SIDEL EARLY PARTICIPATION IN LIQUIFORM™ TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Sidel has announced its early participation in the development of LiquiForm™ technology. LiquiForm is a patented blow moulding and filling manufacturing technology that uses the consumable liquid instead of compressed air to hydraulically form and fill plastic containers on one machine simultaneously, significantly reducing cost and waste. It has the potential to be employed for a wide range of beverage products.

“Sidel is committed to providing the beverage industry with the most sustainable packaging solutions,” says Mart Tiismann, President and CEO of Sidel Group. “Where we see opportunities to develop innovative new technologies we will do so. Our participation in the development of LiquiForm is the latest example of this approach. Although still at a developmental stage, the technology has the potential to address some key improvement areas for our customers in the years ahead, including potential significant energy and cost savings. The LiquiForm technology is also the latest example of PET’s flexibility as the most sustainable beverage packaging material.

Together with Amcor, we are pleased to be one of the first partners to help develop this innovation for the benefit of the entire beverage industry. We now look forward to working with the future partners of LiquiForm to industrialise and commercialise the technology for the benefit of all industry participants, including both suppliers and producers.”

Other interested potential development partners can now get involved in industrialising and commercialising this technology by signing up at www.liquiformgroup.com.

read more

Edale install FL-3 into Poland

Polish company HIT Kody Kreskowe specialise in supplying end to end solutions for logistics and distribution sectors. Based in Suchy-Las they recently celebrated 20 years in business with the purchase of a new Edale six colour, full UV FL-3 flexographic printing press.

To enhance their competiveness in the market Hit Kody required a machine that would increase productivity, print quality and also reduce waste dramatically. Edale’s new generation FL-3 flexographic printing machine boasting low waste, high productivity, fast set up and changeovers, alongside its innovative design fitted HIT Kody’s requirements perfectly.

Jedrzej Iglewski, Board Member of Hit Kody comments “After visiting Edale at Labelexpo Europe and seeing the FL-3 produce six different jobs with fast changeover from unsupported film to labels and back, with only a few metres waste each time, we knew this was the machine for us.”

HIT Kody already have a history with UK based Edale, purchasing an FL-1 printing press in 2006 ”Our existing FL-1 has been running successfully for years without problem so we trusted a proven supplier in Edale” says Jedrzej Iglewski about their new investment.

Bernhard Grob, Sales Export Director at Edale concludes “This first Polish FL-3 installation is very important to Edale, demonstrating to our many existing Polish customers our commitment to designing new and innovative products that are more efficient that current methods or equivalent technologies.”

Edale’s new generation FL-3 flexographic printing press

read more

Barcodes West gains versatility with scalable line of Colordyne Production Class Digital Printing Presses

Within the last 26 months, Barcodes West, LLC (BCW) has taken advantage of the scalability offered within Colordyne Technologies' (CDT) Production Class digital printing presses. BCW started out with an entry level printing system, the CDT 1600-PC Sprint, later added rotary die-cut finishing, converting it to a CDT 1600-PC Rotary Pro, and most recently transitioned to laser die-cut finishing, into a CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro.

"Barcodes West saw a great opportunity to expand our digital print offerings with the high resolution and fast speed of the Colordyne Production Class line," said Glenn Allen, general manager of BCW. "We have been digital in one form or another for over 25 years. With our demanding customer base, we always have to be on the look-out for better, faster and unique printing and converting technologies. The Colordyne Production Class is that technology."

BCW purchased a CDT 1600-PC Sprint in May 2012. The company highly valued the 1600 x 1200 dpi resolution the Memjet™ print engine presented with its four printheads containing 70,400 nozzles each giving the print quality a true flexo-like look and feel. The CDT 1600-PC Sprint runs at print speeds up to 160 feet per minute (49 m/min), which at that time, was the fastest speed at the lowest capital cost.

After a year into using the CDT 1600-PC Sprint, BCW needed to further enhance its manufacturing capabilities and in June 2013, elected to add in-line rotary finishing leveraging its current inventory of rotary dies and years of experience with rotary equipment. This decision turned BCW's existing unit into a CDT 1600-PC Rotary Pro. This model expands the Sprint into a full-featured, in-line digital label and tag system, including printing, laminating, varnishing, rotary die-cutting, slitting and rewinding.

