News

The Doneck Network appears for the first time in the current rankings of INK World magazine.

After a good three decades of steady growth, the Doneck Network is now one of the largest printing ink manufacturers in the world and is listed for the first time in the TOP 20 of the rankings determined by INK World magazine.

"We are very proud that we are now also being noticed more and more on the global stage!" says Arndt Breitbach, majority owner and Managing Director of Doneck Euroflex S.A.

The success story of the Doneck Network began 43 years ago as a one-man enterprise in the kitchen of a private house.

With a consistent Europeanisation process at the beginning of the new millennium, we were able to gain many new business partners with our customer and service-oriented corporate philosophy.

Due to continuous goal-oriented investment in the further development of the company and constant support of technical progress, the company is nowadays equipped with state-of-the-art production technology and laboratory analytics.

"The most important factor for such success is and remains our employees. Our Doneck family is proving its worth in these difficult COVID-19 times and sticking together. My express thanks go to every single employee for making this development possible at all!" says Arndt Breitbach. "And of course we also thank all of our loyal and new customers, who continually inspire and challenge us! It's fun for all of us to join in and to be able to make our own contribution to increasing sustainability in the packaging industry. We look forward to the future – we've still got quite a lot to do together!"

INK World magazine is the world's largest trade journal reporting on the global printing ink industry. The magazine is published every two months in printed and online editions. The publishing house Rodman Publishing is based in New Jersey in the USA.

You can find the detailed report on the Doneck Network here: https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/heaps/view/7462/6/343015

Photo: Logo ink world (Ink World Magazine)

"Finishfit Microbe Protect 2400" water-based dispersion varnish from Epple Druckfarben AG in the product range

In an era dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, products that previously had received little attention can sometimes gain importance. For example, there are currently enquiries about printing, packaging or advertising materials with an antimicrobial and antiviral coating.

One solution for this is the water-based printing ink "Finishfit Microbe Protect 2400" developed by the medium-sized printing ink manufacturer Epple Druckfarben AG. This varnish technology can be applied amongst other things in flexographic and/or gravure printing and is used on different paper substrates.

The antimicrobial and antiviral effect is achieved through an active ingredient that remains active for a long time. Positively charged silver ions are released that actively contribute to the reduction of bacteria and viruses on the surface of the varnish.

The functionality of the active ingredient in the varnish against various bacteria has been tested on print samples according to ISO 22196 and a reduction of up to 99.99% was recorded.

Very recently, a large packaging company used this functional varnish for the coating of protective walls made of corrugated cardboard, which are used as barriers in schools and training establishments where the minimum distance for avoiding droplet infections cannot be maintained.

Photo: Doneck Euroflex (Doneck Network)

Our company stands for the peaceful cooperation of the European nations!

The spirit of Europe, which the citizens of different nationalities daily practice in the Schengen area, must not become the victim of national and absurd political strategies!

The Doneck Network will levy solvent surcharges on solvent-based flexo and gravure inks as of 01.04.2020.

In order to secure our supply for the coming weeks, we had to accept price increases from our solvent suppliers. As of April 1, 2020, we will levy a product-specific solvent surcharge in accordance with the proportion of the ink used, which is shown separately in the amount of the increase. The surcharge will be updated in line with the development of costs and will be automatically waived when the base price for March 2020 is reached.

Due to the corona crisis, there is a relevant shortage of solvents, especially ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, as the latter are used in pharmaceutical and disinfection products.

The DONECK NETWORK team is working under high pressure with its suppliers to secure the solvent quantities required to counteract the shortage and bottlenecks in transport capacities. In addition, internal optimization programs support our efforts to keep the cost burdens for our customers as low as possible.

Photo: Doneck Network

The DONECK NETWORK hereby informs about the current effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. 

Safety and hygiene measures

We were among the first companies to begin weeks ago to permanently raise hygiene standards and protective measures at all our subsidiaries.

In addition to individual training and instruction with regard to the increased hygiene requirements and the provision of protective and disinfection materials, we have also taken numerous organisational measures, such as increased disinfection frequencies, reduction of non-operationally necessary staff at the sites, setting up numerous home offices, blocking or regulating rooms and areas in which there is a possible increased risk of infection, strict prohibition of access to the premises for outsiders, etc..

Supply of raw materials

The DONECK NETWORK team is working extremely hard to secure the supply chain. We are in constant contact with our suppliers and alternative suppliers. We continuously check/monitor our current requirements as well as forecast material movements, taking appropriate counter measures if necessary. Increased need for action currently exists for raw materials from China, Italy and India. Due to the current corona crisis, there is a relevant shortage of solvents, especially ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, as the latter is used in pharmaceutical and disinfection products.

Production & Logistics

At the moment we have our production facilities in full operation. We are even in the process of building up stocks of standard products so that we can use them as a supply buffer in the event of possible restrictions or capacity outages. In any case, for reasons of fairness to all our valuable customers, we are not able to accept “panic buying” and excess forward orders, but will schedule orders in each case in such a way that they correspond to the normal flow of goods. We have already had to reject critical orders in this respect and have found time-equalized solutions together with customers. We hope that everyone agrees that this is the best way moving forward. 

We continue to assume that the borders within the EU will remain open for the movement of goods. We have been informed by our local logistics service providers that the punctuality of planned deliveries could be delayed by a few days in future. According to the current state of knowledge, the basic ability to deliver is still given.

Please be assured that the Management and our Crisis Management Team are working intensively and with motivation/dedication to ensure that DONECK NETWORK continues to stand by your side as your stable partner in these difficult times!

If you have any further questions, our local customer advisors will be glad to help you!

Photo: Doneck Network (AdobeStock)

The Doneck Network units in England, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Germany, Chile and Italy have state-of-the-art automatic dispensing systems and in some cases production plants, ink laboratories and local technical sales teams as well as international specialists who advise and serve customers throughout Europe and in South America.

