Last month the Queensland and NSW Branches of the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) held a roadshow for the launch of the new Retail Ready Toolkit with Samantha Blake, director supply chain and retail policy at the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), presenting the new kit to over 130 AIP members.

Fujifilm has launched what it claims is the world's first anti-counterfeit label which supports full colour images. The ForgeGuard system regulates light wavelengths on the nano-optic level, so those with special viewers can see hidden full-colour images.

Bobst has launched a new version of its Visionfoil press, specifically dedicated to security hologram application and designed to help brand owners make a clear difference between originals and forgeries and to protect assets by deterring counterfeiters.

Ernst Vormwald, head of Global Accounts and member of the Management Board at Gallus folding carton division, will visit Australia during March 14-19. Gallus Australia managing director James Rodden will be accompanying Vormwald on a tour of the leading carton and flexible packaging companies in Australia.

A global trends seminar focusing on retailers, sustainability and innovative packaging is the next big event in the Packaging Council of Australia’s (PCA) diary. The event being held in both Melbourne and Sydney will feature keynote speaker David Hughes, Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing of the Imperial College, London.

The previously named Australian Packaging Machinery Association has been re-branded as the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) effective immediately. The Association's board says its membership base covers all areas of packaging and processing equipment including food processing and process engineering equipment and the new name identifies all aspects of the industry.

Local packaging firm Colorpak has reported half year revenues of $42.6m, a 5.6 per cent jump from the last year’s $40.3m, which the company attributes to a boost in sale as well as strong operational efficiencies.

Hannapak, who recently installed the first Roland 700 HiPrint in Australia, is opening its doors for a manroland hosted open house, which will allow visitors to see the new generation Roland in full operation firsthand.

Chinese offset equipment supplier Duoyuan Printing has reported a 15.1 per cent revenue increase to US$42.4m for the second quarter ended December 31, 2009 compared with US$36.8 million for the same period last year. The company says the increase was primarily due to the growth in sales of multicolor presses.

Flint Group has launched the nyloprint Combi 96 x 120 ED for the main exposure, drying and post exposure of nyloprint printing plates. Meanwhile the company has also undertaken a major acquisition.