Labelling Blog

Xpert Packaging from La Verne, California has officially become an authorized NITA distributor/installer and will now be representing the complete line of Nita labelers on the west coast. "Xpert Packaging offers value added line integration and after sales support. I love the fact that there are no proprietary electronics and that the entire systems are reliably configured with servo motors", exclaims Xpert Packaging's president, Geoffrey S. Bickham Aimed at the agro-foods, cosmetics, health & beauty and chemical markets, Nita labelers will bring a valuable asset to Xpert packaging who already represents reputable companies' packaging lines for cartooning, sleeve cartooning, vibratory conveyors, Pick & place systems as well as bag-in-a-box-machines. NITA labeling Equipment's wide array of standard machinery for pressure sensitive labels includes the stand alone labelers as wipe-on and Tamp blow applications. "The complete systems are something else

Dehydr8 Vinegar is crafted with an extraordinary Riesling wine. Unique and artisanal, the wine vinegar is made using only handpicked Riesling grapes. The wine vinegar is packaged in a sleek 375 mL glass bottle. Source: www.gpi.org

BST International GmbH ( hall 4, booth C02 ) , leading manufacturer of quality assurance systems for the web processing industry, will be exhibiting for the first time at ICE 2009 in Munich. On the generous booth the company presents, besides the well proven systems for web guiding and web inspection applications, the following product innovations: The new video web inspection system POWERScope 4000 As the worldwide first manufacturer, BST International offers with POWERScope 4000 digital camera technology also for the entry-level of video web inspection. The system features a completely digital system design, an intuitive operation concept, very good image quality and user oriented range of functions. An outstanding feature of the new concept of POWERScope 4000 is the extremely simple operation both via touch screen and by means of a rotatable and removable keyboard. This innovation guarantees an optimal adaption to the individual production conditions and greatest possibl

HELL Gravure Systems is focused on the development, manufacturing, sales and support of system solutions for digital print form production. HELL has been a market leader in gravure form manufacture for over 40 years. This reflects the company’s high level of commitment to innovation, which has also seen it setting technological trends in flexographic print form manufacture for the past eight years. The primary focus is the direct laser engraving machine for flexographic print forms and the engraving machine for gravure forms as well as the image processing systems for controlling these. High-Quality Print Forms Since more than three years PremiumFlexo brings together three components in one unbeatable solution for direct engraving of Flexo print forms– the PremiumSetter, elastomer printing forms and the digital shaping in the PremiumProfiler. Thanks to the high-resolution laser’s ultra-fine recording beam, sleeves are engraved directly to an unprecedented quality standard with th

 UPM Raflatac is proud to introduce a new and strong global network of RFID professionals. The UPM Pro RFID Alliance is a powerful network of expert companies covering the whole RFID value chain. Together the partner companies can offer end-users the best RFID solutions to meet even the most challenging requests and inquiries. As the leading manufacturer of passive HF and UHF tags, UPM Raflatac has now gathered the best and most dynamic group together with the goal to take the RFID industry further. UPM Raflatac is ready to start new business development initiatives with its alliance partners. As the UPM Pro RFID Alliance is a network of industry professionals and companies, it is also a guarantee of high quality service and delivery. The sharing of technological, operational and marketing knowledge will support end-users in implementing RFID applications. Moreover, the Alliance can also invest in joint-marketing projects. UPM Pro RFID Alliance is constantly evolving and improvi

Bayer Garden Slug Bait, a slug control product that retails in a pack manufactured by RPC Containers UKSC, has won the Best Consumer Packaging category at the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA) awards. Slug Bait was launched by Bayer Garden in response to consumers’ desire for an organic alternative to its market leading Bio Slug & Snail Killer. Fully rain-resistant, the pellets pose little risk to children and pets, while its active ingredient, Ferric Phosphate, biodegrades harmlessly in soil and is then taken up by plants. Bayer Garden required a packaging solution that echoed the unique bottle design of Bio Slug & Snail Killer to reinforce family branding, and turned to long-term supplier RPC UKSC to provide its S-shaped solution. Blow moulded in HDPE, the 400 g bottle offers distinctive visual presence as well as ergonomic contours ideal for dispensing the pellets. The solution is enhanced with a unique scatter cap ensuring consistent distribution of th