"We have been producing our water-based and solvent-based printing inks in a climate-neutral way since 2018. We have established this and many other projects in our environmental program "We think green". This includes topics such as waste separation, environmentally friendly vehicle fleets, reusable instead of disposable, water dispensers for all employees and further environmentally friendly ideas," says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network.

Doneck has a wide product portfolio of compostable water-based and solvent-based printing inks and varnishes for different applications in the food packaging area. The printing inks are certified in accordance with the EN 13432 standard and according to the "OK Compost Industrial" and "OK Compost Home". In the water-based printing inks segment, Doneck offers its customers products made from a high proportion of renewable raw materials for different paper and cardboard applications. 

In addition, Doneck has expanded its product portfolio in the solvent-based printing inks area. The customers can now obtain haptic varnishes with soft touch and paper touch as well as particularly opaque white types for reverse printing and laminates.

"Euromix": automatic dispensing system
This unusual symbiosis of an automatic dispensing system combined with highly pigmented ink concentrates has become an essential part of modern-day packaging printing. Doneck customers thus benefit from a special, inspiring and "different" service package. Worldwide, the Doneck Network has 150 dispensing systems in use in both the water-based and solvent-based inks. 

In addition to high-quality water-based and solvent-based printing inks for flexographic and gravure printing applications, the Luxembourg-headquartered mid-size enterprise Doneck has a further extensive service package for its customers.

Photo: Doneck Digiproof (Doneck Network)

From now on, the European printing ink manufacturer will supply its customers in Central Europe with high-quality printing inks for flexographic and gravure printing applications from its ultra-modern new plant in Százhalombatta. The Batta industrial park, approx. 30 km south west of Budapest, is in an ideal strategic location to service the Doneck Network’s Central European customers.

At the heart of the new site is the state-of-the-art installation of water-based and solvent-based ink production for flexographic and gravure printing applications. The new plant offers space for the entire printing ink manufacture process flow. From modern warehouse technology through high-tech laboratory technology, in-house maintenance and repair technology and logistics with our own HGV fleet. Production of water-based inks has been underway since the start of 2019. Solvent-based inks have been in production since April 2019. The team of almost 20 employees in Hungary, under the leadership of Managing Director Balint Juhász, achieves top-quality development and production to precise customer requirements. The new plant corresponds to the highest environmental, safety and efficiency measures.

With the new plant, the Luxembourg-based medium-sized company, provides a robust platform for the Central European market and further expansions are therefore ensured. The old site at Speckgürtel from Budapest, founded in 2010, had run out of space for the rising production capacities. The entire usable area of the new building is approx. 3,500 m2. Construction including planning was completed just 15 months.

"The logistically advantageous position directly on the M6 motorway guarantees a fast and flexible delivery to Doneck Network customers in Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Romania. We have settled in really quickly and operations are already well underway in our spacious modern plant" says Balint Juhász, Managing Director of Doneck Pronat Ltd.

Photo: Doneck Network

"Safety first" has long been accorded the utmost importance at the headquarters of the Doneck Network in Luxembourg. The safety of its employees is particularly close to Doneck's heart. For that reason Doneck has established an exemplary and comprehensive safety concept.

In consideration of the fire five years ago, the management decided to declare this year's summer event the 1st Safety Day for Doneck Euroflex in Grevenmacher.

The concept was a total success. In his "greeting", Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director Doneck Network welcomed a total of 120 employees from Doneck Euroflex in summer weather. The objective was to pass through all the stations in six teams (Magenta, Cyan, Yellow, Black, Red and Green). The safety stations, each with a different emphasis, were predominantly manned by employees.

The employees were able to refresh techniques such as "cardiac massage" or the "recovery position" through practice (two first aid stations) and subsequently ask the first-aiders questions. What and where in our company are EX protection zones? What is a dust deflagration? How do our solvents and NC behave? How easily a fire can start! What is Zone 0 and what is its effect? These questions were answered by the HSEO Manager Klaus Müller in an impressive and varied demonstration.

The Company Fire Workers showed the guests what protective equipment the team wears. Extinguishing with a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket was also practised on the company site.

The most popular stations were the two driving simulators from Bestsim. Here, the Doneck employees were able to simulate driving a car under the influence of alcohol (after consuming beer or whisky). Or they could be distracted by a text message while driving a car. The participants were able to see for themselves the consequences of these distractions in road traffic.

The 1st Doneck Safety Day was rounded off by music and a tasty barbecue buffet (Party Service Böß from Schwollen) as well as alcohol-free drinks. The organiser was satisfied. "With good weather and a relaxed atmosphere, the Doneck employees spent a somewhat different working day. They showed great interest, were inquisitive and took an active part. So we achieved our goal of giving our employees a greater understanding of occupational health and safety", says Rita Knippel, Marketing & Communications Manager of the Doneck Network.

Photo: Doneck Network

Medium-sized, European printing ink specialist Doneck has concluded a new cooperation contract with CARE Luxembourg. The new concept was developed especially for the Doneck Network. In the Jordanian refugee camp of Azraq, children, young people and adults are to receive psychological and mediation-based support and care.

A sustainable partnership for support of the most vulnerable

With the help of the donations, two birth clinics in Niger were connected to a clean water supply including solar power supply in the first two years of the project, 2016 and 2017. Midwives no longer have to carry water from the spring to the clinic and the hygiene standard has been considerably improved thanks to clean potable water from the mains. In 2018, together with Doneck, CARE defined the focus of its social engagement on a newly developed, innovative food project. In 59 villages the health of children aged from 6 - 23 months was assessed. Children with malnutrition were then taken care by CARE in a nutrition project. Their mothers went to "Nutrition schools" in their villages to learn how to prepare calorie-rich meals with the extremely nutritious leaves of the Moringa tree. Many children were much better after two weeks so that mothers were able to continue to nurse them on their own. CARE staff also visited the homes of affected families to see whether what had been learned was being applied at home. This project has laid a good foundation for fighting malnutrition. "The project has been that successful that it should be extended", says Frédéric Haupert, National Director, CARE Luxembourg.

