HERMA machines for wrap-around labelling are being integrated in Bosch packaging lines

The HERMA 132 M high-performance wrap-around labelling system is emerging as an international bestseller. The self-adhesive solutions specialist, whose headquarters are near Stuttgart (Germany), recently supplied six machines for service in China, South Korea, Russia and Egypt. Each one is to be integrated in an end-to-end packaging line being installed in those countries by the general contractor Bosch Packaging Technology.

"As regards performance, user-friendliness and reliability, the HERMA 132 M occupies a superior position," insists Harald Joos, product sales director of Bosch Packaging Technology's Pharma Solid division in Waiblingen. "Among the key factors for us," he continues, "are the ease of integration in the packaging line and HERMA's flexibility and customer focus." For Martin Kühl, head of HERMA's Labelling Machines division, the international success comes as no surprise, "The challenge of accomplishing a highly efficient and dependable manufacturing operation is being faced to an increasing extent by companies and production facilities in the emerging nations as well. Our model range puts us in an ideal position to respond."

Thanks to its continuously rotating star wheel, the HERMA 132 M can label as many as 330 products a minute.

Clear-cut high performance

The HERMA 132 M is the premier choice for wrap-around labelling whenever maximum performance is required without exposing the user to any compromises. Thanks to its continuously rotating star wheel, the machine can label as many as 330 products a minute. Compact modular construction, based on standard components, allows the machines to be tailored precisely and very economically to users' individual needs. Economic efficiency is further enhanced by the systems' ease of use, ergonomic design, short setup times, and simple format changes. HERMA will be shipping numerous 132 M labelling systems in 2013. They are to be put into service throughout Europe by a series of leading international pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Source: http://www.herma.com

Read More

KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates Spur a Productivity Surge at Val pg Pôle Graphique

Nantes-based Val pg Pôle Graphique in France is enjoying an increase in productivity after upgrading to the KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates. The company decided to invest in the next-generation plates after successfully using KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates for a number of years.

Val pg is an advertising and institutional publishing facility serving the services industry and public sector. The company employs 40 people, and in 2012 registered a turnover of 7.7 million euros.

Val pg has developed a “Pôle Graphique”, or graphic division focusing on graphic design, prepress, offset, digital printing and production control. These five specialist areas are served by a raft of KODAK Systems including the KODAK MAGNUS 800 Platesetter, KODAK INSITE Prepress Portal and KODAK PRINERGY CONNECT Workflow, as well as the KODAK APPROVAL Digital Color Proofing System.

Updating technology, remaining competitive

According to Yann Madec, Managing Director of Val pg Pôle Graphique, investing in the latest printing innovations is crucial to a company’s growth: “Print specialists need to constantly adapt their offering to take into account new digital technologies.”

 

Already very satisfied with the revolutionary KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plate technology– which was launched seven years ago, and is now well established in France – Val pg Pôle Graphique was keen to implement Kodak’s next-generation technology: “Kodak was the first manufacturer to introduce true non-process plate technology,” adds Madec. “The option to use ‘zero’ chemicals made our minds up for us, as it meant the process would be radically simplified compared with the previous way of working.”

Using SONORA XP Plates means Val pg Pôle Graphique can deliver its customers an even better service, while also establishing a more efficient production process: “The SONORA XP Plates use the same write-the-image, non-ablative technology found in THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Plates, but they perform even better than in terms of imaging speed and latent image contrast.

 

“Our aim was to reach an output of 150 to 200 plates a day as quickly as possible – which we’ve achieved with the SONORA XP Plates.”

Claude Desbrugères, Kodak’s Cluster Business Director, France & Benelux, concludes: “The next-generation SONORA XP Plates are a major step forward, as they build on what was an already very effective plate technology. Process free systems are here to stay. Customers have been won over by the environmental and commercial advantages they offer. We are very pleased with the market’s response to the new plates, and we will continue pushing the boundaries of plate technology.”

Read More

IN MOLD LABELLED PAILS WITH METAL FINISH BY RPC SUPERFOS

 

Keep the great look of metal while getting the benefits of plastics. This is possible with the In-Mould Labelling technique from RPC Superfos. The paint producer PPG has successfully completed a huge conversion from metal to plastic for a top end product.

Metal pails may to some people appear the only right type of packaging for paint. Others consider plastic pails more up-to-date and easier to handle. The French part of the American PPG Group has now made the move from metal to plastic and has no regrets, on the contrary:

“Our prior pails for the top end range paint under the main brand GUITTET, MAT 78 HydroPlus, COVRYL and SATINEA were made of metal. Part of the design - before with metal and now with plastic - is the nude, shiny metal look; an area without decoration of any kind. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it could be done with In-Mould Labelling. It perfectly incorporates the notion of high quality paint, so converting to plastic was worth doing; the result is absolutely splendid,” says Saura Mamvukila, Marketing and Packaging Executive at PPG.