The addition of the in-line finishing on the CDT 1600-PC Rotary Pro resulted in BCW being able to deliver jobs to customers faster by eliminating the need for off-line finishing. The Rotary Pro could also maintain its fast print speeds and high resolution, making it even more cost efficient.

BCW's decision to upgrade its existing Rotary Pro to the CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro was seen as a key business strategy. The CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro gives BCW capabilities that set it apart from competition. The 2600 Series print engine is Memjet's latest, most advanced technology that increases the print speeds to 225 feet per minute (69 m/min) and the print resolution to 1600 x 1375 dpi. It also delivers improved print quality and usability driven by industry-standard Harlequin RIP (HDS) Frequency Modulation (FM) screening and an improved PDF workflow.

The CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro in Barcodes West's Seattle, Wash. facility.

"The Laser Pro's ability to add high-end color graphics and high density variable barcodes at the quick speeds of the Colordyne equipment keeps us in a great position to expand our offerings for our customers," said Allen.

BCW is able to deliver improved services to its customers at lower costs because the CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro complements the other digital manufacturing capabilities available at the shop. Overall turnaround time is reduced when moving from rotary die-cutting to laser die-cutting, especially when it comes die maintenance and rework. The Laser Pro's capabilities greatly increase BCW's opportunities because it instantly brings a wider range of finishing options for its customers.

"Barcodes West took a somewhat unique approach with its adoption of Colordyne technology as they have been able to gradually increase their investment in the technology while simultaneously realizing increased revenue and bottom line profitability," said Gary Falconbridge, president and CEO at CDT. "With the recent transition to the CDT 2600-PC Laser Pro, they have acquired an even stronger platform for Colordyne digital technology going forward."

Based out of Seattle, Wash., Barcodes West is the label, tag and systems industry leader providing high performance print, identification and data collection solutions to its customers globally. BCW offers integrated software, scanners and on-demand label systems to many industries, including retail, electronics, manufacturing, warehouse, automotive and medical. Learn more about BCW at www.barcodeswest.com

read more

Kodak Celebrates Manufacturing Milestone with the Installation of its 20,000th KODAK SQUARESPOT Thermal Imaging Head

Kodak has reached the installation of its 20,000^th award-winning KODAK SQUARESPOT Thermal Imaging Head, the industry’s gold standard in imaging technology. As the developers of thermal CTP technology, Kodak makes the only CTP Systems that utilize KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, giving customers the competitive advantage needed to reach a higher level of stability, accuracy and reliability within their operation.

SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology has been a successful and long-lasting part of Kodak’s portfolio, and the print industry, for almost 20 years. The technology was first introduced as the viable alternative to visible-light CTP systems and today remains the first choice for printers looking for superior imaging technology capable of premium offset print quality. KODAK TRENDSETTER, MAGNUS, and GENERATION NEWS Platesetters with SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology help to reduce chemistry usage, plate waste, remakes and make-ready times supporting customers’ sustainability goals.

Edwards Brothers Malloy, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offers both offset and digital book printing and binding, delivering more than 60 million high-quality books and journals a year. With more than 700 employees at facilities across the U.S and Europe, Edwards Brothers Malloy has selected the KODAK MAGNUS VLF Platesetter for its diverse organization in order to increase stability and accuracy on both short and long runs.

“We’ve benefited firsthand from Kodak’s technology in both our offset and digital operations. By selecting the MAGNUS VLF Platesetter with SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, we have been able to capitalize on our diversity while reducing our operational complexity,” said Peter Shima, Director of Digital and Prepress Operations, Edwards Brothers Malloy. “Our business is based on agility and adaptability and Kodak helps us keep the quality bar high, productivity streamlined and our customers happy.”

SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology is adaptable to various KODAK Platesetters, providing customers with multiple size, imaging and automation options. Accuracy in imaging is critical for consistent, repeatable high quality printing and wide color gamut. SQUARESPOT Technology delivers 10,000 dpi laser-imaging for commercial printing and 5,000 dpi laser-imaging for newspaper printing to provide the most accurate imaging. Competitive imaging technology is typically in the 1,600 dpi range.

