New Coating System Provides Superior Printing and Processing of Plastic Media on HP Indigo Presses

CINCINNATI, OH (May 14, 2008) – Michelman and Utopia Digital Technologies have teamed up to develop a new advanced printing surface designed to enhance the printing of polymer and plastic media on HP Indigo® presses.

The HP certified coating, called Extreva® CS3, was developed collaboratively by Michelman and Utopia, and is a modification of Michelman’s DigiPrime®, a proven technology used by film producers and converters around the globe. To take advantage of the new coating, Indigo users need to order through GPA, a supplier of paper and film substrates based in Chicago, IL, and specify substrates with the Extreva CS3 coating. GPA is the exclusive distributor for the technology, which is currently available only in North America.

Extreva CS3 is pre-applied to the substrate, eliminating the need for press owners to handle chemicals. It features a full suite of beneficial properties never before available to HP Indigo press operators, and is available on PVC and synthetic sheets. The coating produces consistent color development from sheet-to-sheet and lot-to-lot, excellent ink and coating adhesion, and most importantly, superior functional performance.

Functional performance is demonstrated by absolute flatness of the substrate before and after printing; no shrinkage, warping or registration issues; a surface that slips uniformly and consistently with no sticking to press components or other sheets, resulting in less downtime and fewer torn blankets; a reduction in static build up; faster drying; and the ability to repel fingerprints and other contaminants.

Extreva CS3, like DigiPrime, is non-yellowing and has outstanding shelf life, and because it’s water-based, can extend blanket life when compared to solvent-based primers. Using substrates coated with Extreva CS3 can also increase the printer’s efficiency and profitability by minimizing downtime, waste and maintenance costs.

About Michelman
Michelman is a global manufacturer of performance-enhancing barrier, functional, and decorative coatings for flexible film packaging, paperboard, and corrugated boxes; and additives and modifiers for many industries including coatings, inks, composites, and construction products.

About Utopia
Utopia is located in New Berlin, WI, and serves the digital printing industry by creating turnkey solutions for digital printing applications. They focus on creating and offering differentiated and high performance coatings, treatments and product enhancing technologies.

About GPA
GPA is the premier source for coated and uncoated text and cover papers, pressure sensitive labels, and film substrates engineered exclusively for HP Indigo digital presses. GPA's comprehensive line of over 150 Ultra Digital® substrates guarantees high image resolution and ink adhesion every time. GPA understands the growing digital print marketplace and can introduce you to new applications and substrate solutions that will immediately pay dividends on your investment in HP Indigo’s industry-leading technology.

Michelman Global Headquarters
9080 Shell Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236
1-800-333-1723 (US & Canada); (513) 793-7766 (Worldwide)
(513) 793-2504 (Fax)
www.michem.com