Labelling Blog

In 2009 more than 400,000,000,000 (400 billion!) plastic containers may well be used worldwide for beverage filling, a record figure which would account for around a third of all beverage packaging units. This figure alone proves how incredibly important plastic packaging is in the industry, and the raw material PET is the star of the show. drinktec 2009, World Fair for Beverage and Liquid Food Technology, presents all the innovations to do with PET at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre from 14 to 19 September 2009. PETpoint The PET presentation is operating under its own label, PETpoint, within drinktec 2009. PETpoint covers 11,000 square metres in Hall B3, and everything is centred on PET. Preform manufacturers are represented, as are blow-moulding machine producers, suppliers of recycling equipment, closure suppliers, container developers and designers and converters, that is to say all companies involved in the PET production process. The co-organiser of PETpoint is the magazine PET

Tried-and-tested stretch blow mold and barrier coating technology from KHS chosen for producing PET beer bottles The Martens brewery in Belgium, an extremely experienced filler of beer in PET bottles, has put a new line from KHS into operation. This consists of an InnoPET Blomax 8, an InnoPET Plasmax 12D for improving the gas barrier, an air conveyor, and the entire palletizing area. After being stored temporarily, the high quality barrier-coated PET bottles are then filled by a KHS filler, among others. With an output of 2.5 million hectoliters of beer, Martens is one of the largest breweries in Belgium. Now in its eighth generation, the enterprise is currently managed by Fons and Jan Martens. The company's own house brands constitute approximately 15% of its output, with the remaining 85% attributable to private labels, filling under contract, and the sale of PET beer bottles produced in the brewery. Besides European countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Engl

Atwell Self Adhesive Labellers are pleased to announce that they have recently supplied “Bendicks of Mayfair” & “Ashbury Chocolates Limited” with automatic Front & Back labelling systems. The labelling systems are primarily to be used for applying tamper evident labels to a selection of various sized boxes containing luxury chocolates such as Elisabeth Shaw, Tesco Finest, M&S Selection and Gordon Ramsay Belgian chocolates. Each labelling system incorporated two of Atwell’s AL2-120S programmable stepper driven label heads mounted either side of a bespoke slat belt conveyor fitted with a motorised head gripper and pneumatic wipe down mechanism, systems were handed to suit the customers existing layout and available space. The high speed systems were designed to be positioned either in-line as part of the main production line or to be used off-line by operator’s hand feeding the product after filling and lidding, running at up to 100 packs per minute dependant on the size of t

Printers, converters, and others seeking technology for high-precision cutting in both sheet-fed and web applications will be able to see the newly released Spartanics Finecut Hybrid Roll/Sheet Laser Die Cutting Machine at Print ’09, September 11 – 16, Booth 3619. For a sneak preview of this breakthrough technology please see live video from North America’s first user, Southern Coating and Nameplate . Mike Bacon, Spartanics VP Sales and Marketing, comments, “We developed this highly versatile laser die cutting machine to enable our customers with both sheet-fed and roll-fed applications to interchange jobs quickly and easily. Now, printers and converters can transition ALL their cutting jobs to superior Finecut laser die cutting technology—for the advantages of quick turnaround, unprecedented quality, speed benchmarks, and other Spartanics’ software engineering feats that make Finecut laser die cutters newly competitive with rotary die technology.” For Finecut and other Spartanics prod

Jack Link's, one of the world's leading manufacturer of meat snacks, has chosen packaging from Amcor Flexibles for two new products, X-Bites and X-Sticks.The smoked sausage pieces and sticks are packed in a modified atmosphere to preserve the taste and the package has been enhanced by the 'Rip & Tip' functionality which enables easy opening and encourages eating on the go. "Our new products X-Sticks and the bite sized X-Bites are the first light meat snacks in the German market and due to our casing free production system, the snacks leave the consumers' fingers grease-free. This makes our X-Sticks and X-Bites the perfect snack for eating on the go. Thanks to 'Rip & Tip' the packs are easy to open and the sausages can be eaten with one hand," explains Michael Bromby, COO of Jack Link's Germany. Jack Link's is targeting both meat lovers and health conscious consumers looking for alternatives to traditional snacks. Compared to similar