“The announcement of the 20,000^th KODAK SQUARESPOT Thermal Imaging Head installation further validates this technology in the industry and places it in the ‘hall of fame’ of print technology,” said Rich Rindo, General Manager, Worldwide Graphics Marketing, and Vice President, Graphics, Entertainment & Commercial Film (GECF). “SQUARESPOT Technology remains one of our most durable technologies, continuing to add value to customers and delivering measurable results.”

As a long-time customer of Kodak, the company also owns several KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Presses and uses KODAK PRINERGY Workflow software across its facilities.

read more

iSys Label Receives GHS BS5609, Section 3 Certification for the EDGE 850 Label Printer

iSys Label and iSys–The Imaging Systems Group Inc., the Canadian developers and manufacturers of short to mid run digital label printers, has announced that the EDGE 850 digital label printer is officially Section 3 Certified to print GHS-compliant drum and chemical labels* according to BS5609 standards.

In order to print fully-compliant drum and chemical labels; the facestock, adhesive and printed graphic all need to meet the requirements for sections 1, 2 and 3 of BS5609 standards and be independently tested and certified by PIRA (the Print Industry Research Association). The printed labels are exposed to artificial weathering, tape removal and abrasion resistance tests to ensure they are capable of withstanding the harshest environments and prove their durability. During this process, iSys Label partnered with MACtac to find two suitable solutions for substrates; a PET, and a BOPP – both of which passed certification and can be purchased in rolls from iSys-appointed converters in the United States. In addition to the certification, GHS also requires users to conform to labeling standards that use the black and red pictogram system in conjunction with precautionary text warning of the dangers and risks of the material.

The EDGE 850 “GHS Solution” is a roll to roll digital label printer and comes complete with the printer, feeder, rewinder and EDGE2Print software. With easy-to-use drag and drop software and print speeds of 4.33 m/min and 9.13 m/min., iSys Label makes simple work of printing full-color chemical labels on demand. Users willeliminate the need for ordering pre-printed labels, reduce inventories and wait times by being able to customize their labels with variable information and full color - all in a single pass.

Mark Hopkins, President of iSys, says “iSys is very excited to be fully certified and in compliance. The combination of the materials, toner and printing process have proven their durability and is sure to add value to supply chains, large and small, around the world.”

read more

FLEXcon Helps Converters Out Sparkle the Competition with Extension of SHIMMERcal™ Product Line

FLEXcon, an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, today announced the expansion of itsSHIMMERcal™ product line with the introduction of SHIMMERcal™ Mixed Disco, a glitter film. Ideal for sticker and decal, at-retail, point-of-purchase (P-O-P) displays, promotional, and event graphic applications, the new film adds to our broad range of brilliant color options available.

SHIMMERcal™ V 240 Mixed Disco is a 2.4 mil rigid clear vinyl with a permanent, aggressive pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive filled with special effect metallic flakes that create a unique glitter appearance. The film is backed with a 90 lb. moisture stable polycoated layflat release liner that is ideal for sheet-form converting. The product is thermally diecuttable, provides good tack and excellent ultimate adhesion properties, and is printable via solvent and UV screen, and solvent and UV inkjet.

“We are always looking for new ways to give our customers an edge over the competition by delivering products that not only stand out, but also align with their clients’ branding and design,” said Sam Covello, Product Manager, Product Branding Business Team. “The SHIMMERcal™ Mixed Disco color is thoughtfully designed to allow the glitter film to show through and become part of the design.”

SHIMMERcal™ glitter films are available in 40" master web width in nine colors: mixed disco (new), black, blue, dark red, fuchsia, gold, green, red and silver. Additional information on FLEXcon’s SHIMMERcal™ product line can be found here.

read more

SIDEL appointments to help meet market growth.

Sidel has made two appointments in senior positions to further strengthen its ability to meet increasing market demand in PET solutions for liquid packaging. Pavel Shevchuk becomes Zone Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, heading up the team at the recently opened regional headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Alessandro Paini has been appointed Vice President of Product Management at Sidel’s global headquarters in Switzerland.