The EDM200, the world's first ever designed semi-rotary, servo-driven UV-flexo machine The EDM200 semi-rotary, servo-driven UV-flexo machine uses sleeve technology for both print and anilox cylinders and benefits Label Converters requiring multiple high quality, limited label runs Ahrensburg, Germany  (November 13, 2009) - Initially debuted at Labelexpo Europe, Marco Aengenvoort, Managing Director, today announced the general availability of the EDM200, the world's first ever designed semi-rotary, servo-driven UV-flexo machine, using sleeve technology for both print and anilox cylinders, and working with chambered doctor blade technology. The machine is designed to work mainly as an over-printer and has been specifically developed to provide very economic production of short-run and fast turnaround for labels, tickets and tags. With its unique insetting register control system it is possible to re-pass a previously die-cut and/or pre-printed web in absolute register, and

The QuadTech® Offline Inspection System detects such subtle variances as logo defects, missing and filled-in text, incorrect fonts and inaccurate barcodes. The QuadTech SpectralCam™ delivers L*a*b* data for precise, cost-effective color management. QuadTech, Inc., the worldwide leader and innovator of press control technology, will be unveiling new products for the Packaging and Converting markets at the International Converting Exhibition (ICE), to be held November 24-26 in Munich, Germany. ICE is Europe’s leading exhibition for paper, film and foil converting . “Quite a few companies have cut back on research and development expenses because of the economy,” said Karl Fritchen, President of QuadTech. “We’ve taken the opposite approach. QuadTech has invested more effort into R&D this year than we have in any of our previous 30 years, and we have some exciting innovations that we expect will have a big impact on the Packagi

OEP acquires 65.79 % of the shares in Constantia Packaging AG from the Dutch holding company Constantia Packaging B.V. and offers EUR 38.67 per share to outstanding shareholders Constantia Packaging B.V. retains a 25 % share in Constantia Packaging AG One of OEP's (One Equity Partners) affiliates, Sulipo Beteiligungsverwaltungs GmbH, a civil-law partnership, reached an agreement with Constantia Packaging B.V., owned by the Herbert-Turnauer Foundation, on the purchase of 65.79 percent of the shares in Constantia Packaging AG. Under that agreement, OEP will become majority shareholder and submit a voluntary take-over bid to all independent shareholders with the objective to acquire up to 75 percent of the shares. Constantia Packaging B.V. retains a 25-percent share in Constantia Packaging AG. Subject to the offer documentation being approved by the Austrian regulatory authorities, OEP's acquisition of the share majority is accompanied, pursuant to the Austrian Takeover Act, by

Taghleef Industries LLC, one of the leading global producers of BOPP films, has just announced the opening of its new USA offices in Charleston, SC. The Dubai-based polypropylene film manufacturer has further emphasized its long term commitment to the global BOPP industry and along with the new USA entity there will also be warehousing facilities courtesy of a partnership with Dockside Logistics, a well-established warehousing company based just a few miles from the state-of-the-art Wando Terminal in Charleston. Colin Jones, Ti’s USA Market Development Manager, has over 25 years experience in the BOPP industry in Europe and other regions. He commented “Ti Films is the fastest growing BOPP producer in the world. We wanted to prove to the USA Flexible Packaging Industry that we are determined to establish a real presence in the USA and with these new facilities coming on stream as we speak we look to develop strategic partnerships with many leading BOPP film converters and users. Our ra

Fresh Ginger Ginger Ale by Bruce Cost is made with 100% freshly peeled fresh ginger (not extracts) and pure cane sugar. The all-natural line has three flavors available: Original, Jasmine Green Tea and Pomegranate. The carbonated beverages contain no preservatives and are packaged in 12 oz. glass bottles. Source: www.gpi.org