Challenge In order to comply with stringent regulatory labeling requirements, manufacturers of over the counter drugs often package bottles in paperboard unit cartons, along with inserts that provide detailed product information. When a major retailer reduced shelf space for Anacin Advanced Headache Formula, the result was a dual challenge. In order to maximize face counts, the manufacturer needed to create a new package that presented the product vertically. At the same time, the retailer requested that the unit carton be eliminated entirely, which required a new vehicle for regulatory information. Anacin needed a solution that would maximize the brand's shelf presence despite a smaller viewing area, while combining a prime label with all the content required of an OTC internal analgesic drug. Solution We recommended the patented EasyTab® extended text label from our MultiVision® label line. EasyTab® labels feature a patented pre-curve feature that allows the label to fully wrap a

EskoArtwork (www.esko.com) announces its participation to Luxe Pack 2009, the luxury Goods Packaging exhibition taking place from October 21-23 in Monaco. At the show, EskoArtwork will demonstrate a range of dedicated integrated packaging design tools that enable brand owners and creative packaging professionals to streamline their entire packaging supply chain. At this edition, EskoArtwork will also present prestigious and innovative cases from branding and packaging design companies. Product highlights demonstrated at Luxe Pack 2009 are: Visualizer: this software creates and shares realistic digital mock-ups and soft proofs of complex packaging and label design with special print effects such as embossing, hotfoil, metallic inks and different substrates. Visualizer shows how packages will look when handled and moved in a variety of lighting environments and backgrounds. Structural design information can be taken directly from ArtiosCAD or Studio Toolkit for Flexibles. Studio & St

GraphixOne now representing ROTOCONTROL leading edge inspection, slitting, rewinding and die cutting finishing machines for the narrow web industry throughout the North American Market. Ralph Beier, ROTOCONTROL International Sales Manager, today announced the signed distribution agreement with GraphixOne, located in Cincinnati,Ohio. GraphixOne Corporation specializes in the Label and Packaging markets throughout North America selling many different types of equipment focusing on Manufacturing, Rebuilding/remanufacturing of presses and other converting equipment, 24 hour Service & Parts, and New and Used equipment sales. “Entering the North American market is an important step for ROTOCONTROL and it was critical to find a partner that has the high level of local service and support that our customers demand. GraphixOne has the depth of sales and technical expertise we need to support our advanced technology finishing solutions” states Ralph Beier. “We have been looking for a hig

Schober USA introduces the RSM-IML/MX, the third generation in the popular and successful RSM family of rotary die cutting machines. With many features of the highest capacity machines, this latest technology is ideal for the production of in mold labels in medium and small production runs. This new Schober model allows for the economical die-cutting of intricate labels with technology proven to last The RSM-IML/MX is available with working widths of 260mm (10 ¼ in), 330mm (13 in) and 410mm (16.14 in). Proven components from the larger machines include a heavy duty rotary die-cutting station, automated web guides, continuously monitored re-insertion, vacuum controlled product flow, static neutralizer and various delivery options (including m-stack). This innovative system unwinds label rolls, die-cuts labels, counts, stacks and delivers labels, re-winds waste matrix tension controlled, and is suitable for labels of any size and complexity. Registration is constantly monitored (custom

has launched a ‘fun’ range of flavoured mayonnaises in a 300ml squeezable multi-layer headstand bottle manufactured by RPC Kerkrade. The new product follows the successful introduction of a 450ml bottle across the standard Devos Lemmens range, as reported in the April-June 2008 issue of RPC Matters. Devos Lemmens, owned by Campbell Foods, is the leading mayonnaise brand in Belgium. Traditionally retailing in a glass bottle, the company introduced the squeezable headstand format in Spring 2007 in order to enhance consumer convenience. With sales 50% higher than expected, Campbell Foods was delighted with its success and looked to diversify the popular design. The new range of flavoured mayonnaises – Special, Brasil and Pita – offers a “fun” alternative targeted at the summer market, and the smaller bottle size is essential to this branding. “During the summer, consumers want to enjoy great tasting food outdoors,” explains Robert De Bont of Campbell Foods Belgium NV. “The compact 300ml v