The announcements are part of Sidel’s ongoing commitment to developing its business worldwide through a combination of global experience backed by local sales and service support through proximity to customers.

 

Pavel Shevchuk, Zone Vice President for Europe and Central Asia

Ukrainian born Pavel Shevchuk was previously Managing Director at Sidel Vostok, the company’s base for operations in Russia, having also spent 12 years at Sidel sister company Tetra Pak where he held leadership roles in both Ukraine and Indonesia. Pavel brings to the position a strong track record, including his experience from the growth markets of Eastern Europe, relocating from Moscow to Frankfurt. The regional headquarters is responsible for activities across 60 countries, representing a mix of both mature and emerging markets, and was established to provide an ideal base from which to service customers in Europe and Central Asia. Commenting on his appointment, Pavel said – “I am looking forward to my new role and the opportunities we have to extend our offering to our customers, capturing and developing the potential for growth in the region already demonstrated particularly by the growing markets in Eastern Europe and Germany.”

 

Alessandro Paini, Vice President of Product Management

Alessandro Paini has over 20 years’ experience with Sidel, bringing vast customer and business management knowledge to his new role as Vice President of Product Management. Since joining Sidel in 1994 as an International Key Accounts Manager, Alessandro has developed his career in sales and product management in the Engineering and Packaging Solution Division. In 2008 he was appointed Zone Vice President for Western Europe and Africa, before taking up his most recent position as Zone Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, the role now fulfilled by Pavel. Alessandro joins the Sidel team based at the company’s global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. He comments – “Sidel is known globally for its focus on developing innovative solutions for liquid packaging. I look forward to playing my role in helping to continue that company philosophy in the product development of the next generation of Sidel Matrix™ PET bottling equipment.”

Source: Sidel

read more

Etimarket install Edale press into new factory

UK based manufacturers of narrow web flexographic printing presses and converting machinery, Edale, have just installed an FL-1 flexographic press into the Polish label manufacture Etimarket.

Based in Wrocław, Poland, Etimarket (www.etimarket.com.pl) specialise in the design and manufacture of labels. Their continued growth over the years has seen them having to expand into a new larger factory to increase capabilities and facilitate customer demand.

Andrey Mikula, Etimarket’s owner and managing director comments, “With the successful install of our new FL-1 press and the expansion into our new factory we are ensuring a solid foundation for our future growth”

Etimarket alongside their newly installed Edale FL-1

The award winning FL-1 is Edale’s compact flexographic printing press and with a footprint of just 2.5m2 it is the ideal press for companies looking for maximum productivity with minimal use of space. The FL-1 can be run with UV or water based inks and can print on a variety of substrates. It is also available with an extensive range of options and the ability to upgrade at any time.

Bernhard Grob, Edale’s export sales director, comments “This is the second Edale machine to be installed into Poland within the last few months demonstrating Edale’s increasing presence in the region. As we engage our network and enter into new partnerships we look forward to seeing this presence advance.”

read more

Xeikon receives prestigious 2014 InterTech™ Technology Award for its breakthrough ICE Toner

Toner specifically designed for heat sensitive label substrates is among 11 technologies recognized.

Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, announced today that it has received the prestigious 2014 InterTech™ Technology Award from the Printing Industries of America (PIA) for its breakthrough ICE toner, which is specifically designed for heat-sensitive substrates, such as Polyethylene (PE) face stocks, thermal transfer labels and In Mold labels (IML).

The InterTech Technology Awards recognize ground-breaking technologies that are predicted to have a major impact on the graphic arts and related industries. According to PIA, more than 80 percent of the technologies that have received this award experience continued commercial success in the marketplace. The PIA is the largest graphical arts trade association, representing an industry with about 1 million employees and thousands of member companies.

Xeikon’s ICE toner was selected based on its innovative attributes for printing on heat-sensitive substrates and the likelihood of advancing the performance of the graphic communications industry. InterTech Award recipients will be recognized at the Premier Print Awards and InterTech Technology Awards gala on Sept. 28, in Chicago, IL.

