Labelling Blog

Packaging innovator Chadwicks has created shrink sleeves for a sensational new sparkling wine cocktail, Ibiza Ice. Designed to reflect the spirit of the world’s most famous party island, the shrink sleeves were developed to a specific brief to reflect the lively social scene of Ibiza where it is set to be THE drink to be seen with this summer. The eye-catching shrink sleeves are 50 micron PVC with high shrink properties, and wetting effect was eliminated by heating the curvy 275ml bottles, supplied by Croxons, at controlled temperatures prior to the final sleeving process, which was conducted by Bottleworks. With Ibiza’s high-season just around the corner, the launch of the product was imminent, meaning a fast turnaround for Chadwicks. As well as finalising designs and colour schemes for Ibiza Ice, Chadwicks produced two innovative versions of shrink sleeve – one for each flavour – in just eight days from receiving the original artwork. Kursat Uysal, business development manager at Cha

At Scanpack 2009 in Gothenburg, Sweden Arta Plast will present the next-generation of the 1-Seal lid. The newly designed 1-Seal lid has been modified to be thinner and lighter, thus helping to meet the environmental requirements for reducing overall packaging. In addition the 1-Seal lid “seals” without extra material, eliminating the need for the membrane or foil. At a diameter of Ø95mm the PP (Polypropylene) cover is only 3 grams of total weight yet meets all the specifications necessary to fulfil the package demands of a standard lid. The easy-open, tamper evident closure is easy to use and guarantees a tightly sealed package. The 1-Seal provides an attractive display for the consumer while at the same time functions as a standard lid allowing for reuse of the lid. The 1-Seal allows for full-surface decoration in Premium Quality (In-Mold Labeling) displaying an excellent shelf presence. The evolved 1-Seal technology now makes it possible to cost-effectively introduce the 1-Seal for u

The In-Mold Decorating Association proudly announces the winners of its third annual Awards Competition. The 2009 Awards Competition recognizes the industry's best in-mold labeled packaging and in-mold decorated durable products. The winning entries were chosen for their creativity in design, engineering and innovation. The winners of the 2009 IMDA Awards Competition are the best of 47 entries from 17 companies world wide. Best IMD Durable Product Dirt Bike Front Fender Submitted by: Polisport Molder: Polisport This front fender provides the look of brushed metal without the weight of metal, and is innovative in the use of a polypropylene substrate overmolded on the front half with the brushed metal-look PP. Honorable Mention – IMD Durable Product CityScape Thermo Cup Submitted by: Inland Label Molder: Technimark Brand Owner: LCR Hallmark Inland Label, in collaboration with Technimark and LCR Hallcrest, developed a process in which thermochromic (temperature-activated color changi

For more than a year Superfos has been working with packaging producer Galion Tunis on opening a new factory in Algiers. This will strengthen the company’s current position on the markets in North Africa Galion Tunis, of which Superfos owns 45 percent, has through its subsidiary established a new factory in Algiers. The Algerian factory opened in May 2009 and both companies consider it a win-win to work closely together on getting the Algerian factory up and running. “Africa is a market with a strong potential and the partnership between Superfos and Galion aims at gaining additional market share on the African continent. Exchange of know-how in the areas such as manufacturing excellence and product development will support the growth of both our companies and strengthen our possibilities for further expansion in the Northern and Western part of Africa,” Regional Director from Superfos Jean-Marc Vuillot states. Growth strategy for African markets Galion was established in 1991 and is

The Raspberry Mojito comes in 750 mL and 1.75 L glass bottles with clear PSL labels

Spartanics, pioneers of the first single laser source digital die cutters that can now achieve defect-free cutting and marking at speeds up to 100 meters/minute, will be giving ongoing demonstrations of the Finecut software that automates in-line laser die cutting stations built into label converting lines—the Finecut Laser Die Cutting Stations—during the entire LabelExpo 2009 exhibit in Brussels from September 23 – 26, 2009. Features and capabilities of the Finecut software being shown include: -On-the-fly job changeovers; -Automatic optimization of cutting path for fastest web speeds; -Automatic job set up and ability to reload jobs in seconds; -Automatic image cut-and-stitch for unlimited part lengths; -Unsurpassed laser beam control for defect-free cutting and new standards for soft marking; -Elimination of excess heat and melted adhesives from poorly controlled laser beams; -Ability to combine multiple label layouts with varying geometries and step-ups in a single job; -Trouble-fr