The National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) today refuted the premise that polylactic acid (PLA) containers can be successfully mixed in to the existing stream of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, citing concerns over cost of separation; increased contamination and yield loss; and impact on recycled PET (RPET) quality and processing. “We don’t doubt that PLA can be recycled,” said Tom Busard, NAPCOR Chairman, “but there are unquestionably some big issues yet to overcome. The current reality is that these issues transfer significant system costs and logistics burdens to the PET recyclers, impacting the viability and continued sustainability of their businesses.” Continued Busard, “NAPCOR has spent over 20 years helping to build a successful domestic PET recycling infrastructure and this solution not only jeopardizes the PET system, but is not an effective solution for PLA.” Mike Schedler, NAPCOR’s Technical Director added, “The entire premise that y

At Labelexpo Europe 2009 in Brussels, ROTOCONTROL will exhibit leading edge inspection, slitting, rewinding and die cutting finishing machines (RSC, and RSI with DRM Turret) along with the EDM200 servo driven flexo overprinter. Designed for the most demanding materials and inspection applications, ROTOCONTROL servo driven machines provide convenient operator interface through graphical input and display, with excellent access to all web viewing and handling areas. 100% Security inspection single pass machines, multiple die, lamination and coating stations are also available. The ROTOCONTROL RSC series offers a full suite of standard features in an economical, compact machine designed to maximize operator efficiency. Vertical inspection zone, automatic tension control, servo driven operation, job save and simple, functional controls means more time producing labels and less time in set up. The ROTOCONTROL RSI series of inspection machines are designed for fast, accurate, robust insp

Compound curves, complex shapes and rivets are no problem for Fasson Transfer PVC 50 Cast film labelstocks. These new additions to the global Avery Dennison Fasson Durables portfolio are tailored to the needs of thermal-transfer-printed safety, warning, identification, and electrical rating plate labels. The proven benefits of cast vinyl films Fasson Transfer PVC 50 Cast labelstocks are designed for use in the durable goods markets, on electrical and automotive products and components, in other industrial applications and on machine parts. They offer the exceptional stability, conformability, and long-term outdoor durability associated with cast PVC films. These features are beneficial for long-life functional labels. The labelstocks are additionally flame-retardant and self-extinguishing. On press, they offer crisp reel-to-reel thermal transfer print results. The face films are available in white, silver, and yellow. Strong adhesion values The 50-micron PVC face films are

Visitors to Flint Group Narrow Web stand, 5B45, at this year's Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, 23-26 September, will be provided with a full insight into the wider world of label and narrow-web print. Flint Group Narrow Web is preparing an inspiring visit to the show as they are providing several solutions to piece together the increasingly complex puzzle of successful narrow web label printing. Their comprehensive portfolio of narrow-web inks spans a wide range of decorative applications, from self-adhesive, wrap-around, and in-mould labels to sleeves, flexible packaging, and folding cartons. The Labelexpo stand will show a combination of innovative approaches to traditional topics, as well as new products that are ex panding the opportunities in narrow-web printing. Beyond award winning quality Converters will be able to learn more about how Flint Group Narrow Web can educate them on how to achieve award-winning quality in narrow-web printing: “Around 50% of the prize-winners and t

This means that KHS attaches great importance to finding an all-round solution that focuses on turnkey plant and systems competence that is beyond compare. Life Cycle Solutions is a subject area that once again underlines the Competence in Solutions motto KHS has selected for drinktec. KHS Life Cycle Solutions advises and supports the beverage, food, and nonfood industries throughout the entire service life of KHS machinery. Life Cycle Solutions fully corresponds to the life cycle of a filling and packaging line and is divided into four areas: idea finding, investment, operation phase, and deinvestment. The clear objective of Life Cycle Solutions is to achieve ceaselessly efficient and economic operation of plant equipment throughout its entire life cycle. Regarding systems for plastic bottles, KHS Corpoplast, KHS Plasmax, and also KHS Asbofill, recently integrated into KHS AG, demonstrate that here, too, KHS is providing holistic solutions with the help of the newly affiliated compani