Xeikon has received the InterTech Award multiple times in the past. Most recently, Xeikon had received the award in 2012 for its Xeikon X-800 VariLane technology, which allows label converters to create digital imposition templates for labels of different SKUs, and different sizes, within the same print run, thereby reducing material waste and increasing productivity.

“This is a great honor and a huge credit to our entire organization, from research and development to sales,” said Todd Blumsack, Xeikon’s VP of Sales and Marketing – North America. “All of our innovations, including the ICE toner, are customer-driven. Label converters wanted dry toner technology to be capable of printing on heat sensitive substrates, while retaining our 1200x3600 dpi imaging resolution, full rotary imaging, food safety and the capability to print on conventional substrates without the need for any pre-treatment. We’re extremely happy to see that the judges have recognized our efforts.”

Based on Xeikon’s proven QA toner technology, the ICE toner is perfectly compatible with all the press models of the Xeikon 3000 Series of label and packaging presses.

For more information on Xeikon’s ICE toner, visit www.xeikon.com/en/labels/toners.

read more

TRESU Group highlights its productivity-boosting ink supply and chambered doctor blade technology at Labelexpo Americas 2014

TRESU Group (Booth 1308), the global supplier of flexo technology, presents ancillary products that improve ink flow at Labelexpo Americas 2014 (9-11 September, Chicago, USA). Highlights include ink supply systems, chambered doctor blade systems and plate cleaners.

The F10 iCon ink supply system automates ink pressure, viscosity and temperature control in flexo printing machines. This, in turn, ensures a constant, accurate ink density on the printed substrate and prevents air from contaminating the ink chamber.

 

Sealed, pressure-controlled chambered doctor blade systems enable direct, bubble-free transfer of ink / coating to the anilox cells. This ensures a clean, blister-free printed image with fast drying characteristics, better reflection and higher gloss values, whether on paper or film. Also, the automation of ink flow greatly reduces the need for manual intervention during the production run.

Chambered doctor blade systems include the FlexiPrint IMW E-Line, for web widths up to 1800mm (70.8”) and speeds up to 500m/min (1640ft/min); and the closed-cassette FlexiPrint reservoir, which needs no pump and operates at press speeds of up to 300m/min (984ft/min). The E-Line system, including clamp, allows for safe blade changeover in less than two minutes. TRESU’s patented Rubber Seal System ensures an airtight closure, eliminating the chance of leakage and allowing long-term storage of ink, for instance when production is interrupted during weekend shutdowns.

In addition to ancillary products, TRESU offers flexo coating systems for integration into digital sheet-fed folding carton lines, under its DigitalSolutions division, and custom-built flexo machines via its Solution division. The TRESU iCoat coating system has been adapted specially for HP Indigo 10000 and HP Indigo 30000 presses. Together, the TRESU and HP systems offer a complete printing folding carton production line - for printing, full surface or selective coating and stacking.

read more

Xeikon to demonstrate industry’s widest range of digital solutions for labels and packaging at Labelexpo Americas 2014

Highlights will include demonstrations of pressure sensitive label and folding carton production solutions, as well as samples of IML and heat transfer applications.

Xeikon, an innovator in digital color printing technology, will have a major presence at Labelexpo Americas 2014, showcasing a range of press models and applications designed to help label and packaging converters grow their business. Labelexpo Americas, the industry’s premier trade show for label and package printing in North and South America, will be held from Sept. 9-11, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Xeikon is exhibiting at booth #6135 in Hall F.

Xeikon will hold a press conference on the opening day of the show from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. CT to make a series of exciting product announcements.

Xeikon’s presence at Labelexpo includes the following highlights:

• - demonstrations of unique pressure-sensitive label applications for several different vertical markets at its booth.
• -strong presence at the Package Printing Workshop, where experts will show how to produce folding cartons using digital technology.
• - broad array of samples and collateral that highlight its solutions for in-mold labeling (IML) and heat transfer applications.
• -demonstrations of its ThermoFlexX digital platemaking systems for the flexographic market.

Furthermore, Xeikon experts will be available throughout the show to discuss the capabilities of digital printing technology and the distinctive attributes of Xeikon 3000 Series of presses. The Xeikon 3000 Series represents the widest range of digital label and packaging presses available on the market today, with entry-level as well as high-productivity models. All the entry-level models can be field-upgraded to higher-productivity models as the user’s business grows.