Together against child trauma

With the future support in the Jordanian refugee camp, traumatised Syrian children and families will receive psychological help and support. In total, 36,000 people live here in a desert camp, not far from the border and their old homes. As refugees, they suffer from depression, uncertainty, boredom and high levels of stress. To improve this desperate situation and to offer the refugees a good perspective, CARE is offering conversation and mediation. In February 2019 the Doneck employees were able to find out about the refugee camp and the people who live there in the "Dear Syria" exhibition. Further employee-involvement opportunities are planned for this year.

Photo: Frédéric Haupert, National Director CARE Luxembourg, Arndt Breitbach Managing Director Doneck Network (Doneck Network)

Editors: Doneck Euroflex & Care Luxembourg

https://www.care.lu/

The medium-sized European printing ink specialist for high-quality water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure inks has extended its contract as name sponsor for a further three years. The Doneck Dolphins Trier, one of ten German wheelchair basketball teams in the 1st division of the German league, finished the 2018/2019 season successfully in 4th place. In the 2017/2018 season they even came 3rd. Speed, team spirit, success and an international team are just a few of the things that both partners have in common. Together, both act according to the motto "Bring colour to life!"

The Doneck Network has been supporting the Doneck Dolphins Trier since 2013. First as shirt sponsor and since 2015 as name sponsor. Both teams cultivate a long-standing, close partnership. The Dolphins team is present at Doneck, whether at the photo shoot at the start of the season or during the season. The Doneck employees come to the home games with their families to cheer the team on. The employees are informed about game results and team news via the company's internal news channel. 

Young talented people will also shape the Doneck Dolphins team in the coming season. They come to Trier to learn from the experience and skill of Dirk Passiwan and the other professionals like Diana Dadzite. 

"We are proud of the team and want to continue our involvement in this attractive sport. For us, wheelchair basketball is an inclusive sport and therefore a good example of an open society", says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network, explaining this step.

Photo: Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director Doneck Network, Otmar Passiwan, Doneck Dolphins Trier & Dirk Passiwan, Doneck Dolphins Trier #11 (Doneck Network)

https:www.doneck-dolphins-trier.de

The medium-sized European specialist for high-quality water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure inks will once again be at the Proflex in Stuttgart.

With its second production location for solvent-based printing inks in Merzig, Germany, which was completed shortly before going into operation, the Doneck Network now has additional production capacities with which to meet the demands of the packaging industry, which have been growing for years.

In addition to that, the Doneck Network with its locations in Luxembourg and Germany will be one of the few European printing ink manufacturers to also have a corresponding backup within the scope of the Business Contingency Plan. Both locations are equipped with ultra-modern production technology and safety infrastructure, including items such as automatic fire extinguishing systems. "We have thus set a further milestone in delivery reliability for our customers in our risk management concept", says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Partner of Doneck Euroflex S.A.

The Doneck Network will also be presenting some product innovations at the trade fair booth: in addition to many water-based ink systems, some solvent-based printing ink series have now also been certified according to the label "OK Compost Industrial" for industrial composting plants (composting at 55 °C to 60 °C) and "OK Compost Home" for household compost (lower temperature). Compostability is checked in two steps according to the EN standard 13432: First of all, the Organic Waste Systems Institute carries out a heavy metals analysis. After that an ecotoxicity test is carried out. Following the successful tests and protocols, the certification is carried out by the TÜV Austria.

“Green printing” is gaining in importance in the packaging industry. That's why Doneck is putting the spotlight on this aspect together with user safety", says Doneck Network's Managing Director Sales Edgar Becker, explaining the reason for this step.

The technical sales team will give advice on the new products and the Euromix dispensing system to visitors at the trade fair booth in Stuttgart. Contacts at the Proflex are Edgar Becker, Managing Director Sales, and the German-speaking sales team with Claudia Klampfl, Mario Ittner, Hubert Triller and Rüdiger Neuschäfer.

We look forward to your visit!

Photo: Doneck DCM Merzig (Doneck Network)

Alberto Pighin and Doneck Network announce that they will following up together the EUROINK mission.

“When Alberto and me met the first time this year I was first of all very consternated to learn that the Italien Euroink SRL was facing in 2016 a similar fire accident like we did in 2014. In contrast to our business, Euroink has not been any more able to come back to the market, what they intended to to. But I could immediately recognize the spirit and enthusiasm, the uncompromising customer focus and also the target to offer a unique service to the market. Therefore I am very happy to form together with Alberto a symbiosis and to come back together to the market with a strong approach” says Arndt Breitbach, major shareholder of Doneck Network.

The new italien company DONECK EUROINK SRL will be lead by Alberto Pighin and he will ensure together with his Team to combine the best ressources from both companies in order to bring back the unique EUROINK vision to the market. 

DONECK EUROINK SRL will also be partner of “Les Talents Italiens” which have been initialized by Laura Teresa Venturati. These italien companies formed a strategic partnership with the objective to offer to the market tailor-made solutions for the packacking market including design & branding, state-of-the –art prepress technology, film technology, adhesives for laminating and inks.

Photo: Doneck Euroink Team & Les Talents Italiens Team: Alberto Pighin, Arndt Breitbach, Davide Gottardi, Edgar Becker (Doneck Network)

In 2017, the Doneck Network established a unit with the Doneck Colour Competence Team, which meets the increasing technical demands of the printing industry, in particular in the world of printing inks. The team supports and advises the customers in professional colour management. Apart from the expertise of the team, the core piece of the colour management package is the Doneck DigiProof.

Doneck has developed various service packages for practical colour application. From the standardised recipe development tailored to the individual customer over top-qualitative digital colour and recipe cards with Delta E (∆E) specifications and Plus/Minus tolerances through to consultation in the equipment of the DigiProof with hardware and software. These colour management packages are offered as a service for the customers of the Doneck Network. As an alternative, customers can order the packages directly for their printing company or ink kitchen on-site. The Doneck Colour Competence Team provides advice and support in the equipment of the professional colorimetry and the practice-based implementation within the printing company.

