Sustainability. Many businesses are embracing it because it is becoming an increasingly important issue in modern society. Therefore, libraries are also searching for opportunities to become more sustainable. Currently, a lot of plastic is still used to protect books. Nevertheless, book covers with book protection film are necessary to protect them against damage, moisture, and dirt. An additional advantage is that the books with protection film are easy to clean and disinfect, which is of great importance in times of a pandemic. Covering books with bio-based film made from sugar cane instead of 'regular plastic' is a big step in sustainability. Read more about the advantages of the bio-based film Filmolux® soft organic in this blog.

Sugar cane as a sustainable solution: Filmolux® Soft Organic

In addition to Filmolux Libre Organic, there is now also Filmolux® Soft Organic. An environment-friendly and antibacterial book protection film that is very easy to apply. The film is made from a bio-based polyethylene derived from the renewable raw material sugar cane. Sugar cane is a versatile and rapidly renewable crop that can be used as a clean source of energy and as a raw material for the manufacture of many products. Unlike conventional polyethylene that is produced from fossil materials, the green polyethylene from sugar cane contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. And there is an excellent sustainable process behind it.

The six advantages of Filmolux® Soft Organic

Filmolux® Soft Organic is ideal for application to smooth surfaces such as covers of smooth paperbacks, comics, paper covers, brochures, and folders. There are also other advantages to using Filmolux® Soft Organic:

1. Environmentally friendly - Made from bio-based polyethylene derived from sugar cane.
2. Simple bubble-free application - Small mistakes made during the covering process on smooth surfaces can be easily corrected. 
3. It can be cut to size - The silicone paper cover with grid simplifies cutting. 
4. APEO and BPA free - Produced according to REACH.
5. Easy to clean - The material itself is easy to clean or disinfect. This is especially important in times of pandemics. The antibacterial effect is tested according to ISO 22196. 
6. Optimal protection - Book covers with book protection film protect books from damage, moisture, dirt, and wear. As library books pass through many hands every week, book protection films are necessary to keep the book nice and clean, especially in times of a pandemic. 

Cleaning and in times of a pandemic

Easy-to-clean covers are a great advantage for libraries and any other places where many people use books. An essential part of a safe hygiene concept for book rental is the nature of the film itself. Many of the Neschen book protection films have an anti-bacterial effect. We have had this tested and proven by an independent institute according to ISO 22196. After 24 hours, 99.9% of all bacteria on the protective film were eliminated. We recommend a strict hygiene approach because of the Covid 19 pandemic. After cleaning and an additional 1-day quarantine, a book with Neschen antibacterial film can be lent out again without risk. A safe concept for the reader and the library.

Book protection films have many advantages: In addition to protecting against damage, the books‘ covers are easy to clean and resistant to a wide range of cleaning agents and solvents. The easy-to-clean covers are a big advantage for libraries and any other location where books are handled by many people. Nevertheless, there are a few points you should consider when cleaning your wrapped books, a well-considered hygiene concept can help.

Books that are handled by many different people should be cleaned regularly.

The Neschen hygiene concept

An essential component of a safe hygiene concept for book rental or loan is the nature of the film itself. Many of the Neschen book protection films have an anti-bacterial effect. We had this tested and proofed by an independent testing institute according to ISO 22196. After 24 hours, 99.9% of all bacteria on the protection film have been eliminated. We recommend a strict hygiene approach due to the Covid 19 pandemic. After cleaning, and an additional 1-day quarantine, a book with Neschen antibacterial film can be returned to the rental shop without any risk. A safe concept for the reader and the lender.

Cleaning book protection films

In order to prevent dust particles, small grains of sand or other particles from damaging the surface, damp cleaning is recommended for book protection films. A special cleaner for films is not necessary and conventional cleaning agents can be used. A mixture of warm water and detergent is very effective. However, very aggressive or abrasive cleaning agents are not suitable.

Disinfecting book protection films

How the book protection film can also be disinfected and not just cleaned, depends on the film.

To select the right kind of disinfectant, take into consideration which types of micro organisms are to be killed. Additionally, it is important to keep the agent’s effect on the material in mind. Not every surface is compatible with all types of disinfectants. Under certain circumstances, some book protection films can be damaged by the use of certain chemical compositions.

