GlobalShop 2018 was a success for Hop Industries! Thank you to all the attendees that visited the booth. If you weren’t able to attend, call 800-524-0757 to speak with a Hop-Syn synthetic paper expert or visit us online to request your free samples.

Visit the Hop-Syn team at GlobalShop, booth #934 in Chicago! Learn the newest trends in retail displays using Hop-Syn, a durable and environmentally-friendly synthetic paper for point-of-purchase and backlit displays, banners, and more. At the event, be sure to pick up samples of Hop-Syn synthetic paper and the 2018 product guide.

If you are unable to attend the show, contact a Hop-Syn synthetic paper expert at 800-524-0757 or fill out the online form to get the latest news!

Hop-Syn synthetic paper, the substrate of choice by big brands for indoor and outdoor signage, will be demonstrated live at swissQprint’s booth #5642 at ISA Sign Expo. The Expo takes place March 22-24 in Orlando, FL. swissQprint will feature the Hop-Syn XT grade, a durable and environmentally-friendly substrate for point of purchase displays, hang tags, book covers, menus, posters, and outdoor signs. The UV inkjet print manufacturer featured Hop-Syn XT with its Nyala LED printer at SGIA Expo 2017, and due to its success, the company is conducting live demonstrations again, this time at ISA Sign Expo 2018.

Consistently High-Quality
At ISA Expo, swissQprint will print samples of its Colours advertisement, which showcases the high-quality output of the Nyala LED printer and Hop-Syn XT synthetic paper grade. Hop-Syn’s consistency is a coveted feature that ensures the high-quality results that customers value.

Converting for Custom Sizes
swissQprint is printing on Hop-Syn XT .010 gauge, custom sized at 27 ½ x 39 ⅝.  Hop Industries’ in-house converting services give customers the exact size they require for their specific projects.

Hop-Syn XT is an extra tear resistant synthetic paper made from a unique mixture of calcium carbonate and polypropylene resin. The environmentally-friendly substrate is 100% recyclable, and exceeds compliance requirements with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive for harsh chemical content. Hop-Syn XT is manufactured with UV inhibitors and whitening agents that deliver sheet brightness and opacity up to 94%. Its extra tear strength and weather resistant properties meet the most demanding environmental conditions.

Free samples of Hop-Syn and swissQprint output will be available at ISA Sign Expo. Interested parties can also request samples of Hop-Syn to print in-house. For questions or more information visit www.hopsyn.com or call 800-524-0757.

Retailers have an exciting opportunity to get inspired by Hop-Syn Synthetic Paper at the upcoming GlobalShop 2018 tradeshow and conference, which takes place in Chicago, March 27-29. Hop-Syn synthetic paper experts will be on hand at GlobalShop (booth #934) to discuss the latest trends in retail displays using synthetic paper. The company will feature Hop-Syn TO and BL synthetic paper grades, and attendees can see examples of block out and backlit point of purchase signs, banners, posters, as well as backlit displays and transit posters used in bus shelters and airports. Contact Hop for a free expo pass.

 

 

Hop-Syn for Retail Displays

At GlobalShop, Hop is featuring two grades widely used by retailers: Hop-Syn TO, a 98% opaque, waterproof, and tear resistant substrate, and Hop-Syn BL, a white translucent polypropylene sheet used for backlit displays and transit posters.

Hop-Syn TO is UV-resistant, up to one year outdoors. Its high dyne level and smooth matte finish delivers the printing performance of a fine offset paper, but with the durability of plastic. The extra opacity of Hop-Syn TO prevents reverse side images from showing through window signs and well lit retail applications.

Hop-Syn BL is a high impact, tear resistant synthetic paper manufactured to meet the highest standards in the back lit sign industry. Print service providers (PSPs) choose it to print sharp images with high color density for a stunning visual effect. Hop-Syn BL offers the print performance, color dispersion and dimensional stability of backlit polyester, but at a fraction of the cost.

PSPs value Hop-Syn for numerous reasons, such as it’s high-quality results, consistency, and competitive price point. Hop-Syn synthetic paper is also readily accessible from Hop’s NJ warehouse.

Be sure to visit Hop Industries at GlobalShop and get inspired! For questions or more information visit www.hopsyn.com or call 800-524-0757.

 

With the right substrate, print service providers (PSPs) can produce some of the most vibrant and eye-catching signage and point of purchase displays, consistently. In order to achieve this, PSPs require consistent media, and Hop-Syn delivers.