The advantages of the Doneck DigiProof are quite obvious: the standardised reproducibility according to spectral values and the durability of the DigiProof colour cards are two arguments in favour of this innovative technology. The digital colour cards can be reproduced at random according to spectral values and have excellent light fastness properties. They simulate the ink tones that are later required for printing. The printing result is of appropriately high quality and colour authenticity: A true-colour impression of the desired ink tones on an individual substrate (white or brown) is guaranteed. The prints can be proofed on coated and uncoated paper. The DigiProof has an even printing pressure as opposed to manual printing. Your communication with the end customer or proprietary brand producer will improve thanks to the spectral values (cxf file, digital standard).

With the Doneck DigiProof package in the ink kitchen, the customers are independent and can quickly print out the required authentic colour cards on site. This accelerates the processes in the printing company and does away with waiting times in the rather hectic everyday life of today's printing industry. The DigiProof is easy and uncomplicated to handle. Calibration takes place automatically.

Our colour competence team / DigiProof team is at your disposal, should you have any questions, dial this number: Tel.: +352 710 810 1. 

Photo: Doneck DigiProof (Doneck Network)

200 international guests celebrated at a colourful, relaxed, family festival

The aroma of freshly baked cakes and barbecued specialities such as sausages and "DIY-hamburgers" invited the employees of the Doneck Network and their families to eat right from the start on Saturday, 11 August 2018. The "Family Day 2018" was organised by an employee team at the company's site on the Potaschberg. 

The wide variety of attractions from Spielmobil Konz for the numerous employees' children formed the heart of the event. The kids romped around and tried out various things such as the Bobby Car course, the climbing wall, football darts, table football or the bouncy castle. The most popular attraction, as everyone could see, was the face painting. 

"Daddy, where do you work?" and "What does the world of printing ink manufacturing look like?" The families were able to get answers to these and other questions in three guided tours through the works. Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director and Edgar Becker, Managing Director Sales led the guests through Doneck Euroflex's impressive raw materials warehouse, the extensive water-based inks production area, the modern water-based inks laboratory and the logistics, providing exciting details along the way.

To the music of Nena's "99 Red Balloons", the guests launched lots of colourful balloons into the sky at around 6.00 pm with the hope that they would fly furthest and win the balloon competition. After that, everyone enjoyed the delicious summer barbecue buffet put on by Landgasthaus Böß from Schwollen in the festival tent. Arndt Breitbach was taken by surprise with the many congratulations and gifts to mark the anniversary. "With this celebration we would like to thank in particular all our employees for their many years of dedication. Without them the success story of the Doneck Network would not have been possible", said Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director, commenting on the "Doneck Family Day". 

There was a colourful mix of guests. The majority of the employees live in the Trier region and in nearby Saarland. The European employees from the locations in England, Poland and Hungary also joined the party. The guests were unanimous in declaring it to be a successful and lovely celebration in wonderful summer weather.

Photo: Arndt Breitbach (Managing Director Doneck Network) and Edgar Becker (Managing Director Sales) 

In 2017, the second year of cooperation between CARE Luxembourg and Doneck Euroflex,  "nutrition schools" were set up in 79 project villages in which malnourished children were cared for and pepped up.

A diagnostic study was conducted at the start of the project, in the course of which CARE determined the state of health of children aged 6 to 23 months in 59 villages. Malnutrition is determined on the basis of the circumference of the upper arm. A child is suffering from moderate malnutrition with a circumference of 115 to 125 mm and acute malnutrition with a circumference of less than 115 mm. The results of the examination of 3,138 children showed 2,755 healthy children, 318 moderately malnourished and 65 acutely malnourished children. The acutely malnourished children were treated immediately in a health centre or hospital.

"Nutrition schools" were set up in 16 villages in the village centre under the baobab tree for 156 children with moderate malnutrition. Here the mothers learned every day how to prepare nutritious, high-calorie meals for their children with few ingredients and the right dosage. While the dishes were cooking, seminars were held on the subjects of hygiene and foodstuffs. In order to judge progress after the two-week "nutrition school", the children's upper arms were measured again.

A total of 139 children had already managed to reach a "normal" nutritional state after two weeks. "A fantastic result, especially considering the collection of the data took place in a month in which the foodstuffs were rather scarce", says Robert Schadeck, president of CARE Luxembourg, commenting on this success.

In order to see whether the knowledge gained was also being used at home, house visits were made to the families concerned following the "nutrition schools" by CARE. During a visit to a hospital, medical personal gave their assurance that children whose mothers had visited the "nutrition school" by CARE had not returned to the hospital due to malnutrition.

Thanks to the generous donation by Doneck it was possible to cover not only the costs of the procurement and distribution of the materials such as ladle sets, tape measures, children's scales, books and pens for the nutrition schools, but also in part the personnel and logistic costs for this project. Most important: a great contribution has been made to the avoidance of malnutrition in infants in these villages in future.

Editors: Care Luxemburg and Doneck Euroflex

Photo: Wies / Care Luxemburg

“We think green!” – Doneck Network presents its image under this motto at this year's Proflex.

The printing ink manufacturer from Luxembourg has actually done everything possible to prove that it takes the topic of sustainability very seriously.

Since January 2018, Doneck Euroflex has modified its manufacturing facility in Luxembourg to a climate-neutral process. For years, the company has already relied on electricity from hydropower and now also uses natural green gas. As the company activity has been recorded in a CO2 emissions record for years, it was now able to be compensated by the participation in a forest protection project in Brazil and an emission reduction program in Peru in a climate-neutral manner. This has been confirmed by the climate protection specialist ClimatePartner.