To clean book protection films thoroughly, it is wise to disinfect them with a liquid agent. Disinfection with gases (such as ethylene oxide) and radiation (beta or gamma rays) is not possible with book protection films.

Liquid disinfectants are based on a mixture of

• Ethanol
• Isopropanol
• Glycerine
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Distilled Water

However, these components can have a negative effect on plastic, depending on their concentration, exposure time and temperature. Additonally, the reaction depends on the plastic material itself because every type of surfaces reacts differently to these chemicals.

Disinfecting PVC-based book protection films

Book protection films made of PVC are sensitive to ethanol and isopropanol. The result: The film becomes brittle if it repeatedly comes into contact with these substances. The two named chemicals dissolve the plasticisers and the alcohol penetrates the film, causing it to swell up. Afterwards, the film will feel sticky.

Disinfecting PP-based book protection films

When it comes to disinfecting PP-based films, it is important to know that hydrogen peroxide can damage the surface more easily due to its oxidation effect. The other components (ethanol, isopropanol, glycerine and distilled water) do not harm the material and are a good choice.

Disinfecting PE-based book protection films

In regards to disinfection, PE-based films are very similar to PP-based films. You are on the safe side, when simply following the same guidelines as for the PP-based variety.

Note: All book protection films should be cleaned or disinfected carefully, otherwise the surface will get scratches from the cleaning motion, resulting in the film’s transparency to be lost.

Avoid direct contact with liquid disinfectants, but use one-way tissues soaked with the desinfectants and wipe off the book covering films. Let the books dry completely before further use or storage.

Onyx Graphics, Inc., today announced the global availability of ONYX 21.1, the company’s newest software version release of industry leading wide-format RIP and print workflow software. ONYX 21.1 launches on the heels of ONYX Go, the company’s new subscription RIP software and builds upon industry leading ONYX 21 with an all new PDF Soft Proof workflow and Print Label Cut Path functionality. RGB soft proofs can be easily generated on the fly or automated using ONYX Quick Sets for a quick visual reference of final output before printing. Print Label Cut Paths automatically adds a cut path around print labels to provide print buyers with important job information for future prints.

“ONYX 21.1 continues the vision of ONYX 21 to provide easy-to-use tools that give Print Service Providers a competitive edge in today’s environment,” said Matt Crawford, Director of Product Marketing at Onyx Graphics. “ONYX users can expect to see more frequent product releases like ONYX 21.1 to ensure they meet the evolving needs of their customers.”

ONYX 21.1 also introduces new options for ambient light measurement using ONYX Media Manager, Custom ICC build options for light source measurement, and a series of new device support options including transmissive profiling using the X-Rite i1 Pro-3, full support for the Fotoba XLA cutter and on-demand colour device installation.

Highlights of ONYX 21.1 include:

• PDF Soft Proofs to reduce customer artwork approval timelines
• Show finishing marks, grommets, sewing marks, cut paths and label data before printing
• Print Label Cut Path functionality help PSPs:
• Include shop logos on print-and-cut jobs
• Provide important job information to print buyers for print-and-cut jobs
• Media Manager ambient light spot measurement
• Custom ICC build options for light source measurement
• Centralized proxy configuration
• On-demand colour device installation
• Transmissive profiling for X-Rite i1 Pro3
• Fotoba XLA device support

Availability

ONYX 21.1, covering the entire product portfolio of ONYX solutions including ONYX Thrive print workflow software; all ONYX RIP products; and ONYX Go subscription RIP products, is globally available. It is automatically provided to ONYX Go subscribers through a soft download product update; available to all ONYX Advantage customers by requesting a key update; and to all other customers through a license purchase. Onyx Graphics is providing a special promotion to upgrade. Customers are encouraged to visit www.onyxgfx.com for more information.

About Onyx Graphics, Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge with superior print and colour quality. Its passion for delivering superb colour led to the development of ONYX Color, Onyx Graphics’ own colour engine optimized specifically for large format inkjet printing. Innovative, productive, and satisfied customers around the globe help motivate the company to continually develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large format printing workflow software. For more information, visit www.onyxgfx.com.

