News

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)