Apart from the climate neutrality of the in-house processes, Doneck Euroflex is also working on the increased use of more ecological resources. It was therefore possible to develop more-resource-efficient, water-based flexographic inks for corrugated cardboard post-print application. The Euroboard WKE series is based on the philosophy of a basic colour system, in which the traditional pigment concentrates are mixed with newly developed varnishes. In doing so, significant parts of the traditional acrylate resins and additives are replaced by alternatives based on renewable resources or hybrid systems. This reduces the use of crude oil-based chemicals and lowers the resource-related CO2 footprint of the printing ink used.

With the self-marketed automatic dosing system EUROMIX, the Doneck Network offers the manufacturers of corrugated cardboard the possibility of applying not only the conventional but also the newly introduced printing ink chemicals according to customer requirements in order-related applications by using different varnishes.

“Of course, our sustainability strategy determines our daily actions in many aspects. Numerous projects to avoid unnecessary waste, to increase energy efficiency through to a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet help us to constantly reduce our environmental impact,“ Managing Partner Arndt Breitbach explains.

Photo: Certificate climate-neutral company (Doneck Network)

Within the framework of its sustainability strategy, the Doneck Network has once again invested in the climate-friendly vehicle fleet this year. 75% of the company's own transport fleet now drives with the latest engine technology conforming to the Euro 6 standard. This reduces the use of fuel by 20% and also lowers CO₂ emissions.

In addition, the vehicles are equipped with modern telematics systems that help with the optimisation of route planning and individual driving behaviour, including the saving of resources. Employees are specially trained and sensitised for this. To that extent it is no coincidence that a Doneck Network driver has been crowned "German Champion of the Federal Traveltainer League" twice in a row by telematics operators on account of his outstanding individual driving behaviour, based on comparison data with other drivers.

Doneck Network has also taken the first step towards e-mobility for passenger transport, too. The company has invested in its first fully electrically operated vehicle, with which many short-haul routes and local traffic can be covered electrically. Since Doneck Euroflex purchases exclusively CO₂-neutral electricity, every kilometre driven with the new e-mobile is free from CO₂ emissions.

"Striving for ever greater sustainability is firmly anchored in our corporate policy", says Arndt Breitbach, managing partner of the Doneck Network. "We are currently working on further important projects for the saving of resources, in particular in the areas of energy and waste."

Doneck Euroflex has already had its management system certified to EN ISO 14001 by the TÜV Saarland on a regular basis since 2010 and its sustainability strategy is based on ISO 26000.

Photo:Doneck Network

The co-operation and sponsoring of Doneck Euroflex with Care Luxembourg made it possible in 2016 to connect running water to two maternity clinics in Timia and Krip Krip in northern Niger with the aid of wells.

The preparations began in December 2015. Two technicians, an electro-mechanical engineer and a hydro-geological engineer assessed the scope of the necessary construction and installation work. The two maternity clinics were supplied with solar power in February 2016 so that groundwater can be pumped into the clinics.

The pipe-laying work, the preparation of the pumps and their cabling with the pump systems in the wells began in the summer (August and September) with employees from a local partner, HED Tamat. After that plumbing, masonry and pump work was carried out in the clinics to connect the water supply. Water towers were built to ensure the sustainability of the water supply. The water towers were manufactured in the town of Agadez and then transported carefully to the project region. The water towers were made of stainless steel and sheet metal. Each tower holds a volume of 5 m³. The water tower in Krip Krip fills up within 50 minutes, that in Timia in less than 35 minutes. The water systems went into operation in October 2016. So far both installations have functioned without any trouble and are supplying both maternity clinics with clean drinking water.

A young woman in Krip Krip expressed her joy at the running drinking water as follows: "Unbelievable, but true. Never in my life have I seen a dripping water tap in such a remote place as Krip Krip. We thank God, HED Tamat, their managerial staffs and their partners that they have provided our maternity clinic with the urgently needed running water."

Due to the increasing success of the Doneck Network in Spain, Doneck Ibérica S.L.U. is pleased to have appointed Alexis Mur as its Technical Sales Director.

Alexis Mur is considered to be an absolute expert for the Spanish market when it comes to printing inks. Apart from his high level of competence he also has a highly dynamic personality. He will now use these positive characteristics to support the Doneck Network team: Since April 2017 he now manages the sales activities in Spain and Portugal, and also supports technical sales in France.

Alexis Mur gained his excellent reputation at a medium-sized Spanish printing ink manufacturer. “It has always been extremely important to me to work in an owner-operated company with a flat hierarchy and short communication channels, as this forms the basis for optimal customer service. At Doneck Network, it is not only the enormous flexibility but also the advanced production technology and performance capability of the products that convince me. As well as the exceptional unique selling points such as e.g. printing inks for direct contact with food products or the fully automatic Euromix dosing system”, says Alexis Mur, pleased about his new professional challenge.

“We are delighted to have Alexis on board, as his vast experience and high level of commitment are a great benefit for our Spanish customers. Even after such a short time it feels as though we have always worked towards the same goals and with a tremendous degree of customer enthusiasm", reports Roger Martínez Tonn, Business Director Doneck Ibérica

With the commitment of Alexis Mur, the Doneck Network has gained a specialist for water- and solvent-based flexographic and gravure inks, who operates on a Europe-wide basis. With automatic mixing systems and an in-house printing ink laboratory in Barcelona, Spanish customers with the appropriate printing ink series for foil and paper applications can be quickly and reliably supplied.

Toyo INK Co., Ltd., a member of the Toyo INK Group, and Doneck Euroflex SA, a manufacturer of flexo and gravure inks for the European region, today announced that they, on April 1, 2017, concluded a licensing agreement that allows Doneck to manufacture and sell Toyo INK’s AQUA LIONA™ and AQUAECOL™ series of water-based lamination inks to markets in Europe. This licensing agreement is expected to strengthen the position of both companies in the competitive global packaging industry, as water-based alternatives to printing inks are projected to fuel the future growth of the industry, especially in the food packaging sector.

