft ruling, or to get advice around Fringe Benefits Tax or travel expenses, contact your financial adviser.

This article was written by Courtney Van Zyl (Manager Tax Advisory) & David Hall (Associate Partner Tax Advisory).

Epson today announced Keypoint Intelligence – Buyers Lab (BLI), the world’s leading independent evaluator of document imaging software, hardware, and services, has recognized Epson’s innovation and remarkable color accuracy for its Epson SureColor S-Series roll-to-roll solvent printers.

All three solvent models – the SC-S40600, SC-S60600 and SC-S80600 – were honored with BLI Pick Awards at SGIA:

Epson SureColor S40600 – Outstanding Entry Level CMYK 54″/64″ Eco-solvent/Latex Device

Epson SureColor S60600 – Outstanding High Production CMYK 54″/64″ Eco-solvent/Latex Device

Epson SureColor S80600 – Outstanding Gamut Expansion 54″/64″ Eco-solvent/Latex Device

“Keypoint Intelligence worked very closely with Epson during the testing process, and all three Epson SureColor S-Series solvent printers delivered the lowest Delta E measurements of all the devices tested,” said David Sweetnam, director of research and lab services, EMEA/Asia, Keypoint Intelligence. “These awards give special recognition to manufacturers and products that perform above their peers in our exhaustive lab tests, and all three S-Series models did extremely well in our tests – providing accuracy that any color-critical print shop would appreciate.”

Since launching its eco-solvent/latex test program in 2016, BLI has tested a host of devices in Europe and the US, and these are the inaugural Pick awards for the best performing products in these categories. The BLI “Pick” awards occur twice a year, in Summer and Winter, giving special recognition to the hardware and software products that are reviewed by BLI’s team of expert technicians and analysts at the BLI laboratory. All laboratory test data is then compiled to select the top products that have been evaluated within the past six months. The products and solutions that stand out from the competition, providing the most outstanding performance with the highest evaluation scores, are then awarded a Pick award within their respective industry category.

“Epson professional imaging solutions are designed with advanced precision performance technology and our SureColor S-Series printers are an ideal example of that,” said Matt McCausland, product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America, Inc. “With a precision media feeding system and same-day lamination, Epson’s SureColor S-Series solvent printers are among the fastest in their price class, and offer high quality and value for our customers. We are honored to be recognized by BLI with these esteemed awards.”

Click here for more information.

Graphic Art Mart is delighted to announce the extension of Aslan’s broad portfolio of metal effect films. To complement the MetalEffect ASLAN CA 23 series, consisting of a variety of polished and brushed metal effect films, the metallic colour rose gold is now also available. 

Rose gold is an extremely popular shade at the moment across a number of different industries, including décor, jewellery, electronics, fashion and interior design. With the self-adhesive polyester film, this trendy colour can now easily be integrated in shop window designs, visual merchandising and shop fitting. The highly glossy film has been designed for the creation of plotted lettering, logos and designs on smooth surfaces as well as full-surface designs. 

Thanks to the identical effect on both sides, the film is particularly suited for glass applications. Applying a plotted design inversely on the inner side of the glass also protects it from deliberate damage and other external factors. The rose gold film has a minimum outdoor durability of two years and is suitable for interior as well as exterior applications. 

For more information, visit http://www.gamart.com.au/AslanMetalisedPolyesters.aspx

HP Inc. announced a new range of durable textiles certified for HP Latex printers to produce soft signage and décor applications, combining durability and outstanding print quality with the benefits of water-based HP Latex technology.

The new textiles from selected media vendors1 expand possibilities for durable HP Latex printing for soft signage applications, including backlit and front-lit banners, block-outs, backdrops, and Point of Purchase displays, with higher durability. These textiles also enable new home décor applications, such as curtains and blinds, cushions, lampshades, and bags, on materials made from 100% cotton, cotton linen or polyester. Some of the new textiles can also achieve washability with a heating process after printing.

