CHICAGO, Sept. 9-At its booth #5603 at Labelexpo Americas, Sept. 9-11 in Chicago, Kodak shows a full line of solutions designed to accelerate workflow and enhance label and package print production. From workflow and color management software to proofing and imaging technology, Kodak's portfolio addresses the quality and efficiency needs of the demanding label production environment.

In addition to the equipment on display and being demonstrated in its booth, Kodak also boasts a presence in a number of other booths and areas on the show floor. The company is sponsoring "Gather on the Green," a new addition to Labelexpo Americas 2008 that showcases the latest in green and sustainable technology. Kodak is also participating in a showcase of solutions for digital label production in the dedicated "Digital Printing Experience" hall. In addition, several press manufacturers will be running KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates live in their booths. And for conference attendees, Kodak speakers will be sharing insights on the label market and how to improve business performance.

State of the art flexographic imaging

For the first time in North America, Kodak is showing the new hybrid option for the KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Imager, which allows it to image either KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates or traditional offset plates. This dual functionality provides added flexibility for label and package printers and trade shops by enabling them to compete in the offset printing space without having to invest in a separate piece of imaging equipment.

The TRENDSETTER NX Mid Imager is a component of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System, which will be demonstrated live on the show floor. The FLEXCEL NX System also includes the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layer, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Laminator, and KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System. The GATF and FPPA award winning FLEXCEL NX System provides offset class, gravure quality on a wide variety of substrates-including paper, flexible film, foil, label stock, and folding cartons. Using KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, the FLEXCEL NX System offers outstanding process control and a higher level of stability and accuracy in the imaging process.

Powerful, highly automated workflow solutions

In the area of workflow, Kodak's PRINERGY POWERPACK System offers a host of unique and powerful features, including an innovative, new PDF File Editor, which allows users to use the robust graphic editing capabilities of Adobe Illustrator CS3 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 software to modify their Adobe PDF files. Packaging Layout Automation is another new feature within the PRINERGY POWERPACK System that allows for packaging production layouts to be dynamically created using a combination of the Rules Based Automation technology and the KODAK PANDORA Step-and-Repeat Software imposition engine, thereby shortening production time.

KODAK INSITE Storefront System is being demonstrated in the booth, showing how package printers and label producers can support branded online ordering of tags, labels and other print products for their customers through a customized Web portal.  KODAK COLORFLOW Software adds integrated color control across all devices-monitors, scanners, halftone and inkjet proofers, and digital and conventional presses.

Proofing solutions for every need

Proofing solutions on display include the KODAK APPROVAL NX Digital Color Imaging System, KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing System and the brand new KODAK Proofing Software Version 3.3. The new software offers enhanced connectivity to KODAK PRINERGY Workflow Systems, as well as connectivity to third party workflows, support for more proofing media, and a host of other new productivity features.

To address the specific needs of the packaging industry, in addition to existing white and metallic donors, three new KODAK APPROVAL Digital Donors are being introduced that significantly extend the color gamut of the KODAK APPROVAL System. Demonstrations of the KODAK Cutting and Creasing Table show how users can create accurate and fast cutting and scoring for 3D package mockups on the actual substrate of the final package.

Kodak around the show floor

At Labelexpo, three equipment manufacturers will showcase KODAK FLEXCEL NX Solutions within their booths:

- MPS Systems B.V. (booth #927) is running  FLEXCEL Plates live on its Effective Flexo (EF) Hybrid press

- Omet (booth #3123) is showcasing print samples produced on its presses

- Integrity Engineering (booth #5700) is running FLEXCEL Plates live on the  Perfect Proofer Press

KODAK Unified Workflow Solutions will also be shown in the "Digital Printing Experience" area of the show floor:

- Epson America, Inc., (booth #6523) will highlight a comprehensive digital printing solution to optimize workflow, increase productivity and reduce costs for the short run label market. Demonstrations will feature the PRINERGY POWERPACK Software automating file processing, color management, imposition, and submission of JDF-based information to the EPSON Digital Label Press.

- Xeikon (booth #6135) will demonstrate the PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System as an available workflow option for the Xeikon 3300 press.

A number of  KODAK Products dealers are exhibiting at the show, including All Printing Resources (booth #5209), Anderson & Vreeland (booth #929), and RBCor (booth #5703).

Kodak serves as the lead sponsor of the first "Gather on the Green" pavilion at Labelexpo. This showcase area was created for companies to demonstrate their latest developments in materials and technology that help reduce impact on the environment. Kodak will have its own display case that will include a variety of services that are available for printers that want to become more sustainable and will highlight a variety of prepress solutions that help reduce waste and energy use.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.