“We’re delighted to enter this agreement with Doneck Euroflex, a major company in the supply of liquid ink systems across Europe,” said Katsumi Yamazaki, president of Toyo INK. “We already have an established supply structure and a proven sales track record in Asia and North and South America. The new licensing agreement will allow us to strengthen our existing water-based liquid inks operations on a global basis by extending its supply structure to Europe, a region where its presence had been weak up until now.” 

While tapping into Doneck’s extensive distribution network, Toyo INK will strive to provide full customer support tailored to individual market needs and to achieve shipments of 1,000 tons per year during the company’s next mid-term management plan that runs from fiscal 2018 through fiscal 2020.

“We are happy to introduce this unique water-based technology which could lead to increased environmental sustainability. We are proud that Doneck Network was chosen by Toyo INK as partner for AQUA LIONA™ and AQUAECOL™ for the European market”, said Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director and main shareholder of the Doneck Network.

Tense delivery situation for titanium dioxide entails price increase for white printing inks as well as the use of substitute quality products

We would like to inform you that we are forced to increase our prices for white printing inks as of April 1st 2017 due to the tense situation on the titanium dioxide market.

As you will see from our homepage, the key supplier of titanium dioxide, Huntsman, reported a major fire at its factory in Pori, Finland on January 31st 2017 and declared it as a case of force majeure. The factory has an annual capacity of 130,000 metric tons, which corresponds to about 10 % of the quantity required by the European market. As titanium dioxide pigments for printing ink applications were primarily manufactured in Pori, we estimate that approximately 40- 50 % of the European requirements for flexographic and gravure inks were covered there. The reasons for this high market share are the high gloss quality and the particularly low abrasion properties of the quality products manufactured there.

According to the information we have so far, the Pori plant will be out of operation at least until the end of the year. As these qualities are not produced at any other Huntsman site, printing ink manufacturers are forced to procure an appropriate quantity of substitute quality products. This poses a great challenge, as European titanium dioxide suppliers have recently considerably reduced their on-hand stocks, and Asian manufacturers also have limited supply capacities due to intensified environmental requirements. The consequence has been a drastic increase in titanium dioxide prices by 30 - 40 % over the last few weeks. 

As the pigment qualities from Pori used by the majority of printing ink manufacturers are no longer available, we must rely on using substitute pigments from Huntsman or other manufacturers as of March 2017. Although the Doneck network is working at top speed to also ensure the properties of the former pigment qualities with alternative titanium dioxide qualities, our white printing inks may nevertheless have less gloss quality and higher abrasion behaviour. We are currently carefully testing the alternatives in our laboratory to the best of our knowledge and judgement. If delivery specifications agreed with certain customers should deviate from the former ones, we will inform these customers separately and discuss the further procedure. In any case we recommend that special parameters or product properties not explicitly agreed with our company be carefully checked once again before production printing.

More information: PR VdL 02 2017 (PDF)

Photo: Doneck Network

Right at the start of 2017 the Doneck Network is strengthening its activities on the UK market. With the appointment of Ian Carmichael as Technical Sales Director UK we have succeeded in acquiring the services of someone with many years of printing ink experience in a medium-sized company. Ian knows the world of flexographic and gravure printing like the back of his hand and has decades of management experience. Together with Ian we want to strengthen the position of the Doneck Network on the UK market still further.

Our deliberations always revolve around our customers. In order to continue to develop our local customer service, we will be significantly upgrading the laboratories of our subsidiaries so that we can check local residual solvent contents, measured values for bonding and the coefficient of sliding friction as well as light and weather fastness. In total a six-figure sum has been invested for this.

After years of consistent social commitment in the company's immediate surroundings, the mid-size printing ink manufacturer Doneck Euroflex, which is based in Grevenmacher and specialises in food packaging, has decided to take new roads. Together with CARE, the company has developed a concept that is tailor made for its strategy and with which management and employees can also show their solidarity on the international stage, too. 

Specifically, the Doneck Network is supporting two maternity clinics in Niger this year. Niger is the world's poorest country and has at the same time the highest rate of mortality of mothers and children during or shortly after birth. Statistically, one in seven mothers dies while giving birth. The two partners are tackling this problem in the first year of their cooperation. Thanks to a generous donation, the maternity clinics will be connected to a clean water supply so that the midwives no longer have to carry the water 400 or 1000 metres respectively from the well to the clinics themselves. In this way the hygiene in the clinics and thus the health of the newborn babies and their mothers will be improved. Day by day, with each new birth, the dramatic mortality rates are being reduced a little more. 

The cooperation is initially planned for three years and, apart from the water supply to the clinics, is also dedicated to supporting nutrition centres for children and improved nutrition in primary schools.  

photo: Doneck Euroflex Managing Director Arndt Breitbach and CARE President Robert Schadeck following the signing of the contract

The new chameleon "Jack" replaces the stolen "Freddy" in the Grevenmacher butterfly park.

On the first weekend in September, "Freddy" the panther chameleon was reported as having been stolen from the butterfly park in Grevenmacher. The 15 cm-long animal was stolen from its tropical terrarium. The police in Luxembourg are still investigating this case.

On hearing the news of the theft, Doneck Euroflex reacted immediately and made a gift of the new panther chameleon "Jack" from Madagascar. The attraction was missing from the butterfly park and the season wasn't yet over. The official presentation took place yesterday evening. "Jack has settled in nicely and feels right at home here", the animal keeper from the butterfly garden told us. "It was our pleasure to sponsor the new chameleon. We have some commonalities: our key visual is "Oscar" the chameleon. It is our image carrier and increases attention of our water-based and solvent-based printing inks. Amongst other things Oscar can be seen on our trucks, which drive all over Europe", commented Arndt Breitbach about this unusual sponsorship.

A chameleon can change its body colour very quickly and thus adapt itself to its environment, just as Doneck Euroflex adapts to the special wishes of its customers. The Doneck Network wishes "Jack" a long and happy life in the Grevenmacher butterfly park.