Freedonia Group has launched a new study about the label markel. US label shipments will are projected to advance 4.5 percent annually through 2013. The pressure sensitive segment will claim most gains, while more rapid growth will be achieved by heat-shrink and stretch-sleeve, and in-mold labels. Paper will remain the most widely used stock material, but will be outpaced by plastic. This study analyzes the $15.4 billion US label industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 1998, 2003 and 2008, and forecasts for 2013 and 2018 by raw and stock material, application method (e.g., pressure sensitive, glue-applied, stretch sleeve and heat shrink, thermal transfer, in-mold), printing technology and function (e.g., primary, secondary, industrial, decorative, mailing and shipping). The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 42 industry players, including Avery Dennison, RR Donnelley and CCL Indust

The COUPON FLAG is the latest product in Bopack’s range of promotional labels. This partially adhesive, single-layer label offers the largest effective communication area within a limited space. Thanks to standardization the COUPON FLAG is rapidly available. The COUPON FLAG is comprised of one single opaque or transparent film layer. The label can be printed on both sides to offer yet more marketing real estate. As a result, the overall image of the original packaging is much less disturbed. The available possibilities include mat or glossy print in ten colours, by flexography or typography. Only a small part of the label is adhesive. Automatic application of the labels is possible.(To be evaluated case by case) “This attractive label gives greater visibility to promotional campaigns. It’s a highly accessible communications device. The COUPON FLAG is the perfect solution for sectors involving sales promotions: an innovation that’s economical, sturdy and rapidly-available,” explains Yve

Bobst Group Business Area Flexible Materials will present an advanced range of technology and process solutions in slitting & rewinding, short-run gravure printing, coating & laminating and flexo printing for the global labelstock industry at LabelExpo Europe 2009 in Brussels, from 23rd to 26th September, on stand 7L115 in Hall 7. ATLAS is the world leader in technically advanced centre-surface slitter rewinders for high volume production of all types of labelstock (paper/paper, paper/film & film/film). The technically advanced 2 metre wide Universal LS slitter, with individual shaftless rewind arms and the OCS-2 duplex rewind shaft slitter are the most successful models. ATLAS provides unique rewinding technology for filmic/synthetic material as low as 50 micron, at speeds up to 750 m/min (2460 ft/min) and rewind diameters to 1250 mm (49.2 in). Enhanced automation systems also dramatically reduce machine downtime for job changeovers & short runs. Universal LS slitter r

Amcor has offered to acquire parts of Alcan Packaging for US$2025 million from Rio Tinto. The Alcan Packaging businesses which Amcor has agreed to acquire include: Alcan Packaging Global Pharmaceuticals, Alcan Packaging Food Europe, Alcan Packaging Food Asia and Alcan Packaging Global Tobacco. The combined company will be one of the world’s leading packaging companies with significant breadth of expertise, products and services. As at June 2009, Amcor generated AU$9.53 billion in sales from operations in 34 countries and has 226 sites worldwide, with approximately 21,000 employees. The parts of Alcan Packaging that Amcor has offered to acquire would add approximately US$4.1 billion in sales and 14,000 employees across 80 plants in 28 countries. The proposed acquisition will also support Amcor’s stated objective of growing in its strategic business areas of flexible packaging and folding cartons packaging. It reaffirms the company’s commitment to the packaging industry. According to Amc

Belgian mayonnaise brand Devos Lemmens 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. 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 variation enables

Consumers are thinking green: protecting the environment and the climate have become key issues in our everyday life. Increasingly, consumers are also keeping environmental considerations in mind when shopping for food; particularly with the choice of product packaging, consumers are deciding to make their own personal contribution to climate protection. Against this background, US-based CRB Group (Overland Park, Kansas) is taking a new approach and has begun offering its ECO-Choice pristine spring water in combifit Premium 500 ml and 1,000 ml carton packs from SIG Combibloc. Richard Ballard, CEO of CRB Group: “Aside from the elegant and innovative design of the packaging and the handy combiSwift screw cap, our decision to offer our natural spring water in this premium packaging was driven principally by the environmental aspects of the carton pack. We are convinced that the carton pack from SIG Combibloc makes the perfect partner for our pristine spring water. By combinin