EskoArtwork will be presenting its market-leading solutions for labels and tags at Labelexpo Europe, taking place in Brussels, September 23 through 26, 2009. EskoArtwork offers design and prepress solutions for all label and tag printing processes, including digital printing, offset, gravure, flexo and screen. The EskoArtwork stand will be located in Hall 5, Stand 5B30. In addition, EskoArtwork is participating in the Digital Experience, Hall 9 (Stand 9F100), new at Labelexpo Europe this year. “Labelexpo Europe is always a terrific event for us,” says Armand Gougay, EskoArtwork Vice President Emeala. “Worldwide label professionals that come looking for solutions to cut cost, time and errors out of their label design and production processes will find in EskoArtwork a partner with innovative solutions that span the entire label pre-production process. The EskoArtwork presence at Labelexpo Europe will certainly demonstrate that when it comes to narrow web solutions, EskoArtwork is defini

Mark Andy, Inc., a world leader in narrow- and mid-web printing and converting equipment, is pleased to announce updates to their aftermarket service group in Europe. The company's extensive European customer base will now be serviced even more effectively and efficiently as Sacha Cerini joins the team as Director of Aftermarket Sales in Europe, located at the company's European headquarters in Basel, Switzerland. Cerini is responsible for further growing the aftermarket service and support capabilities in the European Union. His commitment and enthusiasm has been essential in pulling together a team of technicians and parts specialists, highly trained on all product lines including the companys most recently acquired, Rotoflex. "Service and support for the installed base of Rotoflex equipment in Europe is a primary focus for our team," states Cerini. "Training of our aftermarket staff to support Rotoflex in addition to our Comco and Mark Andy press lines is pa

RPC’s bespoke design capabilities have been utilised by Westland Horticulture in order to provide an easy-to-use, convenient and stylish handheld sprayer for two new sizes of its revolutionary Resolva 24H™ Ready to Use weed control spray. The handheld sprayer attaches to 3 and 5 litre packs to combine the convenience of trigger sprayer operation with a large-size pack for maximum coverage. For such packs, storage of the sprayer attachment is a challenge. Traditionally this has been in an open plastic “holster” integrally moulded at the rear of the pack or hung round the container neck. This can make the packs look cumbersome and unattractive and it also takes up valuable shelf space. Westland came up with a new concept whereby the trigger spray is stored in a recess within the container itself. The original design was adjusted and re-engineered by RPC Design in order to create a workable and commercial pack. Careful consideration of the trigger location was needed at the design stage t

It’s currently the lightest PET bottle on the market for the 0.5-litre size. A concept that Krones AG has proven to function flawlessly both in the production process on a Contiform blow-moulding machine and in the filler itself. This container system, developed from the Nitropouch concept, has already won several packaging prizes. But would it actually function in the tough conditions of operational practice? Does it satisfy the top-loading requirements in the warehouse and during transport? How long does the stabilising nitrogen remain inside the bottle? What sort of temperatures can the lightweight container stand up to? Quite a lot of sceptical questions, but just one unequivocal answer: it works. PET lite 6.6 has left the concept phase behind it and demonstrated its suitability for actual practice. Krones commissioned a feasibility study from an experienced outside testing centre in Munich, which in some extensive series of tests produced an abundance of interesting results. One o

ROTOCONTROL joins FINAT, a world-wide association that promotes the interests of the self-adhesive labeling industry. Ahrensburg, Germany (July 15, 2009) - Marco Aengenvoort, Managing Director, today announced that ROTOCONTROL is an approved member of FINAT, the world-wide association for self-adhesive labels and related products. Uniquely structured as an industry association, FINAT brings together both converters and suppliers. FINAT reflects the partnership of the self-adhesive value chain which has contributed significantly to the dynamic development of the self-adhesive labelling industry, and keeps it at the forefront of innovation today. “ROTOCONTROL is committed to providing leading edge inspection, slitting, rewinding and die cutting finishing machines for the narrow web industry” states Marco Aengenvoort. “We felt it was critical to be a part o

Exhibition space for this years show is already exceeding that of the record-breaking 2007 event: the next Labelexpo Europe, which will take place in Brussels from the 23rd to the 26th of September, seems to be extremely promising. After the very encouraging feedback obtained at Converflex, Cerutti has decided for the first time to attend this interesting fair, presenting the last born of its gravure line for the printing of packaging materials. The R990 unit, dedicated to the short run market and specifically designed to satisfy the needs of customers requiring quick job change-over and very high printing quality, features some brand-new technical solutions - like the cylinder loading concept, the wash-up system and the drying hoods layout - which will be really appealing for this sector players.