The German printing ink industry is celebrating a premiere at drupa 2016 in Düsseldorf. From 31st May to 10th June 2016, the specialist printing-inks group of VdL (the German varnish and printing ink industry federation) will present the versatility of printing inks and varnishes in twelve blocks of lectures. The themes of the presentations range from the composition of printing inks through their life cycle and to questions of the safety of packaging. Colour as a marketing tool will also be illuminated. In a look into the future the potential of digital printing and screen printing will be considered. The lectures are in German and in English and will be given on different days.

Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network will take the lecture prepared jointly with the specialist group of the VdL on the subject "The versatility of water-based printing inks: yesterday - today - tomorrow" and present it, in German, on Thursday 2nd June at 16:00. The credo of the European printing-ink specialists says: "The technical peak of water-based inks has not yet been reached!" 

The lecture venue "Link to ink - The combined ink know how" is in hall 3, stand B16.

The mid-size European printing ink specialist for high-quality water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure inks is taking part in the Proflex for the fifth time in 2016.

"Our solvent production has been in full swing again since the beginning of the year. Thanks to our modern machine pool we are thus equipped for even higher performance. Many foil processors can now avail themselves of our complete product range once again", reports Arndt Breitbach, managing partner in the company. 

The German-speaking sales team will inform trade visitors to the exhibition booth in Stuttgart of news from the Doneck Network.

"In research and development we have expertly extended and further developed the internal analysis in our modern laboratories, in particular in the water-based printing inks segment. We are thus at the cutting edge in incoming pigment checks with regard to avoiding undesirable contamination. In addition, we have taken a further step towards product and consumer safety this year with the certification to DIN EN ISO 22000 Hygiene", comments Edgar Becker, Managing Director Sales of the Doneck Network.

The Europe-wide manufacturer of water-based and solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing inks has becoming the title sponsor of Trier’s successful Doneck Dolphins in the national wheelchair basketball league. Both crews have a lot in common. Speed, team spirit and an international squad are all guarantors for fair contests, whether on the court or on the printing ink market. The Doneck Network has supported the Dolphins as a jersey sponsor for the last two years, and in doing so has come to know and appreciate this fascinating, fast-paced and exciting sport. 

“We are pleased to have now been able to further develop the two-year-old partnership as title sponsor of the Dolphins. We hope the new Doneck Dolphins will gel together quickly, and have a successful season. Like the Doneck Network, the Dolphins have in recent years also proven that, with team spirit and passion, even underdogs can counterbalance the financial advantages enjoyed by the top dogs”, says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network.

The medium-sized printing ink specialist for high-quality water-based and solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing obtained DIN EN ISO 22000 certification in February 2015.

Ensuring safe, hygienically flawless food for consumers is the top objective of HACCP. A HACCP plan includes risk analyses to identify and prevent chemical, physical or biological contamination. In order to comply with these requirements, Doneck Euroflex put all its business processes to the test, optimised them where necessary, and introduced systematic control points. This has been formalised in an ISO 22000-compliant hygiene management system and assessed by an accredited certification centre.

As a manufacturer of printing inks for of packaging, the Doneck Network feels particularly responsible for strengthening consumer safety in relation to food packaging.

“We are proud to be the first printing ink manufacturer to be certified under ISO 22000. Product safety is a key focus of our company policy!” says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of Doneck Network.

The medium-sized specialist in high-quality water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing inks had an eventful 2014, and will be attending Proflex 2015 high in confidence.

As has been the case over the last three years, the Doneck Network team is once again looking forward to attending Proflex: “After what was a very turbulent year for us, we are optimistic about being able to overcome the challenges ahead and take advantage of our opportunities. The fire at our solvent-based ink factory on 6 August 2014 was definitely a huge shock for all of us initially. But during this difficult time, the Doneck Network team proved it was able to competently and reliably implement its contingency plan when required. With this knowledge and the experience gained, we are approaching the New Year with optimism,” reports Arndt Breitbach, the company’s Managing Director.

The expert audience at Proflex in Stuttgart will be attended to at the stand by the Doneck Network’s German-speaking sales team. The advanced low-migration ink series for package printing, along with the extended range of solvent-based inks, is set to spark great interest. The technically enhanced automatic “Euromix” dosing system will also be presented.

“We particularly want to thank our customers for their incredible loyalty and encouragement, which was expressed to us in many different ways. It helped us get back on our feet quickly during this difficult situation. This incident has meant that relationships with our customers and their needs, as well as joint dialogue, are the core focus of our actions” concludes Edgar Becker, Managing Director Sales.

We look forward to seeing you at Proflex 2015!

New investment package made for flexographic and gravure printing inksThe Doneck Network can look back on a very successful 2013. The high volume of orders in the water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing ink sectors last year saw a constant rise in the Doneck Network‘s market share.

The increased attention from prominent European packaging manufacturers in the solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing ink sectors prompted us to last year implement an extensive investment package to expand capacities and raise safety standards.

"By expanding our production technology, we increased the capacities in this area by a further 5,000 tonnes a year. Starting up a state-of-the-art CO2 extinguisher system allows us to protect solvent ink production and storage in a special way so as to minimise fire risks. The Doneck Network is working on permanently improving safety standards as part of the OHSAS 18001, focusing on occupational safety. Further investments are already in the pipeline!" says Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network, explaining the long-term business strategy.

Doneck Euroflex is now the largest medium-sized manufacturer of water and solvent-based flexographic and gravure printing inks in Europe. Under the motto of „Flexographic inks for Europe“, the Luxembourg-based  company has the Doneck Network and four subsidiaries across Europe in England, France, Spain and Hungary.

For the 2nd time in a row, the Doneck Network has been named among the winners of the French “Prestiges hélio 2013”. The prize for outstanding print products in 2013 was awarded by specialist magazine “Prohèlio – dem Verband zur Förderung des Tiefdrucks” for the 25th time.