Onyx Graphics, inc., a leading software solutions provider for the digital inkjet wide format print industry, announced today that ONYX software is certified for the new HP Latex 700 and 800 printer series. This certification applies to all ONYX RIP and Print Workflow Solutions, including ONYX Thrive, ONYX PosterShop, and the newly released ONYX GO subscription, all on the company's latest version release, ONYX 21.

The HP certification program differentiates software vendors through a comprehensive set of integration, compatibility, and performance standards testing against HP printing technologies. For this latest certification, Onyx Graphics designed the driver to support the vivid colour and newly added white-ink capabilities of the HP Latex Printer Series, including sandwich mode printing for under-flood, over-flood, and spot. In addition, the ONYX driver allows for ONYX Quick Set options to automate print production, taking advantage of the speed and agility offered in this new printer series. Combined with ONYX Color and iccMAX v5. profiling, users of the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series can expect superior and consistent colour across their entire print production environment.

"This latest certification achieved by Onyx Graphics showcases their commitment to providing outstanding support for HP printing technologies." Said Guayente Sanmartin, General Manager, Large Format Business, HP. "HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series users who choose ONYX software can feel confident in delivering outstanding quality prints to their customers."

About the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series

According to HP, the HP Latex Series introduces a range of Latex Large Format print solutions to help Print Service Providers diversity their offerings. The HP Latex 700 and 800 series brings a suite of features that enable PSPs to be more agile, tackle ambitious projects, and take on the highest value work. The new portfolio also delivers fast workflows that help businesses hit deadlines while sharpening their sustainability edge.

About Onyx Graphics, Inc.

Leading the market since 1989, Onyx Graphics is dedicated to helping customers increase productivity, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge with superior print and color quality. Their passion for delivering superb color led to the development of ONYX Color, Onyx Graphics’ color engine optimized specifically for large format inkjet printing. Innovative, productive, and satisfied customers worldwide help motivate the company to develop and enhance its leading-edge technologies. Global channel partnerships and longstanding relationships with printer manufacturers position Onyx Graphics as a market leader in powerful, reliable, large format printing workflow software. For more information, visit www.onyxgfx.com.

SAi today released Flexi 21, the most feature-rich version of its flagship signmaking software. The 64-bit RIP system is engineered to meet the demanding design to production challenges of sign & display and large format print providers for both novice and more advanced users, while continuing to be highly productive with fast processing speeds.

SAi’s Flexi 21 design and RIP print software now supports multi-layer/white and varnish ink layered printing. With this versatile and powerful tool, Flexi can generate white or varnish ink on the fly or from the white layer in the predefined design. Users can control how the ink is printed in both the Flexi Design and Flexi RIP Production Manager functions. This “sandwich” mode printing supports printing multiple layers, for example, a bottom layer of white, colour in the middle, and varnish on top. With the ability to preview the white channel beforehand, users save RIP and print time and avoid wasted materials.

Flexi 21 also includes variable data printing. Users printing a set of documents with mostly shared elements can change certain text or images from document to document. The Flexi 21 variable data printing tool will let you design the print template with a sample file, select the element that will change per document, and then specify the data to be used. This feature supports variable data images (including raster files, transparent pngs, and most eps and PDFs), text, QR codes, data matrix, barcodes, and braille.

Created as an all-in-one solution for design, print, print-and-cut, and direct-to-vinyl production workflow, Flexi 21 also includes a host of advanced features including:

• Jig templates – Allows users to design and save jig templates that will precisely match the jig on the printer bed for printing on multiple parts, such as phone cases.
• Enhanced printing while RIPping – Users no longer have to wait for the print job to finishing ripping to start printing, this allows for faster processing time.
• Custom cut line names and colours – Users can now define their own, custom, cut line spot colours and give the custom names, simplifying the cutting process.
• Adobe Illustrator® layer support – Multi-layer Illustrator or PDF files can be split into multiple jobs which then can be processed as spot colors like white and varnish.
• Custom inkset – Inkset channels and profiles can be customized to different colour modes, if your printer supports custom ink.
• G7 Certification – Recognizes gray balance and generates linearization that is compliant with G7 colour standards.

SAi Flexi is the industry leader for creating a variety of applications such as vehicle wraps, banners, signs, soft signage and much more. With a low monthly operating cost, a SAi Flexi subscription includes free software upgrades, e-mail, and phone support and all the design and production features SAi Flexi has always been known for.