Axon, a division of Pro Mach, now offers a tamper evident banding solution for round, oval, and scround (combination of square and round) straight-wall packaging that delivers more than 200 units-per-minute throughput and faster and easier changeover between different size and shape packages. "Straight-walled containers typically require a complex package handling solution between the band applicator and tacking station, and these solutions tend to limit throughput rates," said George Albrecht, Axon vice president of sales. "Axon has developed a next generation handling system that eliminates the speed barrier. Not only are speed and changeover improved, but the new package handling system, called Sidewinder, also integrates more easily with upstream and downstream equipment than these systems have in the past." The Sidewinder handling solution is available with Axon EZ-200 and EZ-300 tamper band applicators. Sidewinder handles straight-walled packaging from small s

Major UK retailer Sainsbury’s has recently changed the packaging of their soft fruit range and moved from trays with rigid clip-on lids to a heat sealed flexible lidding film, delivered by Amcor Flexibles. This new packaging format allows Sainsbury's to reduce the packaging weight by up to 87% and is available for strawberries, cherries and plums. Consumers also benefit from the film's excellent clarity, resulting in high product visibility. Retailers appreciate the improved stackability of the packs without taking any risk to damage the sensitive fruits. A further advantage of the move towards flexible film is the printability of the lid, thus making the use of labels redundant. This, together with the reduction in cares as lids cannot become separated from the tray anymore, leads to significant cost saving opportunities. SOURCE

The habit of many consumers, who reuse butter pots after the consumption, stimulated Perdigao to develop an unknown packing in the market where it acts. In partnership with the Dixie Toga, the mark launched the “Creamy Doriana Transparent Multipote” recently. The newness makes possible to the consumers the reuse of the packing of Doriana, in the 500g and 250 g versions, that transforms into a transparent and reuseable pot. It only has to cut the shrinkable label that involves the product to get a practical, transparent and colectable pot. Another positive factor of this innovation is the preservation of the environment. The pots, as alternative to its recycling, now could also be used to store since foods until small objects. SOURCE

The self-adhesive label market represents over 50% of all release liner produced and used, so it makes sense for the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar, organized annually by AWA Conferences & Events, to take place just prior to the label industry's major exhibition, Labelexpo Europe, on September 22nd at the NH Hotel du Grand Sablon, Brussels. Issues, opportunities, and innovation The program for the Label Release Liner Industry Seminar 2009 will address current issues and opportunities in the market, as well as some significant technical innovations, and the whole agenda surrounding the management of liner waste. The agenda will also look at linerless labels — enjoying a resurgence of interest today for specific applications. As well as market prospect assessments from AWA Alexander Watson Associates, the program features speakers from all levels of the label release liner value chain. Platinum seminar sponsors Ahlstrom, Cham Paper Group, and UPM invite delegates to

As previously announced in the past months, from the 14th of July 2009 Nuova GIDUE S.r.l. is officially allowed to use the name, the know-how, the technology, the logo and to employ part of the workforce of former GIDUE S.p.A., a manufacturer of printing and converting machines for the label and packaging industries. The GIDUE logo will be the official logo of Nuova GIDUE, and the product lines keep the former commercial names: QUADRA, a very compact 4 colours flexographic label press, COMBAT, a full range of flexographic presses for the production of labels, shrinkable sleeves, aluminium foil, PE-PP-PET etc. flexible packaging, tooth paste tubes, and XPANND, a multiplatform-combination press Offset-Flexo-Screen etc. for the production of high added value labels and packaging. www.gidue.com is the official web address for Nuova GIDUE S.r.l. and a new web site will be launched shortly. Nuova GIDUE S.r.l. main plant is located in Tavarnuzze, in the close neighbourhood of Florence Italy,