Plastic and metal in one family
RPC Superfos has created a big surface with a metal effect on the plastic pail by making use of In-Mould Labelling. Compared to the prior pails of metal and to the existing range of paint sold in metal containers, Saura Mamvukila finds that the resemblance is striking.

“We have a family image where metal and plastic co-exist and therefore it is important that the different packaging solutions look good together. And they do,” she says and continues:  “The conversion demanded numerous tests but the final result is exceptionally satisfying. RPC Superfos ambitiously kept on going until we obtained the final impeccable result: a container of a very high quality in all aspects. It has been a pleasure to work with the truly professional team from RPC Superfos.”

Source: http://superfos.com

Read More

Inland Label was awarded the GOLD PAC Leadership Award at the Packaging Association of Canada’s (PAC)

Inland Label, headquartered in La Crosse, WI, was awarded the GOLD PAC Leadership Award at the Packaging Association of Canada’s (PAC) biannual Awards Gala held in Mississauga, Canada. The PAC has been the voice of the Canadian packaging industry since 1950, and in 2010 expanded its boundaries to serve all of North America.

Competing against 231 entries from packaging suppliers and graphic design firms throughout North America, Inland Label received a Gold Leadership Award for their MAXX Scoop, Nestlé Purina PetCare IML label family series. Purina, in collaboration with Gateway Plastics, redesigned the packaging of its MAXX Scoop line, reducing the amount of plastic from each container by 15% while maintaining the same volume of cat litter. Reengineering the container illustrates Purina’s dedication to sustainable initiatives in reducing its footprint and impact on the environment. The use of Inland IML was also a clear choice for Purina as a 100% recyclable option and Inland’s use of water based inks have essentially zero impact on the environment compared to solvent based inks. Overall, the slimmer pail design enabled Purina to increase the number of pails on each ½ pallet display along with an additional unit deep on the shelf — a key merchandising advantage.

Leveraging Inland Label’s gravure print capabilities in conjunction with IML, allowed Purina’s design firm, Pigeon Branding + Design, to recreate pristine graphics that catch the consumer’s eye at the point of sale. The MAXX Scoop brand provides the consumer with a variety of choices that fit their needs and their cat’s needs and even though there are several products to choose from, the design of the product family conveys brand consistency and brand recognition for the consumer.

The use of IML also offers a number of other key advantages:

• Resistant material for durable branding and tamper evident protection
• 3-Dimensional branding—enhancing product visibility
• Photo quality graphics—driving shelf appeal
• FDA compliant substrates, inks and coatings
• Fast turnaround times for increased speed-to-market

“It’s very rewarding to be recognized as a leading supplier to the Canadian packaging industry on behalf of the PAC,” said Jackie Kuehlmann, Marketing Manager for Inland Label. “We are proud to have won this distinguished award with one of our valued customers.”

Source: http://www.inlandlabel.com

Read More

Tenth annual Label Industry Global Awards open for entries

Submissions are now being invited as the tenth Label Industry Global Awards are open for entries. Open to all members of the label industry; printers/converters and suppliers, the awards will be held during Labelexpo Europe on 24 September at the Event Lounge in Brussels. Designed to celebrate, honor and reward organizations and individuals for business excellence and best practice, this year’s award program has four categories.

The R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Avery Dennison, recognizes the values and vision of Stan Avery and his pioneering efforts. To qualify nominees must have worked in the label industry for a minimum of 25 years and made a key contribution to the promotion and growth of the sector. 2013’s winner will join fellow industry innovators including RotoMetric’s Steve Lee, Helmut Schreiner, Nilpeter’s Lars Eriksen, Terry Fulwiler of WS Packaging group and FLEXcon’s Neil McDonough.

The Award for Innovation is for a specific innovation introduced by a supplier/converter company in the label industry during 2012. The innovation can refer to either a new technology or business practice. Entries will be judged upon strict criteria including the degree of innovation, the practical impact on the innovator and their clients, its overall concept, economic and environmental aspects.

The Award for Sustainability, sponsored by Xeikon, will be presented for a specific sustainable product or process introduced by a supplier or converter company during 2012. Judges will be looking for a company that has maintained the most sustainable and environmentally acceptable working practices in its purchasing and manufacturing operations and can demonstrate key materials, production and performance or consumer benefits.

The European Converter of the Year Award, sponsored by Flint Group Narrow Web, will be awarded to a European label printing/converting company that has demonstrated a good record of innovation, developed successful product sales within the European community or become a global supplier in special or niche areas of operation. Judges will also look for companies that have invested in environmental/sustainability solutions or the development of environment-friendly products, have a solid record of staff training and development and an involvement with its local community.