In partnership with its Xeikon Aura partners, the company also offers a series of complete solution suites for specific applications, including pressure-sensitive labels, folding cartons, IML and heat transfer labels. The Xeikon Aura partners include leading suppliers of print media, equipment, software and consumables.

“Whether you are looking to make a foray into digital printing, or you’re already established and are looking to grow your digital business further, we’ve got insights and innovations to share that you won’t want to miss,” said Todd Blumsack, Xeikon’s VP of Sales and Marketing – North America. “Over the past few years we’ve significantly grown our portfolio of digital solutions for labels and packaging, and we encourage converters and brand owners alike to come check out what’s new.”

read more

MAXStick Products Ltd. and BIXOLON announce certification of SPP-R200II with MAXStick Liner-Free Labels

  MAXStick Products Ltd., an industry leading supplier of liner-free, removable adhesive, label products is proud to announce the certification of MAXStick Liner-Free Labels on the BIXOLON SPP-R200II Mobile Printer.

The “Compact Yet Rugged” SPP-R200II is part of the BIXOLON Mobile Printer line and features a one touch open cover that allows for easy and effective drop in paper loading. The printer is compatible with the iPhone, iPad, iOS, Android, Windows and supports WLAN and Bluetooth. An optional Integrated Card Reader (MSR) is available for the printer.

“Our certified MAXStick SPP-R200II Direct Thermal printer provides a better mobility solution for multiple applications such as, Door-to-Door delivery, take-out labeling/delivery and date coding using MAXStick media as well as many mobile receipt applications utilizing standard direct thermal paper all in one unit”, said Heidi Martin, BIXOLON’s Director of Sales for North America. “With over 100,000 units performing these applications in the field today, you can rest assured that our dual purpose SPP-R200II printer is a better solution for your mobile receipt and label needs.”

The SPP-R200II joins several other printers including the recently released LLP-1800 MAXStick Liner-Free Label Printer from Martel Instruments as devices certified to work with MAXStick. The BIXOLON SPP-R200 is certified to work with the complete line of MAXStick Products which includes MAXStick Premium, MAXStick2GO, MAXStick Colors, MAXStick Plus, MAXStick X2 and MAXStick X2 Colors.

MAXStick Liner-Free Labels can be utilized in a variety of industries including food service/hospitality, warehousing, retail, libraries, parking, reusable plastic containers and medical diagnostics. MAXStick is also an environmentally friendly labeling solution that is recyclable, silicone-free and BPA-Free.

About MAXStick Products: MAXStick liner-free direct thermal label products are produced by Max International Converters, Inc. under a licensing agreement with MAXStick Products Ltd. MAXStick Products are distributed worldwide by MAX International and affiliated partners MAXStick is a registered trademark of MAXStick Products Ltd.

About BIXOLON: BIXOLON’s POS receipt, desktop label, and mobile portable printers’ advanced technologies provide a wide array of innovative solutions for such industries as retail, hospitality, healthcare, banking, post/parcel, and warehousing. BIXOLON’s thermal, impact and inkjet printers’ intuitive POS software offers extensive customization capabilities. A leader in the global specialty printer market, BIXOLON formed as a mini printer division of Samsung in the 1990’s, and spun off in 2002 to form its own entity.

read more

AWA LABEL RELEASE LINER AND ADHESIVES TECHNOLOGY SEMINARS IN CHICAGO

Two upcoming one-day seminars organised by AWA Conferences and Events will be of particular interest to suppliers within the pressure-sensitive materials value chain. The AWA Label Release Liner Industry Seminar and the AWA Adhesive Technology Seminar both take place at the Hyatt Rosemont Hotel, Chicago, on September 8^th – just prior to Labelexpo Americas 2014.

Label release liner

The annual AWA Label Release Liner Industry Seminar, organized alongside Labelexpo Americas, is an established event in the label industry’s calendar. This year’s program provides valuable insights, in a global context, into release liner used in the label segment, which represents approximately 50% of all release liner produced, as well as the global label industry market, on which AWA Alexander Watson Associates’ President and CEO, Corey Reardon, will present his company’s specialist market data. Constantia Flexibles VP Marketing, Dan Muenzer, will evaluate the technologies which are today competing with pressure-sensitive labels, and the program also features in-depth presentations on aspects of label release liner, both paper and film; reducing release liner waste in label production; and developments in linerless labels.