Numerous factors contribute to Hop-Syn synthetic paper’s consistency, starting with the manufacturing process. Hop-Syn is a single layered substrate manufactured by calender. Its unique mixture of calcium carbonate and polypropylene resin provides extra durability and weather resistance over traditional pulp-based papers.

Hop-Syn eliminates any challenges of running thin, roll-to-roll substrates with consistency on hybrid printers. Watch this video to see Hop-Syn 10ml  backlit synthetic paper printed by the EFI VUTEk digital printer. Consistency and high-quality results are some of the notable attributes with Hop-Syn, as pointed out by digital printing expert Tiffany Bisson of EFI. She notes the evenness of Hop-Syn coming off the roll and the dimensional stability of the substrate, with minimal variance in the gauge over the course of a long roll. Bisson also points out the smooth feed and consistent tension across the roll. She comments, “The stability of the [Hop-Syn] product line has been a dream to run on this [EFI VUTEk] printer.”

Hop-Syn BL for Consistently High Quality Backlit Displays
Hop-Syn BL is a white, translucent polypropylene sheet designed for printing backlit point of purchase signs and displays. In daylight, it shows a high quality image, but when back-lit, it allows the light to shine through for a brilliant display. This rigid, weather resistant, UV-durable substrate is suitable for use in outdoor applications for up to one year under direct sunlight. Hop-Syn’s uniform gauge tolerance, heat resistance and a micro-porous print surface contributes to its consistent, high-quality results.

An environmentally-friendly substrate, Hop-Syn boasts a high dyne level and smooth matte finish that allows PSPs to produce higher quality graphics, at a much faster production rate than conventional plastic. Consistently, Hop-Syn synthetic paper delivers high-quality output for digital printing, as well as flexo, offset and screen processes.

To request free samples, contact Hop at 1-800-524-0757 or visit www.hopsyn.com.

 

The digital printing market continues to grow and evolve at the speed of light. This is due to innovations in software and hardware technology, inks, as well as the ability to print on a wide variety of substrates. Improvements in quality and productivity are now making digital printing a cost effective and high quality alternative over traditional printing methods such as offset and flexo.

The fastest growing market segment of the printing industry is in UV and LED inkjet. There has been a significant increase in the number of inkjet equipment manufacturers who have expanded their capabilities from wide format and narrow-web printers to LED inkjet sheetfed presses that range from 12” x 18” up to  72” x 132” in sheet size.

The major advantages that are driving the UV and LED inkjet over other digital print methods is its cost, print quality, wide range of roll- and sheet-fed equipment, and its ability to print on a diverse range of substrates without requiring any pre-treatment. If we take a closer look at the range of UV inkjet-based technology in this industry, we see several key trends that separate its growth from the rest of the digital print industry, such as:

• Improved productivity
• Wider range of media support
• Improved workflow
• Product availability for a range of PSPs applications

UV inkjet technology is continuing to improve as a low cost, low-energy alternative to other digital printing methods such as solvent inkjet and laser printing methods. Based on this trend, UV and LED inkjet is well-positioned to replace the high-end solvent segment due to improved ink technology and lower costs. In addition to solvent inkjet, LED inkjet is offering customers a competitive alternative to UV offset applications where a high quality, durable image can be easily offered as a more printer-friendly, low-cost alternative.

Technology and Marketing Shifts
Two of the leading trends developing from this shift in technology is the change from one-size-fits-all brand marketing to targeted marketing where the message is designed for short run print promotions, segmented by demographics. In addition, large retail stores are looking to have print promotions produced on more sustainable, environmentally-friendly substrates where the promotion is durable enough to last several months, and can be 100% recycled, complying with corporate, sustainability mandates.

With improved technology and a wide variety of substrates to choose from, print service providers (PSPs) are looking for new products that will help them expand into additional markets and attract new customers. UV and LED inkjet technology is opening doors to new applications such as backlit displays, blockout posters, and in-store signs and banners made from low-cost synthetic paper. One of those substrates is Hop-Syn synthetic paper, a waterproof, tear resistant, white matte synthetic paper that is available in a wide variety of grades and thicknesses. At SGIA Expo, LED equipment manufacturers, EFI and swissQprint, used Hop-Syn synthetic paper to demonstrate the ease and high-quality printing of this durable substrate.