Mike Fairley chair of the judges said: “As the label industry’s very own Oscars, I would encourage entries from suppliers, converters and printers across the globe. The standard of entries is always high, but it is an effective way to benchmark and demonstrate your best practice and commitment to excellence against your competitors. In an industry where innovation and continual improvement in operations and processes is of paramount importance, the Label Industry Global Awards acknowledge and honor the sector’s hardest working and very best.”

Any company can enter these awards, subject to meeting the entry criteria. Entry is free and submissions need to be received by Friday 31 May 2013. Short-listed finalists will be announced in June following judging at FINAT’s Congress. Entries can be made online and full details are available at www.labelawards.com.

Read More

Kodak Demonstrates Strong Commercial Imaging Portfolio at Poligrafia 2013

Kodak will show how its broad portfolio of innovative solutions can help print and packaging specialists expand their value added business services to boost profitability at the 29^th Poligrafia International Fair in Poznań, Poland, from May 21 to 24, Hall 5, booth 165.

“The Polish market is developing rapidly and opening up a number of exciting opportunities as brand owners and print specifiers are looking for high quality, impactful results,” comments Jolanta Wisniewska, Managing Director, Poland, Kodak. “We want to demonstrate how they can further expand that creativity but at the same time introduce production efficiencies to help streamline workflow and boost capacity that ultimately increases competitiveness and profitability.”

Doing just that will be the eye-catching results that take print quality to a new level delivered by the KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions on the KODAK NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Press. An array of samples will show how it can add spot colors, gold* and pearlescent* effects as well as Kodak’s unique in-line dimensional printing, high-quality gloss, in-line watermarking, or coating in a single pass for unsurpassed differentiation.

 

Kodak’s boundary pushing solutions continue with the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System. It features unique imaging technology and innovative materials that deliver stand out image quality, stability and predictability. Benefits include higher-density solids, reduced waste and ink consumption and increased press uptime.

Taking the success of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System to the next level is a new certification programme. It assures printers and brand owners that KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates produced by certified providers, are made to a global standard. To achieve the certification and earn the right to use the certification mark, companies must demonstrate that the plates they produce, or print with, are consistently made to a standard Kodak global specification. The certification process is supported by comprehensive data measurement and recommendations from satisfied clients.

Dynamic solutions that target results

Also expanding the business opportunities for traditional litho printers looking to create more dynamic products is hybrid printing with the KODAK PROSPER S-Series Imprinting Systems. The significant success already enjoyed by many European newspapers with various commercial projects including direct mail, inserts, games, advertisements and labels for packaging has prompted commercial operations to take a closer look at what is possible. Show visitors can learn more about how the 152mpm high image quality of KODAK PROSPER S5 Imprinting System lowers the entry point into hybrid printing. It is fully field upgradable so customers can increase their capabilities when demand requires. Videos and explanatory models of real systems will highlight the technology’s potential and how it can help operations with their future growth.

Then there are KODAK SONORA XP Process Free Plates that completely eliminate all costs associated with processing equipment and chemistry, while requiring less floor space and reducing energy consumption— all great for reducing the environmental footprint of printing, but even better for its bottom line. Offering high-quality thermal imaging and the complete elimination of plate processing, SONORA XP Plates increase productivity, simplify operations, and remove costs by reducing the number of steps required for platemaking.

Kodak will also be happy to discuss how the KODAK ACHIEVE Platesetters offer affordable access to its state-of-the-art imaging and plate technologies, ideal for customers transitioning to digital imaging for the first time or upgrading to a higher level of performance in that region. Jolanta Wisniewska states: “The ACHIEVE Platesetter, built on the award winning KODAK TRENDSETTER Platesetter Technology, delivers all the benefits of Kodak's CTP and Thermal Imaging Technology including exceptional image quality, true stability on press and operational efficiencies, valued-priced to be accessible to all printers. With low-chemistry usage and reduced waste, potential cost savings and an improved environmental footprint can also be enjoyed by printers.”

Software upgrades that deliver firm savings

There will be live demonstrations of KODAK PRINERGY Workflow 6. Its customizable automation, third-party integration, and advanced color and screening plus unified job management aids cost reduction in the print and manufacturing process. KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System will be integrated with the new features of KODAK COLORFLOW Software 2 and KODAK PREPS Imposition Software 7, demonstrating automation in print production. Lastly, KODAK INSITE Prepress Portal Workflow System 6.5 will highlight how secure web access for customers, prepress operators and service reps supports their remote job submission, progress tracking, collaboration, remote proofing and approval cycle times.

“We are delighted to showcase our solutions and their inspiring production capabilities to existing and potential customers at such a key regional event,” concludes Jolanta Wisniewska. “It is a perfect opportunity for closer investigation of the possibilities presented by the new additions unveiled at drupa and to see how the continued enhancements since then will benefit Polish print and packaging operations.”

Read More