Adhesive technologies

The Adhesive Technology Seminar, chaired by Ingrid Brase, Market Segment Director, Pressure-sensitive Adhesives, for Henkel Corporation, begins with an overview of the pressure-sensitive adhesive technology market from AWA’s Senior Consultant and Vice President, Jackie Marolda. In-depth presentations from market-leading companies such as Collano Adhesives, Henkel, Adhesive Research, and BASF include topics such as new UV curing approaches for pressure-sensitive adhesives; tips for the successful production of labels using hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives; partnering with the release liner manufacturer in the creation of adhesive materials; and innovative water-based adhesives for double-sided foam tape.

‘Real-time’ industry surveys

A new and interesting feature of both seminars will be for AWA to conduct, with the delegates attending each seminar, a ‘real time’ industry survey, the results of which will be presented and discussed at the end of the two formal programs, prior to early-evening cocktails.

Detailed programs for both seminars are available via the AWA Alexander Watson Associates website, www.awa-bv.com, where it is also possible to register online.

read more

Sanner GmbH uses In mold labelling for effervescent tablet packaging

Sanner GmbH, a manufacturer of high-quality plastic packaging for pharmaceutical, medical and healthcare products, is expanding its portfolio. The new Brilliance®Tube for effervescent tablets with in-mold labeling (IML) and the proven desiccant closures offers customers a complete solution.

Photorealistic printing and more legible product information are some of the advantages of the newly launched Brilliance®Tube packaging from Sanner GmbH. Combined with proven Sanner desiccant closures, the tubes are best suited for effervescent tablets, but also work with conventional or coated tablets and other solid pharmaceutical products. Manufactured using IML technology, the packaging offers customers a wide range of design options and a premium-quality appearance. Brilliance®Tubes combined with proven Sanner desiccant closures protect their contents perfectly against light and moisture.

The advantage of IML technology is that packaging production and decoration are combined into a single process. Printed labels are placed in the mold and the liquid plastic is injected. The temperature of the plastic causes the label to fully bond with the tube. Additionally the geometry of the tube base ensures that the tubes can be easily packaged in standard commercial sales trays.

More attention at the point of sale

Unlike conventional printed packaging, tubes manufactured using the IML technology offer high quality, photorealistic printing with a choice of textures and finishes. Up to eight colors and metallic effects are possible to make packaging – especially for food supplements – stand out at the point of sale. Labels that are easy to read with smaller font sizes provide more space for important product information. The high-impact, scratch-resistant material is extremely durable. Using modern communication media such as integrated QR codes makes it easier for customers to access additional information about the manufacturer and product.

Source: Sanner GmbH

read more

Krones aims to make Kosme more competitive

Krones AG,  has put together an action package designed to upgrade the competitiveness of its Kosme subsidiary. Kosme offers filling and packaging machines for the lower output range, with production facilities in Roverbella (Italy) and Sollenau (Austria).
The action package relates solely to the facility in Roverbella. Kosme Italy began negotiations with the trade unions on 7 July 2014. Once these have been concluded, the company will be publishing details of the action agreed.
The aim of this corporate refocus is to secure the long-term future of the facility in Roverbella. In order to achieve this, Kosme’s product portfolio has to be optimised, and the capacities rightsized so as to ensure that Kosme can operate with sustained profitability.
For this purpose, Kosme will in future be concentrating once again on its core competences in the fields of filling and labelling technologies and will discontinue its operations for packing and palletising technologies. The associated reduction in headcount is part of the ongoing negotiations with the trade unions. Krones will be making every effort to ensure that this painful but unavoidable action is handled with the minimum social impact on those involved.
Nothing will change in terms of Krones’ strategic focus, in which Kosme and the plant in Italy play an important role. Kosme will continue to offer on all markets its core products of fillers and labellers, plus complete lines supplemented with OEM products.
Source: Krones AG

read more