Schwarzkopf & Henkel Production Europe has recently extended its successful hair care line Gliss Kur with a new variety, Asia Straight. The shampoo is again packed in the PET bottle family – manufactured by RPC Verpackungen Kutenholz – which was successfully introduced by Schwarzkopf & Henkel in 2008. The special design, unique to Gliss Kur, features prominent shoulders and side surfaces, effects that can be excellently realised using extrusion blow moulded PET bottles. RPC Kutenholz has continuously refined its expertise and know-how in this area for many years, in conjunction with machine and raw material suppliers. Today RPC Kutenholz is able to manufacture bigger bottle sizes to the highest standard of product quality, as evident in the successful production of 300 ml and 400 ml for the Gliss Kur line extension. More and more customers are convinced of the wide flexibility in design provided by extrusion blow moulded PET packaging, thanks to its splendid brilliance a

On October 2 in Brussels (Belgium), the international jury for Pentawards 2009, a worldwide competition dedicated to packaging creativity, recognized the Sidel Packaging Design department for its PET beer bottle.  And that makes two. In 2008, it was the NoBottle™, a sleek, light bottle from Sidel, that received honors at Pentawards 2008. In 2009, it’s the 500-ml PET bottle, which was designed for beer and which has a flame-like shape, that has won a Pentawards bronze medal. This award is “proof of the quality of your work and a world-class recognition from the packaging profession,” according to the organizers of the third edition of this worldwide competition, which is exclusively dedicated to packaging design in all its aspects. The jury members, who are all world-class design and marketing experts, had to judge 754 packages from 39 countries, mainly from France, Japan, the USA and the UK, as presented by leading design agencies in five categories: Beverages, Food, Body, Other Mar

In the first six months of 2009 Kraft Foods Europe has completely reworked its Philadelphia packaging. Years ago it was the first to launch a rectangular thin-wall plastic container (in PP with direct printing) with a PET thermoformed lid. However as the years went by more and more competitors chose the same packaging. Now Kraft Philadelphia is differentiating again from its competitors. This is mainly in terms of shape for which an oval container has been chosen. The leading benefits of this new packaging are: the robust lid, longer shelf life for the cheese spread and the use of IML. In addition using an oval container shape is also easier. This oval shape makes it easier to consume the entire content. Printing Company Verstraete is proud to be one of the suppliers for this major relaunch. Together with RPC and Novoplast we are successfully producing millions of tubs and lids. Using IML to decorate the packaging results in a high degree of flexibility and reduces the cost impact

IPL Packaging , which has 4 production locations in Canada, is one of the leading manufacturers of IML packaging in North America. In addition to their innovative product line for smaller thin-wall IML containers, in recent years IPL has invested a great deal in developing larger IML containers. IPL is the only manufacturer in North America able to offer 8 different PP containers, from 2 to 5 gallons, using IML. In this Printing Company Verstraete has consistently been one of the major partners in supporting their IML based product development. Large packaging containers such as these using IML offer the end-customer various benefits. The customer can choose different label sizes (full wrap / half wrap). Amazing photographic quality is used for the printing and there is the ability to apply small print (smaller than with direct printing). IPL is able to produce lower volume orders more cost-effectively in order to keep the cost under control. Larger packaging was previously decorated u

For maketeers it has long since ceased to be a secret that attractive and eye-catching packaging sells. That was the thinking of the French Glaces Rolland sales and marketing team late last year, when they launched their new 1-litre tub on the market. The previous packaging already featured IML, but this time a glossy lid label was chosen instead of the more traditional orange peel. A makeover of the artwork and the decision to have the label extending over the edge did not make things easier from a technical standpoint, but it did strengthen the ultimate appearance of the packaging. Together with the technical team at knauf it was a challenge to get the injection moulding process fully under control. However the effort was certainly worth it in view of the substantial added sales that Glaces Rolland has been able to achieve with this packaging to date. Source: http://www.verstraete.be