Environmentally-Friendly Substrates
Unlike die extrusion or blown film extrusion Hop-Syn synthetic paper is produced from a unique mixture of polypropylene (PP) resin and CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) into a single layered construction which helps produce a more uniform gauge control of +/- 5%. This advantage allows Hop-Syn to print at higher production speeds and at a lower temperature than conventional plastic. Based on its unique manufacturing process Hop-Syn can also be made in a wide variety gauge thicknesses (from .003 up to .035 gauge) in assorted grades that range from blockout opaque to translucent backlit. All grades offer extreme tear resistance in both directions, as well as added UV resistance properties that allow them to be used up to one year outdoors without discoloring or turning brittle.

Multiple Grades and Applications
Hop-Syn TO is a 98% opaque, white matte synthetic paper that is easily printable by LED and UV inkjet printing methods. Hop-Syn TO is made from a unique mixture of polypropylene (PP) resin, CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and TiO2 (titanium dioxide) which gives its added brightness and a uniform finish on two sides. Its smooth matte finish allows ink to absorb into its surface, which helps prevent printed images from scuffing, scratching and cracking when exposed to direct sunlight for up to one year outdoors. Made in a .008 gauge thickness in a wide range of roll widths and sheet sizes, Hop-Syn TO is popular for printing blockout window posters, outdoor signs and banners where its extra opacity will help prevent reverse side images from showing through.

Hop-SYN BL is a white translucent polypropylene sheet designed for printing backlit transit posters in bus shelters and airports as well as in major retail stores throughout North America. Made in a wide variety of thicknesses (.008 up to .015 gauge) it offers a unique combination of features such as a smooth finish on two sides, uniform pigment dispersion, which allows PSPs to print a sharp image with a higher color resolution in comparison to backlit polyester and PETG. With added UV inhibitors and with a wide temperature range from -50F up to 220F, Hop-Syn BL is capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions without turning brittle or discoloring. The additional benefit is that when it is not backlit with fluorescent or LED light at night, the BL grade still allows printed images to glow, even in daylight.

Both Hop-Syn TO and BL synthetic paper grades are free of stearates, heavy metals, chlorine, phthalates or other cancer-causing chemicals that are damaging to the environment. The synthetic paper’s unique polypropylene and calcium carbonate composition makes Hop-Syn 100% recyclable, under recycling code #5.

Samples of LED-printed Hop-Syn synthetic paper are available upon request. For more information or a price quote, please contact Hop Industries sales department at 1-800-524-0757 Ext# 6212.

 

When given the option, retailers and their print partners choose environmentally-friendly substrates like Hop-Syn synthetic paper

January 11, 2018 — Lyndhurst, NJ — Hop Industries, manufacturer of the durable Hop-Syn synthetic paper, announces that its TO synthetic paper grade is the market’s most economical and environmentally friendly blockout substrate available today. Hop-Syn TO, an opaque durable synthetic paper, is used by retailers across the U.S. for vivid point-of-purchase displays, banners, window posters, and more. In comparison to PVC and laminated blockout alternatives, Hop-Syn TO costs up to 30% less and is free of toxins, heavy metals and stearates. The Hop-Syn sales team invites interested parties to call 1-800-524-0757 for a comparison chart or for expert advice about printing on the Hop-Syn durable substrate.

“When given the option, retailers and their print partners choose environmentally-friendly substrates like Hop-Syn synthetic paper, especially when the print quality is superior and the price point is better than other durable substrates,” comments Jack Smith, Senior Vice President, Hop Industries.

High Quality Results
Hop-Syn TO is the leading blockout substrate used by big brands and their print partners. Retailers request it for their double sided point-of-purchase displays and in-store promotions. Print partners value its high dyne level and clay composition, which makes it easy to print via offset, screen, latex, LED or UV inkjet. Hop-Syn’s smooth matte finish ensures thorough ink absorption and prevents scuffing, scratching and cracking when exposed to direct sunlight — up to one year outdoors.

Hop-Syn TO is made from a mixture of polypropylene resin and calcium carbonate. The synthetic paper is durable, tear resistant, and can be easily die-cut, sewn and grommeted, without any pretreatment or lamination. Hop-Syn TO comes in a wide range of roll widths and sheet sizes.

For more information, contact Hop at 1-800-524-0757 or visit www.hopsyn.com.

About Hop-Syn
Hop-Syn® is a division of Hop Industries Corp. based in Lyndhurst, NJ. Hop-Syn is a synthetic paper constructed from polypropylene (PP) resins and calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which provide extra durability and weather resistance over traditional pulp-based papers. Customers use Hop-Syn to print high quality graphics via offset litho, uv offset, flexo, screen, uv inkjet or thermal transfer equipment. Each Hop-Syn grade has unique characteristics to match the application, hence the phrase, “The Application Specific Synthetic Papers.” If customers need foldability for a map, there’s a grade for that. If customers need thickness for a P-O-P sign, there’s a grade for that. If customers need translucency for a light box, there’s a grade for that. If customers need extra opacity for a block out window sign, there’s a grade for that. For more information, visit www.hopsyn.com or call 800-524-0757.

