Donora, Pennsylvania - Apex International has partnered with Lake County Press and Stahl on a collaborative print initiative designed to demonstrate real-world coating performance under true production conditions.
Rather than relying on lab samples or isolated test sheets, the team set out to create a fully finished commercial product that mirrors the challenges printers face every day. The calendar was produced on production equipment, using customer-grade substrates, and incorporating multiple coating techniques to ensure relevance across a wide range of print environments.
“This project was created to show what is possible in real production settings,” said Nick Harvey, Technical Director at Apex International. “By developing a finished demonstration piece instead of a test sample, printers can see, feel, and evaluate the results in a way that directly relates to their own operations.”
The collaboration brought together expertise from across the supply chain. Apex North America led the initiative and coordinated print development, Lake County Press executed printing and coating with precision, and Stahl supplied materials, technical insight, and support throughout the project.
To ensure authenticity, all coatings were applied using a flexographic coating unit configured to replicate conditions commonly found in commercial print facilities worldwide. The finished piece features soft-touch coatings, high-gloss finishes, reticulation and texture effects, and specialty combinations achieved through precise GTT anilox selection.
During production, pressroom operators at Lake County Press provided direct feedback on the impact of controlled coating volume and consistent laydown performance.
“For soft touch we are able to achieve a more velvet feel versus other coating rolls,” added Brian Popp, Pressroom Manager at Lake County Press.
These results reinforce commonly reported benefits of GTT anilox technology, including improved coating uniformity, enhanced gloss and tactile finishes, reduced coating consumption in many applications, and greater predictability across long production runs.
To explore the full project results, see coating comparisons, or request a calendar, visit:
https://discover.apexinternational.com/2026-calendar-collaboration
About Apex International
Apex International is a global provider of anilox rolls, embossing rolls, sleeves, and related solutions serving the corrugated, flexible packaging, label, coating, and embossing industries. With decades of experience and a strong focus on precision, innovation, and customer collaboration, Apex helps printers and converters worldwide achieve consistent, high-quality results.
About Lake County Press
Lake County Press is a commercial printing company recognized for its technical expertise and commitment to quality. Through advanced equipment and experienced pressroom teams, Lake County Press delivers reliable, high-performance print and coating solutions.
About Stahl
Stahl is a global leader in specialty coatings and surface solutions, providing innovative materials and technical expertise that enable enhanced performance, aesthetics, and sustainability across a wide range of industries.