Overview
Kodak Approval Digital Donor Update

1. New Kodak Approval Precoat
2. Improvements to Kodak Approval Prelaminate
3. New Kodak Approval Degloss Sheets replacing Kodak Approval Matte Laminate
4. Further improvements to Kodak Approval Digital Donor Packaging
5. Updated information on understanding Kodak Approval Digital Donor Lot Codes
6. Updated Kodak Approval Digital Donor Catalog
7. Announcement of new Kodak Approval Digital Donor Set for packaging Donor Set to be launched at Drupa.

1. New Kodak Approval Precoat Material

(See attached communication for further details)

With continuing innovations in flexible substrates, packaging shapes, and flexographic printing techniques, more and more printing is done on flexible materials, including plastics, foils, shrink-wrap and other non-paper substrates.  The Kodak Approval System can produce proofs displaying accurate color with true halftone dots imaged on flexible substrates to simulate a final packaging product. The proof can even be converted into a 3-D mock-up or prototype.

To keep pace with the growing need to transfer onto more flexible substrates, the development team for the Kodak Approval System has created a new material that will enable the Kodak Approval System to transfer onto even more of these flexible substrates.  Kodak Approval Precoat will be introduced into the consumable portfolio for the Kodak Approval System as a complement to the existing Kodak Approval Prelaminate.Kodak Approval Precoat Information

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2. Improvements to Kodak Approval Prelaminate

(See attached communication for further details)

To produce a Kodak Approval System proof, it is recommended that all custom stocks and substrates be prepared with Kodak Approval Prelaminate. This support material enables the majority of offset and flexible materials to be used in producing a proof as well as protects the proof from environmental conditions.

In February, customers started to receive Prelaminate that demonstrated easier peel force when removing the backer from the Prelaminate during the proof production process.  This new Prelaminate will not change how a proof is produced or influence color and the easier peel force may enable transfer to a wider range of substrates. If Prelaminate does not transfer successfully, it is recommended that the new Kodak Approval Precoat be tested and used as a possible solution to transfer onto those challenging substrates.

Kodak Approval Prelaminate Information

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3. New Kodak Approval Degloss Sheets to replace Kodak Approval Matte Laminate

(See attached communication for further details)

Please be aware that as of March 2008, Kodak Approval Matte Laminate will be discontinued and
replaced by a new product called Kodak Approval Degloss Sheets. Both of these support materials are used to reduce the overall gloss level on proofs produced by the Kodak Approval Digital Color Imaging System. The new Kodak Approval Degloss Sheets will carry the product designator of DGL01 on the box label.

There are three key differences between the soon to be discontinued Matte Laminate and the new Degloss Sheets.

• First, the achievable gloss level of Degloss Sheets is slightly higher than Matte Laminate.
• Second, unlike Matte Laminate, which can only be used once in the proof production process, Degloss Sheets can be used multiple times.  
• Third, either side of the Degloss Sheets can be used.
• Fourth, Degloss Sheets are not notched because either side of the material can be used to achieve the deglossing effect.

Kodak Approval Degloss Sheet Information

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4. Further Improvements to Kodak Approval Digital Donor Packaging

(See attached communication for further details)

Reducing the overall quantity of packaging materials has become a global priority. Reducing packaging materials helps keep costs down for transport and waste disposal, and in addition lessens the amount of material that ends up in landfills.  However, the package itself must remain structurally sound, maintain brand identity and communicate necessary product details for storing, handling, and discarding the package after use.
Kodak has introduced new and improved packaging for all media supplied in roll format for the Kodak Approval System, including Kodak Approval Digital Donors and Kodak Approval Digital Intermediate Layer.  New packaging is more structurally sound to better protect the contents, while simultaneously reducing the overall quantity of material used by over 50%.  These improvements are part of Kodak’s ongoing sustainability thrust and align the Kodak Approval System’s focus on packaging with the needs and trends of the packaging market segments it serves.

To further enhance the quality of the packaging, a new Humidity Controlled Bag is being introduced as an improved replacement for the old bag.  This new generation sleeve, composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) offers a more impermeable material and provides even more protection against damage or humidity exposure in transit or storage. 

This new bag, combined with the better fit of the new end caps into the roll core of the Digital Donors, offers a better seal and further protection against humidity exposure. Though the new HDPE bag has a slightly different feel, there is no impact on Digital Donors or Intermediate product performance.  Even with this increased protection, care should always be taken to adhere to temperature and humidity specifications for shipping, storing, and operating conditions.  As with the existing (LDPE) bag, the new high-density polyethylene bag is also recyclable.

These improvements enable Kodak to continue offering quality products while addressing sustainability issues through reducing the overall quantity of materials used in packaging.

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5. Updated information on understanding Kodak Approval Digital Donor Lot Codes

(See attached communication for further details)

To better assist sales, dealer reps, and customers in identifying lot codes and dates codes, the attached document outlines the key information needed in case media needs to be returned.

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6. Update Kodak Approval Digital Consumable Catalog

(See attached communication for further details) (Flash file or PDF)

Also attached is an update Kodak Approval Consumables Catalog including new part numbers for Kodak Approval Precoat and Degloss materials.

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7. Announcement of new Kodak Approval Donor Set for Packaging to be launched at Drupa.

At the Drupa Press Event, Kodak announced a new Packaging Color Donor Set for the Kodak Approval Digital Color Imaging System.   

Here is some information about this new packaging donor set:
Positioned, as packaging color donor set for simulating offset, flexographic and gravure packaging applications. 
Specifically developed to offer the largest possible color gamut achievable using 6 or 7 individual color donors.
A hybrid combination of certain current Digital Donors, reformulation of one existing donor, and two newly developed donors.
Distributed on a worldwide basis by all Kodak sales regions in order to meet the global needs of packaging.
Although there are no immediate plans to discontinue any existing Kodak Approval Digital Donors, the new packaging donor set is consistent with Kodak’s long term strategy of offering two process (CMYK) donors sets. Generally speaking, the “new generation” 03 CMYK donor set remains the donor set of choice for commercial and publication work, while the new packaging donor set is optimized for packaging and flexographic applications. 

Kodak is confident this new packaging donor set will significantly increase capabilities and performance of the Kodak Approval Digital Color Imaging Systems for our packaging customers.  

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Contacts:
Ken Theodos
Regional Marketing Manager
203-845-7007
Kenneth.theodos@kodak.com 

Derek B. Awalt
Product Manager – Halftone Proofing and Inkjet Solutions - Americas
203 849-6409
derek.awalt@kodak.com

Kodak, 2008. Kodak and Approval are trademarks of Kodak.