Pressco will be demonstrating its unique ability to provide inspection at all critical points of the metal can and plastic container production processes. Plastic: From preforms and closures to filled and labeled product, Pressco has seamless solutions for improving efficiency. Metal: From converted ends to necked, decorated, and filled cans, a combination of vision and sensor products are ready to meet your process improvement objectives. Thanks to its modular design, Pressco’s systems can be used to focus on individual areas of the manufacturing process or can provide a comprehensive system for vertically integrated producers. Come visit our booth to experience a demonstration from one of Pressco’s Vision Specialists! General Pressco Information: Pressco is a world class company supplying turn-key high speed vision inspection systems to several global industries. Their markets include the food and beverage industry, aluminum extrusion manufacturing, and the postal sorting sector. B

RPC Containers Llantrisant has confirmed its ability to supply exceptional packaging solutions from challenging design briefs, with the supply of a 1.5 litre PET bottle for the Tesco Finest Juice range. Manufactured for Tesco by Orchard House Foods, the Finest Juice brand comprises a range of healthy fruit flavours, available in different bottle sizes to suit consumer demand. Tesco took the decision to change the brand packaging in order to take advantage of PET’s lighter weight and ability to incorporate up to 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Orchard House developed the 1.5 litre size in co-operation with RPC Llantrisant, an existing supplier who Orchard House trusts to deliver exceptional quality and service. The bottle design takes into account a number of complex logistical factors. A key consideration was that the bottle shape would allow it to be supplied in multiples of four in shelf-ready packaging (SRP) cartons, as required by Tesco. The bottle height also had to be c

Label-Aire Launches Front/Back Labeling System With Airfill Capability The new Label-Aire® Inline Series 6200 Vacuum Wrap Front/Back labeling system is designed to accurately apply front- and back labels to thin-walled containers with its airfill capability. Label-Aire's latest labeling system fills the need for beverage bottlers in need of a labeling system to accurately and quickly apply decorative front and back labels to beverage containers. When labeling empty containers, this system offers airfill capability to assist in labeling thin-walled containers. In addition to higher labeling speeds, tight label placement tolerance, and the need to label empty containers, this labeling system also has the capability of rejecting bottles that does not meet a customers criteria prior to the containers reaching the filler. SOURCE.

Rexam, the global consumer packaging company, announces that it is to cease making beverage cans and can ends at its Dmitrov plant near Moscow to address the continued weakness in the Russian beverage can market. Whilst this will reduce annual active capacity in Russia by some 1.3 billion cans, there will be no impact on Rexam's ability to meet customer requirements. The closure of Dmitrov, which was acquired as part of Rostar in January 2008, will result in annualised savings of approximately £6m in 2010 for an exceptional restructuring charge of £16m in total in 2009 of which some £8m will be cash costs. It forms part of the capacity reduction programme in our European beverage can operation which, in total, is expected to save some £20m in 2010. The end line will be relocated within Russia whilst the can line will be eventually redeployed as market conditions improve. Commenting, Leslie Van de Walle, Rexam's CEO said: "Despite poor volumes in Russia, the Rostar acquisit

Mark Andy will be is launching its new Performance Series P7 flexographic press at the show. The series is capable of competing against the demands for shorter and shorter run work, and debuts a completely new print station concept and design. Attendees in Brussels will see an 8-color, 17 inch (432mm) Performance Series P7 demonstrate a complete changeover from a 7-color clear-on-clear PS film job to an unsupported film. These demos will show the rapid load of new plate cylinders, the substrate transfer and the use of minimal ink to register the job in less than one press length at speed. The P7 reaches speeds up to 750 ft/min (230m/min).

HP Indigo will showcase the WS6000 and ws4500 digital presses, pre-press solutions from EskoArtwork, and finishing systems from partners including AB Graphic and HP's Business Development services. HP's newest press for digital label printing, the high volume WS6000, printing at 30 meters per minute in 4-color mode, is compatible with a broad range of substrates from 12-450 microns for label or shrink-sleeve media including folding carton material. The press is aimed at medium and short-run. The ws4500 offers a fully automated workflow as well as enhanced color capabilities. It is specifically engineered for production jobs of approximately 2,000 linear meters and for a variety of label, shrink sleeve and packaging applications.