The beverage business’s next appointment with innovation will be at the Dubai Drink Technology Expo 2009. Here, from 6th to 8th December, key international players serving the non-alcoholic beverage business will be having a major get-together. The event has been conceived to promote and diffuse innovation in drink processing, from raw material management to bottling and labelling, from distribution to marketing of the finished products. Sacmi, located in an area of the Zaabeel hall (no. D52/D09), will, more specifically, be taking part in a seminar to present all the latest for the beverage industry, including Sacmi’s own range. This presentation will also consider the most recent trends observed on international markets concerning bottleneck designs, new voluntary standards, further advances in compression technology with regard to the closures industry and all the latest news in the labelling, filling and end-of-line sectors. In the run-up to the event there is much to be op

Training system features ROTOCONTROL RSI finishing machine, AVT Helios inspection system, and Domino Ink Jet. Ralph Beier, International Sales Manager, today announced the installation of a complete inspection, slitting, rewinding machine system at 5i Conseil in France based on the ROTOCONTROL RSI 340 inspection machine, Advanced Vision Technology Helios inspection system, and Domino Ink Jet.  The system provides hands-on training to Operators across Europe, and was initiated by TMT Labels, the France distributor of ROTOCONTROL product. "ROTOCONTROL views the investment in training on inspection, slitting, rewinding machine technology critical to the narrow web industry and are honoured to be included in this initiative" states Ralph Beier.  "We also appreciate the system integration and support provided by our partners including 5i Conseil, Advanced Vision Technology, Domino and especially TMT Labels who initated and led the program". Eric JUDEK, Consultant w

The associations European Bioplastics and the European Polysaccharide Network of Excellence EPNOE published a jointly commissioned study on bio-based plastics today. Forecasts concerning capacity developments and technical substitution potentials are the focus of the investigations. The authors from Utrecht University estimate a substitution potential of up to 90 percent of the total consumption of plastics by bio-based polymers to be technically possible. How fast this substitution will occur depends on a multitude of factors. New bio-based polymers have been available in the market for approximately one decade. Recently, standard polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC or PET, but also high-performance polymers like polyamide or polyester have been totally or partially substituted by their renewable raw materials equivalents. The starting raw materials are usually sugars or starches, partially also recycled materials from food or wood processing. In their study, Martin K.

Amcor PET Packaging, the world’s largest PET container manufacturer, has designed and produced a proprietary 1.75L PET bottle for M.S. Walker Inc., a Somerville, Mass.-based manufacturer and distributor of premium spirits. The custom PET bottle gives M.S. Walker’s new vodka brand, Integre, an upscale look. During product development for Integre Imported Vodka, M.S. Walker found that beyond the quality of taste, consumers ranked package design as a major factor when considering a brand of vodka. Since they already had a great tasting spirit, M.S. Walker focused its attention on bottle design. They called on Saxco International, Horsham, Pa., an Amcor distributor who has worked closely with Amcor on numerous bottle design projects. Working with Saxco and M.S. Walker, Amcor delivered a custom bottle with an iconic shape. The distinctive bottle is rigid and heavier than typical PET containers, providing a glass-like feel. The round container has a bulb shoulder and a tapered body. The d

Arjobex has launched a new film for synthetic wet glue labelling. Polyart wet glue labels: synthetic labels that combine the advantages of paper and plastic Polyart wet glue labels: for paper label replacement for glass and plastic bottles can be applied on existing wet glue labelling equipment compatible with conventional adhesives for paper labels rapid drying time conformable, clean edges with no wrinkle, no curl. Polyart wet glue labels: easy printing and converting available in sheets and rolls printable by sheet fed offset litho, and rotary processes (gravure, flexo). Conventional & UV compatible with traditional oxidation inks for coated paper excellent die cutting can be hot foil stamped and embossed. Applications: Labels of wine & spirits, detergents, sauces & oils. Source: Arjobex

For a taste of the San Francisco shoreline, look no further than locally produced Fisherman’s Wharf Sea Salt from San Francisco Herb & natural Food Company . The all-natural coarse salt is packaged in a 9.8 oz. glass jar and will add flavor to any dish. Source: Glass Packaging Institute