The jury, consisting of French students from the graphics industry and European experts from the technical printing industry, joined forces to assess and award prizes to the various pieces of work, which had been submitted as models in various categories.

The Doneck Network scored points for its printing ink used on the top ranking print product, the Baïko poire yoghurt tub, and took out the prize for best label. The print shop responsible for the yoghurt tub was MLB Opercula (France). A total of 14 print products from the intaglio printing industry received awards.

Over 200 guests were invited to the prize-giving ceremony, which was a glittering affair held at the Musèe de l'air et de l'espace du Bourget (aerospace museum at Paris’ Le Bourget airport) in November 2013.

The start of the 2013/2014 season sees the Doneck Network chameleon adorn the jerseys of the Goldmann Dolphins Trier in the German wheelchair basketball league (RBBL).

"We have found an attractive sponsoring partner in the Dolphins, connecting us to one another in more ways than first thought," explains Arndt Breitbach, Managing Director of the Doneck Network. "Just like the Goldmann Dolphins, we too are able to constantly compete with our bigger, richer rivals. Speed, team spirit and international diversity (3 Canadians, 2 Latvians, 1 American, 1 Brit and 3 German players) ensure that both of us leave the field victorious after a fair trial of strength. We wish the entire Goldmann Dolphins team, and particularly all the fans, a successful season filled with exciting games."

Founded in Trier in September 1977, and based in Grevenmacher for the last 15 years, medium-sized printing ink manufacturer Doneck Euroflex S. A. can look back on a history spanning more than 36 years. The company makes water and solvent-based printing ink for the intaglio and flexo printing sectors of the European printing industry. The Doneck inks can be found in a vast number of everyday products, ranging from paper bags, envelopes, gift wrapping, napkins and corrugated cardboard, to foil wrap and food packaging. An international team currently consisting of 150 staff, works in Grevenmacher (Luxembourg), as well as the European branches in England, France, Spain and Hungary.

The dolphin and colourful Doneck chameleon "Oscar" are breaking new ground, working together to score points and enjoy what is hopefully an exciting and successful season.

The Doneck Network to attend Proflex 2013 for the third year in a row.The Doneck Network’s international sales team will provide industry specialists in Stuttgart with extensive, detailed information and advice on the printing ink manufacturer’s wide range of products. Apart from the products and market sectors, the stand will also feature the technically advanced “Euromix” dosage system, and visitors will be able to familiarise themselves with functions, options and applications directly on the spot (stand no. 44 and 45). The focal point of the Doneck Network stand will be the annual sporting attraction. This year, guests can test out their accuracy and win vouchers for Doneck Network ink.

Edgar Becker, Managing Director of Sales reports that “the strict requirements and innovations in the food packaging sector have challenged us and demanded a high level of expertise. These technical innovations and competencies are incorporated into our products, for the benefit of our customers. We also continue to concentrate on our key areas of product specialisation and extensive customer service. The Doneck Network has clearly defined plans for the next three years: The customers and their needs are the main focus of our activities, and we are helped in this by the continuous development and expansion of the Doneck Network.”

Supporting the “Dolphins” wheelchair basketball team in Trier

The Dolphins called for donations as part of the major “Meine Hilfe zählt” campaign in March 2013. And for a great cause: The Dolphins reached the final of the Challenge Cup. But they needed help to cover the high costs of travelling to Badajoz in southern Spain, some 2,000 km away.

We quickly decided to support the Trier Dolphins and this worthy cause – with a cheque for 1,000 Euros. And this was well deserved: The Dolphins returned home with a silver medal, and Dirk Passiwan (4th from left) was named the tournament’s most valuable player! This therefore marks the end of one of the most successful seasons for the Dolphins. We hope they enjoy their break, and wish them all the best for the new season, with many successful and exciting games to come!

Supporting for Foyer Pietert in GrevenmacherOn 23 April 2013, we were able to hand over a cheque for 1,000 Euros to the “Foyer Pietert” in Grevenmacher, which houses 18 physically and mentally handicapped people aged 16 to 53 requiring 24/7 care. Half of these people have ended up in their situation as a result of accidents, while the others have been that way since birth. The Foyer Pietert is distinguished by a cosy, informal atmosphere and very close contact between residents and carers. This takes a lot of the burden off family members, as the patients are highly restricted in terms of their activities, and can only participate in public life to a very limited extent. Great emphasis is placed on integrating residents into the Grevenmacher community. It’s all about inclusion here, whether this be at regular events such as concerts and parties, or in normal everyday life.

In view of our corporate social responsibility, we want to support the work of “Foyer Pietert” and Amicale (the sponsor association for Foyer Pietert) through our donation. The idea of social sponsoring came about when Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg paid a visit to our premises in January this year. The Doneck donation will be used to buy an electric motor for the property’s bike, which will make bike rides much easier.

Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg came to honour the Doneck Network.Several limousines, a police escort and security denoted the major event, as the Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess arrived at the Potaschbierg at 2.30pm on Monday 28 January. Arndt Breitbach (Managing Director) and Tom Theves (First Counsellor of Embassy, Ministry of Finance and Foreign Trade) welcomed the couple, together with a committee consisting of Robert Dennewald (President of Fedil), Nicolas Soisson (Director of Fedil) Edgar Becker (Managing Director Sales) and further members of Doneck Euroflex.

After the reception and company presentation, the entire committee embarked on a guided tour through the factory, with its state-of-the-art, innovative printing ink manufacturing technology. From raw materials to production to the laboratory, the guests were familiarised with all stages of the printing ink production process and its features. The successful royal visit was rounded off with an open discussion session and cocktails.

"We were very pleased about the visit and the interest shown in our company. It was a huge honour for us to welcome the kind, enthusiastic Hereditary Grand Duke and Duchess to our company and introduce them to the world of printing inks,” said Arndt Breitbach after the visit.