 

Retailers are always looking for ways to make their stores more attractive and to make their brand image stand out. The right in-store P-O-P displays can do just that. This is why more retailers are choosing Hop-Syn synthetic paper for their durable displays — indoor and outdoor.

What is Hop-Syn?
Hop-Syn synthetic paper is produced by high speed calendar into a single layered substrate made from a unique mixture of polypropylene (PP) resin, CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) and TiO2 (titanium dioxide). The calendaring process allows Hop-Syn to be formulated into different grades that offer a wide range of physical properties and thicknesses from .003 up to .035 gauge, up to a maximum roll width of 72-inches. This patented formulation contributes to a unique combination of features such its bright white finish, high opacity, high dyne level, tear resistance, UV resistance (up to one year outdoors), and a wide temperature resistance from -60F up to 220F.

Is Hop-Syn tear resistant and weatherproof for outdoor applications in winter?
Yes. Hop-Syn is temperature resistant from -60F up to 220F. Made with UV inhibitors and a Tio2 whitening agent, Hop-Syn’s durable high impact construction will allow printed images to hold up outdoors up to one year without turning brittle or discoloring.

What popular applications can Hop-Syn be used for?
Based on its diverse printing properties and wide range of gauge thickness Hop-Syn synthetic paper is suitable for printing high quality retail signs, block-out window posters, ID Cards, back-lit displays, promotional tags and outdoor signs where the application requires durability and a lasting image that will hold up in harsh environments. With a white opaque, smooth matte finish and a +/- 5% gauge tolerance, Hop-Syn synthetic papers offer the print performance of paper, with the weather resistance and durability of plastic.

Does Hop-Syn come in multiple grades and thicknesses?
Yes, Hop-Syn comes in a variety of grades and thicknesses that are designed for offset, flexo, UV inkjet, and latex inkjet on a wide variety of equipment standard to the industry. Hop-Syn synthetic paper comes in 6 product grades that range from blockout opaque to translucent backlit, from thin gauge for easy folding to heavy gauge thickness grades where rigidity and stiffness are required.
Ranging in thickness from .003 up to .032 gauge Hop-Syn’s durable, tear resistant properties can easily be die-cut, sewn and grommeted for both outdoor and indoor banners, point of purchase signs, menus and displays. Hop sales representative are available to discuss which grade is best suited for specific applications.

Is Hop-Syn printable by both conventional and UV offset printing?
Yes. For conventional offset, we recommend using oxidizing inks designed for non-porous substrates. For UV offset, we recommend UV inks designed for printing on plastics such as Tyvek, polypropylene and PVC. Please see our technical information sheet for more detailed information or contact our sales department for further assistance.

Is Hop-Syn recommended for die-cutting, perfing, scoring and folding?
Hop-Syn has excellent physical properties to die-cut, score and fold without any issues. Please refer to our fabrication and finishing brochure for more detailed information on each process or contact our sales department for further assistance.

Does Hop-Syn come in standard sheet sizes and roll widths?
Hop-Syn is available in stock sheets, and available for immediate shipping. The sizes include 25” x 38”, 26” x 40”, 28” x40” and 38” x 50.” Hop-Syn is also available in standard roll widths 38-, 55- and 61-inches for immediate shipment.

Can Hop-Syn be converted into custom sheets and rolls?
Hop has in-house slitting and sheeting capabilities, giving retailers the opportunity to choose from large format sheets up to 60” x 83”, rewound rolls from 38-inches up to 62-inches in width, and narrow-width rolls as narrow as 3-inches in width, in a wide range of roll put-up, to service a wide variety of printers and applications.

Is Hop-Syn environmentally friendly and 100% recyclable?
Yes. Hop-Syn is made from a mixture of polypropylene (PP) resin and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) that contain no harsh chemicals, such as chlorine, phthalates, stearates or heavy metals that are damaging to the environment. Based on being made from polypropylene and calcium carbonate, Hop-Syn is 100% recyclable under the recycling code #5.

Where can I find more product information or get free test samples of Hop-Syn for evaluation purposes?
For more information about Hop-Syn call 800.524.0757 or visit www.hopsyn.com.