“We continue to expand on HP’s promise to deliver new possibilities for HP Latex printers. New durable textiles for soft signage and décor open new growth opportunities with HP Latex water-based technology,” said Joan Pérez Pericot, General Manager, HP Large Format Graphics Business, HP Inc. “Unlike solvent-based printers, HP Latex technology can print on traditional signage substrates such as banners and vinyls, in addition to textiles, including uncoated substrates.”

New textile applications for HP Latex

At SGIA in booths 1029 and 1045, HP is presenting a textile showcase and printing on HP Latex printers, including the HP Latex 3600 Printer, winner of the 2017 SGIA Product of the Year Award in the Roll-to-Roll Solvent/Latex (over 80 inch) category. The HP Latex 3600 delivers high-volume printing and high monthly duty cycles, designed for PSPs needing long-run, uninterrupted printing.

Textile printing is also supported on the HP Latex 1500 Printer, a robust, affordable printing solution, delivering fast turnarounds, HP Latex 560 and 570 Printers, designed for medium-to-large PSPs with increasing print volumes, and for smaller volumes, on the HP Latex 365 Printer.

The new HP Latex 300 Print and Cut Solution, launched earlier this year, is also in its first SGIA demonstration after release earlier this year at ISA. The entry-level HP Latex 115 Printer and HP Latex 115 Print and Cut Solution, announced September 25, are now starting market release.

The dual-device HP Latex Print and Cut Solution allows printing and cutting simultaneously, delivering production time savings up to 50% versus solvent-based print and cut solutions.2

HP PrintOS for sign and display production

HP PrintOS is expanding for sign and display. PrintOS enables print shops to simplify and automate production of, signage and decoration applications.

The powerful apps running on the PrintOS platform bring cloud advantages, with low start-up costs, easy setup, and unlimited capacity. HP PrintOS apps available for sign and display printing include:

• Applications Center, offering easy access to HP Signage Suite for easy web-based design and ordering jobs for signage and décor, and HP WallArt Suite for decorative applications. HP   WallArt Suite is updated to include cushions as a new application, in addition to wallcoverings, canvas, decoration, posters, and cushions.

• HP Media Solutions Locator, a fast and assured way to find certified media availability by region.

• HP Print Beat, providing visibility into press/printer performance for continuous improvement of print production operations

• HP Latex Mobile App, enabling unattended printing by getting printer alerts when you are not in front of the printer or even when you are out of the shop.

• HP PrintOS Box, a file exchange which simplifies print file receipt, content validation and routing to production.

Would you like to know more about this topic? Click here to read the attached White Paper

Roland DG Australia, a leading manufacturer of wide format inkjet printers and 3D devices, has today announced the launch of a brand new corporate website designed to optimise the overall experience for visitors.

The new website has been redesigned as part of a global project that aims to achieve a consistent “Roland DG brand” for all Roland websites around the world. With a modern interface that is more visually appealing, content-rich and mobile-friendly, the site has been streamlined to improve navigation, allowing visitors to find what they’re looking for more quickly and easily.

“We’re excited about the launch of our new website,” said Greg Stone, Product and Marketing Manager at Roland DG Australia. “With a few clicks, you can discover a wealth of useful and interactive content in the form of tips, blog articles, videos, case studies, and so much more. The site displays product and company information in a more user-friendly way, making the overall user experience a more positive one.”

To take a look at the new website, and gain some inspiration from the Blog and Gallery, go to: www.rolanddg.com.au

www.rolanddg.com.au

Graphic Art Mart has released their updated October 2018 catalogue. This comprehensive guide is jam packed with the latest product releases, updates and pricing across over 250 pages. Click here to go straight to the guide.

www.gamart.com.au/Portals/0/pricelist_landing/gam_2017_october_Catalogue.pdf

Thanks to the experts at SignManager www.signmanager.com.au, there are a number of ways to reduce the cost of maintaining your signage infrastructure. Click here for the full paper.

One of the ultimate forms of signage is the Sky Sign. Here’s some great advice from the experts when it comes to these types of amazing projects.

http://visualconnections.org.au/Images/vi-mag/industry-news-images/Sky-Signs.pdf