UPM Raflatac, a global supplier of innovative and sustainable labeling materials, and Mark Andy, a global manufacturer of printing presses, have announced the renewal of their partnership in the Americas pressure sensitive label markets. The agreement enables both suppliers to deliver best-in-class digital label printing solution to flexographic and digital converters.

“Mark Andy’s focus on innovation and quality aligns with our commitment to labeling a smarter future beyond fossils. Through our ongoing collaboration, we’re able to delivery highest-quality film and paper laminate solutions optimized for sustainability and performance,” states Kirit Naik, PhD, global director, Digital Printing Technologies, UPM Raflatac.

The two suppliers have worked hand-in-hand since the partnership originated in 2019 to benefit end users through material validation and ongoing research efforts. Shannon Stamberger, director, Technology Center Operations, Mark Andy adds, “We have had UPM Raflatac in our US Technology Center numerous times over the last two years. Those trainings, trials and meetings are the culmination of both organizations’ continued promise to deliver high-quality solutions to our customers.”

UPM Raflatac and Mark Andy have each successfully shifted their business strategies to enable their customers to thrive within a very different market landscape when compared to pre-pandemic times.

“We’ve seen unprecedented demand and supply chain disruptions in the narrow web industry over the last year. Partners like Mark Andy are important in enabling us to bring value to our digital and flexo printing customers, so they can succeed in these unusual times,” adds Naik.

On the continued partnership, David Medlar, vice president, Digital Business Unit, Mark Andy, agrees with Naik, stating, “Our partnership with UPM Raflatac continues to prove advantageous to our customers. And with the continued growth trajectory in narrow-web flexo and digital label production, collaboration in our industry is more important than ever.”