Bridlington, UK based AB Graphic International will feature the latest developments in its Omega and Vectra range of label converting and finishing lines on stand 6F70. Products on the HP stands 9G65/9G70 will include several Digicon systems converting digitally printed webs in combination with the HPWS4500 and new WS6000 print engines. The company will launch the new Omega VSR vertical slitter rewinder that can be supplied with servo drive option for speeds of up to 400mt/min. Capable of winding films and delicate substrates, the VSR range is available in web widths 330mm, 430mm and 530mm. A new air assisted spreader bar will be demonstrated on a VSR530 model that allows unsupported films to be rewound on a single spindle without cross over. Also making its debut is the new Mini Digicon, a compact, entry-level machine with a specification to meet basic converting requirements for digitally printed labels including flood varnish, UV curing, semi-rotary die cutting, slitting and single

August 1st 2009 marks the launch of a new Express label manufacturer. Essex based Double R Systems Limited has transformed into Systems Labelling Express. The new division of the established label printer Systems Labelling Limited provides an Express Label Service that prides itself on a rapid quotation, order and production process. Managing Director Paul Byard comments "Systems Labelling Express has a personality and place in the market of its own; with the reassurance and flexibility that belonging to a large company provides. Ultimately customers now have access to an enviable production capability whilst maintaining a customer focused and personable culture." The launch has been well received by existing Double R customers and a comprehensive communication plan is being rolled out across the industry. It is clear the continued growth and broad appeal of the Systems Labelling brand is being stretched to include the niche, fast turnaround corners of the label market. The E

Midlands-based CS Labels Limited has bolstered its production set-up by installing its third label press from Xeikon, a division of Punch Graphix. The latest purchase is a Xeikon 3000 and replaces one of the company’s two Xeikon 330 digital label presses. The installation comes just 13 months after CS Labels bought its last 330 machine, and less than two and a half years since the company made its first investment in digital. Simon Smith, Managing Director of CS Labels, says: “We’ve enjoyed consistent growth in digital label production since our initial investment. This latest purchase underlines our strategy to continually invest in cutting-edge equipment, and keeps us at the vanguard of digital production techniques. The Xeikon 3000 images to a higher resolution at 1,200 dots per inch. Plus it produces even more reliable, consistent colour quality over a wider colour gamut, allowing us to offer a better service to our customers.” The Xeikon 3000 provides an increased imaging width

For many years now, Sacmi has been investing with great success in the Beverage & Packaging sector, broadening its skill base and making a name for itself thanks to the state-of-the-art technology resulting from continuous commitment to research and development. Today, in fact, SACMI Beverage has become a market leader in the manufacture of complete bottling lines and is the chosen partner of the main companies operating in this sector for all stages of the production process. Drinktec 2009 is to be held from 14 to 19 September at the new trade fair centre in Munich. It is dedicated to drink and liquid food technologies and will be a unique opportunity to see Sacmi’s best and latest innovations for the bottling industry up close – all presented in an area covering more than 900 sq. M at stand no. 402, Hall B5. In addition to the well-known compression technology for the production of plastic caps, CCM 80, among the new developments to be exhibited by Sacmi will be the CBF 10, th

Since April 2009, the 5,000th blow molder sold by Sidel has been making PET beer bottles at one of the leaders on the world beer market, Anheuser-Busch InBev. With 5,000 blow molders installed since the 1980s, or about one-half of total machines worldwide, Sidel has beaten all the records. Sidel’s 5,000th blow molder is an SBO 14/20 Universal ordered by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Already equipped with about 40 Sidel blow molders as well as hundreds of Sidel Group filling, conveying and labeling machines, AB InBev has once again placed its confidence in Sidel technology in order to respond to demand from the Eastern European beer market. This SBO is used to make 2- and 3-liter PET bottles in Romania, one of the world’s top 10 countries for beer consumption (100 liters per capita in 2007) where AB InBev sells global brands (Beck’s, Stella Artois), multi-country brands (Leffe, Hoegaarden) and also local ones (Bergenbier, Noroc, Löwenbräu). AB InBev’s market share is nearly 20% in Romania, wher

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