Chemical Operator

Canon U.S.A. to showcase a broad range of production and large format printing solutions at PRINTING united expo 2026. Rochester, N.Y., September 22, 2026 - Packrite LLC, a premier corrugated packaging supplier based in High Point, North Carolina, has invested in a KODAK MAGNUS Q3600 Titan Platesetter and KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates as part of its move to bring litho label production for corrugated packaging applications in-house and gain greater control over quality, production efficiency and flexibility. The purchase is part of a wider strategy to bring printing in-house for the first time. This will see the installation of a new 8-color Koenig & Bauer press, and it was this that brought Packrite to KODAK in their search for the right CTP and plate supplier. The company selected KODAK technology to support this transition with a high-performance CTP solution and process-free plates that simplify platemaking from the outset. Michael Drummond, CEO, Packrite, says: "We're making a significant investment in state-of-the-art technology throughout the facility and it's important to partner with suppliers that share our commitment to quality and performance. Bringing production in-house strengthens our ability to support customers in demanding sectors such as food and pharmaceutical packaging, where speed, quality and consistency are critical. The combination of the KODAK MAGNUS Q3600 Titan Platesetter and KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates will give us a modern, streamlined prepress solution that supports our long-term growth goals." Process-free technology simplifies prepress and supports sustainable growth The KODAK MAGNUS Q3600 Titan Platesetter is designed for high-volume, highly automated plate production and supports a broad range of plate sizes, including VLF. To support a highly automated workflow, Packrite selected the Multi-Cassette Unit (MCU) configuration, which automates plate loading and minimizes operator intervention. Paired with KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates, the technology enables Packrite to eliminate plate processing equipment, chemistry, water use and associated maintenance from the platemaking workflow, as well as enabling continuous production. "When a company like Packrite commits to implementing best-in-class technology throughout its facility, the combination of the KODAK MAGNUS Q3600 Titan Platesetter and KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates is a natural fit," commented Jeff Zellmer, Vice President Americas Sales, Kodak. "We're proud to support Packrite as it establishes this new in-house capability with a highly automated, efficient and sustainable prepress workflow." (C) Kodak, 2026. KODAK, MAGNUS and SONORA are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company About Kodak Kodak (NYSE: KODK) is a leading global manufacturer focused on commercial print and advanced materials & chemicals. With 79,000 worldwide patents earned over 130 years of R&D, Industry Analysts, Inc. believe in the power of technology and science to enhance what the world sees and creates. Its innovative, award-winning products, combined with its customer-first approach, make Industry Analysts, Inc. the partner of choice for commercial printers worldwide. Kodak is committed to environmental stewardship, including industry leadership in developing sustainable solutions for print. For additional information on Kodak, visit Industry Analysts, Inc. at Kodak.com or follow Industry Analysts, Inc. on LinkedIn Kodak Print. Source Kodak

Kodak instant cameras at IFA 2026: Smile+, Printomatic and ZINK printing bring back the fun of physical photos. Kodak's Smile+, Printomatic and portable ZINK photo printer were showcased at IFA 2026, combining instant 2 x 3-inch sticker prints with playful, easy-to-use photography. Reading time: 4 Minutes Kodak did not have a fully dedicated booth at IFA 2026, but several of its instant-print cameras and portable photo products were on display within the C+A Global area. During its visit, the focus was on Kodak's compact instant cameras and a portable smartphone printer, all built around ZINK zero-ink printing technology and aimed more at fun, casual photography than traditional camera enthusiasts. Smile+ adds physical filters to instant photography. One of the cameras shown to Smarti Live was the Kodak Smile+, introduced in 2024. Its most distinctive feature is a rotating filter-changing lens with three options: Natural, Retro and Star. The representative demonstrated how users can switch between the three looks before taking a photo, giving the camera a more playful, analog-style experience. The Smile+ uses a 5MP camera with an f/2.8 wide-angle lens, along with a built-in flash and optical viewfinder. Rather than saving photography entirely for a phone screen, the camera immediately turns the shot into a physical print. ZINK means no ink cartridges. The Kodak models demonstrated at the booth use 2 x 3-inch ZINK photo paper. Unlike conventional printers, ZINK requires no ink cartridges or toner. The color-forming materials are embedded inside the paper and activated during printing. The resulting prints have a sticky backing, so they can also be used as stickers in notebooks, scrapbooks, on walls or other surfaces. Kodak describes the paper as water-resistant, tear-resistant, smudge-resistant and designed to resist fading. Printomatic keeps the concept even simpler. A second Kodak instant camera was also part of the display. The booth representative described it as the more straightforward model without the Smile+ filter system. This corresponds to Kodak's Printomatic family, which focuses on simple point-and-shoot instant printing. The Printomatic automatically produces 2 x 3-inch full-color ZINK prints without requiring ink cartridges or toner. Its appeal is deliberately simple: take the picture, wait for the print and hand it to someone immediately. Peyman Golkar 2026-09-09 3 C+A Global also introduced the updated Printomatic+ earlier in 2026, continuing the same instant-photo concept with refreshed features and styling. A portable Kodak printer turns smartphone photos into stickers. The third product demonstrated to Smarti Live was not a camera at all. It was a portable Kodak photo printer that uses the same ZINK paper but receives images from a smartphone. During the demonstration, the representative selected an image on a phone and sent it to the printer. The finished 2 x 3-inch print emerged in roughly 45 seconds to one minute, according to the booth explanation. The concept is useful for people who prefer taking photos with their phone but still want small physical copies without carrying a dedicated instant camera. Kodak's 2 x 3-inch ZINK paper is compatible across several of its instant cameras and printers, including the Printomatic, Step and Smile product families. Kodak's instant products are actually handled by C+A Global. One useful detail from its conversation was the business behind these products. The representative explained that the stand itself belonged to C+A Global, which was showing both Kodak and HP-branded products. C+A Marketing is an authorized Kodak brand licensee for this category and handles the design, manufacturing and distribution of photographic products including Kodak instant-print devices. So while the products carry the familiar Kodak name, this particular instant-print portfolio is developed and distributed through C+A Global under license. More about fun than photography specs. What stood out at IFA was that these products are not trying to compete with mirrorless cameras or premium smartphones on image quality. The appeal is the experience. The Smile+ adds physical creative filters. The Printomatic offers one-button instant printing. And the portable printer turns smartphone images into physical sticker-backed photos in under a minute. In a show filled with AI cameras and increasingly sophisticated imaging technology, Kodak's instant products stood out for almost the opposite reason: they make photography deliberately simple, physical and a little nostalgic. Peyman Golkar 2026-09-08 3 "Some times I write about breakthrough startups, digital ecosystems, and how innovation is changing the way we build businesses." Hmm is C+A Global just slapping Kodak badge on these? Curious about long-term support, paper cost and the fade claims... anyone tested it? Wow, that rotating filter is cute! ZINK stickers sound fun but 5MP and sticky prints tho... more party toy than serious camera, still would buy