In June, POLAR was presenting innovations for the label market About 60 customers from 15 countries (mostly from Europe, but also from North and South America) were welcomed at the 2009 LabelDays where they informed themselves about the complete line of POLAR products for the production of labels. Special emphasis was placed on three innovations: With the SuperClamp the Hofheim-based company has redefined the cutting quality! This option allows to obtain a cutting accuracy of +/- 0.1 mm, without any tedious manual preparation of the ream after every cut, even when dealing with difficult plastic materials and working with the full clamping height. The LabelSystem SC-25 was welcomed by revenue seal manufacturers because of its minimum format of 14 x 40 mm. Industrial label customers are praising its high productivity of up to 1.8 million labels / hour, as well as the possibility of log banding. The DCC-M counter pressure die cutting machine has especially convinced the in-mold label prod

Consumers around the world overwhelmingly prefer foods and beverages in glass to other packaging materials, but new research commissioned by Owens-Illinois , Inc. (NYSE: OI) suggests consumers struggle to find their favorite brands packaged in glass on store shelves. In a global research study conducted by Siegel+Gale, one of the world’s premiere strategic branding companies, more than 2,900 consumers in nine countries were polled about their preferences regarding food and beverage packaging. Designed to gauge how consumers choose among the various packaging alternatives and weigh criteria for packaging, the study found the preference for glass packaging is strong: 93.5 percent for wine to 66 percent for non-alcoholic beverages. “For the first time ever, we confirmed what we’ve theorized for some time—consumers recognize the advantages of glass and prefer it over other packaging materials,” said Carol Gee, chief communications officer, O-I. “We were very pleased to discover what the da

Printpack has printed an environmentally friendly promotional multi-pack shrink sleeve for Bumble Bee Foods, manufacturer of Prime Fillet® Atlantic Salmon. This four-pack of cans, targeted at the club store sector is also intended to support Bumble Bee’s commitment to sustainability in packaging. Bumble Bee Foods wanted to present its gourmet salmon with a more upscale look as well as provide the consumer with a more sustainable package. Made from plants, Earthfirst® PLA was the substrate of choice as it is an alternative to traditional petroleum based shrink films. In addition, PLA is compostable, is shelf stable at higher storage temperatures and has excellent printability. The sleeve is printed 7 color rotogravure on PLA. In addition, the sleeve provides nutrition facts, a green leaf advising that it is an eco-friendly package along with an environment commitment statement from Bumble Bee. The eye-catching salmon dish printed and featured on the front of the label is very tempting

Avery Dennison identifies growth opportunities for label converters at this year's Labelexpo Europe. Under the banner of ‘Solutions to Grow Your Business’, this year’s Labelexpo event in Brussels, Belgium, will see Avery Dennison placing greater emphasis on helping label converters to drive profitability and better capacity usage, while at the same time growing the self-adhesive label market overall. In addition to delivering labeling solutions for a broad spectrum of FMCG products, Avery Dennison has established thought leadership across a number of markets and specialist niches, including wine labels, pharmaceuticals, and durable goods. Avery Dennison has shared its unique experience and expertise in self-adhesive labels with converters for over 70 years. Its global Fasson-brand labelstocks, and its portfolio of specialist supporting service platforms, have been developed to meet the needs of today's brand owners for whom quality, service, and — above all — innovative pro

Marco Aengenvoort, Managing Director, today announced that ROTOCONTROL has received a purchase order from Limo Labels for two RSD 430 dual die cutting slitter rewinders with fully automatic turrets. The ROTOCONTROL RSD series of die cutting/slitter rewinding machines are designed for fast, accurate die cutting, slitting and rewinding of all types of labels. The ROTOCONTROL fully automatic turret is offered as an accessory to the RSD and RSI line of slitter/rewinder and die cutting machines. Features include glueless core attach with shaft loading and unloading options ensuring the highest production speeds and efficiency. “Limo Labels is one of the largest and most innovative label printers in Denmark. ROTOCONTROL is pleased to fulfill their technology demands enabling Limo Labels to meet their customer requirements and maintain their industry leadership. ” states Marco Aengenvoort. Jens H. Mortensen, Chairman of the Board of Limo Labels commented, “We strive to be flexible in ou